skip to main |
skip to sidebar
There is hope in handmade. It's that tiny piece of America that stands proudly on the art of craftsmanship and transcends the beauty of individuality with the work of fine minded hands. As a small business owner and designer, it is my genuine intent that I support, indulge and furthermore, encourage my clients and friends to tap into these amazingly creative souls that make up the beauty of small.
I have written about her before here 4 years ago. When looking for something special and unique for some people very dear to me, I found Juliet. Simply put, I cannot say enough sweet things about this designer. Although, we have never met, I can tell you that she is nothing short of wonderful. Her talented hands give life to beautiful pieces that I have not only given as gifts but wear myself. I contacted her with an idea I wanted to do for a necklace for my sister-in-law, Kim, and best friend, Arlene. I wanted this gift to have meaning. Juliet listened and heard my requests for these special designs. She was so considerate and careful to be sure not to leave any part of my requests out in her work. Above is the necklace she crafted for me 4 years ago from our client/artist design collaboration.
Here I am wearing it 4 years ago when the this necklace was brand spankin new:
And, here I am still wearing it this summer, 4 years later:
I cherish this necklace as a part of my jewelry collection. I wear it at least 2-3 times a week. I cannot tell you the number of compliments I receive when I have it on. It looks beautiful worn alone. I've also been mixing metals with shorter and longer chains with it as of late, and I am very happy with the look it helps complete as well.
Like I said earlier, I have given Juliet's work away to Kim when Mollye was born. The poem I wrote with the necklace gift was just exactly what I wanted to give my niece's mom. I so appreciated Juliet's hands in allowing this personal gift to come to life.
And, Juliet has been my go-to girl when it was time to add-on to Kim's necklace. Once Mallory was born, I contacted Juliet to make the larger disc with Mallory's name on it to complete Kim's necklace. Below is a picture of Kim wearing it this summer. Here is Juliet's listing for this design. Kim's words when she received Mallory's disc to complete her necklace:
"I knew it! I told Adam I knew that you would have this for me. I am so excited to have it and cannot wait to wear it even more now!"
I did the same thing for my sweet friend, Arlene once her daughter, McKenzie, was born. I loved purchasing from Juliet knowing that I had the perfect future gift in mind when my loved ones' families continued to grow. McKenzie's disc was placed in behind her older's brother's disc to complete Arlene's necklace.
I have also designed a set of 3 rectangular charms for my long time friend, Heather. Juliet crafted these with Heather's sons' names on each. I gave them to Heather as a baby gift when her 3rd son, Cooper, was born.
Alison, one of my dear friends, loved my necklace and gifting ideas along with the meaning behind it so much that she contacted Juliet for her design expertise. Alison has enjoyed her custom 3 disc necklace for almost 3 years now. Here she is with it on this summer:
And the gifting from the work of Juliet's hands hasn't stopped there. Our sweet, long time friend, Taylor Raye, was also a recipient of one of Juliet's designs. Once again, Juliet collaborated with me to create a one-of-kind necklace just for her. Kenny had a bible verse on his heart he had chosen for Taylor Raye. He wanted it to be something she carried with her throughout her life. Juliet paired this verse with Taylor Raye's monogram on this 2 tone metal design. We gave this necklace to her for her graduation from high school.
Juliet's creativity is limitless. She is conscientious in choosing pathways for all clients and their gifting needs not to mention budget. Here are some of her unpersonalized designs for sweet gifting ideas:
Daisymay owner, Juliet, is a homeschooling mother of three who makes her home in California. Her words regarding her business:
"Making jewelry is the perfect creative outlet for me. Creating custom pieces is my favorite part!"
How do I custom order from Daisymay's shop?
1. Go here and begin shopping. She is taking custom orders from now until the end of November for Christmas gifting.
2. She is offering a discount to all readers of this post. Please use the coupon code 10DISCOUNT to receive 10% off your final purchases from her shop. How nice is that?!
3. Juliet is also offering a giveaway!
A winner for this killer cute necklace will be drawn tomorrow afternoon.
How to enter to win this necklace? Simply leave a comment on my blog or k.Mac Facebook page. That's it!
In this season of gifting and giving, I happily invite the art of handmade to nestle sweetly under your tree. For in this package, hope and heart will surely be given. And, because of this, the beauty of small makes America that much stronger.
.mac :)
The role of teacher is one I hold in high regard. The pay is miserable, the workload is obtuse and, at times, unattainable to complete. The recognitions are few and far between and the respect is often a worn out woven rug tattered, tugged on and torn.
But, the rewards?
They are invaluable.
I was honored to fill a custom design need for one very special teacher from a client of mine this year. This precious client was so very sweet and vulnerable with her desire to give this teacher just the right gift. She was looking for ideas both practical and genuine. Together, she and I designed a gift propelled straight from the heart.
At the beginning of the 2011-2012 school year, my client and her husband had been ushered along with the notion that their son might need to repeat kindergarten from the get go. They were told that their son just might not be able to master all that was necessary in just one year's span.
But this boy was lucky. He was in Mrs. Book's kindergarten class.
Mrs. Book assured my client that her son was ready to learn. That her son could do it. And, that she would do absolutely everything possible along every step of the way to encourage and strengthen this little boy's success in kindergarten.
And, that's just what happened.
Through hard, hard work at home with huge doses of love from mom and dad, this little boy was sent off each day where Mrs. Book matched that step-for-step at the schoolhouse. Tears and time-n-again tries were exercised, and this sweet boy climbed mountains and lept big tall buildings when the projected status said it just wouldn't happen.
believe |biˈlēv|
verb [ trans. ]
1 accept as true; feel sure of the truth
Mrs. Book did in this boy.
And, upon time to find a way to honor her awesomeness as an educator of young minds, my client and I designed for her.
My client sent me a traced hand of her son who took on kindergarten like no other. I chose red and navy as a color palette. Red for the power that transcends into potential from Mrs. Book to each of her students. Navy representing an unwavering vision and a steady pursuit of success.
My hands worked to reproduce a little boy's hand. A hand symbolic of countless writing assignments, a whole lotta high fives and "You can do its!". A hand holding onto the bigger ones that told him he was awesome each step of the way.
Mrs. Book's name was to be placed right underneath this 5 fingered success story as without her holding him up, this little one might not have had the wonderful kindergarten year he experienced.
A pillow for Mrs. Book's rocking chair. The place where she sits and inspires. Where she settles down and serves up inspiration and excitement with each new adventure read.
My client had the wonderful idea to quote one amazing children's author. These words are the heart inside of Mrs. Book. Dr. Seuss' s words-in-action-by-her provided this little boy the opportunity to stretch out and grow from the place where his learning began.
I sent a fabric marker with this custom design for my client, her husband and their KINDERGARTEN GRADUATE to leave personal handwritten notes around the quote housed on the backside of Mrs. Book's pillow.
Mrs. Book believed.
She believed in a little boy who needed nothing more than that.
And for this, our world is a better place.
Thank you to all the wonderful Mrs. Books out there.
.mac :)
A family is like a place to me. A togetherness that surpasses all circumstances. It's that regal connection of unity.
It's the output of instruction; the movement of progress; the integrity of growth. It's leading with confidence.
It's diligence in direction and purpose.
It's holding close and smiling big.
It's supporting one another.
It's providing.
It's letting loose and learning too.
Family is watching traditions transcend from young to old.
It's finding your way. It's us. Again 
And again.
Proud to be the newest members of the Patriot Family,
Kenny, Meghan, Eli and Casey Cobble
Go Patriots!
 Parting is such sweet sorrow...  Until we meet again next year, birthday cake...
I will miss you tremendously.
.mac :(
p.s. I ate the entire cake myself minus the first 7 pieces given out at the family get together. Just used that fork you see propped there in the first picture.
p.p.s. The cake is from here all you hometown people. My favorite: strawberry cake with cream cheese icing.
p.p.p.s. Real strawberries were up in that cake too. REAL. I ain't even kidding.
I am inspired. I want you to look at these 3 kiddos. Do you see the joy and happiness all over their faces? That's what happens when you are darling.  To be darling...How does one become darling? I think it might have a little something to do with those green and white sprinkles.
My great long time friend, Amanda, and her daughter, Maggie Kate, came up for a visit yesterday. We spent some time visiting and catching up. After some playing, it was time for a snack for the kiddos and I just so happened to know of the perfect place. This establishment runs knock-out deals on Facebook weekly. And I just so happened to also know that yesterday the deal was $5.00 for a dozen donuts!  And these aren't just any donuts. These donuts are magical. Magically made from scratch right in front of you. Made by a family owned business who decided donuts were something they could do. And boy, can they do them...  Their donuts make you ride giant turtles barebacked with no hands.  And their donuts will have you atop enormous elephants grinning from ear to ear.
Yes, to be darling takes little work. Simply find goodness and enjoy it. And not only darling but daring you will also be.
Daring it is to start your very own business. Darling it is to see it grow and succeed.
Locals, join their Facebook page here. Tomorrow is supposed to be one whopper of a St. Patrick's Day special! You don't want to miss an opportunity to try these wonderful treats.
Menu of Donuts (this is just a sampling from memory) spice cake
buttermilk (my favorite!)
blueberry (my other favorite!)
chocolate covered glazed
chocolate covered with sprinkles
vanilla covered with sprinkles
peach filled
apple filled
chocolate covered cream cheese filled (my other other favorite!)
chocolate covered vanilla cream filled
vanilla cream filled
cream cheese filled
cake
Inspired I am, .mac :)
 That's what Kacey from Chronicles of a Mommy and I have been. Tongue tied in cyberland. We have done nothing but bond over projects for her twins, photography dreams, and fashion. I can't tell you the amount of late night emails this girl and I have exchanged over shoes, girls.This is exactly why I love blogging. I have never met Kacey. Only talked with her once on the phone to be exact, and I feel like through our words written and my help designing for the twins, we have a friendship. Just the simple comments she leaves on my blog, make me smile, perk up my day, and at times have me rollin' in the floor laughing. Blogging is a good thing.Kacey had a problem awhile back. She found a wonderful dress for Ruby Jane that needed something. She wasn't sure what, but definitely something. So she called out for help on her blog. One simple comment later, and she and I were in full blown tongue tied design sessions for the twins birthday party!  And gladly, k.Mac whisked Kacey off her SAHM feet and came to the rescue. Her twins, Lincoln and Ruby Jane, will celebrate their 2nd year of life this Thursday. On the hunt to plan the perfect party, Kacey inquired about k.Mac services. She wanted her twinkies to look outstanding for their Owl themed birthday party.  For Miss Ruby Jane we added a brown ribbon bow to her pink Ralph Lauren seersucker dress and finished it off with a beautiful monogram in chocolate to match. Now that. That's something. Just look at this cutie pie!  There's crinoline under that skirt. This picture makes me anxiously await the twirl I can only imagine she's about to do.  Then there's Mr. Lincoln. Debonair doesn't fully cut it for this guy at a mere almost 2, wouldn't you agree? Kacey wanted a trendy look for her little man. She opted for a k.Mac handmade tie complete with a masculine monogram to suit this guy up for the BIG 2!  Our child sized ties come in any fabrics you choose with over 60 fonts to select from. Lincoln is ready set to dive into some hooty-hoot cake come Thursday. And these 2 are on their way. On their way to their next year of life. Loved up beyond measure, side by side along with their big brother, Ryder, they are completely fearless in living life to its maxim.
And so is their mama. The photos of the twins in this post is just the start of her big dreams. She is currently gearing up to begin her journey into photography. It is her passion; her heart's desire. As you can see, she is quickly skilled with the click of the camera. I look forward to watching her business unfold and find the success it is destined for.
And me? Well, I'm happy as punch to be able to have been a part of the twin's birthday celebration, for a new found blog friend who is guaranteed to keep this mama here hip to the game in fashion, and for the opportunity to give something away!
Yes, sisters.
You heard correctly.
In honor of the twins turning 2, I am giving away Lincoln's tie!
No, not HIS actual tie, but a replica of his with any monogram you wish on the front in your choice of color threading.
How do you enter?
- Leave me a comment on this post letting me know who this tie will be for should you be the lucky winner. Will it be for your son, a nephew, a cousin, a grandson, a Christmas gift?
- And don't forget to tell me one more thing: What's your favorite part about birthdays?
Want to be entered 3 times instead of 1? No problem. Just follow my blog and consider it done!
I will announce a winner Friday, 9/18.
Tie sizes range from 3 months to 12 years.
Now go find someone new today in blog land to get tongue tied with! You never know who is just a click or comment away from a connection that could last forever!
.mac :)
 After midnight. Out in the moonlight.Just like we used to do...Ahhh, gotta love some Patsy Cline.  It's me again, Margaret! Me forget the summer adventures I have yet to tell you about? NEVER. If you will remember last, we w ere in Elicottville, NY. {the 1st picture posted is the print designated for Elicottville, NY crosswalks.} Love it. I admire simple twists in common everyday details that make a space unique and in it's own right handmade. Eliicottville is known as a wonderful snow skiing haven. Matter of fact, the resort we stayed in had ski lifts that actually picked you up at your room's door. This resort was built into the side of one massive mountain. On my run that morning, this mountain was just part of my eye candy. Rockin' the IPOD loud, I marveled at what its magnificent beauty and stellar sites might look like during the winter months when white blankets of icy fun were abundant. I ran 2 miles through this quaint little town and was overcome with inspiration. You see, I am easily inspired. Easily motivated. Just ask my partner in crime, Kristi. She can attest to all my lofty hopes and handfuls of howboutwedothises. In fact, just last week I ha d my trip to Dream for my latest style upkeep and my hairdresser, Ashleigh, told me: "I can see how you played Barbies until you were like 13. You are a dreamer." And I took it as a compliment and smiled. I was awestruck with the Ellicottville's small town atmosphere. Tiny, curvy sidewalks shuffled my feet on a 2 mile track as I passed so much history and time. I was impressively moved by the intricate and detailed architecture of the houses. Moldings, elaborate trim work, eccentric color choices for the exterior of homes. Off handed blues and charcoal greens, slight lavenders paired with greys, razzy reds with creme and yellows. And the porches were oversized. Oversized and used better yet. I passed by more than one house where families were gathered on the front porch enjoying breakfast together. At another porch, there was a lady reading the morning newspaper with her feet propped just so and her steaming coffee cup at her side. Yet at another I spotted, the busyness of a man tending to yardwork and flowers with the sounds of Van Morrison serenading him from his front porch {I actually was in IPOD mid-song change to hear "Moondance"} At another there was an elderly woman sweeping her front porch. It struck me eery how closely the broom resembled her feeble, petite stature. It was as big as she was and it could be easily deducted that this was one of her daily rituals. Her porch needed no sweeping as it was spotless. I kept thinking to myself: "I wanna live in one of these houses. I wanna wake up with my cup-a-joe in a quaint and colorful cottage and see life living all around me." And with one perpendicular twisty turn, my run had me passing a black rot iron fence with 3 tall tiers of detailed welding and a gate that was simple yet classic in design. Bruce Springsteen's "My Hometown" was playing on my IPOD. This gate represented so much more than just a boundary line to me. The Boss's song really said it all. Inside this gate was ornate stone work: the building foundation of Ellicottville. Truly, the hometown heroes, harlots, hopefuls, villains, vagabonds, and victors of this sweet little city. I was moved almost to tears as I passed this resting place. Lineage lines were easily read as many stones jumbled together sharing the same last name inscribed. Some even stated, "daughter", "son", or "mother." I ran with respect in my heart and hope in my head. In each of us there is a season to count: a limited time where our lifespan lives in action. Once our time moves from present to past, we are but a memory to remind others. What we will remind them of is up to us in our now for we get only one present.
Tears, I tell you. Needless to say, once my run was finished, I was spent and full of spirit. Love it when those 2 get together in my life: spent and spirit. And I just had to go get my best partner-in-crime and take her for a little more laid back stroll of this town I had become so smitten with. And this laid back stroll only made me fall deeper in love.
  Now what did I tell you about taking the everyday normals and putting your own splash of you in them? A-DOR-A-BLE. Who can beat that slogan? They even ship their products. Check them out here!  STOP IT! A semi-circle balcony with cascading ivy and flowers. A gigantic purple doorknob to sell the name. Their products: a mix of antiques, junky finds, art, and interesting stuff. I was bouncing in my pink Nikes. Just ask Kristi!  This was the detail outside of an autobody shop. I kid you not. Purple pansies and ivy out of paint cans. Ridiculously cute. And this is where I completely lost it. For reals, people.  This establishment was a home complete with a shop off the side full of handmade goodies, home and garden decor, and housewarming tender viddles. YUM. Check out the simple immaculate- ness of this place.  The owner is a master gardener who also runs a flower delivery service out of this shop. Her landscaping was to-die-for. This flower looks only half as good as it smelled. I have no clue what it this species is, but am dying to know. I would love to plant these in and about my home. Dear heavens, the goodness.  See? I told you. Hold on. I need a moment to gather myself. Okay, I'm back. Double blooming begonias: coral orange and sunshine yellow.
 These were my wedding colors. I say no more.  Her front porch welcoming committee: sweet potato vine and yellow double blooming begonias.Welcoming you to...are you ready? I don't think you are. I am totally holding my breathe as I type this. It's that divine.
  Can you say Martha? These pretties were all tucked away on the street side of her corner home. Tucked away in these...   I need just a minute more to regain my composure. EEEK! Tangled Twigs is the name of this designer's shop. Again, in true Ellicotville form, details always on the maxim. Yes, I had to buy a little something from here. Check out her packaging. A real freakin' twig...BRILLANT.
 These lovies came home with me. I fell straight in love with their chubby snuggles. Kristi laughed at me and said, "You are just like my Mamaw. She would have bought something like this." And like the Barbie comment from Ashleigh, I took it as a compliment and smiled.
 These lovebirds found their home on my kitchen window sill. I think they look happy, don't you?  On our way down the sidewalk from the Tangled Twig, I spotted even more detail to turn up the corners of my mouth. Simple sweetness in the corner of a store front window. Clever and quaint just like Ellicotville.  A clothing store storefront that was one of MANY that caught my eye.
 Red detailed trim work infused with grey and white.  Stellar window boxes. I was so intrigued, I had to take a closer look.  And lookie what I found? A little ceramic handbag peeking out at me.
{My dreams of designing in the details right before me.}
And I took it as compliment and smiled.
 Wanna hint why I was in Ellicotville? Perhaps the orange letters in this post might help. Until we meet for our next adventure, .mac :) a.k.a. Jackie O.
|
