Inside the Studio, Craft Process, Personal Stories

Step inside my creative world — from leather and metalwork techniques to the evolving story behind my art. This blog shares tools, process, behind-the-scenes views of the MONOLISA studio, and personal stories that have shaped who I am — including my journey through ovarian cancer and pelvic floor dysfunction.

• Artist Life - Slowing Down is a Process – May 2026
• Balancing Health Challenges While Running a Handmade Business – April 2026
• Finding Relief – My Ongoing Journey with Digestive Health and Healing – November 2025
• Art and Stress Relief: My Journey and the Science Behind It – October 2025
• When the Gut Takes Over – My Personal Journey with a Digestive Health Setback (2025) – August 2025
• Chronic Pain Medical Mystery Solved – June 2025
• Step into My Studio Where the Creations Happen - Year 2024 – October 2024
• 3 Essentials to Help with Sales At An Art Show – August 2024
• Working Around Chronic Pain - 10 Tips – June 2024
• Behind the Scenes - Making Leather Flowers with Artist Lisa Ramos – January 2024
• Step Into My Colorful Studio Where The Creations Happen – December 2023
• Reflection - Celebrating Six Years in Business at MONOLISA – November 2023
• Artist Life - My Interview on Dyslexia Explored – October 2023
• Artist Life - Art & Dyslexia – June 2023
• Artist Life - Time for a Getaway to Carmel – May 2023
• A Walk in My Shoes - Art & Pain – April 2023
• Meet the Artist - California Handbag & Jewelry Designer Lisa Ramos – March 2023
• Step into My Improved Studio - Where the Creations Happen – October 2022
• Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month - My Personal Journey – September 2022
• Solitude Meets Art - My Artistic Journey – August 2022
• Creating a More Ergonomic Work Environment in My Studio – July 2022
• Behind The Scenes of Making Leather Bags - Made in California (Part 2) – April 2022
• Lessons I Learned in Leather Craft - Favorite Tools & Resources – March 2022
• Behind The Scenes of Making Leather Bags - Made in California (Part 1) – February 2022
• The Evolution of Design - Part 2 – November 2021
• The Evolution of Design - Part 1 – October 2021
• A Day in the Life of Making Product Videos - Funny Bloopers – May 2021
• Step into My Studio - Where the Creations Happen – April 2021
• A Day In the Life of an Entrepreneur Part 3- Making a Gemstone Ring – April 2021
• A Day In the Life of an Entrepreneur Part 2 - Making a Leather Bag – April 2021
• A Day In the Life of an Entrepreneur Part 1 - Doing Art Shows – April 2021

Creative Entrepreneur Tips

Learn from Lisa’s experience building a successful handmade brand with practical advice for artists and makers.

• MONOLISA Celebrating 8 Years in Business – November 2025
• 20 Essential Tips for Selling at Art Festivals: A Guide for Artists and Entrepreneurs – September 2025
• How I Started My Handmade Jewelry and Handbag Business – Lessons for Creative Entrepreneurs – April 2025
• Celebrating 7 Years In Business – November 2024
• EM/POWEREDbyWMN Podcast Interview - Power of Face-to-Face Sales – July 2024
• 10 Tips for Selling at Art Shows and Festivals - From An Artist Who Has Done 200 Plus Shows – March 2024
• Artist Life - 20 Things I Do to Run My Business – August 2023
• Artist Life - My Interview with Jessica Rose about Selling My Work at Shows – February 2023
• Lessons I Learned Making Jewelry - Great Teachers & Resources - Part 2 – January 2023
• Reflection - Celebrating 5 Years in Business – November 2022
• Lessons From a Roadshow Artist - I wish I knew – June 2022
• The Art World - Getting Your Work into Art Shows – May 2022
• Reflection - Celebrating Four Years in Business – November 2021
• Lessons I learned Selling at Outdoor Art Shows & Festivals – September 2021
• Lessons I Learned Making Jewelry - Great Teachers & Resources – July 2021
• The Funny Side of Business - Selling at Art Shows & Festivals – March 2021
• Starting a Business at 50 – March 2021

Events & Festival Updates

Find details about upcoming art festivals, pop-up shops, and opportunities to meet Lisa and experience MONOLISA in person.

• California Art & Wine, Fine Art Shows and Holiday Boutiques in 2025 – December 2024
• California Art & Wine, Fine Art Shows and Holiday Boutiques in 2024 – December 2023
• Handmade Gift Ideas from California Artists & Makers – October 2023
• Fine Art Gifting Ideas – September 2023 • Shop Locally Owned California Businesses – September 2023
• California Art & Wine, Fine Art Shows and Holiday Boutiques in 2023 – December 2022
• California Art & Wine, Fine Art Shows and Holiday Boutiques in 2022 – December 2021
• California Art & Wine Festivals, Fine Art Shows and Holiday Shopping Events in 2021 – May 2021
• Talented Artists & Makers In California – April 2021

All About Gemstones

Discover the fascinating world of gemstones—history, meanings, and care tips. Learn how gemstones are thoughtfully incorporated into MONOLISA’s artisan jewelry.

• Citrine Gemstone Guide – Meaning, Properties & Care – January 2026
• Tanzanite Gemstone Guide: Meaning, Properties, Value & Care – December 2025
• 20 Facts About Tourmaline Gemstones – August 2025
• Interesting Facts About The Emerald Gemstone – July 2025
• 15 Facts About Garnets – June 2025
• 25 Facts About Diamonds | Diamond Grading System – May 2025
• 20 Facts About Aquamarine Gemstones – April 2025
• Facts About Quartz Gemstones – January 2025
• Facts About Spinel Gemstones – September 2024
• 10 Interesting Facts About The Amethyst Gemstone – August 2024
• 10 Facts About The Peridot Birthstone – April 2024
• Interesting Facts About Ruby Gemstones – February 2024
• 15 Facts About Sapphire Gemstones – August 2023
• How to Clean Crystal Jewelry – July 2023
• 12 Facts About Akoya Pearls – April 2023
• How to Care for Pearl Jewelry - 14 Tips – January 2022
• Tell Me About Opals – July 2021
• The History Behind a Topaz Gemstone – June 2021
• 25 Facts About Gemstones – May 2021
• What are the Birthstone Colors and Meanings? – May 2021
• Quick Guide to Gemstone Cutting Styles – May 2021

Jewelry & Handbag Insights: History, Craft & Style

Uncover unique stories, history, and fun facts about jewelry and handbags—from the evolution of accessory trends to surprising artisan techniques.

• 10 Facts About Titanium Metal Jewelry – February 2026
  
• Why is Handmade is Better? – December 2025
• 25 Facts About Gold & Why It Is So Expensive – March 2025
• Why Does Sterling Silver Tarnish and How to Prevent it? – February 2025
• 10 Facts About Gold Filled Jewelry – May 2024
• 10 Facts about 14k Palladium White Gold – September 2023
• How to Care for My Leather Bag – July 2021
• What is Argentium® Silver? – May 2021
• What are Earring Jackets? – March 2021
• Lightweight Handbags for Work and Travel – March 2021