Into the weekend...

I'm feeling less anxious and much more dreamy these past few days.  This makes me significantly more happy.
This, in part, is due to my discovery of the following bursts of beauty...

Photography from this shop out of the UK (Lola's Room)

 

This holy-cow-how-darn-sweet artwork, The Universe and Forever, by Wendy MacNaughton

 

And this unbelievably- freaking- perfect- for- me- house as shown in Anita Kaushal's book, FamilyLifeStyleHome.

 

Enjoy a crazy wonderful weekend.  Mine begins on Monday after I finish off some weekend orders and upcoming designs, when one of my closest friends from Boston and one of my brothers will be in town visiting.  Things always get out of control entertaining and I'm so excited for it.

Love,

Cath

2011 :: Untitled

 

 (New Shoes by Jane Heller)

"The world will freely offer itself to you to be unmasked.  It has no choice; it will roll in ecstasy at your feet"

(Franz Kafka)

That quote above... right there is my new year's resolution.  How? You ask. There is no action, no place for active changing or doing.  But that's exactly my point.  I resolve to let the goodness flow in by doing absolutely nothing but being still and calm and then by dancing and laughing. 

2010 was an interesting year for me in terms of finding my calm, delving inward, understanding my reactions and responses to life and gently reprogramming my brain to welcome prosperity, free from resistance.  Cheesy?  You bet.  But part of 2010 also helped me to say, "to hell with it."  I'm surrounding myself with only good and kind and inspiring people and even more awe-inspiring experiences. 

(Leiden Castle Lookout
 by Miss Quite Contrary)

And while 2010 marked the passage of these milestones...

* Learning to remedy failures and mess ups and mistakes and slight humiliations to the best of my abilities but then leave them far far far behind and move the heck on.

* Removing the need to give my opinion- unless asked- and then offer it with no expectations.

(the above two will be ongoing challenges, of course, but have been effectively instilled, nonetheless)

* My company has expanded with such intent and clarity that I am finally proud of what I'm creating.  That said, I so look forward to what unfolds with this expansion in 2011.

* Embracing the unconventional possibilities in my own life.  Huge.

 (A Catch by Sabina R)

... in 2011 I am now ready to...

* Bring my company's success up a good solid notch or two- radiant designs, dynamic photography, more widespread press, more time for me to step back and revel in what has been achieved.  

* That said, I really really want a few days off this year... and an all fixed up, all beautiful vintage bicycle.

* The aforementioned unconventional possibilities becoming euphoric realities.

* and welcoming the less than perfect kind of perfect.

* oh... and learning to take much deeper breaths.

Thank you to my closely knit peoples who have loved and supported me and made me laugh amidst some great discomfort this year.  I am so in awe of just how incredible you are.

2011... Bring it!

(Ahead Only by Flying Whale)

Love,

Cath

Aaaaand... I'm pooped.

 (twinkle by irene suchocki)

After the first of the year my Etsy shop will be cleared of past collections (all except the Fall/Winter) to, symbolically I suppose, make way for a whole new rush of designs for the Spring. Everything is 25% off with this code ( SHOP2010 ) until December 31st (includes sale items- does not include custom orders). The main website will, essentially, stay the same, but my process over the next two months will be to streamline, further simplify and fine tune all in an effort to further enhance the Ciara Obscura aesthetic and brand.

With each new collection I work on comes a boat load of heart thumping anticipation for the unfolding.  This time is no different.  I love love love putting together designs.  I do.  The possibilities make my head go crazy (crazier) and it's only when I start to hone in on the details and materials that I think, "Holy geez, I can't believe I get to do this for a living!"  I'm not kidding.  I get this feeling every single time.  And I'm glad I do- otherwise, what's the point of doing it.

So there's only so much I can share as far as a sneak peek goes at this point, but here's a little heads up:
* I'm bringing my silver work jewelry back... both the bold and the ... er... lesser bold.
* Hair adornments that'll make you wonder why in the heck you don't just wear one every day of your life.
* Vamped up, high end designs for the bridal world and glammed up world alike.
* More floral bouquets...


This week ahead will be me and a blank wall to stare at because I need nothing in my head after this Holiday rush.  Oh but first I need to complete an order of a variation on this and an order of this.  And then it's just me and that wall for a few days.

Enjoy a safe and festive New Year's Eve!

♥Brides Magazine feature!♥

Just discovered that Ciara Obscura was featured in a Brides Magazine editorial feature on vintage inspired bridal wear!  This is good, very good, news and such a special early Christmas treat, too.

Have a peek over HERE!

Winter Glow + Cozy

Feeling peaceful, inspired and slightly spacey.  And these wonderful photos from Zinke Design really have my number.
Come now... float with...

Aaaaahhhhhh.... perfection.