January 17: Kathleen Stevans, Pure Hokum

I had the pleasure of meeting Kathleen Stevans at the NOCC Walk to Break the Silence on Sunday, September 11, 2011. I was there as a vendor with the I Made It! Market and as a supporter of the cause. Kathleen was there in support of a neighbor. A few weeks later, Kathleen ordered a few more items from me on Etsy and we had some conversation; today I am thrilled to be able to call her a friend. Kathleen is one of the most supportive people I have ever me; she almost always comes to my shows (and usually finds at least one bel monili item to purchase!) and is more than generous with her resources by sharing bel monili's information with her family and friends.

Kathleen Stevans

Kathleen has been an artist for over 20 years and has an incredible story to tell. She began by creating greeting cards that were sold at Nordstrom, then moved on to tabletop items and watercolors. Her business name, Pure Hokum, came from her beloved dog Hokum (meaning "mawkish sentimentality").  Now, Kathleen donates a portion of her profits from Pure Hokum to the local Humane Society in Hokum's memory.

This is actually HAND PAINTED!

Today, Kathleen hand-paints items such as dishes, mugs, glasses, platters, and pretty much anything you can think of. Her work is impressive to say the least; I found myself spending hours scrolling through her past work saying to myself, "ooh! I want that!".

Custom-created item in memory of my grandmother

I am thrilled to be able to say that I am the proud owner of a few Pure Hokum items. I came across a picture of a plate Kathleen had painted that depicted a woman drinking a glass of wine, and the character's name was Agnes (my grandmother's name). I asked Kathleen if she could re-create this item with some customized details, and in just a few short weeks I had 4 beautiful hand-painted plates that are so special to me and my family. For Christmas, I again asked Kathleen if she could custom create an item; this time I needed a jewelry dish for my younger sister who is going to college in the fall. I told Kathleen that my sister loves Lady Gaga, hot pink, and leopard, and the result was stunning.

Kathleen can take any idea you give her and turn it into a masterpiece. Pure Hokum items are the ideal gift choice; her prices are reasonable, her products are stunning, and I can promise you will never find anything quite like it. Visit Pure Hokum online, like them on Facebook, or email Kathleen with your custom request!