All about Mom!

Good morning!

Today is going to be all about Mom! You have one and you just might be one. Moms are everywhere.... You can't go anywhere without bumping into one. Today, is my daughter birthday. She is 29! Holy Smokes... it sure went by fast! Anyway, it got me thinking....

The Mom on a good day:
She smiles at you. She asks nicely that you put away your stuff. She might even start the sentence off with the word "honey'. She goes and puts your undies in the laundry and finds matches to all your socks and sticks them in your dresser. She comes back to notice that her "honey" hasn't moved off the couch yet. So, she asks again. This time she might smile and say " Hey, sweetheart don't forget to clean up your stuff". She goes and makes "sweetheart" lunch and sets it on the table. Now, "sweetheart" is called for lunch and "sweetheart" doesn't move an inch. So, "sweetheart" hasn't put away the stuff and is taking forever to come to the table. Now, MOM is starting to twitch and steam is coming out her ears and she still has the battle of getting sweet pie to do homework later!

Let us take a minute here and think. Hmmm.... if you are the kid. You have put your mom through Hell (pick any day kids and think about... you know I am right) and she deserves a gift on Mother's Day. If you are the Mom, you deserve a gift on Mother's Day for not killing your child on any given day over the years! Moms.. you know I am right on this one.. stop day dreaming about what you thought motherhood was going to be like and get real!

Well, guess what! I have some Outstanding Stuff you can get for Mom! And, Mom if you think you need to buy yourself a little something (cuz, dad forgot to tell self absorbed "sweetheart" to get you something) I have the perfect something just for you! (slip it into dad's hand and tell him to give it to the kid to give to you... oh, you might want to wrap it yourself for a good presentation!)

Where can you find said Outstanding Stuff... let me tell ya! Head over to my shops on Etsy!

 

Click on any image below and it will take you where you want to go!

 

Here is a sampling of what each shop has to offer!

 

Pieces of Home Mosaics:

 

Mosaic Windows

 

Mosaic flower garden vintage window

 

Home Accents

 

Mosaic Pitcher and Basin Wall Hanging

 

Boxes and Mirror

 

Mosaic Mirror

 

Pendants and Bracelets

 

Mosaic Pendant

 

Rings, Barrettes and Earrings

 

silverware ring fused glass

 

Magnets and Key Chains

 

Blue Rose Mosaic Tumbled Glass Keychain

 

Kitchen

 

Mosaic Vinegar Bottle Stained Glass

 

Make Up Mirrors and Pill Boxes

 

Mosaic Owl Make Up Compact Mirror

 

 

 

Fancy That Fusion

 

Compact Mirrors

 

Double Sided Make Up Mirror Compact

 

Key Chains

 

Fused Glass Blue Key Chain

 

Bracelets and Cuffs

 

Copper Cuff

 

Jewelry Boxes and Pill Boxes

 

Mosaic Fused Glass Box

 

Home Décor

 

Candy Dish

 

Earrings

 

Brown Fused Glass Stud Earrings

 

I would feel bad about plugging my Shops on my Own Blog... But, well... I think Motherhood has left me with no Shame!

 

*** Disclaimer

If you aren't a Mommy yet. It is truly a blessing (even on a bad day!). Being a Mom is the best thing that has ever happened to me. Children are gifts from God. No matter how or when they come to you!

 

Happy Birthday Jacqaulyn! Mommy Loves you! Now get me a gift!!!

 

Thanks for reading!

 

Kate 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My New Shop! Fancy That Fusion!

Happy Hello All!

 

Well, I did it! I opened up a new shop! Call me crazy!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

My new shop is

 

Fancy That Fusion 

 www.etsy.com/shop/FancyThatFusion

 

Copper Cuff

 

 

I love my Shop

 Pieces of Home Mosaics

 www.etsy.com/shop/PiecesofhomeMosaics

 

 

Flatware Stained Glass Art Ring

 

I love making mosaics! I love working with tile, broken pottery, and glass to make my one of a kind items. But, I also found out that fusing glass is so much fun! I have been fusing my brains out! I'm melting bottles, mason jars and fusing colored glass into jewelry pendants, bracelet cuffs, home décor items and magnets! Oh, I am having a hoot! My shop Pieces of Home Mosaics was filling up with fused glass items.  And I thought Hmmmmmmmm...................

 

Long story short. I decided to open a shop with just fused glass items! Why not, right!?! Well, let me tell you... two shops on etsy is hard work! So, if you are reading this pretty please with sugar on top Help me get the word out.

 

If you see something you love in my shops I have coupon codes just for you!

Yes!!! Savings....wooohoooooo baby!!

 

 

Fancy that Fusion

www.etsy.com/shop/FancyThatFusion

Coupon Code:  HOHOHO30

Spend $10.00 Save 30%   

 



Green and Red Glass Pendant

 

 

Fused Glass Pendant

 

Pieces of Home Mosaics

www.etsy.com/shop/PiecesofhomeMosaics

Coupon Code: Xmassale40

 Spend $10.00 and Save 40%

Mosaic decor holiday sled

Cameo Mosaic Pill Box

 

 

I love to make items that are One of Kind! Each soul you meet is a One of a Kind! Why shouldn't the items you own or give be just that! I love it when people walk into a room and say, "Wow, I have never seen anything like this!" That is what I strive for!  

 

I love funky and I love different! In both of my shops you will find items that no other shop sells! My style reflects my personality. Yes, I am funky and different!

 

 I put thought, care and love into each piece I make!

 

Don't forget the coupon codes. Those codes will save you money on your Christmas Giving. If you are like me... you are on a budget! I know, giving can be hard on the pocket book!

 

Also, if you know me... I can't just plug my shops! Nope! I need to tell you about a shop that did my Etsy Shop Banners.

 

Here are my banners

 

 

 

The gal who made my banners, drum roll please...... is Lucinda Myer.

 

 

Her Shop is

 

Luci Makes Cards

www.etsy.com/shop/LuciMakesCards

 

Here are a few of her works!

 

Butterfly greeting card

 

Buddha greeting card

 

Lucinda creates stunning cards and outstanding Etsy shop banners!

I tell you, if you are in need of these... this is your lucky day!!!!

 

Don't you just love Etsy! So many wonderful things to see and buy!

 

Thank you all for stopping in!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

New Designs & Discount Coupon!

Happy Hello All! I have been a busy bee!

Today, I am going to show off some of my new designs! You know I love to mosaic! I am a mosaic crazy person... I am also, a glass freak too! So, I have been fusing glass and using my pieces in my mosaics!

I have a new collection of Make Up Compact Mirrors & Pill Boxes! These are so fun to make. I just went wild! I have used stained glass, handcrafted fused glass pieces, tumbled glass and my favorite thing Gun Shell Casings!

To celebrate my New Designs, I am offering a Discount!

Spend a minimum of $5.00 and receive a 20% Discount on anything in my Shop!

Use coupon code: Blogger

at checkout!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/129508710/fused-glass-mosaic-make-up-mirror?ref=shop_home_active

https://www.etsy.com/listing/150788270/mosaic-octopus-make-up-compact?ref=shop_home_active

https://www.etsy.com/listing/153975701/mosaic-fused-glass-pill-boxtrinket-box?ref=shop_home_active

https://www.etsy.com/listing/153973087/mosaic-pill-boxtrinket-box-hunting?ref=shop_home_active



Gun shell casing you ask? Yes, gun shell casings! My hubby and I love to go 4 wheeling in the mountains here in Eastern Oregon. On our travels through the high desert I have found gun shell casings laying on the ground. Seeing them on the ground made me think about what I could do with them. Hubby and I went crazy and picked up every one we saw! I figured that I would come up with something to do with them! And, I did! Now, I have family and friends save their casing for me! I am working on some gun shell casing key chains too!

 

I have also been busy creating my mosaic jewelry line! Oh, I am having fun! I love to re-purpose items and I think I found a fabulous marriage of old flatware/silverware and mosaics! Here are a few!

This bracelet turn out beautifully!

 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/153357152/mosaic-silverware-art-bracelet?ref=shop_home_active

 

Here is one of my pendants! Now, this was meant to be a wearable piece of art, but, it would look wonderful as an ornament!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/154113350/silverware-stained-glass-pendantornament?ref=shop_home_active

 

This is my newest! I am pretty excited about how it turned out! Very pretty! Fyi... don't hit anyone in the mouth with it!!! LOL

https://www.etsy.com/listing/154167307/mosaic-art-ring?ref=shop_home_active

 

 

I am having a wonderful time creating!

 

I hope you enjoy my designs!

 

To celebrate my New Designs, I am offering a Discount!

Spend a minimum of $5.00 and receive a 20% Discount on anything in my Shop!

Use coupon code: Blogger

at checkout!

 

Stop by and check out more of my designs:

 

Etsy Shop: www.etsy.com/shop/PiecesofhomeMosaics

 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/piecesofhome

 

 

 



Featured Artist Ken Koleszar

 

 

Oh, how I love Etsy!!!!

 

Today, I want to introduce you to
Ken Koleszar!

 

 

He is the owner of

Outside In Woodworks!

https://www.etsy.com/shop/OutsideInWoodworks?ref=si_shop

 

I saw Ken's work as I was looking around Etsy about a month ago. His workmanship caught my eye right away!
 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/126137335/quilt-rack-quilt-stand-afghan-blanket?ref=shop_home_active

 

 My father, who is now 85 years old, used to be an amazing woodworker. When I saw Ken's craftsmanship it took me back to the days when workmanship, quality and passion for the art really took center stage! I just had to ask Ken for an interview! I am very excited to be able to share his Shop with you! Plus, as you all know... I love to find out what makes people tick!

 

 So, grab your coffee and get comfy! Here we go!!!

 

What do you sell?

 

I try to have a variety of items for sale. A lot of woodworking shops seem to have one strong point such as turning, scroll work, or boxes etc. I have been doing this a long time and have had the opportunity to refine my skills sets in most areas of woodworking. I sell everything from wine accessories to baking and cooking accessories to platter, bowls and quilt racks. About the only thing that I do not do is carve. I guess we all know what I’ll be learning next!
 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/117769153/small-cedar-bowl?ref=shop_home_active

 

 

How did you get started with Etsy?

 

 I was first introduced to Etsy by doing research. I was looking for inspirational ideas for a Garlic and Wine festival and noticed that a lot of the pages I was landing on were at this place called Etsy. My wife and I just happened to be placed next to an ex-students parent’s booth, at that precise festival, and were talking about various ways and places to sell our goods. She brought up etsy since she has a shop here. Since then, I’ve been off and running!

 

 

When did you get interested in making your Art/Craft?

 

I can trace it back to elementary school. I remember, after watching Moby Dick, I wanted to make a harpoon., so I cut down a small tree, sharpened a point and started sanding away! Later, I took Industrial Arts classes all through school. My senior year I was in my woodworking room three periods a day, once for my class, once as a shop foreman and once out of study hall. I would present a project plan to my teacher, Mr. Lustig, and he would say, “Ken that looks too difficult”. I would go ahead and do it anyway and his response was always, ”Looks like you did it.”

 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/117822801/multi-colored-rolling-pin-baking-pastry?ref=shop_home_active

 

 

Where does your inspiration come from?

 

Some of my inspiration comes from research, some from magazines and some from the material itself. Some items I design myself, always remembering that form follows function. If I’m going to a show I will obviously try to make fitting items. The item may be an everyday thing, such as a wine rack, so I try to take it up a notch or two. I took my Industrial Art classes to heart. I try to make “useful art”, something as beautiful as it is functional.
 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/117879720/wine-balancer-hand-crafted-wine-gift?ref=shop_home_active

 

 

Who taught you or how did you learn your art form?

 

I learned the basics of woodworking in school. I learned a few techniques from magazines and the Internet, but mostly I am self-taught. An old Confucius saying goes, “I hear, I forget. I see, I remember. I do, I understand.” There is no substitute for getting in there and trying something new.

 

 

Where do you see your Shop in 5 years from now?

 

I just started my shop five months ago. I am new to selling, let alone on line. Heck, I just joined Facebook a couple months ago, so I have a lot to learn about social networking and Etsy. I have been concentrating on getting a following and trying to be seen. Next to the quality of my products, I believe that this is my foundation to build upon. I have MANY ideas still rolling around in my head that I wish pursue. I see my shop expanding into new areas that will allow me to be even more creative. No matter where the years may lead me and my shop, quality of materials and craftsmanship will always be at the forefront, dictating what will be done.

 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/129494356/slate-and-walnut-upcycled-lazy-susan?ref=shop_home_active

 

 

 

 How do you manage your time between Etsy and the rest of your life?

 

I teach all of the Mechanical Drawing and woodworking classes at my local High School and have two young daughters, so it’s tough sometimes. It takes a lot of time to get an idea from my head to being an actual product and trying to build a following. I would say the biggest change has been, that now, I watch very little TV! That’s always a good thing. I try to do the computer stuff whenever I get a chance. As always, my wife is right there supporting me and our endeavor.

 

 

Is this a hobby, part-time job, or full-time job?

 

Unfortunately, I would have to say that today, it is a hobby. My aspirations have been to make it a part time job, but I’m not to that point in sales yet. I will keep on working toward that goal and I believe that at some point my answer would change.

 

 

Do you make or stock items you love, or what will sell?

 

I think that everyone makes items that they feel will sell or they wouldn’t be on Etsy. What I try to do is marry the two. I only produce items that I love and feel have the potential for a monetary reward.

 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/117773986/gorgeous-curly-maple-platter-serving?ref=shop_home_active

 

 

Where else can we find you online?

 

I can be found here on Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/OutsideInWoodworks
Goodsmith’s: www.facebook.com/pages/Outside-In-Woodworks/138684812952212?ref=ts&fref=ts
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Outside-In-Woodworks

 

 

Did you always want to have your own business?

 

I always thought that selling my woodworking would be an option. I’ve been collecting materials and tool my entire life and have come to the point where it has become a reality.

 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/117870632/cedar-wine-gift-box?ref=shop_home_active

 

 

Any other thoughts you want to share with us?

 

Every year I have a cookout for the students I’ve had for their entire four years of High School. We eat, play games and give gag gifts but the main point is to show them that their dreams can become reality. They get to see my dream in real life. I explain that my father came off of the boat, from Hungary, with literally only the shirt on his back in 1956. He helped raise us four kids and is now retired. I wanted to become a teacher and raise a family in the country, which I’m doing with my wonderful wife Dawn. All of these things just didn’t happen. We had to make the right decisions. We had to make sacrifices and we had to stay focused. If you want something, work for it, make your own destiny. The people you surround yourself with matter.

 

I want to thank Ken and Dawn for letting us all peek into their lives!

 

And, did I not tell you that this was a fantastic shop!!!!!

 

Thank you so much Ken for allowing me to share your story, talent and your shop!

 

Run on over to Outside In Woodworks!

 

I only gave you a taste of what you will find there. Now, you all know where to go for that special wedding gift, housewarming gift and for all those birthday gifts! He has items in every price point. You surely can't go wrong with whatever you choose!

 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/150127016/quilt-rack-afghan-rack-quilt-stand-curly?ref=v1_other_1

 

 

Oh, and Ken.....

 

                          give Dawn the night off...

 

                                                                   I know she deserves it!

 

 

 

Take care & thanks for reading!

Kate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Featured Shop Owner Nan Curtis

Today you are in for a treat! All Handcrafted Items!

Today's Featured Shop Owner is Nan Curtis!

https://www.etsy.com/shop/bynani?page=2

She is the Owner of  Bynani. 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/126632804/extra-large-totepursecarryall-orangerust?ref=shop_home_active

Sit back and relax! I know you will find something to love in Nan's shop! She makes everything by hand and her items are truly made with love and care.

Let's learn a bit about Nan!

What do you sell?

I sell a variety of sewn items:  women’s and girl’s apparel and accessories; purses/handbags/totes/lunchbags; home décor; “kid stuff,” and toddler/baby clothing and accessories.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/128549502/customizable-a-line-skirt-grey-white-and?ref=shop_home_active

How did you get started with Etsy?

I started with Etsy a few years ago when my house began to bulge from all of the things I was making.  I was practically giving things away to strangers and a few of my friends told me I should sell on Etsy.  I started a shop there, but had to take a break because of an illness.  I started my new shop in October.

When did you get interested in making your Art/Craft?

I’ve always “made stuff” (my mother said to me the other day, “is there any craft you don’t do?”) My great-grandmother was an artist and I remember saying when I was young, “I’m going to be an artist and live in Paris!”  That led me to fine art BA in photography and an MA in Art History and I ended up working through the ranks of art museums to become a museum director.  Over that whole period, and throughout all of my life and academic studies, I always sewed. 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/126430587/flannel-cloth-baby-rattle-kitty-cat-with?ref=shop_home_active

Who taught you or how did you learn your art form?

My mother sews, her sister sews, their mother sewed, her mother sewed, and I absorbed all of the lessons anyone would give me.  I began making Holly Hobby (does anyone remember Holly Hobby?) doll clothes when I was 7.  My mother gave me her sewing machine when I moved out of the house (that machine was older than me!) and then gave me another a few years after that when she bought another newer model for herself.  I was able to have that one replaced when my mom came to visit.  We were going to sew together on my machine (which had been her machine earlier).  She took about 10 stitches and said, “how can you sew on this!  I’m buying you a new machine today!”  Shout out to Mom!  THANK YOU!!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/125820990/beaded-reversible-table-runner-in?ref=shop_home_active

Where does your inspiration come from?

I’m inspired by so many things.  Art and design history, nature, architecture and whimsy.  I don’t have any children, so sewing whimsical things for kids is a way for me to get my “baby fix” and it fulfills the child in me.  Architecture fuels my eye for geometric forms and contrasts in color and texture.  As an art historian, I’m constantly thinking of forms that are historical.  And, I’ve always been a “nature girl.”  I live on a large tract of land and am always watching and walking outside.  Birds, animals, plant life, texture, color all make an impact on me.  The combination of all these forms of inspiration goes into my head, mixes around with the other stuff in my subconscious, and then comes out as a design and a sewn good.  I’m thankful for this diversity in inspiration.  It allows me to constantly change up what I’m doing and allows me to make a variety of items.  Hopefully, something for everyone. 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/127780519/aromatherapy-scented-neck-and-eye-pillow?ref=shop_home_active

Where do you see your Shop in 5 years from now?

My vision for the future of my shop is a really good question, because as a super smart business woman I . . . . have not made a business plan!  That’s exactly the way to conquer the world and be proprietor of Nanny-poo’s Princess Bynani Empire!  Haarrrr!  OK, in all seriousness, there is a Sunday Artisans Market in Ann Arbor, Michigan, about 15 miles from my home.  I would like to have a regular stall there, and perhaps do medium- sized craft/art fairs (the larger craft fairs seem to me to attract craftspeople that crank out the same version of a product over and over and over, I’m not interested in that), and to build business on my website.  I also like being on Etsy teams and sometimes fantasize about what it would be like to work for Etsy and coordinate/teach labs and events.

How do you manage your time between Etsy and the rest of your life?

Right now I’m taking a break from my career and am pursuing an MBA.  Why?  Why not!  Actually, I hope the MBA will give me the business skills I need to run my own business.   I am also trying to start a professional organizer business (that’s where the experience of running a museum and having been a  collections manager come in, as well as my experience organizing fabric and my studio!).  So, right now, work is not a conflict for me.  Studying, on the other hand . . . well, it sure does get in the way of my sewing!  Work will become an issue soon, though.  I need to find a part-time job to keep the school gig (oh, yeah, and the eating/being warm/having gasoline gig) going. 

Is this a hobby, part-time job, or full-time job?

Right now the Bynani is a hobby,  a major hobby, that I am attempting to turn into a part-time job.  I really want to reach a point where I can outsource photographing my products.  It takes up so much time.  I hope I can find someone that is skilled enough to photograph well and who will also barter with me. 

Do you make or stock items you love, or what will sell?

I only make things that I love.  I believe that if you make something that you wouldn’t use/wear/own then you won’t make a quality, or desired, good.  I recently moved back to Michigan after having been in Texas for four years.  Texas is where I started the previous Etsy shop (Green Onions Textiles).  Because of moving expenses I had to purge most of my items.  It made me really anxious!  Everything I make is like a baby to me.  I ended up giving everything to my next door neighbors.  They had been so patient with me while I lived there.  Almost every night I would run over to their house with the latest “show and tell,” and they would always oooh and aaah over everything.  I knew that they would find good homes for my creations.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/125094078/retro-yet-modern-angular-shaped-purse?ref=shop_home_active

https://www.etsy.com/listing/126570248/reversible-childs-arts-and-crafts-apron?ref=shop_home_active

Where else can we find you online?

In addition to the Bynani Etsy shop, I also have a website.  You can visit me and shop there at www.bynani.com.  I write a blog there and post about every four days.  My blog posts are very diverse and range from tutorials, art history, and thoughts of the day.  And I am always open to suggestions for blog post topics.  Please stop in and leave a comment.

 

I also have many Pinterest boards at http://pinterest.com/nanibynani/ and a Facebook business page at https://www.facebook.com/nanibynani.  I use the Facebook Page a lot to announce new items and sales.  Please stop by there and give me a Like if you . . . should I say it? . . . If you like!

Did you always want to have your own business?

I have always wanted to run my own business.  My mother started her own business when I was a baby.  She typed dissertations (yep, typed, that’s the way it was waaaay back then, typewriter times!), then turned that into a very prosperous typesetting business.  Mom is my greatest source of encouragement and hope, and is the best role model I know.  She’s my greatest cheerleader and has taught me the ins and outs of starting up a business and . . . sigh . . . patience.

Any other thoughts you want to share with us?

I have two final thoughts.

 

First, buy artisan.  It’s worth it for you, for the economy and for artists.   As major big-block stores keep growing and growing, they are driving out business for Mom and Pop stores and reducing the American GNP.  That’s an economic point of view that is indeed very important.  But there’s an additional reasons to buy handcrafted.  When you buy an artisan product you are buying something made just for you.  It’s unique, it’s a work of art and craft, and you are ultimately supporting the arts, which is so important for human beings.   You deserve to have some art in your life! And, you can be sure that you’ll never be wearing the same scarf/handbag/dress/etc., as anyone else at work or play. 

 Second, I want to say that everyone has creativity inside of themselves.  It’s true that some people are more talented, and perhaps skilled, than others.  But everyone has a creative element; it’s simply a matter of being still, looking inside oneself, and letting it out.  Throughout my career(s) as an artist, art history instructor, and museum professional I have heard so many times, “I’m not creative, I could never . . . . “ But the truth is that as human beings we are inherently creative.  So, give it a try!  See what happens (by the way, that’s what my grandfather always said).

 Best wishes to all and come take a look at Bynani!

 Nan

Thank you Nan for being my guest today!

I hope you enjoyed learning about Nan and her Fabulous Shop! I know I did! Make sure and stop by Bynani. Mother's Day is coming up!! hint hint! I know I will be popping over to buy some baby goodies.... I am going to be a Nana in October! I now know where to find just right items to spoil that Grand Baby when he or she comes!!!

Pop on over to my shop and see what is new!