The Tale of Mieko

Ice Day

2012-01-18T17:45:00.000-08:00

The temperature dropped into teens today after a couple of days of intermittent snow. The unplowed snow on the roads, compacted by passing cars, froze into a long continuous skating rink all over Bellingham.

Luckily many people were taking "Ice Day" today and staying in. When I went into town briefly for work, I did not see too many people or cars on the road, except I did see one man on a bicycle. He slowly pedaled, all bundled up, fighting freezing wind. I will never know why oh why the man was biking on a day like today. Maybe he lost his mind in this frigid air. Or maybe he is truly committed to being green. He would agree with Kermit the Frog though, I'm sure. It's not easy being green.

2012-01-15T19:01:00.000-08:00

Kumo enjoyed the first snow of the season today.

Black Friday/Cyber Monday specials!

2011-11-20T11:35:00.001-08:00

Brand new "The Lion King" necklace

"Mr. Camel" necklace is also new.

My shop is participating Etsy's Black Friday/Cyber Monday promotion this holiday shopping season. I have two offers:

1) Free shipping within the US through Cyber Monday 11/28

I am offering FREE shipping within the US through 11/28. No need to use a coupon code. Free US shipping charges have been already applied to every item.

2) Panda Bear Face Necklace give away!
I am giving away very popular "Panda Bear Face Necklace" (http://www.etsy.com/listing/78045036/panda-bear-face-necklace-black-friday ) to one lucky winner whose name will be randomly drawn from all the orders placed starting today (11/20) through Cyber Monday (11/28). Each item ordered will be counted as one entry (so, if you order 3 items, 3 entries will be made). I will contact the winner on 11/29 Tuesday!

Happy Black Friday/Cyber Monday Shopping!

PS: I just listed a whole bunch of new designs, so please come on by my shop and check them out!

Fall harvest

2011-11-06T15:07:00.000-08:00

This is my very first carrot harvest from the seeds I planted in the end of August. Guess who's eating a carrot tonight! In about 3 bites!

I also harvested some Rainbow chard leaves before slugs eat them all. I guess they survived the nasty frost we had this morning. I am happy that, even after neglected by their caretaker for a couple of weeks, my fall/winter vegetables are thriving. I still have a few more carrots, chards, daikon radish, and scallions to look forward to this fall.

It's still fall, right?

Happy early Halloween

2011-10-26T20:13:00.000-07:00

"Super Kumo"

I am going to be away on Halloween this year. So Kumo reluctantly posed in his "Super Kumo" costume I made last night as my husband photographed him for our Facebook update.

While I am away, Kumo's Etsy shop will remain open. But we will not be shipping orders placed through 11/2 Wednesday until 11/3 Thursday. Kumo doesn't have opposable thumbs, so he can't print the shipping labels. Haha.

Happy Halloween from Kumo & me!

I am away sale!

2011-10-26T19:50:00.000-07:00

Ladybug necklace, $28.80 sale price

I am going to Japan tomorrow. I decided last minute, in fact last week, to visit my folks in Tokyo for a couple of days. It's been almost 2 years since I last saw my family, so I miss them so much. I have a list of stores and restaurants that I'd like to visit and the list is long! It'll be a busy little trip, but I look forward to hanging out in my old stomping ground. I hope to report some cool finds from my shopping trips and fun eats from my restaurant visits.

Meanwhile, I am running "I am away sale" on my Etsy shop starting tonight through 11/2 Wednesday. I am offering 10% off all items and free US shipping. Prices have been adjusted, so no need to use a coupon code. Orders placed through 11/2 will ship between 11/3 Thursday and 11/5 Saturday. This is my last sale of the year. Happy shopping!

Chicken & egg necklace

2011-08-07T17:36:00.000-07:00

I like putting a gem drop to necklace to add a splash of color. I then like to offer customers to choose from 17 of the gem drop options. When I photograph new jewelry, however, I just pick a gem drop that happens to be on my desk. That is what I initially did for this chicken necklace. I put a tiny ruby drop next to chicken on the original photos I posted on my Etsy shop several days ago.

Next morning, I received an order of the chicken necklace. In the message to seller section, the customer asked if I could put a freshwater pearl in the shape as close to as possible to an egg. An egg on a chicken necklace!? What a great idea!

I re-took photos of the necklace with a freshwater pearl drop today. I also renamed the title to "Chicken & Egg" Necklace. I have received great ideas and suggestions from customers and have made changes to original designs. Because of those changes, I believe some of my jewelry are better than what I originally envisioned. This chicken and egg necklace is definitely one of them. Thank you, Katie, for sharing your wonderful idea!

Chocolate soda!

2011-08-06T18:33:00.000-07:00

My husband and I ran into friends in town this morning. They were on their way to dropping a crab pot in the Bellingham bay. When I was excitedly asking about how to catch a crab, which is my all time favorite food, one of them mentioned a new sporting goods store called Maryberry where I could get a crab license. Oddly, she said, the store also has a soda fountain. My husband asked "do they have chocolate soda?" Oh yes, she said. After that, all I could think of was chocolate soda.

Chocolate and soda together?? Somehow, they didn't go well together in my mind. Chocolate is sweet and creamy and soda is bubbly and refreshing. My husband said chocolate soda is very good. He said, unlike sweet soda pop like coke used in float, seltzer water cut the sweetness in chocolate soda. After we came home and got some work done, I proposed we go to Mayberry and get ourselves some chocolate soda.

The store was full of sporting goods, such as fishing and hunting gears, and some interesting selection of small toys and art work. Up on the walls were stuffed animal heads and fattened animal skins. In the back of the store, there was a barber shop. The sign said hair cut was $10.00. That's my kind of hair cut!

The soda fountain had a wide counter where you could sit and enjoy a treat. I caught a huge piece of rice crispy with a price tag of $1.50. A cup of drip coffee was $0.50. I spotted "Chocolate soda, $2.25" on the price list. Is that all? My husband ordered two chocolate soda. I watched the girl closely taking mental note of what she was putting in. Chocolate syrup, milk, seltzer water, and ice cream. I was getting a bit worried. I didn't like the idea of bubbly and watery chocolate milk drink.

After one sip of chocolate soda, however, I was in love with the drink. I usually drink beverages very slowly. I am one of those people who can nurse a cup of coffee or a can of soda all day. But, with chocolate soda, I literally had to gulp it down. It was so unbelievably good! It was sweet, creamy, and refreshing all at the same time. And I liked all those flavors at the same time! My husband was right, it wasn't too sweet because of seltzer water. It wasn't nothing like bubbly, watery chocolate milk drink I imagined it to be.

I have a good reason for working out more consistently and much harder now. For chocolate soda at Mayberry, of course! Now, if you excuse me, I must get on my stationary bike, so I can get another one of those sweet, creamy, and refreshing chocolate soda very soon.

New series

2011-08-03T17:11:00.001-07:00

Panda bear face necklace

I have a new series in my Etsy shop called "Animal Face" series. My favorite is the panda bear face necklace. Doesn't his cute little silly face make you smile?

You can find all the animal face series in the Animal design section in my shop.

Cone flowers

2011-08-01T21:04:00.000-07:00

I love cone flowers. They finally bloomed last week.

In season

2011-07-26T18:22:00.001-07:00

Cherries are in season now. Recently I tried Rainier Cherries for the first time. They are more expensive than Bing Cherries and look so pale, I was reluctant to try them in the past. I thought they'd be sour. But I was wrong! They are sweet with a tiny bit of tartness. I guess the saying "Don't judge a book by its cover" applies to fruits too. Don't judge a fruit by its color. Ha!

Shown above is my brand new "Cherry" necklace. With a tiny CZ drop, it's sweet with a tiny bit of tartness, just like Rainier Cherries!

2011-07-23T14:58:00.000-07:00

Have you heard of potato pizza? Yukon gold potato, rosemary, pecorino pizza to be exact. I had one at Serious Pie in Seattle this week. Ever since I saw this pizzaria featured in “Best Thing I Ever Ate” show on Food Network for its pizza episode, I have been dreaming of getting a slice or two at this eatery. I am no foodie, but this pizza was so amazing, I have to write about it. Very thinly sliced potatoes were crunchy on the outside but creamy inside. Rosemary and pecorino give this pizza fantastic fragrance and just right amount of saltiness. Mmm... Last but not least, the pizza crust was perfect! It was crispy, light and chewy. Not doughy or heavy. Ahhh, the pizza was truly heavenly.

Now I’m dreaming of going back Serious Pie for another slice of Yukon gold potato, rosemary, pecorino pizza. Who's with me?

PS: Across from my pizza is the pizza my husband ordered. Lake chelan morels, artichoke cream, spring onion pizza.

2011-07-11T18:44:00.000-07:00

My dog Kumo is also having a sale to celebrate my birthday on his Etsy shop. All mini envelope & card sets (like the one shown above) and 1-inch stickers are "Buy One Get One Half Off". He's such a good boy, isn't he?

Unexpected

2011-07-10T10:13:00.000-07:00

One of my many hobbies is propagating plants from cuttings. I got a spider plant baby at the dentist office a few months ago. It has grown steadily to about 5 times of the original size. Last week I noticed several shoots coming out of the plant base which had several teeny tiny spider plant babies at the end. Today I was surprised to see a delicate white flower blooming in the middle of the the shoot. I didn’t know spider plans had flowers. I love being surprised by these little discoveries. Life is full of them, when I slow down a bit and open my eyes what surround me.

My birthday sale starts today!

2011-07-07T07:46:00.000-07:00

A huge sale at my jewelry shop starts today!

Check out the details at www.etsy.com/shop/shizendesigns

(Belated) Happy July 4th!

2011-07-06T08:12:00.000-07:00

I enjoyed my mini vacation around Independence Day. My husband, our dog Kumo and I spend the long weekend at my husband’s family beach house on Vashon Island. Above is a view of Mount Rainier from the deck. I absolutely love this view.

When we returned home, our strawberry patch was full of ripe fragrant strawberries. These strawberries will become a few jars of jam this week.

CSA

2011-06-30T11:49:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was our weekly Community Supported Agriculture distribution day.

We received:

Rhubarb

Strawberry

Lettuce

Tomato

Cucumber

Thyme

kohlrabi

I am really looking forward to the strawberry/rhubarb cobbler my husband makes using the Barefoot Contessa recipe. The vegetables came with a letter and a couple of recipes, which included a recipe for faux potato kohlrabi salad. I think I am going to try that recipe this weekend. Best thing about participating in the CSA is I’ll try eating a vegetable I would never even think of buying otherwise, like kohlrabi.

Paper Craft Company

2011-06-26T11:28:00.000-07:00

Super mini envelope, made of 100% recycled Kraft paper

Origami Gift Box Set

Mini envelope and card set, made of Japanese "washi" paper

While I was pre-occupied by the news of massive earthquakes in Japan, my dad's illness, my own health concerns, and other little things that kept me away from blogging, I re-discovered how much I love working with paper. I've done paper cutting, paper-making, and wood-block print making in the past. Recently I've been so busy with my jewelry and school, other types of art including paper craft have disappeared from my life. One particular day in April, when I wasn't feeling so well and decided to take a break from school for the spring quarter, I decided to organize my craft closet. That’s when I discovered a box full of colorful papers. As I played with them, I forgot how rotten I was feeling physically. It reminded me that working with my hands keeps me in the "now". That's sometime all I can ask for.

As the little envelopes and boxes I made started to pile up, I decided to put them up on Etsy. Actually Kumo is the CEO and the mascot of this new company called “Kumo’s Greetings”. He's been doing a good job. We have received over 40 sales in the first month! I am really proud of him.

PS: I never finished organizing the craft closet.

2011-06-25T16:25:00.000-07:00

Kumo got a hair cut today. Luckily, for him, the groomer asked if I wanted bows or a bandana on him. I said “um, I think *he* would like a bandana.” Last time, however, she didn’t ask and just put bows on Kumo’s head. Poor Kumo came home looking quite embarrassed. But I couldn’t help taking a few photos of him (see below). Today he's sporting a blue bandana around his neck, I'm sure, feeling pretty cool.

Strawberry season is here!

2011-06-24T19:12:00.000-07:00

I inherited a garden bed full of strawberries when my husband and I purchased this house last September. I cleaned the bed when the weather started to warm up in April, hoping that will promote healthy strawberry growth. My hard work, particularly fighting off those ugly slimy slugs, paid off! For about a week now, my husband and I have been enjoying about a pint of strawberries a day. Only problem is my dog Kumo also loves strawberries. While looking for ripe strawberries, Kumo starts eating off the bowl of strawberries that I just picked! Who can blame him? These strawberries are so tempting, don’t you think?

Here is "strawberry" earrings from Etsy shop:

Pectoral appendages

2011-01-07T19:42:00.001-08:00

The winter quarter started this Monday. I am taking Human Anatomy & Physiology 1. The first assignment was to locate all the surface anatomy terms in the lab manual and be able to label human body with those terms. Yesterday I went to see the professor to get help for some of the terms I couldn't find in the textbook.

Me "I couldn't find pectoral appendages and pelvic appendages in the index of the text book. Will you help me locate them?"

Prof "Well, they may not be in the index. Do you know what pectoral area is?"

Me "No..."

Prof "Chest. How about appendages?"

Me "Never heard of that word.... I'm an accountant."

Prof "OK, it means things that hang from. So what hang from chest?"

Me (very excitedly) "Breast!"

Prof "Nope."

Me (still excited as if I were on a quiz show) "Nipples!"

Prof "No.... What hangs from you chest?" (pointing to his shoulder)

Me "Oh.... arms?"

Prof "Yes!! So what are pelvic appendages?"

Me ".... Legs!"

I am glad he didn't start with pelvic appendages. I may have called out some inappropriate body parts. This is going to be a looooooong quarter for me (and the poor professor).

I love you, People Pets!

2010-11-30T16:49:00.000-08:00

I have very exciting news! My Baby Koala Necklace is featured on Peoplepets.com today in their Etsy Fav article. I'm so happy... :)

Settling in

2010-10-03T15:01:00.000-07:00

My husband and I sold and moved out of our old house in the middle of August. After a month of waiting, we finally moved into our "new" house a couple of weeks ago. The number of boxes sitting around in the house is slowly but surely declining. The front of the house faces south, so there's plenty of sunshine coming into the house. The cats have been taking advantage of that by sunbathing in the living room. Another reason I love this house is for the fenced-in backyard. It is level and has great sun exposure, so it is going to be my vegetable garden site in spring. Kumo has plenty of room to zoom around and take a nap while I pick apples from one of two apple trees in the backyard. I can't wait 'til spring when I can start my vegetable garden!

Grand re-opening!

2010-09-01T10:08:00.000-07:00

I just re-opened my Etsy shop today! I missed my shop!

Homeless now

2010-08-30T09:05:00.000-07:00

My husband and I sold our house August 23rd, Monday. Until we close on our next house, hopefully (while crossing my fingers real tight) on September 1st, we are homeless. I used to think it will be freeing not to have a house, but it ain't that easy! The movers came and took our stuff on August 20th Friday. Right after that, with our 2 cats and Kumo, we moved to my husband's family beach house on Vashon Island, an island off Seattle, for a week. Yesterday we returned to Bellingham for we couldn't get away from work this week. We will spend the next couple of nights at a hotel in town. I've heard that moving is the second most stressful life event (after death in family). I agree. My face shows it too, by breaking out on my chin. Hardest part of the move was packing up my studio. Initially I thought to keep my Etsy shop open when I was in-between houses, so I sorted everything from tools and supplies into "keep with me while moving" and "pack up and store" groups. As I went through that exercise, which took me several weeks, I realized there was no way I could keep the shop open while living like a gypsy. So I closed my shop as the mover took my shop stuff to the storage. I miss my Etsy shop! I plan to re-open my shop within the next couple of days. Until then, I just dream of making new styles and posting them on Etsy...

Daisy in my garden

2010-08-08T14:39:00.000-07:00

I love Shasta Daisies. It is partly because they are very low maintenance and deer proof. Also, I love Shasta Daisies because they look so happy. Naturally I have tons of them in my yard. Harvesting seeds and growing plants from seeds is one of my hobbies (my husband calls me "seeds thief" for sneaking into stranger's garden and collecting seeds, although I think I am helping them by dead-heading plants.) The seeds that started the Shasta Daisies in my garden were a gift from my friends Mary and Jerry in Portland, Maine. I got to know them right after my husband and I got married and moved from the Boston area almost 11 year ago. I have many fond memories from our early married life together and many wonderful people I met in Maine. My husband and I recently sold our house and are packing to get ready to move out in a couple of weeks. I feel sad to leave my flowers behind, but I hope to collect some Shasta Daisy seeds from my garden to take them with me to our new house. I think I love these Shasta Daisies in my garden mostly because I am reminded of the precious friendship I have had with Mary and Jerry in Portland and even after we moved to Bellingham, WA. Below is my Shasta Daisy necklace with a yellow cubic zirconia center, hopefully capturing the happiness I feel when I see my Shasta Daisies.

New items in my shop this week

2010-08-06T12:28:00.001-07:00

I added a few new items in my shop, including 2 styles of dangle mod flower earrings as shown above. I hope you like them!

Christmas in July sale ends tomorrow!

2010-07-30T10:20:00.000-07:00

I've been having Christmas in July promotion since July 16th. Discounts of 10% off for one item purchase or Buy One Get One Half Off available for all items except for the items in the special price section. Plus free shipping within the US.

In the special price section, there are items with discounts of 15-20% off, including my very popular Dahlia Earrings (shown above).

This offer ends tomorrow 7/31 Saturday midnight. So, hurry and get your Christmas shopping done in July!

Sale & Give Away Alert!

2010-07-16T10:48:00.001-07:00

My birthday & Christmas in July sale on my Etsy shop starts today! Please take a look at the store front page for the details (http://www.etsy.com/shop/shizendesigns)

Also, I am giving away my very popular Lotus Flower Etched Oval Necklace (shown above) to a lucky winner. Only thing you need to do to enter the give-away drawing is to "like" Shizen Designs Facebook page, found here:

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Shizen-Designs/216609165178?ref=ts

One name will be drawn once the "likers" reach 150! So, please spread the word!

Happy Christmas in July, everyone!

A fun day in Seattle

2010-07-09T13:00:00.001-07:00

Every 3 months, I go to Seattle to see my doctor. Her office is about 90 miles from Bellingham, so an appointment with her is a whole day event. When I was really sick last spring and seeing her every couple of weeks, I had no desire to do anything besides seeing her, turn around and come home. Now that I am feeling better, I started making my trip to Seattle to see my doctor a fun day in Seattle. Last time I saw my doctor in April, I stopped by at Fusion Beads (http://www.fusionbeads.com/) and drooled over their beautiful beads. For this visit on July 7th, I had lunch at Boom Noodle, a Japanese ramen noodle restaurant (http://www.boomnoodle.com/v2/), which is just a couple of blocks from my doctor's office. Look at the beautiful bowl of noodles! After lunch I browsed an art supply store called Blick (http://www.dickblick.com/). I was afraid I would miss the appointment because I was having so much fun at looking at a whole big store full of art supplies, dreaming what I'd do with them. At the end, I purchased some hand tools for jewelry making and a drawing pad and happily went to my doctor's office.

My doctor's office is located on 15th floor of a building near Swedish Medical Center. July 7th was a beautiful day. I could see Mount Renaier from her clinic's waiting area. The mountain looked as if it was floating up in the blue sky. I hoped the majestic view of the mountain and the spotless blue sky were helping her patients feel even a tiny bit better while they are receiving their treatments. As I drove back home, I was so happy for having a fun day in Seattle. But I know those extra fun things are icing on the cake. Just being healthy tops any fun activities I can have in Seattle.

Kumo goes to school

2010-07-05T18:40:00.000-07:00

Kumo attends a doggie daycare called Tails-A-Wagging every Monday. He spends all day hanging out with other dogs. He took 2 obedience courses there when he was little - Puppy Kindergarten & Puppy Prep School. Not only he learned basic commands, he learned to nicely interact with other dogs. It is very important that puppies have a chance to meet all kinds and sizes of dogs before they become adult. I never thought I'd take a dog to a daycare, but I just love the idea of him having a grand time being a dog.

After a day at his "school", he returns home completely exhausted and falls asleep right after having his supper. I'm sure he's dreaming of running around with his friends at the school. The cats know Mondays are the days that they can freely roam around the house without fearing of being chased by Kumo. I don't think I'm the only one saying "Sweet dreams, Kumo..."

Happy, enthusiastic and optimistic

2010-07-05T08:55:00.000-07:00

The forecast said it'll be sunny and warm today (July 5th), but it's showering and cold now. In my desperate attempt to brighten up my day, I'd like to introduce to you my brand new Tiny Sunflower Post Earrings I posted on my Etsy store over the weekend. I love sunflowers. I think they'll be in my top 10 most favorite flowers list. They look so happy, enthusiastic and optimistic. Perfect way to live life, don't you think?

Hawaiian vacation

2010-07-03T17:24:00.001-07:00

It's been so rainy and chilly this summer here in Bellingham, WA, I'm ready to move down to Arizona! Every chance I get, when the sun is shining even a tiny bit, I'd run outside trying to get my inner-battery recharged. Only after I moved to the Pacific Northwest in the winter of 2004, I learned that I am solar-powered. As I sit in this corner of my studio, I dream of vacation in sunny and warm places. The first sunny and warm vacation spot that comes to my mind is Hawaii. I wonder if I can twist my husband's arms and convince him we go to Hawaii for our anniversary this year...

Above is my brand new in my Etsy shop, Hibiscus Post Earrings. Even if it's not so tropical outside in my neighborhood, I can make something that reminds me of warmth and sun shine. I guess I am lucky that way.

Kumo's first blog feature

2010-06-22T22:21:00.000-07:00

Kumo is featured on a blog! And it's not my blog! My little boy is famous now. Thank you, Alycia of The Curious Pug. You made Kumo & me feel very special.

Here's Alycia's pug, Cyrus. Look at his face! Who wouldn't just love him??

My very first treasury

2010-06-22T20:40:00.000-07:00

I made my very first treasury today. I'm pretty excited about it. I titled "My kind of red, blue & white" and selected red, blue & white items from my favorite Etsy shops. Making treasury is much more fun than I thought it would be. I am afraid I may get addicted to this.

Among all the items, the ring below is my absolute favorite. Terrain Ring by Emily of Pearl Everlasting. Isn't it just perfect?

Ms. Little Bunny, the supermodel

2010-06-20T19:47:00.000-07:00

This afternoon, I saw a bunny in my front yard. After admiring how cute she was for a few seconds, I ran back inside the house to get my camera. When I returned, thinking surely the bunny must have hopped away, there she was still hanging out in my garden. When I finished taking a couple of photos, she looked right in my eyes, as if to ask if I was done taking photos. Then she turned and hopped her cute little self back into the woods. She was quite a model. Not only she knew her angle, she was very patient. I think my Hip Hop Happy Bunny necklace is pretty cute, but I am afraid Ms. Little Bunny wins the cuteness contest. No doubt!

Kumo hurts his paw.

2010-06-20T12:28:00.000-07:00

Kumo's allergy is bad lately and he has been licking his back paw. Licking made the skin raw, so I had to put a cone on him. He decided to climb up my newly fluffed pillows to lay on top of them. I wonder if he thinks he'd get better TV reception up there using his very own satellite dish.

A little bird in my garden

2010-06-13T20:33:00.000-07:00

"A little bird in my garden"

Can you believe it's June already!? It's June 17th today and I just finished the final exam for General Chemistry 3 yesterday. I am excited to be done with all 3 courses of general chemistry, but I am a bit sad to be done with them too. Last summer when I started taking Introduction to Chemistry, I never thought I'd actually enjoy studying chemistry (and I'd actually do very well and get good grades!) During the last year of studying chemistry, I learned that chemistry is a part of our everyday life. There are a lot of things happening way beyond what we can see in our naked eyes. Do you know why water boil at 100 degree C? Have you thought about what is happening to boiling water at the molecular level? It's all chemistry! I am going to take two more chemistry courses in the near future as prerequisites to the nutrition program I'd like to get in. They are organic chemistry in fall and biochemistry in winter. I hope I don't sound too nerdy, but I look forward to them. I'm serious!

I am taking a biology course this summer, but the course does not start until mid July. I am going to spend the next four weeks until the summer quarter starts to work on designs for fall and the holiday season. I also would like to blog more, especially about the new styles I posted on my Etsy store during the last 3 months. My goal is to blog at least every couple of days, so we shall see if I can keep up.

So, the photo above is the first piece that I'd like to introduce - a necklace I titled "A little bird in my garden". I placed a thin sheet of silver etched with a bird on a flower patterned disc. I got the idea from two birds (I think they are a couple) who live in our front yard and frequently visit my flower garden. I think they are Chickadees. Here's the photo of one of them:

Can you see he has a mouthful of bugs? Not just one. Literally mouthful! I'm grateful I have less bugs to deal with, thanks to Mr. & Mrs. Chickadees.

Happy 2nd birthday to my Etsy shop!

2010-05-11T14:26:00.000-07:00

May 16th is my 2nd anniversary since I opened a shop on Etsy. I am truly grateful for Etsy for opening so many doors for me. I have sold 384 items and shipped to over 12 countries around the world. Currently, to celebrate 2nd birthday of my Etsy shop, I am having "2nd Etsyversary Sale" through May 16th Sunday. Special promotion includes 10 to 30% off, free shipping, free give-away and daily special items. Details of the promotion can be found on the shop front page at www.shizendesigns.etsy.com. Please spread the word to your family & friends!

the week of 3/8/10

2010-03-13T17:07:00.001-08:00

My plum flower earrings were featured on Etsy Front Page on 3/11 Thursday!

My husband brought home roses for me on Friday. In this photo, Kiku checks up on roses just in case they are made of butter or cheese.

My husband and I went to Charlie's Greenhouse in Mount Vernon today to buy a cold frame for my garden. Although the cold frame I was interested was out of stock, it was worthwhile driving through the area. From a distance, you'll see a large patch of land covered in something yellow. When you get closer, you'll see; they are daffodils! Mount Vernon is gearing up for the Tulip Festival in April. When tulips are in bloom, you'll see patches of red, pink, purple, yellow (you name it) colored tulips which, I am sure, will take your breath away. I sure hope I have a chance to visit the area during the festival this year.

I'm on a roll this week!

2010-03-12T16:23:00.001-08:00

Shooting Star Earrings

Dangling Flower Earrings

Dangling Discs Earrings

I finished three more pairs of earrings and posted them on my Etsy shop today. I luuuuv checking off tasks on my to-do list. I love the sense of accomplishment. It is a great way to start the weekend.

Signs of spring at the Takahashi-Shull household

2010-03-12T11:51:00.000-08:00

You can easily tell if it is almost spring at the Takahashi-Shull household. It's because you'll see about 2 million seedlings spread all over the house. They all take turn to sit under the special light stand my husband built for me (and my seedlings). I wish I remember that I should not start all the seeds that come in a package, when I actually plan the seeds. Each year, I have so many seedlings that I use up all the yogurt containers I save throughout the year. I can not "thin" the seedlings. How can I kill them heartlessly? They are so precious. That's why my garden ends up looking like a jungle with plants squeezed into a very small garden space I have. Shown above are Bok Choi seedlings. My husband and I will be eating a lot of Bok Choi this summer!

PS: By the way, can tell what my favorite yogurt brand is? I love their yogurt. But, oh boy, I love the container design! My favorite flavor is Key Lime.

New, new, new, new!

2010-03-09T19:31:00.000-08:00

Hooray, I uploaded four new pairs of earrings to my Etsy shop today!

Hibiscus

Etched plum blossom earrings

Two tone flowers earrings

Passion Flower Earrings

Two weeks at a glance!

2010-03-07T12:30:00.000-08:00

I missed my weekly update last weekend. I am about to miss this week's weekly update as it is already almost 2PM on Sunday and I really have to work on my chemistry homework today, so I am going to do a real quick one:

1) A few new jewelry styles I have made in the last few weeks quietly sit on my desk waiting for their photographer (me) to get a hang of her new camera.

2) Meanwhile, my chemistry course is going well. I got 96.5% on the second exam I took a couple of weeks ago. I am indeed on my way to a chemistry geek land! I find studying chemistry much easier than learning how to take good photos of my jewelry. When I read digital photography how-to on the internet or on the books, I feel confused, puzzled and, frankly sometimes, annoyed for not understanding words like "aperture", "shutter speed" and "ISO". I try to learn by reading the descriptions of those terms and think "so, what do I do now..." But thermo-chemistry makes complete sense to me. Maybe I have a very rare form of learning disability.

3) On a fun and exciting note, I started vegetable seeds indoor this week. They are two kinds of tomatoes, cucumber and bok choi. They are all heirloom and organic seeds. Cucumber already sprouted and it has been only 4 days. How plants store energy in seeds to propagate in the future truly amazes me. I hope all the other seeds sprout well and soon!

Happy, healthy and safe week, my friends!

Zen and the Art of ...

2010-02-21T12:58:00.000-08:00

This past week, I felt distracted and unfocused. I spent the week feeling frustrated for not being productive and feeling overwhelmed for all the "stuff" that needed to be done. As I was evaluating what went wrong, I realized dividing each day equally among chemistry study, jewelry making and bookkeeping, which are the major categories of my work life, is not working. I always thought I was a multi-tasker. But, maybe I am not. I started thinking that I should assign a day of the week to one major activity, say Monday for studying chemistry and Thursday for uploading new jewelry items to my Etsy store. Also, I need to reevaluate my priority and determine how I structure my day to fit everything into my schedule. I guess my life equation "Jewelry maker + nutrition student + CPA = Mieko" is not that easily executed. I will have to wait to think about this further until my 2nd General Chemistry exam on 2/25 Thursday. Until then, I decided no more jewelry-making, Facebook, Flickr, Twitter, Blog, Etsy (Etsy can suck up your time, if you aren't careful!). I am going to practice "Zen and the Art of Chemistry Study" for the next few days.

While I wasn't productive in many areas of my life, I spent some time to playing with my new camera (Fuji Finepix S1500). Here is a quick recap of my week through photos:

Bellingham had a wonderful weather all week.

Flowers (and I) were very happy in the sun.

Spring is (almost) here!

Mmm, Yum!

Breakfast at the Daisy Cafe in downtown Bellingham

Kumo got a bone for Valentine's Day.

He sleeps on it in case someone tries to steal it.

this week at a glance

2010-02-12T15:34:00.000-08:00

1. My husband got stuck in DC where he was supposed to spend a couple of days for a business trip due to the crazy snow storms. Good thing he was able to stay with his uncle who lives in the DC area for those extra five days! He should be home by midnight tonight. Yay!

2. I attended a yoga class at the gym yesterday. It was more like a boot camp on a yoga mat. Today, my whole body aches as if I just came back from climbing Mount Everest (which I can only imagine how I would feel). My finger muscles even ache. I plan to return to the Boot Camp on a Yoga Mat class next week. I hope I won't be hurting as much next week.

3. T0day is my tenth day living without dairy, meat or wheat products. I started this "experiment" because of the rash on my face and hands that started over the weekend of 1/30. I wanted to see if any foods are triggering this reaction. As I lived without those food items, I realized I didn't miss meat or milk (I got my BFF tofu and soy milk). I do miss wheat products (oh, I love you so much, my BFF bread!) But I feel less hungry when I don't eat wheat product, which I have known since I tried gluten-free life for one month or so two years ago, so I lost four pounds in the last ten days. I think I'll stay on this eating habit for a while! Besides, I decided not to eat conventionally raised animal products ever since I saw Food Inc almost a month ago anyway, so this experiment worked nicely with my new found food related morale.

4. I started using my new camera Fuji Finepix S1500 this week. I used to be a Cannon Powershot girl (last four cameras were Powershot), so it is taking a bit of time to get used to the new camera. But I am in love with the 10.0 megapixel photos. I can get really up close and personal with the subjects (like Kumo on the photo above). Doesn't Kumo look dashingly? He can totally handle 10.0 mega-pixel in super-macro setting. I prefer 2.0 -3.0 mega-pixel with a good distance for myself, thank you very much.

5. I started painting this week!!! Do you know how long it has been since I painted last time? I think that was when the Clinton family was still living in the White House. I loved it so much that I stayed up all night painting. More about painting over the weekend, hopefully with some photos to show you.

Happy Valentine's Day wishes from Kumo and me!

NEW this weekend - cross necklace

2010-02-06T20:11:00.000-08:00

My newest item is up in my Etsy shop now - Cross Necklace! I have a few more new styles made and ready to be photographed. But I have to study for my chemistry course this weekend too, so those styles have to wait, I guess. Because intermolecular forces can't wait!

New flowers in my shop - Plum!

2010-02-06T08:53:00.000-08:00

These plum flowers are up in my shop today. Yay!

New flower in my shop - Aster!

2010-02-05T19:14:00.001-08:00

I have a pair of new flower earrings in my shop. These tiny flowers are Aster. I just finished taking photos. One pair down, 6 more pairs to go...

this week

2010-02-05T18:24:00.000-08:00

This week:

1. Kumo got a much needed professional grooming. The groomer even gave Kumo a cute little bandanna. Looking good, Kumo!

2. I got 100% on general chemistry exam I took last Friday (1/29). Yipee!!

3. I woke up to rash on my face (and some on hands) on Sunday. My face swelled up on Monday. My doctor thinks it is an allergic reaction for food, something in environment or it could be stress induced. The swelling has gone done but rash remains as of today. Not so yipee.

4. There are now 75 people following me on Twitter and 32 fans on Facebook page. Yay!

5. I made a few pairs of post earrings and struggled to take decent photos for my Etsy store. And I will most likely continue to struggle with photo-taking through the weekend. Sigh.

This summarizes my week, I guess. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

My bicycle necklace is being featured

2010-02-04T11:57:00.000-08:00

My bicycle necklace is featured on Jolly Jennifer's Etsy Blog. Thanks, Jennifer!

http://jollyjennifersetsyblog.blogspot.com/2010/02/his-valentine-showcase.html

Something new in my cyber world

2010-02-04T11:11:00.000-08:00

I am now twittering, if "twittering" is even a word. While I was on Facebook-fast to get ready for my chemistry exam about a week ago, I wandered into the world of Twitter and now I see no way out. Facebook-fast wasn't effective in making me studying because I was twittering instead! But, Twitter is truly amazing, you know what I mean if you tweet yourself. OK, I'll say it. I LOVE TWITTER! (I know I didn't need to shout, but I just love it so much.) I really enjoy some interaction with other twitters, especially with those Etsians or bloggers whose work I love. I se their day to day struggles and joy as an artist or just what they are up to. I love it. I am a loner by nature and I am a very independent person. But I do get lonesome sometimes working on my own. I feel like my world gets smaller. But I feel like I have a community of people when I read their post on Twitter. I have this blog and Facebook page which make me feel being a part of a community, but Twitter provides more instant connection with outside world, I feel.

If you are already a twitter or thinking of becoming one, please find me at http://twitter.com/shizendesigns. It is a lot of fun. I promise!

Handmade is the new black...

2010-01-26T13:13:00.000-08:00

Evidently it is, according to USA Today. Very interesting article.

http://blogs.usatoday.com/oped/2010/01/column-handmade-is-the-new-black.html

Daffodils are already blooming!?

2010-01-19T12:25:00.000-08:00

My daffodil earrings are featured in a blog by another Etsian Melissa (a/k/a californiablue). I am going to start featuring some of my favorite items by other Etsians on my blog. What a great idea! Thank you, Melissa!!

Walked on the water

2010-01-17T17:46:00.000-08:00

My husband and I walked with Kumo along the pathway that connects Fairhaven (known as the old town Bellingham) to Boulevard Park which is about 1 mile from Fairhaven. A part of the walk is a bridge which is built on the water, so it felt as if we were walking on the water. I loved that.

As a result, Kumo is "zonked" right now and happily curled up on the sofa as I try to catch up with my chemistry homework. The sky was gray this afternoon, but we still enjoyed our little walk. After the walk, my husband and I enjoyed cupcakes and coffee at Katie's Cupcakes. Yum!

Only if I can really catch up with my chemistry homework before the next class on Tuesday. I still have 36 hours!

two new flowers

2010-01-16T18:52:00.001-08:00

I made a couple of new pairs of earrings with flower designs as shown above. These are "Mod" Flower vol 1 and Mod Flower vol 2. Can you tell that I am running out of names of the flowers that I can name my flower styles with...

I also made a few pairs of earrings with post back. I should be able to clean and polish them up and post them on my Etsy shop next week. To be more confident in soldering is one of my 2010 New Year's resolutions, so I feel good about that. Although I was not quite confident while soldering, but I did it anyway. That's what it counts, I think.

Michael Pollan!

2010-01-14T12:57:00.001-08:00

Tonight, I am attending a talk by Michael Pollan at Western Washington University. He's the author of "the Omnibore's Dilemma", "In Defense of Foods" and a few other thoughts provoking books on foods, diet, nutrition, environment, agriculture, politics and more. He has also appeared on the documentary films such as "Foods, Inc" and "The Botany of Desire" (PBS).

In the article titled "Big Food vs Big Insurance", which appeared on the New York Times on September 10th, 2009, Mr. Pollan writes: "Even the most efficient health care system that the administration could hope to devise would still confront a rising tide of chronic disease linked to diet. That's why our success in bringing health care costs under control ultimately depends on whether Washington can summon the political will to take on and reform a second, even more powerful industry: the food industry." I can not agree more.

Reading books and articles on the food industry and its impact on our health, like Mr. Pollan's work, inspire me to study harder and to learn more about foods. That's why I am eager to get into a university program in nutrition. I'd gladly suffer studying chemistry if that's what it takes. Knowledge is power, my friends!

I love you, cupcake!

2010-01-09T15:22:00.000-08:00

I am posting some of my new Valentine's Day styles on my Etsy shop today. My favorite is "Cupcake Necklace". Tiny little cubic zirconia (2mm in diameter to be exact) is embedded in place of a cherry on the icing. I love cupcakes. I mean, I love to eat cupcakes. But I can't eat all the cupcakes I want to eat without worrying about becoming to look like a sumo wrestler, so I'll compromise for wearing a cupcake necklace.

Flickr, here I come!

2010-01-07T13:37:00.000-08:00

I did it! I finally uploaded a few photos (of my jewelry and Kumo) on to Flickr. It's been on my to-do list for at least the last 6 months. It is a great feeling to be able to check an item off a to-do list, isn't it? I love it! But then, I had to add "upload MORE photos on to Flickr" for later this month. No wonder my list never seems to get shorter as I check off an item.

Flickr is just one of many high tech, cyber marketing tools available these days, I understand. I didn't know how posting photos on a website would serve as a marketing tool. Evidently, people would join variety of groups on Flickr and post their photos to groups. Then other people would see those photos. How clever! New online marketing venues what I am planning on using this year are Flickr and Art Fire. What about Twitter? Nope. It's because I've sworn not to "twit". I just can't possibly imagine anyone interested in finding out what I am thinking while I am waiting for grande-non-fat-no-foam latte at Starbucks. Why no-foam? Because foam is *not* milk. I feel cheated when I see a frothy white stuff floating in my coffee. Also, foam hides the steam of a drink. I get mad when I realize how hot the drink is beneath the white fluff. Foam is dangerous! OK, enough about my hatred toward milk-foam, which I should save some other day's blog post. I am not going to twit, that's all I have to say about Twitter. In case you are wondering what I am thinking while waiting for my latte, I am usually thinking "there better be not be any foam on my latte..."

So, that means I just need to set up an Art Fire store and then maintain the blog, a Facebook fan page and a Flickr account the rest of the year while trying to come up with new designs and filling orders on my Etsy store, studying for Chemistry courses and staying on top of my bookkeeping projects. Ha, easy enough (not!) How does one handle all these little (and big) things that ought to be taken care of to be a successful online retailer? Where did the simple time when we had only one phone at home (and no cell phone, no personal computer, definitely no iPhone)? Before I ponder upon such complicated questions, I am going to pop-open a new can of green tea leaves and enjoy a celebratory cup of aromatic tea and look through photos of Kumo on Flickr. One of my most favorite photos of Kumo is posted on Flickr (and above on this post). Kumo is sleeping so hard that he is hanging his head out of a crate. It's meditative to watch him sleep (both in photos and in real life), I think. He really sleeps hard. Do you know why Kumo can sleep like that? It's because he does not own a Facebook page, a Flickr account, an Etsy store or a Blog. Kumo, you are so smart!

the POWER of Etsy FP

2010-01-06T11:53:00.001-08:00

While eating a sandwich I made for lunch with two slices each of uncured ham and pepper jack cheese and feeding my fish on "Happy Aquarium" application on Facebook at the same time, I thought to myself "hmm, how is my Etsy store doing today?" So I went to Craftcult.com which wonderfully organizes some useful statistics for Etsy store owners like shop hearts, item hearts and special feature appearances if any (called "heart-o-matic"). When I opened the "shop hearts" tab, I first noticed that there were 52 new store hearts during the last 24 hours. That can't be right! I then looked at the "featured" page. This is the page which shows any appearances on Etsy's special features such as Front Page coverage, Storque (Etsy's blog) and gift guides. There it was, my Princess Buttercup necklace was featured on the Front Page around 10AM PT. Of course, that's when I am usually in my chemistry class, so I did not know. Meanwhile, some 50 nice people of Etsy community "hearted" my shop for seeing Princess Buttercup necklace on FP. Thank you to those who hearted my shop today and to epicCpoke for including me in your Treasury which featured all sorts of Princess Bride related items on Etsy.

I was reminded, again, the POWER of Etsy Front Page coverage...

Julia's omelet

2010-01-02T12:22:00.000-08:00

Today, I made an omelet for lunch, following Julia Child's instruction on YouTube. I was inspired by the movie "Julie & Julia", which I watched on DVD last night. On the omelet making instruction video, Julia looked comfortable and confident (and oh so cute and funny), when she tilted her frying pan around swishing the egg mixture without any utensils like a wooden spoon, making a shiny, fluffy and gooey-in-the-center perfect omelet. Me? No, I was neither comfortable nor confident. I had to keep on telling myself, in addition to my husband telling me to keep the pan on the fire, that I have to make the egg mixture swirl and swish around the pan by tilting the pan just like Julia did. "Swirl, swirl!!" I yelled at myself. Meanwhile, egg cooked and my first attempt in making Julia's omelet did not exactly turn out like Julia's almond shaped beauty. But it turned out to be a little mountain of "goo". I have to say, however, it tasted pretty darn good. At least I tried. I hope Julia would approve my desire to learn to cook something delicious (and beautiful).

In the movie, when Julie Powell was doubtful of her cooking skills because she was not a professional chef like Julia Child or Mario Batalli, her husband (evidently divorced now, sorry to hear that, Julie!) tells Julie that Julia Child did not start as "Julia Child". That statement had a profound effect on me. Don't we all have moments when we feel intimidated when we see successful people and feel like we'll never get there? That's when we should remind ourselves: Julia Child did not start as "Julia Child". So, when I am struggling memorizing some chemical formulas, I'll remind myself that Madame Curie did not start as "Madame Curie" who won two Nobel prizes as a physicist, not that I am studying chemistry to win a Nobel prize (although I won't decline one if offered).

So, I'll be swirling some dried beans in a frying pan to practice Julia's Omelet making skills as she suggested in the video. Remember, Julia Child did not start as "Julia Child" or Madame Curie did not start as "Madame Curie". They had to start somewhere.

PS: On the Omelet making video, I saw Julia Child using a set of long chopsticks Japanese use to cook in mixing the eggs. If she were alive today, I would have sent her the best possible set of long cooking chopsticks I can find in Japan.

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T10:07:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

One of my New Year's Resolutions is to be a better blogger. Posting on January 1st is a good start, right? I hope to post some photos from the Japan trip as soon as I feel like I'm alive again when my stomach flu completely leaves my body. I had 100.3 degree fever on December 30th. My stomach feels better today but I still feel really weak. At least I was able to take Kumo out for a short walk this morning. That's another one of New Year's Resolutions - to take Kumo out for his walk first thing in the morning right after I wake up. I have had good start indeed.

Now, I am going to start studying for the continued professional education credits which are required by the State of Washington every 3 years to renew my CPA license. Mine was due on December 31, 2009. And it was 120 hours. I got no hours so far because I was planning on studying on December 30th and 31st when I had the stomach flu. OK, another New Year's Resolution needs to be made. Do not procrastinate. At least I did not procrastinate making New Year's Resolutions. Good start, indeed!

I have a very good feeling about the year 2010!!!

Holiday closing

2009-12-11T22:54:00.001-08:00

Tonight, I closed my Etsy shop through Christmas as I am leaving for Japan on Sunday to visit my family. It has been such an interesting year in terms of my jewelry business. I was out of comission for being so sick through the end of March. Although I opened my store in May of 2008, since I got sick fall of that year, I couldn't work on my jewelry too much. I started adding items to my Etsy store in the beginning of April this year as I started to get healthier. At that time, I had 10 sales on my shop. As of today, I have 272 sales, which includes a handful wholesales order and over 1,100 store hearts. Honestly it is an amazing feeling to see my jewelry purchased by people from all over the US as well as many other countries. I've felt validated and felt like I have a place (and a purpose to exist) in this world.

A big thank-you to those of you who chose to purchase my jewelry among all the beautiful things available on Etsy. I am truly grateful for your support. I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season.

Photo shoot with Kumo

2009-12-05T11:09:00.001-08:00

I tried taking photos of Kumo and me for a new Facebook profile. It was not so successful, in case you haven't noticed.

Happy Birthday, Kumo!

2009-12-04T20:50:00.001-08:00

Today is Kumo's 4th birthday. He got a special birthday cake made of Spam (mmm, yum!) He was very patient while my husband and I took a few photos of him with his cake. Then he gabbled up a chunk of the Spam cake I gave him.

2009-12-04T17:50:00.000-08:00

Mount Baker was breath-takingly beautiful today. This is a view from the college where I am taking General Chemistry class in Bellingham, WA.

1013 hearts!!!

2009-11-28T19:30:00.000-08:00

A big "thank-you" to those of you who "hearted" my Etsy shop. My shop reached 1,000 hearts over the Holiday Sale weekend. I am truly touched.

I had a wonderful Thanksgiving break. Hope you did too!

sigh of relief...

2009-11-23T19:36:00.000-08:00

I've been crazed last few weeks...

I had art shows on the weekends of 11/7 and 11/14. The first one was held in town and the second one was in Seattle. When I came back from Seattle after the second art show on Sunday, I studied almost all night (slept about 3 hours) and took my third exam on general chemistry 9AM next morning. The exam was mainly on the quantum theory of atom. Don't ask me what that's all about. I shoved that into my head that Sunday evening, they came right out of my head much faster than going in after I finished the exam at 10AM on 11/16 Monday. And then I had another show started on Friday 11/20. This show runs through 12/24. I don't need to be at my own booth because there is a central cashier. I only have to work three 3-hour security shifts, which is very nice.

Tomorrow I'm bringing my dog Kumo to the dog boarding place and pack to get ready for our Thanksgiving trip to Coeur d'Alene Idaho for which we leave on Wednesday. I am ready to just sit in the car and gaze into the space. Maybe I'll even figure out how to knit the heel section of the socks I've been working on for a while.

Happy Thanksviging everyone!

PS: Above is a photo of my newest creation "Dogwood" necklace. I just finished it today. I'm very happy how it turned out.

Give away alert!!

2009-11-03T17:36:00.000-08:00

"Design for Mankind", an award winning blog by Erin Loechner, will be hosting a give away of one of my jewelry on 11/6 Friday. Visit her blog on 11/6 to find out which piece will be the give away piece. Please leave a comment on her blog entry on Friday to have your name entered into the drawing. Good luck!

November news

2009-10-30T16:15:00.000-07:00

This is my gift to those girls whose birthdays are in November. This pair of earrings are made with Swarovski briolette crystals in citrine color and have hand-made fine silver bead caps. You lucky girls who call citrine your birth stone, happy, happy birthday!

Another November news! My alphabet cut out necklace is featued in the Etsy's "Design for mankind" gift guide. There will be "Shop Live Event" with Design for Mankind on November 4th Wednesday. I hope you'll check it out!

2009-10-29T13:46:00.000-07:00

I am offering “Buy-One-Get-One” deal this weekend on my Etsy store. By purchasing an item priced over $30.00 or buying multiple pieces with total purchase price of $30.00 and up (excluding shipping, please), you’ll receive a necklace from my AUTUMN SALE section. Please include your choice of necklace from the sale section in the message to seller section along with the promotion code “Weekend Deal: BOGO”.

Happy weekend!

Shut up and .... ?

2009-10-26T17:29:00.000-07:00

I am taking General Chemistry I this fall quarter. There's a guy who always sits in front of me. He's big. He's tall too. And he's really rough looking. He always seems to be very serious about his study, though. I saw him flipping through his flashcards trying to memorize polyatomic ions. I've never spoken to him until today. He asked how I did on the exam which we took this morning. I told him I thought I did all right. He thought he did OK too. I never thought he'd be interested in finding out how I did in my exam. He sounded like a nice person. We really can't judge a person by the looks, can we?

The other day, he was wearing a T-shirt that said "Shut and..." in the back. I could not read the part after "Shut up and" because it was blocked by the back of his chair. During the class, I kept on thinking "shut up and what!!??" Finally he moved a bit and I could see the back of the T-shirt. It said "Shut up and ride". Whew! Mystery solved. That's much better than I thought it could possibly say. He's a motor cyclist, I learned today too.

I still don't know his name, but it's a start. Maybe this tough motor cyclist and I become friends. Who knows? For now, I am going to shut up and ... go back to studying chemistry.

Weekend deal for 10/23 - 10/25

2009-10-23T13:40:00.000-07:00

I'm participating in the Etsy's weekend deal for this weekend (10/23 Friday - 10/25 Sunday). It's been a while for me to participate in one of these.

I'm working on brand new styles using copper, so I'll be posting the new copper items next week. Stay tuned!

Metal Clay Guru!

2009-10-20T17:38:00.000-07:00

I am very excited to announce that I am now listed in the "Metal Clay Guru Artists" list. Woohoo! I feel honored to be part of this list of amazing artists. Thank you for including me in the list, Metal Clay Guru!

Baby lotus flower earrings

2009-10-08T20:25:00.000-07:00

New today!

2009-10-08T12:35:00.001-07:00

http://scoutiegirlgifts.com/

My baby koala necklace is featured in the gift guide at Scoutie Girl Gifts website. Yay!

While I was weeding

2009-10-02T15:31:00.000-07:00

When I checked my computer after weeding the front yard for about an hour this afternoon, I learned that my "Ultimate Heart Charm Necklace" made the front page as a part of treasury made for Etsy Project Embrace. It totally made my day. Thanks "visionquest" for including me in the EPE treasury!

Organizng

2009-09-30T19:27:00.000-07:00

I'm organizing my office right now. I'm buried under boxes and piles of jewelry making stuff and bookkeeping project paperwork. I am procrastinating. I need to study for my General Chemistry Class, but I just can't feel up for it. So, I started moving one thing and another, and next thing I know, I'm remodeling my whole office. Yikes. I used to do that when I was in college. I used to move furnitures around in my little studio apartment the night before exams. Something never change, people say. They are right. Now, if you excuse me, I got a desk to move around, so I have to shut down my computer. Good night!

Autumn sale!

2009-09-21T19:49:00.000-07:00

I am currently offering special prices for selected items. You can find them in "AUTUMN SALE" section in my shop or following the below link. Limited time only!

http://www.etsy.com/search_results_shop.php?search_type=user_shop_ttt_id_5880435&search_query=autumn+sale

Baby Koala

2009-09-12T17:27:00.000-07:00

My husband and I just returned from our trip to Australia to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary. We absolutely loved our time there. One of the highlights of the trip was to see baby koalas at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane. I thought Koala bears were cute, but boy, baby Koala bears are SOOOO cute! They were holding on to their mamas cuddling and wiggling. I could spent a whole day just looking at them. When I got home I worked hard to make this little Koala bear necklace as a part of "I love Australia" series. It doesn't compare to the cuteness of baby Koalas at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, but I think this tiny little Baby Koala necklace is mighty cute.

Finally!

2009-08-20T15:03:00.000-07:00

I haven't blogged for a while. It is because I have been busy with my school work. Today, I celebrate. I took the final exam for my chemistry course. Hooray! Honestly, this was the hardest course I have ever taken in my life. And it was only "introduction" to chemistry. I have an undergraduate degree in accounting. I even graduated with an honor. I am a certified public accountant. I figured chemistry couldn't be that hard. I got news for you. Chemistry is hard. Very very hard. Funny thing is, during the last 8 weeks, I never felt like I just wanted to get it over with. I enjoyed the struggles of learning a brand new set of knowledge. It was like learning a new language. I struggled to remember gas laws and polyatmic compound formulas, etc. But I found it fascinating that chemistry touches everything in our lives. Even things that I never thought of chemistry behind, like a whip cream in a can. Like aspirin. Like gas stove. I look forward to further studying what our world is made of. It doesn't mean I'll enjoy everything about it or it'll be a piece of cake. For me, studying chemistry leads to the future where I would like to be. Then I am up for the challenge. But first, I am going to take a little break from studying for the next month until the fall quarter starts and going back to jewelry making!

Thanks!

2009-08-05T20:56:00.001-07:00

Today I noticed that there are 400 Etsy members who call my little shop on Etsy their favorite. Just a couple of days ago, my sales on Etsy reached 100 sales. When I opened my store on Etsy about a year ago, I did not imagine what it was going to mean to me. Now I spend big chunk of time on Etsy every day adding new items or browsing other people's creation or reading Etsy's blog, etc. I love Etsy for giving me a sense of community. I am grateful for people who are interested in my jewelry. So, thank you, Etsy and all of you who call my store your favorite. You make me want to work harder to create.

BOGOHO!

2009-07-23T19:54:00.000-07:00

I am participating in Etsy's weekend sale from 7/24 through 7/26. This weekend's theme is "Buy One Get One" (they call it "BOGO"). I am offering "Buy One Get One Half Off" (I call it "BOGOHO"). I just got an email from Etsy admin which said that theAlphabet tag necklace will be featured in this weekend's deal notification email. Also there will be a blog entry on their website too. I'm very excited! Yay!!

Chemistry exam...

2009-07-14T17:52:00.000-07:00

I am taking Introduction to Chemistry this summer. I had my first exam today. I am not sure how I did. I don't think I did poorly, but then I don't quite feel confident that I did very well. I don't like that. My right eye twitches from lack of sleep for studying late last night and a bit of stress from the exam. I hope I feel better on my next exam which is scheduled on 7/30. Maybe I'll work on making new designs which I'm sure will make me feel better.

Etsy front page!

2009-07-13T12:32:00.000-07:00

Yay, my new alphabet tag necklace (a/k/a Erin's necklace) made the front page of Etsy this morning. I am so happy!! http://www.craftcult.com/vault_list.php?list=3588

Erin's alphabet necklace

2009-07-12T16:42:00.000-07:00

One of my customer, Erin requested a custom design necklace with my alphabet cut out. She wanted a rectangular tag with her initial, a charm and a peridot drop. I made the necklace today. It turned out reallly really cute. I love it! So I posted it on my Etsy store and made myself with "M".

Princess Buttercup

2009-07-11T20:44:00.000-07:00

I made more flower designs this week. In honor of one of my favorite movies "Princess Bride", I made "Princess Buttercup" necklace and earrings. I also made oxidized earrings version. I think I should make more jewelry using inspiration from my favorite movies. What kind of jewelry pieces can I make from watching "The silence of the lamb". Hmm....

Bambi!

2009-07-05T17:27:00.000-07:00

Bambi visited my garden this morning. It had white spots, big flappy ears and a happy tail. Very cute! But please don't eat my flowers...

Teen gift guide!

2009-06-30T14:44:00.001-07:00

Yay, my key and lock earrings made the Etsy teen gift guide! I'm so happy!!

My first tomato (of the season)

2009-06-26T19:40:00.000-07:00

Today I noticed my first tomato of the season. It's cute, little and green. It looks like my little green freshwater pearls earrings. I love it!

My garden update

2009-06-25T11:00:00.000-07:00

First shasta daisy of the season bloomed today! I'm so happy. My friends Jerry & Mary Goodall of Portland, ME gave me shasta daisy seeds from their garden. So these daisies are very special to me. I think my love for daisies show in my jewelry designs too.

My very first jalapino peppers are getting bigger too. Although I don't know what to do with the peppers, I'm psyched anyway. Watermelon plants, however, are looking exactly the same since I planted them 10 days ago. I am still hoping for a nice big juicy watermelon which on a nice sunny afternoon I can split open for a snack.

Added crystals

2009-06-23T19:05:00.000-07:00

I really like my new 3D flower series (well, at least someone gotta love it, right?) I was playing with new designs this afternoon and thought "hmm, I feel like somethin is missing..." So, I added Swarovski briolette shaped crystals. These can be taken off depending on your mood. I think they add a bit more sparkle, which I love, and give more options on how to wear the earrings. I am very excited about a few more of 3D floral designs that I'm currently working on.

Confused...

2009-06-22T20:34:00.000-07:00

I'm confused about how "Treasury" works on Etsy. I read the how-to and thought to myself "huh?" So, people pick other people's work and compile a list of stuff on certain theme? How do people find things? And then how some of the Treasury lists make it to the front page?? I'm confused. I know this cherry blossom piece once made someone's treasury because I got some email from the person. Maybe I need to talk to my friend Ryan who seems to have figured out about this Etsy thing much better. Aghhhhhhhh, HELP!!

New flower designs

2009-06-21T18:58:00.000-07:00

These are the first three of my brand new "3D flower" series. I've been thinking about these for a while. I'm happy with the results!

Healing thought

2009-06-13T11:11:00.000-07:00

I received a custom order for a woman who just learned that she has a serious health issue. She wanted a pink pearl necklace for strength. I know what it is like to be concerned about health. I don't know who you are, but please know that I am sending healing thoughts your way. I hope this pearl necklace helps you feel better at your challenging time.

Dreaming of Australia

2009-06-08T20:30:00.000-07:00

My husband and I are celebrating our 10th anniversary on 8/28 this year. We are currently planning a trip to Australia to celebrate the occasion. Australia has been on my "countries to visit" list since I was a teenager, so to say I am pretty psyched is an understatement. I've been reading "In a Sunburned Country" by Bill Bryson to get inspirations. I have read many of Mr. Bryson's books. My favorite is "I'm a stranger here myself". It is his account of returning to the US after living abroad for 20 years. I have never laughed so hard reading a book before. I often find myself feeling like a stranger both in Japan where I grew up and in the US where I've lived for the last 17 years. I felt like I was listening to a really funny uncle telling me of his experiences which I could totally relate. His book on Australia hasn't disappointed me either. In particular, I enjoyed the bit where he claims Australia is the most dangerous place on earth ("If you are not stung or pronged to death in some unexpected manner, you may be fatally chomped by sharks or crocodiles, or carried helplessly out to sea by irresistible currents, or left to stagger to an unhappy death in the baking outback"). Thank you, Mr. Bryson, I am even more excited about going to Australia just so that I can say I survived the most dangerous place on earth!

More new styles on Etsy

2009-06-05T08:47:00.000-07:00

These are two of the new styles I posted on my Etsy store this week. I think sometimes we all need to take things less seriously. Don't these pig and chicken make you smile a bit and say "it's OK!" even when you are having not-so-perfect day? That's my hope anyway.

New styles on Etsy

2009-06-03T22:57:00.000-07:00

I took photos of new styles to be posted on Etsy today. Taking photos is not my favorite task. I can't get the colors right. I was able to upload half of the photos to Etsy. Now I have over 80 items on my store. I've come a long way!

Of all the pieces I posted today, I like these two in particular. I made the tiny little bead caps on green freshwater pearl earrings. I think the bead caps make the pearls look like tiny little green tomatos. I also love the delicate "daisy" necklace with freshwater pearls.

My tomato

2009-06-02T19:27:00.000-07:00

When I was growing up, my grandparents lived with my family. My granddaddy had a half acre garden near our house in the east end of Tokyo. He rode his old rusty bicycle to the garden and tended it everyday. He grew all sorts of vegetables like eggplants, corn, soybeans, variety of onions, potatos, tomatos and much more. My favorite snacks in summer time were freshly picked corn and Edamame from his garden. I often wish I can have those yummy vegetables from his garden now. Sadly, right before the time my granddaddy passed away in 2003, the garden was converted to a parking lot.

I planted three cherry tomato plants over the weekend. I am dreaming of making tomato sauce in the end of summer. Since I did not move all the perennials I planted last summer in the small garden bed I have, I am afraid that's all I can plant for this year. Of course that means my battles with Mr & Mrs Slugs have just begun. Every morning I'll be out there with my chopsticks to pick them up and throw them over to the road.

When I think of my garden, I think of my granddaddy. I wish I can show how I've grown to love gardening like he did. I wish I can ask him all the questions I have about growing vegetables. I'm sure he'll laugh at my chopsticks battle with the slugs in my garden, though.

Kumo's garden

2009-05-31T18:49:00.000-07:00

In our yard, my dog Kumo (3.5-year-old Bichon Frise) has a little fenced in area for him to do his "business". Today I planted a couple of Snap Dragons in a pot and placed it in his area. I decided to call it "Kumo's garden". Do you think he likes the flowers?

This afternoon I worked on making new silver jewelry designs. I have many ideas but it takes a while to actually put those concepts into to work. It's because I have so many other hats that I wear besides being a jewelry designer. I think I can upload the photos of, at least, several of the new styles on my Etsy store by the end of this week. But then of course that's assuming I don't get pulled into other directions...