In the latest news concerning Kana Wear and its websites, I'm working on beautification! Last week we held a Product Party on Facebook where no one showed, and a lot of things seemed to go wrong. Faith (my 2 year old) came on in the middle of the live. She popped the bracelet that Anya made her and preceded to slap Anya in frustration! I know running a business and having children isn't easy and I guess I got what I signed up for in having kids.
Although I was incredibly frustrated I figured out a way to display my work, so we got one thing right though! It all started with these beautiful purple earrings. And then another, and finally everything on the site was rebirthed from a painful moment. Anya even had a chance to learn visual merchandising in the process.
After realizing how beautiful the earrings looked on display, I began going on and creating some new looks on my shop website. I changed up the theme and I added some sets as well!
All sets are $15
My daughter even joined in the fun and wanted to make her own collection, and look appealing so here are all of her designs at once!
Other Collections being featured are the Power Collection and the Pink Explosion collection!
You can order from any of these collections right now at the Kana Wear Boutique! They're all being posted as I type this!
In other news our next Product Party is on Feb 6 at 7:30pm! Share this flier with EVERYONE you know. Pass on the information. Spread the Word! And Thank you for your support!
So today I wanted to briefly discuss something about the Product Party that happened or was supposed to happen on January 9th. I went live briefly with my daughter and then I had to quit it because my baby needed some medical attention. She's fine but she did bump her head. There was no concussion but the fall to the ground had her adrenaline going. I am not going to reschedule the event but I will Say the next Product Party will be January 23. There will still be a giveaway and I will still be hosting alongside my Anya (for training purposes of course).
Today was an interesting day. After realizing that my other blog post already had a release last week I noticed I had not planned on doing anything with The New Creature Fashion Blog until I made my new website. I was working on some changes and it was because I recognized that my website only had a shop but not enough info about my services. Then I realized I didn't have a way to post that using the site that I had. The other part of the problem was that after selecting the New Host for my website I realized THAT host didn't allow me to have a shop! So to stay within my means I created 2 websites.
The Kana Wear Shop can be found at www.kanawearboutique.com
The Kana Wear Website where you can find information or sign up to recieve any other services please go here! www.kanawear.com Take a browse around while you're there.
I've been dreaming of this for several years. It's not that I was afraid. I was actually looking for one singular site I could use to show my services and sell my jewelry on. Now that this step is out of the way, I can continue to make improvements.
Services I'm now offering include art classes for children ages 6-12 as well as personal art lessons. You can sign up for either on our website.
Bear with me concerning my shop. I'm making some modifications to the website that will help me simplify it for our buyers. It's been since 2017 that I've had my shop but honestly that website is difficult to navigate sometimes. I'll figure it out eventually and soon I'll open the shop back up for my buyers. Right now it should be set to on vacation. I'll update everyone concerning our next moves in 2 weeks when I figure it out.
In the year 2021 Kana Wear is ready to add on services to expand the brand. We are offering Art Lessons, and Patternmaking! We will still resume having our typical Product Parties every other Saturday and other events as well. To get a description of the services continue reading this blog!
Click the Picture to Register!!!
Art Class (Group of 5-10): Starting on January 15th I will be holding biweekly art classes. Only 10 slots are available but to participate in each class, and there is $10/per person charge. My deposit fee of $5 is waived because there's no need for me to buy supplies if everything is over zoom! This means you buy your own supplies, and you pay for your own transporta- wait that's right you won't have to drive or take a bus, because it's all on Zoom😉. That's why my $5 deposit fee is gone! And more than likely I'll switch between adults and children every session depending on who signs up consistently. Subjects in Art might include painting, learning different sketching techniques, and using different tools to create art. I may throw in some fashion design concepts but don't bet on it to be an all the time thing because this is a group session, and we have to stick to a central subject that keeps everyone interested. 🙌🏾 Last day to register is January 8, so mark your calendars!!!
Personal Tutoring in Art (one on one):
These sessions are $25 for one hour and you can choose regular art techniques, sewing, or even jewelry design. For $25 its your call I enjoy a more personal approach as an art teacher, and one of my favorite parts was going to every student and watching them discover more about art and how they wanted to express themselves. Focusing on one student is that much more rewarding. You get to see one of them grow without having to run off and check on someone else. I'm getting paid to play favorites! Yay!
To sign up for either one of these Click on the picture above to register!
Click the Picture to Put in a Service Request!
Patterrnmaking Basic Block & Custom Designs:
$150-250
The basic block is the foundational patterns that you make your designs from. I provide these in standard sizes as well as personal sizes. In order to get a custom Basic Block made for you in your size, whether you are a designer yourself or even if you want me to keep it on hand for you for special designs It will cost!
To have your custom design made schedule your free zoom consultation and we can discuss the specific design you want made. I can make pants, skirts, etc. I'll try my best to create a pattern you'll love.
Fittings:
To do a fitting I charge $20/hr. And yes it probably will take that long to get everything done and recorded on paper. Now after this fitting I can go on to drafting the basic block for you. Which includes:
*Sleeve
*Shirt (front and back)
*Skirt (front and back)
*Pants (front and back)
*Transportation:
Now I needed to put in this little sidebar so people know I'm not kidding. An extra $30 will be charged if I have to meet you somewhere. Whether it's to a church, your house, or anywhere public. I can take the bus, get an Uber, or ask someone for a ride but either way someone needs to be paid for me to get there to you when the time comes. Depending on what time that is I'll be masked and go through whatever protocols you have set up for me. If you happened to be reading this Post Pandemic then Praise God! We made it out!
Free Consultations
My consultations will always be free and I will not charge to meet with a client because it'll be mostly done over a Zoom or another platform like Google Duo. What we will discuss will be concept and design ideas, or if you want to take art lessons it'll be about where you want your lessons to take you.
The reason I'm not charging for Zoom Consultations is because of all the other costs you may have to pay down the line especially if you're buying patterns and you're trying to get fitted for an outfit. Those things may cost you on their own, but to answer a few questions concerning services, I'll always be willing to do that free. If you would like to schedule a free Zoom Consultation click on the link, fill out the form and I'll be back with you as soon as I can! Just click this image and it will take you where you need to go. To schedule an appointment!
Product Parties:
We will be continuing Product Parties on January 9, 2021! All requests for custom orders are still being accepted! I know you all miss supporting this business and I heard all of your requests! I've had a rough couple of months and I've had to start and stop a lot but I haven't given up! I'll be introducing a new product and displaying it during the product party! It's going to be a surprise! Spread the Word and share this update with friends. It's been placed on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter! Make sure to follow the Kana Wear Facebook Page where our Live Product Party will be taking Place!
Click the Flier to Go to the Event!
That's all for this weeks update! Be sure to Subscribe to the New Creature Fashion Blog for the latest Metamorphosis Updates which include product releases and events centered around the Kana Wear Brand!
Last Friday the Jewelry Party was a success! By success I mean I nearly sold out. I need to restock inventory on jewelry pieces and I need to restock on bead supplies because I'm running kind of low! This is exciting because I haven't felt this type of rush since I was a teenager. I'll be doing this a lot more often because I cleaned up! Even my daughter who co-hosted the event made $10 and an additional $5 on the next day from the pieces she created herself! She's been talking about it with all her friends and she keeps on trying to make more jewelry to sell.
Unfortunately we're only doing this 2xs a month or just once a month depending on product development. The next day all I did was fill those orders and I didn't realize how much I already understood how to do already!
We only had 2 customers but those 2 customers meant everything. My 3rd and 4th customers didn't participate in the live events but they might next time because I did some really cool Giveaways. I gave away 1 pair of earrings and a picture I created in Adobe Illustrator. Both of my winners were very happy to be winners!
My objective going in was to show my daughter exactly how to do this although I was learning myself. The bible says "Train up a child in the way they should go even when they are old they will not depart from it". (Proverbs 22:6) I wrote this in a previous article about helping children understand how to have a vision for their lives. If you'd like to read thatClick Hereand learn more about how to use allowance and teach your child how to become an entrepreneur with a plan!
I also learned something myself, and that was to never let fear stand in the way of my progress. Imposter Syndrome got the best of me ever since I recognized that I needed to do a jewelry party to succeed at this, and I feared doing an incentive, I feared investing to create more. I feared for no reason it seems now, and I am sad that I waited so long before taking the leap of faith I did and sold the items that I already had. I should've done this a long time ago because it sure would've helped!
Other customers who couldn't exactly get their hands on a particular design ended up ordering custom colors in the same design! Here are a few of my other creations that I made custom for other orders!
If you would like to place your custom orders with me you can view the video from Friday take down any numbers of the designs you'd like in any other colors, and shoot me a text by downloading my digital business card here👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾
If you are into Art a great deal like I am, you are probably trying to introduce your kids to a cool new way to explore it using paint. I've always loved to expose my kids to art in meaningful ways that will stick with them long-term. So whether you are looking to teach your kid from home as a part of a curriculum for home schooling, or just a Saturday Activity; these cool tips will help you guide your little one into understanding art in depth!
First thing to do is supply yourself with the appropriate supplies. I just found this Tempra Paint set by Crayola which is Perfect for little artists. It is so cool because the colors include Blue, yellow, red, brown, black, and white.
What are the Primary Colors?
The Primary colors are Red, blue and yellow. You may be wondering what you can do with only 3 colors? When mixed together primary colors create Secondary colors. Teaching your kid this can be done by song and by exploring and mixing paints as you go. I like this song from Sesame Street only because it is specifically about the primary colors. The lyrics state "There are 3 primary colors!" Your objective is to help your kids memorize them. Although this song also talks about secondary colors the focal point of the song is the primary.
What are the Secondary Colors?
Secondary colors are made once the primary colors are mixed together! Telling your children this should be both a physical experience and an instructional one. As a woman from a line of teachers, my objective for a student as a teacher would be to immerse the senses in the full lesson. Therefore getting fingers, toes, and sponges, even listening to songs will help solidify the experience. Here is what happens when you mix primary colors:
Blue + Yellow= Green
Yellow + Red= Orange
Blue + Red= Purple
The great thing about this kit is that it does in fact include brown although you pretty much can make that color using all 3 of the Primary Colors so Blue + Red +Yellow= Brown Playing these fun songs as you paint will give your child something to remember! Here are some of my favorite songs about mixing colors that taught my daughter:
What is A Tone?
A tone in art refers to how light or dark a color is. A tint is a color that you add white to, and a shade is a color you addblackto. The tonal value can change depending on how much white or black you add.
To explain this to a child, first start with the primary colors and add white.
Red + White= Pink
Blue +White=Light Blue
Yellow + White= Light Yellow
Then secondary:
Purple +White= Lavender
Orange + White= Light Orange
Green + White= Light Green
Do the same with black and see what you create! You'll see that Blue will become Navy Blue, and Orange is Dark Orange, Red becomes Burgundy and so on and so forth.
Any Color with white is called a Tint, and any color with black is called a Shade.
Personally growing up I loved paint, and the Art Easel was a place where I spent the most of my time in Kindergarten besides Housekeeping. I don't know how you can get by that age group without the accident of creating what I call the brown blob. This was one of my biggest frustrations as a Kindergarten student so don't be surprised if your kid begins whining "Ugh it got brown! I didn't want brown!" Just cheer them up by letting them know how they figured out how to make a new color.
With the Tempra Paint set by Crayola you only have 6- 2oz. bottles, so it's wise to apply lightly using the appropriate scholastic brush. It has a consistency already that doesn't crack or flake like most acrylic paints will. I mean it's Crayola what do you expect? Imperfection? Ha! There's a reason it's Teacher approved!
Creating Texture by Adding water Texture in Painting involves the look and feel of a painting. Your kids will probably learn this on their own from constantly dipping their paint brush into that cup of water you gave them to rinse off their brushes. Your guidance is key in them being able to understand texture. You have to actively be involved with them while they explore this so they can remember. Saying "Look I'm adding water to my paint brush so I can make a pool" will help them understand texture because they'll then see that the tree's are a different texture than the pool. This will rev up the conversation at least and they'll more than likely try to mimic you saying "I'm making a pool too!" At any moment now you can tell them "Thats called texture!"
Overall the objective when exploring with Paints with your kid is to have fun and to learn and grow together. You are more likely to create something great just from a calm and relaxed environment. Everyone isn't going to come out as a professional so don't expect this from your kids. Allow them to enjoy creating art whether they have an art teacher or you create your own activity at home to just pass the time. Just remember to put a painting mat down so the paint won't hit your carpet while your little artist is creating.
Remember if you try to buy a different brand of paint that the textures and consistencies of the paints may vary based on the brand. Going cheap might not be ideal which is why I recommend the Tempera Paint set for a beginner artist ready to explore. Artist grade paints will come later on if your kids stick to it on a more professional basis, and they can be pricey but are worth it in the end.
Its all about comfort when trying to paint so that you can be inspired to create. If you want to be slightly fancy I recommend the Ultimate Art Supplies Easel by Crayola. This Kit acts as a case for your kids regular art supplies as well as a small table top Easel. It is at a great value of $15.99. That's pretty good for a beginner. It comes with 8 markers, 24 crayons, 12 short colored pencils, 1 brush, 1 pair of scissors, 1 school glue, and 30 colored paper sheets. According to the Crayola website it can hold up to 85 art supplies!
However if you are into doing it big for your little one you can use the Quickflip Double Sided Easel with Split Legs it's only $49.99, and trust me...that's cheap compared to all the other art easels that you're going to get for your little artist on the Crayola Website! It's a pretty good deal for an easel that has both a white board, a chalk board, and a huge clip that holds a paper in place for your kids next fridge picture.
Remember that the better your kids get at a skill makes that skill resume worthy. Every child is different, so respect every child where they are. If they need practice give it to them, and if they are ahead, challenge them. This is how you teach discipline!
If you subscribe to the crayola website you can get up to 10% off your first purchase as well as get updates about other deals! So go to the website by clicking any of the product links and subscribe!
If you like this blog post let me know! Please comment below, and tell me about your art journey you are taking with your kids. If I've helped you in some way, I want to hear about it! Have a Happy Art Journey with your kids New Creatures!
About a week ago I was taking out my trash and you won't believe what I found! I found a limited addition Project Runway Brother SEWING MACHINE!!! I feel like Peg from PEG + CAT because I'm TOTALLY FREAKING OOOUUUTTT!!!! All jokes aside-my mind is blown-first of all because what nut would throw away a sewing machine? You know I picked it up right? Thank God it wasn't in the incinerator but on the side of the trash. I can't even imagine someone being that cruel and putting it in. Thankfully it was just on the side of the contraption! So I picked it up and put it in my linen closet.
The only reason I haven't used the machine is because it's missing parts. So, after a week of mulling it over I finally called the Brother company and looked up the model I found on their website as well. I found out that it was made in 2007-yeah I had no idea Project Runway has been around that long. Then when I looked it up on the site I realized that it was actually a discontinued model. The sales associate ran an estimate based on what parts I said were missing and she said it would run me about $125. Then before I got off the phone she also let me know that there is a sewing machine repair shop I could take it to in Atlanta called SewingMachine.com.
When I called there I let her know what the associate said over the phone. When I asked her whether it would be worth it to fix it or replace it, she let me know $125 was a really great deal. Especially for a sewing machine like this with so many different embroidery stitches. So I've decided to get this sewing machine fixed and later see if I can get a sewing serger.
So here's the plan-yes I actually have a plan. I've been making tons of jewelry and products to sell anyway, and so I've actively been looking into Flea Markets where I can sell in my area and pass out a few of my business cards or text them (because I have digital ones). The Decatur area where I live is very artsy and all I need to do is find "the spot" where I can get a little exposure, and as an entrepreneur I value a tangible experience over an online one any day. I would love to connect with my customer on a more consistent basis and study my target market as well as understand each individuals needs. I love making custom designs for my clients so piecing something together that they can only dream up in their heads is something I'm especially good at. I don't design ball gowns or anything, but when it comes to beaded jewelry, I'm the one.
I will be giving lessons both in person and online. In my post about How to Draw a Croqui I show you a basic pose, but I'm dreaming up a class that's a lot more detailed where I'll go deeper and deeper into subject. I would prefer doing it in person but I'll see what I can do about starting an online course. I've had my share of hardships in Fashion Illustration Classes in college. I just lucked out when I had the privilege of being taught 1-on-1 because my Fashion Illustration 3 class only had 2 students and the other bailed. My professor taught me everything and she allowed me to pull up a chair right beside her for a more personal experience in learning to draw. I no longer felt like I was alone trying to figure this thing out, and because of that I want to give you the same thing. As I said before I'd prefer a tangible experience, and to be at the side of the student to oversee their progress, but I'm willing to compromise with online courses. All I expect is for my students to apply themselves, because learning and gaining knowledge is one thing, but applying it is when it becomes wisdom and power. It says I'm educated ant experienced at the same freaking time!
"Knowledge isn't power, applied Knowledge is Power"- Eric Thomas
Applying yourself isn't easy. Most people think that just practice makes it perfect, but in this course I want to show you how to truly apply yourself by finding yourself in your own art. Every illustrator has a voice, and it comes out in their art style. So to me a student who is applying themselves well might do some unorthodox things to grasp it like draw their croqui's as anime characters or something. Whatever it is that's what you need to discover during these courses. I don't want my students to be hung up over trying to do it exactly like me. I want them to have their own signature looks and designs.
Of course there is always relying on donations, self funding by trying AGAIN to look for a job (even though some obstacle always comes up), looking up grants, programs that teach entrepreneurship for free...etc. Look, I've done enough of that, so my first two options is what I'm banking on here. I'm into applying myself and creating my own path. I've had enough of begging for jobs, because most employers don't care that I have a family to take care of anyway, and I can tell because when I say that I have 3 kids they consider them "prior commitments" that might get in the way of me working. You better believe that when I get this sewing machine fixed-it is on like Donkey Kong! I already have my business plan written that will span over the next 5 years and I've already accomplished hitting certain milestones that I had plotted for the longest time. I know that having this sewing machine fixed would be a stepping stone in my plan, and getting the one I already have in storage would be a start as well. I've been plotting out exactly what patterns I want to create, sell, and design from. Finding creative ways to make money isn't hard for me, applying myself in the midst of hardship is, and I'm sure that EVERYONE can understand that.
It's been a very creative week! You have no idea! I haven't had a surge of creativity like this since I was a teenager, and my urge to sell online is through the roof. I'm on to bigger things though now, and bigger dreams which consists of social media posts, a beautiful website, and lots of ads on Facebook Marketplace. No that is not a pun, but let me tell you where all this inspiration suddenly came from.
It all started about a week ago when I finally got my package from PandaHall! I ordered some new beads from them wholesale and I combined some of those with what I already had! Now I'm just continuing to make more and more things. I'm getting back to this place I used to be in when I was a teenager. I'd literally have visions and dreams of work and I'd say to myself "I wonder if that would look good"-Talk about making your dreams a reality! I'm getting back to creating it being the fun part again. Some of these items are one of a kind and listed on Facebook Marketplace so make sure you check these out as well as other products!Here are just a few photo's of my most recent work
Anyway, I was trying to tell you about how my shipment of beads came that I ordered online. It took 20 days to arrive since it was from overseas. So as soon as it came I burst into a frenzy of creativity! I haven't felt like this in years. And for the past few days it's been like a burden has lifted off my shoulders every time I make something.
It feels great! Now if only I can get back into my morning coffee routine I'd be able to truly focus more! I've grown the attention span of a mom with 3 kids. I have to start and stop my progress all the time.
I remember getting my package in the mail with all the cool new beads inside. Honestly I had forgotten what I had ordered by the time 20 days past and what sucks is that I forgot what beads look like by the millimeter. So some of the beads were so small compared to what I envisioned. It's okay though because that's the risk you take when you buy online. The pictures show the beads up close, and you're trying to envision your hands touching the products. That's really the only reason that people continue to go shopping for the product on a physical location. The tangible experience does something to a designer in a craft store. We have to feel it to be inspired. Taking your word isn't enough.
This situation only sucks because I was in high school I used to have bead sizes memorized and I'd buy beads from Hobby lobby, Michael's, or Joann's all the time. So when I realized that I had only bought 100 beads or so in 8mm beads (and some smaller than this) I was in complete shock. Seeing the size of the package I ordered was rather disappointing, but I instantly remembered bead sizes and counts. All the memories of retail bought beads came flooding back, and I remembered that this maybe why visiting my local craft store was a weekly escapade. I settled the feeling of disappointment with a long sigh saying "ooooooohhh"😒. Then I quickly got over it and started to design some jewelry. Hey!- don't judge me I waited 20 whole days. I needed to take off the edge!
I didn't realize my edge came with a cost.... That package just came last week, and I already designed several bracelets and so 100 assorted caramelized pearl beads is already made into beautiful jewelry. I did order these wholesale so you better believe I'm about to get my money's worth. Usually 100 CT would probably cost me $3.00+ in retail, but I paid about .50 for the same amount. That's how it goes in wholesale. The more you buy the less you pay. So where I usually end up paying about 35.00 in Walmart for a few stands. I paid 18.75 for over 400 beads and that includes the price of shipping. I still need more and I might be willing to wait another 20 days if I make a large profit from what I've already made. The shipping cost is really what got me, so next time I'll remember to buy big (whenever I get that)and start out with a budget of about $300+ (cause that's when shipping is free). It was only an additional $5.00, and having it shipped express was at least $11. I remember thinking Ha! On my budget? They better be glad they're even getting shipping costs right now *clicks standard delivery*. I'll just remember next time to shop more often with them on that $30 budget that I used to take to Walmart and other craft stores. Even 40% off coupons from those retail outlets wouldn't suffice sometimes because it could only be used per person, and for any regular priced item (not on your total purchase). It also doesn't apply to the sewing machines and other gadgets I've had my eye on for the past few years. So don't judge me if you see me an my family including the baby in the car seat with a Hobby Lobby coupon and cash. I'm trying to get my money's worth over here so I can continue making beautiful jewelry.
Well that's all for today. It was fun discussing one of my passions. Here are some more photo's of my work! Go to www.kanawear.com to see more, and even buy from the new collection if you'd like!
You can order from any of these collections right now at the Kana Wear Boutique! They're all being posted as I type this! 
, 
