BIRDS Goes Non-Profit


Birds On A Wire began two years ago as a dream. As a teacher, I wanted and needed a creative outlet. I remember taking an old pair of earrings and reworking them in to something that was fresh and modern and being excited about the outcome. I actually wore them that night on my first date with my now husband, David. After getting married I started Birds On A Wire full time. It grew to something I never dreamed it would. We were now operating out of a large office in the historic Rice Village shopping district in Houston, we had stores in over 15 states carrying our jewels and we had a growing online retail business. We were also represented at some of the largest markets in the world....that’s everything I could ever want right? Well, not exactly. I never really felt “successful” in a way that truly mattered. I felt successful in the worlds definition...and that scared me a little. What am I really working towards and spending all my time doing? As a believer I am called to be “in the world but not of the world.” And while being successful is amazing and great and can lead to wonderful things, if that’s the ultimate goal you will be left unfulfilled every time. 
One weekend after hearing a teaching on living and giving extravagantly, a verse from Luke 12 popped in to my head... “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” I realized that I had been given so much emotionally, spiritually and materially that I was required to give even more back. It wasn’t just a choice but an instruction. I am called to use my interests and talents to give not only out of my surplus but extravagantly. 
In April of 2013, Birds On A Wire started the process of becoming a 501c3 non-profit organization. We are working to decrease our overhead while increasing our sales...to give it all away. Yes, all of it. We want to live and give extravagantly. On each piece of jewelry you buy, you can now see a tag that tells you where the money is going. All of our profits are now donated to various organizations that provide education to children and young adults at home and abroad. By buying our jewels you are now a part of something greater than yourself. Why education? Besides being a former teacher, education has the power to change lives and transform communities. It is a gift that changes the trajectory of an individuals life for generations to come. We are only able and inspired to do this because Jesus first loved us. We are honored to be a small part of His beautiful and extravagant plan and we are excited you are joining us on our journey. 

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power.” 1 Peter 4:8-11

Peace. Love.

Laura
In the spirit of handmade goods...we are opening up an Etsy pop up shop for a limited time! We are so excited to be a part of this network of fellow artists and designers. Check out our shop here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/shopbirdsonawire?ref=search_shop_redirect
We love vintage pieces. It's how we started out. It's such a joy knowing you have a one of a kind piece that no one else will have. And it's made in America. Doesn't get better than that. We just posted some new vintage pieces check them out here http://www.shopbirdsonawire.com/newproducts Here is a sneak peek of what you will find:
We are premiering our new spring line at the Americasmart Atlanta International Gift Show...if you're in the area come see us...or better yet, make a road trip...or better yet tell your local retailer they have to carry Birds On A Wire : ) Anyway, here are some pics of our booth...enjoy!
After lots of hard work we now have a brand new website design to showcase our spring 2013 line of jewels. Hope you like! Check it out at the new address www.shopbirdsonawire.com

A Little Inspiration...

We recently stumbled across these inspirational pictures and fell in love. Take a look:

Must-Haves On The Road

Sooooo, we travel a lot. Tradeshows, markets, sourcing, for fun, etc... There are a few MUST HAVES on any trip. 1. Mac book - this needs no explanation. It is the mobile command center for our business. 2. Iphone - okay we are a bit partial to Mac in general and this extends to phones as well. Its the mini mobile command center. And an awesome camera too. 3. Diet coke - while I try to limit it to one a day, I'm not making any promises... 4. Clinique chubby stick - when you have fair skin, you need color. The "two ton tomato" chubby stick by clinique gives you that quick pop of color you crave. 5. J Crew flannel shirt - denim shorts, jeans and boots, leggings, you name it, it goes with it. J Crew just happens to make the most comfy (in my humble opinion). 6. Massive tote that can be disguised as a purse - Longchamp makes a good one.