Designs of the Times

Local customers at Jak's Cafe Poulsbo, WA

Our day started early for a breakfast visit at Jak’s Cafe and Espresso where Julie Krucek makes everything in her beautiful cafe from scratch.  The family recipes are all gluten free.

She served up many rounds of egg Benedict and delicious artisan creme puffs and really rolled out the hospitality red carpet by singing Happy Birthday to a local Poulsbo resident. Patrons trickled in all day from 10AM-5Pm and enjoyed their visit to the very well known cafe.

Cash Mobbers from Kitsap County couldn’t have asked for better weather for National Cash Mob Day. “My sales were up 40% that day- Thanks so much! When can we do it again?” stated Julie Krucek founder of Jak’s cafe.

Birthday Bavarian Creme Pastries from Jak's Cafe

The next awesome location was CJ’s Evergreen General Store and Catering where Cynthia Jeffries-Cyr also rolled out the penny candy,  Dinner to Go meals from her famous catering department, hot aromatic espresso, ice cream and pies.

Cynthia Jeffries-Cyr Owner of CJ's Evergreen Store & Catering

Cash Mobbers outside of CJ's

Bremerton Cash Mobs were instrumental in inviting local residents, creating the certificates of appreciation and showcasing what locally made products were available for purchase.  “We bought some of the Sequim Valley Marion Berry Jelly. I’m in heaven!” stated  Robin Henderson founder of Bremerton Cash Mobs.

Cash Mobbers and local business owners celebrated the sunny day and the events success at another locally owned establishment by having a nice meal at Rachel’s in Bremerton. Everyone relaxed, socialized and networked with other local business owners and residents that they might not have normally met.  It was a very humbling, gratifying  and emotional experience for many who attended. Cash Mobbing might be addicting!

Celebration Dinner At Rachels in Bremerton

“I would like to thank all of you that came by the store for the 1st Bremerton Cash Mob yesterday. I really appreciate all the people that came out. We feel that it was a success. We were so glad to see so many new people and returning customers. We hope to see all of you again. If there is anything that you would like to see us carry, just let us know and we will see what we can do about that. Again, thank you so much. It really was an honor to be one of the first Cash Mob sites. “ Cynthia Jeffries-Cyr

For More Information about how to get involved, visit Kitsap County Cash Mobs Enjoy!

Lisa Jachimowicz Poulsbo, Washington

Designs of the Times -What Inspires You?

Design is everywhere. It can be in the food we eat, the art we buy or the Jewelry we wear. The Designs of the Times Blog is about the people, places and things that help us a enjoy the abundance of creativity all around us. Join us as we showcase the rich designs of our surroundings that make up this great area we call home- Kitsap County! We hope to bring inspiration, joy, and creativity to all who read our Blog.

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I found some really nice photography right in my own neck of the Poulsbo woods called Risen Photography.

Risen photography is a new up and coming photography company that travels to locations in Kitsap County to offer assistance with product, fashion, scenery and pet photography.

Young business owner Zachary Jachimowicz has been specializing in product pictures for the past five years for a local Jewlery company and is now expanding to offer real estate photos, food, scenery and b2b photography services.

I hear his rates are very reasonable and he has a new website located here and is very active on his Risen Photography facebook page.

Check out his photos. I hope they move you like they do me!

Risen Photography will also be featured in a book published by Synclectic-Media in the next few months. Enjoy!

Lisa Jachimowicz Suquamish/Poulsbo, Washington

Designs of the Times -What Inspires You?

Design is everywhere. It can be in the food we eat, the art we buy or the Jewelry we wear. The Designs of the Times Blog is about the people, places and things that help us a enjoy the abundance of creativity all around us. Join us as we showcase the rich designs of our surroundings that make up this great area we call home- Kitsap County! We hope to bring inspiration, joy, and creativity to all who read our Blog.

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My Christmas Tree 2010

Some people get so depressed about not being able to give gifts during the holiday season that they might not attend a holiday family function or if they do attend they are feeling so down that they do not act like themselves.

It is very unfortunate and some people really need to be verbally ‘let off the hook’ so they can get through the season and the big day. If you know people in this situation give them the biggest gift of all by letting them “off the hook” for holiday present exchange.

From my experience- it really is one the greatest gifts  you can give to friends and loved ones. Just recently my mother did it for me!

We had planned a trip back home to the East Coast months ago -and then an unexpected move and other family obligations happened so  it just did not make a holiday trip feasible. I did not want to tell my mother, in fact I dreaded telling her…but she instinctively  knew and she called and told me she understood. It was the biggest relief of guilt ever this year and I appreciated her knowing we wanted to come but yet it was too much of a hardship to actually do it this year.

Eleven great things you can say in these difficult types of Holiday situations:

Lisa Homemade Apple Pie

1. We are focusing the day on the great food, our warm house, and the pleasure of your company.
2. We are focusing our own gift giving for the little children so no gift is needed for adults and the children have plenty of gifts to open.
3. You have done so many things for us this past year that we just want to celebrate in appreciation of you and everything we have done together/been through together over the last 12 months.
4. If the person insists on giving, you can make a great suggestion of homemade gifts.
5. I really love that ____ (food item) you make, if you would like to make that, it would save me so much time and be the perfect gift – plus it would relieve me of so much stress on Christmas Day!
6. I really love homemade decorations and my tree/wall/man room (or insert other appropriate relevant suggestion) really needs more decorations.
7. I really love old family/friend pictures if you have some to share, I would love one or two as a gift for my scrapbook!
8. I really loved when you babysat or walked my dog (or other service the person has provided in the past) so a written gift certificate  (on notebook paper) would be just the perfect  gift and really give me something to look forward too!
9. If you have any books or magazines about _______ I would love to have them as a gift.
10. Please donate your time to a local charity in my name such as the food bank or humane society. It would make me very happy!
11. If you have any holiday DVD movies, we would love to have some of them so we could have a family movie holiday! I will even make the special holiday popcorn!

Many times people you know will express worries about bills and items they need for their own families for the holidays.  There are many ways you can offer assistance and resources:

Let them know you are giving them a gift certificate for a local grocery store or department store. This lets them know that they may have a cushion and allow them to buy for their immediate family.

You can also suggest craft items that you have made in the past for special occasions and let them know where to get supplies that are reasonably priced. You may also let them borrow a sewing machine or glue gun, beads, wood scraps and donate  ideas that you find on the Internet (lots of DIY sites)  or at the local library. This should help spark ideas and creativity!

If things are looking really difficult for family or friends try to get them on a church angel list or point them to a website called ‘2 Hands’. It is a website about one hand helping another and is located at http://www.2hands.org/. You may even offer use of your computer to help them get registered.

Also, Kitsap County has  local resources that may be available for utility assistance and food. You can print out this list below and give it to them and offer a ride or even just understanding of difficult times and let them know that they are not alone. http://www.bremertonschools.org/studentsfamily/services/Kitsap_Community_Homeless_Low_Income_Resource_Guide%20%282%29.pdf

The best thing you can say is “I have faith in you” and “I love/care for you” and “We are looking forward to celebrating the holiday with you.” “Be here at ___ time” or “I will have _______ name of person pick you up -so be ready for the day!”

Share your abundance and have a safe, warm and meaningful holiday!

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I cannot believe how fast the holidays are approaching. Time and money seem to be in short supply this year so I have done a few things to help alleviate the stress of planning for gifts and functions. This year I am attending many local Holiday Bazaars for reasonable and thoughtful gifts. This past weekend I attended the Eagles Club Bazzar in Poulsbo and scored a “made in the jar” cookie gift and some really nice Jewelry.

Keep it in Kitsap and buy local!

I am wondering what are the best items or products are that you have bought locally or from a artist?

This weekend I will be visiting the House of Awakened Culture that will help me get arts, & crafts, raffles & 50/50, and food galore!

It is from Saturday- Sunday November 20-21st 10am – 4pm in Suquamish. Suquamish is a unique community with little shops, restaurants and the most gorgeous view of Seattle and the surrounding area that you ever did see. It will be a treat for your shopping and scenery senses and a great way to spend the day!

Yours truly will be there both days selling AND buying! If you see me, come say hello. I may even interview you for this blog. It might not make you totally (ok maybe a little) famous AND you can brag the link to all your relatives and friends!

Hope to see all of you there!

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You know how I love freebies and deals right?  Well, today is a good day for this! Bring a disposable or travel mug to any Starbucks and get a free coffee. Then head on over to Taco Bell and get a free taco and for dessert go to Cinnabon for a free treat!

Read more official news about the freebies here!

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It seems odd to me that a company tells the design world what the color of the year is?

Luckily, for me I happen to love the color turquoise and I thought it would be appropriate to let others know in case you were buying prom dresses, or picking out bridesmaids colors.

Yeah! Turquoise take me away…

Pantone also states “Whether envisioned as a tranquil ocean surrounding a tropical island or a protective stone warding off evil spirits, Turquoise is a color that most people respond to positively. It is universally flattering, has appeal for men and women, and translates easily to fashion and interiors. With both warm and cool undertones, Turquoise pairs nicely with any other color in the spectrum. Turquoise adds a splash of excitement to neutrals and browns, complements reds and pinks, createsa classic maritime look with deep blues, livens up all other greens,and is especially trend-setting with yellow-greens.” See Pantones Official Press Release Here.

Lisa Jachimowicz
Suquamish, Washington
Designs of the Times -What Inspires You?

Design is everywhere. It can be in the food we eat, the art we buy or the Jewelry we wear. The Designs of the Times Blog is about the people, places and things that help us a enjoy the abundance of creativity all around us. Join us as we showcase the rich designs of our surroundings that make up this great area we call home- Kitsap County! We hope to bring inspiration, joy and creativity to all who read our Blog.

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Rock Tumbler and Craft Pasta Machine

I am giddy!

And I just want to let all my artists friends and creative people in Kitsap know that you could totally have a lot of fun this weekend!

Why, you ask?

Because there is an unheard of internet coupon from Michaels for %50 percent off regular priced items.They have never done this before as an internet coupon. All you have to do is sign up for the newsletter and print it out! YAY!

I got a rock tumbler that I desperately needed for my projects. I suggest if you use this coupon, you use it for a larger craft or art ticket item. My rock tumbler was $24.99 so I got that for $16.50 something. This means I can turn ordinary objects into collectible shiny goodies for my creations! Then.. because I had lost my mind with happiness over the rock tumbler, I went back and purchased the craft pasta machine, that was $24.99 and got that for half price as well! Can you believe it??

I can’t! I really needed these two pieces of equipment for my designs sooooooo- watch out for the pretties coming out really soon! I refuse to apologize for loving coupons and free stuff.

Homegirl ain’t playin!

Let me know what you get and how much is saved by commenting below..

PS) I don’t work for Michael’s or any employer. I don’t like to have to be somewhere at a certain time in the morning and (no one will hire me) so in other words I have no affiliation with Michael’s other than being a sarcastic customer once in awhile. It is just a really great money savings deal and I wanted to share it! Thanks Michael’s!

Read the small print on the coupon..all you have to do is sign up for the newsletter. It is good until April12th, 2010.

Lisa Jachimowicz
Suquamish, Washington
Designs of the Times -What Inspires You?

Design is everywhere. It can be in the food we eat, the art we buy or the Jewelry we wear. The Designs of the Times Blog is about the people, places and things that help us a enjoy the abundance of creativity all around us. Join us as we showcase the rich designs of our surroundings that make up this great area we call home- Kitsap County! We hope to bring inspiration, joy and creativity to all who read our Blog.

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And Kitsap County?

Don’t let the economy, lack of idea’s, or know -how stop you from enjoying what spring and summer can do for the outside of your home or apartment. People are always giving away plants and other garden goodies on sites like Craigslist and Free cycle. So if there is a will there is a way to create a plant and flower oasis for you, your family, and the people who may visit you. It will make you feel good to be in beautiful surroundings at your own home and shed all of that rainy dark winter.

I don’t know about you but I have the plant passion fever right now and I have found ways to do it economically that will allow for good herbs, vegetables and flowers.  I like to mix herb plants with a couple of flowers, rocks and usually a shiny piece of art or glass. I do not think plants, veggies, herbs and outdoor design in general should cost a lot of money and right now most people are being money conscious about extra expenses. This doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy outdoor design delights in color and function.

Dollar Store Seeds

I get my seeds from the dollar store at 4/ $1.00 and I don’t think you can’t beat that price with a garden stick right?  I am also a fanatic “as seen on TV” person and found the min water globes. I don’t think mine works right but for a buck it is so…VERY pretty! See it in blue in the above picture…

Things you can add to your garden to delight you are plant signs, rocks, beads, and marbles to make for interesting effects to the design and plants.

As far as plants, I like and seriously need low maintenance. I purchased pansies ( I got mine from the nice people at Valley  Nursery in Poulsbo)  which are very hearty and bloom well into summer. They can also survive a little bit of the cold nights like we are still having. I also love hens and chick succulents (which is the pointy plant on the left in the picture below). These grow anywhere and multiply very quickly. They love containers and often love to multiply in them. They are available in seeds or plants but if you know someone who has them in their garden you can ask for a baby hen and you will be filling containers and gardens with tons of them in no time. These also transplant from location to location well, as I have transplanted them to three different Kitsap towns but I must warn you…

Chicks and Hen Succulents, Oregano, and Pansies

If you live in Bremerton you may want to get permission from the chicken politic people to have these hen and chick plants! Hahahaha sorry (don’t be a hater) but I couldn’t help myself on that big chicken!

My Chocolate Mint Plant,Purple and White Pansy & Chives w/my homemade rain chain.

I also am homing chocolate mint, oregano and chives. Even though I am a renter I will be growing (from seed) squash, lettuce and sunflowers. The lettuce will be in hanging containers on my back deck and my Sunflower seeds are going straight into the ground on the sunny side of the house. I will worry about thinning them out later (the less work the better right now) right?

Special Lisa Sunflower outside Garden Art Picture in progress

Anyhow, when you are planting make sure you sing …

”Fly me to the moon Let me sing among those stars.. Let me see what spring is like… On Jupiter and Mars “   or just listen to the video below to get in the planting design mood. Enjoy Designing!

I hope you create something meaningful that will help you enjoy every single day of your life.

Resources:

Look at the pretty pictures for more container and plant ideas.

Money Savings $$$ Valley Nursery has a rewards program for plant bucks Location Poulsbo, WA

Support Urban Chickens In Bremerton

Check Any dollar store on the planet for pots, garden pretties and water globes! Not to be confused with gnomes

If you would like to be showcased in the Kitsap Sun Designs of the Times Blog please email me here.  I would love to hear from you.

Lisa Jachimowicz
Suquamish, Washington
Designs of the Times -What Inspires You?

Design is everywhere. It can be in the food we eat, the art we buy or the Jewelry we wear. The Designs of the Times Blog is about the people, places and things that help us a enjoy the abundance of creativity all around us. Join us as we showcase the rich designs of our surroundings that make up this great area we call home- Kitsap County! We hope to bring inspiration, joy and creativity to all who read our Blog.

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Yes, I am starting the weekend early (on Friday) as the week’s nice weather kidnapped me, but now I am back with Artist: Gregory Scott Tiefer of Fire Designs in Poulsbo who works with glass, making lamp work beads.

Gregory Scott Tiefers Lampwork Creations

Gregory Scott Tiefer getting ready to torch a lampwork bead

What kind of artist are you? I’m an unorthodox artist.

What elements do you like to work with? I like to work with glass and wood.

What inspires you to create? It just seems to be bubbling inside waiting to burst out.

“Big ole Bead” aka known as a BOB!

What are your favorite colors to use? I like all colors, but blues, greens and yellows seem to show up a lot in what I do. When I have trouble finding colors, I’ll simply use black & white to help me re-focus.

Gregory Scott Tiefer at the Fire Design Shop-Poulsbo

Where is your studio? Our cold and warm shop is in Poulsbo, we’re not open to the public (Except you Lisa) haha

When and how did you get started in lamp work beading?

I first learned from Larry Brickman, (about 4 to 5 years ago). Besides being an excellent artist, I found him to be one of the best teachers I ever had the privilege to study under. Because we’re so busy with our Furnace Glass, I use lamp working (Flame working) to help me from becoming terminally insane from cutting our cane beads. I have made presents for friends and such, but have not really put my flame working beads on the open market. I started a web site “Torched by an Angel” but got too busy doing our furnace glass to ever do anything with it….but one day….

What are the average prices approx of lamp work beads?

The average price of Lamp work beads is pretty vast depending on the artist. You can pay as little as $1.00-$2.00 a piece for Chinese stuff to over $ 100.00-$200.00 a piece for something extremely elaborate. If I we’re to sell mine they would sit somewhere in the $25.00-$60.00 a piece for a BOB (because some Bob’s can take an hour or two to make) and of course for you Lisa one day we may put you on a torch if we can fit it in to our chaos.

What does BOB stand for? BIG OLE BEAD!

What would be your best advice to anyone who wants to start creating lamp work beads?

My advice for the aspiring artist is pure and simple: take some classes.  Learn the basics as there are plenty of public venues to choose from. The places you can go to learn lamp working are the local community colleges, Tacoma glass museum, Pratt in Seattle, Seattle Hot Glass on 5^th Avenue, and many more -  just Google!

Thanks to Greg for the great personality, interesting interview and the inspiring glass artwork!

If you would like to be showcased in the Kitsap Sun Designs of the Times Blog please email me here.  I would love to hear from you.

Lisa Jachimowicz
Suquamish, Washington
Designs of the Times -What Inspires You?

Design is everywhere. It can be in the food we eat, the art we buy or the Jewelry we wear. The Designs of the Times Blog is about the people, places and things that help us a enjoy the abundance of creativity all around us. Join us as we showcase the rich designs of our surroundings that make up this great area we call home- Kitsap County! We hope to bring inspiration, joy and creativity to all who read our Blog.

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