What's in the Etsy Shop?

I've been working SUPER hard to update my Etsy store with all of the fun things I've been working on. It's been a busy holiday season, but as my friends begin to sit down and peruse the internet for some good old fashioned home shopping, here's a glance at what you'll find in the bel monili Etsy store. Swing by for a visit!

www.belmonili.etsy.com

Flea Marketing!

Here we are, another week gone by, another Sunday to cherish. Again, I find myself preparing for a day of creating, beginning with my weekly trip to the local flea market.

Most Sundays I happily peruse the aisles of the flea market, peeking through piles of junk and pulling out what I would call treasure.

It's something I have come to crave: The Thrill of The Hunt. Many of us feel it; it's a primal lure that calls to us like a siren, begging that we come with our dollar bills and sift through the seas of castoffs and rescuing the beautiful and the brave.

I have a special love for these kinds of things; the old, the unwanted, the items destined for landfill. It is these things I seek out so that I can bring them home, clean them, re-work them, and turn them into new works of art that will once again be loved. These bits of broken history are, by my hand, given a new lease on life.

Those earrings, the ones that hardly anyone wears, are rescued.

Broken necklaces and brooches, once cast aside, are again brought into the limelight.

So friends, there it is. Another week gone by, another haul of treasures, another group of misfits to be cared for and loved again!

I'd love to hear your stories and see your treasured finds!

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!

January 15: Burgheoisie

Recipient of the Pittsburgh Pop-up Project, the Steel Town Craft Co-Lab came together to bring local artists & craftsman a boutique to showcase their wares in the Cultural District. Burgheoisie became the store name to describe a vision of downtown residents redefining what type of consumers buy hand-made & simultaneously invests in their community. All inclusive, Burgheoisie is a boutique with creative culture for everyone!

Items available at Burgheoisie, perfect for Valentine's Day!

Burgheoisie offers a variety of artisan, hand-made wares like jewelry, fashion apparel & accessories for men, women, and children, bath & body products, original art works, and custom home-goods. Our member makers run the store so that you have direct access to the creator for personalization of the product. bel monili is one of 12 local artists selling wares here, so you can be happy knowing that shopping at Burgheoisie is supporting your local economy.

206 6th Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

 

Additionally, there are Workshop Wednesdays, where we stay open until 9pm so that residents & visitors alike can enjoy an educational, crafty experience. See our website for future scheduled events and keep up to date on our events by liking our Facebook page.

You are sure to find something you love!

Send your requests for your specific workshop interest & make the most of the talented individuals who make our store happen! We also cater private shopping parties. Email us for more details or come by the store to speak with us in person. Many of us view our mission to spread joy through our work and welcome the opportunity to have a place where you are able to find it.

Stop in today and say hi!

Burgheoisie will be having an event during The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust's Gallery Crawl on Friday, January 27, 2011. Stop by after 5pm to find fantastic items hand-crafted by local artists, pick something up for your special someone, or treat yourself to a locally-made goodie! Make sure to "like" Burgheoisie on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to keep up with all of the exciting new items, events, and workshops.

January 6: Wendy Bennett Brown, Beanz Beads

You know how they say that it's a small world? When I met Wendy Bennett-Brown, I had no idea just how small. Wendy had been very active on Etsy, and after some conversation we discovered that we are (practically) neighbors and had a lot of common interests. I oohed and aahed over Wendy's stunning wire-wrapped creations, natural stone pieces, and her overall gorgeous boho style. When Wendy and I finally made time to get together for dinner, I found myself in the presence of a true artist with a heart of gold. Wendy showed up with a huge bag of goodies for me (thanks, Wendy!) and an AMAZING knowledge of online/social media business strategies. She introduced me to some fantastic artist groups and shared her techniques for her amazing business successes.

Wendy Bennett Brown

Wendy is the owner of Beanz Beads, a handmade jewelry shop with bohemian flair. Wendy's favorite materials are gemstones, wire, copper, and unique findings. She opened her Etsy shop in 2009, although she has been making jewelry since 2005. It started as a hobby, and Wendy was immediately infatuated with creating jewelry and finding gorgeous stones and cool findings to use.The name 'Beanz' comes from Wendy's nickname given to her by her life long best friend, James. So, when Wendy chose her shop name, Beanz Beads was the natural choice!

Wendy has always loved bold color and unique patterns, and her personal style is represented well in her jewelry. Wendy has taught herself everything she knows about making jewelry, and she loves learning new techniques and design challenges.

Wendy is a thirty-something Mom of two great kids. They live modestly in the suburbs of Pittsburgh with her partner, Bill, who is also an artist; specifically a wire sculptor (among other artistic endeavors). As a life long crafter, Wendy encourages her kids to also be artistic and to make things with their hands.

Wendy looks forward to being involved in local craft shows and events in the new year, and she is excited to get to know other local artists and crafters. Make sure to visit Wendy's Etsy shop, like her on Facebook (and get some special fan-only offers!), or email her for custom design inquiries.