Nonchalant Mom News

It was the Summer of 2004, with a rough idea of what I wanted to do and with some amount of courage, I started Nonchalant Mom. It’s hard for me to believe that I’ve come so far with my original idea to create a shop where the focus would be on just about everything the mainstream wasn’t focused on - a place where children’s and women’s fashion would be about the handmade and ethically sourced. Working with other young moms who were creating something good while knowing you had to pay fair, living wages to those who worked for you. I had all of these friends making great things and I knew that everyone would want them if they just knew about them. I knew if I combined a thoughtful shopping experience with information on parenting in a more natural and healthy way that other parents, like me, would want to be a part of it. I know that there is a new and young audience out there who is still craving that information - they want it from a trusted friend, and that’s what I became. When I meet other parent’s now with kids my age I am so humbled by the praise of how they used my information and shopped in my store for themselves and their kids. This “new family” community is so strong and thriving today and it’s so exciting to be a part of it. It’s with great pride that I look back over these last 15 years and say that my idea for something modest, something conscientious, something caring, something creative, and something unique has continued to grow and didn’t buckle under the weight of challenges big and small.

But, now the time has come for me to move on. With my family, I’m going to be moving this Summer. I’ll be moving away from Rhode Island after 15 wonderful years here! With this impending move, I’ve started thinking that it might also be time to move on from my original idea for Nonchalant Mom. My kids are no longer little, both are now teenagers (no more free models) and, with that, my interests have evolved too. I’m finally ready to get back to my own creative endeavors - meaning that I want to return to making my own art and jewelry. It’s not that I think the idea of  Nonchalant Mom is finished, on the contrary, it needs someone NEW to take over the shop, to bring to it a new freshness and spirit. I think it’s time for someone new to put their own fingerprint on it, take it further, and bring it a new life! With that in mind, I’m now seeking someone interested in just that - taking over the business and moving it further forward. There is much
potential for Nonchalant Mom, whether it be in the form of a brick and mortar shop, or online - even BOTH. There is the idea that
Nonchalant Mom can stay here in  Rhode Island in it’s current location, or move on to another location far and wide. The main thing that Nonchalant Mom needs is someone who is looking (just as I was all those years ago) for a challenge. Nonchalant Mom needs someone who has the creative energy and enthusiasm to build something unique. It is perfectly suited for that person who wants something they can call their own, who wants to have their own business, whether it grows BIG or remains modest. Of course, it will help if you have some business acumen. There are many things that can be done with the business, many directions to take it or even rename it, but the base is there. You only have to have a dream and some passion. Nonchalant Mom has grown over the past 14-15 years and now incorporates a following both for the actual shop and in it’s online presence! I’ve met so many wonderful people in this journey and I’ve done much of the hard work
necessary to get it off the ground and gain recognition and loyal following. There’s no definition to the type of person who may want to take this on - you could be young or older, single or married, with or without kids. All it really needs is someone who wants to make something special for the future.  And, maybe most interesting is that it won’t take a lot of money (or at least as much as you might think) to take it over. This business isn’t about money as much as it is about doing something you love and making a difference and creating a
community. I’m really hoping that there might be someone out there with the same kind of principles, and same kind of verve that I have had for the business all these years. And, I’m willing to help you! So, if you think that this might be the thing you have been looking for in your life, then let me know and let’s discuss it. Who knows, it might just be YOUR dream come true...... share this with a friend if you know someone who is looking for something that will be incredibly rewarding in their life!
love, carina

navigating this new landscape....

Because my circle of friends includes lot's of makers and shop owners, when we get together we can't help but talk about "what the heck is going on....", yes this has a lot to do with politics but I try to steer my conversations to something we can have an impact on... our businesses! In this age of something crazy happening just about every day, be it large and horrifying, or small and trivial but none the least absurd, it's hard to keep focused on our businesses. We all feel compelled to care and help and well... try to figure this shit out!

I think the biggest change is the dwindling number of small shop owners like me who have a business that is sincerely our job and what we do to keep our family going, THESE are the businesses that I like to talk to - to see what they are doing to stay alive in this time of upheaval and change. There was a time when a great tragedy would render silence from me and others with businesses - but today, there is a necessity to keep going, keep working, do what we can - I really like the way that Jess Brown pulled together with her friends and neighbors in Northern California to create an auction (btw it ends soon so if you haven't got in there yet get yourself in there and shop the terrific maker wares with 100% of proceeds going to California Fire Relief - click here for more information). But if we are quiet our businesses will die, and that's not good. In my small town there are so many shuddered businesses, large and small, it's incredible and I honestly wonder what our small towns are going to look like if we don't keep the small guy in business!

I have taken a lot of time, and I certainly still do not have it figured out, but I have decided to change my business. When I started in 2004 the idea for my shop was quite unique mostly because it was a 'boutique' online, but I knew I needed to include my information on raising healthy children in a macrobiotic way (that was the smart part) because that information was just not on the internet at the time... well THAT'S changed! You can get so much great information online but sometimes it's not from a friend, like me (I hope I have become a friend after all these years!) so I want to keep it going, friendly recipes and links to people I trust to help you make choices in the larger landscape of the internet that's out there.

I am also changing my shop - my kids are growing up - they are now 12 and 15 years old! As I talk to most of you, your kids are growing up as well. I am getting back into my creative life, it took a lot of courage but I am so happy to have made the move into making things again. I spent many years making clothing and sweaters but now I am moving into new horizons... so exciting for me. I have been making pottery here and there for the last five years and I am finally moving into something I am proud of so offering some of my pottery pieces in the shop (unfortunately they sell pretty quick here in the shop so not much makes it online - I'm working on that). The pottery has also brought me closer to making my own artwork, which is still a bit of a work in progress and when it evolves fully you will be the first to know.

When we opened our first shop in our small town eight years ago I shared the space with a friend who made jewelry, she introduced me to a bit of beading, which was fine while I had little kids running around, but I was very intrigued by the art of jewelry making and my friend is a master - she came from a prominent family of jewelry-making here in Rhode Island (did you know this was the jewelry making capitol years ago-before it all moved to China) - she has been a voice for me and such a strong mentor, Robin Mollicone has created a jewelry collection that is as much her as it is at the forefront of new ideas and art-jewelry. Her jewelry speaks to a whole new generation of people wearing something 100% made by hand and unique. Robin helped me take my ideas and make something concrete, she showed me that you can make every single thing by hand if you are willing to work hard and she took me to my first gem and mineral show... I was hooked!

Enough about me but it's safe to say there will be quite a bit in my shop that I have made myself... especially if you visit our shop in person, I have made scarves, ceramics, jewelry, bags, terrariums... If I have an idea I will make it. I will continue to carry my favorite designers - the ones I can not do without (Lucky Fish & more...) as well as newly found, unique, and very special things be it for home, jewelry, clothing... you name it! But what I am not going to do is have collections of clothing for Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter - because I just don't shop that way anymore for myself so I don't think you do either. I feel pretty secure in the thought that you want things that can't be found somewhere else and I want to have my shop filled with things that will make you happy, healthy and more secure in yourself. I want your home to look like place you love to be in and I want to help you make yourself strong and powerful (you probably already are but I'll help you to be MORE so!)

It's a slow process but you will see new things and that's the point, but don't be afraid to drop me a line and let me know if you like it... or if you don't! And if you don't get enough of me here on my blog then follow me on Instagram where it's easier for me to post frequently and keep you going - either @nonchalantmom or @carina.schott for my jewelry and pottery making escapades!

flea market - vintage section

I'm a huge fan of anything made from wood, but animals - they have a special place in my heart!

I am a life-long collector of things, I started going to flea markets at the age of 20 - so that's over 30 years of experience and it takes experience, I can tell because my husband is a bit of a greenhorn at it. He picks up things that I know are out there - it takes experience to find the things that are NOT out there, I call them treasures and I share them with you so you can also get some vintage finds without searching... just click here to view my vintage items. I bring my kids with me now that they are older because I think it's a bit of an education, it gives them meaning to all the things that have fallen to the way-side. And from time to time they pick something up and treasure it more then their cell phones - now THAT's worth it!

funny muslin viking

So while I don't really want to brag - I am going to claim bragging rights to say that I know what I'm doing out there, the only problem is you have to have a similar aesthetic as me to like it too! That's why flea marketing, antiquing, estate sale-ing is so fascinating. It's amazing to see what people go for! In the case of estate sales it's a bit sad and I do break out a tear from time to time to see people rifling through other peoples things - it's like vultures - but you have to realize that these things would go into the big garbage dump if this wasn't so interesting to us folks who care about it. And guess what, it all becomes a treasure to me... I clean them up, shine and bright, I fix any holes, and they have a new life - maybe it's even a better life than the old one, because now it's a treasure! I use all my old things, yes you might have to be more delicate but hey that teaches your kids an appreciation for things that they would not normally have.

new (old) 1970's sofa

We just got a new sofa from, probably the 1970's, it's amazing! But my kids want to crawl all over like they did with our durable Ligne Roset TOGO sofa (indestructible what we did to that thing!).  It's a way for me to draw the line and they know it's drawn.... This wonderful sofa that you love so much is as OLD AS ME so treat it nicely. It's amazing really the arm rest's pop-up in this ingenious way, they just don't make them like this anymore. I wish I know who to attribute it to, I couldn't find anything but I love it all the same! TREASURE...

vintage sterling silver

Lately, I have been looking for some nice vintage silver jewelry, I'm looking forward to my road trip where I am sure I will find some treasures along the way and no matter how packed my car is I am sure I can fit some jewerly in there at the VERY least. If you want to drive with me - shoot me an email... departing Denver on August 8th.

Shop our Vintage items here

What the future looks like for Nonchalantmom - hint: it's sunny and bright!

I think some people think that being a shop owner is one of those jobs that doesn't really count, maybe it's a job that is just a bunch of fun or maybe there isn't a lot of talent involved.... you know what I mean. I've always been a bit "shy" when I'm at a party and everyone is talking about what they do for a living and I do my best to keep my name out of the conversation. But really these days I feel like it takes so darn much talent that I'm proud of myself that I am still in the game, when so many have fallen by the wayside, I'm still here. It is not easy to navigate the retail landscape, and these days, well... it's just not what it used to be - there was a formula, buy wholesale bring it into your shop and get as many people in to see said wholesale item and sell it, wait 90 days and put whatever is left on sale, it was followed and we were all fine. But not anymore!

I should take some credit here as I was one of the first to internet-tise the local shop, but the absolute upside down of retail these days is so very hard to understand, much less try to make a living at it! For a couple of years now, I have been in - "what the heck is going on" and "what are we going to do?" mode and I must say that we tried it all - but I do know this... it's not about the S A L E, that's the beginning of the end, it might be hard for you the consumer to hear that because the consumer has been reaping the benefits of all the retailers not knowing what else to do so just go on sale and then maybe you will be able to pay your rent. I watch, I listen and I hear what's going on - with my closest friends also shop owners we are all having the conversation about what and where do we go next.

I am still not sure where it is we will go, but I do know this - it's changing. And these are the things that I am thinking about:

- I know where I want to spend my money, I know WHO I want to give my hard-earned money to and I know what their face looks like - I want to know the person who made it, designed it, had the idea, sewed it, polished it, found it, pieced it together - yes, that person who MADE it.

- I want to go to my local grocery store and find things on the shelves that are well-designed, have less ingredients (and I can READ them), and I now will be good for me - I don't have to question that very basic thing that makes it a FOOD. And the only place I can do this is the Farmers market, my local co-op or Whole Foods (lucky you if you have other options in your area).

- If a company is making something somewhere else, they are being socially responsible about it. They are spending time in that place and helping the people realize that what they are making are appreciated by consumers and sharing that benefit. But, I am always checking to make sure there is sincerity in this outreach and it's good to do your research here and know the people you are dealing with on food, clothing and home items.

And most of all there is no place for greed in this bright new world, that's the world that I want to help create with my business and it's what I want to foster and grow. It's the people I want to be with, these are the people that I want to walk into my shop and I want to spend time with them. Because otherwise this project is just not so much fun or meaningful.

So back to my shop, because things ARE changing. You are not going to see my shop full of Fall 2017 collections, my vision is that you are probably going to get a few new things for yourself in the next season and I hope to have those things for you. I am going to focus on more seasonless clothing, wear-now clothing, less is more and special pieces are yes... special! I will have just a few, I am in it to sell through it and move on. Since I am not going deep into clothing I will have other special items that I think you will like and peek your interest. Slowly introducing incense to make your room more enveloping and luxurious. Oils and scents that will help you move through your day in a calm and awakened state. Jewelry that will make you feel like you are your own person, a unique individual even if you are wearing a white t-shirt and jeans. Things for your whole family so that they can be proud of what they wear. I hope to teach you to mend your things that are broken, make your current clothing more YOU and maybe even make some of your own jewelry. And if that all works out we will add lots of exciting things that will bring a smile to your face and make your body heal itself.

I do feel that second had has a place in this landscape, I have always been a huge fan of second hand - - one persons trash is another persons treasure! It's so terrific to give life to what might otherwise be thrown away and since I have a lifetime of experience at this I am pretty choosy and I think I am pretty fair about how to price things. I hope you find treasures for yourself in the flea market section of my shop.

I am going to continue to deepen and make more jewelry, pottery and some other projects that I can't wait to get my hands into, I want half of my shop to be things that I have made myself (that's a long term goal!) and surround that with vintage, talented makers and designers, and things I find along life's journey. Because we are all in this together and I can't wait for the next chapter to unfold. Now that I have created my own website I am so much more flexible to move and change on a whim. I am sure that some of you have ideas for me and I am always happy to hear from you, it's been so special to meet so many of you in my shop, many people that I have known by name for 14 years and now getting to know with your once a year visit to beautiful Rhode Island.

now THAT'S the future!

It's time for a Lucky Fish Saturday Workshop!

LUCKY FISH PRINT WORKSHOP!

It's time to spruce up all your tired clothes...

COME PRINT WITH US

SATURDAY, JUNE 3rd

1-4pm

Bring your own things to print - each print is $5 or we will have a stash of kids and adult tshirts to print if you forget ($10) This time we are also going to have a patch workshop going choose a Lucky Fish patch and sew onto your jacket, vest or pillow! (or whatever!) We will have the sewing machine out and it's a day of fun and creativity!

email me to sign up 

(so that we can get an idea for supplies, etc.. we don't want to run out!)

carina@nonchalantmom.com

New Website is LIVE...

We are so very excited to announce our new website! I've been talking about this for YEARS but I finally sat down and did it... all by myself - whew. It's not for everyone but if you have a good knowledge of graphics and can use various graphic tools, you can do it! After talking to many of my shop-owner friends I found that most of them use Shopify and it was pretty easy to use, the hardest part is choosing your template (but you can change that at any time! so you are not tied down to anything). I just can't say enough positive about it - although I am sure there will be hurdles, it will be nothing compared to making a 2004 website template work in 2017! I will say this for how old that thing was... it still chugged along, rarely was my website 'down' and no breaches - although the FBI contacted me about a few dupatta scarves - just kidding.

I am a big cheerleader for making your own website - after being tied down to a web-designer for all those years, I can tell you if you do it yourself from the beginning you will always know how to change it as time goes along. I can't say enough about that part... don't get stuck with someone having to do everything for you, unless your kids are going to be able to work on it for you, and even then.... you will not be able to do things in the time frame that you want, never, ever... can it be done fast enough. So that's the end of my preaching, if you want to talk to me about it, just email me and I will cheer-lead for you! But seriously if you don't want to do it, and you like mine, I would be happy to make one for you just email me.

The fact that I am still in business is a sign that I am doing something right, you can see it when I am at trade shows and I tell people I have had a store for 14 years - I get lot's of accolades, it's going to feel great now that I can be proud of creating my own website. But most of all I hope the website feels good for YOU! You might miss laboring over how to find something and then giving up... or maybe you will think it's all too easy and you like to work for your shopping... well I hope none of that is true! And please drop me a line and let me know if you like it and if you don't! what can I do to make it better - I need to know the good the bad and the ugly!

POP-UP in NYC

Yes, we are packing up all the goodies in the shop and bringing to NYC for a giant

POP-UP

FRIDAY - SUNDAY (3/31 - 4/2)
116 E 7TH STREET
(between Avenue A and 1st Ave)
11am - 8pm

new stock, deals, choose one of my beautiful necklaces
Jann is making a tee pee and bringing loads of T's and new projects!

CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU THERE.....
don't miss this!

working hard or hardly working

from top to bottom: smoky quartz and tourmalated quartz (explained this below), quartz crystal (small), Labradorite, quartz crystal (large), Lemurian Seed Crystal (very large!), Smoky Citrine, Amethyst - these are all off to Japan ;)

Yes, I would say it's the former. In fact there is some much going on here that I'm getting pulled in fifteen directions - but I love it! The best direction is my new jewelry collection (still no name yet - HELP!) and if we are lucky enough to get a snow day I plop myself down and make necklaces all day long! There are so many aspects to this new adventure that really speak to my passions - the crystals themselves, I've been a lifelong crystal hoarder and if a class or anything comes up on the subject I am THERE - when I was in my 20's I used to work with a woman who was akin to a Shaman, she enlightened my life - and crystals were her thing, she taught me so much. And you know how it goes, once your heart is opened to something you can't help but move toward it.

I search out crystals that are clean and clear - healing crystals. They are not treated with heat or anything - I clean them in the ocean to open and clear any energy. Then I put them out to bathe in the New Moonlight - for new beginnings, I also think they take in that mystical moon energy and finally I lay them out in the bright sunlight of the beach - so that they can charge their energy. Crystals will come to you - they make their way to the person they need to be with, and even if you are buying them from me online I carefully choose a peace (ha play on words - piece) that comes to me chosen for YOU. Because let's face it I know most of you over these last 12 years we have gotten to know a bit about each other (well you probably know way more than you wanted to know about me - but I have a story about each of you as well). Even if you "think" I don't know you I have a story about you, it comes through your name, or maybe where you live or maybe it's what you buy... but I have a story built around you! But I promise not to tell anyone... sshhhhh...

smoky citrine top is more brown in color, the smoky citrine I found was polished - I usually like them raw but you can see all the beautiful inclusions this way and I trust the fella who did the polishing, he stuck with the natural shape and just polished to softness

On my last trip to find new crystals I came upon a batch of fantastic Smoky Citrine - this is a very special batch and some even have 'phantoms' in them (crystal speak for incredibly special crystals!) I did some research and found that Smoky Citrine has the properties of both Smoky Quartz and Citrine, and they work perfectly in harmony. While the smoky quartz can bring grounding energy, the citrine which is sometimes called the stone of prosperity - attracting wealth and success, it also brings happiness and generosity. It balances yin and yang and dissipates negative energy. The beauty of the way I make these netted crystals is that you can wear your crystal on the outside for people to see, but it can also be nice to wear inside close to your body lying next to your skin. You get the full benefits of all their healing properties of the crystal. Unfortunately I have just a limited batch of these guys... I hope to find some again in my crystal hunting.

from left to right: quartz crystal (large), smoky quartz, tangerine quartz, small Lemurian Seed crystal, large Lemurian, polished smoky citrine, rose quartz (tumbled), small quartz crystal, medium quartz crystal, amethyst

You can do additional research (and I encourage you to do so) because some are good to wear on your heart, or solar plexus - I have even heard that it is beneficial to wear Labradorite on your third eye because it can provide clarity and insight into your destiny (it's also nice to keep next to your bed at night!). There is so much to learn folks. When I send you your crystal you will receive information on your piece to help you use it, but go out and find more!

I have started to play around and combine crystals (top photo - top necklace), personally I wanted the energy of Smokey Quartz and Tourmalated Quartz (for luck!) so I made one for me with both... just test driving at the moment but I will make these available online soon. If you have a special crystal that you want me to net just email me and let's work it out! Or if you want me to find you a particular stone - email me! I'm happy to search it out, or who knows I might have what you need! But don't worry this line will continue to evolve and change and GROW (I love that word!).

namaste :)

Color Inspiration!

Just a quick post to say, YEA this is a good color inspiration, right!? I'm into it... just watch, my store will slowly radiate this color story - even the white/black of it - white, black, tan, PEACOCK BLUE, KELLY GREEN. There you GO now it's yours too! (photo via: TMagazine - Oscar de la Renta)

International Womens Day

Actually I like the way they say it in Europe - International Day of the Woman!

a homepage image from 2010 (one of my favorites)

We are a business that prides itself for the last 12 years on supporting women in business, it’s been our mission since I started Nonchalantmom in 2004. I wanted everything I had in the shop to be the result of a creative, steadfast woman making something - having a great idea and most of the time she is supporting a family while she is doing it (I know because that’s what I’m doing too). Yes, that’s right we have always supported women, we support women who design, women who sew, women who make jewelry, pottery and apothecary. Because I feel what’s the use of using my platform if but to inform customers everywhere that you can buy something that is made by another woman, another mom maybe and you don’t have to buy from big business. You CAN buy from someone very creative who is making something because she loves to make it!

BECAUSE THAT DOESN’T FEEL BAD, IT FEELS GOOD!

Just ask me and I will bend your ear with stories of all the women I work with to make this a beautiful store - I love them all and each and every one of them is a dear friend, I care about her sucess as much as I care about my own. In the coming days I am going to do my best to introduce you to the women of the shop one by one, we used to do this here on my blog but I have gotten out of the habit, I promise to get back into it - because let me tell you there are some good stories here! People that will inspire you and sometimes even make you cry! Oh the stories we can tell...

My Lovely Pieces

top: small quartz crystal, medium smokey quartz and large tangerine quartz

No one can blame me for jumping into this with an whole and open heart - making jewelry with crystals is a dream of mine! Back in the 80's when I was in school I was such a huge fan of ME Stewart... anyone remember he 100% natural pieces - think a piece of wood on a knotted leather - she was my hero! I took many jewelry classes in school and explored different techniques but it wasn't until I saw a netted stone that I knew this epitomized it for me. I sold them in the shop over the holidays and no matter how fast I made them before I could have a photo shoot they would be GONE. They make terrific gifts, because what better thing to share with your friend of loved one than a beautiful crystal.

large herkimer diamond, quartz crystal, tangerine crystal

How to actually make these lovely pieces has been something that has eluded me for some time. I have kept that netted rock next to my bed for years (and years...) never finding the time to try things out and figure out how to do it... but then one day a few months ago I did it! I sat down and made my first netted crystal. It's evolved and taken on a few different forms, as I am sure it will over time. I am totally in love with these pieces - making them AND wearing them - I take the time to clear the crystal for you, because I know how busy we all are and if I do it for you it's ready to GO. I have the added benefit of living next to the ocean so heck, gives me a chance to jump in and clear the crystals in the open ocean. I say open ocean because it's not a bay (the Narragansett Bay is nearby) but I like to clean them in front of our home in Matunuck, where we look straight out onto Block Island in the distance. Then I take the crystals and leave them out to clear in the New Moon (for new beginnings) and finally I take a moment and bring the crystals with me to the beach on a sunny day and lay them out in the sun - it's a chance for me to do a meditation in the sunlight and with the power of all the crystals nearby it feels like a strong vibrational bath.

I have yet to come up with a name after figuring out that someone else had "enlightened pieces" *darn!* but something will come to me (email me with ANY and ALL ideas!) but in the meantime I wanted to offer them to you and all my friends! They are now on the website and I hope that you enjoy them as much as I do - you can wear them out, but I also love to wear them next to my skin, they get warm and feel wonderful inside your shirt! Cut them and tie a not to the length you like (careful to not make it too short - there's no going back!). Next I am going to learn to make a clasp... more exciting things to learn!

I can also do various colors of cord: gray, brown, white, natural, dark natural

SORRY meditation for tomorrow is cancelled :(

We will be back in the new year for more meditations! But you can do your own meditation tomorrow... It's the WINTER SOLSTICE you made it through the longest nights of the year and from now on the days will be getting longer - more daylight means more vitamin D time and I truly hope you will take advantage and give yourself some daylight.

I am in a rush to get home but I will post tomorrow some additional ideas for a good meditation on the WINTER SOLSTICE!

love - carina

Holiday Makers Market in the shop!

FIRST ANNUAL MAKERS MARKET!
Now that we have a shop space the first thing I wanted to do was bring together all of our talented Rhode Island ARTisans for a shop-bop. We have some talented people showing their wares for you to peruse and shop this HOliday season.

Join us on FRIDAY + SATURDAY (12/9 AND 12/10) from 10am to 6pm
it's a part party, part shop, part art show!

Laura Kramer - glass blower in Pawtucket Rhode Island
Corwin Butterworth - woodworker making beautiful objects in wood including cutting boards, trays and candle lights
Maura - Potter by day and activist all the other time... She makes crazy things with clay, crazy BEAUTIFUL things!
Dennis Melucci - creating gorgeous pieces of jewelry by hand every inch of the way. His metal-smith work is divine in it's simplicity and grace. Bracelets, rings and more!
Karen - making delightful animals with clay that will amaze you. She has made literally thousands of animals, never the same one twice and they are OH so nice
Lucky Fish - Jann Cheifitz our favorite screen printer is here with goodies galore - pillows, ornaments, clutches, coasters -- you name it she's printed it!
Carina Schott - Jewelry with crystals that will bring you back to 'center' - her simple netted gemstones and smooth tumbled quartz crystals and cleared in the ocean and left out in the moonlight to charge and bring you peace and love (and a bit of luck too!).
Robin Mollicone - her fine art beaded pieces are the center of gravity in this crazy world we live in - she has sent some of her most unique pieces (including her sought after 'safety pins'!)

And lot's more....

Join us on FRIDAY + SATURDAY (12/9 AND 12/10) from 10am to 6pm
it's a part party, part shop, part art show!

Candle Dipping

We just made some wonderful candles today in the shop! It was a bit of a Holiday Workshop but really candle-making is for good for any time of year. As a kid we used to make dip candles, it's a big sport around the holidays and in wintertime in general in Sweden. It's been a real long time and I knew my mom was going to be in town so I thought she could help. This is a great craft that can involve the entire family and I hate to say it but it's pretty darn easy.

in this photo you can see I have my beeswax in the double boiler pan right (for dipping), and I am recycling my leftover ikea candles (left pan) that had burned down by pouring into cups.

You will need some tools, I would suggest going to a second hand store and see what you can get a hold of to use. I found everything I needed at my favorite store called 'Mine' in Mystic, CT (run by the most delightful man - if you are in Mystic don't miss a stop into this wonderyard of second hand treasures). I found a pretty large double boiler for $5 and a hot plate too. I got a camping coffee can to use for pouring candles when we were done dipping (it's nice to finish off the wax because you never know when you are going to pull this out again). Luckily the camping coffee can fit inside the double boiler so I could keep it hot.

I've been saving old wax from the bottoms of candles in a box for quite awhile so I was excited to recycle them. I also always clean my used votive candles from Ikea - so I have tons to reuse for this project. Just tie a knot in the bottom of your wick, make the length of the glass votive and use chopsticks to hold the wicks in place.

Here you can see that we got creative and sculpted peace signs and hearts

You will need:
double boiler (or some kind of pot in pot) you want it to be deep enough for the length of your candle we only got 6" - 8" tapers with our pot.
hot plate
wicks (I got wicks for 1" tapers and 3" votive candles)
beeswax (or recycle old wax!)
chopsitcks (if you are going to pour)
clean votives or glasses (you could get cheap glasses from a second hand shop to use for this as well)

It's nice to do this on a good size work surface, We have an old door that we put on two horses, we put this up wherever we need to create a work surface, be it outside or in, it gives you ample room to work and you don't have to worry about anything!

Add water to your double boiler and heat. Add your wax to the top double boiler and melt, as soon as it is finished melting you want to make sure you keep the temperature even and low so you don't burn the beeswax. As soon as all the wax is melted you can start the dipping. After your first dip you can pull your wick taught so that the candles will come out straight (it's okay and not very hot, my kids even did this part). It's important to dip - not to quick and not too slow. Too quickly and you won't get much, too slow and the wax will melt again and you will also go nowhere! They should not get thicker than an inch or the wick will not stay lit (if you are making candle thicker than 3" you need to give different wicks) - you will know when you get it right.

This is not a fast project and you need patience. Want to teach your kids some patience or the value in slow crafting.. make candles!

You can sculpt peace signs or hearts by dipping your wick once and then sculpting your shape then keep dipping like you would a candle.

GOOD LUCK and have some fun! put on some holiday music and go to town....
I got my wax and wick supplies at Brushy Mountain Bee Farm, they are terrific and have everything you need.

An inspiring young designer - John Alexander Skelton

Trolling T magazine this weekend introduced me to this inspiring young designer John Alexandar Skelton. He takes vintage fabrics and molds them into divine and desirable one of a kind pieces. His clothing looks like scupltures from a time past and I can't wait to see how this talented designer develops--or even better if he doesn't and just keeps doing this very same thing!

Sometimes I wonder why fashion has to move and change so fast. I am all for the slow fashion movement, I wear pretty much the same things they just evolve with me and I add new pieces here and there, the time for a new wardrobe every season seems so wasteful and old. Slow fashion is smarter and with the absolute proliferation of way too much I like to give you collections that don't have an expiration date. They are just as good tomorrow as they were today. And nothing is more so than Pip-squeak Chapeau. As we photographed the new collection I was reminded how desirable each piece is to my senses. Mostly because I know I will use it - wear it ever day!

After all, that's what clothing is for right? To convey our personality and that doesn't change season to season.

Don't miss reading this article on John Alexander Skelton, he's a name to watch.
and shop Pip-Squeak Chapeau here

crystals, herkimer, quartz... are more!

Crystals have been a part of my life since my 20's when I worked with one of the most interesting and inspired woman of my life, well besides my mom. She was in her 70's and I was 20 but we became not only work mates but very close friends. She was the first person to actually listen to me, hear what I said and we would discuss so many different topics, for hours on end. I learned through her how to meditate, she taught me all about crystals and how to weave baskets - among tons of other things about life in general that she taught me. It was a key change in my life and came at a time when I had just started to work at Esprit (in the late 1980's) so my personal and professional growth was happening at the same time. My love for crystals still goes on and is always growing, but Emily will always be at the heart of that growth.

With the opening of my shop I have started to include lot's of crystals - making necklaces for customers who pick a crystal from my bowl of various sizes and different kids of crystals to large tabletop crystals to keep near your bed or at work to bring harmonizing energy.

If your birthday is in November you are also lucky enough to have Topaz or Citrine as your gemstone, it is said that wearing your gemstone will give you energy. I believe that each person has a stone that strengthens their spirit, or heightens an aspect to your life that you would like to work on or give energy to. Crystals are very personal and that's why I like to have people choose a stone from a bowl, the stone will call to you and you can carry it around for awhile to see if it's something you want to wear to give you energy.

When I get a new stone I like to wash them in the ocean water, then I let them soak by the window in the sun for a few days. This will clarify and clean your stone and it will have optimal energy for you. You can also bury them in the dirt if you need more grounding energy. Lately, with all of the super moons I have been leaving them in the moonlight outside. I do this with all of the crystals in my shop so that you can be sure they are ready and charged.

I have a few Margaret Solow crystals that are ready and waiting for you. Her stones are never heated or tampered with and left in their natural state. The raw sapphires I had from her were so alive with color it was hard to believe their natural beauty. The Herkimer is perfect for this time it is a perfect conduit of the universal life force, they are exceptional healing crystals and are used in meditations, dream and vision work (great to have by your bed at night, but might keep you awake with their strong energy) The Herkimer diamonds are the most powerful of all quartz crystals.

I also love this tourmalated quartz it is a super lucky stone has the luck of both the quartz and tourmaline, it also protects against unhealthy energies by actually deflecting negative energy. It brings balance to yin and yang energies. Yes, this is a great stone for just about anyone.

I am going to review more stones, crystals and gemstones to look at their properties and how you can use them to enhance your life and your mind and spirit.

Nonchalantmom Makers Market - December 9-10

We are hosting a Makers Market here at the shop over the holidays on Friday and Saturday December 9-10. The idea of a Holiday Market was so exciting when we opened our new store and quickly morphed into a Makers Market due to all of the Makers talent we have here in the shop. But for the Makers Market we are adding to our current mix with local Rhode Island talent and more... We are combining a good amount of some of our old favorites, like Lucky Fish and adding some incredible local makers that I am very excited to introduce to you. So in the coming days I am going to give you a small introduction to each of the makers we will partner up with in the shop. I will do my best to include the online folk, but the best way for this to happen is going to be via Instagram, so if you are not yet following 'nonchalantmom' on instagram ... get on there!

You all don't need an introduction to Lucky Fish so I am just going to give you a teaser and say that we will have an additional good amount of her one of a kind pillows, clutches, masks, coaster and tabletop items along with a healthy dose of her fantastic T's!

If you are becoming a Lucky Fish fan you might want to take one of her classes in her studio in Brooklyn - where you will learn how to create a print, make a screen, she also helps you develop your idea so it's a chance to share some time with an interesting group of women and be CREATIVE. Email me and I will get you in touch with her.

We will also have another CRAFTERNOON in the Springtime in the shop. The last one was so successful and we had such a good time that we are doing it again! (we just have to wait for the weather to get better so we can be outside again - we kind of make a big mess while printing).

Tomorrow, we will introduce you to more MAKERS!

In Store events coming up for November and December

We have quite a few events coming up in the shop. From Meditations to Candle making, to making your own holiday stocking! Please sign up for each class (just so that we can get an idea of supplies we need, etc...) and show up at the workshop! If you forget, check the blog or visit us on facebook at Nonchalantmom for more information!

IN-STORE EVENT SCHEDULE

tuesday 11/22 - 9am meditation for busy people

saturday 11/26 - small business saturday join us for some tea and cardamon bread and shopping!

saturday 12/3 - 12-2pm candle making

friday 12/9 - 12/10 - HOLIDAY MAKERS MARKET - 12-6pm
join us and some local makers for shopping and fun!

saturday 12/17 - 12-2pm make your own stocking!

We are also planning more meditations in the shop, we will release a December Meditation schedule after our 11/22 meditation. Each class will have a nominal fee for materials ranging from $5 - $10. We will be offering more information on each workshop as we get close to the dates. But get excited and let's have some fun!

MAKE :: CREATE :: REMAKE :: REPEAT!

Thank you for being a friend

Thank you for being a friend to Nonchalantmom!

We would like to give you $25 to spend in the shop!

Take $25 off orders $100+
(ends sunday 11/13)

Share with your friends... it's all in the family!

What next

Looking at my post from yesterday I am reminded of my optimism, which I will continue to have because it's all that keeps me going. In the meantime I will take this time to be quiet, introverted and cleanse. It could be easy to turn to other things (especially since there are more legal forms now in many states) but I challenge you to take this time to become stronger, ignite from within, maybe this will become an impetus to meditate, strengthen your mind body and spirit - to stretch, eat better and show this country where it's strength lies.

It was a very long night in the USA with the election of a new president. I've been on social media and there is a lot of complete shock and disbelief, and I have been hearing from many of my clients since the announcement. Indeed, if you are involved in many progressive ideas about the raising of our children, the state of our natural environment, women's rights, etc - then this election has been pretty shocking. But, it has me thinking as well. When I began Nonchalant Mom in 2004 the political climate was not very different from what happened today. My ideas for what I wanted to do with my business and how I wanted to present and run my business may have been a little more surprising and out of place then, but the core ideas remain the same. Needless to say, it was a challenge then, and is still a challenge now, to declare that you want your business idea to respect small crafts people and designers, that I want my business model to be a holistic benefit from the creators of many of my small labels I represent right through to the way I present the items I sell. I wanted to find things that showed respect between peoples and also respected the environment in the best ways possible. I didn't want to disregard the maker's and manufacturers of the things I sell/sold. I wanted to treat them with respect, I wanted them to treat me with respect and most importantly, I knew then that I was interested in small manufacturing, choosing to work with people who are respectful of their manufacturing process and people. I wanted to do something that felt right - something that felt good for both the people who make and provide beautiful things and for the people who would become my clients and buy and wear (or use) those beautiful products. And, though it looks like the social and political climate here in the USA (if not the world in general) is going to take a turn for some unsure outcomes - I felt it was and is very very important to remind myself and to remind any of you who follow and support my business I am invested in you as well. A good solid fight for the progressive ideals I built my little business on top of - a good fight for our children, for our family,  for our friends, and for ourselves to do and make things that we all can use and enjoy.

As always this also involves food so here's a good way to start - bring your lunch with you to work, play or to keep yourself from not eating snacks or food that is not good for your body. This photo is my lunch (well just one of the jars). I make brown rice a few times a week and we either use it for dinner and then I use the leftovers for lunch. I mix in roasted vegetables, nuts, steamed greens or even last nights leftover salad! I keep a jar of my home made tahini in the fridge to drizzle on top (that's the second jar) and I honestly can't think of a better, more satisfying lunch.

I heat it up in the morning so that it's at least luke-warm (which is fine and delicious too) by the time I eat it (yes, I could maybe use a thermos but I am a little too attached to these jars).

TAHINI RECIPE
(I personally don't measure anything but you may want to the first few times you make it until you come up with your own favorite recipe)

1/2 - 1 cup tahini
juice of 1 lemon (use more if it's not juicy)
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp olive oil
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
salt & pepper
add water to your liking - I like my slightly thick, but I know some people like it very watered down

blend in your vitamix or blender until smooth and creamy
keep in a jar for up to two weeks in the refrigerator (you will certainly use it before then!)

If you are really on top of things its nice to top your jar lunch off with gomasio (see link for recipe) or toasted seasame seeds or just about any toasted nut