What Does It Mean To "Be Thankful"?

What are you thankful for? That seems to be a trendy posting status on Facebook these days. But really what does it mean to "be thankful" and "give thanks". Definitions say "to express gratitude" or "grateful acknowledgement of benefit or favors".

Every year Thanksgiving prompts me to ponder what it means for me to be thankful and to give back. Sometimes life is so busy that we often forget about all of the amazing things around us. As with many others, for me, between work, kids, appointments, errands, etc. it is so easy for me to get wrapped up in the whirlwind without even taking notice, for even one moment, of all the wonderful things in my life. I am trying each day to consciously make an effort to stop. Stop and take inventory of all the bounties that I am grateful for such as my family, our health, a warm bed to sleep in, yummy food to nourish us, friends to share with, art to create and so much more. 

Once I recognize all the things that I am grateful for I notice that it allows more room in my life for what truly matters. It gives me more space in my life for forgiveness, for love and compassion. After all, I am but one small piece in this vast universe. I am here to give. So I will continue to give...give my time, my help, my love, my unsolicited advice (ha!) and try to receive all offerings with sincere gratitude. After all, that's what life is all about. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Sea & Green

Tania of INDIGO GLASS

We are so grateful to work with so many talented artists & we enjoy sharing their stories with you so much & today may we introduce you to, Tania of INDIGO GLASS. Tania has been a Sea & Green friend & artist for many years now & we couldn't admire her & her work more! If you are a frequent visitor of Sea & Green then you know Tania but how well do you know her? Read on for Tania's upcoming class information & to learn more about Tania's history & how Sea & Green became so lucky to have Tania & her work as store staples! 

Tania is offering an amazing class this December that you don't want to miss...
What: Custom Victorian Antique Mirror Ornament Class
When: Wednesday night December 6th from 6-8pm
Cost: $165 

Details: The class is focused on creating a Victorian antiqued mirror ornament will be personalized with each students memorable black & white photo. This is perfect for baby's first Christmas, your favorite pet or a loved one. See pictures here of an ornament itself & a closeup of a boat which reflects the technique. This class is a technical, hands-on class that includes learning a variety of techniques such as cutting mirror, using a grinder & soldering with copper foil. Limit of 4 students per class & you can register at Sea & Green with a non-refundable $65 deposit.

OK, let's get to know Tania...

S&G: How old were you when you started creating your artwork?

Tania: I was about 12 years old when I remember thrashing a coffee table that my dad made with a heavy chain in an attempt to create an aged look. He let me use the blow torch to further distress the wood. What can I say? It was Australia in the 70's!

S&G: What inspired you to begin selling your work?

Tania: Change of career prompted me to sell my wares at Sea & Green?  Traveling for my photography job was tough & I wanted to give my leaded glass studio a proper go & so the opportunity to focus on this as well as be involved with the shop seemed to fit really well & that was over 3 years ago.

S&G: What are your favorite pieces to create? Or explain a new passion project.

Tania: My favorite pieces I create is the stained glass waves that are specifically design to fit into discarded old window frames. Each one is unique in color and design-people seem to like them which is really encouraging. It's nice to be able to create these movable and affordable pieces of stained glass as not everyone can afford a customized permanent piece in their home

S&G: What is your biggest challenge when creating a piece?

Tania: The biggest challenge is utilizing scraps of glass effectively in order to create a design that works...this forces me to be inventive!

S&G: If you had to use one word to describe yourself what would it be?

Tania: One word to describe me is sporadic

S&G: What is something you haven't get created but can't wait to try!?

Tania: Something that I'm dying to try is finally fire my kiln that has been waiting patiently in my studio. I want to melt leftover glass shards onto a ceramic surface.

Tania also makes custom frames from recycled fencing & custom distressed mirrors at Sea & Green!

November Classes at Sea & Green

Limited spots available so sign up today! 

At Sea & Green our passion is to provide our customers with beautiful art & home decor by using environmentally friendly reclaimed, recycled & upcycled materials. Our other passion to nurture the inner artist in everyone...take advantage of our many classes this November. Keep learning , stay creative & have fun! Join us at the for your choice of the following classes (or all of them) stained glass, sign making or explore the world of Ce Ce Caldwell paints. Read detailed descriptions of each class offered by Sea & Green below. See you there! 

11/6/13 & 11/13/13 6-9pm

(two part class)

Total cost $215/person

In this beginner stained glass class you will create your own keepsake piece. You will learn how to cut glass using hand cutters, how to use grinders, practice wrapping your pieces in copper foil, learn how to apply flux to your foiled pieces, and how to solder & polish your project for completion. All supplies are included. This is a two part, total of 6 hours, class. Space is limited. A $60 deposit is required to reserve your space.

11/9/13 9-11am $75/person

Learn the Basics of Ce Ce Caldwell's Paints

This is an introduction to the fabulous world of these DIY eco chalk, clay & mineral paints. It is a no VOC & self priming paint line that 99% of the time does not require stripping, sanding or priming of your existing piece. Learn how to work with these amazing products. All supplies included. Space limited & $20 deposit is required.

11/12/13 6-8pm $85/person

Make your own signs with our Ce Ce Caldwell Paints

You have the basic know how of these paints and now let's have fun with words. All supplies included to make 2 signs per person to take home. Space limited & $20 deposit is required.

11/19/13 6-8pm $75

Advanced Techniques with Ce Ce Caldwell Paints

Learn the tricks to stunning finishes, like crackle, aging dust, our poly Endurance and tinted glazes. This is a class for those already familiar with using Ce Ce paints and would like to move to a new level of creativity. All supplies included. Space limited & $20 deposit is required.

Michal Sparks: Sea & Green's Artist of the Week

Michal Sparks is one of Sea & Green's amazingly talented co-op artists & we decided it's about time you all got to know her a little bit better. When you walk through Sea & Green you get to know each artist by their aesthetic...but what about their story? How did Michal begin her journey as an artist & how was her relationship with Sea & Green born? We hope this interview will give you a glimpse into some of her inspired intuitions which help create each of her many uniquely stylized pieces of art! The essence of her creative process emanates from each piece of art as it makes its own journey from our store to your home...

 Sea & Green: How old were you when you started creating your artwork?

 Michal: I grew up with an artist mother so I have been drawing and creating since before I can remember!

 Sea & Green: What inspired you to begin selling your work?

Michal: I have been licencing my art and illustrating books for 20+ years so I have always been selling my work, just behind the scenes, working with manufactures/publishers. But selling directly to the consumer has been new to me in the past 5 or so years. I like being more connected to the end user and hearing their stories of how my art inspires them.

Sea & Green: How long ago did you meet Becky & when did you begin working with Sea & Green?

 Michal: I had just started making fused plastic accessories with my kids and selling at the Red Bank Farmers market when a friend told me to check out this new eco store in Bay Head. I called Becky and the rest is history! That was in the fall of 2008.

Sea & Green: What are your favorite pieces to create? Or explain a new passion project.

Michal: My favorites change all the time. I love textiles and incorporating surface patterns, sewing or just painting on fabric/canvas. I am heading back into more painting soon...portraits three ways! I tend to paint oils in a bright Fauve style and then there will be transfer collage, and watercolor...definitely not typical portraits!

Sea & Green: What is your biggest challenge when creating a piece? 

Michal: Not limiting myself to the mental rules I tend to set for myself. I need to just be a little crazier!

Sea & Green: If you had to use one word to describe yourself what would it be?

Michal: Ha Ha! How most people would describe me too..Resourceful!

Sea & Green: What is something you haven't get created but can't wait to try!? 

Michal: I have in the past but I am wanting to again, silk screening and printing yardage.

We can't wait to see more of Michal's work & we are proud to share her creations with our customers! 

CLASSES: Learn the Basic & Advanced Techniques of CeCe Caldwell Eco DIY Paints

PAY ATTENTION all DIY Enthusiasts...

CeCe Caldwell Eco Paints are now available at Sea & Green & we are offering some incredible DIY classes!

CALL (732) 701-1166 to reserve your spot for tonight & other upcoming classes. 

TONIGHT: October 17th, 2013

6:00pm - 8:00pm

Learn the Basics!

Learn the basics of this fabulous no VOC eco friendly clay, chalk and mineral paint line. We will also learn about Ce Ce's ECO friendly waxes and finishes so will be confident to re-purpose all your own pieces at home. Space is limited and a $20 deposit is required when you sign up.

 $75 per person, all supplies included. 

TUESDAY, October 22nd, 2013

6:00pm - 8:00pm

Make Your Own Signs!

Once you have the basic know how of these Ce Ce Caldwell eco paints we will have some fun with words. This class teaches you a fun and easy way to make your own signs! Decorate for the season, make a gift, the ideas are endless! All supplies included for 2 signs per person. $85 per person, space is limited, a $20 deposit is required. Sign up in the store or call.

SATURDAY, October 26th, 2013 

9:00am - 11:00am

Advanced Techniques with Ce Ce Caldwell Eco Paints

Learn the tricks to stunning finishes like crackle, aging dust, Endurance, and tinted glazes. This is a class for those that are already familiar with Ce Ce Caldwell's paint line and would like to move o a new leven of creativity! All supplies included. $75 per person, space is limited, a $20 deposit is required. Sign up in store or call.

Here is a little more information about why CeCe Cadlwell paints are safer for you, your family & our environment... 

CeCe Caldwell's mineral paints have no Volatile Organic Compounds, are non-toxic and have no odor. The paint contains NO acrylic co-polymers, solvents, formaldehyde, ammonia, ethylene glycol or toxic heavy metals. The minerals are clay, porcelain clay and chalk blended into a water based solution. The paint is packaged in recycled plastic containers. Our wax is made from insect and plant sources. It also has very low odor and is packaged in recycled plastic containers.

"Endless Summer" Gathering to Benefit the Shores United Relief Foundation Aug 24 4-9pm Free food, drinks & music

Save the Date! Saturday, August 24th 4-9 pm @ Sea & Green, 502 Bay Ave, PPB Join us for a fun “endless summer" gathering to raise awareness & funds for Sandy recovery efforts by local non-profit Shores United Relief Foundation (SURF). Free food, drink & music hosted by Sea & Green.  Help us meet our goal of $25,000 with our “no pressure” silent auction of Sea & Green goodies, like our reclaimed PPB boardwalk tables, original “restore” art, décor & jewelry line. Kids craft table 4-5 pm Food & Drink (while it lasts) 5-9 pm Local Music 7 pm Silent Auction throughout the evening (with winners announced at 8:30 pm) *********************************************************************************** One more thing... Please take a minute to VOTE for us in the "Best of Ocean County - Shopping - Card & Gift Category" . If you agree, that is:) http://app.secondstreetapp.com/Asbury-Park-Press--Ocean-Best-of-the-Best-2013/Ballot/Shopping Thanks for all your support! 732-701-1166 www.sea-n-green.com

Have you seen our reclaimed PPB Boardwalk Table made from Sandy salvaged boardwalk wood? We teamed with a local welder to make the bent rebar legs. 50% of the proceeds goes to Shores United Relief Foundation Restore The Shore - Shores United(S.U.R.F.). This is the one and only, no more wood in stock:( 

TRANSFER ART CLASS!

TRANSFER ART CLASS!

Our favorite way to pass the dreary winter away.....be creative!

Michal Sparks is teaching two classes at Sea & Green this month on Transfer Art.

 

This really fun and easy way of making art is great for all of those that claim they don't have a creative bone, we can fix that! The pieces you see here are all made with simple black and white Copyright free photos from the Internet and printed on her Dell printer. (with the exception of the rooster which is from a photo Michal took of one of her guys)

 

During this two hour class, Michal will be explaining how to transfer the images and then

 embellishing them with paint, pencil, etc.

Participants will make two 3" x 3" pieces of art.  All supplies are included, feel free to bring your own image printed from a regular printer, 3" x 3" size or we will have printed images to choose from.

 

Class: Two dates: Feb 16th Saturday 9am to 11am 

                         or: Feb 26th Tuesday 10am to 12pm

Place: Sea & Green, 502 Bay Ave, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742

Phone: 732- 701-1166

Cost: $80.00 per person

Class is limited to 5 and you must pre-register. A $20.00 deposit is required.

 

I look forward to seeing you there!

 

May this Year be the Best yet!

We are so thankful for all the local support in raising money for the local non-profit Restore the Shore - Shores United. We are still tallying up the total and are planning a big celebration in the next few months to present the check.

We are still taking orders for the salvaged wood restore ornaments. They are $12 each, with 50% of the retail price going to Restore the Shore - Shores United. You can place an order by stopping into our shop at 502 Bay Ave, PPB or calling us at 732-701-1166. If you need them shipped you can go to our website at www.sea-n-green.com.

If you placed your ornament order already we will call you to let you know when they are ready for pick up. We are just starting to fill orders again after the busy holiday. So all will be ready in the next couple of weeks.

In addition, we are currently putting together a line of Restore the Shore products for 2013. We will have the items ready in the shop and online in the next few weeks. We will keep you posted.

We are also giving 1% of our total store sales to Restore the Shore - Shores United. So any store purchase also contributes to the cause.

We are having a SALE!

40% off all holiday items
20% off all oil paintings

Best,
Rebecca
Sea & Green