Pathway to Opportunity

For all those people who have lost their jobs, valuable assets and are going through hard times, this one is for you.

Not so long a go, I learned that all you have materially can be easily lost in a heart bit, and regained in a heart bit as well. I've seen jobs and assets losses around the clock and on the news.

My father always says, anybody or any circumstance can take away what you have build with your hands any time, as unfair as it may sound, it happens in reality. The question is, How do you coupe with the loss? Wether is a house, a job, a family business, an asset, money, etc....

For me is with my Faith and with my gifts (skills).

You can lose everything, you can be left alone, you can be taken away from the things you have worked so much for.  Then, it comes the feeling of hopelessness.

So, my father continues saying that the one thing that nobody nor any circumstance can take away is your skills, your gifts,  or if you have one, your career. 

Thank God! I always say, because there must be something that should keep us going despite the ups and downs of life. Now, that along won't make the magic... because as you may know, jobs are hard to get these days.... so, what do you do when you have a career or a skill that you are not currently using in a company set?  

Add, creativity to it!

Be creative!

This can be a Pathway to new opportunities!

In these days, your creativity may save you from loosing your way out. Career alone or skill alone might not be enough.... So I will also add: Creativity to my  plan to coupe with these day's reality.

Wether it is a crazy idea, a unusual way of doing things, a switch on conventional settings, a new way of rearranging life, etc... it all can work... if you are willing to take the chance.

I am just reacting on what I've been exposed these days and how people around the world is responding to all of the mess of the economy's  fall down.

Keep the faith, keep the creativity.

The image featured in this post is a photograph taken in the beautiful hiking areas of Irvine, CA. In collaboration with my husband, this image was captured at the perfect time and perfect place. is one of the most inspirational images I've ever been moved by. It inspires freedom, it inspires life and purpose.

If you enjoyed this image you would probably like this giclee print of a similar image captured the same day, same siting. The image captures simplicity of nature near the urban Irvine. Available as a 8"x10" Giclee print at my shop. To be directed to it please click here

  

Enjoy,

Susana

Latin Spice Carried through Jewelry

Today this post is dedicated to my Jewelry Designs. 

I want to start by saying that I come from the river... as my husband usually says, he he he. He means, I come from El Salvador, in Central America. He actually had been there before we even met. I thought that that was funny and cool at the same time. He actually would love to retire there some day and live near by a place with rives, beaches, trees, and simple life type of place, which is the kind of places he remembers the most from his first trip years ago. He enjoys the tropical weather and the simplicity of life. He's caucasian, and I think we both have a great chemistry partly for being from two different worlds. 

Anyways, In my jewelry I tend to carry my Latin Spice. And my latest jewelry addition to my shop is kind of what I am talking about. 

I love nature, and simple materials. Not so complicated nor extra saturated. Although, I do like complexity on many things, I tend to start first with a simple approach, then I would move forward with more details as each piece allows me to. 

I am very open to a variety of style avenues in jewelry, I like the glamorous approaches as much as the simple earthy ones, but for personal use I always choose the earthy ones. 

The beads I use for my jewelry are made out of different materials, such as, glass, wood, resin, sea shell, bone, swarovski crystals, and metal. Many of these beads have been purchased from artisans from my homeland. I think it's important that if one has the chance to get materials from a needy source, in this case being the artisans from back home,  it's good to help. The money they get out of the sells of these goodies is used to support their families. In many cases, this is the only source of income they have, so hey, it feels good to support the artisans in need and help them make a living.

 

The item I am featuring today is this chic pair of earrings, I call "Leafy earrings" I looooove the leopard print on these beads, although these beads are not from my home land, I am sure they come from some other native source, telling from the nature of artistry of each bead, which, by the way are made out of natural wood then hand tinted with black dots in the front and black strips in the sides. Really nice. They're accompanied by a leaf charm for that natural and forest feel.  Not each leopard bead is the same, they have been made individually and that's one of the things I love about these series. I have another pair of earrings in similar design and also a bracelet that can definitely make a match for a complete set. I am actually working on the necklace, so I will be adding it to my shop soon. I decided to use transparent glass beads to complete each piece not to add any distraction but to embrace the wooden bead with each leaf.

To check out my shop and to see more details on this items and other, click on the "My Etsy Shop" square icon after you scroll all the way down this blog, you'll find it on your bottom left side. Actually, to make it more convenience for you, just click on this link which will take you directly to these tropical earrings: "Leafy Earrings" 

This is all for now, I hope I get any feed back from you. --Yes-- you---  who just read this post. :)

Have a great day,

Susana 

MY TUMBLEWEED PROJECT

Hey,

I just want to share a little bit about some of the projects that I've been working for quite a while. 

Let me give you a little bit of an intro overview before I get to the point:

Not so long ago, My husband our baby and I were driving through a Rd that was very close to the Fire we had last year. For those who might not remember, last year there were a series of fires all over California... specially in the So Cal. I live close to the Foothill Ranch area of Orange County where one fire took place. Anyways, so when we were driving we saw all the remains of the fire and how the damage of it affected a lot of the trees and plants of the region. 

Due to the dryness and all the dust and ashes all over, some plants just died and some other were burnt out at the fire. 

As I started to check the view along the way, I then, saw some tumbleweeds wondering around the side of the road... I said to my husband, "baby... I love those tumbleweeds, I have always had this fascination for them". Then he said he liked them as well, and continue on our way. Then, the thought of tumbleweeds remained in my mind for the rest of the day, further more, I wanted to own one so bad _ but I did not want to confess this to anybody because they would think I was crazy cucu. Besides, I also thought to myself that I could do some interesting things with them. I actually hadn't seen any tumbleweed up close before.

I had always seen them on those cowboy movies and stuff and I loved how they roll and tumble all around. __ It was my chance to finally see one up close. Although I am not sure about what really can be officially called a tumbleweed,  the ones I saw look pretty much like the ones I had seen in movies, but I am sure there are several plants and trees from where these cute tumbleweeds can emerge from.

So next day, I convinced my husband to go back to that place so I could trap__ better said, so I I could adopt some of these Tumbleweeds. My husband was a little reluctant about my idea, actually, he was not into my idea. But he is such a great husband and so supportive that he always ends up being part of my adventures. So I put on my boots and got really excited_ took our baby with us (as always). As we got there, it was sooooooo funny, because I wanted to get just a small tumbleweed (maybe two), but I kept asking my husband several times to stop at the side of the Rd every time I saw a small, that way I could get out of the car and check it out. He kept saying, "it's dangerous" , "be careful" I was literarily in the side of the road, walking and checking each tumbleweed, I wonder what the drivers passing us were thinking of me as they saw me walking around. There was not side walk, as the road was one of those long roads that connect cities separated by hills and are not used to waking. I even encounter some little mouse or the like among the bushes.

Anyways, after about 5 stops (maybe more), I kind of found a couple of good ones and ended up getting them_ a medium one and a small one, don't ask me how I carried them... that's another story. 

Although these tumbleweeds were not the best I've seen as they were kind of damaged and kind of falling apart, the fact that my dream of finally observing a tumbleweed from up close was happening, just melted me inside_it was not a dream anymore_. I had actually rescued two tumbleweeds! I was thrilled! I guess my husband did not really see the 'melted me inside' part since I tend not to be so corny about things some times, specially when they are kind of silly.  

As I got home (safely, thank God) and pet them and saw them up close, I realized that they must have gone through so much to end up like that, dry and bit up, probably because of  the fire. But even if it wasn't the fire, I also realize that the process of life of tumbleweeds is a simply part of a natural cycle due to their habitat and individual nature, and that the remains of what was once green, robust and "live", are nothing but beautiful creations of nature with a story to tell that brings them back to life.

 They might not be the sturdiest tumbleweeds as I said earlier, they were kind of falling apart, but they're amazing to me, period. Because of them, I felt a great sense of accomplishment. Not only for the fact that I finally fulfilled my dream (with the help of my adorable husband and our baby's support) to finally have them and see them up close, but for the fact that I knew that something bigger was going to come up out of that tumbleweed adventure day. 

Indeed, this tumbleweed experience got me started on the development of a new series of storytelling works  in form of illustrations_ of course, all inspired by my beloved rescued tumbleweeds. My illustrations will tell stories of all of the different trials these tumbleweeds have to go through on their journey of life. Which, curiously translates to what we humans are all about as well. 

I personally, think of myself as being a tumbleweed, - Oh, here I go again - You must think I'm too silly - Well, I was referring to a mere metaphoric way to say that we tumble through life as well as them. 

The illustration featured in this posting is Titled "Tumbleweed Love" It's one of the first illustrations of the series. 

These adorable tumbleweeds are holding on each other. They know that loneliness and confusion can be dangerous if one is alone in an uncertain time of life. The desert is a place where things seem not so clear_ it's dry and there's not refreshments_  The bible compares our testing times of life to being in a desert. You don't have a safe place to hide as the sand storm arrives; it tumbles you around . There's not visible door to go to.... Luckily, these tumbleweeds are blessed to have each other and to have the protection of God at times we might not even feel his presence. The tough journey will then be easier because they have one another and their glowing hearts are facing God with hope for better times and to feed each other's spirit with love...  ... ... ... See more of this illustration at my shop (read below).

Keep in touch and check back soon, as you may see more tumbleweed stories to be told. 

To check this illustration out and to see more of my art which can be purchased please visit my Etsy Shop by scrolling all the way down this blog then by clicking on either the white and orange square on the left side at the end of this page where it says " My Etsy Shop" or by clicking on the different images and links around this page. Or, just click here to be taken directly to this illustration: "Tumbleweed Love"

Thanks for reading, my fellow tumbleweeds.... This one came out long.

xoxoxoxo

Susana

Seeing my son grow

Hi,

I just wanted to share a little bit of my inner side.

About a little over 3 years ago I was in that stage of my life where I wanted a family. I was literarily praying for a baby. As funny as it sounds, I did want a baby in my arms. I guess I was going through those times when you hit 30, and your hormones are going crazy. I do believe it was the hormones. It was the case for me.

Anyways,

Like magic, I found my charming prince and now, I am a wife and a mom. I got the whole package.... What can I say. I am happy. Things don't come easy, so don't take it serious when I said "like magic", but as for now, I am blessed with a wonderful family which I thank God every day for. 

I am thrilled to see my son grow everyday, and how he absorbs and learns every tiny little bit of information. It's amazing,  he is my little sponge. 

I just wanted to throw these words today, as I've been feeling very sentimental.

Thanks for reading,

Susana 

My new shop

Hi,

I am a digital artist, and an art lover who wants to share my art and thoughts. I have been into the arts for my entire life since my dad owns an art gallery. I used to spent days at his showrooms looking at amazing masterpieces. How could you not get inspired?

I got my education in the arts and graphics and I became my own boss since few years ago. I love to work on digital images, photography, Giclee making, digital printing... jewelry, crafts, handmade items, and I certainly want to explore new paths in the arts and crafts.

As I have said before somewhere else, I love to create new art all the time, I can't feel complete if I don't make a visual project a reality. I am a dreamer, but I am also a maker and I try to combine both.  

Right now I am building my site at Etsy, it's been a while since I have been planning on doing so and finally I am taking the firsts steps. Some of the items you see in your left, are some of my latest works. 

I am constantly adding new art pieces, I hope who buys them enjoy them as much as I do. My art is what keeps me going in the process of creating. So it would mean a lot to see that people would like to have a piece of me through my art. 

If you would like to see more details about the flower note card featured in this post and it's availability just click here and it will take you directly to it. Enjoy!

I am new to blogger, I am still trying to figure out so many functions and where everything goes, and I am still a little lost, so if you see my profile or anything in my blog that can be arranged differently, let me know. Everything would be appreciated.

Also, if you would like to be added in my blog as a contact and if you could add me as well, sounds like a plan. I want to start having friends here whom I can network, share and talk about arts.

Thanks for visiting,

Susana 

Wild Flower

Visit my Etsy shop and see what I've been doing for the past three days... Here: http://www.tumbleweedstudios.etsy.com