Shout out to Tiffany Parent of Finding the Puddles

Join me in saying hello to Tiffany, a fellow of the Etsy Maine Team!  We are quite the busy group, aren't we??  :)  Tiffany also runs the Maine Made backed storefront of Finding the Puddles.  If you're in the area of Cornish, Maine, you should DEFINITELY check it out!  (Not to mention, I have some cute little goodies in her shop!  hehe)
 
Name:  Tiffany Parent 

Business Name(s):  Finding the Puddles

Date Business Was Opened/Created:  Oct 2012

Types of Items/Services Offered:  We make and sell needle felted creations from wool, wet felted items, and wooden buttons.  Although we are always coming up with new creations.

2014 Goals - 1 Down, 13 to Go!

At the beginning of the year, I created a page for my 2014 Business Goals, to not only help me keep track of the goals I set for myself; but also so ya'll can help keep me accountable.  One way to almost always achieve your goals, regardless of what they are, is to share it with loved ones, friends, and/or the public.  Once you've put anything out there for the public to see...there is an innate pressure to uphold your end of the bargain.

Shoutout to Nancy of Spinning Glass Studio

Glass and ceramics are a unique combination...I love melted glass and incorporating it into my ceramic pieces.  Here, Nancy deals with just glass and creates beautiful beads which she then uses to create some absolutely beautiful jewelry!  Keep on reading and get to know Nancy a bit better!

Name:  Nancy Bariluk-Smith

Business Name(s):  Spinning GlassStudio

Date Business Was Opened/Created:  2007

Types of Items/Services Offered
I started this business as a fiber artist or a "Feltress" as my husband called me! I began adding bead onto my felt and then moved into making glass beads .I love the way glass moves and interacts with itself. Its magical. I started creating jewelry out of the beads I was making. Each bead has its own personality and finding a way to make that bead shine is the part I really enjoy.

Shoutout to Laura of Sun Flower Freckles

My birthday is today!!  The dreaded 3-0.  No biggy.  lol.  SO my birthday present to you,  is this awesome interview with Laura of Sun Flower Freckles!  The Etsy Maine Team is full of some amazingly talented folks, and I'm so glad to be able to get to know them all!!

It's a family affair!

Name
Laura Decato

Business Name(s)
SunFlowerFreckles

Date Business Was Opened/Created
September 2012

Types of Items/Services Offered
Sewing - Clothes, Bows, Bags, Belts, Toys, etc

Shoutout to Beth & Jen of Parris House Wool Works!

Beth and Jen are bringing back the traditional North American rug hooking techniques and designs...and let me tell you, the rugs are absolutely stunning!  Works of fiber art that I'm not so sure I would be able to wipe my feet on!  

Beth

 Name:  Beth Miller

Business Name(s):  Parris House Wool Works

Date Business Was Opened/Created:  2011

Jen

Types of Items/Services Offered:  Jen and I offer everything you need for the art of traditional North American rug hooking, including original patterns on linen ( primitive, traditional, and contemporary), the best quality wools (hand dyed by us and also off the bolt), hooks, our own Maine made and personally designed rug hooking frames, hooks, binding tape, you name it. Additionally we consign items from other Maine artisans including frame covers, snip pockets, hand spun and dyed yarns, and knitting bags. We also will be introducing hand made, all natural soaps and vintage hand picked items to our shop in 2014, as well as our own line of custom turned hooks, again, made in Maine. Additionally, we teach our craft in both our Maine and Tennessee studios and offer hooking nights for hookers to share their craft, chat, and have tasty refreshments.

Working Together

I know I talk rather frequently about the Etsy Maine Team, but it is full of some really amazing folks.  The artists and crafts people that are members of the Etsy Maine Team really exhibit what we believe a person from Maine should be like.  Kind, caring, hard working, and willing to help out your neighbor.  This mentality has led to several collaborations between myself and two other very talented women:  Sue from Country Folk Soap, and Alicia from Sally Bateau.

Shoutout to Kerin of Pipsqueaks!

I know I've said it before...but I'll say it again... I really LOVE the Etsy Maine Team.  Why, you may ask?  Because I have the opportunity to "meet" (even if just virtually for the near future) so many wonderfully talented individuals!  We are all crafty in our own way, and seeing others' artistic/creative expressions has always been an inspiration for me.  We all have our back story.. and if you "listen" closely, you can decipher some of it in by the quality of craftsmanship in our wares.  

 Without further adieu....meet Kerin!

Shoutout to Katrina of Amphitrite Studio!

Etsy Maine Team members come through yet again!  Meet Katrina, a fiber fashionista, if you will.  LOL  

Name: Katrina Napolitan

Business Name(s): Amphitrite Studio

Date Business Was Opened: 2000

Types of Items Offered: 

I offer natural fiber, one of a kind women's fashions & accessories all handmade by myself in midcoast Maine. 

Liebster Award Nomination!!

I'm honored!  Natalie from Magic Jewellery nominated me for the Liebster Reward.  What a nice surprise for sure!!  hehe 

What's the Liebster Award:

The word Liebster- a German word- translates to dear, favorite, love .

It's an award for (mostly) up and coming bloggers with 200 -or less-  followers that is given by fellow bloggers.

The rules

• List 11 random facts about yourself.  check
• Answer the 11 questions provided by the blogger who nominated you. 
  check
• Nominate other bloggers for the award who have 200 followers or less.
• Create 11 questions for your nominees to answer. 
  check
• Notify the nominees of their nomination (of course!)

Shoutout to Cheri of Art By Cheri

Cheri is a fellow Etsy Maine Team member and a very talented artist!  I can attest to her skill as a painter.. her watercolors are gorgeous!  She is also a piano teacher.  So if you're looking to learn how to stroke the ivories... definitely get in touch with her! 

Piano by Cheri

Name:  Cheri Christenson

Business Name(s): 

Piano by Cheri 

Art by Cheri

Date Business Was Opened:  October 2013 on Etsy.

Types of Items Offered:  Piano lessons (in person) and on Etsy: watercolor cards, watercolor artwork, watercolor beads, soon to come, hand painted scarves

Why did you decide to open/start your own business?:  I got into watercolor a few years ago and fell in love with it. last year I sold a few of my paintings as cards, so this year I thought I would broaden my horizons.

Shoutout to Oberleigh Images

Dahlia

I had the opportunity to speak to Karen of Oberleigh Images recently.  She is a fellow Etsy Maine Team member and one helluva photographer!  I love the triptychs she has compiled!!  Below are her answers to some of the questions.  There are some serious inquiries... but also some silly/fun ones as well!  

Pelican Halo

Name: Karen Anderson 

Business Name:  Oberleigh Images 

Date Business Was Opened: October 1, 2013 on Etsy

Types of Items Offered: Nature & Floral Photo Wall Art – mounted, ready to hang in sets of three /triptychs

Etsy Maine Team 2nd Annual Cash Mob

I am a proud member of the Etsy Maine Team.  For those of you who aren't familiar with Etsy, it is an online forum for craftsmen and artisans to sell their wares.  There are also teams where you are able to join, and network with like minded people.  Teams are created by interests, location, and many other variables.  Now...for the good news... 

Mark your calendars! November 8, we're hosting our 2nd Annual Cash Mob! Like it says on the poster, just visit www.etsy.com, type the word maineteam into the search bar and find thousands upon thousands of great items - all from Maine. Perfect opportunity to start your holiday shopping...and all from the comfort of your home...in your PJ's even!!  See you then!

Please share this with your friends, on your blog, Facebook, Pinterest, and any other social media avenues you have available.  You will be supporting small businesses that hand create each and every single piece listed.  You can rest easy knowing that all items are made in the USA.  

https://www.facebook.com/MaineTeam

You can find my shop at www.etsy.com/shop/jsbarts

The Internal Debate

Don't mind this post... more to do with me thinking out loud, and seeing what you all have to say...  Looking for input.

Right now, I do a lot of hand building.  95% of my work is hand building, working with slabs of clay rolled out with my slab roller.  Which, don't get my wrong, I enjoy doing...or I wouldn't be doing it at all.  But I have found that my true calling/niche is in sculpting.  And I really want to delve into that some more...explore the possibilities.

BUT, I have just gotten to the point where I have 5 stores where I have my items displayed, and soon to be 6!  This is HUGE for me!  What great opportunities!  But I don't know if my sculptured work would fly in these spaces.  One of them, perhaps..  Actually..  2 .. now that I think about it.  

With Christmas coming up, I know I'm going to be busy with Christmas ornaments and Christmas orders, so I don't know if I'm going to be able to "play" now..but maybe after Christmas I'll get to let this creative muse explore the ideas floating around in my head.  I've been trying to get better at sketching them out so I don't loose them.  It's helping quite a bit, surprisingly.  I need to find a way to balance my "good days" with fulfilling orders for the hand built stuff, and still giving me time to play and sculpt..  Hmm..

Footsteps For Freedom

I am thinking for my next sculpture, that it's going to be another set of military boots...thinking about creating a series..  And the series will be titled "B.O.G. - Boots On Ground".  No two sculptures will look alike, but they will all share a common theme and be somewhat similar....  So if you have any ideas, please feel free to let me know!  

http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/

Very small fish vase I made

Mudita Monday - 2 Sept 13 - Sandy Lamontange

As one of the leaders of the Etsy Maine Team, I get to assist in choosing the "MOM", also known as the member of the month.  There's no prize.. just recognition for a job well done.  

This month, our MOM is Sandy Lamontange.  And let me tell you.. it is well deserved!  She works hard to create numerous treasuries featuring as many team members' works as she can, and she always spreads the love.  She doesn't focus or favor one specific person/shop.  So this month, we all plan on creating treasuries in her name, with her being the #1 featured shop!  If you're on Etsy, please help us celebrate Sandy's nomination as our Member of the Month.

Scarf made by Sandy of Grandma Sandeze

Sandy's shop is called "Grandma Sandy's Boutique" and features beautiful hand knit items; from socks to scarfs, bibs to booties..  Her creations are truly top notch quality!

 This scarf is one of my favorites!  I love the colors!  Blues and greens have always been partial to my heart.

I couldn't think of a better person to write about today, on this Mudita Monday.  Namaste and Mudita to you Sandy! <3

Wondering what this whole "Mudita Monday" thing is all about?  Go HERE, to my initial post to learn more about it. 

'Til next time my friends!


Thank you for stopping by!

Playing Catch Up

So much to do, so little time...I had that feeling all summer with the wedding coming up, and now that the wedding is done.. I still feel that way!  But in a good way.  So here's a brief run down to get ya all caught up.
- Got married August 10 to the man that completes me in every way imaginable.  It was a windy day, rained right up until the ceremony and then it stopped.  It wasn't a heavy rain.. a sprinkle really..  but it was a great day, filled with laughter, family, and fun. :)  OH!  And I made all the wedding favors. :)

- Have had several doctors appointments the last month ranging from neurology to urology.  Fun stuff, huh?  bleck.  As a matter of fact, I have 2 more appointments coming up on Monday!  But I think those are the last two for a while...unless something drastic happens.
- Got my son all enrolled in school (my big 6th grader!), attended an orientation, and he started school August 21.  They start fairly early here, because it is still a very rural community with farms all over the place.  They have a 2 week vacation in September/October so that the kids can help with the potato harvest.
- Re-opened my Etsy shop (www.etsy.com/shop/jsbarts) after it had been on vacation for nearly 2 months while we were doing all the wedding preparations.  And in the last week, I've gotten 3 orders!  All for the same pumpkin spoon rest!  I guess I need to make lots more of those!
- Began selling my stuff at a gift shop in Caribou, Maine; that is known for carrying quality, handmade items, but MOST known for carrying Amish made furniture.  Hoping to do well there.
- Started making Christmas ornaments to get all stocked up for the big art/craft show that is done up here in Fort Kent at the University.  I've been told it's a big to do and that I SHOULD do relatively well.  Keep your fingers crossed!

I think those are all the major items...I've also decided to nix the themed days.  They're not really helping me stay on track at all...I am going to keep Mudita Mondays, as I believe those are important.  It's always nice to recognize someone for their efforts and be genuinely happy for their successes, whether it is of any benefit for you or not.  There needs to be MORE positivity in the world.. and more recognition of the good things people do.  So yea... that's staying.  :)

Lots of ideas for upcoming posts.... so stay tuned my friends!

OH!  and I almost forgot.. I am running a Labor Day sale at my Etsy store.. until 2 September.  Just enter "LABORDAY" in the coupon code to receive $5 off any purchase of $15 or more in my shop.  Please spread the word!

TTFN

Making Ceramic Wedding Favors - How To

As I was making my wedding favors...I thought this might be a good time to create my first tutorial on how I make them.  Little back story...  My fiance and I are getting married August 10, 2013 and we live in northern Maine.  One of Maine's slogans is "The Way Life Should Be".  Well, that's what our relationship is like.  We've been together almost 2 years, and it has been amazing!  We have had our share of ups and downs...but we have managed to come out on top, happier and stronger than before.  So that was the inspiration for our favors.

Well... Here goes!

Mudita Monday - Angie Blevins

I could not be more happy for, or more proud of a dear friend of mine!  She is a retired veteran of the US Army and the US Air Force (I believe??  Correct me if I'm wrong Angie... Sorry if I am!  You know my memory sucks!  hehe) 

Angie Blevins is an inspiration in more ways than one.  Not only did she serve our nation, retiring from the US Army as a MSG (E-8), but for the last 3 decades she has pursued her love of painting/drawing.  She is a very talented water color painter and sketch artist.  Some of her sketches have been used by local law enforcement officers and have actually helped catch the person of interest she was brought in to sketch!  Her mediums of choice are oil, ink, and pencil. 

Keep on keeping on Angie!  I LOVE your work, and value our friendship greatly!  You are an inspiration to many!



You can find Angie on her webpage and through Facebook:
WEBSITE :  http://www.rtist4u.com/
FACEBOOK :  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Angie-Blevins-Art-/265653300169153

MUDITA!!

Friday Fun - ABC Get to Know ME!

So going along with the theme, I figured Friday would be a free for all.  Gives me leeway to write about my life, family, and miscellaneous items that might not otherwise fit.  Today's Friday Fun tidbit is an "ABC Get To Know Me Quiz" that I found on The Little Owl Shop Blog (THANKS! :) )  So here goes!  Hope you learn something about me and perhaps are inspired to do the same.

A. Age: 29

B. Bed Size:  Queen...and it's not big enough!  With myself, my fiance, my son, and my service dog Kane all trying to pile into one bed sometimes...it can get crowded!  haha

C. Chore that you hate:  scraping/grinding kiln shelves and putting kiln wash back on.  Time consuming and has to be done outside.  Non pottery related... I hate doing the dishes!  Always have... but now, standing that long to wash the dishes is physically painful... but on the good days I still try to help my honey out.  He takes such good care of me. <3

D. Dogs:   2; my service dog Kane, and my fiance's dog Charlotte.  Charlotte stayed down with his parents when we moved up north though.  She has a lot of health issues and needed to be closer to the vet...AND... his mom and gram just didn't want her to go.

E. Essential start to your day:  Coffee!

Kane and I at a restaurant in Virginia.

F. Favorite Color:  Blue and a dark amethyst purple.

G. Gold or Silver: Silver/white gold

H. Height:  5'7"

I. Instruments you play:  In middle school I played the french horn...and taught myself some basic piano back in HS...but that was 10 years ago..

J. Job Title: Retired Disabled Veteran.  AKA Differently-abled Veteran Ceramic Artist in Training.  Only been doing this 1.5 years, but it has fast become my passion.

K. Kids:  I have an 11 year old son from a previous marriage.  Hope to add to that sometime in the future.

Hummingbird perched on our patio chair. May 2013.

L. Live:  Northern Maine, about 10 miles from the border of Canada.

M. Mother's Name: Kathy.  

N. Nicknames: Na-Na.  One of my younger sisters couldn't say "Shawna" when she was younger...so she called me "na-na" and it stuck.  Everyone in my family (mom and sisters, dad not so much) calls me by it.  My fiance's pet/nickname for me is "love monkey".  There's a story behind that one as well... Maybe I'll get into that one in a later post.

O. Overnight hospital stays:  Several.  First one was when my son was born, another one about 8 years ago, and 2 in a 1 month time span while deployed to Iraq.  Again, maybe I'll elaborate more on those on a later date.

P. Pet peeve:  Ignorance.  Racism.  People being judgmental in general.  Live and let live.

Q. Quote from a movie:  "Hakuna Matata" = No worries!  Yes, from The Lion King. :)  But it's a great quote/phrase to live by.  Live life for today.  No sense stressing about yesterday or tomorrow.  Yesterday is in the past and you can't do sh*t about it, and you don't know what tomorrow will bring...so again, why stress about the unknown??

R. Right or left handed: Right handed!

S. Siblings: 5 by birth, 1 by marriage.  :)  I have 5 younger sisters ranging in age from 27 to 15.  And as of August 10, 2013, I will have an older sister. :)  Sister-in-law by technicality, but she's great and I love her just the same. :)

T. Time you wake up: It really depends on the kind of night I've had.  If it's been a bad night and I'm up with leg pain, it will be closer to noon.  Most of the time I go to bed when I'm tired and wake up on my own.  Recently though, I've been trying to get on a somewhat normal schedule so I can wake up with my son when he starts school in the fall.

U. Underwear:  The comfy kind! :) 

V. Vegetable you hate:  Not a big fan of kale...I like most veggies... thankfully I'm not a picky eater.

W. What makes you run late:  My memory.  Another "side effect" of Iraq.  My short term memory is HORRIBLE.  We have to stop half down the drive way after we leave to go someplace at LEAST once because I forgot something in the house that I need.  

X. X-Rays you've had:  Oh good lord... WAY too many!  Ankle, knee, foot, entire spine/neck... MRI's and CT scans of head and body...

Y. Yummy food that you make:  I can't cook anymore. :(  My left hand has weakness in it, and I have a tendency to forget stuff.  Add on top of that the inability to stand for long periods of time... And my culinary days are limited.  BUT on my good days... I make a mean stuffed porkchops that my fiance LOVES.

Z. Zoo Animal:  I love the beautiful colors on all the exotic fish... and the peacocks.  The peacocks remind me of the mythical phoenix...of which I have a large tattoo of on my arm.

Well there!  Those are some pretty random questions!  I hope you've learned something you didn't know about me and had a good chuckle...or at least smiled!

TTFN!

Working on some fine detail work.  :)

http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/

Mudita Monday - 06 May 2013

MY VERY FIRST MUDITA MONDAY...and this blog never made it to being published.  WOOPS!!  hehe  Better late than never, right?? 

It's hard to pick just one person to celebrate today.  In recent months, there have been SOO many people that have stood by my side when the going got tough..Today, I wish to celebrate and bask in the joy of my fiance.  No matter what is going on in our daily lives or the state of myself, he always puts on a strong front and is there for me.  He supports me and my business unconditionally.  I don't really appreciate watching sports such as basketball or baseball, but I sit in the living room just to be in his presence because I know watching it brings him joy.  He has sacrificed so much for us to get where we are today, and there will never be words enough to let the world know how much I love and appreciate all he does for our family.  <3 

My fiance is the kind of person that wants to do for others and not seek payment in return.  We recently found out a very dear friend of ours was having severe kidney issues...his first question was about what his blood type was, because if Justin was a match, he would get tested to see if he would match as a donor.  <3  He currently looks like one of the men out of the show "Duck Dynasty", because he has been growing his hair out starting over the winter in order to donate it to a charity that makes free wigs for children who lose their hair due to cancer. 

What can I say....I love this man!  He is selfless in so many ways, and brings joy to any room he enters.  So today...I celebrate my future husband!  I look forward to a lifetime of happiness with him!! 

Time to Kick Start My Biz!

As of Wednesday night, I had officially raised $5,120 with my Kickstarter campaign!  THANK YOU to all who have helped support me and this campaign!  It really means a lot!  This allows me to get the pugmill that I need to help streamline my creating process.  And crazily enough...there is still 10 days left for the campaign!  Which means I can continue to raise funds!  If you check out my Kickstarter campaign, you can see that I have already thought of stretch goals in mind.  The additional equipment will .... well....  it will just be awesome and make creating sooo much easier.  You can see the campaign and the stretch goals explained HERE.

This week has been one CRAZY week!  SOOO  much has gone on!  I was accepted into Maine Made.  A really beautiful article was written in the Bangor Daily News!  I have been asked to put my items for sale on consignment at 3 different places!!! And I have been contacted by soo many wonderful people!!  There IS beauty and kindness in this dark world...Brings hope and happiness to my heart!

Well, sorry this is so short, but I need to get creating those backer rewards for the Kickstarter Campaign!!!  Please remember to check out all the links within this little blog though!