ione's dream

taking care.

Michelle — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 00:23:09 +0000

This post has nothing to do with jewellery. I have been battling weird skin breakouts since the end of last year. I know for sure that it is stress related and perhaps, detox related. Out with the old, in with the new. Unfortunately my face has been the exit point for things unwanted.

I came across Kirsten Ma’s blog, Holistic Vanity sometime last year. I was fascinated by the ideas she shared about Ayurvedic skin care. Feeling stressed and bummed out, Ayurvedic therapies, and all natural solutions really spoke to me.

I did my research and decided to ask Kristen a few questions online. I learned that my skin was congested, dehydrated and needed oil. What a concept! Oily skin produces oil because it’s starving for moisture – so hydrate, and give it MORE oil. It makes so much sense now. Kirsten recommended organic extra virgin coconut oil, as it has great properties for fighting acne, and jojoba oil because it is very much like our own sebum. The great thing about Kirsten’s advice, is that if you are on a tight budget, these oils are pretty cheap because a bottle will go a really long way.

Kirsten, along with her mother, are the owners of Pure + Simple Spa a wonderful, all natural, calming space to get amazing facials, natural skin care products, and oils.

I’ve made a point of making Pure + Simple a priority on my “take care of myself” list. The skin treatments are so much more, in that I also get a lovely arm, décolletage and leg, and scalp massage during my session. I had a really brief nap during my last visit. Amazing.

*I also had bees following me around like I was a flower. I smelled that fresh.*

Here are my favourite products from Pure + Simple.

This Black Mud Cream by Martina Gebhardt is 100% natural, rich, and it feels amazing on dehyrdrated skin. It also smells lovely.

I don’t do scrubs, as they irritate my skin. Lactic Acid Plus gently exfoliates. I use it a few times a week. A perfect solution for me.

I have never been a fan of foundation, but I was sold on Pure + Simple’s Flawless Complexion foundation – in fudge. It can be used as a tint or layered for more coverage. If your skin is dry or dehydrated, then this will keep your face dewy and moisturized.

If you are looking for all natural skin solutions, check out Kirsten Ma’s Blog, Holistic Vanity for information on Ayurvedic and all natural skin care, from the inside out.

Mama Africa.

Michelle — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 04:49:28 +0000

A few months back, I had the honour of being selected for Tea on Tuesdays treasury on Etsy.

It was appropriately titled “Mama Africa – Oh How She Shines.” My Green Monarch Fabric Button Earrings were featured, along with other talented sellers who use African fabrics or themed crafts. I fell in love with these lovely fabric hoops from seller, Quelly Rue Designs.

So I bought myself a pair!

Here I am wearing them at Afrofest in July.

I always love supporting fellow Etsy crafters!

displaying jewellery

Michelle — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 04:43:16 +0000

I have completed neglected this blog. Many of you know, I have a 365 photo blog as well, I work 3 days a week, I make jewellery for ionesdream.etsy.com and for Ransack the Universe, and for friends and co-workers who are constantly supporting what I do!

I’ve crashed a bit since the holidays. My liver is congested, my face is breaking out like crazy, and I’ve started to feel tired for the first time this season. What a complete digression away from a jewellery post about displaying your lovely pieces! DOWNER!!!

So let’s get back to business here – light, indulgent, pretty accessory business.

I LOVE Karla from Karla’s Closet. Not only is she HOT and stylish, she’s got a great eye for accessory displays. Here is a shot of Karla’s funky jewels on display:

This got me thinking about jewellery displays. I adore this wooden hand Karla uses to store and display her rings and chains. You can be assured that I spent endless amounts of time online looking for something similar. I still haven’t found anything I love.

I took a look in our bedroom. I have jewellery everywhere: on my mirror, on our iron headboard, on my nightstand. I definitely do it on purpose, because I do love the look of bright colours, and shiny things around my room. Here’s a peak at how I display my pieces and decorate with jewellery.

peace.

Michelle — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 02:19:33 +0000

I want to make this short and sweet. I’m glad 2010 is over. I wouldn’t change a thing – but I am ready for change.

Peace the *&!# Out 2010!

favourite wedding (Shanelle and David’s). favourite dress (Anthropologie). necklace (ione’s dream – lucky girl)

where did november go? UPDATE: SUGAR AND SHINE HAS BEEN POSTPONED

Michelle — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 05:04:36 +0000

I can’t believe I let the entire month of November go by without a single post. I haven’t been as busy as I thought I would be in terms of jewellery making. I took some much needed days off for leisurely outings, spa treatments, and a lovely weekend run to Montreal. There were lots of craft shows to craft for, but I missed them to catch up on some me time.

~~Lucky for me, there is a last minute craft show at called Sugar and Shine at The Midtown at College and Palmerston, Saturday December 18th, from 12-5 pm.~~ I’ll be sharing a table with my super talented friend, tonya of Chip Chip Mosaics.

~~I’m sure you have some last minute things to pick-up for friends and family!~~ I promise to keep my prices low and my spirits high!

happy birthday to me – vintage boots

Michelle — Sat, 30 Oct 2010 20:00:35 +0000

I saw these gorgeous boots at 60 Vintage last week. I didn’t buy them. I told myself: “If they are still around when I go back, then, they were meant to be mine.” And so they were! Happy Birthday do me! Love them.

twists and turns

Michelle — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 15:05:14 +0000

I feel like I haven’t posted in ages! In reality, my last post was in September. Not so long ago. Time is certainly a concept that gets more strange as I get older. But I digress…kind of. I’m going back in time (slightly) with this post. Part of the reason I’m going back to these August creations is because they inspired me to do some new things with Ione’s Dream Jewellery.

In August, a friend and fellow wordpress blogger, Debbie, commissioned Ione’s Dream (that’s me) to create two bracelets in celebration of her 5th wedding anniversary. What an honour – and a challenge! The challenge came from Debbie’s desire to have the bracelets made with leather. I love the look of leather bracelets. My eyes especially adore the “bohemian” bracelets with colours, beads and trinkets. I have never attempted to work with leather to create anything.

I needed to do some research. I liked the idea of a “modern friendship bracelet”, incorporating some symbols that would represent Debbie and Anthony’s 5th wedding anniversary. I took to Google to find some tutorials to create Antony’s bracelet.

Some so-called “how to make a braided leather bracelet” tutorials made no sense! Note to self: when creating a tutorial, don’t assume the folks out there have already done the thing! I finally found a (Spanish) tutorial that spoke my language! But I still couldn’t do it!

Along comes my partner Wayne. He has no experience in jewellery making or braiding leather. He takes a look at the tutorial, grabs a few piece of leather, tells me to hold the ends and presto. He’s done. WHAAAAAAAT?

Wayne ended up teaching me what I needed to know, in order to make Anthony’s bracelet. With Debbie’s, I just let go and did what felt natural to me. I was more than happy with the results. Fit for a King (and his Queen):

I think they were happy too!

sling bling!

Michelle — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 08:51:12 +0000

I always enjoy people watching as an activity. It’s always more fun when the person being watched is a bit of a showman or “crazy and animated”, as Melodic describes himself.

We caught Melodic promoting his music in Kensington Market with the same vibrancy of the”Sling Bling” necklace he was wearing.

Melodic screams creativity and unique style! “Sling Bling” was made by the artist himself using – wait for it – rubber bands! SLING BLING! His music – I’m sure – is made from his heart and soul.

Melodic sporting his “Sling Bling”

www.melodicvibe.com

www.reverbnation.com/melodicyoza

eco-friendly business solutions

Michelle — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 23:04:44 +0000

About a month ago, I went into a shop called Haus in Bloordale Village. I picked up a funky business card made with a piece of recycled cardboard, a handmade stamp and handwritten details.

http://bamboofashionbeautylifestyle.wordpress.com/

The owner mentioned that it made it to Bamboo magazine – a “conscientious and responsible” fashion, style and beauty magazine. I loved the idea of cardboard box, scrap paper, an old birthday card, a paper bag, etc., being transformed into a business card. A few doors down at Ransack the Universe (home to some of ione’s dream creations), a similar eco-friendly concept is used to promote the shop.

http://www.ransacktheuniverse.com/blog/

During a visit to one of my latest blog finds, I found a great read on eco-tips for small businesses. Mayi Carles’ blog, Heartmade features some affordable and unique ecological business cards and packaging.

http://www.heartmadeblog.com/blog/weekend-links-eco-tips-for-your-business

With all of these inexpensive business card solutions, I decided to get my own ione’s dream stamp made. It arrived today!

I ordered the stamp from TST Rubber Stamp. I asked for a typewriter style font, self-inking stamp with a border. They sent me back what I wanted, and an option that was not only cheaper but didn’t have the “waste of space” (as they framed it on my invoice) of my original design. They also recycle stamps so if the one I have now no longer is of use to me, it can be recycled or remade into a stamp that better suits my needs.

Now if I can stop stamping everything and make some jewellery….

Art Attack!

Michelle — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 18:22:36 +0000

I’ve had more than one restless, sleep deprived night over that past little while. I’m having at ART ATTACK! I feel like a baby who wakes up in the middle of the night to practice their new skill. My mind has been spinning with creativity! No, I don’t have a whole lot to show for it, but if you saw what my dining table looked like, you would think I’m crossing over to the other side. I promise not to cut my ear off.

I love fashion DIY blogs! I love finding blogs that regular, everyday folk do, that are fun, creative and inspiring. I came across a few over the last week or so. Check out this blogger’s 365 challenge: a New Dress A Day. 365 days. 365 dollars.

Before and after http://newdressaday.wordpress.com/

This makes me wish I paid more attention in Home-ec. Seriously. I don’t know how to sew more than a straight line but this sure inspires me to try! Um is Value Village calling my name?

My friend was wearing this funky necklace she purchased on the Danforth. It was made out of a stretchy, cotton t-shirt material. We wondered if it would be difficult to make. Hmmm. Look what I found!

A great tutorial for a DIY t-shirt necklace from Chictopia.

http://www.chictopia.com/photo/show/144426-TUTORIAL+DIY+t-shirt+necklace-diy-necklace

Wow wow WOW! Who doesn’t want to try this? The notes on the side promise that this isn’t as daunting as it looks. If that looks like too much for you, how about trying t-shirt bracelets?

I was told that some lucky kids did these in camp. I feel somewhat deprived. Here’s my chance to make up for lost crafty moments. You need old t-shirts, and apparently, a pair of old sneaks – with shoelaces – and a safety-pin! From Lil Blue Boo:

http://lilblueboo.blogspot.com/2010/04/upcycled-recycled-t-shirt-bangles.html

What will you create???

Here are a few more crafty sites to check out.

ArtMind (tiny url) http://tinyurl.com/yjjcjbw

Craft Gossip http://craftgossip.com/

Happy Together http://ohsohappytogether.blogspot.com/