Pieces of Home Mosaics Shop

Friday, March 29, 2013

Renewal

 
 
Happy Easter!
 
 
Easter is such a beautiful time of the year. Children are all excited to hunt those eggs. Parents are all excited to share the meaning of Easter and to see the wide smiles of their family and friends. Houses are buzzing with cooks in the kitchen!
 
 
The Earth is renewing its self with greenery and baby animals are being born in the fields.  People seem to have a pep in their step!
 
Renewal....
What a word!
"The act of renewing"
 
 
You can renew your attitude, your passion... heck you can renew anything you want! When you look deep inside yourself... what do you want to renew?
 
Renewal can also be a scary thing. Some people see it meaning change. This can also mean you have to keep up with things or get left behind.
 
To me renewal means... a fresh space and time to see things in a different light. This provides me with an outlook of hope and creativity. This hope and creativity leads to goals that lead to actions! The beauty part of all that, for me, is an outcome of seeing my own truth. Renewing my own spirit and inter peace!
 
This past few weeks I have renewed my vision for my shop. I started out my business thinking that I would only provide beautiful unique mosaics for your home. I renewed that idea to include fused glass pieces. And now, I am renewing those ideas and adding mosaic make up compact mirrors & key chains!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Renewing your ideas, thoughts, passions and outlook 
is a 
crucial part of life! 
 
What are you going to Renew?
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Take the time to enjoy these wonderful items from some of my favorite shops!
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Happy Easter my Friends!
 
Pieces of Home Mosaics
 
 
 
 
 
 

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Featured Shop JJ Ladell's Wood Carving

 
 
 
It is Spring Break here in Eastern Oregon. This means I have more TIME to tell you about another Shop!
 
I am so excited about introducing you to Brent and Holly Gerdes!
 
The name of their shop is
 JJ Ladell's Wood Carving!
 
 
 
 
Brent's work is unique and I just love sharing unique handmade shops! Brent is the artist and I have a feeling Holly is the brains of the outfit! Holly is the business side of the shop! She is answering the interview questions! You know what they say "Behind every Good Man is an Outstanding Women!"
 
Artist
 
Brent has the talent to turn a piece of wood into an amazing work of art! Here we go people! Sit back and enjoy today's post!
 
What do you sell?
 
Carved chickens, whimsical characters, pine trees, dogs and fish
 
 
How did you get started with Etsy?
 
 Lori Scott was visiting her mother, our neighbor and we just started talking and she was nice enough to come over and get us started. Lori owns Abishessentials here on etsy
 
 
When did you get interested in making your Art/Craft?
 
 Brent had been carving for 3 years. He just started with whittling and read some books and continued whittling and carving for friends and family.
 
 
 
Where does your inspiration come from?
 
The rooster/chickens come from Brent's childhood when they raised chickens and he's always liked them. He takes the whimsical characters from children books. But a lot of the things come from his own imagination - which is very vivid. The pine trees are from the mountains of Idaho where we are lucky enough to live.
 
 
Who taught you or how did you learn your art form?
 
Brent is self taught but has bought books and magazines about carving, which he still continues to buy to learn and keep up on the techniques.
 
 
Where do you see your Shop in 5 years from now?
 
 We would love to see our shop eventually grow and become a full-time job for Brent. Brent loves sharing his carvings with others who enjoy them as much as we do.
 
 
 
 How do you manage your time between Etsy and the rest of your life?
 
  Since we are relatively new to Etsy and are still trying to build our followers and circles and sales its hard. Usually an early morning before we go to work and then a few hours after work. We have reserved the weekends for family time and don't participate on Etsy during the weekends. Right now, we have a blessing in disguise as Brent is manning the computers right now, which is a full-time job, as he recovers from shoulder surgery.
 
 
Is this a hobby, part-time job, or full-time job?
 
Its mostly a hobby - but right now full-time/part-time trying to get established, (please tell us it gets easier and less time consuming.)
 
 
Do you make or stock items you love, or what will sell?
 
Our stock is pretty much what you see in our shop. Brent is always carving, except now - but he can't wait to get back to it, so the stock and items are continually changing.
 
 
 
Where else can we find you online?
 
We also have a Facebook page
www.facebook.com/JJLadells
 
 
Did you always want to have your own business?
 
Yes, Brent has always wanted his own business and has tried different things but the chickens seem to be the best so far, and he is having the most fun with the carvings also.
 
 
 
Any other thoughts you want to share with us?
 
 Etsy has been a great place to be part of. We like how the website works in general and of course the people we are meeting on Etsy are amazing and great to work with. We hope to be here for a very, very long time!!!!
 
 
 
 
 
 
Thank you Brent & Holly!!!
 
 
 
 
Pieces of Home Mosaics
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Friday, March 22, 2013

Featuring Cassidy Millar



Featured Artist
 
Cassidy Millar
 
Owner of
The Magicians Cat
 
 
You guys are going to go nuts when you peek into this shop!
I just love all the goodies she has!!
I can't wait for you to get to know her!
 
Warning Label:
You will want everything you see!  
 
 
What do you sell?
 
Handmade Semiprecious Gemstone Jewelry & Found Object
Repurposed Jewelry & Fine Art Photography & Ink Drawings
 
 
 
 
How did you get started with Etsy?
 
Like a deer in head lights! It was a little overwhelming at first and actually I didn’t get serious about participating until this January. My sister has an Etsy and it was her recommendation that got me building a shop. Once I sunk my teeth in I realized it was never ending. I started making treasuries, I joined teams, I made a team, I made friends! I was in creation heaven!
 
 
 
 
When did you get interested in making your Art?
 
I have an over active imagination! I have been passionately pursuing photography since the very moment I was able to use a digital camera, circa 1998. My trips to the zoo became longer and I started to understand what “camera upgrade” really meant! I began collecting jewelry making supplies in 2011 and made my first piece in 2012. I was inspired by all the artists where I lived at the time, Portland OR. I had found a more touchable outlet for expression, I was hooked.
 
 
 
Where does your inspiration come from?
 
Chaos, Mother Nature and Space. I love motion just as much as I love stillness. I love the finite and vastness. I believe everything is possible and this has been a key philosophy behind my pieces. Also, true love. Lots of my pieces are put together because I feel they create harmony and balance, key components to love in this crazy world. Gemstone have amazing metaphysical properties, this has always intrigued me.
 
 
 
Who taught you or how did you learn your art form?
 
I learned to love the art of jewelry making from a former boss, Tamara. She owns an amazing shop in Portland, OR called Redux. My pursuit of photography started when I was very young and although I have no formal training, I have been blessed to meet many amazing professionals over the years. Practice, lots and lots of experimentation and failure and spontaneous success. Fearlessness is key here.
 
 
 
Where do you see your Shop in 5 years from now?
 
More friends!! I see myself creating textile based necklaces. More fur, leather and lace. I see rings in the future and long chains. My heart wills me to make more ink drawings and take more travel photographs. Also, I hope to have models for my jewelry!
 
 
How do you manage your time between Etsy and the rest of your life?
 
I am a nanny and a zoo volunteer, most of my free time is early mornings and evenings. I hold myself accountable for a certain amount of effort to reach my set views and favorite goal daily. I never want my friends to wonder if I am coming out of my cave, however, this is a business to me and I put in my shop hours to ensure I am constantly growing.
 
 
Is this a hobby, part-time job, or full-time job?
 
This is a full time extra job. In the last two months I've put in serious amounts of work, around 40 hours a week, crazy right?!?! Its paid off more than I could have imagined. I've made compromises with my spouse and sometimes we have work dates!
 
 
Do you make or stock items you love, or what will sell?
 
Build from the heart, that’s my motto. I care about helping people adorn themselves, but it goes both ways. You must love an artist’s authentic heart felt work and feel honored to be a part of their unique vision, as much as the artist must create what they love with keen inspiration and passion. I see what sells and most of it I honestly cant make! My five year vision doesn’t even include these things either. I may be slightly offbeat, but you are looking at my whole heart.
 
 
Where else can we find you online?
 
 
 
Did you always want to have your own business?
 
Yes and no. I love service, I love caring for other people. Ideally, you get to work for yourself and that’s great! There have always been times in my life where I am employed, happily! Owning my own business has been incredibly rewarding and liberating.
 
 
Any other thoughts you want to share with us?
 
Know yourself. We can get caught up in this crazy world market and become very judgmental of ourselves and others. Just remember that your passion is unique to you, even if someone has something similar, you aren't going to create identical pieces, your hands are different, your hearts are similar. We can get discouraged and feel lost in this giant ocean of Etsy. The great news is there are tons of avenues for expression; teams, treasuries, blogs, shops, product photos, team games/challenges…the list goes on. Feel inspired and honored to be working side by side with such incredible artists, you ARE one of them! There is a common human goal, and we can strive to meet that every day. I am so grateful for everyone and Etsy. Happy Long Life!
 
 
               
 
 
 
 
 
I told you~ Amazing stuff!!!!
 
Cassidy, thank you for sharing your talent and passion with us!
 
 
 
 
 
Come visit my shop Pieces of Home Mosaic!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Saturday, March 16, 2013

Let's Meet Lorraine Stone

 
 
Today's Shop Spot Light!
 
DejaReViewGreenArts
 
Recycled Materials Artist
&
Shop Owner
Lorraine Stone
 
 
 
 
You are going to fall in love with Lorraine's Shop! I did! Her romantic wearable art is to die for! Her purses and pillows are amazing! She really has an eye and talent for making and selling outstanding pieces.
Sit back and enjoy your journey into a shop full of Romance!
 
 
 
 
DejaReViewGreenArts
 
 
What do you sell?
 
 
I design, create, produce, sell "Eco-Conscious Creations" generally constructed of as close to 100% re-purposed resources as is possible whenever possible. I use primarily reclaimed, recycled and vintage leather for the bulk of my designs, but can and will use almost any type of reclaimed, recycled and vintage materials (depending on the nature of the project). Though I am a recycled materials artisan - I will use some new new materials (but only if the customer desires me to do so). I much prefer to love and honor all of the animals that have already been killed by re-using their too generous sacrifice. I started out initially thinking I would focus on technology device cases and bags (iPhone, Android, iPad, Laptop, Messenger, etc). My customers have rather quickly shown me the direction my shop is going in. As the months pass, my shop is rather swiftly becoming a specialty costuming business. I am the last to know! Very fulfilling, loads of fun, and each order is truly a one of a kind handmade customized design. I LOVE it! I work from scratch with each customer. To current I have not been using patterns, though if/when I do go into offering limited runs, I am considering the use of a few template patterns for efficient production process.

Specialty Items/Costuming/Festival Wear
Woodland, Steampunk, Fairie, Bohemian, Hippie, Biker eclectically influenced
Corsets, Festival Belts, Flask Holsters, Shoulder Holsters, Armour, Chaps, Spats.......
Upcycled Clothing
Bicycle Panniers (as yet still on the horizon)
Home Decor (Pillows, Wall Hangings (Tapestries, Mixed Media, Paintings), Table Runners, Place-mats)
Technology Device Cases/Bags
One of a Kinds, Custom Orders, (Limited Runs as yet still on the horizon)
 
 
How did you get started with Etsy?
 
Totally by default. Initially there was resistance and “no, whatever” attitude.

During the beginning of the most recent economic downturn (late 2007/early 2008) I completed the end of 10 years of being in business for myself as a video producer, camerawoman, and legal videographer. Being re-routed into having to seek out new avenues for employment, I was asked by a professional marketing woman I have known for many years if I wanted to start a small business with her. She brought the marketing skills and financial backing. I brought the rest. We worked together very part-time in the new little office space we rented together. Originally this woman had suggested that I put some of my little handmade items for sale on the bookshelf in our new office. After having sold 5 pieces in one transaction to someone we saw in our office only once, my partner thought that having my creative work for sale in our office may be proving to be too distracting and inappropriate. My partner also stated that she was concerned that I may become too successful with my artistic pursuits, that may not work well for our mutual business goals. My partner told me that I would need to get my handmade goods, artwork out of our office. That is when I decided to try Etsy. I had been told over several years by many others that “you should look into Etsy”. Initially I was very resistant, not convinced that Etsy was the place for me. I didn't like the idea of being “not real” behind a computer screen and working all alone barely engaging in the “real” 3D world. I was in for a big surprise though as my attitude totally shifted once I made my first couple of sales on Etsy. My first sale was for a re-purposed binoculars case $95 purse includes shipping; my 2nd sale was a custom order messenger bag for $175 includes shipping. I was so jazzed that I did not have to rent an office or have a business partner and somehow people still managed to find me on the internet, bought my things. How cool is that? I was hooked!
 
 
When did you get interested in making your Art/Craft?
 
 
As much as I have been trying to change or hide, I have always “been artistic”, winning art awards in grade school and again in college... I was actually trying pretty darn hard not to be an artist, suppressing my natural instincts, trying to hide and just fit in to the regular work world the best I could, trying to hide my artsy side so as not to stand out as “weird "with the goal of supporting myself – just “make a living”. It wasn't working. During the last economic downturn, I was asked by a woman (a gynecologist) as organizer of a non-profit's women's group fundraiser to please hand-make something for the group's annual Christmas fundraiser. I asked this (Dr.) what I should make – she replied – how about some little pouches, bags. The pouches, bags each one unique and one of a kind - pretty much were sold out at the 4 hour one day fundraiser event. My ex-boyfriend's woman friend actually had wanted a pouch that was sold – so another order for $100 bag was also placed by my ex-boyfriend right after the event.
 
 
 
Where does your inspiration come from?
 
First and foremost I am deeply inspired by the awesome beauty of this wonderful planet we call our mutual home – Earth. I am in love with the beauty of nature, the pants, the trees, the foliage, the flowers, the terrain, the cycles, the seasons, the rhythms of life, the animals. I can feel our Mother Earth as we live upon her, on top of her, my vision includes that I live with the Earth and not just on top of her. I am greatly inspired to honor all of the animals that humans have at one point in time or another already killed, sacrificed an animal's life for, for the use of a part of that animal for the survival of man as a species. I am tirelessly inspired to work with recycled, reclaimed and/or vintage materials when at all possible to help in my small way to reset, re-establish the balance of nature. I am endlessly inspired as I continue to re-use resources of all kinds – comforted, knowing that every “Eco-Conscious” creation I design, produce and sell is contributing to the overall reduction in carbon footprint.
 
 
 
 
Who taught you or how did you learn your art form?
 
 
When I was a child growing up, my Mother was always sewing, making clothes for both me and her. We would have matching outfits her and I, even my Barbie dolls would have matching dresses. My Mother would remake her clothes into clothes for me and my Barbie doll. Though as I grew older, it was very evident that my Mother and I had very different style preferences – it is really my Mother I give the full credit to for my life-long interest in and love of sewing, materials, fabrics, and making things for esp females to wear.
 
 
Where do you see your Shop in 5 years from now?
 
 
I would like to be featured in green living fashion shows, have models walk the green designers catwalk showcasing my reclaimed materials work. I would definitely like to run this Etsy shop as my full time ''regular” business (ha ha whatever that means). I would like to participate in conferences with other recycled materials artisans, inspiring others to re-use resources, teach courses in supporting and encouraging creative thinking and re-purposing. I would like to have a couple of limited runs offered too, things that are not just one of a kind and custom. Due to how much time one of a kinds and custom work takes (as each is its own prototype), it would be smartly much more efficient as a business model to also offer limited runs made from templates.
 
 
 
How do you manage your time between Etsy and the rest of your life?

 
 
 
This question is an assumption that I do!

Every day is an effort to achieve balance. I am by nature heavily an experimentalist, thus I usually have at any one time numerous projects stuck off to the side with a note on each of them – things I want to experiment with. I would say that there is an endless stream of things I could be making and/or learning about techniques to add to my toolkit. So my time is managed only by me reigning in and controlling my wild horse streak, controlling my eccentric nature to “just stay to myself and play around with my materials”, knowing that I must also “take care of business” (the ex video producer side of me).

 
 
Is this a hobby, part-time job, or full-time job?
 
 
This is a part time job which I would love to grow to full time.
 
 
 
Do you make or stock items you love, or what will sell?
 
 
Well actually really neither. I am actually stocking less pre-made items and selling more deposits for custom items. Although my shop initially was intended to focus on one of a kinds, custom and limited runs – as mentioned prior, as time goes on, the customers are the ones deciding for me what I am stocking/selling. Although I had intended to have numerous pre-made items in stock at any given time, my shop has been selling out of those items faster than I have been able to resupply the store with. I have not been able to keep up making more pre-made items while the custom orders have been taking more of my time, increasing in volume of sales in the last year.
 
 
 
Where else can we find you online?
 
 
You can also find this shop on Facebook:

 
 
Did you always want to have your own business?
 
 
I don't know if always is accurately descriptive. I learned that I may need to be self-employed, that working for myself was necessary if you will... for a couple of reasons. I don't like having to look busy. Many jobs want the workers to give the impression to the public or to the clients that the workers are always busy. Some of my best work is done when I do not look technically very busy. Another reason for owning my own business, I am so not a first thing Monday morning type. I like to be able to set my own hours, feeling generally often more productive working on my own body clock, making my own schedule.
 
 
 
Any other thoughts you want to share with us?
 
 
One of my "extra curricular" goals with my Etsy shop is to design for celebrities (esp musicians, singers), A dream project for me would be to get hired (and paid) by band(s) that promote green and sustainable living in their music's main message, making all of the band member's stage performance clothing/costuming for benefit concert(s) on behalf of the control of global warming, other environmental causes. Another goal of my Etsy shop is to create green fashion shows with other recycled materials designers and hold these green fashion shows at green and sustainable living conferences throughout the US as well as internationally. I am continually inspired to my core to show people all over the globe what can be done with something others may consider is “just trash” “throw that out”.

Thank you for your time to read this.
Lorraine
 
 
Here are some more of Larraine's incredible creations!
 
 
 
 
 
 
I hope you have enjoyed meeting Lorraine as much as I have!
I love the fact that she is engaged in making our world a more beautiful place... re using, up scaling & recycling.
She is a true Artist!
 
 
 
Pop on over to my shop Pieces of Home Mosaics!
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 


Saturday, March 9, 2013

featuring Amy Letendre


 
Today's Featured Etsy Shop Owner is......
Drum Roll Please.....
 
Amy Letendre
 
She is the owner of
a.ren.le Designs
 
 I asked Amy if I could feature her shop. I am so happy she said YES! 
(I am now addicted to shops that carry wonderful items for Mom & Baby)
 
 
Diaper Wipe Case "April in Paris"
 
Let us get all get settled in with our coffee or tea and learn about Amy!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
What do you sell?
 
 I sell handmade travel diaper wipe cases and jewelry. I will be adding a wedding section very soon!
 
 
Swarovski Bronze and Champagne Wire Wrapped Earrings
 
 
Handmade Bridal Wedding Clutch White Ivory Flowers
 
 
How did you get started with Etsy?
 
A little over a year ago I sold some cases to a shop in downtown Chicago, and they loved my designs more than other cases they had seen. I was flattered! I had heard about Etsy and just fell in love with it once I took a look. I signed up soon after and started selling my cases from there.
 
 
When did you get interested in making your Art/Craft?
 
I have been making things by hand for years and years. I just love creating something out of raw materials. It is very satisfying, and even more so when someone else can use and enjoys your product. I started making the wipe cases after my daughter was born. I found something similar online and recreated one for myself. Friends loved them, so I made more, entered craft fairs, and eventually opened my Etsy store front!
 
 
Where does your inspiration come from?
 
I get my inspiration from popular trends and patterns, as well as things I just plain love about life. Be they places or things that inspire me, they always mean something to me.
 
 
 Who taught you or how did you learn your art form?
 
I have decided to learn to make as many things as I can, myself. Sometimes I learn from others online via tutorials, but I generally love to figure things out myself.
 
 
Where do you see your Shop in 5 years from now?
 
 In five years I would love for my shop to have lots more followers and a steadier stream of sales. I would also like to have a wider variety of handmade items available to customers, of course still incorporating the love and care I put into my work now.
 
 
How do you manage your time between Etsy and the rest of your life?
 
 I am fortunate enough to be able to be a stay at home mom. When my daughter is napping or working on puzzles I get as much work done as I can.
 
 
Is this a hobby, part-time job, or full-time job?
 
For now it is a hobby, but my goal is to be able to make a job or career out of creating lovely things that other people will use and love, too!
 
 
 Do you make or stock items you love, or what will sell?
 
 I stock items that I love! I believe that the wipe cases are functional, but oh so cute. It's kind of a nice thing for mommies to be able to pull out a fancy wipe case while having to change a dirty diaper. Just a little bit of fun during a dirty job :)
 
 
Diaper Wipe Case "Polka Dots"
 
 
 
Where else can we find you online?
 
I am only on Etsy presently, but enjoy it very much!
 
 
 
Did you always want to have your own business?
 
 When I was younger making jewelry out of Christmas lights, or Barbie clothes out of old skirt fabric I knew I wanted to work with my hands and mind creating new, interesting things. It had only been in the past few years that having my own business had become something I am very interested in!
 
 
Any other thoughts you want to share with us?
 
Just want to say thank you for the opportunity to be interviewed on your blog! It is a very nice blog :)
 
 
I just Love Amy's Shop!
 

 
I am so glad she took the time to Share with Us!
 
Thank you Amy!
 
 
 
Come on over to Pieces of Home Mosaics
 
 

Sunday, March 3, 2013

Grow up? NO!



OK, I hate to say it... But, It is my Birthday Month! I am not a fan of getting older. I fight it tooth and nail. I am not sure why I fight it. But, well, I do in a Big Way! Every Year, I do something a bit crazy to prove to myself that I am not getting old!
 
Yes, I know, I know, I should be in therapy! Anyway, 2 years ago I got this amazing tattoo on my back.  It took forever and hurt like Hell! But, well, AGE will not get me!

Last Year I had Pin up Photos taken... Hubba Hubba
(Up your nose 45!)

 
There is more to the Photo (but, well, No One needs to see my ruffle butt!)
 
Oh, the puppy dog paws on my shoulder ... that was for another birthday. My daughter and I got the paws together!
Yes, I am good MOM!
 
This year... I am going to straighten my crazy curly hair chemically at the beauty shop
 
AND
 
Buy Baby Stuff!
 
My Youngest Child and his wife are going to have a BABY!
 
Hmm... Maybe it is time to grow up????
Nope! Nope... still fighting tooth and nail!
 
As I come to my next year in life. I figured that I should Celebrate with a 25% OFF Sale in my Shop!
 
Yes, this is all coming back to Selling!
Hey, a girl has to make some money... I am getting closer, with every breath, to retirement!
(you can chuckle.. it's OK)
 
``````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
I have added a new Mosaic Window to my shop!
It was a HOOT to make!
(I couldn't help it)
 
 
Here are a few of my other pieces that I dearly love!
Have fun looking!
 
Please head over to my shop and see what else I have to offer!
 Remember 25% OFF! Use Coupon Code: Birthday25
 
Pieces of Home Mosaics 
 
 

 

 

 
 
If you know me... you know, that I can't just show off my Shop without showing off other Outstanding Shops!
Enjoy!
 
Shop: ZivaKreations 
 
 
 Shop: Mama's Zoo Boutique
 
 
Shop: BackStitchAlley 
 
 
 
Shop: Lantana Louise Art
 
 
Part of Never Growing Up:
 Is to Embrace Your Creative Side!