Me Time

Having a little me time tonight with some friends.  I am so excited.  What do you do for "you time"?  Let me know.  Tonight it is art class and Adele on Pandora, wine and Asian salad. 

The Egg Peddler

So, working at the art centre last Saturday a very nice gentleman walked in.  He asked if any of our artists would paint on eggs.  I told him yes, they do commissioned work.  Well, it turns out he was selling the eggs.  And not just any eggs, ostrich eggs! 

I had never seen an ostrich egg before.  They are pretty cool.  And it turns out they were very popular among the artists.

Maybe giant Easter eggs?  Now the wheels are turning.  Can you tie dye an ostrich egg?

Am I too busy?

Being a small businesses owner, mom of three, and wife, who is also involved in my kids' school, a member of the local art council, weekly church volunteer, about to be soccer coach, friend, assistant, sister, daughter, daughter in law, aunt and all around hustler, also whatever other title you would like to give me (please exclude profanity lol), is told she is too busy.  What do you do?  How does that make you feel?  I am sure many women can relate.  How do you know if you are too busy? 

Well, I have thought a lot about this lately.  Am I spending too much time on my business, too little time on myself, too little time with my kids, too little time with my husband, too much time with my community?  How do I know?  How do I know for sure?  And I came up with these things.  Am I happy?  Is my hustle outdoing my growth?  Is my family happy?  Yep, nope, yep!

I don't just enjoy my family and love them, I live for them.  They are my everything, but I am also pretty pleased with who I have grown up to be.  I feel like I am a pretty well put together person.  I have an opinion, that I can express.  I have compassion for others.  I give to those in need.  I pursue my goals (of course my jeans size could be smaller, but we can't be perfect huh? ;-)  All in all, I am happy. 

My business is growing.  I actually pulled together some statistics and my small company has grown about 8 fold in the last year.  That is super exciting!  It allows me to stay at home with my kids and be the mom to them that I want to be.  But, it does take work and lots of it.  It take lots of coffee (sometimes wine) and late nights.  And I am okay with that.

And as far as my family, I simply asked them.  And a mom can always tell who is being honest.  My annual progress report, if you will.  Am I a good mom?  Are you happy?  Do you know I love you?  What is something fun we can do together?  As long as I feel like they are happy and I know I am doing the best I can, then that's okay.  

It is hard to be a woman.  Society tells you that you need to be thin, but it's okay to be a little "curvy".  That you need to be successful and live your dreams, but spend every waking moment with your family.  You need to be polite and quiet, but make sure that you speak up and don't let anyone take advantage of you.  You will never be able to live up to society's standards as a woman or a mom. Well, screw that.  I am proud of myself.  I am going to make myself happy, love my family and do what is best for us.  It may not work for everyone and I may be tired and busy.  But you know what? I wouldn't have it any other way. 

Here is to you and your dreams!  Cheers!  (It's a wine night, not coffee)

Local Artisan: Mary Avelis

Mary Avelis is an extraordinary local crafter.  Her niche is sewing and as a customer, I can say, she does it well.  A creative of beautiful pieces such as eye masks, totes, accessory bags, wristlets and pillows, Mary is the owner of Li'l Fox Designs.  I talked to Mary about what it is like to be an Etsy shop owner and why she loves sewing. 

 

Mary grew up in Galveston, Indiana, a small town in North Central Indiana.  A newly wed, she is recently also a new homeowner.  What time she is not spending on her craft and business, her husband and her are remodeling their home.  She also trains as a boxer.  She has a step-daughter, Lauren, who has also grown to love crafting.  And Mary teaches her the ends and outs of owning a small business.

 

How long have you been sewing?

 

Let me get the calculator! 18 years!!  Doesn’t seem like that long, but I fell like it has been longer.

 

 

Who taught you to sew?

 

I learned to sew while I was taking Home Economics in High School. Mrs. Chambers, was a great teacher, that explained everything so easily! She not only loved what she did, but was very talented as well. My mother and both grandmothers were around to help with any questions, I might have had after High School. My mother was always sewing. She made Easter dresses for my younger sister and I, as well as herself. My grandmothers were always mailing clothes for my sister and I along with matching dresses for out Cabbage Patch Dolls.

 

 

Why do you enjoy sewing as your craft?

 

It is a stress reliever for me!  I can take out my frustrations on a piece of scrap fabric, either with the seam rippers, scissors, or with my rotary cutter. Its my alternative to shooting a gun or taking things out in the boxing ring, which I still do.

 

 

How do you stay with the trends?

 

I struggle with trends and what is in the NOW. I follow a few other businesses on Instagram, and read a few blogs of Fashionistas.  I love to visit Pantone.com and Polyvore.

 

 

What do you use for inspiration?

 

Who doesn’t use Pinterest?  Some of my inspiration really comes from custom orders. They are one of my favorite things to do.  I change things up and make it my own.  Then it inspires new additions to what I create.

 

 

What are some things you do to keep your shop thriving?

I like to create things that help others, to accessorize life.  Really it is all about trial and error.  I have had a few things, that have flopped horribly.

 

 

It is a busy life as a small business owner.  What are some tips you have to balance home life and work life?

 

I am still trying to balance everything. I still work full time, other than my sewing business. I have recently bought a house (built in 1900, needs some love and care). Got married in December to my best friend, that I have worked with for 9 years. We plan to start a family this winter.

I do get a little frazzled, but work well with the chaos. Throw in some yoga, some leisure sewing, and a long hot bath. Let the balancing commence!

 

 

Where would you like to see your business in 5 years?

 

Here and there, over there and over there. Who’s to say where I will be. Everyone wants to be successful, and make a million dollars.  I want to have a business that can sustain itself, and let me be free to keep creating what I love and share it with others.  Purses for women on the go, accessories and supplies for other artisans and crafters.

 

 

What made you decide to open your own business?

 

It started with making small alterations to their apparel and accessories. I started making purses and handbags for myself. Friends and coworkers noticed them, and wanted one of their own too. I loved making things for others.

 

 

What advice can you give to those just starting their own business?

 

It is not an over night thing. It takes work and time. Believe in yourself and what you do.

 

 

Where can we find you on social media?

 

On Twitter @lilfoxdesigns

On Facebook @ www.facebook.com/lilfoxdesigns

On Etsy @ Lil Fox Designs

 

And I plan to have my own website set up in 2016.

 

 

Local Event: Call for Artists at Speedway Centre for the Arts

Local Photographer: Summer Kegeris

Summer Kegeris is the owner of Images by Summer K.  She has been perfecting her art of photography for several years.  She had training in the fine arts, and has taken private lessons.  Summer shot the back cover and photo of the author for the book, The People Reader.  She is an award winning photographer, mother of two and grandmother of three and now retired and enjoying her time as a full time photographer. We sat down with Summer and asked her about her amazing work and how photography impacts her life  and inspires her.

 

How long have you been a photographer?

 

I've been taking pictures for a few years now.  I never considered myself to actually be professional until I won my first national contest, and later became published on a book jacket.  Occasionally I will send weather photos to a few local TV stations, but only once was one actually used as a backdrop for the weather report.

 

 

What award did you win?

 

2012 Flickr Photo of the Year.

 

 

 

What formal training do you have?

 

 I was a fine art major in school. I have had private lessons in various mediums.  Now, I sign up for every photography class I can that fits into my schedule.

 

What inspires you?

 

Children.  They make me happy, and their innocence is inspiring.  

 

 

 

What type of photos do you like to take?

 

Children, their innocence, their sadness and their short stories, those are my favorites. But, I've never seen something yet that I've not liked to photograph.  There is a story in everything we see, most people just take it all for granted.

 

 

What types of sessions do you offer?

 

I do portraits, newborns, smash cakes, boudoir, weddings, engagements, pets, special events & seniors.  I have also done product photography for local business as well, including My Three Blessings Boutique.

 

 

 

 

What equipment do you use?

 

Canon digital DSL

 

 

 

 

If you could photograph anyone in the world, who would it be? 

 

Street people, so many stories to be told.

 

 

What feelings do you try to convey through your photos?

 

What ever I can find to pull out.

 

 

 

 

Where can we see your work?

 

My website   www.imagesbysummerk.com 

 

I have a show coming up at St. Christopher Catholic School on Nov 28th.  You can find the event at this link  Arts and Crafts Exhibition for St. Christopher

 

I will also have some of my work displayed at The Speedway Centre for the Arts.  They are doing a Holiday Boutique between Nov. 28th and Jan. 3rd.

 

 

Where can we find you on social media?  
 Facebook @ Images by Summer K

Twitter  @SKegeris

Instagram  @imagesbysummerk

Pinterest  ImagesbySummerK

All booking can be done by contacting Summer on her website. 

 

 

 

5 Tips to Creating a Bohemian Wonderland

 

When it comes to being eclectic, I am your girl.  I love to shop and I always find myself liking different types of things.  Either it was a pretty painting of a city or a vintage lace table clothe.  I was realizing that the things I like, didn't really seem to go together.  And then I discovered Bohemain style décor and my wildest dreams came true!  It was suddenly okay to have the vintage lace and the shiny, gemstone candle, the batik print pillow and the classic wall clock.  All of these pieces can come together to make a beautiful home that does not look cluttered and like it is all from a garage sale or hand-me-downs.  (Although, most of my things are)  Here are a few tips to help you convert your space into a earthy, peaceful bohemian nest.

The sofa table is from a garage sale site, the mirror from goodwill, the canvas I recovered with fabric I had, and the placemat I made with spare fabric as well.

 

 

Tip #1:

 

Plants.

 

Succulents are the best plants ever!  I have a red thumb and I have a hard time killing these bad boys.  You can find them almost anywhere, but Lowe's has a great selection.  They require very little care, water, or light and come in a array of shapes and sizes, colors and textures.

Small Succulent.  I found this at Walmart.

 

 

Tip #2:

 

Pillows and Blankets. 

 

Pillows and blankets can make great accessories for your room.  It is also easy to find old quilts or throws at Goodwill, if you don't have any tucked in your closet.  You can brighten up a solid color couch or old chair by adding a patchwork quilt or crocheted throw.  You can even make one yourself.  There are YouTube videos for that.  If you have pillows already, perfect!  Use what you have or you can get charming pillow covers at Hobby Lobby.  They have an entire wall dedicated to pillows and the choices are endless.  Also, Amazon has some great options as well. 

Follow this link for pillow covers on Amazon!

Follow this link for a beautiful tapestry on Amazon. These make great curtains.

I found this chair on the side of the road.  The pillow cover is from Hobby Lobby.

 

Tip #3:

 

Candles.

 

You can find brand new candles at Goodwill or candles for $1.00 at Dollar General.  Mix up the colors, sizes or shapes.  I do not recommend mixing up the scents.  You can get unscented and add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to each one.  You can also make your own candles.  Pick up some mason jars and swing by Joann's or Michael's for clearance ribbon or trimming.  It doesn't take much and you can make a remarkable candle for under $3.00.  If you are looking to spending a little more, check out Kirkland's.  They have a variety of wall sconces, pillar candle holders, and even battery powered candles for fair prices. 

 

Tip #4:

 

Buy local art.

 

You can find really wonderful artwork right in your own city and you do not have to purchase a print or canvas that someone else has in their home.  Make your space unique.  A local artist will normally have pieces ranging in price.  If you come across one that is not in your price range, keep searching.  I have found some wonderful prints and original pieces at local art fairs and craft shows.  Even if it is just a print, it is inexpensive to frame.  You can find frames at Goodwill or Michael's and spray paint them to match or even leave them mixed.  But buy local, you will thank me later.

Follow this link for a dream catcher made by My Three Blessings Boutique!

 

Tip #5:

 

Do what you like.

 

You have to live in your home.  And you should be surrounded by the things that you like to look at and that make you happy.  I found that when I tried to stay with a certain theme or have all of my things from a "collection", it was boring.  I didn't take pride in it and I wasn't eager to show my friends that things that I had found.  I am now.  I also love to find pieces of furniture and redo them.  You can do this with a can of spray paint and some sand paper.  And I take pride in looking at something and knowing that it was me that brought it back to life.  If you are crafty and handy with a hammer and nails, build your own things!  You can find pallets for free and wood is affordable.  You can find project plans on Pinterest.  And check your local garage sale sites on Facebook for DIY project pieces.

Follow this link for a few DIY projects I love.

The baking rack is from a garage sale site.  I used spray paint and finished with spray enamel.  The containers are from Goodwill.

 

 

Make your space YOURS and give it a funky, bohemian vibe along the way.  The thing I love most about the bohemian style is the colors.  Deep reds, bright yellows, warm browns, royal blues, vibrant greens and creamy whites, with a splash of gold!  It doesn't get much better.  I hope your inspired to transform your place into what you want it to be.