📢Under Construction📢

I really REALLY didnt want to have to take the whole site down. but as I explained it to my husband, I feel like I have a leaking bucket, and instead of using the flex seal (iykyk the commercial), Im using crappy masking tape, and it kinda sorta patches it- but it really doesnt. I found out that certain former features are no longer compatible with the new updated webservice. I’ve spent hours pouring over to find that items that I thought have been on my site for months, actually never made it to the web. Things weren’t connected, and other things werent talking to eachother like they were supposed to. I didnt know things were this broken and its left me embarrassed and frustrated.

Wish me luck on this huge undertaking. Im not looking forward to it, but it will be good in the long run.

so much to learn, I have no time

Hey all! Been a moment since I hopped on to say hi. My apologies to some, hellos to many!

My website has been a big ol mess, but its been MY mess, and one I can understand, and update and control to some degree. My website people first said, “ We have this new version, and its so cool and advanced, but no you wont have to switch over to the new version if you dont want to”… And then they did. I had two choices: 1. switch over to the new “improved”, or 2. I had to create a whole new website using the new version from scratch, and then have to deal with new pricing and refunding my old site in less than a month.

I chose the first option,

Its kinda been a shitshow since. I havent had any desire to work on the thing, because it gets me so mad and frustrated once everything changed over. The colors are not my choosing, the fonts are different. I feel like i have to relearn my website each time i make an attempt to get it all together. My footer of links at the bottom are gone, where did they go? we dont know. These are important things. Is my email forwarding properly? yea, maybe? we dont know. It seems that everything that used to work, now.. just doesnt. I have to look everything up instead of navigating easily, and more importanly LEARNING, I am just not. Its been beyond frustrating.

I sort of figured out Events, and am able to post there for upcoming shows.

Bear with me, its alot, and Im forgetful enough as it is.

Shipping Updates

Howdy to all <3 Its been awhile since I posted something.

So, we all know that the world is in a weird place these days, rent is high, groceries are high, Silver is high, and now USPS wants to do WHAT? Yep they want another price increase in July.

Here’s what I know right now:

The US Post Office is increasing shipping rates twice in July

HERE'S WHAT'S CHANGING ON JULY 1ST:

Ground Advantage is increasing by up to $2.11

Weight-Based Ground Advantage for shipments that weigh more than 1 pound are increasing by up to $2.11, mostly in 1-5 pounds.

Weight-Based Ground Advantage for shipments less than 1 pound are increasing by up to 33 cents for zones 6-8.

Ground Advantage Cubic rates are increasing by up to $1.67.

Priority Mail is increasing by up to $3.10:

Weight-Based Priority Mail rates are increasing by up to $3.10.

Priority Mail Cubic rates are increasing by up to $2.97.

Priority Mail Flat Rate prices are increasing by up to $1.18.

The new rates will lower the maximum discounts available for USPS compared to Retail Pricing from 89% to 88%.

HERE'S WHAT'S CHANGING ON JULY 14th:

Media Mail rates will increase by up to 56 cents.

Signature Confirmation is going up by 20 cents to $3.70.

UGH! That sucks right? To help combat price increases, I am offering basic Ground Advantage again. I stopped using it a couple years ago when some porch pirates were snagging packages. Obviously shipping priority is still going to be the bestest way- your package is insured, tracking seems more accurate, its faster. Now, I havent gotten to see the final updated pricing, but in the past, I usually cover a couple bucks on the Priority choice to lessen the blow, and still plan on that, but remember, I am an artist, I am one person. I can only do so much. Being transparent about what is happening in the world is what I feel is the right thing.

If you are a Mpls Local, I still always offer local pickup (for free!), and can meet local to show work.

Thank you for reading, supporting, and sticking with me <3

Xmas in July! Meowy Mews!

Its July! Where did the year go already?

May brought a super fun Mother’s Day event in Wisconsin, and my favorite event -Art a Whirl! We were lucky to have beautiful weather all weekend! I love chatting with others about my processes, and talking stones and Tucson. I definitely miss those connections in the summer, as I have decided to step away from the traditional “art fair” circuit. The weather is too unpredictable to make it worth it for me. I am extremely sensitive to heat, and if you’ve visited me during a show, you know, I don’t really sit, or take breaks, drink or even eat. So I am experiencing a bit of “FOMO” since I didn’t apply. If anyone wants a private pop-up, I would be happy to come to you, or you can come to me.

The weekend of Art a Whirl brought a crazy kitten situation into our lives. As some of you already know, my sweet Lady suddenly passed away in late April, and my heart was crushed. Definitely affected my creative mojo, and bubbly attitude. A few short weeks later, I got a call regarding a lot of kittens and a mama cat needing some help and socialization. Long story short, there was a bit of an overpopulation issue, with female cats and multiple litters, and the kittens needed socialization if they were gonna be adoptable. This is a perfect project for me! We had 3 or 4 different litters at one time- the bigs, who I thought were around 10weeks old, the mids, who were maybe 2.5 weeks old, and then a couple days later some MICROS joined the bunch. The micros were maybe 1 week old- and SO TINY! We weren’t prepared for such small babies, but luckily the Bitty Kitty Brigade swooped in and took the micros. The “bigs” were swiftly placed in foster with Safe Hands Rescue in Anoka. (I am linking all these rescues, in case anyone wants to donate to these wonderful groups. I am so grateful they were able to help) Now the 13 kittens were down to a count of 4. A much easier number to work with to give everyone the attention they need. Every day I would go visit them, giving them lots of cuddles and play and food. These kittens were SMALL! Now, I have said for at least 2 years, that the feeling I have is the next cat we get would be in a “non conventional way” and it was gonna be a black kitty that would lead me to it, and they were gonna need some HELP. Well the kitty that alerted everyone to the situation was a black kitten. What are the odds?

This little black kitten would melt every time I held him, and he would pass out in my dress hammock, it didnt take long to fall for that little sweet boy. His name became Butter. His sister, a little calico, also tugged at our heartstrings, and didn’t want to separate her from her brother. Her name is Toots- cuz shes a “cutie patootie”. Fast forward to end of June, and now we have 2 new kittens for the Kaleidoscope Kitty team! The boys are still getting used to having babies around, but they’ve been very good and have been handling it well.

I will admit, I wasn’t expecting an abrupt break in creating, but, life happens, and we have to roll with it. On top of all the kitten fun, my sister, who i DSP for, had her second brain surgery in 6months. Im still trying to wrap my brain around all of that. Her caringbridge site is HERE for updates.

So now, back to the reason I am writing this post: theres a discount code that will be valid til July 31- Its Christmas in July! I have SO MUCH STOCK I am swimming in- help me lower my inventory, and score some sweet deals for you and your besties, and get me back in the studio!

Use MEOWYMEWS at checkout for a sweet deal- and look for new packaging featuring my little helpers coming soon <3

I want to have a birthday party!

March is my birthday month!!! Some people celebrate one day a year, and I am a FIRM believer in treating yourself All. Month. Long.

Let’s PARTY!

To celebrate all things “me”, the whole month of March I will be gifting a littles necklace (stone of my choosing) to every order that is $40 or more. I have already taken a couple classes this year and have a LOT on the bench that I would like to finish up and move, along with my awesome standard fare of offerings.

I plan on stocking the website weekly, so keep checking my instagram and this site for all the latest. This promo does not work on my etsy site. All orders will be ready to ship within 1 week of purchase, excluding custom work.

No code needed! Any purchase of $40 (before S&H) will score you a super sweet “littles necklace”

I am limiting this to 1 necklace per customer and will start March 1 at 12:01am and go til March 31 at 11:59pm

July update

Its been some time since I last wrote.

At least 6 months.

In that time frame I went to Tucson for the gem show, came home- and pretty much had surgery right after we came home, to remove a soccer ball sized cyst on one of my ovaries. …YES, I said soccer ball… When I was starting to feel like “me” again and ready to go out into public again, the stay at home orders were announced for our state due to Covid, and I was yet again stuck at home. Stores closed, some went online, some permanently closed. Pretty difficult to keep your artist mojo going with a pandemic going on. I have tried to take it easy and not push myself for my mental health, but man that is difficult. I am made to create things. So like many, we’ve struggled with depression, battled our demons, and many have questioned their purpose, as finances are tight, and our stores are still not doing the volume of sales they once were. Every art show that I had applied for has been officially canceled- leaving me with an insane amount of merch, and shops being closed means no income to get new supplies. And many of you already know, that when I go in my studio, I become a production GODDESS. So finding the balance is super challenging.

Everyday I try to do a little something, whether its learning new techniques or working on my website, or just posting stuff on etsy, I’m trying, but I miss interacting with people and doing simple things like shopping. 2020 just keeps on giving!

At the end of May, Minneapolis had the awful experience of police brutality resulting in a man losing his life. There were riots, buildings were looted, and some powerful voices have been amplified to give a closer look at the system showing it is a broken system. During those first few weeks, I didn’t post much, processing and learning, so as to not drown out my fellow artist brothers and sisters and the messages they bring. Black Lives Matter. It’s not an argument or something up for debate. It’s a statement, a fact. We have much work to do for equality. I hope that this has shown more people how unfair our current system is, and we need to change it.

-Up to date on the world-

This next week I will be prepping for my Xmas in July event on July 24 at 6pm Central time.
My husband helped create the KKSN - kaleidoscope kitty shopping network! I do my own take on a shopping channel- and its awesome. We’ve done a couple online shows, and its been really fun, and since most in person sales events are questionable for the near future, this is the best way to get to interact with me and learn about my work. (I’m fun!) SO come check it out :)

I will have some smokin deals and giveaways! Aside from that, you get to spend your time with me! How fun right? Help me blow out my stock so I can keep making you the most lovely of lovelies. If you don’t already follow Kaleidoscope Kitty on Facebook, please click the link above and do so, I havent figured out an IG or alternate way to showcase my live event other than Facebook, so it will have to do for now. Tell your friends- I am hoping for a great turnout.

Did you know- All month (July) I am sending out extra presents with every order! Special treasures picked special for you, just because everyone needs a lil something extra in their life. More sparkle please!!!

-For the remainder of the year-

I plan on growing some new collections and refining my techniques and style. Lately I have been obsessed with setting the tiniest stones possible. And they have been a treat to relocate when they fall into my bench tray (not really)

I want to continue to make videos to bring you the latest and most awesome pieces I can offer.

I still stand by my purpose in life of being a creator, an artist, but come this fall I will be dividing my time doing PCA work for a very special lady who is unable to go back to her adult program. That special lady is my sister, and we have lots of fun things planned to collab with kaleidoscope kitty. My turnaround time might be pushed back to accomodate my new schedule, so be patient <3

Thank you so much for reading, I hope I didnt ramble too much.

2019 a year in review

Its over. Finally. We closed the chapter on 2019 and are heading full steam ahead into 2020 with clear eyes, full hearts, and a cant lose attitude that needs to stay around longer than the first couple weeks. I have lots of reflections on 2019, good and bad, and though I dislike the bad, I know I can use them as reminders to correct my path.

I learned a lot about myself, my work, my goals, and the delicate balance between it all. I used 2019 as a healing year, both physically and mentally, especially after surgery, and I refused to do work I didn’t love, not because I was being stubborn, but because I wanted all my creative time to be as enriching and promoting my own personal happiness. I had realized I had gotten out of touch with my purpose, so happiness was a major key.

I took a class!

Yay for learning! I always like to further my skillset and knowledge, because, knowledge is what? POWER!!!

This is a quick video from the piece I completed for my Kinetic Ring. The stone is Labradorite, and I am so in love with this ring, I cant wait to make more.

Loving that Minnesota weather for outdoor shows.... NOT

Hi everyone! I’ll also be posting about this thru my other social media outlets as well, but for those who like to read, I got some special stuff going on in here that you dont wanna miss!

First off, I again want to thank you for reading. Your support is essential, and even just sharing my name, Kaleidoscope Kitty, is a huge help to me and my goal. <3

This summer I set off to do a show in July called “Art at the Falls” put on by Homespun. I have been working so hard on new products, expanding my knowledge and skillset, and overall wanting a well rounded booth that can accommodate all price points. I was so ready and so very excited. The weather predicted rain, but man oh man, did we get pummeled. We showed up, ready to go, positive attitudes and everything. The rain started as we got the tent out and up, and it wouldn’t stop. We luckily had weights to hold down the tent, as the wind picked up and water started to pool up in the reserved spots around my booth. The weather wasn’t going to calm down any time soon, and it was only going to get worse. The organizers of the event had to make the call, and they really did the right decision, it was dangerous, and gross out, neither of which people want to shop in.

The event cancellation kinda crushed me, spending a bunch of time, money, and effort to have it all be what feels to be wasted. Products needed new tags, and cards, costing money. I don’t do many shows, so when one gets canceled its kinda a big deal for me. As an artist who also can have bouts of depression, this scenario gets rough and real, real fast. Thank my lucky stars, the organizers were so generous in offering another try of the show, but this time in October! October is a great month, right? We’ll have great weather and I will have more opportunities to showcase even more of my line. TONS of new rings, new FLUSH-SET gemstone jewelry for the holidays, and some of my very favorites were going to be for sale. I was ready!

Aaand then October 5 happened. The weather was cold, and rainy, and predicted to rain all day. Even with the 5 layers I had on, the dry sweatshirts in the truck, my fleece-lined tights, and hot coffee, I was going to be miserable, but we still showed up with a smile on, and a great attitude.

We managed to get the tent up, and started hauling tables in, but honestly, who was going to shop in a puddle of mud, even if the rain stopped? What happened if the wind picked up my jewelry cards and tossed them on the ground ? SO many other artists have backed out already, and the show started in 30 minutes, did I want to be miserable and cold the whole day, or should we pack up and hopefully salvage the crummy day? The event still went on, but I decided for everyone involved that we should back out of the show, for health and safety reasons. I’m glad we did, because I feel like my body is trying to fight a cold now, but now I have had 2 shows canceled, shows that I don’t do many of, booth fees that don’t get refunded, and now I am sitting on loads of new product, and a sad face. Feel bad yet? Don’t! You the reader, since you’ve made it THIS far, get access to a special discount that is only available for reading this blog post!!! If you use “RAINSUX” to get a super deal (and a huge smile and thankyou from me) that is only available this month of October. Help me and help yourself get holiday gifts taken care of! And as always share share share.

Thank you!

Ooooh! And I am taking a class this Saturday! Stay tuned to my IG for details on what I am making <3

Mid Month Review

Ok guys, squarespace is the bees knees right now for me. Not only is it easy for me to post new items, I have the ability to customize SO much. Yeah, I have a couple hiccups here and there, but overall I am highly impressed with the design.

And I can blog…

and I can put fun easter eggs in the site here and there that are not in regular navigation.

AND I will be posting a link to the Elemental Hooping Registration link super soon. I cant wait to get in my hoop with everyone!

Its ALIVE

Welp, Ive finally done it.

My first real website with commerce, and its NOT etsy. This is kinda big. I have been a seller on etsy for over 11 years. I can tell you of a time where my work was posted on a rotating gallery of recently listed items. I remember days where my stuff would be on the front page for hours, and I would call my mom squealing with delight; “People were going to SEE my work,” or at least I thought. I have seen the site go from “difficult to post”, to “impossible to post” and then to “not so bad once you get a rhythm, i guess?”. Kinda a PITA if you ask me. And it shouldn’t have to be that way for a busy person such as myself who wants to do the creating thing.

Fast forward to present day, (I wont bore you with how etsy has changed, you can look that up on your own) I still have an etsy site. Its still a great source for sales and supplies, and they have a huge fanbase. I just want a site that is completely dedicated to all the work I do, and I am able to organize ALL of my passions in one space - (there are a LOT of them, I know) and after having the separate shop on pattern (part of etsy) and it not having all the options I needed, I decided to build my own! You know, cuz I have nothing else going on. And lets face it, I like to work with shiney things, and I honestly don’t spend a ton of time on the web, sooooo making a website is a big deal. I think its a big deal normally, but, this is exhausting, and I still dont know how I feel about it all. Was this a good decision? Did I design it ok? Did I waste my time? I’ve already had 2 meltdowns over it, and that was today! And then the comedown from all the energy, I just crash, and feel like I could sleep for days. Its not cute. Maybe this is why other people hire companies to design their websites.

So, look forward to products, designs, and more ME! Cuz Im all over this

Why Selecting the Right Stone is Important to Me and My Work

Occasionally, I'll hop on here and write a little something, and today, I have chosen to talk about my Littles Line.

Small single gemstones on a Sterling Silver, Rose Gold Filled or Gold Filled Chain. Sounds kinda basic and boring. Its not.

Stay with me here, I know metaphysical healing energy is NOT everyone's thing, and that is OK, BUT you should know this is part of my artist process that I have been curating for pretty much my entire life. Is it weird? Maybe, but its MY process.

A common question I get is , “what is a Little?” So I thought I would share a bit of my thoughts on what a Little is.  Littles are small and sometimes tiny gemstone necklaces that have one stone on a chain, made by yours truly. The stones have been carefully selected and only created with love and happiness intent. I regularly charge and smudge my studio with Paolo Santo. Not to a rigorous schedule, but whenever I feel its necessary (ie. If i have a cloudy feelings day) 

I have found my customers, much like myself, use these small treasures as a grounding point, a memorial piece, and good luck charms in tough times. These littles are SO SPECIAL.

But which one? Personally, I have a pretty large assortment of littles. I sometimes would match my outfits, but I always was more drawn to how they felt. Sometimes its a special sparkle, sometimes its the really cool colors that appear in nature to gain my attention. All of these are valid and real answers.  I choose my stone strands because they feel powerful- I don’t ask questions, my hands pick them. I sometimes just let my hands fumble around with what they like. Not every stone is selected to be in the Littles club. Every stone on a strand gets used, just not all the same way.

Last year on my Girl’s last day, the vet was coming over to the house, Girl* and I went up to the studio and made a final necklace together. I hadnt thought about what stone we were going to use, what properties it needed to have, I just wanted something we did together. Typically, when I make my stone choices, they can take up to an hour for one stone. I did not have such time. I panicked, and grabbed one of the first containers I could, Amazonite. I know lots of things, but I am gonna be honest, my brain only can handle so much knowledge. 

Stones, gemstones, and all their metaphysical properties is far too much knowledge that I would like to use elsewhere; and there are many valuable informative sites and books that can cover all those stones, meanings, colors, all of it. So I will point you to a site I often go to for reference, and send you to Amazonite.

https://www.crystalvaults.com/crystal-encyclopedia/amazonite

Amazonite, hm. Did I randomly pick it, did she pick it or fate? 

Now, I wear my Amazonite every day. It helped me get thru some tough times, because I knew she was with me. Last week I broke my chain when I put on my winter scarf. The meltdown was real, and it was strong. It came over me like an ocean of sadness, and so instantaneously. These are more than just tiny stones, they are something special.

I find that I will have dreams of wearing a particular “little” and when I look up the metaphysical properties, more often than not, the stone properties are what I’ve needed in my life.  Being open to the idea of healing stones is I think more the message than anything. If you allow the earth to talk to you, it can say some beautiful things. It’s been saying things for thousands of years, and it has more to teach us. 

* Girl is my original Kaleidoscope Kitty. She gave me the idea of the name when I made jewelry on my recliner back in 2002. She battled kidney insufficiency like a champ and was present on almost every piece of jewelry I made. She's Important to my business, and i miss her dearly.