I used to be a Silpada demonstrator.   When my “kit” arrived with all the jewelry that would be my samples to get started it was very exciting.   All of the sparkling silver jewelry and gorgeous beads lay in front of me.    But I couldn’t stop thinking about the boxes.   There were many possibilities in those brown & black containers of various sizes.

So I started collecting them.   I used them for storing various things around the house, wrapped gifts in them and decorated them.   When I opened Jersey Made I took some there, covered them with wrapping paper and began giving them away with purchases.  The customers were very pleased and I was happy about my little recycled Silpada box program.

Well I started to run out….   Horrors!!!!    That just couldn’t happen cause I had been having so much fun with them!    So I called Debbie as I often did when I was doing Silpada and had a crisis.   Debbie wasn’t my upline but she was a great person.  She offered excellent training for her group and welcomed me to be included.    She was kind of excited by my request since she had a whole bunch of empty boxes and was glad to recycle them!!!

Last Friday Debbie arrived with 3 big containers full of boxes of all sizes.   I was in heaven.   Recycling boxes once again!

Of course she brought me in all of the brand new items so I could see them.  I still wear much of my Silpada jewelry – it really is awesome stuff and it goes well with my jewelry from Jersey Made artists.    You are welcome to contact Debbie if you want to see a catalog.   Make sure you tell her I sent you!!!     www.MySilpada.com/debbie.carter

Meanwhile I will go on to tell you about the boxes…..

On Saturday I started to decorate the boxes.   I had been using a map from Cracker Barrel for another project so I had some  leftover pieces.

There is a funny story about the large green box on the upper left.   When I picked up that piece of map I said to Tanya who was painting across the table, “hey look – it is shaped like Wisconsin and Wisconsin is right there on the map”.   We laughed and I quickly glued it down.     Later one of my regular customers came in and was interested to see all the boxes lined up.   So I told him the story of the Wisconsin box.   He laughed and said “yes but that is the shape of Minnesota”.    HAHAHA – joy is really in the little things that make you burst out in laughter!!!   I sent the box home with him since he really could appreciate the humor in it!

I painted a few other boxes green as well.   I added a paper daffodil for a box for a friend.   It really was a bunch of fun decorating boxes again.

I plan to use maps to cover more since Jersey Made sort of has that theme going on.   Always gathering more NJ maps.   Thank goodness a lot of my friends have tracking devices cause I have taken all their maps!

Loved the checkerboard on the barrel!   They really have these set up at Cracker Barrel but I never see anyone playing!!!

As the pieces of leftover map got smaller I just selected the little boxes!

So here they are – my reused recycled boxes.   It really isn’t hard to cover them and I have sort of gotten it down.   Perhaps I will post a blog on that sometime soon.

As always, thanks for reading.   I like comments!!!

I meet many people along the way in life that really inspire me.    Guess I call them leaves in my pile and that is where I get my motto for my creations.

A pile gathering one creative leaf at a time….

This morning when I checked my email there was a notice from Google Alerts that my name had been used in a blog.  (This is a great service and I recommend it for all of you – of course it is free)    Pola had written about me on her Webmaven blog as part of Etsy NJ Team Tuesday Blog Hop.

They say that sometimes others see you better than you see yourself and I know that oftentimes that is true for me.   Pola make some great observations in her blog.    Just the title is a perfect description of what has been happening for me over the last few months,  ”Leafpile – a rooted trees takes off”.

I spent 2008/2009 going back into the art/craft show circuit.   After a series of misadventures and a constant struggle to keep my creations a part of my world it was time to try something else.    It really isn’t easy packing up all the art that you have created and haul it off to these shows, making sure it arrives in tack and is protected from the elements.   Then you need the tables, tent and display items.   My little car was jam packed each time.   Many of my crafting friends would stick around just to see how this jigsaw puzzle of packing actually fit.   Or perhaps it was because I was always the last one done…..

After another rainy show in late fall with minimal sales I knew it was time to do something better.    My tears as I drove home were the sign I needed that this wasn’t working for me.   The last thing I needed in my world was yet another part time job but I didn’t have any other ideas.   When my cell phone rang I hesitated to answer but it was Abbie.   She knew it had been a rough show for me and invited me to stop over so we could talk and brainstorm.

This was the beginning of Jersey Made!   I’ve always wanted to have a store and teach classes too.   It all seemed quite impossible and unattainable.   But there it was on the internet, a store available in the Mill Race Village.  The rent was low and a store in a little shopping village was a great location.   My hands shook for a few days from the excitement.    It would never have happened without Abbie’s encouragement and enthusiasm.    Once we started to think of all the possibilities it got even more exciting!   As Pola said in her blog, that is where it takes off…..

I met Abbie Galie through her Mom, the very talented Jennifer Mylod.   Jennifer often plays her music at Kirby’s Mill events (along with the Boys of County O’Cean).     Abbie & I  started working together on a few projects then we decided to have some creative get togethers.   She is full of ideas and  although we often see things very differently we found that when we agree we are onto something great!    Abbie has her own business called Original Abbie and creates some awesome art.  She is the coordinator for the EtsyNJ team.  She is the creator of the Handmade Faire , a much talked about show that really is awesome!!!    http://www.etsy.com/shop/abbieroad

So that is how I met Pola.   She is Abbie’s mother-in-law/Sean’s Mom and a very talented lady too!   Pola is involved in many non-profit organizations, spins & weaves her own wool, and oversees the Natural Resource Education Foundation of NJ in Waretown.   The NREF is a great place on the Barnegat Bay.   I try to attend or participate in as many events there as I can.   Music by the Bay is my favorite so mark that on your calendar!!!    http://www.musicatbarnegatbay.org/

Please enjoy Pola’s blog and leave her a comment – we all like comments!

http://webmavennj.blogspot.com/2010/03/leafpile-rooted-tree-takes-off.html

The Jersey Made logo was designed by Abbie Galie.   The little hands in the background and the awesome fonts combine for a perfect logo.

My leafpile is so full of creative friends.   I heart that!!!

So I just took this test online.   The Dewey Color System® claims to be the “world’s most accurate career testing instrument”.    ”This report based on your personality traits indicates your two most enjoyable day-day-day occupation skills.  Studies indicate workplace enjoyment is the key to success. ”

Best Occupational Category

You’re a CREATOR

Keywords

Nonconforming, Impulsive, Expressive, Romantic, Intuitive, Sensitive, and Emotional

These original types place a high value on aesthetic qualities and have a great need for self-expression. They enjoy working independently, being creative, using their imagination, and constantly learning something new. Fields of interest are art, drama, music, and writing or places where they can express, assemble, or implement creative ideas.

CREATOR OCCUPATIONS
Suggested careers are Advertising Executive, Architect, Web Designer, Creative Director, Public Relations, Fine or Commercial Artist, Interior Decorator, Lawyer, Librarian, Musician, Reporter, Art Teacher, Broadcaster, Technical Writer, English Teacher, Architect, Photographer, Medical Illustrator, Corporate Trainer, Author, Editor, Landscape Architect, Exhibit Builder, and Package Designer.

CREATOR WORKPLACES
Consider workplaces where you can create and improve beauty and aesthetic qualities. Unstructured, flexible organizations that allow self-expression work best with your free-spirited nature.

Suggested Creator workplaces are advertising, public relations, and interior decorating firms; artistic studios, theaters and concert halls; institutions that teach crafts, universities, music, and dance schools. Other workplaces to consider are art institutes, museums, libraries, and galleries.

2nd Best Occupational Category

You’re an ORGANIZER

Keywords:

Self-Control, Practical, Self-Contained, Orderly, Systematic, Precise, and Accurate

These conservative appearing, plotting-types enjoy organizing, data systems, accounting, detail, and accuracy. They often enjoy mathematics and data management activities such as accounting and investment management. Persistence and patience allows them to do detailed paperwork, operate office machines, write business reports, and make charts and graphs.

So I am thinking that there might be something to this.   I use my creative flair to be an excellent exhibit builder and I am a bookkeeper with a focus on the math.   Sure does sound like the enjoyable new career that I have created for myself at Jersey Made.

Try the test yourself and see…..

http://www.careerpath.com/career-tests/colorcareercounselor.aspx

The 3rd episode of snow in New Jersey hit yesterday.   Frustrated with the way the snow has stopped all the things around me that are fun I decided that I needed to be creative and add some color to the overly white world outside.

However there was a challenge that existed in this.   Much of my creative supplies are now at Jersey Made so that I can use them for classes, setting up displays, making signs, and of course creating art whenever possible.   BUT my sewing machine is still at home…..

I have been making these decorative cords from yarns and string that have been passed on to me.   Some are the ends – not enough to make another scarf or mitten.    Others just needed a new home.   I named them “Charming Cords” and have them available at Jersey Made.    While I was making a sign for me I listed a variety of possible uses.   They make great cords for my recycled necklace charms or when I want the cord to show on something I am hanging.    Jokingly,  my friend Tanya and I decided that shoelaces should be on the list.

Not such a joke anymore!   Look at the cool new shoelaces for my sneaks!!!

Being a good friend I made some “Charming Cord” for Tanya too!!!

As always, thanks for reading!

Comments make me smile!!!

I am supposed to be writing out checks to all the artists at Jersey Made.   For some reason though I cannot get past the fact that the checks that came from the bank did not come with a checkbook cover.   When did banks stop supplying these?      I have the checks & the register and have been carrying that around with a giant binder clip!

So……

I decided to make myself a check book cover.   It came out much nicer than anything the bank ever sent me anyway and it is custom made for the jumbo size checks that come with a business account.

I used eyelets on the sides to keep the flaps in place that will hold my checks on one side and the register on the other.   Then I made some of  my charming cords to make a tie that wraps around it.   An old re-used charm was attached to the end so that when flipped underneath it made a closure!

Now I am going to sell it back to the bank.   I think the $19.99 that they are now charging me for the checks that they once promised me for free would be an acceptable charge!

In the midst of my distraction, art was created….  I am off to write checks now.

Thanks for reading…..

Thought this was a good example of how art seems to happen from my surroundings.     Jersey Made has a beekeeper.   He brought a jar so that customers could taste the blueberry honey and since then it has been flying out of the shop.   Customers seem to like the idea of honey from NJ.

So I have been trying to learn new things about honey.   On his last visit the beekeeper loaned me a book with tons of information in it.   She had autographed the book for him and inside wrote “bee yourself”.   Seemed like a great suggestion.

So when it came time to create a recycled project the inspiration was right in front of me.   I follow Create It Green on Facebook and she challenged us to make something out of a coffee cup lid.  The deadline was yesterday.

Just under the wire I stopped to get a hot chocolate on my way to the shop so that I could used the lid for the project.   Sadly they gave me coffee instead but at least I had that lid!!!  hehe

I used the paper bag from my donuts as the background, cut to a circle that fit on the inside of the lid.   I cut up the used lip balm packaging to get the words “BEE natural” and 2 little bees.   Then I drew myself a little hive.

It needed a little color so I add the plaid scalloped circle behind the words.   My inspirational hot chocolate lid is now hanging at the shop.   Sometimes I need a challenge to get those creative idea flowing – but I ALWAYS need a deadline.    At 4PM it was posted to the Create It Green page.

Tonight I went to the first yearly meeting of the Berry Basket Quilters.   It was a entertaining program put on by the IQ3 (secret quilting code for Industrious Quilting of 3 great women:   Susan Painting, Sherry Brown and Debbie Rouse).    So glad I got to see their quilts and hear their tales.   All of them are very talented and if I can sew 1 quilt block for every full size quilt they have made it would be a whole lot for me.

The reason for my post is that a few of the ladies came up to me and said “wow – great resolution you put in the newsletter” and “oh I am going to follow your resolution”.    LOL    I forgot what I had even written but said thank you to each one of them anyway.  

It all started towards the end of 2009.  Carol, the newsletter editor had sent out a message asking us what our resolutions were for 2010.   I overlooked the first email somehow but then I got a 2nd one sort of pleading for people to participate.   I had been thinking alot about the new year and all the new things on my plate so I quickly typed an email back.   

Here is what I submitted for the newsletter:

“Instead of taking away, I decided to add a few things into my 2010.   Create more, pray more and focus on Jersey Made.”   

Perhaps I should add “keep up with my emails” to the list so I am better prepared for the feedback! 

www.jersey-made.com

Jersey Made is my business.   A retail shop located in the Mill Race Village of Mount Holly.   It opened on December 2nd.   100% handmade by NJ artists and a variety of classes too!     This is where I am 5 days a week now.    I work hard, set up displays of incredible artwork, and creating art of my own in between.   Since I am praying constantly along the way perhaps I have been following my own resolution after all.

Today was the first time I tried out my new wood burning kit.   Actually the brand name is Versa Tool.   After practicing on a small piece of wood with a few of the tips, I decided to work on my big project.   My friend Steven had given me some awesome driftwood that I have been using in a display case at Jersey Made.   I had also selected this piece from his vast collection.   He said this particular piece had came from the riverbank in Delanco -  real New Jersey driftwood!!!

First I marked the letters onto the driftwood with yellow chalk.   Pencil lines would have been too hard to see and I was not couragous enough to even think about using a pen or other permanent writing tool!    After doing the outline of the letters I got braver and made a design inside the letters too.     

I think I did mighty fine for my first adventure!!!

It still needed a little something.    I had some of the light gray paint left so I brushed that onto the outer part of the letters first.   Once I was sure I liked that I added the green.    Just want to make really sure everyone could see that Jersey Made was O P E N. 

 Next week’s project will be to figure out how to hang it right by the front door.    I have a few ideas but need to make sure the sign is secure and still easily removed each night.  

As usual thanks for reading!

Come on over to Jersey Made …..

The sign will be hanging every Wed & Fri from 11-6PM, Thurs 12-6PM, Sat 10-6PM, Sun noon – 4PM.

Jersey Made, LLC

Mill Race Village

33 White Street

Mount Holly, NJ   08060

609-914-1536

While pondering the passing of 2009 and the new year quickly approaching I had decided to try something different.    Rather than give up something for a resolution I would add something.    My buzz word for 2010 is going to be focus.    Focus on the things that surround me and keep my eyes open for new areas of focus.    I have broken down my goals and picked a few daily tasks that I will try to accomplish each day.    At the end of the day I will review my list and see how it goes.    This is not like a chore list since it is things that I want to do.    Too much time is spent on what I ought to do.   So in 2010 I want to allow myself some time to take in new things, expand my creative side, and enjoy the journey along the way!

Today a friend posted a message about observing.  The words rang so true for me:  ”take it in, notice, think about it, question it, learn from it”.   

 It reminded me of my Observation Jar.    A few years ago I was in charge of the discovery area for Vacation Church School.    Each day I had something new to discuss with the kids.    It was fun to put the jar together and as the week went on the kids were talking about it so much that all the adults came over to observe as well.

I asked the kids “what do you see in the jar?”   They all agreed that it was birdseed.   We talked about the difference between the words ’see’ and ‘observe’.   To observe is to watch attentively or take notice.   To see is to perceive with the eyes or to understand.     You might see a picture hanging in your house but one day you  discover something in the picture you hadn’t noticed before.   

The wow moment finally arrived as I told them to put the Observation Jar on its side.  

Inside the jar were 27 items.   The older kids made a list to see if they could find them all.     It did appear that the jar was just full of birdseed but upon further oberservation it really was much more than that.

 We are still growing as the caretakes of all that God created.  This lesson was to remind us to love God, love others, and love the earth that God made!   I think we all learned alot by the lesson taught by the Observation Jar.

So in my focus plan for 2010 I want to observe something new each day, look beyond the mere appearance and take the time to notice.   

Wishing you all the best in the new year….

I have missed my adventures in blogging!   Seems I had some sort of glitch on my website.   My webmasters probably have a fancy technical name for it but they know that it out of my area of expertise.

Things are going well at Jersey Made.   There are 12 artists on display now and the new banner has been catching some attention.   My new exercise program is carrying the big & heavy sandwich board out to the sidewalk every day and then back onto the porch at night.   The weather keeps washing away my message but I keep rechalking it.

A few years ago I had done this drawing of the Ocean City boardwalk looking from 13th Street.   It was drawn from some photographs I had taken while people watching on the boardwalk after lunch with my Mom and a friend.   The drawing came out so well that I had notecards made.   These were sold out quickly.   It seemed a nice addition to Jersey Made so I recently had some more printed and packaged them in sets of 5.  

Thanks for reading – I hope you all have missed my meanderings of blog!!