pakamonk

This shop is named after my incredible Dad. His name was Monk, but he was Paka Monk (Paka pronounced like Pock-ah) to my 4 kids (his grandchildren). When the eldest grand child was little, she pronounced Papa as Paka and it stuck long after she could pronounce it correctly.

There's no way to describe him that would do him any justice. He meant so much to so many.

Monk was all about getting good friends and family together, throwin' stuff on the grill, and having a great time. He loved to travel, try new things, and explore different adventures. He was a fireman for 30 years and an excellent cook. He enjoyed creating and capturing memories.

Unfortunately, he was diagnosed with cancer in 2006. He fought long and hard, without a single complaint. Sadly, he passed away in May 2014. To say we miss him dearly would be an understatement.

He was always a big fan of Johnny's Beef (a popular and classic food stand in the Chicago area), especially their Italian ice. When he was really sick, without much of an appetite, that was pretty much the only thing he would eat. The Italian ice would come with those straw spoons, like the kind you'd get with a slurpee, but he always requested a "real" spoon.

I had a stamping set on hand, so I decided to stamp, "Paka Monk" into a spoon for him to eat his Italian ice. He got a kick out of it. So that gave me the idea to start stamping flatware for gifts and to start up this shop.

We want to do many things to honor Monk's memory and thought that this shop would be one great way to accomplish that.

The logo represents my Dad (the kids' Grandpa) in the center "Paka Monk" and the four arrows surrounding represent, my Mom, my brother Brian, Me, and my sister Meg.

Any pieces of flatware in regards to cancer, $5.00 will be donated to the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org).

*'there is no "we" in pizza' featured by Lou Malnati's:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BMpE7jCBXj_/?taken-by=loumalnatis
*The 'my ice cream & netflix binge spoon' was featured in Redeye Chicago's 2016 Holiday Gift Guide:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/redeye/redeye-gift-guide-taste-20161117-story.html
*The 'couch, netflix, ice cream' spoon was featured on Cosmopolitan:
https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/fashion/g34347253/netflix-lovers-gift-guide/
*The 'Dingle Hopper' fork was featured on BuzzFeed:
http://www.buzzfeed.com/katherinefiorillo/im-a-princess-i-swear?utm_term=.ntVmvPM7Q&sub=4116798_7709260
*The 'Dingle Hopper' fork was featured on Distractify:
http://distractify.com/fyi/2016/01/16/disney-princess-gifts
*The 'my ice cream & netflix binge spoon' was featured on Cosmopolitan UK:
http://www.cosmopolitan.co.uk/entertainment/a36606/netflix-addict-gifts/
*The 'my ice cream & netflix binge spoon' was featured on Dose.com:
http://www.dose.com/homeanddiy/25045/12-Presents-To-Give-That-Person-Who-Doesn-t-Leave-The-House-And-Is-Totally-Cool-With-That?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Viral&utm_campaign=onsite_share
*The 'you are SO fetch' spoon was featured on Spoon University:
http://spoonuniversity.com/live/9-kitchen-items-every-mean-girls-fan-should-own/

Stockists:
Domaine South - Huntsville, AL
Hello Penngrove - Penngrove, CA
Malibu Wines - Malibu, CA
New Profanity - Los Angeles, CA (West Hollywood)
Smartass & Sass - Englewood, CO
Trolley Market Square - Wilmington, DE
Paper Goat Post - Orlando, FL
YAY! Tiny Shop - Orlando, FL
ALT (Red Hive Market, Batavia, IL & Trend & Relic, St. Charles, IL)
Bread & Butter Home - Elmhurst, IL
Lucky Junk - Arlington Heights, IL
Paperish Mess - Chicago, IL
Wolfbait & B-girls - Chicago, IL
Emerson Creek Pottery & Tea Room - Oswego, IL
Elated Boutique - Huntley, IL
The Collage Cafe - Evanston, IL
Urban Grace - DeKalb, IL
Whisper Me Home - LaGrange, IL
Phoenix Gallery - Lawrence, KS
The Uppercrust Pie Bakery - Overland Park, KS
La Niche Boutique - Frederick, MD
Retro Rooster - Holly Springs, MS
Sea + Green - Point Pleasant Beach, NJ
Bella Fleur - Altamont, NY
The Brick - Brooklyn, NY
Uncommon Goods - Brooklyn
& more ...

All of the flatware is purchased second hand vintage. So there is likely to be some wear and tear, possible pitting and silver plate thinning or loss from previous usage. Personally, I think it adds to the character of the piece and makes it more interesting. I clean and polish the stamped pieces. Each item is different and I am happy to take additional pictures, including handle details and measurements of the exact piece that you will receive, if you'd like to message me before your purchase. I'm always happy to answer any questions. Hand washing is recommended.

Please feel free to contact with any questions or suggestions at any time.
For those interested, I also have another Etsy shop over at www.tangledshoebox.etsy.com

Thank you for stopping by Paka Monk!