My Latest Love: Origami Owl

When I first set eyes on images of Origami Owl's living lockets, I thought, those are adorable; I'd  interested in one. My former neighbor was a designer for the company and was planning a trip to Oregon from Texas. I thought it might be fun opportunity to gather with some friends and hold a party (which we call "Jewelry Bars" at Origami Owl). I fell instantly in love!

I learned through reading, the company is more than just adorable keepsakes and personal stories to fashionably wear. The company is more than a sweet story about a 14 year old entrepreneur who sold lockets to save money for her first car. This company (in addition to making money) is about being a "force for good"; paying it forward, making someone feel special, and shining some happiness in the lives of others.

Most of you may know I'm a gemologist and accredited jewelry professional with my credentials from the Gemological Institute of America. I've been hand crafting jewelry with silver and selling it in my EmBound shop since 2009 as well. Gems and jewelry are passions of mine. And while there are ample opportunities to sell through various direct marketing companies, I chose Origami Owl, also known as O2. What stood out about this company? One of my favorite things to do in my EmBound shop is fulfill custom orders. I don't just want people to own a pretty piece of jewelry. I want my customer's jewelry to tell a story. I love jewelry that is meaningful, versatile and beautiful. O2 is all these things.

O2 isn't just about lockets either. They have a tag line as well, which is a great way to express yourself, or add some expression to a locket design. Since these pieces are all customizable, the possibilities are virtually endless!

I love being an Origami Owl Independent Designer. It isn't just about making money for me; it's personal. I thoroughly enjoy meeting others and hearing their stories. Each locket can be as unique as the person wearing it. I've heard of lockets becoming memorials for special loved ones who've moved on, or becoming a place to capture dreams, or to hold representation for a mom of her children or family... It's most commonly things people hold dear to them.

If you would like to create a special piece for yourself or someone you love, please visit my online shop at www.MelissaJohnson.OrigamiOwl.com. If you would like to host a party to earn free jewelry in the Portland, OR metro area or anywhere in the US online, please contact me at that website too. I'd be sincerely happy to assist you in creating a custom piece for you or someone you love.

If you too would like to be a part of my amazing team and make some money over the holiday and beyond, I would be thrilled to mentor you. My mentor ID is #39828. The cost for your BEAUTIFUL kit is $149 and is below wholesale. Well worth the money for all you get!

For those wondering if I've replaced my EmBound shop with Origami Owl, the answer is no. These lines are still very different. I love that I can wear my O2 pieces with my EmBound jewelry as well as other pieces. Thank goodness the layered look is in!

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Cross Tattoos

About a year ago or so ago I was asked to help a customer design a small cross that would later be used as a tattoo. This inspired me to come up with several designs

The design my customer decided on was a modified version of the cross in the bottom row, second from the right.

Recently I was contacted by someone who liked one of my paintings and decided to get a tattoo based on it done on the back of her neck:

This last week my husband and I celebrated our 16th wedding anniversary. We hit the local tattoo shop and I had one of my designs (refer to the first photo) tattooed on me.

If you are, by chance, interested in any of my cross tattoo designs, you are welcome to use them free of charge. I just kindly ask you send me a message with the photo of your completed tattoo and allow me share it. You can contact me though my art shop at www.EmboundArt.Etsy.com.

Over a Year? Really?

Chances are my writing will remain sporadic here. It's not because I don't have much to share! Last month after a couple years of hard studying and passing the strict mandatory 100% final, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has issued me my Gemologist Diploma. I have worked with gemstones most of my life though. I have a few short labs to take before I'm granted my Graduate Gemologist Diploma. In the mean time, I'm basking in the joy of accomplishment.

My husband is constructing www.EmBound.net into a hub for my three Etsy shops and as place where customers can contact me for gemological services. I'm really excited to have a central place to send people. In addition, I've gone to Moo and had