Mikiye Creations

MYSTICAL and MAGIC Treasury: Etsy Twitter Team

2009-07-18T10:45:00.000-07:00

I was feeling inspired hearing that the new Harry Potter movie came out!
I haven't seen it and knowing me I probably won't until it comes out on DVD! So typical me! I'm not one to go to the movies alone...LOL
Anyway, here is my latest treasury inspired by both the movie and my Etsy Twitter Teammates!
Please check it out!
Mystical and Magic Treasury
Treasury Expires Tuesday 12:47 a.m. July 21st

UPDATED MY BLOG APPEARANCE!

2009-07-18T10:32:00.000-07:00

I KNOW!
I have been wanting to update my blog colors for a while! I still LOVE my old theme of the rich crimson tones but it just no longer went with my more wedding oriented image.
Since I am not too savvy with the HTML action I just used the basic colors offered on this site. I hope to personalize the blog images even more later.
All my packaging revolves around pretty pinks so it was needing to change to something softer and more feminine. I still like the more muted tones but didn't know how to add them if they weren't already a pre selected color choice.

On another note...
I found some AMAZING vintage millinery velvet leaves and branches that I will be using in upcoming pieces. It's so cool seeing the original tags on them made in Germany and Japan! I think like 30's 40's old! They are in perfect condition. Pretty expensive but I LOVE them!

I've been wanting to post images from the last week...I went with my Family to the Japanese Obon festival last weekend on Sunday. I took pictures of my Sister that took part in the dancing at the end of the day.
LOL!
OK.
I'm off to work some more!

Yummy Salads!

2009-07-10T17:21:00.001-07:00

I have always LOVED salads but since I realized I am allergic to soy (I know, what a tragedy that a Japanese person is allergic to soy!) and soy oil is the basic ingredient in 90% of the pre-made salad dressings on the market! Seriously, if you don't believe me, next time you go to the grocery store take a look down the entire isle...I bet you'll be surprised!
Yeah, yeah, you tell me to just make my own...but I got lazy! To top it off, I'm also allergic to sulfites and there goes vinegar based dressings like the classic oil and balsamic! (Although I do sometimes sneak in some dressings with vinegar in them without any real reaction)
So, I found this Spicy Peanut Dressing at Trader Joe's (my favorite store next to Wholefoods but better for my budget) And boy does it have a ZING! I do LOVE spicy and it actually IS a bit spicy!!! Trying to incorporate more omegas in my diet I REintroduced avocados and olives into my salads! Oh, and I know beets are high in sugar but they are SO YUMMY! I also added cauliflower, green bell peppers and my favorite red cabbage which is very very good for your health!
If you like peanut dressing you should definitely try a bottle of this!

Cranberry and Chartreuse Treasury: Etsy Twitter Teammates

2009-07-10T15:12:00.000-07:00

After staying up till 3:00 a.m. and getting an "error" message from Etsy when I was trying to get a Treasury...I was SO IRRITATED because I missed it!
I FINALLY snagged one this afternoon!
I just LOVE the selected pieces and this color palette!
I hope you all enjoy it as much as I do!
Show casing many of my talented Etsy Twitter Teammates!!!!
Go TEAM!
LOL!!!!

Cranberry and Chartreuse Treasury
Treasury Expires Sunday July 12th at 7:30 p.m.

I'm BACK!!!!

2009-07-09T23:02:00.000-07:00

Jeepers!!!
I have been off line for the last 3 days and I thought I was going to have a heart attack!
Ok.
That's a bit mellow dramatic but I was having MAJOR anxiety!
Apparently, the wire from the house to the electric poll across the street outside had worn through and ripped so I was no longer receiving any internet connection! It took 3 days to get the cable company to get it fixed! Ah, at least it is all fixed now and I am back up and running!
THANK YOU EVERYONE for your patience and I am REALLY SORRY for the delayed responses getting back to all of you!!!!
All your packages will be in the mail tomorrow!!!!!
PROMISE!!!!!

Back to playing catch up!
I'll have a better post tomorrow!!!!
Bye For now!

I LOVE BEING A GIRL Treasury: Etsy Twitter Team

2009-07-05T14:38:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July and ate a lot of yummy food and spent time with family!
I've been trying to get another Treasury and after missing the first one I waited until 2:00 in the morning and FINALLY snatched another one!
Woo Hoo!
I just LOVE Pink...denied my deep rooted Japanese thing for Pink all these years!
LOL!!!!
So, here's my new Treasury doting on both Cute and Pink!

I LOVE BEING A GIRL
Treasury expires Tuesday July 7th at 3:45 p.m.

OH So Clean and GREEN Treasury: Etsy Twitter Team

2009-06-30T17:17:00.000-07:00

Apparently, there is a glitch that Etsy is aware of and this is why there is a blank box in the actual Treasury when you go and click on it. Here is a picture that I captured before the mistake happened!
I had actually made this 3 days ago and have been tirelessly trying to get one listed when there was an opening. After the 4th time I was REALLY getting bummed out! However, I did make it in the Treasury West site. I was trying to change a few of the selections since they had actually sold since I first made my treasury...this is why I was changing them and in doing so over lapped two pictures and they got stuck and apparently from that point it just leaves a black spot. (at this time it can't be corrected)So, this is a photo of my actual original Treasury selections!

Oh So Clean and GREEN Treasury
Treasury Expires Friday July 3rd.

Plums!

2009-06-28T22:04:00.000-07:00

I have a plum, lemon and mini Mandarine orange and I think apricot tree in my back yard... being this is my first year living here I had no idea how much fruit was going to grow on these trees since they have been neglected for the last few years. Everything is way over grown and out of shape.
I REALLY need to prune them after the fruit is done!
I can't believe how many plums I have to throw away everyday! It makes me soo sad to see such a waste but they just fall to the ground and splatter! Well, that and the birds get to them picking out chunks and dropping them to the ground below. Since the tree is right outside my window I literally can hear them hit the ground every time one falls!
Each day I pick at least this many! Tiny little bite sized plums! SUPER SWEET inside but with a tart skin.
I can't remember the last time I ate so much fruit!
Heaven forbid when the large tomatoes ripen!!!!

Warm Weather Treats!!!

2009-06-27T14:07:00.000-07:00

The weather has been sunny and warm where I live. Normally it can be foggy and overcast so the weather is a great treat...even though I am sitting indoors writing my blog!
LOL!
So, I started thinking about what fun accessories I could wear in this great weather since it wouldn't be covered up with a scarf, long sleeves or my hair! Ah, time to pin the hair up!
When I am running about on errands I still like to accessorize with cute things.
I think these would look fabulous with my jeans and a playful top!
Chrysocholla Swingin' Stone Dangle Earrings

How cute are these? Peas!
Five Peas in a Pod Peapod Earrings

I just LOVE these necklaces To wear with anything...especially Summer Dresses!!!
Shell Shimmer Necklace

Hammered Shadow Shells Pendant Necklace

We must not over look the chance to wear something dangling from our wrist!
How pretty is this?!
Sun and Sky Bracelet

All these fabulous designs are by my peer Etsy Twitter teammates!
Please take a peek into their shops!
You won't be disappointed!

*photographs courtesy of: Smutopia, Thats Headley, MindyG, DigUnderRocks, joslinjewels

White HOT Wedding Treasury: Etsy Wedding Team

2009-06-25T18:03:00.000-07:00

Since I first made an Etsy Twitter Team Treasury I wanted to make a Treasury for my Etsy Wedding Teammates!

White HOT Wedding

**Treasury expired.

Teammate Treasuries!

2009-06-23T21:52:00.000-07:00

I've been sick for the last 3 days and was at my Mom's all this time...needless to say I haven't logged in since.
So, here are a few very pretty Treasuries that I have been lucky enough to be a part of!
Fabulous selections from my fellow Etsy Twitter teammates and my Etsy Wedding Teammates!
GO TEAMS!

My First Treasury: Beautiful Bursting Blues!

2009-06-19T17:28:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how AWSOME it is to FINALLY make my first Treasury. With the help of Poster sketch and Treasure Hunt it made ALL the difference. When I first started on Etsy in 2006 I could NEVER get one in and finally gave up!
So, I am VERY Excited to share!
Here are selections from my Etsy Twitter Teammates!
Beautiful Bursting Blues

Etsy Twitter Team Member: Punky Jane Jewelry

2009-06-18T20:24:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Punky Jane Jewelry.
She specializes in hand stamped, sterling and fine silver jewelry. I love that she not only has ready to wear designs stocked in her shop but is open to creating custom personalized items for you.
Here is a little more about the designer:

"I am a stay-at-home mom with a wonderfully supportive husband and two beautiful, inspirational daughters. I started making hand-stamped jewelry not only so I could be at home for my girls, but also to combine my love of silver AND typography...the perfect match"

No kidding! Typography is a PERFECT skill to enhance her creative designs. I marvel at all the clean lines and perfect edges in her work...well, they look pretty darn perfect to me.
LOL!
Seriously, I admire her welcoming aesthetics in designs that anyone can wear!
There are SO MANY that I had a hard time picking out a few for you to check out... so, you'll just have to go to her shop and see all the rest!
heh heh
I have a fur ball and so I was drawn to this piece:
Kitty Flower

I also thought in this challenging economy this is perfect:
Hope

As I have recently started doing Yoga for health and stress reduction I think this is an excellent piece to wear to always find time to relax and breathe.
Breathe

After the last two more poignant pieces I just had to share this one. I mean, who wouldn't feel sexy in this one?!
The last several years I felt more like a falling star but I am now getting my health back and I imagine could be feeling mighty pretty showing this off around town.
:P
Rock Star

So many cool pieces! So many awesome designs that would make perfect gifts!!!
Definitely check out her shop!

**Photos courtesy of Punky Jane Jewelry

COLOR! COLOR! COLOR!

2009-06-18T18:55:00.000-07:00

I'm feeling a little overwhelmed right now in the middle of wedding season but I had to share!
Those of you that have been with me since 6-7 years ago would never have though I would be making "white/ivory" pieces since EVERYTHING I made back then was COLOR! The more color the better as far as what I liked!
Keeping that in mind, I cater to a completely different clientele now since many of my Brides LOVE variations of white and ivory designs. I don't mind though, I have found some true love and appreciation for deigning pieces within this color scheme. After all, there is only so much you can do in white or ivory before you NEED to be creative!
:P
I love the challenge!
Anyway, I have been getting a lot of requests for color. So, with no further ado:

Vibrant Orange Burst

Pink Purity

Purple Purity

I will be carrying all three of these without crystals in my shop as well for those that want a more natural look.
Here are a few more beauties to bring color in to your life.
Buttery Rose

Pink Camellias

Yellow Sparklers

These are just a few of the newer pieces I have in my shop!
I have so many more to choose from so if you love color definitely check out the rest on my shop!!!

Etsy Twitter Team

2009-06-17T18:47:00.000-07:00

I am a proud new member of theEtsy Twitter Team!
A group of many talented people all striving to let you know we are here and make fabulous things you need!
LOL!
Well, I think we are hoping you'll "want" and after seeing them "can't live without"....and must tell ALL your friends and family about...
Yeah, that sounds about right.
OK...
That was really me embellishing. (as if you were really surprised to see that)
I love the fact there is so much diversity and the desire to share one another's artistic endeavors with others!
I as well will follow suit and begin to introduce you to even more talented artist I find!
Definitely check out the blog!

This is a great opportunity fir me to get back in the game and start regular posts again.
...to be continued...

Bellina Boutique Wedding Gowns!!!

2009-06-16T15:35:00.000-07:00

As a Proud Member of the Etsy Wedding Street Team I decided it was time to promote the talented designers in this group!
Welcome to Bellinas Bridal Boutique
I couldn't help but ooooh and aaaah over the gowns in this shop! After reading her profile I have simply come to the conclusion, "She LOVES Wedding Gowns!"
It is impossible not to admire beauty at it's finest. Many of the elegant and feminine gowns she custom designs are perfect for the stylish Brides of today. The quality and craftsmanship are hard to deny after looking at these!
There are so MANY beautiful pieces I had a difficult time just selecting a few of my favorites!
Now, as everyone knows, I have a soft spot for "vintage inspired" designs. Although she has many modern pieces I just gravitated to these!
Genevieve
I HEART this gown!!!! *swooning*

Taffeta and Tulle

Dainty French Lace

Pretty In Lace

BEAUTIFUL!
What is wonderfullly amazing about this designer is she will CUSTOM design these gorgeous gowns with out all the crazy Retail Markup! Same Fantastic quality without the extra fluff cost!
All of her gowns ship from Italy.
Something she offers that I think is really cool in this challenging economy is free layaway!
I know I don't have a huge lump of cashola sitting in my pocket at the moment so this is a wonderful service for her clients!
Definitely check out her shop and see all the gorgeous gowns in much more detail!

**photos courtesy of Bellina Boutique

EMMY~ Shoe Love

2009-06-15T19:42:00.000-07:00

You have to understand, unlike many of my friends, I am not really THAT crazy about shoes. Sure, if I had a ton of expendable money i'd invest in a number of pairs I'm sure...but I don't have like 60-80 pair or more like many women I know!
LOL!
So, I came across this site Emmy.

"The collaboration of Emmy and Jenny Packham represents the natural synergy between the two designers, renowned for their glamourous vintage-inspired style and unique approach to embellishment.
The collection makes a thoroughly feminine statement, with sexy, elegant shapes and the most luxurious finishes"

Ooooh, I just about piddled. (not really)
I LOVED the fact that you can CUSTOMIZE a pair of shoes! You can also purchase ready to wear. They have them broken down into round toe, pointed toe, peep toe and sandal.

Here are a few of my favorites!
Chloe

Sarah

Lucille

Isla

They have a TON of AMAZING well deserved press.
BRIDES looking for Gorgeous and high quality stylish shoes need to check this site out!
I am still drooling!!!!
:P

*All photos courtesy of Emmy designs

WOW!!! 10% OFF

2009-06-13T23:45:00.000-07:00

WOW!!!!
How generous of Eva!!!!
She is offering ALL MY READERS 10% OFF any purchase on her Chili Crab designs!!!!
Oooooooh!!!!
Definitely take advantage of this people!
....off to look in her shop again!
:P

Chili Crab Treasures

2009-06-13T18:12:00.000-07:00

As ALWAYS when I see a designer with such talent and beautiful designs I HAD TO SHARE them with you!
Introducing Chili Crab!
Let's get to know her a little better.
DIrectly from her bio:

"I am a German expat happily living in Singapore with my husband and two sons. I really enjoy the freedom of being engaged with the things that I have been doing for more than 6 years now.

The biggest influence on me becoming a creative person definitely comes from my parents and my mother-in-law. My mother loved to do any kind of handcrafts, from knitting, crocheting to silk painting and sewing. She did everything. My father is talented with any kind of woodwork. And my mother-in-law is a great painter and artist in general.

But the decision to keep my fingers busy with other things than typing the keyboard in a software company came during my first pregnancy. I felt almost forced to create crochet treasures and made a lot of gifts for friends and family. After that my interest evolved into designing home accessories. Later I got interested in creating jewelry. Nowadays, I still maintain my interests in all these areas."

Now my favorite part!
Sharing with PICTURES!!!! Here are a few of my favorite piece from her shop!

for the aztec goddess-earrings
The vibrant colors against the richness of the brass is such a wonderful contrast!

Check out this pendant!
Such intricate detail! All of the delicious little petals and leaves...such work!
paradise by night-pendant

I always have found the image of a skeleton for the most part morbid and scary. Even though I know the history of the day of the dead...still creeps me out....UNTIL now! The bright festive colors and design of this piece really do make for something to celebrate!
dia de los muertos-pendant

Finally, my FAVORITE piece...or really pieces! I have ALWAYS loved the color combination of brown and blue. This set takes my love to a whole new level! For all the years running around with flowers in my hair these simply take my breath away. They have everything I LOVE. Flowers, detail, brass filigree, sparkle, sass and a sensational organic feel.
I actually get butterflies in my tummy looking at them. The amount of detail used to create these truly makes me believe she loves her craft!
cocoa dreams-earrings

I hope you all share my joy of these amazing treasures!
I highly recommend you to visit her shop and check out all her other AMAZING designs.

**Photos courtesy of Chili Crab

Ella

2009-06-12T13:41:00.000-07:00

I am pretty excited about this piece I recently listed.
Ella is made 100% from scratch! Layer upon layer of hand treated, cut, pressed, curled and shaped Silk Chiffon, Silk Satin, Silk Crepe de Chine and Organza create this Ultra feminine design.
It was SO MUCH more time consuming but I am really happy with the completed piece. I first treated all the silk material to minimize any fraying at the raw cut edges. I then pressed the material, cut each individual petal shape out and proceeded to further press, shape and curl each piece. There is SO MUCH more body and shape compared to the pieces I made even a year ago. Gotta love progress... practice, practice.... and more practice!
I find that organza is much more difficult to shape. The transparency of the material doesn't take to any liquids very well and ends up with weird blotches all over it. So, I have to still figure out what I can use to possibly help with this material to minimize fraying and hold shape better.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
I used white and champaign colors in this piece. Of course it also has my signature jeweled center. White opalescent Swarovski pearls and crystals sparkle against the anti-tarnishing Silver wire.

Gardening

2009-06-04T16:50:00.000-07:00

I took a little time this afternoon to work in my garden.
No one has really lived in this house for a few years on a regular basis so the front and back yards have been terribly neglected.
I planted some vegetables in the small space that was left unpaved in the back but I have now realized there is little sun hitting it due to the over grown fruit trees looming over it.
I hope something grows...My Uncle brought me 2 tomato plants that have been growing on the outer rim but no buds or flowers yet.
I have been slowly but surely tending to the lemon and mini mandarin orange tree.
I think by next year these will be full of juicy fruit. The lemons are plenty but since it hasn't been pruned the branches are too full and the fruit too crammed so they aren't that great.
I've pretty much lived in apartments all these years so having a yard to take care of is new to me.
I have such ideas and little skill or money.
:P
I REALLY wanted a simple Japanese garden but apparently that is like years in the making to create one...and it so far seems to be REALLY expensive as far as plants, rocks, et cetera.
I think the fact that I genuinely have no idea what I am doing as far as the whole landscaping and gardening thing plus having very little money to spend on this makes it all the more challenging.
When I have something to show I promise to take a few pictures.

COSMOPOLITAN BRIDE Feature

2009-06-03T14:20:00.000-07:00

How SUPER Excited I was to see that I got a photo of my custom design featured in this article of my clients wedding! Andrea was such a super sweet client and this was a special piece for me as well. I literally took HOURS trying to create the perfect size and shape with only virgin feathers. I didn't want to cut the edges since I used such high quality feathers. She was very specific on size so I had to create the right shape and still keep the pieces within the size she requested. A LOT easier said then done! I can't tell you how many of these empty feather flowers I had sitting on my desk over the several weeks perfecting this set. She looks stunning and I am SO HAPPY she LOVED the final piece. I was a little bummed that the picture refers anyone to a generic "etsy.com" and not even my personal etsy shop...I REALLY need to get my personal website up and running.
You can find Cosmopolitan Bride UK on stands now.
Can you believe that I haven't been able to get my own hands on one?!
I kinda live in a not so cosmopolitan area (lol) ...I got spoiled with everything in walking or driving distance in L.A.
Ah, but I can't beat the clean ocean air here!!! Heh, I would never be able to afford to live anywhere in L.A. getting the same ocean air!

New Month New Post

2009-06-03T14:09:00.000-07:00

Ok.
I'm not even going to go into the lack of posting...
Ah, New month...new post!
So, the last 2-3 weeks I have been finally able to exercise and it's been AWESOME!
I have to confess that I am almost kicking myself because all of you that are about to be shaking your heads in an "I TOLD YOU SO" are going to laugh. I FINALLY started to do Yoga and LOVE IT! Due to illness I haven't been able to exercise in almost 3 years so this has been a perfect low impact way to get back in to shape! Yeah, yeah....it was in the late 80's that you were ALL telling ME that of all people you knew I would LOVE yoga and should give it a try.
LOL!
Yeah, typical me...better late then never I say!!!
I also started beginning Pilates too.
WOW!
I just LOVE both of them.
I realized just how stiff and NOT limber I am!
Slowly I am working on stamina and core strength and in only 3 weeks I can already feel a difference.
I had no idea just how challenging yoga can be.
:P
Any suggestions on yoga DVD's for relative beginners would be appreciated.

Today is my Birthday!

2009-05-19T17:27:00.000-07:00

Heh...
I have been busy trying to be busy!
My family is taking me out to dinner tonight.
YUMMY!
I have had family visiting so it's fun...but I get nervous since I am used to always working.
I will take a few pictures to share!

Reworking

2009-04-29T21:01:00.001-07:00

So I decided to rework an existing piece.
I actually LOVE what I did.
I ended up adding multiple layers of hand treated Silk Chiffon petals underneath the jeweled center. I think the hand cut stylized petals add a romantic billowy fluff and soft dreamy effect. Now the flower appears to have more depth and fullness. I also added several more Swarovski pearls and rhinestones in the center spray. It REALLY sparkles and twinkles in the light!!! I wish you could tell in the pictures.
Sometimes I just know if I tweak a few things it will make the piece stunning!!!!!
I think I did the trick!!!!
Original

New Piece