Showing posts with label Wild Bear Buckles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wild Bear Buckles. Show all posts
May 30, 2011
May 4, 2011
Everyone loves free!
I can't think of anyone I know who doesn't like free. What else could explain waiting in line for an hour at Ben and Jerry's for the teeniest bit of free ice cream on free cone day? And, as my nephew would say...
I don't like free......I LOVE free!!! (Except he would insert many other fantastically exciting kid things I don't know instead of "free")
And one of the best kinds of free is free handmade goodies. In fact I spent about 3 hours standing in line to get a swag bag of free handmade things from the Urban Craft Uprising this last winter. I had good company. And a good bagel sandwich. And then got great free goodies. Hurray!
So when I got a chance to add to someone else's bag of free goodies, I couldn't pass it up. "what? free?" you ask. Yes, the sure-to-be-wonderful Seattle etsyRAIN craft show is this Saturday, May 7th. And those who are willing to wait (for about 2 hours or so) to be the first in the show get swag bags of treasure.
So, I got to work making my first pieces of Wild Bear swag...
I decided to make Wild Bear bottle cap magnets. They require resin (of which I have plenty!) and then just something cute to go inside. I played around with my soon-to-be new Wild Bear Designs logo (you heard it here first!) to make bunches of wild mountain magnets.
And the close-up...
I found high strength, little magnets to put on the back for a clean look.
Once they were all done, they went into bags with a card and a special little note - not to be revealed here.
Who wants one? I do!
To get yours - and lots of other handmade treats - come on down to the etsyRAIN craft show. I'll be there myself in the afternoon, so just give a holler if you'd like to come along!
I don't like free......I LOVE free!!! (Except he would insert many other fantastically exciting kid things I don't know instead of "free")
And one of the best kinds of free is free handmade goodies. In fact I spent about 3 hours standing in line to get a swag bag of free handmade things from the Urban Craft Uprising this last winter. I had good company. And a good bagel sandwich. And then got great free goodies. Hurray!
So when I got a chance to add to someone else's bag of free goodies, I couldn't pass it up. "what? free?" you ask. Yes, the sure-to-be-wonderful Seattle etsyRAIN craft show is this Saturday, May 7th. And those who are willing to wait (for about 2 hours or so) to be the first in the show get swag bags of treasure.
So, I got to work making my first pieces of Wild Bear swag...
I decided to make Wild Bear bottle cap magnets. They require resin (of which I have plenty!) and then just something cute to go inside. I played around with my soon-to-be new Wild Bear Designs logo (you heard it here first!) to make bunches of wild mountain magnets.
And the close-up...
I found high strength, little magnets to put on the back for a clean look.
Once they were all done, they went into bags with a card and a special little note - not to be revealed here.
Who wants one? I do!
To get yours - and lots of other handmade treats - come on down to the etsyRAIN craft show. I'll be there myself in the afternoon, so just give a holler if you'd like to come along!
Mar 18, 2011
Thinking of spring
We had an epic powder day yesterday. It included
Nevertheless, today I find myself daydreaming of summer mountain trails.
And thinking of summer is inspiring buckles with fewer ski maps and more color. Even though this has some autumn leaves, it also has the bright colors of summer!
Back to daydreaming now...
Or putting more wood in the stove.
- fresh tracks
- 12+ inches of new snow
- sunshine
- many face-shots
- maximizing the awesome-ness of my new (extremely fat) skis
- general celebration of snow and winter
Nevertheless, today I find myself daydreaming of summer mountain trails.
And thinking of summer is inspiring buckles with fewer ski maps and more color. Even though this has some autumn leaves, it also has the bright colors of summer!
Back to daydreaming now...
Or putting more wood in the stove.
Feb 26, 2011
Thanks for the dance!
Clearly all of you had a great time getting your groove on for a snow dance, because it worked. Thank you!
I just got back from our backcountry yurt trip over in the Tobacco Root mountains - 4 days of great snow, fantastic company, and some good ol' time in the wilderness. Thanks to the Montana Backcountry Adventures folks for keeping this yurt up and running! Here's the tour...
First off, home base yurt. Of course, it wouldn't be a trip to the backcountry yurt without some wood chopping. And a dog to gnaw on all the wood chips....
You already know of my love for wood stoves, so I can't help but show off this beauty that lives at the yurt. She's even got the side car that you can fill up with snow to make warm water for dish washing. I imagine that if you were a real pioneer woman, this handy contraption would be a high priority on your pioneer husband's to do list.
The real point of the yurt ski trip, though, is the ski part, so there was lots of that too. Hard work going up...
pays off with lots of fantastic turns, almost captured on film!
And along to keep us entertained, was our trusty powder hound. Here he is scouting his fresh line. I can tell you that he does a lot of straight-lining and is always getting face shots. He's a real snow junky like that.
What an adventure!
Also, since this blog of course includes belt buckle talk, I'd just like to warn you. When you return to the truck after a long ski out from a yurt, and the temperature last night was well below zero, and the current temperature is probably not too far above zero, and you are pulling your change of clothes out of the truck and putting them on, you should probably tuck in your shirt. Because that belt buckle is cold!
The belt buckle to match this snowy trip? Or course, ...
Now, back to work!
I just got back from our backcountry yurt trip over in the Tobacco Root mountains - 4 days of great snow, fantastic company, and some good ol' time in the wilderness. Thanks to the Montana Backcountry Adventures folks for keeping this yurt up and running! Here's the tour...
First off, home base yurt. Of course, it wouldn't be a trip to the backcountry yurt without some wood chopping. And a dog to gnaw on all the wood chips....
You already know of my love for wood stoves, so I can't help but show off this beauty that lives at the yurt. She's even got the side car that you can fill up with snow to make warm water for dish washing. I imagine that if you were a real pioneer woman, this handy contraption would be a high priority on your pioneer husband's to do list.
The real point of the yurt ski trip, though, is the ski part, so there was lots of that too. Hard work going up...
pays off with lots of fantastic turns, almost captured on film!
And along to keep us entertained, was our trusty powder hound. Here he is scouting his fresh line. I can tell you that he does a lot of straight-lining and is always getting face shots. He's a real snow junky like that.
What an adventure!
Also, since this blog of course includes belt buckle talk, I'd just like to warn you. When you return to the truck after a long ski out from a yurt, and the temperature last night was well below zero, and the current temperature is probably not too far above zero, and you are pulling your change of clothes out of the truck and putting them on, you should probably tuck in your shirt. Because that belt buckle is cold!
The belt buckle to match this snowy trip? Or course, ...
Now, back to work!
Feb 13, 2011
Why Buckles?
Buckles, huh? When there are so many great things to make out there, why choose buckles? Well...
I've always loved to make things by hand. Several years ago I thought what better way to try my hand at a handmade business (sorry, couldn't help that one) than jewelry, right? So I made jewelry...
Jewelry for my sister-in-law's wedding...
Jewelry to sell at the summer market...
And making jewelry was good, and I liked it and as best I can tell other people liked it to. But here is the thing - I don't actually wear jewelry. Well, I do, but only the same jewelry every single days for years. Here's the run down...
The blue lapis ring goes on my right hand and was given to me about 10 years ago by my high school (and still) best friend. She made it in a college class.
The other set of rings are pretty obvious - my simple engagement ring and the single wedding band Mr. Moon surprised me with at our wedding. These go in the usual spot.
And, of course, the nose ring. I got this on my 18th birthday at "Mom's Body Shop" in San Francisco, and nothing has changed since.
So, as you can see, I have a wonderful, but very, very stagnant, relationship with a few particular pieces of jewelry, and it really ends there. (Unless it's a really fancy wedding, but that doesn't happen too often around these parts.)
And here is the other problem. I'm not really a girly-girl. I don't wear make-up, I don't own hair products, and I'd rather climb a peak than go to the mall. Also, I don't really wear dresses. My power suit? It's pants and a jacket. So where does that leave me? Belt Buckles!! I could wear the heck out of belt buckles!
Belt buckles are...
Belt buckles with brown shirts...
Belt buckles with jeans and black...
So when I'm making belt buckles, that means that I can make a million things that I want to wear. And that is a good time!
I've always loved to make things by hand. Several years ago I thought what better way to try my hand at a handmade business (sorry, couldn't help that one) than jewelry, right? So I made jewelry...
Jewelry for my sister-in-law's wedding...
Jewelry to sell at the summer market...
And making jewelry was good, and I liked it and as best I can tell other people liked it to. But here is the thing - I don't actually wear jewelry. Well, I do, but only the same jewelry every single days for years. Here's the run down...
The blue lapis ring goes on my right hand and was given to me about 10 years ago by my high school (and still) best friend. She made it in a college class.
The other set of rings are pretty obvious - my simple engagement ring and the single wedding band Mr. Moon surprised me with at our wedding. These go in the usual spot.
Then there's the necklace Mr. Moon gave me about 6 years ago. It was the first sign of true love and the only time I'm not wearing it is when the leather string breaks.
And the three "sleeper" earrings - 2 in the left ear, one in the right. I think I can safety say I've been wearing these for more than 15 years.
And, of course, the nose ring. I got this on my 18th birthday at "Mom's Body Shop" in San Francisco, and nothing has changed since.
So, as you can see, I have a wonderful, but very, very stagnant, relationship with a few particular pieces of jewelry, and it really ends there. (Unless it's a really fancy wedding, but that doesn't happen too often around these parts.)
And here is the other problem. I'm not really a girly-girl. I don't wear make-up, I don't own hair products, and I'd rather climb a peak than go to the mall. Also, I don't really wear dresses. My power suit? It's pants and a jacket. So where does that leave me? Belt Buckles!! I could wear the heck out of belt buckles!
Belt buckles are...
- practical (needed to keep my belt on to keep my pants on)
- have personality - of all sorts
- do not get in the way when I have to lug some wood into the house
Belt buckles with brown shirts...
Belt buckles with jeans and black...
So when I'm making belt buckles, that means that I can make a million things that I want to wear. And that is a good time!
Jan 31, 2011
Sunsets: Nature-made and Handmade
After sharing the stunningly beautiful morning we had last week, I can't help but share the orange/pink/salmon/corral/yellow/red evening that we had just a couple of days ago, too. This photo is totally unedited - exactly how it came out of my camera. Nature makes the most amazing art!
Sure is hard to match. But, since I like all things handmade too, I thought I should add the best competition I've sound so far...this "wowza, amazing!" quilt by quilt artist Grace Errea (of course, the image is from her website, too - please go visit).
Sure is hard to match. But, since I like all things handmade too, I thought I should add the best competition I've sound so far...this "wowza, amazing!" quilt by quilt artist Grace Errea (of course, the image is from her website, too - please go visit).
I think this one really speaks for itself, or at least it better because it just makes my mouth drop open in awe.
How's that for inspiration?!
Believe me, when I can put that sunset in a buckle, you all will be the first to know!
Jan 26, 2011
Big Sky, Blue Sky, Belt Buckles!
Living in Big Sky is often like living in a beautiful paradise. I have to pinch myself and remember that these gorgeous mountains and awe-inspiring landscapes really are my backyard! And, of course, during ski season town is abuzz with skiers and tourists who have come to enjoy our champagne powder and blue skies. Not to mention that there's never a line at the ski lift.
To celebrate Big Sky and ski season, I'm sharing a photo I took just the other day - while running an errand! Paradise...
Blue skies and perfect powder runs do tend to inspire a few buckles, too. Lately, I've been making a whole variety of ski map buckles and I also love this recent Snow buckle...
As always, if you see a buckle here that you'd like to get or something similar, just let me know and I can probably post it on Etsy for you.
And if you haven't ever been to Big Sky - or Montana - I would highly recommend a visit. Once we arrived, we were hooked!
All the best from Wild Bear Buckles in the great Big Sky!
To celebrate Big Sky and ski season, I'm sharing a photo I took just the other day - while running an errand! Paradise...
Blue skies and perfect powder runs do tend to inspire a few buckles, too. Lately, I've been making a whole variety of ski map buckles and I also love this recent Snow buckle...
As always, if you see a buckle here that you'd like to get or something similar, just let me know and I can probably post it on Etsy for you.
And if you haven't ever been to Big Sky - or Montana - I would highly recommend a visit. Once we arrived, we were hooked!
All the best from Wild Bear Buckles in the great Big Sky!
Jan 16, 2011
Calendar of owl illustrations - free!
It's half way through January and you don't have a calendar on the wall yet?! Don't despair. Check out this fantastic free owl calendar. You can choose just the illustrations you like and...tada!...a calendar for the whole year. What a great idea! I just couldn't help but share...
Jan 10, 2011
Up on Etsy
Thanks to the encouragement of so many folks, Wild Bear Buckles is now on Etsy.com! You can visit the shop at wildbearbuckles.etsy.com.
For any of you who are also craft folks and considering Etsy - just do it! The shop was easy to setup and has lots of fun tools. For example, it only took a few clicks to create the EtsyMini that you see on the left bar of this blog page. Perfect!
Using PayPal for payment service also makes it easy to accept credit cards and get things rolling right away. While they do remove a small fee (just like Etsy) it is probably well worth it if you are a very small business, like I am.
So, check out Wild Bear Buckles on Etsy and feel free to ask me any questions if you are considering a move to Etsy yourself!
For any of you who are also craft folks and considering Etsy - just do it! The shop was easy to setup and has lots of fun tools. For example, it only took a few clicks to create the EtsyMini that you see on the left bar of this blog page. Perfect!
Using PayPal for payment service also makes it easy to accept credit cards and get things rolling right away. While they do remove a small fee (just like Etsy) it is probably well worth it if you are a very small business, like I am.
So, check out Wild Bear Buckles on Etsy and feel free to ask me any questions if you are considering a move to Etsy yourself!
Jan 7, 2011
Featured in the Big Sky Weekly
Wild Bear Buckles is featured in the Big Sky Weekly's first Gallery of 2011! Check it out...
For sale @ Made in Big Sky!
Wild Bear Buckles is the newest vendor at Made in Big Sky!
Made in Big Sky is an art and craft coop in Big Sky where all items really are...Made in Big Sky! Also, the artists and crafters staff the shop, so you can always find out a little something special about the items in the shop just by stopping in.
Stop by and visit! In January, I'll be staffing the shop:
12-2pm, Sunday the 24th
4-6pm, Friday the 28th
4-6pm, Sunday the 30th
Made in Big Sky is open 7 days a week 12-6pm and is located around the corner from the Country Market in the Meadow Village (close to the post office). Stop in and pick up Wild Bear Buckles and perfect fitting genuine leather belts to show them off. I'm sure they will be your new favorite!
See you at Made in Big Sky!...
Jan 2, 2011
New buckles for the New Year
Happy New Year!!
We better start the year out right...
Here's some of the buckles from the newest batch. I know you'll love them!
We better start the year out right...
Here's some of the buckles from the newest batch. I know you'll love them!
Dec 31, 2010
Belt buckles in Big Sky!
Welcome to Wild Bear Buckles new website! You can keep your browser tuned here to check out new designs and catch up on the latest from Wild Bear Buckles.
To get started, here is the lowdown on Wild Bear Buckles:
The belt buckles are made of pewter and are 2 1/2" x 3 1/4" - perfect for a 1 1/2" or 1 3/4" wide belt. Each Wild Bear Buckle has a wild/fun/cute/sexy design inside and has a clear, hard coating to take a beating.
Have an image you want in a buckle? Thinking of the perfect design? Along with the unique belt buckles already made, I'm happy to create custom order belt buckles.
I also sell black and brown genuine leather belts in case you need something to keep your buckle on your pants!
Please get in touch to get your Wild Bear Buckle!
Here are some recent designs:
Keep your eyes here for the latest news and designs from Wild Bear Buckles!
To get started, here is the lowdown on Wild Bear Buckles:
The belt buckles are made of pewter and are 2 1/2" x 3 1/4" - perfect for a 1 1/2" or 1 3/4" wide belt. Each Wild Bear Buckle has a wild/fun/cute/sexy design inside and has a clear, hard coating to take a beating.
Have an image you want in a buckle? Thinking of the perfect design? Along with the unique belt buckles already made, I'm happy to create custom order belt buckles.
I also sell black and brown genuine leather belts in case you need something to keep your buckle on your pants!
Please get in touch to get your Wild Bear Buckle!
Here are some recent designs:
Keep your eyes here for the latest news and designs from Wild Bear Buckles!
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