So some news from me: At the end of February 2020, my family and I are moving across the pond! My husband, Nate, recently accepted a biomedical research position in Maastricht, in the southern region of Netherlands. It's basically his dream job, in a pretty amazing location - so we are really excited! What does all this mean for Wild Blue? Besides a few weeks to move and get set up, and slightly longer shipping times, I really do plan to continue "business as usual." Building WBY has been one of the most fulfilling and exciting parts of my life, and I have no intention to let it falter or drop. All my equipment and supplies will ship or come along with me. I'll...
In this crazy holiday season, there is a set of phrases tossed about constantly, especially by folks like yours truly: Shop local. Shop small. Shop handmade. I am the first person to admit it: handmade and small businesses aren't necessarily intrinsically good. We don't automatically make more durable products than big box stores. A small business is not a guarantee that ethical standards are being upheld (hellooo unpaid overtime). We are - at the end of the day - salespeople. And our prices are not always especially competitive. So is shopping local/small, and handmade still a good thing? Well, to keep it simple: Yes, it is. Here are some of my thoughts on why shopping handmade and local are worth your time and hard-earned cash. ...
Hello! I'm puttering my way through my shop restocks, and just about ready to think about my fabulous upcoming craft shows!
Here's where you can find me in the next few months:
November 6: OPIRG McMaster’s Annual Fair Trade Fest (Hamilton, ON)
November 9: Makers' North (Sudbury, ON)
November 15 & 16: All Handmade Marketplace (Oakville, ON)
November 29 & 30: Burlington Made (Burlington, ON)
December 7 & 8: Handmade Hamilton (Staircase Theatre, Hamilton ON)
December 19: Last Chance Market (HARRRP Community Centre, Hamilton ON)
And, you can always shop WBY at these retailers across Canada. I'll also be stocking the website regularly with great new work, so check back often - or get in touch with specific or custom requests. Contact me here for further info.
Wild Blue Yonder turned 3!! As of Sept 1, I officially quit my job three years ago, and have been working for myself ever since. I spent my 3rd WBY anniversary in serene Killarney Provincial Park, on a private lake with only our campsite. I finished a good book (Delia Owen's Where the Crawdads Sing), snuggled my dog, and star-gazed with my bff//husband... It really was the perfect way to mark the occasion. I can't totally believe it's been 3 years of Wild Blue. At the same time, it feels like I've been at this for forever! As I look back, I'm so grateful for: small victories - gaining new stores, getting into desired shows good mentors and help from dear friends beautiful studio...
“Encased” is a brand new collection, setting my usual array of wood, moss, bark, and other natural fragments in delicate gold & silver frames. Paired with high-quality, durable metals, these gorgeous, natural pieces are the perfect complement to any summer outfit. Now available online! Inspiration When it comes to style and trending looks, I am not really the girl to talk to. But I have noticed that that jewelry lately comes in two categories: big chunky 80’s inspired statement pieces, OR small, dainty gold chains featuring and minimalist pendants. Most of my work falls into the category of “chunky” and statement pieces – but I was curious to know if I could work on a smaller scale, and introduce metal into my...
