Announcing The ReMe Blog Hop!!!

Every once in a while, if you're lucky, an opportunity comes along that allows you make your dreams a reality; a vision that transforms into something tangible. Today I want to share my dream with you.  It’s becoming bigger and better than I could have possibly imagined, and I couldn’t be happier about it. 

You might be aware that I recently joined two of my closest creative friends in a new business venture called “ReMe Retreats”.  At ReMe we’ll be offering a variety of creative retreats and workshops, and when we say “Retreats”, we mean it as the most over-the-top artistic unique experiences that you can possibly imagine.  ReMe has been life changing for us, and we hope that you be able to experience a bit of this ReMe Magic for yourself too. 

Our goal for each ReMe Retreat is to provide our guests with individual attention in a caring, gentle, fun, and inspiring atmosphere.  Our motto for ReMe is “Rest.  Relax.  Renew.”  It’s also one of the guiding principles behind our mission statement for this creative endeavor.   As we grow this creative endeavor, we want you to be a part of ReMe.  Whether you join us in person or simply glean some inspiration from our experiences, we feel confident that you’ll benefit from this investment in yourself. 

To introduce you to ReMe; Penny, Jodi, and I will be hosting a blog hop.  Over the next few Fridays in February, we will be hopping along to each of the instructor’s blog and to the ReMe Blog so that you can partake in the beginning of this journey with us. As an extra bonus, all three of us will be donating prizes for your participation.  Who doesn’t love prizes??

 

How do I enter the giveaways?

To enter the giveaways, visit the featured instructor on the following dates.  Then visit the link that the instructor provides for the final post on ReMe.   Leave a comment on the instructor’s ReMe blog post to be entered in the giveaway.   The winners for each individual prize will be announced on the next three Mondays in February.

Will there be bonus entries?
Yes!  You’ll receive a bonus entry each week if you share the featured ReMe post on your social media sites.  (Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest.)  After you share, please visit the ReMe Blog and add a comment to let us know.

What's the schedule?

“Rest”:   February 7 - Jean Skipper

Giveaway winner announced, February 10.

“Relax”:   February 14 – Penny Arrowood

Giveaway winner announced, February 17.

“Renew”:  February 21 – Jodi Ohl

Giveaway winner announced, February 24.

When are the next ReMe Retreats?

May 5 - 10, 2014 - Ocracoke Island, NC (Sold Out.)

October 20 – 25, 2014 - Ocracoke Island, NC (A Few Spaces Remain.)

Enjoy 5 days of creative immersion on beautiful Ocracoke Island in the Outer Banks of North Carolina.  Discover the unique culture; make friends, be inspired by intimate artistic workshops, create memories, laugh over meals together, immerse yourself in engaging special events, and more! (ReMe Ocracoke is an all-inclusive event, other than your travel to and from our location.   We have it all covered, so come-as-you-are, and leave a Re-Newed person!)

 

This concludes today's ReMe Announcement.  I'm looking forward to seeing you tomorrow for the first day of our blog hop!

Bobbins and Keys Available Now, With Free Shipping in February!

I have a thing for old metal parts and pieces, and keys and sewing machine bobbins happen to be two of my favorites.  The ones in this photo have been altered by the addition of a handmade lampwork glass bead that was created directly onto the metal.  They've become extremely popular among collectors, and I never seem to have more than a few of them at any one time on hand in my studio.

So, I decided to use every minute of our snow-filled week in North Carolina to create finished necklaces from these beauties.  For the first time ever, I've listed every single one of them in my online store, and you'll find a great selection there for a limited time.  

Also, between now and the end of the month, if you'll enter the code 'February2014', you'll receive free shipping on all of your online purchases from Jean Skipper Originals. 

Thank you!  And I hope that you'll be as inspired by these pieces as I was while creating them.

Where On The Worldwide Web Will I Find Jean Skipper Originals?

On the Internet, you'll find Jean Skipper Originals by visiting the websites that follow:

You'll find a visual sampling of my work on My Website.

To purchase from my existing body of work, please visit my My Online Store. 

I'll attempt to tell a few of my stories and present a small slice of my view of the world on My Blog (That's right, you're here!)


On Facebook, you'll find my business page at Jean Skipper Originals.  Please "Like" me on this page, for updates regarding my show schedule, class opportunities, recent work, and special sales. 

On Facebook, you'll find my personal page at Jean Kessler Skipper.  Please "Friend" me if you'd like to stay on touch on the personal side of life.  (I welcome you to join me on both of my Facebook Pages, as I'm working to eliminate the business overlap between the two.)

For brief descriptions of my work and life, in 140 characters or less, you'll find me on Twitter.

For a visual glimpse of things that inspire and amuse me, you'll find me on Pinterest.

In 2014, I'll be teaching in Stamford, Connecticut, at Art Is...You, Your Mixed Media Art Retreat.  You'll find my class information here.

And finally, in 2013, I co founded a company with Jodi Ohl and Penny Arrowood.  These women are amazingly talented artists and even better friends.  Our company is called ReMe.  Please click here for more information about ReMe Retreats and Other ReMe Happenings.

Whew!  This seems like a lot, and yet I'm sure that there are others too.  If you're seeking a custom creation, a specific piece that you saw in person at a show or gallery, or the answer to a burning question, please contact me anytime by email at jeanskipper@jeanskipper.com .


Thank you again for your support.  It's helped me to find the courage to live my dreams, and for that I will be forever grateful.

Words of Wisdom From a Vintage Tea Towel

Everything in moderation.
Even tea towels!

Hi.  My name is Jean, and I'm addicted to vintage tea towels.  No brand new terry cloth for me!  I'll choose a brightly colored printed flour sack towel or a lovingly hand embroidered one every time.  And don't even get me started on my fondness for towel sets! 
 
Years ago, my collection began with like-new beauties that were given to me by my Mother.  She'd had them for years, and she kept them safely tucked away in her cedar chest or in the buffet in our dining room.  Some she made herself, in anticipation of being married one day.  Others were shower gifts.  Interestingly, I don't remember actually seeing any of these towels in our kitchen.  I do remember gathering them around me occasionally on a rainy afternoon and marveling at them.  I use these towels every day now; it's my way of honoring them.


Stay hydrated.

 
Since acquiring my family heirlooms, I've slowly added to my collection.  Garage sales, flea markets, and thrift stores are my regular haunts, and my heart skips a beat when I spot one across the room.  Through the years, friends and family have also generously contributed to my habit, with one of my most unexpected additions being a colorful days-of-the-week set that arrived in the mail from my cousin, Sharon . 
 


Man cannot live by bread alone.

My friend, Theresa, covets her towels for the noble purpose of making homemade pierogies.  (It's the way her Grandmother made them too.)  And recently I learned that my artsy friends Amy Smith and Jodi Ohl share my love of linens.
 
The images here are all a part of a beauty that Amy gave me last year.  It was a "just because" kind of surprise, and it even had its original tag.  As we begin the new year, it hangs on the front of my stove and serves as a reminder to make one positive decision at a time on the road to good health.   Thank you again, Amy! 




Danger Ahead!
Make a good decision.



Everything tastes better with
a cherry on top.




 
 

Say cheese!
One ounce at a time.

Mushrooms are an excellent choice!
Especially when they're
sauteed in butter.  ;-)

Where In The World Will I Find Jean Skipper Originals?!?

Here's to a Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous 2014!  At this time of year, my heart overflows as I pause to appreciate all of the blessings in my life.  Personally, I'm thankful to be surrounded by the love of friends and family.  Professionally, I'm forever grateful that I've been given the opportunity to make my living as an Artist.
 
Life in this business moves and changes quickly.  With that in mind, I wanted to take this opportunity to provide you with an updated listing of the galleries and boutiques that represent my work.  This doesn't begin to describe the people behind each of these establishments!  They're warm, welcoming, and witty; and I promise that a visit to any of them will leave you with a smile on your face and a longing for a return trip.  

These dear hearts have also been infinitely patient with me this year as I navigated a variety of family challenges, and they mean the world to me.  Many of their businesses offer an internet shopping experience too, so be sure to visit them online by clicking on each of their names.  

Currently, you'll find my work in the business locations that follow:
 
Artestry Hideaway (New Location Behind Clawson's Restaurant!)
129 Middle Lane, Beaufort, NC, 28516 , (919) 244-7354

Artful Living Group
112 Cape Fear Blvd., Carolina Beach, NC, 28428, (910) 458-7822

Blue Horse Market 
3196 Vass Carthage Road, Carthage, NC 28327, 910-9492996


Blue Pelican Gallery
57762 NC HWY 12, Hatteras, NC, 27943, (252) 986-2244

Books to Be Red
34 School Road, Ocracoke Island, NC, 27960, (252) 928-3936

Hands Gallery
543 West King Street, Boone, NC, 28607, (910)262-1970

Just Be
358 S. Elm Street, Greensboro, NC, 27401, (336) 274-2212

Lantana's Gallery & Fine Gifts
113 South Howe Street, Southport, NC, 28461 , (910) 457-0957

NOFO@The Pig
2014 Fairview Road, Raleigh, NC, 27608, (919) 821-1240

Pea Island Art Gallery
27766 State Road 12, Salvo, NC, 27972, (252) 987-2879

Plum Crazy Boutique
1180 Duck Road, Duck, NC, 27949, (252) 261-1125

River to Sea Gallery
225 South Water Street, Chandler's Wharf in Historic Downtown Wilmington, NC, 28401, (910) 763-3380

So Me Artisan Wares and Jeweler's Studio
3394 Saxonburg Blvd., Suite 530, Glenshaw, PA, 15116, (412) 767-8818


Swank Coffee and HandmadeMarket
232 NW Broad Street, Southern Pines, NC, 28387, (910)692-8068

Vintage Cottage (Formerly Circa Gallery)
150 Sunset Avenue, Asheboro, NC, 27203, (336) 736-8015


Opportunities with additional venues are also in the works, and I'll update you here as these new relationships are established.  If you know of a business that might benefit from representing my collection, please contact me anytime at jeanskipper@jeanskipper.com or by leaving a comment here.  I'd love to hear from you!

Ocracoke Treasures, Peace, and Thanks to Linda D.

"Ocracoke Treasures"

"Magical" isn't a word that I use lightly, and it's interesting how frequently my time on Ocracoke Island is described in exactly that way.  Our last trip there in October felt long overdue.  Life at home was stressful, and we were anticipating our visit with even more enthusiasm than usual.

On the day of our departure, we left home at 2:00 in the morning so that we were sure to arrive at The Cedar Island Ferry in plenty of time for the first crossing of the day.  Tired and happy, we landed on Ocracoke a few hours before our rental home was ready.  Ken indulged me in my need to immediately feel the sand between my toes, and I indulged him in his need for a nap.  

While he was snoozing in the truck, I made a beeline for the Pony Pen Beach.  It was just what the doctor ordered!  It was a perfect breezy fall afternoon.  With the sun on my face, I walked in solitude in the surf for about twenty five minutes before beginning my return trip. 

Because I'm not truly happy on the beach until my pockets are overflowing and my hands are filled to capacity, I picked up oodles of treasures along the way.  Then, just when I thought that I couldn't squeeze one more morsel into my collection, I spied a flash of color on a piece of driftwood that I'd passed earlier.

"...and let it begin with me..."

Imagine my surprise when I drew closer and found these.  I quickly realized that they were even more precious than I'd imagined.  "Peace" was exactly what I was seeking on Ocracoke, and to find such a physical manifestation of it within hours of my arrival can be defined as nothing short of Magical.

Thank you, Linda D. for sharing your talents in such a generous and selfless way! Your gift touched my heart, and I hope that your time on Ocracoke was every bit as Magical as ours.  (If you happen to be reading this, Linda D., please let me know. I would love to be able to thank you more personally.)

What A Difference A Day Makes

From the crispness in the air to colored leaves to pumpkins, I love the Fall Season.  This year my travels took me from Pennsylvania to New England and back to North Carolina.  The time on the road allowed me to experience nonstop autumnal beauty for weeks on end.  Here at home, fall arrived softly.  I live in The Sandhills, home of the majestic Long Leaf Pine.  While they offer stunning beauty year round, they just don't provide a whole lot of fall color.  ;-)

This photo is similar to one that I posted on Facebook.
Notice the heart shaped hole in the leaf on the top left.

Wednesday.

About a week ago, I noticed that the small maple tree in our front yard had begun to turn brilliant orange.  As the days passed, I appreciated it as I gazed out the window or drove in and out of our driveway.  Then two days ago, as I rushed home after an appointment, I paused to visit the tree in person.  It was awesome!  Its leaves were rustling gently in the breeze; bees were languidly resting amidst its branches; and the Carolina Blue Sky provided the perfect backdrop for its vibrancy.  I posted a photos of the tree on Facebook that day, and I was amazed by the positive attention that it received.



Thursday.

Yesterday dawned to mist, fog, and gray skies as I made my way to yet another doctor's appointment.  When I returned home, I was stunned to see that our beautiful little tree had shed almost all of its leaves overnight.  If I hadn't paused for those precious moments the day before, its beauty would have existed only in my mind.   

I know that there's valuable lesson in this experience, and it's one that's been on my radar for the past few years.  Our time here is precious and fleeting.  We need to make the most of it; we need to appreciate those we love and the beauty that surrounds us; we need to focus on the things that matter most; and we need to do it right now...in the moment and amidst the chaos.  Life is beautiful, and I for one want to fully appreciate every last drop of it!