tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3323259226859006672024-03-14T02:13:04.609+10:00Christina Lowry DesignsA Creative Life: Mothering, Making Musing...
Crafting a life full of handmade, homegrown happiness one day at a time.Christina Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18370046598325657449noreply@blogger.comBlogger1724125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-332325922685900667.post-21710672072230352242016-03-11T06:00:00.000+10:002016-03-11T06:00:23.130+10:00Lately - Happy Days<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Lately I have been investing my time in to a new website that combines my shop and blog, appreciating the gentle transition from a humid Brisbane Summer to a rainy Autumn, seeking out tell tales of that change, spending as many hours at the bench as I can around a toddler with a tummy bug and a newly minted four year old full of 'character', while also working on custom orders and training my new intern. (My oh my, how long a tummy bug can last and how much character one four year old can have!)</div>
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Meanwhile I have missed my much loved blog and the opportunity to take photographs just for the sake of it. Though I love faffing jewellery and directing photoshoots, my first photography love was capturing everyday moments. Just for the joy of looking, noticing and capturing. As in the photos above. Mushrooms found among the grass in our back yard. Four year old feet ready to jump from a cubby house. The first sprinkle of yellow leaves amidst the rain indented soil. I am looking forward to pointing my camera at more beautiful and mundane moments, and sharing them with you while I snuggle back in to this safe, warm space and share my musings, inspirations and creations.</div>
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Ah, happy days indeed.</div>
Christina Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18370046598325657449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-332325922685900667.post-54811360368175071922016-03-02T06:30:00.000+10:002016-03-02T06:30:05.670+10:00Photo Shoot Loving<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Have I mentioned that I love working on jewellery photo shoots? So much goes on behind the scenes. The research - products, style, location, model. The gathering of props, the organisation of people, the dash of 'unknown' that each shoot brings with it. I'm always awash with excitement and nerves when we get started, worried that my ideas won't work together, and I'll have nothing to show for everyone's hard work. Even with six successful shoots under my belt now, those nerves are just as crazy each time. I like to think that nervousness is what keeps you on your toes and shows you that it is important to you. Once the shoot starts the nerves melt away and only the excitement and satisfaction remain.</div>
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I was heady with excitement and butterflies twice recently, as I worked on a Mother's Day and Easter photo shoot with photographer <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Trudi-Le-Brese-Photography-148665058536949/?fref=ts">Trudi Le Brese</a>. The first, we collaborated with the talented Louise of <a href="http://floralovely.com.au/">Floralovely Calligraphy</a> at <a href="http://vieillebranche.com.au/">Vieille Branche</a> to create a floral feast of creativity. Louise shone in my jewellery as she hosted one of her sold out calligraphy workshops. Beautiful, talented and generous, she was a dream to work with. Once a florist, she styled my jewellery, flowers and props with professional flair. It was such a joy to share the shoot with her. </div>
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Last Monday I spent two hours sourcing quail eggs in order to fulfill my creative vision for Easter inspired images. I was up in the early hours of the morning polishing the final pieces, before driving around to three shops and one warehouse on the hunt for quail eggs. It was well worth the effort, as we shot more beautiful, original content, featuring the Wilderness Collection.<br />
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Keep your eyes peeled on my <a href="http://www.alittlebirdtoldme-craft.com/p/newsletter.html">newsletter</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/christinalowrydesigns/">Instagram account</a> for the finished images!</div>
Christina Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18370046598325657449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-332325922685900667.post-63965533718518180842016-02-17T17:53:00.003+10:002016-02-17T17:53:55.261+10:00Aiming High For Business Success<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's a week of meetings this week. Photographer, intern potentials, marketing and graphic designer meetings. I've been flipping between my 'maker hat' and my 'manager hat'. I'm looking at the future direction of the business and creating action plans. Working out where my time is best spent and where I can bring in other people. Getting my head around letting go of some parts of my business, while remaining the designer and creative director of the whole. Anticipating ways I can grow my business while staying true to my vision. My brain is bursting with ideas and excitement!</div>
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I am so pleased to be surrounded by such creative and talented women, whom I consider friends. By combining our skills and talents, <i>Christina Lowry Designs</i> is going to become the best jewellery designer, manufacturer and retailer in Australia. </div>
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Watch this space!</div>
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xx</div>
Christina Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18370046598325657449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-332325922685900667.post-80309303982719155502016-02-05T13:03:00.003+10:002016-02-05T13:03:37.041+10:00Intern Wanted!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span data-reactid=".1.1.0.0.2.1.0.0.1" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span data-reactid=".1.1.0.0.2.1.0.0.1.0" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Wanted: a jewellery intern! </span></span></h1>
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<span data-reactid=".1.1.0.0.2.1.0.0.1" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span data-reactid=".1.1.0.0.2.1.0.0.1.0" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Rochedale, Brisbane. 9am -2pm Tuesday. </span></span></h1>
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<h1 data-reactid=".1.1.0.0.2.1.0.0" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: proxima-nova, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span data-reactid=".1.1.0.0.2.1.0.0.1" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span data-reactid=".1.1.0.0.2.1.0.0.1.0" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Creative, reliable, passionate about jewellery, some experience an advantage. Tools not necessary.</span><br data-reactid=".1.1.0.0.2.1.0.0.1.$newline1/=10" /><br data-reactid=".1.1.0.0.2.1.0.0.1.$newline3/=10" /><span data-reactid=".1.1.0.0.2.1.0.0.1.3" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">My previous intern went on to undertake a jewellery apprenticeship and has stayed a close friend. So I'm looking for someone who is interested in learning, or furthering their skills as a jeweller, while helping me fill orders. Duties will include finishing and polishing castings, then progress from there. Training in jewellery design, creation, small business, industry contacts and bench time in exchange. Suit someone looking for experience to gain an apprenticeship, or someone looking to start their own small business. </span></span></h1>
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<span data-reactid=".1.1.0.0.2.1.0.0.1" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span data-reactid=".1.1.0.0.2.1.0.0.1.5" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Please email me at Christina-lowry@hotmail.com with some info about yourself and any examples of your work - even in another creative field. Know someone who might be interested? Please point them this way! xx</span></span></h1>
Christina Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18370046598325657449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-332325922685900667.post-41141944292456881352016-02-02T15:43:00.002+10:002016-02-02T15:43:26.480+10:00Goodbye<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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How foolish I was thinking I could prepare myself for the death of a loved one in the hope of easing the pain. Neither time or knowing it's inevitable make it any easier. I've been learning this with my lovely old cat these past few days. For all his sixteen years, and all my adult life, he was my dear black cat. Then suddenly, it was his time. I had kidded myself in to thinking I would cope better when that time came, knowing he had had a good life, knowing he was an old cat, knowing the time was coming sooner rather than later. But it did nothing to lessen the pain.</div>
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Saturday night he lay about the house in his usual cat like manner. He was a cat that knew just where you wanted to put your feet, and so there he lay. He was most fond of sleeping in front of the fridge while we attempted to prepare dinner. I think he just loved to feel involved (and annoy my husband.) Amongst the hustle and bustle of bedtime on Saturday night, he had an accident inside the house, but I thought nothing of it until the next morning. When I saw him, his little tummy was blown up like a balloon and I knew something was terribly wrong. </div>
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We sat on the back deck with him while I waited for the Vet to open. Crying and cuddling him. Part of me still hopeful that it was just an infection and a table was the answer. But in my heart I knew it was time. I called my husband, my sister. I called my neighbour and arranged for her to look after the children. Then I called the Vet. I explained the situation and she told me it was time.</div>
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I brought a baby blanket to the Vet with me. It was a baby shower gift when I was pregnant with my first born. I've wrapped each of my babies in that soft blanket. After the needle did it's work and the Vet helped me lay Seth down, she wrapped him in that blanket too, and tucked him into my arms like a newborn.</div>
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He's buried in the garden now. Wrapped in our love, our memories and a baby blanket. </div>
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More of Seth's story and my Goodbye letter to our dog, Odin, <a href="http://www.alittlebirdtoldme-craft.com/2012/07/goodbye.html">in this post.</a></div>
Christina Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18370046598325657449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-332325922685900667.post-5520729253786353562016-02-01T09:53:00.004+10:002016-02-01T09:53:52.093+10:00'The Wilderness Collection' Release!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>The Wilderness Collection</b></div>
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<i>Botanically Inspired Fine Jewellery</i></div>
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<span style="color: #3a352a; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.5em;">"Reconnect with nature through the botanically inspired 'Wilderness Collection.' Each piece in this range has been created using twigs cast by way of the traditional burn out method. The organic shoots are surrounded with plaster, which is heated until they are completely burnt out and only a hollow in the plaster remains. Molten metal is poured in to these cavities to produced finely detailed replicas of the original twig, meaning no two are alike. Designer and jeweller Christina Lowry then transforms these precious metal pieces in to beautiful, textured jewellery."</span></div>
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Christina xx </div>
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Photos: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Trudi-Le-Brese-Photography-148665058536949/?fref=ts">Trudi Le Brese Photography</a></div>
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Model: <a href="http://cancertriathlon.com/">Rochelle Vaisanen</a></div>
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Product photos: Christina Lowry</div>
Christina Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18370046598325657449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-332325922685900667.post-85395958228690819692016-01-27T06:00:00.000+10:002016-01-27T06:00:21.232+10:00Bright and Beautiful<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I stared at these underwater marvels for ages when we visited the <a href="http://solitaryislandsaquarium.com/">Solitary Islands Aquarium</a> in Coffs Harbour. I really wanted to share them with you, as surely there is nothing else comparable in terms of colour, shape, movement and strangeness? They waved, nodded and undulated as the water moved. So alien to this affirmed land dweller. I can't tell you what each is called, though the last picture is a crown of thorns sea star. I hope you find them equally mesmerising. </div>
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Christina Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18370046598325657449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-332325922685900667.post-30104503204011743722016-01-25T06:00:00.000+10:002016-01-25T06:00:13.136+10:00Collections, children and crowns<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sneak peek from Friday's photo shoot with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Trudi-Le-Brese-Photography-148665058536949/?fref=ts">Trudi Le Brese Photography</a></div>
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There is so much to learn about running a small business, and I am definitely still learning. I was listening to a podcast at the end of November last year, which mentioned that small businesses should be beginning preparations for Valentine's day. I think I nearly choked on my cup of tea. Late November I was preparing for Christmas! With a photo shoot completed, Christmas cards for clients printed and ready to be sent, orders coming in and an 11 day holiday in Coffs Harbour on the horizon, Valentine's had not been on my mind at all! Until that point I thought I had been really quite organised. Thus, when January began, I was home with three children, planning and prototyping a new collection with the hope of having it ready for Valentine's Day. </div>
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I set a goal of releasing my first collection for the year on the 1st of February, to give my lovely clients time to purchase for Valentine's Day if they so desire, and so I had a deadline to work with. I find I work well with a deadline. My husband and sister said I was crazy. At this point there were two weeks left of Janurary (and I was looking after three children full time.) One week to make and finish all the jewellery in the collection, and organise a photoshoot, during nap times and night time. Followed by one week for the photographer to edit the photos. </div>
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Two hours before the shoot I was still polishing the last pieces of jewellery. I felt really nervous and was questioning all the creative decisions I had made for the shoot, from the location to the model, from the theme to the props. I didn't want to waste the photographer and models time. But as soon as I saw the first pics on Trudi's camera, I knew it had all fallen perfectly in to place and I relaxed and enjoyed the shoot. I was so proud of both <a href="http://www.alittlebirdtoldme-craft.com/2015/05/winter-2015-look-book.html">the first</a> and <a href="http://www.alittlebirdtoldme-craft.com/2015/12/christmas-photo-shoot.html">second shoot</a>, but I think this one is the best yet and I can't wait to share all the photos - it's so hard to wait until the 1st of February!</div>
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Meanwhile I have been working all the behind the scenes things one does before a launch - photographing and editing each product image for the shop, creating new Facebook and blog headers, designing a catalogue and order form for my suppliers, writing product descriptions, blog posts, newsletters etc. in between trips to the park, building blocks and referring my seven and three year old - who are struggling to see eye to eye after six weeks together without the daily enforced break school brings with it.</div>
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So stay tuned, there's one week until the launch and I can't wait! </div>
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If you want to be the first to see the new collection, <a href="http://www.alittlebirdtoldme-craft.com/p/newsletter.html">sign up to my newsletter</a> and keep an eye on your inbox! xx</div>
Christina Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18370046598325657449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-332325922685900667.post-42341074978465508672016-01-22T06:00:00.000+10:002016-01-22T06:00:02.975+10:00Casting Nature<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ideas, inspiration, designs, they are all strange things, aren't they? How do you work with them? Quite often I find I design my jewellery first in my head and it stays there for awhile before I put pen to paper. A concept will float around in my mind for weeks sometimes before I pin it down and write a few words in my journal, or sketch a quick sketch in my notebook. I'll keep musing on it, adding to the jottings and sketchings, before starting to play with my ideas in metal or wax. So often the designs change direction as they make their way from my mind to my hands. So often once I begin I suddenly 'know' the answers I was asking myself about texture, scale, gemstones etc. The key is always just to begin.<br />
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What a joy it is, this whole process. This way of living in my creative mind while doing the dishes, having a shower, feeding the cats - tasks where I can let go of my focus and allow my subconscious to express it's self. What a joy it is to notice the details in the day to day, and absorb their beauty. A yellow leaf against a grey gutter. A white pigeon perched on a hills hoist. Spilt milk like a comet surrounded by constellations. Or the delicate detail of a twig, which will become lost forever amongst the leaf litter, except for a scarce few which have now been cast in silver. </div>
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And so my new collection is coming to life, capturing the organic detail of a handful of twigs, to create jewellery to be treasured.</div>
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Christina Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18370046598325657449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-332325922685900667.post-88839581257492863352016-01-20T06:00:00.000+10:002016-01-20T06:00:23.724+10:00Childhood Musings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My dear Oscar, almost 20 months old</div>
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Empty, thankfully. A victim of the wind.</div>
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My clay creations, while attending a <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BAk0Xw8OCOV/?taken-by=madeofaustralia">children's workshop.</a></div>
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The babies shelf</div>
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My view while breastfeeding</div>
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I love the way the third baby is just so at home in whatever space he occupies. He just seems so comfortable. At home, at friends houses, at the shops. He climbs up in to laps for cuddles. Chooses the most comfortable seats. Sits himself in his bed and sucks his thumb to admire his books. Last week he fell asleep sitting in a shopping trolley - arms folded, head on arms - to the delight of several older ladies! He is just as comfortable and fearless at playgrounds. Following in his sister's footsteps as if he were equal to her three years in age. I think pure joy is the look that radiates from his face as he slides down a slippery slide all by himself.</div>
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Next month Emerson turns four and she will no longer be my toddler. Instead, Oscar will well and truly assume that title when he turns two in May. Until then, he is still my 'baby'. It only hit me last week as we drove to the library that this is my last year with Emerson at home. (She's not going to kindy, just as Cohen didn't.) Next year she starts big school. Just last month it was still two years away, suddenly it's just one year away! And just as she is nearly four, all too soon she will be turning five. Oh how true the phrase - 'the days are long but the years are short'. She really is the middle child, I find myself thinking of her as one of 'the big two', when she is with her older brother, and one of 'the little two', when she is with the baby. Her moods and communication skills swing between their skill levels. One moment kind and articulate, the next frustrated and loud. With a little space though she is sweet, imaginative and loving with a <strike>slight</strike> obsession for pink and dolls.</div>
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My sweet seven year old can't wait to get back to school. He pours over his school pack as though it were a gift from Santa, and treats his first calculator like a Gameboy. He adores school. He loves being surrounded by children, playing at lunch time and all the new and interesting things each day. He has learnt so very much these holidays though - spending time in nature, exploring galleries, museums and aquariums, and reading, reading, reading. He won't leave the house without a book. Sometimes it's his favourite book about snakes, other times it's extreme weather. His seven year old obsessions are Pokemon and Lego Star Wars, and he has encyclopedias for both, which he carries with him everywhere. The names and details he can recall amazes me. </div>
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My sweet children. I hope one day they read these little sketches about their lives and it brings back memories for them, or at least gives them a glimpse of how very much I love and adore them.</div>
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Christina Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18370046598325657449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-332325922685900667.post-87300424414233553572016-01-11T06:00:00.000+10:002016-01-11T06:00:00.708+10:00Made OF Australia - Anna-Marie Wallace<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I visited the lovely <a href="http://www.logan.qld.gov.au/facilities-and-recreation/arts-culture-and-heritage/logan-art-gallery">Logan Art gallery</a> for the first time last week. Upon entering the primary coloured building, one steps foot in to a gift shop showcasing the work of local artisans, before heading left or right, to peruse the varying spaces hung with canvas and board. Toward the back of the gallery was a lovely space housing a ceramic exhibition, to which I was of course drawn. Those who have been reading for awhile will know I have a growing collection of handmade contemporary Australian pottery. Here I discovered the beautiful work of the Northern Rivers based artist and designer, <a href="http://www.madeofaustralia.com/">Anna-Marie Wallace</a>, and was introduced to the <a href="http://www.madeofaustralia.com/process/#.VpI1svl97IU">saggar firing process</a> which makes all of her pieces so unique.</div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"Each piece, each object, whether large or
small, be it either functional or simply
beautiful in its form, imparts a sense of
connection with the earth when it is held in
the observer’s hand. Works of art in clay are
tangible, tactile & so somehow often more
engaging than two dimensional works. It is
almost impossible not to gravitate toward a
beautifully sculpted vessel & caress it, feel the
satisfying mass of it, the refreshing coolness of
it & appreciate its unyielding form as a
solid, all the while aware that it was once a
shapeless, malleable & indistinct morsel of
earth & water & that through the careful
manipulation of a skilled hand this small
piece of our planet now has form, purpose
even; not only is it beautiful, but in the case
of a vessel or adornment, it is also useful & practical…” </blockquote>
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Anna-Marie Wallace </div>
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Don't you just want to pick up these cups and feel them in your hands?</div>
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I love Anna-Marie's words above, and I did indeed want to touch her work. To weigh it in my hands, navigate the textures of each piece and examine the patterns that spill across the surfaces. I restrained myself and resorted to taking photos to share with you instead. But I bet there have been many that couldn't resist gently running a finger tip across one of these pieces when the gallery staff weren't looking!</div>
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And oh, the nature table of found and foraged treasures above presented the same tactile allure. Feather, shell, drift wood, seeds. Just the things we were collecting on our beach holiday the week before, and to which my inner magpie is drawn.</div>
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The exhibition closes on the 16th of January, so if you are in the area, pop in and try to resist touching the pieces. Or else you can see and purchase more of Anna-Marie's work on <a href="http://www.madeofaustralia.com/">her website.</a></div>
Christina Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18370046598325657449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-332325922685900667.post-23091556637783154082016-01-09T08:48:00.003+10:002016-01-09T08:48:42.639+10:00Contact Me!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thinking about a custom made design and want to know the next steps?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have a questions about your ring size?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Interested in reviewing my wholesale catalogue?</span><br />
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Please feel free to contact me! </div>
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Email: christina-lowry@hotmail.com</div>
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Phone: 0437 775 907</div>
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Brisbane, Australia</div>
Christina Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18370046598325657449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-332325922685900667.post-7759343564136717192016-01-07T13:48:00.001+10:002016-01-07T13:48:23.760+10:00What's Your Colour Giveaway!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's the 7th day of the New Year (!), I'm still sorting through holiday snaps, <a href="http://christinalowrydesigns.bigcartel.com/">the shop</a> is open again, and my studio is in the middle of a new year clean. How about you? What have you been up to?</div>
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With a new year comes a new collection, and I am drawing, planning and working on new designs. I just need a little help. I want to create jewellery that my lovely community will love and wear and I'd love to know what colour jewellery you wear?! Silver, Oxidised Silver, Yellow Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, a mix? If you have a moment could you please either leave a comment below, head to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Christina-Lowry-Designs-287791025559/" style="color: #597bb7; text-decoration: none; word-break: break-word;" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, or leave a comment on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BAOFx7Al6lg/?taken-by=christinalowrydesigns" style="color: #597bb7; text-decoration: none; word-break: break-word;" target="_blank">Instagram</a>?</div>
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<em style="vertical-align: baseline;">As a little thank you I am giving away a <a href="http://christinalowrydesigns.bigcartel.com/product/ring-sizing-gauge">ring sizing gauge</a> to several commenters chosen at random on Monday. A great little tool to tuck away in your jewellery box!</em></div>
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I've always been a silver girl myself. My engagement and wedding ring are white gold. But lately I find I am mixing in a little bit of gold with my silver, like a yellow gold <a href="http://christinalowrydesigns.bigcartel.com/product/elsa-ring" style="color: #597bb7; text-decoration: none; word-break: break-word;" target="_blank">Elsa ring</a> beside a silver <a href="http://christinalowrydesigns.bigcartel.com/product/edith" style="color: #597bb7; text-decoration: none; word-break: break-word;" target="_blank">Edith ring</a>, or the rose and white hues of a <a href="http://christinalowrydesigns.bigcartel.com/product/beryl-rg-necklace" style="color: #597bb7; text-decoration: none; word-break: break-word;" target="_blank">Beryl necklace</a>. I find the warmth of gold mixed with the coolness of silver can really make some designs pop. But I want to know what you think, what you like to wear?</div>
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I'm looking forward to hearing your response!</div>
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Christina Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18370046598325657449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-332325922685900667.post-60845725937791650162016-01-05T06:00:00.000+10:002016-01-05T06:00:28.726+10:00My Word For 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span data-reactid=".1.1.0.0.2.1.0.0.1" style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span data-reactid=".1.1.0.0.2.1.0.0.1.0" style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">We've returned from our holiday and I have photos and stories to share in the coming days, but before the New Year gets too far behind us, I wanted to share my word for </span></span><span style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;">2016.</span></span></div>
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<span data-reactid=".1.1.0.0.2.1.0.0.1" style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span data-reactid=".1.1.0.0.2.1.0.0.1.0" style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span data-reactid=".1.1.0.0.2.1.0.0.1" style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span data-reactid=".1.1.0.0.2.1.0.0.1.0" style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Rather than resolutions, I've embraced a single word for the year, as a reminder, inspiration and promise to myself. My word is NURTURE - nurturing myself, my marriage, children, family, friends, home, creativity and business. </span></span><span style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;">The word graces the fist page of my diary and is chalked across the black board in our kitchen, so that I am reminded daily. I'm committed to asking myself 'Will this nurture me/them?' - be it food, possessions or activities - 'will it nurture the way I want to live?' </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I settled on 'nurture' after reading <a href="http://www.inc.com/minda-zetlin/how-one-word-can-change-your-life-in-2016.html">this article</a> and discussing with my sister the questions and points it raises. Fiona has also adopted 'nurture' as her word of the year, so that we will keep each other accountable. What could be more powerful than identical twins on the same mission?! </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span><span data-reactid=".1.1.0.0.2.1.0.0.1" style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span data-reactid=".1.1.0.0.2.1.0.0.1.4" style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Because nurturing myself typically comes last, I started the New Year with a relaxing facial, my first ever eyelash and eyebrow tint, and a new skin care regime. I splurged on a <a href="https://www.ellabache.com.au/products/creme-douce-demaquillant">cleanser</a>, which I now follow with 2-3 drops of Sukin <a href="http://sukinorganics.com/collections/rose-hip-oil/products/certified-organic-rose-hip-oil">Rose Hip Oil</a>, and essano <a href="http://essano.com.au/moisturiser.html">Rosehip Moisturiser</a>, followed by sun cream and make up in the morning. This simple, deliberate, daily cleansing and care of my skin already feels so much more nurturing and respectful to my skin, and is inspiring other changes in my daily routines. </span></span></span></div>
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<span data-reactid=".1.1.0.0.2.1.0.0.1" style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span data-reactid=".1.1.0.0.2.1.0.0.1.4" style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span><span data-reactid=".1.1.0.0.2.1.0.0.1" style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span data-reactid=".1.1.0.0.2.1.0.0.1.4" style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm looking forward to sharing more of my discoveries over the course of the year.</span></span></span></div>
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<span data-reactid=".1.1.0.0.2.1.0.0.1" style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span data-reactid=".1.1.0.0.2.1.0.0.1.4" style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span><span data-reactid=".1.1.0.0.2.1.0.0.1" style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span data-reactid=".1.1.0.0.2.1.0.0.1.6" style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Do you have a word or a resolution for 2016? </span></span></span></div>
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Christina Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18370046598325657449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-332325922685900667.post-61498899444150005772015-12-18T06:00:00.000+10:002015-12-18T08:18:51.914+10:00Giving Thanks & Merry Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am so blessed to have such a wonderful community around me, supporting and encouraging me in my business and creative dreams; reading my newsletters and blog posts, leaving comments and feed back, sharing my pictures and creations with friends, playing a part in growing my handmade business and of course buying, wearing and gifting my jewellery.<br />
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I have long had this dream about working with people to create jewellery that reflects their loves and wishes, their creative side and sentimental side. Jewellery that is made from silver and gold and will be passed down from one generation to another without dating. A dream that involves supporting Australian suppliers and artisans, from the company that creates the gift boxes I use, to the local small businesses that specialise in master engraving and Diamond setting. This dream has been coming true with your help.<br />
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How far I have come in the past two years, and how much bigger my dreams are for the future. Thank you again for all your support, big and small, for when doubt and fear creep up on me, I look back over the number of sales I have made during the year and the kind emails I have received, and I persevere.<br />
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Already I am filling my sketchbook and journal with ideas for 2016. I hope you will join me again as my creative journey continues.<br />
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A wonderful and safe Christmas to you,<br />
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Christina xx<br />
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PS. Usually we are a 'stay at home for Christmas' kind of family, but this year we have booked eleven days by the beach with interstate family! And so, the Christmas order cut off for <a href="http://shop.christinalowrydesigns.com/">my store</a> is today. After today orders will be processed and mailed out after the 4th of January. Today is your last chance to tuck a little Christina Lowry Designs under the Christmas tree!Christina Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18370046598325657449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-332325922685900667.post-51218748180205328892015-12-14T06:00:00.000+10:002015-12-14T06:00:03.370+10:00Workshop Tour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My unassuming workshop means the world to me. It's <i>my</i> space. My office/ studio/ workshop. My workshop was once a very ugly bar area in a rented house that had seen better days. That's how I first saw it, when I came to view our home during the pest and building inspection. My husband and I were both so over looking at houses at that stage. We'd sold our last house and were living with family, I was pregnant with Emerson, and we just wanted to find our new home. But the right home eluded us. We knew where we wanted to live, we knew what we wanted to find, it was just a matter of finding it. We thought we had found it a couple of times, but highway noise and gigantic cracks had put us off a few properties. In the end my husband viewed the house without me, on his way home from work. He put in an offer and signed the paper work before I had even seen it. But I trusted him.</div>
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The first time I saw my workshop I was a little in shock. We had wanted a house that was a fixer-upper. But I had not bargained for a home that was full of asbestos and needed a new roof and ceiling. As the building inspector pointed out all the faults, I walked around the weed filled back yard with it's millions of pot holes from a bored staffy, thinking I might cry. Dave was enthusiastic, despite the fact that we couldn't move in until the asbestos had been cleared, carpets removed, floor polished, walls painted and so on and so on.</div>
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When we viewed under the house I saw my workshop with it's marine grade carpet, large wooden bar and brick walls. And I saw it's potential. Dave and I <strike>argued</strike> discussed in the car on the way home as to who had rights to the bar area. Dave saw it as having great man cave potential, and had mentally relegated my tools to the garage. I on the other hand had the financial argument on my side - that my workshop was capable of returning money, while his man cave was not. My husband is a good man, and I got my workshop. </div>
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Many thanks to the lovely <a href="http://www.trudilebresephotography.com/">Trudi Le Brese</a> for coming and photographing my unassuming, well loved space. </div>
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Christina Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18370046598325657449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-332325922685900667.post-3522532372205875582015-12-13T12:34:00.001+10:002015-12-13T12:34:10.218+10:00Shop Closes in 5 days!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span data-reactid=".1.1.0.0.2.1.0.0.1" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span data-reactid=".1.1.0.0.2.1.0.0.1.0" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Hello lovelies! I just wanted to let you know that I am taking orders in <a href="http://shop.christinalowrydesigns.com/">my shop</a> until the 18th, then I'll be finishing everything and getting it posted by the 21st, so that I can prepare for our family holiday on the 23rd. </span></span></h1>
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<span data-reactid=".1.1.0.0.2.1.0.0.1" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br data-reactid=".1.1.0.0.2.1.0.0.1.$newline1/=10" /><span data-reactid=".1.1.0.0.2.1.0.0.1.2" style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><i>Which means you have 5 days to get your orders in! </i></span></span></h1>
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<span data-reactid=".1.1.0.0.2.1.0.0.1" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br data-reactid=".1.1.0.0.2.1.0.0.1.$newline3/=10" /><span data-reactid=".1.1.0.0.2.1.0.0.1.4" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I'll be back at the bench on the 4th of January. I will keep you up to date here and in my newsletter. Add your email address <a href="http://www.alittlebirdtoldme-craft.com/p/newsletter.html">here </a>to sign up, and follow me on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/christinalowrydesigns/">Instagram</a> for pics from our travles. xx</span></span></h1>
Christina Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18370046598325657449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-332325922685900667.post-1686662919198560702015-12-11T06:00:00.000+10:002015-12-11T06:33:22.465+10:00Choosing A Name - A Birthday Letter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Happy 7th birthday my beautiful first born! What a blessing the universe bestowed upon me when I created the baby of you, and you created the Mother of me. </div>
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Recently I told you a story about how we named you while you were still in my tummy. How we knew you were a boy because I couldn't wait to find out at the ultrasound. Your Daddy wanted it to be a surprise. I promised him that if he supported me in finding out the sex of our first baby, I wouldn't find out until after the birth of any future babies. And so it was with my three births. Knowing and not knowing were equally wonderful.</div>
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But you sweet boy, you I knew were a little boy inside of me, with strong kicks and prone to hiccups. You were lulled to sleep when I walked and danced in my belly when I lay down to sleep. And while you grew and slept, kicked and hiccuped, we tried to think of a name.</div>
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Choosing a name for a baby is more difficult than you might think. So many names are ruled out. Ex boyfriends, school bullies, musicians, politicians. We made a rule not to include family names, which ruled out many more. But it was your father who ruled out the most, and it was me making the lists of names. He had a relaxed, I'll know it when I hear it attitude. While I had a slight case of panicky first time Mama, envisioning that it would be weeks after your birth that we would settle on a name. </div>
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I looked though books, I looked online, I fell in love with names only to have your Father point out possible nicknames which made me fall out of love with them again. I had given up, wondering if perhaps we would just 'know' when we first saw you. But life has a funny way of doing things, and as it happened we visited friends whose dog had had puppies. They were the most adorable, soft and loving little creatures I had ever seen, and every pregnancy hormone in my body made me want to bring one home with me. Your father was the voice of reason who suggested a baby, and the dog and cat we already owned, might be enough for now. I handed the puppy to him to tempt him, explaining that it would keep our dog company when the baby came and that we could call him Cohen. And although your Dad just laughed at my efforts to smuggle a puppy in to the family, he did ask me about the name in the car on the way home. </div>
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"Cohen, as in Leonard Cohen, the musician", I explained. I'd not even offered it for consideration, as I thought it too would be crossed from the list. But there it was. A name we both fell in love with,. and which we began speaking to you whenever we addressed my bump. </div>
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Our next trick was to find a middle name to go with Cohen, and here we took a cue from one of my earlier lists, a name that held meaning for us as a couple and soon as a family. And so you became Cohen Byron. Had your Father and I not gone on a holiday to Byron Bay in the early days of our dating, we may not have fallen in love. When we married I walked down the beach to your Father, surrounded by just our family, in an intimate ceremony on Belongil Beach, Byron Bay. Afterwards Dolphins swam though the waves and goats hopped along the cliffs beneath the lighthouse as I threw my bouquet off the most easterly point of Australia.</div>
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For seven wonderful years you have been Cohen Byron, and for me they have become two of the most beautiful words in the whole world. You have been loved every second, since I first dreamed of you, and will be loved with every breath I have. As you grow in to a man and venture further out in to the world I hope your name will always remind you of your family, of our love, and how once upon a time you were a dancing baby with a Mum and Dad who hoped they were getting it right when they chose your name for you.</div>
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My love, always and forever, Mama.</div>
Christina Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18370046598325657449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-332325922685900667.post-693273667883616972015-12-09T06:00:00.000+10:002015-12-09T06:00:05.803+10:00Instagram For Business and Self<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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On the back of the post about my Christmas photo shoot, I wanted to share some of the photos I have been taking for <a href="https://www.instagram.com/christinalowrydesigns/">Instagram</a> lately, and the little photo shoots I put together for them. When I began Instagram, I took photos as I saw them. I posted them then and there, with no thought as to whether or not anyone was seeing them, if my gallery was beautiful, or what I was trying to achieve with Instagram. And while that is perfectly fine for a personal page, given that my IG is a part of my business, I decided to be more mindful with my time and energy in order to create an account that I could be proud of and that shares the story of my business. In return I have found that a large majority of my sales now come from Instagram. (So if you have a small business, and you are not yet on Instagram, I urge you to start now. It is not too late!)<br />
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At first I was scared that I would loose my audience if I posted too many jewellery photos, but rather the opposite happened. People love to see photos of my jewellery, whether they are behind the scenes peeks in my workshop, pieces being worn, or beautiful still life's and flat lays. Not only has Instagram increased my sales, it has been such a wonderful creative tool for me, offering me a simple way to experiment with photography and styling. I found the wonderful <a href="http://www.thephotoschool.com.au/online-class/">The Photo School Online Class</a> a great way to learn more about iPhone photography and capturing the pretty light. I watched a class with <a href="https://suebzimmerman.com/">Sue B Zimmerman</a> (the Instagram Expert) and learnt some really valuable information (you can get a free Instagram Strategy Guide on her site). And most recently I took part in the five day <a href="https://www.makelight.io/">Makelight</a> Online Taster Course, dedicated to creating beautiful photographs and flat lays.<br />
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I have little vintage bits and bobs all over my home, in printer trays, bowls and baskets, so using them as props made perfect sense. Adding leaves, flowers and berries to my collection is a joy shared with my three year old daughter. Usually once a week, I try to gather up some interesting bits and pieces, take my jewellery out of the safe, and start playing around with different back grounds, props and lighting. Then I edit the pics in <a href="https://vsco.co/store/vscocam">VSCOcam</a>, and I have a selection of images waiting to be used in my feed, while also taking photos as the mood takes me, or as I am working.<br />
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And it's not just jewellery. Sometimes it's just flowers, a shot of my work bench, or a video of my baby starting to walk. I only have one Instagram account, and it is still my account, just as it is my business and my name on the business cards, so I don't want it to become impersonal. I love the community that is a part of Instagram. I love that being a small business owner means that I am always dealing on a personal level. And I love being able to share my thoughts and creations both here on my blog and on Instagram.<br />
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A few links you might love -<br />
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/emilyquinton/">Emily Quinton's Instagram Feed</a><br />
<a href="https://www.creativelive.com/courses/sell-more-instagram-sue-b-zimmerman">Sell More With Instagram</a><br />
<a href="https://www.creativelive.com/courses/how-grow-your-instagram-following-pei-ketron">How To Grow Your Instagram Following</a><br />
<a href="http://foragedandcollected.com/2015/12/06/7-vignettes/">Step By Step Flat Lay</a><br />
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/christinalowrydesigns/">And of course, my Instagram feed! xx</a></div>
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Christina Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18370046598325657449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-332325922685900667.post-88323637667068308192015-12-08T06:00:00.000+10:002015-12-08T11:26:12.646+10:00Christmas Photo Shoot<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There are so many things to love about running your own business (although a guaranteed income is not always one of them) high on the list of pros is most certainly creative freedom. Only in my own business can I be a designer one moment, jeweller the next, social media marketer before lunch and a copy writer after lunch. Much like Mothering really, where one moment I am referee, next I am nurse, then I am counselor, and then cook. If I wasn't born this way, then having three children has definitely made me a multiskilled multitasker. </div>
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I remember when I was an employee at jewellery stores, I watched with interest as photographers picked up and returned jewellery, then returned once more with product and lifestyle photos. It was all very exciting and out of the ordinary for me. Especially seeing those images in print, and having brides-to-be bring in magazines and point out our ads. I once watched on from the sidelines as a high end jewellery catalogue was produced - models and locations chosen, jewellery pieces designed and created, days spent photographing on location and in a studio while the Marketing Manager apparently sat around bored, as she was bound by insurance to wait with the jewellery. </div>
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But now, as a multiskilled multitasking small business owner, I can create my own photo shoots for my own jewellery pieces, and have an absolute ball while doing it! There is a lot of tea and laughter involved when photographer <a href="http://www.trudilebresephotography.com/">Trudi Le Brese</a> and I get together for a photo shoot. While Trudi specialises in portrait and family photography, she was brave enough to throw herself in the deep end with me when I proposed our first photo shoot - a product and lifestyle <a href="http://www.alittlebirdtoldme-craft.com/2015/05/winter-2015-look-book.html">Look Book of my jewellery</a>. I bribed <a href="http://www.harrietbyhand.com/">my beautiful yoga teacher</a> at the time, Harriet, with jewellery so that she would model for us, <a href="https://keates.wordpress.com/">another friend</a> allowed us use of her library and garden as our location, and together we stumbled our way through our first shoot and produced photos that I am still so proud of!</div>
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This time around, with a little more confidence, I decided to tackle a Christmas shoot to create content for the holiday season, and broke the rule again about working with children and animals! As Harriet had moved overseas (please note jealousy) I put myself in the firing line, together with my youngest two, with my kitchen and dining room as our location. Together we baked, decorated, faffed and styled our way through the shoot. And I think, for two self taught multiskilled multitasking Mama's we did a darn good job at creating some amazing images!</div>
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Christina Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18370046598325657449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-332325922685900667.post-86548184805644303792015-12-06T20:33:00.003+10:002015-12-06T20:33:42.528+10:00Weekending<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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How busy the days are in December! The most hectic month in a jewellers calendar, and a Mothers too I would argue. Between an influx of orders, school craft days, a looming seventh birthday, preparations for Christmas, and a holiday by the beach, it's a time for breathing deep when the to-do list threatens to overwhelm, A time to ensure there are scheduled time outs to enjoy life as a family and not get lost in the hustle and bustle of break up parties, school assemblies and swimming lesson blocks. And so was our adventure last weekend, as we explored the GOMA markets, APT and the museum. Amidst the visual feast. we were all taken by the carpet of flame tree flowers between the galleries, and they way their colours popped against the green of the grass.<br />
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I hope you are enjoying the season of celebrations, and finding time to explore and discover as well too! xx</div>
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Christina Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18370046598325657449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-332325922685900667.post-29246879539598394972015-12-01T14:12:00.001+10:002015-12-01T14:16:18.732+10:00Her Canberra Lust List<div style="text-align: center;">
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I am thrilled to be included in the <a href="http://hercanberra.com.au/cpstyle/christmas-canberra-local-gifts/?utm_source=HerCanberra&utm_campaign=ced16c03cc-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_2da382dd49-ced16c03cc-57580193">HerCanberra Lust List</a>, along with my beautiful stockist <i><a href="http://timberandtailor.com/">Timber & Tailor</a></i>. You can snap up a pair of the <a href="http://shop.christinalowrydesigns.com/product/follow-your-dreams-4">'Follow Your Dreams'</a> earrings in the Braddon, Canberra store, or pop over to my online shop.</div>
Christina Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18370046598325657449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-332325922685900667.post-83334583871201623942015-11-30T13:36:00.001+10:002015-11-30T13:36:16.289+10:00New in the shop - $25 Rings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Can you believe it is the last day of November today? December always creeps up on me, no matter how organised I am! I am so looking forward to the season of celebrations! There are birthdays, holidays, beach escapes and Christmas day to look forward to.</div>
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I have a little something else to share with you today - two new rings designs! I've popped them in to<a href="http://shop.christinalowrydesigns.com/"> the shop</a> today, though I have been wearing them and loving them for the past two weeks, and I know you will love them too.</div>
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The <a href="http://shop.christinalowrydesigns.com/product/ava-ring" style="color: #597bb7; text-decoration: none; word-break: break-word;" target="_blank">'Ava' ring</a> is a sweet spotty daring and the <a href="http://shop.christinalowrydesigns.com/product/elsa-ring-sterling-silver" style="color: #597bb7; text-decoration: none; word-break: break-word;" target="_blank">'Elsa' ring</a> is equally winsome and wonderful. Both are now available in Sterling Silver for $25 each, with free shipping.</div>
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Not sure of your ring size? Add a <a href="http://shop.christinalowrydesigns.com/product/ring-sizing-gauge" style="color: #597bb7; text-decoration: none; word-break: break-word;" target="_blank">ring size gauge</a> to your cart for $2, and I will post it out first.</div>
Christina Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18370046598325657449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-332325922685900667.post-37416864026848597912015-11-23T06:00:00.000+10:002015-11-23T06:00:00.942+10:00BIRTHDAY FLASH SALE!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's my birthday today! I still get so excited about my birthday, especially as I share it with my best friend/ twin sister. Celebrate with me by using the code HOORAY at checkout for 20% off everything in my <a href="http://shop.christinalowrydesigns.com/">online shop</a> for today only!</div>
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Hip, hip, hooray!</div>
Christina Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18370046598325657449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-332325922685900667.post-43856230555924566542015-11-17T17:52:00.002+10:002015-11-17T17:52:43.008+10:00Eats & Beats Logan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Logan locals, you will find me at the fabulous Eats and Beats Christmas Festival this Friday night! I will have a super lovely stall full of Christmas gifts and market specials. </div>
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Come and say hi!</div>
Christina Lowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18370046598325657449noreply@blogger.com