Argentina

Yes, so I realize that I've been mentioning this from time to time for several months now, but never formally introduced the big news!
ETA: Actually, I just read back through my posts and it looks like I never really did mention this, even though it's been consuming my life.

I will be studying abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina from the end of February through the end of July. It's an interruption from my regular course of study, but I'm going to take the opportunity to complete some credits towards a Spanish minor, as all of my courses will be taught in Spanish while I'm there. This is a wonderful (albeit terrifying) opportunity for me and I have to admit I'm freaked out. This is definitely bigger than anything I have ever done in my life!

Because I'm going to be away during the festival season, I am having a sale right now in order to give people a chance to do any shopping they might have wanted to do over the summer. From now until February 15th I will take 20% off of any order of two items or more, and shipping is free for all purchases! 11:59 on February 15th I will close my shop in order to prepare for my departure on 2/20.

This is a sneak peak, before I completely finish my uploads, and send out an e-mail to my mailing list, so if you see something you like you may want to snap it up now, because I won't be making more until next fall, and when I run out I run out!

Back on the web!

I can't recall if I posted about this, but in late July I got my website all finished up! Check it out: Soasa Designs Of course I haven't had time for the most important step, the actual listing of pieces. This collection that I'm presenting is one that I am fond of, a melding of old favorites and new loves. The challenge of selling both on and offline is a big one, especially with the volume of events I have coming up in the next few months, but I am confidant in what I have to offer to the internet.

In Which I Attempt to Catch Up - Ep. 3 - Work

Yes indeed...work. I do a lot of it!

This summer is pretty good, as summers go. I'm working at Taft Farms and Off the Beaded Path, both places I love, doing work I enjoy. At Taft Farms I pick asparagus and plant or pick or really any field work they need from me. Once strawberry season starts I'll be picking those (any day now!) I get to spend every morning outside with plants, and I'm getting into a really good sleeping pattern. Sleep by 10:30, up by 7. I dig it. I'm working on getting up at 6.

Of course, on top of that I'm doing a LOT with my jewelry this summer! I'll post the finalized summer schedule soon.

Hello World

Gorgeous and Green, originally uploaded by Soul of a Starving Artist.

My website, Soasa Designs is finally up and about! It's still in a beginning stage, but it's fully functional and raring to go. Check out the Gallery to browse what I currently
have available, or visit the Previous Work page to see some of what I've done in the past. As many of you know I've been busily running about selling my jewelry at various events all year. I'm having a wonderful time, and I'm learning more than I ever imagined possible. This website is the next step.

I'll also be vending at a few more events this season. You can find me at Bard College on
December 7th and also at the Yuletide Fair at Hawthorne Valley School on December 8th.

A couple seasonal shipping notes:

If you'd like your items by Christmas please place your order before Dec 15th so that I can be sure that they arrive on time! Of course, if you're local to me we can always work something out later than that.

Also! Shipping is always free for orders over $30!

For an additional 10% off simply e-mail me at RobinMarie[at]soasadesigns[dot]com with the subject "Hello World" when you place your order!

Haha, so NaNoWriMo? NoMo'

I can't even begin to wrap my brain around the possibility of having time for something like that. I thought it would be a relaxing exercise, challenging but ultimately of no consequence. Except it seems I'm easily obsessed! I keep thinking about it and wishing I could work on it, and as a result I get stressed out.

I spent today doing things I actually need to do. No one was home all day, so I had the kitchen table all to myself. I really wish I had a studio of my own so that I had space to spread out all the time. I got so much work done!

PHOTO LOST

This is for my first consignment deal. A woman approached me at one of my events last month and asked me if I would be interested in working with her. Why not? We'll see how this goes!

Tourmaline Swizzles

Aren't they fun? All these images you're seeing will soon be posted on my Etsy site and hopefully my shiny new website too! I'm experimenting with less practical jewelry, and quite enjoying it! I like gorgeous things, not just every day things, and I hope that my shop will reflect that.


In that same vein (gorgeous, this time being the body I wish I had), but totally different, I've started swimming a couple times a week with my housemate, in an attempt to keep myself active. So far we're pretty loyal, which I'm proud of! Every time I get in the pool I feel like I'm swimming in a giant pot of pickle, which is really funny to me:) I'm not really hoping to lose weight doing it, just hoping not to gain any of the weight I've already lost back. It's good for me, I think, to exercise. I've always wished I was one of those people who's addicted to the gym because it seems like one of the best addictions ever! Second only to jewelry. Of course. A word of caution though, drink lots of water before and after swimming, because it dehydrates you soooo fast. And eat lots of bananas! I really miss playing water polo, and I'm thrilled to be back in the pickle pot.

She Has Pictures!

Yep, finally had to unload my camera, and I'm actually much happier with what I've got than I expected. My chances to take photos at the market were aways rushed, so I thought I'd sold a lot of pieces that I'd never see again. Turns out I have some pictures! These here are my mushies, I love them very much. I don't really expect to sell them, they're easily the most expensive and strangest piece I have displayed, but I like to show them anyway and see and hear people's reactions.

Tomorrow morning my brother and I are off to Falcon Ridge for a weekend of fun and adventure! I'm taking some jewelry and supplies with me to keep me busy in the blistering heat of the afternoon, but next year I'm hoping to vend there legitimately! My new pavilion (the brilliant one) is coming with us, so we'll have some shade and a really sweet campsite! We're called The Hip Ship:) When my brother and younger cousin were about 13 they made a raft and named it the Hip Ship, with a little peace sign flag and everything. So we've designed our campsite in memory of. We're also doing a Free Hug campaign at the Ridge, which my mom is less than thrilled about, but we're all excited for!

I'm stressing big time about Musefest because I'm not ready! It's all I can do to keep myself stocked for the Market, but Musefest falls on the first week of school, the weekend between two Markets and the same week I'm moving into my new apartment! I'm bugging out! I just placed two giant orders yesterday, one with Fire Mountain the other with Lotta Displays and they should be here next week. Then it's just production production production, not to mention figuring out how to use the lanterns and sidewalls I just ordered!

Help!!

In any case, the bead store is still wonderful, so far this summer I'm almost making profit with my jewelry, and I'm having a load of fun! As you can see I don't know a ton about formating these pictures (I only just found out you could upload directly!) and I'm just going to leave you with one more of a section of my booth. Perhaps I'll post more later:)



Peace and love!

Hip Ship Crew Mom

The Beat Goes On....

More new work to share!





These vivid little things are made with Amber, Amethyst and Sterling Silver chain. They are exactly 2" long, and very swingy!





I am completely in love with this pair. Amber, Coral, Garnet and Sterling. Bright, bold colors! 2" long.

As always, keep an eye on my Etsy page for new listings and sales!

New Work!

I wanted to post a little taste of some of my new work!





I'm completely thrilled with these guys. Made with tons of Garnet and Turquoise chips, glass and Sterling chain, these earrings have a lot of movement and energy to them. They're elegant but funky, and perfect to dress-up or dress-down. Hung on handmade silver ear wires, these earrings measure just under 3".





A perfect match for the Turquoise and Garnet Cluster Earrings, this delicate, versatile little bracelet looks super hot with jeans, or a little black dress! Stone chips, glass, and a handmade silver clasp add up to a total of 8.25".


More soon!