Giveaway for my New 2012 Calendar

ArtSea Chic

Join me on Art Sea Chic blog beginning Monday for my giveaway of the new 2012 Inspirational Coastal Calendar.  One lucky winner will Ring In the New Year with a free calendar.  So stop by the above, and sign up.
Calendar also avail as well through direct sales by emailing me at byHisgrace30@gmail.com
for cost of $15 +$4.95 shipping

Sea glass & sea shells

Two of my favorites! Just a quick mobile post to share a picture of a custom frame I just completed. I'm thinking of possibly carrying a small line of various frames like this, & just needed y'all to give a bit of feedback. This was in an 8x10, & I handpainted it in a special mix of white with just a tad bit of ivory highlights then added shades of blue & clear sea glass, and beautiful mix of white shells, sand dollars, & finger starfish. Not to mention a little love :)
For cost purposes, the sea glass is hand tumbled, but I may even give the option of real, sea tumbled glass in the future. We'll see, I have a lovely collection of sea glass, that honestly, I have been pretty greedy with sharing in my art.
Well, hope yall are having a blessed day, I'm going to try & do the same. Staying in a spirit of thanks, no matter what comes my way!
Lynnette

Special Post on Healthy Eating on Loving Coastal Living

Dear Friends,
I invite you to visit my other site- www.LovingCoastalLiving.com to view a special early New Years Resolution on Eating Healthy.  It's all about your Thanksgiving Plate- and how eating special Superfoods, are not so hard as you think.  Here's to health now, and in the future!  I want you each to be around a long time, so stop by and see what research I've found.

To all my dear followers, friends:
I wish you all a very special and joyous Thanksgiving Day tomorrow.  Enjoy your families, and just give thanks!  I'm thankful y'all are here, you fill me with inspiration and keep me doing what I do!  Many thanks from the bottom of my heart!

Stepping UP- My Struggle with Illness Revealed

Hello my friends.  I've debated for quite some time whether to do a post on such a personal level about my struggles as an artist, mother, wife, and my life in general and the illness that I've been fighting since 1997.  I finally decided to come public with this.  This will be the first time I've talked publicly on this matter, and although this is not a typical 'Loving Life, happy go lucky' post on the face displayed in usual posts, I hope this helps open doors to others that have their own personal struggles in life.  So to begin, I just want to say thank you for listening to my story.  I am NOT looking for sympathy, just trying to face this matter head on and hopefully touch someone's life with my story.
This is my story.
In 1997, I began having mysterious issues with my health.  I was in my early 20's at this time.  I just given birth to my first child the year before.  Unexpectedly, I began experiencing problems with severe headaches (which I had been plagued with since my teen years).  Soon after these headaches began, I experienced symptoms of weakness in my legs, numbness and tingling in my extremities, visual disturbances, and so on.  It was hard, being a new mom and struggling with such weakness that I felt uncomfortable holding the baby without sitting down, in fear of dropping her or my legs giving out.  I was thoroughly worked up by local doctors, which they all believed at the time I was experiencing the beginning signs of Multiple Sclerosis.   I began pregnant with my second daughter later that year, but was still struggling with these unexplained issues.  I was sent to Mayo Clinic in MN, to which was much a wasted journey because I was expecting.  The physicians there could do very little but view some of my previous testing I had before becoming pregnant.  I returned to my home in MI days later without much resolution to the problems.  As time went on, throughout the year and pregnancy, my symptoms slowly vanished, as quickly as they came on.  I later in 1998, gave birth to my daughter, and life went on without a hitch.
Since nothing conclusive ever came of the mysterious illness which plagued me for approximately 6-8 months in 1997, it was excused, and life was good.  No real signs of it ever existing until again in 2002 or so, I again went down with a similar mysterious illness.  This time it was much worse.  I basically could not function day to day, and some days never made it out of bed.  Between the severe headaches, tremors, weakness now through my entire body, visual issues, generalized pain, incontinence, among a long list of other random problems, my life as I knew it was completely shut down.  At the time, I owned my own business, to which I had to pay people to run.  I saw a long list of doctors, was on a number of prescription medications, and was finally once again sent to Mayo Clinic in MN.  My scheduled 3 day visit lasted over a month.  I had so many issues to address, I was there doing non stop testing. I was amazed at all the things that needed to be addressed!  I was on the verge of losing my liver, simply because doctors had not tested its functional back home.  All the dreadful medications they had put me on to get well, back fired severely.  I had what they called a 'mutant' blood disorder concerning my lipids.  The neurologist was sure so many of my ailments were due to a strange type of migranes.  It was as if I had all the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis, but no proof.  There were tumors on my pancreas, which were biopsied and found to be benign, and the list went on and on.  My brain function was slowly, and at some times in past tests, showed very little if no activity at all.  They called many things, like that, a mystery.  The top doctors of the US, stumped.  Over a month went on will testing everyday, trying to figure it all out.  My family and I decided I finally just had to come home.  The cost involved in hotel, meals, let alone the actual Clinic were driving us into bankruptcy.  My husband was working full time, trying to pay for sitters, and run my business (our brick and mortar store).  The Clinic set goals for me to recover- liver, pancreas, etc.  I went home with a new look on what they had provided.
I remember walking in the door, when I first arrived home that evening after being away from my family for over a month.  My son, was alseep in the entryway way on the floor waiting for me, my daughters both came running out, and my husband was crashed on the couch.  I was so glad to be home.
That didn't mean I was well.  I continued to struggle daily.  I remember one night at a praise and worship evening at my church.  I had just closed the shop, and just felt awful.  I had really wanted to go to the church that evening for the worship, something our church did once a month in place of Wed night service.  I mustered up the strength to just go, and this was what happened.
I remember singing, and listening, and just taking in the awesomeness of the night.  In the middle of a song, the worship leader stood up and began speaking.  He spoke of having faith like Daniel in the Lions Den.  The kind of faith many of us will never be tested on.  How amazing it was that the reality of literally being thrown in the Lions Den and knowing God will protect you and keep you from harm.  It hit me very hard.  I began sobbing and realized I had tried everything.  I ran from doctor to doctor, from drug to drug, and never truly put all my effort into knowing God would heal me.  The hairs began to stand up on my arms, and I felt a rush over me.  After the song ended, I still was on the floor in my row sobbing.  I looked down at my tattered IV drawn arms, all bruised and ugly, and my hands were not shaking like they always had.  As I stood up, and exited that evening I knew something had happened.  I didn't want to speak a word of it to anyone, lest it go away.  I drove home, knowing I was healed.
When I walked in the door, my husband looked up at me and just said, "What happened to you, you look...better."  He saw too.  I went back to my local doctors to be re-tested.  Liver was back to normal, no tumors (which the doctor had to look at papers to see if they weer ever there), no headaches, no weakness, or pain.  He asked me what I'd done, so I told him.  He scoffed, he never believed me.
Now years went on with no headaches, and problems.  Like it had never happened.  Until approx 2007.  I began having minor issues with my heart, colon, and some other ailments, but nothing like anything I had went through before.
Then in April of 2010, I became ill once again.  Much like before.  I felt like it couldn't be happening, what had went wrong?  Since then, I have suffered daily to live a normal life.  I sometimes wonder what I'm holding back from God, or myself, that is keeping me from receiving His healing once again.  I continue to stay faithful- I know it is possible!  And I also know there is a reason for everything.  Over the course of the past couple years, I have found an amazing peace within myself and everything around me.  Something I never have experienced before.  I still struggle everyday with my extremities, and pain & numbness.  Somedays I walk with a cane, others my hands are too sore to do anything.  I drop things often, run into things because my perception is off, I have visual problems which cause headaches, I'm being worked up for a possible heart problem, and life is just plain hard.  I have some good days too, to which I fully tend to overdo it.  Trying to fit in everything I've had to push aside.  I have a slew of ailments from time to time, some new, some the same old stuff I dealt with before. I have a number of 'diagnosis'.
I have learned to slow down, my body will stop me in my tracks if I don't listen.  I am still a go getter, and always over work, now at home only.  My artwork was created out of this illness.  I always thought I wasn't talented in this type of way, but it has proven to be a beautiful therapy.  Yes, I care if it sells, I think we all want someone to appreciate what we do, but creating and selling gives me importance once again, rather than lying down and living without purpose.  I rest in the joys of the little things in life, the sea and its beauty is one of my greatest inspirations.  I love the laughter of my children, and I regret the things I missed out on because of my careers.  I'm going to live each moment to the fullest I can.
It's taken me many days to complete this post, just because of pain in my hands, but its out.  I hope that whatever you may be struggling with, whether illness or not- this brings you inspiration to keep going.  Thanks for taking the time to listen, I know I've forgot a tons of stuff, but now you know.  You know when I may speak of my illness, this is what it is.  I've met many artists in the same boat since my illness.  I hope this gives everyone a little insight to what is behind my art, and the reason it exists.

Hurry, contest ends soon

Hurry over to  Sallyleebysea's blog, and enter to win! Contest ends & winner is drawn tomorrow! Theres still time to sign up, visit this link:
http://nauticalcottageblog.com/2011/11/coastal-giveaway-win-150-seashell-frame-custom-beach-photo/
Time is running out, and I can't wait to work with the winner!

Visit Loving Coastal Living for the latest featured artist!

Please visit LovingCoastalLiving for FULL Story...

Hello friends, blogging break must come to an end!   To start off I have a fabulous duo to introduce to you all, definitely one of my favorite shops on Etsy!  You can tell these two ladies are a bucket full of fun, and their designs show how much they absolutely love working with each other!  So, please help me welcome 'searchnrescue2' from Etsy- shop owners Beth and Bebe!

Story continues here:http://lovingcoastalliving.wordpress.com/2011/11/14/welcome-a-fabulous-duo-beth-bebe-from-searchnrescue2/

12 Hour Sale

Because I'm feeling pretty inspired, I'd like to sweeten the pot with some super savings to inspire you to shop!
For 12 hours only, from midnight tonight til midnight Sunday, use coupon code INSPIRED & save 30% off anything in the shop.
Don't miss out, this may not ever be offered as a storewide discount again.
Get a jump start on your we wishlist.
Happy shopping.

Working today

Got my paint out and working on some new items. Dry already. I Am Inspired!

GIVEAWAY Time!

Please go to: NauticalCottageBlog.com to ENTER!

{Coastal Giveaway} Win $150 Seashell Frame & Custom Beach Photo

November 11, 2011 By Sally Lee by the Sea 

Happy Friday, friends.  We are thrilled to share a very special giveaway with you this week from the lovely, Lynette, of Sea Shells by Sea Shore.  Lynnette is offering one lucky winner a custom made Sea Shell Frame PLUS a personalized 8″x10″ Writing in the Sand print  which fits in the frame.  The total value is nearly $150!!

The winner will select  their choice of color for a painted frame with seashell accents OR they can select a frame which is fully covered with seashells.  You also get to select what you’d like written in the sand.  This would be a fabulous Coastal Christmas Gift for yourself, friend or loved one.

If you can’t wait to WIN the giveaway then pop over to Sea Shells by Sea Shore and save 20% on your entire purchase with coupon code HOHOHO.  They even offer Layaway!!!

Lynnette, lives on beautiful North Padre Island along the coast of Texas. “I love spending countless hours on the beach year round- like the post man, you’ll find me out there in all kinds of elements- rain, wind, cold, and heat.  I feel a little closer to heaven on the beach and near the sea. The island life is therapeutic to my spirit, mind, and body.”

5 ways to enter the $150 Seashell Frame/Custom Photo Giveaway:

1. Become an email subscriber of  Sea Shells by Sea blog: Loving Coastal Style
2. Visit Sea Shells by Sea Shore store and come back to leave a comment as to your favorite item.
3. Become a follower of Sea Shells by Sea Shore on Facebook
4. Become a follower of Sea Shells by Sea Shore on Twitter
5. Gain one extra entry by becoming a Google friend/Email Subscriber to Sally Lee by the Sea

Giveaway Details: Open to U.S. citizens over 18 years old. Giveaway ends November 17, 2011 at Noon PST.  One winner will be selected randomly. Winners have 48 hours to respond to our email announcement of winning or another winner will be selected. Winner will be selected by random.org

Taking a break

Hi friends.
Just a quick note to inform you all that I will be taking a blogging break. With so much info info inspiration from my latest show last weekend, I can't seem to drag myself to spend time online, when I can be creating.
I won't take too long, but I have to pour myself into my art and some of my refinishing on some fabulous vintage pieces I have found lately.

Do keep your eyes peaked for a terrific giveaway prize from my shop beginning Friday on Sallyleebysea's NauticalCottageBlog.com. The prize value us approx. a $150 value, & it'll be created and shipped before Christmas. You won't want to forget to enter!

So for now, I'll end with- See you all soon!

Wow, what a week!

Hello, my friends.  I am so glad to be able to write!  After a weekend full of computer crashes and total system re-installment, and I so happy to be able to get online.  Funny how much people like myself feel just a little lost when the schedule is compromised.

Enough about that, I'm happy to say that thanks to all my friends, and fans/ followers, we have officially decided to close BeachBumBeauties, and combine all our vintage, jewelry, and other handmade goodies into the one shop.  SeaShellsbySeaShore will now be our one and only, mega store.  We won't hold anything back.  Whether you're looking for Custom Beach Prints, Sea Inspired Home Decor, Loose Shells, Mermaid Hair/ Jewelry Items, Handmade Paper goods, Vintage- it'll all be in one place- easier for you, easier for me!
Thank you all that added comments to facebook, twitter, and personally by email.

With the Holidays right around the corner- we are busy!  We have our first Fall Art Event here locally
this Sunday, Nov. 6th. If you're in the area- I would LOVE to meet you.  I'll be out at Billish (as locals call- Gypsey) Park, near the Padre Island Home Owners Association from 11-4pm.  I have been wanting to participate in this event for a year now- it's super casual, and the kids can play on the playground while the adults shop!  From there, you can take a trip down to the National SeaShore, and enjoy the true natural beauty at it's best!
My second event this year will fall on Sat, Dec. 3rd from 11-4pm located again, on the island at SeaShore Middle Academy on SPID.  I participated in this event last year, and had a fabulous time.  It was actually my very first show, which was held a little earlier in the year last year.  I believe the school is pumping up this year's activities with musical and theatrical events, as well as food vendors- and more art and small business booths.  This is one of the schools bigger Fund Raiser, and a portion of sales go directly to this amazing school.  I have two children still attending the small island charter school.  All the children at this school have amazing opportunities to excel.  Both my daughter's have earned numerous academic awards in state and National Events like the National Science Bowl because of the dedication of the staff, and parents.  I hope if you're nearby, you'll stop by the event to support this school.  Charter Schools receive 33% of funding that a regular Public School does, although the standards and level of commitment shown by many of these types of schools is astonishing.

Heads up also with some special discounts in the shops I am offering too!
www.BeachBumBeauties.etsy.com is liquidating well, but we still have some great gift ideas and lovely products avail- so to push it along, I'm offering a 25% off discount already SLASHED Prices!  Use CLOSE in the coupon code box at checkout.  It'll be a steal!
www.SeaShellsbySeaShore.etsy.com, is having a a pre-Holiday Sale until our event on Sun, Nov. 6th for 20% off anything is the shop (no min. purchase required).  Use HOHOHO in coupon section of checkout!  I have just added many goodies, so squeeze in some quick savings and get a great start on early shopping for the Holidays!

Thank you all for being my friends and supporters, I appreciate each and every one of you!  Comments always make my day!  So please leave one below,
Lynnette

Visit Loving Coastal Living for a look inside

Let me reintroduce myself...

Follow me at the above link to get to know me as an artist and person. Since we didn't have a featured artist scheduled :( for yesterday I thought I'd take a minute to           re-introduce myself. While your there, please take the time to look around!

Many thanks friends!
Lynnette

Feedback please...

I have been deliberating long and hard the fate of my second shop www.beachbumbeauties.etsy.com. I have nearly liquidated everything from the store. My original plan was to close the shop, and combine everything with my main Seashellsbyseashore shop. I have found they have such a similar theme I was actually taking away from sales. Then I decided I would redesign the shop. I initially thought I could create one vintage shop- & discontinue vintage from seashellsbyseashore. However, now again second guessing myself, because it would literally be like starting a new shop from scratch.
As a shopper, would you find it easier to have one large shop, or separate shops- one coastal, & one vintage?
Also I wanted to create a supplies shop or section. As an artist, it is so much easier for me to buy supplies online rather than devoting an entire day running around from store to store wasting time I could spend creating. The thought of having 2 our even 3 stores sound dreadful to me trying to keep everything  active.
So, I'm taking it to y'all for advice. Please share your input with me. The seashellsbyseashore store is well established, with many active stats.

SEASTYLE- Our Latest Featured Artist on LovingCoastalLiving | Loving Coastal Living by SeaShellsbySeaShore

SEASTYLE- Our Latest Featured Artist on LovingCoastalLiving | Loving Coastal Living by SeaShellsbySeaShore

Stop by and visit our other site- you don't want to miss this post. Fabulous photos, and the Etsy Shop featured is so AWESOME!

Monday Featured Artist (Delay) | Loving Coastal Living by SeaShellsbySeaShore

Monday Featured Artist (Delay) | Loving Coastal Living by SeaShellsbySeaShore

We'll have our Featured Interview with an Artist later today on LovingCoastalLiving-- make sure to stop in and check it out friends! Don't forget to leave a nice comment for our hard working artist! Make her feel at home. It'll come out this afternoon.

Custom Photo frames for the HOLIDAYS

Looking for the perfect gift for the Holidays?
Let me create a custom frame (in color or size) for your hard to buy family & friends. Choose your own image, or select an image from our gallery. Many options avail. See sample frames here.
Send requests to byhisgrace30@gmail.com for prices and solutions for great gifts that will be treasured for a life time.

Oct promotion

Shop early for the Holidays! There is huge sales up to 75% off in both shops. To make the offer a bit more appealing use coupon code FREESHIPPING on all orders over $40 - I'll even combine your totals between both shops.

Saying Hello to my friends

I know it's been some time since I've used this blog. My intentions were to only use the new website at www.lovingcoastalliving.com , however I've be rethinking my decision to stop Blogger in general.
Over the next week, I will be trying to devote some time to reintroducing myself on this site again, and devoting more time to the faithful followers that belong to it.
I hope each site will have a personality of it's own, while still focusing on the same views I've always expressed in the past.
I welcome your ideas and feedback.and hope you all will join me on the journey.
Many thanks
Lynnette

Welcome Sara to the Stage! Monday’s Featured Artist Interview | Loving Coastal Living by SeaShellsbySeaShore

Welcome Sara to the Stage! Monday’s Featured Artist Interview | Loving Coastal Living by SeaShellsbySeaShore

Giveaway!

Just in case there's a couple of my friends that never made switch to NEW website.  Please update the settings to the new site at www.LovingCoastalLiving.com
Our giveaway begins today through Sally Lee by the Sea- visit her blog for details!
http://nauticalcottageblog.com/2011/09/giveaway-sea-shells-by-sea-shore-gift-cards/

Please add my NEW Page!

Hello all my lovely friends!  I will NO LONGER be updating this site.  I am in process of getting it's address forwarded to the new site, but just in case- please hop over to the NEW and IMPROVED site on Wordpress.  I have more content and have a lot in store for the site.  Y'all don't forget to sign up as NEW Followers on that site too!


So travel the internet WAVES to LovingCoastalLiving.com and see all the changes!

Raffle Giveaway on Etsy today!

Hello Friends!  Today ONLY- Raffle Giveaway on Etsy today.  Visit my friends on the Aloha Team BNS Treasury today and make a small purchase to enter the raffle for one FREE Custom Beach Writing in Sand from SeaShellsbySeaShore!  Here's an example of what you will get- of course, with the words of your choice! (this customer had requested the footprints, normally there would not be any)

Please click the title of post, or go here! Aloha BNS Treasury

Monday's Featured Artist- Welcome Eileen from Classic Coastal Creations

My latest featured artist is Eileen Shirk of Classic Coastal Creations- sit back, enjoy a cup of coffee and learn more about Eileen and her beautiful jewelry with me here!

    

 I am a native of Virginia Beach, VA. I was raised along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Spent most of my childhood walking and playing along the shoreline searching for shells, rocks and anything organic the waters yielded.  My parents were avid gardeners.  I spent the rest of my childhood afternoons running among the trees, bushes and flower beds.  I loved to pick flowers, and string necklaces.  This was the beginning of my love affair with nature. 
                                                                               
       After a professional career as a registered nurse, and raising 3 wonderful sons, I have returned to my real love, creating art.  I studied art and design at a local visual art center for 3 years.  A couple of seasons ago, my family took a trip to the Smokey Mountains of North Carolina, where we went rock hunting.  I was instantly hooked.  The beauty of the stones we collected were just incredible.


       I started designing jewelry soon after.  I love to work with the organic rhythm of the stones or shells as I incorporate it into my designs.  Now, I am constantly on a treasure hunt, looking for nature’s treats.  Living here at the beach, I am always searching for sea glass and or shells that may have washed up.  Each treasure is then embellished with either sterling silver, copper, and or crystals.

As I started this adventure, I was encouraged to sell my goods and share the beauty of the pieces with the others.  I am alright with this as long as I continue to enjoy the process and it does not turn into production work.  My pieces are available at 4 local venues; I do 2 or 3 outdoors shows each year.

Short term goals, sell enough to pay for my materials and continue to make a high quality product that can be worn and enjoyed for years to come.  I will not compromise the quality of my pieces.  With the prices of metals going through the roof, once again I will only use the best materials to create the best product.  I will just have to scale back on inventory for now until metal prices begin to  drop.
Long term goals, to create a cottage shop business that I may someday be able to make a living at doing what I love doing.
Also, I feel that we need to continue with our awareness and education of the natural world around us, and the gifts it has to offer.


I feel I have the talent, drive and belief in myself to continue with this adventure.  This is what I was meant to be doing all along in my life, just took awhile to get here!
As with all of the arts, while wearing any of my pieces evoke emotion weather positive or negative, I have achieved my goal.  The reaction speaks for itself.
Eileen Shirk
Portsmouth, VA






Here's where you can find Eileen!
Etsy Shop- www.indiocrab.etsy.com
Facebook account/site:  CLASSIC COASTAL CREATIONS, VA

Wonderful and Inspiring Work- thanks so much for sharing with us all!
~Lynnette


**Also, I haven't heard from Eileen today- and we send prayers to her area from the recent Hurricane Irene.  Hopefully she will check in with us soon, and let us know all is well!
Sorry for the technical difficulties on this post and the position of the pictures!

Bright.Bazaar: Typographical Breakfast Nook

Bright.Bazaar: Typographical Breakfast Nook: 1 via 2 There's so much I love about this little breakfast space: the swing leaf table; the box benches with cushion pads; the gloss black...

Help me Welcome Kristin from Inspired by Oceans

Tell us a little about yourself, shop or selling venues.

My name is Kristin Magnus and I currently live in Sparta, WI. I have recently relocated here from a small island community in Maine. So, my inspirations for making nautical jewelry comes from my creativity and love for blue and green hues! I enjoy making pieces of jewelry while sitting at home with my dog Linekin! I started selling on Etsy in June of 2011 and have not ventured from there, but would love to!

Kristin on New Years Eve 1920 Gala with Jim

What are some things that bring you joy or inspire you?

I am truly inspired by the ocean!  Whether I am sitting in a chair by the beach, looking at old photographs of my family in Maine, or relaxing with my love Jim, I am always inspired by the objects around me!

Jim-My Love-Canoeing the Kickapoo River in Wisconsin

Do you work outside the home, or are you self employed?

For the past six years, I have taught Kindergarten and PreK in Maine. I am looking forward to teaching in another state. During the summers, I did a lot of work on Maine cottages and the caretaking of them. I have met many clients, some only accessible by boat and the natural landscape and cottage designs inspired a lot of my work!

Hendricks Head Lighthouse -Inspiration for Work -Southport Island

How long have you been creating, and why did you begin?

Over the past 15 years, I have experimented with many types of art. I enjoy painting, crafts, scrapbooking, and metalwork. I recently started making jewelry because I enjoy wearing earrings everyday!

What are some of your favorites (websites, materials, foods, books, other people’s work, etc.)

My favorite materials are crystal and glass. I also love silver and nautical items. I enjoy eating sushi and Thai with my love Jim and when I am not eating, I’m usually surfing the web, enjoying others’ work. I love looking at nautical-inspired designs including fabric, pottery, and wood creations!  There are so many talented artists on Etsy, that I find myself looking for hours J

My Best Doggie Friend -Named after Linekin Bay, Maine

Where do you live, and do you hope to live elsewhere?

I currently live in Wisconsin, but spent the last 12 years in Maine. I love to travel and have always dreamed of teaching overseas, so maybe one day I will get that opportunity. One of the most beautiful places that I would love to visit or even live is Thailand!

What are some of your short term and long term goals overall.

Overall, I would like to continue to make jewelry and other items including sewn pieces. In the long term, I hope that others can enjoy my work as much as I enjoy making it!

What is your most treasured possession, and why?

My most treasured possession is a beautiful white gold and sapphire ring that my sweetheart purchased for me in the Bahamas. I look at the deep blue and think of our amazing times walking in the white sand and sailing through the ocean! And of course, it’s my birthstone, so that makes it very special!

Do you have a religious or spiritual background?

I would not consider myself religious, but definitely spiritual. I believe that things happen for a reason … when one door closes, another door opens. I see that in life, there is some higher power, but what that is, I’m unsure. I wake up thankful and hope to get the most out of life; spending time with the ones I truly love! 

Thank you Kristin for sharing!  Visit her shop on Etsy at www.inspiredbyoceans.etsy.com

Her beautiful jewelry is so reasonably priced, and I'm sure you'll love browsing her vast selection!

Thanks again, 

Lynnette

www.seashellsbyseashore.etsy.com

www.beachbumbeauties.etsy.com

Latest Featured Artist Interview- Rae Studios

Tell us a little about yourself, shop or selling venues.

I am an artist, wife, mother, step-mother, vegetarian, yogini, environmentalist, social activist, lover of food, books, music, wine and dancing. I guess I can be summed up this way: Silly momma looking for time to create and meditate!

My shop is called, Rae Studios, after my middle name. I designed the logo ages ago so I guess I’ve always had it in the back of my mind that this is what I would be doing with my career. Rae Studios is a comprehensive art studio specializing in interiors and fine art. I am a trained fine artist with an MFA from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York. While studying there, I met my husband, who is an architect. We have been looking for ways to collaborate so I began studying Feng Shui from the American Feng Shui Institute. Rae Studios is a place that fuses my study of Feng Shui with my love for creating objects. I hand knit and sew accessories for the home and family as well as create fine works of art. Sometimes I design some jewelry just to keep things interesting.

What are some things that bring you joy or inspire you?

I love nature. It fuels my soul and jump starts my creativity. I love sitting outside with my cup of coffee in the morning watching the coconut trees rustling in the breeze. When I decided to move to Brooklyn to attend art school, a friend of mine said, “Are you sure you will be able to survive there? I don’t know anyone who needs trees as much as you do!” Well, I did survive and trees really do grow in Brooklyn, but I’m really thriving now that I am surrounded by gorgeous green mountains and the blue, blue sea.

Do you work outside the home, or are you self employed?

Rae Studios is a full time job for me along with raising my two children and two step-children. Part of the mission of Rae Studios is to educate through arts based learning. So I teach private art classes, run a Waldorf inspired homeschool cooperative as well as teach workshops in various art making techniques.

How long have you been creating, and why did you begin?

I can’t remember a time I haven’t been creating! As a child, I would draw my own coloring books, write my own newspaper, make my own puppets (and write the dialogue for the puppet show of course!), make clothes for my Barbies, costumes and sets for our family backyard skits...Art was always important to me.

What are some of your favorites (websites, materials, foods, books, other people’s work, etc.)

My favorite artist is the American painter, Cy Twombly. I love natural materials: wool, cotton, papyrus, hemp, wood, stone, clay. I could eat tomatoes and avocados each and every day and never get tired of them! There are 4 books that I absolutely love and read over and over. They are: One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende, The Bone People by Keri Hulme and The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver. My favorite song is “Get Together” by the Youngbloods which my mom had on a 45 vinyl record that I used to play on my little record player when I was a kid.

Where do you live, and do you hope to live elsewhere?

I live in Kingston, Jamaica in the West Indies. My husband and I moved our family here a year ago from Brooklyn, New York in search of a better quality of life. We love it here! Kingston is set on a crescent shaped harbor and is surrounded by the foothills of the Blue Mountains. It is gorgeous! The children can play outside and we have access to fresh foods year round. There is also a vibrant art community here.

We are keeping the door open to other international opportunities. We enjoy the idea of being an international family and hope to divide our time between Jamaica, the U.S. and Europe or South America.

What are some of your short term and long term goals overall.

In the short term, I want to finish my study of Feng Shui and begin doing consultations; find local stores to carry the Rae Studios brand; have a solo exhibition of my fine art in a gallery here in Kingston and get studio space that is outside of my apartment! In the long term, I would like for the homeschool co-op to become a full fledged school...The Blue Green Studio School for Social and Environmental Justice; to have Rae Studios acknowledged on an international level; travel to Italy and to build an eco friendly house in the Blue Mountains.

What is your most treasured possession, and why?

An original painting that was given to us as a wedding gift by a very dear friend. Her studio was next door to mine at Pratt and we quickly became friends. After my son was born,  I had to return to work as a teaching artist and she became his caregiver. She is one of the most lovely people I have ever met and the way she inspired, taught and cared for my son amazed me. Plus, it is a gorgeous work of art!

Do you have a religious or spiritual background?

I believe that we all have Divine energy flowing through us that connects us to each other, to nature and to the Spiritual world. I pray daily and meditate. I teach our children the Golden Rule and that we are all part of the Divine so all life is to be respected. I teach them to have an open mind and to embrace this life with their very core.

Visit Corey Here: 

http://www.raestudios.net

www.raestudios.etsy.com

Thank you for sharing your story with us!  We wish you all the success and joy from selling your beautiful knitwear and jewelry online.

~Lynnette

Sharing some of my latest artwork/ jewelry from our Etsy Shops

Just wanted to pop in and share some of our latest additions!

Sea Star Vintage Basket

Chunky Pearl, Turquoise, Abalone Necklace

 Vintage Working Man's Tools

 Lovely Vintage Nightgown and Robe

 Little White Sliced Sea Shells for Supplies

 Shabby Chic Antique Frame with Bathing Beauty

 Large Lettuce Coral Display

Dancing Starfish Shadow Box

Sea Inspired, Rustic Baby Wall Decor

Thanks for looking!  You can visit both shops here:

Sea Shells by Sea Shore on Etsy

Beach Bum Beauties on Etsy

Have a wonderful weekend.

~Lynnette