TV Tray Art Designs

Portland Christian Royals Holiday Gift Show 11/5/11

2011-09-12T10:36:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm back with my YEARLY post. Haha!

Start your holiday shopping early this year! This show will feature beautiful handmade artisan gifts, collectibles, jewelry, home decor, paper goods and more! Don't miss out on this wonderful community event!

Portland Christian Royals Holiday Gift Show 11/6/10

2010-09-15T12:17:00.000-07:00

Uh, wow. Has it really been a year since I've last posted? Shame, shame....
Well, I have a new project! Portland Christian is bringing back its annual craft show with a different name. Join us!! The show will feature beautiful handcrafted artistan gifts, collectibles, jewelry, home decor, paper goods, and more!
11/6/10, Saturday. 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Portland Christian Elementary School gymnasium
11845 SE Market Street
Portland, OR

2nd Annual Crafty Little Christmas Holiday Craft Show

2009-11-24T13:21:00.000-08:00

It's time for the second annual Craft Little Christmas craft show! Last year was a big success thanks to you! The Brunner's are graciously housing the event in the Axis Design architecture offices and we are so excited about what you'll see!

Come and check out the jewelry offerings, including resin, soldered, fused glass, and vintage-inspired pieces. We also have a wonderful assortment of knitted goods, home decor, and paper goods along with a vendor who will be selling her delightful sock animals!

Stop by and see us on Friday December 4th, 2009 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. and on Saturday, December 5th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Get started on your Christmas shopping and support local artisans at the same time!!

Some of our vendors will include:
TV Tray Art Designs -- http://tvtrayart.etsy.com
Kan Yo Fuse - http://kanyofuse.etsy.com
Max and Lucie - http://maxandlucie.etsy.com
L'il E Creations - http://lilecreations.etsy.com
Hankie Tankie -- http://hankietankie.etsy.com

It's Been So Long....

2009-10-09T11:26:00.001-07:00

It's been so long that I needed to make something new and fresh to make this worth your while!

Aren't these chokers divine? I love the three small, diminutive charms together to create an elegant and substantial look. These are beautiful little charms accented with Japanese washi paper and resin. Beautiful!

1500 Etsy Sales--a Milestone!

2009-08-17T18:40:00.000-07:00

I've hit 1500 sales! Hooray! Thank you so much to all my loyal customers and friends who have helped me achieve this milestone! Etsy, you are amazing! My shop has been a wonderful creative outlet and I look forward to the years to come!!

Please check out some other wonderful shops of my friends on Etsy:

http://maxandlucie.etsy.com
http://kanyofuse.etsy.com
http://prettypinkposh.etsy.com

Rings, rings, rings

2009-05-27T13:26:00.001-07:00

I love these new ring findings that I received! Love, love, love them! Here's the fruit of my labors. They are so perfect for resin and easy to fill for awesome results! You can purchase one of the Fleur de Lis rings right now. I will post more later. I'm saving some of the stash for upcoming shows. I'll be at First Friday in Uptown Vancouver on June 5th! Stop by for the festivities!

Send the Kid to College!

2009-05-21T06:41:00.000-07:00

My son has an awesome art teacher at his school! I loved this painting that he did of a dog so much that I've decided to create a little line of products featuring the image. Here is the first product in that line! The proceeds will either go to the kid's college fund or will be used to purchase more Legos. Either one, is admirable, right?!?

Providence Portland Craft Show May 1st, 2009

2009-04-28T13:06:00.000-07:00

Stop by the Providence Portland Craft Show on May 1st 2009! Hours are from 8-4:30 p.m. This is a jewelry-only show so stop by for all your last minute Mother's Day needs! There is going to be some great stuff at this show! I'll be there along with my friend, Kevin of Kanyofuse will also be there!

I whipped up a batch of soldered pendants for the show along with my resin creations. Here is a sampling of what you can expect! We will be exhibiting in the Social Room which is across the skybridge from the Glisan Street parking garage.

Hope to see you there!

4805 NE Glisan Street
Portland, OR

Play on Words

2009-04-25T08:22:00.001-07:00

I've decided to have a little fun with my resin jewelry! These are the first two pendants in my Play on Words series: Tough as Nails and Key to My Heart. I have some other ideas, but unfortunately, some of them are too hard to achieve in a small pallette of resin and/or too crude!! haha! If you have any ideas, for an awesome Play on Words pendant, make sure to let me know!

For the Birds

2009-04-24T12:53:00.000-07:00

Love this necklace! There are tons more like it. I got these great images off of Etsy and have been busy ever since!

Love the pearl that accents this necklace, too! It can be found in my Etsy shop along with other lovely goods for those loved ones in your life!

Craft Show Creations

2009-04-20T22:40:00.000-07:00

Making more Fleur de Lis and French-inspired pendants for my show at Providence Portland Medical Center on 5/1/09 from 8-4:30 p.m.

I'm loving how these are turning out!!

Flirty and Fresh Fleur de Lis Fun

2009-04-10T16:20:00.001-07:00

I am so loving these little Fleur de Lis pendants. They are dainty, feminine, flirty, and fun. A perfect Mother's Day gift! It's right around the corner! I'll be selling these in mass for Mother's Day at a show that I'll be participating in on May 1st at Providence Portland Medical Center in the Social Room from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Stop by and support local artisan's and give the gift of handmade! You won't be sorry!

These are of course, listed in my Etsy shop. Stop by and see what there is to see!

Lego Guys Make Good Art

2009-02-17T09:31:00.001-08:00

Periodically, I'll walk down the hall or into the bathroom and notice that the kid has left a nice set-up of Lego guys for me to photograph. I'm always intrigued by these scenes and can't resist getting out the camera. I usually shoot these on my macro mode so I can get nice close-ups and capture the details. I've always thought that pictures such as these might make nice stationery sets for the young kids in our family! Hmmmm....

Supporting the Royals!

2009-01-28T12:27:00.000-08:00

I've finished a batch of necklaces to sell at my son's school. All proceeds will go towards the school and fund-raising efforts! I'm loving how these turned out and hope they'll sell! I have to get my marketers on it! Fun, fun! It was so warm in my craft room that they cured overnight (instead of taking the usual 2-3 days) so that was an added surprise!

I'm selling these for $15, so we'll see what the interest will be with all the PCS moms.

Of course, if you'd like to see similar jewelry that has more to do with you're interested in, check out my Etsy shop and see if there's anything to your liking!

The Uncommon Gift

2009-01-13T18:43:00.000-08:00

I'm happy to say that I'll be selling my wares at The Uncommon Gift in beautiful downtown Camas, WA!

It's a gorgeous store and I'm honored that they are working with me!

The store is located at 415 NE 4th Ave in Camas, WA and the owners Carrie and Amy are just delightful and are great supporters of local artisans!

I'll be selling resin hearts, dog tag neckaces, and soldered pendants! So excited for this new opportunity! While you're at it, check out the goods from Max and Lucie who also has some beautiful goods there as well! A friedn of ours from church, Jonathon Spafford also sells his gorgeous, beautiful, and elegant hand-turned pens there as well! Happy local shopping!

The Uncommon Gift
415 NE 4th Ave
Camas, WA
(360) 834-5445

New Year's Resolutions and Renewal

2009-01-04T21:33:00.001-08:00

I have this orchid that my mom gave me as a housewarming present last year and as is my usual modus operandi with plants, I was treating it to a slow death when, one day, I decided to take more care in watering and feeding it. (Orchids only need to be watered every week or less, so it's not like this was a big undertaking.) It made a resurgence and started to show signs of life which you can see in this picture. Since I took this picture, the leaves are much bigger and its growth has encouraged me and taught me that it's never too late for renewal.

I make New Year's resolutions each year and this year is no different. A few of mine for this year are to eat less Doritos and consume more carrots, let go of bitterness and embrace forgiveness, be less judgmental and more kind, make more money and spend less money, spend less time internet surfing and more time housekeeping, run more and watch TV less, and also, yell at Evan less and encourage him more.

This year, my most important resolution is to have less valleys and peaks spiritually and really focus on making God my steady priority and my true delight. Prayer is one area where I seem to fall short. I've never been good at it in public or private. Perhaps, if this resolution, is actually kept, I will be more forgiving and less judgmental! I'm not sure how Dorito consumption will be affected, though, so I'll probably have to work on that again next year.

I wish my friends a wonderful 2009 full of renewal and blessings!

A Christmas Craft Show You Won't Want to Miss!

2008-10-27T11:51:00.000-07:00

We're having a show!
Vendors will include:
TV Tray Art Designs (soldered and resin jewelry)

Kan Yo Fuse (awesome fused glass jewelry)

Max and Lucie

PDXBeth (photography)

Radiant Design

Plus other artisans making felted purses, cards and home decor!!

Contact me if you have any questions! tvtrayart@comcast.net

Turtle-y Goodness--a Collaboration Between Friends

2008-07-03T21:54:00.000-07:00

My friend Kevin and I recently collaborated on a project incorporating his fused glass and my soldering. I love his pieces and have 10 or 12 of my own. I soldered these into turtle shapes and they have been really well-received! They can be found in Kevin's new shop, http://kanyofuse.etsy.com. Check out his shop and buy a piece or two! You won't be disappointed!

The particular pendants shown can be found here and here.

Belated Father's Day Musings and an Interesting Story

2008-06-27T23:51:00.000-07:00

It's been almost five years since my father-in-law passed away. He has been missed every day since. I am blessed to have my own father alive and well, but I admit, I want to have them BOTH in my life for their guidance and example of Godly living.

On a Father's Day trip up to Seattle, we visited his grave up in the north end of Seattle at the Japanese section of the Evergreen-Washelli cemetery. It was nice to dust the dirt from his gravestone and place our flowers (crazy-colored daisies for Steve, Evan and myself and a potted plant from Mom) at the site. We know he's not there, but it makes us feel good to visit. For some reason, when I'm up in Seattle, I miss him immensely, and ALWAYS question God's will as to why he was taken from us so early. This trip was no different and I was my usual wistful self.

There were lots of people at the cemetery that day and we noticed two elderly Japanese ladies tending to a nearby grave that had absent-mindedly let a balloon float into the air. We noticed the balloon partly because of its size (a huge blue shirt-shaped mylar) and partly because of the plastic grocery sack and piece of newspaper attached to the string. We surmised that it had been anchored by a plant and when the plant was removed, the whole set-up floated off. We watched it as it ascended into the air and then left.

The next day, we went to pick up Mom in the south end of Seattle at her condominium about 25 miles from the cemetery and as we approached the road about 50 feet from her condo, I spied a blue shiny object in a tree close by. I yelled, "There's the balloon from the cemetery!"

Only my 7-year-old son believed me out of the three other people in the car. He really had no reason NOT to believe because he had no concept of how far away the cemetery was from his grandmother's condominium and generally if I tell him something with conviction, he'll accept it without too many questions. I was convinced a miracle had occurred and wouldn't let the issue rest with my husband, blathering on and on about it throughout the day. I had, however seen only the plastic grocery sack attached to the balloon, but not the newspaper, so I'll admit I maintained a certain minute amount of skepticism for a time.

We drove by the tree again later and at the same time, my mother-in-law and I both said, "There's the newspaper!" leaving no doubt in our minds that the fat, shirt-shaped mylar balloon had travelled all the way from Dad's grave to just feet from Mom's condominium--at least a 25 mile journey.

We ALL were touched. (Perhaps the 7 year old not as much as the rest of us.) It was indeed a small miracle. Perhaps it wasn't a sign from Dad saying that he's watching over us or anything romantic like that, but a sign from God that HE is watching over us and HE had a reason for taking him from us at such an early age. After all, HE could make this balloon travel the exact course from Dad to Mom and allow us to be the witnesses to it. Of all the trees, why this one? Why a balloon that we could so visibly identify?

It does bring to mind Isaiah 55:8 which my son had to remind me of one night as I was recounting my anger with God for taking Dad away too soon. "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD.

I still miss him and always will. I have such regrets for the time that my son and family lost with him. But, I know that I will see him again and that faith in God and in his sovereignty gives me the peace that I need to move on without him.

2.5 Years with Etsy

2008-05-20T11:25:00.000-07:00

Well, after 2 and 1/2 glorious years with Etsy, I've hit some major milestones. I have 1274 sales under my belt along with 1001 positive feedbacks. My customers have been great to me. I also have almost 2000 users who heart my shop. I could have never imagined what this little site called Etsy could become. It's been a great ride so far!

Many thanks to my wonderful customers (especially you repeat customers) who make creating things such fun!

New Creations

2008-01-14T20:52:00.000-08:00

I'm making these huge resin pendants for my Etsy shop out of these glorious metal disks soldered onto pendant bails. They are chunky and funky and can be found here and here and here!

Welcome 2008--A New Year!

2008-01-08T10:55:00.000-08:00

I thoroughly enjoyed my break from crafting, work, and commuting to my son's school for the weeks before and after Christmas. It gave me time to reconnect with old friends, make cookies, wrap gifts and just enjoy the general splendor of the Christmas season. It was a doozy! I'll admit there was a time before Christmas that I felt a meltdown starting to occur, but somehow we got through it none the worse for wear.

So here comes 2008! I still haven't experienced the letdown that I sometimes feel after the holidays. Not sure why....Perhaps I'm just more content this year in so many ways. I'm looking forward to a year full of spiritual blessing, crafting, time with family and more exercise!

Here's a picture of a newly organized closet in my craft room to inspire us as the weeks pass!

Football Season is Here and With it Comes Fundraisers

2007-08-21T09:26:00.000-07:00

Ah, the age-old combination of sports and fundraising! Every year, parents are asked, what will YOU sell? Have you noticed that it's never the kids who sell things anymore? Remember the days we used to go around the neighborhood selling candy and cookies and asking for old newspaper and cans to recycle?

Those good 'ol days are gone, baby. Now, thanks to all the creeps, kooks, and pedophiles that haunt our neighborhoods, no matter how pristine, parents are having to polish up their salesmenship skills.

This is my go at fundraising for our wonderful team, the East County Jets Tiny Mites in Washougal. So far, we've done well! These pendants sell for $18 and are customized with the player's picture and the jets logo. We've also sold jets logo items without customization with good success. Go jets!!

New Earrings

2007-08-11T22:52:00.001-07:00

I'm really trying to figure out new products so that I can get into holiday production mode.

Here's something I'm trying out--resin earrings. I love how they are turning out. I had to play around with the hanging mechanism due to the way the links are horizontally oriented--thus the little jumprings at each end. I think the circular shape of the jumprings compliments the shape of the earring.

Wanna Buy a House in Vancouver, WA?

2007-08-05T18:48:00.001-07:00

Come on, you know you want to! Our house is finally on the market. 2128 square feet of craftsman-y goodness for $345,000.

It's gorgeous and in a great neighborhood very close to Southwest Washington Medical Center--a walkable distance! I'll miss this house, but we're moving out further east to be nearer to family.

This is a beautiful 4 bedroom, 3 bath home with a gorgeous backyard. If you're in the area, come and check it out! 1402 NE 92nd Ave, Vancouver, WA 98664.

Contact Jim Caplener at 503-803-3680.

One Thouuuuuusand Sales!

2007-07-17T17:13:00.001-07:00

I made it to the big 1000!! I can't believe what the last year and a half has brought me! Who would have thought that I could make and sell 1000 things to so many different people. I've had pendants and jewelry travel to Germany, Holland, Japan, and Italy--places that I'll likely not have the opportunity to visit. Thank you so much to all my wonderful customers and friends who've supported TV Tray Art Designs!!

New Washi Paper = New Creations!

2007-07-16T15:01:00.000-07:00

I went to Hawaii for a family wedding and had such a wonderful time with all my family! I also got to go to the best washi paper store in the WORLD! It's a tiny little place in Honolulu, called, Masako's Gifts & Crafts.

The address is 1259 S Beretania St # 3.

The prices and selection were fabulous. I could have stayed in there all day. The owners were adorable, too. I wish that I would have thought to take a picture of them.

Look for new creations in the upcoming weeks in my Etsy shop!

She Makes Me Look Good!

2007-06-27T07:00:00.000-07:00

Kathy, over at Dornick Designs is an inspiration to me. We signed up around the same time on Etsy and I remember her sales being just a tad slower than mine. She made it to the now defunct Top Sellers list and steadily gained ground due to increased sales. My own sales have been steady since I joined, seeing increases at the expected times (Christmas, Mother's Day), but Kathy's seem to be consistently high.

I made a comment to her awhile back about how her sales had taken off and she remarked that it was due to the increased amount of time and effort put into her shop! Hard work does pay off and I'm so happy for her. She has made a couple of necklaces that make my little pendants sparkle and this is one of them. Thanks for making me look good, Kathy, and thanks for being a wonderful inspiration to us all!

Show Me the Money--Golf Ball Markers

2007-06-25T11:19:00.001-07:00

Play money + resin = awesome golf ball markers.

My son got this play money at a birthday party awhile back and not wanting to waste it, I promptly absconded with it to my craft room, and four punches later (four corners of a fake twenty) these ball markers were born. The perfect gift for all your nerdy golfing buddies!

Etsy Showcase for 23 June 2007

2007-06-23T10:34:00.000-07:00

I decided to see if purchasing a showcase spot would boost my sales at all. It does seem to have worked. I made two sales overnight for items that were shown in my showcase. Interesting! Check out all the great sellers that are in the showcase today! I noticed LeahPellegrini in there as well (a fellow Portlander!).

Missing you so much on Father's Day.....

2007-06-15T06:57:00.000-07:00

As Father's Day approaches, I think of both my wonderful dads. My own wonderful father is still with me and I immensely enjoy our time together. As I've gotten older, I've grown to appreciate him more and more.

It's been almost four years since my father-in-law was suddenly taken from us. This is a picture of him with my son. He was a truly special man who I loved as much as my own dad. I felt lucky to have had him in my life. He was 72 when he died, so he would have had many more wonderful years to live.

I didn't get to say goodbye to him, so perhaps that is why, although I know that God's will was done in Dad's life, my own life and in our family's, I've struggled with grief and bitterness which has waxed and waned over the years. As a Christian, I am so happy for Dad and know that he is truly home, but I can't deny that I often wistfully wish that he was here...

Bubbly Koi

2007-06-14T06:49:00.000-07:00

I just love these pendants. When the marble craze started, I saw marble jewelry of all kinds on Craftster and and purchased tons of squished marbles for the purpose of marbled crafty goodness. I, like many people went through the disappointment of purchasing marbles with too much lustre or with too many cracks (oops! these aren't right, so I'd better get some more NOW!) so I have a TON (o.k. not literally, but figuratively) of these stashed away.

I like to make these with a solid back for more permanency and think these make a great, unique gift! I adore the look of the koi floating around in the bubble and added a little rondelle on the chain for a delicate accent.

Put YOUR Pet in Pictures

2007-06-13T09:54:00.000-07:00

These are some of the custom pet set pictures that I have done in the past. These make awesome gifts. The sets include 3 magnets made from dominos, 8 cards, and a soldered pendant or ornament all in a decorative window tin.

Recycled Goodness--Garage Sale Finds Make Great Jewelry

2007-06-12T10:49:00.001-07:00

I love using recycled books to make jewelry. The illustrations I used to make these pendants came from a book that definitely was not going anywhere and was being sold for 25 cents at a local garage sale. It was missing pages and people had overlooked it due to its tattered state. To me, it was like finding gold! My husband is usually mortified at my purchases, but once he sees these, I'm sure he'll be just as impressed as I am (or not).

These delightful characters are looking for homes and are for sale at my Etsy Shop. The best thing about them is that they are extremely clean, take up very little space, and don't smell at all! They're the neatest pets around!

Starting over.....

2007-06-12T08:49:00.000-07:00

I hadn't updated in such a long time, it just bugged me, so I deleted everything and am starting afresh!

I've been busy!
This set of pendants can be found at White Balcony in Fort Collins Colorado. I love how these all look together!

I'm also selling pendants at Magpie in Sommerville, MA, Honeypot in Asheville, NC and
Tease Salon and Day Spa in Portland, OR.

Online, a few of my pendants can be found at Blossom Boutique.

Of course, don't forget to check out my own Etsy shop!