COVID-19.... An OpportunityTo Give Back!

April 10, 2020 ~ COVID-19 is something we all think about at some (or several) points throughout the day. It's all around us yet many of us still worry, stress and even panic at this pandemic. I find myself worrying about things I can't control and now have anxiety because of it. (Don't worry, I am able to manage it for now and just remind myself that we are all going through the same things and it's not just one demographic, one age bracket or one area of our country.) I find so much happiness in the number of people who have jumped in to help from sewing masks, mass grocery shopping for others who can't, cooking/donating to feeding children and so much more. Reading about these acts of kindness makes me smile.

As a local glass artist and Etsy Store Owner, I have stopped making any new product at this time. My Etsy Store, MidwayMercantileCo is stocked with many options of fused glass jewelry and gifts ready to ship out within 24-48 hours for FREE in the US (lower 48 states). I have plenty of product to add to my store if needed and hate the thought of my kiln being shut down. #StandWithSmall

You guys, I have wanted to do something to make a difference in the lives of others. I have said many prayers over the last several weeks and many of you know that I am not a selfish person (stubborn and hard-headed maybe but not selfish).  I do what I can to give back in many ways. To date, one of my favorite memories of giving back was for my 41st Birthday when I donated Angel Gowns made from my wedding dress to the hospital I was born at with my mom at my side. (You can watch the YouTube video by clicking on the link)

 Angel Gowns donated to Boone Hospital Center in Columbia, MO

My husband and I have been trying to support the local restaurants and locally-owned shops but I feel like that isn't enough. We can't eat out every meal but we certainly try to spread the love. As far as the locally-owned shops, thank you for trying new ways to showcase your products. I am sure you would have never dreamed social media could have such a great impact in these trying times but I hope you are seeing the love from so many! (I can't wait until I can get back in your shops and hug you!)

One of my friends, Shawn Barnes posted that he and his wife had decided to quarantine themselves apart until this was over to protect their daughters. His wife, Courtney is a doctor at a local hospital and while this was a super tough decision it was something they felt they needed to do. You guys, it broke my heart. Seeing the sacrifice that our medical profession has given during this crazy time is something that makes my heart hurt. I am so thankful that she is doing this to protect her family but with two young children, I know this isn't easy.  

This was the moment I knew what I wanted to do. 

After a lot of thinking,  I decided that I wanted to do something to give back to the nurses, doctors, and hospital staff for working around the clock to help others while putting themselves at risk. Since I am a Boone Baby I wanted to start with Boone Hospital Center here in Columbia, MO.  I initially worked with a friend and Boone Hospital Trustee, Jan Beckett who I told her my idea and then she connected me with one of their staff members to figure out how to get my idea delivered safely.  

I wanted to make fused glass hearts for the 2,089 hospital staff at Boone so that they could carry a heart in their pocket. When they begin to feel defeated or feel like they are losing hope they can hold this heart (or pray with it) as a gentle reminder that they are truly making a difference and they are loved. You guys, this is just as hard on our medical/hospital staff as they are working extremely hard and with limited supplies. Many of them are separating themselves from those they love to protect them as well. I am sure that the pressures of the job, dealing with families that can't be there with their loved ones and trying to keep themselves healthy certainly takes a toll on them. My hope is that this one small token of appreciation will remind them that we know they are doing the best they can and don't give up hope. 

Why is it my mission to make 2,089 fused glass hearts and not a lesser amount? 

When I asked how many doctors, nurses, and staff were at Boone Hospital Center I was originally told 1,700 and then after reconfirming the number increased to 2,089. I want to make sure every single staff member has a fused glass heart because from the janitors to technicians, to the nurses, to the doctors and to the CEO and every single person in between they are all important in my eyes. Every single person has a role at the hospital and they aren't any less important than the next person. If I am going to do something like this it was important to me that I include all 2,089.

Will you donate them all at once?

Sadly, I will not be able to donate all 2,089 at one time. I have a small Evenheat clamshell kiln that I use to make my jewelry and gifts. In order to make them in a quality look that I am happy with it requires 2 firings in the kiln per item. I am able to fully create 32-48 fused glass hearts per day or around 272 fused glass hearts per 7 days. I will donate 439 fused glass hearts today and continue donating every other week until I reach 2,089 total fused glass hearts. 

(I got a slower start as I needed to test and tune my process. I started with a lessor amount firing each day but now I am up to my full speed)

Each batch of fused glass hearts will be given to the appointed staff member in a plastic container. The container and fused glass hearts can be sanitized under whatever protocol they require at the hospital to ensure they are safe as they are dispersed among staff. (I will not be going to the hospital but rather meet at a disclosed location maintaining appropriate social distancing) 

The first round of donations ready for Boone Hospital Center!
439 Fused Glass Hearts! 

What is the purpose of this?

You guys, I live my life by paying it forward.  I simply wanted to spark an idea among everyone. We all have something we can give. Right now, we have time and I encourage you to use this time to help others because it helps us too. While I am working in my studio creating these fused glass hearts it keeps me focused and thinking about other things. It's something I can create and hopefully bring joy to others. Maybe you have a hidden talent and now you might have some time to give it a try! Have a sewing machine? There are many groups that need help sewing masks just look them up on Facebook. Are you good at tutoring? Many parents need help with homeschooling and would love to have someone they could lean on when their child(ren) have questions they can't answer. Technology makes this great for social distancing and you can work directly with the parents to figure out the need and how you can help with their supervision. Do you want something to do with your child(ren)? What about writing letters and drawing pictures to mail to a nursing home to brighten the day of those living there. There are so many ways we can help one another and keep safe distances.

Creating Fused Glass Hearts In My Studio:
Photo Credit: Yours truly! :)

  Safety first...get those glasses on!

Once you find the glass colors you want you will 

score the glass strips to 1/2" lengths.

It's always better to have a nice pile so that you can
focus on cutting several at one time rather than one at a time.

After the glass is scored you will then 

break the glass with Running Pliers.

I went ahead and made a nice pile of 1/2" strips 

to make the next step easier!

Now that you have the appropriate length, you will start making your hearts. 

Cutting the 1/2" strip to 1" rectangle and a 1/2" square for each fused glass heart. 

I started assembling the hearts on my tile so that they were ready for the kiln.
You will also cut Tekta (clear) glass to put on top so that your fused glass hearts are 6mm thick prior to going in the kiln. This makes for a better product and gives the thickness it needs.

I use a little dab of school glue to hold the Tekta (clear) glass on top of the
colored glass to keep things in place during the firing process.
(The glue burns off during the firing) 

Just trying to get everything to line up the best I can!

This batch is ready for the kiln! 

(I use a larger tile that will hold 16 hearts and this photo was of a test batch) 

The hearts to the right just need Tekta (clear) glass added then they are ready for the kiln!

Why yes, I am a perfectionist and put my heart and soul into my glass creations! 

I just want someone who receives one of my fused glass pieces to know that I want each item to be perfect as possible and with glass, you never know what you will get which is why I love this art form!  

Time to change out my glass trays! 

After removing the fully fired pieces it's time to add another tray in for its firing!
(Test batch)

Time to close the lid and wait for this batch to be done! 

This is the larger tile and you can see that after one firing in
the kiln they really don't have a good "heart" shape.

I have washed them and changed out the kiln paper, as it's only a one
time use to keep the glass from sticking to the tile, and flipped each
heart over to get ready for its second firing.

After the second firing, you can see they have a much better heart shape.
This to me is perfect to donate to the staff at Boone Hospital Center.

I realize that giving these fused glass hearts to the 2,089 staff members at Boone Hospital Center in Columbia, MO is just one area of those working on the front line during COVID-19. We have so many people to thank for keeping daily operations running strong such as truck drivers, store clerks such as Walmart, Target, Sams Club, various grocery stores as well as Gas Station attendants. (If I missed someone please don't take offense as my mind is thinking about a thousand things right now) I could only pick one for now and wanted to make sure I completed this task before thinking about anything else.

I only have one kiln that is programmed allowing me to walk away and handle daily operations of our business that is still working at this time. I come home several times a day to change out trays as well as waking up throughout the late evening and early morning to change out trays and keep the hearts going. I don't get a lot of sleep right now but to me, this is completely worth it. (Perhaps this is a good time to invest in a second kiln that I was going to purchase later this year)

Thank you to everyone who is jumping in at some capacity to help others during this crazy time in our world right now. Just remember, we are all in this together and we will get through this. Take care of yourself and stay safe! 

To everyone on the front line working extremely hard each day to make sure the rest of us are safe, I applaud you! While I am grateful that things aren't as bad in our community as other states and communities I still appreciate you doing everything you can to ensure our safety daily. Don't ever think you aren't an essential person because you certainly are very essential to me!


If you are reading my blog and received one of these fused glass hearts made by me, please feel free to tag me, Midway Mercantile Co on Social Media using any of the following hashtags so I can see the small impact this has made. Anyone who knows me knows that if I could personally pass these out to each and every single one of you I would hug you tightly!

Facebook: Midway Mercantile Co
Instagram: midwaymercantileco

 Hashtags:

#WeApplaudYou
#ThankYou
#BelieveInBoone
#WorkingTogether
#StandWithSmall

Welcome to Midway Mercantile Co

April 3, 2020 ~ Since I am trying to stay focused and getting back to blogging while trying to keep everyone caught up I thought I would introduce you to Midway Mercantile Co! For those of you who have followed my blog over the years, you would know that I love adventures and thinking outside the box. I have dipped my toe into various art forms such as acrylic painting, watercolor, ceramics including throwing clay, and drawing. I've even tried my hand at sewing, and photography which I still dabble with from time to time.

Back Story Before Midway Mercantile Co

I am a high school graduate who didn't want to go to college. Let's be honest, I had no desire to be a doctor, lawyer or anything else that needed a college degree, however, I knew that whatever I wanted to do in life I would be able to accomplish it with my high school diploma and possibly trade school classes. (Moment of truth: If I could be anything in life and didn't have to worry about money I would be a professional volunteer.) In 2011 I had a wild idea to write a book. I had no clue how to go about this but I began researching to educate myself. I became a self-published author in 2013 when I wrote my first children's book titled, Tom T's Hat Rack. I remember being nervous yet proud because this wasn't easy dipping off into a world I didn't know anything about. It was also a world that people wouldn't offer advice on. In 2016 I wrote my second children's book titled, A Trip to Remember. Again, the same feelings of nervousness yet very proud of this book.

Are my books perfect? Nope!
Are they wrote the way I wanted them? Yep!
Am I proud of myself for sticking my neck out and trying something I haven't done before? You bet!

My books are (fiction) chapter books that are geared towards 7-12 year-olds. I really wanted to write a total of 4 books in the "Pay It Forward" series and both of my books use real people as main characters, which I love and slightly changing things to put them into my stories. After writing my second book about a World War II veteran things changed. It took me on an amazing adventure that I have no doubt a bigger being had a hand in.

Lt. Col. Ferrill A. Purdy was a World War II Marine Fighter Pilot who served two tours overseas. In 8 months we reunited him with his wingman, Major John H. Tashjian as well as finding a Corsair plane that they both flew during World War II in the Marshall and Gilbert Islands and reuniting both of them with a plane they flew when they were 22 and 23 years old. You guys, it was a whirlwind yet I am so incredibly proud of how this story unfolded.

It wasn't until Mr. Pudy passed away in 2018 that I lost my love of writing.  I had traveled all over the state of Missouri telling his story to 65+ schools over a 2 year period and would visit Mr. Purdy and his wife weekly. The Purdy's are like grandparents to me and nothing would replace him. I still call his wife weekly just to check in and try to visit his gravesite often.

I still talk to Mr. Tashjian and will be traveling to California to celebrate his 99th birthday in July!

Feel free to check me out at Michele Spry, Author

The Creation Of Midway Mercantile Co

My heart was broken and I needed to find something to keep my creative brain going. I was introduced to the world of glass and sugars, I found my happiness again! In late Summer or early Fall of 2018, I took a glass class with a friend, Cindy Mutrux. At the time she was at a great little shop in Rocheport, MO called Rocky Port Art Studio and Gallery. I wanted to support this new store and tried my hand at working with glass. Little did I know that I would soon fall in love with it! Over the next several months I would go back and continue creating as I tried to learn as much as I could so that I could create some really unique pieces. (I would tell my hubby that I would only be done a couple hours and when I came back home 4 hours later he would just shake his head. He knew me and playing with glass allows time to slip away) As life happens and things change the store would be closing and I had time to talk to Cindy about a lot of things related to glass. 

With her encouragement, I decided to purchase my own kiln. This was a huge step for me but I truly loved working with glass and wanted to do my own thing at our home. (Moment of truth: I was so worried I would screw this up that I didn't take my kiln out of the box for over a month!) While Cindy offers glass classes through Cindy Lou's Glass Studio I would not be offering any type of classes. I wanted to start my fused glass jewelry business and although we would be doing similar things (working with fused glass) we are still both very different in our businesses. In fact, we like to work together and throw ideas around as well as go to craft shows together. It's a lot of fun and I like to promote her whenever I can! Plus, I have someone I can trade glass with if I need something and that's a win-win!

I started Midway Mercantile Co on February 21, 2019 and y'all, it's been an amazing adventure! I would have never dreamed I would have so much support from so many friends and family. I am so lucky to have met some of the most incredible and talented people along the way! I have learned a ton since the day I first put glass in my own kiln and yet I have so much to learn as I move forward. I am constantly pushing myself to try new things and have yet to sit still to take some online classes but I have watched several YouTube videos that have helped me understand the terminology of glass. The glass community is very helpful and not afraid to help you succeed and for that, I am very thankful! Businesses that make glass and sell glass have tons of videos (free and paid) that help you become successful in working with glass.

I knew I wanted to sell my jewelry online but I didn't have a clue about where to start. I knew very little about Etsy but thank goodness Allison McCubbins, who is a very successful seller on Etsy (ABlaseDesigns) was patient enough to answer many of my questions to help me get started. Etsy doesn't have a "live person" to talk to and reading through tons of forums was brutal when you don't fully understand everything. I just tried to do something every day to learn it a little better and feel like I understand the platform a little better.  I am certainly not an expert but I'm trying to learn how to navigate Etsy.

All of my products come with FREE shipping in the US (lower 48) and once an item is purchased I will have it shipped out to you within 24-48 hours! 

If you have an Etsy account I would love it if you would "Favorite" my shop! 

Etsy Store for MidwayMercantileCo

Facebook: Midway Mercantile Co
Instagram: midwaymercantileco 

After a lot of thinking I really felt the need to get my product in some retail locations. I knew this meant that I would either pay rent, sell my product at wholesale or sell my product on a commission. At first, I really didn't want to do this but the more I thought about it the more it made sense. Having the opportunity for my products to be seen by those that came into retail locations just meant more customers of Midway Mercantile Co and the partnership (and friendship) you have with the store owners was something I truly cherish. You can find Midway Mercantile Co in the following locations:

*Obviously with COVID-19 it has changed how these locations do business and I would recommend following them on Facebook to keep up with specials/offers they have until everything goes back to normal operation. I know they would appreciate you following them!

Plume is an amazing little shop here in Columbia, MO. It is owned and operated by Kelly Gilion and home to over 70 local artists and vendors with a variety of items to choose from. If you are looking for a unique gift this is the place you want to visit! You can even take classes! She has amazing cupcakes and other bakery items available for purchase. If you stop by don't pay attention to the face print on the glass bakery counter... it's mine! Ha! 

Facebook:  Plume

Lillie Lavon is an awesome little shop in Ashland, MO. It is owned and operated by Tracy Eichorn. She gave up her corporate job to live her dream of owning her own business. Home to many wonderful local artists and vendors this is a bright spot in downtown Ashland. If you are looking for vintage, re-purposed and new unique items then you need to stop by and say hi! Tracy is always moving the store around so you will want to stop by often to see what she's been up to and what new items she has in the store! It's so welcoming and inviting that you will be glad you stopped by!

Facebook: Lillie Lavon

 The Boonville Store and Cafe is a great little cafe blended with a great selection of rental spaces filled with a variety of vendors. Not only can you take advantage of lunch or some Ice Cream Factory ice cream made in Eldon, MO but you can do a little shopping with several unique items to choose from! They are located right on Main Street in downtown Boonville, MO. Stop by and say hi!
Facebook: The Boonville Store and Cafe

  The Windy Nest is a fairly new store to downtown Boonville, MO and one you will want to check out! Owner, Cheri Schmitz is a gem! She and her husband moved back to Boonville, MO and not only opened her own little shop but also opened Windy Next Air BNB! She has a great selection of clothes, jewelry, kitchen, and household items as well as plenty of gift ideas! You will love her!
Facebook: The Windy Nest

Forever and Always Flowers is a beautiful flower shop in Eldon, MO owned by Chris Tamm. She wanted to bring gift ideas into her shop as something to pair with her flowers or for someone looking for something unique that wasn't flowers. She is doing an awesome job bringing in various artists and vendors that compliment her shop and I would encourage you to stop by and visit her if you are in the area. She would love to help you with your floral needs as well!
Facebook: Forever and Always Flowers


Last year I attended several craft shows and absolutely loved it! Having the ability to showcase your products and physically talk to customers about your process is an amazing feeling. There is something really fun about picking up the pieces and seeing how different they are while knowing they are made by me! Just meeting new people and seeing what others make is a lot of fun! So much talent and pride from so many vendors just makes you smile!

When thinking about my jewelry I really wanted to make them a one-of-a-kind item. It may have been slightly easier to create a handful of pieces and duplicate them however working with glass you can't always make items the same. I really looked at each piece of jewelry as it's own piece of wearable art so it seemed fitting to use a process that would help me ensure that each piece was unique and certainly one-of-a-kind!

Not only did I want to create a quality item but I wanted to use quality products as well. After some testing and tuning with different types of metal, I decided to use Sterling Silver for all my wearables. Originally I created fused glass pendants and found Sterling Silver bails to attach the glass to the bail. I found Sterling Silver necklaces that I thought were versatile enough to go with most outfits and slowly began to build my jewelry business. You guys, it was not easy! Trying to do enough research to find quality products at an affordable price was time-consuming. I ordered pieces in and many of them I found that they wouldn't hold up to my standards and sent them back. I have since added fused glass stud earrings which have Sterling Silver posts and most recently I am creating Sterling Silver rings with fused glass attached to them! (I am still trying to find a good option for bracelets)

Most importantly, I wanted to create my business at affordable prices. I have played around with prices on my items and I am finally getting comfortable with price points. I rather keep my items at lower price points so that people want to come back and purchase something else. I am certainly not looking to get rich from what I do but rather keep my happiness and creative ideas going! I would rather have someone purchase something and then come back several items than to have one customer purchase one time. For me, it's about having fun and trying new techniques!

In the past several months I have started making fused glass items for the home and office. I realize that not everyone wears jewelry or when giving a gift sometimes a non-jewelry item is easier. I want my customers to have many options to choose from and while I am still brainstorming on other ideas I have magnets, ring dishes/tea bag holders, 5" x 5" dishes and coasters. I have so many ideas that I want to try so that I can release other options in the near future but I need to take some time to focus on how to logistically make it all work. I see the need for another kiln in my future!

Thank you to everyone who has supported me no matter if you have simply cheered me on, shared my posts, purchased item(s) from me or visited my booth at craft shows. I can't tell you how much it has meant to me to have you in my corner. I will keep working hard to come up with new ideas and let you know where else you can find me! 

*With COVID-19 and the stay-at-home order as well as social distancing, all craft shows that I was going to participate in for the month of April and May are now canceled. We are all bummed but want to do our part to lower the curve and kick COVID-19 to the curb. As soon as craft shows are rescheduled or resume I will keep you posted on my social media sites. *

Donations:

During 2019 I had the pleasure of donating fused glass jewelry to many organizations throughout the mid-Missouri area. Anyone who knows me knows that I love giving back when I can. I can proudly say that Midway Mercantile Co donated $1,125.00 in product to help these organizations help others. As a small business owner, I want to help where I can to make a difference in the lives of others. While I can't donate to every organization I will do what I can each year.

I am excited to be a part of the Buy Missouri program here in the State of Missouri. 

The Office of Lieutenant Governor has created a national BUY MISSOURI economic development initiative to actively promote to other states and the world the products that are grown, manufactured, processed, and/or made in Missouri. 

Buy Missouri Website

I am now a General Member for The Best of Missouri Hands! My goal is to get serious and become a Juried Member of this Missouri Artisans Association! I'm not exactly sure what this will take but guess I better study up and get to creating!
Best of Missouri Hands Website