The Creative Adventures of Mona Rita

Charleston Fashion Week 2010

2010-03-18T16:06:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday I participated in the style lounge section of Charleston Fashion Week 2010. It was a very pleasant experience. I really liked how nice and helpful all the assistants were. With their help I was able to set up in time for doors to open at 6pm. The feedback from browsers/customers was great. I always like talking to people and hearing their enthusiasm. All in all a great night. I do wish I could have met Cynthia Rowley though!

summer is over!!!

2009-10-03T21:07:00.000-07:00

My studio has come a long way!! It looks nowhere near what it did even a year ago. I had insulation put in made from recycled soda bottles & soy, walls put up, carpet made from recycled plastic bottles. I painted the walls a kind of camel/goldish color and put baseboards in myself. It just feels better to be in there! I have set up the front part of the main room to look like a display area. I like to see my work spread out so that I always feel inspired. The back part of the room is the work area. I really love it!
Today I worked on my photographs. I think that is finally coming along as well!! Now I just have to figure on how to post them to my site! It's all coming along. I am by no means an expert and most people would put me to shame on computer knowledge...but I'm pretty happy with what I've achieved so far. I think just sitting down and experimenting has done me well! Not bad for a beginner! More to come!

my kind of town

2009-08-10T18:41:00.000-07:00

hanging out in Chicago again this week. we extended our trip a few days. It looks like my work may be available for sale in Chicago soon. Very nice. I will post about this as soon as it is final. Hopefully in the next few days. Tomorrow jewelry show!

website re-do!

2009-07-08T20:38:00.000-07:00

ecolibrio is being slightly overhauled and I'm very excited! i can't wait for the final result! stay tuned!

chicagoing

2009-07-02T11:29:00.000-07:00

we just returned from our June trip to Chicago. It was great fun to be there again. I can't say that I'm thrilled to come home. I love my house but I really miss the city. If only I could transfer the entire lot to Chicago. I'm glad to live in Charleston...the best city in SC! But home is where your heart is as they say. I feel refreshed though. I'm so thankful to have the luxury to travel. It definitely makes life exciting and curious.
We went to the Hancock Building for our anniversary. There is a bar/restaurant on I think the 90-something floor. I highly recommend going there! The view is spectacular!

learning

2009-04-30T18:15:00.000-07:00

Anonymous alligator hanging out at Audubon swamp, Charleston.

Today I met with a really cool fellow jewelry designer and it was great because I was able to get fresh ideas about the jewelry business. I think we talked non-stop! I got to see her cute studio and just absorb all the feelings of creativity. Sometimes jewelry design can be a very lonely craft so it's important to meet with others even for a day.

always Bea remembered

2009-04-26T09:10:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I heard about the passing of Bea Arthur. I was sad to hear about the news, but I'm glad that she passed away with her family at her side. I hope that was a comfort to her in her final moments. She was an inspiration to me because I respected her acting abilities and faithfully watched her almost daily. I really enjoy the show "Golden Girls" maybe because they are comfortable and familiar, like having your cute grandma there to nurture your soul on a daily basis. For me, that's inspiration to keep a smile on my face and have the courage to keep movin'! Thank you for being a friend Bea!

2009-04-25T12:22:00.000-07:00

people were really friendly at the game last night. they were also very complimentary about my jewelry. that was nice to hear. I did have a few say that they didn't have cash for buying, but i am planning on selling on Amazon soon. So that might help people be able to make a purchase in the future. details to come soon!

for show, for show!

2009-04-24T12:39:00.000-07:00

i'm getting things ready for my show this evening at the Charleston Battery game. It's "Go Green Night" so of course I'm participating. I hope all goes well and that good times are had by all. We invited a couple of people to come to the game with us. Unfortunately, as much as I want to personally watch the game I can't because I will be tending to my booth. Oh well, it's not really work. Gotta run!

on a grey day like today what better thing to do than waste time learning about...

2008-12-21T10:22:00.000-08:00

ok, so it's not a "waste" of time to learn how to use this blog is it??? i wish i could add music to it...don't know how to do that. I can't express my moods without music people!!!! when words fail me, musical instruments help.
anyway, the weather outside is going downhill fast...it's cloudy today so i'm taking it easy! i've been meaning to find out how this blog works so here i am...i want to learn to post pics & video from the web and other stuff. shouldn't be too hard.
now of course i'm out of time! gotta run!

wires & baubles

2008-11-04T06:59:00.000-08:00

one's man trash is another man's treasure. i absolutely love the combination of a non-traditional recycled product with traditional jewelry supplies. it lends itself to a very unique look. i don't believe that jewelry has to fall into the "bling" category to be beautiful. What can I say...I like the unique. No cookie cutters for me. I feel like I have to stay firm with what I believe is my aesthetic and that beauty comes in many, many forms. I am aware of trends and fashion rules, but by no means do I feel like I should take them as anything other than "suggestions". I believe that dressing is more fun this way. When you don't constrict yourself with so many rules you feel free to be who you are meant to be, not who anyone else dictates. I always want to remember not to be stifled by what even my local culture dictates in fashion. There is a whole curious world of fashion out there and it's more fun to be open to it.

one step at a time

2008-07-25T11:21:00.000-07:00

things are at an exciting place right now. I think I'm finally starting to come into my own way. Ideas I have for my business are starting to work themselves out. Not that it's been easy. Trust me, anyone who owns their own business will tell you it's a heartache, a headache and euphoria all at once. The more I do things the better I get at it. Techniques and trials are all par for the course. Eventually, if you try enough ideas certain ones start to make sense. You find out what works and what doesn't. And even that is constantly changing. People change, tastes change. what works for you at one point will not do later. Fortunately, it's okay to fail, as long as you keep trying.

Back from Scandinavia!

2008-07-02T19:37:00.000-07:00

been fortunate enough to do some traveling this summer. went to Sweden and Norway. It was a cool 60 degrees the entire time. Norway is the most beautiful country I've ever seen!!! We saw the Fjords and I wondered why anyone would ever want to leave Norway. Then my husband responded, "winter". I guess I can see that...I can only imagine what winter would be like considering that I was cold in 60 degree weather! We took a boat ride partly in the rain...but the view was great from the top deck. So I had to brave the wind & rain because of the most amazing view thru the Fjords. At one point there were low level clouds moving in thru the mountains...bringing wind and rain and the thickest, most ominous look of winter I could imagine. I was so desperately wanting our boat tour to happen to travel right thru the clouds, but we cruised right by it. I could only stare at the clouds and dream and the legendary stories of brave men & women who had in fact passed thru the Fjords throughout history...going out on the frozen, unforgiving sea. What thoughts did they have as they passed winter in their ships? I knew it was June and only rain clouds, but I was so happy to have seen this small chance of ominous clouds, making my mind go crazy with wonder and thoughts of legendary people passed.

whew!

2008-04-24T10:26:00.000-07:00

been soooo incredibly busy yet so incredibly inspired to create, create, create! April has been a busy month for me with Earth Day events etc. The month has flown by...now I actually have a little free time to spend my upcoming weekend shopping for new plants...it's planting season folks! So goes the cycle of life!
This all inspires more need to create fun and fabulosity. I worked with some recycled fabrics and leather yesterday. I'm converging my designs into different "lines" since I have so many different moods and tastes. And I don't believe any woman is one-sided!! I don't see myself working with one material exclusively, however I'm committed to recycling...that is the one design element I'm all about! It's a challenge and a dream to work with such materials! I can't see any other way.
Other fun stuff...new season of Kimora: life in the fabulous lane (she runs the show and is a real inspirational woman!), ANTM.
gotta run!

cleaning up

2008-03-10T10:09:00.000-07:00

a lot has happened since I last blogged. Our cat passed away and he is dearly missed. It's amazing how attached you can become to your pets. They are constant companions who ask for little in return. Our cat was very mature and well behaved. It's hard to think about him.
I have been getting back to work despite feeling the loss in my heart. In fact, it's been a way for me to not think about him. It's just too hard right now. I decided to redo my packaging etc. I want to clean up the look of things and streamline. I've also done a first small update to my website...many more to come as soon as I can find out how to do things. And something cool is that I've started an Etsy account. Ecolibrio.etsy.com I hope if anything more people will find out about me. More work to do...oh yeah, i also joined a martial arts/women's self-defense class! cool!

color, color

2008-02-18T07:57:00.000-08:00

on a gray day like today I'm going to work on some new pieces that are colorful. I think my brain is going to naturally look for it! It's icky outside! Having moved from Chicago, winter brought about plenty of gray days. I'm spoiled here with so much sunshine...when the sun disappears I find myself thinking, 'when's the sun coming back????' Maybe there is some truth to sunlight affecting one's psyche. hmmmm....either way...gotta get to work.

going, going, going

2008-02-15T05:40:00.000-08:00

watched Valley Girl last night. Left 2 songs playing over and over in my head. Silly movie, oddly inspiring. The accident of youth paving the way to adulthood. Experiencing radical emotions for the first time and freaking out over every last one of them. That is teenage-dom. Good and bad. I'm inspired by my 80's memories of excitement, neon and spacey fashion. gone are those days, or are they?

So many things...

2008-02-02T06:21:00.000-08:00

today is looking to be a beautiful day outside. so i'm working on planning out my day. I will finally be able to get to my Hydrangea, which I'm going to transplant in my yard. Yay! I'm still learning about gardening and I can't wait to have my garden the way I envision it. I think I'm going for a more "cottage" feel since that will not only appeal to me aesthetically, but it will also favor the style and design of our house.
I'm making more plans for my upcoming home show. I hope that it will be fun. I'm still figuring out how my giveaways/prizes etc will work. So much to do.
My birthday is coming up in a matter of weeks. I am grateful for another year.

inspired

2008-01-29T07:24:00.000-08:00

ok. so last night my fabulous husband hosted a networking event geared toward "Green Business". Of course I went along as well and it was great speaking to all sorts of people and getting their feedback, seeing what other people are out there doing, etc. So last night added more fuel to my fire. I feel a bit renewed and ready to do the things I know I should be doing in order to grow my business. Last week I was a bit overwhelmed and figured out that I don't entirely see myself as a "business owner"...I guess I was seeing myself as an artist/designer first, business owner second. But after really thinking about it, I need to see both designer & business owner as equal partners. DUH...It's easy for me to get lost in my artwork...be a hermit. Finish pieces and then think, "this is fun and fabulous"...but then what? Oh yeah. If I want to make this a career I need to sell my work. That includes all aspects of business owner as well. It's as simple as that. So far my experience with selling my work has been quite positive in that I really love it when I see people playing "dress up". They do this when they buy things to adorn themselves. I like giving people that feeling of freedom and fantasy. It seems natural to me.
By the way, I'm looking for a tag line. In case you're wondering, it's something like for example, that diamond jewelry company that uses the tag line, "a diamond is forever", you know the one. So I want to propose to my friends (those who have seen my collection), if you can come up with a tag line that suits my vision, I'd award the winner with a free piece of jewelry. Just a thought. I think it would be fun to see what my close friends come up with. My jewelry is not for the wallflower types. It is bold and dares a woman to be her fantasy, all the while being conscious of how she gets there.

new year, new thoughts

2008-01-16T09:18:00.000-08:00

the days are back to being chilly. have to say it was nice coming back to 70 degree weather after having been in the snow of Chicago. I guess it was bound to get cold again. Today is cloudy out and it's got me wanting to stay indoors and work on stuff on the computer. But, honestly I'm running a bit empty today. I have started trying to focus my efforts on getting into better shape. I have actually done my fair share of exercise as a result. Today I'm sore and tired. I have to wonder if I'm feeling this because my muscles are repairing. Nonetheless, I want to have more get up and go, but today it's a struggle. Even my creative juices are low. Tomorrow is another day. Hopefully, I will be back to normal.

where does it all go?

2008-01-03T10:17:00.000-08:00

time that is! I have had a wonderful fall season. And now things are rolling into winter. It has finally gotten somewhat chilly here. After recently spending 2 weeks in Chicago, I don't think I miss the cold that much. Snow can be difficult to say the least. No chance of that happening here. In a few days we won't need any kind of jacket at all probably. I still love this time of year. I love fall weather! Of course.
so a new year means new starts...fresh beginnings! Still looking for "different" images that inspire me and my work. Lately, I have gone back to my roots and am being inspired by Duran Duran. Considering I met them on Dec. 13th, I have to say they brought back that feeling of "fresh"! Where does it all go? Why can't we feel fresh and fascinated like when we were youthful. Sure that's a part of being "young", but honestly...they were such different times to say the least. Why must it be that when we get older we lose that certain something. Hmmm...do we just get so involved with "life and job" that the "fresh" is forgotten? or is it just ignored?

shows of the tv sort

2007-11-21T07:03:00.000-08:00

I discovered a show called "wasted". It's on discovery home channel I believe and it's from New Zealand of all places. It shows how much everyday waste people create in their homes from everyday life and it includes how much money they waste in the process. I think it's pretty good as most people seem to have an eye-opening experience as a result, namely when they see how much money it saves them to be "green", but I think it also shows that people want SIMPLE solutions to being green. Otherwise, they oppose being green because they think they are too busy to bother. I guess it's all just a matter of priorities. But I still don't see what the big deal is about separating out one's recycling...just put it in different bin. simple enough isn't it? Plenty of homes have curbside pickup as well. How easy can it be? I think that's the minimum thing people can do. It's a start.

symbol

2007-11-08T10:15:00.000-08:00

I read somewhere recently that it's important to have a symbol or something that people can recognize as being your business image. I want to find something so I can put it on my business cards etc. I was thinking immediately of recycling symbols, but I don't want to automatically pick something so obvious.
After doing some research online, I'm thinking more and more about a bats. Yes, bats. Or a single bat...Not only are they good for the environment, but thanks to western folklore they are in fact very COOL! They are pollinators, they eat insects (especially those pesky mosquitos) and they have the ultra cool echolocation which they use to their full advantage. What could be cooler than that?!!! Well, hang on because in other parts of the world they symbolize rebirth. The Chinese regard them with good-luck and happiness. So they represent "protectors of the night" and are good for the environment. And in my book it never hurt to have an association to Bela Lugosi! Yay bats! Now I just have to figure out what bat "image" best represents my business.

is it work?

2007-10-25T15:18:00.000-07:00

Did a lot of footwork trying to place fliers for this upcoming trunk show. It wasn't bad at all as most people were very receptive and friendly. Cool. I have already started looking for the next show/event to do. I am purposely making myself really busy and I'm liking that right now. It's feeling pretty good. You know what they say about "idle hands" blah, blah. I am being heavily influenced by anything British at the moment. Maybe it's all the bbc that has been on my tv lately. I am fascinated by other parts of the world. I always wonder what it's like to live there etc. hmmmm.

Trunk Show

2007-10-23T08:29:00.000-07:00

I have spent the last couple of days trying to sort out all the preparations for the upcoming trunk show. It will be from 4-8pm Friday, Oct 26th at Poe Studio, 819 Savannah Hwy, Charleston. I hope it is good fun. I don't really know what to expect, but I think it will be fun finding out! Lots to do, gotta run.