Last show before Xmas

Alwenita, originally uploaded by Amaria Studio.

Calling all last minute shoppers! I will be at Lacenterra in Katy this Saturday December 20th for the Artisan Fair from 8:00am- 12:00 pm. I have some fabulous pearl sets available for your daughters, sisters, wives, mothers, or friends! I hear the weather will be in the 70s this weekend so come on out and shop! See you there!

Santa I want .......

Santa I want ......., originally uploaded by Amaria Studio.

Santa, I have been a really good girl this year!

This was taken Saturday Dec. 6 at Lacenterra in Katy. I was pressured to sit with Santa. I have not done this since I was a little girl. O the memories of wishing for stuff and not getting it. This year I wished for continued growth, health and success in 2009!

Fa- la- la- la Holiday Market at Lacenterra in Katy

Anieve, originally uploaded by Amaria Studio.

Come on out this Saturday 12/06/08 ! I will be out there from 8am - 4pm! I hear Santa will be there as well.
I am designing some special pieces all week long. I plan to give a little gift with purchase! So come on out. If you cannot make it, go ahead and shop online as I am currently offering free shipping this week!

Montrose Farmers Market

Montrose Farmers Market was fun! I believe that the market has the potential to grow as the location is fabulous! It is located at La Strada parking lot 322 Westheimer in Houston. The vendors featured were Taft st. Co-op, Vanille, Welch Street Soap, Fontana Coffee & Amaria ( myself ). I am hoping to spread the word and get more vendors and traffic out there. It is on saturdays from 9:00am to 2:00pm.

Artisan Fair & Farmers Market at Lacenterra in Katy

Artisan Fair & Farmers Market at Lacenterra in Katy, originally uploaded by Amaria Studio.

What a beautiful day at Lacenterra! The winds were fairly strong but the sky was beautiful! Lacenterra is already preparing for the Holidays with their huge Christmas Tree. Only thing missing is their tree topper. I was told it was "stuck in the mail". Can't wait to see what it looks like. We shall see next time I show there in Katy.

Recipe for Success and Dr. Oz

On November 11, Dr. Oz spoke at a special Recipe for Success luncheon at the Hilton Americas Hotel in Houston. The lunch was attended by nearly 700 people, and raised funds and awareness about the growing problem of childhood obesity – and what could be done about it.

I helped out with what I could by making vintage looking aprons for the event at the Harvest Market that took place in the lobby of the Hilton. Check out this article on khou. Also check out my pic in the slideshow of the event! My 15 seconds of fame! Hehehe!

Just for fun

I found this website called yearbookyourself. You basically upload a picture and they plug it into old yearbook silhouettes. If you have time to play around. Check it out and send the pics to your friends for some giggles...I swear I never had these hair styles in high school.

10 Skills You Need to Succeed at Almost Anything

Just read this on lifehack and thought I would share.....
Lifehack has compiled a list of general skills that will help anyone get
ahead in practically any field, from running a company to running a gardening
club. As you read through this list keep in mind that anyone can develop this
set of skills, and use them to go after, and achieve, their dreams..
1. Public Speaking
The ability to speak clearly, persuasively, and forcefully in front of an
audience -- whether an audience of one or of thousands -- is one of the most
important skills anyone can develop. People who are effective speakers come
across as more comfortable with themselves and more confident.
2. Writing
Writing well offers many of the same advantages that speaking well offers: good
writers are better at selling products, ideas, and themselves than poor writers.
Learning to write well involves not just mastery of grammar, but the development
of the ability to organize your thoughts into a coherent form and target it to
an audience in the most effective way possible.
3. Self-Management
If success depends on effective action, effective action depends on the ability
to focus your attention where it is needed most, when it is needed most. Strong
organizational skills, effective productivity habits, and a strong sense of
discipline are needed to keep yourself on track.
4. Networking
Networking is not only for finding jobs or clients. In an economy dominated by
ideas and innovation, networking creates the channel through which ideas flow
and in which new ideas are created.
5. Critical Thinking
You are exposed to hundreds, if not thousands, of times more information on a
daily basis than your great-grandparents were. Being able to evaluate that
information, sort the potentially valuable from the trivial, analyze its
relevance and meaning, and relate it to other information is crucial.
6. Decision-Making
The bridge that leads from analysis to action is effective decision-making --
knowing what to do based on the information available. Being able to take in the
scene and respond quickly and effectively is what separates the doers from the
wannabes.
7. Math
You don¢t have to be able to integrate polynomials to be successful. However,
the ability to quickly work with figures in your head, to make rough but fairly
accurate estimates, and to understand things like compound interest and basic
statistics gives you a big lead on most people.
8. Research
Nobody can be expected to know everything. And you don¢t have to know
everything -- but you should be able to quickly and painlessly find out what you
need to know.
9. Relaxation
Stress will not only kill you, it leads to poor decision-making, poor thinking,
and poor socialization. Being able to face even the most pressing crises with
your wits about you, in the most productive way, is possibly the most important
thing on this list.
10. Basic Accounting
It is a simple fact in our society that money is necessary. Knowing how to
track and record your expenses and income is important just to survive, let
alone to thrive. It¢s a shame that basic accounting isn¢t a required part of
the core K-12 curriculum.
Sources:
* Lifehack.org July 30, 2008

Sweet as Candy Apron

Sweet as Candy Apron, originally uploaded by sanchezdeortiz.

Here is my new Apron.... I keep changing my pattern as I go. I am on my way to the perfect craft apron! Hope you like candy!!

Peppermint craft apron

Peppermint apron, originally uploaded by sanchezdeortiz.

Just finished this beauty! I am starting to make more aprons. Actually this is my second one. I am selling it on www.amariastudio.etsy.com- my new shop. If interested in a custom one please let me know.....

Just for fun! Koko & Bob

My dog Koko has a nemisis in our own backyard. Its Bob the squirrel ( this is where scary music sounds )!!! My hubby named the squirrel one day and it just stuck. So every morning my dog sees Bob and runs out and tries to capture him. And never does. Bob even talks smack to Koko from a "safe" spot on the tree. It is a pretty funny site to see. The never ending chase......

Use what you've got

Use your regular correspondence as a marketing opportunity. Make letters, invoice mailings and other correspondence more marketable by including product or promotion offers in them. I plan to order stamps with my logo on either Zazzle or Photostamps.

Craft show apron

Craft show apron, originally uploaded by sanchezdeortiz.

Today I have been a busy little bee. I just opened another shop with my first item, a craft show apron. My new lil' shop is http://amariastudio.etsy.com on Etsy. I will be busy sewing all day and hopefully into the weekend making cute aprons. I will post pictures later....

Paraguayan Filigree

'Akau, originally uploaded by sanchezdeortiz.

Happy Friday!
I finally got some of my special orders from Paraguay and have started to incorporate them into my shop on etsy. Check them out if you have a chance!
I sold a couple of pieces at the market and had a special order for a customer that I just finished this week. They are stunning. Nothing like them on the market right now.
I will also be incorporating some Bolivan filigree to my pieces this coming week. As I design, I will share them with you.

Abimbola- rosary necklace

Abimbola- rosary necklace, originally uploaded by sanchezdeortiz.

I haven't blogged this week cause I was busy cleaning up after Ike and helping out the parents. But now I am ready to focus on my business. I have been making rosaries lately, not sure why just going with the flow. Here is one I made of red dyed coral and 14k gold fill. It is a pretty impressive piece. I must say so myself....Not a red person but I really likey!!!
This week I have been informed that the Artisans are invited to show at Lacenterra this Saturday 9/27/08 in Katy. I was pretty excited to hear this since last week our show was cancelled b/c of big bad Ike.
I am hoping to get some sales b/c I really want to donate to the Red Cross Disaster Relief. Wish me luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ike aftermath

Ike aftermath 006, originally uploaded by sanchezdeortiz.

Thank goodness nothing happened to any family members! Talk about SCARY!!!! I think next time I might evacuate.Definitely for a cat. 3-4. I tell you I slept in the our closet and I could barely sleep because of all the noise. Here is a picture of my parents house. The ceiling in the parlor came down. Yikes!!!

Ike & Red Cross

I have decided to donate 15% of all sales from 9/15/08 to 9/22/08 to the Red Cross. Please check out the Amaria shop currently on Etsy.

Red Cross' website is saying " As the Red Cross continues helping individuals and families battered by the 2008 storms and hurricanes, a national fundraising campaign has been launched to raise an initial $100 million to fill a Disaster Relief Fund depleted after an active year of disasters. The Disaster Relief Fund allows the Red Cross to provide emergency assistance to help victims of disasters meet their immediate needs for food, shelter, counseling and other critical services."

What every stylish woman needs in a Hurricane

What every stylish woman needs in a Hurricane, originally uploaded by sanchezdeortiz.

During tough times it is important to keep your sense of humor.... My niece emailed me this photo thinking of me. Just want to share and hopefully put a smile on some people's faces....Along with Plylox clips and a truck I am so investing in these!!!!!!!!!!!!

Eerie house

Eerie house, originally uploaded by sanchezdeortiz.

We are "hunkering" down here in Richmond!! My hubby & neighbor just finished boarding up the windows on the south side of the house. I don't like this sensation of being blocked in but you gotta do what you gotta do to ride out Ike... We are just scared of the trees behind us. Reporting live from Richmond, TX................

Howard Miller Sonoma Bar

Howard Miller Sonoma Bar, originally uploaded by sanchezdeortiz.

So the other day I was watching East Side, West Side with Barbara Stanwyck, James Mason, Van Heflin, & Ava Gardner. There was a scene where Ava serves James a drink from her "hidden bar". It was a quick flash scene but I have become obsessed with finding the perfect bar for the house. My priorities are soooo screwed up. We don't even have a nice dining set & I am already looking for a bar... I'll add the clip I'm talking about in a bit. What do you think cool bar? Right?

Magazines

Magazines, originally uploaded by sanchezdeortiz.

I just picked up a box full of beading magazines that a nice lady was giving away. I am sooo excited since these magazines are 2 years worth and are not cheap. As they say one's trash is another one's treasure!!!! What a treasure....!!!

Tips to maximize sales at a show

I found this website that has some great advice for the craft show & fair vendors. Check it out on festivalnet.

"Metalsmithing"

Metalsmithing, originally uploaded by sanchezdeortiz.

Okay so here I am attempting to learn something new.... Metalsmithing. My teachers Lu & Sheny were incredibly patient with me. After my 4th attempt late, late Wednesday night I completed my little project ......I will post it soon. Stay tuned.....

I am now a Mafiosa!

I am a proud new member of the Houston Craft Mafia family. Check me out!! Trying to network with other cool small business owners like myself. I hope to learn a lot from them and teach them a little thing or two if I can. Always the eternal student searching for the light of wisdom! Hehehehehehe.....

Jawbone bluetooth

Jawbone bluetooth, originally uploaded by sanchezdeortiz.

Happy Monday everyone! I just found out I won this blingy bluetooth today!! I am going to be bitchin'......This is the first time I have ever won anything!!!! I would like to thank Stylehive for picking me!!! Now I need to go buy a new dress to go with it!!! Peace out...

Chile Relleno

Chile Relleno, originally uploaded by sanchezdeortiz.

Last night after having the Ladies over for craft time and computer classes, I cranked out these babies. I made them from turkey and to my surprise, they come out delicious. I literally made these in an hour. Roasted the peppers, peeled them, deseeded them, etc. in an hour. Yeah I'm awesome! Just kidding ! I am still in the process of learning how to cook everyday. I certainly seem to enjoy it a lot more than a year ago. Talk about having a happy hubby!

Acafe

Acafe, originally uploaded by sanchezdeortiz.

Coffee anyone? I love this photograph! Love the look of these earrings.... I used bronze colored freshwater pearls, copper wire, 14k gold fill beads and Swarovski crystals.... Small and dainty!

My new gold pendant

I collect small gold saint pendants. I have been anxiously begging my friends and family to buy me small religious gold pendants anywhere they find them. My mother just got back from visiting Mcallen & Monterry, Mexico and got me my new pendant. It has the Virgen of Guadalupe & an image of Jesus on the reverse side. I am soooo excited!

The arrival of Eduorad

The arrival of Eduorad, originally uploaded by sanchezdeortiz.

Here I am uploading my new photographs of my jewelry awaiting the arrival of Eduorad, the tropical storm. So far just a lot of rain not much else here in lovely Richmond, TX.

Abana

Abana, originally uploaded by sanchezdeortiz.

Just posted this little beauty in my etsy shop. Made these to match the necklace I made earlier with the faceted turquoise stoned. Great little pair of earrings.

Koko begging

Koko begging, originally uploaded by sanchezdeortiz.

This is my dog begging me to play with her. I am her busy designing away and will take a short break cause her acting has finally convinced me. Her whining has finally gotten to me.

Lil' girls earrings

Lil' girls earrings, originally uploaded by sanchezdeortiz.

I am coming along with my childrens items. Take a look at these cuties! Fresh water pearls and Swarovski crystals. Just precious!

The Flying Pig Cafe

Earlier this summer, I ordered a huge cupcake as the birthday cake for my husband from the Flying Pig Cafe. Well I am excited because they just moved their cafe right next to Treasure Hunters Gallery. They serve sandwiches, soups, salads, ice cream and waffles. They are the cutest little cafe in Historic Downtown Richmond, TX. Their decor has flying pigs everywhere and lots of Elvis memorabilia. As soon as I get a chance I will take pictures and post them.....

Aara girls bracelet

Aara girls bracelet, originally uploaded by sanchezdeortiz.

I have decided to start making jewelry for little girls as well. This is one of the first pieces. 14k gold fill with turquoise. Very dainty and fun!

My purchase

I absolutely love the art by Anne Julie Aubrey. I purchased this print last saturday and am anxiously awaiting my purchase. I think she is extremely talented! I might even start a little collection of her prints. We shall see....

Artisan fair July 19th

Artisan fair, originally uploaded by sanchezdeortiz.

Boy was it hot today! It was tough but thank goodness I brought a fan!!! Like always, I had a great time. I always meet some very interesting people.
As I chat with people passing through my booth, I find out that many of them have never been to Lacenterra before. Hopefully by word of mouth we will have more traffic as the fall begins. I am banking on fall.....
One thing I learned was that Sam's Club sells the EZ up tent package for a little over $200. The package includes the tent, 4 sides, and a canopy. If only I had known!!!!!!!!! Oh and the fabric is thicker than the one I purchased. So FYI.........

Tq necklace

Tq necklace, originally uploaded by sanchezdeortiz.

So I really don't care for turquoise because EVERYBODY uses it here in the south, BUT I found a strand I like. The ticket to making turquoise look luxurious is... combine with gold and use faceted beads!!!!
I know this will sell! It says I have fabulous taste darrrrrrrrrling!

Craft show apron

Craft show apron, originally uploaded by sanchezdeortiz.

I finally finished my craft show apron prototype! I will be wearing this on Saturday for the show on top of my shorts. MAN IT IS GOING TO BE HOT TOMORROW!!!!!
SO this fabric is from Alexander Henry and it is called fashion girls. Very appropriate for me!!
After tomorrow's show, I will see how my apron holds up. I already have some thoughts on what to change or add but I will wait and see.

Chambao

This what I am currently listening to as I am designing my show apron ( fotos coming later )...

New items

Here are a couple of pieces that I have designed for this upcoming Artisan Fair at the Farmers Market at Lacenterra in Katy. I am looking forward to this Saturday but I am fearing that the weather will just be plain hot.... I pray for a cool lil breeze and no humidity or rain. See you at Lacenterra between 8am-12pm!

Birthday Empanadas

My mother is known for her amazing talents in the kitchen. So I stole this recipe for Paraguayan Empanadas to make for my husband on his b-day. They are soooooo delicious but take a lot of time to make since I made the dough from scratch. This is a once a year deal, just like his birthday. I only make them for the 2 of us. Sorry no sharing here.....

Death by Chocolate Monster Cupcake

Death by Chocolate Monster Cupcake, originally uploaded by sanchezdeortiz.

My husbands birthday was this weekend so I surprised him with this incredibly rich Monster cupcake I got from The Flying Pig Cafe. Thanks to Debbie Boren for taking my last minute custom order! This thing is delicious and soooo much fun! If you get a chance order one from there, you will not regret it!

Katy Artisan Fair 6/21/08

Katy Artisan Fair 6/21/08, originally uploaded by sanchezdeortiz.

I had a great time on saturday and met some other vendors at the Katy Farmers Market. I love meeting new people and I get a lot of great feedback on my jewelry. I was excited to sell some of my beloved pieces! I sold an amazing piece which unfortunately I forgot to photograph. It was made of aventurine faceted stones and a 22k vermeil bead. Amazing piece! ALSO...... a photographer was there from the Houston Chronicle snapping some pictures with me and some customers... Hopefully those pictures will make it to the paper. I will check daily.....Can't miss my 15 seconds of possible fame!

Katy Artisan Fair at Lacenterra

Katy Artisan Fair June 21, 2008, originally uploaded by sanchezdeortiz.

Exciting news!!! I am officially going to be a "regular" Artisan once a month in Katy at Lacenterra. I am looking forward to perfecting my little booth.
The dates for the Artisan Fairs are as follows:

June 21, 2008

July 19, 2008

August 16, 2008

September 20, 2008

October 18, 2008

November 15, 2008

December 6, 2008



Market hours are now 8:00 am to Noon (for the summer).

A must buy !

Ainsley, originally uploaded by sanchezdeortiz.

I absolutely love this stone Botswana. I love that not all stones look alike. Combining this stone with copper was a great choice. Love it!

Look what I bought

Look what I bought, originally uploaded by sanchezdeortiz.

I just got in some solid coppe findings and I cannot wait to bead with them. I am currently playing with copper. I will post my new copper jewelry shortly...

Keshi delight II

Keshi delight II, originally uploaded by sanchezdeortiz.

I started working with the Keshi pearls I purchased and just love the way they look. Also playing around in Flickr to pimp out my photos with my Logo and catch phrase. Just wanna share.

Happy Mothers Day!

Had a blast at the Katy Mothers Day Artisan Craft Fair this past weekend. I met a lot of interesting people which I hope will be repeat customers! My mother's designs also sold which will make her very happy. I hope that we will be invited to showcase once a month at Lacenterra.
Unfortunately I forgot to take out my camera to take pictures of my booth. The wind once again was an issue but my husband suggested displaying my jewelry inside their individual boxes. It worked and I did not have to keep flipping my jewelry over and over again.
Now on to researching the next craft show to attend!

Mother's day Artisan Fair part II

It is official we have been invited back again to La Centerra in Katy. We will be there Saturday May 10, 2008 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. I hope that this weekend will be just as successful if not more. See you there!

My youngest customer

My youngest customer, originally uploaded by sanchezdeortiz.

I have to share this photograph of my youngest customer Sophia! Isn't she cute?! Mama got her started shopping for jewelry really early ( 2 months). Thanks for teaching her where to get " the good stuff "!!!

Mother's day Craft Fair at La Centerra in Katy, TX

Mother's day Craft Fair at La Centerra in Katy, TX, originally uploaded by sanchezdeortiz.

What a day! Very exciting! I had a successful first craft show. Hopefully it will not be my last at this location. They might ask us to come back possibly once a month. As soon as I get the word from them I will let everyone know when I will be back!

I learned several things during this show:
1. Come up with a better way to display my earrings. It was a bit of a windy day and my earrings kept flipping over b/c I displayed them on cardstock w/ my logo on it.
2. Set up my tables a little further back to allow entrance into tent.
3. Turn on the charm..... A little hard for me because I am a bit shy. Just a bit...

Of course I have to thank my MOTHER because she helped me focus and crank up the creative juices. And my HUSBAND period. He knows he rocks!!!