tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60645553060120445912024-03-13T12:05:40.182-07:00Mimi-Toria's DesignsA blog about my vintage redesigned jewelry creations I create for my Mimi-Toria's Designs business, as well as creative vendor displays, my life as a Wife, Mom and Jewelry Designer, and included are some personal blogs sprinkled in now and then.Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13108570859594197670noreply@blogger.comBlogger265125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6064555306012044591.post-5249421773275850642013-11-23T19:57:00.001-08:002013-11-23T20:01:15.349-08:00Photographing Jewelry Tips with Mimi-Toria's DesignsToday I'd like to share a few hints on how I capture some of the jewelry photos I post to my blog, Facebook, Instagram, and other Social Media sights.<div><br></div><div>My choice of camera has exclusively become my iPhone5, due to its convenience, ease of editing with apps loaded for free on my phone, and the lack of bulkiness.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Cjt0ny_RE00/UpF5A8EYCII/AAAAAAAANC4/VaAfTVIyR7Q/s640/blogger-image-741499728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Cjt0ny_RE00/UpF5A8EYCII/AAAAAAAANC4/VaAfTVIyR7Q/s640/blogger-image-741499728.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Unedited Photo</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>I will start with the above photo. I was out of town on a mini artist retreat alone at my cabin studio early in November, for several days of creating jewelry. I didn't have my usual arsenal of props to photograph on top of or with. Besides that it was freezing cold outside, which also meant no outdoor photographing of my latest designs. So I had to improvise.</div><div><br></div><div>I used a neutral colored coffee table for my background, and while I was stuck with fluorescent lighting, I still hastily snapped this photo. You can see several issues with it.</div><div><br></div><div>Here's what I see:</div><div>1. It is not a sharp photo</div><div>2. The jewelry is laid out oddly</div><div>3. I am attempting to photograph details of the extension chain and my Mimi-Toria's crown logo, but part of the rest of the chain portion of the necklace is included and is distracting to the eye.</div><div>4. The color is a bit off</div><div>5. The links in the extension chain show their seam to the camera side.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-70LQ0zm9TWA/UpF5Oz8DEnI/AAAAAAAANDI/2akn3D2vSfM/s640/blogger-image--110733284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-70LQ0zm9TWA/UpF5Oz8DEnI/AAAAAAAANDI/2akn3D2vSfM/s640/blogger-image--110733284.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>This photo is easier on ones eyes, but is still not edited. I find it though more pleasing to ones eye, and it also captures quite well that which I was hoping to hi lite, which is my Mimi-Toria's Design tag.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-8SbvAw2F7kc/UpF5NzFoK6I/AAAAAAAANDA/QhCOjiLoD_M/s640/blogger-image-131245205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-8SbvAw2F7kc/UpF5NzFoK6I/AAAAAAAANDA/QhCOjiLoD_M/s640/blogger-image-131245205.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>This photo shows each photo beside one another. I've used two apps here to get these photos representing what I'm trying to share here. PixlrExpress+ is my go to app, and the Pic Stitch app created the above photo. </div><div><br></div><div>So take the time to notice the little details while photographing and sharing your creations with others. Do take the time to do some extra sharpening, cropping, add a copyright marking, a border if you like, etc., so that you can tell a story with your photographs, and showcase your beautiful creations.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-JSeG7GPbk4g/UpF6CNDYgiI/AAAAAAAANDQ/PrW3GiKhtKU/s640/blogger-image-1181493215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-JSeG7GPbk4g/UpF6CNDYgiI/AAAAAAAANDQ/PrW3GiKhtKU/s640/blogger-image-1181493215.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>I'd love to know if you've found this post to be helpful or not?</div>Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13108570859594197670noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6064555306012044591.post-64234897394174805342013-09-16T08:16:00.001-07:002013-09-16T19:55:08.354-07:00Junk Bonanza 6th Appearance<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>JUNK BONANZA - September 26-28</b></div></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--oS165wcCVk/UjcmVxRTxZI/AAAAAAAANAU/tYkPmD6y54U/s640/blogger-image-1301382723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--oS165wcCVk/UjcmVxRTxZI/AAAAAAAANAU/tYkPmD6y54U/s640/blogger-image-1301382723.jpg"></a></div><br></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Mimi-Toria's Designs has moved to space #208</b>, still on ground level in the Main Building. I will be to the far left, against the back glass windows of the building in the corner. It is one booth all by itself, but will really help showcase my space.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-KiHAAi3UqIk/Ujcg1EelUzI/AAAAAAAAM_k/vphgaypcSwc/s640/blogger-image-1632453433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-KiHAAi3UqIk/Ujcg1EelUzI/AAAAAAAAM_k/vphgaypcSwc/s640/blogger-image-1632453433.jpg"></a></div><br></div>I am once again honored to be chosen as one of the vendors in the upcoming Junk Bonanza event. It takes place <b>September 26-28th, 2013</b>. It is once again located in <b>Shakopee, Minnesota at Canterbury Park.</b> <div><br></div><div>Ki and her JB team are working fast and furious To make this the best event ever. New quality vendors have been added, space on the 2nd Level of the main building has been added as well. </div><div><br></div><div>A fun vendor competition with wonderful prizes and incentives has been established, and will be showcased on the second floor for the top 10 winners. Be sure to check that out!<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-k8Xp2_DYw3I/UjcmYRxXL-I/AAAAAAAANAc/Zc9XOaq0REo/s640/blogger-image--576102698.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-k8Xp2_DYw3I/UjcmYRxXL-I/AAAAAAAANAc/Zc9XOaq0REo/s640/blogger-image--576102698.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Some of the creations I will feature at Junk Bonanza are included in this post.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Early Bird tickets are much coveted, but anytime you are able to make it to this wonderful show is well worth your time and money. It is indeed a must-see event! To find out more about the event the time to place the location interactions you can check out their website at <b>www.junkbonanza.com</b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-1AqIXRrEOiU/UjcmJ2rtxOI/AAAAAAAAM_0/kPUzggaLXsw/s640/blogger-image-1882018776.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-1AqIXRrEOiU/UjcmJ2rtxOI/AAAAAAAAM_0/kPUzggaLXsw/s640/blogger-image-1882018776.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-RtX7wYJ_vy4/UjcmQh8OlTI/AAAAAAAANAE/BBtjGKDfNEE/s640/blogger-image-39984577.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-RtX7wYJ_vy4/UjcmQh8OlTI/AAAAAAAANAE/BBtjGKDfNEE/s640/blogger-image-39984577.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bbF7TQFYQ0w/UjcoxSyqblI/AAAAAAAANAw/xVprbPtJvl0/s640/blogger-image-810681790.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bbF7TQFYQ0w/UjcoxSyqblI/AAAAAAAANAw/xVprbPtJvl0/s640/blogger-image-810681790.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-tF7b4KAHt48/UjcmNi7KrFI/AAAAAAAAM_8/1S9MvVtb62Y/s640/blogger-image-950487598.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-tF7b4KAHt48/UjcmNi7KrFI/AAAAAAAAM_8/1S9MvVtb62Y/s640/blogger-image-950487598.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-sOXND_p3k0U/UjcmTNreCCI/AAAAAAAANAM/GwUoIn9tYeI/s640/blogger-image-998999437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-sOXND_p3k0U/UjcmTNreCCI/AAAAAAAANAM/GwUoIn9tYeI/s640/blogger-image-998999437.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-w_O8uV7iaM4/UjcmbMIeSGI/AAAAAAAANAk/T7HbhVhO5Jk/s640/blogger-image-1486254045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-w_O8uV7iaM4/UjcmbMIeSGI/AAAAAAAANAk/T7HbhVhO5Jk/s640/blogger-image-1486254045.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Uebme2Bdkk0/Ujco0cws_sI/AAAAAAAANA4/xlWJMuTfek8/s640/blogger-image-1564220422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Uebme2Bdkk0/Ujco0cws_sI/AAAAAAAANA4/xlWJMuTfek8/s640/blogger-image-1564220422.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Uebme2Bdkk0/Ujco0cws_sI/AAAAAAAANA4/xlWJMuTfek8/s640/blogger-image-1564220422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-47opdWrMH2w/UjfEiYb2UiI/AAAAAAAANBY/4cX0Zy28ueI/s640/blogger-image-1975713367.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-47opdWrMH2w/UjfEiYb2UiI/AAAAAAAANBY/4cX0Zy28ueI/s640/blogger-image-1975713367.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">These are just a few of the pieces that I will have in my <b>vendor space # 208</b> at Junk Bonanza.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Please be sure to stop by and see all of the many many many new designs I've created. Each item is one-of-a-kind and never duplicated.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13108570859594197670noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6064555306012044591.post-23802165197049837782013-06-25T10:19:00.001-07:002013-06-25T10:20:30.505-07:00Mimi-Toria's Designs at GetFresh Vintage<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-3u79matOLno/UckRwWw9s3I/AAAAAAAAM90/mBb2h_dmplg/s640/blogger-image-1652052243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-3u79matOLno/UckRwWw9s3I/AAAAAAAAM90/mBb2h_dmplg/s640/blogger-image-1652052243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5zgcZqEIjGE/UcnQ_NOAcEI/AAAAAAAAM-0/wabvhnHNw-g/s640/blogger-image-157162492.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I8q1bICHsDs/UckRjcmcdSI/AAAAAAAAM9U/5NPfixxmlrs/s640/blogger-image--121707564.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I8q1bICHsDs/UckRjcmcdSI/AAAAAAAAM9U/5NPfixxmlrs/s640/blogger-image--121707564.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I have been honored to be a part of Sue Whitney's created artisan team since 2009. Through the many events she's created and wonderful visionary that she is, my confidence, style offerings of designs and business has continued to grow. Sue has once again changed things up and late last Summer opened a brick n mortar shop in Lanesboro, which is a showcase for some cutting edge Junk repurposers. I am fortunate to still be apart of this venue, which is called, 'Getfresh Vintage JUNKMARKETS Little Sister'.</div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VmIY5ifGNnc/UckRlidzrYI/AAAAAAAAM9c/jfcvW7tO6Ys/s640/blogger-image--1720755717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VmIY5ifGNnc/UckRlidzrYI/AAAAAAAAM9c/jfcvW7tO6Ys/s640/blogger-image--1720755717.jpg"></a></div>As this photo shows, and the previous blog posts photos I've shared will showcase is the beauty of the exterior of this vintage built shop, the shop Sue has built within it, as well as the shopping area along side of it with the glorious gardens and repurposed and newly created garden elements.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-I_RY7hOLhxQ/UcnRIOKMdyI/AAAAAAAAM_M/k5yq1z78uXg/s640/blogger-image-2032438337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-I_RY7hOLhxQ/UcnRIOKMdyI/AAAAAAAAM_M/k5yq1z78uXg/s640/blogger-image-2032438337.jpg"></a></div>My friend, Carolyn (far right) enjoyed our time in Lanesboro a few weeks back. As we were finally leaving town, I spotted another new friend/customer from Wisconsin. Sally, in the black, and her friend had come for the day, so we used the beautiful gardens to capture this memory photo of our meeting up on the streets of Lanesboro.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-RV23wrQe5uQ/UcnRLfPu04I/AAAAAAAAM_U/MudCccdLjYI/s640/blogger-image-1283591747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-RV23wrQe5uQ/UcnRLfPu04I/AAAAAAAAM_U/MudCccdLjYI/s640/blogger-image-1283591747.jpg"></a></div>Here is my Mimi-Toria's Designs jewelry display area. It isn't a big space in square footage, but makes a nice statement for my collection to be represented. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">There are other jewelry designers also show cases in the shop with a larger offering, so suffice to say, jewelry is nicely represented at GetFresh Vintage. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-hZZK4oUINqY/UcnRBtWBhGI/AAAAAAAAM-8/OYpg7qemMjQ/s640/blogger-image-1833035616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-hZZK4oUINqY/UcnRBtWBhGI/AAAAAAAAM-8/OYpg7qemMjQ/s640/blogger-image-1833035616.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">These genuine faceted rubies with Sterling Silver lever backs and links are accented with these wonderful Jesus and child vintage medals. (Available at GetFresh)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Mv3OQNCun4U/UcnRD15IQQI/AAAAAAAAM_E/y9C_cpOjUuI/s640/blogger-image--1299836176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Mv3OQNCun4U/UcnRD15IQQI/AAAAAAAAM_E/y9C_cpOjUuI/s640/blogger-image--1299836176.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">One of the ways you can tell a Mimi-Toria's Designs creation apart from others is in the details used. Primarily Sterling Silver, Antiqued Sterling Silver or 14 kt Gold Filled Earwires/findings are used. Another detail is the wire wrapping techniques often found in my jewelry will provide you with an heirloom quality piece of jewelry.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">I also have custom designed I.d. tags that I designed and had created to add value with a signed piece of jewelry identifying and guaranteeing my customers that they are buying one of my one of a kind designs and not a copied piece. With 17 years invested in my career, I want to keep my reputation and integrity intact.</span></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5zgcZqEIjGE/UcnQ_NOAcEI/AAAAAAAAM-0/wabvhnHNw-g/s640/blogger-image-157162492.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-CJBAeP4u8BM/UcmzyXuTqXI/AAAAAAAAM-k/hy4FgROYX9w/s640/blogger-image-1665900503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-CJBAeP4u8BM/UcmzyXuTqXI/AAAAAAAAM-k/hy4FgROYX9w/s640/blogger-image-1665900503.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After 4 1/2 years of hand stamped pieces, they continue to be a popular and meaningful line of jewelry that speaks to my customers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-UlqqjqrLcPI/UckRromxOaI/AAAAAAAAM9k/5BUIFpxl5kQ/s640/blogger-image-1081272769.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-UlqqjqrLcPI/UckRromxOaI/AAAAAAAAM9k/5BUIFpxl5kQ/s640/blogger-image-1081272769.jpg"></a></div>I also have a reputation for creating feminine more detailed pieces like the two represented on the cornel. These are redesigned from many forlorn and forgotten elements to be recreated into a wearable art they my customers find beckoning them.</div><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5zgcZqEIjGE/UcnQ_NOAcEI/AAAAAAAAM-0/wabvhnHNw-g/s640/blogger-image-157162492.jpg"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Currently, there are like 20+ pairs of one if a kind earrings available within this shop. Many are 'bride' worthy for that vintage feel on a Brides Wedding Day.</div><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-3u79matOLno/UckRwWw9s3I/AAAAAAAAM90/mBb2h_dmplg/s640/blogger-image-1652052243.jpg"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-hFdJUdPeOl0/UckRuCgOjRI/AAAAAAAAM9s/Kz5aN8zGSSM/s640/blogger-image-959164541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-hFdJUdPeOl0/UckRuCgOjRI/AAAAAAAAM9s/Kz5aN8zGSSM/s640/blogger-image-959164541.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I have purposely from the beginning of my jewelry design business geared my kinds if jewelry to be many and vast, do that I can meet the interests and needs of many customers rather than just one certain look or style type. I believe this has benefited my longevity in the business when it is so common now, as well as garnered me some of my dearest customers and friends.</div></div>Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13108570859594197670noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6064555306012044591.post-80561434715368882522013-06-23T13:31:00.001-07:002013-06-24T20:34:18.662-07:00GetFresh Vintage Indoor Photos<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-sSwEl3ANnM8/UcdbDxAlGPI/AAAAAAAAM8c/WUSb_z_wqJ4/s640/blogger-image-299226978.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-sSwEl3ANnM8/UcdbDxAlGPI/AAAAAAAAM8c/WUSb_z_wqJ4/s640/blogger-image-299226978.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-sSwEl3ANnM8/UcdbDxAlGPI/AAAAAAAAM8c/WUSb_z_wqJ4/s640/blogger-image-299226978.jpg"></div>GetFresh Vintage is OPEN.... Yes indeed it is! So swing on down to the beautiful town of Lanesboro where it is located.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-C7JYLVTTZLY/Ucda5vsHX6I/AAAAAAAAM8E/LxesM836RyY/s640/blogger-image-498633446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-C7JYLVTTZLY/Ucda5vsHX6I/AAAAAAAAM8E/LxesM836RyY/s640/blogger-image-498633446.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Love this heavy canvas hand stamped sign that is for sale within the shop. So cool!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-JAh96Kt38Qk/UcdaviA-VXI/AAAAAAAAM7s/MubODjw9fjc/s640/blogger-image--309646344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-JAh96Kt38Qk/UcdaviA-VXI/AAAAAAAAM7s/MubODjw9fjc/s640/blogger-image--309646344.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Sue Whitney, of JunkMarket Style is the proprietor of this lovely shop, and never is without unique and fun table display ideas. This one was no exception.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-4QG1FxBlzy8/Ucda296GccI/AAAAAAAAM78/MCc2BFcDaCQ/s640/blogger-image-1215781309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-4QG1FxBlzy8/Ucda296GccI/AAAAAAAAM78/MCc2BFcDaCQ/s640/blogger-image-1215781309.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-gE2zXEZzeRU/Ucda84Q_crI/AAAAAAAAM8M/4rLhq8sYmzk/s640/blogger-image-813277496.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-gE2zXEZzeRU/Ucda84Q_crI/AAAAAAAAM8M/4rLhq8sYmzk/s640/blogger-image-813277496.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-lGMhdH3WNYo/Ucda_8sz7DI/AAAAAAAAM8U/8yWiC4tHCT4/s640/blogger-image--168632875.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-lGMhdH3WNYo/Ucda_8sz7DI/AAAAAAAAM8U/8yWiC4tHCT4/s640/blogger-image--168632875.jpg"></a></div>My friend, Lori, of La Dee Da, has some beautiful Summer apparel designs creatively designed and exclusively for this Getfresh Vintage shop.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1j5-atjoYS0/UcdazejW3wI/AAAAAAAAM70/GmJpP-gT38c/s640/blogger-image--791669506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1j5-atjoYS0/UcdazejW3wI/AAAAAAAAM70/GmJpP-gT38c/s640/blogger-image--791669506.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Another La Dee Da Designed tank, as well as other great Art and repurposed items.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-JJ-NlL9sxZI/UckPsO8cEgI/AAAAAAAAM88/-SWBh7nmajU/s640/blogger-image-2112510070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-JJ-NlL9sxZI/UckPsO8cEgI/AAAAAAAAM88/-SWBh7nmajU/s640/blogger-image-2112510070.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-oQsgwfZ5v68/UckPp3jTYLI/AAAAAAAAM80/8BR2M6zkJ6Q/s640/blogger-image--607597670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-oQsgwfZ5v68/UckPp3jTYLI/AAAAAAAAM80/8BR2M6zkJ6Q/s640/blogger-image--607597670.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So much to see and ponder over while shopping. Great displays at every turn.</div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-BrDHyo6HlIg/UckPnRButII/AAAAAAAAM8s/GRRObZtPOPI/s640/blogger-image--1578536796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-BrDHyo6HlIg/UckPnRButII/AAAAAAAAM8s/GRRObZtPOPI/s640/blogger-image--1578536796.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-2nqEKQxvvzU/UckPud3x9qI/AAAAAAAAM9E/MHhO4LuROpg/s640/blogger-image-1815679307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-2nqEKQxvvzU/UckPud3x9qI/AAAAAAAAM9E/MHhO4LuROpg/s640/blogger-image-1815679307.jpg"></a></div>There is also a vast array of jewelry available to purchase, including a number of designers. I just delivered 68 one of a kind pieces for my Mi-Toria's Designs to GetFresh Vintage in Lanesboro.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This town is truly worth the trip!</div></div></div></div></div>Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13108570859594197670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6064555306012044591.post-62017437326988548622013-06-22T17:08:00.001-07:002013-06-22T17:08:40.099-07:00GetFresh Vintage - an Awesome Shop with a Gem of a Surprise<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KIXfHchNWYU/UcQyO-cLRaI/AAAAAAAAM5U/vf6PAiZIQNM/s640/blogger-image--1471649588.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KIXfHchNWYU/UcQyO-cLRaI/AAAAAAAAM5U/vf6PAiZIQNM/s640/blogger-image--1471649588.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br></div><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KIXfHchNWYU/UcQyO-cLRaI/AAAAAAAAM5U/vf6PAiZIQNM/s640/blogger-image--1471649588.jpg"></div><i>GetFresh Vintage - JunkMarkets Little Sister</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-2wsiFAWsNh4/UcY8D5IUqOI/AAAAAAAAM6M/JlZWgIQtSqg/s640/blogger-image-143048796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-2wsiFAWsNh4/UcY8D5IUqOI/AAAAAAAAM6M/JlZWgIQtSqg/s640/blogger-image-143048796.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A beautifully styled shop in the heart of downtown Lanesboro. Junk inspired with creativity at every vantage point within the shop. I'm sure the locals are amazed with the ubber talented owner, Sue Whitney, and her unique offerings outside and within this little gem in their small town venue.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-HQi6WXZQitc/UcY8XEWCVeI/AAAAAAAAM7E/g7JcVu1qh_0/s640/blogger-image--2065064739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-HQi6WXZQitc/UcY8XEWCVeI/AAAAAAAAM7E/g7JcVu1qh_0/s640/blogger-image--2065064739.jpg"></a></div>For example... This hog crate turned garden terrarium. My sister lived seeing this idea, as she and her husband were pig farmers for years, and she just so happened to have several of these in her she'd on their farm. So beautifully styled!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-VckH6VHKNuI/UcY8hTrdhUI/AAAAAAAAM7c/IHDuWa4Bays/s640/blogger-image--1290532678.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-VckH6VHKNuI/UcY8hTrdhUI/AAAAAAAAM7c/IHDuWa4Bays/s640/blogger-image--1290532678.jpg"></a></div>Notice the details? Sue gets this concept and foes it in big ways with everything she creates and styles for her customers. This window dressing is just one example of that.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j2InY8KEU98/UcQyUBQWn8I/AAAAAAAAM5k/Ty0N0CW_Y08/s640/blogger-image-793902053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j2InY8KEU98/UcQyUBQWn8I/AAAAAAAAM5k/Ty0N0CW_Y08/s640/blogger-image-793902053.jpg"></a></div>Who would of thought a roll of rusty fencing could make such a statement, while being re purposed into a pillar plant stand? Sue did.</div></i><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zrwT_FkWBNg/UcY8JzUOT6I/AAAAAAAAM6c/qZDlbGxpvTw/s640/blogger-image--171984507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; "><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zrwT_FkWBNg/UcY8JzUOT6I/AAAAAAAAM6c/qZDlbGxpvTw/s640/blogger-image--171984507.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Entrance into this beautiful side garden and garden she'd edition to the GetFresh Vintage shop is new to the venue this year. Such a surprise in the middle of town. The not so secret version if the secret garden. There are little surprises everywhere you look within this small alley like garden area. May of been my friend Carolyn's favorite part of our visit to Lanesboro.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kO-qzxWGxSk/UcY8UH_8NyI/AAAAAAAAM68/GJmNcyEhP-U/s640/blogger-image-1044804423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kO-qzxWGxSk/UcY8UH_8NyI/AAAAAAAAM68/GJmNcyEhP-U/s640/blogger-image-1044804423.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Details...such as an over glowing abundance of flowers on these pillars, surely added to the beauty of this photograph.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-EtLTHuua0fc/UcY8RleLn4I/AAAAAAAAM60/rfbI5e1FE4w/s640/blogger-image--990855245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-EtLTHuua0fc/UcY8RleLn4I/AAAAAAAAM60/rfbI5e1FE4w/s640/blogger-image--990855245.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-IP6kD6TRdZ0/UcY8d_r-oRI/AAAAAAAAM7U/RdKrMS0mRmE/s640/blogger-image-308563603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-IP6kD6TRdZ0/UcY8d_r-oRI/AAAAAAAAM7U/RdKrMS0mRmE/s640/blogger-image-308563603.jpg"></a></div>Fairy garden planted in a bird bath make up visual beauty to behold.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-q5-_L127tzA/UcQyRrkxwqI/AAAAAAAAM5c/RzwvLXq2zTQ/s640/blogger-image--1880520917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-q5-_L127tzA/UcQyRrkxwqI/AAAAAAAAM5c/RzwvLXq2zTQ/s640/blogger-image--1880520917.jpg"></a></div></div>Unique galvanized farm items re purposed into unique flower planters, which are than for sale to tuck into your own gardens.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KnGriOIGMcs/UcY8MZSnEeI/AAAAAAAAM6k/yVuPEdupwl4/s640/blogger-image--68674013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KnGriOIGMcs/UcY8MZSnEeI/AAAAAAAAM6k/yVuPEdupwl4/s640/blogger-image--68674013.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-UavPULwl4EY/UcY8BQrU9dI/AAAAAAAAM6E/11pqzH48a0E/s640/blogger-image--1205337140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-UavPULwl4EY/UcY8BQrU9dI/AAAAAAAAM6E/11pqzH48a0E/s640/blogger-image--1205337140.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-m7iKYGRNOnY/UcQyWiRv9zI/AAAAAAAAM5s/NDzE0f2bqYc/s640/blogger-image--1256903939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-m7iKYGRNOnY/UcQyWiRv9zI/AAAAAAAAM5s/NDzE0f2bqYc/s640/blogger-image--1256903939.jpg"></a></div>This display was a picnic set up within a canoe. How perfect for a river town known for its great canoeing?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Azq55TzgcRQ/UcY8POvDaPI/AAAAAAAAM6s/I23lxGqXLpk/s640/blogger-image-1321302835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Azq55TzgcRQ/UcY8POvDaPI/AAAAAAAAM6s/I23lxGqXLpk/s640/blogger-image-1321302835.jpg"></a></div>This photo shows canoe not set up yet, due to all of the rain filled weather early June had brought to Minnesota, however the photo above shows it in its glory all set up to inspire.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EKeDM50U0b0/UcY8aaST6QI/AAAAAAAAM7M/q7Ym53b4qRA/s640/blogger-image--488949519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EKeDM50U0b0/UcY8aaST6QI/AAAAAAAAM7M/q7Ym53b4qRA/s640/blogger-image--488949519.jpg"></a></div></div>The shop offers a great variety of garden display pieces outdoors along this meandering garden, within the garden building and also with the inside of the shop.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-CnRfn7ITTK0/UcY8G4cQg-I/AAAAAAAAM6U/2Vj6MhgVucY/s640/blogger-image--1488656226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-CnRfn7ITTK0/UcY8G4cQg-I/AAAAAAAAM6U/2Vj6MhgVucY/s640/blogger-image--1488656226.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Even the wire bike basket received a healthy dose of Sue's detailed styling talents, with a burlap liner, tied with jute on the corners and than filled with flowers and pussy willows.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As you can see, this town and shop are beckoning to those that want to step back in time, enjoy the great outdoors, be inspired by one of the inventors of Junk re purposing than head to this gem of a town. Lanesboro here you come!</div><br></div>Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13108570859594197670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6064555306012044591.post-5471042282735471092013-06-21T02:21:00.001-07:002013-06-21T02:21:07.303-07:00Destination Lanesboro and GetFresh Vintage<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-_6rgWNxsaZw/UcQasYnMPwI/AAAAAAAAM3s/6ohlnB5ROYs/s640/blogger-image--420079655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-_6rgWNxsaZw/UcQasYnMPwI/AAAAAAAAM3s/6ohlnB5ROYs/s640/blogger-image--420079655.jpg"></a></div>Part 1 - Introduction to GetFresh Vintage's Surroundings and Why a Must Visit is in Order. If my iPhone photos don't draw you in, than nothing will. I tried to capture a small taste if the beauty this area holds.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-GOCeRwC5ae8/UcQY7XhX0UI/AAAAAAAAM2M/oVM7DORHyPI/s640/blogger-image--1909542618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-GOCeRwC5ae8/UcQY7XhX0UI/AAAAAAAAM2M/oVM7DORHyPI/s640/blogger-image--1909542618.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Have you ever been to the Root River Valley town of Lanesboro? If not, and you live in the Midwest, it would be the perfect week-end destination this Summer or Fall. It's my new FAVORITE Minnesota town.<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-2AmuAmeNK3U/UcQax1WqSUI/AAAAAAAAM38/MqW5C5LGbOc/s640/blogger-image--962766478.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-2AmuAmeNK3U/UcQax1WqSUI/AAAAAAAAM38/MqW5C5LGbOc/s640/blogger-image--962766478.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <i> #getfreshvintage #lanesboro</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I am fortunate to be blessed with the opportunity to have my Mimi-Toria's jewelry represented and for sale in this quaint and picturesque town. Thus, last week my friend went with me to drop off a release of my Mimi-Toria's jewelry for the GetFresh Vintage Shop.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Lanesboro, was all but becoming a ghost town in the 80's, when someone came up with an idea for reviving their town. And revive it did....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-A3PyL3vCxok/UcQY2oqm4AI/AAAAAAAAM18/5gp_GipV59o/s640/blogger-image-575480176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-A3PyL3vCxok/UcQY2oqm4AI/AAAAAAAAM18/5gp_GipV59o/s640/blogger-image-575480176.jpg"></a></div>In 1893, this cool metal bridge was constructed over the Root River in downtown Lanesboro, and it now is a recreational bridge for bikers, roller bladers, walkers, roller skiers, runners and inquiring minds to discover.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-hfbw8-VD0wc/UcQa7JJFk7I/AAAAAAAAM4U/AZj_zAxMKZM/s640/blogger-image-2075373510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-hfbw8-VD0wc/UcQa7JJFk7I/AAAAAAAAM4U/AZj_zAxMKZM/s640/blogger-image-2075373510.jpg"></a></div>This bridge had a wood board walk surface, but the rest of the beautiful tar trails are blacktop. The once railroad tracks had been abandoned, and the brilliant mind came up with the idea to turn them into a trail for recreation purposes. This trail was the first if its kind in the state if Minnesota, and turned a once failing economy into a thriving tourism filled community.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-JlBWulXz954/UcQap5SwdiI/AAAAAAAAM3k/0SygBt1UXco/s640/blogger-image-1391175094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-JlBWulXz954/UcQap5SwdiI/AAAAAAAAM3k/0SygBt1UXco/s640/blogger-image-1391175094.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The Root River running through this River valley town, also adds to the ambience of its beauty and brings another draw to its sweet town. Right in town there are canoes, kayaks and tubes for rent to use and access the river with. A great adult get away or one for the family that plays together and likes adventure. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-TV_yyWGRZ7A/UcQZGCCr2mI/AAAAAAAAM2s/86V0BhYgOVQ/s640/blogger-image--432259604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-TV_yyWGRZ7A/UcQZGCCr2mI/AAAAAAAAM2s/86V0BhYgOVQ/s640/blogger-image--432259604.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i> </i><i> GetFresh Vintage Shop</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So it is was these vital draws of the river fun and beautiful and vast trail system that initially drew in the tourism and the throngs of people. My friend, Carolyn called this a Mayberry type town. Notice the beautiful architecture of these beautiful buildings.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-np22jHSBNh8/UcQbAJYEmRI/AAAAAAAAM4k/2ev5pHRFfpo/s640/blogger-image--1287417634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-np22jHSBNh8/UcQbAJYEmRI/AAAAAAAAM4k/2ev5pHRFfpo/s640/blogger-image--1287417634.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This building now houses fine dining while in town. There is also a professional theatre that I highly recommend, as well as a local theatre group as well. No movie theaters or fast food places though. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xp475axr3og/UcQZIy9TdAI/AAAAAAAAM20/8Q3gIYwx-qM/s640/blogger-image--1170334187.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xp475axr3og/UcQZIy9TdAI/AAAAAAAAM20/8Q3gIYwx-qM/s640/blogger-image--1170334187.jpg"></a></div>A winery is located in town down near the bridge I shared photos of earlier in this post, so you might want to consider checking that out if that is of interest to you.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-z9ypJ-ZAD84/UcQZLf9waJI/AAAAAAAAM28/xsjNORA1rPc/s640/blogger-image--832847520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-z9ypJ-ZAD84/UcQZLf9waJI/AAAAAAAAM28/xsjNORA1rPc/s640/blogger-image--832847520.jpg"></a></div></div>At noon on a Friday, mid June, the people were just starting to converge in the variety filled downtown shopping district. #Lanesboro</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-bOklm_qDemA/UcQanRHkiFI/AAAAAAAAM3c/sSWBg7uKu_Q/s640/blogger-image-331127973.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-bOklm_qDemA/UcQanRHkiFI/AAAAAAAAM3c/sSWBg7uKu_Q/s640/blogger-image-331127973.jpg"></a></div>As we left town, my weakness got the best of me, as I was drawn into this delightful ice cream/candy shop. I drove off out of town with a dish of Key Lime Pie ice cream, which was delicious. A must stop for families with kids! There is a very quaint area alongside if the building with a lot if tables and chairs to sit and eat your ice cream, while taking in the bustle of activities surrounding you.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QTK9UpSyU7A/UcQZOkTxoSI/AAAAAAAAM3E/6vzetSxacoM/s640/blogger-image-924864436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QTK9UpSyU7A/UcQZOkTxoSI/AAAAAAAAM3E/6vzetSxacoM/s640/blogger-image-924864436.jpg"></a></div>A few more shops on a side street location. There is a menagerie of beautiful materials used in the construction of these late 1800 and early 1900's buildings, which of course I had to capture as well.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9VITQFDHYjg/UcQa4cBy4VI/AAAAAAAAM4M/jhKscBF0wkA/s640/blogger-image--728189144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9VITQFDHYjg/UcQa4cBy4VI/AAAAAAAAM4M/jhKscBF0wkA/s640/blogger-image--728189144.jpg"></a></div>One of the styles of brick used in the buildings construction. This particular wall was intriguing. Notice the close up photo below.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-nBJtkLr3eiE/UcQY-rKPI8I/AAAAAAAAM2U/dlHxSc8_4xU/s640/blogger-image--1243625725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-nBJtkLr3eiE/UcQY-rKPI8I/AAAAAAAAM2U/dlHxSc8_4xU/s640/blogger-image--1243625725.jpg"></a></div>Each brick had a persons name etched into it. I had never seen this done before and made for a great photo op.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I-xWTYD0qg0/UcQa1CTeoII/AAAAAAAAM4E/lbm-I081axQ/s640/blogger-image-106048784.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I-xWTYD0qg0/UcQa1CTeoII/AAAAAAAAM4E/lbm-I081axQ/s640/blogger-image-106048784.jpg"></a></div>Another brick wall that caught my eye...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZybFfJsQpSM/UcQZDaoZlWI/AAAAAAAAM2k/HiaDozOcoDw/s640/blogger-image-1498288465.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZybFfJsQpSM/UcQZDaoZlWI/AAAAAAAAM2k/HiaDozOcoDw/s640/blogger-image-1498288465.jpg"></a></div>Oh, the stories these walls could tell, if only the could talk.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-8n6r3R4aKDA/UcQZA7y4UQI/AAAAAAAAM2c/bLUWxsEnf-Q/s640/blogger-image-1063943929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-8n6r3R4aKDA/UcQZA7y4UQI/AAAAAAAAM2c/bLUWxsEnf-Q/s640/blogger-image-1063943929.jpg"></a></div>This stone is used in a number of buildings, such as the fine dining restaurant as well as 'The Old Mill Inn' shown below. The inn has an open tour policy and has a very interesting historical story to it. It was fun to your, and would be a comfortable lodging location while visiting Lanesboro. The town is filled with quaint B & B's, inns, lodges and camp grounds. No modern hotels here, but a neighboring town of Preston does have a chain hotel for lodging, if you prefer that.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wwLBrHW5tPQ/UcQavb3QPeI/AAAAAAAAM30/4qh5ZE2k8nI/s640/blogger-image--332686142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wwLBrHW5tPQ/UcQavb3QPeI/AAAAAAAAM30/4qh5ZE2k8nI/s640/blogger-image--332686142.jpg"></a></div> <i>Stone Mill Inn in Lanesboro</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-hk8xJRtD5FM/UcQa9vorvoI/AAAAAAAAM4c/M0z_3MWYCdA/s640/blogger-image-2094662300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-hk8xJRtD5FM/UcQa9vorvoI/AAAAAAAAM4c/M0z_3MWYCdA/s640/blogger-image-2094662300.jpg"></a></div>Notice the fresh raised bed veggie gardens to the right? This is at the end of a town block. So cool, right?</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-udRYvA87Ts8/UcQY5JaWRYI/AAAAAAAAM2E/pMaYcnMt6wI/s640/blogger-image--1432695163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-udRYvA87Ts8/UcQY5JaWRYI/AAAAAAAAM2E/pMaYcnMt6wI/s640/blogger-image--1432695163.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I'm not sure who is tending this garden, but it sure looks healthy and yummy. There is a small food coop for healthy food options in town as well.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-dbQgjp3wTH8/UcQZSNaH6PI/AAAAAAAAM3M/cN_eXIhm49M/s640/blogger-image--611681484.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-dbQgjp3wTH8/UcQZSNaH6PI/AAAAAAAAM3M/cN_eXIhm49M/s640/blogger-image--611681484.jpg"></a></div></div>There was even a telephone booth to add to Lanesboro's ambience of going back in a time that was non technology filled and a slower pace of living.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>I will share in another post more about Lanesboro in another post, and more specifically about my favorite shops in town.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><br></i></div></div></div>Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13108570859594197670noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6064555306012044591.post-71285714542037561792013-06-04T11:07:00.002-07:002013-06-04T11:14:21.074-07:00Creative Inspiration<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i>Nature is strongly influencing my creativity in jewelry design this spring. As I force myself to take better care of myself by eating more nutritious foods, going for walks and/or jogs in the woods, I am forcing myself to stop and enjoy the beauty that God has given us to enjoy. I am surrounded by so much inspiration if I am willing to take the time to even get outdoors to take in the natural beauty and exercise my much needed muscles and joints.</i></div>
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Can you even imagine how many years ago that someone might have carved this heart with the TJ within it on this tree bark? So cool, and a sign of love. It is located alongside of a walking trail in a large nature Park Reserve that we use, and is conveniently located right outside of a large Urban City. I 💚 this about Minnesota! There are acres and acres of free parks, trails and beautiful lakes throughout Minnesota.</div>
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I came upon this moss filled decaying picnic table, which is a 'gem' of a find, within a thick woodland Park out near our cabin. As I was working out slowly trying to build my muscles and joints from walking, to a light jog and eventually to running, I was jogging on this grass trail, when I happened upon this treasure. It brought me to a screeching halt, stopping me in my tracks! I just had to stop and photograph it with my iPhone. It was simply such a rare find, a found treasure in hiding, a little gem of unexpected pleasure, that I knew I wanted to capture it for longevity. </div>
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Would you of noticed this too? Or would you be so focused on your exercise that you'd run right past it and not give it a second thought? Maybe, you are like some of my extended family and think its junk, and not good junk, like most of us bloggers are in the love of treasuring...</div>
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Nature I've found, is truly all about the details. Once again the inspiration for 'Mimi-Toria's Designs' is nature and the detailing of it, this is how I have always chosen to create with a lot of extra details. I will often even add time consuming little unexpected surprises into a design, and work adding these treasures and surprises, until I feel The Lord gently prompting and showing me its time to move onto the next creation. To me, my business is less about the time and pay per hour, but more providing a one of a kind well loved design for my customers. </div>
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So it is with the birth of a baby foal to its Mother, each Mimi-Toria's Design I create has come from deep within me. I truly believe that each piece I create for my business, has been predestined for a customer that the Lord already has picked out ahead of time. I have learned this over time, as I've gained confidence in who I am in Him, and who I am in the jewelry design business, and through my customers testimonies, that my jewelry most often calls to them, speaks to them in some way, to be purchased and become a part of their life. My customers know that each piece I create has a little piece of "Gretchen Schaumann" that goes with the design and that it was made with love and prayers for its future owner. </div>
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I am blessed that for 17 years, He's chosen to use my jewelry design business as a way for me to be sharing God's love, and I will continue to trust Him in the creative process, and be even more mindful in the days ahead of His leading in my business and personal life.</div>
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Do you find yourself drawn to anything in particular while creating? My mind is busting wide open, but my hands have been too idle. Time to get them banging out some love...</div>
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Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13108570859594197670noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6064555306012044591.post-47751808156410037372013-04-14T08:19:00.000-07:002013-04-14T08:19:17.891-07:00Mimi-Toria's Designs is Heading to Junk Bonanza<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://www.junkbonanza.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Junk Bonanza</span></b></a></div>
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April 18, 19 & 20, 2013</div>
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Just a quick note, as I wanted to let you know that the upcoming week is the <a href="http://www.junkbonanza.com/" style="font-family: Times; text-align: center;" target="_blank">Junk Bonanza</a> event at Canterbury Park in Shakopee, MN. There are 90 quality vendors showcased and I will be one of them. Just thought I'd remind you in case you were interested in check ing it out. I love this event and it's truly the best possible place to see all that I do in any one given place. I will have the largest inventory 2 x's per year at this event, as there are around 12,000+ people that go through in the 3 days that it is held, so I have to produce for months in advance to have lots of jewelry to offer the customers.</div>
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Early Bird Shopping @ <a href="http://www.junkbonanza.com/" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Junk Bonanza</a>:</div>
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It starts with an early bird shopping opportunity from 8-10 a.m. on Thursday for those that buy early bird tickets at $25. The $25 gave the first 200 buyers of the tickets ( the first 200 also get an oversized ivory canvas shopping bag), an early entrance into the show for 2 hours with only the early bird ticket holders shopping (first dibs on everything), plus it lets you back into the show for all 3 days with that early bird entrance fee.</div>
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Regular pricing is $9 per day. There is food, drinks and all you need to spend the day checking out this great event.</div>
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<b>The Hours are: </b></div>
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Thursday 8-10 (early bird shoppers only) </div>
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10-5 p.m. for the rest of the ticket shoppers</div>
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Friday 9-5</div>
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(lots of free giveaways on Friday - so be sure to sign up if you attend)</div>
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Saturday 9-5</div>
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My booth is # 256. During <a href="http://www.junkbonanza.com/" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Junk Bonanza</a>, the Canterbury Park has what they call a permanent tent like building that you enter into. It may be colder in there, so be sure to wear layers if you are able to come. You go through that building to gain access to the Main Building to find my Vendor Space #256. Once inside you go down the right aisle past the Junk Bonanza store, etc. and take a right when you can. Walk past 2 spaces and you should see me at the beginning of the next row on the Front Corner #256. I am near the food and seating areas.</div>
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You can watch for my Trademark mannequin which is an angel with wings and crown, as well as my Mimi-Toria's Designs logo vintage window sign.</div>
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I hope to see you@ <a href="http://www.junkbonanza.com/" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Junk Bonanza</a>...</div>
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Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13108570859594197670noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6064555306012044591.post-62610626124756982942013-02-08T11:31:00.004-08:002013-03-22T20:10:05.669-07:00Where You can Buy Mimi-Toria's Designs in Minnesota<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><u>Minnesota Metro Area:</u></i></span></div>
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<strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Antique Mall of Rogers</span></strong></div>
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12820 Main St.; Rogers, MN</div>
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(763)428-4873</div>
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Hours M-Sat 10-6 pm; Sun 11-6 pm<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Located on the main floor, far back left</span> vendor space, </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">and show cased within the </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"<b><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Vintage-Jewelry-Collection/152999754713602" target="_blank">The <i>Vintage Jewelry Collection</i></a></b>"</span><b> </b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><u>Central MN:</u></i></span></div>
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<strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Marishka's Shoppe</span></strong></div>
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811 West St. Germain; St. Cloud, MN</div>
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(320)217-8538</div>
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Hours M-Sat 10-6 pm</div>
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<strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Massie Creek LLC</span></strong></div>
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25330 Smiley Road; Nisswa, MN</div>
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(218)963-7996</div>
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Currently not available at this location until Spring 2013</div>
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M-Sat 10-5 Sun 11-4 (May 11 - Oct)</div>
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<strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">GetFresh Vintage</span></strong></div>
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116 Parkway North; Lanesboro, MN</div>
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507-467-2922</div>
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<a href="http://www.junkmarketstyleevents.com/p/getfresh-vintage.html">http://www.junkmarketstyleevents.com/p/getfresh-vintage.html</a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 21px;"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Junk Bonanza Events</span></strong></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">@ Canterbury Park</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">1100 Canterbury Road</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;"> </span></span></div>
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Shakopee, MN</div>
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<b><a href="http://www.junkbonanza.com/">http://www.junkbonanza.com/</a></b></div>
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April 18, 19 and 20, 2013 (Thurs-Sat)</div>
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September 26, 27 and 28, 2013 (Thurs-Sat)</div>
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<strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Junk Market Style Events</span></strong></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.junkmarketstyleevents.com/p/pamper-yourself-trunk-show.html">http://www.junkmarketstyleevents.com/p/pamper-yourself-trunk-show.html</a></b><strong></strong></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">held several times a year at </span><b>Otten Bros. Nursery Long Lake, MN</b></div>
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<br />
Blog @ <b><a href="http://www.mimitoriasdesigns.blogspot.com/">http://www.mimitoriasdesigns.blogspot.com</a></b></div>
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Pinterest @ <b><a href="http://pinterest.com/mimitorias/buy-mimi-toria-s-jewelry/">http://pinterest.com/mimitorias/buy-mimi-toria-s-jewelry/</a></b></div>
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Facebook @<b> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3b5998;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="cursor: pointer;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/MimiTorias">https://www.facebook.com/MimiTorias</a></span></span></b></div>
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Facebook @ <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/GretchenJohnsonSchaumann">https://www.facebook.com/GretchenJohnsonSchaumann</a></b></div>
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Thank you for your interest.</div>
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Gretchen Schaumann</div>
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Champlin, MN</div>
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<b><a href="mailto:gretchen.schaumann@comcast.net">gretchen.schaumann@comcast.net</a></b></div>
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763-427-6211</div>
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http://pinterest.com/mimitorias/buy-mimi-toria-s-jewelry/https://www.facebook.com/MimiTorias</div>
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Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13108570859594197670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6064555306012044591.post-34509060993662390472013-02-03T16:45:00.001-08:002013-02-03T16:45:10.733-08:00Winner of Giveaway Announced<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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With 237 entries into the giveaway, the chosen name was Diane Roberts. This was a gallon size vintage jar filled with hand written tickets of each persons entries as well as how they entered. Diane won with her new blog "like" ticket, but had a bunch of entries for her hard work of promoting my business. Thus a big shout out to:</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Diane Roberts</b></span></div>
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Thank you to everyone for all of your likes, followings, shares of my page and/or contest, blogs, pinterest pages, twitter, etc... I truly appreciate each and every one of your efforts and wish I could give this to each and every one of you.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oLerk1H0y0A/UQ8CcxD3MyI/AAAAAAAAMwo/oYGPnQzIbxE/s1600/GiveawayWinner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oLerk1H0y0A/UQ8CcxD3MyI/AAAAAAAAMwo/oYGPnQzIbxE/s1600/GiveawayWinner.jpg" /></a></div>
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Thank you again!</div>
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~Gretchen~</div>
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Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13108570859594197670noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6064555306012044591.post-90957220489412942662013-01-30T18:58:00.003-08:002013-02-03T09:26:30.022-08:00500 Fan Giveaway on Facebook<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b>Giveaway for Mimi-Toria's Designs is officially closed!</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b>Drawing will take place later today and winner update will be posted on my blog as well as facebook personal and business pages. Thank you for all of your loving, sharing, and encouragement you've all given me and my business through this giveaway. Good luck to everyone that shared, posted, liked, tweeted, pinterest joined, twitter joined, etc., etc. There are a lot of entries... So excited to find out who the lucky person will be. $75 value giveaway</b></span></div>
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Welcome to Mimi-Toria's Designs blog page. I hadn't intended on doing the giveaway here, but when I did some more research on google to set up the giveaway, I quickly found out a whole lot of rules and dos and don'ts that facebook has regarding giveaways, so decided to switch it to my blog instead of losing my years of hard work building up a facebook page. They can eliminate a facebook page completely if their very strict rules weren't followed exactly. So thus I have switched it to my blog. So very sorry for the extra work that has caused any of you my old and new fans alike. I should of researched this more carefully ahead of time, but unfortunately didn't. </div>
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So let's get on with the giveaway:</div>
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Good luck to all!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gl5P42qQ0JU/UQnWVuT2TYI/AAAAAAAAMwY/2xjLlT1wVVY/s1600/PhotoGrid_1359598886502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gl5P42qQ0JU/UQnWVuT2TYI/AAAAAAAAMwY/2xjLlT1wVVY/s640/PhotoGrid_1359598886502.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>One person will win the above prizes, which include:</b></div>
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<b>1. Starbucks $10 Gift Card</b></div>
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<b>2. Mimi-Toria's Designs original one of a kind vintage redesigned necklace as shown on ball chain</b></div>
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<b>3. Mimi-Toria's Designs original pair of vintage redesigned French hook earrings</b></div>
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<b>Total value of giveaway is: $75</b></div>
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<b>HOW TO ENTER</b></div>
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Here's what you'll need to do to have your chance to win these gifts. You may enter as many times as you'd like and than leave a comment below to let me know what you did. You do not have to leave separate comments for each thing, just tell me how many times you qualify. </div>
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1. Become a fan on my blog and leave a comment that you are new to my page</div>
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2. Join my pinterest business page at: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> <a href="http://pinterest.com/mimitorias/">http://pinterest.com/mimitorias/</a></span></div>
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3. Follow me on twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/GretchenofMimis/" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/GretchenofMimis/</a></div>
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4. Let me know that you are a follower of my facebook page of Mimi-Toria's Designs</div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/MimiTorias" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/MimiTorias</a></div>
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5. Share about my giveaway on any form of social media and let me know</div>
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I will enter your name in for the drawing 1 time for each way you choose to help me promote my business. </div>
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Thank you for taking the time and again, I apologize for having to safely move my giveaway to this format instead of facebook. I just couldn't risk losing my page over a giveaway gone bad.</div>
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Please check back here for drawing winner on February 3rd, when I will announce the winner.</div>
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I will also try to sneak in a blurb about it on my facebook pages.</div>
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Thanks again everyone for helping me to reach the 500 goal!</div>
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Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13108570859594197670noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6064555306012044591.post-70742487325208170222012-07-19T06:00:00.000-07:002012-07-19T06:00:13.773-07:00Creating "Soul" Series - Part 2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i>Good morning dear friends. Today, I am sharing with you a blog post that I started quite some time ago, and actually is Part 2 of a "Creating Soul" series that I was writing. I found it in my draft box and felt let to share it with you since at one point it was on my heart pretty strongly, and truly is some interesting thoughts. I'd love to hear what you think about it, good and the bad. Have a blessed day!</i></div>
<i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2 ~ Uniqueness of Product</span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><br />
</b> </i></div>
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<i><b>Is your art your creating unique?</b></i></div>
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<i><b>Do people easily duplicate it? </b></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i></div>
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<i><b>Or maybe you are someone that consistently </b></i><i><b>uses other peoples design ideas to make your products?</b></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JkBY5Xf0yYk/TNLETLf4YdI/AAAAAAAALUk/gN800bDzJBY/s1600/DSCN3618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JkBY5Xf0yYk/TNLETLf4YdI/AAAAAAAALUk/gN800bDzJBY/s640/DSCN3618.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(an example of a unique piece that isn't easily duplicated)</span></i></b></div>
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<i><b>Have you ever personally noticed when something that is lovingly hand-created has soul?</b></i></div>
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<i><b>What about the opposite?</b></i></div>
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<i><b>Have you ever noticed items that are hastily created and lack soul?</b></i></div>
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<i>For me personally, I struggle with this. I tend to create some of my vintage jewelry redesigns to be quite time consuming and elaborate. They are filled with "soul" and speak to the customers quite intensely. I love when this happens. My customer "feels the love", understands the work it took to create an elaborate piece, they connect with the piece and than appreciates it enough to spend their hard earned cash on my creation. This is the utmost highest compliment a designer can experience. :) </i><br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Thank you to all of my loyal customers these past 16 years I've been creating jewelry!</span></span></i></div>
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<i>But then sometimes, because of the lack of enough time in the day, the demand for large amounts of product, and because I cater to a broad range of customer styles, I also create items that are more simplified in their design. I try to not lose the "soul" factor, but at times I wonder if I lose that connection I so want to convey through my designs. That which I'm describing as the "soul" factor.</i><br />
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<i></i><i>Along with simplification of designs, these </i><i>unfortunately </i><i>can than more easily be duplicated by others. I've been noticing it more and more with quite a few fellow creators that do this on a regular basis. Do you often work hard on a design and/or concept to only see others take it as their own? Thus the issue and problem comes with "copy cat artists". </i><br />
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<i><em><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Creativity takes courage.</span></strong></em></i></div>
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<i><strong>~Henri Matisse</strong></i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2PEc0pcjzk/TW9rvwY_CrI/AAAAAAAAMB8/nLnEb5kx7p0/s1600/Queen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2PEc0pcjzk/TW9rvwY_CrI/AAAAAAAAMB8/nLnEb5kx7p0/s640/Queen.jpg" width="355" /></a></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(an example of a more simplified design I created in </span></i></div>
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<i><b>Adding "soul" value to your products...</b></i></div>
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<i>I find that as an artisan if we try to keep our products "unique" and more complicated they are less likely to be duplicated. Something, I love to do, but don't always have the extra time to invest 2-4 hours into every necklace I create. This again can be a struggle at times for the above reasons, as well as sometimes a lack of vintage found elements availability and/or price fluctuation's on products used with regard to the good old economics 10</i><i>1 "supply and demand". </i></div>
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<i>Try to be a cutting edge designer that comes up with the creative designs vs. the copy cat artist that tends to only use others work. I know there's a fine line here... Some of you may say "everything is out there", it's "already been done", etc., etc. Not really always true. There are constantly new mediums and techniques available to us jewelry designers all the time. I personally attempt to try to keep educating myself with new techniques and styles that I can incorporate into my designs to keep things new and exciting. </i><i>Try to keep things fresh. I am currently attending a workshop the end of the month to learn a technique I've always wanted to learn and hope to incorporate those skills into my designs in the future. I really work hard at coming up with my own designs. We often doubt our abilities when in fact if we take the time to spend time in the creative process, many times the ideas flow out of us. This is one of the things I've been trying to relay to my students out in Rogers, MN, where I teach at the new shop "The Vintage Jewelry Collection". I am teaching Vintage Redesign 101 & 202, and thus not teaching a project, but rather an entire Style and Art including techniques, hard to find elements, what supplies I use, etc. What I want my students to know, is that they can and should take parts of ideas, techniques taught to them, supplies they like, etc., but then give it their own twist, so that it isn't a direct copy of what someone else is doing. Often, I have found myself not showcasing or sharing things that I'd normally love to be sharing, because I want them to remain a new design offered by me at an upcoming show, or event. Some people in this business get most of the ideas/designs from others, and I've even had people that will than undercut my pricing and sell a few booths away at the same show. Morally, I was raised that this is wrong. </i><br />
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<i><strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes, and having fun.</span></em></strong></i></div>
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<i><strong><em>~Mary Lou Cook</em></strong></i></div>
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<i><b>Develop your own style</b>...the below example is one of the design lines that I have been creating for a number of years now, and is recognized as a "Mimi-Toria's Design" by others when my customers wear these style of necklaces with the vintage pocket watch faces and the addition of the "flying sparrow", "French Eiffel tower", and or vintage rhinestones.</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pyLXQVElOB8/TRvva6xPl2I/AAAAAAAALjY/L5GVEP-xl38/s1600/PearlsandGrunge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pyLXQVElOB8/TRvva6xPl2I/AAAAAAAALjY/L5GVEP-xl38/s640/PearlsandGrunge.jpg" width="452" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Srmoo2zdV68/TRvvs43RlGI/AAAAAAAALjs/YiWXauj03TA/s1600/ParisBirdTimeNecklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Srmoo2zdV68/TRvvs43RlGI/AAAAAAAALjs/YiWXauj03TA/s640/ParisBirdTimeNecklace.jpg" width="484" /></a></div>
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<i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Examples of designs recognized as "Mimi-Toria's Designs"</span></b></i></div>
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<i><b>Convey and/or learn to be confident enough </b></i><i><b>to show your customers what sets you apart from others. </b></i><i>Take the time to explain the details that set your creations apart from the booth next to yours, the retail shop down the street, the other etsy stores, blogs, and/or other web shops designs. This is something I don't always do a good job at, so need to also work on this area myself. Consistently strive to take your art form to the next level. And most of all, I feel we each find our true success when we are original in our designs. Then we are sharing "our soul" and not "someone else's heart and soul." </i></div>
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<i>Does this make sense to you my followers? Only then does that satisfaction of a job well done truly reward us with the "connection" we seek with our customers. It's such a joy when something "I created" with the Lord's direction and guidance speaks to one of my customers. I just love that!</i></div>
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</div>Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13108570859594197670noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6064555306012044591.post-28596285635446981072012-07-18T06:00:00.000-07:002012-07-18T06:39:05.295-07:00Marburger Farms - Garden Edition - JUNKMARKET Style<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This video clip is fun to watch. It shows Sue, of Junk Market Style educating us about what to look for when planting garden containers, and was filmed at Marburger Show in Texas this past Spring. The Marburger Show is one of those things on my bucket list to do. <br />
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Click on the link below to see this video.</div>
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<a href="http://youtu.be/MSOWv57Ch4U" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Sue's Video at the Marburger Farm Antique Show</span></a></div>
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Fun fact is cute and funky little Sue is sporting a Mimi-Toria's Designs necklace during the filming of this clip too. Although this clip may be a bit old, many of you may not have had the opportunity to see it yet, and it is filled with interesting and educational information.<br />
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I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. Sue is always a hoot and so entertaining. <br />
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<a href="http://www.junkmarketstyle.com/item/36204/marburger-farms-garden-edition">Marburger Farms - Garden Edition - JUNKMARKET Style</a></div>Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13108570859594197670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6064555306012044591.post-46615990438606123192012-07-17T11:47:00.001-07:002012-10-17T12:12:19.293-07:00Gearing up for Junk Bonanza 2012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">I am looking forward to <b>September 13-15th</b> this year and am honored again to be included in the great line up of vendors that will be showcased in <b>Junk Bonanza</b> out <b>at Canterbury Park</b> in <b>Shakopee, Minnesota</b>. This will be my fourth year returning and my third year to my exact same location, <b>SPACE #256</b>. Please head on in to see me inside the main building and off to the right in the front corner of the right side. You can <b>look for my Mimi-Toria's trademark, "Carolina my angel winged and crowned mannequin"</b>, which I've used for three years at shows. You can also watch for this sign that I created for each and every show as well. These items are part of my business branding and I plan to continue to use them to define my Mimi-Toria's brand.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Below are a few examples of what you might expect to find in a Mimi-Toria's Design booth. I will be sharing more photos of my creations leading up to the Junk Bonanza, but these are available for sale now, and other items will be created each and every day for the show. Contact me at <b>gretchen.schaumann@comcast.net</b>.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">You can also check out my business facebook page here: <b>https://www.facebook.com/MimiTorias </b>for additional photos of what I've been creating. </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k86dQSCaIJY/UAWr6wIzuRI/AAAAAAAAMvQ/vr4f7IFXIQc/s1600/GarnetsFOR+JB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k86dQSCaIJY/UAWr6wIzuRI/AAAAAAAAMvQ/vr4f7IFXIQc/s640/GarnetsFOR+JB.jpg" width="379" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">This necklace has the most gorgeous maroon garnets wire wrapped and linked into it, as well as some large chunks of smokey quartz nuggets. Both of these types of beads are in the semi precious gemstone categories and are lovely to work with when designing vintage redesigned jewelry such as I create. Again, another trademark of Mimi-Toria's Designs is the use of the pocket watch faces paired with the flying sparrow birds in the center of them. I have created these for four years now, and most of my regular customers have purchased one of those clock face focals in their first ever necklace. It is definitely a fun look and one that has come to be recognized as a Mimi-Toria's Design. I own several and wear mine regularly. This one is extra special as the brushed gold tone watch face is rare and much harder to find than the white enamel ones, or silver toned ones. I truly adore this piece. There is a section of vintage pocket watch chain and connector incorporated into this piece, as well as rhinestone elements that are just gorgeous. The addition of the antiqued gold vintage religious medals and additional elements make this definitely a one-of-a-kind design.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">It is offered at $129. SOLD</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TWNAO4m5p6I/UAWruM8ItwI/AAAAAAAAMvA/U50XuqPcxrE/s1600/ExploreNeckJB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TWNAO4m5p6I/UAWruM8ItwI/AAAAAAAAMvA/U50XuqPcxrE/s640/ExploreNeckJB.jpg" width="481" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">An interesting piece and one that I personally love and am tempted to keep for myself. I did try it out and it lays and hangs just as I wanted it to, so am pleased with the overall design of it. It is always good to test your designs to see that there are no quirky behaviors while it's been worn. No sharp pieces, no twisting or flipping, etc. My 16 years of Vintage Jewelry Design has surely taught me a think or too in regards to learning from ones mistakes in the past.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">This necklace has an "Explore" with bird flying image that has been etched into copper to create its focal. The frame around it was created with a vintage brooch and is secured into its location via it's original metal tabs.The addition of the Black Diamond AB vintage Swarovski bi-cone crystals, the hand torn silk bits of ribbon, and the secure technique of wire-wrapped beads makes this a one-of-a-kind must have necklace.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">It is offered at $89.00. SOLD</span></div>
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Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13108570859594197670noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6064555306012044591.post-2869241466757109342012-02-15T19:45:00.000-08:002012-02-15T19:45:48.669-08:00JUNKMARKET Under Glass and Mimi-Toria's Designs<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7YNS_DRMbKM/Tzx7Wh2s6bI/AAAAAAAAMug/165VywKguBU/s1600/401132_3046438613801_1648243327_2496243_1440822060_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7YNS_DRMbKM/Tzx7Wh2s6bI/AAAAAAAAMug/165VywKguBU/s640/401132_3046438613801_1648243327_2496243_1440822060_n.jpg" width="481" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I am so happy and excited to be a part of this great event. I have been having some recent back issues, but have been working hard to provide you my customers another wonderful experience and will have new lines of jewelry available as well as some of my trademark pieces that my customers have come to love and define a Mimi-Toria's piece upon appearance. I will post photos as I get a chance, but it's time to get back out to my workshop and get busy. So here's the details...</div></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">Otten Bros. greenhouse will once again be hoppin' in a few short weeks March. Yep! That's right.... were baaack! And once again all of your favorite vendors and vintage finds will be here, and you will be able to shop in a warm and inviting greenhouse! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">Now how fun is that?</span><div class="post-body entry-content" style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 22px;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #999999; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.6em; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Otten Bros. Garden Center and Landscaping is located at 2350 West Wayzata Blvd, Long Lake MN.</b> JUNKMARKET Under Glass hours will be <b>Thursday at 8-10am</b> with <i><span style="color: #e69138;">Early Bird Shopping</span></i>. Beat the crowd and get the great buys and scoop up the one of a kind finds before anyone else! Remember, the early bird gets the worm! <i><span style="color: #e69138;">Early Bird Shopping admission is </span></i></span><i><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: small;">$20</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></i><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="color: #e69138;">which is good for all three days</span></i>!</span><span style="font-size: small;"> Regular shopping hours start <b>Thursday from 10am-6pm</b>, <b>Friday and Saturday 10am-5pm</b></span><span style="font-size: small;">. <i><span style="color: #e69138;">Regular </span></i></span><span style="color: #e69138; font-size: small;"><i>Admission is $5 for each day</i></span><span style="font-size: small;">.</span></div><div style="color: #999999; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.6em; text-align: center;"></div><div style="color: #999999; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 1.6em; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yrglCVyIJlI/Tzx7Xp0rhDI/AAAAAAAAMuo/PYVmX-VSt6Y/s1600/403141_3046445773980_1648243327_2496244_951329632_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yrglCVyIJlI/Tzx7Xp0rhDI/AAAAAAAAMuo/PYVmX-VSt6Y/s640/403141_3046445773980_1648243327_2496244_951329632_n.jpg" width="481" /></a></div><div style="color: #999999; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 1.6em; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #999999; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 1.6em; text-align: center;">Hope to see you there!!!!</div></div></div>Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13108570859594197670noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6064555306012044591.post-53336870012170093262012-02-09T05:50:00.000-08:002012-02-09T05:50:42.322-08:00Copyright Thief Caught<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uuc2bEfApVg/TzPO_0gp8OI/AAAAAAAAMuY/V9t5Nd-OBq8/s1600/IMAG4329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uuc2bEfApVg/TzPO_0gp8OI/AAAAAAAAMuY/V9t5Nd-OBq8/s400/IMAG4329.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Life is always interesting here at Mimi-Toria's Designs. A while back a friend of mine, notified me that my blog content appeared to of been lifted and put on a UK website and that I might want to check it out. Hers was also stolen, and while dealing with hers, she had noticed and notified the other victims as well. Mine being one of the four or five that had been stolen from, I readily was contacted and she shared what she had learned in order to get her information removed.<br />
I wasn't sure what I should do, so initially I posted a facebook status and asked others opinions on what they thought I should do, and/or if I was over reacting, etc. Lots of great feedback ensued and in particular one facebook friend that took the time to comment referred me to her website. Deb's site <a href="http://decodivadebi.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">"Deco Diva Debi"</a> has an entire area on her blog page that is devoted to how to deal with this type of thing. After viewing her information offered you can read about how I went about handling it via her blog post below. It is a great article and since I've been house bound and somewhat bed ridden for two weeks with back issues and am standing at my counter to type this post, I will not babble any more, but will let Deb's post do the talking. Take from it what you can, learn from it and pass on the information to anyone you may know that has experienced any of this type of thing. <br />
It truly is frustrating to see 1000's of you working hours casually lifted aka/stolen, and than have it show up half way around the world on some strangers site, so that they can make $$$$ off of your hard work and labors? Some people have no shame...<br />
A little side note: This was not a stolen design idea, which can be disheartening enough, but this was <b>2 years of my life shared through my jewelry designs, photographing them, editing them, sharing and writing about them, photographs of my daughter, my Dad, my family, etc.</b>, and it was all lifted complete with photos, titles and all content, with no links back to the owner at all. And for what purpose? To sell "AD SENSE" ads, so that they could make money off of the readerships clicks on the ads. Tacky, I say.<br />
See the article below that Deb wrote and shared with her readership on her blog. I'd love to hear if this has ever happened to you, or what you think you'd do if it were your personal situation.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://decodivadebi.blogspot.com/2012/02/cyber-theft-cracking-case.html" target="_blank">http://decodivadebi.blogspot.com/2012/02/cyber-theft-cracking-case.html</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uJnEWJtN6sg/TUBcjQvltAI/AAAAAAAAMNI/Ht5sY0_Rvj4/s1600/None" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uJnEWJtN6sg/TUBcjQvltAI/AAAAAAAAMNI/Ht5sY0_Rvj4/s1600/None" /></a></div><br />
</div>Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13108570859594197670noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6064555306012044591.post-52964305445961132862012-02-06T14:51:00.000-08:002012-02-06T18:29:47.171-08:00Details are a Good Thing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">So I'm trying to be better about updating my blog, and since I'm homebound nursing my back to health I will post two days in a row. Score for me. . . :)<br />
<br />
This was a custom order for my husbands, Aunt Debbie. She attended a Junk Market Under Glass event with her sweet daughter, Christi and I happened to be wearing my personal "Believers Necklace". She loved it, and asked that I try to do a focal similar to mine for her. It took a while for me to amass the right elements, but than finally, it all came together for me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dNkh_1fCtdw/TzBVrLTkZJI/AAAAAAAAMt4/6mqoqN5cHJc/s1600/IMAG4476.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dNkh_1fCtdw/TzBVrLTkZJI/AAAAAAAAMt4/6mqoqN5cHJc/s640/IMAG4476.jpg" width="482" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">This was sent to Debi right before the Holidays and this is what she received in the mail. The photograph of the mannequin with wings is one I took last Summer and had made into professional stickers. This made a nice little extra touch for her otherwise white cardboard jewelry box that I have been packaging my SOLD items in when shipping via the mail.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FOemjZp6INY/TzBVwyxwfiI/AAAAAAAAMuA/tqX-mFPnQvU/s1600/IMAG4477.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FOemjZp6INY/TzBVwyxwfiI/AAAAAAAAMuA/tqX-mFPnQvU/s640/IMAG4477.jpg" width="482" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I love bakers twine for packaging and happened to have it in aqua/white, black/white and grey/white for my packaging choices. When I found this pretty aqua feather in my stash and the ivory floral pick, I decided to use this for her package. I of course, was short on time, and oh how easy it would of been to throw that white box in the bubble mailer. However, I'm glad I took the time for presentation. This was one of my highest price point items, thus deserving of forcing myself to slow down and take that extra time to gather the right materials to make a statement. In turn this went from a blah, to ahhha package with a few extra touches.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hFXCYA8ycUg/TzBV3DqojXI/AAAAAAAAMuI/p7LTs7sfJKQ/s1600/IMAG4478.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hFXCYA8ycUg/TzBV3DqojXI/AAAAAAAAMuI/p7LTs7sfJKQ/s640/IMAG4478.jpg" width="482" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I bought these picks one year at the end of the Holiday season on clearance for like .29, and it probably would be about that same time of the year that I bought these, so if you like them places like JoAnn's, Michaels or Hobby Lobby would be apt to be the kinds of places to carry something that could be used like I did here.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X5WD6guTpxg/TzBWFPhochI/AAAAAAAAMuQ/3-8Vg18mvAI/s1600/IMAG4475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X5WD6guTpxg/TzBWFPhochI/AAAAAAAAMuQ/3-8Vg18mvAI/s400/IMAG4475.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>This photo shows the focals of the necklaces. My original one that she loved is on the right. What I recreated for her is the one on the left. Each of ours has about 18 vintage religious charms and I carefully chose each and every one to be more desirable for a person that is of a Protestant faith vs. the Catholic faith. So no saints were used, and only one of Mary. <br />
Many of you know that I create only OOAK (One of a Kind) jewelry designs, so when Debi asked me to make one like mine, I explained to her that I couldn't do exactly. When one works with vintage elements like I do for these creations, I can only make it resemble one another, not duplicate. The "believe" silver tone and bronze tone word tabs and the crown elements are new, so that portion was changed with the words being chosen in different metals, but all else is vintage elements. A pretty good match and I think she was pleased in the end with the results.</div>Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13108570859594197670noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6064555306012044591.post-9026897182001525252012-02-05T19:43:00.000-08:002012-02-05T19:43:53.291-08:00A Few January Sold Items<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">It has been a while since I posted some of the jewelry I've been creating and/or have sold, so thought I'd share a few items real quickly tonight. My Internet is having fits, so I'll make it short and just a few photos. Enjoy... Sorry, but these all have sold at either recent events or through my face book site.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">On a side note, I have been laid up most of last week with quite a severe back issue, but am hoping that I am on the mend now. It appears that the good Lord is telling me to slow down a bit, and smell the roses, as I tend to go pretty non-stop when I'm awake. Unfortunately, this may mean some down sizing at future shows, but this will unfold according to how my back heals from this injury. It was not lifting excess weight, but rather reaching for a jewelry product off a shelf in a backwards grab while walking forward and my sacroiliac came to a screeching halt and chose to lock up for about a week. Not a fun thing to experience, but indeed I am much more fortunate than many that actually have a lingering illness they are battling and even those that are fighting terminal disease. This just has gotten my attention.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q83XdxTkXAU/Ty9EAUA5RAI/AAAAAAAAMtY/CsTfEi9ipok/s1600/ballchain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q83XdxTkXAU/Ty9EAUA5RAI/AAAAAAAAMtY/CsTfEi9ipok/s640/ballchain.jpg" width="482" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Bethlehem Steel, Sparrow Point numbered vintage brass tool tag id, along with a sparrow bird, turquoise nugget and a long antiqued gold tone ball chain necklace.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y4WdXiumf24/Ty9EFD013sI/AAAAAAAAMtg/MGfOsjRv7I0/s1600/cuffs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y4WdXiumf24/Ty9EFD013sI/AAAAAAAAMtg/MGfOsjRv7I0/s400/cuffs.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">These two lovelies are both sold, but are buttery soft leather adjustable style cuff bracelets and I have a variety of these types of pieces that will be featured at the March 1-3rd Junk Market Under Glass event at <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Otten </span>Bros. Nursery in Long Lake, MN. This is a fabulous event that you'll want to be sure to plan to attend and schedule it on your calendar.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XGwVRIgxA6E/Ty9EJR4nK8I/AAAAAAAAMto/nZw2OarmORE/s1600/LakeGirlCloseup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XGwVRIgxA6E/Ty9EJR4nK8I/AAAAAAAAMto/nZw2OarmORE/s640/LakeGirlCloseup.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">I will continue to create my original hand stamped spoon pendant necklaces with bling and also simply stamped spoon pendants for those that like a more modern feel to theirs. These pendants are scattered through out the internet with others selling them now, but I'm happy to say that mine were originally created into necklaces early on and still are an original design that had been inspired by a local gal stamping plant markers out of silverware. About four years ago, I bought some of hers, and made them into pendants, and soon after started using my vast collection of silverware I had been collecting to hand flatten, hand stamp, hand polish, hand ink, drill and hand select the bling pieces that I would cold solder to each pendant, choosing it according to what had been stamped on them. Thus, the hand stamped spoon pendant was born... Because of the wear and tear on my body and an injury I suffered while setting up at an event several years ago, I have since started hiring a friend to use his industrial press to save my back from one step in this multi step process. You may think they are simple, easy to duplicate, but truly they are a labor of love and quite time consuming, when you attempt to create a well made design.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iEAjHI3pQag/Ty9ERjs5HEI/AAAAAAAAMtw/pS-mfWwMBz8/s1600/largecross.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iEAjHI3pQag/Ty9ERjs5HEI/AAAAAAAAMtw/pS-mfWwMBz8/s640/largecross.jpg" width="482" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">This was one awesome piece that had two different chain options sold with it, so that there were many ways in which it could be styled. With it's oversized leather tooled cross, vintage key, gorgeous chunky semi precious gemstone bead and funky heart and cowboy hat, it was a quick seller at my recent Trunk Show.</div><br />
</div>Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13108570859594197670noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6064555306012044591.post-61198237905531174632012-01-02T19:47:00.000-08:002012-01-02T19:47:42.661-08:00A Fresh Beginning ~ 2012 ~ One Word Choice<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As the New Year has arrived with only today to reflect on 2011, I would like to wish you all a Happy and Blessed New Year!</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Looking back on 2011 and all that has transpired, I would have to say that I am once again so grateful. It is with thanksgiving and praise that I will go forward into 2012 hopefully a better person. As I believe we should each continually grow in our lives, I personally will continue to work on my spiritual, family, personal and business growth for 2012 and on into the rest of my life.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">With these challenges, I can say that I am so excited to start 2012 with a fresh new attitude. One I haven't always been aware of nor have I always practiced as much as I would of hoped. So in 2012, I am choosing to through aside certain words I normally would use in my vocabulary and make a concentrated effort to add certain words that maybe in the past I would not of taken note of or chosen to use. The words I toss out will be ones that normally would tend to hinder my growth and I am giving them the boot, and with God's help moving forward to a better place. I have goals to accomplish and things to learn and see. Many of these words were a part of the reasons I haven't accomplished what I'd like to, or become the person that I believe God would like me to be. You may be wondering, what some of these words may be, that I am hoping to extinguish with God's help? To start with a few of the words on my list will be "I can't", "fear", "failure","scared", etc. I think you get the picture...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you've followed my blog for a year or more, you might remember last year when I chose a word to live 2011 by. Trying to pick just one word is a joke for a wordy girl like me, so I cheated. I chose two words. They were shared in my "One Word to Live By" post. You can read about my struggle to find that choice word <a href="http://www.mimitoriasdesigns.blogspot.com/2011/01/word-to-live-by2011.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">here</span></a> , as in that blog post I shared all about my 2011 word I had choses for growth. It was interesting to go back and read what my thoughts were about it. I of course, had forgotten about some of the things I had planned to change and goals I had set, and I actually found I had failed on many accounts. Below is a portion of that post from 12 mos. ago and the struggle I was experiencing at that time with choosing just one word. So here is part of what </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I had written...</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"><i><b></b></i></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Nope...I wasn't sure. The word "inspire" kept coming to me. I "inspire" to be a better person in 2011. I "inspire" to be a better Mom, Wife, Friend and Sister in 2011. I "inspire" to grow in my jewelry design business, and as a jewelry designer. I "inspire" to learn to do more effective photography and photo editing. I "inspire" to learn new things in 2011. I "inspire" to be a better blogger. I even plan to "inspire" some of you in 2011 through my blog. I "inspire" to share more tutorials and how-to's on my blog as well. So, "Inspire" is what I chose...</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Wait you say... That's two words. "Redesign" and "Inspire". Guess what? I'm breaking the rule. I am so not a rule breaker, but I'm starting 2011 with being a rule breaker. I'm choosing two words to live by in 2011. I maybe should have chosen "motivation" as both of my words are motivational words, but "Redesign" and "Inspire" are what kept coming to me through my pondering.</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So now its 2012, and I've chosen my word for 2012. It will be "I CAN"... Yes, another two words, but if you are having problems with the rule breaking I'm doing, than I'll just say it's "ICAN" and than I'm only using one word. :)</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Here's what motivated me to choose these words. For the past two years I have been following along, have learned an amazing amount of information both with regards to photography, PSE use (or rather my need to get one for Christmas this year), fell in love with the use of textures and layers on photos, and also was even contributing for a short time on Kim's Inspiration Studio blog (this blog is no longer active). Cool stuff for sure, but then I dropped the ball and got super busy with life and my jewelry business and neglected the stuff I wanted to do to learn and grow.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So late last week this blogging friend of mine, Kim Klassen has a wonderful blog post she shared at <a href="http://shuttersisters.com/home/2011/12/29/ohyes-you-can.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Shutter Sisters</span></a>. It was totally what I needed to get motivated and ready to move forward in 2012. As a blogging fan of Kim's various blogs, it was through her that I was initially inspired to figure out what it was that I wanted to do and how i wanted to grow in 2011. I am so thankful for her challenges and continuation of encouragements that she shares through her blogs. Her recent post at Shutter Sisters garnered many comments, and below is an example of another reads comment and than my personal comment as well.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>One reader commented:</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #482d18; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;"><i>I am taking your quote: Whatever you want in life, you can do it…. It may take hard work…there may be mountains to climb, obstacles to move....but it's completely doable. First you must believe you can. This will be my 2012 words to live by...</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #482d18; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #482d18; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>I CAN learn PSE10... I CAN learn how to use the fabulous accumulation of Kim Klassen layers/textures and brushes that I've been buying for the last 2 years... and I CAN become more proficient with my photography which will than enhance my vintage jewelry redesign business.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #482d18; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #482d18; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>I CAN grow in my love for Jesus, my husband and daughter and be a light to those that He puts in my life through my every day life journey and my art career as a jewelry designer.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #482d18; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #482d18; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;"><i>Thank you Kim for another beautifully inspiring post, for being so real and for the challenge to do more of the "I CAN" vs. the "I CAN'T". Need to be of that attitude for 2012. One step at a time!</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #482d18; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #482d18; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;"><i>Gretchen</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #482d18; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;"><i>December 30, 2011 | Gretchen Schaumann</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #482d18; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #482d18; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As I read the above comment I had just written from my heart in Kim's blog post response, I knew right then that the words "I CAN" were destined to be my words for 2012. Kind of an interesting way that they came to be the words, but perfect for what I need to do. Indeed, they aren't fancy words, or poetic and such, but they are instead action words, which is perfect for what I desire to do and be in 2012.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #482d18; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #482d18;">The last two days have consisted of me using the new action words "I CAN", as I have spent both days on my MacBook Pro trying to organize and sort through tons of photos to eliminate some of the mess I have on my computer and also have been working on learning Photoshop Elements 10, which I got for Christmas. Kim Klassen, is offering a free </span><a href="http://www.kimklassencafe.com/elements-skinny-mini-ecourse/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Photoshop Skinny Mini eCourse</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #482d18;"> starting January 9th, and I'm signed up to participate in it. To learn more about this wonderful free opportunity go check out her </span><a href="http://www.kimklassencafe.com/elements-skinny-mini-ecourse/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Kim Klassen Cafe</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #482d18;"> site. Thank you Kim for all that you've shared so graciously that has encouraged me on my journey.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1BUdwFbVDY/TwHpXYWW3eI/AAAAAAAAMs8/yyId4bqGpPI/s1600/Susansweba_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1BUdwFbVDY/TwHpXYWW3eI/AAAAAAAAMs8/yyId4bqGpPI/s320/Susansweba_edited-1.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;">Thanks to Heather H for spending time with me at Caribou Coffee to help me with editing the above photo last Thursday on my new PSE10 software I got for Christmas. This is some of the techniques and looks that I hope to continue to learn for 2012 and enhance my photos and business through the use of these techniques. I will be taking Kim's class this month and it should help as well. Necklace was created for a Christmas gift for one of my customers, by her thoughtful husband. He has done this for her two years now, and he always has a meaningful reason behind his purchases for his wife. So cool!</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #482d18; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #482d18; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So, long story short, my word for 2012 will be "I CAN". What will your word or goals be for your fresh New Year? Another of my goals is to improve my blog visually, as well as actually do better with posting. Maybe, I will get to the point where I can post a short post and not such a long winded one like this one has become and actually do the posting more often. :) That would be awesome... I have good intentions and than life gets in the way, or the photos aren't ready, etc... and than I don't post. Here's to a better New Year..</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #482d18; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #482d18; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My next jewelry event is coming up soon and I will share more about that in the days ahead. For now, mark your calendar for January 28th, a Saturday. This event is one you'll not want to miss...</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #482d18; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #482d18; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Sorry for the lack of photos in this post, as I've been doing some messing around with my computer and can't quite upload the new photos of jewelry quite yet. This blog post was originally started days ago, so I'm going forward and hitting the "post" button, or it will be like other posts and end up sitting in my draft box never to be posted... I need to be better about finishing one task at a time. However, in my defense, my daughter asked me to spend some time with her on her last day off of Christmas break, and thankfully I decided to take the opportunity and put aside my blogging and learning, so I apologize for mostly words, and only one photo.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #482d18; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #482d18; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;">What is it that you would like to do differently this year? Anything at all, or do you not do the whole New Years self improvement thing? Please share your hopes and dreams for 2012 with me. I'd love to hear them. Can you believe that I've only done this for two years in my entire life? I did not grow up in a goal setting family, so this is all new to me. Kind of fun...</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #482d18; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #482d18; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">HAPPY NEW YEAR!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #482d18; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">~Be blessed~</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uJnEWJtN6sg/TUBcjQvltAI/AAAAAAAAMNI/Ht5sY0_Rvj4/s1600/None" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uJnEWJtN6sg/TUBcjQvltAI/AAAAAAAAMNI/Ht5sY0_Rvj4/s1600/None" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #482d18; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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</span></span></div>Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13108570859594197670noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6064555306012044591.post-45343552438477567672011-12-15T09:16:00.000-08:002012-02-11T11:33:12.603-08:00For Sale Necklace Items 13-19<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">You've been asking for some jewelry for sale to be listed, so without further ado, here you go... Be assured all items I create are OOAK (One of a Kind) creations. Contact me if you need lengths on these or more details.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>gretchen.schaumann@comcast.net</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Necklaces</u></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> #13</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Vintage Hardware French Vanilla Necklace</div><div style="text-align: center;">$62.00<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">SOLD</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Necklace is a mix of antiqued Silver and Gold tone chunky links with Baroque Faux Vintage Glass Pearls, Vintage Chippy Hardware with Ivory Rose resin set inside hole, and a gorgeous filigree Vintage Mother of Pearl Cross Focal. Truly stunning in person. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eDWQ4IqBXrc/Tun_8XxxZuI/AAAAAAAAMok/whl5UGAMzUM/s1600/IMAG4275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eDWQ4IqBXrc/Tun_8XxxZuI/AAAAAAAAMok/whl5UGAMzUM/s640/IMAG4275.jpg" width="482" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N9ZkY2VyOxc/TuoAChCxWvI/AAAAAAAAMos/AZ8cAj_kwoI/s1600/IMAG4276.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N9ZkY2VyOxc/TuoAChCxWvI/AAAAAAAAMos/AZ8cAj_kwoI/s640/IMAG4276.jpg" width="482" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T3mv2UzTYtg/TuoAJtxFvOI/AAAAAAAAMo0/7Nlh5edKsd8/s1600/IMAG4277.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T3mv2UzTYtg/TuoAJtxFvOI/AAAAAAAAMo0/7Nlh5edKsd8/s640/IMAG4277.jpg" width="482" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>#14</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">"Play" Mother of Pearl Necklace</div><div style="text-align: center;">$44<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">AVAILABLE as of 2/5/12</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Vintage Mother of Pearl Ivory linked beads with unique religious connector attached to a Vintage optical lens with a sparrow shaped book page punched out with the word "Play"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7ex9IrdIl2g/TuoBCzhlYKI/AAAAAAAAMpk/E7PU-GbLyGk/s1600/IMAG4243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7ex9IrdIl2g/TuoBCzhlYKI/AAAAAAAAMpk/E7PU-GbLyGk/s640/IMAG4243.jpg" width="482" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FvVnv0guLrc/TuoATbU_ctI/AAAAAAAAMo8/eQvyvFjVjlc/s1600/IMAG3865.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FvVnv0guLrc/TuoATbU_ctI/AAAAAAAAMo8/eQvyvFjVjlc/s640/IMAG3865.jpg" width="482" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZUk19GReMVA/TuoAdK26CvI/AAAAAAAAMpE/PC5H2DZ7sYw/s1600/IMAG3866.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZUk19GReMVA/TuoAdK26CvI/AAAAAAAAMpE/PC5H2DZ7sYw/s640/IMAG3866.jpg" width="482" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>#15</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">BT 410 Necklace</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">SOLD</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Long Antiqued gold tone ball chain necklace with Industrial vintage tag (see details in 3rd photo below), tear drop shaped focal piece has a wood/crackly look to it, and has been layered with the BT 410 Vintage tag, vintage keys and a vintage rhinestone bling. The ball chain can be cut with a scissor to a shorter length if that is your desire.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nbigmwJTZSk/TuoAlk6GolI/AAAAAAAAMpM/N1wCxqDpv8A/s1600/IMAG4225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nbigmwJTZSk/TuoAlk6GolI/AAAAAAAAMpM/N1wCxqDpv8A/s640/IMAG4225.jpg" width="482" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YVrlYsDMShc/TuoAurtph0I/AAAAAAAAMpU/Pj37RwtV2gI/s1600/IMAG4226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YVrlYsDMShc/TuoAurtph0I/AAAAAAAAMpU/Pj37RwtV2gI/s640/IMAG4226.jpg" width="482" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--kjReG9z-Z8/TuoA5x0qGGI/AAAAAAAAMpc/WuNnry_yHPA/s1600/IMAG4227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--kjReG9z-Z8/TuoA5x0qGGI/AAAAAAAAMpc/WuNnry_yHPA/s640/IMAG4227.jpg" width="482" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>#16</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Chunky Robins Egg Blue Maltese Cross Necklace</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">SOLD</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">This necklace is so cool in person. The photos do not do it justice at all... Layers of gorgeous gold vintage chains, and this fabulous Chunky Robins Egg Blue Maltese Cross focal with the rhinestones all set in and all intact is truly stunning. This is a conversation piece for sure. Love this one...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rkg4pX3Vlps/TuoBMgARPQI/AAAAAAAAMps/I6X6_yw8LRQ/s1600/IMAG4253.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rkg4pX3Vlps/TuoBMgARPQI/AAAAAAAAMps/I6X6_yw8LRQ/s640/IMAG4253.jpg" width="482" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fkGr5Z186nw/TuoBWTan17I/AAAAAAAAMp0/sgiWkd7l3Xs/s1600/IMAG4254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fkGr5Z186nw/TuoBWTan17I/AAAAAAAAMp0/sgiWkd7l3Xs/s640/IMAG4254.jpg" width="481" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>#17</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Antiqued Silvertone Vintage Amber Locket Necklace</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"> SOLD</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">This necklace has some gorgeous huge vintage amber faceted crystals and a beautiful shabby chic oval locket with amber set in stone and rhinestones. The shabbiness of it shows that the locket was dearly loved in its past life and makes me wonder who owned it? Was it a gift from a loved one, long ago? Love these shabby saved pieces such as this locket and I personally feel the missing pieces add a mystique to the piece.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kgUbgOVgZBE/TuoBeRsT3kI/AAAAAAAAMp8/iu4jDWIR_jw/s1600/IMAG3909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kgUbgOVgZBE/TuoBeRsT3kI/AAAAAAAAMp8/iu4jDWIR_jw/s640/IMAG3909.jpg" width="482" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ozuh_PrmGOs/TuoBnBscNlI/AAAAAAAAMqE/7sLL7V6IYHw/s1600/IMAG3910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ozuh_PrmGOs/TuoBnBscNlI/AAAAAAAAMqE/7sLL7V6IYHw/s640/IMAG3910.jpg" width="482" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c_6tGxa7GqA/TuoBvL4Ot8I/AAAAAAAAMqM/73nG8Ut9alU/s1600/IMAG3911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c_6tGxa7GqA/TuoBvL4Ot8I/AAAAAAAAMqM/73nG8Ut9alU/s640/IMAG3911.jpg" width="482" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AMONEfumzU8/TuoB4Y2c8rI/AAAAAAAAMqU/3WP6Nyc9myI/s1600/IMAG3912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AMONEfumzU8/TuoB4Y2c8rI/AAAAAAAAMqU/3WP6Nyc9myI/s640/IMAG3912.jpg" width="482" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YHTEmMUKssQ/TuoCBS2R8rI/AAAAAAAAMqc/uY07kVYpcfU/s1600/IMAG3913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YHTEmMUKssQ/TuoCBS2R8rI/AAAAAAAAMqc/uY07kVYpcfU/s640/IMAG3913.jpg" width="482" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>#18</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Silver tone & Vintage Amber Nugget Necklace</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-weight: normal;">SOLD</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">This necklace has some gorgeous a huge vintage amber faceted crystal focal, vintage rhinestone roundels, black silk ribbon, and another smaller vintage amber faceted crystal and hangs from a antiqued silver tone chain.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mezwnaq25Vo/TuoCMLQipDI/AAAAAAAAMqk/jXjv1GF5bb4/s1600/IMAG3903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mezwnaq25Vo/TuoCMLQipDI/AAAAAAAAMqk/jXjv1GF5bb4/s640/IMAG3903.jpg" width="482" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8U3a68tJkDg/TuoCW2XVr-I/AAAAAAAAMqs/bJfyTMHxMJ0/s1600/IMAG3904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8U3a68tJkDg/TuoCW2XVr-I/AAAAAAAAMqs/bJfyTMHxMJ0/s640/IMAG3904.jpg" width="482" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Bracelets</u></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>#19</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Time for a Queen Bracelet</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">$32.00</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">AVAILABLE as of 2/5/12</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">This bracelet has a gorgeous look to the chain and is vintage with a safety clasp. I have created a layered drop of vintage mother of pearl, vintage watch face, filigree and a queen crown which is new and is silver plate. This is such a pretty bracelet.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X5YPMTb7hcs/TuoCf6kuSII/AAAAAAAAMq0/lhaPN1ztrqw/s1600/IMAG4269.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X5YPMTb7hcs/TuoCf6kuSII/AAAAAAAAMq0/lhaPN1ztrqw/s640/IMAG4269.jpg" width="482" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iKLjUxX7xRQ/TuoCo53DboI/AAAAAAAAMq8/dYTTJn6nhcc/s1600/IMAG4270.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iKLjUxX7xRQ/TuoCo53DboI/AAAAAAAAMq8/dYTTJn6nhcc/s640/IMAG4270.jpg" width="482" /></a></div><br />
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</div>Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13108570859594197670noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6064555306012044591.post-91617563568150595982011-12-12T18:25:00.000-08:002012-02-11T11:42:35.318-08:00Jewelry For Sale Holidays 2011 & a Thank You<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: justify;">Wow! Thank you to all of my loyal followers for hanging in there while I was away doing some local large events in September and now recently the traveling "Trunk Shows". I always love the local events as I get to interface with you my followers and customers, but this year having two large events back to back about cleaned me out. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I had to keep my nose to the grindstone (a family farm saying I grew up with), and create, create some more and continue to create to fill the needs of the Trunk Shows I was committed to do in November. These traveling events were indeed a privilege to be featured at and I so appreciated it. So a big thank you to Beth and John from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Antiques-Downtown/107743585918170" target="_blank">Antiques Downtown</a> in Elk River, MN and Mary of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001365958545" target="_blank">Marishka's</a> in St. Cloud, MN for allowing me to set up within your shops. My jewelry will continue to be for sale at Marishka's in Central Minnesota, so be sure to stop in to this lovely shop during your shopping jaunts. It's a wonderful boutique style, warm and cozy shop.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Now, onto the job at hand... Listing some jewelry for sale for my loyal customers that have been begging me for months to get some new items offered up. Just in time for the Holidays too! </div><br />
While scrolling through the items think this: <br />
1) would this work for me?<br />
2) would these earrings be fabulous for _______ as a gift for Christmas? <br />
3) wouldn't this be a perfect match for my dear friend, ______. She just loves hand created one-of-a-kind jewelry that no one else in the world owns.<br />
<br />
So here is the start of a few postings I will be making every couple of days. First come, first buy. :)<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Earrings </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">All earrings are (OOAK) One of a Kind</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">E1</div><div style="text-align: center;">Antiqued Sterling Silver Lever Backs with Abalone, vintage faux glass ivory small pearls and Vintage Sterling Silver Filigree connector accents with floral motifs </div><div style="text-align: center;">$29.00</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p0JjJyvLY5w/TuapPxVl4vI/AAAAAAAAMnE/IMpPvCeiWhE/s1600/IMAG4172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p0JjJyvLY5w/TuapPxVl4vI/AAAAAAAAMnE/IMpPvCeiWhE/s400/IMAG4172.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">E2</div><div style="text-align: center;">Antiqued Sterling Silver French Hook wires with Vintage Sterling Silver Filigree connector accents with floral motifs and fabulous triangle shaped Vintage Light Blue set in rhinestone drop focals</div><div style="text-align: center;">$27.00 <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">SOLD</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L0MV0w_LLOQ/TuapVaTZTaI/AAAAAAAAMnM/Zcbp8h2NGD8/s1600/IMAG4170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L0MV0w_LLOQ/TuapVaTZTaI/AAAAAAAAMnM/Zcbp8h2NGD8/s400/IMAG4170.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">E3</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Antiqued Gold Large Hoop French Wires with fabulous Vintage Peachy Pink connector elements, Clear AB Swarovski crystals, bead caps, and Strawberry Quartz Faceted Beads. Truly Stunning in a Shabby Chic Way.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">$27.00 <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">SOLD</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--t8AlLxGJYE/Tuapan-JjyI/AAAAAAAAMnU/ruT2vA2YLMs/s1600/IMAG4174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--t8AlLxGJYE/Tuapan-JjyI/AAAAAAAAMnU/ruT2vA2YLMs/s400/IMAG4174.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">E4</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Antiqued Gold Large Hoop French Wires with Unique Champagne</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> colored crystal drops with Antiqued Gold Star Fish Focal Drops</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">SOLD</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSTjwQPt9Vk/Tuapfed2Z_I/AAAAAAAAMnc/AOTHKCQHEYo/s1600/IMAG4171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSTjwQPt9Vk/Tuapfed2Z_I/AAAAAAAAMnc/AOTHKCQHEYo/s400/IMAG4171.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">E5</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sterling Silver Lever Back Earrings with Vintage crystals and Sterling Silver Filigree Drops</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sparkly and Beautiful</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">SOLD</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-48PVq16jGho/TuapmQvmBSI/AAAAAAAAMnk/BVQVPviie9E/s1600/IMAG4179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-48PVq16jGho/TuapmQvmBSI/AAAAAAAAMnk/BVQVPviie9E/s400/IMAG4179.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">E6</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sterling Silver French Hook wires with Vintage Sterling Silver Filigree Connector accents with floral motifs and</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">gorgeous Vintage Swarovski Grey AB Crystals and clear crystal accents. Sparkly and Gorgeous.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">$26.00</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SWkQPmM6r1k/TuapsOnffCI/AAAAAAAAMns/ra1AIZPgc2c/s1600/IMAG4160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SWkQPmM6r1k/TuapsOnffCI/AAAAAAAAMns/ra1AIZPgc2c/s400/IMAG4160.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">E7</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">14 kt Gold Filled Lever Backs with Gorgeous Twisted Gold toned Connector accents and Vintage Glass Faux Large Baroque Chocolate Brown Pearls with Vintage Gold Filigree Bead Caps</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">SOLD</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--CEIwHl8wNQ/Tuapx2gL3yI/AAAAAAAAMn0/BkuV6Fl8lYY/s1600/IMAG4145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--CEIwHl8wNQ/Tuapx2gL3yI/AAAAAAAAMn0/BkuV6Fl8lYY/s400/IMAG4145.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">E8</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Antiqued Gold Large Hoop French Wires with Vintage Cameo Connectors and Vintage Glass Faux Pearls in a Copper Color along with Vintage Gold Bead Caps and Vintage Swarovski Clear Crystals</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">SOLD</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kjbxCcVdsWM/Tuap3mQQhzI/AAAAAAAAMn8/M1O6RaJW2AQ/s1600/IMAG4144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kjbxCcVdsWM/Tuap3mQQhzI/AAAAAAAAMn8/M1O6RaJW2AQ/s400/IMAG4144.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">E9</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">14 kt Gold Filled French Wire Hooks and Vintage Filigree Connectors and </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Vintage Gorgeous Red Crystal Set in Rhinestone focals</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">$29.00</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zLQ7dUDodfo/Tuap9CJnVYI/AAAAAAAAMoE/8Ss5JSPpRGc/s1600/IMAG4156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zLQ7dUDodfo/Tuap9CJnVYI/AAAAAAAAMoE/8Ss5JSPpRGc/s400/IMAG4156.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">E10</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">14 kt Gold Filled French Wire Hooks and Gold Filled Filigree </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Findings and Vintage AB Swarovski Bullet Style Crystals</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">$29.00</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EIdJmRSZGE8/TuaqCSQ39TI/AAAAAAAAMoM/lSdzWb6RxYs/s1600/IMAG4192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EIdJmRSZGE8/TuaqCSQ39TI/AAAAAAAAMoM/lSdzWb6RxYs/s400/IMAG4192.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">E11</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Antiqued Gold Large Hoop French Wires with Vintage Filigree Gold Beads </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and Vintage Glass Faux Large Ivory Pearls</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">$22.00</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A6tykwlFwVo/TuaqHAhtP_I/AAAAAAAAMoU/HTHN26poXxw/s1600/IMAG4193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A6tykwlFwVo/TuaqHAhtP_I/AAAAAAAAMoU/HTHN26poXxw/s400/IMAG4193.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">E12</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">14kt Gold Filled Lever Backs with Vintage Brass oval Beads, tiny seed beads, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Vintage Gold Bead Caps and Vintage Blue Baroque Faux Glass Pearls</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">SOLD</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gvjNkAiYYqA/TuaqNUg9haI/AAAAAAAAMoc/AfY9bT6sp2o/s1600/IMAG4200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gvjNkAiYYqA/TuaqNUg9haI/AAAAAAAAMoc/AfY9bT6sp2o/s400/IMAG4200.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><br />
More items will be listed soon. Let me know if you are interested in any of these and I can set them aside until I have everything listed and you've had a chance to see it all. Thanks for your interest.<br />
<br />
Gretchen</div>Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13108570859594197670noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6064555306012044591.post-58201812287495091742011-11-07T10:29:00.000-08:002012-02-11T11:43:05.993-08:00Mimi-Toria's Design upcoming Trunk Show - November 11th & 12th<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: justify;">Hope to see you this Friday or Saturday when I bring an array of vintage redesigned jewelry for a two day showing at Antiques Downtown, at a great location in the original downtown area of Elk River. There is ample parking in back as well as along the front of this store. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PKlDagRRNvk/TrfkCJGtexI/AAAAAAAAMj0/fbCXy3x_vTo/s1600/DSCN6782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PKlDagRRNvk/TrfkCJGtexI/AAAAAAAAMj0/fbCXy3x_vTo/s400/DSCN6782.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">If you haven't been here before, than you are definitely missing out on some great opportunities to go treasure hunting. This shop may be one of the best kept secrets in Minnesota, so come on in and check it out. There are <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">3 </span><span class="Apple-style-span">floors of great shopping goodies to check out and each floor boasts fabulous finds...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r06y9QRjI-o/TrfkhYJbFTI/AAAAAAAAMj8/vdGUpXnPSMk/s1600/No+2+focal+and+key.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r06y9QRjI-o/TrfkhYJbFTI/AAAAAAAAMj8/vdGUpXnPSMk/s400/No+2+focal+and+key.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">My Trunk Show is helping to celebrate Downtown Antiques Anniversary Sale which runs, November 11, 12 and the 13. I will be set up for all of the Friday and Saturday hours that the shop is open, but not on Sunday. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here are the Anniversary Sale Dates and times:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>November 11th - 10am - 8pm (Friday) </b><b> </b><b>6pm - 8pm (Customer Appreciation Night)</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>November 12th - 10am - 6pm (Saturday)</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>November 13th - 10am - 6pm (Sunday)</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">During all three days there will be special discounts in many of the booths. Refreshments will be served throughout the sale dates too. On Customer Appreciation Night, a special <a href="http://networkedblogs.com/pkzrY">LaDeeDa Designs</a> fashion show will be held at 6:30 on Friday the 11th by Lori Gravink which you won't want to miss either. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">So, I took a drive up to Elk River to see my location that I will be setting up in the shop so that I could plan effectively and snapped some photos of the goodies that are currently in their shop and for sale. They may be gone by the time the sale starts, but here is what was there last Friday when I shot the photos. The photos are meant to give you a sampling of the great finds you may expect to run across at this hidden gem. It is not a typical antique shop with rows and rows of shelves of glassware and misc. items, however you will also find lots of that too. Some photos for you...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-etaId4_VoYo/TrgIog3aITI/AAAAAAAAMkE/VRJrJ_bZsL8/s1600/DSCN6756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-etaId4_VoYo/TrgIog3aITI/AAAAAAAAMkE/VRJrJ_bZsL8/s400/DSCN6756.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">One of the things I love about Beth and John running this shop, is that they've stepped outside of the box of a typical antique shop, and have chosen to move forward with the times and offer their customers what it is many people are currently collecting, using and decorating their homes with. They set up wonderful room style vignettes and displays, so that you have the visual of how it might look in your own settings.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fCh3-0Zo6Ao/TrgI7BlrluI/AAAAAAAAMkM/TWUGjMNEVK8/s1600/DSCN6757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fCh3-0Zo6Ao/TrgI7BlrluI/AAAAAAAAMkM/TWUGjMNEVK8/s400/DSCN6757.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">This particular space has a lot of industrial style elements housed in it, and they are WILDLY popular with the Junking and Gardening style lovers and or collectors. My favorite piece in the entire shop happened to be housed in this area... Can you guess which one it is?</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rO2HpbX1Bp4/TrgJOH096rI/AAAAAAAAMkU/nhdLkN2eDPs/s1600/DSCN6758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rO2HpbX1Bp4/TrgJOH096rI/AAAAAAAAMkU/nhdLkN2eDPs/s640/DSCN6758.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Did you guess right? Did you pick this beauty out of that previous photo? This my friends, would be my #1 pick of the entire 3 floors of shopping paradise. How perfect it would be in my Jewelry Design Studio... Just love it!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-68i6_zntjfk/TrgMyE7U70I/AAAAAAAAMlU/4SWya6op6lg/s1600/DSCN6779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-68i6_zntjfk/TrgMyE7U70I/AAAAAAAAMlU/4SWya6op6lg/s400/DSCN6779.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Another excellent example of showcasing antiques to their finest potential. What a great visual this would give a shopper as to how something might/could look in their home. Don't you agree? That lovely settee was my second love in the shop. Coolest ever....</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-La6j8B0Cjjg/TrgJc7ssxUI/AAAAAAAAMkc/vRCtMhQTRE0/s1600/DSCN6760.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-La6j8B0Cjjg/TrgJc7ssxUI/AAAAAAAAMkc/vRCtMhQTRE0/s400/DSCN6760.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">So cool in fact that I had to toss the throw pillows that were covering up its beautiful details, so that I could give you a close-up and personal shot of the incredible back piece that was added to this lovely... Love it second best of all!</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xxEkLbPcsG8/TrgJu66W0iI/AAAAAAAAMkk/N2Meq249ewo/s1600/DSCN6763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xxEkLbPcsG8/TrgJu66W0iI/AAAAAAAAMkk/N2Meq249ewo/s640/DSCN6763.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">,,,and this dresser is another beauty in the shop all the work is done, you just need to buy it and haul it home.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bOYrvSjV3G8/TrgKEoQz4HI/AAAAAAAAMks/imVZCb8jw1o/s1600/DSCN6767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bOYrvSjV3G8/TrgKEoQz4HI/AAAAAAAAMks/imVZCb8jw1o/s640/DSCN6767.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Ok, so I'm a jewelry designer after all... You didn't expect me not to pick out a gorgeous display piece in my top picks now did you? </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">A lovely well worn dress form for sale on the upper level. Love this...</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uUyfI5-pNvw/TrgKTfqIGJI/AAAAAAAAMk0/b-95wMc_ogA/s1600/DSCN6776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uUyfI5-pNvw/TrgKTfqIGJI/AAAAAAAAMk0/b-95wMc_ogA/s640/DSCN6776.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Love this box I saw way up on a top shelf in the top level of the shop.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aegQNPTPsuI/TrgRS5psjHI/AAAAAAAAMlc/2jBrhv9FouU/s1600/DSCN6777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aegQNPTPsuI/TrgRS5psjHI/AAAAAAAAMlc/2jBrhv9FouU/s640/DSCN6777.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">A basket of elements waiting to get a new lease in life with a junker re purposing and putting them back into duty.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-55OjFCUGl2c/TrgR-z4hG0I/AAAAAAAAMls/xYy-70DB_MQ/s1600/DSCN6764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-55OjFCUGl2c/TrgR-z4hG0I/AAAAAAAAMls/xYy-70DB_MQ/s400/DSCN6764.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">This lovely vintage wood toolbox has already received a new lease on life as a lovely Fall display piece for this arrangement. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">This is the art of re purposing... one neglected and forgotten element at a time.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RvtQdrUoBCs/TrgS4gwBcjI/AAAAAAAAMmE/JMroRfp_DQc/s1600/DSCN6772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RvtQdrUoBCs/TrgS4gwBcjI/AAAAAAAAMmE/JMroRfp_DQc/s640/DSCN6772.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Another example of a creative vendor re purposing a vintage element and making it something different than its intended use. I believe this may be a baptismal made into a table now, but I'm not sure.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EcWxbyMSgH4/TrgSnehHNbI/AAAAAAAAMl8/Omp6JldfjjQ/s1600/DSCN6769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EcWxbyMSgH4/TrgSnehHNbI/AAAAAAAAMl8/Omp6JldfjjQ/s640/DSCN6769.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">The shop also has typical lovely vintage furniture finds such as the above photo shows too.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R_qomx5SJwU/TrgTrh0sfpI/AAAAAAAAMmc/ZuxikxVClkQ/s1600/DSCN6775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R_qomx5SJwU/TrgTrh0sfpI/AAAAAAAAMmc/ZuxikxVClkQ/s640/DSCN6775.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Vintage clothing is sprinkled through out the shop, as vendors find these great elements, but remember, Lori of Ladeeda will have an entire space set up during the event of her vintage clothing, upcycled clothing and fun and funky finds.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YARR0xenxrE/TrgTL92jFdI/AAAAAAAAMmM/g5m2ImCuDK4/s1600/DSCN6773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YARR0xenxrE/TrgTL92jFdI/AAAAAAAAMmM/g5m2ImCuDK4/s400/DSCN6773.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">The shop also boasts great shelving style vendors with units filled with whatever it is you may be looking for as well. This display is on the third floor of the three floor antique shop.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-idAbrNg2jfM/TrgTbzPOtWI/AAAAAAAAMmU/ycDk2q8gmb8/s1600/DSCN6774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-idAbrNg2jfM/TrgTbzPOtWI/AAAAAAAAMmU/ycDk2q8gmb8/s400/DSCN6774.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">This booth on the 3rd floor always has meticulous displays in her shelving units and this color coordinated shot shows the time and effort she puts into her space. No dust settles on her shelves....</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SWaLmuI4mg8/TrgSTo5VaRI/AAAAAAAAMl0/F7zr9sD4TMk/s1600/DSCN6765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SWaLmuI4mg8/TrgSTo5VaRI/AAAAAAAAMl0/F7zr9sD4TMk/s640/DSCN6765.JPG" width="481" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">The tour wouldn't be complete without touching on the fabulous jewelry vendors at this shop. They are all favorites of mine, and although not all are represented by these photos there is a paradise for vintage redesigners and collectors to be found behind the doors of the Antiques Downtown of Elk River shop.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nLPjpGlRPOk/TrgUOHydYvI/AAAAAAAAMms/TXyBu8fjVRI/s1600/DSCN6780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nLPjpGlRPOk/TrgUOHydYvI/AAAAAAAAMms/TXyBu8fjVRI/s640/DSCN6780.JPG" width="481" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Be sure to check out each of these fabulous ladies through out the shop for treasures. Great sales going on in the jewelry department booths during the sale dates too. Rumor has it that one of the ladies in the shop named Jodi, really shows her customer appreciation extra much during the sale, so be sure to ask about her multiple booth spaces.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YGM285rTwPE/TrgUgkNiZ2I/AAAAAAAAMm0/XMOZzmyvgrY/s1600/DSCN6781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YGM285rTwPE/TrgUgkNiZ2I/AAAAAAAAMm0/XMOZzmyvgrY/s640/DSCN6781.JPG" width="481" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Yes, they've got it covered... There is even a purple/red section for those of you into that tradition.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YhQoWjdmI7Q/TrgRteKpQcI/AAAAAAAAMlk/xaoZrja6K2I/s1600/DSCN6755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YhQoWjdmI7Q/TrgRteKpQcI/AAAAAAAAMlk/xaoZrja6K2I/s640/DSCN6755.JPG" width="481" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Cases of gorgeous jewelry and collector quality pieces are included in the venue at this shop. I'm sure you can see why this is one of my favorite places to shop. It's been my best kept secret for quite a few years, but it's time to share now and spread the word....</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">So this is where you'll find me this upcoming Friday and Saturday. I will showcase some of the pieces I will have at the show in a couple of days. Hope to see you there.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
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</div></div>Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13108570859594197670noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6064555306012044591.post-30192620595886133712011-11-03T10:17:00.000-07:002011-11-03T10:17:39.326-07:00Kindred Spirits<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;">I love meeting kindred spirits. Do you? I didn't always enjoy meeting new people, in fact believe it or not, I was once a very, very shy girl... Here's a little story about what Gretchen Johnson was like, and how she has grown to become, Gretchen Schaumann, a vintage redesign jewelry gal.</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;">Meeting kindred spirits is something that always makes my soul grow and I love that. Kind of strange how one comes full circle in life... Quite often we become what we are taught and/or exposed to in our lives. Fortunately for me, this particular attribute is a positive attribute in which I inherited and/or learned from my family. These personality traits, tendencies and or experiences were a part of our daily lives, and show to me at a very young and tender age. So here's a little information about my upbringing and how I've come to be who I am today, and how I feel I've come full circle. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;">As the youngest of seven, yes seven, I remember that I was told what to do, how to do it, and when to do it by 9 other people in my life. My siblings may disagree, but I believe this to be reality. Not a bad thing mind you, just what I believe is often true when your numerical order is at the very bottom of a brood of others. The seven of us were born in a twelve year time period, so life was a flurry of activity always in our household, with all of us working together as a team to make a large family unit work.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;">So in the big white farmhouse set on a hill, with its green shingled roof and green trimmed windows it housed my two parents, six siblings (three brothers and three sisters) as well as a fraternal Grandmother that lived with us most of the year during most of my early childhood, and myself. These living arrangements made for eight elders to follow, to listen to, and to be told what to do. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;">As a result, while a young child I was a wee bit shy. I believe that my being used to everyone doing/saying/thinking for me, I didn't really need to make too many choices, say too much or figure too much out as it was already preconceived how the end results should be. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t7v1ZKFmFAw/TrLLPui9UeI/AAAAAAAAMjU/-5f-xargvcA/s1600/White+necklace+w+cross%253Aplaque%253Acrown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t7v1ZKFmFAw/TrLLPui9UeI/AAAAAAAAMjU/-5f-xargvcA/s640/White+necklace+w+cross%253Aplaque%253Acrown.jpg" width="440" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;">So as this story goes, as a young child I remember my parents being <b>extremely</b> friendly people... As a shy child, I could not stand my parents talking to everyone they met... It would embarrass me, or so I thought. They used to close our church down, literally... On any given Sunday, as they walked out those big double church doors to head home for our usual large Sunday family dinner, if there were any out of town visitors to our small town of 356 people, they would invite them to our home for dinner (lunch to you city folks). Argh! Interestingly enough, this is how my oldest brother, Paul, and his wife, Nancy, ended up meeting. She was the new teacher in town, and my parents invited her for dinner after church and the rest is history.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;">So as a young child, much to my chagrin and at the time shyness, this drove me nuts... </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;">Ha Ha, so here I find myself much like my parents. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c6micqKcc2s/TrLLbzL3u9I/AAAAAAAAMjc/X3IYkAjmVd0/s1600/white+necklace+focal+details.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c6micqKcc2s/TrLLbzL3u9I/AAAAAAAAMjc/X3IYkAjmVd0/s640/white+necklace+focal+details.jpg" width="482" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;">I've noticed these things about myself:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;">~I am friendly. Sometimes, the shyness still rears itself, but I push myself to be outgoing and thus it results in a reality of confidence and truly loving people.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;">~I love to meet new people. One of the favorite things of doing my jewelry design shows is interacting with my customers, new and old. Some of my most cherished friendships started out initially as customers and than grew into deep friendships.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;">~I tend to be the last person to leave many places now. Just LOVE to visit, and talk.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;">~I try to make others feel important, which they are, and express that through my conversations with others.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;">~I talk to strangers while I am standing in line waiting with them, whether they like it or not. :)</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;">~And I so enjoy turning a crabby persons disposition into a brighter one by doing what I call "Pouring on a little Sugar and Cream". </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;">My theory of "Sugar and Cream":</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;">Sugar and Cream can come by way of a <b>sincere</b> compliment.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;">Allowing someone else to go first, when they've just about knocked me over to get there. :)</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;">Holding the door for a crabby person.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;">Saying thoughtful things and being extra patient when customer service people have had a bad day.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;">Being thoughtful and asking about their day vs. my own... (I still have a long ways to go on this one)</span><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JOjU6HHxnCQ/TrLMHKZmiWI/AAAAAAAAMjs/vEvf-w2HKYI/s1600/No+2+Key+with+rhinestones+wrapped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JOjU6HHxnCQ/TrLMHKZmiWI/AAAAAAAAMjs/vEvf-w2HKYI/s640/No+2+Key+with+rhinestones+wrapped.jpg" width="422" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;">It is really kind of fun to do some of these things, and take a mental note and watch and see how we can make a positive difference in peoples lives. People in general are in such a hurried attitude these days, and I am constantly trying to fight that myself with attempting to remember to pour "Sugar and Cream" onto those God brings into my path each day. I have seen some wonderful results from just attempting to do what I believe my parents were trying to teach us their children in their everyday lives. I may not be inviting random strangers to my home for Sunday dinners, as hospitality and cooking is not my natural gifts, but doing for others things that I can and am able to do is my own version of what I believe my parents were instilling in us.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;">So all this is to say, is that I've become my parents in some ways, which is something I swore I'd never do. ha ha Eating my own words. I find I just love to meet new people, and if I listen, take the time, we can both grow and become better people. After all that's what our purpose here on Earth is about... to minister to others. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;">I am so blessed and thankful that God has given me any and all jewelry design talents, as I give Him the credit and glory. Without Him, my creativity would be void. My purpose would be in vain. I hope that through my jewelry design, I am able to minister to others in a non run of the mill way, when I take the time to show and share His love with those He chooses to put in my path.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iqdaDnhuN-4/TrLMDvnk0xI/AAAAAAAAMjk/lx7YNNVqeoI/s1600/White+necklace+key+gemstone+crown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iqdaDnhuN-4/TrLMDvnk0xI/AAAAAAAAMjk/lx7YNNVqeoI/s640/White+necklace+key+gemstone+crown.jpg" width="482" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;">I feel I have met so many "kindred spirits" through my jewelry design, my blog and my friends I've met on the junking trails. Thank you for being in my path... I truly do this for the love of creating and the joy of interacting with my customers most days of the years. There are a few days each year where I get worn down and tired, overwhelmed or have to fight being frustrated, etc., but overall 97% of the time I'm loving what I do. So all in all, I just want to thank you for being a part of my life, for reading my blog, for those of you that have supported my jewelry design business, and those of you that have been supportive in any way throughout my lifetime.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;">Do you find any of your family upbringings to enhance your life? If so, please share and tell me how its affected who you are today. Good or Bad, it's what makes us who we are, and we are each special in His sight.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;"><br />
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</span></div></div>Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13108570859594197670noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6064555306012044591.post-67529617115015305002011-10-22T20:30:00.000-07:002013-06-25T07:35:21.501-07:00A Trunk Show at Marishka's on St. Germain<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mGEp6VUE0Ko/TqNxY8agawI/AAAAAAAAMfg/bm1-HnaJOjg/s1600/IMAG3031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mGEp6VUE0Ko/TqNxY8agawI/AAAAAAAAMfg/bm1-HnaJOjg/s400/IMAG3031.jpg" width="400"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br>
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><h2 style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 0px;">Marishka’s</h2><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">Located in St. Cloud, MN, this boutique style shop, is tucked away in a beautifully restored building in the downtown historic shopping district on St. Germain Street. Marishka's is located at: 811 West St. Germain Street in a thriving neighborhood of eclectic shops.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><br>
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">Mary Franke, the passionate shop owner will greet you with a smile as you enter the front door and you will leave feeling like an old friend. The warmth of Mary and the atmosphere of her incredible shop will send you off vowing you'll be back soon. Her unique treasures in vintage, European antiques, repurposed treasures she picks for her shops, boutique style gorgeous clothing lines for both women and men, scarves and fun accessories, home furnishings new and vintage, home accessories and up to the minute updated jewelry keeps you coming back. Most items are one-of-a-kind, so when you see it and love it, you buy it.</span></span></div><br>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D5cXG4LAFpA/TqNxgKjvKmI/AAAAAAAAMfo/sQavWN_Qlgg/s1600/IMAG3033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D5cXG4LAFpA/TqNxgKjvKmI/AAAAAAAAMfo/sQavWN_Qlgg/s640/IMAG3033.jpg" width="356"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br>
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Right inside the front door there was a beautiful Fall Harvest display of hand created velvet pumpkins in which real stems from last years pumpkins were used. They are all the rage online, but Marishka's was my first introduction to these lovely designs located on the bed in the above photo. They are gorgeous...</div><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tzb2TXiEcXs/TqNxpLJ_ePI/AAAAAAAAMfw/aRSFvO64d4U/s1600/IMAG3036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tzb2TXiEcXs/TqNxpLJ_ePI/AAAAAAAAMfw/aRSFvO64d4U/s640/IMAG3036.jpg" width="358"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Mary has a great eye for detail and merchandising her shop...the photo above with the fresh produce nestled on the straw bale, with the pumpkin sign beckoning behind, is an example of her talent. Her merchandising is layered beautifully and there is always a scene waiting to be discovered in her store.</div><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U6iU3Uc6wIk/TqNxv0x9UvI/AAAAAAAAMf4/oFhDAbuWWsM/s1600/IMAG3037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U6iU3Uc6wIk/TqNxv0x9UvI/AAAAAAAAMf4/oFhDAbuWWsM/s640/IMAG3037.jpg" width="356"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Home furnishing accessories, some new, mostly vintage and usually gracing a lovely patina on them.</div><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4ff0-_Jf2No/TqNx_o55w8I/AAAAAAAAMgI/IFWxyLnnWd8/s1600/IMAG3040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4ff0-_Jf2No/TqNx_o55w8I/AAAAAAAAMgI/IFWxyLnnWd8/s400/IMAG3040.jpg" width="400"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mary offers both soft and hard furniture pieces in her shop. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Note the incredible original brick wall in the background...</div><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9Z7yR4Nxirs/TqNx5IA5G8I/AAAAAAAAMgA/6SMep26s7Ac/s1600/IMAG3039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9Z7yR4Nxirs/TqNx5IA5G8I/AAAAAAAAMgA/6SMep26s7Ac/s640/IMAG3039.jpg" width="358"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Beautiful wood floors adds to the ambience...</div><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BHpIlGNjOw0/TqNyElpJ3oI/AAAAAAAAMgQ/zGlmt1O92w4/s1600/IMAG3041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BHpIlGNjOw0/TqNyElpJ3oI/AAAAAAAAMgQ/zGlmt1O92w4/s640/IMAG3041.jpg" width="358"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lovely one-of-a-kind home furnishings...</div><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zwr3FqnMHzA/TqNyYFpqaiI/AAAAAAAAMgo/4Ly8Ba-vJ5Y/s1600/IMAG3046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zwr3FqnMHzA/TqNyYFpqaiI/AAAAAAAAMgo/4Ly8Ba-vJ5Y/s400/IMAG3046.jpg" width="400"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">She carries multiple lines of jewelry, as well as artist created designs in which she hand picks. She carries accessories such as purses, scarves, belts and other fashion finds which are also tastefully hand picked by Mary, to accent and enhance the clothing lines that she sells in her shop.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Mimi-Toria's Designs Jewelry</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">will be coming to her shop November 18th.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FLMhqI8_VoY/TqN0wihT-6I/AAAAAAAAMhg/rMP5IDe5gUM/s1600/1317610498430.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="167" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FLMhqI8_VoY/TqN0wihT-6I/AAAAAAAAMhg/rMP5IDe5gUM/s400/1317610498430.png" width="400"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Mary also searches out MN artists and I am happy to say I will be her featured Artist at her shop during the upcoming St. Cloud Fall Art Crawl, in the downtown shopping district in St. Cloud. It will be held on November 18 from 5-8 p.m and I will be doing a Trunk Show in her shop during this event. </div><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xs5IUJe4c6Y/TqNyd2lw8LI/AAAAAAAAMgw/6FJfb-qj9iw/s1600/IMAG3049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xs5IUJe4c6Y/TqNyd2lw8LI/AAAAAAAAMgw/6FJfb-qj9iw/s640/IMAG3049.jpg" width="358"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Marishka's is a perfect match up for my Mimi-Toria's Jewelry and it will be great to be working with her. As you can see Mary uses vintage displays to feature her jewelry she has for sale and it is a perfect fit for my vintage redesign jewelry I create.</div><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U1OzUDSlmLs/TqNyhGR8DEI/AAAAAAAAMg4/GzW_c9oMCvw/s1600/IMAG3050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U1OzUDSlmLs/TqNyhGR8DEI/AAAAAAAAMg4/GzW_c9oMCvw/s640/IMAG3050.jpg" width="358"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">There is a great area in her shop that has wonderful clothing for sale too. The shop has four different distinct areas as well as the most gorgeous changing room ever. I love her changing room. See photos below.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br>
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UujeTUzK_pw/TqNyoDdEqkI/AAAAAAAAMhA/rmqavc-MQ1I/s1600/IMAG3052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UujeTUzK_pw/TqNyoDdEqkI/AAAAAAAAMhA/rmqavc-MQ1I/s640/IMAG3052.jpg" width="358"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The lovely changing room! My personal favorite spot in the store...</div><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n2kfy3GlJEc/TqNyxk5pf2I/AAAAAAAAMhI/mn2SFj-Zb5I/s1600/IMAG3053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n2kfy3GlJEc/TqNyxk5pf2I/AAAAAAAAMhI/mn2SFj-Zb5I/s640/IMAG3053.jpg" width="358"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love this sign and exposed area in the changing room...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">you can't fake this look.</div><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r6vhomyc2Ro/TqNy3oHkrPI/AAAAAAAAMhQ/MGRJjQxa2vY/s1600/IMAG3056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r6vhomyc2Ro/TqNy3oHkrPI/AAAAAAAAMhQ/MGRJjQxa2vY/s640/IMAG3056.jpg" width="358"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Some examples of the beautiful antique furniture you will find peppered through out her shop.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Below are some photos of the Mimi-Toria's Designs Jewelry pieces </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>that I will be selling at the </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Trunk Show </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>at Marishka's</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>811 West St. Germain Street</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b> on November 18th from 5-9 p.m.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br>
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x3lYugDkBss/TqN04EFdLQI/AAAAAAAAMhw/_-cOZnwioyk/s1600/IMAG3212-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x3lYugDkBss/TqN04EFdLQI/AAAAAAAAMhw/_-cOZnwioyk/s640/IMAG3212-1.jpg" width="386"></a></div><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YdDpD_dKgdY/TqN06zFX6LI/AAAAAAAAMh4/4GPw-XJvHZI/s1600/IMAG3213-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YdDpD_dKgdY/TqN06zFX6LI/AAAAAAAAMh4/4GPw-XJvHZI/s640/IMAG3213-1.jpg" width="378"></a></div><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jBRYWZXtSww/TqN1FW6PCOI/AAAAAAAAMiI/-Zguf8xuDR4/s1600/IMAG3224-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jBRYWZXtSww/TqN1FW6PCOI/AAAAAAAAMiI/-Zguf8xuDR4/s640/IMAG3224-1.jpg" width="358"></a></div><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NCVwOJK2N5E/TqN0_QzrtnI/AAAAAAAAMiA/tO_0QdEV-GY/s1600/IMAG3223-1-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NCVwOJK2N5E/TqN0_QzrtnI/AAAAAAAAMiA/tO_0QdEV-GY/s640/IMAG3223-1-1.jpg" width="330"></a></div><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4fui9QGq3B0/TqN00LyaPKI/AAAAAAAAMho/U1FgwgyMl_4/s1600/1317611231003.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4fui9QGq3B0/TqN00LyaPKI/AAAAAAAAMho/U1FgwgyMl_4/s640/1317611231003.png" width="524"></a></div><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DropPqC6FE4/TqN1J0n4nWI/AAAAAAAAMiQ/tq_iZQbiO4w/s1600/IMAG3230-1-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DropPqC6FE4/TqN1J0n4nWI/AAAAAAAAMiQ/tq_iZQbiO4w/s640/IMAG3230-1-1.jpg" width="448"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I hope to see you at the Trunk Show, but if you can't make it then, be sure to take the time to stop on in and check out this downtown gem in St. Cloud. I promise you won't be sorry you did.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQK-oM-r2Og/TqNxTtNq7RI/AAAAAAAAMfY/Dz-1fO-f2AE/s1600/IMAG3030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQK-oM-r2Og/TqNxTtNq7RI/AAAAAAAAMfY/Dz-1fO-f2AE/s640/IMAG3030.jpg" width="358"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br>
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uJnEWJtN6sg/TUBcjQvltAI/AAAAAAAAMNI/Ht5sY0_Rvj4/s1600/None" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uJnEWJtN6sg/TUBcjQvltAI/AAAAAAAAMNI/Ht5sY0_Rvj4/s1600/None"></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"></span></div>Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13108570859594197670noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6064555306012044591.post-28940362706344986032011-10-16T17:46:00.000-07:002011-10-16T17:46:56.057-07:00ETSY and Thoughts about Customs<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Apple Chancery';">Every heart has its passion,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Apple Chancery';">Doing what you love gives your spirit wings.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Apple Chancery';">author unknown</span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Apple Chancery';"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Apple Chancery';">Did you know that I have an ETSY store? Trying to get it started, but I am still working on orders from the last two events in September, as well as custom orders I've had backed up for a while, so it's been very hard to get enough items extra to list in my Etsy store too. </span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Apple Chancery';"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Apple Chancery';">I also have 2 Trunk Shows that are coming up in November that I am designing jewelry for too, as I need to have a good variety of product for each of these show dates. Mark your calendar...</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Apple Chancery';"><br />
</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Apple Chancery';">The first one is:</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Apple Chancery';"> <b>November 11 & 12th</b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Apple Chancery';"><b>Antiques Downtown</b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Apple Chancery';"><b>Elk River, MN</b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Apple Chancery';">(held in conjunction with their anniversary sale at their shop too)</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Apple Chancery';"><br />
</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cnf7OJcTvIQ/TptxA9MMsJI/AAAAAAAAMfQ/zJp9S_wljA8/s1600/IMAG3372-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cnf7OJcTvIQ/TptxA9MMsJI/AAAAAAAAMfQ/zJp9S_wljA8/s640/IMAG3372-1.jpg" width="358" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/84012303/necklace-silver-vintage-redesigned">To see how to purchase on<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> ETSY</span></b> click on hi-lited link:</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Apple Chancery";">'A wise person once said, “Find something you love to do,</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Apple Chancery";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and you’ll never have to work another day of your life”.</span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: "Apple Chancery";">Obviously, this is a generalized statement, but truly if you love what you are doing, it really doesn’t seem like work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For me personally, when I am designing jewelry on my own, and not a custom commissioned piece, it does not feel like work, as it’s something I love to do and feel so blessed to be able to freely create.</span><span style="font-family: "Apple Chancery";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: "Apple Chancery";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: "Apple Chancery";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">However, sometimes</span> when I’m doing a custom design as per a customers specifics that it can become work, if I’m not inspired by what I am to create.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I find balance is the key in my design business.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have chosen to say “yes” to some of these custom designs as a service to my clients, but it isn’t something that I would choose to do over the freedom of creativity that I usually have when I just let my found elements/beads and baubles inspire me to design with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I often find it a struggle to get myself creating these custom orders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you find this the same for you and your business?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If so, what have you found to be effective to get yourself motivated to create someone else’s vision?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Apple Chancery';"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: "Apple Chancery";">Truly, it isn’t that my vision is better than someone else, or better the wants specified from a customer, or anything like that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It just is that then my creativity feels like it's put into a box.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, the box may be large, or it may be very specific and concise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nonetheless, this box so to speak, is a specific set of parameters, and as an Artist I find it sometimes squelches my creativity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not that eventually, maybe a really great piece is created for a said customer, but it takes me longer, and I find I need to have the elements I’m creating with in my possession for a longer amount of time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Than suddenly one day, a design inspiration may strike me, and I can start on the project commissioned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or, maybe I’ve run out of time allotted and I just have to bite the bullet and design, inspired or not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I find this to be the worse case scenario.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How about you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you have any creative exercises to deal with this portion of your business?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or do you never choose to do custom orders?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: "Apple Chancery";">As a customer, how does this affect you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you get impatient with the wait, when dealing with people such as myself that struggle to create under a set of parameters?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or does the end result outweigh the frustration of the wait?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d love to hear the feedback from you all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Apple Chancery";">Please, don’t anyone think this is intended for you….<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Apple Chancery";">It is not!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: "Apple Chancery";">I am at my cabin for a 24 hour period and have been working on jewelry orders, as well as just some free design work (my own creativity at work), and was editing some photographs of photos I’ve not ever gotten around to editing, when this blog post jumped in my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">NOT</b> intended to apply to anyone in the past that I’ve designed custom pieces for, nor is it for any I’m working on now, or in the future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just some thoughts I wanted to explain and also wanted to get feedback from other Artisan followers as to how they handle custom orders and their creativity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, would love to hear from past, present and future customers as to how you feel and/or handle it when you are on the waiting side of this.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: "Apple Chancery";"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Apple Chancery';">On a side note... I cannot take any custom requests through the end of 2011. Time to get caught up on back logs of customs. Sorry...</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Apple Chancery';"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Apple Chancery';">Stay tuned for future post on the upcoming Trunk Shows. The second date is:<b> November 17 & 18th in St. Cloud, MN at Marishka's on St. Germain.</b> A lovely boutique style shop located downtown St. Cloud. I will be the featured Artisan on November 17th as part of their annual "Art Crawl". Mark your calendar...</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Apple Chancery';"><br />
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</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Apple Chancery";">Have a great day!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Apple Chancery";">And be blessed ~<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Apple Chancery";"><br />
</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Apple Chancery";">Gretchen :)</span></div><!--EndFragment--></div>Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13108570859594197670noreply@blogger.com5