http://www.flewtstrings.com/

Happy Mardi Gras! Only 40 days.

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 18:12:30 -0500

I’m watching a news story on Mardi Gras traditions around the world. It’s really a beautiful segment full of colors and fun foods and dancing. Here we made our King Cake and hid a camel in it instead of a baby. It works. Perhaps it’s a new tradition for us. The point: Happy Mardi Gras!

I recently read an article on the power of doing something for 30 Days of Growth. I’m sure you’ve heard that it takes at least 30 days to establish a new habit, so why not try something now? Tomorrow starts the season of Lent. Lent is a time to reflect on Christ’s death & resurrection, and some people give up or “fast” from something in an effort to clear their mind and focus better on God (or you can add something too, like reading every day for 40 days). Whether you participate in Lent or not, perhaps you might consider trying something new for the next 40 days. No matter what, you’re going to grow because it will challenge you and stretch you. Start small. It’s only 40 days. And you’ll be closer to your goal in 40 days than you are today. Click on the link above to get a list of ideas (there are 30 great ideas!!).

I don’t always participate in Lent, but this year I figured “why not?” for the reasons listed above. What am I doing you ask? It may sound cliche, but I’ll be reading the Bible each day and journaling. I’ve gotten out of my daily habit and need a kick-starter to refocus my time and attention. Easter will be here before we know it, and by then I hope for two things: 1) I can’t go without it. 2) I am changed. And also that I’ll need a new journal, ‘cuz I love new journals.

What are you doing? It’s powerful to tell someone as it will hold you accountable…. ;) Enjoy your King’s Cake!

Portfolio

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:01:54 -0500

Portfolio:

I’ve had galleries, Etsy posts, and photos on facebook, but it’s finally time for an online portfolio. Let me know your thoughts!

Custom-Made For You by Me.

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:43:44 -0500

Flewtstrings started out as a business making all things custom for its customers. I would create a design and people would select a color(s) for their custom-made replica. I would also make ideas become a reality by creating one-of-a-kind custom items for many customers. That was always fun for me because we had to start from scratch: ideas went from a description to a 2D design which then had to be engineered into a pattern and finally sewn into a 3D piece! Such a fun and fulfilling process!

These days I use a different method of making and selling: I create and design items and then put those exact creations up for sale in my shop on Etsy. Several customers have a hard time “seeing the forest through the trees” and would assume purchase exactly what they see, so this method of business works better for many people. Plus it keeps me ahead of my work instead of behind it like custom-orders seem to do sometimes.

However, I write all this to tell you that my days of custom work are not over. Although you may not see much custom-work online, most of my business comes from custom orders from friends & acquaintances. Everything from baby gear to t-shirt quilts, home-decor textiles to custom-made clothing, I’m your gal. I’ll make that dream of yours into a reality. All you have to do is ask. I’ll tell you if your project or idea can’t be done, but rest assured that I’ve never had to tell anyone that before. I like a challenge. I like to test my design-skill. And I love to make customers happy. You have an idea? Let’s make it happen.

"Heaven will be full of Africans."

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:33:38 -0500

““Heaven will be full of Africans.””

- a dear friend.

Jambo! Kenya, where the air smells of sweet spice and the colors awaken our vision, has been so...

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:47:56 -0500

Jambo! Kenya, where the air smells of sweet spice and the colors awaken our vision, has been so welcoming to us “mizungus” thus far. We have come to know a bit if Swahili which the locals very much love. Our days have been spent with Missions of Hope here in the Mathare Valley. We have seen so much poverty, malnutrition & need, but also so much innovation, hard work, & hope. Our team started a small medical clinic today where 134 people were tended to within 3.5 hours. We have also done training with a business development program including a skills and production process in which people learn skills and methods to be empowered & encouraged to start their own businesses. Furthermore, the students have loan opportunities that can be used to jump start or grow their businesses, which can change their life and the life of the family and community. Tomorrow I will be working with a sewing production studio. The women in the studio have already graduated from the 6 month skills class and are now designing and creating items to sell. They really want to see a western look at patterns and design, so tomorrow I will be sharing ideas and sewing with them on their treadles. The program has a 95% success rate for businesses (amazing!). I’m not sure what the day holds and I have a loose plan, but I am so excited to see what God does tomorrow. Although I will be sharing with the group tomorrow, I know that they will teach me more than I could ever teach them. We are all co-creators with our heavenly Creator- what an honor it will be to create and learn tomorrow. Kubarikiwa- be blessed.

ONE day until departure! Here’s just a portion of my...

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 15:17:00 -0500

ONE day until departure! Here’s just a portion of my stuff on the floor that’s gotta fit into my carry-on! The entire team is packing personal items in carry-ons alone so that our checked bags can be used for donations including medical equipment, teaching supplies, and loooots of toothbrushes and toothpaste. That just means lots of souvenir space on the way back to the States, right?! Just kidding. We are SOOO excited. Check back here but also make sure to check our team’s blog at www.npgenerosity.com and our facebook page called “Kenya Partnership” (go “like” it now!). Thanks for your partnership & your prayer…a wild adventure is about to begin! Bwana Asifiwe!

Under Attack

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 16:39:46 -0500

Sitting in the Art Gallery today with not one visitor. Perhaps the weather is too nice to enjoy fine art? Or perhaps the empty soup bowl, roll of toilet paper on the desk (make-shift tissues!), and fuzzy hat on my head is steering people away as I sit here looking pretty pathetic. Well, a mere five days before our departure for Kenya and I get slammed with a cold. Awesome. I’m not worried about the cold itself but instead am worried for the congestion on the plane, so I have big plans to fill my already small & stuffed bag with antihistamines and pain relievers. Great use of space. The devil knows that HUGE amazing things are about to happen in Nairobi, and I think he’s shakin’ in his boots (which he should be!). So he’s attacking our team in funny yet annoying ways, trying to take our eyes off of the mission, trying to depress our spirits, and trying to distract our efforts during these last few days of preparation. But we all remain excited, energetic, joyful, and full of hope for what is to come in Africa. I can hardly believe that we’ll be there in less than a week. I’ve one more project and then my studio closes for a much-needed breather. I just made my personal packing list for the trip making sure to include things like my new “P-Style”, (given to me by a fellow female team member who guarantees it will come in handy when we girls have to try to pee in a hole- hilarious!), bandanas (which I heard Africans just LOVE!), and a fake wedding ring (sorry love, it’s just too risky to wear my ENORMOUS diamond to Africa). ;) But seriously. It’s not like I can run to the store if I forget something. I keep thinking of what bag to take that will fit everything and remain small and lightweight. It’s still not a reality and probably won’t be until my feet hit Kenyan soil, but I continue to prepare, to think-ahead, and to pray for our trip, our team, our hearts, our safety, and the people we are going to serve. I’m going to try to update on this blog, but if I can’t for some reason while in Kenya, make sure to check out www.npgenerosity.com for live updates from “God’s place”. Kubarikiwa. Be Blessed.

Hope is always here.

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 15:29:00 -0500

So far so good: on this second day of January I’d say things are off to a good start. Less than two weeks until we embark on our grand adventure to Kenya and our calendars are full until then. We just returned from a driving adventure across the eastern continental divide and through the mountains of the east and now here I sit in a coffee shop working on my to-do list to get things started this year. But as I sit here I can’t help but reflect on this past year: where I was one year ago and where I was as the year came to a close. And that brings me to the here and now: who I am today and who I want to be a year from now. My darlin’ and I listened to a great sermon while riding in the car through the fog of Connecticut, and we were encouraged to inspect our hearts and to ask questions umbrella-ed under the main idea, “how’s your heart?”. I can’t stop thinking about that question and all that it entails. How is my heart? How are my relationships? Am I harboring any guilt? Any negativity? What’s my perception of myself? Where am I going? Who do I belong to and for what and for whom do I live for? I think I need to get a new journal, ‘cuz it’s going to take a lot of writing and prayer to come up with anything even close to an answer to those questions. But I tell you what, I’m excited to discover more of myself this year. I’m anxious to see where I go and what I will do. Where will Flewtstrings go? What will I create? Where will my heart rest? What will God teach me? Welcome 2012 with hope today: it’s everywhere around us, and it’s our for the taking. Don’t miss out.

Our departure to Kenya is a mere 3 weeks away. This past...

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 13:16:00 -0500

Our departure to Kenya is a mere 3 weeks away. This past Friday night I hosted a “Kenya Coffee & Tea” in my studio where we sampled coffees and paired them with each with corresponding treats. A treat for the palette for sure. I also created some artwork to sell to fundraise for the trip, and I wanted to use African fabric in whatever creation I made. With that said, I drew up some African animal silhouettes and cut them out of authentic African threads (which my hubs brought back for me from his trip to Kenya last year- so it’s legit!). They were a hit! In fact, I have several orders for more! The only catch is finding more frames which means I’ll have to hit up a few second-hand stores in search for them (which I don’t mind at all). :) Anyway, I just wanted to thank you all for your support. Your support for the Kenya partnership, your support of our trip, your support for me and my business, and your support of the arts! I mean it when I say I couldn’t do it without you. Thank you!

Kenya Coffee & Tea TONIGHT!

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 11:12:00 -0500

Like coffee? Like GOOD coffee? The awesome & local Starbucks, New Harvest Coffee & Coffee Exchange roasters have donated some sweeeeet African coffee for us to taste tonight. Check out what we’ll be sampling tonight:

COFFEE: Kenyan, Ugandan Peaberry, Ethiopian & Ethiopian Yirgachaffe
TEA: Tangawizi Ginger, Cinnamon, Cardamom (all from Kenya) & Rooibos Chai

And we’ll be french-pressing it all (or fresh-steeping) and pairing it with foods that will bring out the flavors…you’ll never see coffee the same. We’ll show you how to properly “taste” coffees which starts with the grind, the water, proportions, & the freshness of the bean, to how well attuned you are to your senses of smelling & slurping & where you feel the flavor sensations on the tongue. Like we said, you’ll never see coffee the same. Some of the coffee will be available for purchase.

We’ll also have a bunch of handmade art for sale to support the Kenya Partnership. Some of the things available for purchase will be:

Paintings
Original Prints
Jewelry
African Animal silhouettes
Aprons
Bags & Wallets
& jackets…just to name a few.

Hope to see you here tonight, if none other than to check out the studio or have a great free cup ‘o joe. We’d love to have your company.

When you drink a cup of coffee or tea, you are connecting with the world. Join the cause.

Do you really believe that Christmas changed the world? And do...

Sat, 10 Dec 2011 10:04:00 -0500

Do you really believe that Christmas changed the world? And do you believe it still can? Perhaps you’ve heard of the Advent Conspiracy? Or the movement to Spend Less & Give More this Christmas? I want us to take part. Come out on Friday, December 16th from 7-9pm to my studio.

KENYA COFFEE & TEA.

Come try some Kenyan coffee, Kenyan tea, and treats to accompany both. You’ll have the chance to purchase each and donate to the trip to Kenya. Handmade gifts by Jessalyn made from authentic Kenyan fabric will also be available for purchase.

We’re going to Kenya to share hope. Come be a part. For more info. click the “Kenya” tab above.

Next time I’ll think twice about doing this before having...

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 11:25:00 -0500

Next time I’ll think twice about doing this before having to work so much with my hands the next day. In other words, cutting with scissors today is a challenge. Although, it was totally worth the soreness. Putting a new spin on “rock, paper, scissors” (except w/fabric instead of paper).

Buying Handmade: What's in it for YOU?

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 10:59:00 -0500

BUY HANDMADE. When I say “buy handmade” does that provoke change in you? I’m pretty sure that phrase preaches to the choir. So let me explain. This phrase is packed with meaning and stories and emotion and more. So when I say that, here’s just a preview of what I’m saying to you.

Of course I want you to buy handmade because it means you’ll support me and my business. However, I realize handmade is more expensive than your commercial stuff. Handmade isn’t always the cookie-cutter-you-know-exactly-what-you’re-getting-stuff that you can depend on like Starbucks (no matter where you go, that latte is going to taste pretty much the same). And people like that. But we all like to be unique, and I can assure you that handmade is just that.

I cannot compete with commercial stores. Let’s take the wallets I make & sell as an example. They currently sell for $45. I know you can go to a store like Target and find a mass-produced wallet there for $12 that will do exactly what you need it to do, and it will fit the current style/trend you’re hoping for. I can’t compete with that because there’s no way I can get the materials and time spent down enough to make a $12 wallet. No way. But I tell you what: the wallets I make are each unique and one-of-a-kind. I make them to last. They’re special. And you become a part of a story when you purchase something made by hand.

And where does that $12 spent at Target go? I’m not going to pretend that I know. But I do know that when you buy something handmade and local that your money stays in your community. It supports an individual and makes your community sustainable. You can vote with your dollars, and you have a lot more power than you think.

So what’s in it for you, you ask? I’m not just saying buy my stuff. I’m asking you to consider being a part of my story. To own something unique made just for you. To keep your well-earned money in your community. And to have value and appreciation for what your purchase. I can’t compete on price nor can I compete with high quantities of choice, but I can compete with making something just for you.

JLRI Holiday Market this Sat. at Hope.

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 11:12:00 -0500

JLRI Holiday Market this Sat. at Hope.:

JLRI, or Junior League of RI, all about women building better communities. Support your local artists and farmers this weekend at the JLRI Holiday Market from 10am-2pm. Hope to see you there with bells on!

"We’re lucky to have landed in a city that supports so many talented artists, and that’s..."

Sun, 04 Dec 2011 17:18:52 -0500

“We’re lucky to have landed in a city that supports so many talented artists, and that’s preserved so much of its industrial architecture - without one, you’d never have had the other.”

- Julie Tremaine in Providence Monthly (December 2011)

Growing an Art CSA

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 08:24:56 -0500

Growing an Art CSA:

Love this take on the traditional CSA. As CSA members ourselves, this article rings true of the ebbs and flows of the season. Intriguing way to support an artist!

Snow-globes have caught my attention this year, and I’ve...

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 13:44:00 -0500

Snow-globes have caught my attention this year, and I’ve been taking note of them recently because I want my art students to make one. But they’re a little risky and have a lot of complication with the water, glass jars, glycerin, & most of all, creating a water-proof figurine. So I was shopping (aka looking) at Anthropologie the other day and saw these sweet li’l snow-globes on display…with no water! They’re made with glitter instead. Perfect. So that was my inspiration. To make these cute li’l globes all you’ll need is:

Ball jar with lid & screw-on band (or any other jar with screw-on lid)
Hot Glue (what would we do w/o hot glue?!)
Glitter (which will be on my floor until next spring)
Figurines (found at craft stores…or better yet, sculpt your own!)

Create figurine and hot-glue to the inside of the lid. Fill jar with glitter (not too much though. You don’t want to drown your li’l world). Hot glue lid to band & jar and screw lid on! Voila! Your own li’l glittery snow world. Sweet, huh?! Some of you may get them as gifts this year, wink wink.

Cyber Monday coupon for YOU!

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 21:58:55 -0500

Head on over to my Etsy site, www.flewtstrings.etsy.com where you can shop several Wallets and jackets just listed today! And even better, use coupon code NOSHIPNOVEMBER for Free Shipping until Dec.1st! Happy Cyber Monday!

Busy day at Hingham. Don’t miss it!!! Today until 6 and...

Sat, 26 Nov 2011 11:59:00 -0500

Busy day at Hingham. Don’t miss it!!! Today until 6 and tomorrow 10am-6pm!

The Launch at Hingham Shipyard and New England Open Markets are...

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 10:21:00 -0500

The Launch at Hingham Shipyard and New England Open Markets are excited to announce the 2nd Annual Hingham Shipyard Holiday Market taking place Saturday, November 26th and Sunday, November 27th. Over 75 New England artists and designers have been chosen to present an exceptional array of handcrafted products including jewelry, handbags, baby clothes, letterpress stationery, pottery, sculpture and much more. With the SoWa Open Market now closed for the season, lovers of great art and indie design can find it all at the 2nd Annual Hingham Shipyard Holiday Market!

Admission and parking are free to the public

Please visit http://www.hinghamholidaymarket.com for additional information, including artist profiles and directions to the Shipyard.