Green Leaf and Owl

It has been a long time.

2009-01-09T13:57:00.002-06:00

But now I'm back. For a little while at least.
That is until mid April when my baby girl is due to come!

We've finally settled into our new house. We moved a bit before Thanksgiving and it has been so chaotic with the holidays, trying to move and being pregnant all at the same time. Fortunately I feel well most days, but just tired.

I've updated the shop with a few sets of earrings. There should be more to come soon.

Green Leaf and Owl

Shop Update today!

2008-08-08T08:51:00.005-06:00

I've posted a few new OOAK necklaces in my shop today. (August 8.)
I have three more to list, but I think I'll wait until later in the afternoon. :)

Neigh

2008-08-06T08:47:00.002-06:00

Neigh
Originally uploaded by Green Leaf and Owl

Two of my new brooches will be posted in my shop today or tomorrow.
I've used vintage copper-plated brooch settings and antiqued them without chemicals. The result is really neat and old looking! I like that look. :)

I think these will go for around $19. All one of a kind. Yes, it may be more time consuming to make one of a kind items, but it is so much more unique and special to me!

If you see something you like on my flickr page , don't hesitate to contact me before it is sold.

Fungi and friends

2008-07-31T11:51:00.001-06:00

Fungi
Originally uploaded by Green Leaf and Owl

Here are some new cabochons I started today...

Fungi, poppies, horse, dog, musical notes!

If you see one you like, let me know and I'll save it just for you. :)

Sprouts

2008-07-24T13:07:00.003-06:00

Sprouts
Originally uploaded by Green Leaf and Owl

My first time growing sprouts has been successful! Thanks to my friend Mandi , I purchased a sprout container and a huge bag of seeds.

I could eat sprouts all of the time... every day. Well, now I don't have to go to the grocery store to buy them. These guys have grown for only about 3 days.

I purchased mine through a local co-op, but this is the brand: Handy Pantry.

Veggies.

2008-07-23T12:40:00.006-06:00

I love growing things in my back yard. I have a bunch of flowers, veggies and dandelions (I don't love those). But, my green peppers are doing so well.
They were doing amazing until a few days ago when it rained all day. Now the leaves are curling and some are turning yellow and falling off.
I hope they were just over watered and didn't get a virus.

:(

I will be so sad if half of my pepper plants die. I've been waiting all summer not to buy peppers are the grocery store.

Some new necklaces today...

2008-07-22T08:58:00.001-06:00

Fischer's Whydah
Originally uploaded by Green Leaf and Owl

I've posted a few of the large amount of new necklaces I have. All birds. I have tons of birds! I'm also working a a couple of custom (polymer clay) orders, so that is keeping me busy.

Besides the jewelry, I'm trying to keep my new basil plant alive. I must not be watering it enough. And... my green pepper plant's leaves are turning yellow!! Why!? Maybe too much water in their pots?

I have a billion tomatoes from when I accidentally bought way too many plants. They are getting huge, but still green. I can't wait to eat them!

Buttercups

2008-07-02T07:31:00.001-06:00

Buttercups
Originally uploaded by Green Leaf and Owl

I've added a few new things to the shop . I have many more things in the works, but Benny and have been playing outside, going to the library and riding bikes. I need to slow it down in the summer. :)

I found something I love

2008-06-11T06:29:00.003-06:00

I recently stumbled upon this shop: madebyhank.etsy.com . I think it was through Pounce on Etsy, but I can't be sure. Anyways, I love most everything in her shop. I love the colors, materials, designs... I am constantly considering buying something, but what? My favorite pouch was sold today actually.

Look at the handmade tag attached to the pouch!! I love it. I also love many other
things such as the Loretta Bag (and others that have been sold.) Can you see the little deer attached to the tag? What a great detail. (sigh) How do I decide which to buy?

When I buy a purse/bag, I use it for a very long time. So, I must love it. This shop has some items I'd use for a long time. I've never purchased a bag on Etsy before, but now I am considering it. madebyhank's bags are unique and interesting with fabrics of different colors and textures, made with vintage materials and just so nice to look at. She is in my top favorites for sure!

Made In England

2008-06-10T08:29:00.001-06:00

Vintage Measuring Tape
Originally uploaded by Green Leaf and Owl

I had some amazing finds the other week. I love to find vintage items like this measuring tape. I have two available in my other shop shared with my mom: Piping Hot Papers .

House Wren

2008-06-10T08:24:00.001-06:00

House Wren
Originally uploaded by Green Leaf and Owl

I can't believe how many old illustrations I have laying around here just dying to be made into necklaces. Here is a little wren, paired with some neutral glass beads. I have so many more bird necklaces I'll be listing in my Etsy Shop over the next few weeks. I can't wait!!

Something new, but made with vintage materials

2008-04-22T20:37:00.002-06:00

Made with vintage materials
Originally uploaded by Green Leaf and Owl

Ok, so I've been absent awhile from here and my shop. Well, here is why. I've been experimenting with so many materials and techniques and I've come up with these!

These pendants are made with non-toxic glue and acid-free sealers. They are original vintage illustrations, ooak pendants and digital vintage illustrations printed on high quality paper and hand colored by me.

They are sealed (like I said with non toxics - yay!) under vintage acrylic lenses and set inside oxidized silver plated (over brass) and oxidized brass plated (over brass) laced edge settings.

Currently I have 18 x 13mm and 18 round.

My goals in this:
To use vintage pieces - especially vintage plastic to reuse something still incredibly usable.
To create something unique and special that is safe for my family and the environment. (hence the non-toxics)

Original vintage illustrations are directly from wonderful books I find at antique stores. No copying, so: one - of - a - kind.
The other vintage illustrations are printed on photo paper and colored by me.

To me using vintage components means buying less mass produced supplies and reusing something that still has years of potential. Some of these bird illustrations are taken from a book of small collector cards. Who collected them? Who searched out the birds and trees and flipped through the pages admiring their collection? You'll only know it was once loved and cherished by someone from another time.

Each necklace will have certain distinguishing features. Some may have tiny nicks on the lens or marks on the paper. These all add to the character of the piece.

Since all papers are coated with non-toxic, acid free sealers they become water resistant. But, not water proof. Resin is lovely and permanent, but super toxic during application. The acrylic sealers I use will make these pendants last a long time with the proper care.
Just don't jump in the shower or hot tub with one on.

Look for them soon in my shop! I hope within a couple of days. April 23, 24 or 25...

New Pendants

2008-02-21T13:27:00.001-06:00

New Pendants
Originally uploaded by Green Leaf and Owl

I've been experimenting with new techniques and new materials!
These pendants are made with paper - either stamped/embossed and colored by hand or from a high quality print of an illustration. (That would be the cute frog wearing a hat)

All are protected with with a glass-like, non-toxic sealer. Looks a bit like resin, but non-toxic and not smelly at all. This is important to me because I have a little one running around and who wants to wear a respirator all day?

New things!

2008-02-14T13:37:00.005-06:00

Over the past few weeks I've taken a break from my polymer clay jewelry to focus on others things, my family and relaxing! Sometimes I just get too involved in creating and I need to take a step back and refocus. Instead of making polymer pendants non-stop, I've been making some earrings here and there, my mom taught me how to knit and I taught myself how to crochet! I made my husband and son both a crochet beanie. I've also been experimenting with my mom's super high tech sewing machine! Very cool.

It has been hard for me to find that Etsy/family balance. Of course family is first, but it is easy to get wrapped up in my Etsy world.

Now that I can crochet, I couldn't resist buying my first pattern from Darncatcrochet.etsy.com..
I found this cute little squirrel and his bag the other day. I taught myself how to crochet by watching a video on youtube.com

Are you tired of boring old magnets?

2008-02-14T13:26:00.005-06:00

Well, maybe you should check out RunAliceRun's shop. Not only are her magnets made by hand, but they are fun, colorful and unique. (not to mention affordable!)

Most of her magnets are made from game pieces (new and vintage) and there are so many styles to choose from. My fridge has birds, trees, leaves and even a photo magnet of my son made by RunAliceRun.

RunAliceRun and I have also joined our paper goods into a single shop. Piping Hot Papers You can find anything from tags, to mini notecards and ACEO blank paper.

What is with Typepad..?

2008-01-25T07:13:00.000-06:00

Why does everyone have a blog on Typepad? Is it better than Blogger? Well, I suppose it must be if you have to pay for it. On that note, my free Flickr has run out of free space. :( I need to upgrade to a Pro acct. or delete photos. What to do!? I don't want to pay for it.

Oh, but I do like the "On the Coffee Table" or the list of books I see in other blogs. Maybe that is a feature not offered in blogger. I'll have to check.

Ok. Moving on to a totally unrelated subject: I had a horrible canker sore in my mouth last night, I think from eating to much cake. I tried a remedy that I've read about online and even in the forums on Etsy! I bought a small container of Alum in the grocery store, dabbed a bit on my canker sore for a few minutes last night and woke up this morning with no pain at all! Pretty neat... inexpensive and fast too.

Hmm..

2008-01-11T13:15:00.001-06:00

Polymer clay is all over my house... in raw pendant form and I need a break.

I've started using a strong non-toxic adhesive to adhere pendants to settings - instead of horrible-fume-death E6000. yay! I'm also working on some mini-portraits of animals for a new locket-necklace venture. Don't have anything up yet, but I soon hope too. :)

Changes in my life.

2007-12-26T20:58:00.000-06:00

As I've been thinking of ways to improve my craft, online shop and jewelry, I am bombarded by thoughts of natural vs. unnatural. (chemicals, toxins etc.) As the new year approaches, I've realized that I want to be healthier, more environmentally friendly and an overall happier person. This affects both my craft and personal life... physically and mentally (spiritually too).

When it comes to jewelry, I'd rather use a lemon/salt solution to clean brass then Brasso. I'd rather use vinegar fumes or heat to darken it rather then highly toxic chemicals. And I've realized I don't want to use cancer causing glue. sigh. Oh, and I read this today too.. I guess it really pushed me over the edge in wanting to be chemical free. It has been on my mind for some time though.

http://extras.sltrib.com/china/

Now, when it comes down to food.. well I'll write more later.

Holiday Giveaway Winners

2007-12-02T20:48:00.001-06:00

I just couldn't wait until tomorrow!!

For every item you purchased in November, your name went into a hat, (a Detroit Tigers hat to be more specific), and after vigorous shaking and mixing, my husband pulled out three names.

The winners are:
Flyswims
WhisperedTrees
Admsonart

Hurray! Each of you will be receiving a pair of earrings in the mail.
Enjoy!

-Eva

Good old Apple.

2007-12-02T06:10:00.000-06:00

Finally my computer is back from the shop. I missed it! I've been using my husband's computer - a noisy and hot dell desktop. It actually made the computer room a few degrees warmer then the rest of the house. It got the job done, but I'm glad to have my Apple back.

So, tomorrow I will announce the winners of the Holiday Earring Giveaway. Be sure to check here to find out. If you are a winner, I will contact you via etsy convo and they will be shipped out promptly to ensure enough time for gift giving. (to yourself or a loved one :)

Holiday Giveaway

2007-11-09T12:41:00.001-06:00

Hi Guys.
I have something special to announce. I'm doing a Holiday Giveaway. For every item you purchase in the month of November from my Etsy shop (Green Leaf & Owl) you will be entered to win one of three pairs crystal and sterling earrings. For example, if you purchase three items, your name will be entered three times to win.
Please see the earrings at: My Flickr Site

All those who have already purchased items this month will be entered to win as well. The three winners (picked randomly) and announced Monday, December 3rd. Earrings will be picked randomly for each winner as well.

First Craft Show.

2007-11-03T20:38:00.001-06:00

The entire table
Originally uploaded by Green Leaf and Owl

It was an experience, that's for sure! I'm glad I was able to participate even if I didn't do as well as expected. Perhaps I need to find craft shows that are more my style and less country and crochet. :) Not that there is anything wrong with these things, but I felt out of place around the majority.

Get ready Etsy for some brand new GL&O pieces. Thanks to all those Etsy members around the country and world for supporting Green Leaf and Owl. I appreciate every one of you!

I may be doing a once or twice a month give away. Check my blog soon for an update.

New things.

2007-10-26T12:45:00.001-06:00

New necklaces for my craft show...
Originally uploaded by Green Leaf and Owl

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.

Craft show is 11 days away...

2007-10-23T19:58:00.001-06:00

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. :)

Stickers made with my Xyron Machine!!!!

2007-10-19T19:10:00.001-06:00

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

2007-10-19T19:06:00.001-06:00

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. :)

Paper Boxes

2007-10-16T13:34:00.001-06:00

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

2007-10-16T11:26:00.001-06:00

Brass oxidized with vinegar and the oven!
Originally uploaded by Green Leaf and Owl

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

New Stuff

2007-10-09T05:54:00.001-06:00

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!

Night time woes.

2007-10-05T18:51:00.000-06:00

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.

Acorn and Leaf

2007-09-21T07:53:00.001-06:00

Acorn and Leaf
Originally uploaded by Green Leaf and Owl

Hurrah for Autumn, my favorite time of the year. I love the colors. Of course I prefer this olive green, but I also love the mustard yellow that seems to be so popular lately. It is the color of my 70's kitchen.

I am so excited about the new stamps I have been receiving the past few days. I have a bunch more coming and will be making some polymer pieces with them. Here are a couple new leaves I made gift tags with: Nut, Tree and Leaf Tags
I ordered the stamps unmounted and mounted them myself last night.

I found a great tutorial from MirkWood Designs .

All I needed was some sticky foam from Michaels, some hardwood I cut into pieces from the hardware store and rubber cement. I saved a ton of money and am quite proud of myself. :) The stamps don't look as clean as the already mounted ones, but work just as well.

Cherry Blossoms

2007-09-20T06:30:00.001-06:00

Cherry Blossoms
Originally uploaded by Green Leaf and Owl

So, I haven't blogged much in the past month. I've been preoccupied with making pendants, necklaces and other things for the craft show I'll be doing in November. First one ever! I'll probably come home with a bunch of stuff not sold. I really have no idea what to expect. This new Cherry Blossom necklace is my absolute favorite. The colors are so vibrant. The version with the light turquoise background is amazing as well.

Soon I will have all new stamps... birds, more chickadees, leaves, acorns, pine cones. New designs are on the way!!

Music music music

2007-08-20T19:28:00.001-06:00

Find something new to listen to!

3hive.com

Moth to Flame's Mix Tape Club
hurray!

Newest...

2007-08-09T18:53:00.001-06:00

Turquoise, sterling bracelet
Originally uploaded by Green Leaf and Owl

So I went to pick up some sterling jump rings and wooden beads and my local bead shop. (that's all!!!) And look what I found! Oops! I had to get these huge, chunky turquoise nuggets. Why? Because I instantly got an idea for this bracelet in my head and I couldn't get it out. It turned out perfectly!

Hunkiness

2007-08-09T12:43:00.000-06:00

More black and white photos, but these are vintage hunks that Aminyitray.etsy.com has made into tiny, hunky earrings! I love them and admire them from afar. I'm not sure my husband would go for hunky football players hanging from my ears. :)

"Hunk Earrings"

Check out the wonderful items in her shop! The Anatomy Tins are so great too..

"Tiny Tins - Anatomy"

Aminyitray.etsy.com

Photography that really caught my eye...

2007-08-09T12:27:00.000-06:00

I find some really unique artwork on Etsy once in awhile that really stands out. I've decided that I'm going to post and promote it on here every few days.

The photographs on PrivateView.etsy.com aren't the usual pink flowers and blue water. They are photos of hazy, smoky dreams. They are images of memories lost, forgotten or just buried deep within the vault. (This is my opinion of course...)
I love the work of Private View!

Take a look!

"Memories - Fine Art Photography"

See more Photography & Digital Art by Victor Lampreia

Green acorns?!?!

2007-08-04T20:44:00.001-06:00

green acorns?!?!
Originally uploaded by Green Leaf and Owl

My new favorite pendant. The colors are perfect. I don't know about your display, but mine captures the Acorns color exactly. Maybe I should paint listening to Feist more often. Here

Ok, I must run off to bed before I pass out. My eyes are so bleary and I keep misspelling every other word.

OOhh

2007-08-03T20:26:00.000-06:00

I'm taking a break from painting a batch of birds and leaves (pendants). I have a couple of mums that are looking just perfect. I'm back from a bit of time off I took because of some health issues. However, I'm back and better.

While I've been painting I've been listening to Feist. Her new album The Reminder is amazing. You should download it from iTunes or buy it. And be sure to listen to the entire album with earphones. That's the only way to truly absorb and appreciate the music.

Anyways.. I hope to post some new pendants in the next week or so. Be on the look out.

A bug story...

2007-06-28T10:23:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I was washing dishes or painting.. something like that out in the kitchen. Benny was playing in his tent out in the living room when he suddenly started screaming and crying.

I go running out to see what's wrong... and find him pointing to a black bug-like object on the floor in front of him. (He is screaming and crying dramatically and saying "spi-da") It was a piece of carpet. I even showed him and picked it up... he ran away screaming.

This made me think... do I react that way when I come across a spider or earwig? Possibly. Larry thinks I'm making him into a pansy. I really try to NOT freak out when a spider jumps out ready to attack me. I try.

Inch worm!!!!

2007-06-28T08:41:00.001-06:00

Inch worm!!!!
Originally uploaded by Green Leaf and Owl

A cute little inchworm hanging out on my cute little son's shoulder.
Yes, I'm afraid of bees, spiders and worms, but this inchworm didn't creep me out too much..

Benny had no idea it was there.

My love and hate relationship with resin.

2007-05-08T11:05:00.001-06:00

My love and hate relationship with resin.
Originally uploaded by Green Leaf and Owl.

I really want to make resin pendants. REALLY BAD... but I found out it's tough to make pendants and I don't have the patience. But, I'm going to try and try again until I get it right.

I've made 4 or 5 that haven't turned out and I've given up for awhile. I thought the one of my husband in his silly b-day hat would turn out, but I must have put a bit more resin the hardner in the mix, because it never fully cured and is sticky. What a great pendant that would have made.

That resin on the chickadee leaked under the paper, and the squirrel had tiny bubbles embedded far below the surface.

I'll get it one of these days. Can't wait!

Thanks.

2007-05-01T06:34:00.001-06:00

Thanks.
Originally uploaded by Green Leaf and Owl.

Yesterday I received my first thank you card (in the mail) for one of my pendants. I couldn't believe it! It really made my day. I love to receive feedback and I love when others enjoy my artwork and jewelry, but I've never received a tangible object like this. It was so nice. :)
Oh, and it was from an artist... who paints with acrylics... on canvas. (Amazing looking pieces... ) I was so flattered she liked my work.

Oh, little bird! Stop flying into my window.

2007-04-30T15:24:00.001-06:00

Oh, little bird! Stop flying into my window.
Originally uploaded by Green Leaf and Owl.

Bird pendants never get old to me. Maybe to some people, but I think you can never have too many birds. This little guy is a favorite. I love turquoise anything. Unfortunatly, he is gone for the time being... hopefully to revisit soon.

I want to start making some pendants from vintage illustrations... but the whole copyright thing is scaring me off. It seems complicated. I don't want to think something is in "public domain" and then find out it's not.

This website has helped: www.copyright.gov
But seems a bit complicated.

New Pendants

2007-04-15T14:08:00.001-06:00

Some new pendants
Originally uploaded by Green Leaf and Owl.

I've already posted a few of these on etsy, but some I'm still working on. McTweets needs a little redo and I've got to touch up the birds. Soon they'll be added to my etsy shop.

Calla Lilies

2007-04-13T08:15:00.001-06:00

Calla Lilies
Originally uploaded by Green Leaf and Owl.

These are a pair of my favorite earrings.... I might just take them down from etsy and keep them for myself. Sometimes it is hard to post things, send things... when I like them so much!

So I might begin to make some pouches

2007-04-12T08:03:00.001-06:00

Inside of the pouch
Originally uploaded by Green Leaf and Owl.

Sometimes I like to do more then just polymer and beads. I think I'll make a small line of pouches (zipper and snap) and test out those waters. I prefer larger pouches myself... then I can stick everything in them. My newest one is 6" x 7" and I've claimed it for myself. Once I perfect my technique and make a few more, I'll post them on greenleafandowl.etsy.com.

Hmm... but what materials, colors, sizes...

Soon I will add..

2007-03-21T14:50:00.001-06:00

something interesting here. Must get my little guy who just woke up from his nap.
Then it is off to the post office to send some packages!