Ceremonial…. You just gotta go with the flow...

Sigh… This blog… I have had it for many years and the last little while, I’ve had writers block and just can’t seem to write.. today I will try.. I am so moved by living and working in Bali. I want to  try to describe to you a little of my experience. As some of you know, I travel the world and make jewelry along the way. I find wise and knowing silversmiths and goldsmiths and sit with them, talk with them, learn from them and sometimes am lucky enough to work with them. It is not an easy road to travel, staying true to values while trying to make a living, but it is what I do and I would much rather go with the flow of how ‘they’ work, then force my own agenda on a culture that works so differently.

Bali

July 2, 2014

I had a meeting with Nyoman this morning. It is has been 8 weeks since I took my designs to him.. I asked him to make me 20 pieces and 5 samples.  This should take about one week.. I know this. It has been 8 weeks and one sample is finished along with the 20 pieces.. I am not in a hurry and it is frustrating at times, but I also understand that here in Bali, the most important thing is ceremony.. And there are a lot of ceremonies here. When there is a ceremony, work stops and life revolves around it. The last 8 weeks have been a time of many many ceremonies, including Galangan, where the Balinese ask their ancestors for forgiveness and guidance. It is a 10+ day ceremony where there are preparations before, making food and offerings to the Gods, the day of Galangan there are processions and performances throughout the island. It is beautiful! 10 days later is Kuningan where they send the spirits back and continue thanking them for their guidance. This day is spent in a temple. Then there are cremations, when someone in a village dies, the whole village is involved in the ceremony which takes a full day or two or three. This is just a small example of what happens here in Bali. So, navigating this within the world of trying to get things done, can be quite challenging. But as a business woman who believes in the people I am working with,

I realize, I must go with the flow.. The flow of their pace and schedule. So, I too, have tried to plan accordingly in my deadlines and timings of production. As working against it just simply DOES NOT WORK! So, I have most of my new pieces.. They have made it through all the ceremonies and are blessed for you to wear, on your wrist, your ears, you neck…

Please know, these are made by hand, by beautiful soft people and are designed with so much love.

www.karazidesign.com

Here is to going with the flow.. May you too, feel that in your life.

Full Power

Wow! The last month has been, as I like to say, FULL POWER! Taking a moment to breathe and absort all the beauty around me.... 2 weeks left here in Bali... I can't believe it's been 3 months. At the moment I am sitting in my room listening to the frogs, the music of the gamelan in the distance, watching the fireflies outside the window and taking in paradise. As, the last month has been full on and it's easy to let the beauty slip into the daily routine.

I've been working hard on my jewelry as well as on a beautiful collaboration called Amari... My goal as an artist and as a woman in this world is to work with the people I meet when I travel. I love combining my art with the art of the region, working with the local artisans to create little pieces of beauty to adorn the body, or in a word.. jewelry..

Bali is known for it's carvers, so I've been working with a carver here. He has carved amazing pieces with beautiful Balinese designs. It's been a 6 week process, but finally yesterday, I received my last bits from him. I have taken them all to a silversmith and he is creating the carvings into jewelry. It is all very exciting and I can't wait to show you the finished products.. SOON!! so so SOON..

Alongside my own jewelry, I am working on a new project called Amari with my friend Rachel. Our moto is 'inspired by women to give back to women'. We have begun to work with unemployed crafts women here in Bali and are designing a whole line of jewelry, to then employ the women to make it. It's been a wild and fast ride into something very exciting.. We will launch the website soon, as well.

In the meantime, enjoy the 'in process' photos..

soon to be Karazi Design's Bali Collection!

carved buddha heads

making jewels with the women

javanese glass beads... and carved horn

minus the pain.

A big shift happened in the last couple of days, I'm on day 14 of this cleanse. I'm one of those people who suffers from physical pain, in my joints, my back etc.. I exercise and do yoga to control it. But a few days ago, suddenly, the pain completely disappeared, just gone and my body became more agile and limber. I am amazed at this. It feels so good. I've also noticed, I'm waking up earlier each morning, and easily getting out of bed feeling rested. The cleanse is working and I feel great! One more week to go.

On another note...

NEW JEWELS at VIXEN starting Wednesday May 25.

PLUS

trunk show at Vixen
Saturday, June 4
12-4
3209 W. McGraw St.
Seattle, Wa 98199

goings on...

It's been kind of crazy around here. First of all, I've been sick and have been sleeping a lot, which isn't really my style. It's slowed me down a bunch in the midst of spring orders. Everything seems to be falling into place now, with my cold (after 5 weeks) leaving my body and my orders almost finished. I can exhale and start on the next projects including posting new jewelry in the etsy shop.

In the meantime check out this really cool blog called THE STYLE PROJECT HERE by my friend Chloe in Madison, WI. She has a fashion blog and featured some vintage Karazi Design from when I first started making jewelry several years ago. I told her I may have to bring that one back. What do you think?


the photo is from The Style Project and is taken by paul sirianni

sneaking a peek... golden goodies 2011

This trip I am making a lot custom orders and a friend of mine gave me a gold and diamond ring. She asked if we could melt the gold and use it in her piece and she wanted to give the diamond to Kumar as a gift.

The other day, as I was sitting with Kumar in his shop, he asked me, 'Samia, you remember your friend? The one who has given me the diamond as a gift?'

I said, 'Yes, Kumar, I remember.'

He said, 'Well, I am thinking of also giving the diamond as a gift.'

I replied, 'Wow, Kumar, that is so kind. Who are you thinking of giving the diamond to?'

Kumar then says, 'Samia, not like that, not like that. There is one Goddess, her name is Saraswati. She is the Goddess of Wisdom and art and culture and there is one temple. I am thinking, I will make a nose ring or a pendant and give it to the Goddess Saraswati at the temple.'

How i love India. How I love Kumar.

So, I asked Kumar, 'How would you feel if I told my friend your idea?" he replied, "you MUST tell your friend my idea. It is necessary."


Kumar and I have been working very hard this week.. Here are a few photos of what we have been up to.

2010 escapades.. what will 2011 bring?

2011 what will it bring? Hmm, it's impossible to know. Here's a little re-cap of 2010!


2010 started off in India, celebrating New Year's Eve in the ancient and amazing city of Varanasi on the Ganges River. The photo is of us getting a ride down the sacred river.


2010 was also the year of the elis. The beautiful pendant/amulet to help reduce fear in our lives. I made several of them with my jewelry teachers in India and they continue to be the popular piece of jewelry for 2010. So, in honor of my upcoming trip to India, they are on sale until Jan. 10 in my etsy shop here


April and May took us to Turkey, where we traveled from south to north. And I met and learned from two incredible goldsmiths in the Grand Bazaar, Istanbul. From my experience with them, came the Byzantine Collection some of which is available in my online store here as well as atticus' online store here, KOBO in Seattle and soon (in the spring) on the Windstar Cruise from Athens to Istanbul!



The summer I journeyed back to my homeland.. Wisconsin.. for a beautiful and fun visit with my family and a trunk show at Ancient Healing in Sauk City!



Later that summer we flew to Spain and took the train to S. France where we spent the month helping to shoot a movie. A new endeavor for both of us, but super fun and exciting none-the-less.



October I flew to the Middle east to spend 3 weeks with my Dad in Israel and Palestine. Here we had many wonderful experiences, but it also became the place that inspired me for the new collection of jewelry I hope to make in India this year. In jerusalem, I found ancient coins.. soon to made into jewels...



Then, in November, we flew to Puerto Rico to shoot more of the movie.. A great place to be over Thanksgiving.



We ended the year in the beautiful Methow Valley, Washington, cross country skiing our hearts out with our friends. the photo is of our icy hair after a long and beautiful ski.

I think it's going to be hard to top 2010, but we will try!

gold rings on etsy

It's been a week and a half since I returned to the US and my gears have definitely shifted... Although, I have more stories to tell about my journey to Israel and Palestine, they will have to wait for a while.

The last week was full of jewelry making, I finished a large order for a cruise company, and sold my jewels at a private jewelry party... (if you are ever interested in hosting one, please contact me, they are fun).

And now, I am posting, after a very long time, new gold rings on Etsy... Yay!!

20k gold simple hammered band rings for $160
20k gold rough cut diamond simple hammered band ring for $200

They are beautiful and available for sale here.



I have less than one week before we head to Puerto Rico to continue filming the movie we started shooting in France (check the blog archives from July and August 2010) over the summer.. I can't wait! and don't worry I will keep you updated on all the excitement.

A Jerusalem Story: smile on my face. coins in my hand.

Jerusalem
October 25, 2010

We only had an hour and a half and I was not in the mood for shopping.



We entered the old city through Damascus Gate on a mission to find old coins. Old coins to make jewelry with, old coins I find on my adventures around the world. It was a hot day, we had just left Bethlehem, made it through the Israeli checkpoint and like I said, I was not in the mood for shopping.




We made our way to one of the Stations of the Cross, part of Via Delarosa, otherwise known as antiquities row. There were many Christian Pilgrims walking through the small ancient street following the path of Jesus carrying the cross. I, was looking for a coin dealer. We wove our way through people and came across a shop with coins. I looked a bit and still just didn’t feel like shopping. Continuing along the street, we looked some more. It just didn’t feel right. So, we found a small Arabic café, we sat and ate hummus and falafel, read our books and suddenly large group of Christian pilgrims from Alabama joined us. I stared outside into the ancient surroundings and thought to myself, I have a 1000 blessings in my life, (as my 92 year old grandmother says)

Why at this moment, am I numb to this sacred surrounding? We were completely surrounded by people who had traveled half way around the world to come to the spot, the spot Jesus carried the cross from one part of Jerusalem to where he was going to be crucified, and all I could think about were coins and whether or not I felt like buying them.

Immediately becoming aware of this attitude, I shifted it and engaged, talking to my neighbors, listening to the stories of their pilgrimage and hearing the excitement in their voices. It was magical, quite magical!

We slowly finished and I told my dad, let’s go back to the shop, I think I’m ready to buy some coins….

And I did. 2000 year old Roman coins found beneath the ancient and spiritual city of Jerusalem, along with 1800 year old Greek coins and Byzantine coins all of which I plan on setting in gold to make earrings and pendants and rings…. And I bought an old Bedouin headdress, that I may or may not take the coins off to make into jewelry.

Dad looked at his watch and we had to go. We were meeting his childhood friend, he hadn’t seen her since 1981. So, like we entered, we left, weaving through the crowds of pilgrims. This time with a smile on my face, coins in my hand and happiness for all those who were on their sacred journey.






Thanks to my sister for the first two photos..

Time Management!

'Let's talk about time management' a phrase my husband has been known to say to me more than once. He is the king of time management (T.M.). Me, on the other hand, well, I am an artist, and I am an organized artist, so I get it all done, but sometimes, it's not in an efficient way. Or shall I say, not in the same efficient way my husband does things.

This week, though, I wish I had his T.M. skills. The next week of my life has to be efficient, organized and time managed and I think I can do it. I mean, I know I can do it!

The last two months have been quite amazing here. My mind seems to have shifted into a new space. A space with a different perspective, a focused, motivated and excited perspective, which is kind of fun, actually... It's also been quite busy. Last week, I got a big big order with a very cool little cruise company here in Seattle. It has been rocking (in a good way) my world the last week getting prepared for the order. Yesterday, I sat for hours making earrings, ordering the needed goods from all over the world and enjoying getting into the groove of production jewelry making. While that is going on, I am also getting ready for a big journey east, in one week!!

EEK! One week!! So much to do....


I fly to New Orleans (for the first time) and from there will fly to Israel/Palestine and will travel around the country(ies), I can't wait!

So, here's to time management and getting it all organized before I leave, so I can get it all done when I get back!!

Transformation

This year has been a lot about transformation. Leaving behind old thought patterns, or habits and trying to move forward and follow my 2010 motto 'don't worry until you have to worry'. So far, so good. I feel like, yes, transformation has taken place and I have moved forward and done things I had never thought I would do... Like, for instance, work on a movie in France, or start to write a book. Things have shifted for the better, I am quite motivated each day to get up and do (whatever that may be). I am a dreamer, I do believe anything is possible, and I mean it. No, I didn't say everything is easy, I said, anything is possible and sometimes those dreams that seem so far fetched aren't really impossible, they are just difficult. The obstacles are sometimes larger than the dream, so why do it or why try?? hhhmmm... I often wonder, why am I making jewelry and trying to make a living doing it... Believe me, it is not the easy route. But the answer is because I love it! And why not spend my days (sometimes with many obstacles) doing something I love, rather than spending my days doing something I dislike?

I had a brief moment earlier this year, where I thought, 'I don't think I can do this anymore (this being, make jewelry). I just want to shift my challenge to something else, this challenge is old I always seem to struggle with the same things'. That thought pattern opened up some doors to me. Thinking in my head, I wasn't going to do this anymore. I had space to explore and act upon other things and ideas that had been brewing for a long long time. That space, created the transformation, I had been seeking and BOOM!! My jewelry inspiration started to soar, once again.. Thank god! Because as an artist these things ebb and flow like you wouldn't believe.

Now several months later, and with transformation achieved, I am flying high with my jewelry and soon off to visit my 92 year old grandmother in the Middle East and am writing a book and will fly to an undisclosed tropical location to film more of the movie and will go to India in January... Life is full of possibilities. You just have to have a little passion and be open to them too...

Old Turkish coin Necklace: Featured piece Sept 23-30... 40% off

Last week was busy here. I delivered a big order of the Byzantine Collection to KOBO in Seattle. We SOLD OUT of Ganesha Pendants, which was 'the featured piece of the week' last week. If you are still interested in a Ganesha Pendant, please contact me and I can make one for you when I go to India this coming winter...




This week, September 23-30, we are featuring this beautiful OLD TURKISH COIN NECKLACE... It is elegant, versatile and a great price.

THIS WEEK: $72
regular price: $120

buy it HERE

This exquisite necklace is part of a limited edition series I call the Egypt Collection. It is inspired by my journey to Cairo in May of 2009. I bought many rare and unique beads, coins, and stones while there.

This necklace is made from brass chips and handmade silver beads. The pendant is an 80-100 year old impression of an old Turkish coin. It is made of silver and was worn by the Bedouin women of the middle east as part of their headress.

~17 inches long with sterling silver chain and handmade toggle clasp

Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. FEATURED NECKLACE SEPT. 16-22

In Honor of Ganesha's birthday and the huge 10 day celebration in India (which I wrote about here), called Ganesh Chaturthi, we are featuring at 40% off, our 20k gold Ganesha pendant.

this week: $171
regular: $285 (SOLD OUT)

buy it here

Ganesha. Remover of obstacles

19mm X 19mm, 20k gold pendant, oxidized silver adjustable chain 16"-18"

Ganesha the elephant God is the son of Shiva and he removes those nasty obstacles from our lives and makes sure we succeed in our efforts. He is very revered throughout India!

Wear Ganesha to help you plow on through and keep going. He will guide you as you are challenged with all the twists and turns in your life.

Everyone loves Ganesha!

Featured jewelry 40% OFF September 1-8

So, it's been two weeks. We are back in Seattle and back to our 'regular' schedule, whatever that is...

Throughout the month of September, I decided to do something fun and exciting for all you readers. I will be featuring one piece of jewelry and it will be 40% off it's regular price. You can purchase it online here or just contact me and we can work it out.

This week September 1-8. I am featuring the ever popular lava and citrine necklace for $81, regularly $135. oh la la!!

Stay tuned for more surprises and exciting things..

journey east...

getting ready for my journey east... to wisconsin.. it's where i'm from and i'm really excited about going back and seeing family and friends. i grew up in a small town outside of madison along the wisconsin river. it's a beautiful place and it is summer there. the kind of summer where you wake up and can put on a tank top early in the morning and still feel warm. where the sky is blue and the birds greet you with a cheerful hello. oh, i am excited!!

early summer trunk show
ancient healing
june 10
4-6
809 phillips blvd
sauk city, wi

congrats to our winners...

Congrats. to the winners of the earrings... Thanks to those of you who signed up on our email list!!

Hope you had a wonderful weekend.

I'm busily making some jewels and getting ready for my trip to Wisconsin tomorrow night.

Those of you in the Sauk City area...

Early summer trunk show
Ancient Healing
June 10
4-6pm
809 Phillips Blvd

I will have lots of new jewelry and goodies..


xoxo...

sign up on our email list and receive free earrings!!

Be the 9th, or the 27th (because I like those numbers) people to sign up on our email list *here* and receive these beautiful handmade silver earrings... only US addresses and one entry per person!

energy tug!!

Whew!! I feel like a whirlwind... So many things have happened in the last two weeks. It's hard to get motivated today.... I've been wondering how to get it all done. How will all the projects, ideas and inspiration culminate into solid objects? How will I write my blog, write my newsletter, update my etsy store? How will I remodel my kitchen? How did I take care of 7 house guests in two weeks? Why did I start a new workout program? How will I make and deliver new jewelry? How will I get it all done? How will I have enough product to sell at my upcoming shows? How will I grieve the death of my aunty? Oh, I am feeling overwhelmed today. I know this is impermanent, this feeling of exhaustion, this feeling of it's too much. I know it will pass, but now I am feeling it and am struggling. to. move. forward.....

I did manage to post a few new items to my etsy store... very cool and wildly popular from the new Byzantine Collection.. Now you can buy some of the pieces on line. Check it out here

new jewels... new locations

Another week slipped by... This week has been all about studio time for me, making and delivering new jewels. It's been nice sitting and creating. I feel like I haven't had nearly enough time lately to make new jewelry or I haven't been inspired to make new designs, but a little travel can always spark a new idea or creative streak.

So, here is another peek at more of what is to come from the Byzantine collection. You can find a nice selection of this jewelry at two new locations in Seattle. Les Amis, in Fremont and Colaizzo Opticals on the top of Queen Anne.. As well as by appointment in my studio. just email me or give me a call (info in the right side bar).

prices range from $70-$100