Timing Cuff Links by Kuro-Same Arts

So by this point you may have noticed that along with selling handmade goods, the staff of Modern Mouse are quite creative in their own right. However, you might not have realized that our very own Matt Ortega is the mastermind and maker behind Kuro-Same Arts–that awesome line of steampunk inspired jewelry that you’ve had your eye on! Yes, yes, it’s true! And that’s not all: between work, school, and personal time, Matt finds himself wearing multiple creative hats. Read on to learn more behind-the-scenes stories about Kuro-Same Arts!

Matt Ortega of Kuro-Same Arts, Alameda CA

The Kuro-Same Arts Story
“Kuro-Same Arts officially began, unnamed mind you, in high school when I started getting serious about my photography. Soon after that I thoroughly immersed myself in ceramic and reuse sculpture as well. Throughout this time I was also taking part in various crafty things, such as making my own clothes and bringing new life to old furniture. By the time I was in college, the name “Kuro-Same,” via my girlfriend, had started to stick to me and my artwork. KSA is now a collective of all the work I do, ranging from wears to wall art, sculpture to jewelry and everything in between.”

An awesome example of Matt’s personal ceramics work.

In Matt’s Other Life…
“I started working in retail when I was 10 years of age. At that time my family, namely my sister, had an apparel company going that lasted for a couple of years. I’ve also worked with local newspaper stars the East Bay Express and I still do event photography for them when I’m available. After high school I worked at a corporate retail company for almost two years, but left for a much cozier, independent position at Modern Mouse while going to college. : )”

Mockingjay Pocket Watch Necklace with Gear by Kuro-Same Arts

Did You Know…?
“I am also a classically trained cellist of 8 years and I play 5 other instruments. I am an avid writer, musician and artist of too many trades to keep up with.”

Listen to Time Dangle Earrings by Kuro-Same Arts

Nicknames?
“In elementary school, my friends started calling me “the Shark” due to the fact that I had lost my set incisors 3 times, so I am on my fourth set of sharp teeth in the front of my mouth. In middle school, I gained the name ‘Kuro’ from a group of Japanese students that thought I wore a lot of black clothing. In Japanese, ‘Kuro’ translates to ‘dark/black’ and ‘Same’ translates to ‘shark.’”

What’s your grandma like, and how are you planning to celebrate her this Mother’s Day? I hope you can find something to please in our staff gift suggestions! Happy Mother’s Day, Grandma. :)

From top left: Golden Gate Bridge in Tulips Eco Tote by Tomoko Maruyama; Alley-Oop Handbag by Blue Q; Necklace by Bella Beads; Clutch by Queen Puff Puff; Bird on a Branch Wall Hook by Roost; “Love You Bunches” Card by hello!lucky; Coasters by Papaver Vert; Ring Around the Turquoise Earrings by Rosemary Dudley; Teacup Tea Towels by The Heated; Potted Succulents by Happy Little Gardens; Tetra Pitcher by Roost; Herb Terrarium Kit by Maker’s Kit; Roll On Perfume by miSpa; Forests Card Set by Lisa Congdon.

Celebrate this new stage of her life by giving her something that reminds her not only are you proud that she’s changin’ diapers with the best of them, but you also still see her as the beautiful individual she is. What about a stylish and independently designed necklace from Yellow Owl Workshop, or a soothing lavender candle? Or treat her to a bit of well-deserved pampering with a bar of goat milk soap by Goat Milk Stuff.

New Mom, you’ve earned it! Happy Mother’s Day from the Mouse! <3

From top left: Canning Jar Pendant by Yellow Owl Workshop; Tissue Sleeves by Pollyannacowgirl; Creative Soul Apron by Kelly Rae Roberts; The First 1000 Days Journal by Nikki McClure; Tiny Heart Ring by Figs+Ginger; California Love necklaces by Verspertine; Succulents journal by Jill Bliss; Purity Soap by Goat Milk Stuff; Lavender Soy Candle by Senses and Scents; Paper Cranes and Succulents Infinity Scarves by Flytrap; Brave Girl Yellow Purse by Melody Ross; Diversecity Tee by 5733; and Inspire+Inspired Tee by Delivering Happiness.

From top left: Thanks Greeting Card by le petit elefant; Nerd Owl Clock by [un]possible cuts; San Francisco Notebooks by Tomoko Maruyama; Character Pens by Poketo; Dr. Seuss Today You Are You Art Print by Raw Art Letterpress; Non-Planner Datebook by Keri Smith; Wandering Star Bookmark by Studio M.M.E.; Read Jumbo Paperclip Bookmark by Little Pink Plum; Ninja and Cat Sticky Notes by MAGNOTE; Bicycle Clock by 1.by.liz.; “Practice Makes Awesome” and “Oh Happy Day!” Pencils by Earmark; Reading Is Sexy Mug by Sarah Utter; Awesome Sauce Card by PapaLlama

Teacher Appreciation Week runs from May 6th through the 10th, so that’s a full work week of appreciation to think about. Whether you’re a student or a parent of one, college or K through 12, we have just what you need.

• The Non-Planner Datebook, by Keri Smith This non-average journal provides the framework for monthly planning while also encouraging the creative process.
• Sticky Notes, by MAGNOTE A creativity of this kind would also go great with Magnote’s Ninja or Cat-shaped sticky notes.

As your teachers have always told you, study hard, get plenty of sleep and don’t procrastinate, so be sure to have your gift-giving in order by the time Teacher Appreciation Week comes around! : )

Once again, you get to pick! Choose your favorite DIY from the three fun choices below, and the most highly voted project wins! So what shall it be? Vote on Facebook, or comment on this post.

1) Covered clipboards to help you get organized this Spring?

2) Painted feathers to brighten up your look?

3) Bottlecap gifts galore (keychains, magnets, pendants, thumbtacks and more)?

Vote on Facebook, or leave a comment here to make your pick!

Heathered, for example, uses entirely recycled materials to make the adorable wallets pictured below, and WoodThumb creates their wooden ties from reclaimed wood sources around the Bay Area. Goat Milk Stuff uses milk from their own Alpine goat farm to make their deliciously scented and moisturizing soaps. So cool!

This Earth Day, shop local and handmade! See you at the Mouse! :)

From top left: Swing Necklace by I Am Dorkas; Land Tee by Tae Won Yu; “I Love You California” Art Print by 3 Fish Studios; Wood Tie by WoodThumb; Ocean Goat Milk Soap by Goat Milk Stuff; Fern Silk Tie by Cyberoptix; Planet Earth Toddler Tee by New Skool; Slim Fold Wallets by Heathered; Herb Terrarium Kit by Makers Kit; Mountain Lovers Belt Buckle by Bear Wear Designs; and assorted Wallets by Bird vs Bird. 

From top left: Easter Monkey Card by hello!lucky; Retro Easter card by hello!lucky; Beta Onesie by Colette Kids; and Bunny Cap card by Red Cap Cards.

Well, as long as it’s made of chocolate, who cares?! ;) Chocolate, malted milk eggs, springtime, and rebirth are some of the many reasons I look forward to this holiday.

Growing up, my parents were firm believers in moderation in the sweets department, but at Easter, my mom was willing to make an exception. Each year she would surprise me with an enormous chocolate bunny. In retrospect I’m sure it couldn’t have been more than six inches tall, but at the time it seemed larger than life. I accepted this gift with wide, reverent eyes and promptly placed it in my secret hiding spot: the underwear drawer. This was where I kept all my most treasured possessions. The bunny nestled there next to a Lisa Frank sticker collection, a piece of driftwood that looked like a cat, a battered paperback copy of Bridge to Terebithia, and some Dr Pepper flavored lip gloss I didn’t want my sister to borrow. Over the next few months I slowly savored that bunny, one small nibble at a time. It was that much more delicious simply because it was so rare.

And now it’s almost chocolate bunny season again! Yessss. Here at the Mouse, we’re stocking up on pastel-colored items and other Easter goodies. I really like how our artists have taken a playful, non-traditional approach to their card designs. I mean, check out the Red Cap Card girl in the bunny hat! There’s got to be a story there. Why is she so much bigger than her house? Why does she look so sheepish?

Anyway, please stop by, get some Easter things, and say hi! From all of us at Modern Mouse, here’s wishing you a happy Spring and beautiful Easter.