Raven's Rest Studio - Jennifer Conway

WOYWW? 142

2012-02-22T11:05:00.001-08:00

What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday

Today I'm working on some postcards. I'm not sure why I'm using the largest pair of scissors I own - usually I like working with the teeny-tiny (sharp!) ones.

I've cut up a pile of 4 x 6 inch postcard blanks out of heavy weight watercolour paper:

I store all of my cast-off paper scraps in a cookie tin:

Here's the lid of the tin:

Want to have a peek at some other desks? Head on over to Julia Dunnit's "Stamping Ground" for a list of people to visit! Have a Happy Wednesday!

Here's a few that I've been working on...(about an hour after my original post).

Mosaic Monday - Mail Art

2012-02-20T12:11:00.000-08:00

Mail art is on my mind these days, as I'm part of an International Mixed Media Postcard Swap by "Musings on Realities". Here's some mail art that I'm in love with:

sources: mail art 1, mail art 2, mail art 3, mail art 4.

Artist Trading Card Swap Day

2012-02-19T16:11:00.000-08:00

On the third Sunday of the month, the local Artist Trading Card group meets up, and we do a live trade. Each month has a theme (but you don't have to follow the themes), and this month's theme was "Tangerine ~ Feathers ~ Chaotic".

I saw this tutorial for making paper feathers, so I thought I'd give it a try. Thank goodness I have the sharpest little scissors in the world - it made all the little cuttings a breeze!

I would have liked to have added a bit of tattered lace between the burlap and feather, and maybe some old white buttons, or some mica flakes and a jute bow.....but I ran out of time, and had to RUN out the door! Like I say every month: "Next time I'll start earlier"....

Raven's Rest Studio "Stuff"...

2012-02-17T14:06:00.000-08:00

I've been trying to put together some photo's of my "stuff" for some upcoming craft fair applications. Here is a recycled glass necklace, one of my collage birds, and some recycled Scrabble tile cuff links:

This photo has another recycled glass necklace, recycled rummikub keychains, bottle cap magnets/brooches and some Scrabble tile necklaces:

This last one shows a bookmark/greeting card (the bookmark is removable), and an altered vintage Domino tile necklace:

I've also been working on getting some ATC's made for this Sunday's local ATC trade/meet up!

WOYWW? 141

2012-02-15T11:03:00.000-08:00

What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday.

Today I'm working on making some sewn paper chicks. Here I'm prepping some paper, by gluing old sewing pattern paper onto an old Chinese/English dictionary page with fluid acrylic medium:

Look at the state of my glue brush!!

Some body parts:

Although I have a brand new sewing machine, for some reason I'm using my 5 year old daughter's "Hello Kitty" sewing machine!

I'm still working on the owls that I talked about last week, but today it's all about the chicks! I have to head out to get my hair cut, but I'll post some photo's later today of some (hopefully) finished chicks!

I mention my haircut because it's a HUGE deal for me to actually get it cut. I'm a hairstylist who hates getting her own hair cut! I get it cut about once every 18 months....wish me luck!

Head on over to Julia Dunnit's "Stamping Ground" to see what other's are up to today! She mentions in her post today that she's been getting requests for people to turn off their word verification's in the comments section. I'm keeping mine on due to some massive spamming that I've gotten in the past - sorry for the inconvenience!

Later Wednesday.......

I came back from my hair appointment and made this little bird. There's lots of mistakes, but I sure learned a lot. The next ones will be MUCH better....and hopefully I won't run out of wire for the 2nd foot! lol

Happy Valentine's Day!

2012-02-14T13:39:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

source

Mosaic Monday - Hearts!

2012-02-13T10:13:00.000-08:00

heart 1, heart 2, heart 3, heart 4, heart 5, heart 6, heart 7, heart 8, heart 9.

Valentine Ideas for Your Sweetie-Pie

2012-02-12T21:38:00.000-08:00

Looking for some last minute Valentine ideas?

How about some flowers?

I'm pretty sure this is what I'm going to do for my sweetie: 12 month's of pre-planned dates in sealed envelopes. At the beginning of each month, we open the envelope, look at the calendar and plan a date night. (from Shannon Brown)

I like this idea too: Love Card Deck

Think of 52 things you love about your sweetie, and with a fine tip sharpie, write each thing directly on the cards. (from DIYIYD (Do it Yourself in Your Dorm))

Maybe make a nice dinner. Like these Four Cheese Ravioli Hearts - yum! (from Annie's Eats)

WOYWW? 140

2012-02-08T10:27:00.000-08:00

It's Wednesday, which means it's time to head over to Julia Dunnit's blog: "Stamping Ground", to catch a glimpse into some creative work spaces, and see what people are working on!

On my desk I have some frozen juice lids, bottle caps, buttons, wire and twigs. I'm hoping to turn these into owl decorations....we'll see how that goes!

I'm also drilling some rummikub tiles.

This batch will be turned into keychains.

As usual, coffee plays a major role in my creative space. We have an automatic espresso machine - it's GREAT!

K-I-S-S-I-N-G

2012-02-04T15:11:00.001-08:00

A few Valentine's:

The Funky Monkey Boutique

2012-02-02T09:26:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I had a little field trip, travelling from Vancouver up to Squamish to sell my wares at The Funky Monkey Boutique (38041 Cleveland Ave, Squamish, B.C.).

It's a GREAT little store, with tons of treasures!

Here's a peek inside:

Another view:

Here's a quick snapshot from my car window on the drive up:

All packaged up:

WOYWW?

2012-01-25T12:45:00.000-08:00

What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday?!

As usual, I have several things going on at once - a little of this....a little of that! I have the lids of boxes filled with things in various stages of drying. Of course - coffee is an important "tool" on my desk!

Lots and lots of paper cutting over the last couple of days. My 5 year old daughter is right alongside me, cutting up her "Moshi Monster" backgrounds (on the table there).

Here's a closer peek inside those boxes:

Want to quickly pop in on some other work desks? Head on over to Julia Dunnit's blog, "Stamping Ground" for links!

Mosaic Monday - Gung Hei Fat Choi!

2012-01-23T14:20:00.000-08:00

Wishing you Great Happiness and Prosperity!

photo: 1, 2, 3, 4.

What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday

2012-01-18T11:34:00.000-08:00

Remember the sketches I was making on the last WOYWW? I've been turning them into pendants and keychains.....today I've been playing with Domino and Rummikub game pieces. Next on my plate:: making painted and collaged backgrounds for the glass tiles!

Go check out WOYWW? to see what other creative peep's are doing this Wednesday!

Shipping Tag Collage

2012-01-17T16:22:00.000-08:00

Made a fun little collage today on a shipping tag:

Mosaic Monday

2012-01-16T12:18:00.000-08:00

Inspired by our rare(ish) snowfall here in Vancouver, this week's theme is "Snowman".

snow 1, snow 2, snow 3, snow 4, snow 5, snow 6, snow 7, snow 8, snow 9.

ATC's

2012-01-15T13:17:00.000-08:00

On the 3rd Sunday of each month, the local ATC trade group meets up to swap atc's (that's today!). I haven't been able to attend because I've just been too busy, and I've really been missing it. The early part of the year is always a little quieter for me, so I was able to whip up some atc's to trade!

This month's theme is: "Orchid~Maps~Pay It Forward". These all started off with scraps of map on them...but many of them are so covered with layers, you'd never know it! Also, the pink was my "orchid" colour (you may have to use your imagination!).

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-11T09:36:00.001-08:00

A Few New Necklaces

2012-01-10T11:43:00.000-08:00

Remember those sketches I was working on? I've been turning them into necklaces, starting with these glass pendants:

These ones (and more!) will be heading off to "Two of Hearts" clothing boutique this afternoon!

note: the tree is a photo, not a sketch.

Mosaic Monday

2012-01-09T16:42:00.000-08:00

Crazy for Cats!

cat 1, cat 2, cat 3, cat 4, cat 5, cat 6, cat 7, cat 8, cat 9!

What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday

2012-01-04T13:18:00.000-08:00

I went all day yesterday thinking it was Wednesday! Since today's the real Wednesday, I decided to join in Stamping Ground's (Julia Dunnit) "What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday.

I recently purchased some sketch markers and have been having a ton of fun with them! Here I'm just playing around with the colours:

I've been working on lots of bird silhouettes too:

Terrible lighting! I took this photo in front of the window at 12 noon! It's been crazy dark around here (with lots of rain).

(Semi) Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-03T13:10:00.000-08:00

I really need to remind myself of this.

Resolution #1

2012-01-01T16:43:00.000-08:00

lol - love this! (from HappyTownUSA on etsy)

Lately I've been obsessed with fancy typography on blackboards. I've seen some recipes online for homemade chalkboard paint, and all sorts of different chalkboard projects.....I see some black walls in my house in 2012! shhhhh - don't tell my hubby! (This is from designinspiration)

One of my favourite mixed media books these days is "Plaster Studio", by Stephanie Lee & Judy Wise......

.....so I was inspired to use plaster on my newest batch of birds and crows. I have no idea how they'll turn out, but it's sure fun playing around! Once these are dry I'll start playing with some paint....maybe some beeswax....I don't know!

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T14:50:00.000-08:00

(photo's via Miss Retro's Blog)

It's been a while since I've been online! I took a little "staycation", and hung out with friends and family, doing the turkey thing, the potato latkes thing, the Santa thing, the ice skating thing....the ear infection thing...ugh.

Oh my creative juices are flowing, and I've been sketching new images for my glass necklaces, and started a new batch of crow and bird sculptures. I love new beginnings, and am looking forward to 2012. I'm looking forward to trying new things, and joining in on more swaps (if you know of any great ones let me know!!). My fist swap of the year will be the paper/ephemera swap. It's an ongoing swap, with monthly themes, but this will be my first time joining in. Who doesn't need more paper stuff?!

Bing Crosby & David Bowie - The Little Drummer Boy / Peace On Earth

2011-12-23T10:51:00.001-08:00

A Weekend "Off" from Craft Fairs

2011-12-11T19:40:00.000-08:00

This weekend was my first weekend "off" (from craft fairs) in a long time! Which meant I was able to go to my friend Jill Pilon's Annual Holiday Studio Sale!

Cathy Stonehouse, Sylvia Oates, Helen Spaxman, Robbie Vergaa, Laura Skuse and Milisa Gardy were also showing their art.

An amazing collection!

I left with this piece:

Jill is hosting a Mixed Media Techniques workshop in January - my spot's reserved - can't wait! If you are in Vancouver, and would like to see more of Jill's work, she just dropped off some work at the Hambleton Gallery.

Today we had a great time picking out our tree. It was actually much harder than I thought it would be for us to all agree. Everyone had their own opinion......this was our final decision:

Our front railing was covered with frozen spider webs - they were beautiful!

Christmas Cocktails Anyone?

2011-12-08T11:25:00.000-08:00

Candy Cane Martini:

Candy Flavoured Vodka - I'm definitely making some of this for gifts this year!

Reindeer Tracks: Van Gogh Dutch Cocolate Vodka, Hazelnut Liqueur, Creme de Cacao, Splash of Cream - come on!!

Gingerbread Apple Cocktail:

Hot Caramel Buttered Rum:

Scrabble Tile Earrings

2011-12-07T15:57:00.000-08:00

Here's a set of recycled scrabble tiles that are about to be turned into 5 sets of earrings.

These are a custom order that will also soon be earrings:

...or these:

Little Touches of Christmas

2011-12-06T14:38:00.000-08:00

Our house is just starting to see little touches of Christmas cheer. Like this bowl of tiny oranges:

And this Christmas Gnome:

A custom cuff link order:

Weekend Fairs

2011-12-02T09:49:00.000-08:00

This is my last multi-day craft fair weekend! Tonight, tomorrow and Sunday I'll be at the Coquitlam Christmas Craft Sale, and on Saturday (I split myself in two) I'll be in North Vancouver, at the Delbrook show. I've been working hard, staying up late every night making new stock for these shows!

Here's some scrabble tile cuff links in the works:

Here's a recycled glass necklace:

Here's another recycled glass necklace:

"make it!" photo's

2011-11-28T10:23:00.000-08:00

This past weekend I was at "make it!" - a local (amazing) craft fair - it was AWESOME! Here's my table:

I bought these mini dresser drawers from a thrift store last week.

Doily snowflakes:

I stiffened a bunch of doilies with cornstarch and water.

Here's a shot down my aisle (this was a slow time!):

Now I'm desperately making new stock for the last few shows of the season! There will be some late nights this week!

SO Excited - "make it!" is Here!

2011-11-23T14:06:00.000-08:00

This weekend I'll be at the "make it!" show, starting tomorrow at 4pm! I'll be right near the stage.....look for the crocheted snowflakes display (and say hi!).

"Shop for one-of-a-kind handmade items from over 110 of Canada’s hottest urban artisans, designers & crafters! Make It fuses indie shopping, a fully licensed bar and live music from up-and-coming local musicians to create a dynamic, upbeat experience! There will be something for everyone from fashion, accessories, art, jewelry, baby items, home decor and stuff for the guys!"

Self Portrait

2011-11-21T19:17:00.000-08:00

Here's a self portrait that I made for a "This Is Us" book collaboration - A self-portrait project to mark eleven years of trading ATC's in Vancouver, B.C.

She sort of looks like me (at least I included my "adult freckle" - aka: age spot!).

Birds off to "Bird on a Wire Creations"

2011-11-20T21:26:00.000-08:00

Check out my mom's birds!! Aren't they absolutely fabulous? Just in time for Christmas (although I'd have these up all year), these birds are flying off to a local store here in Vancouver: "Bird on a Wire Creations".

A Brighter Palette

2011-11-18T14:46:00.000-08:00

I'm just plugging away making new things for the upcoming shows! My last batch of necklaces have a much brighter palette.

Here's my table set up at last weekend's Burnaby Arts Council show:

Tomorrow I'll be in North Vancouver at the Delbrook Rec. Centre from 10am to 4pm!

Christmas Cards

2011-11-08T16:51:00.000-08:00

Today I popped into "Bird on a Wire Creations", a local store here in Vancouver to drop off some fresh stock for the Christmas season, including some Christmas cards!

Here's a snapshot of part of my table from the weekend fair at St. Thomas Aquinas (the Octopus "A" sold to a very happy "A" named woman!)

Now I'm getting ready for my next fair: Burnaby Arts Council's 4 day fair, starting this Thursday!

Tomorrow's the First Christmas Fair of the Season!

2011-11-05T14:37:00.000-07:00

Are you feeling Christmas-y yet?...or is it still to early for you?

I'm feeling the buzz - tomorrow's my first Christmas Craft Fair of the season! I've just started to post my 2011 Winter fairs on the sidebar to the right.....there's more to add (when I find a little scrap of time!!)

I have a favourite out of every batch that I make - this one's my favourite for today:

It's made on a German Scrabble Tile piece:

Since the fair is tomorrow, today is filled with assembly line craziness!

Christmas Stock

2011-11-03T14:33:00.000-07:00

I've been working like a mad woman, getting stock ready for the Christmas season - I'm starting to get excited!

These are almost ready to go:

Finally, some finished glass rectangles:

You should see my work room....it's like a hurricane swept through!

Halloween Party Treats

2011-10-30T13:51:00.000-07:00

It would be fun to serve up some of these treats for Halloween!

Witch's Finger Cookies:

Weiner Worms:

S'mores Ghosts:

Bat Cake:

Spooky Halloween Spirits:

Buried Alive Muffins:

DIY Halloween Decorating

2011-10-29T20:07:00.000-07:00

Paranormal Portraits:

(from Country Living)

Cheesecloth Ghosts:

(from Country Living)

Halloween Apothecary Jar:

(from eab designs on flickr)

Creepy Hand:

(from Better Homes and Gardens)

Boo!

(from Better Homes and Gardens)

Papercut Pumpkin:

(from Apartment Therapy/Elista Mora)

Great Halloween Costumes

2011-10-25T11:31:00.000-07:00

We're back to "normal" here in Vancouver. It's been just over a week since our vacation to Hawaii and it's taken a while to get back into the swing of things.

Halloween is a big topic in our house these days....if my kids were (much) smaller, I'd totally do this:

(photo from "ladylucente" on flickr)

I also LOVE these sugar skull costumes:

(photo from Brianna Perezcassar Makeup and Hair Blogg)

(photo's from Lauren Gherardi on flickr)

Since I've been back, I've been working hard on making stock for the upcoming Winter shows! These necklaces need just a little bit more work.

Lots of late nights around here!

Aloha!

2011-10-08T12:51:00.000-07:00

Aloha! I've been away from blogging for a while! I finished the summer markets in Vancouver, and our family is on a 2 week holiday away in sunny Hawaii (Kona)!

We've been visiting a ton of beaches. This beach was so, so beautiful.....soft white sand, clear, warm water...but deceivingly dangerous. We didn't notice the warning of death and drowning signs until we left the beach, but we figured that out pretty quickly once we got there! The waves were very, very strong - too strong for my 5 and 7 year old non-swimmers! (although they didn't think that at all!)

In extreme contrast, we visited a black sand beach yesterday. It was neat....but kind of creepy. The black sand made the water dark, dark, dark. Up until now we've been used to seeing crystal clear water. I almost couldn't dip my toes in this water.....I just couldn't shake the idea of creepy things living in that black water just waiting to grab my feet! Of course I didn't project this fear to my kids!

This is my 7 year old sitting at "Snorkel Beach". This was by far my favourite beach so far. I brought my snorkel gear and spent a good long time watching the colourful fish and large turtles. It was seriously like swimming in an aquarium. I'm going to buy a disposable underwater camera and spend one more day at this beach before we leave!

Black sand beach again:

Snorkel Beach again:

Jumping the waves at "Surfer Beach":

"Surfing":

"Surfing" with Oma (hahahahah - we were seriously the whitest people on the Island - especially my 7 year old! We don't stand out as much now though...)

The Etsy Shop is Now Open

2011-09-17T22:52:00.000-07:00

Guess what?!?! I finally opened up my etsy shop again! People have been asking me all summer whether or not I had an online shop, when I was going to open it again etc., etc.

Tonight was the night I opened it up again. Since I opened up my new shop "RavensRestStudio" (on etsy), I just haven't found the time to post anything on there. Back when I had "JenniferConway" on etsy, I guess I had more time.

Here's some items that I put up tonight. As I make new stuff, I'll update the shop (this time much more frequently!). I'm planning on re-visiting the beeswax collage crows again too!

Last Days of Summer

2011-09-12T22:50:00.000-07:00

It seems like ages ago that I last checked in! The end of Summer is winding down here in our neck of the woods. Our weather is still GREAT though - way better than it was in the beginning of the Summer!

School has started for my two little ones. My oldest started grade 2! (2/3 split class), and my daughter has started Kindergarten. You know that ad on t.v.: (Christmas song playing) "It's the most wonderful time of the year......", with the parents running around in glee, shopping for school supplies, thrilled to bits that the kids are going back to school? That's how I feel! A quiet house for a few hours a day - aaaahhhhhhh......

The Summer markets have been winding down too, and I only have one more market left to do (West End Farmers market, September 24th)....then Hawaii here we come!

Here's a glimpse of my table at the Kerrisdale farmers market last Saturday:

A custom necklace made for a customer from the Ladner Village Market:

Fresh veggies from our neighbours. We had BLT's with these fresh, delicious, wonderful smelling tomatoes:

Here's my Visa/MC woman in action (doing her job well!):

Vespa......Vespa....

2011-09-03T13:02:00.000-07:00

This weekend is the 25th annual Vancouver Scooter Rally. If you happen to own a vintage, or European scooter, and live in (or near) Vancouver, you should try to catch some of the rally events. Now that we have kids, our rally experience is a bit different! Today I'm off to meet up with the scooter riders in our mini-van and kids, but luckily we have Grandma Norma to babysit for the night events!

Tomorrow from 10am to 2pm, I'll be at the Kitsilano Farmers Market. The summer markets are winding down......Christmas is just around the corner! *gasp*

These are last minute resin projects drying in the sun today:

Charge Card Sign

2011-08-30T11:07:00.000-07:00

My super-duper talented friend Dalyn made this sign for my craft fair table:

Thrifted Treasures on Display

2011-08-29T12:32:00.000-07:00

Here's some snapshots of my booth from the Ladner Village market yesterday:

My newest thrifted flower frogs, perfectly aged, holding some necklaces:

The newest cigar box thrifted from Saturday:

An old wooden box....on top of another old wooden box:

A small suitcase, from Saturday's thrifting adventure now holds my greeting cards:

The girls are peeking out of an old tin box. You can't tell from this photo, but the tin is this gorgeous blue colour:

Some recycled scrabble tile cuff links:

The last Ladner market is in two weeks - September 11th. Then.....it's time to start thinking about Christmas!!!

The Underwood

2011-08-27T21:40:00.000-07:00

Check out this score I found at a garage sale this morning! Pretty great eh?!

This beast is HEAVY!

My photo's got all jumbled up.....here's some glass necklaces that I was working on today. They'll be at my booth at the Ladner Village market tomorrow.

There's nothing like a batch of homemade cupcakes to brighten your day. A friend of mine brought these over as a late birthday treat. yum!

Altered Slide Mount Book Swap Pages

2011-08-22T08:09:00.000-07:00

Our local ATC trade group hosted a swap: an "Altered Slide Mount Book". 25 people signed up, so we all made 25 pages to trade out with each other, to create a little altered book. I used to do swaps all the time, and always had several on the go....but I'm just so, so busy these days, that I can't commit to swapping as much.

Here's a sampling of some of my pages that I made. I had an extra page, so I kept it behind and I think I'm going to turn this one into a necklace to keep for myself!

The front:

The back:

Here's a snapshot of my booth at "Artful Sundays" on Commercial Drive yesterday. haha - think I have enough table coverings? Can you believe that I'd probably add more if I had them in my "kit"?! By this time of year, I'm so tired of my whole booth and fantasize about changing the whole thing up!

New Bookmark Cards

2011-08-19T17:06:00.000-07:00

I've started making these new cards: bookmark greeting cards. The recipient of the card gets to use the front image as a bookmark! You always need another bookmark!

Tonight I'm getting ready for this weekends fairs: Sat = the new Kerrisdale market: 10am to 2pm, East Boulevard between 37th and 41st Avenues across from Point Grey High.....and then on Sunday: Artful Sundays, Napier St at Commercial Drive, 12noon to 5pm.

Granville Island Store

2011-08-16T22:25:00.000-07:00

Today I dropped off some new stock to a store on Granville Island....like these glass necklaces:

...and these game piece necklaces:

...and these scrabble tile earrings:

The store is called "Make", and it's filled with tons of great "things". I never leave without buying a little treasure of some sort.

Here's another peek at my items in the store:

I've still been very busy at the local farmers markets, and enjoying the fresh, fresh produce too! Every week the market is bursting with new, colourful, fresh, gorgeous fruits and veggies. Oh the smell of fresh tomatoes and basil is to die for!

Last weekend I bought a bunch of berries and turned them into (an amazing!) mixed berry crisp. YUM!

Raven Girl Paper ArtDoll

2011-08-15T15:55:00.000-07:00

Here's the paper artdoll that I made for the "Bird Head/Human Body" swap theme:

She loooooves her large pearl ring!

Mosaic Monday

2011-08-08T19:13:00.000-07:00

Crazy, scary clowns!

Nightmares anyone?

1. Clowns, 2. vintage clowns on the midway at the Ex, 3. Clown, 4. He Don't Play That, 5. clowndoll, 6. Untitled, 7. Clown Close Up, 8. Curly Mason, 9. Clown ambivalence., 10. Marbles The Clown, 11. Innocent Until Proven Guilty, 12. Crazy Ronald

I bought these paint by number clowns recently....I'm not really sure why I bought them (they kind of scare me), but they were my inspiration for my "Mosaic Monday" theme this week.

Summer Vacation

2011-08-07T11:51:00.000-07:00

We just got back from our annual family trip to the Cariboo to visit "grandma and grandpa" (my dad and stepmom).

We're just putting the canoe into the lake...

Here we are heading out.

Here we are coming back.

Lakeside field of tall grass and daisy's.

Lucy:

Here's an old trapper's cabin on the property:

Visiting another local lake, feeding the ducks...

Roasting marshmallows (we didn't have chocolate & graham crackers though - next time!)

Yesterday was the first day of a new Vancouver Farmer's Market location: Kerrisdale!

Here's a snapshot of my VERY wrinkly booth. I had no idea my tablecloth was SO wrinkled! sheesh, time to iron!

This LARGE mason jar was my vase for the day:

Mosaic Monday

2011-07-25T21:46:00.000-07:00

I'm always on the lookout for heart shaped rocks....but I never "see" them. Other people just glance down at the ground and see them here, there and everywhere!

1. true love, 2. heart collection, 3. heart rock, 4. Heart Rocks, 5. Hearts, 6. Heart shaped rocks, 7. one doesn't have a heart of stone, 8. palavras pedra, 9. hearts collected, 10. From my heart's beach, 11. all the world loves a lover, 12. Heart of Stone

Instead, I'm drawn to the rocks with rings through them (which I also like a whole lot!). We went to White Rock beach after the Farmer's Market on Saturday. You know.....now that I look at this photo again, the rock on the far right looks like a heart doesn't it?

The kids goofing around on the pier.

You should have seen the huge portion of fish and chips that we ate after this!....good 'ol Moby Dick's!

Summer of Colour 2011:: RED

2011-07-23T21:00:00.000-07:00

Today was a beautiful sunny Summer day here in Vancouver - a perfect day for the Trout Lake Farmer's market!

I'm joining in (late) for the "Summer of Colour" event that's happening in blog land. This week's colour is: RED.....so I decided to take some snap shots of some of my red items at the market today.

Recycled Scrabble Tile Earrings:

Recycled Rummikub Brooch:

Some red-breasted birds (Scrabble Tile Necklaces):

Scrabble Tile Cuff Links:

and another Scrabble Tile Necklace of this Crow hanging out on a red heart:

Wordless Wednesday

2011-07-20T19:59:00.000-07:00

A local Vancouverite in the parking lot of Value Village = perfect for "Wordless Wednesday".

Summer Vacation

2011-07-19T23:22:00.000-07:00

It's been AGES since I've last checked in! We've been trying to enjoy our Summer vacation....but our weather here in Vancouver has not been so great....unless you like rain! I've still been doing Summer shows, but we've also been having some fun, grabbing our moments in the sun while we can!

Here we are, on our way to the Ladner Village Market. Usually I'm a vendor at this market, but my hubby was away at the "Lambretta Jamboree" down in Portland Oregon. It was nice to be on the other side of the table, free to stroll leisurely around.

All over the city Lavender is in full bloom.

I always buy this treat for my kids at the market: A stack of marshmallows, dipped in chocolate, then rolled in sprinkles.

My son on his sister's tiny bike - scowling.

uuuggghhh - here I am, no makeup, age spot, braces. nice. The braces come off in a few more months though!

Homemade Strawberry Shortcake - yum!

My new ride:

The kids are happy with it!

One of my hubby's many rides:

This is how one of our friends travelled down to Portland:

Hope everyone else is enjoying their Summer too!

Mosaic Monday

2011-06-27T12:40:00.000-07:00

1. 126/365, 2. one day she will set me free, 3. Even a table filled with 4 small children making messes looks pretty with tea roses, 4. Lemonade [28:30], 5. pink lemonade, 6. Mason Jar Hanging Floral Vase Flower Frog DIY lids, 7. Vintage Blue Mason Canning Jars, 8. upcycled vintage jars, 9. Bottles and Jars, 10. Vintage Jars, 11. Barn Light Ball Jar Pendants, 12. Hanging Mason Jars Lids 10 DIY Hanging Lantern Lids

Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-22T13:24:00.001-07:00

Mosaic Monday

2011-06-20T12:58:00.001-07:00

1. sharing berries, 2. Pretty Peeps on Parade, 3. Rainbow house, 4. Rainbow!, 5. 6/365, 6. How to ride a rainbow, 7. Emily's rainbow stairs, 8. orange paint on shoe, 9. Rainbow of paints, 10. a rainbow of vintage aprons. fun décor, right?, 11. Rainbow Lorikeet, 12. Groovy Rainbow Cupcake

Handmade Local Chocolates

2011-06-18T19:38:00.000-07:00

Today I was at the West End Farmer's Market, and my neighbour was "Take a Fancy Chocolates and Sweets". She makes her own chocolate from scratch in her own kitchen! She buys fair trade organic cocoa beans, roasts them, then grinds them into cocoa liquor (mmmmmmm - reminds me of the white chocolate liquor that I have in my liquor cabinet!). Then finally, she makes "fine and fancy" chocolates!

I bought a bag of roasted cocoa nibs, which are pure little chunks of cocoa beans that have been roasted. They're very interesting tasting....kind of bitter, but nutty too. She recommends sprinkling them on plain yogurt and honey....you know what my breakfast will be tomorrow!

Not Too Much Happening Around Here...

2011-06-16T18:44:00.000-07:00

Wow! It's been a while since my last blog post! Not much to report around here....we had a 5th birthday party, lots of hockey watching, crafting, end of school "fun stuff".....

The first Ladner Village market was last Sunday. Fun, fun, fun! ***love*** this outdoor market!

Here's my same 'ol, same 'ol fabric banners. I have these grand plans to make new ones....but I just can't seem to find the time.

These tomatoes were beside me at one of the Farmer's Markets. I was tempted to buy the greeny ones, but opted for the small orange ones. Great choice - they were swwweeeeet!

My friend Kris from "A Cagey Bee" was at her first Kits Farmer's Market that same day. Look at her cheery booth!

Pure Bread from Whistler was beside her.....omg, drool, drool, drool. If you see them set up at any of the local markets, you HAVE to get something (anything) from them!

More Market Photo's

2011-06-01T11:00:00.000-07:00

Here's some snapshots from the weekend's Farmer's markets...

A bowl of my recycled glass cube necklaces.

A selection of my recycled scrabble tile earrings.

My table.

Still loving my bird card holder!

Check out this canine Canucks fan! This dog was a patient, mellow fellow.

Mismatched

2011-05-27T12:59:00.000-07:00

This Saturday (tomorrow), I'll be at the Trout Lake Farmer's Market again. I've been super busy over the last two weeks making new stock.....so there will be tons of new "stuff" tomorrow!

....like these baseball themed Rummikub tiles. I've turned these ones into key chains. I just love the colours of these vintage images. Father's Day is coming up...

I've also made a ton of new glass necklaces.

My 4 year old likes to dress herself now (while her 7 year old brother has no interest in picking out his own clothes, and couldn't care less what he was wearing).

Sometimes things come out a little mismatched!

We are happy, happy, happy about the lush greenery popping up!

I'm a hairstylist.....you'd think that I'd find some time to cut my own family's hair!

Preschool Sports Day

2011-05-20T13:52:00.000-07:00

The weather around here has not been great and my daughter's preschool had to cancel Sports Day until the weather smartened up.....and today was that day!

The Unicorn is a very big theme around here! Unicorns, rainbows.....the only thing missing is "The Smurfs", and we'd be right back to my childhood.

Taking the tug-o-war very seriously!

A Couple of Local Haunts

2011-05-17T21:47:00.000-07:00

These gals are loving their fancy-schmancy new scrabble tile earrings!

These were just added to "Bird on a Wire Creations" today...

...along with these recycled domino necklaces.

Here's a peek inside the store:

Of course my daughter (yet again) insists on being in the photo.

This pile of brooches are in "Make" on Granville Island...

...along with magnets.

A peek inside:

Snapshots Of The Trout Lake Farmer's Market

2011-05-14T17:49:00.000-07:00

Today was the season opener for the Vancouver Farmer's Markets! When I went to bed last night, there was an 80% chance of rain....but we were lucky, and the rain stayed away!

Snapshots Of My Craft Table

2011-05-09T10:28:00.000-07:00

Happy belated Mother's Day!!

I spent Mother's Day at "Got Craft?" - a local Indie (awesome!) craft fair.

Here's a snapshot of my table:

Mr. Bird hanging out, smelling the flowers. I sold out of my crows within the first 15 minutes of the show!!

I just LOVE wearing these necklaces:

Now it's time for the outdoor shows, and I'm obsessively checking the weather network as the weekends draw near! Next week I'll be at the Trout Lake farmer's market - fingers crossed for sun!

Busy Crafting Away

2011-05-06T21:23:00.000-07:00

This week's been a busy one, making things for the two shows this weekend! I haven't blogged or "twittered". Facebook is something that hasn't caught on for me - I'm not sure why....it seems like everyone I know "facebooks" like crazy!

This is what I've been up to instead:

Soccer Season

2011-05-01T14:02:00.000-07:00

Soccer season has started around here.....and when that happens, I know that garage sale season has started too!

There's this "collector guy" who has a garage FULL of amazing, tattered, old "things" right by the soccer field, and if the weather is good, he opens his doors and everything is for sale.

This week I bought this stack of old cigar boxes

Love the rooster on the bottom box.

I also love the little box on the top!

I couldn't resist buying this old clip board.

This little yellow crazed container was free!....but I bought the vintage clip on earrings to use in other projects.

Here's my girl running by....her first ever soccer game!

Here's my boy.....Mr. red lips!

A Gallon of Glue

2011-04-29T14:03:00.000-07:00

Here is the last bit of Easter Candy. I threw it all into a large canning jar, and our whole family's been dipping into it! uggghh - my braces DO NOT like this kind of gummy candy......but I still manage to eat my fill!

We had gone up to my dad and stepmom's place up in the Cariboo over Easter, and the Easter Bunny found us! My kids were very relieved!

I've been glueing like a mad woman these days, getting ready for some upcoming shows, like "Got Craft?".....I've graduated to the extra large size container of glue! One gallon!

Easter Greetings

2011-04-23T21:07:00.001-07:00

Scary Easter Bunnies

2011-04-21T18:09:00.000-07:00

Serious nightmare material!

Thrifted Easter Treasures

2011-04-20T14:46:00.000-07:00

Couldn't resist buying these sweet little egg cups.....

The kids are pretty excited about the Easter Bunny coming to visit!

Got Craft? Window Displays at Barefoot Contessa

2011-04-18T15:28:00.000-07:00

Got Craft? is coming up May 8th, and I'm so, so happy and excited to be part of the show!

This month, Barefoot Contessa's window displays are showcasing a variety of samplings from a few vendors that will be at the show.

Here's the Main Street store:

My daughter did her best to be in most of the photo's!

Here's the Commercial Drive store:

One of my crows sunning himself in the Commercial Drive window!

P.S. - everything in the window display is for sale!

Make It! Craft Fair

2011-04-16T20:18:00.000-07:00

This weekend I've been at the "Make It!" fair. The Croatian Cultural Centre is stuffed to the brim with amazing, creative and unique hand made goodness! Tomorrow is the last day, and lucky for me, my friend is coming to help out (I plan on doing some shopping!).

Here's a peek at my table - it's a corner booth......and I built myself in. We have to crawl under the table to get in and out!

Just A Regular Tuesday

2011-04-12T18:18:00.000-07:00

Only 3 more sleeps until "makeit!" this weekend! I've got lots of new stuff on the go! Here's an article about the show from Granville magazine, and here's a deal on tickets!

My daughter and I took a break this morning and headed off to Main Street (mostly because I had to restock "Two of Hearts"), but we thouroughly enjoyed ourselves at "Liberty" bakery....

...eating a cinnamon bun....

....and this pasty. Totally decadent!

Then we headed home...back to work for me, glueing, glueing, glueing........

Spring Fairy ATC Artdoll

2011-04-09T15:26:00.000-07:00

Here's my ATC artdoll for March's swap theme: "Spring Fairy".

April's themes are: "Cherry Blossom" and a colour challenge: "Pink and Green".

Spring Fairy Paper Artdoll

2011-04-07T16:33:00.001-07:00

Here's my Paper Artdoll for March's swap theme: "Spring Fairy":

Little Betty

2011-04-06T15:31:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I found this "Little Betty" metal toy sewing machine.....it works! Isn't it the most darling thing?

Well, fiiiiiiiiinally, I'm starting to update my etsy shop. I've never given my poor etsy shop any love, so why not start now! These glass necklaces will be added later today......once the kids are fed, bathed, and off to bed! (you know how it is...)

This one is my latest favourite....I LOVE her orange cotton candy hair!

Spring colours and themes are finding their way into my work.

Yellow roses:

Nifty for Fifty Sale Tomorrow!

2011-04-02T13:50:00.000-07:00

April Giveaway

2011-04-02T13:39:00.000-07:00

It's the beginning of a new month, which means........another giveaway! April's giveaway is this recycled rummikub necklace:

If you'd like to enter to win this necklace, all you have to do is leave a quick comment below! easy-peasy!

The winner for March's giveaway was: Janet!

A Thrifted Treasure

2011-03-31T14:50:00.000-07:00

This is one of my latest thrifted treasures: a silver bread tray. It's all tarnished and banged up, which makes me love it even more! I'll use it at my table (Nifty for Fifty) this Sunday, and probably fill it with brooches.

Getting Ready for the Spring Shows

2011-03-30T08:58:00.000-07:00

The Spring shows are just about here....so I've been spending my evenings getting prepared.

Here's some Scrabble Tile lapel pins:

Cuff links:

Keychains:

Bottle caps:

Recycled Tile Magnets

2011-03-25T12:21:00.000-07:00

A few days ago I got my hands on these wonderful tiles......they were going to be tossed out, but I rescued them, turning them into these recycled tile magnets:

Recycled Cufflinks

2011-03-18T15:31:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I've made cufflinks....

These ones are made from recycled scrabble tiles:

Hands down, these are my favourite!

Although, I like this set a lot too....

...and these are an old favourite:

Actually, now that I'm looking at them, I'm having a hard time choosing my favourite! I like them all for different reasons.

A St. Patrick's Day Greeting

2011-03-17T09:57:00.000-07:00

Playing with Oil Pastels

2011-03-16T12:22:00.000-07:00

Lately I've been playing around with oil pastels.

This owl will get more work done on her....a nice layer of beeswax is definitely in her future! The early flowering Cherry Blossoms are in bloom around Vancouver - this owl's belly is in bloom too!

This gal is also made out of oil pastels on a wooden 3 x 4 inch box frame, layered with beeswax.

A Trio of Recycled Cat Necklaces

2011-03-12T12:05:00.000-08:00

I get a lot of requests for Dogs and Horses.......but I'm more of a cat person. I'm always on the lookout for dogs and horses.....but my eyes are always drawn back to the cats!

I like this one:

This one is really popular:

ROD Journal Cover

2011-03-06T17:39:00.000-08:00

For ages now, I've seen people talking about their "ROD" journals....and had no idea what they were talking about! I loved them, but I was lost on what "ROD" meant. Finally, a few nights ago, I did a little online investigation and discovered that a "ROD" journal meant a "Remains of the Day" journal that Mary Ann Moss makes (and teaches online). So I immediately signed up and made this fabric cover last night.

I was surprised at what I created. I don't think of myself as a pale violet type of person, but I kept getting drawn to it. The base fabric is from an old vintage curtain, and then it's layered with scraps; a bit of pillowcase, delicate scalloped handkerchief, doilies, hand embroidered table runners etc. My only complaint is that the curtain fabric is highly synthetic/plastic feeling, and I don't like the feel of it in my hands......something to think about for next time.

Here it is closed:

Flap open:

Back:

Fully laid out:

The suitcase of fabric scraps that I raided for the project:

My ever trusty pincushion!

Meet "Brown Head" and "Pink Strawberry"

2011-03-04T13:14:00.000-08:00

My 4 year old made these finger puppets the other day with her grandma:

Here she is "flipping the bird" lol. This is "Pink Strawberry"...

...and this donkey's name is "Brown Head". You should hear the elaborate (ongoing) saga that these two go through. Luckily, grandma is writing the script out as it's being created. A puppet play is planned with popcorn sometime this weekend ~ fun!

A few years ago, I bought this box full of vintage sweater samples from the auction. I had no idea what I was going to do with it (and still don't), but I couldn't pass up all the vintage colours and patterns. A couple of months ago I felted them all, thinking I was going to make felted flower brooches.....but it didn't happen.....yet! I have a feeling there will be LOTS more finger puppets on the horizon.

Since we're on the topic of 4 year olds, here's a fancy-schmancy lunch. I think I took the photo because I was a little bit jealous....I had a "boring" salad. There's a commercial on tv right now that's promoting nutella, telling us how many hazelnuts are in a jar, and that there's just a "touch" of cocoa......somehow this made it ok for me to serve it as part of a "nutritious" lunch. It's just like peanut butter right?

March Giveaway

2011-03-03T09:34:00.000-08:00

Here is my March giveaway - a recycled glass cube necklace:

I'll be randomly drawing a name at the end of the month....if you'd like to enter, all you have to do is leave a quick comment below!

Dropped off New Stock

2011-03-02T13:45:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I dropped off some new stock at "Two of Hearts" boutique, here in Vancouver: 3728 Main Street.

Recycled Rummikub Necklaces

2011-02-28T18:58:00.000-08:00

I was supposed to do my first craft fair of the season last Friday night, but I had to cancel because of a crazy eye infection that I got.

Here's a few photo's of the recycled rummikub necklaces that I had made:

A 7th Birthday Party

2011-02-27T19:53:00.000-08:00

It was my son's 7th birthday this weekend! 7......I just can't believe it! I remember when he was just 6 lbs...

He's a super sporty guy, and right now hockey is his game of choice, so we had a hockey party! Luckily we rented out an indoor gym, because here in Vancouver we had a surprising, overnight, late Winter dumping of snow.

Here's the (disappointing) cake that I made. It was supposed to be an ice rink, with white icing, and blue and red rink lines.....but I added vanilla to the icing, and turned the "white" icing beige. It looked like dirty pond ice! So I "saved" it by adding blue....but the only blue I had was this crazy intense food colouring (that I bought when I was in charge of making play-dough at my daughter's preschool). Oh well, it did have a Zamboni.....

Here he is playing some back alley hockey (before the snow hit).

His sister likes to get in on the action too...

Vintage Cigar Label Bottle Cap Magnets

2011-02-23T12:44:00.000-08:00

I made this custom order of recycled bottle cap magnets for a woman who's husband is a cigar smoker:

Look at all these smokers!

Makes my mouth go all weird just looking at them!

Button Trio

2011-02-22T15:23:00.000-08:00

I made this button necklace a couple of weeks ago, and I can't stop wearing it! Now I want to make tons more, in a variety of different colours to match my mood of the day. Yesterday I was wearing a bright grassy green cardigan sweater........I have some vintage green buttons that would have matched perfectly! You know the green - those bright 50's plastic green buttons!

Happy Hearts Day!

2011-02-15T15:36:00.000-08:00

1. Copa Cabana Beach Twisted Hearts Garland, 2. Heart ornament with pink flowers, 3. Heart paper bunting, 4. hearts in the rain, 5. Marie valentine wall hanging, 6. 20110123 Paper Hearts, 7. A Good Little Boy mixed media painting, 8. Untitled, 9. Mini Collage Heart Card 01, check out my blog for more info, 10. Lovebird Collection, 11. Lady Cupid..., 12. WallHangerBeMine1_1, 13. love on a wire, 14. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, 15. Rococo Collage, 16. 10 tiny hearts

Valentine Matchboxes

2011-02-10T18:57:00.000-08:00

Today my son's class exchanged Valentine's at school (because they have no school tomorrow or Monday). Our tradition is to make matchbox Valentine's that have one piece of chocolate inside.

Of course we wait until the last possible second to do these things, and here he is before school this morning writing out his Valentine sentiments. Check out his *LONG* eyelashes - crazy eh?!