Cheryl and I are thrilled to announce that our seaside products will once again be for sale at the The Quilted Duck Gift Cottage and Boutique in Nanaimo, BC.  And it was very affirming to be told that they like all of our items and asked us for some of everything.  Fortunately, Cheryl and I had almost enough inventory to fill the order so I only had to make a few things, create brand new tags for our magnets and mermaid bookmarks, and spruce up my earrings by placing them in new, crystal clear bags.  I am really happy with the result.  Sometimes it's those little special touches that make all the difference!

Be sure to check out the Quilted Duck, say hi to Heather and ask to see our products!  (It's a good thing I don't work there because I would be bringing something home everyday!)

Check Out Our Newest YouTube Video

Can't see the video?  Click HERE.

The Joy of Family

How has everyone survived the holidays?  Mine was certainly a whirlwind of activity!  But what a joy it was to have both of my sons and their families visiting us this year.  To have them over, at the same time, rarely happens as one lives in Oregon and the other in New York.  So, needless to say, that was my very best Christmas gift.  That, and meeting my newest little grandson for the very first time!  I was one happy mom and grandma, that is for sure!

One thing happened, while we were opening gifts together, that I want to share because it was very special and comical at the same time.  My youngest son and his wife opened a rather large gift.  Much to my surprise, it was one of my framed photos that had been on display at the Quality Bayside Resort in Parksville, where my sons were staying.  (Fabulous place, by the way.  They went out of their way to ensure my family's stay was perfect.)  My son's wife came over to give me a big hug and to thank me.  With a puzzled look on my face I said, "I had nothing to do with it!"  She looked over at my other son, who started to laugh.  My eldest son had seen my photo hanging on the wall at the hotel and decided to buy it as a Christmas gift for them!  How special is that?!  We all had a good chuckle over that.  My sons never cease to find ways to surprise and impress me.  If you like, you can click HERE to view the photo my son purchased.  (I can't post the photo here because it warps when I try.... very strange indeed!)

My business partner, Cheryl, is enjoying her winter home near Yuma.  I must admit, however, that I do miss her.  But I'm glad she is enjoying herself with her 'second family', basking in the wonderful warmth of the climate and the people.  I don't believe there is one day when she isn't doing something!  She gets invited out to dinner by people constantly, she goes to the local quilting group, she gets involved in the numerous events that take place in the park... what a gal.  Her energy never ceases to amaze me.  And she is no spring chicken either.  (And she is probably going to kill me for saying that!)  Anyhow, she is indeed an inspiration to all who are lucky enough to know her.  (There, hopefully that makes up for my last comment!  Whew!  But it is true.)

So, do we have any new creations on our site?  Certainly!  Here are a few to feast your ocean-loving eyes upon... 

 Antique Copper & Seashell Bookmark

 Ocean Treasure Bottle

 

Gift Box

Handcrafted Seaside Bookmarks

WIN A GIFT GIVE-AWAY FROM A2SEA CREATIONS !!!

It has been a busy, adventurous summer for both Cheryl and I so we haven't been posting here for awhile.  However, we are making up for lost time because there are some fun and exciting things happening at A2Sea Creations!  We are hosting a GIFT GIVE-AWAY on Facebook.... yay!

How to enter: 

 

First you must 'LIKE' our page on Facebook.  Click HERE to get there.

Then... find our contest 'photo'  (Can't find it?  Click HERE)

1. Share the contest picture/info on your facebook timeline.
2. Follow the link to our website and find one creation you like. Post the link to that item on your timeline.
3. Let us know you have done both & voila... you're in!  (Tell us on Facebook)

A winner will be picked at the end of September by an online random number generator. The winner will receive an ocean-inspired handmade gift worth $15 or more. (Shipping included) Good luck everyone! May the best mermaid/merman win!

 

 

Men Are NOT Forgotten at A2Sea Creations

Earth and Sea - Rustic Glass and Antique Copper Pendant 

I am happy to say that our Etsy Shop has several gifts that are very suitable for the men.  We haven't forgotten you fellas!   Above is my newest creation which may be worn by both women and men alike.  This pendant is quite unique... I hand-picked moss and lichen from several trees in the forest (in pouring rain, I might add) and dried them in the oven.  It was not a pleasant odor.  (An understatement!)  In fact, I thought the fumes might be poisoning my hubby and I.  Still don't know if they did but we're still alive, so that's promising.  Anyhow, I am pleased to say that after a couple of days, the smell went away.  I had to air out my oven for quite awhile though so I'm thinking that if I do this again, I will need to think of some other method.

The upside of it all is that I got this idea to use some of the lichen and moss I had collected and preserve it under glass in a handsome new pendant.  I am loving how it turned out.  It actually looks kind of like a little scene from under the sea!  I also discovered that the moss worked beautifully on some magnets I made the other day for the Parksville Tourist Centre.  

 

  Seaview Decor Mirror 

So we have some other creations that are just great for men as well...  we have a very rustic, seaside mirror(see above)  and our Nautical Treasure Box which is great for cigars, pens or pencils, reading glasses, coins... you name it. (see below). 

 

Nautical Treasure Box

We also have our 'Message In A Bottle' (see below left ) and our Floating Candle Beach Lantern.  (see below right).  So there you go gals... gift ideas for your fellas (or yourselves, for that matter!)  Now let's hope our weather improves enough to actually go to the beach!  We are so looking forward to that once again!

          Message In A Bottle                                   Floating Candle Beach Lantern 

Written and published by Micki Findlay - Co-Creator/Owner of A2Sea Creations on Etsy and Creator/Owner of A2Sea Photography

New at A2Sea Creations... Pottery!

Nautical Ring Bearer's Ring Holder Or Treasure Dish - Hand-Built Coiled Pottery

We are very pleased to announce that A2Sea Creations now has a few hand-built pottery pieces for sale! Clay is very enjoyable to work with and the creative possibilities are endless.

We have a new nautical multi-purpose treasure dish (see above) a unique and fun 'denim jean' clay mug (perfect for dad for Father's Day) and a brand new artsy bird plaque called the 'Bird of Hope'.

We will be introducing more pottery pieces in the near future so check us out from time to time! I hope to have my clay 'sea goddess' mask finished soon and when it's completed, it will be for sale on A2Sea Creations. We'll see how it turns out first. One of the exciting aspects about working with clay is the wonderful surprises you get when you open the kiln after the glazing/firing process is finished. You never quite know how your treasures will turn out. I can hardly wait! So stay tuned! We will even have some nautical clay jewelry for sale.

Going Natural

NATURAL AND EARTHY DESIGNS BY MICKI

Lately I have been staying up extremely late to create new nautical treasures for our Etsy Shop. And by late I mean LATE! I think I must be part owl. I know that I'm ready to fall asleep in my chair (which I have done upon occasion) and yet I must obey the beck and call of the unrelenting and unpredictable task master named 'Inspiration'. Once it hits me, that's it; there's no turning back.

Here are my two latest creations: our 'Nautical Seashells and Charms Keychain' and our 'Naturally Yours - Pendant and Earring Set'.

Cheryl has been hard at work also, creating brand new treasures for our site. Stay tuned for our next blog post to find out what they are. The only thing I will mention right now is that her creations make for perfect stocking stuffers. And yes... Christmas is coming faster than you might think! Shopping online is so fun, easy and the best part.... you don't have to get dressed to go shopping!

Christmas Is Fast Approaching

Island Treasure - Christmas Beach Ornament

It's difficult to believe but tomorrow is already November. I'm not sure where the time has gone but it is definitely fleeting. Cheryl and I have been hard at working creating fresh, new nautical treasures for Christmas. We're quite thrilled that Newfoundland to Nanaimo has placed yet another order from us, even though their busiest tourist season is over. So be sure to check them out, especially if you live in the Nanaimo area. They have a wonderful selection of nautical-themed gifts created by local artisans. And the walk is ever so enjoyable down at the harbourfront. It is a great place to bring out-of-town family and friends. And you can find numerous stocking stuffers that are ideal for those out-of-towners.

Do you have a favorite Christmas memory or tradition? Every Christmas my sons and I would do something special for people who were less fortunate. One year we made up cute little reindeer goodie bags and put little gifts and treats inside. Then we packed them up and took them to a local care home where we gave them out to the residents and sang to them. The residents were delighted and my sons learned about how good it feels to give of yourself at Christmastime instead of just receiving. That was my primary goal. To this day, both of my sons are very giving people and it is important to both of them to make others feel good. They are kind, considerate men and that makes me so proud.

Weddings Are In The Air!

Sandy Beach Wedding Guest Book

It has certainly been a busy month for weddings, it seems! One of the weddings was my son's and what a memorable wedding it was! Being the mother is, of course, a proud and happy moment... especially when you adore your daughter-in-law as much as I do. I am blessed with two daughter-in-laws that I certainly would have picked to be in my sons' lives. They are real treasures.

Perhaps because I am in the wedding mindset, or maybe because Cheryl suggested I finally get it finished, our first wedding guest book is on sale in our Etsy shop. Besides being natural and very pretty, it is affordable, which, I don't know about you, but when I got married we had to really pinch our pennies. And it is very practical because there is no text, only lines, so they would work beautifully as gifts for everyone in the bridal party as well. We can make them more masculine looking for the fellas, too.

Well now that my sons are both married, maybe I can look forward to more grandchildren! What a delightful thought! I think I may drop a hint here and there... just in case.

The Secret Inside Our Bottled Treasure

BOTTLED TREASURE

On summer holidays in the Okanagan as a young girl, I remember, with great fondness, those times when my mom and my grandma would take me to the local thrift shops. Back then a dollar went a long way. My mom would always give me my own money to shop with and she would say, "When that money runs out, that's it, so spend it wisely." Somehow that made it more fun because I would have to plan out what I would buy and I also appreciated what I did get, that much more. My favorite thrift shop was in Naramata... a tiny community in the Okanagan. The thrift shop was tiny, just like the town, yet they managed to pack a lot of items in there. It was my favorite one because it was so cute and the ladies always made you feel like you were the most important customer there.

Since my youth, I have always loved shopping in thrift stores and at garage sales because you can get so much more bang for your buck. And they are so unpredictable in that you never know what 'treasures' you might find there. I come from a single parent family where money was scarce so I have appreciated the role thrift shops play in the lives of people who are struggling to make ends meet. To me there is no shame in shopping secondhand and now, it is actually trendy to recycle. Go figure. More and more people are appreciating the value in reusing items and not wasting valuable resources.

Cheryl and I have both worked in thrift stores as well as being avid thrift store and garage sale shoppers. We believe in recycling and we have carried that belief into our business. Our Bottled Treasure is a great example of that. People are always surprised to discover that the beautiful, glistening, green glass inside our bottles and several of our candle holders are, in fact, chunks of broken windshield glass! So there... our secret is out!

We take pride in the fact that we use primarily local, organic, recycled & eco-friendly materials in our designs. We love what we do and we love that we can take something and reuse it to make something else. while making it more lovely. We also like the fact that our treasures end up in someone's home 'in a land far, far away'. This Bottled Treasure is on its way to Euless, Texas. We will be posting a new one soon so check out our site for new treasures!

So, I suppose that the moral of this story is, we take 'going green' very literally!

A Unique Souvenir from Vancouver Island, BC

Last Saturday was an amazing day... almost like summer. My hubby David had a great idea to go for a drive along our gorgeous coastline up to Courtenay and have brunch by the sea. We saw hundreds and hundreds of sea gulls because they always come in droves during herring season.

So after our yummy brunch, we walked along the seashore and we saw several seagull feathers along the beach so I decided to collect a bunch of them and do something fun with them. So this is what we, at A2Sea, put together... a 'Seagull Feather in a Bottle Souvenir'. I don't know about you but I am pretty bored with the usual souvenirs, namely spoons and mugs. So here is something completely different with a seaside twist!

I can't say I am very thrilled with snow visiting our island (what is that about?) but I am sure glad we got to enjoy that one, lovely summer-like day!

Something Brand New At A2Sea Creations

Heavenly Seaside Beach Cottage Wreath

I just love wreaths. When I see a wreath up on someone's door, it says to me, "Welcome... come on in!" So finally I have made one and, the best part... it just oozes ocean!

To make this wreath, I needed to drill holes in the shells that hang down from the top. My hubby David helped me get started and I was on my way in no time. Now I want to drill holes in everything I can get my hands on! Especially if it has anything to do with the sea. I will have to make a large shell mobile one day soon as I just love them!

Because this was my first wreath, it took me a long while to get it just right. Mind you, I am so very picky and will fiddle with things to ad nauseam. I did have an idea of what I wanted to achieve, thanks to Cheryl's gift to me; a wreath how-to book. But having no real experience, except for making Christmas wreaths out of cedar boughs 100 years ago, I found that I continually had to play with it, coming back time and time again to adjust something or add more shells, or what have you. Finally I was happy with the finished product. And I love the feminine quality to it. I have a real fondness for shabby chic and this wreath certainly fits the bill. And what a lovely addition or gift for a wedding!

I will try my hand at various styles... perhaps one that is more rustic looking for the natural buffs. It would have the same kind of feel as our 'Washed Ashore - Rustic Bottle' we sold awhile back; one with primarily driftwood, seaweed and natural fishing net. The sea's the limit! And the sea has so much to offer. And we have so many ideas!

Something's Fishy at A2Sea Creations

Fish Tales - Unique Tin Pendant With Pewter Starfish Charm

When it comes to designing new jewelry, I find it quite easy to be inspired by the sea. And it is such a satisfying feeling seeing someone wearing your design.

This is the newest addition to our online gift shop. There are a lot of ocean lovers out there, like ourselves, so our creations are appreciated all around the world... and that makes us pretty happy. Like music, the sea is something that so many of us have in common and it tends to draw us together. It is a magical place that holds so many wonderful memories for so many of us. And it's never quite the same... always new treasures to be found and collected. It's like a treasure hunt and who doesn't love those?

Well, now that we have posted this new jewelry design, what will be next, I wonder? I can hardly wait to find out!

I hope everyone has enjoyed the Olympics as much as Cheryl and I have. What an exciting time to be a Canadian, I must say! We are so proud.

New Beach Treasures at A2Sea Creations!

Little Beach in a Bottle Magnet

Clam and Abalone Tealight Candle Holder

Oyster and Abalone Shell Tea Light Holder

Well, the creative juices are flowing once again at A2Sea Creations. Here are three of our newest seaside designs. What is really nice is that in each creation, we include beach treasures that we have collected ourselves. The Little Beach in a Bottle has seaweed that had been collected and dried in the oven (smells a little odd in my kitchen from time to time), the Clam and Abalone Tealight Candle Holder is set in a huge clam shell and embellished with real fish netting, both of which was cleaned and bleached in my sink, and the Oyster and Abalone Shell Tea Light Holder is nestled inside a ginourmous oyster shell from our very own Vancouver Island Beaches.

What is also neat is that many of our designs are so perfect for a beach-themed wedding. Or, for that matter, any bride who loves the sea.

We put a lot of time and care into the packaging end of the business because we want our customers to feel special and excited when they open their gift/order. And what some people do not realize, we will personalize our creations as much as possible. So if you are having a wedding, we will add a tag with the recipients' names and your wedding informaton, We will even wrap your treasures in clear cellophane and organza ribbon, if you so desire. In an age of big department stores with little to no customer service, this is a nice change that gives the recipient warm fuzzies.

Bottom line: we want to offer our customers an 'experience', not just make a sale.

AN OCEAN VIEW

PREVIEW OF 'AN OCEAN VIEW'

A 32 Page Coffee Table Book by Vancouver Island Photographer, Micki Findlay

What a great journey this has all been for me. I had certain goals I wanted to achieve this year and having a book out was one of them. So to my surprise and amazement, I actually stayed focused long enough to stick to it and get it done. Now comes the time-consuming task of getting the word out wherever I can. Over the past few years, I have picked up all kinds of tips on how to do just that and I find I am on a constant learning curve. But I so enjoy the challenge and the great feeling of accomplishment I receive at the end of the day when I have attacked yet another goal, gotten over a hurdle and landed on the other side.

Everyone's 'Bucket List' is unique. But it is my opinion that everyone needs one. I think sometimes we get caught up in the mundane chores of everyday life and forget to dream. Sometimes we are simply too tired to go there. But I believe that no matter how hectic our lives are, if we have a dream, we need to find a way to inch towards it. I know what you're probably thinking... right... it's easy for her... she doesn't have a nine to five she has to go to every day. Her children are all grown up and she has the luxury of being able to stay home. You are so right. There is not a day goes by that I do not count my many blessings. I do manage to keep myself quite busy between Cheryl and my online gift shop, volunteering at the gallery and my singing telegrams. However, I do the bulk of the work from home. Anyhow, I digress. The point I am trying to make is, even if you do have a nine to fiver, a family and various responsibilities that tend to take up all your time and energy, (been there) don't lose sight of your dream in the midst of it all. Perhaps your goal list will need to be written in smaller increments over a longer duration of time. Or perhaps you need to find ways to be creative in fitting in your personal goals. You either have to suck the life out of life or it will suck the life out of you.

I read somewhere of a young man whose dream was to be a dancer. His nine to fiver was a parking lot toll booth operator. But he would not let his job deter him from his ultimate goal. So in-between cars, he would play music and practice his dance moves in his tiny cubicle! He had found a creative way to keep his dream alive. I do not know the end of that story but, irregardless of whether he went on to be a dancer, think of how much more fun work must have been for him because he dared to dream and not 'settle' for what he 'had to do' opposed to what he 'dreamed' of doing! Plus he would have had the wonderful feeling of accomplishment whenever he stepped foot on a dance floor.

I want to say thanks to all my family and friends who continue to support, encourage and believe in me. It is easy to soar when you have wings of love .

I am looking forward to another book on the horizon. It will be quite different from this one and... well... I won't let the cat out of the bag just yet. Have a great day everyone and don't forget to dream!

(Special thanks goes to my hubby David for his immense patience and belief in me, and also to my son Matt at Inerseshen Creative Media for all of the awesome things he has designed for me!)

Learning New Things

Beachcomber's Bounty - Earthy Jewelry Set

A very popular pendant fashion at the moment are the longer styles. And even more popular are the ones you can adjust to any length. There is a store in Coombs that is interested in carrying my jewelry but asked if I could just change the cords to the slip knot style. I said I would give it a try.

So, with some help from my hubby, (he was a boy scout, way back when) I managed to learn the technique and posted one on our Etsy site. I love to learn new things... except for those painful moments when you are all thumbs and think you will never get the hang of it. But it's such a good feeling when you finally master something and see the finished product.

My next challenge is to start drilling holes through sea glass and seashells with my dremel tool. I've watched some videos and my dear hubby has offered to give me a hand. This will open the door to creating so many more wonderful jewelry pieces.

I have a sense of excitement about this year. I have made up my mind to do some things I have only talked about up till now. If I can't do them on my own, I will find help. The possibilities are endless and I am up for it.

So keep an eye out for our new jewelry and nautical treasures we will be posting soon on A2Sea Creations!

Neighbourhood Craft & Garage Sale This Weekend!

You are invited to join in the fun...

get warm by the fire, roast a hot dog, slurp on some yummy hot chocolate with marshmallows, listen to carols, do some Christmas shopping, get some bargains and visit all at the same time! Several other homes from our neighbourhood have joined in with us to have a Craft and Garage Sale.... crafts for those looking for new and unique Christmas gift ideas and a garage sale for those looking for some great 2nd hand bargains. So, in other words, something for everyone!

Last year, after David and I moved into the neighbourhood, we put on a big Halloween open house so we could get to know our neighbours in a fun way. We had hot chocolate, hot dogs, cake, chips (all the healthy stuff) and lots of decorations and a campfire. We missed that this year because David had to work straight through the weekend. Poor guy. So it will be nice to have a chance to get together with folks again and enjoy the season together! Hope you can come out, too!

Christmas Bazaar This Friday!

CHRISTMAS BAZAAR THIS FRIDAY!

A2Sea Creations has been invited to a local Christmas Bazaar this Friday. Come and get into the spirit and get your Christmas shopping done at the same time! Hope to see you there!

Date: Friday, November 20, 2009
Time: 1:30 to 3:00 pm
Locations: Eagle Park Health Care Facility, 777 Jones St, Qualicum Beach, BC

Click on the map for map link:

More New Wedding Accessories at A2Sea!

Elegant Ivory Seashell and Rose - Bridal Bouquet and Boutonniere

I am quite excited about our new wedding line in our gift shop at A2Sea Creations. At the moment we have our first bridal bouquet with matching boutonniere, as well as our Ocean and Lace Wedding Cake Server Set and our Earth and Sea Bridal Hair Clip . We plan to keep creating and adding to our shop so be sure to check in from time to time!

When I got married to my David, I made almost everything, with the help of my matron of honour and very dear friend, DonnaLee. It was a satisfying feeling as I watched our creativity unfold and I loved customizing our handiwork to fit with my tastes and preferences. Fortunately, DonnaLee has the same tastes as I do, for the most part... we both love the Victorian look. We spent quite a few days working together making my bridal bouquet, my ostrich feather pen, all the corsages and boutonnieres, the flower girl's basket, the birdcage centerpieces... my kitchen became our little workshop. It was fun and created many memorable moments for us both.

Creating, for me, is non-negotiable. I must create to feel balanced . And it is very important to me to do quality work and not just slap something together. Perhaps that means I will never be rich but, oh well. Richness of the heart is something one cannot buy with money. I tend to be a slow worker but in the end, I am pleased with what I have created. Everything Cheryl and I sell in our shop has been made with the utmost care and attention to detail. We would have it no other way.

Well, it's almost Halloween and I am ready for all the little goblins and ghosts. All the goody bags are packed and my eerie music is ready, the skeletons are hung and... oh oh... I almost forgot the cobwebs! That will never do! Happy Halloween everyone! OOooooooo.........!!!!

Something New at A2Sea!

Earth and Sea - Beach Wedding Bridal Hair Clip

A2Sea Creations has just posted our first hair accessory and there will be more coming very soon. We will be creating several designs from rustic and earthy to more traditional and frilly; all sea-inspired, of course. This beachcombed hair clip may be worn any time, of course, but it was especially designed with the nature-loving-no-frills-bride in mind.

We love to receive ideas from our viewers and customers so email us: micki@a2seacreations.com, or leave a comment here and tell us what you would like to see us create! Is there something specific you are looking for? Is there someone you have in mind that you'd like us to design a gift for? Let us know and we'll be happy to try and accommodate you! Christmas is closer than you think!

Have a great day everyone and remember to take time to walk along the beach!