CITRINE TANGERINE
  • Citrine Tangerine
  • MONOCHROME
  • Mother's Day Feature
  • SALE
  • Citrine Spirit Blog
  • Birthstone Collections
  • Crystal Care Kits
  • Rainbow Light
  • Body Jewelry
  • Paintings
  • Photography Sessions
  • Princess Tea
  • Shop The Look
  • DIY Citrine
  • Paper Parlor
  • Citrine Tangerine
  • MONOCHROME
  • Mother's Day Feature
  • SALE
  • Citrine Spirit Blog
  • Birthstone Collections
  • Crystal Care Kits
  • Rainbow Light
  • Body Jewelry
  • Paintings
  • Photography Sessions
  • Princess Tea
  • Shop The Look
  • DIY Citrine
  • Paper Parlor

Citrine Spirit

Wait For The Right Opportunities

5/17/2021

0 Comments

 
​A few years ago I was introduced to this legendary book called 'Zen and the Art of Making a Living" by Laurence G. Boldt. It quickly became my mentor as far as continuing on the path of an artist. It is my foundation for never giving up and strictly encourages artists to push forward with our creative practice. Art is not only paintings and sculptures. Creativity is not only for the literal artist. In the early pages of the book it highlights four challenges we have to overcome in our "never-ending journey filled with challenges and obstacles", to find or create a career. (Boldt, Page XXVII)

​Every challenge also has a 'detour' showing just how hard it is to follow your path, no matter what it may be. This book is for everyone, not just creatives. Please if you love your work or are passionate about anything and want to build a paying career out of it, read this book. To me - everything we do has an Art to it - from math to science, philanthropy to owning a business, if there is no passion, skill, knowledge, or experience behind the idea, what the hell are you doing it for? Our lives are sacred. How miraculous that we are alive and achieved this level of consciousness?
Picture
Back to my original point and reference of this particular book. The Four Challenges and their Detours are:

"Challenge I: Know Who You Are - Detour I: The Denial Trap
Challenge II: Be Yourself In This World - Detour II: The Approval Trap 
Challenge III: Organize Your Efforts For Maximum Results - Detour III: The Availability Trap
Challenge IIII: Make The Changes Necessary To Make It Happen - Detour IIII: The Lack Of Self-Confidence Trap"
(Boldt, Page XXVII)


In previous years I don't think I knew how to say 'no'. I was so energized to make my goals happen that I'd accept nearly every offer that would come my way. Not even pausing to make sure I really wanted to do it! In other times I had no idea how to get paid for the work I was doing. I was just SO eager to make my dreams of being an artist come true after graduating from University of Michigan with a BFA. For experience sake, it was not the worst route but as I've gotten older and refined my organizational skills, I can see how this caused me a lot of trouble. Lost connections. Inability to see other's true intentions. Burn out. Among many other things... It was exhausting to always search for validation from working with others or working for hire. There is no denying that all the challenges and detours go hand in hand in relation to one another.
The Challenge and Detour/Trap I'd like to focus on today is the Third: Organize Your Efforts For Maximum Results - The Availability Trap. 
Picture
If you're stepping out of the work force, like many of us have and many of you inevitably will, you have to work on yourself. At some point you aren't going to want to accept every offer you get - even if offers are slim to none, even if offers are pouring into your life. Why? Because your life is yours! Often times you have priorities that aren't aligned with what other people or businesses have going on. That is the trap of availability. Just because something is available to you, does not mean you should take it! Just because you're accepted into a position, doesn't mean you should take it just because it's a job. You have to know yourself, be yourself, make your plans, and stick to that strategy. Accepting everything or anything will likely leave you distracted, over worked, uninspired, or taken advantage of. Don't take the easy way out! Don't 'settle for taking what is easily available', 'persist until you get what you really want'. (Boldt, XXVII) If you're going to create your journey and truly nourish your soul with what you want to do, you have to dig deeper than the surface level of any industry or occupation. A lot of what we need and want to do for work needs to be created by us! The time for change is now. 

I am not suggesting that we be too arrogant to work with others or that there is no one in your field than you. What I am saying is be self assured that who you are, what you want, is valid and you can create or find the career you want - even IF it does not exist yet. We need big change in our lives and how we center it around an occupation but it takes ambition to do that.

"If you can't find the job you are looking for (and are qualified for), there are only a few possibilities. It doesn't exist, you don't know how to find it, or you have given up too soon." (Boldt, Pg. 307)

Don't be afraid to learn from others before you. There are so many incredible people who are alive today who are willing to help or even have a conversation with you about their life. Don't be mad at them if they don't want to speak with you. Read books, watch movies, go to confrences. We must dedicate ourselves to the cause, find the right people to assist or organize with, then never give up on the vision. One mistake I've made was being so sure that my vision was SO unique that I'd neglected learning from other people who accomplished things before me. I'd tricked myself into believing that learning about how another person accomplished something would take away the joy of accomplishing something myself. Now I know my life and experience is unique but so is everyone else's. Everyone's experience adds up to where we are today. Our connections to one another can create incredible paths for new ideas and spaces. 
Picture
The trick in my experience is to work with people who you admire or aspire to be like while organizing to take steps in the direction you are looking to create. Being conscious of what it is you are working toward but being open to change is most of the battle. I say all of this to announce that I've FINALLY reached a significant milestone in my career. After many many years of trying to figure out who I am and what I want to accomplish, with many blanks still open to new information/opportunities. I've found a studio space. This is growth and a step in the direction I've always dreamed of. Sure, I thought this would happen sooner, and probably could have.. I am so glad it is happening now and I did it my way. I got what I want. I got it because I did not give up and I learned from my mistakes.

When we head off to college, or even go through K-12, we dream of and are centered around finding and making a career.  Many times I was told that being an artist would never work for me. People would suggest becoming something, ANYTHING else because that path is easier. Even after going to college to get my BFA, folks in the workplace would speak openly about how much of a joke or impossibility my career choice is.  It would not be easy for me to be anyone else in any other career. In my opinion I'd be miserable trying to fit in or trying to hide who I am. It was never my destiny to take an easy path or direction. You shouldn't go that route either if you're strong enough! (and I believe you are!) No it is not easy to stand alone or not feel validated by anyone but yourself.. BUT you will eventually find what it is you are looking for or create it if you NEVER GIVE UP! 
Picture
Truthfully art is the backbone of everything we know, see and desire. Creative elements are inside of everything we do. I MEAN EVERYTHING. There is NO FUTURE without creative ingenuity. There is no innovation without creativity. There is no true expression with out art. It is an incredibly valid field of work, research, and profession. Don't let anyone ever tell you otherwise. If your intentions are pure, full of heart, and truly for the sake of expression, your success is inevitable. NEVER GIVE UP. When something we feel or experience can not be said or told with words, we draw, play instruments, move, WE EXPRESS. That way our emotions and feelings are not pent up. This is an essential aspect of our mental health and the health of our minds is of utmost importance. We cannot afford to let our imaginations be chained to what already is, or was. We must dare to dream. 
0 Comments

Recycled Paper Making Process

5/14/2021

0 Comments

 
Speaking of symbiosis, It's been at the forefront of our minds to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Our relationship with waste needs rejuvenation. Our packaging materials absolutely needs a strong looking into for innovations as well. While assessing my own waste materials, it struck me that I could start small. Looking at the quality of many paper products wasted fro packaging gave me an idea.. I'll make paper! And eventually design packaging. Then I'll implement a recycle based branding strategy for Citrine Tangerine.

Last month I started making recycled paper with materials in my life that would other wise go into the trash or I'd throw it in the recycle bin. Truth is, I have NO idea if the items I place in the recycle bin actually see another life besides just being thrown away, any way. It's kind of tragic but It is a lie that I no longer wish to tell myself. The waste created from packaging  products is absolutely reckless and It is my ambition to turn more of these wasteful items into useful things. The beginning of this process is recycled paper. 

There is an incredibly alive community of artisanal paper makers globally. When I searched for resources to guide me in this process, a blog called Paper Slurry popped up immediately. This site literally gives all the information anyone could possibly desire on the journey to make paper. I am so grateful for creative hubs like this one because it helped a TON! All questions answered, shops and makers found, all in one lovely place. THANK YOU PAPER SLURRY!
Picture
The first deckle and mould used to make paper is from Arnold Grummer. My goal was to make sets of cards to screen print with new and old designs. The process is quite simple to make a sheet or two but making a set proved to be quite tedious! I am still ironing out kinks as far and the drying process and it does take up quite a bit of space to dry / store wet sheets of paper. I admire making recycled paper as a whole. It's awakened my spirit for screen printing as well as working with my hands. There is something meditative about a repetitive, multi step process. It's addicting. 

The first sets of cards turned out great and it was a total surprise to have already sold out of those packs! Thank you! I appreciate the support. Recently two new sets of cards were added to CitrineTangerine.com in the Paper Parlor. A set of 10, 5.5 in. x 8.5 in. sheets have been added as well. The cards currently are being sold without envelopes but that is the next addition to the paper making production process. Just need to sell a few items for the envelope template. <3 

​Moving forward, Citrine Tangerine will be recycling paper and fiber materials to make most, if not all, of our packaging. Already we are reusing boxes, wrapping with tissues/bubble wrap from other packages, and creating new insert cards for our future purchases. It is our honor to breathe new life into materials that will otherwise be wasted. The burden is ours to solve. With time, love, patience. and ingenuity, we can create a more sustainable business practice for packaging that can be accepted by all!! More businesses need to hold themselves accountable for the waste their business creates. If you ever get a package from Citrine Tangerine, KNOW that as much as possible the materials are reused to better serve our glorious planet. 
Picture
0 Comments

Riding With Moldavite

5/6/2021

0 Comments

 
Listen. Listen. Listen... Moldavite's energy is not a joke. If you're ready to resonate with your highest self, seek out a piece of Moldavite. ( While you're at it, contact me directly to acquire a Herkimer DIamond Quartz too. Moldavite and Herkimers pair so well together.) Moldavite - A high frequency space glass - is ready to ground you in astral travel. Be ready for a ride. This energy resonating within Moldavite comes from its creation, An incredible Impact. There are a few theories as to how this deep green space glass was created but there is no denying it came from an object in space colliding with our earth's surface. And for that very reason, it's my favorite catalysts for personal change and growth. There is no doubt in my mind as to the importance of Moldavite in this time of life. 

We are all screaming for it, 'BIG CHANGE!'. Are you ready to look yourself in the mirror and BE the change you wish to see? That's what it takes. We have to develop ourselves to create meaningful  motion in the world. We lead by example. That's why, when I heard of Moldavite, I purchased a  piece for myself. Then a sterling silver ring with a faceted Moldavite, then a single bead for my wrap bracelet. It is hard to describe the feelings and experiences Moldavite arouses in life but I can say things get TRIPPY. Everyone's experience is different though so it is not my intention to over hype this stone.. It is just a magnificent opportunity for anyone who is looking for meaningful, life changing encouragement from within ourselves.  If nothing else, Moldavite is inspiring. 

To me, it opens up our imagination to different possibilities. How? Because the material comes from space in places our human bodies are unable to reach. That is why, if you're looking for a change of lifestyle, you should gather a piece or two of Moldavite. 
Picture
My personal experience with Moldavite is pretty awesome. I was ready for some significant changes in my life. Fed up with dating, fed up with myself, my lack of boundaries, tired of projects not going as planned, betrayal, everything; I read more about Moldavite and dove off the deep end into astral travel on this human plane.  Over the last couple years I've illuminated with new insights. I've been able to break old habits, some that I never realized where apart of my life. I feel free. More free than I ever have. 

I can't say the changes are all because of Moldavite, obviously I've worked tremendously hard to become the person I am today but I also swear by the energies of Citrine as well as Rhodochrosite. I'd even give a huge shout out to Herkimer Diamond Quartz for unbelievable vision energies. All of these gems pair well with Moldvite in my experience. 

An ex of mine once said something along the lines of cutting people off leading to a lonely life. I disagree. People who really love you or care will come back and build new boundaries with you. Alone time, away from everyone, and yes I mean everyone, is okay and can be beneficial. These are times where you remember who you are. These are times when someone reaching out to you can mean the world. You deserve the space to evolve. You deserve inner peace. I gained access to so much inner peace by stepping away from everyone, gathering my crystals, and evolving on my own with the unspoken support of anyone who thought of me while I step into the shadows to heal. Moldavite adorning my fingers, I took the leap of faith. 

There are a lot of feeling I am still processing but when I am ready to speak more openly about my personal experiences the stories will be available here. (Grabs Aquamarine) Sending you love. 

​Citrine                    
0 Comments

Beneficial Symbiosis Meditation

5/1/2021

0 Comments

 
The other day I was sitting outside working on a custom piece when a wave of worry and fear washed over my being. The sun was shining and wind blowing ferociously. It seemed I was having a hard time relating to the environment at the moment. I took a deep breath, reminded myself of the present, and sang some calming affirmations internally as well as audibly. These were the words that came to mind and I'd like to share them with you.
Picture

I am exactly where I need to be.
Working on exactly what I need to. 
There is nothing to worry about.
I am safe.
I am in my home.
I can relax and express myself freely. There is nothing to fear. 
You can relax and flow. 
​You have no where to go. 

Picture
This allowed me to be grounded within my being, accept the present moment, and focus on what I wanted to accomplish. I was also able to soak in my surroundings and express gratitude for the bounty around me. You can modify this practice or these words to fit your life and what you need. I thought I'd share it with you. <3 
0 Comments

Emerald Vibrations

5/1/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
Welcoming May with a fresh collection featuring Raw Emerald - May's Birthstone. The energy and word that comes to mind with this collection is Symbiosis. The greens and black values of raw emerald remind me of growth as well. When I think of symbiosis - relationships are the centerpiece. This can mean relationships with ourselves, one another, the world, our environment, specific objects -- all of it. Not all of our relationships will be romantic or even with people. Not all of our relationships will be happy or cohesive. Some are more spiritual or metaphysical. An important relationship to note is the one you have with yourself.

I've been thinking a lot about the relationships in my life and how I can improve or work on them to become more peaceful -- even if it's not outwardly beneficial to me. Even if the improvements aren't so much as actions but realizations. All perspectives and experiences are valid, even if we don't agree and beyond that, we all still have a right to live a happy life; regardless of our disagreements. Always being 'liked' is not what is best for us or the world for that matter. 

It's important that we disagree, have a solid debate, and still live symbiotically. We don't need to tear one another or ourselves down for being different. Our differences have so much potential to improve our world. These are keys to finding middle ground that might suit us all. That's our ability and privilege as conscious beings. It's all about how we channel our energy. (Yes YOU can channel YOUR energy into the changes you want to see, even in your lifestyle or across the globe!)

That's why this collection also reminds me of growth. Not just because of the color palette but because of the energy emitting from the gemstone Emerald. Growth is important to focus on but also necessary for us to mature and evolve! The feeling of growth is not always pleasant but the benefits of working with your growth instead of against it is... Organic. It's our inherent ability to grow. Think about it, we are constantly reproducing cells in our bodies, thoughts in our minds, making actions, and creating 'things'. The luscious greens of Emerald remind me of the freshness and strength of growing. The naturalness of it. It's okay for us to change. We don't have to stay the same and in fact, from one moment to the next, we literally aren't the same! 

This collection is inviting us to embrace ourselves for our uniqueness and inherent ability to grow all the time. It is also encouraging us to embrace that quality in one another! We can change and others do too! It is happening all the time. Know that we assist one another as well as ourselves through moments of transition. There are times when we are leaders by example; others when we learn from what we watch. Never fear standing out or being on your own. It can be an incredibly valuable lesson for yourself and anyone who may see what you're doing. We have the power to speak to one another from a place of love, experience, and wisdom. Share your experiences with the world, when you can. It could save us all or even change the world one person at a time. Being different is valuable AND NATURAL. Thinking for yourself should not exclude you from the world or its communities. This is how we can generate an inclusive future. Embracing that naturalness of growth, change, and our differences from one moment to the next! <3 

Happy May!

I hope you are blessed with abundance in your scarce areas. 
Be well, laugh lots, find reasons to smile. 

Citrine Tangerine 

Picture
0 Comments

    About the Author & Artist

    Megan LaCroix also known as Citrine is the daughter of a Navy Veteran. She’s lived all over the US but has roots in Michigan where her family is from. Spending summers in Northern Michigan exploring nature inspired her to create art work starting with jewelry and photography. She’d spend hours looking for rocks and creating assorted beaded jewelry with her sisters. In 2014 She graduated from University of Michigan School of Art & Design with a BFA then moved to Detroit where she is currently living and working. She is a multi-media artist with ever expanding skills but is best known for her jewelry, screen printing, photography, and paintings. Detroit Graffiti has a significant influence on her painting and drawing style. She’s participated in ArtPrize 2015 & 2021 and currently has a studio in the Village Arts Factory of Canton, MI.

    Archives

    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020

    Categories

    All
    About The Collection
    ArtPrize
    AugustForArtists
    Citrine
    Crystal Candles
    Crystal Readings
    Custom
    Education
    Hand Made
    Jewelry Care
    Meditation
    Meet The Maker
    Paper Making
    Recycled Paper
    Shopping
    Themes
    Travel

    RSS Feed

Picture
Hand made jewelry & wears.
Vibrant art & style.
Thoughtful & energetic gifts.

  • Citrine Tangerine
  • MONOCHROME
  • Mother's Day Feature
  • SALE
  • Citrine Spirit Blog
  • Birthstone Collections
  • Crystal Care Kits
  • Rainbow Light
  • Body Jewelry
  • Paintings
  • Photography Sessions
  • Princess Tea
  • Shop The Look
  • DIY Citrine
  • Paper Parlor