I just stumbled across this amazing video introducing a man with no limbs, who still manages to possess a positive outlook on life. He has accepted his disability, yet goes on to do wonderful things and more importantly, to enjoy life. I found him to be truly inspirational. You can't watch this video and feel like you have problems. He is a true example of the philosophy that if you can accept your own flaws and move past them, you can maintain a positive attitude and go on to do great things, in spite of your condition. You want to feel sorry for him, but you really can't, because he doesn't feel sorry for himself.
I can't imagine what it must be like to live in a body like his, but its obviously nothing like what I would think. He's attempted more than most people I know. Sometimes you can be your own worst enemy, or you can choose to be your own greatest cheerleader.
I hope you get something out of viewing this video. I don't think I will forget how moving this one is. He is a stellar example of perseverance. We should all invite a little more perseverance into our lives.
The Sewing Lounge opens in April 2009. Jessica Dooley's goal is to empower people with the knowledge of sewing. She is deeply passionate about teaching sewing and watching peoples' creativity grow.
Jessica has had an interest in fabric and sewing since she was a small child. Her amazing grandma (aka Ma) gave her a vintage Singer Genie sewing machine when she was in Middle School. From that first bag that she made with her Ma at the kitchen island Jessica has been hooked on sewing and all things crafty. She later took private lessons to expand her knowledge and skills. One day while looking at sewing books with her mom in a local bookstore Jessica commented that she should just open up her own sewing lounge. From that day the idea grew from a fun idea to a passion that had to be fulfilled, and the rest is history. Jessica is an alumni of the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising.
The Sewing Lounge is part boutique, part sewing lounge, and a lovely little creative space on the blossoming Magnolia Boulevard in Burbank. It's a perfect find for those who'd like to learn more about the art and craft of sewing.
You can sign up for private or semi-private classes at The Sewing Lounge. They'll also let you reserve their shop Lounge for your own customizable sewing parties!
As an added bonus, Jessica is committed to supporting the Handmade Crafts community! Making The Sewing Lounge a great place to shop for uniquely handcrafted items from local artists like me (www.honeychilddesigns.etsy.com).
A special collection of Honey Child Designs jewelry, featuring earrings, bracelets and rings, are on sale now at The Sewing Lounge!
The Sewing Lounge also features an ongoing collection of Jessica's own brand of handmade and embellished vintage goods, as well as, those of local artisans.
On April 18th, Jessica hosted her Grand Opening event at The Sewing Lounge. It was a blast!
Sewing classes are now in session!
Call for details:
The Sewing Lounge
3216 Magnolia Blvd.
Burbank, Ca 91505
818-729-1781
To learn more about Jessica and The Sewing Lounge in Burbank, check out her website at
www.thesewingloungeburbank.com
SO FAR IT'S BEEN A HAPPY FRIDAY!
As you can tell by my big Cheshire Grin...
We held a craft show/bake sale at my day job today...
the 1st Annual SPRING CRAFT FLING!
We have so much talent throughout our company, it was great to see the crafters and bakers get recognized and make new friends!
My good Friend Mindy Sartin of Tangent Designs organized the whole thing, check out her website www.tangentdesigns.net
Photo credit goes to Ellen Bloom, check out her blog: http://ellen-bloom.blogspot.com/
Honey Child Designs had an awesome day!!!
We hope our handmade gifts make many Moms happy
on Mother's Day and for days to come.
Thanks to all who participated and supported our efforts!
In case you missed it, I was featured on live radio LAST NIGHT...
CHECK OUT THIS BLOG - click link below
READ MY POST SHOW WRAP UP!
http://blockheadradio.blogspot.com/2009/05/honey-child-designs.html
THURSDAY, APRIL 30TH -
6:00pmPST/ 9:00pmEST
Honey Child Designs featured in a live interview discussing our jewelry line, tune in... www.blockheadradiolive.com
Blockhead Radio - Exposing Artisans to the World
Just in time for Mother's Day...
From whimsical earrings to chunky necklaces to delicate bracelets and beyond -
Honey Child Designs allows the wearer to discover
her inner goddess,
her own reflection,
and the beauty of nature’s gifts,
in the mirror of our distinctive style.
SAVE 10% OFF!!!
NOW THRU MAY 10TH ON ALL PURCHASES!
FROM MY HONEYSHOP
TO SEE WHAT'S COOL OR MOM THIS YEAR
CLICK THE LINK BELOW
AND TYPE 'MOM' AT CHECKOUT!!!
www.honeychilddesigns.etsy.com
PLUS...
YOU'LL RECEIVE FREE SHIPPING
ON ALL DOMESTIC ORDERS!!!!
ON INTERNATIONAL ORDERS - SAVE WITH
OUR FLAT RATE OF ONLY $10.00 FOR SHIPPING
Be Sweet!
Make Mom Happy!
Honey Child
Life has really been funny lately…Revealing small things to me one day at a time. Some difficult to digest, others not so complicated. It’s amazing how when you sit back and think about it, your world is constantly changing, things are always being introduced or reintroduced, lessons always being learned, you are always being tested or working thru something to be sure how you really feel or to take note of how you are spending your time. Some things you may reinvent and some you may dismiss, but there is always “process.” If you don’t think you’re in a process right now, just think about some choices you’ve made lately and examine what you think that really means about where you are headed.
I’m learning to be confident about what I really stand for, especially when I am tested by my surroundings. I’m learning to go with the flow. Life is certainly too short to complain. I am surrounded by people who are uncomfortable with themselves in one way or another. It can be very draining…but I’m learning to spot them and not let them sap my energy. I don’t think people are as uncommon as I thought. I’ve met several people lately who have had awesome transformations and awakenings in their lives, when they just stopped and allowed change to happen. I’m constantly attracted to spending more and more time with those kinds of people. They are dynamic and they share their feelings willingly and without hesitation and they live by their own terms. The others are wasting their minutes, without knowing it. But hey, who am I to judge? Different strokes for different folks. I just enjoy what comes my way, even if it doesn’t fit into my usual box.
Observe the good that’s right in front of you, and don’t let the past represent you. Life is too short. The craziest and best things present themselves to me when I totally don’t expect it. Opportunity has a sense of humor. If you’re reading this, you were supposed to think about this message as it applies to you, embrace something new, or let something go. Take stock of where you are, at this very moment, be ok with it and find the willingness to be open.
Ciao for now Honeychildren,
Honey Child
Inspired by strong contrasting colors and textures, my current collection of scarves and neck cuffs combines luxurious wool and acrylic yarns accented with vintage buttons to create wearable works of art. I begins by selecting a yarn or button that inspires my unique creations, diligently working fibers into one-of-a-kind accessories. Recently I have started creating pieces using hand spun yarn from various etsy artists. They are so soft and delicious!
I also love making custom pieces based on individual needs. It is so fun to take an idea and make it a reality, it's like sculpting with yarn. If you have something special in mind shoot me a email and we will bring it to life.
So Mindy...What's your creative process like?
I love to sit on the couch with my husband John and my chihuahua Monkie after a long day at work and crochet cowls while we watch TV together. I like to make a ton of items and then do the finishing work on all of them at once. Usually, I listen to swing music while I do this part, it really helps pass the time. I love to crochet in the evenings and sew early in the morning. John and I are usually in bed by 9:30pm and up around 5:30am, so early mornings are a great time to get things done.
Before you settled on Tangent Designs, what other names did you consider?
Initially, I created a shop on Etsy.com called Mashartstudio, for my paintings. My last name used to be Ashcroft and everyone used to call me Mashcroft, so it seemed to fit. When I got married in August, and changed my last name, I started trying to figure out something that worked better. I usually paint circles and wanted to name my business something having to do with them, so I came up with Tangent. Only the math geeks, like me, really get it, everyone else just thinks it's catchy.
What are your favorite materials, why?
Right now my favorite material is yarn! Thick, yummy, bold colored yarn. I am really into hand spun yarn too. I feel like I am painting when I crochet with it.
What's your favorite thing to do when you're not working on your art?
I love going to the movies, dancing, and eating new foods.
Tell us something most people may not know about you?
I used to dye my hair a different color of the rainbow every week. Ok, maybe you could have guessed that.
What 3 things would you absolutely have to take if you were going to be stuck on a desert island, Survivor style.
a) My husband
b) My Monkie
c) Crochet hooks and drop spindle. I would spin yarn out of the fibers on the island and crochet them into everything I could think of.
OK, I know that was four! I am not the best at following the rules.
What's your favorite guilty pleasure?
Coconut Bliss ice cream! It is so amazing!
What can we not tell by looking at you?
That I am terrified of roller coasters.
Do you have any hidden talents?
I can make a three piece suit or a ball gown from scratch one day, and then, take out the power tools and build a stage the next.
What's your favorite quote or saying?
Dance like no one is watching, Love like you'll never be hurt, Sing like no one is listening, Live like it's heaven on earth.
What celebrity would you like to see wearing one of your pieces?
Any of them! It's crazy how if you put something on someone famous, everyone else wants one.
Where's the farthest you traveled or sought out materials for your art?
Fort Worth, Texas is the farthest I have gone, but I have purchased hand spun banana fiber yarn from Nepal. One day, I will travel all over the world.
Why buy Handmade?
Why not? It is so much fun to buy work from other artists. It's like starting your very own mini gallery. I would much rather support someone who puts there heart and soul into making something.
Insightful advice anyone can apply in some aspect of their lives...
This Morning, Matt and Meredith on the Today Show featured an interesting segment on decision making.
Suzy Welch was being interviewed about her new book (and decision making approach) called 10-10-10.
What is the operating principal behind this decision-making idea? To ask yourself...
"What is this decision going to mean to me in 10 minutes? 10 months? 10 years?"
This idea can be applied to anything from
"Do I eat these fries right now?" to
"Do I take that offer?"
and beyond.
Interesting approach to life's questions.
Something to Ponder.
Hello Honeychildren!!!
I want to offer all of you talented artists and crafters, who I've recently met at various craft shows and art venues...AND OF COURSE ON THE HONEYWEB...a unique opportunity to be showcased online!
I've created a special dedication page just for you! An interview showcase on my website www.honeychilddesigns.com, called Honeylove.
This page is available to all artists I love...in an effort to help us all get a little more traffic to our websites and webstores. When you say, "Hey, I'm being featured over here...Check out this site!," it really helps draw hits to your page.
I'm offering you a new way to let all of your friends on Facebook, your Twitterazzi and Friendsters, Bloggers and Myspacecadets know that you're being spotlighted and interviewed! This way we all get direct hits! BOOYAH!
If selected, you'll be welcome to share with me
your bio, graphics and a 2x2 etsy mini or other link to your websites and/or webstores! If you're not on Etsy, this does not apply. Instead, you can submit a bonus photo or logo jpg, that can be placed prominently on your profile page with an active link to your site. We will create the link for you, you just submit the image or logo you desire.
I can also offer a video recorded element to your profile as well, this will be available to local artists who can meet up with me in Los Angeles to be video interviewed. I'll post your video interview right on my site!
Already have your own video??? GREAT! Just send me the link and I will post it on your Honeylove profile page (videos must be 5 minutes or less).
Not located in Los Angeles??? That's OK! You can still be featured on Honeylove. This is a perfect opportunity for you non-locals to open up to the LA market and beyond!
Honeylove is the perfect fit to give you newbies that little nudge you need! It's also especially great for seasoned artists who have a special event coming up and need a little extra lip service!
We love to Kiss and Tell!
If you're interested, I'd love to hear from you soon, so we can begin the process of adding you to our Honeylist to be featured in an upcoming edition of Honeylove!
To submit information for a personal profile in Honeylove, go to our Honeymail page and send us a note with your email address. I will send you further instructions on how to send in your submission materials and your request to be featured.
Meanwhile, Visit our Honeylove page now and
Meet Our Latest Crush - Tangent Designs:
http://www.honeychilddesigns.com/honeylove.html
See what its all about.
Be Sweet!
Honey Child
Honey Child Designs is HOT!
We're being featured
in a Glitzy New Etsy Treasury!
Click the link below to view our
One Of A Kind Agate necklace MOONSTRUCK
in the GIRLS NIGHT OUT Treasury!
Moonstruck featured in Etsy Treasury "Girls Night Out"
