We have a fun Saturday planned for The Martketplace.  The weather is gonna be perfect and the artists are ready to gather and be silly.

We have a newbie…….um, I mean a guest artist.  Christie has no idea how much fun she's getting herself into by being with us this weekend.  The Martketplace has THE best clients! They make our second Saturday a time each artist looks forward to all month! 

Before I describe Christie's work, I think it's better to just show you a few photos…..

Christie Rimer owns This Old Belt. She makes cuffs from belts.  But not just from 'any' belt. She makes them from a belt you bring her which belonged to someone who was special in your life…..a daddy or grandpa. She then embellishes with your preferences.  So, gather up those belts, bring your stories and head out to the Martketplace (details here: http://www.blithe-ology.com/in-person.html). We're open 10-5 on September 13th. 

In addition to Christie, this month we have two additions who were with us last month.  Nick Wood and Deborah Perrin-Segura helped make last month a huge success and brought lots of variety and energy.  Oh, you say you didn't make it out last month? Let me just give you a little glimpse of what you missed……….

Deb did makeovers. She is an artist who just happens to also be a nail tech and makeup artist.  You cannot believe what she's able to do by just matching your lipstick to your skin tone and personality!  You don't want to miss the opportunity to have a full face makeover. 

Nicki is our resident clay expert.  She has her pottery wheel and does demonstrations and classes.  She also has some gorgeous pieces available for purchase.  She offers classes. For more info, click here. 

Nicki has her BFA in Ceramics from Alfred University in New York and her MFA in Ceramics from The University of Tulsa. Her work has been featured at both Zarrow and 108 Contemporary Galleries in Tulsa's newest hot art spot, The Brady District.  

You don't want to miss seeing her work. 

In addition to the visiting and new artists, let's not forgot the ones who have been here and helped build The Martketplace to where it is today.  You will see Neoma, Linda, Myrna, LaSandra, Carla, Penny and Jennifer (me). (Jeana will be unable to join us. Her man is not well and she'll be taking care of him this weekend.  We'll all miss her!!!!)

Below is a gallery of some of their work.  

In the photos, you'll see a photo of scrumptious fried pies.  If you're interested in pre-ordering to pick up on Saturday, contact Carla here.  

We look forward to seeing everyone on Saturday. We're here from 10-5. Click here for directions.  

Is it time to step out and do something a little different with your friends on Girls Night Out? Do you ever want to have an adventure? As an adult, have you ever dreamed of completely losing yourself in the creative process? To get your hands covered in clay and be mesmerized by the feel of it in your hands?  Here's your chance to play in the clay and end up with something fun like beads, buttons, pendants, charms or even to use the pottery wheel to create bowls or other turned items.

My sister Nicki Wood is offering clay classes. She has options for every level and age. Nicki earned her BFA in Ceramics from Alfred University in New York and went on to earn her MFA in Ceramics from The University of Tulsa.  She has taught all levels and ages and her experience will make your class more fun than you can imagine.  Her love and understanding of clay creates an atmosphere of creativity unlike you will ever experience.  

Beginning Ceramics Class is a 4 week class which begins September 13th. It is held on Saturdays from 9 - 11 am.
Beads, Buttons & Notions Class  is a 2 week class which begins September 13th. It is held on Saturdays from 6-8 pm.
Clay Party Fun! Class is one fun evening and can be scheduled with Nicki.

Classes are held at The Martketplace located at 106 S. 273rd E. Ave, Catoosa, Ok 74015

If you're interested, please complete and return the registration form below with your payment (several payment methods available).  Classes fill quickly and space is provided at a "first come, first served" basis with payment and completed forms. 

You can send payment via Paypal to [email protected]
Email your competed registration form to Nicki at the above email address as well.

Here's the same form in case the above doesn't work for you. https://www.dropbox.com/s/eddrz7h9p1ojk5m/Class%20Registration%20Fall%202014.pdf?dl=0

Below is a gallery of some of my work and a fun tidbit about a recent road trip.

There are many elements which make up what I do as a jewelry artist.  

It's so hard to believe that May marks one year since we opened The Martkeplace.  

The Martketplace is where I show and sell my jewelry along with 6 other amazingly talented artisans.  The concept was born from the frustration of locating consistent places to have my jewelry shows.  Then I realized that if I was having this issue, so were other artisans who made original one-of-a-kind pieces. Ron (my hubby) and I decided to renovate a building we owned and make it into an "Artisan Co-op".  

In some ways it's different than I originally planned, but those differences are far better than I could have imagined.  Our group of artisans have grown into a close knit family and we truly enjoy our second Saturday of the month when we have our shows.  We've come to refer to ourselves as the 'in-betweeners'. We fall somewhere between crafts and fine art.  Most of our work is one-of-a-kind, highly detailed creations.   We're just, well…. 'in-between'.  

I'm very proud of what The Martketplace has become.  It is such a joy to see a concept and dream become reality. I hope you'll take the opportunity to drop by this Saturday from 10-5 for our monthly show.

We're located at 104 S. 273rd E. Ave., Catoosa, OK  74015. For a map, follow this link:  http://www.blithe-ology.com/in-person.html or go to the 'in person' tab above.

We look forward to seeing you.

Who isn't inspired by the new growth and beautiful flowers in the Spring?  These little beauties are in my front yard.  In my family, the green in either of my thumbs is hardly existent.  Thankfully, my mother planted these flowers when she lived here.  It's amazing that they come back year after year without any effort on my part.  This is what I love about Spring.  

As I look at these beautiful flowers, they make me happy. They create such beauty in my world.  I am inspired by all of these beautiful flowers and vibrant color. I want to go and pull out my brightest beads and create something amazing which is where I'm headed just as soon as I finish with this note to you.  But before I run off to the studio, I want to introduce you to another fun thing in our flower bed.  

I'd like to introduce you to Audrey.  She is constructed of rusty metal, door knobs and a lot of creativity.  I wish I could say that she was made by me. My hubby and I saw her at Studio Soul in Tulsa and it was love at first sight.   This is the way we decorate our flower gardens since we're neither one at all good at gardening.

We are enormously successful at buying crazy sculptures and placing them in our flower gardens so in a way, I guess we are good at gardening after all….. :-)

Ok, before I jet off to the studio to get ready for my show tomorrow (4/12/14 10a - 5p) and make some fun Springy jewelry, I have a rather serious subject to cover.  

I learned that some members of my church are going through a difficult time right now.  This photo is of Calvin and Lisa Sanders. Calvin was diagnosed with a condition called Trigeminal Neuralgia.  I immediately felt led to donate 10% of my sales at my 4/12/14 show to their cause.  When I asked Penny (we do shows together), she couldn't believe I was asking since she'd had the exact same condition!  She had brain surgery to correct hers and is fine now. She too is donating 10% of her sales to the Sanders. So here's my request. I am happy to donate 10% of my show sales or 25% of website sales to the Sanders family. However, I have to actually sell something in order to do this.  So, here are two ways for you to help me help them.  You can either order from my website and I'll donate 25% of my sales to them or you can visit my show and I'll donate 10% of all sales. I'm extending this website offer from now until Sunday 4/13/14.  If you have any questions, please contact me at [email protected]. Click HERE for a map and further details for the show.

If you can't make it out to the show tomorrow (4/12/14) you can still help.  Donate HERE. Even $10 will make a huge difference for a family going through such a difficult time.  

I look forward to working together to help this family. 

I create because if I don't, I become irritable. I create because I have to.  I create because God created me to do so.  I create because it feels like the one and only thing which I do very well.  It's the most natural thing I do in my life (besides loving my husband).  

Are you creative? What would you use to fill in the blank: I Was Born To Create ___________.

Here's a list of things I can use:

• Jewelry
• Written works
• Wire sculpture
• A peaceful atmosphere in our home
• Beautiful surroundings

So, what's stopping you from creating/doing the things you put in that blank? 

• Time? I use that one A LOT! 
  

• Motivation? Sorry, I've taken that one too! 

• Space? Hey, I mastered that one! I made room for a studio. 
  

I'd love to hear about those things you've always wanted to do. Whether you've started them or not, whether you're in the middle or are just a dreamer!  Dreaming is the first step to making a plan.  

Really! I am excited about everything.  Life carries with it so much opportunity.  We travel this way only once. There's so much potential in our dreams and plans and creative desires.  Sometimes we just need to block out the "mind chatter" and concentrate on those things which have been placed in our hearts.  

My heart is excited about many things today. Here's a short list in no particular order:

• The Martketplace is tomorrow, February 8, 2014 from 10-5. The artisans decided that no matter what the weather, we were still getting together because we have too much fun to miss it. I'm excited about seeing them and our returning and new clients.
• I'm excited about getting new glasses. 
• I'm excited that I am in the perfect will of God in this season in my life ------ NOW THAT'S EXCITING!
• I'm excited to make some beautiful jewelry.
• I'm excited to get some much needed time away with my hubby.
• I'm excited that I started Yoga and LOVE it!

If you haven't noticed, I love quotes/sayings.  I probably have hundreds pinned in Pinterest.  They give me a little boost, or act as my muse.  I hope these have helped you today.  

Have a fabulous weekend. Hope to see you at The Martketplace.  Above all, stay warm!!

How would you fill in the blank about your creativity? How will you do away with your excuses to do what you've always wanted to do? What are you excited about today? 

This is my big sis Linda.  She has joined the motley crew of artisans at The Martketplace where I show and sell my jewelry each month.  We get our creativity from mom who also has a space there too.  Our younger sister Nicki ..... you guessed it, she too is an artist. She has her MFA in ceramics.  

Linda creates everyday items using vintage textiles.  A photo of her latest purse is below.  As seen in the picture on the left, she uses cigar boxes to make purses too. That adorable black purse with the vintage glove sewn on is perfect for upcoming holiday parties and I guarantee no one will have one like it.  

I can't put into words how much fun it is to have my mom and sister at the Martketplace with me. I look forward to the second Saturday because it is always a hoot.  

If you'd like to see what all the fuss is about, join us Saturday, November 9th from 10-6 to see not only me and my family's work, but the other artisans too.  There is a map below.

I love the changing seasons.  It always inspires me. The different feel of the air  is sure to change my outlook as the humidity blows out and the winds bring the crisp drier air.  Speaking of winds, have you noticed the monarch butterflies everywhere? They're migrating through Oklahoma.  If you want to see where they've been spotted, here's a map. 
http://www.learner.org/jnorth/maps/monarch_all_fall2013.html  

This Saturday is the second Saturday which can only mean one thing....The Martketplace is open. This is where I show and sell my work.  While your hubby or boyfriend are watching the game, sneak away, run by and pick up a few friends and come do a little early Christmas shopping. Oh, and next week is Boss's Day so you have a reason to get out.  Imagine being the employee who gets that perfect unique gift. We have 7 artists, each bringing you a completely different selection of beautiful handmade items.

OH, I almost forgot...... we have a new artist and I'm really excited about her work. She makes cigar box purses.  Each is one-of-a-kind. You won't want to miss her pieces or miss meeting her.  

Other than butterflies, I've been hard at work on some custom wire dragonfly sculptures.  They are for a family who recently lost a loved one and the mom is using them to help the kids through the grieving process.  I love that something I'm making will help them get through this tough journey.  

Follow this link for a map to The Martketplace. http://www.blithe-ology.com/in-person.html

You can follow the Martketplace on Facebook too. Follow this link: https://www.facebook.com/Martketplace

Thanks for reading my blog.  Hope you have a fabulous weekend. I'm looking forward to seeing you Saturday.

Can you believe another month has passed since our last show? 

This Saturday from 10-5 is our next show. Please plan to drop by. Our artisans love to chat. Honestly, if nothing else, you'll walk away with a new friend. We are having so much fun meeting folks. 

Scroll through to get a look at the booths. As you can see, we have a variety.

Yes, we love that you come to see what's new and yes, we are thrilled when you decide that you love one of our creations enough to spend your hard earned money. We can all honestly say that we enjoy the relationships which are building too. So, carve out a sliver of time and drop by. You won't regret it. 



If you seen something you love, remember, we're only open once a month......the second Saturday of each month. We're looking forward to seeing you. 

We're all working on a set of items which is $20.00 and under so you can easily find your stocking stuffers, co-worker gifts or those gifts for the exchange at work or church.  

As you can see, we have a little of everything. 

See Ya Saturday!!

Follow this link to a map.  http://www.blithe-ology.com/in-person.html