Drama, it's inevitable.......

I know I said in my last blog that the next one was going to be about all of the trades I've done recently with some amazing artists I've met so far. But...I felt it was time for me to let you in on some things that have happened to me in the recent months. I said this blog was going to include all the good and bad things I go through while running this little business, and unfortunately this blog has to be about a bad situation. So I'm ready to finally clear the air and vent a little.

*I'm going to keep names out of this blog just for privacy, but if you are really concerned you can just send me an email at ichiban_joyas@yahoo.com for more info.*

I've had some recent drama and if you know me well, you KNOW how much I HATE it. I hate that kind of negativity and will do anything to rid myself of the kind of people who love to stir it up and bring others down. Well, no matter how hard I try, I find myself being the center of that drama at times and it's frustrating to say the least. So here we go:

Not too long ago, I met a jewelry maker online and we connected immediately based on our passion for jewelry making. We had a lot in common and I really enjoyed the friendship we were building. She did a lot of intricate beadwork and I was working with clay, so we were both fascinated with each other's skills. Toward the end of 2009, she got curious and wanted to see if she could do clay work. I thought it was a great idea and supported her and her creations. Around that time, Ichiban Joyas really started taking off especially through facebook, and I was starting to see my business become a reality. It was during this time that her usually supportive comments started becoming sarcastic and rude. She would start to overstep her boundaries with me and my business and I wasn't happy. I generally brushed off her comments, but I realize now where they were coming from. I also didn't appreciate the fact that she was down playing what me and other polymer clay artists were doing because she couldn't do it herself.
So about 3 months ago, I had it and ended our friendship. I deleted her from my personal facebook page, I deleted her from my fan page, blocked her on my twitter, etc and was done. I didn't want a negative person in my life disrupting what I was doing and my progress.

Immediately after I ended my friendship with this person, she went on every page that we were connected to by facebook and posted comments like "Don't buy from Ichiban Joyas. She doesn't complete her orders..." She would leave negative tweets about me on her twitter page. She actually told complete strangers who were also polymer clay artists that I was copying them or others. It was to the point of harrassment and stalking. She tried to add herself to my fan page again and I had to permanently ban her. Now all of this has been going on in the three months after I ended my friendship with her. But while she was slandering me and the name of my business all over the Internet, she has been emailing me every few weeks stating that she "misses our friendship" and "I don't know what I did wrong."

Really??? You don't know what you did wrong? You miss our friendship? What kind of friendship did we have if she could resort to such immaturity, pettiness, and two faced behavior??? In those three months, I never responded to any of her emails, nor did I give her a response in regards to all of the hateful lies she posted everywhere.
But a few days ago, I had to put my foot down. She had made a complete stranger from youtube message me to act as a third party to mediate our dispute. I could not believe that she was involving these people who had nothing to do with us!(not to mention it's been 3 months since I ended the friendship!) Now I appreciate the fact that this person was concerned and kind enough to try to help out, and I am truly grateful to know that they were willing to message me first, rather than pass judgement on me based on what she said.

In the end, I wrote an email addressed to this individual, and everyone that she had involved in our situation including the one from youtube. The email went into detail about why I ended this friendship, and what she had done to me after. I included an attachment with proof of every single comment she left on these pages including dates and times, so I had hard based facts she could not dispute and must take responsibility for.
I clearly stated that she would not hear from me again, that she could not involve others anymore, and that this was finally over. It was time for her to move on. I have received one response so far, and it was a good one. Again, I'm grateful to this person for hearing my side.

Have I heard anything from her? No. Is she still writing bad things about me? Probably, but I don't care. I think I've established myself and my business in this community to know that what she says cannot affect me. You all know I work very hard for every person that requests something from me and that kind of dedication cannot be disputed.

If you get a message from someone saying something in the line of "Don't buy from Ichiban Joyas, or she copies everyone," you most likely have run into this person. Please do not hesistate to contact me and let me know. This person is on facebook, twitter, and etsy and other sites. Like I said earlier, if you are really concerned, send me an email and we can discuss further.

I am definintely more cautious regarding the people I meet and I hope this is officially resolved. I moved on a long time ago and kept it hidden because I didn't want anyone else involved. But, I realize now that I had to stand up for myself and stand up for Ichiban Joyas.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post and allow me to vent a little. I'm looking forward to my next few blogs which will include a FAQ and of course the wonderful trades! I just got done with another one and I am so excited to get my new item from a fellow polymer clay artist!

Have a good nite everyone,

Jenn :)

So what's new Jenn?

Well, it's been a few days since I've last posted. It's mainly because I have been really busy not only with the business, but with the everyday things. Regardless, I'm feeling pretty good and excited about what else is coming my way.
I kinda wanted to share some really cool things that has happened to me lately and of course share some more of my work.
With some recent developments, I'm thinking I might actually start making some videos and posting them on Youtube. I have a Youtube page, but I mainly use it to find random music videos or funny ones. I mean, I'm on every freaking networking site already, right? LOL. But that will come with time and I plan to make them look good. So stay tuned for that.
I'm in the middle of a lot of custom orders and those take time. I get really frustrated with myself when I make something and it doesn't look right and I'll go through trials and trials. Maybe, I'm being hard on myself, but I can't sell something that looks like crap or something that looks like a 5 year old made. (Although I've met some pretty talented kids.)
So, I always ask for some extra time when it comes to customs. :) Sometimes I get so used to making customs, I forget how to make my own stuff...LOL :)

Speaking of customs...I was asked to make a special piece for a customer that has bought from me before. She told me that she wanted a jewelry piece with the sun, moon, and six stars. There had to be 5 blue stars and one pink one. This piece would be a reflection of her family and she told me that she was the moon, her husband was the sun, and the stars were her children. That was the only information she gave me and she requested either a bracelet or necklace. I initially pictured a bracelet. But as I began working and making this piece, I started seeing it develop into something else. Once it was complete, it came out to be a OOAK (one of a kind) necklace. (I will never replicate this for anyone and it is the only one of its kind.) I think it's more special that way. The pendant is hanging from my double black ribbon necklace. I hope it arrives safely in the mail and I hope that I have made her happy.
I always ask my boyfriend's opinion on my jewelry, especially on items like these. He doesn't beat around the bush when it comes to this kinda stuff, so when I asked his opinion, this is what he said....(well not word for word)
An artist is not someone just putting something together and calling it art. Starbucks drinks, pretty cool, but not really art...(I felt the love there..lol) With this piece, you had to dig deeper inside yourself and really find your artistic ability. You didn't go off a premade design, it came from you. That's what makes this so special and that's what makes you truly an artist. (How he can be so profund while playing Call of Duty 2 is beyond me.)

That really got me thinking to say the least. Not to mention INSPIRED. So I will include a photo for this piece which I have named: "La familia es la alma de la luna." (The family is the soul of the moon)Enjoy!


I wanted to introduce you all to some Ichiban Mini Fruit Drinks Originals. If you're a fan on facebook you've seen these before. I've made a new one today and I thought it would be really cool to show. My later ones will include a logo as well, with Ichiban Joyas on it, so I'm really excited!
So here are some fruit drinks I've made and some bobas! The fruit drinks come with realistic looking fruity slices!(kiwi, strawberry, and dragonfruit)


This fruit drink comes with a realistic mini apple slice, realistc cream, the straw, and the juice!



Well a few new opportunities have opened up for me in regards to Ichiban Joyas, but that is going to remain a secret until later:) I've made my own lists in regards to new items and I've even traded for some new little "tools" to make my clay creations even better. I've got lots of orders to finish and I'm planning to get most out by this Wednesday. I can do it!

My next blog is going to be a good one! I've traded a lot lately and it's time for me to share what these wonderful artists have given me! I love to support fellow artists, so don't be shy, just message me. :) Feel free to shoot me an email if you have any questions.

Thanks for reading and Happy Shopping!

Jenn :)

Song of the night:

The Many Collections of Ichiban Joyas!

Well, now that I have introduced myself, it's time to introduce my work. I've chosen a few photos out of my collections that not only do I consider to be my favorites, but the very essence of who I am as an artist. Although each one is made from polymer clay, each one is so different and keep the ever evolving artist theme. I hope you enjoy!
*Note: This blog does not include every collection*

The Odd Ones:
I think this is my favorite collection by far because it stays true to the "Be truly unique with wearable art," theme. These little guys come with names like Puppy Love, DAMR (Domo Arigato Mr. Roboto), Moranis, Senor Cheese, and Mr. Moo. What I love most is also the fact that each one has a different personality. You take one look at them and you know they have a story behind them. They are fairly large measuring anywhere from two and half to three inches. The best part though is their moveable arms and legs! I didn't want my Odd friends to just sit around and do nothing! Each one can dance(um, you have to help em a bit) , sit, and lay down. If you didn't want these as jewelry, they can easily be converted to keepsakes. I haven't been able to make new Odd Ones yet, but I have already created a list of new characters. Some of these are a little darker, more mysterious, and well.. no suprises yet...:)



Hana: Translation-Flower in Japanese
I have chosen two flowers from my Hana collection, although there is more in there.
The first is my Signature Clay Rose. I call it my signature because although many clay artists make clay roses, I find that mine are especially unique because of their realism. You won't find anything made to look so delicate and real as my clay roses. The next are my cherry blossoms. These little cherry blossoms or "sakura" in Japanese are embellished with a little faux pearl in the center. I've loved sakura all of my life and I had to have these as part of Ichiban Joyas. I've also been brainstorming new flowers, so stay tuned to see more added to this collection.




Mini and Kawaii
Yesterday, I mentioned that I really liked food miniatures and I used to take the Japanese food miniatures and make them in to jewelry. Well, this is my collection of all things mini, yummy, and kawaii.
This blog features my choco earrings, mini fortune cookies in a bottle. Although not added here in the photos, I do make my own fruit drinks with fruit slices, icecreams, donuts, and fortune cookies. Oh and I'm going to change it up a little and make these items a little more sinful, stay tuned. :)



Vintage Style Tiles:
This line was actually inspired by my best friend Stephanie. She happens to love Alice in Wonderland and requested that I make her some jewelry with the classic Alice in Wonderland theme. Well, my bff gets anything, so of course I designed a line just for her! So far, I've only been able to make one of these, but I won't be staying with just one theme for long. You will definitely see different ones in the future.


Custom Orders:
Quite possibly the coolest collection in Ichiban Joyas. These definitely challenge me and I told my friend Gigi the other day that I loved her "Lists of Orders," yes, (she makes LISTS for me to make), because they make me step out of my clay box.:) I just finished one of her lists the other day and she already has a new one, plus a full OOAK sculpture I need to make for her. She has been so amazing lately and I am so grateful for her kindness and her friendship. Here you will see a compact made with a real mirror, a notebook with real rings and a swarovski crystal embellishment, a Hello Kitty and Yoshi!





So this is my first introduction to the many collections of Ichiban Joyas. I can't wait to show you guys more! If you have any questions, feel free to message me anytime, I'd love to hear from you.
Have a good night..

Jenn :)

Song of the night:
Nadia Ali~Try

Ichiban Joyas?

I figured it was time for me to join the world of blogging. I see lots of etsyians on here and I really wanted to join in on the fun. I figured it was also time to introduce myself. I've made lots of new friends lately, and I wanted to give you a face behind the business.

So a little bit about me:
My name is Jenn Ramirez and I live in Southern California. I have a B.A. in Psychology and I have spent a lot of time working in the social service field. I am currently in a relationship with a wonderful guy who still loves me after 9 years. Yes, 9 years folks! I listen to all sorts of music, but I am a huge Third Eye Blind fan. I love films, especially horror films! But I love a good adventure, thriller, comedy, etc. As for hobbies, I am definitely a clay fiend! I love working with polymer clay. I love to design my own jewelry, love photography, origami, and 3-D origami. I don't have any children, just the furry four legged kind. I love my pooches!

Ichiban Joyas!
Ichiban Joyas actually started in 2008, although my facebook fan page says 2009. I used to buy these Japanese food miniatures and make them into jewelry. It eventually got into my head that it was time to make my own miniatures and there began my obsession with polymer clay. I sold a few items in 2008 and then it kinda went dark and I forgot about it. Eventually, it got back into my head and toward the end of 2009I started this little business and man has it blossomed!
But it's a little deeper than that...In 2008, I was hired into a law enforcement agency and was going through background when I found out they had made some cuts and my background investigation on was on hold. A few months later, I passed background and still had to wait because there were no available funds for my position. About a year later, I had finally given up and really needed money. So Ichiban Joyas became my job. Although I'm not a super seller right now, every person that has purchased from me keeps my head above water and keeps me motivated. I know times are tough these days, but you should never give up.

What to expect from these blogs:
You will see me post new items, new lines, and talk about my day. I'll discuss my good times and even my bad times as they are related to the business. Since I am music lover, I will always post a music video to end the blog.
So I hope these blogs find a way into your readings and I hope you take the time to visit my facebook fan page, my twitter and my etsy page. I have left the links on the front page.


So that's it for now. Oh, and if you're curious, "Ichiban" means "number 1" in Japanese and "Joyas" means "jewelry" in Spanish. So the simple translation " Number 1 Jewelry." LOL.

Thanks for reading and Happy Shopping!

Jenn :)

Music video of the day is not really a music video, but something to make you laugh: