What Shoes I Wear

Closing Sojourn Quilts

2010-07-16T04:46:00.000-07:00

The time has come to close Sojourn Quilts on Etsy. A "sojourn" is a resting place" and this shop has served me well. My deepest, heartfelt thanks to SQ customers and friends. I am off on a new creative adventure with my friend and business partner, Christina. We are making hand-printed organic linen tea towels and other cool kitchen accessories.

Out with the old...

In with the new...

Please do come visit us at our shop Madder Root and follow us on our blog.

Thanks again, friends, and happy journeys!--Janyce

Introducing...Madder Root Recipe Cards

2010-05-07T02:41:00.000-07:00

While Christina and I have mostly worked on tea towels over the past month or so, this week we expanded our Madder Root product offerings to include recipe cards.

Whether it's a new recipe or a treasured family favorite these charming hand printed recipe cards are a perfect addition to your kitchen. All cards are printed on 100% recycled paper. At 5 1/2"x 8 1/2" they are large enough for any recipe and folded in half they will fit in a standard 4"x6" recipe box.

Each card is hand printed with water-based non-toxic inks. Slight variations in placement and color add to the charm.

We will be adding more designs and colors soon!

For more information about our recipe cards, tea towels or scarves, please visit our shop.

Cheers!--Janyce

Maine Team Featured Artist

2010-05-02T09:53:00.001-07:00

I just found out I am May's Featured Artist on the Etsy Maine Team. What an honor!

Cheers!--Janyce

Penobscot River Revival Festival Exhibitors Wanted

2010-04-26T03:13:00.000-07:00

The third annual Penobscot River Revival on the Bangor Waterfront will be held Saturday, July 10, 2010. The organizers of this event are looking for exhibitors. Preregistration is required. The celebration will be from 10am to 3pm, with arrival and set-up scheduled for 9am. Space will be provided and identified. Exhibitors are asked to bring their own table and electric cords, if needed. There is no registration or booth fee, but donations toward the event are welcome. Donation items for a raffle will also be accepted. For more information, please contact the event coordinator at info@penobscotriver.org or call Cheryl Daigle at 207.232.9969.

Quickbooks v. MYOB for Mac

2010-04-19T17:49:00.001-07:00

I am researching accounting programs for Mac. If you have any insights on Quickbooks v. MYOB, I would love to hear them. I decided to try a 30-day trial version of MYOB for Mac. I will let you know how it goes!

Cheers!--Janyce

A madder root scarf makes Etsy's front page!

2010-04-11T05:54:00.000-07:00

One of our grey scarves with teasel was featured on Etsy's front page today, along with other Etsy Maine Team products and sellers. Thank you, atelierfrost for including us in your treasury!

Cheers!--Janyce

Soft Baby Blues Treasury

2010-04-10T19:50:00.001-07:00

I curated this Etsy Treasury that features items from shops I like. Clicking and commenting on the treasury helps bring visibility to these talented artisans. The treasury expires Tuesday April 13 at 1:41pm.

Cheers!--Janyce

Social Media

2010-04-07T04:40:00.000-07:00

As some of you may know, I was recently a guest on Jane Haskell's Doing Business radio show (WERU 89.9FM Blue Hill, Maine). The topic was using social media in business. You can hear the radio show by clicking on the Doing Business link.

Jane provided me with some questions ahead of time. Here are some highlights.

How would you rate yourself in the use of social media one year to six months ago to now?

One year to six months ago, I was using blogspot, Flickr and various chatrooms inconsistently and not very cohesively. Now, I'm involved with Blogspot, Flickr, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Etsy chatrooms and forums. I'm trying to be more deliberate in my approach and develop common themes among the social media tools I'm using.

Why do you feel your business needs social media?

It's where the conversations are happening. More people are online and using social media. If I want to connect with people--friends, family, customers, potential customers--I need to spend at least some of my time online.

What makes it so now compared to one year ago?

My perspective is changing about the usefulness of social media. I'm interested in the "social" part of social media. To me, it means developing a language, a way of communicating online that invites conversation. For example, I could post something that says "Here is what I made today." By changing the wording, slightly, I can invite people to participate with the posting instead of just reading it (or clicking away from it): "I've been working on this new project, what do you think?" Posts that elicit a variety of interactions help me learn what my readers are thinking.

How does social media help with your business?

I'm not sure if there is a direct correlation with my posts and sales. It's difficult to measure. However, I do think people are interested in learning about the person behind my business. Using social media is a way for me to share my personality: what inspires me, where I get my ideas, what challenges and rewards I face.

How do you integrate social media into your business plan?

Social media is an extension of my online business and presence. It takes some planning. Some questions I ask are "What social media sites are best for me and my business?" "What social media tools are my customers using?" "What information will I post?" "What format will I use? (photos, tweets, blog posts, etc.?) "How will I know this is working for me?" "What criteria will I use to measure my progress?"

Why would you want to post material about your business and have people discuss it?

The biggest thing for me is showing people there is a human being behind my business. I like to share my experiences, insights and opinions and allow people to see some of what makes me tick. I'm a bit of a home body, so having an online presence also allows accessibility and visibility to areas of the world I would not otherwise tap into. I think whether I am online or off, people are discussing my business in one way or another. Having a presence online also means I am participating in the conversation. I learn a lot about people and the changes that are occurring in art and business--particularly in the area of microenterprise. I like being part of the conversation.

These are just some of the questions and answers I prepared for the radio show. There are a lot of good tips from the other guests on the show as well, so I hope you'll take a listen. Please let me know if this was helpful and/or if you have further comments or questions about social media.

Cheers!--Janyce

Burgundy Blush Treasury

2010-04-05T15:27:00.001-07:00

I curated this Etsy treasury today. Clicking and commenting on the treasury itself will help bring visibility to these talented artisans. The treasury expires 4/10/10 at 10:48pm.

Cheers!--Janyce

In the Tool Shop (Pembroke, ME)

2010-04-05T04:34:00.001-07:00

Is Social Media for My Business?

2010-03-31T14:17:00.000-07:00

Is Social Media for My Business? That is the topic for Thursday's "Doing Business" radio show on WERU (Blue Hill 89.9FM). The show is hosted by Jane Haskell and I am one of the guests representing micro-enterprises. The show airs 10am-11am EST and will be archived online. I will provide a link when it available.

If you have ideas about using social media in business, feel free to post your comments here.

Cheers!--Janyce

Madder Root on Etsy Finds

2010-03-30T10:56:00.001-07:00

Woot! Woot! Madder Root is featured in today's Etsy finds! Look for our Poppy Tea towel printed in buttercup. Too exciting for words!

Cheers!--Janyce

Bloomin' Cones!

2010-03-29T05:14:00.000-07:00

For some reason, I was fixated on these cones yesterday. I think because they looked so round and cute on the trees. Lots of texture, too, between the sprills and the cones themselves.

Cheers!--Janyce

Easy Way to Help the Bangor Area Children's Choir

2010-03-28T02:52:00.000-07:00

Since it's spring cleaning time, here's how you can find room in your garage and help the Bangor Area Children's Choir at the same time: take your returnable bottles and cans to Larry Barron's Bangor Redemption & Beverage Center at 490 Broadway in Bangor. Just tell the staff to credit the BACC account. No need to count; just bag and drop your returnables. Simple as that!

Cheers! Janyce

Etsy Front Page!

2010-03-27T07:11:00.000-07:00

Woot! Woot! One of our Madder Root scarves made the front page this morning! So exciting!

Cheers!--Janyce

New Ventures Entrepreneurship Training

2010-03-26T03:55:00.001-07:00

Women, Work & Community will offer the New Ventures Entrepreneurship 60 hour Training Program at University College in Bangor, Maine. The training will be held every Tuesday from April 27 to July 13 from 9:30 to 3:00. An application, orientation and interview are required.

An in-depth coverage of topics such as: your customer, competition, marketing, record keeping, taxes, legal aspects, financing, and operations will result in a written business plan. Class size is limited to 15.

Applications are due Friday April 16th and the orientation will be held on Tuesday April 20th from 9:30 to 11:30 at Bangor Hall, University College in Bangor.

For an application or more information, call 262-7843, or email searles@maine.edu For additional information on other programs, visit the web site at www.womenworkandcommunity.org.

I highly recommend this training. It will help you get a good solid foundation under your business idea or help you strengthen your current enterprise if you have never done a business plan.

Cheers!--Janyce

Purples Blues and Greens

2010-03-25T05:37:00.000-07:00

Nice to see some color after the dull browns and greys of a snowless winter.

Cheers!--Janyce

Sage Advice Treasury

2010-03-23T10:52:00.000-07:00

I curated this Etsy treasury called "Sage Advice." The treasury features handmade, organic, and/or recycled items found on the site. For those of you new to treasuries, they are member-curated galleries that change every 2 or three days. Clicking on the items and commenting in the space provided helps give the treasury--and its featured sellers--visibility within the site. The treasury will expire Friday, March 26 at 2:09am.

Cheers!--Janyce

Falling Leaves Tea Towel

2010-03-22T16:45:00.000-07:00

Christina and I are continuing to develop and print new designs. Here, we paired artichokes with our new falling leaves tea towel for product shots. Later in the day, we cooked the artichokes on the grill (along with other vegetables) for a yummy treat!

You may find out more about our scarves and tea towels at Madder Root.

Cheers!--Janyce

Too Much Thread

2010-03-16T08:53:00.001-07:00

Can you ever have too much thread? Well, I wouldn't have thought so, but...yes! I bought a bunch...I mean a BUNCH...of thread for a project and ended up having a lot left over. So, I've started putting some in my Etsy shop for a discount. These are unused spools of thread marked below what I paid for them. I'd rather see them go to good homes and projects than to have them go to waste.

All the thread is Mettler/Metrosene silk-finished cotton thread. Some are in 547 yard (500m) spools, some in 164 yard (150m) spools. I've used miles of this thread for quilts, clothes and other projects and love it! The large spools are on sale for $2.50 (Retail $5.88) and the small spools are $1.25 (Retail $2.35). Quantities will vary.

The color numbers I have in stock at the time of this blog post are listed below.

Large spools: 884 (Linen), 915 (Lavender), 554 (Aqua), 502 (Pale Yellow), 525 (Tan), 594 (Orange), 673 (Purple), 712 (Brown), 803 (Pink), 623 (Dolphin)

Small spools: 553 (Dark Jade Green), 646 (Pink Coral), 789 (Wedgewood Blue), 684 (Dark Wedgewood), 769 (Blossom Pink), 575 (Light Lilac), 835 (Bright Geranium), 574 (Violet), 649 (Pink), 528 (Brown)

This is a "destash," so once the spools are gone, they're gone! I won't be repeating this offer.

Cheers!--Janyce
Sojourn Quilts
"A Resting Place Along Life's Journey"

Spring is on its way!

2010-03-15T04:07:00.001-07:00

I saw this stone sun peeking at me from behind the snow melt. Spring is on its way, I'm sure of it!

Cheers!--Janyce

Madder Root

2010-03-05T03:07:00.000-08:00

I am happy to announce the opening (a very soft opening) of Madder Root on Etsy.

Madder Root was born out of a passion for fabric, art, lively conversation, cups of tea and walks with the dog with my friend Christina. I feel fortunate to share in this creative endeavor with her. Every day is an adventure in fun!

We see creating and doing business in Maine as more than just a job. It is a lifestyle. We will be bringing to you hand printed tea towels, scarves and fat quarters made from organic fabrics, threads and printed with water based, solvent free inks.

We are inspired by our state's ocean, forest and mountain vistas and we strive to protect the environment around us with every business choice we make. From our material to our packaging we are working hard to find environmentally friendly supplies without sacrificing quality.

We are still building our website and will have more for you to see as the next days and weeks unfold. For now, you can reach us at http://www.madderroot.etsy.com. I hope you will stop by and say hello. Please do let me know what you think!

Cheers!--Janyce

Demographics

2010-02-23T10:24:00.000-08:00

I took a week off from writing about business planning so I could actually write a business plan (or start one, anyway) for a new project I am working on. I will be announcing the project later, but for now, I want to return to the topic of business planning for this blog post.

Today, we will explore demographics. Think of demographics as the vital statistics for your customers: where they live, what their income and education level is, what they like to do. You will want to collect as much information as possible about the people who both like AND want to buy your product or service. The more you know about who these people are, the more likely you will be able to find them when you choose your selling venues. (For those of you who missed it, the selling venue discussion may be found at this link: Selling Venues).

I remember asking myself, when I was first starting business, "How am I supposed to know who my customers are? I have no sales!"

Start with yourself. What do you like to do? Where do you live? How old are you? What is your income level? Chances are, you are providing a product or service that you enjoy (otherwise, why do it?) and, you can be certain that at least some of your future customers will be similar to you.

Ask your friends and family if they would buy your product or service--and then add them to your growing list of demographic information. Note: Friends and family are not the most reliable lot--they do not want to hurt your feelings if they secretly dislike your product or service--so they are likely to say "yes" they would buy your product regardless of how they actually feel. Take friends and family comments with a grain of salt, but, do include some of their information in your demographics. It is a baseline...you can revise it later, if needed.

Keep track of who actually does buy your product or service. Even at the beginning stages, you can start to get a feel for your true customer profile by jotting down basic information about who actually does make a purchase. It does not have to be complicated. Just start a chart in a notebook (or a spreadsheet on the computer) with headings that indicate the information you are looking for in your business. Here are some common headings: gender, location, population, age, education, ethnicity or race, income level, or whatever other information you want to track to get to know your customers better. Do not forget to include which products or services you offer that get the most attention. Are your customers drawn to particular colors or materials or sizes? Are they cost conscious or do they put quality and uniqueness of design above price? What motivates your customers to make a second purchase? What factors might turn them away? These types of questions bring your true customer to life.

Do not worry if your demographic information seems skimpy at first. Keeping asking questions and listening to what your customers are saying. The more you interact you with your customers and potential customers, the more information you will gather. You do not have to be aggressive or overt about collecting marketing data. In fact, that will generally turn off potential customers (and maybe some existing ones, too). Just talk with people. Listen to their stories. And, when they make a purchase or sign up for your newsletter, take note of their demographic information. Over time, you will begin to have a more concrete, rounder picture of who your customers really are.

I will be continuing to discuss business planning next week, though I have not decided what topic, yet!

Did you find this information helpful? Please let me know if you have further ideas or questions about demographics (or business planning in general) by leaving a comment.

Cheers!--Janyce

Apple Tart with Caramel Sauce

2010-02-18T11:45:00.001-08:00

I bought these golden delicious apples yesterday--so pretty in this blue bowl--and decided to try this Apple Tart with Carmel Sauce recipe. It is described as "a grown-up spin on the caramel apple — in tart form." Good enough enticement for me!

The crust--flour, salt, egg yolks, confectioner's sugar--needs to chill for about an hour. Here it is ready to go in the fridge. Not very thrilling as a photo, but it is the first step in the recipe!

This is the first time making my own caramel sauce, which is basically boiled butter, heavy whipping cream and brown sugar.

The caramel is stirred and boiled until it forms a thick layer on a spoon. The mixture darkens as it cooks.

I cut up the apples while the caramel cooled to room temperature.

The apples are cored and quartered, then tossed with flour and cinnamon. The recipe called for cardamom as well (which would have been lovely), but I was out. Cinnamon will have to do.

Here is the tart ready for the oven. Next time, I will do a prettier apple design.

Fresh out of the oven with some of the caramel sauce spooned over the top.

I would plate it, maybe with a scoop of ice cream, and take a taste, but I have to wait for tomorrow's dinner with friends. (Willpower or what?) I will let you know how it tastes!

Update: Soooooooooooo yummy! A definite "must try!"

Cheers!--Janyce

At the Feeder

2010-02-15T12:03:00.001-08:00

It was a thrill to watch this woodpecker up close--just a few feet from where I was sitting at the window. I could have stayed there all day!

Cheers!--Janyce

Free Tax Preparation in Maine

2010-02-12T03:06:00.000-08:00

For qualifying individuals and families, Maine offers free tax preparation. You may even qualify for tax credits you did not know about. Get your income taxes prepared free by IRS-Certified volunteer tax preparers.

You will need:

Social security cards for any person claimed on the tax return (self, spouse, dependents).

W-2s for all jobs worked throughout the year.

1099 forms for other income, including social security benefits, unemployment, interest and dividends, if applicable.

Any other tax-related documents received from the Internal Revenue Service.

Once you receive all of your income tax statements, dial 2-1-1 and get connected to a tax site near you or visit the CA$HMAINE website.

Offered Jan. 20-March 30, 2010
Walk-ins welcome, appointments strongly suggested**

**Sites have income limits of $50,000 gross per combined household.

*The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a Federal tax benefit for people who work. A family with a combined income under $48,279 and married filing jointly with three or more children can get a maximum credit of $5,657. Taxpayers may also claim the EITC even if they do not owe income tax.

New Shops and Facebook

2010-02-11T03:18:00.001-08:00

I have been a little quieter on the blog this week, but a lot has happened behind the scenes. I decided to reopen my 1000Markets shop. I joined ArtCardsWanted.com. I even opened up a Facebook account for Sojourn Quilts.

Cheers!--Janyce

Marketing - On the Radio

2010-02-08T14:31:00.000-08:00

As some of you know, I was a guest speaker on WERU last Thursday. For those of you who missed it, the show is called "Doing Business" and is hosted by Jane Haskell. The show's title: http://archives.weru.org/doing-business/doing-business-20410>How Do I Really Do Market Research?.

Jane gave me some questions ahead of time to prepare for the show. Time went really quickly, so we only scratched the surface of the topic. I said last week I would spend time talking about demographics (which I will get to), but I thought for my business plan segment this week, I would share Jane's questions and my answers.

Each guest introduces self with a brief background of their business or agency. (name, title, business, location, briefly what your business or agency does or produces and for how long it has - and you have - been in business)

I am the owner of Sojourn Quilts, a home-based business located in Bangor, Maine. I make Maine inspired quilted fabric art. I started with story quilts and wall-hangings, but, in recent years have turned to small (2.5" x 3.5") art. I am still telling stories, though now it is with bite-sized images!

Tell us why you wanted to start your own business.

I became intrigued with the idea of turning something I love doing into a business. There are many rewards in seeing others delight in something I have made.

Tell us some of the issues you think people need to think about as they consider marketing their business.

What their product is, who may buy their product and how their potential customers view their product. (Is how you view it different than how your potential customers view it?)

Selling venues: What do you like to do? Will you find your target customers there?

Record keeping: How will you record the data and what criteria will you use to review it?

What kind of information do you want from your marketing efforts?

When you think of your target markets (demographics, lifestyle patterns, customer expectations) – what do they ‘look’ like?

Me! (Big Grin!)
Female, ages 30-50, or men who are buying for women
Connection to Maine and/or to fabric arts
Care about the environment
Respond to humorous or slightly quirky subject matter
Educated, internet-savvy
Appreciate quality handmade products, attention to detail

How do feel these might differ in the 2 – 3 years down the road if you are thinking about staying in business?

My records show me that the majority of my customers are located out of state. I just read a statistic that indicated US artisans make 60% of their income within their own state. It is clear I am under-utilizing this resource. Shows are not my favorite selling venue, so I will need to find some creative ways to increase my visibility within the state of Maine.

How did you know that it – the research - would work and that you were not groping around in the dark and there was nothing to research?

I didn't! The idea of market research was new to me. I didn't even know what questions to ask. The New Ventures class I took through Women, Work and Community helped me figure out where to start my research. The more I got to know my business, the more questions I had and the need for market research became clear.

One of the myths that might be in this dragon’s den is that this is complicated and there is a lot of foot work to do. What is your sense of this? How did you organize what you needed to research?

I didn't what information was important, so I kept all of it in an excel spreadsheet—customers names and addresses, inventory, cash flow records, sales venues I'd tried and how those turned out. I have data from 2004 that I just collected as I went along. Even with a very small business, I am able to see patterns in the data—what's working, where there are gaps--and make predictions and set goals for my business.

How do you currently determine how you do your work as compared to your competitors?

My primary business is online, so I spend a lot of time online interacting with people who like to be online as well. There are a lot of talented quilters and fabric artists out there. I try to make unique and unusual items and focus on the business end of things. Having a business/marketing plan and using it sets me apart from other artisans who see their work as a hobby.

How do you keep abreast of the changing market conditions?

I “listen” to the conversations on line in chat rooms and forums, as well as what my customers tell me, read about online shopping trends and habits, take workshops, and talk with other artisans.

How do you spot potential problems or challenges in your current market?

I review my progress periodically and compare my experiences with what is indicated in the business websites I visit, as well as in the online community. I am not as tuned in to the local market—that will be a focus for the upcoming year--but I do have a sense of national trends...what's happening nation-wide ripples through the online community pretty quickly.

When you conduct primary research, interacting with your customers, what do/did you learn?

What products work and which don't. (My customers keep asking for Lobsters!!!)

Where I need to improve my customer education. (With my small art, people keep asking: “What do I do with something so small?”)

Business Name. By asking people “What kinds of products do you think you will find at Sojourn Quilts?,” I realized that my business name may be too restrictive. Some people coming to Sojourn Quilts may be expecting traditional bed quilts. I am toying with the idea of changing my business name to something more descriptive of my current work. (More about this later).

What suggestions do you have for targeting your market? (focus on particular geo area, best selling prod, those most likely to patronize???

Keep records and watch for the patterns. What shows up in my business will probably be different than some other business, depending on the products. The patterns in my data, for example, show both strengths as well as gaps in my marketing. By reviewing the information periodically, I am able to adjust my actions, set new goals and try to address the weaker areas.

What is your take on the benefits of market research in relation to the business plan?

Doing market research helps keep me focused. It gives me a way to measure my progress. Am I staying true to my intended goals or have I gone on a tangent? Is the tangent worth pursuing or do I need to get back on my original track? Who are my customers, really? Who is buying? Am I doing the things I need to do to make my business visible to my customers?

What has given you the confidence to do the research?

Experiencing for myself how market research can—and does—help inform my business decisions. It creates a structure on which to build a business. I experimented a lot over the past five years—trying to discover what I wanted my business to be. With each step, I learned something and let go of something else. I feel much more confident and solid in my abilities to make my business work. It is definitely a journey.

What one piece of advice would each of you have for listeners who are thinking ‘I need to do some market research’?

Make use of free resources like Women, Work and Community. They will help walk you through the steps.

Did you find this helpful or do you have further suggestions or comments about marketing? Please let me know.

Cheers!--Janyce

Six Birches

2010-02-08T03:37:00.000-08:00

Just a shout out of appreciation to one of my customers who sent me this photo of the "Six Birches" piece I made. She matted and framed the piece to hang on her wall.

Cheers!--Janyce

Financing Your Future

2010-02-05T03:06:00.000-08:00

This is a wonderfully informative class offered free through Maine Centers for Women, Work and Community.

Financing Your Future - Make the Most of Your Money

Date: Feb 10, 2010 to Mar 10, 2010
Center: Bangor
Category: Money Management
Location: University College of Bangor, Bangor Hall, 1 University Drive, Bangor
Days of the week: Wednesday
Time: 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

This workshop can help you gain the skills and confidence you need to stretch your money, pay your bills, reduce your debt, find money for savings, and set personal financial goals. This class meets one of the requirements for the Family Development Account (FDA) matched savings account.

There will be one follow-up session on Wednesday, March 31.

To register, or for more information, contact Susan Russell at 262-7842 or email susan.russell@maine.edu.

Cheers!--Janyce

WERU Radio Interview

2010-02-04T03:05:00.000-08:00

I am so excited! Today, I will be a guest speaker on Jane Haskell's "Doing Business" show on WERU. The show airs live here in Maine at 10am-11am on 89.9FM Blue Hill. The topic is marketing. The two other guests will be Stephen Fadel, Business Reference Librarian at UMaine's Fogler Library and Christy Hemenway, owner of Gold Star Honeybees. I will be talking about my business, Sojourn Quilts.

The show is archived on the WERU website. Check out the 2/4/10 Doing Business show. To hear the show, scroll down and click the mp3 tab/arrow.

Cheers!--Janyce

Selling Venues

2010-02-03T04:59:00.000-08:00

This is the third in a series of postings about business planning or, more specifically, my adventures in business planning. I am sharing my thoughts here in hopes you will find something useful to use in your own entrepreneurial adventures. You can catch up by checking out So What's the Plan? and On a Mission.

Today I will spend some time with Selling Venues. I am probably going out of order in terms of a structured, formal business plan, but this is what is in my head.

As a sole proprietor, I want to be clear about what works and what does not work for me. I need to think about my lifestyle, values, and interests and find selling venues that align relatively well with these factors. Each selling venue has pros and cons. It is beneficial to spend time researching and/or experimenting with the various selling venues to see what works for you.

As an artisan and educator, I see the following selling venues as options:

Consignment. Providing products to established shops or galleries for sale in those stores. A 30-50% fee is garnered by the owner of the shops or galleries upon sale of the merchandise.

Fabrication Services. The manufacture of items (quilts, clothing, pillows, etc.) for customers using materials they provide. Fabrication Services may be provided privately (for individuals) or on an independently contracted basis for companies.

Internet. Selling products directly to customers online through independent or hosting e-commerce-ready websites.

Private Sales. Selling products directly to customers in person, primarily locally.

Retail Shows. Selling products directly to customers in person at a variety of locations. Shows come in two categories: Juried (open to vendors who are accepted through an application process); Non-Juried (open to all vendors).

Teaching. Providing sewing lessons and/or teaching workshops as a service.

Wholesale. Selling products directly to shop owners to resell in their stores. With wholesale, retail store owners (generally) take 50% of the retail price of the item. Wholesale arrangements may be made on an individual basis or through wholesale shows.

Some people choose one selling venue, others choose a variety of ways to sell their products and reach their target customer base. I have tried all of these selling venues and find I prefer working directly with my own customers through local community events and the internet. Still, I keep my options open and sometimes make use of other selling venues.

The more experienced I become as a business person, the more I understand the importance of finding people who are both interested in the work I do AND want to make a purchase. Two questions (there are plenty more) to ask for each selling venue: "Is this selling venue working for me?" and "Will I meet people from my target market here?" The closer I come to balancing my product and selling venue with my target customers' needs and wants, the more likely I generate enough sales to keep my business viable.

This is just a start on selling venues. Was this useful? Do you have further thoughts or ideas for selling venues? I would love to hear from you!

Next week, I will talk more about demographics and finding your target market.

Cheers!--Janyce

Apple Stitched Art

2010-02-02T07:15:00.000-08:00

This Apple is not from my "neighborhood" series, but it could be. Maine farmers grow wonderful apples here.

The inspiration for this piece came from apple doodles I drew while attending a meeting. (Caught me zoning out!).

I will probably add apples to my "candy tree" images at some point.

Apple
Stitched Art by JL Boynton
5.75 inches by 7.5 inches
14.6 centimeters by 19.0 centimeters
Copyright ©2010 Sojourn Quilts

Cheers!--Janyce

January in Review

2010-02-01T03:08:00.000-08:00

It is the first day of February 2010. Someone once told me you are supposed to say "Rabbit, Rabbit" on the first day of every month. Anyone know where that comes from?

Anyway, I thought I would sum up January. It was a fruitful month. Here is some of what I accomplished:

Started a new direction on the blog.

Introduced the "In My Neighborhood Series" of fabric art pieces. I am using photos from places in Maine as a basis for my artwork. Samples: Lures, Candy Tree, Sanding Wheels

Met with two business counselors at the Penobscot County Cooperative Extension to review my business plan and set some goals for the new year. (I will be talking about this more in future posts)

Attended a business workshop hosted by Maine's Small Business Development Centers". Good to get a refresher on wholesale issues.

Started a series talking about business planning: So What's The Plan? and On a Mission. I will be continuing to talk about business planning in upcoming posts.

Received a lovely quilted wall-hanging in the mail from a friend: Heart Quilt.

Met with some business women at Maine Centers for Women, Work and Community and was invited to give a presentation (with photographer Liz Grandmaison) on using social networking in business.

Was invited as a guest speaker on Jane Haskell's "Doing Business" radio show. The topic will be marketing. The show will air live Thursday, February 4, 2010 from 10am to 11am on WERU Blue Hill 89.9FM and Bangor 102.9FM. The show will be archived, so even if you cannot get WERU on your radio dial, you will have a chance to listen to it over the internet.

I think this was a solid way to start the year and am looking forward to what February will bring!

Cheers!--Janyce

Heart Quilt

2010-01-29T06:15:00.001-08:00

I received a package in the mail the other day. It was a gift from a dear friend: this lovely heart quilt.

I know how long it took to make such a gift. I am truly touched by her thoughtfulness and the love and care she took in making this piece of fabric art.

This reminds me anew of why I love the art of quilting and how it binds lives together.

Thanks, dear friend!

Cheers!--Janyce

Historian Howard Zinn

2010-01-28T03:50:00.000-08:00

Historian Howard Zinn died yesterday, January 27, 2010. Whether you agreed with him or not, Howard Zinn's writings were sure to spark debate. He challenged people to ask questions--and not accept traditional (school book) history at face value. There are many sides to every story...not just the ones spoon fed to the masses by popular media. His most recent work "The People Speak" premiered on the history channel in December 2009.

Sanding Wheels

2010-01-27T03:37:00.000-08:00

Another stitched art piece the "In My Neighborhood" series I started at the beginning of the month.

This time, these sanding wheels caught my eye.

I love circles. They show up a lot in my artwork.

Sanding Wheels
Stitched Art by JL Boynton
2.5 inches by 3.5 inches
6.4 centimeters by 8.9 centimeters
Copyright ©2010 Sojourn Quilts

Cheers!--Janyce

On a Mission

2010-01-26T04:45:00.000-08:00

You might remember last week, I dug out my five year old business plan and wrote about it at this link: So What's the Plan?.

This week, I want to talk about the mission statement. Even though the mission statement is placed close to the beginning of a business plan, I think it is nearly impossible to write the mission statement before researching other areas of the business plan: finances, marketing, selling venues, and the like. The mission statement should be the glue that holds the whole plan together.

My mission statement from five years ago was to design and manufacture heirloom-quality fabric art Story Quilts to commemorate important life events: weddings, civil unions, births, graduations, deaths, anniversaries and other special occasions. I planned to use traditional and contemporary quilting techniques, vibrant color schemes and quality materials to create personalized, one-of-a-kind story quilts or pillows. I wanted to invite customers to participate in the selection of colors, symbols and overall design. A "sojourn" is a "resting place along life's journey," so I wanted to provide my customers with a change to reflect upon and honor their own remarkable life experiences.

In theory, the idea was--and still is--a good one. In practice, for me, anyway, it did not work out. I found marketing and pricing story quilts very difficult. To make a living at story quilts (the way I envisioned them), I needed to be willing to produce a lot at a moderate price or produce a select few at a premium price. After trying a few--and really undervaluing my time and talent--I decided I would rather make these for friends and family (free, as a gift from the heart) than sell them below what I thought they were worth.

With this realization, I started actively searching for something quilt-related I liked to make--that still seemed like "me" (personally, as a business owner, and artistically)--and fit better with the selling venues I was pursuing at the time.

Since my experimentation...er..."market research"...with products and selling venues will lead me to my current mission statement, I am going to hold off talking about that until I write about the rest of the business plan.

More about selling venues next time.

Cheers!--Janyce

Shrub with Red and Purple Hearts

2010-01-25T08:50:00.000-08:00

Another stitched art piece with the "Candy Tree" idea in mind. This one is a fabric collage made from repurposed fabrics and cotton thread sewn and adhered to 140lb watercolor paper. Ready for matting and framing.

Shrub with Red and Purple Hearts
Stitched Art by JL Boynton
5.75 inches by 7.5 inches
14.6 centimeters by 19.0 centimeters
Copyright ©2010 Sojourn Quilts

Cheers!--Janyce

No Impact Man

2010-01-23T13:37:00.000-08:00

Watched this movie No Impact Man. Definitely food for thought...and change...

Cheers!--Janyce

Upcoming Workshops

2010-01-22T03:28:00.000-08:00

Developing Collateral Sales Materials for Trade Shows
Presented by John Entwhistle and Paula Mahony
January 29, 2010
2pm-5pm
University of Southern Maine, Wishcamper Center, Room 133
Portland, Maine
Fee: $20

Creating Trade Show Booths That Sell
Presented by Bruce Baker
January 30, 2010
University of Southern Maine, Wishcamper Center, Room 133
Portland, Maine
9am to Noon

Marketing and Selling Strategies for Success
Presented by Bruce Baker
University of Southern Maine, Wishcamper Center, Room 133
Portland, Maine
January 30, 2010
1:15pm to 4:15pm

Fee: $50
For registration call 1-800-679-SBDC
Or Register online

Shrub with Red Berries Stitched Art

2010-01-21T03:58:00.000-08:00

I was walking on a bitter cold day and just grabbed this picture. I was not sure it would even come out.

Something about the composition and light caught my fancy. Here is one version in fabric.

Shrub with Red Berries
Stitched Art by JL Boynton
5.75 inches by 7.75 inches
14.6 centimeters by 19.7 centimeters
Copyright ©2010 Sojourn Quilts

Cheers!--Janyce

Linoleum Cut Stamp

2010-01-20T06:42:00.000-08:00

A friend showed me how to cut a linoleum stamp.

The process reminded me both of chip carving and of making Pysanky (Ukrainian style decorated eggs).

Here is what the stamp looked like when I finished. I forgot to take a picture of it before we inked it.

There is room for improvements, but here are a couple samples of the print. One on fabric, the other on paper.

Cheers!--Janyce

So, What's the Plan?

2010-01-19T11:22:00.001-08:00

A few months into 2009, I was in the Etsy chat room goofing off...er...meeting other artisans...when, unsolicited and out of the blue, someone said to me, "You are going to make it in 2010." The text in the chat room often flies by at a furious rate, so I do not even know who made the comment. It stuck with me, though and, now that it is 2010, I am interested to see what the year brings.

Notice I did not say I am waiting to see what the year brings. I would rather take action...do stuff...to move my business and me forward than wait for something to happen.

I came across my old business plan the other day. I wrote it in 2005 when I took the New Venture's Class through Maine Centers for Women, Work and Community. And, while I enjoyed the exercise, I can say, now, a lot of the concepts went over my head. I am the kind of person who needs to experience something with ample time to process the new information. The New Ventures class packs a lot of information into its 10 week course. (Well worth the experience--and free to the participants, too!). It is a great way to test the waters--to really ask the tough questions to judge whether or not your business idea is a viable one.

I am not knocking my old business plan. It was good for the time I wrote it. The plan gave me an idea of what I knew about business so far (all my formal training was in education) and what I still needed to find out. And, in some ways, I have been addressing the plan since then: lots of workshops, lots of trial and error, lots of experimentation with products, pricing, marketing, selling venues, and the rest.

Now, entering 2010, I feel like my experimental stage with business is more-or-less over. I know quite a bit about what I like and do not like as an artisan, business owner, and person. It is time to follow a more deliberate path forward as I define my business further.

So, I am dusting off the old business plan and applying to it some of the experience and knowledge I have accumulated in the five years since it was written. I plan to share some of my insights with you here.

I am determined to "make it" in 2010 (whatever that turns out to mean) and, step one, is to find out what I know and what I do not know about my business today.

Stay tuned! I will let you know how things are going!

Cheers!--Janyce

The Steve Winwood "Can't Find My Way Home" Contest

2010-01-18T15:16:00.000-08:00

Cool version of this song performed by Jim Boynton and submitted to the Steve Winwood "Can't Find My Way Home" Contest.

Enjoy!

Janyce

Candy Tree

2010-01-17T14:04:00.000-08:00

This tree decorated with larger than life sized candy tickled my fancy.

I had some basswood kicking around, so I wood burned this version of the Candy Tree, then added some color with pencils.

Candy Tree
Small Art by JL Boynton
Basswood and colored pencil
2.5 inches by 3.5 inches
6.4 centimeters by 8.9 centimeters
Copyright ©2010 Sojourn Quilts

Cheers!--Janyce

Upcoming Women, Work and Community Workshops

2010-01-15T04:13:00.000-08:00

If you are in the Bangor, Maine area and thinking of starting a business, I recommend these two workshops through Maine Centers for Women, Work and Community.

Introduction to Self-Employment

Date: February 2, 2010
Center: Bangor
Category: Business Assistance
Location: University College of Bangor, Bangor Hall, 1 University Drive, Bangor
Days of the week: Tuesday

Time: 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
This introductory workshop will walk you through the pros and cons of owning your own business, the major elements of a business plan, the many resources available, and will help you decide whether self-employment is the right choice for you!

To register, contact Jane Searles: 262-7843 or email: searles@maine.edu

Basics of Business

Date: February 9, 16, 23
Center: Bangor
Category: Business Assistance
Location: University College of Bangor, Bangor Hall, 1 University Drive, Bangor
Days of the week: Tuesday
Time: 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

If you are thinking of starting a business, this 3 session training will answer questions, discuss pros and cons of being an entrepreneur, and help you take the first steps. The class covers the basics of a business plan, marketing, cash planning and is suitable for those thinking about or in the early start-up phase of a new business.

Pre-registration is required and attendance at all sessions is highly encouraged. There is no fee for attending.

The Basics curriculum was developed in partnership with the Women's Business Center at CEI.

To register, please call Jane Searles: 262-7843 or email: searles@maine.edu

Haiti

2010-01-14T13:21:00.000-08:00

Information About Haiti and Ways to Help

Teaching My Left Foot To Sew

2010-01-14T03:08:00.001-08:00

It is the strangest thing! I sew a lot and, like many people who sit for long periods, have developed a kink in my back: a twist in the muscles to be exact. My talented and kind physical therapist taught me better ways to sit and some very effective exercises to strengthen my core. (They work when I do them!).

So, I thought, as a way to give my kinked up back a break, I would teach myself to sew left-footed. Easy? Yes? No!

I positioned myself in front of the sewing machine, got the fabric and thread ready and stepped on the pedal with my non-dominant foot. It was not shy. In fact, Lefty stepped so hard on the pedal, the fabric went flying—needle pumping, feed dogs racing—and Righty, reflexively tried to get the pedal to slow down, pace itself and stop (to no avail).

I found myself having to say the words “Left foot, stop” in my head and then wait a few seconds for the signal to make itself down, through all the electrical wiring in my body, to my foot. Something was definitely lost in translation. And, so it went until my left foot built an experiential, electrical and physical memory of what it was like to sew. "Left foot, step on the pedal." "Left foot, press slowly--slowly--downward." "Left foot lift up slightly" "Left foot prepare to stop."

Teaching my left foot to sew is and was a great reminder at the awesome complexity of seemingly simple tasks. How amazing our bodies can learn to do what they do!

Thanks for the lesson, Lefty!

Cheers!--Janyce

Earthquake In Haiti

2010-01-13T09:02:00.000-08:00

Today, we in the United States woke to news of a devastating earthquake in Haiti. As currently being reported, the quake was a magnitude of 7.0 and death tolls are expected to be high. Here is the AP Report, updated 1 minute ago as I write this: Thousands Feared Dead in Haiti Quake; Many Trapped. What an utterly helpless feeling. My heart goes out to all those affected by this tragedy.

The Lure

2010-01-12T13:31:00.001-08:00

The first in a series of fabric art pieces I am doing based on my Maine "neighborhood" (basically anywhere in Maine). These fishing lures were hanging in a friend's barn.

I will probably do a few more versions of these lures before I am done, but wanted to put this up for your feedback and insights.

Lures
Original Stitched Art by JL Boynton
Made from repurposed fabrics, thread and watercolor paper
3.5 inches by 2.5 inches
8.9 centimeters by 6.4 centimeters
Copyright ©2010 Sojourn Quilts

Cheers!--Janyce

New Directions

2010-01-11T09:15:00.000-08:00

It is that time of year--an introspective kind of season--when the cold forces a Mainer like me inside most of the time and, in lieu of twiddling my thumbs all day, I start sorting through my junk (physical and emotional). It is both an exhilarating and exhausting process. I try keeping what is good and chucking the rest. And, depending on how much energy I end up having for the process, I look forward to the rest of the year with a deeper understanding of where I have been and what I want to accomplish.

In my introspective moods, I wonder about this blog. Frankly, it seems to me to be suffering an identity crisis. I started the blog to telling other people's stories, focusing on how they use creativity to understand and rise above life's big and small challenges. I loved working with other artisans and I do not want to close the blog and lose all those wonderful stories. It seems, though, the interviews have run their course. A temporary lull? Maybe. Maybe not.

In any event, I decided to change directions a bit. I am still interested in creativity and how it informs our decisions and understanding of the world. I am, however, taking a step closer to home this year. I am making it more about my experiences of the world...as a fabric artist, business owner, resident of Maine, woman, partner, friend. I still may do an interview now and again and reserve the right to change gears if this path does not pan out, but for now...I am heading off in a new direction...

I hope you will come along!

Cheers!--Janyce

Mermaid Tails

2010-01-07T10:31:00.000-08:00

My four year old friend needed some mermaid tails for her Barbie dolls. This is my first foray into Barbie clothing. Some of the costumes are made from one of my grandmother's shirts. My Gram was 101 when she died in August. I think she would like the idea of this kind of recycling.

Scallops in Orange Sauce and Dried Herbs

2010-01-02T13:07:00.000-08:00

Happy 2010!

On New Year's Eve, I tried this Scallops in Orange Sauce and Dried Herbs recipe from The Italian Dish. Yummy!

Here's how mine turned out in photos:

Season the Scallops

Saute the Scallops

Brown the Scallops

Supreme the Oranges

Deglaze the Pan

Make the Green Salad

Combine the Scallops and Herbs with the Orange Sauce

Plate the Scallops and Salad

Enjoy!

New Holiday Tree ACEOs

2009-11-13T07:02:00.001-08:00

Just wanted to share with you some new holiday tree ACEOs I made this week. This picture shows just some of the ways you can display your art cards!

ACEO (Art Cards, Editions and Originals)
2.5 inches by 3.5 inches
6.4 centimeters by 8.9 centimeters

All my ACEOs are cut and pieced individually, so no two are exactly alike!

More samples may be found in my shop.

Cheers!--Janyce

Bangor Y Fundraiser November 14

2009-11-10T05:03:00.000-08:00

The Bangor Y is having its annual fundraiser this coming Saturday, November 14, 2009. This is a well-established organization in Bangor, ME that offers more than 140 programs including: health and fitness, aquatics, martial arts, sports, child care, camp, youth-at-risk, leadership development, and women's health. The Bangor Y offers something for all ages!

The 11th Annual KeyBank Bangor Y Benefit Auction will be held at the Spectacular Event Center, 395 Griffin Rd, Bangor, ME. Tickets are $35, which includes dinner.

The evening includes dinner, silent auction, live auction and musical entertainment by Kevin Hamel.

The silent auction preview is 4pm-5pm. Bidding for the silent auction starts at 5pm. The live auction starts around 7pm or when dinner concludes.

The piece you see here is one I have donated to the event. It is a Mountain and Forest scene made from repurposed fabrics sewn and adhered to 140lb paper. Machine stitched with hand embroidered embellishments. The piece is 5.5 inches by 7.5 inches. It comes matted and framed. Finished size is 8 inches by 10 inches. Retail price $50. Look for it in the silent auction!

For more information about this event, please check the Bangor Y website or call 207.941.2808.

Cheers!--Janyce

The Archipelago

2009-11-02T04:04:00.000-08:00

I'm honored to have some of my work at The Archipelago in Rockland, Maine this holiday season. Here are just some of my santa ornaments you will find there.

Cheers!--Janyce
Sojourn Quilts
"A Resting Place Along Life's Journey"

Ladybug ACEOs Ship Free Oct 26-Oct 31

2009-10-27T04:51:00.000-07:00

These are just some of the Ladybug ACEOs that ship free (internationally) in my shop this week.

Sojourn Quilts ACEOs (Art Cards, Editions and Originals) are all individually designed, cut and assembled by me. They are 2.5 inches (6.4cm) by 3.5 inches (8.9cm) in size and come with a handmade envelope.

For more ACEOs, please check out my shop.

Cheers!--Janyce

Paint Penobscot County Purple Oct 12 - 18

2009-10-11T17:10:00.000-07:00

During the week of October 12 through the 18, Spruce Run is inviting people to "Paint Penobscot County Purple."

Spruce Run Domestic Violence Project is an organization located in Bangor, ME "dedicated to serving people affected by domestic abuse in our community while working simultaneously to eliminate personal, institutional, and cultural violence against all individuals."

Show support for and honor people directly or indirectly affected by domestic violence by wearing purple, buying a purple light bulb and bathing the outside of your home or workplace in a lavender glow, tying purple ribbons around your mailbox, decorating your desk or sporting a purple ribbon. (These are just some of the ideas provided at this link).

Be creative and have fun...And don't forget to tell the folks around you why you are in such a purple mood!

Domestic violence or abuse "is a pattern of physical, verbal, or sexual threats or aggression used by one person in a relationship to control the other. Abuse can range from emotional torment like name-calling and isolation, to harassment like stalking and intimidation, to violence and physical harm."

None of us is immune. Domestic violence or abuse affects women, men, girls and boys from all walks of life regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, economic status or education.

Together, we can stop the violence.

If you live in Penobscot County, Maine and are concerned about your situation--or what is going on in the life of someone you care about--call the Spruce Run hotline at 1.800.863.9909 or check out the Spruce Run website at http://www.sprucerun.net.

The Siren Song of Creative Energy

2009-10-02T04:39:00.000-07:00

Recently, I took a walk along the rocky coast of Maine. "Downeast" on a foggy, eerie day with the wind blowing, the mist getting in my eyes, and only the sounds of the ocean: a lobster boat puttering by, a fog horn, a bell bouy. I was in heaven, I am sure of it! I could have stayed there all day.

I grabbed a few pictures to share with you--some textures of Maine. I am sure they will crop up in my artwork at some point or other (if they haven't already).

The more I look at my surroundings, the more I see and the more I understand how richly inspirational my environment is. I am drawn to the shapes and colors and textures of my apartment, my neighborhood, my city, the forests, oceans, lakes and streams of my state--an endless array of offerings and discoveries.

The forest, mountains, ocean and fields are, in a sense, the siren song for my creative energy. They inform the way I move through the world: my thoughts, my words, my creative endeavors, my actions, my way of being in and moving through the world.

So much more to see and discover. I feel very fortunate to live in Maine.

Cheers!--Janyce

Little Cabin Quilted Postcard (by For Quilts Sake)

2009-08-30T13:01:00.000-07:00

Watercolor Sunset (by For Quilts Sake)

2009-08-30T12:59:00.000-07:00

Interview with Pam (For Quilts Sake)

2009-08-30T12:11:00.000-07:00

I listened to an interview, recently, with a chef who assigned her children a night each week to cook. Rather than encourage the children to pick different recipes, she suggested doing the same recipe for a period of time. She wanted them to experiment with seasonings, toppings, cooking techniques and really understand the nuances of the dish before moving on to the next. Instead of limiting the children, this approach invited experimentation with each specific dish and resulted in broadening the children's understanding and mastery of the foods they prepared.

This approach to exploring a medium is not new or limited to cooking and may be applied to artistic endeavors as well. Sometimes placing barriers (artificial or real) on a project increases creativity and brings about surprising and wonderful results.

Pam is the talented quilter and fiber artist behind For Quilts Sake. She offered to talk with me about limitations and the creative process.

It is with great pleasure I bring you this interview.

"I never liked sewing," Pam tells me, "but I loved fabric so I took a class on how to piece and quilt by hand. My education and work experience has been as a graphic designer and also as an instructor of both graphic design and desktop publishing. I enjoy doing other artwork--watercolor painting, photography, mixed media and press flowers--but it's the quilts that I'm compelled to work on."

"I loved the final result of quilting by hand," Pam continues, "but it took too much time. I taught myself how to use the sewing machine and I'm pretty much self-taught from books and just trying things. Sometimes I get an idea like a flash and other times the fabrics tell me what they want to be. After making many quilts for myself and for friends and family, I decided to create some of my own designs, both in a traditional quilting style and also as art quilts."

Pam opened For Quilts Sake (Etsy) in November 2007, and offers handmade, unique and customer art quilts and quilt-related items, including watercolor paintings, fabric mosaics, quilted postcards and quilted necklaces. "What interests me about traditional quilting is how a quilt square can look completely different if the shapes that make up the square are in different colors or tones of the fabric. I am also interested in the secondary patterns that emerge when quilt blocks are arranged together."

When Pam gets stuck on a design or life throws her some challenges, she turns to Nature, other artists, doodles and limitations to help her work through the problem. "I believe that limitations can be powerful when trying to break through creative blocks. By limiting myself to certain colors, textures or styles I'm forced into looking at different ways to look at these constraints and (hopefully) push through them and create something new."

Pam combines her love of quilting and her concern for the environment by coordinating a fundraiser every year for a small, privately owned nature preserve called Glen Helen. Glen Helen's mission is to provide science-based, experiential learning in the outdoors while fostering respect for the natural environment and empowering people to act in its interest. Among its offerings is an Outdoor Educational Center, Trailside Museum, Raptor Center, and Nature Shop.

"Glen Helen has school groups come in to learn about the environment," Pam explains. "Some of these are city kids who don't have much opportunity to experience nature. Because it isn't covered under the state park's budget, Glen Helen has to be creative about how they get their funding. We've organized fund-raisers, done maintenance on the buildings, as well as giving monetary contributions."

The Nature Arts and Crafts Show Pam coordinates to benefit Glen Helen is going to be held Saturday, November 21 from 9am to 5pm and Sunday, November 22 from 11am to 5pm.

"This year's show is full," Pam says, "but artisans interested in setting up a booth for next year may contact me through my shop or website to get on the mailing list for the 2010 show."

If you are interested in the show but cannot attend this year's event, you may also make donations to Glen Helen at this link: http://www.antioch.edu/glenhelen/Donations/index.php.

As for what shoes Pam wears? "Bowling shoes...funky and different, yet familiar and playful. Cool in a retro sort of way but not cool in a what's hip right now sort of way."

You may find out more about Pam and her work through her website, Etsy shop or blog.

Pam is a member of the Quiltsy Team.

For more information about the Glen Helen Nature Preserve:

Glen Helen
Nature Arts and Crafts Show

What Shoes Pam Wears

2009-08-30T12:08:00.000-07:00

FAQ about Pam's Shoes:

No, I didn't steal them, I bought them new, on-line from the company who makes them.
Yes, I wear them outside.
No, I don't wear them to bowl in (since I've worn them outside).
Yes, I wear a size 7.
No, I'm not a good bowler.

Alice and Me (Self-Portrait with the Guitar My Brother Made Me)

2009-08-26T05:49:00.000-07:00

Cool guitar, eh? My twin brother made this for me to celebrate our birthday. So awesome! He even included a hologram of Alice-in-Wonderland on the back. Love it!!!

Cheers!--Janyce

BTW - He still turned OLDER than me on our birthday...by seven minutes...

Irresistible Charm Stroller Quilt (by LoveBug Studios)

2009-08-23T14:18:00.000-07:00

Fig and Dewberry Clutch (by LoveBug Studios)

2009-08-23T14:16:00.000-07:00

Interview with Ebony (LoveBug Studios)

2009-08-23T13:18:00.000-07:00

Quilts, for many, are more than just pieces of fabric. They are memories: people, places, events. They become an integral part of life's routines, celebrations and sorrows. Whether they are utilitarian or decorative, traditional or contemporary, quilts symbolize moments in time and reflect the varied, often colorful personalities of the people who make them.

Ebony is the creative talent behind LoveBug Studios. I met her through the Quiltsy Team on Etsy. She offers quilts, aprons, handbags and accessories, cards and journals, and other handmade items. Her specialty is to take ordinary, everyday objects and refine them into charming, fashionable pieces that reflect modern sophistication and flair.

Ebony offered to share some of her insights about life, working with fabric and starting a business. It is my honor to bring you this interview.

"My very earliest fabric obsession," Ebony tells me, "was with satin; my mom would buy me yards of the stuff, and I would make costumes, dresses, and I even made Valentine pillows with hand-sewn lace and sold those to friends, classmates, and family. I have had a needle and thread in my hands for as long as I can remember. I think I was born to create. I've always drafted my own patterns, but my clothing wasn't really successfully made until I learned more about garment construction!"

Ebony's love and passion for creating things, along with an obsession for fabric and all sorts of embellishments has lead to a lifetime of collecting fabric, lace, beads, buttons, sequins, paper, crayons and markers. "Anything," Ebony says, "I could get my hands on to make something with."

In college, Ebony loved dressing up and going places--to banquets, operas--anywhere she could get away with wearing an evening gown. Her fascination with satin continued. "I couldn't afford to buy evening gowns for every event, so I made about 2 or 3 gowns every year. As my gown collection grew, so did my scraps of satin because I was still in love with it and couldn't bear to toss it. I started making things with satin and mixing them with other fabrics. This included a return to my heart-shaped pillow making. Eventually, that turned into make some rudimentary quilts."

"Over the years," Ebony continues, "I've picked up a number of craft-related hobbies: crochet, cross-stitch, scrap booking, jewelry making, but I kept returning to this idea of quilts. I started buying fabric and making quilts for friends and sold a couple here and there. Quilting and sewing are passions of mine, so it was natural for me to combine these techniques and materials into the creations that inspire me daily. I didn't get serious about selling them until my friends and my mom encouraged me to take it more seriously and open a business."

Ebony opened her online shop in May, 2008. "I named my business LoveBug Studios for several reasons. I've been driving a little red Beetle for the longest time, and my last name is 'Love.' My friends started calling me LoveBug and any time they'd see me driving around town, they'd tell me about their LoveBug sighting. The 'studio' part came about because I always pictured myself doing other things besides quilts, and I didn't want my business name to be too limiting."

"I think that as I make more and more things," Ebony continues, "I'm starting to develop my own style and sensibility. I have a really upbeat personality; it doesn't take a lot to make me smile or laugh. I love surrounding myself with things that brighten my mood--bright colors, a cool pattern on a piece of fabric, flowers. So even though I try to make some things that are more subdued and traditional, I can't help but make things that are bright and happy and reflect that part of my personality."

A lot of work and experimentation goes into developing a successful online shop: taking quality pictures, writing interesting and accurate descriptions, finding the best venues, marketing and more. It is not as easy as it looks. "I recently had an 'aha' moment with my shop," Ebony offers. "It's really starting to have a cohesive look. I started working on a shop makeover to do a better job tying things together. Instead of referring to my shop as being filled with 'quilts and quilt-related items,' I adopted the phrase 'handmade sophistication.' I can really see my art and craft changing and improving and growing over time, and that is really exciting."

Everyone experiences challenging moments and, for Ebony, it helps to step away and do something else. "Often the challenges drive me to just do something with my hands. I tend to do things that are pretty mindless and allow me to work through whatever issue I have in quiet thought and meditation. Stitching a binding by hand or pulling weeds in the garden often gives me that quiet time to sort through things. Now, when that challenge in life happens to be directly caused by my creative process, that's when I just go watch TV!"

Like many of the other artisans interviewed for this blog, Ebony is concerned about social issues, and in particular housing, food and financial stability.

One of the charities Ebony contributes to is Modest Needs, dedicated to helping people with unexpected financial emergencies. "Financial stability can sometimes be the contributing factor in someone being able to stay in their home or feed their family," Ebony says. "One little minor disaster can set them on a downward spiral toward homelessness and joblessness." It is not difficult to imagine being in this situation--especially in these economic times. Imagine having a moderate income, doing okay, but the car breaks down. Fixing the car means using the money you planned to use to pay the rent. Not fixing the car means being unable to get to work to earn money for rent. Not paying the rent means getting evicted. "Many people are living on an edge as thin as a razor wire. The money contributed to Modest Needs doesn't go directly to the recipient; it goes directly to whomever the creditor is, so you know that the money is being spent for what it was intended."

Ebony also participates in Feeding America, a hunger-relief charity. "I do what I can to volunteer at the food pantries or to pack supplies or donate whatever I can."

On occasion, Ebony also donates blankets and quilts to Project Linus, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets and afghans, lovingly created by volunteer "blanketeers."

And, finally, Ebony supports housing by participating in Habitat for Humanity building events. "A few years ago," Ebony says, "I traveled with a group to Slidell, LA to help rebuild after Hurricane Katrina." The city of Slidell is located in St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana and was just one of the areas to be destroyed by the hurricane in August, 2005. Habitat for Humanity has been working in the area (and around the world) to build simple, decent, affordable housing in partnership with people in need.

As an aside, Ebony offers, "It was on that trip that I discovered that there really is a bug called a lovebug, and they are not cute and cuddly like they sound. They are pretty harmless, but very annoying!"

For relaxation, Ebony loses herself in fantasy-type books (like The Hobbit) or in the classics (like Anna Karenina). "It's my way of taking a mini-vacation to a world I would never otherwise get to see (because it doesn't exist anymore, or it never did!). I lean the same way with movies. It would probably horrify people to learn how often I watch the BBC version of Pride and Prejudice while working in my studio! Any music with a good beat and lyrics I can sing along to also helps, especially when I'm not feeling my normal self!"

As for what shoes Ebony wears? "I think sling-back, peep-toe heels describe me best. The heel is for high-spirits (my personality), the peep-toe is for my generally introverted nature (takes time to coax me out of my shell--people often mistake my upbeat personality for an outgoing nature), and finally, the sling back is because I don't like to be confined or boxed in. I need room to grow and spread my wings!"

You may learn more about Ebony's life and work by visiting her shops LoveBug Studios (Etsy) or LoveBug Studios (Artfire) or checking out her website LoveBug Studios. She is also a columnist for HandmadeNews.org and publishes a twice-weekly column on the love and art of quilting.

Ebony is a member of the following groups:

Carried Away Bag Team
Chicago Style Crafters
Fiber Arts Guild
Quiltsy Team

What Shoes Ebony Wears

2009-08-23T13:17:00.001-07:00

Coolest Hottest ACEOs

2009-08-17T04:12:00.000-07:00

Check out the Coolest, Hottest ACEOs handpicked by LeMachi Gallery for this spotlight. Here is the link: Coolest, Hottest ACEOs

ACEO stands for Art Cards, Editions and Originals. They are original artwork or editions of original artwork 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches in size. ACEO artists make their pieces using pretty much any materials: paint, paper, fabric, beads, clay, wood, metal. Common uses for these collectible small art pieces are to display them in a basket, box or on a small stand, give as gifts or stocking stuffers, mat and frame to hang on the wall. How you display them is only limited by your imagination!

Cheers!--Janyce

Lobstering In Maine

2009-08-16T06:07:00.001-07:00

Here is what I did on my summer vacation: hauled lobster traps!

Well, actually, I hung out at the back of the boat while BF's dad and brother hauled the traps. They are the experts. I loved watching them working together. Great team!

A lot goes into setting the traps, finding the best locations to drop the traps (lobsters are bottom feeders, so your traps need to be where they will crawl into them on the ocean floor), hauling the traps and making sure only the legal lobsters are kept.

There are strict rules in place to make sure the lobster population stays healthy: undersized or oversized lobsters and breeders (lobsters found with eggs and/or a notch on their tail from previous catches) must be put back into the ocean.

Many people rely on fishing and lobstering in Maine as a livelihood and to feed their families. They do what they can to preserve this vibrant and often rigorous way of living. I get a sense of why they do it. There is nothing quite like the feeling of being on the ocean.

With non-commercial lobster licenses, BF's dad and brother are allowed to put in 10 traps (five traps each). This results in a haul just large enough for the family. What a feast! Steamed lobsters, corn on the cob, salad fresh from BF's sister's garden. Mmmmm, mmmm, good!

Cheers!--Janyce

Red Ball

2009-08-14T03:29:00.001-07:00

I saw this red ball yesterday and, for some reason, it tickled my fancy.

Cheers!--Janyce

Updated CPSIA Handbook for Resale Stores and Product Resellers

2009-08-06T15:16:00.000-07:00

Got this today from the Consumer Product Safety Commission:

Updated Handbook for Resale Stores and Product Resellers, August 6, 2009

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/thrift/thrguid.pdf

Probably not the last time this is going to change--discussions are ongoing. I will keep you posted!

Cheers!--Janyce

Labeling Law for Children's Products Effective August 14, 2009

2009-07-22T03:31:00.000-07:00

I have not talked much about the Consumer Product Safety Commission's rulings on the new labeling laws for children's products. I am still getting to know my way around this part of the Consumer Products Safety Improvement Act. Here is a link to frequently asked questions around this issue: http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/sect103.html#103q8. This law applies to all products intended for use by children ages 12 and under manufactured on or after August 14, 2009.

CPSIA - Statements on Request to Exclude Crystal and Glass Beads from Children's Products

2009-07-18T02:29:00.000-07:00

While I have not posted anything about the Consumer Products Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) lately, I have continued to follow it. This issue is not going away, folks!

I have been waiting for their ruling on glass beads, since I use these pieces on the lobsters I make.

Please do read the Commissioner's statements (below). My unofficial take on it is that the law is written so narrowly that the Commissioners--even if they wanted to exempt glass beads and crystals for some low-risk age groups--cannot rule to exempt these items.

It does look like the commission is considering a ruling to put a stay in place while Congress revisits the unintended consequences for this law. From what I can tell, this stay of enforcement has not yet gone into place. Remember the law went into effect February 2009. Even though there is a stay for third party testing, this law does apply to glass beads and crystals. My understanding is--as things currently stand-- these items cannot be used in products intended for children ages 12 and under.

Here are the links:

Commissioners' Statements on the Request from the Fashion Jewelry Trade Association to Exclude Crystal and Glass Beads in Children's Products from the Lead Content Limits Under Section 101(b)(1) of the CPSIA:

Chairman Tenenbaum http://www.cpsc.gov/pr/tenenbaum071709.pdf
Commissioner Moore http://www.cpsc.gov/pr/moore071709.pdf
Commissioner Nord http://www.cpsc.gov/pr/nord071709.pdf

To read more about CPSIA, the Consumer Product Safety Commission or Small Business Guidelines regarding the law, please click on this link: http://www.cpsc.gov/ABOUT/Cpsia/cpsia.HTML

Murphy (by Cris Lewis)

2009-07-13T14:06:00.000-07:00

Watercolors and Fabric Art (by Cris Lewis)

2009-07-13T14:00:00.000-07:00

Photo from a "Meet the Artist of the Month" show Cris did at the Oriskany Library. Her exhibit included 50 pieces in watercolor, photography, pen and ink, and fiber art.

Interview with Cris Lewis

2009-07-13T12:42:00.000-07:00

It is easy to get caught up in the pressures and deadlines of life. It seems, at times, there is just too much to do and, in focusing on what needs yet to be done, so easy to lose sight of what is really important: the here and now. I know, for myself, the first things to go when I am "busy" are the things my body and mind and spirit need the most to flourish. I put off my walk until tomorrow. I balk at taking the time to cook a healthy, balanced meal. I interrupt my sleep with late nights and early morning projects. I melt down while burning the candle at both ends.

Life, though, has a way of throwing in reality checks now and again. Sometimes, these checks--the opportunities to slow down or stop and reflect--are subtle: a headache or head cold, a call or email from a friend to come out and play, a song on the radio that, nostalgically, reminds us of more peaceful days gone by. On the not-so-subtle side, life, at times, knocks us over the head with the major stuff: a death of a relative, friend or pet, a lay-off from work, a diagnosis of a major illness. Whether big or small, these moments, these resonant "signals from the universe" are all opportunities to reflect on what is important and, if necessary, renew our commitment to stay in touch with those people and things in our lives that nourish us, make us healthy and grow.

Recently, I met Cris, a watercolor and fiber artist, through Etsy.com. She generously shared some thoughts on life, art and living with cancer. I am honored to bring you this interview.

"Six year ago," Cris tells me, "I retired from 27 years of teaching and pursued an interest I had saved for retirement: watercolor." Cris took classes at Fletcher Farm School for the Arts and Crafts in Vermont and at Munson William Proctor Institute and Kirkland Art Center (both in New York). "I then picked up pen and ink, which I love with color washes."

As Cris left teaching, she looked forward to doing many other things as well. "With retirement," she continues, "came travel. I have three children that live across the country and I visit." And, she adds, "Should I mention cruises?" She brings along her digital camera and has hundreds of pictures from many trips. Cris also looked forward to renewing her interest in sewing. "Time spent at the sewing machine ballooned as did my stash and love for oriental fabrics and design. I am lucky to have a family summer home on Oneida Lake in central New York, which is a very peaceful, restful place to work on my art: a place to escape with paint, paper and fabric." When not traveling, painting or sewing, Cris spent time gardening flowers and vegetables. "I love to experiment with new healthy recipes."

Life, however, threw Cris an unexpected challenge. "Six months after I retired," Cris says, "I received my first cancer diagnosis--found in a routine mammogram. It is frightening, paralyzing beyond belief. During this time, I always kept in mind to take things one day at a time. Even one hour at a time."

Art, for Cris, became a saving grace. "I went to an art class a week after my surgery. My painting when on pain medicines?" she observes, "Interesting!"

Art kept Cris going and took her places far away from her illness. "I now have an inner need to engage daily in some type of creative work. To me it's spiritual. It fills a need in me to express and has--and does--help me with confidence which for many years was not that great."

Murphy also came to the rescue. Murphy is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Cris brought home at a time when she felt she was not going to make it. "A puppy took me out of my depression and added a new aspect to my art: painting pet portraits. It started with Murph each year as part of my Christmas card. I began getting commissions and started Paws & Claws by Cris." Cris opened her online shop in December 2008, where she sells custom pet portraits. You will also find quilted pillows and wall-hangings, notecards, bags, felted embellished birds, ACEOs, watercolor and pencil botanicals, and the like.

"Three years ago this October 31st," Cris continues, "I received my second diagnosis. Again shock and disappointment, but I have to say that I knew I could do this. Once again I continued with my art, endeavored to learn new techniques and to--always--work on improving my skills. God has brought me through my illnesses and given me the strength I needed during those times. I am grateful for my talents that he has given to me and thankful that I have begun to use these in his glory."

For inspiration, Cris watches Joyce Meyer's Enjoying Everyday Life every day and finds her teachings helpful to get through the day. She also reads art and quilting books, and an occasional novel (no particular authors). For music, Cris listens to a variety of CDs in her rack: ABBA, classical, middle Eastern, Natalie Cole and, "Of course," she says, "the music from The Phantom of the Opera."

Cris volunteers for the American Cancer Society, participates in the Relay for Life, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, and shares her cancer journey with others. "Actually, anyone who will listen," Cris says. "I encourage and urge women to have their annual mammograms and do regular breast self exams. This comes from a lady who has had two breast cancers with two mastectomies, chemotherapy and radiation. I am very grateful for my diligence in screening on a yearly basis. The screenings saved my life. I get angry when I hear women who refuse to have these procedures."

Besides annual mammograms, Cris urges people to get a colonoscopy. This procedure is instrumental in early detection of colorectal cancer. "Such an easy procedure," she says. "I lost my brother 20 years ago to that cancer."

As for what shoes Cris wears? "Comfy. Walking shoes (I walk or do gym 2-3 times a week), clogs to get me through our New York winters, and garden shoes."

You may find more information about Cris and her work in her shop and on her blog.

Cris is a member of the following groups:

ACEO Street Team "ACETSY"
CNY Etsy Team
Kirkland Art Center
Mowhawk Valley Quilt Club
Rome Art Association
Visual Artist Street Team

What Shoes Cris Wears

2009-07-13T12:41:00.000-07:00

Blues In the Night Quilt (By NeedleLove2)

2009-06-14T17:41:00.000-07:00

Retro Reds Scrappy Quilt (by NeedleLove2)

2009-06-14T17:38:00.000-07:00

Interview with Bonnie (NeedleLove2)

2009-06-14T17:12:00.000-07:00

If you work with fabric long enough, you begin to understand what an amazing array of textures there are. All fabrics are not equal. Some, mostly inexpensive and synthetic materials, are waxy and clogged. Some, utilitarian fabrics, are coarse, though strong. Others are fabulously soft, vibrant, almost alive. For some people, working with fabric goes beyond the pragmatic, thinking level and becomes an experience of sensation. The way the warp and weave feels in your hands, the way the needle and thread move through the fabric (the sound, even), how the finished piece drapes or holds a ruffle--these are all qualities fabric reveals about itself. Fabric holds within it, endless opportunities and delights that only other, like-minded people understand.

Recently I met Bonnie, the creative inspiration behind NeedleLove2. She graciously agreed to share some thoughts on fabric, quilting and how creativity brings a sense of calm to her life.

"I have been a Fiber-Holic long before anyone coined the term," Bonnie tells me, "Since I was a small child, I began with doll clothes, my clothes, my kids' clothes, other people's clothes, and then I discovered yarn and fiber and quilting, and the rest is history. It has always been my passion and I attribute this to my Scottish ancestors, who were textile workers by trade. I love the feel of yarn or wool, or fabric in my hands, and I guess you could say I'm a touchy-feely person!"

Bonnie has sewn for many years and began quilting about ten years ago. "I tend to be a scrappy quilter and rarely make the same thing twice," Bonnie continues. I love fiber, thread, fabric and yarn. I have made quilts and knitted items for friends and family." She opened her shop in October, 2008 where she offers quilts, table runners, purses and bags, potholders, aprons and receiving blankets. "I have a new venue for my creative tendencies and plan to continue working at my Dream Job."

When life becomes challenging, Bonnie turns to her hobbies or, as she describes them, "obsessions" to gain relief. "I find that when I'm working in my element," she says, it calms my troubled soul by enabling me to do that which I feel comfortable with. There is peace in repetition, whether it be spinning yarn, hand sewing a binding on a quilt, or the quiet clicking of my knitting needles. It gives me time to reflect on the problem at hand as I work through it in my mind. I'm sure this is why I gain so much enjoyment from my needlework, because I am doing something I know. I am familiar with it and it calms me."

This creative, often meditative work, also gives Bonnie time to reflect not just on family and her creative work, but on larger issues such as the state of the earth's environment. "It boggles my mind how much pollution we have poured into this Mother Earth, and now I learn it is also orbiting the earth's atmosphere!" she says. "Another aspect of pollution involves our rivers, streams and oceans. Too many water supplies have been compromised. That's too much. We've got to find ways to stop abusing the planet.”

For her own part, Bonnie tries her best to reuse, reduce and recycle—a practice taught to her by her mother. Recycling is a part of her own family's life as well. “I'm proud to say that each of my children are great recyclers, too. It seems like a small step, but if you consider the amount of trash one family can generate in just a week, it almost seems obscene!” She also recommends reading labels and becoming more aware of what impact we, as consumers, have on the environment. “We all need to be aware of what we consume each day and what we are pouring down the drains.” As concerned citizens, we need to do our part to reverse the damage that has already been done to the earth, air and water and to help restore the health of the planet.

Bonnie loves reading more and more, gravitating toward biographies or human interest stories "where one can overcome adversity and triumph in the end." Some of her favorites are: The Diary of Mattie Spenser by Sandra Dallas, Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell, Crashing Through by Robert Kurson, and Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortensen. More of Bonnie's favorite books may be found on her blog.

Bonnie also loves many kinds of music. "I am not musically talented in any way," she admits. "Strictly a listener unless I'm in the shower or on the road by myself, then I sing my little heart out!"

When it comes to shoes, Bonnie is all about comfort. "I like to try and coordinate my shoes with whatever I'm wearing, but if they're not comfortable, they're not mine."

You may find more information about Bonnie and her work in her shop and on her blog.

Along with the Quiltsy Team, Bonnie is a member of a local group of quilters who provide much inspiration and support.

What Shoes Bonnie Wears

2009-06-14T17:11:00.000-07:00

Woman and Three Flowers ACEO

2009-06-13T06:44:00.000-07:00

Introducing my newest design: Woman and Three Flowers. This is based (loosely) on a self-portrait quilt I made few years ago. Being totally addicted to ACEOs, lately, I shrunk the design to 2.5 inches (6.4cm) by 3.5 inches (8.9cm). I would love to have your feedback!

Cheers!--Janyce

Hiking My Way to The Traveler

2009-06-08T05:57:00.000-07:00

I have done two hikes this spring toward my goal of hiking "the Traveler" in Baxter State Park at the end of the summer. It is a 10+ mile loop over three different mountain ridges. The trail pretty much kicked my butt last year. I am resolved not to let a bunch of rocks and dirt get the best of me.

The first hike of the season for me was one up the North Ridge of Cadillac Mountain, down to the Gorge Trail, up Dorr Mountain and back to the Park Loop Road.

This picture was taken near the top of Cadillac overlooking Bar Harbor, Maine:

Not sure if this was on Cadillac or Dorr, but it will give you another view:

Here is me after climbing the North Ridge to Cadillac and starting down the trail that leads into the Gorge and then back up Dorr Mountain:

The following are pictures taken on the second hike. We explored the Sargent Mountain area (on the Northeast Harbor side of Acadia National Park). The trail took us through the woods and along a stream. Beautiful! (BF took these in black and white).

Blue Hawaii Wristlet (by Kim's Crafty Apple)

2009-05-31T16:14:00.001-07:00

Spring Flowers Quilt (by Kim's Crafty Apple)

2009-05-31T16:13:00.001-07:00

Interview with Kim (Kim's Crafty Apple)

2009-05-31T15:30:00.000-07:00

Many quilters I know are deeply connected to family and friends. Perhaps because of the slow, often meditative rhythms of cutting, piecing, quilting and binding a blanket or wall-hanging, quilters have a built in opportunity to think about and reflect upon the people who will receive the finished piece.

Kim, of Kim's Crafty Apple, is no exception. She is a member of the Quiltsy Team and graciously shared some insights about quilting, creativity and family life.

"I've been blessed with an undramatic life," Kim says, "and extremely lucky to not have anything very traumatic affect my life so far."

An undramatic life, however, does not mean life is dull. "I recently retired from my full time job as a civil engineer," Kim continues, "and am currently a stay-at-home mom of two small baby girls."

Kim opened her Etsy shop in February 2008. It is a place where creativity blossoms in the form of quilts, pillow cases, onsies, rompers, dresses, t-shirts and the like. "I have been creating things my entire life," she says, "and whenever possible, I choose to make my own instead of buying something."

Kim's "Spring Flower Quilt" (pictured in the photo above) won the Etsy Baby Spring Fling Challenge earlier this year.

Kim works in many different mediums: beads, wire, fabric, paint. "Anything and everything," she says. "The variety of things that I create helps to keep me motivated and inspired. If I get bored by quilting, I make bracelets or rings for a while, or I paint pictures or whatever. I am always creating SOMETHING."

"The name of my store," Kim says, "comes from the fact that I am part of a family-owned and operated apple orchard." Lapacek's Orchard, when open for the season, offers freshly picked apples, freshly pressed apple cider (unpasteurized and no preservatives), hand-dipped caramel apples and more. "When I first started dating my now-husband, his family let me display my jewelry in the apple store. It went over better than I ever expected. I have continued to create things to sell during apple season."

"I am also proud to sell a few items made by my mother-in-law, Diane, and my sister-in-law, Karma. I lucked out when I married into an extremely talented family!" The long-arm quilting on many of the quilts you see in Kim's shop was done by her aunt-in-law, Barb, from Quilts by Barb. "Make sure you check out her shop," Kim says, "for more amazing quilts!"

In April 2009, Kim opened a second Etsy shop called The Apple. Here you will find a wide array of earrings, bracelets, necklaces and rings.

Along with raising two small girls, quilting, jewelry making, and helping out at the apple orchard, Kim is also involved with a fundraiser in her community each year for Cure Kids Cancer. "Hearing the stories of families that have had to deal with this just breaks my heart. I have two beautiful and vibrant girls of my own. I can't even imagine how families get through this type of tragedy."

When Kim is feeling crabby or sad, she turns to her family and to her work for support. "As I've said before, I haven't really had that many challenges in life...yet. I'll be interested to see how I handle them."

For inspiration and a chance to escape for a little while, Kim turns to her favorite fiction books. "Losing myself in a story is the best escape from the world for me. I have a tie for my all time favorites: Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell and East of Eden by John Steinbeck. Two Books I can read over and over."

"Music can always pull my mood up," Kim continues, "I really like a little bit of everything. If you were to listen to my play list on random, you would be so confused--Andrew Lloyd Webber to Green Day to Black Eyed Peas to Ben Harper to Colbie Caillat to Metallica...a little of everything!"

As to what shoes Kim wears? "I would have to say I have a split-shoe personality. I am a city girl transplanted in an orchard. I enjoy being outside but I really am not a fan of bugs or dirt...I'll get dirty if I have to but I would prefer not to. I LOVE to get dressed up when the opportunity arises but it doesn't happen often. I still remember in college calling up my best friend and saying, 'I have mascara on...we're going to the bar!' That being said my shoes would be a TEVA and a fancy, fun high heel."

You may find out more about Kim's work in her quilt shop, jewelry shop or on her blog

For more information about Lapacek's Orchard, visit their website or blog.

Kim is a member of the following:

Carried Away Bag Team
Design Style Guide Team
Etsy Baby
Etsy Mom Street Team
Quiltsy Team
Wisconsin Street Team

What Shoes Kim Wears

2009-05-31T15:28:00.000-07:00

Lunch is For Losers

2009-05-30T03:51:00.000-07:00

I was chatting with some people online yesterday. I mentioned I was going to leave the chatroom to get some lunch. Someone responded "Sojourn, lunch is for losers." It was, in her estimation, more rewarding to deprive yourself of food all day and have just one meal at dinner. "Eating during the day," this person continued, "is weak."

I could not disagree more. I responded by saying, "Food is my friend."

She then went on to suggest the "No shadow diet" and, since this was a new concept to me, explained (incorrectly) that vegans "eat only foods that cast no shadow." This was, in her perception, "A highly recommended diet." Since everything on earth casts a shadow, I did not follow her reasoning.

I recognize this as the language of someone with an eating disorder. Misconceptions. Rigid rules about when and what to eat. Diminishing the act of preparing and eating food. Depriving oneself and using food as reward or punishment. Making food into a black-white dichotomy of good and evil, strength and weakness.

I persisted in my responses: I like food. I like to eat. Food is my friend. And, soon, other people were chiming in that, they too like to eat. The person finally, unconvincingly said, yeah, she liked food, too. She was only joking. I did not believe her.

This interaction made me feel sad for the people--men and women, boys and girls--who suffer with eating disorders. I do not know too many people who have never gained or lost weight in the course of life's ups and downs. But, it seems to me a serious and dangerous threat to one's well-being when food and the concept of nourishing one's self gets distorted to this degree.

I understand issues with weight and with food are very complex--well beyond my expertise and experience. I, personally, felt a wide range of emotions around food at different times in my life.

I grew up thinking I was fat, though pictures of me in childhood reveal I was not. I gained weight in college. Lost it. Lost a bunch of weight during my marriage and subsequent divorce. Stayed a fairly healthy weight for a while. Had my breakdown, felt depressed and tired for a long time and gained three sizes. And, now, having focused a great deal of energy on my emotional well-being, am slowly working my way (through exercise and an increasing interest in cooking and eating healthier foods) back to a better weight for my height and age.

I never hated food or experienced anorexia or bulimia. I do not know that I thought much about food at all. I saw food as pragmatic and not as the wondrous substance it is. I understand, now, that food is just part of a whole way of being. What I put into my body sustains me, gives me a quick energy boost or makes me feel a strange combination of being hyper or anxious and lethargic at the same time.

Soda makes me feel sick. Red meat leaves a heaviness in the pit of my stomach. Chicken or turkey settles me down. Fresh vegetables--especially brussel sprouts, lately--make my heart sing. Protein from eggs or nuts sets me up well for the day. I feel solid and satisfied. I enjoy the texture and tang of various cheeses. Bread and chocolate are still my comfort foods. I love cooking with and for friends and family. I make pretty decent homemade soups and pizza.

It was only when I became more in tuned with my emotional, physical and spiritual well-being I began to understand that food--and the acts of preparing and eating it--is such an important aspect of the day. Like taking a walk to clear my head, cooking a meal and then sitting down to enjoy it is not just something I am "supposed" to do. It is a way for me to honor my life and life's energy.

"Lunch is for losers?" On the contrary, I find eating when I am hungry is an act of great strength and respect for my body's needs. I find it infinitely fascinating and rewarding to listen to and understand my body's cravings for and responses to food. As with anything else in life, I can always learn more about nutrition, cooking and growing foods (my hope is to have a house some day and start a garden). I find a deep happiness and comfort when I give my body the nutrients it needs.

I have not stopped thinking about the chat since it happened.

I did not and could not respond to the person in the chatroom as I have here. Chatrooms are fast-moving and public in the way a blog is not. Chats are real-time and more like stream-of-consciousness expressions. People blurt out all kinds of things. Chats are not necessarily "conversations."

Writing this blog post is my way of offering a different perspective about food. I do not know if the person will find her way to this blog or be receptive to my ideas. I do hope and wish this person (and others who struggle to develop a healthy, viable relationship to food), one day finds the internal and external resources to challenge some beliefs she has developed around food. Perhaps these resources would help her explore the possibility that eating--and feeding one's self in emotional, spiritual and physical ways--is more complex and wondrous and life affirming than she might currently believe.

In any event, the brief interaction I had with this person touched me in a profound way. My heart goes out to her. I wish her well on her journey.

This N That Scrappy Quilt (by Dragonfly Stitches)

2009-05-20T18:45:00.000-07:00

At The Aquarium (by Dragonfly Stitches)

2009-05-20T18:43:00.000-07:00

Interview With Michelle (Dragonfly Stitches)

2009-05-20T17:59:00.000-07:00

I have often thought quilting mimics life in that disparate pieces (cloth, moments in time) are sewn together to make something wholly unique and wonderful. Sometimes, every stitch and movement is planned. Sometimes, it feels like a struggle to get the right fabric or color to fit the pattern. Sometimes, intuition takes over and it is as if the quilt stitches itself together.

A while ago, I joined the Quiltsy Team on Etsy. This is an enthusiastic and generous group of people who share my love of fabric, color and technique. It is my distinct pleasure to interview Michelle of Dragonfly Stitches. Michelle has been quilting for 20 years and shared with me some insights on how quilting is truly the fabric of life.

"I take pieces of fabric that don't go together or have been discarded by others," Michelle tells me, "and put them together to make one unique and beautiful gift. My quilts are useful and made to love."

Michelle makes handmade one-of-a-kind quilts to snuggle up in, take to a dorm, put on a bed, create a memory or decorate your home. "Rarely artistic on purpose," Michelle continues, "my practical quilts reflect how I have blended my family together the right way and how life takes determination to use what we do have. Our children really influence me. They don't hesitate to ask mommy to buy a favorite piece of crazy fabric or try a new quilting design. Our youngest son, when he was four, challenged me to design what is now one of my most popular free motion quilting designs, Ziggy."

Michelle's passion for quilting began as a hobby when she was a child. For the past five years, she has transitioned her hobby into a business. "I sold my first quilt under the name Dragonfly Stitches in 2002. Each one of my quilts are unique. I do custom work and long arm quilting for others." She opened her Etsy shop in January, 2008.

Michelle is a stay-at-home mom of four, plus one. Hers is a blended family with three teenagers, one five year old and four year old. "I feel like being the mom of a blended family drives my work."

Along with quilting, Michelle is very concerned about and involved with children's mental health issues. "I have been an advocate for children with special needs for going on 16 years. My oldest son struggles with several disabilities and mental health issues. Fighting for him has become a way of life that has blossomed into an overall drive for children's rights. My step daughter has also inspired me to do more with children's rights due to the horrible mental situation she has gone and is going through."

Before Michell became a stay-at-home mom, she was a special education assistant for her local school. She spends a lot of time advocating for children and speaking to parents about how to better advocate for their child. "All my friends know that they can give a struggling parent my phone number and if possible I will drop everything to help them through their crisis."

Michelle has faced some difficult decisions and challenges in caring for her own children and these experiences help her understand and support others. It was especially difficult to leave her old support system when she moved and to establish new friends, services and networks. "They know how we struggled to allow my step daughter to become part of our family permanently and how disappointed we were when we lost."

Last year Michelle and her family made the hard decision to enroll her oldest son in a therapeutic living community out of state. "Helping other parents gives me strength to understand what it really takes to be the parent that special children need," Michelle offers. "I felt like I had let my son down until I realized that I had done what was best. A struggling child has become a successful child. My husband and I have dreamed about being foster parents for special needs children but that is a dream not realized yet as our own children have kept us plenty busy."

Michelle volunteers at Lifeline Pregnancy Center as a clothing sorter. She also spends a lot of time volunteering at her children's school--"Most other parents think I work there!"--and spends time with her middle son's Young Marine unit working to encourage youth to be their best. "The last two years I have received a Presidential Gold Award for community service."

"My biggest inspiration," Michelle continues, "is our youngest son. He is the best child a mother could ever have. He is never naughty and has this inner drive to be his best at everything he tries. Recently he wanted to learn to tie his shoes. It took many days but he would sit for hours trying to tie his shoes. The day he learned how, he untied and tied his shoes for anyone who would watch. He was so proud! Being our son's mother is so motivating because nothing is too big of a challenge for him and every obstacle is met with a sunny-get-it-done attitude. He was the reason I turned my love of quilting into a business. Being able to stay at home with him and not miss a thing is the best inspiration to make my business grow."

For further inspiration, Michelle listens to music and reads. "I love old school Alison Krauss. Her music is so uplifting and calming. I also enjoy Enya and Massive Attack, especially when I'm long arming. I can really get into a groove. I love to read Jane Yolen's dragon series to my boys before bed, but I especially love to read excerpts of her book, Not One Damselin Distress to our little daughter."

As to what shoes Michelle wears? "I'm a no shoes kind of girl so my favorite shoes are leather slip ons. That way they can come off every moment possible. You will also find me in a pair of bare nothing flip flops during warm weather. When I have to wear shoes that tie you can bet they will be my no frills white tennis shoes."

More information may be found about Michelle's work in her shop and online gallery.

Michelle is a member of the Quiltsy Team and Idaho Indie Works

What Shoes Michelle Wears

2009-05-20T17:56:00.001-07:00

Photograph compliments of Michelle's four year old!

2:25 Minutes of Fame

2009-05-12T14:44:00.001-07:00

Hey! That's me on TV!

Sharon Pelletier of WABI-TV5 in Maine interviewed me about my business last month. It aired last night (5/11/09). So exciting to be part of a news story that was...and is...good! Here's the link to the Channel 5 Story entitled "Quilter Gets Creative in Bad Economy."

Read and see the article here.

Cheers!--Janyce

Public Comments on CPSIA Tracking Labels for Children's Products

2009-05-12T05:59:00.000-07:00

Public Comments on CPSIA Section 103 - Tracking Labels for Children's Products, Parts 1-4 (PDF):

http://www.cpsc.gov/library/foia/foia09/pubcom/trackinglabelcomments1.pdf>

http://www.cpsc.gov/library/foia/foia09/pubcom/trackinglabelcomments2.pdf

http://www.cpsc.gov/library/foia/foia09/pubcom/trackinglabelcomments3.pdf

http://www.cpsc.gov/library/foia/foia09/pubcom/trackinglabelcomments4.pdf

Art, An Owl, An Egg and An Angel

2009-05-05T02:58:00.000-07:00

As I sit here writing this, I am looking at an owl, an egg, and an angel and thinking about what art means to me personally. Broader still, I wonder what role art has in society? It is not such an easy question to answer.

I blow dust off the owl's head. It is a primitive, hand-carved brown painted owl with golden yellow eyes, and was given to me as a gift when I graduated from college 25 years ago. (Could time really pass so quickly?). As I hold the owl in my hand, I feel my friend's gentle kindness and wisdom welling up inside my heart and hear her voice in my head as if it were yesterday.

I take the egg from its bowl and think about my Ukrainian friend and her family; the kindness and patience they showed as I learned the ancient art form of Pysanky. I love the slow, meticulous process of designing an egg this way. Each color and symbol on the egg means something and, because of the way the wax is placed on the egg shell, you have to commit to the process. Even if the hot wax blotches the surface where you did not intend, you cannot simply wipe away your mistakes. You learn to live with it, understand it, adapt to it, and move on.

The angel, too, has its own history, though I received it as a gift just a few days ago. The statuette, a chiseled, simple, ivory, tan and brown piece of work, was given to me by a mentor and friend whose unwavering presence supported me through some of the roughest times of my life. The angel, with its simple form and design both reflect the generous spirit of my friend and aspects of the person I have grown to be. I cried when I opened the package.

These three items, perhaps not even "art" in the minds of some, symbolize for me what art is all about. Good art transcends the materials, the content, the structure of the piece--sometimes even the skill of the artist--and moves into the realm of the unspoken...a feeling...a sound...a resonance of some sort that simply cannot be expressed in words. It is a reflection of the human condition...a way of being in the world captured by the stroke of a brush, the closing or opening of an aperture, the cut of a knife into wood or stone, a stitch in fabric, or the molding of some substance into a form that cannot be expressed in any other way.

Success in art means achieving authenticity...if only for a moment: the shutting out and shutting off of life's internal and external critics and simply doing and being what is natural. It is not always a pleasant experience. Sometimes it is ugly or painful or frustrating or frightening, but it--authenticity in art--is a good and beautiful and necessary thing.

Because I believe we are all connected--with each other and the environments in which we live--I believe my art, my work in society, will reach the eyes and hearts of those who seek it. I am an introspective person and give a lot of thought to what I make and why. I see my art as a place-holder of sorts. It represents a place and time...my place and time...that will not be experienced in the same way by any other living being. Rather than changing the face of art on a grand scale (like Michelangelo), I am completely enthralled by the idea of telling my story, through art, in a way that resonates with each individual who sees and responds to my work. Art for me involves a personal connection.

I read and see things every day that remind me how disjointed we are as a society. How far removed it seems we are from knowing and honoring the tenderness, sacredness and fragility of life! How discouraging and sad we humans can be at times. Does it really have to be this way?

I think, again, of the individuals who, through their generous gifts of art, touch my life profoundly. Art does not have to be some awesome revelation (though sometimes it is). Art can be as simple as an owl, an egg and an angel and have the power to--profoundly--change how we view the world.

I believe it is both a gift and a responsibility for today's artists to seek out and courageously, authentically, tell their own stories and to record what they see and feel in whatever medium they choose. Art is what brings us balance in a chaotic world. It brings us back into the realm of being human and gives us a connectedness with our selves and the life and lives around us that cannot be achieved in any other way.

And now, as I return my trinkets to their prospective places and go back to my own sketches, sewing machine, fabric and thread, I take a moment to thank my friends, the givers of such small and thoughtful gifts, for making every day a work of art.

Cheers!--Janyce

Tracking Labels for Children's Products (CPSIA)

2009-05-01T19:51:00.000-07:00

On August 14, 2008, the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) was signed into law. Section 103 requires that, effective August 14, 2009, the manufacturer of a children’s product must place permanent distinguishing marks on the product and its packaging that provide certain identifying information. On February 26, 2009, the CPSC published a Notice of Inquiry in the Federal Register requesting comments and information about implementation of this program. (Those written comments were due April 27, 2009).

The purpose of this forum is to offer the public an opportunity to present their comments and information to the CPSC staff in person. This event will provide an opportunity for attendees to briefly present relevant information, ideas, proposals, or concerns about the implementation of the tracking label program.

For more information about labeling and the public forum, please click on this link.

Women, Work and Community Champion

2009-04-30T03:04:00.000-07:00

Today is the day for Women, Work and Community's 30th Year Celebration in Bangor, Maine. I am very excited to be part of this event.

As some of you know, WWC selected me to be one of their Champions for my volunteer work with the organization. I participated (as a student) in many of their free courses: Financing Your Future, Assertiveness Training, Creating Your Future (a skills and values clarification workshop), Basics of Business, and New Ventures (a 60 hour course on writing a business plan). These were--and are--invaluable courses that definitely helped me define who I am as a business person.

Along with the continued support I receive from WWC, I have been invited to speak to several WWC classes as a graduate. Most recently, Liz Grandmaison and I did a workshop for the current New Ventures class on using the internet for marketing. It was a sheer delight!

About a year ago, I also co-taught a class with Jane Searles, Regional Manager of WWC. The five week class was called "Steps to Economic Success," and, though I felt my teaching skills were a bit rusty, I enjoyed watching from a teacher's perspective the growth and changes in those who participated in the course.

And, tonight, WWC celebrates 30 years of providing support to Maine's communities. Ironically, as the celebration moves forward, WWC is actually going through some painful budgetary cuts. Like all of us, they are feeling the strain of our struggling economy. So, in our small way, the organizers of the WWC event have made pies and will be asking for a donation at tonight's event.

Here is just a sampling:

Chocolate Brownie Tart (with White Chocolate on the Top)

Pies in Progress

Finished Pies

Chocolate Glazed Chocolate Tart, Dark Chocolate Tart with Cherry Coulis, and Chocolate Brownie Tart

If you see this and wish to attend the event, here are the details:

Women, Work and Community 30th Celebration
The College Center
Texas Avenue, University Campus
Bangor, ME 04401
4-6pm
$7 Suggested Donation at the door (includes light refreshments and non-alcoholic beverages); Pies $3-5 donation per slice

Hope to see you there!

Cheers!--Janyce

Mexican Chocolate Tart with Cinnamon Spiced Pecans

2009-04-17T13:10:00.000-07:00

Ooooh-la-la! I am testing out chocolate pie recipes for the April 30th fundraiser for Women, Work and Community. Before last week, when I found this recipe on Epicurious.com, I never knew Mexican chocolate existed. Boy, was I missing out. It is all I can do to keep myself from diving into the tart before my guests get here. Maybe I can talk them into starting with dessert...