When Sibley’s West Gift Shop decided to carry my Sacred Spiral designs, they produced a video of me. How exciting, right? I am sharing it with you now.

The video was created on the fly and I had NO notice. That being said I am pleased overall with the results. If you live in Arizona, or are visiting in the near future, please add Sibley’s West to your bucket list. This gift shop features all products from ARIZONA artisans. You will walk away with a purchase. I guarantee it.

The post Arizona Gift Shop and Alene’s Adornments appeared first on Alene's Adornments Blog.

Most of the time when I am at the jewelry bench it is with a plan in mind. Either I am creating components for my wholesale line or pondering over what to design with new gems I have purchased.

However, once in awhile I have a day that is just plain fun. There is no plan in mind. I just pull out some random metals and gems and play! This week I had one of these days. Want to see what I created?

Here’s the components I start with today. Most are random pieces of metal that began as something else and were scrapped because I just wasn’t feeling the vibe. Everything I create needs to feel right to me? Does that make sense? It has to gel, to come from deep within me. I want to feel the energy of the design and know that the person who ultimately owns and wears this piece feels it too.

The re-creation and fun begins. Here are the results. And a little help from my Kitty Button. Her feedback is so important

Shop for my one of a kind designs today

The post A Play Day at the Jewelry Bench appeared first on Alene's Adornments Blog.

Why Indeed!

My friends point out to me that I am already juggling two careers and squeezing in a personal life . So why did I ADD even more into my busy lifestyle?

I wrote Inside the Mind of A Jewelry Designer to tell my story.. the journey I have been on these last few years… and hopefully to influence at least one person to find their own passion in life.

[tweet_box design=”box_03″ float=”none”]”An artist’s mind is open, searching, and thirsty for inspiration” Alene Geed[/tweet_box]

If someone had told me 20 years ago that I would be obsessed with designing jewelry I would have bet the recent winning lottery ticket that they were wrong! That is just how certain I was that I am NOT creative and most certainly not destined to be an artist. But guess what? I was wrong.

My journey through this amazing decade is something worth sharing

[tweet_dis_img][/tweet_dis_img]

Writing the book was an unexpected emotional experience. Many of you are already aware that I pour my heart and very essence into my designs. The act of putting my thoughts down on paper for all to read felt a little like standing naked in front of a crowd. It was terrifying knowing that these thoughts (many that I had never brought to the surface) would now be shared with the universe.

OK, I know I am being a little dramatic here. But the truth is I have opened myself up as I have not done before. What an exhilarating roller coaster ride!

I encourage everyone to take this journey and write down their personal story. Dig Deep! You don’t have to publish it of course. Just the process of writing our thoughts is a powerful, enlivening and inspiring journey.

Did you know that by writing down our thoughts, desires and dreams we tap into both hemispheres of the brain!

[tweet_box design=”box_03″ float=”none”]Just the act of writing down your dreams and goals ignites an entirely new dimension of consciousness, ideas and productivity to the powerhouse that is your subconscious mind. Mary Morrissey[/tweet_box]

My book is available on Amazon

I would love to hear your feedback if you purchase and read the book.

The post I’m a Jewelry Designer & Businesswoman.. So WHY write a book? appeared first on Alene's Adornments Blog.

If you Learned Something!

There is a memory I have from when I was 8 or 9 years old. The mother of one of my neighborhood friends was driving us out to get Ice Cream. And I was complaining about something that happened at school that day. This event felt like a waste and left me very upset.

This mother stopped me in mid-rant and said “It wasn’t a waste of time if you learned something”

For whatever reason this lesson has stuck with me all these 50+ years. And I call it to mind every time I feel that I could have spent my time better.

Recently I was exposed to an internet scam that was believable enough to have me invest many hours in it. Fortunately my instincts kicked in before any monetary loss occurred. But the hours spent were gone forever.  

What did I learn?  

1. Don’t do that again! Of course that is the obvious answer… but there is more

2. Become more savvy when approached by a ‘too good to be true’ offer.

3. Ask pointed questions earlier in the process. (this would have taken care of this hours earlier)

4. Let it go.  Whatever it cost in time spent is minimal compared to the rest of the wonderful events and experiences I have in my life.

How Can you Use this Life Lesson?

• Let it be OK . there will be times when you put in more time or money than you got back.

• Keep moving forward. This event/experience was just another moment in your life. What else is out there to explore?

• Be thankful for ALL that you love about your life.

After all, we can’t stop the waves (time and money wasters) but we CAN learn to surf!

IF you enjoyed this Post you may like 9 Ways to Pay it Forward this Week

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The post It Wasn’t a Waste of Time…. appeared first on Alene's Adornments Blog.

I am often asked where my ideas originate when designing a jewelry piece. The answer is… everywhere! 

Yep, that is pretty vague. I get it. Let’s see if I can give you a few examples.

• Nature. Anytime I can get outside away from the day to day events and distractions.. I get inspired! Sometimes a simple walk around our pond can do the trick. Other times I need to hike into the mountains. When my mind has a chance to unclutter, it is amazing what ideas flow! Try it yourself. it works!

•   Architecture and shapes. Often I will see a product completely unrelated to jewelry design. An unusual structure or building, a window treatment, a pattern in clothing.. the list goes on. I immediately start to think of ways to incorporate that design into my pieces.

  

•   Gemstones. Two years ago I discovered these Malachite cabochons while attending the Tucson Gem Show. I was enamored with the rich green color. Since malachite is often found in copper deposits I knew I had found something special. I started playing around with design to complement each and every gem. They started to come alive for me when placed in sterling and copper pieces.. and combining them with emerald and other faceted gems created an entirely different look. Fun!

• Texture. the veins and lines in a single leaf, a cactus skeleton, textures in pottery or other pieces. All of these start the creation process for me.

I see ideas and designs everywhere. I guess this is what the creative process is all about. 

What makes your head start spinning with ideas for your passion or work? We all have that creative streak inside. We just need to let it out

Check out my latest designs today

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The post Jewelry Design: Where Does Inspiration come from? appeared first on Alene's Adornments Blog.

As the Holidays wind to a close this year, I have been thinking of all the people and things in my life that I appreciate.

Have you ever done that?.. just realize how lucky we all are to have people (and animals) who love us and ‘things’ that bring us pleasure.

I decided right then and there to list all my ‘appreciates’.

What I created was a list that is endless. Each time I think it’s complete, I think of something else! Here’s a small sampling of my ‘appreciates’

1. My Husband. for his acceptance and love & his uncanny ability to make me laugh.. even after 20 years of marriage.
2. My sisters. for their enduring love and friendship; the ones who know all my secrets.
3. Kitty Button. for her affection, (she’s sitting on my lap as I write this) her craziness and cuteness.
4. My Jewelry Studio. for the continuous pleasure it brings me as I have the space to design and create new pieces.
5. Morning Coffee. for it’s aroma and taste. And for my quiet time to start my day
6. My friends. for their willingness to share their lives with me. for the fun we have.
7. Books. for my pleasure in being swallowed up in a great story. For the excitement in finding a new author to read
8. My Clients and Customers. for their loyalty, trust and energy. Many have become friends.
9. My Social Media Friends. for the lost and new connections I have experienced over the last several years.

What about you?

I encourage you to take the time today to reflect on your ‘appreciates’? It will warm your heart & get your day moving in the best possible direction.

The post 5,6,7,8.. Who & What do we appreciate? appeared first on Alene's Adornments Blog.

Did you have one of those kind of weeks? I did!  Lots of projects needed to be addressed and I had so little time .  It happens to all of us. We reach the point when we just need to ‘chill’ and re-energize.

Here are a few tips that help me. Give them a try.

1) Compliment a stranger. Do you like what they are wearing? Or perhaps you like their haircut.. Doesn’t matter. Just take the plunge and do it. Not only will you make that person feel special, but this simple act will boost you as well.

2) Write a love letter to your significant other, your parent, or your child. Take the time to express how feel about this person. Your whole outlook will shift. You don’t even have to give them the letter (although I recommend it). Your energy will lift.

3) Do jumping jacks. Go outside, even if it is cold out. Find a dry area and do 3 jumping jacks. (OK you can do modified ones if necessary) What a rush!

4) Pay it forward.  The person in front of you at the supermarket .. buy their groceries for them. Or the one in line at your favorite coffee or donut shop.  Make their day.

5) Finish that personal project you have been putting off. Gardening, fixing the dripping faucet, scrubbing the kitchen floor. Hard work always takes our mind off the hassles of the week. And you get something accomplished!

6) Make a new friend. Knock on the door of your new neighbor and introduce yourself. Or talk to someone in line at the grocery store. Make a true connection. It doesnt have to be a life long relationship. the few minutes in a conversation is enough to re-adjust your priorities

7) Take $20 and shop at the Dollar Store.  Sounds silly I know but this works. First of all it is amazing what you can still buy for $1 these days.

Have  Some Fun!

 I challenge you to try some of these tips. And let me know how you fared… You do feel better  don’t you?

If you liked this post you may enjoy Remember to Look Back

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The post 7 Ways to Recharge and Energize appeared first on Alene's Adornments Blog.

Two weeks ago I hit a wall. Has this ever happened to you?

Not literally of course.. I mean everything felt like it came crashing down on me at once.  Taking into account that none of these ‘everythings’ were considered a negative. Quite the contrary.. all of the components were great!

• My Marketing Job was in high speed. It seemed like every one of my clients had a pressing need for ideas and product.

• I had just gotten my first wholesale account and placed product in a gift shop.

• We were planning a reunion vacation to the East Coast.

• I was taking 2 (yes two)  online courses for building business through social media.

• I was finishing up my catalog/line sheet for my jewelry wholesale line

• And I was poised to sign up for my first Wholesale Trade show.

And when our trip got cancelled due to an unexpected circumstance, I made the decision to still take 4 of the days off as vacation. Thank goodness for this!

The first day I slept. ALL DAY. The second day I watched TV. ALL DAY.  

By day 3 I came out of the fog and went out on a real date with my husband. (When WAS the last time we did that?). It was FUN. Finally I got my focus back. I opted NOT to do the wholesale show. (way too soon) and I postponed one of the online courses. Suddenly everything else seemed manageable again. The passion had returned!

Lesson learned.

STOP being a Human DOING and START being a Human BEING.  Have fun. Back off when something doesn’t feel right.. or is causing stress. There is always another opportunity in the future.

If you enjoyed this post you may like  Relaxation by Button the Cat

The post Hitting the Wall; A Personal Journey appeared first on Alene's Adornments Blog.