claim it!!!

Oh my Jehosephat! It took over 24 hrs to find Fan #450 (chosen by random.org) in the list of "likers"... Congratulations, Jennifer Kiegel Newcom for winning a $10 gift cheque. Please claim your prize in 24 hrs... many thanks to everyone for particpating!

800 and Counting... many thanks to you.

Some Business owners underestimate the power of a "Like". I don't because I understand that over 800 of you have heard of Kameli Shae at some point in your life and that's a big deal to me! I appreciate that you all understand that I'm a one-woman-show and I will be one year older in a week and a half, so I have some reasons to move slower these days...(lol). Don't forget that just because it's no...t posted in the albums or on Etsy doesn't mean that your idea can't come to life. Let me inform you that my background is in Scenic and Costume Design. I've been trained to take a 2-D drawing and create a functional 3-D object... many times in the world of theatre, film and tv a director doesn't know what the heck they want to see on stage; they do know that it has to appear real and sometimes be a working object. I love problem-solving! Creating custom orders (and custom patterns) fills that void that working from a store bought pattern can't. I gave up a 3-year stint as a college professor to share my talents with you. Many thanks to you for taking a closer interest in my journey... and before teaching I worked professionally and while teaching I designed for the program that I taught in and remained a freelance designer... in other words, designing and creating is my world!!! it's fourth to my children, family and aspirations - respectively!

Mom's Time Out Tallahassee: Meet Our Members: Kameli Shae

Mom's Time Out Tallahassee: Meet Our Members: Kameli Shae: "Syrheda Reed-Leo is a mother of three little girls who serve as the inspiration for her company's inventory, goals and mission. She is al..."

Yayyy! My Company was Featured on a Website...

Check it out for yourself: http://www.momstimeouttallahassee.com/2011/05/meet-our-members-kameli-shae.html

FB Fan Appreciation Giveaway!

100+ fans of Kameli Shae! Yay! This seems like a cause for a celebration! What better way to celebrate than a GIVEAWAY!
I have to admit that production has been a little slow since the addition of Angelface#3 in January, but my creative wheels are forever turning. And I've been sneaking into my laboratory between naptimes, snacktimes and lesson times, so new items are a coming. Please be patient and check www.etsy.com/shop/kamelishae and or the FB Fanpage often. Did you ask: When do I sleep? I apoloqize, but I don't speak that language. Anyways...
If you would like to win this Gift Cheque to use toward your next purchase in my boutique here are the details:

- You must be a Facebook Fan (give us a "Like"): www.facebook.com/kamelishae.
- Leave a comment on this blog post stating your best bit of advice for Kameli Shae's success and/or sustainability for the future. - Want to increase your chances? Refer a friend to participate, as well. Make sure the friend states that you referred them, though. - Random.org will be used to choose a winner from the comments on Sunday, March 13th. - The winner will be announced on the Facebook Fan Page and here on the blog. A copy of this certificate, details for use and other pertinent info will be emailed to the winner, as well. Good luck and many thanks for being a Fan, a Follower and most importantly an Inspiration!
Although this contest is closed, you may still give us a "LIKE" on Facebook. many thanks... 

Wisdom's Work.... Spicy Handmade Accessories!

I happened upon this Jewelry Artist very soon after joining the Group titled Etsy Artists of Color. Not only are the posts on her blog and Facebook Page sassy and witty, but that same attitude and exuberance seems to exude ever so vibrantly throughout her pieces. The title of this post was taken from her very own words and there really is no other way to explain her line of jewelry and accessories. Her items are very affordable, but, moreso, they are rather unique. Her design aesthetic reads: "Because a woman of pure beauty deserves the accessories to match." You should find this interview quite interesting:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/65670225/bold-peridot-and-purple-coiled-earrings

+1 ::: When did you first realize that you were an artist? Actually all my life. I have been heavily into arts & crafts for as long as I can remember.+2 ::: Could you tell us some more about your pieces? My jewelry/accessories are definitely an extension of my creativity. My pieces are a mixture of my love for culture, color and texture. When I sit down to work, I never know what the end result will be and that's exciting.+3 ::: What has influenced your work the most and how? My love of colors and creativity continue to push me to design outside of the box. This allows me to constantly raise the bar for myself and challenge my way of thinking everyday.+4 ::: What other interests do you have? Oh wow, I could be listing things all day....lol! I can only best describe it as an interest/passion for ALL things creative. I enjoy any and everything that allows me to express that, whether it's party planning/decorating, interior designing or craft projects.

+5 ::: What inspires you to create and how do you keep motivated when things get tough in the studio? I take inspiration from everywhere. If I see a pair of boots I love, I may create jewelry based on them. Fashion is a huge motivator b/c jewelry is a huge part of it. Everything doesn't always turn out the way I would like (even if it was perfect in my head and on paper) BUT some of my best work started as an unplanned misstep. Plus, I usually keep the ones that I don't like enough to sell so my jewelry supply benefits alot : ) I also ask God to guide my hands before I begin creating anything.

+6 ::: How do you think you have handled the business side of being an artist? I had to definitely learn to treat my craft as a business. It was very hard to define what I love doing, as an actual business. I actually wrote a blog post on this subject (Business VS Pleasure: What to Do When What you Do is BOTH! at www.wisdomswork.blogspot.com)+7::: What advice would you give to an artist just starting a business? Research research and just when you think you are done, research some more. In business it is very important to stay on top of the game. Never get too comfortable in what you are doing because someone else is waiting in the shadows with fresh new ideas, ready to take your spotlight. Also, don't be afraid to throw caution to the wind. Take that passion and "Make it do what it do!" : )Please continue to follow this Jewelry Designer's success. She, also, makes additions to her shop quite frequently. Keep up with her in the following ways:- Facebook: Wisdom's Work by Donielle Michele

- Twitter: WisdomsWork

- Blog: www.wisdomswork.blogspot.com

What is Beauty? An Artist Attempts To Define...

Hey Fellow Designers & Indie Shop Owners! I have a section of my blog where I am featuring other artists. I love admiring your interpretation of your art form. For instance, it's so intriguing that I and a few crafters in my circle love African Textiles, but the way we each decide to transform the fabric seems to be unique per our personality, skill level, artistic eye, etc. I've even found that introducing myself to other artists and their work has enhanced my own ideas and aesthetics. If you'd like to be included it's FREE and you get a permanent link to your site.  Not everyone will be picked and there are some qualifications:

Cohesive Shop                     
Fair - Good Pictures
Uniqueness of Ideas and/or Designs

So, if you're interested in participating please respond to this thread. I will let you know if you have
been picked. To view previous posts on various topics please check out the entire blog.