Tuesday, March 22, 2011

2011 First Quarter Donation - Helping Japan


Like most people, I am heartbroken by the recent natural disasters in Japan. I knew immediately when the earthquake hit that Lofted Designs' first quarter donation for 2011 would go to helping those who have been devastated by these events. But where to donate? With so many organizations collecting money, it's hard to know which ones will do the most with what they have.

When I heard about Real Medicine's Japan relief fundraising, and matching donations being made by the Ace Hotel, Rudy's Barbershop, Bimbo's Cantina and the Cha Cha Lounge, I knew it was the right organization for me. These companies are partnering to match donations dollar for dollar up to $18,000. I can't give much, but now I have effectively doubled what I can afford to give.

The funds are focused on Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief, a Japanese non-profit organization based in Tokyo. JEN was founded in 1994 in response to the humanitarian crisis in Bosnia, and has since been conducting relief around the world for victims of war, internal conflicts and natural disasters. JEN is focusing on providing food and other needed supplies to those in Tokyo and in the earthquake/tsunami-affected northern zones.

To donate, click here and be sure to specify that your donation is for Japan Relief Efforts to get matching funds from the generous sponsors.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

The Warm Fuzzies of Success

The verdict is in. 2010 was a great year for Lofted Designs thanks to all of you!

I finally did my 2010 paperwork (yes, I am a procrastinator when it comes to boring stuff like taxes). You know how sometimes, when you're in the middle of something, you can't get a feel for the big picture? It's just too close, too busy, all happening too fast. So sitting down this weekend and getting organized was a HUGE eye-opener for me. As I rooted through my receipts and files and put everything together I discovered the following incredible things:

• I participated in 12 amazing craft fairs in 2010 (who knew?!)
• I had wonderful success on Etsy -- sales nearly doubled from 2009!
• I was able to donate to many terrific organizations

If you aren't familiar with my philosophy on giving back, please take a moment to read this page.

I typically donate to one non-profit organization each quarter based on sales. Well, with 2010's increase in sales came an increase in donations. I would love to give a shout-out to all of the wonderful organizations (and the people behind them) who benefited from this success. May they continue to do great things in the world!








Click on the logos if you'd like to learn more about any of these organizations. Thanks for helping me give back!

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Picnic Portland Holiday Sale - This Weekend












Maine Irish Heritage Center — 34 Gray St. & State St., Portland, Maine
Saturday, December 11th, 12pm - 8pm
Sunday, December 12th, 12pm - 5pm

FREE admission!

Shop like a rock-star and celebrate the local handmade movement. Find one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on your list at this vibrantly out-of-the-ordinary event! The 2nd Annual Picnic Holiday Sale is TWO days this year and will feature more than 60 creative vendors selling clothing, jewelry, prints, accessories, bags, plush, stationery, photography, housewares, fine art, vintage goods and much more.
 more info

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Shop-A-Do Craftastic Art Sale











SPACE Gallery — 538 Congress St., Portland, Maine
Friday, December 3rd, 5 PM - 9 PM
Saturday, December 4th, 10 AM - 6 PM

I am excited beyond words about this show. I will be sharing the floor with some of my very favorite crafters and artists and will probably get most of my holiday shopping done in this one room! I encourage you to do the same. You'll find something for each person on your list at this funky and fabulous art sale! more info



















There is lots of other cool stuff happening Friday night as well during Portland's First Friday Artwalk. Check out all of the galleries downtown, then make your way over to the State Theater for 1930s Night! Enjoy live music in the vaudeville style from Over A Cardboard Sea at 5:30pm, followed by a showing of The Wizard of Oz on the big screen at 7pm. Or show up later at 10pm for a screening of the movie with Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon as the soundtrack. Tickets to each screening are only $5! more info

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Celebrate December with FREE Shipping


Here it is, my gift to you! From now through December 12, 2010, enjoy FREE SHIPPING on all purchases from the Lofted Designs Etsy shop. Free shipping will be automatically applied to your order.


Thanks for supporting the handmade movement this holiday season!

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Get Your Craft Fix - This Weekend



















Buoy Gallery — 2 Government St., Kittery, Maine
Saturday, November 27th, 10 AM - 5 PM
Sunday, November 28th, 10 AM - 5 PM

After you get your fix of doorbuster deals or finish celebrating Buy Nothing Day on Friday, head on over to Buoy for CRAFT FIX, where you'll find locally handcrafted gifts for everyone on your list! Some of the seacoast's very best artists and craftspeople will be there, so skip the outlets and head into town. more info

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

2010 Holiday Show Schedule

The Lofted Designs holiday schedule has been set! I applied to five juried craft fairs and art shows this season, thinking I'd get accepted to one (at best). Instead, I got into three for a very full schedule starting this coming weekend.

I'm so excited to announce the dates, and I hope to see some of you at the following events. All of them offer FREE admission and tons of fantastic holiday shopping. If you love to buy handmade and support local artists, here are three great events for you:

CRAFT FIX
Buoy Gallery — 2 Government St., Kittery, Maine
Saturday, November 27th, 10 AM - 5 PM
Sunday, November 28th, 10 AM - 5 PM


SHOP -A-DO Craftastic Art Sale
SPACE Gallery — 538 Congress St., Portland, Maine
Friday, December 3rd, 5 PM - 9 PM
Saturday, December 4th, 10 AM - 6 PM

PICNIC PORTLAND HOLIDAY SALE
Maine Irish Heritage Center — 34 Gray St. & State St., Portland, Maine
Saturday, December 11th, 12pm - 8pm
Sunday, December 12th, 12pm - 5pm



Details to follow soon! Of course, if you live far away you can always shop online.

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Custom Cufflinks - Men's Jewelry


I recently had the opportunity to make custom cufflinks for the first time. This was exciting for three reasons:

  1. I always love the challenge of making something new.
  2. Making a gift for a man for a change was great! Almost all of the jewelry I make is for women, and coming up with ideas for men is usually a daunting task.
  3. This was a very meaningful gift, and I was thrilled to be able to make it happen. Allow me to explain...
My client and her husband had vacationed in Newfoundland. It was a memorable adventure involving challenging physical feats, and they both agreed it was a vacation they would never forget. Along they way, they had collected some interesting green stones as souvenirs.

Rocks from Newfoundland
Cut to a couple of months ago, and she needed a birthday present for him. What a great idea to turn those souvenirs into a meaningful gift! I was more than happy to help out.

Custom sterling silver settings
Cufflinks in action
Custom gifts are so thoughtful and I am always happy to help. If you have a great idea (or even just a really cool rock or two), I'd love to chat!