Holiday Traditions

It may be a bit early yet to be talking about the holidays, but if you read my post the other day, then you that SoulMakes is already preparing. And perhaps thats what has me so inspired and ready for this holiday season. Plus, I thought this would be a good opportunity to let you all get to know me a bit more, since I don't do that often.

I didn't always love the holidays, actually most of my life I didn't like them at all. Especially when I was a kid. I grew up in one of those dysfunctional type families and the holidays seemed to put all this pressure on us to not be dysfunctional, which actually seemed to have the exact opposite effect..and not in a cute way .. Anyways, as an adult, I've had the opportunity to re-create the holidays and make some new and wonderful traditions with my amazing partner by my side.

Every winter since Trev and I started dating we've gone to Denver, Colorado to visit his family.

I love Colorado! First of all, I love Trevor's family. They are always so welcoming and kind. His Mom and step dad always let us stay with them in their lovely home and they are such down to earth people. It makes for a really enjoyable vacation. I love spending time getting to know them (I'm pretty shy), I absolutely adore the shopping in Denver and Boulder too, well I'm sure you've noticed the western influence in the shop. And of course, I love the view..

Our vacation this year is TEN DAYS long!! And it's just 5 weeks away, I can not wait!

I guess I should also mention one of my most important personal traditions. Lighting the candles!!

(of course two photogs would have a picture of themselves lighting the Menorah! And wow, this pic is old..)

We didn't go to temple growing up, but we usually celebrated high holy days, Passover and always Chanukkah. As an adult, I choose to go to Temple, although I wouldn't consider myself religious, more  so spiritual. I believe in G-d and going to temple is one of the ways that I choose to seek Him and grow my relationship with my Creator. I'm all about learning.

Also, it may be becoming a tradition for us to see the trans siberian orchestra..

Last year we caught them in Philly and we liked them so much that we got tickets for Trev's parents to go see them in Colorado. The other day Trev and I were wishing we could go see them this year and guess what?! His mom called with an early Christmas present! So we're seeing them in DC this year! Very excited. If you havent seen them, you should. Pictures and videos and all the written/verbal descriptions in the world don't do these guys justice.

SoulMakes is starting it's own traditions this year! We'll be at our first holiday show this weekend..

Look out for new holiday items coming to the Shop soon! Starting this week we're sending out a little extra surprise with every order! And since we know you're not the only person on your shopping list, we're shipping each additional item for free! And of course, we've got plenty of deals coming up for the Holidays! 

What are your holiday traditions?

<3,

MacK

Happy Storm Day

So here comes hurricane Sandy, are you prepared? So far it's just a whole lot of rain, but we'll see what happens. Just in case, we've made a short storm prep guide...

Number 1..

In case of flooding, if you live in low lying ground, like us, elevate your valuables. 

Save the Fryes!

Number 2...

In case the power goes out and you're unable to brew coffee/tea, make sure you have an ample supply of caffeine sources..

Number 3...

Make sure you have something to do, since driving to work is out of the question in this dangerous weather..

I'm stocked up on Chewy Bars, listening to Fleetwood Mac and making all kinds of new jewelry for the Shop and in preparation of upcoming events.

Number 4...

Have a handsome boyfriend to keep you company <3

So there you have it. 

In all seriousness, who knows when this weather will turn, we've got plenty of bottled water, non perishables, gas in both cars, and because half of our apartment is basically underground, we did elevate all our valuables. 

Everyone out there on the East Coast; Stay safe, stay dry! And don't forget to head to the Shop for a coupon code lasting through the 31st.

<3,

MacK

A Look Back..

I've been SO busy, working my hands off, making things for all of our upcoming events! I haven't been able to post as much as I'd like, so I thought now would be a good time for an update and a little reflection.

"And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it."

-Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

SoulMakes(and by the way, SoulMakes is one word) has been at it for only 6 short months, if that and it's already grown so far beyond anything I had imagined. To be completely honest, I think in the beginning I just thought I'd sell a few things a year. I also had no idea SoulMakes was going to be a two person team or that we would be recognized by a magazine(Thank You Disfunkshion Mag!!) or various blogs. I had no idea I'd be making friends with other designers and artists or that SoulMakes would travel to festivals and fairs to showcase our goods or that a store would be carrying our stuff. Actually, if we're being really honest, I had no idea that this was something I wanted to do with my life. If you know our story then you already know that that I seemed to stumble upon this dream almost accidentally. 

I've been making jewelry my entire life. My mom was a jewelry maker, I learned from her. She had a small operation going for a while, but at the time there was no Etsy and online stores operated by one man companies weren't that big yet. She peddled her jewelry door to door in small retail districts and craft shows. It's amazing to think how far the hand made world has come! Anyways, I was making jewelry for a few friends and they encouraged me to start an online shop. I was definitely scared, but  eventually I went for it. And once Trevy hopped on board SoulMakes was in full flight. I thought he would just take a few pictures for me and that's it, but it turned into much more than that. At first I was hesitant to run a business with my significant other, but we've learned so much. We've learned to use our difference as our strengths in a partnership, in and out of business. SoulMakes is a creative bond we share, without him it wouldn't be here.

Here's a quick recap of our journey...

First ever skull bracelets, from years ago, way before SoulMakes was even a twinkle in my eye

Besides an improved technique, they haven't changed much..

 

First ever drawing of the logo (by me)

First packaging I ever did, I used old film boxes a lot in the beginning..

SoulMakes recently hit our first 100 sales

We've been featured by Disfunkshion Mag a few times!!

We're booking events every other weekend in the DC area, we're shipping all over the world..

This fan photo came all the way from Malaysia!

We are living the dream. Since the very beginning of SoulMakes, everything has always seemed to fall right into to place. I'm so insanely grateful for all the fans, customers and followers that have carried us this far! I'm overwhelmingly appreciative to Trevy and to all our friends who have helped out along the way, especially my friends & coworkers at Free People and of course, the God of my understanding! I'm so blown away by this journey we're on, it is the adventure of a lifetime for sure and I couldn't be happier to share it with you people!

Head to Shop now to use this coupon code for 10% off your entire purchase, good through Sunday: THANKYOU100

Thanks all! I hope you're having a wonderful week!

Thanks,

MacK @ SoulMakes

My Nails

That's right, a post about my nails. Although I haven't had much time for it lately, I'm pretty into nail art. I'm not so bad at it either :) Take a look...

After 4 weeks of unpainted nails, a record for me, I finally found some time to sit down and paint them this week. Sometimes, it's the little things. I love putting my creative energy to use and being able to pamper myself simultaneously is a big plus :)

Hope you're all having a great week!!

<3,

MacK

Weekend Recap

Well, mostly I spent the weekend grocery shopping and doing boring adult things. But we did stop by the fair on Saturday night..

Oh and here's this really cool car we saw..

Of course I found some time to work on some new things for the shop..

I think I'll pile this one on with a choker and the Skull Necklace :)

Anyways, hope everyone had an awesome weekend!!

<3,

MacK

Details - Around the house

Aside from jewelry making, I like to consider myself and artist of all trades. I also really love to paint, although it's been too long since I've done that. So here's a few snap shots of some of my paitnings etc, oh and a signed Fleetwood Mac record…no big deal :) I love our little home! Since we're both artist there's lots of really cool little details

Happy Friday everyone!! Hope you all have the most beautiful weekend!

<3,

MacK

Fun Photos

First SoulMakes logo Doodle

Commute, not so bad eh?

Nice Whip

Bracelet Experimentation

Me

A Peek Inside My Sketch Book

I like the Sky!

Happy almost Friday!

Weekend Update

So when I was able to pull myself away from my lovely new work space we went to the Israeli Street Festival that happened to be just down the road from us. In celebration of Israel's 64th there was food, activities, crafts, and of course..really amazing music!

I also really enjoyed the little petting zoo <3

So fuzzy! :) Anyway, even though we're Jewish, I didn't grow up going to temple. We celebrated Chanukkah and Passover, we went to our cousins Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, and sometimes my mother and I even lit candles on Shabbat. But I never knew much about Judaism until now. As an adult I've been exploring my roots a little more, so it was very cool to go to this little celebration!

Hope you all had an amazing weekend!!

<3,

MacK

My New Space

This weekend Trevor set up a little desk for me in our apartment. He's so great :) Before now I have kept all my supplies in one huge bag, filled with many other smaller bags, that weighs 800 pounds, because I'm a mobile beader. But now I have this awesome little work space! I am super excited, I didn't really leave my new space all weekend. 

Why so serious?

I started on a few new ideas this weekend. First, chokers. Lots of people have been asking me about chokers. I am always wearing one, but right now the only one in the shop is the Crystal Choker. There is definitely more coming soon!

And I've been playing around with anklets..

So hopefully we'll have some items posted soon!

 I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!

<3,

MacK

A few more from my iPhone

So, I just got this iPhone..My first ever smart phone. You could say I'm currently a little bit obsessed with instagram and pic collaging(also checking traffic and weather). Although, I am some what of a photographer in real life. A hobbyist anyway, I love to shoot 35 mm and 120 film. Yes FILM, as in analog :) I've given myself the task of a photo a day with my old trusty film camera, but in the meantime here's a few more from memorial day celebrations..

My pretty friend <3

These dancers were so awesome! I think they must've been burning up and very tired by the end, but they did such a great job!

And of course the White Turquoise Falls Necklace

Hope you all had an awesome Memorial day!

<3,

MacK

Weekend Recap - According to my iPhone

I know that most people are off today, but I'm not and it's Monday..So here's a little weekend recap according to iPhone :)

We went to one of the local Memorial day celebrations. It was pretty neat, lotsa cool little booths set up with all different kinds of art. My favorite of which was the tie dye tent and lovely rock collection pictured above. Maybe one day soon I will have my own little booth! 

Also, I listened to this song about 600 times over the weekend! Nothing like a little Janis Joplin to kick off the summer.

<3,

MacK