Friday Faves and Finds

This Friday's Faves and Finds: Wall Art

Wall Art is a must in every home.  We surround ourselves by things we find beautiful, inspirational or have some sort of personal meaning to us.

Here are a few pieces I've found on Etsy that I love:

This piece by Jessica Grundy of SoloCosmo on Etsy caught my eye right away

and I think it is just beautiful

 

This acrylic piece by  Devika Keskar of DevikasArt on Etsy 

 is so vibrant and uplifting, I could envision this in our family room

I've always adored mermaids and anything with an ocean or beachy theme so 

I was immediately drawn to this piece by Shelby Leni of GreenBomb on Etsy

And I found some favorites among the nominated artists on last fridays finds which include

Bicycle Poetry by Jennifer Lommers of Jenlo262 on Etsy

Isn't this just lovely!

And a bit of inspiration with this print by Ginger Oliphant of GoingPlaces2 on Etsy

Search Etsy to find Wall Art to brighten up your home and likely your life!

Next weeks Friday Finds and Faves will be Fiber Art and Accessories. Feel free to nominate yourself or a favorite here in your comments!

Seen & Heard Thursdays Quotes, Inspirations, Aspirations, Declarations

On Facebook, Twitter and speaking with friends, while reading I'm always running across statements and quotes that I feel are impressive or just so silly they make my day. 

I'm going to select one or two each day and share them for all to enjoy.  Here we go:

A Tea bag
"You can run after satisfaction, but satisfaction must come from within."
  
mommyniri/Nirasha on Twitter

"Here's the plan, pretend it is late, feed them and put them to bed. Don't any of you rat on me!" ~ GREAT PLAN!

 blogdangerously/Kit on Twitter

"I patted my husband's stomach asking "When is the baby due?" He patted my ass & asked, "Twins?" Then I slugged him for being twice as mean." ~ I would have done the same.

Wednesday On Facebook via Heather
"Note to self: Don't eat chili while watching "Bones". Eww." ~  Heather, I agree!

“To keep our balance, we must constantly shift” ~ Yeah, forgot where I read this...tea bag?
Susan on Facebook

"Is on a Mission.The magic leprechaun told me to follow the pink racehorse to the rainbow where the orange elephant is holding my skittles hostage!!!!" ~ Alrighty then!

Find me on Twitter as Go2Girl Designs

and Facebook as Go2Girl Designs

Hope you enjoy!Stay tune for my next Week In Review  
and feel free to comment and share a favorite quote or something inspirational, amusing you heard this week: 

Friday Faves and Finds

I always run across handmade items that I cannot stop thinking about. I've decided to do a weekly post featuring these finds.
This Fridays Faves and Finds are focusing on Zipper Pouches! I just love them and can never have too many. How about you?

Here are some favorite finds:
This beautiful Spring Leaf pouch ($14US) is from OriginalMischief on Etsy

And I love this Petite Wristlet ($19.99US) by Janine King Designs on Etsy mainly because I'm a big fan of the artwork of the artist she collaborates with: Megan Duncanson of Madart on Etsy

This zipper pouch in black and white with a hot pink interior ($13US) by Jenna Belle Designs on Etsy is just the right size(check out her awesome blog too if your a fan of sewing (It's A Sewing Life):

 And finally an awesome pleated floral pouch ($22US) from A Stones Throw on Etsy who also has awesome wallets:

You can never have enough of these and this is such a small selection of the abundance of wonderful creations available on Etsy.  Just log in and search Coin purse, zipper pouch, wristlet...and check out the selection.

Next Friday Finds will be on Wall Art. Do you have some favorite artists you'd like me to include? 

Add your nominations in the comment thread below and I'll choose some of my favorites.

I Do Make Things

Sometimes it seems like I'm never finding time to create. And when I do I sell a piece before I can list it in my online Etsy shop or just never get around to it. Today I did list a few new earrings.
I'm looking forward to sunny Spring and Summer days and my designs really fit these two seasons.  I tend to be attracted to rustic earthy materials, stones and copper. Most silver I get my hands on I cannot resist oxidizing (antiquing).  So here are a few new earrings and feel free to visit my Online Shop

 

I also have two new regular features that I will be posting weekly on my blog (hint: will be featuring other artists/finds/inspirations) so check back to find out what I'm up to!

Overwhelmed by Handbags, Totes, Purses

Well, I cannot be the only one who is always grabbing a tote to throw in the days essentials (work, craft, current reading material, snacks). And, I'm certainly not the only one who forgets about that tote a day later only to fill another. Right?

Today I was moving the contents of my current handbag into my "Spring" handbag and noticed I needed something to hold all of my little odds and ends. Where is that zipper pouch? The search lead me to this:
 So, a new project on my "To Do List" today is to clean out and organize all of my totes and handbags.
Look around, do you have the same chaos happening inside your purses and pouches?  Why not add this to your "To Do List" before it becomes...overwhelming?

Inspiration?

 I had my day planned out.
Get the kids to school, coffee, check email, a bit of social media fun, pack my one order and then create!
 I did well until I got to the "and then create" part.
Some days I can completely dive in to a project and the ideas just keep coming.  On other days, like today, nothing. I stare and ponder and take several unnecessary breaks.

Well, if inspiration is not going to come to me I need to search it out.  So, I spent a bit of time looking at images of nature, jewelry (loved a beautiful gemstone necklace I saw on a model recently in pink, lavender and yellow) and things I love, beads I have in my inventory and pieces I've created before. Even furniture and fabric can inspire me to create a new piece. 
Nothing was finished today! However, tomorrow! Tomorrow, I plan on a breakthrough!
So, stay tuned (haha).
What obstacles do you find when trying to work at home? What do you do to keep focused, motivated, inspired? Please comment and share.

Antiquing Silver and Copper With Eggs

Did you know...

You can oxidize your copper and silver with Hard Boiled Eggs to give it an antiqued look?

It is the method I used originally to oxidize my copper and sterling silver for my jewelry designs.  

The effects are always a bit different and it may take a few attempts to get the color you like.  

Now I use Liver of Sulfur (LOS) which does the same thing but you get results much more quickly.

Antiquing Method that Works

You need copper or silver wire

A glass jar 

Wire Wisk

Two to three eggs

1. Prepare jar by suspending via lid (you can drop right into egg

mix, you'll just have to scrub the egg off after you've oxidized)

2. Hardboil eggs (boil additional 8 minutes after

water has begun to boil)

3. Use a wire wisk to crush *still hot* eggs (shell and all) into jar

4. Add wire and close lid tightly

5. Wait and watch. Will take hours or overnight depending

on how dark you want the metal to get.  You may have to 

boil your eggs and take a second attempt if it does not get

dark enough (I've found the older the eggs the better it works)

 And the results using egg (the bright copper will still oxidize over time naturally 

unless it is coated with a special material)

Hope you found this an interesting read if not fun!

Bloom Where You Are Planted

"Bloom where your planted!"

This phrase has developed new meaning for me recently.  It makes sense.  Maybe it's age, experience or just a different understanding of the term.

I've decided I need to bloom where I'm planted and stop looking for a change to make things better.  It's not a huge life changing move or decision that will get me what I want. It is little steps, a slow but forward moving process. 

Yes, I'd love to be going to school full time right now. That, among a million other things, is something I'd like to do right now.  I guess, at 35, I'm what you call a late bloomer as far as goals and education. Yet, I'm certain there is still plenty of "bloom" left here and I intend to make the most of it.

However, there is a little thing called responsibility along with priorities that I need to keep in mind.  I have two beautiful children that need my nurturing and guidance and they come first.  I can manage to take little steps. Maybe not college full time but I can certainly take a course or two to feed my mind and spirit.  

The main thing is not allowing myself to be overwhelmed by choices and all that I want to accomplish. Woman in general seem to want to do it all, and without any help (At least the ones I know, and you know who you are!).  The thing is, we cannot do everything at once and we do need help. We need to accept it, ask for it and possibly even hire it if necessary.

I'm going to share my plan for "Blooming" in 2011 but I certainly believe that the best move is to  learn from someone who has the knowledge you are seeking, find a mentor, Google, Read Blogs, Etsy forums- all are great resources.

So here goes:

2011 

• Get my business in order. Accounting, taxes, spreadsheets. Create daily To Do lists along with long term goals.  Reach out, new shows, blog regularly (share what I learn with others) and schedule time to actually create without distraction. (My website Kilarohner.com)
• Be an awesome Mom! How? Well, do my best. Love, nurture and listen to my children.  Spend time with them without other distractions.
• Generate some sort of income with my Jewelry Business or another form of employment.
• Learn, educate myself to feed my mind in one way or another.
• Make time to care for my physical needs- health, fitness.
• Enjoy all of the little wonderful blessings I experience daily.

And that's enough for now. Blooming slowly but surely!

 

Now it's your time to share.  How will you "Bloom where your planted" in 2011?

Worms in Dirt

Worms in dirt?
That's correct. My children love visiting a local restaurant that offers this as a dessert choice.
I thought we'd try it out at home.  The kids enjoyed creating and eating them so I'm going to share it with you.  It's something fun to do with the kids on a rainy day or weekend.

All you need to get started is:

• Chocolate pudding mix
• Oreo type cookies (with filling scrapped out)
• Gummy worms
• Eager children to assist

 Ready to begin:

• Prep cookies by removing filling and put them into a plastic zip bag. Use a rolling pin or cup on it's side to crush the cookies into dirt-like crumbs. 

•  Layer bottom of individual serving containers with about 4 tablespoons of crumbs
• Arrange 3-4 "worms" upright with tops hanging over side of container (you will want them to protrude out of the "dirt" a bit)
  
• Prepare pudding according to directions on package
• Pour pudding into each container until worms are at least halfway covered
• Store in refrigerator until pudding cools
• When cooled add more "dirt" as the top layer of the dessert with the tops of the "worms" just peeking through.
• Serve and enjoy.

 This is just to give you an idea of what to do. Have fun and remember there is no "perfect" in this recipe and all that is really required is to have fun.  This yummy dessert is a bit messy so if you have a group of children it may be a good idea to eat outside or have plenty of napkins handy.
Hope you enjoyed this, we did.

Upcycle? Handcrafted and Thrift or Vintage Finds Working Together

For the last couple of months I've been toting around a modern little red handbag I'd picked up for one dollar at a local thrift shop.  It's not a vintage bag, in fact it was new and unused.  I love the idea of handmade but it's hard to pass up such a bargain.  To make it "my own" I simply added a crocheted flower pin from a friend who has a shop on Etsy (Jennifer at iwunder.etsy.com) to the front and it suits me perfectly:

Jennifer also offers beautifully hand knitted scarves and accessories in her shop.

With family in town over the weekend one of the things on the agenda (for the girls) was visiting some local thrift shops.  With sales over the new years weekend there was a fuss over the possibility of a well used piano at half off.  However, in the end I purchased for myself one item, the perfect Spring handbag- perfect after I'm finished with just a few simple additions to it.  A deal at fifty percent off of five dollars!
Here it is before and already lovely for $2.50:

And after (and just lovely to look at) here is the Spring 2011 bag I'll be sporting, embellished with two hand crafted buttons from my friend Ginny's shop (ginpins.etsy.com) :

 *Thanks to Micah, my 6 year old for snapping this last photo*

Sew simple. Why not take a look at your handbag stash and see if you can freshen up an old bag with a new accessory...or two!
Happy creating! ~Be sure to follow me by clicking "Follow" on the right of this page~
Kila
Hand crafted Nature inspired jewelry at kilarohner.com

A Gluten Free Life

When I had been advised by a Naturopathic practitioner to cut Gluten out of my diet I was not surprised.
I'd long suspected it that it may be the source of many of my health complaints.

Now that I've been mostly gluten free for over a year I can definitely feel the difference. Less pain, swelling, I can focus a bit better and have more energy.  I always "pay the price" when I allow myself to indulge in anything containing gluten.

After the advise, I began consuming brown rice, quinoa and potatoes as a bread/pasta alternative.  It can get a bit boring especially at times when the family is enjoying pizza or pastries.  I've tried quite a few recipes and products to mix it up a bit.

I'm not a big pasta person but try to have rice pasta on hand for the rare occasion I have a craving.  I also keep rice flour on hand (oat flour is great too if it does not bother you).

I recently found pre-made Gluten Free pizza crust (frozen food section Henry's Market) and decided to give it a try.  I made myself and absolutely delicious pizza with mozzarella, feta, spinach, onions, tomato and olive oil. I'd suggest looking for GF pizza dough recipes online too.

 

I tried rice lasagna noodles and made a gluten free lasagna that the whole family was able to enjoy.











My favorite GF recipe was one I found online, Crepes!
You can choose to add spices to your crepes depending on whether you'd like savory or desert crepes.
I've made them more then once and like that I can make a batch and keep them in the refrigerator for lunches and snacks.  Filled with plain yogurt, agave nectar, blueberries and sprinkled with cinnamon is my favorite:

Click here for link to Crepe Recipe on Kill The Gluten blog
So, if your living a Gluten Free Lifestyle don't be afraid to try some new recipes. Search online, there are plenty of recipes that are worth trying.

Why Mochi Ice Cream Should be a Business Expense

You may be asking "What", "What are Mochi's"? And if you know what they are you may wonder how they can possibly be viewed as a business expense.
I'll tell you!

First, Mochi Ice cream is a delicious gooey dough covered ice cream that is available in a variety of flavors. It is covered with a white flour like powder that can get a bit messy.  I try to grab one or two boxes on every trip to Trader Joe's.  Click here and check them out(my favorites are Mango and Green Tea):

  Now to tell you how I'm able to rationalize classifying them as a business expense.
Most of my followers know that I design and assemble jewelry.  You can view and purchase by visiting kilarohner.com.
I have purchased several storage containers, boxes and kits to store my beads and findings.  However, nothing has been more useful than a Mochi Ice Cream tray.  You all have heard that a picture is worth a thousand words and so here is where I insert the evidence to support my assertion:

Proof!  Now don't you agree?

Come Visit me Friday 8/6 at the Bernardo Winery

I'll be showing my designs and they will be available for purchase at the Bernardo Winery Farmers Market on Friday August 6, 2010 from 9am-noon and in the evening from 4-8PM.
So much to do there: Stroll through the Village Shops, dine at Cafe Merlot and grab some fresh locally grown produce. Wine tasting and live music in the evening!
If you cannot make it check out my schedule on my website at Kilarohner.com
Look forward to seeing you there!
~~~
Update : Went well. Photo's of my display below (next time I will remember the sunscreen). First image set up for Farmers Market and second image I moved my set up around the corner for the First Friday Market. It was a lovely setting. Butterflies where even fluttering about around me.  I will be at the Farmers Market again on August 20th from 9am-12 noon.

Fashion Struggles

On Tuesday I set out attempting to find a figure flattering dress or skirt and blouse.  I was aiming high despite my budget of about forty dollars and far from perfect silhouette.

I ended up at a popular discount chain store. First I tried a few of the juniors bohemian, long flowing dresses that I used to love.  Now they look like a Muumuu and could possibly result in the dreaded "Are you expecting?" inquiries.  

Next I considered going for a bold look to distract.  I tried a black and white blouse flaunting a wild snakeskin pattern and "key hole" chest area with two big plastic rings.  It was not that bad but I reconsidered, not really having the confidence to pull it off.

As much as I adore color, I think I will be sticking with the monochromatic.  I'll be adding hints of color and fun accessories.  This will have to do, at least until I lose that baby weight (my youngest is 5 years).

What did I purchase?  I opted for a cute and slightly bold pair of cheetah print heels that I will pare with a black skirt, a blouse that is waiting somewhere in the recesses of my closet and some of my own handmade copper hoops.

After the ordeal I stopped by Trader Joe's and grabbed a huge pot of mums and a bottle of Cabernet.
I tell myself that it is not the end of the world. There are more pressing issues, bigger fish to fry.
However, I know I made the effort to be my best and can only hope to be better for it.

What Have I Been Up To?

Just wanted to leave a quick post. I have a been working on some new jewelry pieces for my online store Go2Girl Designs as well as creating a Personalized website complete with Catalog and shopping cart.

In addition, I've added several new finds in my vintage shop, Copperlocks.

Feel free to check out my shops.  I hope to be back to regularly blogging soon.

California Coast, Spring Break, Road Trip

Last week I decided to take a drive up the coast to visit family on the Central California Coast.
Gearing up for the trip was simple and I eagerly packed ready for some time away from home.
Not so simple was trying to get my bicycle on/off the top of my 4Runner.  Lets just say it stayed on top the entire trip and I ended up having an impromptu chiropractic adjustment.

I made a treasury on Etsy reflecting my excitement:

We had a lovely drive. The weather was beautiful, wildflowers and poppies blooming everywhere and the sun glistened on the blue Pacific. We visited the Avila Barn in Avila Beach and the kids had a blast running around, feeding the animals (just a few cents for a big bag of veggies). Before we left they enjoyed some yummy ice cream made with milk from Cal Poly University which has the only remaining dairy in the county.

I took a solo trip with just the kids and I to Morro Bay. We walked along the little shops and snatched a few souvenirs. The Shell Shop was a favorite and has been one of mine since I was a child.  We also walked along the coast but never made it to Morro Rock as the kids were opposed to the wind. Lunch at the Hofbrau was yummy and full of fried goodness. I had the fish and chips and the kids each chose a generously portioned Kids Meal ($4.69 includes beverage).

 We also enjoyed a Children's Festival on Saturday in San Luis Obispo at the Mission Plaza. There were lots of booths and free entertainment and I spent a total of $1.00 for 4 juice boxes for the kids.

 Due to crazy weather we stayed a day later than planned which was a good excuse for more time with family. We were sad to leave but took great memories home with us.

Tweet as Can Be! Spring 2010

A little bit of fun on a sunny Sunday.  I came across these adorable earrings by Piper Blue and was moved to share:

More sweet tweets on Etsy:

Ceramic Owl Pendant $12 Ginpins

Bird Nester Kit $12 Maddy And Me

Sweet Owl Turquoise Earrings $14 KMaylward

Little Owl Earrings $17.95 The Magpies Daughter

Luxury Art Yarn Cowl $51 iWunder

Antiqued Brass Frame Clutch $63 Jenna Belle Designs

Though Memory and Moon Mad Raven Print $40 Carapace

Waterbirds Light Switch $12 Yarrow1

Handpainted Jeans Hummingbird $39 Nora Karen

Want to know more about me and my shop?

Check out this feature by Kristina Ra on my shop and myself, Kila Rohner.

Wildflowers Treasury and Go2Girl Brooch Featured

Porcelain Flower Brooch US$20

Featured in this beautiful Treasury by Caelum Hand Made Cards and Paper Creations

Thank you!
 Caelum's Shop

      

Spring 2010 March Home Decor Finds on Etsy

Bright finds for Spring to liven up you living space

all Hand Made, all on Etsy:

From Left to Right, Top to Bottom

Pricing in US Dollars

Add a little spring color to a neutral room with a quilted throw 

Twinkle Twinkle Quilt $43 by Down the Street 

~

A simple framed print to lift your spirits

Cypress Tree Print $25 by Persian Garden

~

Arrange a cheerful collection of bold colored vases

Red Crackle Vases Price Varies by Blue Room Pottery

~

Dream of a seaside getaway 

Original Landscape $160 by Nataera

~

Aesthetically pleasing and functional

Tree of Free Spirit Journal $28 Blue Toad

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A artistic quilt tossed at the end of the bed for chillier nights

Caribbean Island Quilt $225 by BTaylor Quilts

~

Brighten up any area in your room with a felted bowl for keys, trinkets
Felted Nesting Bowls $105 by Maddy and Me
~
Sprinkled throughout the home or a perfect hostess gift or cake topper
(I'd love them suspended in a window)
Peace Cranes Vivaldi the Four Seasons $20 by Local Colorist
~
Breathtaking artwork for a bedroom or retreat
Sunset Horse Brother Print $10 by Carapace
~
Stash your yarn or books in a decorative basket next to your chair
or to add a bit of organization to a bookshelf
Medium Square Basket $18.50 by Sasha Sews
~
Add a colorful focal alone or filled with Spring sprigs
Textured Vase $165 Crist Pottery
~
Just loved these mini envelopes and cards for a last minute note
Set of 18 Aliens and Orbits $6.25 by Whimsical Paper Dot

Hope you find something that inspires you or you cannot live without.
Happy Shopping!