Friday, October 26, 2007

New things.

Here is a glimpse of some new necklaces... they are for my craft show next Saturday. But perhaps I shall make more.

If you are looking to feed your paper addiction, check out my new shop:
Piping Hot Papers

Here you will find an assortment of gift tags, envelopes of all sizes and other papery goodies made from recycled paper, high quality cardstock, new colorful papers and fun vintage images. RunAliceRun and I decided to do this to clear out shops of the paper goods and organize them into one shop.

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Craft show is 11 days away...


More!
Originally uploaded by Green Leaf and Owl
... and I'm just finishing up my displays. I'll take a photo of my earring display soon. My husband made it and it is the best earring display I've ever seen. I'll also be sure to take a photo of my booth at the show.

I've had my table set up for the past couple weeks just to make sure I have everything made. The other day I found my son running around the house screaming with a pendant in each hand. He loves the birds. :)

Friday, October 19, 2007

Stickers made with my Xyron Machine!!!!


Fun stickers
Originally uploaded by Green Leaf and Owl
I LOVE this machine. It is just the sticker one... maybe one day I'll buy the laminating one too. I designed this sticker for my mom's shop, Run Alice Run. I designed it in Photoshop and printed on photopaper. I punched it out with a 1 3/8" circle and fed it through my Xyron. Tada! The perfect touch to packaging.

I'm also using old, vintage books to make fun stickers as promos to send along with my orders. It's fun to recycle.

This sticker machine is relatively affordable. Use your Joann's coupon! The refills aren't bad either.

A custom order


A custom order
Originally uploaded by Green Leaf and Owl
These two pendants are coming along nicely! I'm loving the paper change from polymer. Yes, I still like polymer, but this is fun too.
I've used my new antique silver-plated 18mm settings. Bluebird and Swallow will have a good home soon. :)

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Paper Boxes


Paper Boxes
Originally uploaded by Green Leaf and Owl
I've been on a paper box kick the past couple days. I found a neat tutorial on Etsy's Storque. (here)

So, I've been ripping apart my old design magazines and organizing my workspace with tiny, recycled boxes. woo! My son keeps playing cards in his.

Naturally Antique your Brass

I found a useful tutorial on Ebay when I bought some raw brass chain.
You can use vinegar to antique raw brass. It's a good alternative to chemicals like Jax Patinas. (Although I use those too).

In a nutshell:
- clean your brass by boiling it for a few minutes
- Pour a bit of vinegar in a tight sealing plastic/tupperware container and cover the top with old panty hose, cheese cloth, etc. I usually lay the cloth over the opening and tape it on the sides of the bowl/container.
- Place your brass findings on the cloth and put the lid on the container.
- Leave it sealed for a bit checking it every so often to check the color of the brass.

What also works:
Lightly brush a thin layer of vinegar over your brass and let it sit for awhile.
**Rinse off with water and stick it in the oven for 1/2 hour or more. (450 degrees)
Thanks Simarhra! She gave me this advice in a forum thread on Etsy.

Here is a link for the full thing: Full Turorial

Tuesday, October 9, 2007

New Stuff


New Tags
Originally uploaded by Green Leaf and Owl
Right now I'm working on....

- Bird collage brass necklaces
- Pine cone and Leaf custom order
- Little Tree pendants
- New bird necklaces (like the Apprehensive Sparrow)
- Dragonfly, Bee and flock of birds Necklaces and pendants!

Friday, October 5, 2007

Night time woes.

My son just turned 2 on September 8th. I decided it was time to take away his beloved, (and my best friend), the pacifier. He had only been using the thing at bedtime, but really, I loved it as much as he did. It's only been a few days... maybe 5 or so, and night time has been rough. Waking up in the middle of the night multiple times like he was 2 weeks old is not pleasant, but I'm trying to stay strong. He is not going to be a 4 year old walking around the mall, sucking on a pacifier. I am pulling put my hair!!! I've been trying to compensate with additional hugs, kisses and attention. He constantly wants to be held. I think this has to do with pacifier loss. I miss it too.