12 Days of Reflection 2011 Challenge - Day 11 & Day 12

So if you've been following me on Facebook and Twitter, today is Day 12 of the 12 Days of Reflection Challenge! So many lovely responses and the reflections are being shared on the event page (click here)!! Please check out my blog in the coming days for photos of my reflections from my journal! I definitely had an amazing time reflecting on things of 2011 and hoping to MANIFEST so many goodness into my family, friends, and myself for 2012! I have lots of journaling challenges coming up for 2012, also please check out my shop at Mango+Paper+Scissors on Etsy for lovely jewelry, journals and paper goods...

Here's Day 11 & Day 12 prompts!!

Blessings,
Shanti

12 Days of Reflection 2011 Challenge - Day 9 & Day 10

Hi everyone, I'm playing catch up on my blog. There's only 2 more days left in this journey and I'm so excited to complete these prompts! I've been writing my prompts in my journal, so I hope to take some pictures and post them on here by tonight! You don't have to finish these prompts, you can follow through when you're ready! If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me!
Blessings,
Shanti

Here's Day 9 & Day 10 on the 12 Days of Reflection Challenge - Day 9 & Day 10

Day 9 #Reflect11: "Describe one gift, compliment or gesture you received this year that left a lasting impression?"

‎#Reflect11 - Day 10: "Create a list of @ least 7 things you want to accomplish in 2012?"

12 Days of Reflection 2011 Challenge - Day 7 & Day 8

So forgive my slackness on Day 7... I was at the ophthalmologist for the past couple of days organizing my eyes, so thank goodness I was able to get things in order!

So, just in case you're not following me on Facebook or Twitter here are Day 7 and Day 8:

Day 7 of #Reflect11:
"Was there a quote or saying that inspired you this past year?" Did you find yourself writing down or referring back to a line that got you through something or perhaps even made you laugh?
This prompt was inspired by @paperrelics Paper Relics

Day 8: #reflect11 "If you can say thank you to someone or to a # of people, who would they would be?"

So we did a thankful list but how about a "thank you" list. If we can put together a list of people who have been there for us in the past year, perhaps a bus driver who waited for you at the stop several mornings, or a neighbor, a teacher, your family members or friends. A simple "thank you" could bring a special holiday joy into their lives. Perhaps you will consider sending them a "thank you" note, text or phone call to them after this.


See you tomorrow!!

Blessings,
Shanti

12 Days of Reflection 2011 Challenge - Day 6

Day 6: Today it's all about the music in our lives for #reflect11... It's Saturday, so take a min
 while you're traveling, at the hair dresser, or on the shopping line to think about the music

that has inspired, empowered, or just sounded sooo good in your life for 2011!! 

“What is the song or soundtrack to represent 2011 for YOU?” In this day and age, most of

us have ipods, mp3 players, or some of us still play a few records. What music selection(s)

can you say represented your year?

Have an amazing Saturday!
Blessings,
Shanti

12 Days of Reflection 2011 Challenge - Day 5

It’s Day 5 of the “12 Days of Reflection Challenge" - “What memorable experience do you hold dear from 2011?” Did you start a business, did you try something new or perhaps you cut your hair?
You will find each reflection on my Aye’ Shanti Designs Facebook Page, posted in the Event Section, here on my blog or on Twitter. Have fun and share your entries.

Have a great day!

12 Days of Reflection 2011 Challenge - Day 4

It’s Day 4 of the “12 Days of Reflection Challenge”. #Reflect11 – Day 4: “What shows, movies, plays, books or events influenced your life in the past year?” Did you read a book that you had to tweet about? Was there a museum exhibit that took your breath away? What about a tv show?  If you didn’t get a chance to this year, what would you like to watch, read or visit for 2012? 8 more days left! Have a great and blessed day. 

You will find each reflection on my Aye’ Shanti DesignsFacebook Page, posted in the Event Section, here on my blog or on Twitter. Have fun and share your entries (if you want that is J)

12 Days of Reflection 2011 Challenge - Day 3

Good Morning and welcome to Day 3 of the "12 Days of Reflection Challenge"!! 

#Reflect11- Day 3: “What healthy activities / choices did you do in 2011? What are some you want to do in 2012?”  It could be from joining a group, exercising, cleansing, anything that promotes health and wellness! This one should be fun!  I have to say the responses are amazing and all the feedback to each other is just beautiful. Please continue with your reflections and share your entries with someone in your life who may not be a part of this! If you post your response, tag your friends and also use the hashtag: # reflect11! If you blog about it, share it here in the event page and I will definitely tweet and share the links! Have an AWESOME day....

Check out the event page on Facebook if you haven't! 

12 Days of Reflection 2011 Challenge - Day 2

Good Morning and welcome to Day 2 of "12 Days of Reflection Challenge!" Today’s question/prompt is “What were some thankful moments of 2011?” 

This was inspired by a beautiful group of sistas I’m apart of called Thanksgiving Tuesday, where we use our Tuesdays to reflect on what we’re thankful for!  I decided to paint my page gold in reference to Jill Scott’s song “Golden” and use bits and pieces of paper I cut out!

Here it goes:

-Afternoon tea with my mum

-For the experiences good and bad. They made me stronger

-Text messages from my besties

-For meeting so many inspiring people

-Creative days and nights

-Dates with my honey!

-Hugs from my father!

-Visits with my 2^nd family!

I love reading so many different responses and I’m so thankful for everyone sharing them. There’s something so amazing about sharing your experiences because you find yourself either relating to the person or know someone in your life who has a similar experience. Let’s continue this journey of self reflection and allow ourselves to let go so we can be refreshed for 2012!

You will find each reflection on my Aye’ Shanti DesignsFacebook Page, posted in the Event Section, here on my blog or on Twitter. Have fun and share your entries! If you post about your reflections, tag your friends and also use the hashtag: #reflect11! If you blog about it, share it, and I will definitely tweet and share the links.

Have  a lovely afternoon,

Shanti

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12 Days of Reflection 2011 Challenge - Day 1

Good Morning and Welcome to the 1st Day of "12 Days of Reflection Challenge". Even though the 1st reflection was sent out last week, I hope it gave you some time to organize your thoughts for your first journal entry! You will find each reflection on my Aye' Shanti Designs Facebook page, posted in the Event section, here on my blog or on Twitter Have fun and share your entries! If you post about your reflections, tag your friends and also use the hashtag: # reflect11! If you blog about it, share it  and I will definitely tweet and share the links! Have a great day.... 

 I decided to use some magazine clippings in my first entry!

 I found this image in Urban Outfitters catalog and loved how serene this sista looked petting the horse... Oh and I love her denim outfit with scarf... and her hair! (hint hint 2012)

Here's my #reflect11

So if I had to name 2011, I would call it, SURVIVAL... I feel so blessed with all that's in my life from my home, my honeybun, my family, framilies lol, and just awesome people in my life, despite the ups and downs with getting a business together, learning to listen to my inner self more and as Tim Gunns would say "Making it Work"... I have nothing to complain but just SURVIVE... it has literally been the building block and foundation for my 2012. I claim 2012 to have a first and last name: BOLD & BRILLIANT. I see fabulousness, fun times, more creativity and just a colorful experience. I am so excited that even though it's for 2012, I'm already starting and letting the names reflect my life!! *EXHALE*

Can't wait to share tomorrow's Reflection Prompt!

Have an amazing day!

Blessings,

Shanti

12 Days of Reflections Challenge!

12 Days of Reflection 2011 Challenge

Reflect-> manifest or bring back

Every year around the holidays, I’ve always dedicated a journal or notebook to questions and lists about the past year and my hopes for the New Year. However, this year, I was inspired by a group of women who created an online challenge of sorts called #reverb11, #relish11, or # resound11 (check those hashtags on Twitter). They gave out daily prompts or questions throughout the month of December that allowed you to think about the past year and to also prepare for the coming year through reflective writing, journaling or drawing. 

I must say that this year was filled with passion, excitement and lots of challenges (all part of my experience) and I definitely want to document about 2011 but also to share the experience with others.

I’ve decided to create a smaller version of this event called 12 Days of Reflection (#reflect11) from December 12^th – 23^rd filled with topics on the past year and preparing for 2012. You can follow my prompts or create your own. You don’t need a fancy book at all. You can use an old journal, notebook, gather 12 pages, even use your online pages just to make it easy for yourself if you’re new to this. However, if you’re like me, I get excited about these types of challenges and I love to create a beautiful journal I can look back at!

If you have a blog add it to your blog for others to check out.

If you miss a day, that’s okay, you can skip it or work on it when you’re ready.  And if you’re not big on writing, express yourself through quotes, a picture, drawing, or song lyrics.

Tweet with me using the #reflect11 hashtag

Follow me on Twitter: AyeShanti

Facebook: AyeShantiDesigns 

Follow my blog @ www.ayeshanti.blogspot.com for the prompt of the day.

Reflect, Embrace and share your thoughts with friends/family and make it an enjoyable experience. Reflect on 2011 and look forward to 2012 with your words!              

Here, you can #Reflect11 on the first Prompt:

1.       If you can give a name to 2011 what would it be and what would you name 2012?

Inspired by: 

Kaileen Elise

Besottment by Paper Relics

Tis' the Season in Style!

Good morning lovely people,
So now that Thanksgiving is over, I'm sure everyone is organizing their lists for gifts or greeting cards for the special people in their lives. For some time, I've been creating greeting cards for clients and finally for the holidays I've prepared a line to be sold in my Etsy Shop!

 Here's the first batch of goodies which are an eclectic mix of fashion, vintage, culture and flirty for the holidays. Not to mention my favorites "Clutch Your Pearls" and "Cultural Hand Bags".

These cards were created to not only be placed on the mantel but a lovely addition to your desk, to be framed, or even displayed all year round, especially for the materials used to create this lovely effect where the design comes off the page.

These One of a Kind designs are hand printed here in my studio and there are more to come with a Caribbean twist. So, I pray I don't take a sip of my mum's punch a cream this weekend, because I have so many more to create!!

So head over to Mango+Paper+Scissors Etsy Shop to start your holiday in style! I definitely will accept custom orders (I LOVE) and also check out the jewelry which are perfect stocking stuffers!

Blessings,
Shanti

Cyber Monday with Aye' Shanti!

Now that's Thanksgiving is over, and the countdown for Christmas is ON, I'm sure you're preparing for gifts and giving. Well, start off your holiday shopping this "Cyber Monday" with Aye' Shanti designs in my Etsy Shop! FREE SHIPPING with Coupon Code: CYBERSHANTI till Midnight! Check out the latest Journals and Accessory Greeting Cards for your Aye' Shanti jewelry order!
Enjoy,
Shanti

Kick off the Holiday Season w/ Aye' Shanti!!

Greetings and Thanksgiving Eve everyone,

I've been heading to shows, events and working on more fabulous journals for my Etsy Shop. Exclusively ONLINE this Friday, you'll find more Aye' Shanti jewelry designs, of course new journals and greeting cards! I've been creating greeting cards for clients on request for some time and finally I'm adding them to my shop for the holidays!! Also, these cards allow for the earrings to be on display as a gift. (Check photo on the left)
I just want to say how excited I am to include these latest designs which are all hand+made, hand carved stamps by MOI', and so much more are coming soon in time for the holidays!

Blessings in Style greeting card!

 Aye' Shanti Holiday Greeting Cards!

 Aye' Shanti Journals!!

Custom Carved by me Stamps!!

Also a few website/blog surprises for the month of December!!

Go Hand-Made / Small Business for the HOLIDAYS...

blessings,

Shanti

Fabric Earrings and Journals are HERE!

Blessed morning family!

It is feeling so lovely today and I have lots to share! I've been in my studio in full creation mode, preparing for Carnival, adding new jewelry designs and also some lovely hand-painted journals that are NOW in my etsy shop!

Check out my latest YouTube video:  where you can see some of the designs and also check out the shop to make your purchase @ Mango+Paper+Scissors!!

Also, I have some hand painted with some Alexander Henry fabric designs journals! If you're a lover of writing, journaling, making lists, these are perfect! If you've been following me on facebook, you perhaps see some of my morning sketches full of color and inspiration! They'll be in shop today and more designs coming soon! I'm so excited...

So have an incredible day and if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me @ ayeshanti@gmail.DOT.com

Blessings,
Shanti

Holiday Electric Blue Inspired!

Sooo, this year my honey and I are planning to attend a holiday event and I'm looking for the absolute holiday party dress. As I was skimming through Lucky magazine Nov 2011 issue, the "Lucky Girl" of the month is Solange Knowles. She's rocking these Janet Jackson circa "Poetic Justice" braids and this awesome electric blue sequins dress! I was SOLD...




I'm definitely going to look for this dress or something similar with the high slit on the side. I may pass on my usual rhinestone drop earrings for some studs and rock one of my large flower creations so it's very reminiscent of Billie Holiday with a touch of the Caribbean.




Now, how am I going to get him to match me! Lol

Let the holiday countdown begin!

Shanti

21 days of cleanse & Africa "Pink" Earrings!!

Sooo, I've been kind of quiet for about 21 days because I was on a cleanse with my girl, Alana from "A Life Balanced"... and today is finally here! This was the juicing part of the journey and it was tough but definitely worth it!! I can't wait to bite into a lentil pattie or drink a lovely peanut punch this weekend with my new favorite drink thanks to her: Cashew Milk from Juice Hugger, right here in Brooklyn!






I documented my journey in this lovely hand-made journal and can't wait to sure some great things that I've learned along the way!







She even juiced a great kale/banana concoction that I had to keep my eye out for a ninja blender to start making my own juices!







Also, after a lovely meeting with Alana, she shared some lovely goodies with me from her beautiful whipped body butters, black soap, that I now use not only after a warm shower but also as a preparation before I sit in my studio to work! Please check her link out when you get a chance for all the healthy loveliness she has to share!







Oh, being that this is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I've
created a Africa "Pink" Earring design for a few ladies doing the walks, events, and look out for some giveaways!!







More information to come soon!

Carnival Inspired Jewelry (Miami): Fatal Angels "Venus"

So, Happy Friday everyone... The days are counting down till allyuh reach in Miami and even though I will not be there *I'monaTnTCarnivalbudget* lol , I know it's going to be a blast, especially the ladies n' gents rockin' my pieces in the fetes and on the road!!

So my Carnival Inspiration for today comes from the lovely ladies of Fatal Angels with the section called "Venus" for Natural Freaks... So, I know it's another one side earring but it really works for some costumes, especially this hot number with a hood... A hood?! Really!? This is my costume dream because I love hoodies, very urban and cute!

So, looking at this model, she's rocking the one side earring with a chain on the other! Like I mentioned yesterday, "It allows you to be more than one look from various angles..."





So, I created another version of this design, but this time with these beautiful gold rhinestone nuggets, very similar to yesterday's design for Chimaera- Carnival Nationz. Knowing Miami, when the sun hits these earrings, it's pure shine and glitz, and that's the ultimate photo op while on the road!








So, definitely head over to Natural Freaks and check out Venus and all the lovely sections including my first Miami Carnival inspiration, Orions Belt!!

Have a great weekend...
-Shanti

Carnival Inspired Jewelry (Miami): Carnival Nationz (Chimaera)

Hey everyone, welcome back for more designs inspired by my favorite costumes!

I had the opportunity to check out a few costumes from Miami and thanks to a lovely carnival dahlin, Clivia, I was able to view some beautiful costumes from the band, Carnival Nationz (Miami). Their theme for the road this year is a mysterious story entitled "Mythical Tales"... After viewing the costumes, I was in love with tale of CHIMAERA and just the color scheme and jewels. Check out the story line below (so detailed and true to the costume)

The Chimaera is a BLAST of BLAZING FIRE…

A multi-creature creature… a monstrous fire-breathing female creature composed of parts from other animals. A body of a Lioness… a tail that ends with a Snake head… the head of a Goat from the centre of her spine… all compiled to create a beast of monumental proportions. The offspring of two Greek demons… the Chimaera is swift-footed, brutally strong, and never backs down from a fight. Face the Chimaera and you not only battle one beast but several creatures wrapped up in one… a blast of blazing fire!!!

-courtesy of Carnival Nationz

I decided to create a piece that not only had the colors of the costume but also had the similar bits of jewels cascading down the feathers.



I did a one side earring, because something about the story line speaks of a multi-creature and what I love about one side designs, is that it allows you to be more than one look from various angles, so you can either wear a stud or chain on the other side.




(However this can be created as a pair) It's very light weight, glitzy and can be worn even after carnival!! So, I hope you enjoyed today's inspiration and also check out their site, I still see a few costumes available!




Blessings,
Shanti