My Creative Space/ Studio

Take a look inside my Jewelry Studio, It's my dinning room.. Yup! I claimed it since our family doesn't use it, we use the kitchen table to eat meals..  My work table is very roomy and gives me ample space to have everything I need within my reach.. My husband custom made my table for me to fit my needs.  It has eight large open shelve underneath that I use to store my beads and metals...

I also use this space to take pictures of my jewelry designs.. For my jewelry photography I bought a jewelry photo kit, a very simple photographic lighting system which provides an ideal set-up using an EZcube Light Box..  I'm always trying to improve my pictures with props and backgrounds, I always find some tweaking to be done.


In case your wondering what type of camera I use for my photographs, I use a Canon, Digital Rebel XTi EOS with a Macro Lens +1,  58mm..

Metalworking is a technique I have been familiarizing myself with..  Soldering, forming metals and letter stamping are just stepping stones to creating a wide variety of designs..  Here's a look at some tools that I work with..






Meet my baby girl Bella.  When I'm working in my studio Bella can always be found laying in her bed right by my side..  Life is Precious <3


 I hope you enjoy the pics. :) 

Getting Ready for the Holidays

Getting ready for the Holidays is always a bit stressful in my house, right before Thanksgiving..  This year, I'm going to take it easy and enjoy the Holidays!!  Thanksgiving is going to be a small gathering at my sister's house.  Lots of food, games, movies and laughter.. Children big and small write their Santa Christmas Lists, on Black Friday we go shopping at Walmart, Target, Toys R Us and Game Stop.  The Adults are a different story, no toys for us!  I like to give a special gift that is Unique and Timeless, I shop Handmade Items Online.  There are no crowds to plow through, no long lines for checkout, I don't have to get dolled up because you never know who you'll run into, no shop lifters to worry about and no parking rage to deal with...  My coffee in hand and credit card in another, I shop from the comfort of my home, in my pajamas.  I make sure to shop on secure sites ONLY..  There are so many lovely things out there you can give as small gifts as well as big gifts.. I love Jewelry, Scarfs, Shawls, Beanies, Soaps, Candles etc..  I will post some of  great finds later in the month..

Make this a Handmade Holiday..  To get you started on your Holiday Shopping, I will be having a 20% Sale On Everything in my Artfire shop.  Sale starts at Midnight on Wednesday, November 23, and ends at Midnight on Sunday, November 27, Pacific Standard Time..  Don't forget to be a Fan of  Muy Chic on Facebook, you'll be the first to see items just listed in my shop and hear of my shop Sale/Promotions before everyone else.. 

Hope to see you there!!  MuyChic.Artfire.com

Modern Day Woman, Everyday Glam



I like it when I'm in a jewelry craft store and see something and know exactly what I would like to make with it.  That's what happen when I made this necklace and these earring.  I just listed the necklace and earrings in my Artfire Shop.  They look great as a set and worn separately.  I have a few items that I will be taking pictures of and then will be listed in my shop.  Stop by often to see what's new..  

Black Round Oval Link Chain with Crystals

w/ Round Link Crystal Earrings



MUY CHIC in "Awesome Autum Great Finds"

I woke up to find my Agate Brass Bracelet in the "Awesome Autumn Great Finds".  Great Handmade Finds by Made for Me by Oaklie!  I would love your vote! but honestly, you should vote for your favorite find! Congrats! to everyone in the "Awesome Autumn Great Finds" we're all Winners!!  Voting is being held for one week, starts TODAY!  You can vote everyday only One Time, go to  Great Finds by Made for Me by Oaklie

Thank you Ann, for the honor of being in this amazing selection of talent "Awesome Autumn Great Finds".. Ann Hopfer is also an amazing artisan.  Shop Beautiful Handmade Fashion Scarves and Accessories by Ann Hopfer at Made for Me by Oaklie on Etsy.

Touched by Kindness



I was touched by the kindness of a stranger.  On occasion my husband would speak to a his co-worker Melissa of my love for creating and designing jewelry and for no reason except for the kindness of her heart Melissa made this gift for me, a beautiful jewelry display holder.  I've never had the pleasure of meeting Melissa because at the time they were closing their store location and relocating or laying off employees.  I often think of Melissa and how her kindness touched my heart.. I wish her the very best in her life's journey.

 "Be the change you want to see in the world." -- Mohandas Gandhi.

Everything ON SALE in my Artfire Studio

You'll love my Leaf Pendant Green Amethyst Necklace, ON SALE in my Artfire Studio.  AAA Quality Green Concave Amethyst Gemstone is hand wrapped in 14KT Gold Fill wire, it's a BEAUTY!!  The leaf pendant is made with a flat Matt Gold Finish, quality plating over brass and is tarnish resistant.  To complete the look a lovely 14kt flat link chain and clasp. 

I bought the Green Amethyst Gemstones at the 2011 GemFaire in Orange County, along with other amazing quality gemstones..  Stop by my Artfire Shop and see other great buys! 

Everything in my studio is on SALE now.  Enter coupon code AUG15OFF at checkout to receive 15% OFF you entire purchase. 

New Fusion Studio ~ 15% SALE

I'm thrilled with the look of my NEW Artfire Fusion Studio! The changes were worth the wait. The new studio design gives my shop a more personalized feel, I'm loving it! I've recently added new prices and listed my latest designs to my Artfire Studio, stop by and see what's new.. 

SAVE 15.00 % On Order Total

Use Coupon Code:

AUG15OFF

during checkout.

Handmade Toys

15% SALE Going On Now.. I'm kicking off the new look of my Fusion Studio with a 15% SALE.. During the month of August, receive 15% off your Entire Order when you Enter Coupon Code AUG15OFF during checkout. Now is the time to purchase your favorite piece of Muy Chic Jewelry you've had your eye on. All orders will come in a Jewelry Gift Box with a Satin Ribbon and a Signature Gift Card, ready for gift giving..

Happy Shopping!

Artfire Studio - Changes Coming Soon!

The look of my ArtFire Studio will be changing over the next month or so. My new studio pages showcasing my jewelry will open up the site, add a more "lux" feel and will also create a gallery feel to your overall shopping experience.  The new look will also flow onto the new Artfire shopping cart.  I added a touch of color to my studio to lighten and brighten up the look.  I'm excited!! 

I'm ready to make some amazing changes so, stop by to see what's coming to Muy Chic..  Take a peek..  http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/MuyChic

Simple Elegance

I'm back! I'm sorry that it's been so long since my last post. Aside of being busy with work and family, I've been creating new styles to add to my jewelry collection. My new collection will be simple, casual and elegant. I'm incorporating Gold Filled, Sterling Silver Chains and Metals along with charms and pendants in my designs.

Back in February, I went to the Gem Faire in Orange County and purchased some amazing gems that I'm excited to bring into this collection. I'm using AAA Grade Gems like Natural Quartz, Lemon Quartz, Pink Quartz, Green Gold Citrine, Green Amethyst, Swiss Blue Topaz and Labradorite to name just a few.. Other metals and stones you'll find in my shop are Antique Brass, Gun Metal, Copper Crystals, Pearls, Gemstones..

Here's a peek of some gorgeous Gems using 14k Gold Filled Chain.. They'll be listed in my shop soon!

Photo ~ Lemon Quartz, Natural Quartz and Green Amethyst

Etsy Shop On Vacation

Starting Sunday Feb 20, 2011, my Etsy Shop will be On Vacation indefinitely.  Starting up my Artfire Shop and Etsy Shop both at the same time let's just say, it hasn't been easy.  I definitely didn't account for the amount of time it would take to build my inventory to fill both shops.  I feel I would be more productive dedicating my time working on one shop at a time.  I love creating and designing jewelry but there is so much more that goes into building a shop than just creating designs.  Being focused and taking things slower, I will get my shop where I want to it be.  I learned from my mistakes and that's what life is all about.  I may have stumbled but I'll keep on walking, just a little slower..  I hope to reopen my Etsy Shop someday in the unforeseen future.. 

My sincere thanks to everyone who showed my Etsy shop some love and promoted my designs, Thank you so very much!!

 Alma Olivera

Visit my shop on Artfire...

I've been Featured!!

I'm the featured member on Artisans/Jewelry Designers Community through February 1-14.  Artisans/Jewelry Designers is a Networking group that is about sharing, promoting and supporting each other along our journey in building our dreams.  Our president Sharon Hightower, works hard to promote our members and her dedication to the group is unwavering, she's AMAZING!!

Thank you Sharon for the feature, I loved it!

 Check out my feature on the Main Page ArtisanJewelryDesigners  

View my jewelry designs on the Group Blog ArtisanJewelryDesignersltd

"The Bold and the Beautiful"

Muy Chic is in an Etsy Treasury!! 

My Chalcedony Rodelle Earrings made "The Bold and the Bearutiful" Etsy Treasury Collection.  Come take a look at all the designs of these talented artisans who are featured in the Treasury.. 

Photo ~ Chaledoney Rondelle Earring

The color theme is Black, Turquoise and White.. 

All designs created by members of  the On Fire For Handmade group on Facebook!  Curated by Anne Hopfer from Made for Me by Oaklie. Take a look at more Etsy Treasury lists by Made for Me by Oaklie.. 

~  Beautiful Treasury! Thank you for including my earrings  ~

"Striking!"

Muy Chic is in an Artfire Collection!

 My Amazonite Necklace was selected along with other talented artisan designs for the "Striking!" Collection on Artfire. 

Take a look!

Photo ~ Amazonite Necklace 

I'd like to Thank Anne Hopfer from Made For Me By Oaklie who curated the collection.  Anne, is also a talented Artisan who creates lovely Handmade Jewelry and Accessories..

Visit her Artfire Studio:  Made For Me By Oaklie..

"A Bevy of Beautiful Bracelets"

I'm elated to have my jewelry design amongst such amazing talent! Take a look at the talented artisans on Artfire and their jewelry designs in the collection
A Bevy of Beautiful Bracelets! curated by StephanieRonnyeknit1bead2 for Valentine's Day on ArtFire

Photo ~ Agate Brass Bracelet

I'd like to thank Stephanie who Curated the Collection, stop by and see her lovely designs too! Vist StephanieRonnyeknit1bead2

Custom Jewelry Tags

Happy New year!  I'm starting out the year with something new for my jewelry designs..  I'm customizing my jewelry with handmade custom hand stamped jewelry tags.. That's right, I'm Taggin My Designs!! 

Photo ~ Brass & Silver Metal Tags

I'm spilling the beans and sharing this great find with you..  I bought them from a fellow artisan on Artfire, her shop name is EmilyDeweesJewelry.  Emily does an amazing job and her prices are VERY reasonable so, stop by her website you just might see something you like... 

Now my jewelry designs are complete...

Photo ~ Turquoise Brass Bracelet