Living a Creative Life

Back about a month ago, I took an online class from a sweet friend of mine, Jeanne Oliver. The class was called, "Building a Creatively Made Business". I'm sure you're wondering why I would take such a class since I already have a business. I've always felt like I was missing something with my business; maybe not reaching out to the right people, perhaps overdoing the FB postings, or not having the right angle on some of my photography. As I have watched Jeanne develop her brand and business, I so admired her style and poise. I figured if I could glean at least one thing from the class, it would all be worth it. I have to say that I haven't finished the class yet . . . apparently I have until the end of July. I will get around to finishing because even though I'm only 1/2 way through, I have learned a ton.

But the other thing that has been so amazing is all of the other creative minded women I have met and have a chance to network with. One of these amazing ladies is Renee Sendlebach. She came up with this incredible idea for us to feature each other on our blogs. Brilliant, I tell you. So, the first of these posts will be going up this Friday, June 1. On this day, we will meet Beth Cole from Beth Cole Handmade. I'm excited for you to meet each one of these talented, artistic, and creative women and to share in a bit of their journey. I hope that you check in each week on Friday as we highlight a new artist.

And so with this, I will be featured on Friday, July 20. I'll be doing a special giveaway in conjunction with my post. Stay tuned for that.

I wish you all a creative weekend. I'm heading east to Spokane with my hubby for the annual Farm Chicks Show. I'll bring back a report and perhaps even some photos of the event. Cheers to you!!!

Let's KICK OFF SUMMER with a SALE!

Memorial Day is fast approaching and that means one thing . . .

SUMMER is upon us!

So let's get this season started by having a SALE.

Use coupon code: SUMMER25 at checkout for 25% off your entire order.

Happy Shopping . . . Sale ends 6/15/12

Summertime Inspiration

So, if you've been following me on Facebook, you know that we had a very busy weekend. Without going into all the gory details again, we had to move my Studio by 3 feet to adhere to the City of Edmonds setback rules. Why, when the Studio has been there for almost 3 years. A nasty neighbor turned us in to the city for cutting back limbs from her tree that were lying on the roof of my Studio. That's it in a nutshell, and I'm glad we can finally close the book on that chapter. END OF STORY . . .

So I've been busy this week taking care of putting my Studio back together again (YES, we had to completely empty it out.) To some of you, this might have seemed a daunting task (it was for me too, until I realized that I could sort and get rid of lots of stuff). This move has given me the opportunity to rearrange things for better flow, etc. I think I'm really going to love the new floorplan. So while the boys were rolling and tugging my Studio into its new place, I took the opportunity to photograph a few new things that I've been working on.

You all know that I LOVE me some bottlecap necklaces. So here's a few more new ones to peek your fancy.

The New Belgium Bicycle Necklace (Orange)

The Izzy Pop Necklace

The New Belgium Bicycle Necklace

Raspberry Soda Pop Necklace

Sky Bleu Necklace

The Gable Necklace

Taos Sunset Necklace


I have a busy show schedule coming up. I'll be sure to share that with you very soon. Until then, Happy Summer! Yes, it's officially Summer this weekend. Wahoo!

A somewhat Belated Mother's Day

When I first became a Mom, almost 25 years ago, Mother's Day was such a sweet day. I remember when Kellan would bring home presents from school. No matter what they were, they always found a place of honor on the kitchen table, displayed there for several weeks. But then, in 2009, my Mother passed away. Mother's Day ever since then has been dreadful. I should be marking the day celebrating with Kellan and John, instead I grieve for my own Mom. She lived to be 80, I should be thankful. But I'm not . . . I'm mad. I still have things I need to talk to her about. I want to know what spice it was that she put in her brisket recipe. I want to know who the people are in photos that I have found since her death. One little girl has her name, and I haven't a clue who she is. I want her to know her grandson as a young man. And I would have loved to have taken her on a tour of my Studio. She could have been my helper. I'm just mad . . .

I would give anything to have her sitting here with me drinking her coffee, chatting about when she was a little girl, about her own Mom. I would give anything to feel her loving arms around me one last time. And I would pay whatever it took to get her on the phone again.

But instead, another year passes and I'm left with unanswered questions. I truly do look forward to the day we're together again.

A Mother's Love

I've been with you

since before your birth

I'll stand by your side

as long as I'm on this earth.

A mother's love is special,

a never-ending gift.

A love that's always there

If you ever need a lift.

I think of you often,

never missing a day,

My love is forever,

and always sent your way.

You're never far from the caring

thoughts in my heart.

No matter how many miles

ever try to keep us apart.

A Mother's love, your gift,

the gift I'll always give to you.

As we watch our lives go by,

no matter what you say or do.

Happy May Day

The Georgie Necklace . . . coming soon to www.tippystockton.com

So, what is the history of May Day? I'm glad you asked. For me, it's about celebrating Mary, the Mother of Jesus. And with Mother's Day less than two weeks away, what better way to celebrate such a beautiful month.

In Ireland, May Day has been celebrated since pagan times as the feast of Bealtaine and in latter times as Mary's day. Traditionally, bonfires were lit to mark the coming of Summer and to banish the long nights of Winter.

In France, King Charles IX of France received a lily of the valley as a lucky charm. He decided to offer a lily of the valley each year to the ladies of the court. At the beginning of the 20th century, it became custom to give a sprig of lily of the valley, a symbol of Springtime on May 1.

In the United States, May Day was once celebrated by some early European settlers of the American continent. In some parts of the United States, May Baskets are made. These are small baskets usually filled with flowers or treats and left at someone's doorstep. The giver rings the bell and runs away. The person receiving the basket tries to catch the fleeing giver. If they catch the person, a kiss is exchanged.

So on this May Day, I wish you a sweet Springtime, and with lovely thoughts of Summer, may all your gardens be beautiful.