Time to Heal

The summer has come and gone and the leaves are changing color a little later than usual this year, maybe because of the lack of rain or the unusually warm September weather. Either way I can sit on the steps and have my morning cup of coffee and listen to the migrating birds that stop here for a short rest and a bite before moving south to warmer climates.

My heart fills with sadness that another year has come and gone and I need to take time to heal. Art will always be the healer of my broken spirit and soul and it will mend the pain like no medication can do, but the need to make a name for myself has vanished on the winds that take the eagles south.

North Shore Clay~Where the Art of Healing Begins...

Maybe my healing has begun...

The Sun Will Someday Come

And I will be waiting. Summer seems to be taking it's sweet time and I suppose it will be all the sweeter to me when it finally does arrive. And hearing the rain softly on the roof and watching the drops run down the window pane knowing that I am right where I am supposed to be is comforting in itself. There are struggling people all around me and everywhere I look I see the remnants of what's left of our economy. My husband has a job and will work many long, hot, hard hours this summer on the blacktop of our highways making our travels a little smoother. If only it were that easy. I know how lucky I am. I think the sky is clearing toward the west. Can you see it? Remember how lucky you are...

Go AGGIES! Just being a Good Neighbor...Vintage!

Sometimes I think I need three blogs to keep everything straight, but then I remember how confusing it can be sometimes trying to keep up with 2 little stores on Etsy and I quickly change my mind. I have a personal blog at http://whathealsme.blogspot.com/ and you can feel free to visit that anytime, my dear readers, to read about the real me. But before you go if you know of any alumni or fans of Texas A & M have them take a gander at this fabulous vintage dominoe set personalized to say AGGIES. The company that makes these is no longer using this logo for Texas A and M. Pretty cool, huh? Well, for the person who invests in this beautiful vintage dominoe set it is...Cool I mean. Just check it out...
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24398633
As always, thanks and best wishes!
Kim

Wind and Water

A drive just long enough to make you start wiggling and anxious to just get there and I was at my destination. It matters not where I went although my surroundings are beautiful and I see Lake Superior and hear her crashing on the shore as I stand on the balcony and feel the wind and the rain whip around me. A long overdue break awaits and with my return will return my dreams.

Let the Healing Begin...In Truth

The snow is melting, the April sun has some warmth to it and it's been busy in the North Shore Clay studio over the past few weeks and months. I told myself last fall that if I just stayed busy enough that winter would fly by and spring would be here soon enough. In theory, it worked well and I tried not to "think" too much about how long the winters can be here on the North Shore of Lake Superior and wiled away the long days and nights not only dreaming about the success that I want for myself, but truly trying to make it happen. And then I had the proverbial "aha" moment. You know the kind I'm talking about. The kind of moment when you realize that everything you have been working for is actually bigger than you...It's not about you anymore. In fact, it has never been about you. Let me explain.

If you are a follower of my blog then you know that I have chronic pain, blah, blah, blah... and I have three forms of arthritis, blah, blah, blah...and that working with clay has been a therapy for me and now I can't insert the "blahs" anymore, because this is where my "aha" moment gets started. Some days my pain was so intense that all I could do was cry. Finding "clay" gave me something else to think about. Chronic pain is really "in your face." It's always there and it never goes away. Strong pain medication is not the answer. Your body will get used to the pain medication and you will need more and more and it will not be pretty. Some measure of healing can begin with art. The telling of your story through art will begin the healing. You will still have pain. Art will not stop your pain, but it will get it "out of your face." The medium you choose does not matter, the mere act of choosing will stimulate your mind away from your pain. From there, the process begins, what message are to you trying to deliver through your art, what story would you like to tell, what beauty do you see that you would like to interpret in your own way and through your own vision. I once met a young man who was so consumed with physical pain, that when the leader of the group asked him to share one beautiful thing he saw over the past week, he sat for a full five minutes and thought about it. At the end of those long minutes he said that he did not see one beautiful thing that week. Tears of great sadness stained my cheeks that day and I realized that I was still able to see the beauty in my life. I went home and found my favorite picture of twin fawns standing in a clearing at the edge of my yard back lite by the sun and took it with me the next day to class to give it to the young man. I wanted to share my abundance of beauty with him. Sadly, he never returned, they put the picture of the fawns on the bulletin board with his first name in case he ever came back and I often think about him and what becomes of someone who can see no beauty.

If you are struggling with pain issues it may seem like there is no beauty anymore. It may seem like you are alone with your pain. It's okay to tell the story of your pain. It's not whining. It's your truth...I'll say that again...If you are having pain issues...It's your truth...the difference between those of us who strive to remain strong and true to ourselves and those that don't is that we keep moving our feet. Simple thing I know, but it's true. If you stop moving your feet you're done for. Find something that you are passionate about and let it sweep you away! There is no time like now to take control of yourself and believe that a measure of healing can begin for you.

Each one of my clay pendants and necklaces are inspired by something that I have been through personally or something that I strongly believe in: For example, this necklace is titled Salmon Run, It is my personal request to keep our rivers and streams clean so that the Salmon can continue to return to their origins like they have for all time. We have polluted the waters and built man made barriers that have made it almost impossible for the salmon to spawn.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23378878
This next piece is simply Jesus on the Cross and I don't think any explanation is necessary. Jesus is my Savior and I thank him for saving me...
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23380564

One last thing before I close, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of these necklaces will be donated to the Arthritis Foundation. There are over 100 forms of arthritis and those 100 forms of arthritis are the #1 cause of disability and pain in the United States.

Please be sure to visit my shop for other handmade necklaces that are for sale. If you are visiting on the North Shore of Lake Superior you can find my necklaces at the Mocha Moose and at the North Shore Cafe! Watch for more information soon!

I would love to hear your stories of healing through art. I'm hoping to put together a collection. Thank you for taking the time to listen and I hope that I have inspired you in some small way to pick up a brush and canvas, or dust off those watercolors or get some clay and let the healing begin...in truth.

Teaming Up to Make A Difference

Kim Svoboda of North Shore Clay and Patti Rowray, Owner of the Mocha Moose, just south of Two Harbors, Minnesota on Scenic 61 have teamed up to help fight the leading cause of pain and disability in America, arthritis.

I was surprised when I learned that there are over 100 forms of arthritis and have realized that most people aren't aware of the devastation that chronic pain can bring not only to the individual living with arthritis, but also to the community at large.

I live with three forms of arthritis myself and what started as a therapy has turned into a passion named North Shore Clay. As I work the clay with my hands I am often inspired by not only my journey through physical and emotional pain, but also the pain of millions of others who live with chronic pain on a daily basis from arthritis like me.

My hope is to inspire others to believe that some measure of healing can be achieved through art. Art will not cure chronic pain, but it can give you an outlet for the expression of your pain and your feelings.

When I met Patti Rowray of Mocha Moose and she saw my clay necklaces and pendants, she wanted to have them in her gift shop! And as fate would have it, Patti has a personal connection with arthritis as well, her father has arthritis and her sister-in-law has rheumatoid arthritis and Patti completed a 26.2 mile marathon on December 5, 2000 for Joints in Motion raising funds for the Arthritis Foundation.

So North Shore Clay and The Mocha Moose are teaming up to make a difference in the lives of those with arthritis and inspire others that live with chronic pain that some measure of healing can begin with art!

A portion of the proceeds of these beautiful handmade clay necklaces made by Kim of North Shore Clay and sold at the Mocha Moose will be donated to the Arthritis Foundation.

"I may have pain, but it doesn't have me."

Kim Svoboda

North Shore Clay

A Long Winter

Oh my, blogging to be done and no time to do it...yikes, better make time tomorrow. Lots of beautiful pictures to post and lots of stories to tell. Visit my personal blog at http://whathealsme.blogspot.com to read about my inspirational journey through pain and what perserverance can do for you!
Thanks, Kim

Portrait of a Preacher

When I found this black and white photograph in this wonderful old mat and frame I had to have it. There were so many things that I loved about this picture, the gentleness that seemed to just emanate from this man and the way I could be transported to a much different time and place just by looking at a photograph.

I wondered if this man is someone who was loved very much by many or cherished by only a few. I couldn't help but wonder about the things that might have made his hair gray or the children that he undoubtedly held in his hands. I wondered what book he was reading and found myself believing that it was the Bible even though I cannot tell for sure. And I even hoped it was my favorite passage.

As I search this old photograph for clues that might satisfy my hunger to know this man I wonder if he was a vessel for God's work and restored souls as his photograph was restored.

I have looked at this photograph for weeks now and my thoughts and feelings haven't changed. This is a photograph of a gentle soul who was loved. I will never know who he is, but I will always know how he made me feel...

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20983713

Mississippi Mud Bakelite Bangles

Ah, the art of shameless promotion~I must admit, I'm not very good at it. I'm much better at selling others items. But, a girls got to eat so here are some new additions to my vintage shop and I must tell you that they are pretty. I know, it's hard to think that something called Mississippi Mud will be pretty, but trust me on this one, okay?
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20641094

And as always, thanks for visiting. Comments are always welcome. I'll visit your blog too, just tell me where you are and how you found me!

Introducing My New Line of Garden Charms

Spring is finally on it's way. I think we've blown away the darkness of the winter and I'm introducing my new line of North Shore Clay Garden Charms. I tested these in my own garden for the past year before putting them on the market to be sure they would stand the test of time in yours. I live in Northern Minnesota where the temperature can drop to 30 below and the winds really do howl out loud...

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20649295

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20650029

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20545990

Take a look at these pretty garden charms and let me know what you think of them. Watch for more colors and styles to come soon. And, if you would like one in a special color let me know, I would be happy to oblige.
Until next time...Come on spring!

Be Excellent!

Some tips for excellence not only in business, but life.

• You're not learning anything when you're talking


• Be a part of excellence, not critical of it.


• Be open to change


• Get up early and work late


• If you're not changing, you're not in first place


• If you're doing the same thing this year as last year you're losing ground


• If you follow up, you will be a hero


• Motivation is what turns knowledge and skill into success


• Aim high, you normally hit what you aim for.

A big Thanks

Thanks to those who answered the call to be featured! You will be notified by the end of next week! Things have been busy in the North Shore Clay, http://northshoreclay.etsy.com studio this past week. I've been busy making Garden Charms. I know spring and summer are light years away yet, but I couldn't help myself. I hope to post some pictures tomorrow and you can tell me what you think of them.

Things are busy on the vintage front as well and I have made some great vintage finds and have listed some wonderful new items in my vintage Etsy store. http://goodneighborvintage.etsy.com/ a couple of vintage map prints that are so beautifulhttp://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20082913 and of course, where my heart really is, vintage jewelry. I hope you find something you love. Take good care, my friends. I'll talk to you soon!

p.s. I'm a Grandma, again...a little girl this time...her name is Zoe...YES!

A Girls Best Friend

Baby it's cold outside. Ladies and gentlemen, I've got a few little items to take the chill off any cold day!
To start us off is this Trifari Choker. Chokers were all the rage back in the 50's and 60's and still are today.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19823114
Here we have a very sophisticated Monet black enamel and goldtone bar pin. This pin dates to the 60's and is in fabulous condition.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19821300
Do you love vintage Avon? Me too. I always get so excited when I find a great piece of vintage Avon jewelry that I can find to share with you. This wonderful navy and goldtone piece with the most beautiful chain I have ever seen will look beautiful with a white shirt and a tan.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19751701
You are going to love this one. If you don't look at anything else today. You've got to check this one out. This is a purple pump (shoe) pin with rhinestones on the toe and heel. How hot is this?
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19750521
I've seen plenty of Damascene as I've traveled through the internet. I found this Spanish Galleon with Maltese Crosses at a little Antique Store in Pennsylvania. It has a bit of wear, but it's one of the best I've ever seen.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19749670
This clamper bracelet is just plain flashy! If you are the kind of lady who likes to get noticed, this will get it done. This one is from my personal collection and I have owned this for many, many years and it is in pristine condition.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19157442

Thank you for visiting my blog and for checking out these great vintage items. I am not an expert in any area, but I will represent these items as honestly as I can. If you have any questions please visit my Etsy store at http://goodneighborvintage.etsy.com and send me a "convo" (short for conversation) which you will find at the top of my home page.

Until we meet again, stay warm!

Dealing With Complaints

Ouch! It happened and now you have to deal with it. Successful companies have found that customers who have complained and had their complaints dealt with to their satisfaction are more loyal than customers who never complained. This give you an understanding of how important it is to handle complaints quickly and efficiently.

You should have a timeline and a fair procedure in place for handling complaints. You should never let a complaint drag on or hope it goes away. If you are wrong, admit it, apologize, and make compensation. Then go the extra step and ask your customer what else you can do to win back their trust.

When a complaint is handled badly, not only does the customer feel like they have not been taken seriously, they take their business elsewhere and tell everyone why. Resolve the complaint quickly and your loyal customers will feel well cared for and give you referrals for your hard work.

Remember that an existing customer is more valuable than a potential customer.

Be Who You Are

Be who you are. You cannot be true to yourself or your business if you are busy trying to be someone else.

Relocation

It will happen to all of us sooner or later, we will need to relocate. But what happens if it becomes necessary to set up shop in a new community as well as a new home. Just as you scout the area for schools and churches before you move your family you should be doing the same kind of thing before you move your business.

As a business owner you want to know that you are wanted. You will want to evaluate a location for business friendliness issues that include financial incentives, tax breaks for moving into the area or tax penalties. Be sure that the government systems and services are user friendly. Check out any permits that you might need. After you move is not the time to find out that you cannot get a permit.

Look for updated areas that take into consideration and accommodate your style of operation. If you run a business that is partially or completely virtual will you have access to high speed Internet?

Check out the local Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Agency. Do the local entrepreneurs hold leadership positions there? This will give you an idea of how up and coming new businesses are accepted into the fold, so to speak.

These are just a few things to think about when you are potentially going to move to your business to a new location. Your business is what takes care of your family. Do your homework ahead of time when deciding on a place to live and work and your family will be happy and so will your business.

Give me a Reason

Give me a reason to feature you in my blog. No begging allowed. What do you offer that makes you stand out in a crowd, either personally or in your business? This was the subject of a post in my blog. Tell me what you do to go above and beyond and you may get a feature here on North Shore Clay and Craft. Thanks and I look forward to hearing from you!

Etsy Feature Artist

Here we go folks! I found a fabulous new shop and couldn't wait to share it with you! It's a wonderful little shop called Maudes Place and you can visit her at http://maudesplace.etsy.com/ but let me tell you a little bit about how Amber got her start in the jewelry business!

It all began when she was about 10 years and was making bracelets from colorful string and attempted to sell them in the neighborhood. She was a business person even then. A few years later her Dad bought her a jewelry kit and she started making her own earrings and a dream was born...

After her first daughter was born she was inspired to finish college and the desire to create was once more lit inside. Amber has a passion for music and listens while she creates her beautiful pieces that you can find at http://maudesplace.etsy.com/ and the item names are often inspired by the music she listens to.

Amber is a stay at home with 2 beautiful girls and creates at night after her children are in bed. She is the queen of multitasking and while she was writing this article for me she was typing, playing soccer with the kids and singing songs to her children. Wow!

Her creative process has been a healing one for her and writing or creating her fantastic jewelry designs http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13441650

is a positive way for her to release all the wonderful, beautiful energy that she has inside.

Oh, before I forget, all you Pittsburgh Steeler fans, http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17210901 get in here to Maudes Place. I'm pretty sure she will have something you like...Go Steelers!

It's been my pleasure to get to know Amber and her shop a little better. I bought a gorgeous necklace from her and it arrived in a beautiful little sparkly bag with a Thank You note. She took the time to make me feel very special and I know that she puts her heart and soul into all that she does. Take a minute and look her up. You'll be glad that you did.

What Sets You Apart?

It's no secret that our economy is in tough shape. And with so many jobs being lost you need to do something that sets you apart. You absolutely need to be indispensible and have a high level of emotional intelligence. Meaning, you need to "click" with your customers and really be in tune with their needs. It's not possible to read their minds, but you need to try.

Think about what makes you unique. What do you bring to your customers that no one else can. Every day you should be asking yourself and thinking about why you should be the "go to" person and go above and beyond everyday.

If you want your business to grow you need to be producing at a level that is above and beyond all the time.

Take advantage of different ways to improve your skill set. Get involved in different projects, take some classes, get yourself noticed.

In todays economy doing a good job is not good enough, you've got to be great.

Etsy Thank You!

If there is someone from Etsy that you would like to leave a New Year wish for you can do it right here!

Joy and Love to all my fellow Etsians! You are wonderful!