Sky's The Limit

My next featured seller comes out of New Jersey.  She is native american and comes from a long lineage of Artisans and Crafters.  She joined Etsy in July of 2010 and I met her shortly thereafter.  I hope you enjoy reading about her, so with no further ado I give you....

SKY

of....

SKYHAWK DESIGNS

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Share with us a little about the person behind the scenes at Skyhawkdesigns.

I am a life coach and gemstone jewelry designer specializing in holistic spiritual healing and wellbeing, entrepreneurialship, and meditations.

I’ve been designing and creating for as long as I can remember. I was more of a tomboy growing up and not very interested in dolls. My mother came from a farming family so she taught us all how to sew and knit. She even taught my brothers! I remember her saying, “you never know when you’ll have to rely on just yourself and your own abilities.” The wiring came quite accidently on purpose. I have been wire wrapping for about 3 years now and I am so addicted to this form of wearable art!

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

How long have you been designing and creating?

My inspiration comes from my grandmother and grandfather as well as my mother. Having Native American roots and a mom that grew up on a farm means that you will learn to do something with your hands! Since I am also a practicing life coach, my love of gemstones comes from a more holistic background of the healing principles of gemstones and gemstone meditation. The ascetic part comes from my wish to share them and make them a daily part of someone’s wardrobe. The symbolism of gemstone jewelry and the history of wire wrapping seem to be a perfect match.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

From where do you gain your inspiration?

I have learned wire wrapping and weaving and am still learning different ways to do wire art jewelry. What I feel makes my shop different are a few contributing factors. First off, I love to do what I do and I believe it shows by what I make. I love to take techniques and alter them to create my own individual style. 

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

What do you feel makes your shop different from others on Etsy?

Someone once said to me it takes a lot of guts to put your craft out there. That is so true, but etsy along with other online venues like artfire make you feel comfortable to do just that. My shop is coordinated to allow the eyes to play a bit with different textures, colors, coils and spirals, “oh my!”

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Are there any other hobbies or crafts that you enjoy working with?

Goodness…other crafts. Where do I begin? A few of my obsessions have been sewing, quilting, rug hooking, knitting, crocheting, writing and painting. Yes, there’s more to come I’m sure.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Do you own any other shops, blogs, etc. that you'd like to share here?

I have another shop on artfire www.artfire.com/users/Skyhawkdesigns which has some different pieces other than on etsy and currently trying to stay disciplined to write a blog skyhawkdesigns.blogspot.com/.  I am also available for life coaching by writing to lewhite@followyourblissnj.com .

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Now a lil fun....

What's one of the craziest thing you've ever done?

Goodness! Crazy things…I’ve done a few, but then again…too few to mention…lol. Probably one of the craziest thing I’ve ever done was to be in a rock band. I use to be a lead singer for a rock band when I was in my late teens. Night people have a totally different dynamic and I found that to be both risky and exciting. One night I was onstage at an all boys school dance and when they found out it was “rock” music, they pulled the plug on us! That was crazy! I was just about to do my Grace Slick imitation!

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

If told you had to, would you surf or ski? Why?

Not being a snow bunny I would probably surf. Actually, I probably would be too awkward to do either.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Have you ever made a prank phone

call to someone? If so, What?

I remember when my friend that lived two houses down from me and I got together to make prank calls growing up. We’d call people with the last name “Swanson” and ask them to deliver dinner. If that’s your last name, you know me.

LOL! That's my neighbors last name!!  Guess who's callin for dinner delivery tonite? hehe.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Yes or no on the "5 second" food rule, Why?

Yes or No? I don’t know the 5 second food rule.

If food that drops on the floor, you've 5 seconds in which to pick up and eat, any longer is not considered edible and thrown away.

 Oh ohohhhhhh....
Yes, 5 second rule applies to me! LOL

LOL!! does it appy as in yes you'd eat before the 5 or no you wouldn't?

We use to say "kiss it up to God" then eat it...so I think the 5 second rule is yes...heck i think the 15 second rule applies to me too! LOL

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Sky and I would like to thank you for visiting and hope you've enjoyed the read.  To see more of her creative works be sure to stop by her Etsy shop for a browse.

SKYHAWK DESIGNS

A special

THANKS

 to Sky for

allowing

 this

 interview.



Operation Tank You



I'd like to share with you a woman and an organization that so touched my heart when I heard about them.  My friend Ashley over at Etsy shop VNTAGEQUEEN introduced me to wonderful and proud USMC wife Kacie who runs a non profit organization by the name of....

OPERATION TANK YOU

After having read her blog and story I was inspired to help spread the word of the awesome deeds Kacie and all her volunteers do for the women and men serving in our armed forces along with the american spouses whom they've had to leave behind.

With great honor and much respect I introduce you to....

Kacie

Kacie so eloquintly and graceously allowed me the opportunity for an interview so that I may help to spread the word and to give a little insight as to what Operation Tank You is all about.  We hope you enjoy.

*********************************************

Tell us, what is Operation Tank You?

The Story Behind the Project

I have always been proud to be American. I cry during the National Anthem, I pause when I see the flag flying high, and nod at every Veteran I pass. I am not the only proud American. You see other young men and women, returning from boot camp, serving overseas or training, and they too, are full of pride. You see them at the airport, proudly wearing their service sweatshirts and t-shirts; they walk on air.

In the summer of 2009, I began to notice an increase in young men and women who serve as I traveled between Richmond and San Diego. During a layover in Dallas, a young man caught my eye as he walked into the airport. He was proudly wearing his Navy sweatshirt and seemed to be looking around to see if anyone else had noticed his new gear. Without hesitation, I reached into my book bag and wrote a small note of thanks. I approached the young man, who looked more like a kid, handed him the card, and thanked him for his service. Not knowing what to do, he shook my hand, thanked me and walked away. I sat back down at my chair and continued to read from my book. Within minutes, the young man returned with his cell phone in hand. As he stood before me, he continued his conversation before pausing to hand me the phone. On the other end was a mother who wanted to thank me for my note. She said he had called to tell her, “I made someone proud.”

After that day, I began carrying letters in my purse. I knew I wanted to recognize every man and woman who proudly serves our country and so Operation Tank You was born. In the past year I have seen grown men fight back tears as well as received numerous hugs from women. The tough guys ready to take on the world? I’ve seen them tuck it in their chest pocket. At the end of the 2009 school year, the children at Washington Henry Elementary School also supported my effort by making cards. Many of the cards have found their way to Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iraq, while others have been given to local men and women.

Last May, my fiancé deployed.

Having lived on opposite coasts for nearly a year, the deployment didn’t rock me as it had others. It wasn’t until a month later that I began feeling the impact as all communication had been cancelled and no mail had been delivered.






My classroom parents, recognizing the struggle, carefully prepared a care package for me. It had everything I needed to help get me through the toughest days. I laughed out loud while watching the movies, devoured the chocolate when the tears came, and treated myself to an at-home spa day. I was touched and inspired. Shortly after, I began brainstorming and Operation Tank You: The 10x10 project was created.

Operation Tank You: 10x10 is an extension of the cards that have already touched nearly 400 soldiers. These care packages, sponsored by ten people giving ten dollars, are created for those left behind during deployments. It is a simple reminder, that as proud Americans, we have not forgotten you, the people who are the strength behind the scenes.

********************************************

Share with us a little about the person behind the scenes at OTY, who are you and what is role/duty?

This question is hard for me to answer. I have never really thought of myself as being the sole person working for OTY, though on paper that's true. There are so many people from across America that have given to OTY through monetary donations or by sending other items that could be used in care packages. These people are truly the heart and soul of OTY. I just organize the packages, send out e-mails, and work to make sure as many families as possible are taken care of while their loved ones are deployed. Honestly, I'm just an everyday American. There is nothing truly special about me other than I had a small dream, inspired by one young man in a Navy sweatshirt in 2009. I want each military family to know that they are not alone. We're all in this together.

*********************************************

How long has OTY been in operation?

I began with cards in 2009 and later moved to care packages in 2010. My friend's brother (I am waiting for his permission to use his name) was hit with an IED in his last month of his deployment. I remember the phone call and the many tears that fell after I hung up the phone. Though I had never met his brother, I felt an automatic tie because my own loved one also serves. I knew I wanted to do something for his family, to let them know I was thinking of them, and so the first care package was created.  See "Little Things"

********************************************

Can anyone become a part of the OTY organization?

OTY wants to recognize ALL loved ones of those that proudly serve our country. This includes boyfriends, girlfriends, and fiances (often not recognized by the military).

However, it can't be done without the support of other thankful Americans.

*********************************************

Where can readers go to learn more about OTY?

OTY has a blog, Operation Tank You and can be found on FaceBook Operation Tank You as well.


*********************************************

Is there anything you'd like to add to this interview?

OTY is funded from the generosity of thankful Americans through PayPal found on our blog and through personal donations of their gifts, crafts, etc. It's with the generosity that I am able to do what I do. Of course, if there's ever limited funds, my husband and I foot the bill. No request ever goes unanswered.



HELP GIVE BACK

Your time or donation makes a difference in someone's life

********************************************

"Homecoming"

*********************************************

To Learn more and see how you can help, please visit....



OPERATION TANK YOU

THANK YOU!

*********************************************

Admirable Austinite's



Here I present to you a crafty dynamic duo who both reside in the great state of Texas and call Austin their home.  A mom and daughter who's love for creating is reflective in the variety of wonderful works each offer.  "Anything and everything" is coined in one of their shops and gives a hint that of which lends to their limitless imaginations.  If you've never had the pleasure to meet, please allow me to introduce you to....

              Mom Janie, owner of Etsy shops....

                     JMAESON   

                   JMAESON1

 and 

                                                                    Daughter Megan, owner of shops....

                                                                                   MJAYS



                                                                             MJAYELLE     

                                                                            

Each bring their own brand of creativity and awesomeness to the world of crafting.

***********************************************************

Here are just a few examples of Megan's card works from her shop

 THE PAPER STORE

and some creative jewelry works from her shop

 MJAYS CHARMS N THINGS

of course I picked some of my fave items to display!

***********************************************



My pal Janie offers a lovely variety of handmade items that include, but are not limited to....





Purses....

Pillows....

or....

Pincushions....

but also....

Totes....

Scrubbies....

and even Totes for Tots.

If you're one of those summer holiday shoppers, stop by JMAESON'S where you'll find an assortment of wonderfully whimsical crocheted holiday goodies like....

Ornaments and Wreaths

All shops have a 100% feedback rating and here's just a few of the awesome comments left by their satisfied customers....

"Amazing beautiful work ... exceeded my expectations! Thanks so much!!"

"cute! good seller fast shipping :)"

"This beautiful ornament will be the focal point of my tree! Thank you soo much as I love it!"

"A++ Crafter & Seller!! Real pretty work, love them! I'm sure I will be back often. :o)"

Portions of sales generated in JMAESON's shop will be donated to....

USO

and

Susan G. Komen

Organizations.

Please see JMAESON for specific details


Please stop by any of these Awesome Austinite's wonderful shops for a browse I believe you'll enjoy.