... appointment was rescheduled for this morning.
I have no words for where I am right now ... my brain seems to be taking a time out ... probably a good thing.
with deep gratitude and a laser of rainbow light to open your heart ...
l i g a - kvk
29 May 2013
27 May 2013
diving in
I had already made an appointment to work with Marilyn from Awaken to Grace. I've been getting consistent messages from a variety of sources to dig deeper, shiver out a few more niggling bits. So this week's horoscope via Free Will Astrology made me smile ...
"Are you ready to go deeper, Sagittarius? In fact, would you be willing
to go deeper and deeper and deeper? I foresee the possibility that you
might benefit from diving in over your head. I suspect that the fear you
feel as you dare to descend will be an acceptable trade-off for the
educational thrills you will experience once you're way down below. The
darkness you encounter will be fertile, not evil. It will energize you,
not deplete you. And if you're worried that such a foray might feel
claustrophobic, hear my prediction: In the long run it will enhance your
freedom."
We will Skype tomorrow at 11am. I'll spend the morning in meditation and preparation for a completely new experience. I'm going in with no expectations, no holds barred ... being as open as I possibly can. I'm looking forward to maybe meeting a couple of my demons, shaking hands and getting to know them a wee bit.
Wish me luck ........
l i g a - kvk
22 May 2013
and the winners are ..........
Firstly, accept my apologies for the delay in announcing the
winners. My computer's been unplugged a good bit of the afternoon and
early evening as we've had a series of severe thunderstorms blowing
through our area ... impressive amounts of rain and wind and, thankfully, lightening strikes not terribly close.
Now, back to the business at hand ...
I am enormously grateful for all the comments both here and on Facebook. I'm thrilled to say, I had 21 responses to my query. The verdict is unanimous ... durability, which is looking like nylon. But more on that in a minute ...
Here's a big congratulations and thank you to Kim, who has won the petite petal earrings ...
and Ruth via Facebook, who has won the raw pebble necklace ...
Kim and Ruth, use my email link in the sidebar and send me your snail mail addresses, and I'll get your treasures in the mail right away.
I got so many excellent responses, some perfectly succinct, some more lengthy with much food for thought. Each one agreeing, durability is paramount.
Sourcing materials in this business is always a challenge. In my daily life, I'm very mindful about how my dollars are spent. Trying to translate and sustain that in my work is not easy ... metals, gemstones, threads and leathers, packaging and shipping materials ... weighing the usually increased costs for the green/sustainable/ethically sourced options vs. less expensive, "easier" options.
As many of you very eloquently stated, even though at first glance the nylon seems like a less "green" option, ultimately, it's durability combined with it's "made in the USA" pedigree, make it the better option. Your comments have addressed all of my concerns and I feel confident moving forward with the switch.
And the universe has been listening as well ... while waiting for today to arrive, I've had two stories of pieces breaking, one piece lost (a sad story that one), one on its way back for repair ... further fueling my decision to move away from using silk in my production work.
Now I just have to decide which nylon. Over the weekend, I ran into an old friend who gave me the name of another online source for materials - Beadshop.com. They carry the Beadsmith line of materials and their Superlon-D sounds very promising. It's a bit more expensive than the bobbins of Bonded Nylon #69 through Marion's, so I'll have to do some comparing. Another consideration is I can get bigger spools of the bonded nylon for a really good price from Superior Threads ... just not as many colors as offered in the bobbins.
Working alone in my little bubble is not always an optimum situation. Not doing shows and infrequent contact with humanity makes this blog an invaluable resource. I've still got much to consider, but the biggest decision has been made.
Once again, a heartfelt thank you to each of you who took the time to respond to my plea for feedback.
And once again, congratulations to the pair of winners.
with deep gratitude ...
l i g a - kvk
Now, back to the business at hand ...
I am enormously grateful for all the comments both here and on Facebook. I'm thrilled to say, I had 21 responses to my query. The verdict is unanimous ... durability, which is looking like nylon. But more on that in a minute ...
Here's a big congratulations and thank you to Kim, who has won the petite petal earrings ...
and Ruth via Facebook, who has won the raw pebble necklace ...
Kim and Ruth, use my email link in the sidebar and send me your snail mail addresses, and I'll get your treasures in the mail right away.
I got so many excellent responses, some perfectly succinct, some more lengthy with much food for thought. Each one agreeing, durability is paramount.
Sourcing materials in this business is always a challenge. In my daily life, I'm very mindful about how my dollars are spent. Trying to translate and sustain that in my work is not easy ... metals, gemstones, threads and leathers, packaging and shipping materials ... weighing the usually increased costs for the green/sustainable/ethically sourced options vs. less expensive, "easier" options.
As many of you very eloquently stated, even though at first glance the nylon seems like a less "green" option, ultimately, it's durability combined with it's "made in the USA" pedigree, make it the better option. Your comments have addressed all of my concerns and I feel confident moving forward with the switch.
And the universe has been listening as well ... while waiting for today to arrive, I've had two stories of pieces breaking, one piece lost (a sad story that one), one on its way back for repair ... further fueling my decision to move away from using silk in my production work.
Now I just have to decide which nylon. Over the weekend, I ran into an old friend who gave me the name of another online source for materials - Beadshop.com. They carry the Beadsmith line of materials and their Superlon-D sounds very promising. It's a bit more expensive than the bobbins of Bonded Nylon #69 through Marion's, so I'll have to do some comparing. Another consideration is I can get bigger spools of the bonded nylon for a really good price from Superior Threads ... just not as many colors as offered in the bobbins.
Working alone in my little bubble is not always an optimum situation. Not doing shows and infrequent contact with humanity makes this blog an invaluable resource. I've still got much to consider, but the biggest decision has been made.
Once again, a heartfelt thank you to each of you who took the time to respond to my plea for feedback.
And once again, congratulations to the pair of winners.
with deep gratitude ...
l i g a - kvk
18 May 2013
HELP ... opinions please + a giveaway
Okay peeps ... I'm looking for honest opinions and feedback.
I'm starting to do a major revamp of my wholesale line of jewelry, gearing up to do a trade show (hopefully) in New York this fall. Basically everything that's on the KathyVanKleeck.com website is part of my wholesale line. If you've been following along with me for awhile, you'll know that I've gone through some trials with the thread I use in most of my work. Mostly I use this silk from Big Stone. It's a close copy of Gudebrod silk which is no longer available. I use the size F or FF for most things, single strands as well as plying it into cords of varying thicknesses.
I've always loved the sheen and hand of the silk. Plus, the idea of silk is much more appealing than nylon or Tenara. The thing is, it's a natural fiber and wears and abrades much faster than synthetics. I've just started doing a 2-ply cord to string the Stitched Silk series and I'm liking it so far. It's definitely stronger and should be a bit more abrasion resistant. But it's still silk and my worries about the durability of my work will continue. That makes it an area of concern for shops looking to carry the work. I always stand behind the work 100% and will restring or repair pieces for the duration ... but the genuine potential for breakage and cautionary tales to retailers is not one of my favorite conversations.
Today I've been writing down concepts I want to associate with my work. One thing that keeps coming up is durability. I like the idea that my jewels can be someone's signature, go-to pieces without worrying if the silk is wearing out ... kind of like that beloved old Toyota pick-up truck, I want the work to last and last. Plus, I like the idea that someone could wear their Coin necklace rafting the Grand Canyon and not worry about it.
So here's my question ...
Which is more important to you, the aesthetic and feel of silk, knowing you'll have to keep an eye on it ... or the durability and almost as nice a feel of a synthetic?
I thought about Tenara, but the original version only comes in black or white. There's a version that comes in grey, but I'm not sure what a "lubricated" thread would feel like, plus a half pound spool is frightfully expensive.
This Nylon #69 that Marion sells has a pretty nice hand, comes in great colors and, if I buy in quantity, is less than half the cost of the silk. Plus it would be a whole lot easier to use, especially with tiny faceted gemstones, which means faster production time.
I wish I could factor in green/sustainable options, but that seems like an impossible challenge.
To encourage your opinions and feedback I'm throwing in a bit of incentive ...
I'll draw a name from peeps who leave their opinion either here or on my FaceBook page. The winner will get to choose one of the following ...
I'll draw a name on Wednesday the 22nd, 5pm EST. Can't wait to hear what you think ...
Thanks in advance!
l i g a - kvk
I'm starting to do a major revamp of my wholesale line of jewelry, gearing up to do a trade show (hopefully) in New York this fall. Basically everything that's on the KathyVanKleeck.com website is part of my wholesale line. If you've been following along with me for awhile, you'll know that I've gone through some trials with the thread I use in most of my work. Mostly I use this silk from Big Stone. It's a close copy of Gudebrod silk which is no longer available. I use the size F or FF for most things, single strands as well as plying it into cords of varying thicknesses.
I've always loved the sheen and hand of the silk. Plus, the idea of silk is much more appealing than nylon or Tenara. The thing is, it's a natural fiber and wears and abrades much faster than synthetics. I've just started doing a 2-ply cord to string the Stitched Silk series and I'm liking it so far. It's definitely stronger and should be a bit more abrasion resistant. But it's still silk and my worries about the durability of my work will continue. That makes it an area of concern for shops looking to carry the work. I always stand behind the work 100% and will restring or repair pieces for the duration ... but the genuine potential for breakage and cautionary tales to retailers is not one of my favorite conversations.
Today I've been writing down concepts I want to associate with my work. One thing that keeps coming up is durability. I like the idea that my jewels can be someone's signature, go-to pieces without worrying if the silk is wearing out ... kind of like that beloved old Toyota pick-up truck, I want the work to last and last. Plus, I like the idea that someone could wear their Coin necklace rafting the Grand Canyon and not worry about it.
So here's my question ...
Which is more important to you, the aesthetic and feel of silk, knowing you'll have to keep an eye on it ... or the durability and almost as nice a feel of a synthetic?
I thought about Tenara, but the original version only comes in black or white. There's a version that comes in grey, but I'm not sure what a "lubricated" thread would feel like, plus a half pound spool is frightfully expensive.
This Nylon #69 that Marion sells has a pretty nice hand, comes in great colors and, if I buy in quantity, is less than half the cost of the silk. Plus it would be a whole lot easier to use, especially with tiny faceted gemstones, which means faster production time.
I wish I could factor in green/sustainable options, but that seems like an impossible challenge.
To encourage your opinions and feedback I'm throwing in a bit of incentive ...
I'll draw a name from peeps who leave their opinion either here or on my FaceBook page. The winner will get to choose one of the following ...
this pair of Petite Petal earrings
or this Raw Pebble pendant
I'll draw a name on Wednesday the 22nd, 5pm EST. Can't wait to hear what you think ...
Thanks in advance!
l i g a - kvk
14 May 2013
musical interlude
for a smile and to calm your afternoon ... a musical delight
l i g a - kvk
p.s. I think spring might have finally sprung
recent reads
Been reading a fair amount ... complete with staying up late to finish books ... and it's been quite a while since I'd done that. So thought I'd share what's been keeping me up late at night and what's been fueling my current surge in inspiration.
Janisse Ray is a recent discovery. Pretty much loving everything I've found, Wild Card Quilt because it resonated deeply and The Seed Underground for deepening my resolve to support local food ... but they're all pretty wonderful. She writes of the north Florida and south Georgia landscape of my childhood and it's been helping gain a new perspective on my own history.
I used to read everything by Isabel Allende and then I didn't. I found Maya's Notebook on the new bookshelf at the library and devoured it straight away. Might need to do some backtracking and see what I've missed over the last few years.
Just finished Sabina Berman's - Me, Who Dove into the Heart of the World, another library find. It's written in the voice of an autistic savant. No idea how accurate it might be, but the book was an absolute delight and I blew through it way too fast.
Just started The House at the End of Hope Street by Menna van Praag and it's looking to be a good one ... magic and mystery in a lovely setting. Thanks to my beloved librarian husband for snagging this one while he was cataloging it. Gotta love a spouse that knows my reading habits so well.
These are all looking like books with some redeeming value. I haven't read any flat out tripe in a bit, but I will say I'll be at the head of the line when the final book of the All Souls Trilogy comes out. I've never read any other vampire silliness, but love how Deborah Harkness throws in lots of historical detail ... tripe with a wee bit of redeeming value.
Okay, now back to work for this little peep.
ciao for now
love and gratitude and light filled blessings ...
l i g a - kvk
p.s. it's the middle of May and the heat is on ... what up wit dat?
10 May 2013
minor rant
mid-day minor revelation ...
It occurs to me that those often heartrending Facebook posts challenging me to re-post something, "if I dare" or "if I have the courage" or "let's see who really cares" ... are a form of bullying and why I will not share or re-post any of them.
If the quality of my morals or the depth of compassion are to be judged, be direct and ask where I stand. The message should stand on its own merit; don't challenge me or bully me ... I will not participate.
love and light filled blessings to all the beautiful Moms ...
l i g a - kvk
It occurs to me that those often heartrending Facebook posts challenging me to re-post something, "if I dare" or "if I have the courage" or "let's see who really cares" ... are a form of bullying and why I will not share or re-post any of them.
If the quality of my morals or the depth of compassion are to be judged, be direct and ask where I stand. The message should stand on its own merit; don't challenge me or bully me ... I will not participate.
love and light filled blessings to all the beautiful Moms ...
l i g a - kvk
24 April 2013
a request on wednesday the 24th
I've been thinking about this post for a few days. There's quite a few things I want to share and I've been pondering on whether to write about everything in one post or break it up over a few days. As I sit here right now, I have yet to decide. So I'm just going to dive in and see where I'm compelled to go.
First and most important ... a Richie update.
My brother has asked for those of us following Richie's healing journey to spend a little extra time today and share the Prayers 4 Richie links ...
But he's got a long road ahead and challenges persist ... he's 2 months into his 12 months of chemo (1 week on, 3 weeks off), there have been several bouts with seizures, ambulance rides and late night trips to the ER, getting his meds dialed in to control seizures and re-upping the steroids to reduce the swelling and relieve his headaches and nausea.
This is how I like to picture my amazing and joyous nephew ...
I don't want this post to turn maudlin, but this image from Monday night's trip to the ER is sticking with me.
I was feeling so very sad and helpless yesterday. I've heard countless stories of spontaneous healing and miraculous speedy recoveries. With Richie's strong faith and insanely positive outlook on life, why hasn't his cancer just disappeared? During my morning meditation and prayers, it came to me that Richie is taking the longer path for a reason. He has a vision for a foundation ... a way to share the power of music and faith to help others through their own healing journeys ... and he can help others more effectively if he knows that difficult path.
His journey is bringing our families closer together and assembling a powerful global community. While dollars and donations and medallions are one way to help, I believe sending out healing thoughts and prayers has an even broader impact. Through our powers of intention, we're creating a web of love and light and healing that helps everyone, not just Richie.
So, today is about Richie. My stories can wait.
with deep gratitude ...
l i g a - kvk
First and most important ... a Richie update.
My brother has asked for those of us following Richie's healing journey to spend a little extra time today and share the Prayers 4 Richie links ...
On the whole, Richie's been doing extremely well. Throughout the day, but especially at 2pm CST, I send out prayers
to my nephew and his family. I love visualizing Richie being held and
supported in the light filled loving embrace of our growing community.
But he's got a long road ahead and challenges persist ... he's 2 months into his 12 months of chemo (1 week on, 3 weeks off), there have been several bouts with seizures, ambulance rides and late night trips to the ER, getting his meds dialed in to control seizures and re-upping the steroids to reduce the swelling and relieve his headaches and nausea.
This is how I like to picture my amazing and joyous nephew ...
I don't want this post to turn maudlin, but this image from Monday night's trip to the ER is sticking with me.
I was feeling so very sad and helpless yesterday. I've heard countless stories of spontaneous healing and miraculous speedy recoveries. With Richie's strong faith and insanely positive outlook on life, why hasn't his cancer just disappeared? During my morning meditation and prayers, it came to me that Richie is taking the longer path for a reason. He has a vision for a foundation ... a way to share the power of music and faith to help others through their own healing journeys ... and he can help others more effectively if he knows that difficult path.
His journey is bringing our families closer together and assembling a powerful global community. While dollars and donations and medallions are one way to help, I believe sending out healing thoughts and prayers has an even broader impact. Through our powers of intention, we're creating a web of love and light and healing that helps everyone, not just Richie.
So, today is about Richie. My stories can wait.
with deep gratitude ...
l i g a - kvk
04 April 2013
"Prayers For Richie" Fundraiser
Okay, so here's what I've been working on ...
I'm thinking you probably know my nephew Richie's been on something of a journey. He had surgery the Saturday after this past Thanksgiving to remove a brain tumor that was found to be cancerous. You can read more details on the FundRazr site his sister Alexis has just put up to raise money for his ongoing treatment and medical bills.
First off, this kid is amazing. The night before surgery, he performed an impromptu concert from his hospital bed; 3 days after surgery he was once again entertaining his visitors.
Richie's got a tremendous support network of devoted family and friends. They just held a benefit concert for him and are planning another one in June. And, as I mentioned before, Alexis just set up a FundRazr site. I figure there's strength in numbers so, in the interest of providing options and because I feel a strong need to do something to help, I designed a special medallion to add to the fundraising efforts.
My nephew's got big plans for the future. He has a vision to set up a
foundation; through music and his deeply held faith, he wants to help
other kids going through similar journeys. We're hoping to raise enough money to pay off the medical bills and then get his foundation going.
And before I continue, one really important thing you need to know about me - probably the hardest thing for me to do is ask for help ... with anything. I am notoriously pig headed, stubborn beyond reason and have to be on the verge of being crushed to ask for assistance of any kind. The other thing to know, I'm bad, but my little brother makes me look like a total go with the flow girl.
I'm realizing one of the biggest lessons we're both getting through Richie's ongoing journey towards healing is how to ask for help. I have to accept there's nothing I can physically do to change what is. What I can do is join in the daily (2pm CST) Prayers For Richie. What I can do is create this medallion to raise money to help with Richie's ever growing expenses. It's a start.
So ... the medallion.
For right now, they're hand formed by me in metal clay ... I'm hoping these go viral and I have to figure out how to get them cast. On one side I stamp my All One icon ... we truly are All One. On the other side, I've designed a Prayers For Richie logo - P4R. They're averaging about 3/4" in diameter. I'm stringing the medallions on red nylon Chinese knotting cord so they can be worn 24/7, they adjust from 30" down to 16". I'm also stitching up the little muslin bags with the P4R logo stamped on them. Here's a little closer view ...
I have the Paypal button set up as a "donate what you can" option. To keep this project sustainable, I'm asking for a minimum donation to cover my cost of materials and postage. I want this medallion to be available to as many people as possible so I'm doing both a bronze and fine silver version. For the bronze, I'm asking for a $10 minimum; for the fine silver, $25. Of course, more is definitely mo' better and greatly appreciated. Every dollar over my actual expenses will go towards Richie's bills.
I'm a little cross-eyed from figuring out all the details. I finished and uploaded the webpage and after I finish this post, I'll head over to blast the link all over Facebook. Like I was saying ... I'd love for this to go viral.
I'd love for you to share this post and links with anyone and everyone. If you feel so compelled and are able, a donation to either the FundRazr campaign or for a medallion would be truly wonderful and deeply appreciated by a large number of people. Every cent helps.
My intention is to create a vast network joined together with these medallions. Clasp the medallion and know we are All One. I hope you'll join our Prayers For Richie community.
with deep gratitude ...
l i g a - kvk
03 April 2013
comments update
Hi kids - just wanted to let you know that I've changed my comments settings ... no more anonymous comments. I've been getting some icky spam and just don't want to look at it anymore. If you don't have a Google account or whatever it now takes to leave a comment, you can always email me via the link on the right side of the page.
l i g a - kvk
l i g a - kvk
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