I N - T H I S - M O M E N T / 02

I am...

inspired by these beaded West African (Bemileke) Elephant Masks.  I snapped a picture of this one last week when I was at the Cleveland Museum of Art.  The beautiful beadwork got me.  It's so damn intricate! Just imagine how much thought and effort goes into all of thoes details...  I always wonder WHY?  What the hell did someone do all that for?  Don't you love how art invites you to be curious and ask questions and learn more?  It is such a powerful vehicle for communication and thought.  Plus, it's usually super weird and that's always fun.

taking a hand lettering class through Skillshare.com. Have you guys ever tried an online class like this?  It was only $20 dollars, so not much of an investment and definitely worth it if I can learn a thing or two about creating more illustrative text.  "Live well and rebel" is the phrase I'm working with and I'll report back when it's over!

looking forward to... like everyone else... SPRINGTIME.  And sunshine!  And bike adventures! Did you hear that weather? It's Spring.  So, man up and act like it.

preparing for a shop update in the next few weeks, a craft show in Cincinnati at the end of April and being a featured artist for the Tremont Art Walk in May!  There's a lot on my plate.  Lucky for me, I am one hell of an eater :)

Heyo, it's almost the weekend!  Happy Thursday!

all photos taken with iPhone / via instagram (on_the_lookout) / edited with AfterLight, Diptic and Over photography apps. 

Moodboard Monday / OTL SS13 Collection

After a much needed break from all things jewelry after the holidays, I've finally gotten back into the obsession that is running this small business. Since the creative process can tend to be a clusterf*ck of ideas that never (ever) stop, I've decided to keep trying mood-boarding as a way to get myself focused around inspiration for the next collection. I went into this process with a clear mind and as usual, a strong theme emerged pretty quickly.  So, I went with it, finding more and more inspiration that just rocked my world.

And, thus, RENEGADE PRINCESS was born.

(All images via Pinterest)

I'm so excited to use this moodboard to help direct the creative process this season.  The renegade princess doesn't actually exist -- she is a muse. But if she did, she'd be a few parts badassed mofo, diva, smart as a whip and would definitely march to the beat of her own drum --while looking being pretty damn fabulous, sexy and strong at the same time.  She has a penchant for light mischief (read: adventure) and the kind of ballsy attitude that is never too cocky and always admired.  Basically, she can handle her biznass and doesn't give a f*ck.  And she's part cat? YES.

Am I being weird enough yet?  Cool, onward.

For ON THE LOOKOUT SS13, you can expect a lot more edgy and a lot less safe with an "I don't take crap from nobody" attitude baked into every piece. I'm going to make it a point to do my thing and create unique pieces that I LOVE and hopefully you will too.  At this point you should be asking yourself, "When will this rebel-without-a-cause collection hit the streets?" Well, I expect to restock the shop around the beginning of April, so if you want a heads up, GET ON THA LIST.

That gives me about 30 days to blow your mind....

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(Side note: If you happen to be in the midst of creating a themed event, decorating a space, branding yourself, starting a business or blog, I think creating a moodboard is essential.  It's really fun and you get to see a mash up of your vision all in one place.  It's like a little road map of what you want to create.  Interested in making one? This is how I do it.) 

OTL Featured on Uncovet!

What an exciting Wednesday it's been :) My feature on Uncovet.com just went live!  Eeeeeeeee! Kind of awesome, right? Uncovet is a rad, little, online shop that features small-run and one of a kind, handmade pieces from all sorts of designers and up-and-coming makers.  Oh hay, bonus: All items are discounted too, 10-15% off!  Check out OTL Jewelry on Uncovet!

This is such a big step for On The Lookout! I am still a little in shock that the intense desire to start a creative business + an out of control bead obsession have even gotten me to this point!  There is still so much more that I want to learn and do and make and see, but this feeling of tangible success feels DAMN GOOD :)  #craveit

For this feature there will be five pieces from the most recent collection on Uncovet:

• Warrior Bracelet
• Warrior Necklace
• Golden Beaded Bracelets
• + two more mystery ones that will be released later this week!

(Yay) So, I'm going to make a big effort to not freakout/over think/get anxious... And instead enjoy this moment,  smile + give myself a little pat on the back. And then get. back. to work ;)

Hope it's a great hump day for you too, friends!

Holiday Coupon + Thank You!

Self promotion is not my forte, but at least I'm in the game this time around.  OTL is offering 30% off your purchase until tomorrow as a HUGE thank you for your support, well wishes, orders, basically everything.  Use code THANKYOU30 and get a jump start on your holiday shopping with some handmade goodies by me :)

>>> visit the shop! <<<

Re-branding.

[aka the slippery slope I like to call "excessive re-branding."  And while it may be impractical to change your logo / color scheme / fonts / blog layout every few months, this what I love most about this little business of mine, so that is how it shall be.]

Biznass cards. Oh, the possibilities:

So, it's been a lot dead over here on the blog and that's a little bad, but mostly good.  Things like recovering, relaxing and restocking after my first show have been at the top of the list and I am slowly, but surely, making my way back to this little corner of the internet I love so much.  I cannot even begin to explain how amazing the show at Art in the Petit Parc was and I want to send out a much belated THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU to everyone involved :) I really had the time of my life and have not stopped smiling since!

One of the small, nit picky, misses I had for my show (and lucky for me, I really had none) was that I didn't order enough biznass cards to go along with all of the sales.  I knew this might be a problem before hand, so tried to create some cards at Kinko's on the quick and cheap, which resulted in a lackluster performance: hand-cut, flimsy, pieces of paper, with a blurry and off-color logo and image. I'd show proof, but I tossed them shortly after, to erase all traces of my sub-par planning and design.  Just trust me, they were horrible.  You may have gotten one and not even noticed how ragged the edges were.  But I did.  Details.  Anyway, I am a mere month away from my next show -- Tremont Art Walk at Banyan Tree, Friday 09/14 -- so I wanted to get a head start on new cards.

Above are a few ideas for new business cards.  I may regret asking this, but, your thoughts, please?  If you could so kindly leave a comment, it would mean the world to me!

Art in the Parc // Preview of the Goods

[Craft fair madness has fully taken over my apt, life, waking and dreaming thoughts...]

I'm so pumped to participate in Art in the Parc in just NINE days, so I thought I'd share some of the Summer/Fall 2012 collection that I've been working on in order to woo you into checking out the shop --which is on SUPER SALE-- or coming to visit me at the event!

Don't ask me why, but for some reason I was highly inspired by this native/warrior/jungle theme.  This 2nd collection is a bit edgier and more experimental in use of materials (ie. ombre thread and semi-precious, gemstones) and color (saturated blues, greens and even red!).  Still rocking lots of beads and brass, but it's kind of nice to see some evolution in what you do.  Change is good, eh?  Yep yep, I do believe it is.

I'm not sure if having just one show under my belt will be some sort of game changer for this hobby-turned-to-obsession ... that's trying to become a business.  But, it certainly feels like the wheels are finally picking up some speed!

All images taken with my iphone on Instagram (on_the_lookout)! 

Big News!

[GIGANTIC things are starting to happen around here...]

It's been a while since I've been doing the regular blogger thing and I wanted to apologize and say that better posing behavior is on the way.  But, I've had good reason, as something super exciting (eeek!!) and fun is happening, this July 20th...

You see, on the lookout was invited to participate in it's FIRST CRAFT SHOW EVER!  I got the news last week and have been so insanely excited, I almost haven't known what to do.  Literally, my mind is spinning on where. to. start...  I foresee tons of work and some stressful moments on the horizon.  BUT, such is life eh?  Craft ON!  And if you are of the local Cleveland variety, why not pencil in Art in the Petit Parc Craft Chow on your list of to do's for next month? :)

The show will be thrown by Chatreuse, a graphic design company run by three, pretty ladies on the West Side of Cleveland.  It will feature local artists, many of whose work I have seen and purchased before.  I am SO fortunate to get to share some craft fair space with these creative folk!  The city of Cleveland gets a lot of crap from those on the outside, but it really is one of those places where the community is super tight-knit and supportive.  The perfect sort of city to throw caution to the wind in and start your own jewelry business in...

My first step to tackle this crafty event is to list out everything that must be done by the end of this week.  I've divvied up this project into 5 parts: Planning, Product, Marketing, Display and Set up.  That way I can have an actual plan of attack for each very different stage of the process.  Planning begun last week and consisted of sourcing all needed supplies - beads, findings, chain, leather cord, ribbon, brass, gemstones. Mega beading loot.  While that stuff is on it's way to my mailbox, I'll be using the transit time to create product.  After that, getting the word out will be the most important.  Once there's a little buzz, I figure I can retreat a little to create a custom display for said jewelry.  So, you see, there is a little bit of method emerging!  And as always, any tips would be much much appreciated!

OK, onward.  A messy studio needs to be cleaned and manyMANY lists need to be made...

(Just a quick shout out: Much thanks to fellow Cleveland crafter and blogger, Alicia, for passing along the info for the show!  She'll be selling hand made accessories at the even as well!)

onthelookout Spring 2012!

[It's finally here...]

Many of you may know that I've been working on my own, handmade jewelry line for the past six months... So, I wanted to finally (officially) introduce everyone to onthelookout jewelry!

I began creating my own line of quality, handmade accessories several months ago: abstract geometric patterns and vibrant symbols; Native American and African-inspired designs made with richly colored beadwork, gemstones, leather and brass; playful expressions that incorporate a contemporary, tribal and ethnic flair. I've always enjoyed making things and starting a creative business where I have full control has been insanely rewarding - and terrifying! I've put my whole heart into everything you see here (and a lot you don't want to see) and this process has truly helped me develop my passion for creativity and construction.

So, 'I'm making jewelry now...' But, how did I come up with the name onthelookout? Well, to me, onthelookout means always being open enough to see the beauty that lies within the everyday; it means welcoming possibilities even when they come disguised as seemingly insurmountable challenges. Launching an accessories line was something that I never thought I could actually accomplish and be proud of. But, I've found that when your eyes and your heart are open enough, you will see a universe that is willing to help you MAKE IT HAPPEN.  I named my company such that I am always reminded to stay onthelookout for the 'silent draw and gentle pull of what I really love to do, as it will not lead me astray.'

I certainly encourage you to do the same.  And I hope you enjoy the jewelry while you're at it!

Much thanks to EVERYONE for their help and guidance.  I am here today, beaming, proud and taking a leap because of your phenomenal support :)

-erica

The Daily Draw // Logo and Package Design

[A peak at what I'm drawing today...]

Feast your eyes on round one of prototype packaging for onthelookout jewelry.  I think I've decided to do a combination business card / earring, necklace and bracelet holder - in order to keep my costs down and streamline the process.  When you're starting your own creative business and, hence, do all of the work, you gotta take the "easy" route when you can.

So far, my idea is to use rectangular piece card stock.  I'll then stamp my logo in black/gold/pink at the top and a row of three or five chevron/herringbone/triangles at the bottom in another color.  I figure I'll go ahead and hand cut slits or holes in the card stock with an exacto knife, depending on what it's going to hold.  After that, I need to decide if those go into boxes or muslin jewelry bags.  I'm leaning towards boxes, because there's built in protection for shipping right there, but those little bags are so cute!

Looks real amateur, doesn't it?  Just how I like it... Simple beginnings soon lead to great things, I think.

And by great things, I mean I want to be starring into the likes of one of these bad boys one day:

Happy Holidays!

I can proudly say that I had my 1st (ever) holiday rush this season.  Last night I spent the better half of 9 hours after work beading and sawing and wire wrapping my fingers to the bone in order to get out some last-minute necklaces and earrings.  It was awesome and exhilarating and super stressful.  But, I got everything made and wrapped up and ready to give.  Phew!  Plus, I learned few things along the way:

1// Get a calendar.  In every room. Or take a look at that glorified phone you have and note the date.  It isn't helpful to your psyche to think that Christmas is on Saturday, when it really is on Sunday.
2// Organize your creative space (today).  Having a studio that is sometimes messy is sort of a given, but heart palpitations resulting from panic (WHERE ARE MY NEEDLE NOSE PLIERS FOR THE LOVE OF GOD?!) can be avoided if you take 10 minutes to put stuff away every night.
3// Good music = productivity.  Up to a point.  Make your space the the most creativity stimulating space you can.  Then if it's not working for you, change it up.  Turn off the music, stretch or do some push ups.  A short ice cream break or a change of scenery can give you the the extra energy to make it to 4am without gluing your fingers together.
4// Plan ahead.  Get the word out early that you're open for business!  Check shipping dates from the USPS/FedEx/UPS so you  know when your cut off dates are.
5// Surround yourself with positive and honest people.  They give the best feedback on your products, new awesome ideas that you may be too busy to think of and the kind of genuine excitement that can erase all traces of uncertainty in your stuff.
6// Live up to the promises you make.  If I said I'd have 10 necklaces done for you tomorrow, you better believe I'll live up to that.  Next time, however, I'll make sure to give myself enough time to get the job done without all the stress.
7// Breathe and remember to take time off.  Sometimes getting away from your obsession for a few days helps invigorate you for a new season of phenomenal goodies (onthelookout Spring 2012, here I come!)  I've seen a lot of my favorite shops "closing their doors" for the holiday ahead to spend time with family and relax.  What a great way to end the year and ring in the new one.

I hope everyone has a great Holiday!

onthelookout Winter Collection 2011

[...or an excuse to be the star of your own lookbook.]

This is just a teaser, more pictures and new necklaces/earrings/bracelets coming soon!

...Feeling Better, Grounded.

(Woof, I guess a blog rant is good for the soul every now and then!)

After that last post, I induced foreced-relaxation on a super dark drive home from work, bear hugged my man before he went for a run, made the most amazing homemade pizza (with garlic sauteed mushrooms and broccoli and a dash of curry on top).  And I did something I rarely EVER do.  I took my time.  Finely chopped garlic, perfectly crisp veggies and a sense of calm ensued.

Anyway, I ended up happy and not overly stuffed (taking your time = not shoveling food in face = happy tummy) and in the mood for a little jewelry making.  Freebie time to make whatever, letting my mind wander and my fingers play with beads and chain.  Came up with some stuff I really like.  In the shop soon, hope you like!

Hello Monday

          

Recipe for a stomach ache: Mix one 1 part sugary drink with 1 part cracker and pepperoni-flavored cheese snack with 1 part high fructose corn syrup covered in sour sugar.  Mix well with an empty stomach and 3-hour long drive.

An amazing (but too short, as always) weekend.  Lots of jewelry making with clay, pretty produce at the farmers market and a quick road trip to visit family, booze it up and play disco fever pinball.  Monday, I love you, but you came too soon.

"Be your best, right now. Know that everything you create can be better — your products, your photos, your packaging — and strive for that, but don’t let that keep you from putting your best out into the world at this moment."

Awesome words to repeat and remember from Kove, a Vancouver-based accessories designer and an Etsy Featured Seller.  The onthelookout shop OFFICIALLY opens October 13th...eeek!  I'm taking a short blooging break til then, although you might see some changes happening with the graphics and layout here.  Nose to the grindstone...I'm going to bead and bead and bead til I can't bead no more...

Hello Monday!

Is it weird that I actually like Monday's?

I hope you all had a great weekend.  Perfect weather, a little work, a concert, a quick road trip and LOTS of beading made mine spectacular and got me ready to take on the week ahead!