Please join the poll and help me out!!

OK, this is a question I've been wondering about for a while, so I wanted to create a poll to hopefully see what most of you think!

As some of you know my butterfly earrings are listed in my etsy shop in a way that you can choose the color scheme, ear wire styles, butterflies etc. to create your own unique pair. Here is the listing if you like to take a peak; click click I'm aware this may not be the most convenient way for some of my customers as some people prefer to just click and buy without the hassle of thinking about which ones to choose, what colors etc.

So my questions is; what do you prefer? Take the time and create your own pair, or choose from the ready made ones listed as all you need to do is click to buy the one pictured and you are good to go! ?

I really appreciate everyone for participating, as I'm willing to do some changes in my shop depending on how this poll will end! :)


Love,
Derya

poll by twiigs.com

Please join the poll and help me out!!

12:49am Friday, A quick post to show this to you!

{Such a bad blogger I am I know I know..But to be honest I've been super busy, my shop was on fire for the last couple of weeks or so (no complains there!) I will come back again very soon to show you all the new super unique creations I've been working on, you can click here to see take a look at my new things (most of them are listed in my shop too)! I'm literally seeing butterflies flying around my head like in the cartoon movies but not birds; butterflies! lol }

will be back soon...

love

Derya

12:49am Friday, A quick post to show this to you!

So Which one of these Styles are more YOU?

I recently got the news about one of my metal mesh vintage reconstructed necklaces will be in a great magazine very soon! (more details coming, once the issue is out!) So I'm working on more  necklaces in the same theme with metal mesh material to have more unique choices in my shop. This one  came out from the studio first, it is all vintage materials/jewels re-purposed to create this piece.

I listed this gorgeous necklace in my shop, click here to read more details and to see more photos!

I know that not all of us are style gurus or fashionistas and sometimes when we find an accessory we love that may bring the question: How the H I can wear this with? So I decided to start making style boards with  my jewelry designs to bring some ideas on minds about how to wear them.

Here comes the first look! The outfit is simple and plain with jeans, a white tank top and classic blazer jacket, but the outfit gets exciting with the fabulous emerald green high heels and the necklace. Maybe a going out at night look, but easily convertible to a day look if you change the shoes to low heels or flats!

And the second look I put together is more of a day look with a simple white summer dress, and the I wanted the metal studded look continue so I chose the jean vest and the shoes in that style! (I love that Vivienne Westwood purse by the way, isn't it so pretty?) The green on the necklace continues on the purse..

I hope these ideas inspires you! Comment on this post and let me know which look suits your style more! Would you like the idea of seeing more style boards like these with my designs in them? I enjoy creating them but will do more if you enjoy them too! :)

love,

Derya

So Which one of these Styles are more YOU?

A Great Reason to upgrade Your Flickr Account to PRO!

I LOVE Flickr and I've been using it for free until a few days ago I upgraded my account to Pro. The reasons I decided to pay an extra $20 something (the price is for 1 whole year) while I could keep using it for free are most importantly; the ability to submit each of my photos to as many as group pools I want, and also to be able to have a 'stats' page where I can track where my views are coming from, which photos are more popular, etc. Last but not least; limitless photo upload!

I know we all love FREE but sometimes even a tiny investment can bring you a lot more benefit that you'd think! Here is why; today I realized a sudden increase on the views to my photostream, favorited photos, all followed with many -super nice- comments. I was wondering where all those were coming from then I remembered to check my stats page and voila! My Fluttery Breath of Life necklace which I've added to the CRAFT group pool, was featured on Craftzine blog! (yayy) That feature also brought a lot of views to my Etsy shop, blog, as well as new members to my Facebook page. I don't know how else I could find out about it if I didn't have the stats page when I was using flickr for free.

I'm aware this post written promotion all over, but I don't really care because it is my own experience and I wanted to share this with you because; especially people like you and me who has a creative business loves a genuine input from an insider. I'm not saying you go and upgrade your flickr to Pro and all the happy pink clouds will come to your way, we never know that but they may and  I hope they do! ;)

----------------------

Please leave a comment if you have any questions about Flickr, how to upgrade to Pro etc., also if you have your own experience or input about this!

love,

Derya

A Great Reason to upgrade Your Flickr Account to PRO!

Fluttery Breath of Life

My new butterfly necklace I recently finished, it will go to a photo shoot for a magazine very soon but I couldn't resist doing a photo shoot myself before I send it over! I'm so much in love with it, the photos were not enough so I did a tiny video too where you can see how butterflies are becoming alive with the soft breath of the wind

-click here to check it out-

Fluttery Breath of Life

Moth to Jewels!

 

      Lately I've been seeing butterflies everywhere even
when I close my eyes! Though that is a little overwhelming from time
to time, I'm extremely happy and excited my butterfly designs are
receiving such wonderful interest & feedback from all over! 

  One of the best parts is that I've been getting a lot of bridal
orders lately on the bfly designs, especially the large bold single
earrings which  excites me even more because as I see there are a lot of
cool ladies who are willing to go bold and non-traditional
with their bridal accessories! Isn't that great? 

Kudos to all like minded ladies out there!!

I need to take more photos of this one, then it will be available in my shop! 

Update* I couldn't wait and listed it as it is to add more photos later! ;)
click here too see!

love,

Derya

Moth to Jewels!

As promised here they are!

Well, I just wanna say I'm in love with these two!
If I wasn't already married, I'd just keep either of them for my future wedding (maybe both)! :) 

I didn't make them as only bridal pieces of course, I just think they have the quality to be worn by brides as well as your cool old jeans and a tank top combo! They are both one of a kind pieces because I've used vintage finds/brooches/components to make them. Anyway, I hope you like what you see, they are both recently listed in my shop here!

love

Derya

As promised here they are!

How far are you willing to go?

I mean as far as the unusual-ness of the jewelry you wear? Would you wear this salt shaker ring?

I don't know about you but I just love creating this kind of unexpected jewelry pieces as well as wearing them. There are so much of the cookie cutter stuff in the market already, so why not go for something bold and surprising? ;)

Here are my latest designs, freshly added to my shop. I hope you enjoy what you see! Oh, there are also 2 new gorgeous cuffs I just finished (sneak peek on those are in my previous post) and I will share them with you here tomorrow, so come back to check them out, I know you won't regret! :) 

 Vintage sterling silver salt shaker ring- It is a keepsake piece which you can put a special note, or your favorite quote or whatever you want as long as it fits!

My newest addition to the cotton plants collection -double layered braided batik fabric with cotton boll charms and lucite flower on the side!

You may have seen these gorgeous earrings in one of the shots from my studio, well now they are available in my shop! 

love,

Derya

How far are you willing to go?

I'm working in Frida's presence

 Diane -  Mexisoul.Etsy.com

   Yesterday I stopped by at Cantera in Santa Ana, the store my friend Diane has her art works besides little things she loves and hand selects for re-sale. Luckily she was there herself!! Diane is one of the biggest fans of Frida Kahlo (can you tell?) I love her style, but I love her soul more than anything about her.We like having long deep conversations about life and relationships, though we also crack up by our silly jokes a lot (ok 'my' silly jokes mostly). She calls me 'my gem friend Derya' I really like that, because she says it so genuinely from the heart. 

This small print of Frida Kahlo caught my eye on Diane's display and I couldn't resist . I didn't hang it on my studio wall yet, so for now she is leaning towards my little blue sewing machine and watching me create, also inspiring me.

Frida also watched me making these new cuffs last night..

Is this just gorgeous or not? Purple enamel large flower is re-purposed from a vintage brooch,

I've added the rhinestones around the pearl at the center of the flower. The bigger rhinestone chain is going to drape towards the hand when worn on the wrist. This bracelet is not finished yet though, I will add leather inside of the leaf cuff part.

     This cuff has a different base than the other ones I've designed.This time I curved a large intricately cut brass dragonfly wing, and did a white faux enamel on it. There is beige color recycled leather piece inside, so the cuff is also gentle on the skin. The large butterfly brooch is another vintage find, I've changed the rhinestones and added freshwater pearls on it. This cuff bracelet is almost finished, I will only add chain and clasp to the back side.I'm excited for both of these new cuffs! 

¨¨¨¨°º©©º°¨¨¨¨¨

My friend Diane has a fresh new Etsy shop Mexisoul 

She just started adding some of her jewelry designs, and some vintage finds, I'm hoping she adds some of her amazing embroidered wall art works too, so you can see those as well. Go and take a look at her shop, heart her, add her items in your favorites etc. I'm sure she will enjoy all your interest!!

love,

Derya

I'm working in Frida's presence

Marie Antoinette & my Messy Studio

Secret is revealed! (see my previous post) Marie Antoinette brooches.

They are nothing like I've done before, my creations never looked this delicious, 

more importantly I had a lot of fun making them! What do you think?? 

They fancy your sweet tooth?

 "LET THEM EAT CAKE!"

(I made the sliced cakes with felt and leather mix, and teeny beads on top. The doily pieces are hand crocheted delicate lace pieces, and vintage brass stampings)

...and my messy studio corner! That is how I usually work; just messy. You can see some ideas I'm working on currently and also new upcoming pieces *wink wink!*

Love those metal mesh fabrics!

Hair comb with organza butterflies

Peacock Earrings, transfer on organza

Marie Antoinette & my Messy Studio

Vote for your Etsy Prom Queen! (pssst ! vote for me!)

I just found out my Wings of Iris Necklace is in the Etsy Voter, yayy!! Please click here to go to the voting page, and select your favorite! Do you see which one I voted for? (look at the photo below) :P 

Vote for your Etsy Prom Queen! (pssst ! vote for me!)

from past, from nature, from my culture...

I'm super excited for the new additions to my all 3 collections!
This one you see above is a single earring I shared the process photos with you here previously..It is a statement piece! Can you see the flying birds on the butterfly, and trees and the blue sky on the lower background? I've created those on photoshop, transferred onto organza fabric and combined with brass components. I think it turned out dreamy!
Very soon to be listed in my store.

Another single earring, and statement piece.
This one is going to be latest addition to my cotton plants collection. I love the color tones, the feel and the texture! Hand died to golden color sari silk ribbon is braided, at the center I've placed an antique brass branch with leaves and cotton boll dangle.

Two of these gorgeous reconstructed vintage
cuff bracelets are listed in my shop already and the other one is coming soon!

Last but not least Take me to Istanbul Earrings are now in silver tone & oval shape available in the shop! You can still find the original round &antique brass version here..


Love,
Derya

from past, from nature, from my culture...

Sneak Peek at the Studio

Wanted to share what's coming to shop soon. I'm seriously in love with these vintage
jeweled cuffs, I kinda have an evil desire to keep them
all to myself.. ;)

There is more cooking in the studio, two new necklaces with vintage jewels and
more additions to the Cotton Plants Collection,
cant wait to show you..soon..

love
Derya

Sneak Peek at the Studio

'Set' is done, it is your turn to tell the story

When I was studying Theater Set and Costume Design back in college; my favorite play or opera projects were the ones that are from the Ancient Greek mythology.. I was always amazed by the places, creatures, gods, goddesses and stories.. I think I loved the freedom of 'flying as much as I could' part as far as the design & creativity.. It was a lot more fun than working on a let's say Chekhov play where you have all the resource under your hands about the time period, opposite to the Greek Mythology which is only limited by your imagination..

This earring I've made last night, made me think of all the above which I see skies with stars, flying birds, turquoise waters, beautiful sand, climbing vines, and butterflies in it! Oh yeah, and the column of course, everything started with that piece at the first place. When I finished the piece it just looked like a little set design where you can play your own story in it, what to tell is up to you.

Lately I've been really into large statement single earrings, yes usually 2 is better than 1 they say, but sometimes not.. I enjoy creating pieces like that which can stand on their own as a focal accessory, and tells a lot already by itself, it feels like there is no need for another one..

I took a few photos during the process of creating, which you can see above.. They are not very good looking photos because it was night and the lighting wasn't good but anyway I hope you enjoy what you see!

Derya

'Set' is done, it is your turn to tell the story

Inspired by an old Turkish belief

As most of you know I'm originally Turkish. There is this tradition in my culture; new mom wears a simple red ribbon made into a bow around her head as a headband. I have seen this tradition going around since my childhood. Until now I never learned the reason behind it! Thanks to the internet magic, after a quick search I was informed; it is believed a new mom should wear something red right after giving birth to be protected from evil eye. In some other sources, they say; 'red' will protect the mom from a sickness (which is today known as post postpartum depression), another source says 'red' will give energy to the new mom.

I can't say I believe any of those personally, but I also kind of like the idea of doing something special with this old tradition! I also like the idea of the new mom wearing something lovely and life-full representing the magical happening which is bringing a baby into this world! We should not forget the after birth photos factor also, which will be in the albums for a loooong time, right? ;)

Long story short, I have been thinking about designing something special (my own version of this old traditional accessory) for my sister in law who is having my niece in August (yayy! first time auntie here!). I thought butterflies would be perfect for this, so I decided to create a headband that is still having 'red' but combined with delightfully clustered colorful organza butterflies which I create my butterfly jewelry with, also the addition of ivory feathers!

I LOVE how the headband came out, I can't wait for my sister in law posing wearing it with my little niece in her arms both healthy and happy!

Love,
Derya

Inspired by an old Turkish belief

Fluttery Breath of Life this is!

As I work more on my organza butterflies/wings collection, even more unique designs are coming up right after another. I fall in love with each one of them.

Especially this new amazing necklace makes me wanna get married again and wear it with a simple off white gown at a spring wedding in a whimsical theme. *sigh*

For the long single earrings I have used more insect wings this time, as I'm always fascinated with the amazing beauty on the details of those wings. Each earring features wings from 7-8 different insects from the mother earth...

Click here to see the rest of my butterflies/wings collection.


love,
Derya

Fluttery Breath of Life this is!

She said YES wearing my wallpaper necklace!

It was August 2008, a sale from my etsy shop seemed pretty random to find out later that it was going to be one of my best stories to brag on my jewelry designing. Having etsy convos with the buyer lady I found out she was buying the necklace to wear at her wedding. I was thrilled of course, not just because one of my designs was going to be a part of someones very special day,but also the fact that the necklace was made out of re-cycled wallpaper! The wallpaper came from an old wallpaper samples catalog that was about to trashed by the interior design department of a college.

Since then I have been telling this nice little story to everyone with an excitement and proud, and yes bragging too! Then a few days ago (after about 1.5 years) I got a message from the very bride asking me if I was interested in seeing the wedding photos and her wearing the necklace with her gown! What can I say? I had to say 'of course!' (meaning 'hell YEAH!! and you are asking?) :P

Today, she sent me the photos and I almost fell out of my chair! After getting the permission from her, I couldn't wait to share the photos and the story here!



THANK YOU Stacey, this was one of the best gifts I've ever received! I wish you all the beautiful things from life..

Love,
Derya

She said YES wearing my wallpaper necklace!

I need your Votes!!

Here is lovely reason to break the ice and update my neglected blog! ;)

My beautiful and unique 'Wings of Iris' necklace is chosen to compete at Handmade Olympics, out of hundreds of items submitted!! Who is going to decide which lovely item wins? YOU! So, please check out this page and vote for my necklace if you believe that 'Wings of Iris' should be the winner!

It is at the second place now, will you take it to the first place?

Love,
Derya

I need your Votes!!

Cotton Plants Collection is about to Launch

I'm very excited about this, can't wait to start listing the pieces to my online shop! They'll all be available soon!

If you are on Facebook, please join my jewelry page to be alerted with the newest items, news and special discounts only inclusive to the members of my group! Click here to go to my page (after signing into your account)


Love,
Derya

Cotton Plants Collection is about to Launch