Finding Your Ring Size Made Easy

Don't forget, if you are wondering how to quickly and easily check your ring size, you can purchase a Ring Sizing Gauge from the shop for $2 including postage!

Some Kind of Sunday

(Unrelated pics of pretty jewellery, lovely dishes and tangy citrus.)

Today is one of those pottering at home Sundays, where you have a shower at lunch time and then dress in pyjamas once more. It's a cleaning house, changing sheets, washing laundry kind of Sunday. A baking for the school week kind of Sunday. Tonight it will be a Butter Chicken, followed by knitting on the couch watching Grand Designs kind of Sunday. 

Just the kind of day I need after two weeks at home alone with three children, and before school resumes tomorrow.

What kind of Sunday are you having?

Taking Stock

Ah, school holidays. The first week has passed quickly. How I have been loving the slow, cold mornings, absent the usual school routine. Laying in, pottering around in pjs, eating porridge around the table and pretending we are the the three bears and Goldilocks, drinking cups of tea - while they are still hot. Hooray! Not loving the series of petty arguments between siblings however.

The kids have been making up games, like 'Bird watching' which involves plastic binoculars, clip boards and a bird book. The new chairs and table in their cubby house make for the perfect bird watching spot. And while Cohen looks up birds in the book, Emerson draws squiqqles as she 'keeps tally' of the number of birds they have seen. I love it.

Cohen and I also started a little gratitude project at the beginning of the month. We have been talking about being thankful and how 'gratitude turns what we have in to enough'. (Quite an important lesson for a six year old who has really started to take notice of toy advertising.) I found a free printable on Pinterest with space to write each day. I am loving his reasons to be grateful so far - playing with my sister, new battery in my watch, brown sugar on porridge.

Also lately...

Making : stock for the Red Hill Fair in Brisbane later this month
Writing : My morning pages every day and loving the process
Drinking : Triple mint tea
Reading: 'The Road To Middlemarch: My Life with George Elliot' by Rebecca Mead
Dreaming: of travelling around Tasmania and tasting all the food and wine 
Looking: forward to going to Finders Keepers market this weekend!
Playing: 'Spies' with my big two little ones
Collecting: leaves, seed pods, mushrooms and flowers, while walking with the children 
Wishing: for more sleep, always more sleep
Enjoying: A rare night out ALONE with my husband
Waiting: Until my twin sister comes up later this month
Liking: Pippa's new woven rope jewellery collection
Listening: to an audio book of Liane Moriarty's novel Big Little Lies while I work, then staying up way too late because I don't want to stop listening! (Go and get a copy!)
Loving: that my thirteen month old 'baby' is standing on his own (sob)
Pondering: how long until he starts walking
Considering: how much crazier life will be once he DOES start walking
Buying: an online photography course by Kate Berry and Peta Mazey (with the code WOAH50 to bring the price down to $14.50!)
Watching: the new Jurassic Park movie and thinking I would have nightmares, but then not
Cringing: at STILL toilet training a stubborn three year old... tell me it will end
Needing: reassurance - see point above
Questioning: why siblings fight so much...
Wearing: pants, jeans, flats and a cardi with a scarf - my go to Winter clothes
Following: two new boards on Pinterest, nest and Modern Jewellery Design
Noticing: that all my favourite clothes have pockets
Waiting: for a chance to read these two sample chapters from Todd Henry's latest book, Louder than words: harness the power of your authentic voice.
Eating: at the 8 Street Market. So so good!
Admiring: All the countries that support marriage equality
Hoping: Australia follows suit soon
Sorting: through two bags of beautiful old buttons that I was recently given by a family friend
Disliking: our treatment of refugees. Our children will look back in shock at this period and the way our country treated those in need. :(
Bookmarking: the wonderful illustrations by Liekeland
Coveting: this Clementine cardigan
Giggling: at the Penguins of Madagascar cartoon series on ABC3 
Savoring: the good feelings
Snacking: constantly! Breastfeeding equals snacking.
Helping: the children make jelly and play dough
Hearing: 'Spy talk' from Cohen and Emerson as they run around the back yard

Joining in with Pip.

Perfect for Winter! New Oxidised Jewellery

'Lois' Hoops

'Edith' Ring

'Maeve' Ring

'Left Bank Portrait Artist' Studs

As the tones in my wardrobe take on a darker hue with the onset of Winter, so too I have been imagining adding a darker twist to some of my favourite jewellery designs. I could resist no longer!

I present to you a selection of earrings and rings that feature the warm black tones of oxidisation. These charcoal beauties are available in my online shop now. Go and grab yourself a Winter treat!

Living Your Bliss

1. Dandelion clocks and cute dresses

2. Middlemarch Ring

3. New packaging

4. The Literary Wanderers Collection

5. Work for the week on my bench

6. Gathering up sketches on scraps of paper and drawing them in to my sketchbook

7. Jane Eyre Rings

I was reading Conversations with Creative Women and one paragraph in particular spoke to me, so much so that I copied it in to my diary. 

"everyday is an occasion to celebrate your creativity. Creativity does not just mean making a piece of art or a handmade card, creativity to her means designing your life just the way you want it to be, and living your bliss."

What beautiful words to inspire gratitude, contemplation and dreams. I spent the day considering the many ways I am living my bliss, and what I could change to achieve such a goal.

Lately I feel like I really am living my bliss. A renewed sense of freedom now that bubba is one and not so heavily reliant on me alone, a balance between home, family and business, acceptance of the things I can not change and a sense of fulfillment in the paths I've chosen.


I hope you are living your bliss too!

This Brown Wren + A Discount Code

Have you come across the lovely blog, This Brown Wren? Steph writes beautifully and is an inspiration to those wishing to slow down, live simply and cherish motherhood. She has a wonderful sense of style, three adorable cherubs and an enviable instagram feed. Her blog is a gorgeous reminder for me of what this blogging community is all about - creativity, sharing, support and authenticity.

Make a cuppa and settle in for a read, and while you are there, you'll find a discount code valid on all items in my shop this weekend. 

Taking Stock : May

(Photos from my Instagram account. You can find me at @christinalowrydesigns. Come and say hello!)

Making : A striped knitted baby blanket for a friend
Baking : Banana bread - then thinking I should have made a double batch
Drinking : Loose leaf tea
Reading: 'Love and Summer' William Trevor
Wanting: A garden full of flowers
Looking: At the rainbow lorrikets that come to eat our neighbours flowers
Playing: Lego with the little ones
Deciding: To attend a whole sale or Bridal Fair next year
Wishing: My sister wasn't so far away
Enjoying: Library trips with the little ones
Waiting: For my 'Real Australians Say Welcome' poste
Liking: The #mystillsundaycompetition hashtag pretties
Loving: That my big boy is devouring chapter books.
Pondering: My little boys first birthday.
Considering: What to buy the third child, when they need nothing? 

Thinking: I would like to have his portrait sketched or painted.

Buying: Delightful, pastel, porcelain bird whistles at a market.
Watching: 'Jane Austin and her many lovers' on iview.
Marvelling: A how quickly bubba's first year has flown by.
Missing: The view of the sea and the river we had last week in Yamba.
Needing: More holidays!
Waiting: For more episodes of 'Vikings'
Wearing: A second hand swing coat I brought while we were away.: 
Noticing: How many Myna birds there are now
Getting: New postcards with images from the photo shoot. Can't wait!
Pinning: Linen kitties that make big and little girls swoon. 
Coveting: A group of creative business owners to discuss my business ideas with.
Feeling: Excited about doing the Red Hill Fair on 25th July
Hearing: Three year old Emerson 'reading' to Oscar

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Joining in with Pip.

Photo Shoot Sneak Peek

Props gathered from around my home

The library - sigh

Experimenting with flat lays

Cuddling chickens

It's a rather troublesome thing, running an online business without a laptop, after it gave up on the idea of turning on two weeks ago. The repair man informed me that fixing was the same price as replacing. It's also troublesome to have to dip in to the 'rainy day' funds. I have managed to get by on my phone alone in the meantime, but I was quite pleased when the courier arrived today.

So, here I am, tapping on my new keys, having missed my blog. The blogging hey-day may have passed, and I'm sure I get more eyes on my Instagram account than on my dear old blog, but I still think of this space as my online home. I have returned once more in order to update you on recent going-ons.

I had my first jewellery photo shoot recently. The above images are iPhone photos I took on the day. I am excitedly waiting to receive the edited images and share them with you. I was so nervous before the shoot. There had been delays in completing the new collection, I'd had to reschedule the photographer, the model and our booked location three times before it went ahead. I'd collected a file of images for inspiration. I had a picture in my head of the style and look I wanted to achieve. I collected props, packed up the jewellery and brought champagne and flowers for the day. Then I put my trust in photographer Trudi Le Brese and model Harriet McAtee, and in return I was rewarded by their creativity and amazing shots.

The afternoon went off without a hitch, thanks to all the lovely ladies (and possibly the champagne.) My nerves quickly disappeared. Brisbane poet Carmen Keates welcomed us in to her home and library, while her sister Kylie took over chief baby holding duties with my dear little Oscar. We laughed, chatted, and experimented with different angles, props, lighting and back grounds until we ran out of daylight. I had so much fun. I actually can't wait to shoot another collection now!

If you haven't seen the new collection yet, pop over to the shop.
And if you are thinking of doing a photo shoot, do it! Have fun with it, make a list of what you want to shoot, print out your inspiration pics, get your model to sign a release form, bring champagne, and you can't go wrong.

xx

Sneak Peek

Progress from the bench. The new collection is coming along nicely! There are earrings and pendants in the works. 

I will have more to show you soon!

Custom Order - Sapphire Pendant

My parents found this Parti Sapphire while fossicking on their travels in Northern Queensland some time ago. The rough was cut in a local town, and faceted in to this beautiful stone. A deep green with flashes of yellow. When a client was looking for a special gift to travel overseas recently, this gem came to mind immediately. Set in an elegant 9ct gold four claw setting, this beautiful pendant makes for the perfect gift and a simple and lovely piece that can be worn every day.

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If you are interested in having a piece custom made, please click over to my Work With Me page.

Top 5 Gifts for Valentine's Day

Ah, Valentine's Day. The day of love! A wonderful opportunity to take some time to show your loved one how much they mean to you. Flowers, wine, dinner, all speak of love, but none so much as jewellery!

These top five gifts represent a selection of carefully chosen classic pieces, designed to be treasured, and worn everyday. From gracefully simple pearl studs, to signet rings awaiting personalisation. Each item will be beautifully packaged and gift wrapped, ready for you to surprise your sweetheart. Prices from $45, including free postage.

I'm more than happy to offer advice in choosing or personalising the perfect gift.

1. Edith and Elsa Rings

2. Elsa Rings

3. Lois Hoops

4. Classic Hepburn Pearl Studs

5. History Class Signet Ring

Complimentary Valentine's Day Gift wrapping

With two weeks until the big day, click on over to my online shop and let your love shine! 

On My Bench - Wax Carving

I remember years ago, when I was being taught how to carve wax, the jeweller was very particular and not altogether friendly. While I was interested in creating free flowing organic curves, he was interested in teaching me how to measure, mark and carve a symmetrical piece of jewellery. It was all very dry and mathematical and my left brain kept wanting to wander off. I'm so pleased now that I wrestled with my will to day dream (and his unpleasant nature) and listened carefully. 

I carved wax for the first time in a long time yesterday and it was like riding a bike - it all came back to me. I carefully measured my stone and marked out the wax with my calipers. I sawed, filed and emeried the plastic-like wax to reveal the first piece in my next range - a statement ring featuring a large, faceted Mint Quartz (also known as 'Green Amethyst').

I will be transforming more of my sketches in to three dimensional wax pieces this week. I promise to share progress photos of this new collection as it goes from creation to completion! For more behind the scenes peeks, find me on Instagram @christinalowrydesigns

Last Chance! 30% off Laser Cut Jewellery

Today is quite literally your last chance to purchase one of the final doily inspired laser cut jewellery designs from my shop. There are only a few pieces left. Use the code GOODBYE at the checkout for a 30% discount, which includes complimentary gift wrapping and free postage. 

I am making way for a new collection in the coming months, so help me say farewell by giving these beautiful pieces a new home. They won't be in the shop come Monday.

A Fond Farewell - 30% Off all Laser Cut Jewellery

30% Off All Laser Cut Jewellery with the code GOODBYE

All laser cut jewellery will be reduced by 30%!

It's time to bid a fond farewell to the remaining pieces of laser cut jewellery in my collection. It was wonderful working with new techniques and materials and I'm very proud of these designs. I'm sad to see these pieces go, but I'm making room for the new collection I am working on.

Once these pieces are gone, they won't be coming back again. If you have had your eye on something. now is the time to grab it. There is no custom ordering available for these wooden pieces. The stock levels in the shop are up to date and once they are sold out, there will be no more.

This fantastic discount includes free worldwide shipping. 

Don't miss this opportunity to spoil your jewellery box with a unique piece of limited edition jewellery by using the code GOODBYE in the shop now.

Sale will run for one week, or until stocks last. (12 - 18/1/15)

Create and Thrive: New Year Challenge, 1 - 5

I'm a naturally reflective person, looking back over an experience, lesson or time and processing the thoughts and wisdom gleaned from it. The New Year gives me greater reason for such reflection and encourages brain storming and planning activities. I love sitting with a notebook and diary in front of me, creating goals for each coming month, penciling in new collection releases, holidays, promotions. I have been working my way through Lisa Jacobs' excellent 'Your Best Year Yet' work book and creative planner, and have joined the Create and Thrive 30 Day New Year Challenge too. All of which I find extremely helpful as an independent maker, to really envision and set my goals, reconfirm my direction and enable me to keep going when times get tough.

What's your why? 
I believe in the beauty, meaning and skill of handmade objects over mass produced objects. I value working from home as a stay at home Mother, because my children are my first priority, while creativity is a close second. I am grateful for the freedom, flexibility and satisfaction of being an independent jeweller. But in one word, joy. Making with my hands, running a business, creating personal pieces with a story and connecting with my customers brings me joy.

What is your ultimate business goal for your business? 
This question reminds of another I've been pondering lately - if I knew I couldn't fail I would... Ultimately my business and creative goals include financial security, a shop front and International recognition as an exhibiting jewellery artist.

What is holding you back from reaching your ultimate goal?
I have over come many of my fears since committing myself to building a business. Fear of failing, fear of illegitimacy as an artist, fear of letting go. Now the only things standing between me and my ultimate goals are the time and money to do the work to reach my potential. This is an ongoing journey and I'm in no rush. I have learnt so much from allowing my business and ideas to evolve organically and will continue to do the work to realise my dreams.

What is one word that sums up your plans for your business in 2015?
Consolidate. Last year I focused on growth, branding and creating collections. I learnt much, which will be put in to practice this year. I'm back to work today after my twin sister @noniponyhappy flew home again. I feel refreshed by our holiday and ready to start crossing things off my to do list.

What will your business and life look like this time next year? 
In many ways the same as this year, with a focus on my family, their education, our home and keeping things simple. Growth and success in my business, several workshops taught and two new collections in my store. Feeling satisfied, content and joyful.

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Are you a maker and a planner? 

How do you prepare for the New Year? 

What resources are high on your list?

Are you joining in with the challenge?