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.

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