Countdown

Well, as it would seem every year, the countdown to Christmas seems to come so early... I can hardly believe it...feels like we went from Summer to holiday decorations in stores within seconds flat...personally, I like to savor each holiday starting with Halloween, Thanksgiving seems to be a little lost event at times just stuck between the time before Christmas...what's up with that?  

Looking forward to the coming week off and spending time with little ones who are growing too fast...in the meantime, I am trying to grab any spare moments in the Shedio...

 I love love love this space, I cannot quite put into words how it feels when I open the door and step inside...it's pure bliss truly.

I have been working on some new and sweetly simple designs...

Just listed these here in my wee shop

Sterling Silver hand formed and shaped, then hammered and oxidized...

here

The light shines just so right and the breeze blows gently, with 3 dogs to keep me company and music playing all the time...although it may not feel like it's almost December here in these hills not far from the Sea...

I'm ready for the Holidays...how about you?

Simplifying

There have been quite a few items which I have meant to post here in my quiet little space, recipes, tidbits of helpful information, the new smoothie I am obsessed with making everyday...however, I just haven't found the time.  Blogging is a funny thing and at times it's just not in the cards for this gal to pop in and post, also sometimes one just downright doesn't feel it.  

However, I have been simplifying, or trying to, many areas and one is my work, sometimes a person just thinks too hard and too long about something and man oh man if it just doesn't get done due to all that pondering...so I have taken to simple ideas and seeing them through...the Running in Circles designs are a great example, sweet and simple.  Here are a pair of custom earrings a very lovely gal requested of me...soft and simple and just enough to jazz up any outfit from a t-shirt and jeans to that fav little black dress...I will be creating more of these, no two are the same thanks to these hands...I see colors! 

Thank you for stopping in...

hope you are simply enjoying your day wherever  you may be.

Fall...sort of in the air

Fall...it's in the air...can you feel it? Ha! If you can that is delightful, because here in So. Cal, the only thing in the air is 98 degree + temperatures and it's just downright muggy and hardly motivational...however, today has cooled to a nice brisk 80 degrees, so I shall not complain.  Not a big fan of heat over here, how about you?

My mind does however,  long for Fall which is just around the corner, and it has been part of the plan  to create some 'holiday cheer' for my wee little shop around this all time favorite holiday...yep, you guessed it Halloween!  

Handmade in every sense of the word; brass formed, hammered, headpins soldered, black pearls, Howlite skull, vintage bead, all wrapped, and put together with love to hang and dangle delightfully from your beautiful lobes on sterling silver ear wires.

  

 Truly, I must say these little lovelies can be worn all year long with anything from jeans and a t-shirt to that favorite black dress...I am not lying, because well, that would just simply not be nice.

Go gently kind ones...

Still Lily

Around these parts...

It's been a while lovely ones, I know, I know, but it's sometimes tough this bloggin thing...and the moming thing, the householding thang, everyday stuff things, the creative thing and keeping it all updated as such...you know what I am talking about, that is for sure...so I thought I would update and try to promise to come here more often for there are some of you quiet types that come in to visit and sit with your tea...I really like you with your tea you know...

Ok, this is a wee bit of a visual update with a few words thrown in for good measure...here is what has been happening around these parts of late:

Contributed handmade flags for a Prayer Flag project with some lovely gal pals wherein a connection was made at an art retreat and let me tell you, I am a bit of a lagger when it comes to deadlines for things creative (trying to work that out, because it is rather a pain) but this was such a wonderful project and so calming...more to come on that for sure.

Experienced a first ever show with my jewelry designs at a local event and it was probably the most fun and best best way for me to interact with so many amazing women...

There were sisters wanting pieces for sisters and mothers for daughters and daughters for mothers and daughters for mothers mothers...you get it.  

An absolutely amazing time, all the energy and sweet feedback, here's a few sneaky peakys of that show...

 Then a Gallery notices my work at the show and now voila this girls designs are in said Gallery...I am honored to be amongst so many amazing local artists.

 In between there are hand etched designs of wee, little gifts for friends and then one thinks "wow these are pretty lovely and must be put in the  shop...because it's only fair (btw every design is unique, that's what happens when  you make things with your hands).

Ahhh Art Journaling...have you tried this lately, if not, you really really need to, matter of fact I command you to! Just kidding, sort of.

I have had the opportunity for sometime now to host art journaling workshops at my home and I must say the experience is downright fulfilling,  nourishing well really so much more than I could have expected...the company is sweet, the teacher  is...well, no words do justice...you'll just have to check it out...it's really really great stuff my fine ones...truly it is.

Oh and have you met Zeke, he's a one of kind love machine who just does not fail to surprise...packs a whole lot in one little vessel...just look at those eyes...

Go Gently 

Kind Ones

For you truly are lovely 

You  had better know this

Kelly

Still Lily

Relationships...

I have been thinking quite a lot lately of relationships and how I have been formed and changed due to relationships in my life...the broad spectrum of these relationships, from the good, the great, the bad, the so so, some turned not so good, some better than expected...the real friendships which make my heart swell and feel warm and safe inside...then I read/listened to this and it rang so true on so many levels...just wanted to share.

https://soundcloud.com/danielle-laporte/our-whole-lives-are-relationships-love-accordingly

I do so miss some friends for they are an ocean away...often I miss some friends that are right here...hmmm that must change.

Go gently my friend...

those little wee things...

It's all the stuff that keeps us grounded and together...do you not agree? it's the damn dog giving kisses, finishing a painting for a loved one on an anniversary, it's the bedtime request for scratching a back, the little fingers on your face that secure love when a little one needs assurance, it's the beautiful toes that remind you of both you and their dad...it's so many things combined that make a day beautiful..are you feeling this?

Wee treasure trove...

It would seem that my little blog space here has been seriously neglected over the past months...I am about to change that so stay tuned...blogging has always been a simple and fun way to post things about life, loves, works etc etc you know what I mean...however, life has seemed to get quite overwhelming of late, and sometimes it's not always simple and fun to share...that is the dirt truth.  However, I miss posting here and although I don't really know who comes to visit this space...this will not deter me and I shall keep this little place alive...

speaking of alive, my hands have been alive with work and these are some pieces that were juried into a local gallery..

I am quite happy and excited that my designs will be enjoyed and adorned by lovely ladies from both near and far...more to come.

Hoping you have been well, where you are and that things are good in your little corner.

Creak went the door...

That's the sound the door to this wee blog space of mine made when I popped in to post this morning...just have not been in the bloggin' mood, apparently, for sometime.  As much as it is fun and creative to post and update and check in, it's also pretty nice to check out and let somethings just be.  

However, as I embark on a journey tomorrow to join with countless new friends in the green forested woods of Northern California, settling into 3 glorious days of creative bliss...I found myself missing this quiet little blog of mine.  

There are times when we need recharging and quiet time away from life to get some introspect on our own lives, what we are doing, where we are headed, what our goals are, how to get unstuck and remain balanced...those all sound quite nice to me about now, so I suppose this is a pretty ideal time for me to take flight (literally).  

Packing metal and art supplies, yoga mat, boots and hats has made me quite grateful and excited to have this opportunity...so here's to adventure, new journey's, connections and creativity!

Go gently kind ones.

Dishing it out...

Not sure about you, but my little counter space in the bathroom gets pretty cluttered with an array of earrings, necklaces, rings and such...this is despite my efforts to hang and put away my jewelry.  So here is a lovely solution, naturally formed, handmade jewelry dishes, these little beauties not only free up the clutter but add a certain style to that old countertop.  Hand formed and painted with silver and gold, stamped and sealed.  

Just what every gal needs...

In the shop now

 Sending merry and bright thoughts your way.

Circle running...

Do you ever feel like you run in circles?

Well, you are not alone my fine one...

Been a little absent from my blog space here lately, but sometimes since it doesn't really seem like there are too many awaiting my arrival, it gets hard to pop in and bring words of interest and inspiration when that is not always what is really, truly happening in this life....and who's reading anyways? Sometimes I'd like to ask 'Hey who are you and would you like to leave me a comment as you sip your tea and visit here?!'

But I suppose if you do not leave one it's because you're not up for comment chat, and well, that is just fine.

So in keeping with what seems to be a bit of a theme in my life these days, I have started a new line called 'Running in Circles'...and here is a sneaky peaky...I am in love with circles, with the raw and unevenness that is created when I hand forge metal and in the soft wrapping and simple design...

Listed soon in my wee shop

How do your circles run?

Happy Sunday you lovely one.

simple and everyday...

Each contact with a human being is so rare, so precious, one should preserve it.

Anais Nin

It is in the simple, everyday actions that we, at times,  get lost in, but which are so integral to our being, growth and hope...

this my friends, is the precious life we live everyday...

Eight years...

 Eight years ago today the world became such a brighter place, it was after some major hiccups and life altering experiences you can read a bit here...but wow, 8 years...time seems to slip by faster each year. 

The cliche is really very true that you must enjoy these little ones while they are little... I find myself missing that baby smell and little feet, the way he used to grin in his sleep or that deep giggle at the simplest gesture..

this past weekend was all about his special day with some buddies and lego building, nerf gun capture the flag,  even a piñata and just boys being boys...it was so great to see his excitement and happiness in all of the festivities.

 After he went down to sleep that night I took one last peek in at him and in the glow of the nightlight, I leaned in close to give him a kiss and my heart warmed to no end, as there as he lay wrapped in the Star Wars sheets that were his Dad's when he was a boy, this warm soul and sweet boy was grinning.

Life is good.

The great, not so great and the truth...

 In case you are not aware, my most talented and hard working husband is building me a 'shedio' (no that is not a word, but I have coined it and so it's mine)...this has been a great dream and labor of love, along with recycled, found, given and bought for such a steal, you would think that is what I did, materials...we are rounding the final turn...however, as exciting as it has all been to go through this process...

it has also been a not so great experience in the creative dabblings realm. 

Not sure why, but for some reason I have put all endeavors with hammer, brushes, paints, canvas, journals, well you get it...on hold.

Why this is, I am not sure...am I holding out till I 'move in'? Am I waiting for the floods to open when I enter this new space? Clutter makes a hard creative companion and so the clutter of getting all my 'stuff' ready to move has rendered me immobile...and well, that is a frustrating place to be.

 the view from my shedio door and window (to be) 

 So, today, I decided to let it go...let it be, it will come...and that is the bottom line, the honest truth my lovely ones...if you push too hard I believe you will just topple and fall...step back, take a breath, steady your step and you will be ready to move on strong.  

That's that.  How you doing over there you bright shining soul?

dusting off...

random ponderings...

'Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life'

~Pablo Picasso

ain't that the truth my friends?....

how you doing over there?

 yes...you divine one?

ode to the odd girls...

i have always loved an odd girl...

in many realms, 

odd hair, 

odd clothes,

 odd shoes,

 odd attitude, 

odd approach... 

not sure what defines odd, 

but it's something just outside the 'norm' to me...

i have been working on a series of 'odd girl' tiles,

 from reclaimed, 

up cycled tiles from a job site, 

which my hubs brought home and exclaimed

 'i think you will find something great to do with these'...

love that man...

so i have and here is a little sneaky peaky...

hey, just wondering...

are you an odd girl?

little reminder...

Just a wee reminder for you on this fine weekend...

Arrival...

Something happens at this time of year, as much as I enjoy Summer and the warmth of long beach days, barbecue gatherings, late mornings lounging in PJ's...there is something so comforting in the arrival of Fall, when the air turns crisp, the days are shorter, the warm glow of the fireplace, brisk walks to school...it really is a wonderful time of year.  This Fall I look forward to all of the above and more...

I enter this season with many intentions and thoughts of things to do...here are a few:

walking with family after early dinners

creating in a brand new space where the light and the quiet are dreamy

taking care to make comforting foods, soups and vegetables for my family

self care by way of yoga, exercise and time in sauna regularly

more herbal tea

simplifying 

travel and exploration close to home with my little family

clearing my mind and closet

How's the start of Fall in your neck of the woods?

i am where i stand...

and where i stand is on my own ground...

this is mine, a space all my own...

will you come join me?...

it's lovely here...

really it is...

Straight front and true...

square (sq'war)~ having a straight front; true; upright; honest; just

This is one of the definitions in my old vintage dictionary...and quite perfect, wouldn't you say?

It would seem there is a certain attraction to circles and squares in the work of my hands lately.

With the start of school has come some shifts and transitions as we busy ourselves once again for the time crunch of the bell in the a.m., then the afternoon quiet of homework, shuffling to sports and all things which occupy the lives of young ones.  

There is a coolness in the air and the seasons, well, as we know them in California, are once again coming to pass into the next...

With all the traditions and fun that Fall brings...I am focusing on
slowing down,
breathing a little deeper,
looking at what is right around me a bit closer,
and truly taking in the moments of wonder
that happen regularly. 

Staying 

straight front

true

upright

honest

 and just...

How about you?

I must be...

I

must 

be a 

mermaid...

I have no 

fear 

of depths 

and a 

great 

fear 

of

shallow

living.

~anais nin

Brand new sari wrapped bracelets making their way into my wee shop over the weekend...