Showing posts with label sea. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sea. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Friday, January 17, 2014
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...
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...
Thursday, August 29, 2013
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!
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!
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!
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
A Perfect Day on the Quay
I must say, it's a little embarrassing to see that my last blog post was in January. Dear me! I have been so focused on my weight loss blog that I have neglected this one. My apologies to my partner in crime, Cheryl, and to anyone who may have wanted to see what we've been up to. I will have to find a way to organize my time better. (Yeah... right Micki)
We just did up a hefty order for the delightful little nautical shop on the Nanaimo Harbourfront - Newfoundland to Nanaimo. For a small shop, they sure have got a nautical mile of wonderful items in there from jewelry to souveniers, home decor to local pottery, you name it. In fact, if you live in central Vancouver Island, the Nanaimo Harbour Quay is a great place to bring your out-of-town guests to get a feel for our beautiful coast. Stop in the nautical shop, then go to the Lighthouse Bistro for a delicious lunch, or just enjoy a drink in the bar on their outside patio. (Not too long ago, Cheryl took me for a belated birthday lunch at the Lighthouse Bistro and it was delicious... and what a treat to eat right over the water!) Then, check out the various boats in the marina and do some more shopping for souveniers and local gifts. Finish off the day with a yummy ice cream waffle cone or savour some old-fashioned candy of yesteryear. You can even take a ferry ride over to Newcastle Island. Perfect day in the making.
Here are a few examples of our beachy gift items we have at Newfoundland to Nanaimo... Say hi to Esther for us when you visit!
We just did up a hefty order for the delightful little nautical shop on the Nanaimo Harbourfront - Newfoundland to Nanaimo. For a small shop, they sure have got a nautical mile of wonderful items in there from jewelry to souveniers, home decor to local pottery, you name it. In fact, if you live in central Vancouver Island, the Nanaimo Harbour Quay is a great place to bring your out-of-town guests to get a feel for our beautiful coast. Stop in the nautical shop, then go to the Lighthouse Bistro for a delicious lunch, or just enjoy a drink in the bar on their outside patio. (Not too long ago, Cheryl took me for a belated birthday lunch at the Lighthouse Bistro and it was delicious... and what a treat to eat right over the water!) Then, check out the various boats in the marina and do some more shopping for souveniers and local gifts. Finish off the day with a yummy ice cream waffle cone or savour some old-fashioned candy of yesteryear. You can even take a ferry ride over to Newcastle Island. Perfect day in the making.
Here are a few examples of our beachy gift items we have at Newfoundland to Nanaimo... Say hi to Esther for us when you visit!
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| A2SeaCreations.com |
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
All Over the World
We just shipped off a parcel filled with 10 'Message in a Bottle' favours to a bride-to-be in Martinsville, Indiana. Cheryl and I love the touching stories that we hear about how our customers plan to use our creations. This particular customer plans to give out these bottles to everyone in her bridal party to write a note inside. Then they will all throw their bottles into the sea. What a great way to make memories on your special day! I have asked her to send us a photo of this event and hopefully she will allow us to post it here as well.
One of the things I enjoy most about having a site on Etsy is the communication with our customers. And it is a neat feeling knowing that our creations are in homes all over the world. It makes our vast earth seem a little bit smaller. After all, we really are all neighbours in one way or another.
Micki of A2SeaCreations and A2SeaPhotography on Etsy
One of the things I enjoy most about having a site on Etsy is the communication with our customers. And it is a neat feeling knowing that our creations are in homes all over the world. It makes our vast earth seem a little bit smaller. After all, we really are all neighbours in one way or another.
Micki of A2SeaCreations and A2SeaPhotography on Etsy
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Our Newest Location
Well, it would seem that I have been very neglectful to our little blog here. So time for some news, I'd say. Cheryl and I were visiting The Quilted Duck Gift Cottage in Nanaimo a couple of months ago and as we were looking around at all the pretty things, I said to Cheryl (in front of the lady that worked there) "Wouldn't our products look great in here?" To which the lady replied, "Oh? What do you make?" We told her and the next thing you know, she asked us to bring some of our products around so she could see them. It has turned out to be our best store yet for our seaside gifts as they are selling like hotcakes there! As for the lady, her name is Heather and she is a delight to know. And it happens to be one of our most favourite stores so why not drop by sometime and check it out?
While you're at it, why not stop in for lunch at the Tea House right beside it! They make fabulous Korean food which is great for me because much of Korean food is also gluten free and even vegetarian. They have other delectables on the menu besides Korean but I can assure you that everything is delish! Sometimes they even have live jazz, which is a treat.
I hope everyone is having a great summer. I am off soon to beautiful Oregon to visit both of my sons and their families so I am one excited momma! My son who lives in New York is coming to Oregon to visit my other son so it's a package deal for me! Our Etsy shop is closed up until I return. But we will reopen on August 3rd.
While you're at it, why not stop in for lunch at the Tea House right beside it! They make fabulous Korean food which is great for me because much of Korean food is also gluten free and even vegetarian. They have other delectables on the menu besides Korean but I can assure you that everything is delish! Sometimes they even have live jazz, which is a treat.
I hope everyone is having a great summer. I am off soon to beautiful Oregon to visit both of my sons and their families so I am one excited momma! My son who lives in New York is coming to Oregon to visit my other son so it's a package deal for me! Our Etsy shop is closed up until I return. But we will reopen on August 3rd.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Men Are NOT Forgotten at A2Sea Creations
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.
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).
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!
Written and published by Micki Findlay - Co-Creator/Owner of A2Sea Creations on Etsy and Creator/Owner of A2Sea Photography
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Our Creations In Another Location!
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
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Facebook Contest
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Thursday, November 3, 2011
Our Italy and Greece Adventures
Well here it is November already and I am wondering where September and October went to? How could I have missed them? I must have because I see that my last blog post was in August. Hmmmm.....
So what's new with us? Cheryl and I returned on September 19th from our amazing trip to Italy and Greece with so many stories to share... thrilling stories of adventure and excitement, danger and peril, pirate ships and police stations, train robberies and lost luggage, landing on the wrong island, angels and miracles, wonderful mistakes and strange secrets, gypsies and gyros, surprise trips through Venetian canals... you name it - it happened! So I am in the process of writing a novel about our many adventures as they are just too fantastic to not be told. I warned my husband and friends that they won't be seeing much of me in November as I will be typing my little fingers off. I guess I should have worked harder in typing class in grade 10. Oh well. Wish me luck! I will let everyone know when my novel is published. Quit laughing... it could happen!
As for A2Sea Creations, we were delighted that the local shop on the Nanaimo harbour took so many of our creations this summer, right into the fall. We're hoping it continues like this. Also, a shop in Chemainus has expressed an interest in taking some of our Christmas decorations so we are keeping our fingers crossed.
Cheryl, my co-partner and quilter-extraordinaire, sold another one of her Tropical Fish Children's Quilts to a local gal in Qualicum Beach and has also created a lovely new Killer Whale Wall Hanging which is for sale on our site. Be sure to check it out and consider it for a Christmas present for your nautical-loving friends and family members. Christmas is only 52 days away you know!
Micki of A2Sea Creations and A2Sea Photography
So what's new with us? Cheryl and I returned on September 19th from our amazing trip to Italy and Greece with so many stories to share... thrilling stories of adventure and excitement, danger and peril, pirate ships and police stations, train robberies and lost luggage, landing on the wrong island, angels and miracles, wonderful mistakes and strange secrets, gypsies and gyros, surprise trips through Venetian canals... you name it - it happened! So I am in the process of writing a novel about our many adventures as they are just too fantastic to not be told. I warned my husband and friends that they won't be seeing much of me in November as I will be typing my little fingers off. I guess I should have worked harder in typing class in grade 10. Oh well. Wish me luck! I will let everyone know when my novel is published. Quit laughing... it could happen!
Cheryl, my co-partner and quilter-extraordinaire, sold another one of her Tropical Fish Children's Quilts to a local gal in Qualicum Beach and has also created a lovely new Killer Whale Wall Hanging which is for sale on our site. Be sure to check it out and consider it for a Christmas present for your nautical-loving friends and family members. Christmas is only 52 days away you know!
I hope everyone has been enjoying our spectacular fall weather. Happy November everyone!
Micki of A2Sea Creations and A2Sea Photography
Friday, June 10, 2011
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...
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!
Monday, February 21, 2011
An Amazing Year
Seaside Silk-Lined Gift Box
Well it is certainly an amazing year for Cheryl and I both. It was strange how I had experienced a sense of excitement stirring within me in early January. I just sensed that something was going to be different and special this year. And I couldn't have been more right. In August, I am going to Italy, which is a lifelong dream that I never thought would actually materialize. It is still quite surreal for me as I drool over endless photos of Italy and plan my trip with Cheryl and our friend Dorothy. What a blessing to be able to go with such good friends and share this once-in-a-lifetime experience together.
Cheryl is also going to Africa this year, which is her lifelong dream. We will meet in Rome during the last half of her trip. It is so exciting booking hotels and planning our trip to the Greek Islands as well. Our favorite island so far that we have researched is Santorini. It is breathtaking in every way imaginable.
There are several other wonderful things happening in Cheryl's and my life this year... too many to mention here. But we are both so thankful and we're certainly enjoying the ride. We are very blessed.
Cheryl and I will be spending a lot of time at sea, which is also our passion. The ocean is a constant inspiration for us both as we create new nautical treasures for our site. One of our bestsellers are our gift boxes which are just so perfect for presenting a small gift to someone, or simply giving as a gift unto itself. We sold one to a man who was proposing to his sweetheart and wanted something unique to present the ring in. Our gift boxes are all silk-lined which makes the presentation very elegant. And they are embellished richly with nautical beauty. A perfect favor for a beach wedding or gifts for the bridal party!
Cheryl is also going to Africa this year, which is her lifelong dream. We will meet in Rome during the last half of her trip. It is so exciting booking hotels and planning our trip to the Greek Islands as well. Our favorite island so far that we have researched is Santorini. It is breathtaking in every way imaginable.
There are several other wonderful things happening in Cheryl's and my life this year... too many to mention here. But we are both so thankful and we're certainly enjoying the ride. We are very blessed.
Cheryl and I will be spending a lot of time at sea, which is also our passion. The ocean is a constant inspiration for us both as we create new nautical treasures for our site. One of our bestsellers are our gift boxes which are just so perfect for presenting a small gift to someone, or simply giving as a gift unto itself. We sold one to a man who was proposing to his sweetheart and wanted something unique to present the ring in. Our gift boxes are all silk-lined which makes the presentation very elegant. And they are embellished richly with nautical beauty. A perfect favor for a beach wedding or gifts for the bridal party!
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Take Me To The Ocean Blue
Cobalt Blue Treasure Bottle
Take me to the ocean blue
And leave me there to be renewed
Let salt spray cool my weary face
And slow my mind to coastal pace
My heart shall guide my ship to steer
Where life's concerns become so clear
And melt like dross and fall away
As eventide draws in to play
Take me to the ocean blue
And leave me there to be renewed
Release all cares upon the shore
And vow to pick them up no more
By Micki Findlay
And leave me there to be renewed
Let salt spray cool my weary face
And slow my mind to coastal pace
My heart shall guide my ship to steer
Where life's concerns become so clear
And melt like dross and fall away
As eventide draws in to play
Take me to the ocean blue
And leave me there to be renewed
Release all cares upon the shore
And vow to pick them up no more
By Micki Findlay
Thursday, November 11, 2010
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!
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!
Sunday, October 31, 2010
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.
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.
Friday, October 22, 2010
A2Sea Is About Kids, Too!
Tropical Fish Children's Quilt By Cheryl
Cheryl has been quilting up a storm these days and, I am happy to announce, she has just finished her newest one for A2Sea Creations! Cheryl puts a lot of love and care into every quilt she makes and this newest one is no exception.
Cheryl and I work on some of our handmade nautical treasures together which, I might add, is always a pleasure. But we each have our own specialties as well... with Cheryl, it is her quilting and her lovely handmade cards. With me, it is my jewelry and our glass treasure bottles. Plus, we also have our own unique ways of working. But we make a wonderful team, not to mention all the laughter that goes on when we get together. It is a rare gift indeed to find someone you can work with so beautifully and enjoy being with week after week. I am truly blessed.
Cheryl and I work on some of our handmade nautical treasures together which, I might add, is always a pleasure. But we each have our own specialties as well... with Cheryl, it is her quilting and her lovely handmade cards. With me, it is my jewelry and our glass treasure bottles. Plus, we also have our own unique ways of working. But we make a wonderful team, not to mention all the laughter that goes on when we get together. It is a rare gift indeed to find someone you can work with so beautifully and enjoy being with week after week. I am truly blessed.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Weddings Are In The Air!
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.
Friday, August 6, 2010
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!
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!
Saturday, July 17, 2010
A Precious Time Capsule
MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE
When you decide to create something, you just never know the impact it might have on someone. I have always loved the romance behind the 'Message In A Bottle' concept... the fact that someone would write a heartfelt message meant for someone they love or someone they haven't even met, in hopes that someday, somewhere, someone would find it intact and read its precious contents.
We recently sold a Message in a Bottle to a mother of a young child. She explained that her plan was to give it to her young daughter with the intention of having her daughter open the bottle several years later to see the meaningful words her mother had written to her so many years before... a time capsule of sorts. What a wonderful idea!
Time is indeed a precious gift that is so easily taken for granted. We never know how long someone we love will be in our lives and, when that someone is gone, we remember vividly the last words we spoke to them, either with a smile on our lips or regret in our hearts. Whether we choose to express those words the way this mother did or whether we say them audibly, it is so important that we say them. While there is time...
We recently sold a Message in a Bottle to a mother of a young child. She explained that her plan was to give it to her young daughter with the intention of having her daughter open the bottle several years later to see the meaningful words her mother had written to her so many years before... a time capsule of sorts. What a wonderful idea!
Time is indeed a precious gift that is so easily taken for granted. We never know how long someone we love will be in our lives and, when that someone is gone, we remember vividly the last words we spoke to them, either with a smile on our lips or regret in our hearts. Whether we choose to express those words the way this mother did or whether we say them audibly, it is so important that we say them. While there is time...
Monday, July 12, 2010
Win A Mermaid Treasure Pendant!
THE MERMAID TREASURE PENDANT GIVE-AWAY!
Cheryl and I are pleased to announce that we are sponsoring a Give-Away Contest and if you would like to participate in the fun, just click on the photo above and it will lead you right there to the blog that is featuring the contest - 'Tools Are For Women Too!' And while you're there, take some time to peruse through this awesome blog and see what they are up to and the wonderful art they help promote.
Our Mermaid Treasure Pendant is a darling miniature bottle filled with precious mermaid treasure which consists of baby seashells, white 'fish netting', glass bits that sparkle in the sunlight and tiny beads. The blue fluid is... well... we can't tell you because it is a magical, secret solution known only by mermaids and mermen. But we can tell you that it is non-toxic. The top has a very tight, secure fit. It comes with a pewter starfish charm tied on with raffia.
For those of you who believe in recycling (as we do) you should know that the glass bits inside the bottle are actually, and you aren't going to believe this, tiny bits of broken windshield glass. Nifty huh? Mermaids collect EVERYTHING!
Best of luck to all you participants. May the best Mermaid or Merman win!
Our Mermaid Treasure Pendant is a darling miniature bottle filled with precious mermaid treasure which consists of baby seashells, white 'fish netting', glass bits that sparkle in the sunlight and tiny beads. The blue fluid is... well... we can't tell you because it is a magical, secret solution known only by mermaids and mermen. But we can tell you that it is non-toxic. The top has a very tight, secure fit. It comes with a pewter starfish charm tied on with raffia.
For those of you who believe in recycling (as we do) you should know that the glass bits inside the bottle are actually, and you aren't going to believe this, tiny bits of broken windshield glass. Nifty huh? Mermaids collect EVERYTHING!
Best of luck to all you participants. May the best Mermaid or Merman win!
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