jean may originals

dear blog: i've missed you

2012-01-10T22:49:00.000-06:00

i'm afraid i've sorely neglected you, my dear blog, and for that i am truly sorry. sure, i can use the age-old excuse that i've been "really busy"...i have been, honest...but that excuse is a sorry one, isn't it? yeah, i thought so. i do miss the interaction, the discoveries we've made together, the news we've shared. you are like a long lost friend newly found and i don't want to lose you again.

so here's what i propose we do. let's keep blogging here for a little while longer before moving to a bigger, better place like, say, our very own website. not only will we tell stories there and share our webby adventures, we will share the whole experience of j.m.o. for all the world to see. what do you say, are you with me? it will be an adventure like no other. i am certain of it.

until that time, let's keep in touch more often while we're still here. i'll bring you behind-the-scenes coverage and my finds from around the web and you can bask in their awesomeness. first, i think there's a Discover This feature that's very long overdue. it is coming soon...

Discover This: Handustry

2011-08-23T13:36:00.001-05:00

Three words sum up today's Discover This featured artist and shop: Wow. Love. Want. The artist is Michel Belisle of Montreal and the shop is Handustry on Etsy. Michel gives such a soulful interview that I'm just going to get on with it. I hope you are just as inspired after reading as I was. Please be sure to visit Michel's Etsy shop when you're done. I'm telling you, you'll be wowed.

Name: Michel Belisle
Location: Montreal, Canada
Description of work: creating handmade objects at the crossroads of fashion, art, and crafts

How long have you been creating? I started about 30 years ago. Back then I studied fashion design and started a business. But life took me in different directions since. About two years ago I started contemplating what I could do when I retire to prevent boredom. It suddenly struck me that I could make good use of my creative self, making things and selling them online. My online adventure started last year. It is still pretty timid but I am slowly putting more and more energy into it. I find it quite rewarding receiving compliments about the work I do. It is a renewed sense of purpose also to create items when I know my followers will appreciate, as they are always wondering what will I come up with next!

Metallic Silver Pencil Pouch

How did you get started? When I was young I was fascinated by the New Wave fashion movement, but had no money to buy any of the wonderful futuristic garments available. So I thought, well, maybe I can make those? After a few trials and errors I decided it was something I could do for a living and went to fashion school. And there I discovered something extraordinary: the knitting machine. That thing is amazing and can do wonders. Through knitting I developed a passion for fibres. Knitting is giving me the ability to create shapes, patterns and fabrics. I feel totally free when I use this medium. I started exploring crochet techniques and leather last year. I am working on various projects and experiments in order to blend all those materials and techniques together, trying to find my own niche.

Where do you find inspiration? Partly from avant-garde fashion designers like Rei Kawakubo, Junya Watanabe, Issey Miyake and Walter van Beirendonck, and especially from contemporary architecture. Space, volume, perspective, unusual use of materials play a key role in triggering my creativity. I spend a huge amount of time experimenting with fibres, fabrics and, recently, leather. I want my designs to reflect structural properties even though they are made of soft and fluid materials. I also like my creations to have a purpose. I understand, though, that my current offerings do not exactly reflect my abstract creative process but it is also a characteristic of my process to be progressive. I am taking my followers with me on the path to discovery.

Where can we find your items for sale? I currently only sell online. I have two shops, both with the same name, one is www.etsy.com/shop/handustry, the well known handmade and vintage online venue, and the other one is www.cargoh.com/store/handustry. This one is a Canadian curated online marketplace and is where I offer my more experimental creations.

Buffalo Hide and Hemp Experimental Necklace

Formally trained or self-taught? As I said above, I have a background in fashion design but I mostly consider myself as a self-taught artist as I am going in directions and doing experimentations that are closer to fibre art than strictly creating fashionable items. I must thank my tailoring and machine knitting teachers for giving me strong technical backgrounds onto which I can build confidently my own creative language.

Why would someone benefit from purchasing your designs. When someone buys one of my creations, I want that person to make it totally his or hers. I want people to experiment as much with it as possible even find it a different purpose. It would very much please me to find out that my creations are used as catalysts by others in their own creative efforts. It would create a kind of intangible communication, a propagation of creativity and a tool to achieve self-actualization.

Anything else you’d like to share? I’ll take this opportunity to tell everyone who would like to embark on a creative adventure that anyone can. Simply start a project and do it. Even if the result may discourage you. Continue, go on, do another one until you build confidence in your ability and develop your own style. It is almost always possible to reuse a disappointing result and make it into something totally unexpected. Most of my successful realizations come from unsuccessful experiments. Don’t compare yourself with others and create according to what you feel is right.

Wristlet-Leather Pouch
Soft Grey With Distressed Blue Jeans and Tiger Print Effect

Special thanks to Michel for participating. Keep up the great work!

Thoughts on Thursday: Music

2011-08-18T09:13:00.000-05:00

It is cruel, you know, that music should be so beautiful. It has the beauty of loneliness & of pain: of strength & freedom. The beauty of disappointment & never-satisfied love. The cruel beauty of nature, & everlasting beauty of monotony ~ Benjamin Britten

After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music. ~ Aldous Huxley

Music takes us out of the actual and whispers to us dim secrets that startle our wonder as to who we are, and for what, whence, and whereto. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Where words fail, music speaks. ~ Hans Andersen

Music is the wine that fills the cup of silence. ~ Robert Fripp

To stop the flow of music would be like the stopping of time itself, incredible and inconceivable. ~ Aaron Copland

Music is the Voice that tells us that the human race is greater than it knows" ~ Napoleon Bonaparte

If music be the food of love; play on. ~ William Shakespeare

Music is what feelings sound like. ~ Unknown

As I play the game of life, I try to make it better each and every day. And when I struggle in the night, the magic of the music seems to light the way. ~ John Lennon, Intuition

Discover This: IlzesCreations

2011-08-14T10:19:00.000-05:00

The Discover This Series is on a roll! Today I bring you a wonderful artist named Ilze all the way from Latvia. Talk about talent! She crochets, she knits, she felts, and she creates some of the most stunning pieces on Etsy. I am always inspired by the talent of others, and Ilze certainly brings inspiration. Enjoy this Q&A with her, and be sure to visit her links posted at the end.

Name: Ilze
Location: Latvia
Description of work: Freelancer

How long have you been creating your items? I've been creating handmade items as long as I can recall. At first it was sewing. I made simple clothing for my dolls. At age 10 I learned to knit and crochet. Since approximately age 14 I had learned mostly all the basics and was able to earn some pocket money with selling my handmades.

Felt Case in Black with White Daisy
for iPhone

How did you get started? Art and crafting is in my family tree. My great grandmother was a teacher in craft school. Both my grandmothers had good skills in sewing and crafts. Also my mother is an artist and creates handmade items. Spirit of handmade has been there already before I even was born.

What inspires your designs? I'm getting inspiration from color combinations, nature, flowers, internet, movies, magazines, my own mood and from many other things. For example, I was inspired from my own photo of a bee in my garden and I made felt bee hair clips.

Do you sell your items? I'm an individual merchant. I have a small shop where I sell my crafts and different amber jewelery and souvenirs. Also I accept custom orders. Recently I joined Etsy where I offer felt and crochet accessories - felt flower brooches and pins, felt hair clips, felt purses and cases, crochet hats and knitted items.

Red Flower Felt Brooch

Are you a formally trained or a self-taught artist? Mostly I'm self-taught. At first I learned from books and my mother gave me advice. I have also taken several courses. I find information on the internet, in magazines, from other artisans, then I try to turn my ideas in reality. I don't stop self training until I get good results and myself and others are satisfied.

Why would someone benefit from purchasing your designs? Accessories have the capability of changing any clothing look to more brighter and stylish. For example, felt flower brooch can change boring, casual black shirt or dress in seconds. Even if they are served as a gift, but gift receiver doesn't wear brooches in the regular way, brooch can be pinned to a bag or a hat! There are many options how to use brooches, so all can find best way of using them. I also offer felt iPhone cases, they are a great and useful gift if you are not sure about gift receivers taste in style. Here in Latvia we have quite cold winters, therefore it is important to keep body warm and crochet hats, shawls, knitted socks can help in that alot!

Anything else you’d like to share? I have many ideas, therefore check my shop often for new crafts and designs.

My Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/ilzescreations
My blog: ilzescreations.blogspot.com
Twitter: twitter.com/ilzescreations

3-6m Baby Pink Beanie with Cherries

Discover This: All Things Granny

2011-08-05T13:58:00.000-05:00

Look, another fellow Etsyan! I've decided to ramp up the Discover This series with more posts about fabulous artists and their incredible handmade wares. Allow me to introduce my friend and fellow crocheter, Angela of All Things Granny. She's smart, talented, and a really nice person to boot. Angela currently manages 5 shops on Etsy. Yes, 5. Is that incredible or what? Check out her other 4 shops listed on her Etsy Profile. Here's what Angela has to say about her thriving business:

Name: All Things Granny
Location: Arizona
Description of work: Crochet Designer

Reversible Cotton Granny Square Pot Holder

How long have you been creating your items? Over 35 years, since I learned how to crochet.

How did you get started? I learned to crochet back when I was just 8 or 9 years old, my mother taught me the basics, and I eventually learned how to read patterns. I made gifts for people throughout my life, and I also have a small dog sweater business, but my love for baby items got me started making Baby Blankets.

Custom Owl Granny Baby Blanket

Where do you draw inspiration for your designs? I get inspiration from everywhere I look in nature, magazines, even on the Internet.

Where can we find your items for sale? I sell on Etsy.com and also my own web page, http://www.aandboriginals.com/

Do you have any formal training, or are you a self-taught artist? I am self taught.

How would someone benefit from purchasing your designs? I think people benefit by buying handmade items in general. The quality of my items is top-notch. I think an heirloom baby blanket that can be passed down from generation to generation can be a priceless gift for any new Mom, and Baby.

Custom Granny Square Baby Blanket

Special thanks to Angela for participating in the Discover This series on the JMO blog. Beautiful work, my friend!

Thoughts on Thursday: Friendship

2011-07-28T09:21:00.000-05:00

I recently lost two highly valued friendships. They weren't lost due to death, but due either to simply growing apart, an inflated ego, or a casual disregard for another's feelings. Whatever the reason, I am heartbroken.

Friendship isn't a big thing - it's a million little things. ~Author Unknown

A single rose can be my garden... a single friend, my world. ~Leo Buscaglia

The most beautiful discovery true friends make is that they can grow separately without growing apart. ~Elisabeth Foley

A friend is the one who comes in when the whole world has gone out. ~Grace Pulpit

Constant use will not wear ragged the fabric of friendship. ~Dorothy Parker

The best kind of friend is the one you could sit on a porch with, never saying a word, and walk away feeling like that was the best conversation you've had. ~Author Unknown

The language of friendship is not words but meanings. ~Henry David Thoreau

Friends are kisses blown to us by angels. ~Author Unknown

A true friend is one who thinks you are a good egg even if you are half-cracked. ~Author Unknown

Strangers are just friends waiting to happen. ~Rod McKuen

A good friend is a connection to life - a tie to the past, a road to the future, the key to sanity in a totally insane world. ~Lois Wyse

Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive. ~Anäis Nin

Since there is nothing so well worth having as friends, never lose a chance to make them. ~Francesco Guicciardini

Discover This: a Breath of French Air

2011-07-21T07:04:00.002-05:00

After a much-longer-than-anticipated hiatus, the Discover This series is back! YAY! As you may know, I love giving a big shout out to my fellow Etsians, and this here is no exception. I am a huge fan (HUGE!) of handmade soaps and, after trying my first handmade bar years ago, will never ever go back to using store bought soap again. Enjoy this Q&A with Elizabeth of aBreathofFrenchair on Etsy who makes some decadent soap in her own St. Louis, MO home. As an added bonus, take a peek at Elizabeth's creative process in her videos on youtube and while you're there be sure to subscribe to her channel. So without further adieu, I present to you aBreathofFrenchair....

Name: Elizabeth L.
Location: St. Louis, MO
Occupation: Soap Maker

How long have you been creating your items? I have been making soap since 2007.

How did you get started? I started out by researching soap making on the internet. I read about soap making and I also watched lots of videos on Youtube. I started with melt and pour soaps, and a year later started making my soaps from scratch.

All Natural Olive Oil Shea Butter Soaps

(one word: WANT)

Where do you get your inspiration for your products? I get most of my inspiration from my garden. I have a huge garden where I grow many of the seeds that I use in my soaps. I also love to read cook books. I recently started making whipped soap and I use this to decorate my soap cakes and cupcakes, so books with lots of cake pictures are fun to read.

Do you sell your items? If so, where? I sell my soaps on Etsy and I also am part of an artist co op at Fusion. Our shop is located at Chesterfield (MO) Mall, on the second floor.

Do you have any formal training, or are you a self-taught artist? I am self taught.

Bright Red Star Shaped Soap (what guest wouldn't love these?)

How would someone benefit from purchasing your products? Handmade soap is much gentler to the skin. My soaps are mainly made with olive oil and can be used by all skin types. I don't use chemicals in my soap and many consumers have commented on how much better their skin feels after using my soap.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with readers? I have started making videos on how I make my soaps and body wash on Youtube. I love to show people how soap is made and what goes into my bars/body wash. Click HERE for my channel.

Ruby Red Grapefruit Solid Sugar Scrub Cubes

(hello yummy!)

Special thanks to Elizabeth for participating in the Discover This series. Go check out her Etsy shop now!

creative nuggets

2011-07-19T08:47:00.000-05:00

"When we are in the midst of making something, in the actual creative act, we know we are who and what we are because we forget our public reception for a minute. We become the art itself instead of the artist who makes it. In the actual moment of making art, we are blessedly anonymous. Even when done in public, the act of making art is a private act. Creativity is always between us and our creative energy, us and the creative power working through us. When we are able to stay clearly and cleanly focused on that, then we are able to do very well."

~Julia Cameron, the Artist's Way Every Day

Thoughts on Thursday: Sarcasm

2011-06-02T09:24:00.000-05:00

I'm feeling a little punchy today....

"It's always darkest before it turns absolutely pitch black." ~ Paul Newman

"I am not young enough to know everything." ~ Oscar Wilde

"Get your facts first, then you can distort them as you please." ~ Mark Twain

"Never put off till tomorrow what you can do the day after tomorrow." ~ Mark Twain

"I'm not so good with the advice....can I interest you in a sarcastic comment?" ~ Chandler Bing

"They worship the ground that he walks away from." ~ Sarcasm Society

"Absence makes the heart want to fondle other people." ~ Sarcasm Society

"To be sure of hitting the target, shoot first, and call whatever you hit the target." ~ Ashleigh Brilliant

"My opinions may have changed, but not the fact that I'm right." ~ Ashleigh Brilliant

"Experience is a wonderful thing. It enables you to recognize a mistake when you make it again." ~ Unknown

Thoughts on Thursday: Truth

2011-05-12T08:54:00.000-05:00

...it shall set you free...

"The wise understand by themselves; fools follow the reports of others." ~ Tibetan Proverb

"A culture is made -- or destroyed -- by its articulate voices." ~ Ayn Rand

"A half-truth is a whole lie." ~ Yiddish Proverb

"A lie hides the truth. A story tries to find it." ~ Paula Fox

"A man can never hope to be more than he is if he is not first honest about what he isn't." ~ Don Williams, Jr.

"A platitude is simply a truth repeated till people get tired of hearing it." ~ Stanley Baldwin

"Abandon the search for truth; settle for a good fantasy." ~ Unknown

"Advice is seldom welcome, and those who need it the most, like it the least." ~ Lord Chesterfield

"Always tell the truth - it's the easiest thing to remember." ~ David Mamet

"Everything you read in newspapers is absolutely true, except for that rare story of which you happen to have first-hand knowledge." ~ Erwin Knoll (my personal favorite)

"False face must hide what the false heart doth know." ~ William Shakespeare

"Falsehood is cowardice, the truth courage." ~ Hosea Ballou

Wednesday Wishlist: Circle of Friends

2011-05-11T10:47:00.000-05:00

It's been a while since I posted a Wednesday Wishlist...heck, it's been a while since I posted at all (shame on me!)...so today I'd like to pay tribute to some of the fine, talented folks that can be found in my Circle of friends on Etsy. As of last count I've added about 90 artisans to my Circle and am always on the hunt for more. I'll dedicate more Wishlists to these fabulous friends of mine but for now, I present you with a random selection of pure awesomeness. To learn more about the featured item and the artist's shop, right click on the shop links to open up a new window.

Handmade Coptic Bound Journal with Skeleton Key

in Pale Green by Thenibandquill

Fine Art Photo Print ~ Nesting in Numbers

by TheGinghamOwl

Magnetic Denim Pocket ~ Leopard Spots

by ItsSoSue

Handmade Knit Hat ~ The Seed Beret in Citron Yello

by pixiebell

Brown Trout Coffee Mug Etched Glass

by bradgoodell

Hand Felted Light Green Scarf/Shawl

by avivaschwarz

Mini Men Crayons

by LilDoodlers

Light My Fire Hand-dyed Wool Yarn

by dye2spin

Dirty Bugs Cocoa Butter Cold Process Soap

by BuzzPlanet

Small Blue Ceramic Watercan

by NicePots

Thoughts on Thursday: Secrets

2011-04-14T00:19:00.000-05:00

We dance round in a ring and suppose, while the secret sits in the middle and knows. ~ Robert Frost

The secret of two is God's secret, the secret of three is everybody's secret. ~ Proverb

A woman's heart is a deep ocean of secrets. ~ Gloria Stuart

A writer should have this little voice inside of you saying, Tell the truth. Reveal a few secrets here. ~ Quentin Tarantino

Celebrity and secrets don't go together. The bastards will get you in the end. ~ George Michael

Books let us into their souls and lay open to us the secrets of our own. ~ William Hazlitt

The face is the mirror of the mind, and eyes without speaking confess the secrets of the heart. ~ Saint Jerome

To know that one has a secret, is to know half the secret itself. ~ Henry Ward Beecher

Secrets are things we give to others to keep for us. ~ Elbert Hubbard

There are no secrets better kept than secrets everybody guesses. ~ George Bernard Shaw

Thoughts on Thursday: Lovesick

2011-04-07T02:22:00.024-05:00

Love sought is good, but given unsought is better. ~ William Shakespeare

All that we see or seem, is but a dream within a dream. ~ Edgar Allan Poe

Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. ~ Albert Einstein

Love without return is like a question without an answer. ~ Unknown

Every wall is a door. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Maybe part of loving is learning to let go. ~ Unknown

Faith isn't faith until it's all you're holding on to. ~ Unknown

Never be sad for what is over, just be glad that it was once yours. ~ Unknown

Thoughts on Thursday: Perseverance

2011-03-31T01:09:00.003-05:00

The greatest oak was once a little nut who held its ground. ~ Unknown

Saints are sinners who kept on going. ~ Robert Louis Stevenson

In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on. ~ Robert Frost

It always seems impossible until it's done. ~ Nelson Mandela

When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on. ~ Franklin D. Roosevelt

In order to get from what was to what will be, you must go through what is. ~ Unknown

Thoughts on Thursday: Change

2011-03-03T00:06:00.001-06:00

If you don't like something change it; if you can't change it, change the way you think about it. ~Mary Engelbreit

When you are through changing, you are through. ~Bruce Barton

Just because everything is different doesn't mean anything has changed. ~Irene Peter

Time is a dressmaker specializing in alterations. ~Faith Baldwin

Continuity gives us roots; change gives us branches, letting us stretch and grow and reach new heights. ~Pauline R. Kezer

God grant me the serenity to accept the people I cannot change, the courage to change the one I can, and the wisdom to know it's me. ~Author Unknown

Peek Inside The Creative Process: Hand-dyed Fiber

2011-02-21T21:11:00.004-06:00

I've always loved getting a peek into an artist's or crafter's creative process. I find it's not only interesting and insightful, but inspirational as well. There's a level of intimacy involved when an artist allows a glimpse into their creative world, and I'm excited to offer you a little glimpse into mine.

Today I embarked on a creative journey: to take raw, organic fiber (Rambouillet sheep's roving) and hand-dye it using the trusty Kool-Aid method. Yep, Kool-Aid. I acquired a rather large volume of the roving for free from the kind lady that sold me my beloved Lendrum Spinning Wheel. At the time of purchase, I was an inexperienced spinning wheel spinner (I wasn't bad on a drop spindle, though), and she gave me the roving for practice. So since I had the day off of work and the house pretty much to myself, I decided that today was as good a day as ever to give hand-dyeing a go. Here's how it went:

First, I measured out 1 1/2 oz. of roving.


Undyed roving, after shearing, cleaning, and carding.

Next, I filled a large pot with water and added a splash of vinegar. I heard that adding vinegar would result in deeper color saturation. Once the water came to a low boil, I removed it from the heat source and mixed in 1 package each of Cherry and Orange Kool-Aid. Then I gently submerged the fiber into the Kool-Aid bath. After about a 45 minute soak, the water left in the pot was clear so I knew my fiber had drank up all of the cherry/orange color mix.

Doesn't look very appetizing, I know.

I then emptied the pot into a colander I had placed in the sink and gently squeezed as much excess water as I could from the wet, fibery glob. The last step was to lay out the newly dyed fiber on a towel to air dry. You can see from the picture below that some of the fiber soaked up more color than the rest. I surmised this was because I left the fiber alone as it soaked without rotating it in the pot so that the color would coat more evenly. I attempted to fix this issue with the next batch.


Newly dyed fiber with an (unintentional) ombre effect.

Moving along to the next batch. This time I used 1 package each of Ice Blue Raspberry Lemonade and Lemon-Lime Kool-Aid. Here's a look at it during the soak.


Fiber soup

This time I rotated the fiber a few times during it's 45 minute bath and voila!..an evenly coated batch. Yay! I was careful not to agitate it too much otherwise it would felt, and we don't want that.

MUCH better!

I had time to do one more batch, so I decided to see what would happen without adding the vinegar. For the final batch I used about 1/2 cup of store brand grape drink mix. I was going for a real vibrant purple, which I unfortunately did not achieve. As you can see below, the color hardly saturated the fiber at all. So I've concluded that I will be using vinegar in my Kool-Aid dyeing projects from now on.

This was supposed to be a rich purple. :(

And there you have it! My first foray into hand-dyeing fiber. Part II of this project will take you inside my studio for a little spinning action. Once these freshly dyed fibers have been dried and drafted, I will feed them to Eloise, that Lendrum wheel I mentioned above and whose pic is below, and let her work her magic. With a little help from me, Eloise will transform the fiber into a beautiful skein of usable yarn. Can't wait!

My beloved Lendrum Single Treadle Spinning Wheel. love!

Wednesday Wishlist: Hearts

2011-01-19T11:04:00.005-06:00

Hello all. In keeping with the whole Valentine theme going on all over the place right now, I devote this week's Wishlist to all things love-ly, and made by fellow Etsyans of course. Show them some LOVE please and right click on their name to open their shops in a new window. My dear sellers, I love you all!

XOXO,
Jean

World Peace Alternative Apparel

by rctees

(PEACE!)

Thinking Inside the Box B&W Fine Art Photograph

by bauerart

(this really captured my heart. bravo, bauerart!)

Zipper Bag for Yarn

by TopShelfTotes

(ok, as a knitter and crocheter, I LOVE this!)

Red Toile Fabric Stationery Gift Set

by prettypeardesigns

(fabric stationery. awesome!)

Untold Story Bone Earrings

by Simplish

(tell me your story, and I'll tell you mine)

Broken Heart Greeting Card

by thecattsuglybabies

(LOVE! LOVE! LOVE!)

Antique Oddity Major Atom the Victorian Sideshow Midget Photo

by diabolus

(love me some vintage photos!)

Black Bean and Corn Salsa

by gatelinesalsa

(can you say 'yum'?)

Stoneware Pottery Plate with Hex Sign

by misspottery

(misspottery has the prettiest pottery on the planet!)

OverSoul Alien

by oversoul

(you can't find a more lovable alien anywhere!)

Meraviglia Eccentric Ring

by FridaWer

(now that's amore!)

The Maharani Collection Limited Edition Beaded Bangle

by wintergarden

(I am truly in awe. Gorgeous!)

Felted Crochet Handbag

by BlackDogFiberStudio

(BlackDogFiberStudio, oh how I love thee!)

Whimsical Cottonwood Fairy House Carving

by RiverOtterRustic

(Whee! I want one for my garden!)

ACEO Dragon Watercolor

by AnikasArt

(RAWWWRRRRRR!)

Jean Cuisine

2011-01-09T23:29:00.000-06:00

Fun fact about me: I LOVE to cook. Love it, love it, love it. Trying a new dish in the kitchen is a culinary adventure I always look forward to. I was at my good friend Pam's house recently for a New Year's celebration and her husband, Tony, made this spicy salsa/relish-type dish with shrimp that was simply divine. He called it ceviche. I called it delicious! So delicious in fact that I ate like three whole bowlfuls of it. Of course after I scarfed it all down he informed me the proper way to eat it was spread on a tostada, but let me tell you it was just perfect eaten with a spoon right out of the bowl. So on my next trip to the grocery store I picked up ingredients to make my own version of this tantalizing dish. (I know it's not really cooking per se, but still.) It didn't turn out exactly like Tony's, but it's pretty darn close and just as yummy!

How I made it:

About 25 medium size shrimp (or as much as you want), chopped or you can leave them whole

5 roma tomatoes, chopped

3 avocados, cut into bite size pieces

2 Mexican scallions, chopped

2 jalapenos, seeded and chopped

1/2 tsp. minced garlic

Handful of fresh cilantro, chopped (I love cilantro and used A LOT of it!)

Juice of 1 lime (make sure to get every drop)

Salt and pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients together and eat! Here I added a few chile and lime tortilla strips (yum!). I had made a pot of white rice for dinner so paired it with that and it was quite good. Tony's dish had more juice, but I think he may have used a tomato other than roma.

This dish is now one of my favorites, and I'm adding it to my permanent recipe book. What are some of your favorite dishes? I'd love it if you'd share them with me!

Here's to good eats,

~Jean

Wednesday Wishlist: Top Treasury Picks

2011-01-05T09:19:00.000-06:00

First blog post of the New Year! Woot, woot! I've been on a roll lately over at Etsy making treasury after treasury, so for this Wishlist I've handpicked 10 of my faves from a selection of my treasuries to showcase here. No particular theme or color palette, just random picks that will leave you in awe. Of course, I'd love for you to right click on the shop names below each photo to show these awesomely talented Etsyans some much deserved love. Check it out:

Crochet Pattern - Sushi

by skymagenta

Resistance..Fine Art

by lewfoster

Paris Wedding Tags

by creativevisions

Rock Paper Scissors, Mixed Media Print on Wood

by retrowhale

Totem Pole Pillow in Fruit Salad

by shapescolors

Recycled Acoustic Guitar String Bracelet

by foxdesignsjewelry

The Coolest Necklace Ever for Detectives

by mLindvall

Vintage Brown Recycled Bike Clock

by 1byliz

Passport Cover Vintage Milan Map

by sugarcanetrain808

Cowboy Zombie Skeleton Guitarist Steel Sculpture

by zedszombieranch

Greetings of the Season

2010-12-25T01:37:00.000-06:00

Wishing you and yours a joyous holiday season and a new year filled with love, peace and hope. I've been a little lax in updating this blog (well ok, more than a little), but I hereby resolve to post more frequently from here on out. A lot of things are planned for JMO in the coming year, so keep your eye on this blog for fresh new content. And remember to sign up for my monthly newsletter over there on the right side of your screen for sneak peeks and specials offered only to newsletter subscribers.

Happy Holidays to one and all!

~Jean

Wednesday Wishlist: Beauties from the Basement

2010-10-27T00:18:00.003-05:00

The Wednesday Wishlist is back! For this installment I bring you Beauties from the Basement. Where exactly is this Basement you ask? The basement is the nickname for that beloved section of the Etsy fora called Etc. On any given day you can find amazingly talented Etsyans discussing anything from their favorite tunes to their annoying neighbors. The banter among these fine folks is rife with wit, charm, intelligence, and the occasional, erm, snark. (But who notices snark, really? hehe). Featuring ALL the wonderful artists I often see in Etc. would fill a thousand Wednesday Wishlists, but for now I'll tease you with just these ten. So here's the drill...right click on their shop names to open each listing in a new window and show these Etc. peeps some love. They deserve it!

Silk Lined Peacock Kisslock Frame Clutch

from BrianaEdelmanDesigns

Sonoran Sands Wireworked Pendant OOAK

from AtabbycatArts

Waiting for Mr. Right Antique/Vintage Photo digital download

from MissKym
(this is me in about 30 years. HA!)

Racy Rhonda from Racine

from KarmaRox

Sister Squid-Baby Pink and Grey

from SquidBullySquid

Muslin Drawstring Bags with Dandelion Puff

from flirtdeux

Swan Ghosts Hand Crank Automata

from cartoonmonster

Blue Cat Peeking Original Acrylic Painting

from GenevieveVictoria

Archimedes Is Feelin Groovy Leather and Fabric Cuff

from TocadoraLeather

Baseball Apron

from apronsrecycled

Wednesday Wishlist: Embrace The Dark Side

2010-09-08T04:54:00.001-05:00

Whew, FINALLY posted another Wednesday Wishlist! This week I invite you to walk with me on the dark side...the dark side of Etsy that is! I don't know if it's because Halloween is coming or because I've been in a bit of a dark place myself lately, but I am LOVING all these goth items I found using Etsy's search tool. They're wicked, wonderful, delightfully delicious additions to my Wishlist! Right click on the shop links to open the item in a new window. I dare you. Muahahahahahaha!

Neo Victorian Scarab Jewel Necklace

from tempusfugit

Prison Riot Striped TuTu

from mtcoffinz

Unique Skull Pendant

from ParadiseFindings

Mini Purse Elizabeth Gothic Victorian

from UniquelyDifferent

Skeleton Key Soap Raygun Scented

from SteamBathFactory

Purple Plum Rose on Black Filigree Ring

from ForevermoreCreations

Witches Magick Candle Large

from whitemagic

The Blushing Vampire

from darkfaerie

Pyscho Soap from ArtSpot

Monsters and Lace Striped Hoodie

from TheLunaGirls

Well hello Mother Nature!

2010-07-23T14:04:00.002-05:00

Fun fact about me: I'm a bit of a photography buff. For as long as I can remember I've always loved taking pictures. People shots, action shots, still shots...you name it, I'll shoot it. A 'professional' I'm most certainly not, but I've been told that I'm quite talented with a camera.

Lately my camera and I have been venturing out to Lake Katherine in Palos Heights, Illinois. Lake Katherine is a man-made nature preserve with waterfalls, botanical gardens, walking trails, wildflowers, and of course, a lake. The preserve is also home to a number of birds, ducks, geese, fish and various other critters. I always go snap happy when I'm there! Here's a few shots from a recent trip to the lake.

Enjoy!
~Jean

Wednesday Wishlist: Bits of Whimsy

2010-07-21T05:55:00.002-05:00

For this week's Wishlist I once again turn to those fabulous Etsy sellers (I can't help it, really. I could do 10 years' worth of Wishlists and not even scratch the surface of all the wonderful talent to be found on that site!). Having been feeling a little overwhelmed lately, I sought out a little whimsical fun, and just look what I came up with! Please show their shops some love by right clicking on the links to open in a new window.

Thanks, and have a whimsical day!

Lisa Snellings Lavender Blue Poppet

from Strangestudios

Robot with Headphones Print

from randomhouse

Clockwork Orange 5x7 Print

from kahlaw

Let's Talk from jeffclaassen

Sock Creature Casey from beezmiller

Goldi Golden Skeleton Key Dangle Earrings

from VintageMusings

Hot Air Balloon Ring

from MintyFreshFusions

Cow Bag-Purse Crochet Pattern

from sonicka

The Witch's Mushroom Garden

from WanderingLydia

Elephant Rain from Phizzychick

Wednesday Wishlist: Oldies but Goodies

2010-07-14T08:49:00.000-05:00

I love vintage wares with all their timeless beauty and classic elegance, taking me far back in time. So for this Wednesday Wishlist I bring you incredible finds via the fabulous vintage sellers of Etsy (of course!). Please show each shop some love by right clicking on the link to open in a new window.

Librarian Cat Eyeglasses from bumbleebuck

Royal KMM c 1941 Manual Typewriter

from queganga

Retro California Pottery Planter

from PoValleyVintage

Pearl Locket Brooch Pin from SmArtsy

1950s Dark Cherry Red Wool Hat with Feathers

from FoxyBritVintage

Imperial Reflex 620 Duo Lens Camera

from FalconandFinch

Italiano Mama 1970's Salt and Pepper Shakers

from circa1900s

Jet Black Heron from rekindle

Northern Electric Cathedral Wood Wall Telephone

from NostalgicMeditations

Triple Tiered Iron Plant Stand

from TheLovelys

Wednesday Wishlist: Farm, Sweet Farm

2010-07-07T11:25:00.001-05:00

You can take the girl out of the city, but you can't take the city out of the girl. Maybe, but how about if you take this girl out of the city, and plant her on a farm out in the country. Surround her with rolling hills and big skies and land where she can grow her own food, plant a beautiful flower garden, tend to her chickens and goats and pigs and sheep. Watch as she sits on her porch at night and gazes up at the stars. Yeah, that's my dream, and one day I hope to have my own farm and live off my land. I love the city (Chicago will always be my home), but I long for the tranquility and slower pace of country life. Less noise, less pollution, less distractions. Soon, very soon.

Image courtesy of farmkitchen.com

Image courtesy of picture-newsletter.com

Image courtesy of scgaproperty.com

Image courtesy of thelocalharvestdish.wordpress

Image courtesy of michigansweetfarm.com

Image courtesy of gwarffynnon.co.uk

Image courtesy of cache.boston.com

Image courtesy of scrapetv.com

Image courtesy of bizios.com

Image courtesy of photobucket.com

Discover This: Jannio

2010-06-17T13:10:00.001-05:00

This installment of the Discover This series takes us all the way to France with two friends Janine and Isabelle who make the most delightful felted accessories I've ever seen. One day while browsing the Etsy forums I was intrigued by their shop's avatar, gave it a click, and fell instantly in love with every single listing! The color combinations and styles of this pair's items are so uniquely beautiful that I'm finding it difficult to pick just one item as a favorite because I love them ALL! So it is with great excitement that I present to you Jannio.
(Please right-click on the link below each image to enter their Etsy shop in a new window.)

Name: Janine and Isabelle

Location: We are lucky enough to live in the south west of France. The region of the perigord vert. Castles, grape vines, cepes (wild mushrooms) and much more.

Description of work: We create felt wear: hats, scarves and bags by using merino wool.

Faizah Handmade Felt Hat

How long have you been creating your items? We have been creating together for about five years now.

How did you get started? I think we can say it was through our friendship. Isabelle had already started to learn the basics. Thanks to our sons being friends we also formed a friendship. Isabelle was making a hat one day so I joined in and loved it.

Where do you get your inspiration for your designs? That’s easy: all around us. The seasons here are so inspiring for us. The colors in this area are amazing sometimes! Also we inspire each other when we work together. A great team!

Do you sell your items? Mainly through our shop on Etsy. Sometimes we do Christmas markets and fairs. Friends of friends also buy our work.

Paquita-Felt, Leather, Cotton Handmade Bag

Do you have any formal training, or are you self-taught artists? Isabelle: I have had no formal training at all completely self taught. Janine: I started off in Art College in Textile Design and Photography. I left all that for awhile to bring up my family. Isabelle taught me the art of felt making.

Please tell us why someone would benefit from purchasing your designs. We think that our designs are unique, each piece is handmade by us using the purest merino wool from Germany. We also incorporate the technique called nuno-felting" technique (felt and fabric). This is made by using pure merino wool, and cotton fabric. Merino wool fibers are spread thinly upon a cotton or silk fabric. The result is a light, soft and warm hat. We try always to use only the best materials available.

Libby Handmade Felt and Cotton Scarf

Anything else you’d like to share? Hats and bags are what we like to make the most. There is so many shapes, forms, and color combinations. Endless possibilities. The bags we make are a challenge for us. There we can let our imagination go wild. We use the wool like an artist uses his paint pallet, mixing and trying different color combinations.

Special thanks to Janine and Isabelle for kindly agreeing to participate in the Discover This series on the JMO blog. Ladies, you're awesome!

Wednesday Wishlist: Random Wants

2010-06-16T00:47:00.001-05:00

For this week's Wednesday Wishlist, I bring you my current Top 10 List of Random Wants:

1. Meet Beck. This guy is freaking brilliant. There isn't a single one of his songs that I don't like.

Seriously, he's a musical genius. Beck, I love you.

Image courtesy of cltv.com

2. A country cottage in the woods. I want to relish in the peace and quiet, just me and nature,

without a neighbor in sight for at least half a mile.

Image courtesy of mountain-lodging.com

3. My kids graduating from high school. They'll all be 18 when that happens and I will then be fully entitled to kick them out of my house. I love them dearly, but I'll love them more when they're gone. :)

Image courtesy of orionhs.org

4. Open the J May Cafe. A quaint little establishment serving fine homemade cuisine. Stop in for a light meal or a cup of coffee and some good conversation. You're always welcome.

Image courtesy of ecenglih.com

5. Open the J May Boutique. Another quaint little establishment offering the finest handmade goods around. Would love to combine the boutique and cafe together.

Image courtesy of buyitsellit

6. A money tree. Money doesn't grow on trees you say? Nonsense! Look at the picture.

Image courtesy of 3.bp.blogspot

7. Love. Period.

Image courtesy of margonaut.com

8. Peace. Period.

Image courtesy of flickr.com

9. Learn to play guitar. I can rock out on air guitar like it's nobody's business, but if I learn to play the real thing maybe Beck will ask me to join him on tour.

Image courtesy of mojobar.co.uk

10. Happiness. For you, for me, for everybody.

Image courtesy of webpages.scu.edu

Wednesday Wishlist: For the Love of Fabric

2010-06-09T13:41:00.000-05:00

The Wednesday Wishlist is back with fabulous fabric finds from Etsy sellers. I already have a nice size fabric stash at home, but there's nothing wrong with wanting to grow it some more, is there? Fabric is such a versatile medium to create with...the list of possibilities goes on and on and on: apparel (of course), pillow covers, curtains and valances, belts, bags, scarves, headwraps, flora and fauna, just to name a few. So while my sewing machine and I dream up more ways to use the fabric in my current stash, I add these lovelies to my wishlist.

Please show these shops some love by right clicking on their name and select to open link in a new window.

Patricia Bravo Art Gallery - Bubblegum Lollipops

from SoFunFabrics

Amy Butler Martini Fabric in Gray

from TheFabricFarm

Dogwood Bloom/Lake by Joel Dewberry

from fabricpalooza

Robert Kaufman Chopsticks Please, Sushi on Lime

from luckykaerufabric

Peace Group by Michael Miller

from SewMaterialisticShop

Coral Garden Organic Designer Fabric

from dottylogic

Comso Cricket Stripey Squares

from skyerevefabrics

Paris Eiffel Tower Cotton Fabric

from KindSupplier

Henna Garden in Brown

from materialgirlshoppe

Barnyard Sheep Fabric

from fabricfreak43

How I Became A Hooker

2010-06-02T13:20:00.003-05:00

I interrupt the weekly Wednesday Wishlist series to bring you a special post explaining how I became a hooker. No, no, not THAT kind of hooker, but the kind that takes a ball of yarn and transforms it into something unique, useful, and beautiful by way of a nifty little tool called a crochet hook. The idea for this story comes from the wonderfully talented Create Crochet Team on Etsy, of which I am proud to be a member. Team members were issued the challenge of writing about how they came to learn their craft as a way of keeping up on their blogs (if they have one, that is). So without further delay, I give you my story...

*-*-*-*-*

“No thanks, Ma, I really don’t want to learn how to do that.” This was the answer I gave my mother when I was just a young girl of about twelve, leaning against her on the living room couch as she sat there crocheting yet another afghan. “Why do you always crochet stuff?” I asked her, to which she replied “It relaxes me. You want me to show you how to do it?” I winced and left the room, leaving her to work on what I considered to be just another useless but colorful object to throw across the neglected chair in the corner of the room that no one ever used.

Image courtesy of knitpicks.com

More than twenty-five years later I decided it was time to take up a hobby, and I chose crochet. While visiting my local craft store, I discovered one of those “Learn-To-Crochet” kits that provide you with everything necessary to get you started. I immediately tore open the kit when I got home, eager to get started on my new hobby. The second I placed that crochet hook in my hand and wrapped that yarn around my fingers I was transported back to that night on the living room couch…..I could almost feel my mother’s presence next to me, gently easing me along. “Not too tight,” I imagined her saying as I desperately tried to finagle the tip of my hook through an extremely tight stitch. “There, that’s better,” she’d say as I finally got the hang of it and my starting chain grew to about three feet in length. As the process became easier, I too realized just how relaxing this newfound hobby of mine can be.

Image courtesy of tkacm.wordpress.com

It wasn’t long before I was comfortable enough to venture beyond the starting chain. I was working row upon row of single crochet and even though my little beginner project was nothing more than a rectangle, I was MAKING something. Completely on my own, completely from scratch…..this little creation was all mine. Three years later I was creating my own designs…..wristlets, hats, scarves, tank tops….and had taken my hobby to the next level. The satisfaction that comes with each completed project is immeasurable. I never considered myself to be the creative type, and such was my reason for rejecting my mother’s generous offer to teach me crochet all those years ago. But I’ve since realized that all it takes is a little determination and patience, and the firm belief that you can do anything you put your mind to, and you’re on your way to creating your own little works of art.

Lady Luxe Twisted Brim Cocoa Brown Cap with Feather Accent

made by me! This item sold in my Etsy shop, but I can always

crochet up some more. ;-)

It's been about 6 years since I bought that kit at the craft store, and I've been hooked on crocheting ever since (pun totally intended!). I've even been broadening my yarny horizons, and have taken up Tunisian crochet, knitting, and even a bit of spinning. Crochet is actually a form of therapy for me. After a hectic day I love to sit on the couch and lose myself in whatever project I'm working on at the moment...whether it's a new hat design, or scarf, or shawl, or colorful bowl worked up in wool to be felted later.

I love all the fiber arts, but crocheting is my most favorite. In retrospect, I wish I would've let my mom teach me all those years ago. But I'm crocheting now, and that's all that matters to me.

Wednesday Wishlist will resume June 9, 2010.

Wednesday Wishlist: Tea Time

2010-05-26T10:34:00.001-05:00

Care for a spot of tea, anyone? I was never really a big tea drinker until I recently discovered the wonderfulness that is green tea. (Is 'wonderfulness' a real word? If not, it should be!) To me, tea drinking was reserved for stuffy ladies with white gloves and gigantic hats. Well, I've since thrown my misguided opinion of tea clean out the window, and pay homage to this beneficial beverage with these lovely tea-drinking vessels we call teapots. As usual, I found these browsing Etsy....Treasury East this time!...and would like to thank whiskeypointpottery for curating the beautiful "Green Tea Anyone" treasury. It's stunning I tell you, just stunning, and makes me want to start a teapot collection!

You should know the drill by now, but it bears repeating....please, please, PLEASE show these talented artists some love and appreciation for their fine crafts by right clicking on each link to open their shop in a new window. Thank you!!

Blue Green Porcelain Crystalline Teapot

from ruthradin

Tall Teapot from back2earth

Little Blue Teapot from VadimM

(I think this is extraordinary...it reminds me of Alice in Wonderland!)

Sage Green and Cream Handbuilt Teapot

from foxpots

Green Bird Teapot from davidaustingallery

Teapot with Sculpted Frog Lid from JMNPOTTERY

He Said She Said Teapot in Copper Blue

from Misspottery

Wheel Thrown Green Teapot with Dragonfly

from whiskeypointpottery

Soy Sauce Pot -- Blue Sky

from Tjossem

Stoneware Teapot with Unique Handle

and Tractor Print from zmedceram

Wednesday Wishlist: I Wish You Liked My Stuff

2010-05-19T13:19:00.000-05:00

OK, I admit it. I was too lazy to actually put together this week's Wishlist, so I decided to take this opportunity to shamelessly promote my own creations. I'm entitled to do that every now and then, right? I mean it is in my and my business's best interest to put forth some effort in the promotion, advertising, and marketing departments, and this blog is part of my business, so what the heck. Just go along with it, will ya? :) Anyway, I've selected five items from each of my Etsy shops for a total of 10. To see a complete product lineup from each shop, right click on these links to open the shop in a new window:

Jean May Originals

Survivor Arts

Thanks for visiting, and I promise to be back next week with a brand new theme!

from Jean May Originals

Give Peace A Chance Crocheted Pin

Crystal Blue Persuasion Earrings

Wild Thing Fabric Tube Scarf

Floral Puff Pin No. 3

Color Splash Pillow

from Survivor Arts

Raspberry Lace Crochet Shawl

Aqua and Lavender Treasure Bowl

S is for Simply Superb Sudsy Scented Soap

Tranquility Knit Shawl

Linen and Lace Aroma Bead Sachet

Wednesday Wishlist: Etsy's Create Crochet Team

2010-05-12T04:44:00.004-05:00

For this week’s Wednesday Wishlist I want to give a nod to my fellow team members from Etsy’s Create Crochet Team, made up of Etsians from all over the world. I’ve got to tell you the talent on this Team is extraordinary. Arm these fine folks with a crochet hook and some yarn and there’s no telling what they’ll whip up. I am constantly inspired by the items these good people list in their shops, and am proud to be part of such a wonderful Team.

And I just have to mention that the Create Crochet group is a kind, caring, compassionate bunch as evidenced by the frenzied crocheting of chemo caps and other items to benefit Relay for Life in which one of our own team members, Creationsbym2, is participating. For details on this Charity Event, check out the Team Blog. Be sure to check out our Team's Facebook Page as well.

Please show my team members some love by right-clicking on their shop names to open their Etsy shop in a new window. Let’s hear it for Create Crochet!

Cotton Mauve Pineapple Doily

from CatiesCottageCrafts

Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds Tapestry

Crochet Beanie from BenjaminKrudwig

Blue Flowers Big Beach Shoulder Bag

from sexyhandmade

Braided Infinity Scarf

from KittiesCanCrochet

Summer Sherbert Bath Puff

from longestyarn

The Green Thumb Adult Garden Hat

from thehatshop

Colors of the Canyon Suede Scarf

from junebugjan

Felted Knit Frog Bag (PDF Pattern)

from sonicka

(O.M.G. how CUTE is this?????)

Slouchy Beret from leafylime

Washcloths in Calm, Beach Colors

from thecraftynaturelady

Wednesday Wishlist: Personal Desires

2010-05-05T00:24:00.001-05:00

This week my Wednesday Wishlist takes a personal turn. I didn't search the internet for any fabulous finds; instead, I searched within myself. You see, I've been a bit down lately, and anyone who's ever suffered even the mildest case of depression knows that no amount of money can buy happiness. So this is my list of personal desires that would bring enormous joy to my very heavy heart. :(

1. Children that behave.
2. People who don't judge others.
3. Eight hours of peaceful, restful sleep each and every night.
4. Yoga!
5. Neighbors who are neighborly instead of nosy and nasty.
6. A surprise email/text/call from an old friend.
7. Three words: I. Love. You.
8. Three more words: You. Are. Forgiven.
9. The cat's fur to grow back.
10. A genuine, meaningful hug.

Wednesday Wishlist: Fabulous Finds From Fellow Etsyans, Part III

2010-04-28T14:01:00.014-05:00

Gah! With everything that's been going on in my life lately, I hadn't thought about a specific theme for this week's Wishlist. But thanks to the wonderful world of Etsy, I don't have to look far to put together a variety of items I'd love to call my own. These beauties are in my current Favorites list, and it's easy to see why. Aren't they all fabulous? As always, please show their shops some love by right clicking on the shop names to open in a new window.

Croque-Monsieur - Sterling Silver and Copper Bracelet
from 3squares

Noir Wool Felt Daisy Pin from hatsofancy

Heart Flock Fine Art Photo from theeye

Enchanted Shea Butter Lotion, Sweet Fruit with White Musk

from BLSoaps

Whyyyyy Darren the Drama Hound Amigurimi Dude

from UglyGerbil

Dance Like No One (Living) Is Watching Photographic Print

from BACLORI

Handmade or Die Mini Embroidery Art
from imfromthewoods

Handmade Art Doll Miniature - Madame Butterfly

from UneekDollDesigns

Peaceful Lotus Pin Cushion from BabyNest

Day Dreaming Pig Fine Art Print

from janeheller

Wednesday Wishlist: Sit & Spin

2010-04-21T06:00:00.003-05:00

I recently learned how to spin my own yarn on a drop spindle. What a treat it is to take a fluffy pile of roving and transform it into beautiful yarn which I can then use to either crochet or knit whatever my heart desires. For this week's Wednesday Wishlist, I once again turn to my fellow Etsyans. I mean, how could I not? I sought out some of the most scrumptious spinning fibers Etsy sellers have to offer, and it's no surprise how many excellent picks I had to choose from. The talent pool on that site has me forever in awe! Please show their shops some love by right clicking on the links to open in a new window.

Elvis Has Left The Building -- Mini Luxury Fiber Blend Batts

from SpunRightRound

Merino and Tussah Silk Top - Muscadine Grape

from WCMercantile

Hand Dyed Silk Roving Top -- Mustard Gold

from TheFiberDenn

Sunspot Baby Merino Corriedale Roving

from windingwoolcreek

Blue Planet Hand Dyed Falklands Wool Roving

from smokymountainfibers

River Sparkle Batt

from woolybubs

Berry Weiss Falkland Roving

from muzzlepuffs

Prickly Pear Clotho Australian Merino Top

from ThreeFatesKnitting

Firestar - Tropical/Rainbow Sparkle

from SheepishCreations

Marshmallow Merino Wool Fiber Batt

from fibermonster

Wednesday Wishlist: Road Trip!

2010-04-14T12:19:00.003-05:00

I am and always will be a Midwestern girl. Born and raised in Chicago, The Windy City will forever hold a special place in my heart. But sometimes I get the desire to blow this town for a while, when I hear the call of the open road. Load up the car and just take off down the highway. There's a freedom in taking a road trip that I find positively exhilarating. This week's Wednesday Wishlist highlights points North, South, East and West of Chi-town. All are accessible by car, and every one of these fine destinations would make for one fabulous road trip. Won't you travel with me?

Up North to Alberta, Canada

Down South to Kentucky, USA

Head East to New York City, USA

Go West to Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA

Wednesday Wishlist: Every Bloomin' Thing

2010-04-07T06:30:00.003-05:00

The arrival of Spring brings one of my favorite tasks: gardening! All winter long I anxiously await for the temperatures to rise so I can finally get out in the yard and prepare the earth for my gardens. This year I plan to relocate my veggie garden from behind the garage to a spot where it will get at least 8 full hours, if not more, of glorious sunshine a day. But that little patch of earth behind the garage will not lie fallow. I will be transforming that spot into my Serenity Garden, a tranquil place just for me, where I'll be surrounded by a lush variety of both annual and perennial blooms. This week's Wishlist features some of the beautiful bloomin' things I'd love to have growing on my land. Enjoy!

Cornflower

Dahlia

Hyacinth

Lily of the Valley

Delphinium

Geranium

Gerbera

Madonna Lily

Cosmos

Field Forget-Me-Not

Gladiolus

Tuberose

Discover This: The Midnight Orange

2010-04-01T11:21:00.000-05:00

I am truly honored to feature D. Antonia of Buffalo, New York, as the next indie artist featured in the Discover This series. Her work is beautiful beyond words, and I owe her a huge amount of gratitude for agreeing to participate. I am the proud owner of one of her amazing clay creations, and it's a piece I will surely cherish forever. So without further adieu, I present to you The Midnight Orange.

The Mouse Whisperer

Description of work: I am a sculpture artist and my aim is to capture the spectrum of human emotion, from bright to raw.

Q: How long have you been creating your items?
A: I have been creating all my life, but found my specific niche in polymer clay at the beginning of 2009.

Q: How did you get started?
A: I struggled through a period of the blackest darkness last year and dredged through emotions that made every good thing in the world feel foreign to me. I hated talking to anyone about it because I genuinely sensed that this new and unsettling me made everyone uncomfortable and left them longing for me to be myself again. I got very tired of people expecting me to heal on a timeline, and trying to remedy my pain with blanketed cliches. Those around me tried to fix me, and really I knew that I just needed to feel what I was feeling and allow myself to move past it when I was ready. I couldn't relate to my family and friends. I couldn't relate to anyone. I got my hands on a block of clay one night and was shocked and startled at the very simple form that emerged. It was the epitomy of my ache. Somehow it made me feel better, like there was one thing in the world that I could relate to when nothing else could comfort my unease. I made dozens more of them, and they brought me a sense of catharsis. I finally got the courage to list them in my shop, aware of the possibility that although uncomfortable to look at, someone else may experience that place just prior to healing as well. I listed one in the evening, and when I woke up it had sold and my buyer wrote to me telling me that she works with abused children and planned to use the piece in sand tray therapy. I could not describe how this resonated in my core, and the healing that this knowledge brought me. I launched an entire collection called In Some Dark Place and have been humbled beyond compare at the sentiments of acceptance and healing that people have expressed over these pieces. It very much makes me feel that the pain in my experience and darkness of my journey was worth it by what it has been able to do for other hurting hearts.

Please Be Kind

Q: Where do you get your inspiration for your designs?
A: I am inspired by a myriad of things. Sometimes it is a matter of expelling emotion, sometimes I hear a sound and can see it translate to shape and feeling. Color inspires me. It really depends on the moment.

Q: Do you sell your items? If so, where?
A: Right now I am solely based on Etsy.com, and my shop can be located via themidnightorange.com

Q: Do you have any formal training, or are you a self-taught artist?
A: I am self-taught, so trial and error has been it for me. At this point it is not likely I would pursue an art degree (not for lack of interest, but time and resources) but a business degree would be very beneficial for me and my fingers are crossed that this happens.

Q: Please supply a short paragraph of why you think someone would benefit from purchasing your designs.
A: If I may, I would rather provide testimony from a client. "D. Antonia does amazing work that helps people heal through times that no one should have to experience. She has no idea how much she helps those that have experienced loss heal through these pieces. Things like these are all we have to remember them with."

Bottom Be Near

Q: If there’s anything else you’d like to share with readers, please enter it here.
A: I know I talked a lot about the heaviness of my artwork, but I did heal through that period of my life and my work evolved into more light-hearted pieces as well. It has been a journey, and my goal at the end of it is that any emotion conjurable can be found captured in my clay.

You Make Me Gleam

Wednesday Wishlist: Fabulous Finds From Fellow Etsyans, Part II

2010-03-31T05:05:00.004-05:00

There are so many wonderfully talented folks on Etsy that I decided to again shine the spotlight on fellow sellers in this week’s Wednesday Wishlist. Completely random, completely awesome, and completely wanted by moi!

As always, PLEASE show their shops some love by right clicking on each link and opening in a new window. Thanks!

P.S. Check back tomorrow for the next installment of the Discover This Series. I’m featuring yet another Etsyan. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this. The work is simply amazing!

Dichroic Bracelet with Pearls and Swarovski Crystals by MarrenDesigns

30 hr. Waterproof Bath Candle Sweet Tea by nettiescrub

Copper Peace and Love Baby by shellisxena

Purple Rain Scarf by IsabellesAttic

Yarn Hoarding Pin by RhondasOriginals

White Queen Shell Clutch by koopdegrace

Retro Congrats Card with Gift Tag by RueRenee

Rose Garden at Midnight Handspun Yarn by WhiteLotusDesigns

Rocking Horse Clock by JonPSU77

Silver Dangle Earrings by MissyM88

Wednesday Wishlist: Fabulous Finds From Fellow Etsyans

2010-03-24T05:44:00.005-05:00

For this week's Wishlist I sought the help of some fine fellow Etsyans. No particular "theme" this time, but a random selection of handmade goodies. I'd like to personally thank each seller who posted in my thread and helped create this list, as I found some great sellers with even greater items. Please show their shops some love by right clicking on their links to open their shop in a new window. I wouldn't mind owning each and every one of these. They are all beautiful! Enjoy!

Custom Bookmark from MyPrintedMemories

Patchwork Pin Cushion from splendidthings

Boutique Woven Braided Headband from CelticTideCreations

Midnight Dreams Cuffs from Crystalsidyll

Cascading Pyrite and Gunmetal Necklace from yjennings

Baby Loafer Booties (cuteness!) from handmadebabylove

8x10 Peacock Collage from PAINTINGCHIC

Black and White Striped Shirt Dress from BlackSheepFashion

Vintaj Flower Stamped Necklace with Gemstones

from MyHeartBeads

Lil Sugar Sack Hat from LoveThatCrochet

(say it with me now..."awwwww")

Vintage Ring Pot Cover With Stars from monkmama

Easter Egg Hunt Sugar Cookies from 2ladiescharitybakers

Trinidad Unisex Necklace from ElectricPenguin

Wednesday Wishlist: Written Words

2010-03-17T06:52:00.019-05:00

I LOVE a good read. Curling up with a good book is like therapy for me. Whether it's fiction or non, mystery, self-help, or history, the written word is almighty indeed. I always had trouble with comprehension when I was in school, so I would read and re-read a book until I could grasp its meaning, and I've been hooked on books ever since. Have a look at these fine literary gems I found while surfing the net.

Right click on each link to view a description of each book in a new window.

Bicycle Diaries by David Byrne

at Powell's Books

Sin in the Second City

Madams, Ministers, Playboys and the

Battle for America's Soul by Karen Abbott

at Barnes and Noble

Fool by Christopher Moore at Chris Moore

Storm Prey by John Sandford at Amazon

Hellbent for Cooking by Annick "Morbid Chef" Giroux at Quimbys

Mrs. McGinty's Dead by Agatha Christie at Abe Books

Serpents in the Garden

Liaisons with Culture & Sex

by Alexander Cockburn and Jeffrey St. Clair

at Amazon

The Joy in Loving by Mother Teresa at Nickell Bookstore

The Voice of Knowledge by Don Miguel Ruiz at Discount Book Sale

The National Parks

America's Best Idea

by Dayton Duncan and Ken Burns

at Books-A-Million

Dear Etsy

2010-03-12T15:07:00.000-06:00

If you’ve spent any time lurking in the Etsy forums recently, you may relate to these faux threads.
NOTE: This is a purely fictional blog post; any resemblance to persons or events real or imagined is, quite simply, a matter of opinion. So there.

Dear Etsy: I cheated on you last night with Ebay.

Dear Etsy: There’s a reseller in my soup. Please remove it ASAP.

Dear Etsy: Do these jeans make me look fat? It’s all your fault if they do.

Dear Etsy: I want 6 months’ notice whenever any of the Admins change their socks.

Dear Etsy: That seller is being mean to me. I’m telling my Mom.

Dear Etsy: Please post a thread at 8:00 a.m. Monday-Friday advising what color shirts the Content Team is wearing. I really need to know this.

Dear Etsy: Yes, I realize that everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but they’re not really valid opinions unless they agree 100% with mine. IMO.

Dear Etsy: Life would be much, much simpler if the whole of Etsy, Admins and Community alike, would study and hang on each of the 8000 words written in my thread entitled “This is exactly what everyone NEEDS.”

Dear Etsy: Q: How do you stop a speeding train? A: Throw snarky, liquored up sharks wielding cupcakes and pennies in front of it. Oh wait, no, that's how you cause a wreck.

Dear Etsy: You are not treating the Bacon category with the respect and admiration it deserves. Bacon is greasy goodness at its very best. Any member who does not consume it daily should be forever banned from the site.

Dear Etsy: The sock puppets called. They want their accounts back. I told them to go stick their head in the toilet and wait for that to happen.

Dear Etsy: If I should happen to post a snide comment, please ensure it does not show up in a Google search. I wouldn't want anything I say to reflect poorly on me as a business owner. On second thought, never mind. I just don’t get the correlation between the two anyway.

Dear Etsy: With Negativity’s recent spike in popularity, it should immediately be given its own forum heading. We can’t all be optimists, you know.

Dear Etsy: I get numerous convos daily from spammers and scammers. And don’t even get me started on the convos I get from sellers who scold me for not wearing my big girl panties. This is unacceptable. I’m just sayin.’

Wednesday Wishlist: Welcome Home

2010-03-10T05:51:00.004-06:00

Home is where the heart is. Where you feel safe, comfortable, and content. We fill our homes with things that mean something to us. Of course my home is filled with a bunch of clutter at the moment, but that's a whole different story. I'm a gal who shuns "traditional" or "contemporary" furnishings; my taste is very eclectic, as you can see by these selections from Etsy sellers in this week's Wednesday Wishlist.

Special note: right click on the links to open a description of each item in a new window.

Contemporary Painted Steel Coffee Table

from mausart on Etsy

Mid Century Retro Plaid Swivel Chair

from vintagerenewal on Etsy

Mirror 14 from Jackolina on Etsy

Bookends from glassgeo on Etsy

Primitive Barn Wood Picket Fence Table and Chairs

from primitivearts on Etsy

Handpainted Wood Drawer Pull

from LisaEverettDesigns on Etsy

Bo Small - Polka Dot Table Lamp

from thelampguy on Etsy

Karuna Cushion from KaitlynDugganStudio on Etsy

1940's Nevada Motel Sign from FLOWERDEW1 on Etsy

Rocker from daletalley on Etsy

This has got to be the COOLEST rocker I have ever seen!

Wednesday Wishlist: Sweet Stuff

2010-03-03T08:00:00.007-06:00

Mmmm, sweets. I'm not ashamed to say that I have a very overactive sweet tooth. Hardly a day goes by when I'm not craving something sweet. Someone once told me that you should always give in to your cravings. So I do. Every single time. It's one of the few guilty pleasures I allow myself to indulge in, and I indulge in it very well, thank you. I found these delectable sweet treats browsing the web, all the while shamelessly drooling on my keyboard. How can you resist these?

Red Velvet Bon Bons from The Bon Bon Babe

I've had these little babies. My official verdict: YUM!

Turkish Baklava from Turkish Baklava on Etsy

Almond Butter Crunch Bark from Mainely Sweets

Brown Sugar Gingerspice Shortbread Cookies

from Whimsy & Spice Brooklyn Confectioners

Taffy from Savannah's Candy Kitchen

Conversation Cookies from Little Snowflakes on 1000 Markets

Pecan Rum Bars by SweetJenn on Etsy

Carmel Infused Milk Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats

from Suzie Confections on Artfire

Wednesday Wishlist: Shoes!

2010-02-24T07:03:00.009-06:00

Ahhh, shoes. The colors! The textures! The styles! From flats to heels, casual to dressy, around the house to out on the town...the possibilities are endless. I'm one of those women that truly believes you can never have too many pairs of shoes. Seriously, you just can't. So this Wednesday Wishlist is all about beautiful, beautiful shoes.

Bow Tie Bootie in Light Blue at barneys.com

Lily Darling Cherry with Black at fluevog.com

Aren't these fabulous?? Where has John Fluevog been all my life?

Seychelles Trip The Light Fantastic in Aqua at Lori's Shoes

Jeffrey Campbell Tick at solestruck.com

Christian Siriano Walk It Out Laceless Zip Oxford at payless.com

Rocket Dog Women's Memories at famousfootwear.com

Jack Rogers Navajo Society in Red at shoebuy.com

Frye Harness at zappos.com

Citrus Python Orange at chineselaundry.com

Bare Traps Women's Evie at shoes.com

Wednesday Wishlist: Vintage Rings

2010-02-17T13:23:00.019-06:00

A new feature here on the JMO Blog: the Wednesday Wishlist, personal picks found while browsing the web and added to my "I-Really-Really-Want-That!" list. Each week I will showcase items focusing on a specific theme. I've been somewhat smitten with vintage goodies lately, so what better way to inaugurate this new feature than with these little pretties I found on Etsy. Pretty groovy, huh?

Rainbow Stripe Resin Ring from Halfmad

Russian Red Garnet Crystal Glass Ring from Sherla

Golden Pearl Earring Turned Ring from Forever Classique

Thai Princess Ring from Klines Jewelry

Mojave Stong Ring from Britt Design

Art Deco Diamond Filigree Ring from Lauren Rose Design

Sno Cone Retro Ring from Pink Saguaro

Discover This ~ The Curious Pug

2010-02-10T13:41:00.005-06:00

I am so excited to present the newest featured indie artisan in the Discover This Series, Alycia of The Curious Pug on Etsy. Located in California, Alycia creates some of the most unique and adorable magnets, cozys, ornaments, and brooches made from felt and clay, and even has a few glass tile creations, too. One look at this shop and you'll be squealing with utter delight! Alycia has officially been on Etsy since November of 09, but has been creating all her life. She's pretty much self taught in her craft, with her only real "training" coming from her mom who taught her how to sew when she was a kid. After graduating from an xray training program in June of 09, she had (and still has) a hard time finding work so she took matters into her own two hands and started up The Curious Pug in November of 09. It keeps her busy, and she says "it's been wonderful having others enjoy my work." What's not to enjoy?

When asked where she gets inspiration for her designs, she says "Basically from things that I think are cute or colorful. And I get lots of ideas that just pop in my head at night as I'm trying to fall asleep." I can certainly relate to that!

Alycia is glad Etsy has given her the opportunity to open her shop since selling her designs "has always been something I've been interested in doing but never got around to because of busy schedules and time constraints. But as of now, I can focus fully on my shop and creating more items for customers." She says a whole new floodgate of creativity has opened up since she started her shop, thanks to the wonderful Etsy community. "Anytime I've had a question or concern the forums would be my number one spot for answers. Everyone has been so helpful and insightful so to them I am grateful."

If you're looking for something unique and different, or maybe even a little quirky, then that is what you'll get from Alycia. So head on over to The Curious Pug and check out all the offerings!

Be sure to follow Alycia's blog for all the latest news.

Special thanks to Alycia for participating in the Discover This Series on the JMO Blog.

The "Name That Collection" Giveaway Winner Is....

2009-12-20T16:22:00.010-06:00

Darlene Cox! Darlene submitted the name "Sassy Neck Wraps" for my new line of fabric tube scarves. A variation of her submission, Sassy Wraps, will be used to promote this exciting new collection of tube scarves made from gorgeous fabrics in both solids and prints. As the winner of this giveaway, Darlene will receive this piece from the new collection:

Special thanks to everyone who participated in this latest blog giveaway. I appreciate all of your comments and submissions.

Happy Holidays everyone!

~Jean

A 'Name That Collection' Giveaway!

2009-12-13T21:56:00.014-06:00

OK, readers, I need your help! I've been working on a new product line and am struggling with a name for the collection. It's a line of scarves made from luscious fabrics. They are sewn as continuous tubes that can be wrapped around your shoulders shawl-style or left hanging loose for a drapey, dramatic effect. Longer scarves can be doubled up around your neck for a stylish cowl. They can be used as the finishing touch for a dressy outfit or to dress up a more casual look. They can be thrown over your head, gathered in the middle, and secured with a favorite pin or brooch for even more versatility.

So here's the deal: submit your entry for the name of this new collection by posting a comment here on the blog. ALL entries will be considered! HURRY--entries must be submitted by 6:00 p.m. Central on Thursday, December 17, 2009. Winner will receive a piece from the collection chosen at my discretion. In the event multiple entries are received for the winning title, those names will be thrown into List Randomizer and the winner will be chosen that way. I will ship the prize on Friday, December 18, 2009, via U.S.P.S. Priority Mail, hopefully just in time for holiday gift giving...at least in the U.S. I'm sorry, but participants outside of the U.S. are unlikely to receive their prize in time for holiday delivery. Of course you can always keep the scarf for yourself; it's totally up to you! PLEASE be sure to include your email address in the comment so I can contact you if you've won. If you're not comfortable leaving your email address, feel free to email it to me at jmm@jmayoriginals.com.

So have a look at the photos and post a comment with your entry. I look forward to your submissions.

Thank you!
~Jean

Contest is open to all persons 18 years or older, regardless of location. Shipping and handling costs, including delivery confirmation, are paid for by Jean May Originals. Jean May Originals is not responsible for lost or stolen packages, or packages damaged en route to their intended destination. Thank you for your understanding.

Discover This: Wearable Art

2009-11-24T20:35:00.003-06:00

The Discover This Series is finally back! This time around I bring you Cheryl F. Cameron of Champaign, Illinois. Cheryl's specialty is hand-painted silk scarves, and they are some of the most beautiful works of wearable art you can find.

Cheryl's been painting for some years, but only started painting silk about a year ago. Having done a little formal drawing study, she's self-taught in painting and researched silk painting herself. With a lot of trial and error, she found out what worked well for her. She says "It's a continual process - I'm always looking around for new ideas and ways to experiment and branch out. It was a natural branching out from painting on canvas. My drawing teacher mentioned that she painted scarves and I thought it was the greatest idea because it merged all the things I loved - painting, fashion, batik and the vast scarf collection I already had. From that point I did research to see how silk painting was done, found a technique that I liked and gradually fine-tuned my method till I felt good about the results." I think anyone who sees her finished pieces would feel good about the results! Cheryl says inspiration for her designs "...are very intuitive. I don't really think when I'm painting, I just go with what feels right in shapes and colors. Also, I seek out new aesthetic influences - in music, movies, dancing, folks you see on the street. Beauty and artistry is all around, and I try to pay attention to that. But trusting my instincts is the biggest lesson I have learned. "

Cheryl hopes that other people would like her scarves for the same reason she does - they are a great combination of practical and pretty, they're versatile, and add a little spunk to an outfit. Silk especially is nice because it feels good on the skin and is strong and beautiful. She tries to create what she finds aesthetic, and hopes that comes through in her work. In my opinion, it most definitely comes through in her work!! Her work can be found at boutiques and galleries in Central Illinois as well as in her etsy shop. She's also done a few outdoor art festivals.

In closing, Cheryl shares that this "has been a fascinating couple of years - realizing that art was very important and finding a way to make it the focus of my life. I’ve been amazed at how helpful and encouraging folks have been - like Jean, offering to feature me like this. Thank you!" Thank YOU, Cheryl, for sharing your work with us!

Silk scarves pictured, from top to bottom:
"Too Much of a Good Thing can be Wonderful"
"Green Leaves"
"Burgundy and Violet Curls"
Please visit Cheryl's etsy shop, Frances Cameron Silks, for more information and pricing on these and all of her currently available pieces.

JMO Jewelry Is Back!

2009-08-23T22:57:00.006-05:00

After putting the JMO Jewelry line on hold for nearly a year, we've brought it back with some fabulous new pieces just for you! Here at JMO we like to design beautiful works of wearable art using an assortment of beads...from wood to glass to crystal. Our simple yet fabulous creations are sure to delight everyone.

Below are a couple pieces we've been working on lately. Over the coming weeks our website will be updated with more designs that have been handcrafted with quality, love and care. In the meantime, you can check out these pieces on our new etsy shop. We've reopened the etsy shop temporarily and are currently offering FREE U.S. shipping on any item in the shop from now through September 30, 2009. Only a select few items will be available on etsy; our website will contain the entire collection in all of our product lines.

Look at these beauties! We call these Crystal Blue Persuasion. Recycled vintage clip-ons have been given new life! Baby blue crystals sparkle in a silver curve and dangle daintily from the lobe. Very pretty!

And here we have the Danielle Hoop Earrings. Silver hoops measuring nearly 2" in diameter with a single column of red, black, and speckled white glass beads with a silver cone accent. They may be simple, but they're fabulous!

Want a one-of-a-kind custom piece designed just for you? We will work closely with our customers on designing the perfect piece that meets your color, size, and quality specifications as close as possible. Use the Contact Us page on our site to submit your request. We'd love to hear from you!

A Word About Arts & Crafts Vendors

2009-08-09T20:07:00.009-05:00

Participating as an arts & crafts vendor is alot of work. If the event is outdoors, a tent is not only preferred, but pretty much necessary. Then there's tables and their coverings, displays, packaging, chairs, signage, credit card processing equipment, sufficient change for cash transactions, business cards, lighting, pen and paper for on-the-spot custom orders and recording sales and, of course, the items you have for sale. Setting up for an event usually takes me about an hour to get everything just right. I sell a number of different items so I'm constantly rearranging pieces to ensure a top notch, eye catching display. I attempt to draw visitors into my booth as soon as I see them approaching by saying hello, asking them how they're doing, and then quickly launching into a discussion of the items I'm offering for sale with the hopes that they're intrigued enough to check out all the goods. As with any vendor at the event, I'm there to sell, to make money. But I always make a point of telling prospective customers that all the items they see in my booth are handmade. By me. Each bead on every piece of jewelry is hand strung. Each stitch on every hat, scarf, belt, or purse is crocheted by hand. Each of my soy wax melts are hand poured into the mold. Each bar of soap is part of a batch that was made in my kitchen and cut by hand. Each and every item I offer for sale contains a little piece of me. I put my heart and soul into each of those items as well as alot of love, care, and attention to detail. I take great pride in knowing that the items I'm offering are of high quality. Personally, I'd prefer handmade items over machine made, mass produced goods any day. Apparently, not everyone thinks that way.

I recently participated in an arts and crafts event and watched with utter disgust as visitors oohed and aahed over cheesy plastic jewelry, designer knockoff handbags, and dollar store toys. I watched as parents happily handed over $10 for a light-up bubble blower because their little tyke kept screaming "I want one!" People whipping out their credit cards for a $30 spinning lawn ornament thingamajig. Clueless teenagers plunking down $20 for what they honestly believed was a real "designer" wallet. Ladies drooling over necklace and earring sets made from cheap plastic beads. I watched, and I cried. Not just because it wasn't my items they were buying, but because there was so little appreciation for good, quality merchandise. Garishness and the promise of a "real good deal" won out over simple quality. I wasn't the only one at this event feeling the sting; other vendors offering quality products were also overlooked. I cried for them, too.

I am very proud to be a part of the handmade movement. I wish folks out there would open their eyes and take notice of all the indie artisans who produce such beautiful, unique handcrafted items. You can't help but appreciate the time and effort put into their creations. There is an immense pool of talent in the indie community that continuously inspires me. The next time you're at an arts & crafts exhibit, ask the vendor if their items are handmade. If not, I hope you'll move on.

And The Winner Is....

2009-06-28T16:26:00.005-05:00

JMO is excited to announce the winner of the First Ever Giveaway is Craft_Mom a/k/a Jennifer Flory! Congratulations, Jennifer! You are the winner of not just one, but TWO bars of JMO's new April Showers Cold Process Soap plus a 100% Cotton Crochet Washcloth. WOOT!

I had so much fun sponsoring this giveaway, I think I'll have to do it again real soon. I'd like to thank everyone who participated and left such wonderful comments. JMO is always dreaming up new product lines, so be sure to check the website often. You never know what you'll find!

JMO's First EVER Giveaway!

2009-05-20T22:56:00.030-05:00

For the first time ever, Jean May Originals is sponsoring a Giveaway! Here's the lowdown on how it will work:

WHO - Anyone and everyone is invited to participate. Tell all your friends, family, co-workers and neighbors.

WHAT - Winner will receive 2 bars of our new April Showers handmade soap (approx. 2 oz. each) and a 100% Cotton Crochet Washcloth. This batch of soap was made using the cold process method and is rich with skin loving ingredients like Palm Oil, Coconut Oil, and Olive Oil. Infused with Rain fragrance oil...a very clean, fresh scent suitable for men, women and children...these lather-rich bars are a treat for your skin and gentle enough to use as a facial cleanser.

WHERE - Just visit the new and improved JMO website here. Check out everything we have to offer including our newest product lines--Handmade Soaps and Photo Cards. Then return here to the blog and post a comment on which item you liked the best. If you don't see anything you like on the website, tell us what you would like to see! Winner will be chosen at random using random.org. When posting your comment, please include your email address name (just the part before the @). I will only use this information to verify the winner.

WHEN - Post your comment by midnight, June 27. All participants will be tossed into the list randomizer and a winner will be chosen on June 28. I'll be announcing the winner in a blog post so check back here on that date to see if you've won!

WHY - This giveaway is our way of kicking off the new website and rolling out our newest product lines. These are exciting times for JMO and we want everyone to know about it!!

Open to U.S. & Canadian residents ages 18 and up. Only one entry per person. Comments must be posted by midnight on June 27 to be eligible.

Discover This ~ Greetings from Shebel Road

2009-05-03T10:46:00.017-05:00

Next up in the Discover This Series is one creative and talented lady. Meet Kris Shebel, a Michigan City, Indiana resident who combined her love of scrapbooking and creative writing to open her own business, Greetings from Shebel Road. Kris creates beautiful handmade greeting cards, invitations and place cards. Kris has been designing greeting cards for many years for family and friends and, after receiving many requests, decided to go public with her own greeting card line. She says "After all, if you're going to send something to someone, I feel it should be special and stand out. They should know you've really taken the time to create something just for them, even if you've purchased it." Kris gets inspiration for her designs from things she sees in nature, the store, or from other paper crafters. She attends scrapbook conventions and says "it's a great place for inspiration and idea swapping as well."

When you purchase one of Kris' custom, handmade greeting cards or invitations, it will reflect your personality and style. All of her products are handcrafted and embellished with such luxuries as beading, ribbon, 3D die-cuts, crystals, raffia, etc. Giving one of Kris' cards will be a gift itself to the recipient. As one of Kris' customers so eloquently put it, "At a time when the unique is too often overshadowed by the commercial ~ the only thing more special than giving these lovely "Works of Heart" is receiving one! Congratulations on a wonderful line of quality, hand crafted greetings!" Now THAT's a great compliment!

There's also a bit of interesting history behind the Greetings From Shebel Road name: The original Shebel family homestead property is situated right across the street. This homestead was built by Kris' husband's ancestors in the early 1800's. At that time, if a particular family owned a large portion of land, and the "farm road" used to access the home was eventually changed into a county road, the road would be named after the original family residing there. The original farm house was torn down approximately 30 years ago and replaced with a beautiful English Tudor home. Her husband's father built that home. Kris and her husband dearly miss him, as he passed away in 1992. Kris and her family reside in a rural neighborhood filled with generations of family and their roots run deep. She feels honored to live on the road bearing her husband's family name where they raise their beautiful daughter and furry friends together.

I'd like to thank Kris for participating in the Discover This Series here on the JMO Blog. For additional information and to see more of her designs, visit HER WEBSITE.

Mother's Day Specials -- LIMITED TIME OFFERS

2009-04-26T12:45:00.000-05:00

Mother's Day is fast approaching and JMO has a few beautiful and affordable offers just in time to honor Mom.

Handmade Soap Bundle

JMO now offers handcrafted bar soaps in a variety of scents and colors. Made using only the finest ingredients, our soaps are lather-rich with superb moisturizing properties that are a luxurious treat for your skin. For a limited time only, and just in time for Mother's Day, May 10, we are offering 2 full size bars (approx. 4-5 oz.) in your choice of Pink Sugar (pink), Ocean (robin's egg blue), and Coconut (pale yellow). In addition to the full size bars, Mom also gets 2 guest-size "candied" soaps in Mango Papaya, as well as a Mini Crocheted Cotton Scrubbie. The entire set will be beautifully packaged and ready for giving. Regularly $25, we are offering this set for $20, and that includes shipping & handling! All soaps are made to order to ensure freshness. We ship anywhere in the U.S. via USPS First Class Mail. (Sorry, no international shipping at this time.) Hurry, this offer expires Friday, May 1, 2009, so we encourage you to order NOW to ensure delivery by Mother's Day.

Everlasting Bouquet

A fresh flower bouquet is a lovely and thoughtful gift, but unfortunately a short-lived one. So we've created the Everlasting Bouquet, a collection of 3 crocheted flowers complete with it's own bud vase and rock filler. These beauties will never wilt, never need watering, and last year round. This is one bouquet that will last forever!

To introduce this newest item to the JMO Home Decor collection, we are offering an Everlasting Bouquet for just $20 (includes shipping & handling). If intended as a Mother's Day gift, we MUST receive your order no later than Thursday, April 30, 2009. We realize it's really short notice, but we want to be sure we are allowed enough time to create your flowers and ship your package so that it arrives before May 10. We ship anywhere in the U.S. via USPS First Class Mail. (Sorry, no international shipping at this time.) Flowers will be created using our choice of colors--we promise it will be FABULOUS!

These offers are not available on our website. Prices good through May 1, 2009. The only accepted method of payment for these offers is Paypal. To place an order for a Soap Bundle or Bouquet, please send us an email at jmm@jmayoriginals.com. If ordering soaps, please include your 2 color/scent choices. We will send a request for payment within 24 hours. ITEMS WILL SHIP ONLY AFTER PAYMENT HAS CLEARED.

Give Mom the gift of handmade this Mother's Day!

Discover This: "Rad Rugs" ~ Alexandra Marshall

2009-03-26T12:31:00.008-05:00

Ok readers, get ready to be wowed by the next featured artist in the Discover This series. Her name is Alexandra "Lex" Marshall from right here in my hometown of Chicago. Lex designs and creates beautiful, unique hooked rugs using primitive techniques. Her parents have always had hooked rugs on display in their Maine home, but a few years ago Lex took an interest in practicing the art herself after visiting the Tunbridge World's Fair in Tunbridge, VT. While watching a rug hooking demo Lex says she "...was fascinated both by the process and by the finished result. I bought a beautiful rug with an image of a lion on it, based on a primitive pattern. It was just so totally charming..." She bought books, searched for tips online, and now creates some of the most beautiful rugs I've ever seen. She would encourage anyone who is thinking of trying out a new craft or art form to just give it a go!

Inspiration for Lex's designs come from different sources. "I like to use images from other forms of art that are perhaps less traditional as hooked rug images. For instance...the Pomona rug was inspired by a pre-Raphaelite tapestry, and the rug I’m working on right now was inspired by still-life paintings of food as well as a Roman Mosaic. The apple rug was inspired by my friend Cassie, who loves apples and who took me to the Tunbridge World’s Fair."

Lex uses high quality linen and wool in her rug designs in the hopes of creating a piece to last many lifetimes. One of her favorite rugs in her parents' home is from the 1800s, and she says "it’s still beautiful." She's happy to create custom rugs, as she believes they are "a unique way to commemorate a favorite pet, a beloved house, or a moment in someone’s life."

Below: Bad Apple Rug, Pomona Rug, Swallow Rug

To read the story behind each of these rugs, be sure to visit Lex's etsy shop HERE

"Food" Rug in progress (Lex hand-draws each image with a sharpie!)

Tools used to create Lex's rugs

Special thanks to Lex for allowing me to feature her and her beautiful rugs in the Discover This series.

Winter Sale Going On Now!

2009-02-01T23:04:00.003-06:00

We're gearing up for Spring here at JMO and that means great deals for you on crochet hats, scarves and cowls currently in stock. There's not much left, so get them now! Below are just a few of the items currently on clearance, so please visit our website at www.jmayoriginals.com for additional items and pricing information. NOTE: the website is currently undergoing major reconstruction and "Buy Now" buttons have yet to be configured and added. Send an email to jmm@jmayoriginals.com and place the item description in the subject line. We will send you a return email with payment instructions. Thanks!

Angelique Cowl

Suede Skinny Scarf

Bamboo Skully