How do dreams become realized? How does a hobby become something more?
I know what a challenge it can be to devote yourself to a pursuit of leisure. It is not an easy feat when you are a mother; so often the only slab of your iceberg that shows. But when you have a gift and a loving and supportive family behind you, therein lays the ability to grow and expand upon something special. I see that in my friend Kathy Greidanus, and in her art.
Kathy, a stay at home mother of three and a United States Coast Guard wife is no stranger to this search for balance. Always artistic, she returned to her arts and crafts roots upon entering motherhood to grasp some of that much deserved and ever elusive mother’s me time. The result was the creation of beautiful, one of a kind jewelry. What started out as gifts for friends and family is now a flourishing business, G3 Kreations.
Over the past several years Kathy has honed her craft and taken her hobby to a whole new level, becoming a 100% self taught polymer clay artist. She has her own Etsy shop where she has a number of pieces available for sale. Her style contains a flair for nature and eclecticism, and her east coast ties to the ocean and our sandy beaches are a clear source of inspiration.
Kathy has also expanded her craft to include wall hangings, including name plaques for children, and a special Military Pride line offering customized plaques to each branch of the US Military. Kathy works with her customers on a personal level to create just the right piece for their home.
I was treated to Kathy’s talent with a one of a kind necklace made just for me.
I want to share what Kathy had to say about making the piece, because I believe it speaks volumes to the forethought and dedication that she commits to her art and to her customers:
“I designed this custom necklace specifically for Maria. Maria and I went to high school together and I based the “edginess” of this piece on what I remember her personality being like. Many of us went through many phases/fads in high school. I remember Maria being pretty consistent, firm in her beliefs and opinions and having her own style. With that in mind I twisted a silver plated chain with black glass seed beads. It measures 22 inches. Maria was blessed with two beautiful children. I used their first initials and birthstones to personalize the design. The approximately 13mm, black, round charms are handmade with polymer clay, silver mica powder and a uv resin. The swarovski crystals are 5mm bicones.”
Anyone who knows me knows that the necklace is perfect, and the moment I saw my children’s initials and birthstones, I cried. I love that the necklace is versitle, as are many of Kathy’s pieces, and allows me to wear it for just about any occasion or style of dress. Thank you, Kathy, for putting so much consideration and heart into your work.
I am excited to announce that G3 Kreations and Mom et al are working in partnership, and for a limited time I am able to offer my readers a special discount at the G3 Kreations Etsy shop.
From March 4, 2011 to April 4, 2011, Mom et al readers are eligible to receive 10% off the purchase price of any item(s). The discount does not apply to shipping cost. Upon checkout please use the coupon code MOMETAL.
Kathy has also made a custom necklace for me to give away to one lucky reader, a Handmade Mosaic Domed Necklace.
“Handmade Mosaic Domed Necklace”
Gold, silver, bronze and black polymer clay domed, 33mm pendant strung on 17 inches of black glass seed beads. This is a one of a kind design that can be worn with casual or dressy attire. Although you may see others similar, no two are alike. Each pattern is unique. If you would like to purchase this necklace in alternate colors, custom orders are welcome.
Contest Rules:
-The winner must live within the continental United States.
-Visit the G3 Kreations Etsy shop at http://www.etsy.com/shop/USCGwife and have a look around.
-Come back to this post and submit a comment telling me what is your favorite piece on sale at G3 Kreations. This comment will be your contest entry.
-The contest will run through March 11, 2011 at 12:00 PM EST. I will contact the winner for their shipping information.
Good luck! To my readers from our hometown, thank you for supporting one of our own!
I really had a hard time deciding what I like the best. I definitely like my jewelry to have special meaning and each piece I have has a story attached to it. Therefore, I would have to say that the piece that was made for Maria and the piece that has Kathy’s children’s initials are my favorites. Kathy is very talented and it is nice to see that she has an outlet for her creativity!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Handmade Ocean Blue and Green Necklace!
Love Ocean Blue! And the Nautical name hanging would be perfect for Ethan’s room!
Congratulations to Sherry! You have won a beautiful one of a kind necklace from G3 Kreations! Thank you to everyone who participated.
Congrats.. Excellent post.. I like this necklace.. Really its very beautiful.. I think this handmade.. Is it right?
Very nice and very simple necklace. This necklace are looking so nice after wearing. And we can wear this kind of necklace in daily routine. I am wearing a simple thread type necklace and that became a part of mine.
necklace