New Pendants

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!

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?

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..?

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..

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.