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

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

Our Creations In Another Location!

 

PARKSVILLE VISITOR CENTRE

Cheryl and I are very pleased to announce that our handcrafted seaside gifts are now for sale at our local tourist centre.  We were contacted by the manager (a joy to meet) after she discovered our online gift shop on Etsy.  She fell in love with our products and asked us to bring them down for her to see.  Much to our delight, she took almost everything we had brought and with much enthusiasm.  This will be our fourth location on Vancouver Island.  This is quite exciting for us and very validating to have our creations appreciated and accepted so readily.  I do believe it is time for a celebration!

I would be amiss if I did not share the funny part of our day.  Cheryl may kill me for adding this, but what the heck.  I'll risk it.  Cheryl had brought some of our creations from her home to bring to the tourist centre.  When she added our newly created products to the ones already in her car, she realized that a box was missing... the one with our magnets and picture frames in it.  At first she couldn't figure out what had happened to it.  And then it occurred to her (to her horror) that when she had stopped at the Sally Ann in Nanaimo to donate a few items, she must have also given them our box by accident.   So we called them and sure enough, that's what had happened.  Luckily, they hadn't priced and put it out yet.  So we will be bringing the tourist centre some magnets and frames in the next few days because they want them, too.  But meanwhile, I have excellent ammunition for whenever I want to rub it in about the time Cheryl gave away our stuff.  And that, I must say, makes it all worthwhile. 

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

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