Long lost hello!

Inukshuk, English Bay, Vancouver, BC

The last I wrote, I was freezing my tookus off in Alberta! And now the cherry blossoms are bursting in their full glory all over Vangroovy! It has  been AWHILE...

I wish I could say that I haven't written because I was busy shooting my way through some far off land but alas, no. January to March were a bit of a struggle. Straight to the point, I was feeling like hot garbage (if you've been reading blog for awhile - similar to what was happening post SE Asia). But have been working very hard at feeling better and definitely having more good days than bad! 

We don't grow when things are easy. We grow when we face challenges. And I believe everything happens to set us upon our right paths (even if it seems ridiculously unfair and difficult at the time). BELIEVE. TRUST.

Don't be pushed by your problems. Be lead by your dreams.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson 

So here's some good things that have been happening...

I had a credit for some classes at the The Crow's Nest Art Studio in Ladner and decided to finally take a metal stamping class I'd been meaning to for so long to possibly incorporate into my photo jewelry designs. I ended up falling completely in love with the process as well as the outcome. My first design was this copper cuff with one of my favourite quotes on it.

I then stamped this one out and added one of my photo charms (photo taken at the North Shore, Oahu) and a starfish.

That was it. I was hooked. Two of my favourite things melded together: photos and prose. Not to mention hammering away on a piece of metal - very THERAPEUTIC! Since then, I have made several more designs - you can check more of 'em out in my Etsy shop here: Hand Stamped Jewelry.

Any design can be customized and personalized with any word or phrase.

Do Epic Shit, Seas the Day, Gypsy Soul, Born to Run

I have also joined two artisan collectives as well as a couple of stores! With an art collective, one rents out a space as well as minds the store periodically. It's quite fabulous because you get to hobnob with your customers and also meet other local designers and artisans.

I have been at Giving Gifts and Co. since January now! We just had a one year anniversary event this April and raised several hundred dollars so far for the Somaly Mam Foundation, an organization that supports victims of human trafficking to start new lives as artists and entrepreneurs in Cambodia. Each of the vendors donated an item as a prize to win in the raffle and help raise funds. This was my contribution...

And I just joined Favourite Gifts over in North Vancouver at Lonsdale Quay! It is located on the 2nd floor of the public market. I am ecstatic to be a part of it as I know most of the other artisans who sell there and I think I am going to really LOVE working there once a month. Such a cool atmosphere!

As per the last year or so, Migration in Victoria, BC is still rockin' my photo wares and recently Two of Hearts Clothing and Boutique started selling in both their Kitsilano and Main Street locations. And within the next few weeks, Kimprints in Gastown and on Denman will be selling my metal jewelry!

If any of you all know some other stores that might be a good fit with my product line, drop me a line and let me know! One of my goals this year is to get more wares into brick and mortar shops (with less focus on arts and crafts markets). FYI, I'm not afraid to cross borders. Why not go GLOBAL:)

Also, I have decided to participate in ArtWorld Expo this year (Friday, May 2nd at Science World)! I was in it the first two years but couldn't make it last year. There are over 100 artists exhibiting (painters, sculptors, jewelry and fashion designers, photographers and installation artists) as well as live demos, body paint competitions, musical guests and a silent auction for Make and Break Arts Foundation. It's an amazing venue for me to show my large wood and metal prints at so I am pretty amped for the event! Tickets are almost sold out. So if you're keen to go, get your tix now!

I dropped my secrets in the ocean..Stanley Park Seawall, Vancouver (metal print 30x40 - limited edition)

Speaking of prints, I am also having a print sale in my Etsy shop as posted on my FB Page! Could make a mother verrrrrry happy! And a good time to start being a collector at 25% off.

COUPON CODE: FACEBOOK25

NOTE: Promo does not apply to the photo transfer wood blocks that I make by hand.

Stubby, Empire State Building, NY (wood print 30x40 - limited edition)

Any of my images can be printed. Just send me a message if you don't see the one you like in my shop or portfolio and I can make it happen (I have the technology)! Sale ends on FB page on April 30th but am extending for newsletter subscribers til Sunday, May 4th. Just make sure you do it soon, so it comes in time for Mother's Day!

Well then, I think that is all for now. Next up will be my annual Mother's Day Contest, in memory of my Mama. Stay tuned for new metal jewelry I exclusively designed for both honouring and remembering our Moms:)

Until then, I hope you are enjoying spring (or fall) wherever you are in the big, bad beautiful world...counting your blessings and taking care of your health. Always put it first, for without it, everything else kinda sucks.

:)

TT