Not a Sell Out. Not a Handout. Just Handmade. . . in the USA.

www.caughtREDhanded.etsy.com

I may, perhaps, be one of those people that "likes to be different. . . like everybody else" lol. But honestly, there is this part of me that craves to be unique, to own things and wear things that create conversation or that have meaning, or that challenge the go-with-the-flow train of thought.  I think that part of myself is what ultimately led me to become an artist and, in a round-about way, describes this movement, this phenomenon "Handmade in the USA".

I have never been the cookie-cutter type, or the follower and over time that has gotten me into a few binds. . . hence the name of our brand "CaughtREDhanded." In fact, CaughtREDhanded was started on that very premise: Don't be afraid to be unique. Don't be afraid to take a chance or to stand for what you believe in. . . and don't be afraid when you are "CAUGHT" making that stand.

Every studio needs a good luck charm! My little artist in the making:)

When you buy handmade, you are buying a piece of art and a piece of American culture. You are supporting a local company that stimulates our local economy and, often times, allows mommies like me to work from home and raise their children without losing their personal identity along the way. Without a handout or selling out, I get to be mommy and CEO. I get to live the ultimate dream, and you are part of it. . . YOU are part of MY dream.

Because of CaughtREDhanded, and you, and maybe my slightly flawed desire for the unique, we also buy handmade every way we possibly can. I want to be a part of another mom's, wife's, best friend's, made-by-hand, handout-free, handmade dream. . .

I want to inspire you to dream while supporting someone else's. Our blog is often going to highlight some other amazing and talented artists here in Cleveland, or across the US. Hopefully CaughtREDhanded, my story, and the stories I will be featuring here of handmade artists to come, will inspire you to add a little American culture back into your life and to support a handout-free, handmade dream of your own or that of a another.

One of my favorite artists once said:

"Do not quench your inspiration and your imagination, do not become the slave of your model." 

And I have a feeling if Van Gogh was around today, he might finish that statement with "support handmade". . . right before he cut off his other ear in protest;)

Valentine's Day Giveaway!

Spread the news about CaughtREDhanded and win free fabulous jewelry in the process!

 Here's how to enter:

1. Pin one of your favorite from www.caughtredhanded.etsy.com on Pinterest or on FB

2. Share the link on our FB WALL or here on our blog

3. You're entered! Happy Valentine's Day!

Full Circle

Handmade Leather Cuffs

Time is such a funny thing. There have been whole periods of my life that I can remember wishing time would just move faster. Then there are moments that I wish I could live in forever.. .

Sometimes I catch a glimpse of my once little baby boy and almost gasp, realizing that it has been two whole amazing years of being his mama. . . .


Some days I find myself laughing so hard, with my college sweetheart, when I realize--I married him. Six years ago. . .

And every once in a while I have a day like today.

The full circle days. . . .

Handmade Beaded Art and Glass Necklace

I was working on creating a new line and I got those butterflies, the ones I get when I realize I finally figured out how to actually create what was in my mind. The butterflies I get when it actually works and right before I present those ideas to my biggest critic (and my biggest fan): the hubs.

Those butterflies are what started CaughtREDhanded

And those butterflies are what brought me full circle today. . .

Handmade Peacock Hoop Earring

I started CaughtREDhanded 5 years ago as a dream and I still feel the same way today about creating wearable art as I did in the beginning of it all.

Butterflies.

Full Circle.


I remember being a child and wishing I could just go to school (that was a short lived wish;), or a teenager and wishing to just drive, or a college grad and looking forward to moving out on my own. . . but today I find myself just wishing for time to stand still for a moment.

And since I last wrote, a year ago, we have moved back to our hometown Cleveland, Ohio. . .

Full Circle

It's those full circle days that make you thankful for all the days in between.
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I know I have been a very absent blogger lately but I hope to fix that. . . I am planning on being around at least once a week (fingers crossed). I have a lot up my sleeve this year so stay tuned!