Designs By Mikel

Tribute to a Friend and a Great Movie

2011-05-20T10:12:00.001-06:00

This image inspired by the movie A Good Year

My good friend Debbie inspired me to create this for her... as she was so touched by the movie and the love story.
This is what a young girl whispers to the young boy she meets for the first time at the pool.

It is snaggable. Needs a 5 x 7 Frame.

Translated (Forgive my lips.. they find joy in the most unusual places)

Enjoy

What to do with a couple matching antique frames?

2011-05-17T16:11:00.000-06:00

I was totally inspired by this photo of my brother and sister and law..

I thought they looked so cute and inlove... it inspired me when I had two small 3x3 antique frames to fill. I wanted them to match my bathroom... here is what I came up with..

and

They actually look very lovely in there place... :)

and the picture inspired a logo I am in the process of creating for my sister's business.

Inprocess..

Much love to you.. as you can see the progress is slow.. but it feels so good to begin be in the creative mode again.

A Little More Progress

2011-05-08T03:57:00.003-06:00

I have this incredible pond out side of the back of my house. I love to sit and listen to the birds.... and work. Here are a couple of thing I made up to frame as reminders of some of the inner work I am doing. They are snaggable if you like, just right click and save.

This one fits a 8 x 10 Frame.

This one fits a 5 x 7 frame.

Hope you are having a wonderful day.. and much love to you..

A Little Update...

2011-04-02T06:00:00.000-06:00

Hello All... I seem to have fallen off the face of the earth the past year and a half. :) I have spent the past year healing, and coming to terms with the reality of my health and the beautiful blessings life can bring.

I have been really inspired this past spring. It is wonderful to know there are other women and other artists who share such similar journey's. I feel connected to you all even if we havent met... yet :).

I have been playing around again and seemed to revive my love of photoshop, that program has such endless possibilities. It takes so much longer for me to get things done it can be frustrating, but it feels good to begin to explore again. I made this for my daughter and her husband.

I made this one for my husband and I..... I framed mine in a antique blace frame and it looks awesome over my bed.

I love to make personalized things like this... and I hope to continue to have the stamina to keep updating. much love..xoxo Mikel

Shoppe Critique

2009-10-16T06:35:00.001-06:00

I have been in a bit of a slump with my Etsy Shoppe. There is a lot of competition to get recognized when one sells jewelry. There are so many people selling jewelry. Recently we I had several gals from the Etsy Team look over my shoppe and give me an honest critique.

There were so many things I learned about Photograpy, Wording Descriptions and about SEO. I finally feel like I really have a handle on what will create a successful shoppe on Etsy. This is huge, because in person, my display is awesome, and people can pick things up. Shopping on line is a different story. I think more and more people are starting to shoppe on line, and its up to the store owner to make the process us easy as possible. This also means your photos and appeal must be exceptional because that can almost speak louder than the actual product does initially.One thing I did was retake most of my photos. I was advised to get a background that helps the store look uniform. I like what I have come up with. I think it pops.

I am really excited about some of the latest additions to With Wild Abandon. Check out these two gorgeously elegant Monet Peal Necklaces!

I have spent the last week or so working over the shoppe with a fine tooth comb. I have a new banner yeah, and will have two shoppes now.

Designs by Mikel will have my Women's Empowerment Wristlets
Anyways, everything else is still located in the other shoppe With Wild Abandon.

Here is a sneak peak of some of the newest items listed.... I love them! I hope you do to.

Pomegranate and Pink ~ An Interview

2009-09-27T11:45:00.001-06:00

I love to interview and get to know other artists..... Kendahl from Pomegranate and Pink really has some awesome stuff. Plus she is a pretty neat lady.

Q: What medium or mediums do you work with?

Silk flowers, ribbon, tulle, and other various craft items.

Q: How long have you been creating/ or selling? How did you get started?

I have been creating my whole life! I started to create bows and tutus and other things for my daughter about a year ago, and started selling them at the beginning of this year.

Q: Do you have any formal training or are you self taught?

I am completely self-taught!

Q: Do you have any favorite supplies that you would like to recommend?

I recommend a good pair of fabric scissors. It means the world when cutting ribbon!

Q: Do you work with any specific styles or subject matter?

Whatever strikes me.

Q: Can you recommend any books videos or other resources that will help new artists?

I have no idea!

Q: How do you get ideas to create a piece? What inspires you?

I like to play around. I don't want my bows to look like everyone else's, so I try to create new styles and designs. Seeing beautiful color combinations inspires me the most!

Q: Are there any artists that have influenced you and why?

I don't have anyone in particular.

Q: Do you have a website you would like to share?

Etsy.com! I love wasting my days browsing through Etsy. There are so many talented people there!

Q: Finally do you have any last words of advice for beginner artists?

Become a part of a group like UtahEtsy. You will meet so many amazing artists who are willing to share their expertise with you! Resources like that are so valuable.

I really enjoy reading Kendahl's blog. She has some awesome advice, stories and giveaways.

You can find Kendahl at the following places:

http://scrapituponline.blogspot.com/

http://pomegranateandpink.etsy.com/

http://stepmomextraordinaire.blogspot.com/

Winner! New Moon Pendant Announcement

2009-09-19T11:54:00.001-06:00

Thank You Natasha for following the blog and for your comments... congratulations.. you are the winner. Please email me at designsbymikel@gmail.com with your contact information so that I might get you your prize.

Thought you might enjoy the new moon trailer..... wow
Exclusive 'New Moon' Trailer Premiere: "Check out this exclusive, expanded version of 'New Moon' trailer #3."

Its the Little Things.... Artist Jana Crump

2009-09-15T19:20:00.001-06:00

I am just really impressed with Jana Crump's work. PERIOD. This is not your normal run of the mill artist. Each head piece/hat she works on are considered a work of art in of themselves... she prides herself in only using the finest materials.. and they are so sharp and sexy looking.. take a peek.. Don't you just want one for yourselves?

Please visit her etsy store... you wont be disapointed in the fabulous selection. There is one waiting just for you!

My First Boutique/Show.. a Recap.. and how I created a knockout booth for $50.00

2009-09-13T14:49:00.004-06:00

I had my first show this weekend. This shy girl felt quite naked as I revealed myself in person to many of the fellow women I have admired who pioneered this journey for me. I have been creating my whole life – but it has only been the last couple of months I have been gifted with the time.. and the drive to overcome many of the obstacles blocking the fulfillment of my dream of sharing my creations. In February- I began a mandatory medical leave that has become permanent. When life gives you lemons.. make lemonade… I love that saying and its been what I have been trying to do. We have been on a shoestring budget and putting together enough products and creating a display has been a challenge. I began several weeks ago to collect items from thrift stores that might work as display items. I probably spent about $40.00 total.. if that. My husband found a table at a garage sale for $10.00. I chose to paint everything black with the hopes that it would make my colorful items pop! Then I distressed and antiqued the items to complete the look. I actually am quite happy with the display…

I was so excited to meet several people in person… and was so impressed by their friendly, warm spirits. I am in awe really at how many talented women there are..!!!! Patrica Wright has some awesome twilight inspired jewelry, Bugs n Bees has gorgeous sassy children’s clothing and accessories, WatchOut has those sweet bracelet watches and Beaded Socks who has lovely childrens accessories and clothing also. I saw "Dizzle Pop" and "It’s the little things" also.. and would have love to met the women behind those shops as well.

I am off to regroup.. as I have the Art Garden this next weekend. … there is much to do. I am really looking forward to this weekend.. and I am sure if you like art, music, or food.. this will be the place to be. See ya there: )

Would love to know if you think setting up for the first time my booth was a success for $50.00? Ofcourse I am not talking about the many many hours it took to create the product- or whether the show its self was a success.

Let Your Spirit Shine... Women's Empowerment Wristlets...

2009-09-10T02:17:00.003-06:00

These wristlets... were totally inspired by a beautiful group of women that have been teaching me how wonderful we each truely are.. individually.

Let Your Spirit Shine……
Women’s Empowerment Wristlets( still working on a name .. if you have a suggestion) are designed to inspire healing, responsibility, empowerment and hope for women. Women’s Empowerment Wristlets serve as a reminder to bring forth the beauty and strength within ourselves, to be inspired to be the best we can be, and to let our individual Spirits shine through. Each wristlet is organic in nature, unique in its own design, size and shape and not made from a pattern... symbolizing the unique difference’s and beauty each woman has.
Namaste.. Love Mikel

Oh.. and the most important thing... %20 of all profits from this item will be donated to the

Rape Recovery Center.

Much love.. and Namaste..

Mikel

PS... please enjoy some of my favorite quotes...

There came a time when the risk to remain tight in the bud

was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.

~ Anais Nin ~

People are like stained-glass windows.

They sparkle and shine when the sun is out,

but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed

only if there is a light from within.

~ Elizabeth Kübler-Ross ~

A woman is the full circle.

Within her is the power to create, nurture and transform.

~ Diane Mariechild ~

It is only with the heart that one can see rightly,

what is essential is invisible to the eye.

~ Antoine de Saint-Exupéry ~

When we speak we are afraid our words will not be heard or welcomed.

But when we are silent, we are still afraid.

So it is better to speak.

~ Audre Lorde ~

Twilight-New Moon Pendant Give Aways...

2009-09-08T11:53:00.001-06:00

Ok... Here is a finished one... !.. Many more to come.. and the designs keep flowing. I will be giving these away.. depending on the response until the movie opens...

(If you just want one.. you can purchase of course at my etsy shop.. http://www.withwildabandon.etsy.com/)

Here is the first one... This drawing will end on September 16, 2009

In order to enter.. You must 1. become a follower of my blog, leave a comment with your name, and that your a follower with your contact information... :) thats it.

You may submit a second entry by visiting my etsy shop.. and leaving another comment with a link to another item you would like to win. Good Luck!.. Winners will be drawn by random org.com and posted on my site by Sept 17, 2009. The winner will have 5 days to contact me... to arrange delivery. :)

Get Your Twilight On!

Fantastic Fabric Flowers

2009-09-07T13:18:00.000-06:00

These fabulous little finds.. are my favorites.. they go in your hair.. on your wrist, clipped on a scarf.. on a shawl or on a headband... love them. I have not loaded them to etsy.. but they will be available this weekend at the spotted zebra...

Twilight - New Moon

2009-09-06T07:56:00.001-06:00

So.. are you getting as excited as I am for the sequel to this awesome movie? I have been creating pendant designs.. and totally having a blast. Seriously. I wanted to share some of my favorite quotes...

Famous Twilight Quotes! Check out my favourites below:

"Stupid, shiny Volvo owner!" - Bella Swan

"Do I dazzle you?" - Edward Cullen

"So the lion fell in love with the lamb..." - Edward Cullen

"What a stupid lamb," - Bella Swan

"What a sick masochistic lion." - Edward Cullen

"Do you like scary stories?" - Jacob Black

"So do you think we're a bunch of superstitious natives or what?" - Jacob Black

"You think I lifted a van off you?" - Edward Cullen

"I said it would be better if we weren’t friends, not that I didn’t want to be." - Edward Cullen

"So you are trying to irritate me to death? Since Tyler’s van didn’t do the job?" - Bella Swan

"Your number was up the first time I met you." - Edward Cullen

"Do you truly believe that you care more for me than I do for you?" - Edward Cullen

"Yes, you are exactly my brand of heroin." - Edward Cullen

"You are a terrible actress, I'd say that career path is definitely out for you!" - Edward Cullen

"You are exactly my brand of heroine.." -Edward Cullen

"Bella, your going to meet a house of vampires and your only afraid they won't like you?" Edward Cullen

"You're my life now" - Edward Cullen

"Your the only thing it would hurt me to lose"- Edward Cullen

"Of all the things about me that should frighten you, you worry about my driving?" - Edward Cullen

"Kryptonite doesn't bother me either" - Edward Cullen

"Until your heart stops beating I'll be here" - Jacob

"I loved him much more then i should yet no where near enough" - Bella

"If i could dream at all it would be about you" - Edward Cullen

"My life was a moonless night" - Edward Cullen

"Do you think you could attempt to control your thoughts?" Edward Cullen

*****************************

Here is a sneak peak of a few of my graphics for my pendants available at the shows I am doing in September:

Also here are links to a couple of brush sets you might find useful... :)

Twilight 01 and Twilight02

Twilight Quote Brushes

The Simple Pleasures...

2009-09-01T20:14:00.001-06:00

Today I turned forty. The bittersweet birthday I have been trying to avoid for the past twenty years has come.. and gone. I am still alive.. and did more than survive.

I decided that I had finally reached the summit of my life.. much time spent climbing. I found out I am happy to sit and just enjoy the view a while. What a different perspective from the summit than when I began. I think I will take a little time to smell the roses so to speak.

My darling husband was so sweet today. I cant remember a time when someone who I was romantically involved with was so sweet. He went over the top today. He is normally a saver and quite frugal. Today he showered me with love and I feel so special... I am showing off my gorgeous roses.. 40 of them - the longest largest and incredibly fragrant lol... one of many thoughtful and beautiful gifts... I also got to spend much of the day with my little cake. She always makes me smile. I feel so blessed..

back to the grind tomorrow....

Utah Etsy Fall Give Away 2009

2009-08-26T07:18:00.000-06:00

********************************************************************************************************
UTAH ETSY MEGA FALL 2009 GIVE AWAY SCHEDULE!
********************************************************************************************************
Over the next couple weeks watch and win as Utah Etsy vendors offer up free items from their Etsy shops for raffle. Each Tuesday for the next Seven weeks, a new give away category will come up... there should be multiple vendors with a free item you can win. Rules will be posted each week with the new give aways. The winners will be posted the following Monday.

You can find the full details on the Utah Etsy Site....

www.utahetsy.blogspot.com

Tuesday August 25: Children's Accessories (winners announced Monday, 8.31)
Tuesday September 01: Home Decor (winners announced Monday, 9.7)
Tuesday September 08: Jewelry (winners announced Monday, 9.14 )
Tuesday September 15: Fine Art (winners announced Monday, 9.21)
Tuesday September 22: Women's Fashion Accessories (winners announced Monday, 9.28)
Tuesday September 29: Paper Goods (winners announced Monday, 10.05)
Tuesday October 6: Grand Finale (winners announced Monday, 10.12)

Good Luck!

Here is a sneak Peak of this weeks Give Aways....

A Sneak Peak at my Latest....

2009-08-24T15:43:00.002-06:00

Upcoming Art Events...

2009-08-24T01:04:00.000-06:00

So excited! One door closes and another opens. I am so excited to announce that I will be participating in a few arts and crafts events this fall. I am new to this, and pray it all goes well.

Lots of things to consider... what to make, how much to make, what styles.. and its all very time consuming! Its been a challenge for several reasons, one how slow I work, and lack of funds. Things have been interesting since my medical leave began in February this year. I have finally accepted I wont be able to return to work at all. My dreams of going to graduate school have been crushed, and little Kailey is not at home any more. I have been feeling lost and lonely. I feel oh so blessed though, because I can see how God provides things for us.. in his time and often they are a much needed surprise. I am learning to get a lot of enjoyment from doing what I can when I can, but committing to these couple of shows has added some pressure. They are something that I can do, as many of the boutiques only require that I set up the booth, and take it down. My husband Christopher is so good at helping me! I could not do that without him. Its really an ideal situation.

My husband was so sweet this weekend, he found a professional display table at the high school garage sale. Tomorrow he is taking it to a friend of his shop to sand and paint it. He is such a doll. Wow.. setting up a little shop is time consuming to think of display things.. and do it on a small budget.

Here are just a few of the things I have been working on.... My favorite thing coming up is all the twilight inspired jewelry and stuff I have in the works. I have ordered many lions, wolves, apples and hearts... and they are intertwined with my graphics... check back for those soon. Please feel free to comment if you have suggestions for setting up a booth on a practically nil budget... or words of inspiration.

Here is where you can find me in September...

The Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookie

2009-07-22T20:34:00.000-06:00

My sweet daughter recently got married. I tried for years to share with her some of my knowledge of cooking, to no avail. She insisted she always wanted a reason to come home, and I could bribe her with these cookies anytime. Now that she has a darling husband at home, and he loves these cookies too, she has asked for the recipe. I decided to help her along with a detailed how to. Its written for the beginner so that they might bring Mama's cookies to their home.
This recipe has a couple of secret ingredients vital to its success; coconut and oatmeal. Two things to remember when baking anytime are; One, accurate measurement is essential and two, quality ingredients make or break your recipe. For example, butter not margarine, and real vanilla not imitation. Make sure your eggs are fresh, they won't be able to do their job if you don't. I like to take my butter and eggs out an hour or so before cooking so that they can arrive to room temperature. This allows for easier combining and results in a better overall product.

********** ** **********
Recipe:

1cup butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar firmly packed
1 tsp real vanilla
2 eggs
1tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
2 1/2 cups quick oats
2 cups flour
1 cup coconut
Large package semi sweet chocolate chips 1 cup nuts or
raisins

********** ** **********

Step 1
Set out all your ingredients. Make sure you have what you need before you start. This will prevent you having to run to the neighbor and ask to borrow a cup of sugar. Tools you will need: bowl, mixer, spatula, grinder, spoon, cookie sheet, parchment paper, cooling rack.

********** ** **********

Step 2
Preheat Oven to 375 Degrees.

********** ** **********

Step 3
Set oatmeal aside for grinding. Mix all dry ingredients into a bowl. Flour, salt, soda, and powder.

********** ** **********

Step 4
Measure Oatmeal. Grind Oatmeal until it has the consistency of flour. Add it to your dry ingredients. Set aside.

********** ** **********

Step 5
Cream butter and sugar.

********** ** **********

Step 6

Add eggs. Mix slightly. Do not over beat the eggs.

Gradually add your dry ingredients. I would do it in 3 parts, mixing until combined.

Add your chocolate chips, (and whatever else you have chosen- I like nuts. You can use raisins, or white chocolate chips instead of semi sweetened chocolate chips. Stir with spoon-not mixer to incorporate.

Tear off 3 sheets of parchment paper. Place one in the cookie sheet and spray with non stick spray. Place other two on counter. Divide your dough in half, and a half on each sheet. Roll each half into a log about 2 inches in diameter. I like to cook one half and place the other in the freeser so we can have hot cookies for a treat a little later on in the month. I place the other in the fridge for about an hour.

********** ** **********

Step 7
Each log is cut into 18 pieces. I usually cut it in half and then space it out evenly. You will end up with round disks. Place them in the cookie sheet. You will cook about 9 on each sheet.

Place in oven on middle rack. Use timer and cook for 10 min. Remove from oven and cool on baking rack.

Serve warm within 10 min with a cold glass of milk. Enjoy..... I am told this is even better than his mama makes... lol

Visual Merchandising Tips

2009-06-26T11:34:00.000-06:00

I found this awesome article from IKEA Business about setting up a retail shop. I loved the ideas. As a commercial planner for IKEA... these are some of the things that we have tried to incorporate into our retail plans. If your setting up shop from home... like me for a show.. the tips are as important... visual appeal is everything. Check out the in full article here:

Retail Visual Merchandising:

Retail visual merchandising shares many of the same principles as advertising, graphic design, and interior design — the purpose of visual merchandising is to create a logical and visually pleasing environment that will grab attention and translate into increased sales. Visual merchandising basics are pretty easy to understand — a clean store, well lit, with merchandise displayed in neat groupings. But visual merchandising can delve deeper, focusing on the how your customers might think, feel and react to the environment that you've created. The following are a dozen tips for retail visual merchandising:
1. Take It OutsideIf the weather's good and you're allowed to do so, set up a display of merchandise outside your store. This can create a sense of excitement and buzz.
2. Identify EverythingCustomers are in a hurry. Use signage to identify not only departments but categories — this will help customers pinpoint what they need and inspire additional purchases.
3. Set The Mood With Your WindowsStore windows are incredibly valuable merchandising territory: use them to set the mood of the event or sale you're having. This mood should match the mood your customers want to experience after buying from you: do they want excitement, romance, serenity?
4. Embrace All The SensesGreat merchandising appeals to more than the eyes. Consider how your store sounds, smells, and even feels: are all of these 'messages' you're sending with music, scents, and other environmental factors in keeping with the displays you create?
You can evoke senses without addressing them directly. For example, putting a pair of red bowls and spoons with a display of a tomato soup can get mouths watering!
5. Show Them How It Will Look At HomeUse your displays to show customers how the merchandise will look in their home. For example, if you're selling jewelry, present it in the gift box, perhaps with some curls of ribbon still clinging to the box...a row of pans hanging neatly. Many customers can't envision merchandise 'in application' — when they see a pan in a box, for example, they see a pan in a box. But put that same pan on a faux stovetop, with a cheerful checkered potholder and a pair of wineglasses nearby with a stack of cook books, and suddenly that pan is something more: it's a potential romantic dinner for two, just waiting to be whipped up.
6. Group Like With LikeOrganize your store logically: customers should be able to find all of one type of merchandise easily. Create 'groupings' within categories, so all the merchandise that is one color, type, price or size is positioned together.
7. Group By LifestyleDisplay merchandise from several categories that all share the same theme — in the appropriate environment setting. For example, in an office supply store, a display could reflect the workplace of a high-tech wizard, pairing together the right steel and glass desk with cutting edge accessories centered around the computer, or a classic CEO suite, with old school green glass lamps on a heavy walnut desk, replete with blotter.
8. Use the SpotlightLighting attracts customers, much like moths to the flame! Dramatic lighting doesn't have to be expensive: well placed spotlights can draw attention to key pieces of merchandise. Make sure to use spotlights within your store as well as in the windows!
9. Change Your Displays Often!A great display is a great display — the first time the customer sees it. But what if the customer sees that same display next week, and the week after that? Suddenly the display is not so great. It's boring; the same-old, same-old. Customers don't come back to boring stores! Plan on changing your displays with the seasons. Even better is to do so weekly.
10. Use colorStrong color can have strong results: plan your displays around a central color that pops and captures the customer's attention. Try to have a different color every season (or every week if you can). If you've used yellow as your central color this season, go with purple or blue next time — not red or orange.
11. Integrate MotionMerchandise that moves will catch the eye. If you have anything that moves — from clocks to toys to music boxes, take one out and set it up. Let customers see it working. If your merchandise is more static, bring motion into the store with a mobile, fan, etc.
12. Remember the Rule of Three Whenever you create a display, work in sets of three. If you're arranging merchandise by height, have a tall, taller, tallest. If something is squat and round, have a fat, fatter, fastest. You can even group by price: good, better, best displays works surprisingly well.

Give away at Mormon Mommy Blogs

2009-06-22T17:33:00.000-06:00

The june give away is crazy .. look at this:

June Giveaway

June Giveaway
2009-06-21T23:58:00-06:00
Mormon Mommy Blogs
GiveawayComments (153) ]
This month our giveaway is CRAZY! Our awesome sponsors are offering you the chance to win some amazing prizes totaling, all together, almost $1,000! Can you believe that? Its just crazy! You lucky MMB readers, you!

Utah Craft Show and Boutique Calendar

2009-06-21T03:38:00.002-06:00

Please email me at designsbymikel@gmail.com to have your event added to this calendar. Thanks

Stop Violence Against Women Campaign

2009-06-10T02:38:00.001-06:00

Original Article from Amnesty International.. Please visit their website to contribute.. thanks

Stop Violence Against Women Campaign

Violence against women is a human rights scandal. At least one out of every three women has been beaten, coerced into sex, or otherwise abused in her lifetime.

In Europe, domestic violence is the major cause of death and disability for women aged 16 to 44.
In the United States, a woman is raped every 6 minutes; a woman is battered every 15 seconds.
Rape of women is widespread in armed conflicts such as Colombia and Darfur.
Trafficking of women has become a global phenomenon where victims are sexually exploited, forced into labor and subjected to abuse. Murders of women in Guatemala, Russia, India, and other countries often go uninvestigated and unpunished.

The experience or threat of violence affects the lives of women everywhere, cutting across boundaries of wealth, race and culture. In the home and in the community, in times of war and peace, women are beaten, raped, mutilated, and killed with impunity.

In 2004, Amnesty International launched its global Stop Violence Against Women Campaign to help break the silence around this scandal, stop the violence, and create a world where women and girls are afforded their basic human rights. Across the globe, Amnesty International members have united to work towards making women's human rights a reality; the campaign is intended as a contribution to the efforts of the women's rights movements around the world. With this campaign, Amnesty International will show that the right of women to be free from violence is integral to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. As long as violence against women continues, the promise to humanity of the Universal Declaration cannot be fulfilled.

How Amnesty International's Campaign Will Stop Violence Against Women

To acheive its goals in helping to end violence against women, Amnesty International is:

Urging governments and armed groups to end impunity for violence against women during times of conflict and post-conflict
Demanding that governments abolish discriminatory laws and practices that perpetrate violence against women in the family and in the community
Calling for the adoption of new laws and policies to provide women protection from violence

We support women's human rights defenders, and we are urging governments to ratify the Treaty for the Rights of Women (CEDAW) and its protocol without reservations.

In the US, we have worked in support of anti-violence legislation and other national initiatives to stop violence against women. We have worked to increase public awareness of violence against women as a global human rights issue and to contribute to efforts to challenge attitudes and behaviors that perpetuate violence against women.

Amnesty International has used a human rights framework to guide its campaigning work to stop violence against women. By using a human rights framework to oppose violence against women, we help to change the perception of violence against women from a private matter to a public concern that requires action from recognized authorities. Use of the framework also enables Amnesty International to use international human rights standards and laws to cut across national boundaries, cultures and religions to protest violence against women in all its forms. And perhaps most importantly, it makes it possible to use international remedies to hold governments accountable if they fail to meet their obligations to protect women from violence, regardless of who commits it or where it's committed.

Original Article from Amnesty International.. Please visit their website to contribute.. thanks

Memorial Day!

2009-05-25T05:10:00.001-06:00

My "KK" and "B"

Funny how quiet my house is. Its four am. Braiden is asleep on the couch, Kailey asleep on the bed in spare room. Tess my sugardog is asleep next to my sweetheart husband. Each one of them is breathing so peacefully. I used to love this time of day when I lived in Houston and Arizona. I remember waking up to go to work, (when I was a flight attendant) and the world was not quite awake. I could smell the desert, and the sky there is so big. I miss that place, but cant convince Christopher to move. He loves the seasons.

We are slowly getting settled, and ramping up for the next couple of weeks celebrations. My sister is coming to visit on Wednesday night. Thursday, there is a huge Celebration for my great grandfather. He was a historian for the LDS Church. It seems fitting for it to be this week of memorial day. I don't know much about him, and am so anxious to learn more. Family history is becoming such a fascinating subject for me.

We went to Jude's Blessing today. We were borderline late, and I listened to the blessing in the foyer. It was beautiful. We then celebrated with a family bbq. It is always awesome to see everyone. Especially the grandkids. Christopher and I then spent the evening with little Kailey and Braiden, having dinner and watching a movie. We make the best sundaes. Tomorrow is memorial day, and we have a picnic planned and to go visit my grandparents grave. Its a hard thing to want to go, as I feel them around me all the time, I don't envision them there. I miss them dearly.

I have been slacking on posting my work, but Etsy is down. What can I say about that? I have a bunch of new stuff, but lack a little confidence on my ability as a photographer. Its hard to take good pictures of shiny stuff. I am working out the kinks.

Moving

2009-05-12T10:38:00.000-06:00

Well.. we are moving in a couple days.. It is so much work, I cant believe it. I realize how many things we have we just dont need. Amazing how those things collect overtime. I feel overwhelmed with the task, but excited about our new home. Looking forward to being organized and having the house clean again. It will be just Christopher and I moving in, and will be missing my little K K. She is going to stay with us until she is married in June. Wow how time flies.

I have been having fun finding out about all the brilliant, innovative and creative women that live in Utah. Wow.. amazed at the talent. .as I am sure that is all over the country, but I am partial to this area. Its gorgeous.

Our new house is near the mouth of the ski resorts! We hope to have passes this year. It will be great to be close to things. My driving is limited. My neurologist has restricted my driving... which has me feeling a little home bound, but driving me to reach out and get to know more people.

This moving business has been taking up much of my time and hope to get back to creating soon.

A Few Utah finds on Etsy..

2009-05-11T16:35:00.000-06:00

So awesome to find all of these wonderful local sellers on Etsy.. Please check them out.. gorgeous stuff!

Baby Items

Lollipop Shoppe
Baby Dawn

Children's Items
Bugs and Bees
Blynken & Nod
Nadia's Place
Lima Beans

Jewelry

MD Sparks
WaveCloud
beaucoupdebijoux
Kimber Beads

For Your House
TasteySuite
Lii-Lii
Dragonflies
Song Owl Soaps
Lily Pond Soaps

Art
Camillion Creations
Ferworthy

My Bio.. a little about me

2009-05-11T14:33:00.002-06:00

My husband Christopher and I are recent empty nesters. I married my best friend last year.. :( My sweet little girl is getting married, turning 18 and graduating this month. Still left at home is my best friend my yellow lab, Tess. She's been at my side for the last 12 years. Our life is peaceful and starting a new direction. My health has forced me to be at home the past couple months. This time has given me an opportunity to rekindle and rediscover lost parts of me that have been dying for expression. I love to create... definitely designer extraordinaire. It has been my dream my whole life to create, and share those creations with the world. The list of what I do seems endless so you will see a variety of items listed such as crochet, jewelry, stained glass, paper products, signage, painting, sewing, and graphic design work. As a little girl, I was locked with in my own imagination, exploring and wandering through castles and cathedrals until I was given my first box of crayons. I wanted to desperately to share these visions with those around me, but gave up out of loneliness and frustration because I could not communicate the complete meaning of these imaginations. At this young age (about 4), my life’s quest was set into motion! I became obsessed with understanding the visual language, its symbols, how forms, colors and textures relate with one another to communicate endless possibilities. In following my heart, and without preconception, I sought out experiences that deepened my knowledge of this visual language, further fueling my desire to posses and understand its full range of possibilities. When I was studying for my BA in Art, I became was exposed to early Roman Architecture. Each day that passes, this obsession intensifies. I hope to visit Italy one day to see these things in person. During college I also developed an intense understanding for the visual language and design. It started with painting, spread to graphic design, interior design, jewelry design and architecture. I have drawn on this knowledge acquired in college everyday! To my delight and surprise, each of the varied experiences in my life has further directed me to and fueled my passion for design. My quest for knowledge of the visual language has become the foundation of who I am and is the driving force that catapulted me to this next leg of my journey. (mmm yes more school!) I have learned and mastered the following programs through classes, self education, reading, and experience; Adobe Photoshop, Indesign, Illustrator, Go Live, Microsoft Publisher, Front Page and AutoCad. My expertise in these programs has provided the knowledge necessary to create things beyond my imagination, and beyond just a crayola box. The little girl in me still carries her Crayola box, a metaphor or my imagination, but the woman in me knows I must continue to acquire the skills required to develop and harness my passion. I know that it is necessary to expand my tool box continually so that I may build these dreams into a physical realization. I know that it is though my education and my ability to take risks sharing who I am that will help me gain access to the power to create these visions. It is though these experiences I have become an extremely self-motivated passionate creative visionary. My aptitude for pursuing independently the knowledge required for the realization, of my visions has given me a strong foundation to build on. Everything I make is a gift from God and I must express my appreciation to him for my talent and success.

My best friend.. who's service.. has been a true blessing for the past 12 years..

New Creations

2009-05-07T08:19:00.000-06:00

Here are some of my latest creations. Sometimes there is just not enough time in the day. I could photoshop and paintshop pro all day long.. but time seems to fly. Jewelry seems to be easier to focus on at the moment as I am so drowsy much of the day.About my mood today..OK.. so I admit as an artist... I feel quite deeply and more often than not at a much deeper level than most people I become acquainted with. I am a romantic and tend to idealize people, relationships and places. Sometimes I hate how alone I feel.

I found this really interesting article on Narcolepsy... I always get excited at the thought of them possibly finding a cure. I feel so misunderstood by most with regards to this condition I have. If your interested, You can find it http://sciencenow.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/2009/504/2

A new edition to my collection... Antique Ocean

2009-05-03T08:08:00.001-06:00

So excited to finish this newest piece. With just over three hours of sleep, I had time to whip up this set.

I am in dire need of help with my pricing. I would so appreciate any feedback your willing to give me.

Please visit my etsy shop at www.withwildabandon.etsy.com

If you havent shopped that site.. its pretty awesome. It has tons of handmade items for sale.

Most of the work is quality,unique and fairly priced.

2009-04-28T06:20:00.001-06:00

I just published several brush sets on etsy... http://www.withwildabandon.etsy.com/

If you would like to get the rest of my brush sets for free... please email me and I will send you the information.

I am working on a slide show to showcase all the brushes... please check back to day to see whats available... i think there is over twenty five sets.

hugs Mikel

ps.. Still up... and off to bed for a wee short napster..

Thinking of publishing all my psp supplies...

2009-04-28T03:56:00.000-06:00

So its been several years since I have been active on the net... and I realize I have all these awesome supplies I have created.. along side with many tutorials for a program called psp. I am wondering if anyone might be interested in collecting them again?

My health is wavering again and I find myself up at night again off and on.. while my little baby. .. not so little.. (17) sleeps and my husband dreams of breakfast... I find my creativity pounding and pushing at the recesses of my mind. So clear for an hour or so and then a half hour nap I feel like I am taking care of a new born ...lol..

Ok.. so I am wondering if posting these would be a good idea.. and just trying to figure out how to do that... Going to get a website now I guess and figure that out.. which is always so fun.. shortly after I finish my final project for my class.

Well.. life changes tons.. and then does not change too much at all.

hugs Mikel

Announcing New Jewelry Collection

2009-04-14T06:42:00.000-06:00

Well, I decided I should start to figure this blog thing out more and hopefully promote my work at the same time.

I have been on a medical leave from my job since February 14, 2009. I miss my job, and the people that I work with immensely. I hope to return soon.

I have Narcolepsy, with Cataplexy and right now sleeping is not fun for me. I have been trying to get back to being able to sleep several hours a night. For now, my body is not co-operating with me at all. I am taking a new prescription that as of yet has not had much success - but am still crossing my fingers.

I have been trying to stay busy-but my ability to concentrate is minimal.... in my up time, I have been working on a jewelry collection... which I just listed on Etsy. I am not sure how to go about the promotion, but plan to document that here so that I can have a record and share with anyone interested.

Thanksgiving leading me back...

2008-11-20T08:51:00.001-07:00

My grandma was an exceptional woman who loved to cook for her family. Food was the foundation of our family gatherings. As Thanksgiving approaches I miss my grandparents and long for one more converstation. MMMMMMMMM....... so food has been on my mind as I figure out what I might cook for my family. I love to cook and will take my creativity in any way that it comes.

Here are two of my favorites....

Cinnamon Nut Mix

From the kitchen of Mikel
Makes about 4 one cup servings

Ingredients:

2 cups whole almonds
2 cups pecan halves
6 cups water 1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup firmly packed sugar
¼ cup cinnamon
1 tablespoon ground ginger
2 teaspoons ground allspice
1 teaspoon cloves
2 egg whiles

Directions:
Preheat oven to 300 degrees. In a large saucepan, cover almonds and pecans with water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium low and simmer one minute. Drain well. In a large bowl combine the next six items. In a medium bowl, whisk egg whites until foamy. Add nuts and stir until nuts are well coated. Pour nuts into sugar mixture stirring until well coated. Spread evenly on a greased baking sheet. Stir occasionally, baking 25 to 30 minutes. Cool on baking sheet. Store in airtight container.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

From the kitchen of Mikel
Makes about 3 dozen cookies

Ingredients: (you will need a coffee grinder to ground oatmeal-secret)

1 cup butter
2 cups flour
2 ½ cups oatmeal
1 cup sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
I teaspoon real vanilla
12 oz chocolate chips

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Measure oatmeal and ground in grinder. Set aside. Cream butter and sugars. Add eggs and vanilla. Sift dry ingredients together. Slowly add to cream mixture. Add chocolate chips. Roll into balls and place 2 inches apart on well greased cookie sheet. Smash balls so they form inch high coin like cookies. Bake for 10 minutes. Do not over bake. Cool on wire rack.

Notes: This recipe has a secret ingredient of oatmeal. Kailey loves this recipe and has been a favorite of anyone who tries.

Baby Steps

2008-11-16T22:07:00.000-07:00

Wow its been awhile since I have been active on the net. I am working on my website, and finally got that up.. now we will see if I can get the oldest one from a couple of years ago up. I learned how to get music up on this site... and although not done much blogging.. starting to ge excited about it.

Today was Sunday, and I heard a couple of good talks at church. They caused me to reflect, and appreciate my mother. She is so dedicated to her children and has been a rock for me.

My yellow lab is asleep on my feet, and I feel so greatful for all the years of her sweet service and love.

I seem to have half visions of the direction I need to go. Italy is calling and not sure how to get there.

Insomnia

2008-11-16T03:12:00.000-07:00

I decided to start this blog after many sleepless nights and lack of cable TV that interests me. I am desperately trying to find and nurture the creative side of myself. My daughter, art and italy are my passions. I hope to post some of my work here as it surfaces. I think its been many years I have supressed this side... almost protecting and nurturing it through so much of the last decades battles. I am desperately trying to spread my wings and fly.........

I am so proud of my daughter. God could not have given me a greater joy. I hope she knows how special she is.