The Sleepy Moon Blog

Second Annual ROCKER FOR STREET SOCCER!!!

2011-05-18T08:46:00.000-07:00

Vancouver's street soccer teams are competing in this year's Homeless World Cup in Paris, France and they need your help to get them there!!! On May 20th there will be a fundraiser celebration for the athletes.

Come out and meet the player while enjoying live bands as well as a silent auction (which will have 2 pieces of Sleepy Moon jewellery in it!), wrestlers, burlesque dancers, and street performers.

Doors are at 6pm with the show starting at 7:30.

Tickets available at brownpapertickets.com or call Kailin at 778.997.3930
RSVP on Facebook

Nas - Rule

2011-05-14T21:36:00.000-07:00

We need to stick together, we need equality.

2011-05-06T18:50:00.001-07:00

Getting the W2 Media Cafe All Set Up

2011-05-05T19:08:00.000-07:00

Find more photos like this on W2: Community Media Arts Vancouver BC

Everything is moved from the W2 Storyeum into the new space which will be the W2 Media Cafe. Everyone at W2 is working hard to get everything organized and ready by mid may to open the media cafe! Above are some photos that I took of the second floor of the W2 Media Cafe.

Goodbye 151 Cordova

2011-05-03T21:21:00.001-07:00

Goodbye 151 Cordova!!
Today we cleaned out the last of the dust and stuff that was in the W2 Storyeum.

The emptiness was a drastic change from the Moving Party on Friday.

As we swept up the last trace of our times in the storyuem it started to really set in that we are moving.

I have only been working at W2 for two months and attending events since new years, but the Storyeum has been open since last April! That is one whole year that has been full of amazing events!

And to put the finishing touches on the clean up we all took our turns pulling the W2 logo off the front entrance!

The end has come for the W2 Storyeum, but we are moving across the street to the W2 Media Cafe in the Woodwards building so while we all will miss the Storyeum we are also excited to move into the W2 Media Cafe where we can do so much more!

To find out more about W2 Media Cafe check out the W2 Website.

May Day Vancouver

2011-05-02T21:10:00.000-07:00

See more photos on Vancouver Media Coop!

2011-04-24T12:55:00.001-07:00

Submedia TV

2011-04-22T12:47:00.000-07:00

Raekwon Concert on 420

2011-04-22T12:46:00.000-07:00

April 20th Art Gallery Protest

2011-04-21T18:46:00.000-07:00

A busy day! I went to work in the morning as usual on a Wednesday all the way to North Van. I left work at 3:50, but missed the bus, waited and ended up stepping off the bus downtown right at 4:20. I was two blocks away from the art gallery and I was already in a clouds of smoke. I headed towards the gallery despite not wanting to get high and it took me 20 minutes to get through the crowd from one side of the gallery to the other! Half way through I snapped this picture. See the smoke clouds!All in all I was excited to see the cops doing nothing to the people standing next to them lighting joints but, mostly I ended up with the munchies from just being in the smoke. So a few friends and I went to a traditional Saudi Arabian and Lebanese restaurant hidden away at 1065 Granville St. It is seriously good food.

Wednesday night updates of the Reakwon, Snack The Ripped, Evil Ebeneser and Young Sin concert coming next...

Good Times at the W2 Storyeum

2011-04-16T13:52:00.000-07:00

Some not so good videos of a great night last Thursday at the W2 Storyeum!! Some that also played, but that I didn't get any video of was The Librarian check her out on My Space for some good beats!!

Views From The Sky Train

2011-04-16T12:22:00.000-07:00

W2 Members' Film + Music Nite Video Montage

2011-04-12T12:06:00.000-07:00

Standing in the Woodward's building listening to Irwin talk about the plans for the W2 Media Cafe while next to us in the atrium teenagers were playing music and break dancing. What Irwin explained to the group and the atmosphere really brought the plans for W2 Media Cafe into perspective for me.

The W2 Cafe will be a multi-media space open for the public to learn about technology, media, music and more. The best part is that it is basically community run, the future of what happens in the W2 Media Cafe is up to the public for suggestions and everyone can bring their skills in to help our community learn new things that they might not have gotten a chance to otherwise.

Take a look at the video montage of the Cafe tour and film night below for a sneak peak of to expect when the W2 Media Cafe opens.

W2 Members' Film + Music Nite

2011-04-07T15:12:00.000-07:00

As the W2 community arts society gets ready to open the new community media arts cafe at Woodward's, they are taking a look back at where we came from threw film, words and music. If you've been to the temporary W2 spaces in the past and want to learn more about what W2 has planned for the future you can get connected, learn about the history and volunteer as W2 builds a collective future!

If you are interesting in getting connected Friday's movie night is the perfect time to come down and see what you can offer the community. There will be sign up sheets for the following categories;

Communications (Street Team, Digital Media, Video)
Fund Raising (Programing and capital projects)
Finance (Advisers, Cafe Social Enterprise)
Technical (Set ups and take downs, Live trouble shooting, Staffing during events)
Education (Advisers on various educational projects, Summer Camp, Media Labs)
Warehouse Show Working Group
W2 Media Cafe Working Group

A preview of the night...
'With Glowing Hearts' is a feature film about W2, the DTES, 2010 Olympics & Social Media. It followed W2's development for over a year to make this documentary.

'Woodsquat' - where did all this project begin you ask?

Find more videos like this on W2: Community Media Arts Vancouver BC

Friday April 8th
8pm-10pm W2 history and get connected with movies, chatting and enjoy complimentary drinks and hors d'oeuvres
11pm-3am After Party
Rapid Fire Records presents:
A F T E R - P A R T Y P R O G R A M >>> 11pm-3am
$5 at door (for those arriving after 11pm)
Pari Kishi http://soundcloud.com/parikishi
The PhonoGraff http://soundcloud.com/phonograff
Kaglar Omega http://www.myspace.com/kaglaromega
Elonious Funk http://soundcloud.com/elonious-funk
produced in association with Rapid Fire Records http://www.rfrdigital.com/index.php

ONLY $2 entry for members, $5 for friends/public.

Learn more and rsvp by going to the Face Book event.

False-O-Ween April Fools at W2 Storyeum

2011-04-05T11:52:00.001-07:00

Video By: Sakura Yoshita

Live, Love, Dream ART

2011-04-02T23:48:00.000-07:00

Why do I live, love, dream and dedicate my life to art?

I shot this photo between Pender and Hastings on Abbot st in the DTES. It really caught my eye because there were several crows around it and it was almost at the bottom of the electrical box... so low that I wondered who the person was who drew it and how long it took them to sit there and do it.

Art has been a part of my life since I can remember so it isn't that big of a surprise that I have such a passion for it. But what fuels that passion? Why is art such a great thing? Well I respect an artist who defies the normal way of doing things and takes a chance to do something that they are passionate about. Art is all about passion, dedication and expression. So to see someone doing what they love instead of working 9-5 at a random company that they may not even care about makes me happy. You can tell that even if they are not rich they are satisfied with life because they are doing something that is important to them. Meeting people like this with strong passions and the will to take action truly inspires and amazes me! I remember about 4 years ago knowing that I would never be happy working at a grocery store and thinking to my self that no one would understand that I had to do it differently. I am so glad that I am a stubborn person and held out till I found what a truly wanted to do.

Talent At Home

2011-04-02T05:22:00.000-07:00

Woot Woot Vancouver!

Check out some more music by Brendan on Sound Cloud! :)

2011-03-30T21:21:00.001-07:00

2011-03-30T21:16:00.000-07:00

Free Speech

2011-03-24T21:33:00.000-07:00

I am currently interning for an awesome organization that is all about bringing technology and opportunities to people who might not other wise get a chance to experience those things. Read an article about Irwin of W2 below.

Free Speech

Posted By: Jessica Barrett

03/23/2011 12:00 AM

Irwin Oostindie is nothing if not a man of vision. We are both sporting hard hats standing in a dust-filled rectangular room separated from the Woodward’s atrium by a thin layer of glass covered in brown paper. But it’s clear the two of us are gazing at very different scenes.

Whereas, to me, the future home of W2 Community Media Arts is a mere run-of-the-mill construction site, Oostindie, W2’s 44-year-old executive director, is in another world entirely.

Gesturing excitedly to the exposed drywall and heavy steel beams looming overhead, he lists the technological bells and whistles that will eventually enliven the space: multiple TV screens; interactive touch-screen computers; DJ booth; and, casting a glance at what is currently a fairly mundane staircase, a multimedia portal he calls “the video cube.”

“You’ll walk up the stairs and the sensors know — there could be a piano note or your movements could trigger video or lighting in the space,” he says, a little breathless. “So it’s meant to show people what is typically in a university research lab and bring it into public space.”

The cool factor will hopefully draw people into W2’s social enterprise café on the main floor of its 8,800-square-foot space in the Woodward’s complex. This is to be the permanent home for W2, which for the last year has been occupying the city-owned Storeyum space across the street. While the cavernous former museum has been a popular venue for W2-hosted conferences and parties, such as the Utopia Festival earlier this month, it will be here, at Woodward’s, where the organization can finally start delivering on its mandate: creating a space where everyone — Downtown Eastside residents, immigrants, students, working-class people and other marginalized individuals — can access communication technology and learn how to use it.

Once completed, Oostindie’s “video cube” will lure visitors up the stairs to a public common area flanked by a technology suite, public washrooms, admin offices, editing bays, free phones and computers, even an original Woodward’s letter press. In the basement, construction is underway on a community TV and radio broadcast centre with satellite stations for SFU’s CJSF and Co-op Radio. It’ll also double as a 200-capacity event space.

“W2 believes communication is a human right,” says Oostindie, a Gen-x-er whose salt-and-pepper hair picks up the silver glints in his multiple ear piercings. It’s that philosophy, blended with a bit of a punk-rock edge, that led Oostindie — along with W2’s co-directors Lianne Payne and Will Stacey — to conceive of a drop-in media centre back in 2003 when the then-unbuilt Woodward’s development was Ground Zero for class conflict in Canada. Not a day went by when squatters weren’t clashing with city officials, developers and police over their tent city, a protest against the gentrifying influence of development. The ongoing saga provided regular fodder for the mainstream media. Oostindie and many other anti-poverty activists felt — and still feel — they didn’t portray the community fairly.

READ THE REST OF THE ARTICLE AT
www.westender.com

Finding A Niche - Tips by Crafting an MBA

2011-03-24T13:24:00.000-07:00

I came across this article on finding your niche and it really made me think about focusing my jewellery on a specific and unique aspect of design or materials. So the brainstorming begins.

4 ways to make your products more niche

I hear it at craft shows and trade shows all the time, “You’re so lucky you make X, because I make Y and so does everybody else.”

Regardless of whether you’re a jeweler, potter, or photographer, you probably feel the same way – like you’re in a very crowded product category.

{image via The Great Northern on Etsy}

The great thing about sites like Etsy is that the barrier to entry is so low that you can start a business really easily. But the bad thing is that so can anyone else.

With each passing day, more and more people throw their hat in the ring when it comes to running a craft business.

And as your category gets more and more crowded, it can be a struggle to get your products to stand out.

But getting your products to stand out in the sea of jewelry, soap, photography, or screen printed t-shirts is essential if you want your business to be a success.

So how do you stand out in a crowded product category?

By focusing your products on a niche.

Focusing on a niche means picking out a specialized corner of the market and diving in. It means making products for one special person, instead of making average products for average people.

Diving into a niche can be scary. It can mean alienating a lot of people. But it can also mean endearing yourself to a small, but passionate group of fans.

Making your products more niche doesn’t mean you have to completely abandon everything you’ve designed. Instead, you can make your products more niche by focusing on one of four areas – material, subject matter, aesthetic or style, and branding.

Niche by material

When you look at your product category, are you working with the same material as everyone else? Is there a dominant material in your product category?

While I understand that some categories (like pottery) are more limited in their material options, for others, like jewelry, the sky’s the limit.

And picking one signature, and unusual, material can be a great way to build a niche for your products.

Juliet Ames, who studied craft and jewelry in college, has a wide range of techniques in her repertoire. But she’s built a business working with one unusual material – broken plates.

By embracing an unusual material, Juliet has created plenty of buzz and recognition for her jewelry.

Niche by subject matter

Can you sum up the subject matter of your designs in one sentence? How about one word?

Or does your product line span a dictionary’s worth of topics?

A great way to create a niche product, regardless of the materials you work with, is to focus on one unique subject matter.

At the Etsy Success Symposium a few weeks ago, I was introduced to The Great Northern. After struggling to sell embroidery on Etsy, the designers decided to only create pieces that pertain to the cult classic TV show Twin Peaks.

Now, they have a clear focus for their marketing efforts, and a group of loyal fans.

Niche by aesthetic or style

Is there a dominant aesthetic in your product category? Does your work have a similar style to just about everything else on the market?

Another way to get your products to stand out is to find the dominant style in your niche, and do the opposite.

A quick browse through the photography listings on Etsy reveals soft, vintage-y images. It’s not surprising – the photographers who originiated that style saw a lot of early success, leading to a wave of copycats.

But if I was a photographer looking to stand out, I would focus on dark, hard-edged images.

Niche by branding

Even if you love everything about your products, and don’t want to change, there’s still a way to carve out a niche for yourself through your branding.

On the surface, the I Believe in Myself bracelets from Pincurl Girls are just simple beaded bracelets. But paired with fun characters and informational booklets, they become tools for empowering pre-teen girls. It’s not the product, but the message behind it, that gives the brand a definitive niche.

Standing out in your product category doesn’t mean you have to niche your products in every way I’ve just described. In fact, niche by all of them is probably overkill.

Instead, look at your current products and skill sets and ask yourself if there’s a way to dive deeper into a niche in one of these areas.

As makers, we have a seemingly infinite number of skills, techniques, and ideas at our disposal. But as business people, it’s critical that we focus our attention on something a little narrower in order to make our products stand out.

OOAK Pink Jasper Necklace

2011-03-23T11:42:00.000-07:00

Coyote Alert

2011-03-22T21:28:00.001-07:00

A photo I took last Sunday at the park with my son.

I love walking around the city on a nice sunny day just seeing the sites. When I find a treasure like this coyote sign it makes the walk even better. Instead of looking at the cars and the street signs and what have you else to look at while walking down the street I am looking out for graffiti, checking out the art on the back of street signs and finding treasures. :)

The Shock Doctrine

2011-03-18T17:45:00.000-07:00

It is shocking some of the things that go on in this world and even more shocking that some of us can go about our daily lives without showing any concern.

The Shock Doctrine is a documentary and book that covers both man made and natural disasters around the world ad how political and economic changes are forced on the week when vulnerable.

Watch the full movie at Think Tank Documentaries.

The Beauty Within Hip Hop

2011-03-17T21:59:00.000-07:00

The following are songs from some of my favourite hip hop groups. I not only like them for their amazing beats, but for what they have to say!

Dead Prez - The Beauty Within

"Just keep doing you baby!"

Jedi Mind Tricks - Trial of Lies

"In the land of make belief"

Immortal Technique - No Me Importa

"If you don't respect your self don't expect it from anyone else."

I love leaves!

2011-02-21T12:57:00.000-08:00

Yeah spring will be here soon, I can feel it. Other than the fact that I really need to go snowboarding a couple more times before the season ends I can't wait to feel the warm sun on my skin and see all of the greenery popping up from the ground and leaves on the trees!

I love incorporating leaves into my designs. They are so pretty and each one is always different so there is always that mysterious, natural, unrefined look to the jewellery when I am doing a leaf piece. By far my favourite jewellery to create is all of the pieces with leaves in them!

Happy Valentines Day!

2011-02-14T10:10:00.000-08:00

It is definitely evident that it is Valentines day today. This morning the skytrain was riddled with bright pink, heart covered newspapers in everyone's hands. If anyone forgot the date they will definitely be reminded just stepping outside today! (So no excuses men!) hehe

I spent the morning going through my etsy shop and gathered some of my top pieces for Valentines day. There is definitely a red, pink and heart theme here!

Vibe Necklace in Hot Pink Chalcedony
and Oxidized Silver

Vampire Tear Earrings Red Garnet
and Sterling Silver

As Simple as Love Necklace
in Sterling Silver

Purple Essence Necklace in Amethyst
and Sterling silver

Eternal Love Necklace in Sterling silver

Spring 2011 Inspiration

2011-02-06T20:13:00.001-08:00

2011
pantone colour forecast

Some of my favourite shades from this seasons colour forecast are Honeysuckle, Beeswax, Russet, Blue Curacao and Silver Cloud. Below are some of the photos that I am using for inspiration with the jewellery I am making for spring and summer this year.

Just 12 Days Left

2011-01-19T09:00:00.000-08:00

...To order for Valentines day.

Simple Silver Heart Necklace

Red Garnet Drop Earrings

Order by February 1st to get your jewellery by Valentines day.

Freshly Brewed Designs

2010-12-12T12:38:00.000-08:00

Here is a preview of some of my newest designs. I will be listing them throughout the day in my Etsy shop. I would love to here your feedback on these ones.

Busy Busy Busy

2010-12-04T13:10:00.000-08:00

I've been super busy the last few weeks with the holiday rush picking up and doing multiple art shows every weekend! So that is why my blog has been a little abandoned lately, but I am excited to say that I have no shows to do this weekend! So I am going to try to relax a bit today before I have to do the making and packaging of the many orders to send out on the holiday shipping deadline for the USA which is Monday.

Then it is back to work... Stalking up some stores that sell Sleepy Moon jewellery, getting ready for an art show at Little Mountain Gallery next weekend and I really need to try to make some new pieces for my Etsy shop.

Fun Times At Make It Vancouver

2010-11-23T14:05:00.001-08:00

Ok, ok so I thought I had taken some amazing shots of the show on my iPhone, but low and behold when I uploaded them to my computer they were all blurry. So the photo above is the only good photo I ended up with of the whole show. Which is a shame because it was a great show! The most popular piece at my table was the brass fox necklace. Everyone had something to say about it. Another popular piece that everyone liked was the textured leaf earrings.

Make It 3 Day Art and Fashion Market

2010-11-16T10:40:00.000-08:00

For the past few days I have been super busy getting everything ready for the Make It show this weekend at the Croatian cultural center in Vancouver. I have also come up with a few new designs. Here are a couple of the new designs you will see at the show...Butterfly Wing Necklace
Garnet Ring Earrings
Garnet, Labradorite, Leaf Cluster Necklace
Butterfly Wing Earrings

Yeah I Got This

2010-11-11T22:15:00.001-08:00

I always get so excited after doing some shopping on etsy! Today I bought this super comfy and flirty red shirt from SweetCakeCookie.

Holiday Shipping Schedule

2010-11-08T10:56:00.000-08:00

It is officially November and that means if you are ordering any gifts online you have to plan ahead because shipping always takes longer due to the holiday rush at the post offices. Above is a chart that lists all of the last days to ship in order for your package to make it by December 24th.

Last day for regular shipping witch is already included with purchase is;

USA - December 4th.

Canada - December 16th

International - December 1st

For an extra 17.00 the last days to ship are;

USA - December 15th

Canada - December 17th

International - December 17th (possible extra cost)

Cube Necklace 2.0

2010-11-07T15:08:00.000-08:00

This was a custom order I did that is a version of my original cube necklace, but with a small silver heart dangling on in the inside. Very cute, customers always have the best ideas!

The Mind Is Unclear

2010-11-06T21:35:00.000-07:00

The Mind is Unclear mix by OVERTYME

Check out more mixes by DJ overtyme here.

Yearly Project - Stage 2

2010-10-27T13:21:00.000-07:00

An Idea...

Have you read about my yearly project yet?

I have always wanted to try to make my own chain. It is tedious work and takes forever to do. Plus it would be way to expensive for any one to buy and way to time consuming for me to keep making.

Since the whole idea of this yearly project is to challenge my self and do things I wouldn't normally do I thought incorporating 100% handmade chain into the design would be the perfect challenge!

Here's some pictures of the chain so far. It has taken me 30 minutes to do 3 inches and I can't wait to have the finished product in my hands. I am going for 20".

Hipstamatic Studio Tour

2010-10-24T13:29:00.000-07:00

My desk... a lot is going on there as usual!

Stacking rings almost ready to be soldered.

Pendants ready for their pickle bath...

Pickle station

Gemstones.

The Hipstomatic is an iPhone app that turns all the photos I take into various retro styles. I had a bit of fun in my studio seeing how it worked! ;)

New Hat

2010-10-23T18:08:00.000-07:00

I love shopping on Etsy! In the pictures you can see my new hat from Moo Cow Hand Knits. It is going to be so great in the rainy Vancouver winters when I can't straiten my hair... rain makes it go crazy.

Top 5 Wish List

2010-10-20T11:32:00.000-07:00

Art Lab - Scarf

Larineloom - White Shirt

Sound Clothing - Blouse

Alice Couture - Beige Jacket

Moon Halo - Arm Warmers

New Designs

2010-10-20T10:31:00.000-07:00

Find all these new pieces in my Etsy store.
I have been really focusing in on nature lately, you can find several nature inspired items in my shop too. But I have decided to make it my focus since most Sleepy Moon jewellery is already inspired by nature in some way. I love to replicate nature because everything in nature is unique and one of a kind. The process of replicating a flower or leaf and seeing how it forms it's own style is so interesting and always an anticipated surprise! :P

Enchanting

2010-10-19T13:01:00.000-07:00

How enchanting and mysterious! I love these photos by The Photo Zoo.

Ivory Vintage Market

2010-10-15T07:23:00.000-07:00

So I've been super busy just getting ready for the Ivory Vintage Market on Saturday. I practically had to make one of every piece of jewellery that I make so that I would have stalk for the show! Now that it is tomorrow the excitement is huge! I have never done a show in Surrey before so it will be great to visit a new part of the city.

From what I here there is a great mix of vintage and handmade at the show and this month the show is being held in a cute little community center called Ocean Park Hall. (pictures above) You can check out the ivory vintage blog and get directions to the market here. If you end up going make sure to stop by my table and introduce your self!

Blue Opal Necklace ~ Choose Your Own Stone

2010-10-12T10:05:00.000-07:00

I was super excited yesterday morning when a the Peruvian Opal necklace of mine was included in the Etsy Finds email. Due to the uniqueness of the stones the necklace sold out fast! I do have more of the Peruvian opal though they are a slightly lighter blue then the one in the picture of the necklace. You can see the selection of stones I have pictured above. So if you still want this necklace there are only a few left. Get it now.

Thanksgiving Weekend Sale

2010-10-08T10:40:00.000-07:00

This Monday in Canada it will be Thanksgiving which means lot's of yummy food, wine and good friends and family to celebrate with. It also means that my son will be turning three years old so we will be hosting his birthday party that day as well.
So it being thanksgiving and all I wanted to thank everyone for supporting my little business!

Starting October 8th to October 11th
get 20% off anything in my Etsy shop.

I will be using this cool new site to have my sale called Etsy On Sale. So every thing in my shop is already marked down 20%. No need to wait for a revised listing or refund through Pay-Pal, it's already done!

Shop Now

The Thing About Autumn

2010-10-06T14:46:00.001-07:00

By: Svenmarck

By: December Sun

By: Reinar

By: Becky Nunes

What is it about fall or maybe you call in Autumn that is so inspiring and makes you want to eat yummy food and drink lots of wine? I always get inspired in fall. Maybe it's the colours or maybe it's the refreshing smell of cold, you know that smell when you walk out side in the morning and the first frost has come. I love that smell. Fall always makes me feel safe and kinda makes me want to curl up on my couch with a warm blanket and a good book and hibernate you might say. What is your favourite part of fall?

Shop Update

2010-10-02T18:06:00.001-07:00

Sterling Silver Leaflet Necklace

Rutilated Quartz Vine Post Earrings

My SCOUT Magazine

2010-10-02T10:15:00.000-07:00

I have an ad in the online magazine called My Scout Magazine. Check it out. I am in love with the eye candy in the magazine so many amazing photographs and talented artists.

New Month New Birthstone

2010-10-01T10:16:00.000-07:00

October's birthstone is Opal. Before I started making jewellery I only new about the clear-ish blue opal, but opal actually ranges from clear to white, grey, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, magenta, rose, pink, slate, olive, brown, and black. The rarest are the reds against black and the white and greens are the most common. See more opal jewellery in my etsy shop.

New Store

2010-09-28T14:24:00.000-07:00

Hey all my Vancouverites!! You can now shop for Sleepy Moon jewellery on Main St at Two Of Hearts Boutique. The necklace above is just one of the designs that are available, but you have to go in to see the rest. While your there check out the great Two Of Hearts clothing line!

Located at: 3728 Main St Vancouver BC
Website: www.two-of-hearts-clothing.com

Sneak Peak

2010-09-25T17:28:00.000-07:00

I always get asked by men if I make men's jewellery. Well men! Now I have something for you. I am now making tie clips and in the near future cuff links to match. Above is a sneak peak of one of my designs. It is extra shiny with a subtle design which can take the tie clip from dressy to casual with out looking out of place. For more formal occasions I will also be making tie clips with gems and customizable designs. A tie clip is an accessory that gets noticed quite a bit and is a great conversation starter so grab your tie clips, because they are an excellent way to express your personality!

The tie clips will soon be available in my Etsy shop and at upcoming local events so keep watching for them.

Petal Earrings

2010-09-24T11:32:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit ~ The Coffee Nut

Why did I not start soldering a long time ago! Hmmm? So I am a little excited and amazed at the possibilities that come with the simple capabilities of soldering metal to metal. Lately I have been emulating nature quite a bit in my designs. I love the delicate beauty of nature and how the sterling silver makes it look like it's frozen in time. I am liking working with metal more and more these days as I keep learning new techniques the whole process blows my mind even more! :)

Latest Obsession: Fashion Photography

2010-09-22T11:00:00.000-07:00

Laurent Nivalle

Dyfo

La Jolie Visage ~ My Scout Magazine

Courtney Brooke ~ Light Witch

In my past life I dabbled in photography.. OK three years ago. My photography taking days kinda got taken over by product photos ever since I started making jewellery. Lately I have been inspired by the hundreds of beautiful blogs featuring amazing fashion photography and I wanted to share...^

As you can probably tell I love the wispy fairy tale vibe photos and I recently shot photos for my fall 2010 collection with this in mind, but it didn't work out. Partly due to the atrocious yellow back ground I had to work with and that you couldn't see any of the jewellery with all of the photo shop effects. I am still playing with the photos and am leaning towards black and white with a pop of colour, but we will see. ;)

Cube Necklace

2010-09-20T18:24:00.000-07:00

Get it on Etsy. :)

Yearly Project - Stage 1

2010-09-19T16:32:00.000-07:00

I know that I am a simplistic kind of girl, but even I need a bit of extravagance in my life! That is why I am taking on a yearly project. This yearly project will be a one of a kind piece that uses the finest materials and the hardest techniques. It will be a great learning experience to test my knowledge and my creativity and best yet when I am done it will be for sale in my etsy shop for one lucky person to snatch up. So stay tuned for updates on my process!

Here are some inspirational photos I found of extravagant and artsy designs...Ring by Todd Pownell

Milky Way Cuff by Nina Basharova

Necklace by Giselle Courtney

Giveaway Winner: Cindy

2010-09-19T12:14:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to:
Cindy
who is the winner of the sterling silver vine earrings!!
Thank you everyone for entering the giveaway and for the birthday wishes! I can tell this year is going to be a great one.
If you didn't win stick around and maybe you will have better luck next time. :) For any one who just has to have the sterling silver earrings they are also for sale in my Etsy shop.

Special Birthday Giveaway (closed)

2010-09-16T09:19:00.000-07:00

It's my birthday today and I am turning 20 this year! So to celebrate I am giving you 20% off your entire purchase. Just enter coupon code "happy birthday Zoe" in the 'message-to-seller' section during check out. (September 16th only)

I am also having a
GIVEAWAY
...because I have not had one in a while and what better time to have one!

What can you win in this giveaway?
The sterling silver vine earrings below of course.
Check them out in my etsy shop as well.

How to enter:
1. Comment below and leave either your etsy user name or email address
like this: jhonny at something dot com
2. Tweet this giveaway.
3. Share this giveaway on Face Book.
4. Blog about this giveaway.

Please leave a separate comment for each entry.
Giveaway ends this Sunday. (September 19th)
The winner will be selected using a random number generator.
Thanks and good luck! :)

Gemstones Arrived Today

2010-09-15T11:51:00.000-07:00

I just received these beautiful gemstones in the mail today they are so beautiful! They deserve to be blogged about! Which one is your favourite?Kyanite

Rutilated Quartz

Moss Amethyst

New Silver Designs Coming Soon

2010-09-14T23:08:00.000-07:00

All these new designs will be listed in my etsy shop soon!

Vine Earrings

Orb Necklace

Pod Ring

Pod Stud Earrings

In The Studio

2010-09-11T07:19:00.000-07:00

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The people in line at the post office are going to hate me today!

2010-09-07T13:17:00.000-07:00

This labor day weekend has been the perfect kick start to the fall season! I have spent all morning and part of the afternoon making and packaging the jewellery sold over the weekend. I still have to write out the slips for international orders which is 90% of the packages so there is another hour tacked on before I go to the post office.

Even though packaging all the jewellery I packaged today took several hours I took the time to enjoy every part of it. The best part about making jewellery is knowing that people are wearing something I have made. They are willing to pay money for it without even touching it first and that is such a complement! I love reading the feedback that I get and hearing the stories of where my jewellery has gone and the memories that it will make.

I am ecstatic when I look back at the difference between last years average 4 sales a month to this years... WOW! It is a huge accomplishment to me to have learned so much over the past two years. I am so lucky to be able to do what I love, raise my son and live my life just how it is meant to be lived!

Spray Feathers

2010-09-06T10:57:00.000-07:00

Photo by: Horacio Salinas

Found this while looking for inspirational feather photos.

Melting Silver Necklace

2010-09-05T12:19:00.000-07:00

New Flower Necklaces

2010-09-05T09:24:00.000-07:00

Even though summer is coming to an end I always have room in my shop to fill it with flowers.

Sterling Silver Flower Cluster Necklace
This sterling silver flowers necklace features a cluster of hand cut sterling silver flowers with a satin finish. The flower pendant hangs from a dainty sterling silver chain.

Dandelion Silhouette Necklace
This dandelion seed necklace is made of sterling silver featuring a delicately hand cut dandelion seed pattern. The pendant hangs from sterling silver chain that is threaded through two holes in the top of the pendant.

Dainty Silver Flower Necklace

This dainty silver daisy necklace features a sterling silver daisy like flower that I have hand cut, sanded and finished with a nice matte finish. The flower hangs from s simple yet shiny sterling silver chain.

I Miss Photography

2010-09-02T10:30:00.000-07:00

Before I discovered jewellery design I was really into photography. Lately the only kind of photos I have been taking are product photos. I have lost some of the inspiration I had for photography and recently I have gotten some of that inspiration back. I am a little rusty, but I am optimistic! :)

Propeller Clothing

2010-08-31T14:36:00.000-07:00

I am excited to announce that you can now shop Sleepy Moon Design at Propeller Clothing located in beautiful wine country Penticton BC.

In their own words "Propeller (propel her) Clothing Ltd. is an exciting addition to the Okanagan shopping experience, with the latest in sustainable and eco-friendly Canadian made fashions from some of the hottest established AND up and coming designers in the country. Unique to the Okanagan-Similkameen valley, with it’s entirely Canadian collection, Propeller showcases a constantly evolving collection of over 30 featured Canadian designers of women’s clothing and accessories."

And one of those designers being me! So if you live in the area or are a wine lover and are taking a wine tour through the Okanagan valley. which I recommend by the way. Definitely stop by Propeller for some local fashion and fun!

The Colours of The Season

2010-08-30T11:26:00.000-07:00

While out and about this weekend I really noticed the transition from summer to fall represented in peoples wardrobes. The bright colours are slowly dying down and the muted fall hues and warmer tones are making an appearance.

This treasury represents the transition from summer to fall.

Studio Makeover

2010-08-29T14:40:00.001-07:00

This weekend I have taken on the big project of replacing my work table legs with more sturdy ones. This whole job includes taking everything off of the desk so I can take the legs off. Above is the many tools and knickknacks that live on my work table.

In this photo you can see the wimpy little legs that were drilled into a hollow piece of wood which was my table.. yeah not so sturdy!

Here is the new and improved work table with secure legs that are also useful storage! You can never have to much storage especially at arms reach. Inside the desk is my son. He is pretending that it is a taxi.

Speaking of storage at arms reach here is my new favourite drawer with all of my most used tools perfectly accessible.

And here is the finished product! :)

... Unfortunately the other side of the room is still a huge mess being full of the things I didn't feel needed to go back to the desk. So off I go back to work on that.

I Want to Play With Fire

2010-08-27T15:00:00.000-07:00

I know what my next learning venture is going to be! I am finally going to teach my self how to solder sterling silver. I feel that I am limited to what I can do in some aspects without being able to solder metal. Like for instance I can make wire wrapped rings, but they really are not what I want to make. I have these visions of pieces of jewelry in my head, but I need to know how to solder to make those visions come to life.

So that is why I am taking the plunge and I am totally ready to play with fire!

The ring photographed above is an example of my frustration and me playing around with ring designs. It is pretty in the picture, but doesn't quite work in real life. I just need to get that one more tool and I could do it properly.

Can you tell I spent the day shopping for new tools?

Treasury's of The Week

2010-08-26T09:13:00.000-07:00

Pretty

Woodland Ring- Fossil Woo
dollybirddesign$265.00 USD

PINK IN PARADISE Peacock
hairbowswonderwo$39.00 USD

Hexagon ...Black Cotton d
aftershowershop$40.50 USD

Petite Leaves Neck Garlan
kanokwalee$40.00 USD

Hydrangea, Blushing - fin
Raceytay$25.00 USD

Messenger bag - Organic l
11m2$89.00 USD

Baby Ninfea in chocolate
ninu$43.00 USD

Long Oval SIlver Pendant
AliBaliJewellery$85.00 USD

Oranges 4x5 Metallic Orig
mfayrephotograph$12.00 USD

French Inspired Collage
phings$10.00 USD

Fucsia beaded bead earrin
Lbtoyos$17.90 USD

Botanical Perfume devoted
IlluminatedPerfu$190.00 USD

Plaid Raccoon
sian$45.00 USD

Baby Ruche Bag in Plum Le
jennyndesign$193.00 USD

Thea sundress
lindensimone$100.00 USD

Muse leather cut out mask
TomBanwell$39.00 USD

Generated using Treasure Trove by packagery.com

Oh How I Love These

2010-08-24T16:05:00.001-07:00

These earrings feature a ruffled looking sterling silver dangle that is both sleek and quirky. The light creates shadows on the earrings so they are very playful as they dangle amongst you hair. Are you as excited about these earrings as I am? They are so fun to make and each earring is slightly different then the other so there will be no two exactly alike.

Check out the ruffle earring in my Etsy shop.

This lovely layered necklace features a layer with a sterling silver wave that is hand cut, formed and given a satin finish. The top layer features a faceted amethyst briolette wire wrapped in sterling silver and hing from a rolo chain.

You can check out the layer necklace on Etsy.

Shades of Gray

2010-08-22T15:10:00.000-07:00

From gray to grey it is the perfect colour for basics. Check out some of my favourite staple pieces in grey. This super chic bag is made by Bayanhippo. Everyone needs a bag that you can wear with anything! This is it!

This embroidery hoop wall piece is made by Moxie Doll. Love the simple yet quirky look to this. It would look great in my studio!

Button wrap by Cloe Angus. This wrap is ten different pieces of clothing that I want in ONE! It can literally be worn several different ways. Check out the Cloe Angus website to watch a video of the million different ways you can wear this wrap.

Bubbles on the Beach

2010-08-21T15:51:00.000-07:00

I loved this video of massive bubbles that almost look magical. It reminded me of this one necklace that I made last week. The conceptual drop pendant. It almost looks like a big bubble in the midst of being blown.

Saturday Deals

2010-08-21T07:29:00.000-07:00

Today's Saturday deal is a popular ginkgo leaf necklace with your choice of gemstone. Gemstone choices are Garnet, Turquoise, Mystic Quartz and Moonstone. There is sure to be one you will fall in love with. This necklace is regularly 42.00 and I am offering it to you today for only 25.00.

Get the Ginkgo Leaf Necklace today.

GARNET

TURQUOISE

MYSTIC QUARTZ

MOONSTONE ~ GARNET ~ MYSTIC QUARTZ

Outfits I Can't Afford

2010-08-19T09:29:00.001-07:00

My wish I had outfit for today...

This oh so comfy looking wrap top from sand maiden comes in several different bright and fun colours. It would be a perfect staple for this coming fall season!
And to go with the top a simple and sleek grey pencil skirt made by Tasi Fashion with super cute detailing at the bottom hem not to mention the super comfy fabric the skirt is made out of.
Were would a girl who can't stand walking in heels be with out her flats! (sandals maybe?) These sophisticated and feminine pair of flats made by extraseed are the perfect complement to the orange wrap shirt and pencil skirt.
Last, but not least is this amazing silver geode ring made by Lex Luxe . The ring features an amazing druzy agate geode set in sterling silver.

Bracelet Goodness

2010-08-18T11:20:00.001-07:00

If you have used the shop sections in my etsy shop before you might have noticed a lack of bracelets. Well I think it is now time for a change! We all need something to pair with with your necklace and earrings right?!

While playing around in my studio I happened to make the gemstone charm bangle pictured above. Now I am not a bracelet person, but I really love this bracelet! In fact the one in the picture is now mine and you can also get one just like it in my Etsy shop.

I have plans for more fun bangles with more shiny gemstone charms and even some hand cut silver charms as well. That is more than likely what I will be working on today. Along with an order for a new store that will be selling Sleepy Moon jewellry. But I am not going to tell you which store yet! It's a surprise.

Pussy Willow Bracelet

2010-08-17T10:02:00.001-07:00

As I mentioned before I have been working on a pussy willow necklace, but it isn't a necklace any more it is a bracelet!

The bracelet features a pussy willow branch that I hand cut out of brass. I gave the brass an aged look for a more natural feel to the piece.

The rest of the bracelet features a strand of tiny faceted hematite rounds. I wire wrapped each gemstone individually which takes quite a lot of focus and time. Which brings me to the reason why it is not a necklace any more, it's a bracelet... As I was working away at wire wrapping the vision of a bracelet and less wire wrapping I would have to do popped into my head. I do think that this piece works better as a bracelet in the end and my shop is in need of bracelets!

Check out the necklace in my etsy shop.

Starting Off The Week With Creative Inspiration

2010-08-16T09:36:00.000-07:00

Photo by: elr104

Photo by: Miss Quite Contrary

Photo by: Urban Design

Treasury and Saturday Deal!

2010-08-14T12:33:00.000-07:00

Today I made this treasury: Mysterious Blue and Innocent White

And in other news today is the first time I am holding a special Saturday deal. From now on every Saturday I will take a popular item and put it on sale.

Today's item is the tiny peridot drop necklace which is August's birthstone. This necklace is usually 29.00, but today you can get it for only 20.00!! But get it before it is gone because there are only 4 left. Get it Now

Sterling Silver Heart Necklace

2010-08-13T10:05:00.000-07:00

Wear my heart around your neck,
Take it wherever you go,
My heart is yours... so please be careful.
:)

Sterling Silver Heart Necklace
Made with a hand cut sterling silver heart that dangles from a sparkly
and feminine sterling silver rolo chain.

The heart is simple and light, which is perfect for everyday wear. It is also very classy in it's simplicity and would look great for a fancy night out!
You can find the sterling silver heart necklace in my etsy shop.

Fall Anticipation

2010-08-12T09:42:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you, but I am eagerly awaiting the cooler fall months. The months where I can truly wear anything! Jeans, sweaters or tanks it doesn't matter because it is that perfect temperature to layer! :) I love layers!

Desirapesta's Gray Architectural Cowl Top
Sleepy Moon's Rose Quartz Drop Earrings
Bayanhippo's Emerald Green Bag
YMI's Classic Black Skinny Jean

Todays Revamp: Puffy Pearl Earrings

2010-08-11T13:15:00.001-07:00

I have a little goal in mind for myself that I want to get done before the holiday season starts!
Yay for goals!
So here is my plan... Every week I am going to dig an old item from the depths of the last few pages of my etsy shop and revamp the photos. There are some real gems in there that just aren't being represented as well as they could be. Today is my first one and this week I dug out these very cute, very elegant puff pearl earrings. Look at that old picture...

eep!

Now look at the new an improved pictures... ツ

Much better! Stay tuned for next weeks revamp. What am I going to find next?

Sleepy Moon Interview + Giveaway

2010-08-10T10:14:00.000-07:00

I am excited to share a Sleepy Moon interview and giveaway over on the lillyella blog with you! Learn a little more about me, where I am from, what inspires me and what I aspire to be. Plus enter to win the giveaway for your choice of any item from my Etsy shop of $40 or less value.

Go to the interview and giveaway now!

Woodland Creatures Jewelry

2010-08-09T09:20:00.000-07:00

I have always loved animals and it is about time that I included them in some work! I do live right next to one of the worlds largest rain forests which is bustling with woodland creatures, the forest is called the Great Bear Rain forest.
This is my woodland creatures collection.

Sterling Silver and Sapphire Owl Necklace
There is something mysterious about an owl sitting on it's tree branch in the dark of night with its big yellow eyes and the only light is the light of the moon shining through the trees.

Brass Fox Necklace
The fox moves swiftly through the forest, like a single red flame playful and energetic. Ducking under branches and squeezing through cracks. Chasing it's food for a delicious snack.

Petite Sterling Silver Bear Necklace
A big grisly bear eating berries from a bush, wondering to the river to catch some fish. Filling up for the long winter where he can rest in a cave and sleep until spring wakes him up again.

If you have a favourite animal and you would like a necklace made feel free to contact me.

Silver Dreams Ginkgo

2010-08-06T10:19:00.001-07:00

Ok so I don't have a pussy willow necklace to show you just yet. (Mentioned in post below) I do however have a sterling silver ginkgo leaf necklace with a small rock crystal accent. I call it "Silver Dreams" because it has such a romantic and fairy tale vibe with the lightness of the sterling silver and the sparkle of the rock crystal.

I made the ginkgo leaf by tracing a real ginkgo leaf that I picked from a tree in Stanley Park, Vancouver. I traced it onto the sterling silver then delicately cut it out with a saw. I then gave it some curves and bends and with the swipe of a polishing cloth and sanding block it was done!

This necklace is listed in my Etsy shop.
Sterling Silver Crystal Ginkgo Necklace

Pussy Willows

2010-08-05T08:45:00.000-07:00

I love pussy willows, I have always loved them! They remind me of my childhood. My grandma used to have a pussy willow tree in her yard it was such a beautiful tree. Though I am not sure what happened to it because it is gone now. I also used to go canoeing along the Saskatchewan river where the rivers edge was covered in pussy willows and cats tales. (Love those too!)

I have been trying to figure out a way to make a pussy willow necklace and now that I am cutting shapes out of metal with my new favourite tool, the saw I think I can do it! I am super excited to try it. I have been sketching the perfect pattern and I am finally ready to put the saw to metal! So hopefully I can post some pictures later today or tomorrow.

For now enjoy some of my pussy willow find from around the web.

Photo by: PhotoTeresa

Card by: Pasaiipaperie

Photo by: Angerok

Today's Treasures

2010-08-04T09:18:00.001-07:00

Here is a preview of what I have in line to be listed in my Etsy shop today.

Sterling Silver Star Pendant

Sterling Silver Textured Leaf Earrings

Tiny Peridot Drop Necklace

Emerald Green Onyx Drop Necklace

All Items are now listed in my Etsy shop.

Sterling Silver Star Necklace
Sterling Silver Textured Leaf Earrings
Tiny Peridot Drop Necklace
Emerald Green Onyx Drop Necklace

First Day Present

2010-08-03T09:00:00.000-07:00

Today is my son's first day of preschool. How exciting is that! He is going to a Montessori school and I can't wait to get to here about all the things he learns there. On Saturday I was cutting out a plane for a necklace I was going to make, when my son came in and asked me what I was doing. As soon as I said it was a plane he was so excited. So while finishing the plain up I thought about how much he would love to have it. So I decided to give it to him to use as a zipper pull on his new back pack.
I guess I will have to make another one for the necklace I had in mind. :)

Treasury's Featuring Sleepy Moon

2010-08-02T08:15:00.000-07:00

Lullaby

Burgandy

Jewellery Preview

2010-08-01T11:49:00.000-07:00

Here is a short preview of a couple of new pieces that are waiting to be listed in my Etsy shop. I thought it would be fun to make a video of it and hopefully I get better at the videos as I do more. :)

Pigeon Necklace

2010-07-31T13:40:00.000-07:00

This necklace is a brand new addition to the Sleepy Moon collection, but there is something special about it. It is hand cut brass and it is the first shape that I have ever cut out of metal. First I practiced by cutting a straight line, a wavy line and a zig-zag line, but I immediately wanted more! :) So yeah I cut out a pigeon. And amazingly enough it turned out great.

Sitting on his roost a pigeon sees all,
Glistening from the evening sun,
He watches us come and go.

This pigeon necklace is available in my Etsy shop. You may also request the necklace in sterling silver. Just drop me an etsy convo.

Classy, Clean and Quirky

2010-07-30T10:00:00.000-07:00

...are three words that I use when designing every Sleepy Moon piece.

Classy: Stylish, admirable, smart and elegant.

Clean: Gracefully spare, trim, streamlined, clean literary style.

Quirky: An unexpected twist or turn.

Inspiration

2010-07-29T09:58:00.001-07:00

There is nothing like a great photo or piece of art to spark the ol' imagination.

Photo by: SlightClutter on Etsy.

A Fresh Taste Of Nature

2010-07-28T06:56:00.000-07:00

New collection is
NOW AVAILABLE!

Introducing a whole new collection of goodies to choose from in my Etsy shop!

I have been playing around with some new techniques with metal like cutting, texturing, hammering and so on. It is a departure from my usual gemstones and wire wrapped pieces. I think it will be an exciting change of direction for the Sleepy Moon line.

The new pieces are best described as simple and polished, with elements of nature, both urban and wild. Many of the new pieces feature abstract leaves and geometric shapes paired with colourful gemstones.

And to celebrate this new collection I am having a buy one get one 30% off sale on anything in my shop. The sale will be on from August 28th to August 30th. Please enter the sale code "metal" in the message to seller section during check out. Go all the way through the purchase process but, DON'T PAY. I will send you a revised invoice with the proper sale price.

Where can you find this new collection?
:: My Etsy shop under the search term "new"
:: OhKuol on Granville at Broadway in Vancouver

In the near future I will be incorporating these new techniques and frankly the love I have discovered for metal into several new designs including a warm and earthy fall collection… So stay tuned for updates on the process of that!

Clear As Day

2010-07-22T10:41:00.000-07:00

These earrings are clear as day,

Dangling from the ear they sparkle with light from the sun,

And are full of coherent mystery.

Wordless Wednesday - Vieux Nice

2010-07-21T07:26:00.000-07:00

Photo By: JPmiss

Topaz Rain

2010-07-20T16:55:00.000-07:00

I love how sky blue topaz looks like a frozen drop of rain with the sun shining through it making it sparkle and shine...

Or like a cool refreshing drink of water and ice on a hot summer day...

Whatever it reminds you of it is a very mesmerizing and tantalizing stone.

Everyday, Dates, Dancing , Work... What?

2010-07-17T19:45:00.000-07:00

This necklace is pretty simple and easy to wear, but it has amazing sparkle and shine too!
So I ask you this...

What kind of outfit would you wear this necklace with?

I could see my self wearing this with just about everything because it is a great colour. I also think that it would transition well from a chic day outfit with jeans to a cute evening out fit. The necklace is a very sparkly eye catcher!

Studio Close Ups

2010-07-16T20:54:00.000-07:00

Some photos that I took of my work bench. I think they are cool so I thought I would share...