Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Meet Author K. M. Groshek



Recently, I had the opportunity to get to know Kim Groshek, she is a beautiful, creative and driven woman. I asked her a few questions about her book release Bug's Trip to The Store and I'm so glad she could share some time with me enabling my readers to get to know her somewhat too!

What prompted you to write the book?
I’ve always wanted to write a children’s book since i was little. I almost forgot about it for many years, it would come up in conversations during the past over 26 years, then two years ago, I set a goal to run a half marathon in 25 states. Through the journey accomplishing this goal (in 2 years) I attended a writing workshop in Colorado, which helped me realize that I could write creatively. I have 6 professional technical articles published, for my career but that is much different. So, during my travels, I journaled and an idea hit me on my way to Vermont. This is when I wrote my first draft of the first book in the series. From there I illustrated and refined the draft several times. I knew this was going to be good when, after my half marathon, eating my fresh soup in a restaurant overlooking Lake Champlain, I read my draft to an 8 year old and ask him to give me his honest opinion, if I read my manuscript to him. I watched as I read my book to him and he was very intent and listening, absorbing every word. After I was done reading it, he nodded profusely, saying he really liked it. So, then I followed the rest of the publishing process as other authors/illustrators do.
Were you able to have insight to illustrator or illustrations used?
Yes, I have an art background. It was something I went to school in college for a short while over 20 years ago. I basically put my art on the back burner since then, doing many craft type projects (selling things at craft shows and so on, but that was the extent). I brought my art out again this past year, because it was time. Yes, I illustrated my book, I used magic marker, then transferred into Photoshop and did the rest in Photoshop.


What is your favorite part of the book?
Favorite part of the book, really all of it, since the bug character, is really coming alive from my imagination. That is the neat part about it! I do have a picture that is really cool, I’ll see If I can attach it so you can see how that rings true in the picture.

Are you working on other projects involving writing?

Other projects, yes, I have 2 more books in the works, the 2nd book, called Bug meets his friend is going to be published in Feb and the 3rd book Bug goes through the maze is all illustrated, I am working on the manuscript as we speak. I also have a fire prevention series, called Floyd the Fire Truck series, which I am presenting to the insurance industry in January, which will include an online book and some games. I am also starting to kick off writing a Y/A novel, ideas are being kicked around, not sure if this will be a series or one book. I plan on working on the Y/A project during 2010. This will be my main focus besides traveling for promoting my book.

Kim's Message
: I feel the message in my book is a good one and that is important to me to help readers learn perseverance, determination and resiliency will help them overcome any obstacle. Staying strong and being creative in the process.

Closing:I'd like to ask my readers to go to their local library and ask for Bug's Trip to the Store by K.M. Groshek, let's help her get the word out and her book in more libraries!
Please visit Kim's site's to get to know her further along with two new covers for upcoming books, which can also be pre-ordered!
http://www.kmgroshek.com
Blog: http://www.kgroshek.blogspot.com
Facebook author page: http://www.facebook.com/kmgroshek

Monday, December 28, 2009

Now taking Canadian Shoppers!

I'd like to welcome my Canadian Shoppers to my Scentsy Site! Shopping for Scentsy recently opened up to the Canadian market and I'm glad to now offer the Scentsy shopping experience to my neighboring Canadians!!

Excited for my new molds--Scentsy and Berry Blush Meltdown!


As you can see the new warmer for January has an adorable design, perfect for any tween and also Valentine's Day! If you purchase the warmer during January you'll get a 10% discount! It's just enough that you can spend that savings on an extra bar of Scentsy wax!

I had ordered new molds to create my Scentsy samples of Berry Blush>>> (January's new Scentsy scent) I'm hoping they'll be here so I can begin the meltdown on Thursday! Woo hoo! I got a note they've been shipped, so we'll see! Scentsy is a new company, just celebrating five wonderful years of business. Now is the best time to become a consultant! There are so many areas where the product needs featuring and that's were you can play the part, earn an income selling an amazing product that so many people love!

Sunday, December 27, 2009

I'm planning a meltdown!

The brand new scent for Scentsy is Berry Blush and wow is it delicious! Warm, and somehow tropical and mouthwatering! If you are living in the USA please send me an email if you'd like a sample! mwilsonatblackfoot.net I ask for your mailing address to send you a sample in the next two weeks good for the next twenty requests!! New featured scents are sold at a 10% discount during their debut month. Make sure to sign up for my monthly Scentsy newsletter to be the first to learn of new warmer designs and new scents!

Thursday, December 17, 2009

18" Two hundred Shade




I had this shade (on another elk lamp that my husband made me) at a local Christmas Bazaar a couple of weeks ago. What a hit! Wow, I had endless comments on it's unique style and beauty! I was really fortunate to have power in the middle of the gym! I felt like a queen with my little power inverter! Just a note about my lamp shades. I can create a shade design from any of my art...or from yours or your children's art for that matter~ just contact me for details!

Monday, December 14, 2009

Thinking of Selling Scentsy?

I'll tell you two reasons I'm selling Scentsy I love the products-L* O * V * E them. And, I could easily see that I'd soon need additional income for my children and their college funds. I have a few years before their headed there and I have some other resources. Regardless, I felt like I was far behind in my endeavor. I can say I'm pleasantly surprised with the savings and it continues to grow--quickly! So, if I have to say if you are considering selling a product for much of the same reason as mine~do it! It's easy to join just go to my website: and click on Join! You will be given everything you need to start your business and I'll be there along with my team to help along the way! Any questions you have will be answered and you be soon be proud belonging to such a great company...eventually meeting your financial goals!

Have you tried Scentsy? These wick-less candles are affordable, long, long lasting too. When you are tired of a scent turn the warmer off...when you need a change warm the scent and pour it back into it's original container and try another! (Re-use or toss or save your old scent for fire starter!) The warmer designs are so fun and beautiful, you'll find one for every corner of your home! And the scents are simply delicious, with over eighty different scents there is a collection for each and every nose!

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Morphans In Flight Behold Peridot



Morphans here have their eye upon this periodot ring and it's warming olivine qualities. Behold oh sweet peridot. I used a heavy textile pattern (much like tweed and crosshatch) in the background, warm gold berries in contrast with the white berries and birds n' tracks. Peridot colored ring is surrounded with shades of ruby and topaz.

CLICK ON THE IMAGES TO VIEW IN WHOLE ;)

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Order In Time For Christmas!

Yes, there is still time to order Scentsy for your sister, mom, co-workers for Christmas! Check it out! One plug-in warmer and one bar is 20.00!

The Year In A View-My 2010 Wall Calendar




Here is my new 2010 Calendar~ I don't have too many new items in my shop. But, this is one. I have combined many of my images into one pleasing arrangement to surround the calendar. It's 16 x 20 printed on matte finish paper. Ready to ship~ check it out!

Friday, December 11, 2009

Oh so Bazaar

A friend of mine will be taking my Scentsy and my artwork out of town to a Bazaar. So, I have been busy on my birthday packing up all of my products for her to do so. I'm really excited and she's so kind to offer doing this for me. I am glad that I can take credit/debit cards too-making the whole thing easier for shoppers.

Another little Scentsy Note~

I love candles, but some I just cannot smell when they are lit. Perhaps after having them burning for the day...I smell something faint~ then when I blow them out the entire room gets filled with a black cloud of smoke....thoroughly un-doing what I'd set out to do: Create a lovely scent in my room. That's another couple of reasons why I chose Scentsy. Minutes after turning on any one of my warmers I smell the scent I've chosen to us. Currenty: Honey Pear Cider hits the spot! When I go to leave, I turn off my warmer and no big black cloud. I still smell the fabulous scent!

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Favorite Scents?

Okay...so today....what are my favorite scents?
Wow, so many to choose from!

Camu Camu (tropical...sweet fresh)
Enchanted Mist (bit of pear and apple)
Honey Pear Cider (yeah, just like that!)

Scentsy! My Newest Love and Venue

Have you heard of Scentsy? If not I need to tell you how fabulous they are. Scentsy is a marvelous wickless candle that uses a 25w bulb to warm the special Scentsy wax and releases the most incredible scents there are. No, really! Making them safe around children and pets because there is no open flame. Additionally, this makes them safe around forgetful peeps, such as myself. There are over eighty delicious scents and if you already love scented candles you will find the perfect scents for you and your family ~ for sure!! Here are two examples of random warmers. I love them both!

Why am I selling Scentsy?
1) for three years I haven't shut up about them
2)Can't get enough of them
3)I need some college funds for my children!
4)I am totally addicted to them...or did I already say that?


Wow, Holy Abandonment!

Abandonment –verb (used with object)
to leave completely and finally; forsake utterly; desert: to abandon one's farm; to abandon a child; to abandon a sinking ship.

Yikes~ this is me! But, I'm starting up again folks!

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Molting Progression-small Print


This print continues to gain much attention.
Print: 17.50 8.5 x 11





Silk Screened Birdy Recipe Cards




My friend Denise suggested that I create some recipe cards. I'm glad she did, these just make me smile. A set of eight hand printed recipe cards, a place for the secrets for your best recipes on the front and back of each 4 x 6 card. Printed on 100% recycled Wausau paper in driftwood with aqua ink...lovely to give to the new bride with some of your favorite recipes. Created with my little gocco.





Saturday, June 20, 2009

Exclusive Groovy Tropics Cotton Fabric



Order as much as you like this is limited and it is only available with Groovy Inclinations Wow, this is a large print. each flower measures 5.5 x 5 at it's largest points, the leaves are 5.5 inches long as well. What gorgeous curtains it would make it a white room....



You can purchase this fabric right here:
One yard: 23.00






Two Yards 46.00






Three Yards:69.00





More and More Fabric!

Cowie and Friends Rattle Fabric



I am beginning to wonder if I should have two Etsy shops. I have so many fabric designs and it's beginning to clutter up my art print shop. I need some opinions! I had worked as a textile designer for just about one year and I have decided to let some of my little babies go on to new homes and projects. here is one that I modified somewhat from it's original format. I think it would make fun wrapping paper too. Cowie and Friends Rattle Fabric is only available in my shop :)

Sunday, June 14, 2009

One R Two



Currently one of my faves in my shoppie, I'll be shipping a canvas print to Washington tomorrow. One of my customers from The Farm Chick show in Spokane, Wa. purchased the print. It's been drying and now ready to ship. It looks beautiful!
Print: 8.5 x 11 17.50





Groovy Inclinations Tiny Purse



Created from my very own fabric designs this tiny little purse can be made from any one of my fabrics, shown here in my poplar print. Each is made upon order so please allow 7-10 days prior to your shipment. (though assembly is going quite speedy!!) This little baby will hold my fave lip gloss, some cash and my business cards too. It's 3.5" x 5". Please remember that this is the only place my fabric can be purchased so you will have something very unique!

Thursday, June 11, 2009

One Yard Orange Flo Original CottonFabric LG



Okay...another fabric listed in my shoppie! I love this stuff~ it's bright and sunny and goes with so many styles! This listing is for one yard...order what you please! Just send me a convo through Etsy!

New Fabric Listed and More to Come!


Ruby and Turquoise Luminescent Lamp


Entire lamp is 12" tall with a 9.5" shade created from my own textile design and printed on back lit film. Create a soothing ambiance with this soft lighting alternative. Add to an entry way, a guest room or bedroom or a corner in your kitchen. It's amazing how one fixture can change the look of a room!

Hues are soft blues grey and ruby. See the print here: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15261457
Cord is over 7' long.

Safety Suggestions (we all have to have them :)
Light bulb: 25 watt.
Do not leave in care of little ones.
Do not leave unattended.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Farm Chicks Show--Results

I did well at The Farm Chicks Show held over this past weekend in Spokane, Wa. I got tons of compliments and some great sales. People seemed to fight over my business cards and really pour-over my prints with great interest. I was surprised to find that I didn't sell any lamps but again there was a lot of interest and I expect gains to come in the near future from my experience. I can't wait to list more of my fabric on Etsy, it is really fun and stunning! Whole yards are 23.00 each, and you may order as much as you'd like. 1/2 yards are 17.00 each. If any of you have any questions don't hesitate to contact me mwilsonatblackfoot.net .

Tuesday, June 02, 2009

More Fabric



Each of my fabric designs will be created as limited print runs. I can't say enough about the crew I worked with at DPI they worked with me every step of the way and produced such fabulous products! The quality and service surpasses that ones I have used in the past. If you check them out, make sure to tell them that I sent you!

My Very Own Fabric!



Inspired by one of my other designs here: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=5892661 this sweet little bundle of fabric has a lot of style. A little girl's skirt would be fabulous, an apron...sigh so many possibilities! I make a habit of pushing the uses of my designs to their fullest, the flowers from this once came from a silk screen design and they show up from time to time in other projects such as stationery.

The style and color scheme really has a vintage quality to it, as if you found
fabric from something you had as a child.

One Yard Dear Flapling:






Three Yards Dear Flapling:







Two Yards Dear Flapling:





Saturday, May 30, 2009

Two Hundred Square




I'm being square. Actually this image has made it to the front page of etsy so many times, that I have decided to offer it as it's own image in both large and small sizes! Magnificent wear on this building, captured within my lens while in Plains, MT. The large version is printed on Canvas or matte, or matte canvas paper as a 16 x 16 image. (paper choice for customer to decide) The small print is 8 x 8 and offered on heavy Epson matte finish paper.

Farm Chicks Show--Getting Ready





Here are a few images that I took recently and have for sale in my shop both images are located in Wallace Idaho. These will be a great addition to my work for the Farm Chicks Show being held in Spokane Washington, next weekend. It's going to be amazing and I would love to meet you if you happen to be strolling around Spokane that weekend! Please stop by and say 'hello!'.

Wear T Red Shoes Madam



With this new addition to my shoe series, I have chose to create a silk screened print of these vintage T-strap babies. The original shoes are really lovely and red and should be in my closet! However, they aren't mine. This image was inspired by a photo take by Elizabeth Eden! Thanks so much Elizabeth!
http://www.flickr.com/people/ebet/

I only made 70 of this print in this color scheme all printed on Brockway 60 cover stock cut at 8" x 5". The butter colored paper has a felt-like feel. Your print would be nice to matted and give to a lady in your life. Remind her to dance freely, and take steps with her chin up.
Print: 10.00





 
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