Eyes on the Stars, Feet on the Ground

Happy Monday pretty people! I’ve been thinking and brainstorming about ways to implement things that matter to me into Gypsy Caravan. As I’ve gotten older and have learned more about vibrations and how they relate to us and the universe as a whole, it made me realize that I want to try to make jewelry out of beads and findings that are made from real and natural materials as much as possible.

For the past 5 years, I’ve been making jewelry using polymer clay, resin, and acrylic because it’s cost effective, easy to manipulate, and there’s a wide range of colors to choose from. These materials are readily available and easily adaptable. But, these materials are not biodegradable and can create unnecessary waste.

I read something that was talking about the frequencies of fabric. Natural fibers have a higher frequency than synthetic fibers. For me, I’d much rather drip myself in cotton, or linen than polyester or acrylic. Cotton is moisture wicking and breathable, while polyester or microfiber makes me sweat. (I avoid it at all costs!) I thought about this when it comes to jewelry as well. Obviously, we don’t normally make jewelry out of cotton, but we make it using natural stones, metals or gemstones- things that are grown from our earth. The way we feel good when we eat food from the earth, we feel good when things touch us from the earth. The same way grounding is important, I think what we put on and in our bodies is important as well.

I want to learn a new way to make jewelry that I love, that will last a long time, is beautiful and is as natural as possible so that when you wear it, it helps you vibe higher and feel good. I want to spread Aloha and all the tropical Hawaiian vibes through this new collection.

What do you think? Would you be interested in seeing something like this come to fruition?

Moving Out, Moving On

I recently decided to terminate my space at the brick and mortar art community I was selling my things at. I learned a lot there, especially about what I’m capable of. I created a space there that I felt was inviting and innovative. My ideas trickled into other businesses and honestly, it was nice to have people appreciate my ideas. Unfortunately, it just wasn’t lucrative. I spent more money, time and energy trying to upkeep, and there were months that I couldn’t even make the space rent.

When I first started there, I was excited to have my things in a store, and the prices were very reasonable. After they upped the rent by 3x and charged a commission, I decided to keep going with them, but now it’s just not beneficial in my opinion. I’ve decided to focus more on marketing online, rebranding and setting up my online store to be a place where people will want to buy my items. I want to learn more and do more with Gypsy Caravan, and I want it to continue to grow.

I started this business as a hobby at first in 2019 and since then I’ve made many mistakes but have learned a great deal. I’m hoping this pivot will lead to new exciting places. I want to show my face more on social media, despite how scary that is, and despite my distain for IG and the interweb in general, lol. I want to show alot of different sides of me and what I stand for. From upcycling, to being creative, to styling, to food, to thrifting, nature, solo dates, etc. Thanks for whoever is following along on the ride in the caravan with me <3

LOVE (pt. 1)

Caution! Vulnerability Incoming!-Maybe it’s just me, but I have a hard time letting people in. I’ve been hurt a lot in the past, as I’m sure many of us have. Human’s are human, and you hope they’re intentions are never to hurt you. You hope that someone, somewhere will see life the same way you do.

During the day, in between pauses of work, I find myself thinking about love and how sometimes its such a jerk. Were the other times actually true? Because I know I felt it, but how could it be when they left after I melted. It’s like they turn up the heat just to make you feel, then back away cause the burn was too real.

I guess love can just be love for a short time, does anything last forever?

I can be a little cynical, but I’m hopeful too. Getting hurt is inevitable in life especially when love is in play. I never wanted to make it a game, but they’re constantly on the defensive. Making moves, pivot and reverse, back up, so you adjust. Can’t be who you truly are cause this worlds only about lust.

Once they get what they want, that’s when the game is over. Back to square one.

I just want something real. Something strong, something willing to work and bend but never break. I want something that’s peaceful and happy, never fake. I want trust and truth so abundantly clear. I want all the PDA and loving aggression. I want to wrestle your ass to the ground to express all our passion. I want hand kisses and sweet things whispered in my ear. I want to get the fuck out of my head whenever you’re near. Make me breathe, make me quiver, make me stare, please deliver.

I don’t know what I’m doing half the time, my thoughts just start thinking in rhyme…

Anyway, here’s a little poem I wrote a while back about love-

I want my heart to be felt through every word that I speak,

I want the waves of emotion to take over the depths of the sea.

I want the transition between everything that I do,

to create a beauty that’s unstoppable and refreshing, something that’s so new.

Until minds expand and see beyond their own limiting thoughts.

Ill stay the course and continue to plan and build without any remorse.

Growing with the flow, allowing expansion and sight.

20/20 vision from now until the day that I die.

Being abandoned so young leaves you feeling this way, like everything that you do, won’t make anyone stay.

So at this point who cares, they can pass you by.

It doesn’t matter anymore you’re going to always survive.

They can use and they can take, maybe they needed it all to be stronger.

You give so much, you may break, you won’t last that much longer.

But your beauty still shines and your head still held high, the crown on your mane, invisible to the naked eye.

Those sparkles will catch a certain person one time, he’s everything you’ve been wanting for all of your life.

Butterflies in your tummy and dancing in the sky, the journey will be bumpy but worth it, just take your time.

Love is abundant and looking for you, ready to wrap you in its arms and carry your baggage.

Open your door, then make love to you savage.

The old pain is finally gone and your intentions are clear.  

You’ve unmasked each other, naked, so there’s no longer fear.

And as you gaze at the body holding the soul you adore, your eyes are happy and gleaming because you’re finally sure.

A kiss seals the connection, there’s no end in sight.

This love will last forever, it’s time for him to make you his wife.  

Let’s take it all in and imagine the day where you say I do as the waves wash away all the crap of the past, a fresh start of your dreams, with the man that you love who restored all your seams.

He mended your soul and erased all the pain with his strong gentle presence, the sunshine after the rain.

He knows all your beauty, he appreciates your talents, he thinks of you always and restored your balance.

My Studio Space is Finito!

I live in the den of my house. It’s a pretty large space but half of it was my bedroom and the other half was being used as storage. It holds all of my making and crafting supplies. There’s A TON! We are kind of a hoarding family, lol. We always hate to throw things away if it is usable. We will often pick up something that collects dust and hasn’t been used in years talking about, “Oh! but I could use this to create a cool mixed media piece! I just need to cut the cardboard up, paint it, create a pattern. Oh! and I can use this fabric in it too! The colors look great together!” Now, when have I ever had enough time as a full-time designer, full-time mom, small business owner, etc. to be able to create all the things that I want to create? The answer is, NEVER.

I have Stampin’ Up stamps, ink pads, cardstock, scrapbooking and cardmaking supplies gifted to us from my beautiful Auntie who passed a few years back. She was always making cards, and would send us her creations on any special occasion or holiday. And of course, they were always beautiful. Many of us “Smith’s” are creators, as the surname indicates. It’s in our blood. So many creatives in my family.

Auntie was a hoarder too, Lol. We had to learn it from somewhere.

I have so much fabric and textiles collected in bins, waiting to be turned into something magically unique. Beads galore, macramé supplies, linocut carving, embroidery, drawing and paint supplies, glitter, polymer clay, resin, sewing machines, ceramic tools from when I was taking a class, perler beads, Shrinky dinks, lol you name it- it’s like a mini craft store in here for reals. (Side note: if you are ever in need of supplies don’t hesitate to reach out! I have more than I can handle and so much that doesn’t get used enough that I would love to find a home for. :))

As much as I wanted to clean it up, organize and create a nice and cohesive area for me to work, it was so overwhelming to look at, and I didn’t know where to start. My best friends kept telling me they would help whenever I was ready. Well, months and months have gone by and I finally sucked it up and we worked on it yesterday.

I really have the best of best friends. They are always there if I need them. I’m definitely not the type to ask for help, but whenever I do, they are front and center. We’ve been friends for a long time, 14+ years. They’ve been with me through so many transitions and milestones, I love them with all my heart.

I couldn’t have finished, or even started this studio area without them. We went through every inch of this dusty ass storage abyss. Finding artwork left here by past lovers, small craft projects that went unfinished, A Twilight jewelry box filled with bits and bobs, even a ponytail of my old hair that I promised I would send in to Locks of Love over a decade ago. (Weird, perhaps creepy, I know, lol) We organized it all using whatever storage solutions I had. Created piles for donations and trash. Moved the old desk that didn’t have enough workspace to be functional into the garage. Swept and vacuumed all the dog hair that had piled up over the years. Cleaned up my sisters old desk from the garage, assembled and positioned it into my corner with the windows.

Does anyone remember having to read that book in middle school, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People? When I was in middle school, I didn’t really have the patience to fully grasp any of that book. I didn’t like reading and I surely was not trying to be highly effective, lol. All that I remember about that book is it telling us not to procrastinate. Now, at 34, I finally understand why.

I have to say, it feels really good to have a space to work. No more excuses. Putting things off just prolong the inevitable, which is that I’m going to create something for myself, something great, so why am I putting it off? Why do we put things off that feel so good once they’re completed. Procrastination is a bitch.

I don’t know if I’ve ever had an actual desk to work on. Homework and projects were usually done on the dining room table with supplies spread out. I’ve been beading at our dining table since I started Gypsy Caravan. There was never a designated space to focus on work. I’ve only been with this studio space for less than a day, but just having a desk to sit at and be able to focus at, away from distractions…OMG what a difference it makes!

One of the issues I have with having a lot of supplies that were unorganized, was that whenever I look up from work, I’d look at all the crap around and immediately start getting overwhelmed by all the things that I needed to do. It would remove me from the focus of the project I was working on and get me in an anxiety-ridden headspace. Well now my desk is facing a window, with all my ORGANIZED supplies behind me. Anxiety-ridden headspace be gone! Clear mind from here on out, please and thank you!

I got some new lights for my desk, one for working and one to be able to record me working. Content is hard for me, but I’m hoping this will help propel my business farther and motivate me to film myself more. Behind the scenes are kind of my favorite thing to watch, so I’m hoping my customers will like that too. The act of creation, of making mistakes, of designing, the process.

And now I’m typing this as I’m looking out my corner windows into the back yard. The sky is blue and the clouds are fluffy. The air is fresh and clean from the rain last night, the blue jays are flying into the trees while doves are waddling on the ground looking for seeds, the leaves are swaying in the breeze, the cabbage butterflies are on the hunt for flowers, a perfect sunny Sunday afternoon.

I have a free weekend to myself coming up and I plan to have a full on creative session in my new studio space. I can’t wait to break it in! About to turn that record player on, smoke out and zone out.

Thank you to my besties for helping me put in the work and making it fun in the process, and thank you to the man that I’m talking to who has been motivating me to do better for myself and for my business, I appreciate you all <3

If you got this far, thanks for reading a little bit about my soul. As my yoga instructor says, “The light in me sees and acknowledges the light in you”

Until next time!

Love, Leilani

A Few of my Favorite Things

I am a nature girl, through and through. I love being outside. I love living slow when I can and watching the breeze rustle the trees while butterflies and birds dance around flowers and leaves. I love when the sky is blue and the clouds are fluffy. I love lounging on a blanket in the middle of the grass and looking up, soaking up all the rays the sun wants to give. I’m a Leo, born in summer, radiating fire, bold colors and fierce looks. Give me all the sunsets, sunrises, mountain tops and beachy views.

Sometimes I take myself on solo dates. I go to the park or the beach, I bring a quilt I made, lay out with my iPad or sketchbook and just draw while I listen to music. The fresh air fills your lungs as you breathe in deep, the sun twinkles on your skin as the leaves dance around the rays, listening to birds chirping and bees buzzing by, slowing down enough to be able to notice and appreciate it all, Life. Then I zone out, sketching this and that, flowers and rainbows and butterflies, clouds and stars and magic.

I go on walks a few times during the week. I pass through my neighborhood and find little glimmers all over. The house down the street has roses that are the color of orange sherbet, another one a few blocks away has the biggest backyard that I envy, the one on the corner has the most beautiful garden. It’s lush and contains such varied foliage, from succulents to lily’s, trees and bushes. An older lady lives there who we called Baxter’s girlfriend. My dog who passed away a few years ago loved her, he was always real excited to visit her on his walks. Every time I see bright magenta, gold and orange Lampranthus blooming I have to stop and take a couple pictures.

Another one of my loves, music. I think music is in my blood and my soul. My biological grandfather was a famous ukelele player from Hawaii. My biological father serenaded my mother on a beach when they first met. My father (my mother’s husband who raised me) has an amazing voice, was in band and was in a musical group with his friends when he was younger. I was in choir during middle school and a couple talent shows during that time.

I remember when my friend and I did a talent show together in 7th or 8th grade. We chose to sing Christina Aguilara’s “Fighter”. I was so frickin’ nervous, I’ve always hated getting in front of so many people with all eyes on me. (Leo’s supposedly love being the center of attention, not this Leo! lol) My friend sang her part flawlessly and then it was my turn. I opened my mouth and things were going well, I got the first 2 lines out until my voice cracked! Aghhh! But you know what, I kept going, I didn’t stop despite my mess up! Proud of you for that little Lani!

I also recently got into reading, Growing up I never liked reading. Every time I would pick up a book, 10 mins in, and I’m yawning uncontrollably. But now, it’s one of my favorite things to do. I wish I had more time for it, but it’s hard for me to have quiet time long enough to get into it fully, how I like. Ideally, I’d be alone with no distractions. I’d light a candle that smells like tropical fruit on a gloomy, rainy day, drinking something warm, wrapped in my favorite cozy blanket with snacks nearby, phone on “Do Not Disturb”.

Everything I create relates to the things I love. I make bracelets with glass beads that are shaped like flowers, pineapples, rocks, stars, moons and anything else that I love. I make little stories that you can wear with colors and shapes. My goal is to portray a feeling of wonder and cuteness, something unique and original. Referencing nature and helping ease anxiety a bit by helping wearers to stay present. I currently use stretchy string and toggle clasps on my infinity necklace, which doubles as a bracelet stack. I love that it offers a little bit of give when circling it around my wrist, plus it’s not too stiff to where it’s uncomfortable. Each bracelet and necklace has a random selection of patterns and beads that I intuitively create while designing. I source beads from a variety of places, from vintage stores, flea markets, small businesses, my own personal collection, craft stores, Facebook Marketplace, I’ve even had many findings gifted to me! When I make something, I want it to feel like your best friend made it especially for you. I want it to feel like the nostalgia of spending a fun afternoon with your bestie, making friendship bracelets for each other and blowing bubbles in the garden, just a little bit more elevated.

I draw and create digital graphics that are hippie dippie, psychedelic and have a nod of nostalgia. I’m sure it’s quite obvious that I smoke a bit of weed while making these arts, lol, but I live in California where it’s legal and I’m a hippie and weed is natural so don’t judge me. *Side note: How amazing would it be to have a bunch of artists collectively listen to great music, get high and do art together? like a BYOW (Bring Your Own Weed) paint and smoke night? I meannnnn, I’d be there haha, plus to be able to see what everyone creates while listening to the same thing would be very interesting I think. * I definitely think it helps the creative flow though. I have alot of references to nature-for growth and life, eyes- since they are the window to the soul, hearts- for love, and hand drawn typography. I always include a lot of detail which means my pieces can take weeks or months depending on how much time I have to work on them, and how often I get stumped on what to do next. There’s 2-3 layers of shadows, as well as highlights. I love to add little sparkles at the end because everything is magic.

I’m a trained textile designer and have a great love for textiles and patterns, especially anything vintage. I’ll take myself to the vintage shop or flea market and pick out unique textiles that I find interesting. For the most part, I’m drawn to color first, then pattern, then texture. I design quilts for a living and love putting different colors and patterns together. When I was younger I made a few baby quilts for my cousins when they were pregnant, so it’s funny that now I design them for the mass market. I actually really love quilts too, which seems like a funny thing to love, but handmade quilts are so amazing to me. They can be huge and hold some of the most amazing craftsmanship, but they also hold stories. Vintage quilts were made from old textiles, maybe curtains or old clothing that wasn’t wearable any longer. Some of the patterns they created could be so intricate and time consuming and beautiful. Being Hawaiian, I also have such respect for Hawaiian quilts and their makers. The vibrancy, beauty and intricate applique of these pieces are top notch!

Safe to say, I love a lot of things, and this is just the start lol.

If you got this far, thanks for reading a little bit about my soul. As my yoga instructor says, “The light in me sees and acknowledges the light in you”

Until next time!

Love, Leilani

Hi! My name is Leilani and I’m a Creative Overthinker

Someone told me that it could be a good idea to start a little blog, talk about my business, the things I care about and let you all know my thoughts and the jumbling’s going around in my head on any given day. So, I think this blog will be somewhat like a journal or diary for me. I’m going to do my best to keep it as real and raw as possible, while being sensitive to the people in my life who may not want their business on blast. LOL So let’s get to it-

Well, first things first, I’m a momma. I had my daughter when I was a 19 year old youngin’ not knowing what the next move was for my life. I worked at a department store, organizing, stocking and hiding my favorite shoes in my size so I could buy them when they went on sale. My mom would call me Imelda Marcos because I had so many shoes by the time I left that job. I met my best friend during my time there, we got close working together and had so many crazy adventures.

When I found out I was pregnant, I was scared sh**less. I was young, and I definitely wasn’t ready to be a mom. I didn’t even know who I was yet, or what I wanted out of life, but I couldn’t fathom any option other than keeping her and doing my best to raise her. (This was coming from a SA girl who never thought she was going to have kids.)

These past years haven’t been easy but now she’s 15, prepping for her Quince and is the funniest, smartest, most beautiful girl I could ever ask for. As a parent you tend to feel guilty for so many things, because you just want them to have better and be better than yourself. Mom guilt is so real! But as my daughter has gotten older I’ve become more and more focused on my own life and what I want to do with it. Trying to give her a good example of following your dreams and always doing what’s best for you and taking care of your own. This is where Gypsy Caravan comes in. I started this brand in 2019 making polymer clay jewelry. For a while I was making things that I thought customers would like. As the years have gone by I realized that didn’t fulfill me. I needed to start making pieces that really spoke to me, that was unique and original. Jewelry that made me happy to make, to wear and to give. I’m currently stocking my jewelry in a store called Dreamland. When I first saw that they were opening and it was near to me, I jumped on it and was pumped that my items would be in store. It’s been almost a year since it opened and I’m learning along the way.

It’s hard because you never know what is going to sell, or why one thing is selling and something else isn’t. I try to price my items fairly, but I think many people are used to prices of mass marketed goods from Amazon, or Target/ Walmart. Even though I don’t sell as much as many of the other shops in this community, I’m selling a lot more than I thought I would, and I get so much love from my customers. It’s so special to me because it means so much that I created something that someone else enjoys wearing.

I’m learning and growing as I continue in my business and I’m reaching for many bright things in the future of Gypsy Caravan. I’ve always been a creative person and liked making things. When adults would ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I’d always respond “Fashion Designer!” The goal is to turn Gypsy Caravan into a upcycled home decor and all around fashion brand. I love sourcing textiles and materials and figuring out what type of clothing or product it could be made into. So far I’ve made a purse- from a vintage towel, old corduroy pants and vintage sheet, a mushroom garland- from those corduroy pants and vintage sheet, and a pillow- from old denim and scrap fabrics from when I was in college. It’s a slow process, lol but it’s happening even if it’s taking time. Take time to grow, nature doesn’t rush and neither should you.

I’ve sketched outfits and pieces that I’d love to wear with hopes that they will speak to other people. It’s just about honing in and fine tuning my sewing skills, and creating clothing that I’d feel comfortable dressing someone in.

This weekend my friends and I are starting, and hopefully completing, my studio area so I have a nice place to work at. (Something that is a bit better than the dining room table with bad lighting.)

I love the idea of upcycling. Turning something old and discarded into something vibrant and new. I love finding vintage textiles and patterns that speak to me. Most of the time I’m drawn to color, so many of my treasures tend to match together and seeing all the patterns next to each other gets me excited. I have doilies that look like they could make the cutest top, fabrics that would be an amazingly vibrant patchwork quilt, and so much fabric from over the years that I need to start working now! lol

Another reason why I love upcycling is because fast fashion is quickly hurting and killing our earth. The amazing love I have for textiles is like a double-edged sword. Textile factories are one of the most toxic things polluting our environment. There’s so much waste and excess, plus the dying and printing techniques leak chemicals into our water supply. The fact that consumption has become a way of life weighs heavy on my soul. As I’ve gotten older, I realize how harmful these companies are to our planet, and I’d like my business to help do something about that, even if it’s a small blip. There are so many items that are discarded that are still able to be useful. People will toss a shirt or pants just because there’s a hole or button missing. Instead of mending, it will be tossed. Companies purposefully make clothing that is low quality so that consumers will need to purchase again and again to replace the crap they bought. It’s twisted and money-hungry, with no respect for the customers or the planet.

I prefer quality things made from natural materials. Personally, I’d happily pay for something I love, that feels good on my skin, that won’t break in a week, that fits me well, and that I can use for years to come. Something like that is WORTH my hard-earned dollars. Not this cheap crap from Shein or Forever21, made from toxic polyester that makes me sweat, fits like poo and rips the first time I wear it.

Sorry for hoping on that soapbox right quick lol, I’m hoping off now.

The thing about me is, I have SO MANY ideas that I get overwhelmed. I try to write or draw all my ideas down so I can remember them, but there’s so many and I have no idea where to start. I’m hoping to figure out a way to organize my thoughts in order to make my dreams come true. If only I was more than one person, but alas, I am just a single little Leilani on a floating marble in a universe so vast it’s impossible to comprehend.

If you got this far, thanks for reading a little bit about my soul. As my yoga instructor says, “The light in me sees and acknowledges the light in you”

Until next time!

Love, Leilani