Whozits and Whatzits Galore!

Well, there is sure a lot happening these days.  I can barely catch my breath!  As I wrote yesterday, we have our new shabby chic line in Mercedes Lane.  Well NOW we also have a selection of our seaside jewelry and nautical gifts in '2nd Chance' - a wonderful, boutique-style thrift store where various local artists and crafters will be featured in their new 'Artist's Corner'.  I am thrilled and honoured to be the very first artist to be showcased there.  The lovely manager, Melanie Abela, had asked me if I could put together a little display for her store with a variety of my handmade, seaside items, so this is the finished product...

As I was bringing my tray of treasures to 2nd Chance, I was suddenly reminded of a song from 'The Little Mermaid'...

Look at this stuff
Isn't it neat?
Wouldn't you think my collection's complete?
Wouldn't you think I'm the girl
The girl who has ev'rything?

Look at this trove
Treasures untold
How many wonders can one cavern hold?
Lookin' around here you'd think
(Sure) she's got everything

I've got gadgets and gizmos aplenty
I've got whozits and whatzits galore
You want thingamabobs?
I got twenty...

Funny the things that go through one's mind, yes?  Anyhow, Melanie was delighted with my display of nautical 'whozits and whatzits'.  Yay!  In my 'Mermaid Treasure Collection', I included an oyster shell tealight holder, a beach in a bottle keychain, a beaded, mermaid bookmark, an aqua bead and silver charm bracelet, a hand-formed ceramic pendant and two pairs of earrings - one gold, beaded pair and another that dangles and sparkles inside a little glass bottle.  That one is my favourite and, most definitely 'mermaid-approved'. 

If you haven't been yet, I highly recommend that you visit this delightful store and check out their awesome deals.  It is a great resource for all you Pinterest fans out there and anyone who loves to recycle and upcycle!  2nd Chance is actually putting on a series of 'Creative Reuse Workshops' for anyone wanting to learn how to breathe life into gently-used objects by turning them into something new and inspired!  In fact, they have one coming up soon on May 7th where you can create one-of-a-kind bags, pouches, purses, envelopes, and gift wrapping - all out of thrift store t-shirts!  You can check their Facebook page for details or drop into the store to sign up for the workshop - in the Heritage Mall beside Serious Coffee in Parksville, BC.  Sounds like a lot of fun and a great way to recycle.  Plus, when you shop at 2nd Chance, you are helping to fund their 'Workability Program' - a non-profit charity which supports people with physical, medical, mental and emotional barriers so they can have a safe, meaningful and productive life within an environmentally sustainable community.  So shopping there is a 'win-win' for everyone, wouldn't you agree?

Have a creative, resourceful and inspired day!  And say please hi to Melanie for me!

Micki @ A2Sea Creations

Facebook Contest

We're having a contest on A2Sea Creations! Share our Facebook page link on your Facebook wall, inviting your friends to check us out and 'Like' our page. Tell us you've done so by leaving a comment on our wall and your name will be included in our contest for a chance to win a nautical mystery gift worth $15 or more. A name will be drawn as soon as we reach 120 'Likes'. Help us get the word out and have a chance to win! Good luck!

Our Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/pages/A2Sea-Creations/49379619217

Our Great Adventures!

I realized that I have sadly neglected our blog here... I have been putting a lot of time into creating our new Vancouver Island Etsy Team blog  and working on our Van Isle Facebook page but neglecting my own blog in the process.  I have to say that it's been fun, though... I get to correspond with various team members and enjoy getting to know them. 

But back to us.  My dear partner in crime, Cheryl (of our shop, A2Sea Creations) is away on her dream vacation... an African Safari!  It has been her lifelong dream to go there so I am ever so happy for her.  I haven't heard from her for a long while so I am really hoping she didn't get eaten by a lion or get stuck up a tree in the jungle all tied up in vines!

But Cheryl isn't the only one going on an adventure... I will soon be off to Italy which is MY all-time dream vacation!  I will be meeting Cheryl and our mutual friend Dorothy, in Rome and spending three glorious weeks in the most deliciously romantic part of the world!  The only sad thing about that is my husband won't be able to come.  But you know what they say about the heart growing fonder.  I will sure miss him!

So we will be closing up shop very soon and off I go into the wild blue yonder!   Sono così fortunato! Evviva! Ciao a tutti.  Micki

Our Vancouver Island Etsy Team Has A New Blog!

A Few of our Vancouver Island Etsy Team Members
(Click on photo below to see members' names and their shops via Facebook)

Cheryl and I of A2Sea Creations, are members of a terrific group of artists and crafters, called the Vancouver Island Etsy Team. I am happy to announce that our team now has their own BLOG! We will be featuring various members and their shops which will include photos , their stories of how they got started, their challenges, their successes, etc. so mosey on over and check us out from time to time! We hope to run a few contests in the future as well! It promises to be a very fun, informative and newsy site!

If you are a Van Isle Etsy Team member, check out our discussion link for all the info on how to featured!

For those of you on Facebook, you may also find our team there! We have our own Twitter account now as well. Yay for Vancouver Island!

Our First Blog Giveaway!

Handcrafted Glass Tile Sea Turtle Pendant

Our First Blog Giveaway!

Open to Canada and U.S. residents, 18 yrs of age or older.

Well it's finally happening! We are having our first blog giveaway! The sea turtle photo for this pendant was taken by yours truly in Oahu, Hawaii. You may see a close-up of the photo here.

You could win this lovely glass tile sea turtle pendant by following just a few simple steps. Here goes...

How to enter:

1. Leave a comment on this post, telling us what your favorite item is in our shop. (Scroll down to the bottom of this post and click on the word "Comments".)

2. Become a follower of this blog (Click on 'Follow' on the very top left margin of this page.) Leave a comment, letting us know you've done so.

3. 'Like' our Facebook page and leave a comment there letting us know.

4. Follow us on Twitter (Click on 'Follow' right under our Twitter profile picture) Let us know you've done so. Don't have a Twitter account? Then add a comment on your Facebook wall about our blog giveaway with the link to this blog. Then tell us you've done it.

5. Check out Micki's other site 'A2Sea Photography' and pick out a favorite photo. Tell us which one it is.

Good luck and may the best woman (or man) win!

Our Goal Was Met For Japan!

WE REACHED OUR GOAL OF $10,000.00 AND BEYOND! $10,012.73!!



Fundraising Ideas

Thank you to each and every Etsy seller, and others who have contributed, for making this possible! It is amazing what can happen when people join together with a common purpose!

Sara of Sarawen Perfume Art on Etsy was our final contributor who tipped the scales and brought us to our goal. She is a Canadian from Ontario. Thank you Sara!

I will be doing an article soon on each and every person and shop that has contributed to our fundraising efforts on Facebook. Thank you everyone!

Let us not forget Japan and their struggles even though we aren't hearing about it in the news as often. There are several areas in our world that have been hit by natural disasters. My hope is that this fundraising effort for Japan might encourage each and every one of us to remember others who are struggling and to inspire us all to reach past ourselves and donate what we can, utilizing the talents we possess. We are all neighbours and we need each other.

God bless each and every one of you who have been so supportive to this cause as well as to me personally. I have met so many wonderful, caring people through this from all parts of the world and I consider myself privileged to have connected with all of you.

Imagine what could happen if everyone in the world donated just one thing... whether it be a piece of art, a song, a service...whatever! Anyone can start a fundraiser. Anyone... young or old. Just find a need and do your part to fill it, and ask for help from others. I hope to see many more fundraisers like this one pop up everywhere. Get inspired!

Thanks again!
Micki

Newest Tally For Japan

MAY 25, 2011 TALLY FOR JAPAN - $9,886.73!!



Fundraising Ideas


We might make $10,000.00 by the end of May afterall! That is our goal! Want to get onboard? Go to our Facebook page and shop at the Etsy stores that are donating to Japan!

Inching Toward $10,000.00!

NEW TALLY FOR TODAY - MAY 17, 2011 - $9,230.73!




Fundraising Ideas

Etsy Sellers and friends have made this possible!

Would you like to help us getto our goal of $10,000.00? Here is our page...
http://www.facebook.com/pages/What-Can-You-Do-To-Help-Japan/200538399970415

Our direct link to SHOP FOR JAPAN:
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.202081393149449.49705.200538399970415

Simply donate something to sell then, when it does, donate the proceeds to an organization you trust that is helping Japan.

Onward and upward for Japan!

A New Total For Japan!

OUR NEW TALLY FOR TODAY - MAY 16, 2011
$9000.73!!!

Fundraising Ideas


This is a huge accomplishment by caring artists and crafters from all over the world! Most of the contributors have been Etsy sellers but we have also had others come onboard who care about the plight of Japan and want to make a difference.

I believe we WILL make it to $10,000.00 by the end of May! That is our goal. Would you like to help us get there? Here is our page...
http://www.facebook.com/pages/What-Can-You-Do-To-Help-Japan/200538399970415

Our direct link to SHOP FOR JAPAN:
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.202081393149449.49705.200538399970415

Simply donate something to sell then, when it does, donate the proceeds to an organization you trust that is helping Japan. I have given all my proceeds to the Canadian Red Cross but there are plenty of great organizations out there that are making a difference.

This is a great day! Keep up the great work everyone! Onward and upward for Japan!

Helping Japan - May 5th Tally

OUR TALLY AS OF TODAY - MAY 5TH - $8188.98!



Fundraising Ideas

If you would like to help Japan by selling something for the cause, add your item to our Facebook page with a link to it (or a price) and when it sells, donate the proceeds to whichever organization you trust that is helping Japan! Come aboard and help us help Japan!! Here is the link to our Japan page:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/What-Can-You-Do-To-Help-Japan/200538399970415

Our direct link to SHOP FOR JAPAN: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.202081393149449.49705.200538399970415

Etsy Artists Help Japan

UPDATE FOR OUR JAPAN FUNDRAISER ON FACEBOOK

MAY 2ND TALLY - $7904.58!!




Fundraising Ideas

Want to help our fundraising efforts? Go to our page on Facebook entitled 'What Can You Do To Help Japan?' Post something there that you wish to sell with a link (if no link, add a price). 'Share' you post on your own wall so others will see. If it sells, donate the funds to whichever organization you trust that is helping Japan. You may also help by shopping from the items already donated to the cause. in our photo album.

A few organizations that people have donated to are: Doctors Without Borders, The Red Cross, World Vision, Direct Relief International, Americares and Japan Earthquake Animal Rescue and Support.

Our Story In The News

CLICK ON ARTICLE TO ENLARGE

A NEW GOAL

TOTAL AS OF APRIL 14, 2011!




Fundraising Ideas

I am very happy and excited to announce that our Etsy community and other creative supporters and contributors of our facebook page, 'What Can You Do To Help Japan?' has met our goal of $5000 and then some! Today we reached a grand total of $5476! Therefore, we have decided to revise our goal and change it to $10,000 to reflect the success and enthusiasm the contributing artists have demonstrated. Japan needs our help so we will aim higher and believe that we will reach our new goal!

Our Vancouver Island Etsy Team leader and another VI Etsy seller, were in the Sooke News Mirror today. Way to go girls! Our story is getting out there and spreading! "It only takes a spark to get a fire going..."

HELPING JAPAN

OUR FACEBOOK PAGE TOTAL AS OF APRIL 13, 2011!



Fundraising Ideas

Our total is now at $4935.50 and going up! We will have to adjust our goal because we are only a few dollars away! Wonderful news. Etsyians, friends and other artists who have gotten onboard with our Facebook project... thank you for making this all possible! Japan needs our help and you have risen to the challenge!

If you would like to donate something to the cause, post your link or price to our page entitled, 'What Can You Do To Help Japan?' Perhaps you would rather buy something to help at one of our contributors' online shops?! It's a great way to buy handcrafted gifts, have fun and help Japan at the same time! If so, just go to our online album and click on each photo. You will find the shop links under the photos.

Onward and upward everyone!

Etsy Sellers Helping Japan

A Treasury of Etsy Sellers Who Are Donating Items For Japan Relief

Our Vancouver Island Etsy Team created a Facebook page to help generate funds for Japan in the wake of the devastating earthquake and tsunami that swept the region. Artisans and crafters from all over the world, are encouraged to donate something to the cause by posting a link on the wall that leads to an item that they have chosen to donate the proceeds of the sale to. You may also help Japan by buying a handcrafted item from our donors' gift photo album.

A NEW CONTEST DRAW ON FACEBOOK

CONTEST DRAW: Win this Framed 11x14 PhotoArt by Micki Findlay (thesingingphotographer.com) Value $250 (Outside dimensions: 21" x 17")

How To Enter: 4 Steps

1. 'LIKE' our page

2. DONATE one good quality item

3. ADD a price (or a link if you have one) a photo and a short comment about it

4. 'SHARE' your post (so others might get onboard by either buying your item or donating to the cause)

When it sells, simply DONATE the proceeds to an organization you trust that is assisting in the Japan Disaster Relief. Feel GOOD that you are making a difference by reaching out to those in need!

NOT SURE WHAT TO DONATE? Here are some ideas...

* Perform a service and donate your profits: mow someone's lawn, babysit, clean someone's house or yard / wash their car

* Sell your art or handicrafts

* Are you an author? Donate a book

* Clean out your closet and sell something

* Have a bake sale or a garage sale

A very special thank you to those who have already donated and also to 88.5 - The Beach, Oceanside Star and the Sooke News Mirror for getting onboard!

*WINNER will be announced on May 27, 2011 (Artist's birthday)

CLICK HERE TO ENTER CONTEST AND JOIN PAGE

Etsy Artists and Others Unite To Raise Money For Japan

Fundraising Ideas

"Look how much we have raised so far!"

(As of April 12, 2011)

Thanks to our wonderfully generous contributors, this is where we are at to date with money raised for the Japan Disaster Relief Efforts! Most of the money came from sales and some of it came from people purchasing items that were for sale to help Japan. So whether you donate an item or whether you buy from shops that are donating to Japan, you are helping either way, so it's a win win situation!! So please support the shops that have contributed to this cause by purchasing gifts amongst their donated items. Go to 'What Can You Do To Help Japan?' and do you part to help. You can also find all the donated items in our Photo Album .

Thank you for caring!