A purpose for my found objects
I believe my love of unique jewelry, accessories and other items started when our daughter was in kindergarten. She gave me a lovely pasta necklace complete with masking tape clasp which I wore to her high school and college graduation. My son finally made one for me when I didn't have one to wear at his high school graduation. I still wear them both with pride, other than my wedding ring they're my favorite accessory.
For years I've been collecting unique beads, charms or some old clunky piece of something. These lost items find a home in a piece of jewelry or newly decorated or re-purposed item. My collections have grown over the years, currently I have over 750 charms, along with my skills. Most of the items I offer are made completely from my "found" collection and I do have some new pieces which are redone. Nothing like a little control issue to motivate an artist, plus I want everything to be unique.
I always thought opening an Etsy shop would be fun but life is busy, ya know, raising kids and such. Then we adopted Dixie, an amazing dog from I Once Was Lost Animal Advocacy. We’ve always had rescue dogs but this time we were introduced to the world of small rescues groups, they do so much for lost and thrown away animals on an almost non-existent budget. I realized all my found items could be put to good use to help the lost find homes. 30% of every sale goes directly to rescue groups, every month a different organization will be chosen as the beneficiary. At trunk shows the groups receives 40%. Items are also donated for fundraisers.
My Etsy shop is named in honor of all the homeless. When you use "but" in a sentence it negates the words in front of it ~ I once was lost But Now I'm Found. This is why I have a keyhole as my icon, it represents the door to a home every lost animal deserves. Thank you for reading my story and I hope you find something you’ll want to take home. Please remember to spay and neuter your pets, volunteer when you can and always adopt from your local animal shelter. Blessings from Austin ~ Tracie