JCA Studio News! Announcing Wave and Willow by Julie Clark Art

Hi everyone, thank for following along! My sincere apologies for not posting in a many months. Lots has happened since then, so let's get up to date!

Julie Clark Art is no longer located on ArtFire.com, but is now on Etsy. Not only so, but since we last had a chat, I've changed the name of my handcrafted designer business to: Wave and Willow (by Julie Clark Art.) I am super excited about not only the name change, but feel the new name brings much more depth and meaning to my overall business philosophy.

So, what's changed? What's the same?

The items

All items you see in my shop are still designed and handcrafted by me using sustainable cotton materials whenever possible. Fiber art is still available, but moreso in person than online, due to the nature of the products. Look for designer fabric pouches, coin purses and totes to be the signature line of Wave and Willow on Etsy.com.


Not only is there are continued emphasis on quality and sustainability, but a new, budget-friendly line of pouches has recently been introduced - just in time for the holidays! Woot! These items are designed and handcrafted by me, as well. The main differences lie in the fabric and construction methods, as well as the price. Most fabrics used in this line are either seasonal prints or incredible deals (so I can pass along the savings to you!). As for construction, they should still last for a very long time, provided you do not overstuff them, throw 'em in the washer with a pile of rocks, let your two year old give 'em a haircut, etc. You get the picture! In short, they are meant to last a season or two, while the designer line is mean to last much longer. (Keeping in mind cotton does fade and will wear over time. It's the nature of the natural beast!) As for the price, these are much lower than my standard line, making them a perfect choice for seasonal use, as well as an inexpensive gift idea.

The name

Wave and Willow brings such a feeling of calm, peace and renewal. Wave reminds us of how life can bring ashore things best left at bay, while the willow provides us shade, and a place where we can sit, rest, reflect and renew. Both images focus on nature and the ebb and flow of life, reinforcing the commitment Julie Clark Art has to practices that are good to the earth - and us, in return.



So stop on by, and let me know what you think of the new name, new look and anything else you'd love to chat about!
~peace

Julie

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentines' Day!

So, what will it be? Luxe chocolates? Dinner out? Dinner in? Roses and flowers that fill the room with fragrance? A card draped in glitter or one that makes you laugh?

Or simply a day when the kids all get along?

Whatever your wish, enjoy the day!

Julie Clark Art Now Offers A Newsletter!

Interested in JCA Studios news, trends, special sales, tips, a blog round up, and maybe a recipe or two delivered no more than 2ce per month to your inbox? Then sign up for the Julie Clark Art newsletter! It's easy. And if you decide you'd like to unsubscribe down the road, that's easy, too.

Simply fill in the blanks, and you're good to go!

Name

Email

You should receive a confirmation email after you sign up, then the "Welcome" newsletter, which is a one time newsletter, in addition to the regular emailings. And if you are like me, peace of mind is a good thing, isn't it? So, don't worry - your email will never be sold, traded, listed, etc., but will be kept private.

And if you like it, I would love it if you pass this along to your friends and family!

Thanks so much!
~Julie

Ever Heard of Brown Rice Syrup?

Ever heard of brown rice syrup? A year ago, neither had I. It's a medium colored alternative to so many other sweeteners, including table sugar and corn syrup, and it's one worth paying attention to.

Unlike other traditional syrups, such as maple or honey, brown rice syrup has a very mild flavor, making it perfect to add just the right amount of sweetness without altering the flavors of the other ingredients.

But isn't traditional sugar just fine? Why try yet another trendy food?

One reason I'm personally sold on brown rice syrup can be summed up in one word: oatmeal. Oatmeal is marketed as a wholesome, stick to your ribs breakfast choice. And in folklore, it's also referred to as...paste. If you are anything like me, some sort of sugary something needs to be added if it's going to be on the menu and actually eaten. In the past, anytime I'd have it, a few hours later I'd be begging for lunch. But oatmeal is touted as food with staying power, isn't it? For me and my daughter, no, it wasn't. If anything, it upped our appetites for the day, so we moved on to other things.

One evening, we caught "Christina Cooks", and she was pouring this light brown, gloppy stuff and talking about its effects on our bodies, one of which is a slower release of sugars into the blood stream. Or, to put it in my own words, it helps us feel satisfied longer. I gave it a try and I have to say, she is right. (Click HERE to read her take on it.) Not only is oatmeal back on the menu, but when lunchtime arrives, I'm in much less of a rush to stop working and start fixing it, as I'm not starving anymore.

But, isn't it more pricey than regular sugars? Yes and no. If you are talking about the everyday white stuff, yes. But compared to maple syrup? Depending on your market, there's a good chance it's more affordable. Besides, if adding something like brown rice syrup to your diet means you eat less, and eat better, isn't that priceless?

Have you tried it? I'd love to hear your experiences with it!

Disclaimer: The views written are solely the author's. Consult with your dietician or physician for any significant lifestyle changes.

Doing the Tangerine Tango

As one who follows color trends, I was surprised to see Tangerine Tango as Pantone's 2012 Color of the Year. Last year, for perspective, brought us a bright yet soothing Honeysuckle Pink, so the orange comes almost as a jolt. But, I have to admit, a welcome one. Tangerine Tango is bright and warm, energizing (especially when paired with a brighter pink) yet soothing (when toned done with peach and soft buttery hues).

'Tangerine Tango Dreams' by JulieClarkArt

Inspired by Pantone's 2012 Color of the Year, Tangerine Tango, this beautifully warm selection of handmade items is sure to please at least one person on your gift list! Or go ahead, and indulge yourself, instead...

sofisticata $38.50	LaCocoRouge $75.00	graceandfavour... $7.50	holmescraft $45.00
alohaletterpre... $34.00	Rotifera $5.00	FineThreadz $35.00	Maddenphotogra... $25.00
ArtesanJewelry $149.00	SAStudio $39.00	LoriBergmann $20.00	SakuraBathAndB... $4.95
merlinthecat $40.60	UnaOdd $25.00	GraceandLaceCo $34.00	ArtisticEditio... $20.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

So, what do you think? Did Pantone get it right?

A Fave Calendar for 2012

Did you pick out a calendar this year? For the first time - ever - my kitchen is calendar-less. Blame it on my phone, which seems to house everything from email to recipes to, well, my schedule, and it slipped my mind this year.

But I can't say the same for work. Each year, I've bought the Gooseberry Patch Appointment Calendar, and I'd be lost without it! The gorgeous watercolor images on the pages make it a pleasure to open and actually use, while the layout makes it practical. There's even a pocket in the front to hold receipts.

I just sneaked a peak, and it's on clearance for a steal, so, if you're in search of a calendar for 2012, it just might fit the bill. As for my kitchen, I've got my eye on their wall calendar... :)

New Year, New Resolution

Happy 2012 everyone, and thanks so much for following along!

Did you make any resolutions this year? Personally, I stopped doing them a long time ago, but a new year is a good time to sit down and create or revise a business plan.

Ok, who yawned? :)

Believe it or not, I'm excited to put the finishing touches on my business plan for this year. One aspect I'm happy to reveal is I am starting a monthly special! The details will be listed in my online shops, as well as posted on my Facebook page.

Curious? Pop over to my shop on Etsy  and check out my announcement for the special item, and click HERE for the one on ArtFire!

Have a great year, everyone!

~PEACE