Showing posts with label Social Media. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Social Media. Show all posts

Monday, March 24, 2014

2014 Goals - 2 down, 12 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.


Saturday, February 8, 2014

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.

Saturday, February 1, 2014

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


Saturday, January 25, 2014

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.

Sunday, January 12, 2014

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. 

Thursday, January 2, 2014

Always Learning - Ceramic Mug Critique

There has been a lot of talk about how bad Social Media can be for us and our youth...But when used appropriately, it can also be a GREAT help to those that are home bound for a variety of reasons.  I've been lucky enough to have been invited and/or accepted into various pottery/ceramic centered groups on Facebook.  I've mentioned "clay buddies" in the past.  A new group I've been welcomed into is "pottery critiques".  I took a big gulp and submitted one of my mugs for critiquing.  There are some AMAZING potters/ceramic artists that are members of this group. Some of whom I follow through their blogs and other means and truly value/appreciate their opinions.  Anyway..getting off topic. :)  I thought I would share the mug I posted for critique and some of the insights offered by some well respected artists in the ceramic community.  :)
Oak Leaf Camo Mug
 I call this my "camo" mug as inspired by the hubby.  He asked me to make a camo (woodland, not digital) mug and this is what I came up with.  Inside is glazed blaze orange, green/red leaves, and iron ore for the mug itself.  The handle has been carved to try and mimic the natural wood/branch texture.  It's available in my Etsy shop if you're interested.. :) 

Without further adieu...here is the advice/critiques I was given:

Friday, December 13, 2013

Twas The Night Before Christmas...

I know it's been a while... please forgive me!  It's been a busy few months!!  I plan on streamlining my ceramic lines.  I hope that by doing this I can actually create inventory to keep on hand and have readily accessible/quick to ship items.  I'm thinking a dragonfly line... hummingbirds... and I already offer a somewhat exclusive ocean inspired line to two shops; one in Kennebunkport, Maine, and one in Florida...  I'll be writing more about that later!  :)

For now, I really wanted to share a poem with you that my husband wrote shortly after we met.  Grab your hanky or a box of tissues... I bawled my eyes out the first time I read it.  I still can't read it without shedding a tear. :)  Here is the link to the original on Facebook : Military - Twas The Night Before Christmas; by J.A. Barnes

Military Twas The Night Before Christmas - J.A.Barnes

================================================================

MILITARY - TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

Twas’ the Night before Christmas, And out in the sand,
A soldier was on guard duty, weapon safely in hand.
The dune was completely still, not even the wind stirred.
His eyes scanned the horizon, a plan of action inferred.


His team was in slumber, dreaming of their loved ones miles away.
Seeing the faces of their children ,and the smiles they’d wear later that day.
The soldier remained on alert, as he continued to scan into the black.
Occasionaley sipping coffee, and pulling out his MRE for a snack.


When from out of the darkness there arose a loud sound,
The soldier snapped the safety off his weapon and prepared to throw down.
He sighted down the barrel, and steadied his hands.
Prepared to lay down his own life, prepared to make his last stand.


At first it was just sounds, those that sounded of bells.
But from which direction they were coming, the soldier could not yet tell.
When out from the clouds, the moon did appear.
Lighting up the sand as though daytime and revealing eight tinny reindeer.


With a white bearded driver, dressed head to toe in red.
The soldier still unsure, put the sights to his head.
As he hollered and laughed and called out each name,
The soldier wanted to believe his eyes, but held his target just the same.

“Now Dasher, now Dancer, Now Prancer, and Vixen.  On Comit, On Cupid, On Doner and Blitzen!
There are men and women about, who sacrifice themselves for the free!
We’re going to thank them all tonight, before any presents go under the trees!”

He reached behind him, and slowly pulled from his sack,
A large wooden pole, with a white flag on the back.
Standing from his sleigh, he began to wave his hands,
Signaling his good intentions, to alert the soldier man.


The soldier waved him forward while remaining at the ready,
He radioed to his command, his hands never unsteady.
As St. Nick approached, he did exactly as he was told.
Holding his hands within sight, he wasn’t there to be bold.


The soldier could hear the deer breathing, and see the smile on Santa’s face.
As the sleight came to a stop, and he stepped out with grace.
“Good evening my dear boy, and Merry Christmas to you all.
We have a special gift for you, soldiers one and all.



Backup arrived and Santa accepted his search without a sound,
He completely understood their caution, for many brothers and sisters had gone down.
As they completed their job, even checking the bag in the sleigh.
They gave the thumbs up, Santa was ok.


As he stepped back a bit, his hands began to shake and his knees became weak.
A tear dropped from his eye, as he slowly began to speak.
“My list of nice and naughty is very hard to compile.
But the men and women of the military are at the top by a mile.”


“You ask for nothing in return, but your life your ready to give.
You sacrifice your body, your hearts, so that others may live.
You may only require a thank you once in awhile but you see that just won’t do.
I’m here to bring the magic of Christmas to each and every one of you.”


He stepped to the sleigh and removed his toy sack.
It was a velvety red, with a gold stripe down the back.
And as he moved in close, his suit began to change color,
It became a combination off all the services BDU’s, a suit unlike any other.


“You may not have known this, but I’ve been in battle myself.
I wasn’t always Santa, and my workers not always Elf’s.”
As he spoke with a grin, and a twinkle in his eye,
He reached into his bag and let out a large sigh.


“I’m sorry to say I can’t end this war, and I can’t send you home.
It wouldn’t matter anyways, as you wouldn’t leave your unit alone.
So what I have here, is just a little treat of Christmas spirit,
Take a moment to relax, as you get to see and to hear it.”


With his final word, the bag began to glow.
It levitated above the ground, and began a picture show.
There were children with smiles, and families left back home,
Playful pets and Christmas trees, and even a saluting Gnome.


There was laughing and a few tears as moments were remembered.
And a few silent prayers for those lives who had been surrendered.
As Santa stood back and took in the sight,
He knew the country would always be ok as long as there were these brave men and women to fight.


As the show shed its final light, and everyone returned to order.
Santa began to shake hands, and to thank each soldier.
He made his way back to the sled, before resetting his sack and stepping in.
His shoulders slumped forward for a moment, as he ran his finger through the hair on his chin.


“As much as I’d like to stay, it is my duty to go.
So many stops to make tonight, at each station throughout the world.
But as you're celebrating here, with your family number two.
Don’t ever forget those people at home that love and appreciate you.”

“Back in the states, there are people you’ll never know.
Who love and appreciate, the continuous courage that you show.
The men and women of the services are the bravest in the world.
And make it safe for me to bring joy to every little boy and girl.”


As the sleigh began to move and started to lift to the air.
He dropped down a package to each soldier standing there.
It wasn’t a gift that could be heard or for that matter even seen.
It was instead the thanks and feeling, the knowledge of what they really mean.

With the sleigh going up and pulling out of sight,
Santa hollered back to them, “Merry Christmas and Thank you, because of you we sleep safe tonight.”

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to the men and women abroad who serve our country every day.  Your sacrifice and courage do not go unnoticed.  God bless the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Maine Corps, and Coast Guard!!

================================================================

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanuka, Happy Kwanza, Happy New Year, and any/every holiday I may be missing!  

Please feel free to share the blog post, share the poem.. it deserves to go viral!  Not just because he's my husband...but because it's an amazing, heartfelt poem that rings true to so many...

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

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

Friday, February 1, 2013

Shoutout for Friesen Art

Day 2 of 10
(In a society dominated by big name box stores, it is quite refreshing to network, interact, and shop from small businesses.  Especially when they are local!  For 10 days, I will be talking about 10 small businesses that I have the pleasure of having made their acquaintance.  Networking is everything, as is reaching out a helping hand to your peers and neighbors.)

Daisy Friesen of McPherson, Kansas is the mastermind behind Friesen Art.  She is a VERY talented ceramic artist and I feel honored to call her my friend.  She finds great joy in being able to take a lump of clay and transform it into something useful and beautiful with her hands.  She also finds the process calming and relaxing. "I love being able to make something that someone else will cherish and be able to use to serve lovingly prepared food to friends and family."  You can see the love of the process in each and every piece of her pottery. 
 
 
Her Facebook page is full of photos so you can see the process and what it takes for her pieces to come to fruition.  I LOVE these dragon fly dessert plates!! 



One thing I truly love about being a ceramic artist myself, is that the community of ceramic artists is soo amazingly helpful and inspiring.  Daisy is not different.  I WISH I was capable of some of the pieces she creates.  This GORGEOUS lamp from her Etsy store is just an example of one of her pieces that inspires me. For the every day person who values a good mug for that cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, here is a wonderful mug for just that!!  Also from her Etsy store.  I LOVE the bright blue glaze she uses!!  She also stays true to her "branding".  Most all of her pieces feature the wheat design. 

You can find her on Facebook HERE.  
You can see her amazing pottery on Etsy HERE.

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Etsy Maine Team M.O.M

WOW!  I'm really glad I decided to take a break from playing with clay and was on the computer editing pictures!!  It was just announced that I was nominated to be Etsy Maine Team's Member of the Month!!  What a GREAT way to start the new year!!!  <3  THANK YOU to all my colleagues and friends who nominated me.  You all are just too much!!

Please check out the Maine Team blog HERE.

You can see my "About Me/Profile" section HERE. 

You can support the Etsy Maine Team on Facebook HERE.

I'm just...stunned...and truly honored!




Monday, December 10, 2012

Chaos VS Order

Good evening to all! 

Man is my sleep schedule all FUBAR!!!  I haven't been falling asleep until sometime between 0400 and 0500 in the morning and waking up after 1400 (2pm)!!  OY!  Today was no different.  So while everyone else is getting ready to eat supper, I'm gearing up for my lunch.  :)  Damn insomnia...if you can call it that.  Once I fall asleep, I stay asleep for the most part.  So I don't know if I can call it insomnia.

FINALLY was able to wrap some Christmas presents that I had ordered online.  Made me a happy camper.  Seeing something under the tree.  It's not much, but it still put a smile on my face.  Have I mentioned how much I LOVE Christmas???  :-D  Now, I'm impatiently awaiting for the rest of my goodies to get here.

Through some networking, I have come across several blogs in recent days and have noticed a theme amongst many of them.  They have a schedule of postings, so to speak.  On Mondays, certain topics are discussed, Tuesdays might be to highlight treasures they've found or treasuries...etc.  What do YOU think of that kind of set-up???  As readers, do you like/prefer blogs that have a set schedule of postings, or do you like the random tidbits and posts?  Let me know in the comments section!  Would love lots of feedback on this one!

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Sunday Musings

Happy Sunday!  Anyone else out in the cyber world, writing blogs and not watching football?  I'm sitting here in my chaise, in front of the fireplace, talking to you all while my fiance watches his football.  I love our Sundays...they work for us!  :)

A ceramic colleague friend of mine, Mark Campbell, started a contest on his Facebook page last week.  He asked us to submit our favorite photos, and a group of judges (not him) would judge on the best photo.  He would then take that photo and use it as a decal on a vase that he made and gift it to the winner.  You can see the contest HERE.  I entered a picture of me and my punkerhead.  <3  This photo was taken over Thanksgiving this year.  He is my pride and joy!!!  He lives with his father most of the time due to my health.  It sucks.  But, we make the best of it! Needless to say, I did not win the contest this time around.  The competition was steep!  There were lots of great photographs submitted. 

I get asked at times why I am so friendly with other ceramic artists and potters when they are my direct competition.  We each have our individual talents and pieces we enjoy making.  Mark is very talented and does some amazing decal work.  I, on the other hand, have no desire (nor the proper equipment) to begin doing decal work.  I like making my small, handmade pieces.  The detail is what I enjoy.  While I know I will probably never be able to make mass quantities due to this level of detail and personalization; it is what I enjoy.  AND I can do it even when my legs choose to hate me that day and hurt like hell!  heh  By speaking with and collaborating with a myriad of potters and ceramic artists, we all take what we can from one another's experiences.  We help one another to become the best we can be.  It is the camaraderie I miss now that I am no longer in the military.  We may never meet in person, but our virtual relationships are true and impacting. 

You can find Mark's Ceramic business on Facebook and Etsy.

Monday, November 26, 2012

Cyber Monday

Good afternoon to all!  I cannot believe today is CYBER MONDAY!!  Where did this year go?!?  It has definitely been a very crazy year full of never ending roller coasters.  My health has had its ups and downs, I started my little pottery business on Etsy thanks to the prodding of my wonderful then boyfriend, I got ENGAGED!!!!!, we moved 4 hours north to be able to live on a single floor home...goodness.  Makes me tired just thinking of it!
My fiance and I, the night we got engaged.  <3

I am continuously embracing Social Media.  It has had such an amazing impact on my outreach, networking, and all that good stuff!  You can find me all over the place!


Pinterest : pinterest.com/jsbarts
Facebok : www.facebook.com/jsbarts
Etsy : www.etsy.com/shop/jsbarts
Twitter : @JSB_Arts
Webpage : www.jsbmaine.com


I am running a sale today until MIDNIGHT.  Enter HOLIDAY15 into the coupon code at my Etsy store, and receive 15% off your entire order.  You can see a sampling of my work all throughout this entry..  :)  Hope to see you there! 


As Porky Pig would say "That's All Folks"!  I have photos to edit and clay to play with.  :)

TTFN!