My Pink Polka Dots

Lots of Love

2012-01-06T12:10:00.000-08:00

Ahh!! We survived the holidays and now LOVE is in the air!!
Valentine's Day is right around the corner....I made these new designs for 2012 back in November. (Hey, you have to plan ahead)!! Just wanted to share some of the newest, original designs from My Pink Polka Dots.

Check back soon because I will be adding more whimsical designs for Valentine's, Spring and Easter.
(Don't forget Rodeo---right around the corner as well!!)

Hope you all had a beautiful holiday season!!!

Merry Christmas 2011

2011-12-17T07:29:00.000-08:00

Wishing all of my clients a blessed and Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year!!!!

I appreciate all of my clients and I've had such a blessed year!!
I'm looking forward to 2012 and all of the wonderful things it will bring!! I'm already working on designs for next year and have put all new orders on "HOLD" until after the New Year so that I can fill all of my existing orders.

Enjoy this holiday season with friends and family and I look forward to seeing you next year!!

Thanksgiving Already?

2011-11-19T06:16:00.001-08:00

WOW!! It's so hard to believe that Thanksgiving is right around the corner!!! I've been so busy with orders lately, I haven't had time to Blog much, but wanted to share some of my latest designs!!

Also, I will have some very exciting news to share with you all regarding the Covered Button & Bead Bracelets I designed 6 years ago so check back soon!! It's something I came up with and I think you will all love my idea!!!

As always, a big thank you to all of my wonderful clients for all of your support and kind words this year regarding my designs.

In the meantime, have a blessed Thanksgiving holiday!!!

Christmas Is Around The Corner...

2011-11-03T12:05:00.000-07:00

Ahhh!! A cool breeze has come through our town outside of Houston and it's just delightful. Really puts me in the Christmas spirit. I put away all of the Halloween on November 1st and although I'm sad to see all of the vintage, folk art style Halloween decor that I love so well GONE for another year, I am looking forward to setting up all of our Christmas trees!! Yes---I decorate 7 every year and it is so much fun. Both of our kiddos have full-sized trees in their rooms and we all love Christmas.

I am SO in the Christmas mood---can't wait to keep creating all of my new Christmas 2011 jewelry designs. Here's a cute little sock monkey bracelet---I've always been a fan of sock monkeys!!! It will be listed later on my Etsy store...check back soon for new, fun, original and whimsical designs!!!

Happy Birthday To My Inspiration

2011-10-29T18:12:00.000-07:00

Our little one turned 7 today!! It's so hard to believe that she is 7---I still think of her as a little baby at times. (Especially now that she is missing so many teeth!!! LOL!!) Anyway, I wanted to share some photos of us from 7 years ago (gee, we all looked so much younger) and one of Megan today.

She is, and has always been, my inspiration!!! Love you Megan!!!

Definitely Not Unoriginal

2011-10-27T14:37:00.000-07:00

Definition of Unoriginal: "...conforming completely to the given pattern"
-Gwethalyn Graham

I thank God every day for instilling in me a sense of creativity that I have had since I was a little girl!! I'm am so glad to know that I have the ability to create something unique & whimsical (my jewelry) which is both pleasing to me and to others.

As a young girl, I spent the summer with my grandma in Oklahoma--a very tiny town with not much to do!! Quite a change for a girl who was growing up on Long Island!! I remember being 8 years old and following her out to her garden in back of her house. She was picking corn she grew which was amazing and sweet and then she threw the old stalks to the side. I was really amazed that she didn't want to keep those!!!! I took the old dried stalks and spent my summer making dolls out of them and dressing them with old scraps of fabric. Everyone thought my dolls were just so cute and they were amazed that anyone could come up with something like that out of a dried up stalks of corn. LOL!!! At the time, I didn't think too much about it, but over the years, I have come to realize how much your final product is determined by perspective---do you see a doll or a dried up stalk of corn?

It pleases me so much to know that both of our children have this God-given talent as well. I am amazed on a daily basis when I see the creativity they have--and I know it will continue to grow as they get older!!! I urge them, as well as myself, to not always conform to the given pattern. I know this will serve them well now and into adulthood.

The kiddos had a Book Character Extravaganza at their school this week...you have to create your character out of a pumpkin...here's what we came up with!! (In case you haven't read Frank was a Monster Who Wanted to Dance--it really is a very sweet story!!) We sure had fun working together to create Frank. Again, I guess it's how you look at things. What may have looked like an old pumpkin to one person just looked like "Frank" to us. So here he is!!!!

Pay It Forward

2011-10-25T06:33:00.000-07:00

I was honored to have a customer contact me to make a custom necklace for her friend....her little girl is battling leukemia. Her elementary school has been so supportive and the have made up tee shirts to show support--they read, "Wish, Hope, Love". Here is what I came up with for the design...the back has her name and a heart.

WOW!! Some pieces of jewelry you create have such an emotional story behind them!! My customer wanted to know what she owed for the necklace (we never discussed price)--and here is what I decided to do:

1. She had to determine what she wanted to pay for the necklace and,
2. She could pay me that amount and I would send it to the American Cancer Society.

I think this is a WIN, WIN, WIN situation for everyone!! I think in jewelry design (as in all things in life) that you should try to Pay It Forward.

When you can and when you are able, remember to Pay It Forward!!

You're A Mean One...Mr. Grinch

2011-10-18T09:22:00.000-07:00

As you know, I love Dr. Seuss and just HAD to make this Grinch bracelet for Christmas 2011!!! I am so happy with the way he turned out...hope you like it too!! You can find it on my Etsy store or contact me through Facebook. (If you notice, I included his heart that was two sizes TOO small!!)

"Every Who Down in Whoville Liked Christmas a lot…
But the Grinch, Who lived just north of Whoville, Did NOT!
The Grinch hated Christmas! The whole Christmas season!
Now, please don’t ask why. No one quite knows the reason.
It could be his head wasn’t screwed on just right.
It could be, perhaps, that his shoes were too tight.
But I think that the most likely reason of all,
May have been that his heart was two sizes too small."....Dr. Seuss

Thing One & Thing Two

2011-10-16T12:28:00.000-07:00

I love, love, love Dr. Seuss and having two kiddos who very much remind me of Thing One and Thing Two (oh the things they can do to our house!!!!) inspired me to make this adorable Thing One & Thing Two jewelry line. I enjoy their sweet, mischievous expressions and adore the combination of colors....blue, red, black and white really POP!!

Copyright, Copyright, Copyright!! Avoid the Copy Cat!!

2011-10-12T09:25:00.000-07:00

I recently had an interesting experience (the first that I know of) with a copy cat, and I mean COPY CAT!!!

I was at a local craft store with my daughter and way on the other end of the isle, I saw a former client. I don't think she knew I saw her, but she did a shifty little movement and skirted away. I thought it was so strange that she acted in that manner so I did some investigative work. Not being one to give away exactly how I found out---but she had a Facebook page and website where she was selling the bracelets I designed 6 years ago...as her own custom creations. Truly, when I came across the website and FB page, I thought it was my own. I was in shock to see my creations---(several exact with the same fabric, beads, etc.) being sold by a former client, claiming them as her own.

But back up 6 years...when I created the My Pink Polka Dots bracelets---I had never seen anything like them before. Over the years I have searched Goggle, Ebay, Etsy, etc. to make sure that no one has been making them...and they haven't. They are truly a unique design---which ironically, didn't start out as a bracelet!! LOL!! But I love creating them--they make me (and others) happy. I pour hours into my designs--choosing fabrics, beads, charms, etc. to make a piece of jewelry that is, well, a little piece of myself. So I went into action. First question: what are my rights as a jewelry designer???

I came across some interesting answers!! Generally speaking, when you create a design, take a photo or make an ORIGINAL piece of jewelry, you automatically own the copyright to your creative work according to Sarah Feingold, licensed attorney who does legal and business work for Etsy.com. You are NOT required to fill out a U.S. Copyright protection (although it can be beneficial). The piece of jewelry or instructions are protected by copyright law!! How cool is that??? In addition, the designer holds the rights to:
1. Reproduce the design and instructions
2. Claim rights to similar works based on the design
3. Distribute copies of the design's instructions
4. Sell copies of the design or instructions
5. Transfer ownership of the design or instructions
6. Display the design or the instructions publicly.

In other words--your original creations belong to YOU!! That means any copy cat may not sell the finished product to friends or family, at jewelry parties, on the Internet--she cannot even teach the design to someone else or claim the design my making a similar piece of jewelry.

WOW!!! I feel better knowing my rights as a designer and also knowing that Facebook validated these rights and removed the copyright infringed items from her store within 9 hours of filing a complaint. :o)

Give A Hoot! Hoot!!

2011-10-12T09:19:00.000-07:00

I have ALWAYS loved owls--they have such sweet little faces and when I came across this adorable fabic, I just knew I had to order it!! I've created the My Pink Polka Dots bracelet, necklace (which sold in 5 minutes on Etsy) and my newest design--the domino backpack/purse charm...all in the owl print. This collection is just plain FUN!! Great for mommy, the little Princess or a Tween!! :o) Look for the collection on my Etsy store!!!

Hot Cocoa Necklace and Bracelet

2011-10-12T09:08:00.000-07:00

Here's my newest design for Christmas 2011---it really reminds me of Hot Cocoa so that's what I named it. So fun!!! I simply love this fabric and the "non-traditional" colors. Look for it on my Etsy store!!!

BHE Husky Necklace

2011-09-30T07:40:00.000-07:00

Here's my latest creation in Spirit Wear!!! If you are interested in ordering some Spirit Wear for your school, contact me!!!

Huskers Spirit Wear Necklace

2011-09-28T12:41:00.000-07:00

I just had a custom order for a Huskers Necklace and this is what I came up with!!! I topped the domino with corn paper and added lots of bling and embellishments. I sure hope my customer likes my design!!! I'll keep you posted....

Altered Art Halloween Necklaces

2011-09-26T10:48:00.000-07:00

These are sold and getting ready to ship to Dubai...just wanted to share how they turned out. There are more available on: http://www.etsy.com/shop/MyPinkPolkaDots

All of them are one-of-a-kind and SO much fun to create!!!

Blessed Domino Pendant

2011-09-17T15:36:00.000-07:00

I originally designed this necklace for a wonderful friend who was in the midst of fighting her battle with AML. Since then, I've had several requests for the "Blessed" domino pendant. It makes a great gift for almost anyone in your life and even for yourself because let's face it...we're all blessed.

I donate a portion of the sales from this pendant to the American Cancer Society---it's a great cause. I should know, I'm a 6 year survivor!!! Oh and my friend with the AML--she is doing great.

My Latest Halloween Creation....

2011-09-15T12:25:00.000-07:00

Here's my latest Halloween creation!! I love the hand-made lampwork beads...they are adorable and made by an artist on Etsy. She is super-talented and her little works of art go quite nicely in this design. Hope everyone in getting in the Halloween Spirit!!!

2011-09-05T13:03:00.001-07:00

I absolutely LOVE Kawaii fabric!! I think I have packages of fabric arriving from Japan weekly lately!! It's just so fun!! The patterns are just cute (hence Kawaii), colorful, sweet and mostly small which is perfect for my button creations.

I had a blast creating this Kawaii Bento Box and Chihuahua Chef bracelet. Love, love, love the colors and the charming images. I created this in a 7" toggle to toggle measurement with the beaded portion being 6". Perfect for a little girl but as always, I'd be happy to re-size this.

Have fun browsing!! As always, check back soon for more fun creations!

Sock Monkey Crazy Bracelet

2011-09-03T10:51:00.000-07:00

Besides loving holidays, I love sock monkeys!! They are so cute, so full of whimsy and just plain fun. Here is my Sock Monkey Crazy Bracelet!! I am going to list it today on Etsy. It's full of unique beads and this bracelet is a one-of-a-kind.

Sneek Peek at Christmas 2011~Sock Monkey Santa Bracelet

2011-09-03T09:43:00.001-07:00

This little Sock Monkey Santa bracelet is a OOAK and is truly like wearing a little piece of art. I had so much fun creating this bracelet--it even includes the Naughty List...hope you aren't on it!!! Truly unique and just plain cute!! Look for it on my Etsy store!!!

Trick or Treat

2011-09-01T08:20:00.000-07:00

Did I mention that I LOVE Halloween? LOL!! Here's my latest creation-listed in my Etsy store yesterday. I just enjoy this whimsical fabric mixed with these spooky beads!! As always, this bracelet is a one-of-a-kind. Check back soon for some more fall jewelry.

Kawaii Fabric Halloween Charm Bracelet

2011-08-25T19:10:00.000-07:00

I ordered this adorable Kawaii fabric from Japan and was thrilled to check my mail and see that it had arrived. I couldn't wait to get to work creating something unique and fun with it and some awesome hand-made beads I purchased from Chestnut Ridge..of course I mixed in some of my favorite Halloween beads including David Christensen cane beads, beautiful Swarovski beads and some acrylics and hand-painted glass beads. Tah-dah!! This is the end result---hope you like it!! It's listed in my Etsy store...it's a one-of-a-kind---and it makes a great gift.

Going To Dubai

2011-08-25T14:11:00.000-07:00

My Pink Polka Dots is going to Dubai!!! Okay, not really...but some of my pieces of jewelry are!! I just completed an order of these domino necklaces, bottlecap necklaces and backpack charms for an American school in Dubai. If you are looking for some fun, whimsical and unique Spirit Wear for your school--contact me. I love custom orders!!!

A Little Something New for 2011....

2011-08-25T12:16:00.000-07:00

I just listed this OOAK Halloween Charm bracelet on my Etsy store!! You really need to check it out!! It's so cute and packed with lots of unique, whimsical and fun OOAK glass hand-painted beads. I promise, you will not see another one like this!!

http://www.etsy.com/people/MyPinkPolkaDots

Fall Is Around The Corner

2011-08-09T13:03:00.000-07:00

Fall Is Around The Corner

Although the weather outside is no where close to "Fall" weather, the calendar is telling me that soon my kiddos will be back in school!! We've had a wonderful summer together and although I haven't spent as much time in my studio creating as I would have liked, I wouldn't trade one minute spent with my little ones.

Fall is one of my favorite seasons and I terribly miss the autumns of my youth in New York, the cool, brisk wind and beautiful falling leaves.
Perhaps that is why I love creating Halloween and Fall jewelry so much!!!
I just love incorporating all of the beautiful colors of autumn into my jewelry.

Here are two examples of Halloween bracelets that I created for this Fall.
(They have already sold in my Etsy store!!)
But check back soon...when my kiddos go back to school,
I'll head back to my studio.