k.o'brien jewelry

photo skill a day : days 11-17

2012-02-17T20:43:00.000-05:00

Here are my instafa.me photo skill a day shots. I find the photo skills to be far more of a challenge. Some days I know the subject I want to capture immediately, then other days I fumble around with different ideas until I find the right subject matter. But it always gets me to open my eyes.

day 11 : documentary #1 {night}
I plan on documenting parts of my day that are always the same.

day 12 : silhouette

day 13 : texture

day 14 : typography

day 15 : negative space

day 16 : positive space
clock by Chris Vicini + Charlotta Klingström

day 17 : high contrast {part 1}
black + white

day 17 : high contrast {part 2}
color

Enjoy!

follow me here.

photo a day challenge : days 11-17

2012-02-17T17:17:00.001-05:00

Here are my photos from fat mum slim's photo a day challenge. Enjoy!

day 11 : what makes me happy

day 12 : inside my closet {slitter belts, I don't leave home without one!}

day 13 : blue

day 14 : heart

day 15 : phone

day 16 {part 1} : something new {boots!}

day 16 {part 2} : something new {sunglasses!}

day 17 : time {5.august.2005 | time flies}

xo, kim
ps: follow me here.

studio brick

2012-02-16T13:15:00.000-05:00

Yet again I've realized that the path I take to my studio mailbox looks different to me every time.

I notice a shadow instead of the railing.

The repetition of color..

..and shapes.

I had long thought I came to the conclusion that I love our green doors against the rust colored brick..

..then I found this red door and can't decide which I love best.

I discovered this in a never before explored alley. I love the turquoise and pea green together. Also the contrast of how two very different materials age. Metal is overcome with moss while the wood gets weathered away.

I will never grow old of these stars.

All of the snow last year caused these new white marks and patterns on the exterior of the buildings. It makes me miss snow this year, but the patterns are quite pretty.

I will always find the silhouettes cast by the towers to be just dreamy.

happy thursday!

xo, kim

rainy day photos

2012-02-15T14:39:00.000-05:00

Even rainy, hazy, foggy days can be pretty ones.

enjoy!

xo, kim

wolfie + the sneak in our eating nook

2012-02-15T09:13:00.000-05:00

For some time now I've been coveting quite a few wolfie + the sneak prints. After much consideration I decided this was the one we absolutely needed.

4 seasons print

It turned out to be the perfect choice. Our new 4 seasons print graces the wall of our eating nook. Not just our wall, but our freshly painted wall! The colors are fabulous together and I love the size. Poster size is the way to go.

get shopping!

xo, kim

bus tunnel {of love}

2012-02-14T12:45:00.002-05:00

A couple of weekends ago husband and I strolled Thayer Street hand in hand with hot cocoa. Just like we did in 1997, the days of old. A lot has changed on Thayer Street. There are less mohawks, dr. martens and music shops. But there is still hot cocoa and us, holding hands.

bus tunnel | thayer street | providence, ri

happy valentine's day.

when you see a loved one, give their hand a squeeze.

xo, kim

just because

2012-02-14T09:42:00.000-05:00

just because I am a lucky girl.

I love that husband of mine.

happy tuesday!

xo, kim

save the usps 2012

2012-02-13T12:34:00.000-05:00

Another save the usps letter is ready to mail. This exchange is with the lovely and talented Eling, maker of cuteness at Migration Goods.

I need to stock up on some more heatherjeany stationery for this letter writing adventure. Her gocco printed stationery is always well received.

won't you please join us? email me at kobrienjewelry@gmail.com with your name and address. I'll send you some independently designed goodness with a Callie stamp for postage. Who can pass that up?

xo, kim

a neighborhood stroll

2012-02-13T09:21:00.000-05:00

My neighbor was feeling a little under the weather so she asked me to take her pup for a stroll.

It's been months since I've been able to walk Callie girl to the park so I didn't hesitate in saying yes.

I've missed the neighborhood. Watching plants slowly come to life or start to dry or decompose.

I love the cycle of the seasons and they have slipped past me.

I could take the walk alone, but it isn't the same. Without my girl, it is just too lonely.

But Boo was more than happy to sniff while I shot a few winter photos.

Not that the weather is all that winter-like.

But the leaves finally fell. And the park is bare.

And the winter weeds are lingering, waiting for true signs of spring.

and by spring, Callie girl will be up to walks again. a

nd this mama will be a happy one.

happy monday!

xo, kim

DIY: refinishing a neck form

2012-02-12T20:46:00.000-05:00

Like most jewelers I had one of those black velvet neck forms to display my necklaces on. Aside from hating it for being so generic {and it's ability to attract dust} it was also falling apart. So, I decided to remove it's black shroud to see what I could do to jazz it up a bit.

Taking it apart is pretty easy. Just find a corner that is coming undone and tear the fabric away.

It's easy, I promise!

I thought I was going to save the fabric I removed to use as a template for the new fabric. It turns out that I wasn't able to reupholster it in the same manner.

I cut the base out at least three times before I decided to refer to a bookbinding book to see how I should cut and fold the corners.

I used liquid stitch to attach the material to the frame. It seems to have done the trick.

I didn't apply the glue everywhere. On the base I only used glue on the top and back, not the sides. For the circle to the left I applied glue to the back only. With the dowel I put some on the front to hold the fabric still then allowed it to dry. On the board I only applied the glue to the back. I cut many notches out of the fabric to make the curves smoother. It was quite the task.

I then pushed the fabric into the groove with a screwdriver {super fancy technique!}.

I used some more liquid stitch to apply the circle to the fabric I stretched over the wooden board. After it dried overnight I woke up to find it temporarily put together. My husband thought it looked great and he wanted me to see it as soon as I woke up. He is ever so thoughtful. He even thought of how I would line up the pattern in the fabric to make the neck form look amazing.

I used some book cloth for the back. It is easy to cut and has a backing. It doesn't fray, it's super easy to work with and stuck like a charm with the help of sobo glue. The bottom of the base also has book cloth on it. The original finished piece had a waxy white paper and wasn't as durable.

Here it is modeling my daisy chain necklace on my bureau. I almost want to keep it for myself to display my personal jewelry collection. But I think it is best as part of my display, it will attract some attention.

Sorry to have missed a bunch of steps. It wasn't easy to do with two hands, never mind trying to hold a camera as well. All I can say is dive in, you will figure it out but it will take time.

happy sunday!

xo, kim

new stickers!

2012-02-11T09:59:00.001-05:00

I have been playing around with some new little extras for my packaging. I can't seem to stop coming up with uses for paper source labels, my typewriter and hand-carved stamps.

These little 'thank you.' stickers seal closed tiny envelopes with my words of gratitude typed onto a tiny card inside. These cards are included with shop orders and consignment shipments. I really can't thank folks enough for buying/selling handmade.

And I love the accent of this ruby star on the chartreuse paper.

I hand-cut these stars from old wine corks. I love the texture the cork creates!

This is generally how my packages are labeled. I do love handwriting a little message but realized that it may not work for reusing boxes and envelopes.

So, I bought some sticker paper from the paper source so I could make these sweet stickers any size or shape I wanted. And they can be removed for reusing shipping materials.

Of course I carved a heart in an old cork to make the look more, well, me.

This is a great project for days spent home waiting for your car to be fixed.

happy weekend!

xo, kim

ps: to see these in person, get shopping!

photo a day challenge : days 1-10

2012-02-10T15:42:00.000-05:00

Here's my fat mum slim inspired photo a day collection. They were all taken with instagram. Which ones are your favorites? I know mine...

day 1 : your view today
the view from my studio window

day 2 : words
I have a sneaker fetish

day 3 : hands
my favorite hand to hold. and i held it lots that day.

day 4 : strangers
seen while waiting at the bar for my hot cocoa. why doesn't thayer street have a good locally run cafe?

day 5 : 10am
morning snuggles with callie and husband

day 7 : button
one of my favorite buttons on my favorite brooch by made in lowell

day 8 : sun
sun filtering through the window onto the sill

day 9 : front door
front door to one of my favorite brunch + lunch spots.
also, i have major front door envy. we rent and don't get to choose chartreuse for our entrance.

day 10 : self portrait
my reflection

I may have purposely forgotten about day 6 : dinner. It may have something to do with me being busy caring for Callie who had just come home from surgery. It may have more to do with the fact that I cover my tracks. I present as a healthy eater but that may not be true.

Join us on our photo a day adventure here. And follow me here on instagram. I promise lots of cute photos of Callie and photos of handmade goodness.

xo, kim

photo skill a day : days 2-10

2012-02-10T13:13:00.000-05:00

I came across another photo a day challenge by instafa.me called photography skills. I really dig this project, it makes you look at every little thing you see in a different way, or every little thing I see through my instagram lens.

day 2 : shadow
shadow of a railing on the studio grounds

day 3 : portrait
me, part one

day 3 : portrait
me, part two

day 4 : pattern
radiator cover

day 5 : landscape
run down city scape in Providence

day 6 : motion
l'artisan cafe ceiling

day 7 : shape
triangle + circle

day 8 : still life
objects collected from neighborhood strolls

day 9 : S-Curve
railing in the city

day 10 : ordinary object
coffee measuring spoon by extraordinary makers, Beehive Kitchenware

You can find me on instagram as @kobrienjewelry.

Join us, won't you? Kim

Queen of Hearts

2012-02-08T00:59:00.000-05:00

I have a confession to make, I have a crush on the window display at the lovely Queen of Hearts.

Every once in a while they close for renovations, papering up the windows for a dramatic re-emergence.

Then the paper is pulled away from the windows to show off yet another display I am in love with.

This time I am in love with the colors. Bold and fierce, ready to fight the dark days of winter. Besides, what's more fun than drink umbrellas?

Their shop is just as lovely, these windows don't hold an empty promise. There's a butterfly shirt on the Modern Love side {their sister shop} that I've been dropping hints to husband about. I purposely didn't buy it to make his Valentine's shopping easier. {At least that is what I tell myself.}

happy wednesday!

xo, kim

save the usps 2012

2012-02-03T12:09:00.001-05:00

I received yet another save the usps card. I am loving this exchange!

This lovely letter is from Liz Smith of Made in Lowell. Liz is an amazing crafter and a supporter of handmade. She has an eye for quality and things made from passion and love of craft. True to her form she chose the perfect letterpress card for me and introduced me to an new artist at the same time. I am smitten with ilee papergoods. In fact, I plan on ordering these exact cards this weekend.

happy weekend!

what handmade items are you adoring?

xo, kim

a weekend stroll in warren Rhode Island

2012-02-01T12:38:00.000-05:00

This weekend husband and I spent many hours combing through thrift shops. I am going to be in a few new shops soon (hopefully Valentine's Day soon!) and I need some displays for one of them.

I heard that there were a few antique shops in Warren. Unfortunately, the one I was looking for closed 5 years ago but we had fun anyway.

I love this quaint little street.

There was one store front so full of items it was overwhelming.

The artist seems to have an affinity for religious icons.

And a liking for craftsman style lettering.

There was certainly a lot to take in.

My other reason for making Warren a destination was to see The Wooden Midshipman, another shop I will soon be selling in. I'm smitten with the space and the goods she has to offer. I left with a bracelet (I haven't left home without it yet) and some lovely hair pins that actually stay in my hair.

I'm sure you know that if there is iron work in the area I am going to photograph it.

The repetition mesmerizes me.

This building had some lovely vines...

...and colors.

And here I am, being a peeping tom.

I wonder what the spring or summer makes this vine look like?

I bet it really jazzes up the place.

And this drill press I fell in love with.

Warren has some interesting window displays.

Living in a city I miss little old hardware stores.

The shops where you can get screens repaired instead of replaced. They are usually housed in the quaintest of places too.

happy wednesday!

I can't wait to have my bling on this little street. I'm off to get making.

xo, kim

january photo a day : days 24-31

2012-01-31T15:19:00.001-05:00

I am a little late to the photo of the day game, so this is my first recap. All photos are taken/altered with instagram. I'm finding this challenge proposed by fat mum slim to be quite inspiring. My eyes are wide open ready to take in more of my daily life, looking for a different angle in which to capture the theme of the day. I set out with the topic in mind, trying not to go for the obvious keeping this fun challenge fresh.

day 24 : guilty pleasure... packing peanut butter oatmeal chocolate chip cookies in my lunch.

day 25 : something I made... new series of forget-me-not necklaces.

day 26 : colour... red + aqua, my new favorite color combination.

day 27 : lunch.. I stopped by Olga's for some coffee + a delightful seeded bagel.

day 28 : light... light shining through a textured window, creating shadows and depth to patterns.

day 29 : inside your fridge... my new avocado colored butter dish. it makes me feel all grown up.

day 30 : nature... I decided to capture nature indoors, mementos taken from walks, pieces of nature I just can't leave behind.

day 31 : me, again. this one I did on two parts. Me at home..

day 31 : me, again... me out and about, as most folks see me around town.

Won't you please join us? It's great fun. Maybe it is the little kid in me who misses homework assignments. I suppose it is about time I confess.. I am a nerd at heart.

xo, kim

so darn cute

2012-01-31T09:13:00.000-05:00

This little lady makes it ever so difficult to leave for work.

She knows the signs, my lunch is packed, I've collected my belongings and brought them to the door. And just then when you thought that cute face couldn't get cuter.

She pulls off a face that says, 'mama, please don't go' and my heart melts. Those brown eyes are pleading for attention. So I give her a few more scratches and belly rubs and a treat, tell her I love her and sadly slip off.

It's nice to be so loved.
happy tuesday!
xo, kim

my guest post over on a lil' expression

2012-01-31T00:07:00.001-05:00

I am delighted to announce that I was chosen as the first guest blogger in a new monthly series over on a lil' expression.

Here's a little sample to wet your whistle...

'What I love most about being a jeweler is the making. Using tools, playing with fire and getting good and dirty.'

There's more talk on my craft, what I love about it, what's challenging, what inspires me and how I get out of creative ruts.

Visit Tabitha over at her blog. Be sure to take some time to learn about her, browse her photography section and take a peek at what's on her reading list. Soon enough she will be doing a guest post here but why not stop by now and introduce yourself.

Thanks, Tabitha. I look forward to learning more about you on my little blog.

xo, kim

January Photo A Day # 30 : Nature

2012-01-30T21:07:00.000-05:00

As an avid user of Intagram I had been wondering what the tag #janphotoaday was all about as I scrolled through my feed. Then the lovely Linda of à la mode stuff explained the photo a day challenge she was partaking in. Chantelle of Fat Mum Slim has come up with an inspirational list of themes for us followers to capture each day. Thus far, today's theme was my favorite. Nature.

These are sweet little pine cones from Arnold Arboretum in Jamaica Plain. They sit with my other dried winter weeds collection right outside the coat closet.

Being winter and all there isn't much thriving outdoors.

So I decided to take some photos of nature which has been brought indoors.

Most of these photos are of natural objects collected by my neighbors.

They decorate the windowsills for which I am grateful.

But I have my own collection in my studio and home.

I keep objects I want to fabricate in metal.

Or pieces that I want to have cast.

Above are eucalyptus pods that I've had cast into silver. They've been around for a few years, waiting to be enameled and made into jewelry.

Today's theme was so inspiring that I couldn't take just one photo. Once I started thinking of how to overcome the dilemma of capturing nature in it's weakest season I realized that I've surrounded myself with pieces I've collected on walks. It seems I am not alone by the looks of our back porch.

In the future I am planing on sharing a weekly wrap up of my photos of the day here on my blog. Why don't you partake in the fun? Get your inspiration here.

happy monday!

xo, kim

toil + trouble, keeping me cozy

2012-01-25T11:50:00.000-05:00

I made a special trip home yesterday to get these lovely mitts from my mailbox. I just couldn't wait to get my special order from Ana of toil and trouble.

I am smitten with them. The color is perfect, the texture is divine and they are perfectly cozy.

This isn't my first positive experience with Ana. She made a lovely cowl for me back in December. There's a long story but the cowl ended up being my mother-in-law's christmas gift. My husband had already gotten me a winter cowl and gently persuaded me to hand my beloved cowl over to his mother. Once she opened it and fell in love with it herself I was happy to share Ana's handmade knits. It was well received.

Take a look at Ana's etsy shop. You will be smitten too!

xo, kim

a little girl's adventures

2012-01-24T09:49:00.000-05:00

My wish came true, I finally got a Jen Corace letterpress print to hang on my wall.

I've actually had it for nearly a year now but it is newly framed and hung on my freshly painted bedroom wall. Right by my side of the bed, over my reading light, just the perfect place to inspire sweet dreams.

happy tuesday!

xo, kim

and sweet dreams. may they be full of grand adventures.

snow pup

2012-01-23T20:40:00.000-05:00

Here's my girl....

She couldn't be happier!

I'd say enjoy the snow but it's nearly gone.

xo, kim

maisonwares love

2012-01-23T10:05:00.000-05:00

During the few minutes I had to browse while vending at Bazaar Bizarre I fell in love with these switch plate covers by Ryan Marie of Maisonwares.

For months husband and I had been trying to find the perfect colors to paint our apartment. We settled on aqua for the living room and a greyish lilac for the bedroom. This fabulous umbrella switch plate cover (with a matching outlet cover) is now gracing the walls of our eating nook (which is part of the living room).

And this sweet cover is in our bedroom. It looks lovely against the grey/lilac.

Once we settle on colors for the rest of our apartment I'll be back for more. I'm also putting an apron by maisonwares on my wish list. Take a peek at her store. What do you see adorning your home?

happy monday!

xo, kim

save the usps 2012

2012-01-22T20:53:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago on twitter the lovely Sarah Coyne of eggagogo started a call out to gather addresses for her campaign of saving the usps through letter writing.

I immediately jumped at the chance to get in on the fun and sent out my own request for addresses. Callie Rose and I got some cards together. We sent out a mix of our own handmade winter cards, heatherjeany stationery, and jill bliss cards. One of my secret indulgences is stationery and I was happy to send part of my collection out into the world.

Seeing as Callie did such a great job posing for the stamp used to help save the usps, I thought she should have her name in with the return address.

In case I haven't told you before, Callie has her own last name.

And the best part of this campaign is my letters just starting arriving! I am amazed at the effort these other ladies put into their parcels. Picking stationery, writing personal notes full of encouraging words..

..and even putting together sweet care packages. This one is from Tabitha of a lil expression and tbell photography. This is one of my favorites. Even her business card is adorable.

If you'd like to join in on the fun send your name and address along to kobrienjewelry@gmail.com with the subject of 'save the usps 2012'. I'd be happy to send some more stationery out into the world. And there are still some Callie stamps left which should be even more incentive to email me.

I've been thinking of extending the fun and sending out monthly letters. It gives me a good excuse to buy more stationery. It keeps us corresponding on a more personal level. It keeps the usps working.
Are you in?

xo, kim

in need of cheering up

2012-01-20T14:48:00.000-05:00

I'm in need of some cheering up today. Life has been challenging lately. One thing I can always count on to cheer me up is spending time with my Callie Girl.

We have been cuddling a lot lately. Mostly on the floor since our girl still has an injured knee and can't jump on the bed in the mornings. I have really been missing our walks. I miss the time with her and the time exploring our city, capturing it all with my phone to return home to share with you. But what I am grateful for is that our girl may have an injury but she doesn't show it. She is still happy, playful, cuddly and loving. Callie still thinks she is a puppy and loves life. I have a lot to learn from this pup.

i hope these pictures warm your heart a little.

happy friday, kim

just because

2012-01-19T10:39:00.000-05:00

Last week I got some tulips from husband, just because...

Tulips are one of my favorites.

{Odd little fact, they continue growing after you cut them and put them in water.}

happy thursday!

xo, kim

winter weeds + brick

2012-01-18T20:18:00.000-05:00

Here are some lovely winter weeds, some from Wayland Square and others from my studio grounds.

Enjoy!

And I threw in some brick pictures for good measure.

happy wednesday.

I'm really hoping we get snow this weekend.

xo, kim

winter blooms

2012-01-13T13:52:00.000-05:00

In the early fall I bought some amaryllis bulbs. I set out to get something to brighten up the studio but found myself buying two bulbs, one for home and one for work. The one at home quickly flourished, while the erratic heating at the studio caused an early demise for that plant. I don't think it will be the same again.

It bloomed early and was it ever pretty while it lasted. I am hoping there is another stalk waiting to come out when winter decides to arrive. I'd like some pretty blooms to look at while it's snowing outside.

happy friday the 13th.

xo, kim

handmade holiday, what I treated myself to..

2012-01-03T20:24:00.000-05:00

I started my handmade holiday early. While it was still warm and sunny I ordered myself a little houses coat. I wanted a longer coat and I wanted to indulge in a little houses coat so it was a match made in heaven.

You can't tell here but it clears my bottom. No lower back draft for me. She was also sweet enough to line the cowl because this girl can't deal with wool touching her skin. I am in dire need of a better picture of me in this coat. It fits like a dream and I get many compliments on it.

Once I had my new coat I needed some accessories for it. After perusing Liz Smith's booth at Bazaar Bizarre I couldn't get this heart brooch out of my head.

Now I have myself a Made In Lowell brooch for my new coat. I'm smitten! It is the perfect shade of orange with green stitching. That crafty Liz has an eye for color.

I came across this bag by accident. I swear I was looking for a gift for someone but the lace had me mesmerized. So, I came home from Mass Market with a Forest Bound bag and I haven't looked back since.

I just had to accent it with this pin from Rar Rar Press. That's right.

Have I mentioned that it is dangerous to live so close to Craftland? I never seem to deliver a batch of bling without buying something. While chatting with the sweet Devienna I tried on some Candy Thief headbands. On that day I left empty handed, rare I know. When I returned for meet the artist night I left with this headband. I'm in love.

Looking back it seems I may have an addiction to buying handmade.
There are worse things in life to get hooked on.
xo, kim

taking time for me

2012-01-02T15:32:00.001-05:00

I spent a nice long day at the cable car cinema and cafe. Many bagels and lots of good coffee were consumed. Blog posts were written and I was able to sit and relax in a cozy cafe in my city.

I love my new spot, it may just be my office when I have to catch up on paperwork. I left the cafe to a lovely sunset and quarter moon. The city was just beginning to sparkle.

happy monday!

xo, kim

DIY finger paints

2012-01-02T09:15:00.000-05:00

I found this finger paint recipe here on pinterest. As I have never before used finger paints I felt the instructions needed a little more, shall we say, instruction. The ingredients listed below are what I started with. Since I was making two batches of six colors and had some trial and error problems I made one batch to start, tripled this the second time and then made one final batch for good measure.

I started with these ingredients in a saucepan on medium heat.

It started out looking like warm milk. I made certain to mix most of the time it was heating, mashing up areas where the cornstarch started to thicken first.

Once it is all heated and fully incorporated it takes on the texture of petroleum jelly. Since I was mixing all the while it is pretty consistent.

I removed enough to fill one 5 ounce spice jar {bought from Ikea} and put it in a pyrex mixing bowl. I didn't have a small spatula so I used a plastic spoon to mix the color. The food coloring was a gel colorant used for cake icing. {Had I been making these for toddlers who may want to sample it I would have used a natural food colorants. I'm not all that into red #4.} There wasn't a hard and fast rule to the amount of color I added, just enough to achieve a rich, consistent hue.

Also, I found that while I was mixing the colors it helped to keep the remaining uncolored paint in a covered saucepan. It was much easier and consistent to mix while warm. I scooped them into the spice jars while warm too. As I had to add water to the first batch because I didn't think to cover the pan while I was mixing colors it started to thicken too much as it cooled. I thought any condensation that built up while the colors were in their jars would help keep them moist and consistent.

And here we are, I decided to mix secondary colors for my nephews. They are 5 and 6, color theory can wait a few years. For now, they just need to have some fun and get their fingers dirty.

Right before it was time to deliver these I realized I hadn't thought of packaging. Then I came across some clementine crates. I wrapped them up in holiday paper, used some tissue paper inside for padding and addressed them with my ever so favorite paper source labels. Of course these were given with rolls of paper from Ikea. When it comes to supplies that place can't be beat. I just hope they have enough paint to fill the roll.

I thought some of you may still have some kiddos home on vacation so I shared it sooner rather then later. This is a easy way to keep them busy and maybe even play along. For one time use you could easily get away with a batch or two instead of my hefty 12 jar quota.

happy monday!

xo, kim

happy new year from Callie Rose

2011-12-31T12:37:00.000-05:00

the sweetest face around has a new year greeting for you...

here's a few tips on how to live like a Callie girl..

*when someone does something to make you happy show it. if you don't have a tail to wag, smile or give a hug. people like hugs.

*greet those you love like you haven't seen them in ages. I prefer to get a toy and dance and squeak but hugs, hellos and exclamations of 'it's so good to see you' are perfectly acceptable. don't ever let those people forget just how much you appreciate them in your life.

*dance like no one is watching. let loose, you only live once. and dancing with a partner is even better!

*always be excited to go someplace new. be happy for adventures in the car. some rides end up someplace scary like the vet but others bring you to pretty cities and with new smells and yummy food.

*always find time to snuggle. it's nice to feel loved and give love in return. there is always time in your busy day for a snuggle. and I promise, it'll make your day better.

*spend more time outside sniffing and getting to know your surroundings. once i get my knee surgery and recover i vow to go for lots of walks and know where every last dog in the neighborhood likes to pee. while i do this mom gets to take pictures which inspire her work and she samples coffee in new neighborhoods. exercise and inspiration go a long way to living the zen life.

*and think of yourself first. for instance, when an itch comes on when your mama is calling you to eat, stop and scratch that itch. take care of yourself first so you can give your loved ones your full attention when you answer their call. if you treat yourself well, you will be even better to the ones you love.

happy new year!

xo, Callie Rose

{yes, mama gave me my own last name}

handmade holiday, gifts given

2011-12-29T10:22:00.000-05:00

Every year I kick myself for not writing down the names of every last artisan I bought gifts from. I need to start making lists and taking pictures of what I buy as some folks don't have all of their goods on their websites. {Imagine the horror!}

Without further ado, here are the pictures I could round up....

My aunts got "you rule" ornaments by Sew Mary Ann. The absolute perfect gift!

And for the lady who helps keep Callie fur from our floors, I bought her a little something to jazz up her sewing routine. Made in Lowell's work is just darling. She always seems to have the right gift for someone on your list.

Husband's brother, now residing in Sweden, needed something stylish to keep the chill away. We found this cowl at Craftland by Pip Robins. I couldn't have hand-picked the color combo better myself. Upon finding it I thought it looked custom made for him.

It seems that not a year can go by that I don't leave Twist without something from Beehive Kitchenware. This year I got my father this heart spatula. Yes, my father! It reminded me of weekends at his house, where mornings turned into afternoon while we talked over coffee and pancakes. He is manly enough to carry it off, I promise!

Nephew number five is on the way, his January due date is approaching and fast. When I saw this onesie by eggagogo, I knew it was perfect for the newest member of the family.

For my niece who loves her skirts and high heels I got her some tea party cookies and cakes for her play kitchen. They were perfectly girly and so well packaged. I was delighted to find out she had a play kitchen, I've been looking for a reason to buy something made by Jar of Wonder.

This vase isn't the exact same one that I got for my step-mother but it's the closest I could find. As always, I am late giving gifts, this was meant for her birthday. But she was just as happy to get it on christmas filled with red and white tulips. Taylor Ceramics has a nice, clean aesthetic. The flowers and vase never compete, they just compliment each other.

Not pictured but just as adored, a clutch by pink lemonade boutique for my niece in Sweden. It's a sweet little bird pouch I filled with ....

...an "f" initial brooch in fuchsia...

...and some buttered toast with a smile by migration goods. I'm pretty sure my blue-eyed Swedish niece will love it.

As always, I kept my vow and bought handmade.

happy thursday!

xo, kim

handmade holiday for husband

2011-12-28T13:48:00.000-05:00

I was so behind on holiday preparations this year {family + business wise} so I spent the end of autumn making jewelry nearly every waking hour. Finally at my last fair, Mass Market, I was able to sneak away from my booth to score some good handmade loot. And for a small fair there were so many amazing choices.

I got this sweet embroidered print from closer to the ocean. She had some great options on display but I knew that I needed this one for my husband. This one went to work with him to sit on his desk. Pretty sweet!

Union Press was across from me at Mass Market. When husband left to get some lunch I jumped at the chance to get him this print. It's simple, to the point and perfect. I only wish that I had more time to look the rest of the prints Union Press had to offer. The selection looked amazing from where I was sitting.

i'll be back with more handmade gifts given and received.

xo, kim

happy christmas!

2011-12-25T09:32:00.000-05:00

It's been a few years now since we've made our own cards but we went all out this year.

I bought some linoleum blocks thinking that we would carve them.

In the end we cut triangles from pieces of rubber blocks and mounted them to the back of the lino blocks.

I had fun mixing the paint.

And using a briar for the very first time!

{well I guess I did give one a little roll on the moveable type truck} so this is the first time I've used one all on my own like a big girl.

I wasn't happy with any of the green paint options so I mixed some gold in with the basic green. Each tree was a slightly different shade but they all shimmered.

I enjoyed seeing progress.

And the third tree got some silver mixed in.

I couldn't make a card without it looking like it was covered in metal dust.

I really loved hanging them on the clothes line to dry. I felt so accomplished.

It seems that we needed more than triangles with stumps. So, I cut some stars from an old cork.

And the trees were topped. We used a regular old ink pad for the stars and stumps. It seemed easier considering the size.

Keeping with tradition we made our Callie stamp. It's been seven years now that we put our girl's face on the postage. I have family members who collect her stamps. The first year we did it we received a ton of compliments. While everyone was discussing the Callie stamp one of my aunts asked how everyone liked the stamps she made of her kids. No one noticed those. Callie proved to win the popularity contest.

And yes, Rose would be Callie's last name. I thought she deserved her own name when we got her, one pretty enough to suit her. And she gets her place on the return address right near our names.

{To any recipients out there with typos, the "a" key sticks, it isn't my fault. Really!}

Finally, my completed pile. Signed, sealed and ready to deliver.

happy christmas! happy everything and anything you celebrate!

xo, kim + callie too

happy christmas eve

2011-12-24T10:17:00.000-05:00

Our city is all lit up and festive this time of year. I love it this way!

happy christmas eve.

I hope you are happy wherever the night takes you.

xo, kim

city of hope

2011-12-23T11:06:00.001-05:00

A lot has changed since I moved to my city. I was full of hope and dreams. I thought my business would soar and I'd be part of the craftiest communities around.

It's a case of the grass looks greener.... But one thing that never changes is my love for the city.

And I certainly wouldn't leave it to return to the country.

It's simply beautiful and I can't help from hoping it will treat me well someday soon.

Maybe it just has different plans for me than I had for it.

pretty vague, but at the very least enjoy the pictures and happy friday.

xo, kim

pea green + sapphire blue

2011-12-22T21:30:00.000-05:00

I came across these green poms at whole foods and new I couldn't leave without them.

They make my day a little brighter.

happy thursday!

xo, kim

rose colored city of providence

2011-12-20T10:16:00.002-05:00

I apparently spent a day and a half taking photos with a rose colored lens. That's what happens when you are too busy to check your phone's photo album to see how your life has looked over the past few weeks.

They have a more nostalgic feel than I would generally go for yet I am starting to appreciate them as a collection. My rose colored Providence, I'd take this city under any hue.

happy tuesday!

xo, kim

ps: I've been catching up on life, holiday cards are waiting for stamps and some gifts are wrapped and ready for shipping. Now, maybe there will be snow in our future. That'll feel like winter and this girl will be happy. After all winter is just a day away.

late autumn city photos

2011-12-19T10:36:00.007-05:00

Just some adoration of my city in late autumn.

I am sure you've learned not to expect much more than neighborhood photos on here by now.

{With the exception of Callie pictures, flowers and bling of course.}

I love the change of seasons. Bare trees frame buildings with their jagged lines instead of shading them.

happy monday!

xo, kim

brick red + lichen green

2011-12-18T10:11:00.001-05:00

I rarely look up from my work bench at the studio. Once I get into a groove, I don't stop. One of the few things I try and do is get out to check the mail, allowing myself some fresh air. Somehow that short walk along the same path always provides me with something new to look at.

I notice something new every time. This last stroll and new roll of "film" made me see the contrast of the lichen green against the brick red. Sometimes the green is vibrant, nearing emerald and other times it has faded to lichen. I prefer the softer hue. {And I love the focused centers blurring to the edges of the photograph. This is my new favorite film even if it's meant for foodies and I photograph brick.}

happy sunday!

xo, kim

winter lights

2011-12-17T21:10:00.000-05:00

I always love the city at night. Maybe more so in the winter.

Everything seems all the more festive. Shop windows are done up nice. I may actually enjoy this time of year, now if only the holidays didn't get in the way.

happy weekend!
xo, kim

still in bloom

2011-12-10T11:28:00.000-05:00

I have a confession to make. I stop into Olga's a few times a week to get their sourdough rolls. Since I am making a confession I'll go all the way... I also get coffee, an occasional seeded bagel, and something sweet, my newest favorite being the cocoa rugelach. But the indulgent secret is that I use the sourdough for lunch to make my super yummy cheese and butter sandwich. That's right, cheese and butter sandwich. And this is nearly an everyday lunch item for me. I'd like to think that I learned this from my grandmother but made it healthier. She was famous for putting butter on powdered doughnuts and graham crackers. I add cheese, protein, now that's nutrition!

Now onto the flowers, these yellow coneflowers are still in bloom in the lovely courtyard at Olga's.

One of my favorite parts of visiting the land of indulgent treats is seeing what is in bloom in the nooks and crannies of the brick eating area.

I do love seeing these flowers hanging around. I just wonder what will come of them next year. Yesterday as I was leaving a metalsmith supply shop I saw a tree with the smallest pink blooms peeking out from it's branches. Is nature ever confused. Will this unseasonably warm weather mess with spring next year?

So, you have my secrets. I've spilled them all. For years I've been tricking the likes of you with my vegetarian diet giving the false impression of healthy eating. But it's really all butter, cheese and sweets.

happy weekend!

don't forget to visit me at Mass Market on Sunday.

xo, kim

Thank you, Boston!

2011-12-05T17:02:00.000-05:00

After a gloomy start towards Boston this past Sunday morn it turns out that not turning around and climbing back into bed was the best decision I've made this whole year. We don't need to discuss the details of the gloomy start but trying to make up for time with speedy driving only made us arrive late to the amazing venue that is Bazaar Bizarre Boston.

photo of the masses thanks so Sarah Coyne of egg-a-go-go

It was a busy day, a complete blur of selling bling and wrapping pretty little boxes up with twine. I got to meet some twitter friends in real life, found a few spare minutes to chat with some favorite crafters and even do some handmade holiday shopping. Once I was home and settled, I tallied the day up to discover that Bazaar Bizarre Boston was my best sale ever. And since the seven hours of selling was such a whirlwind I didn't realize until today, while entering what little inventory I had left, that there were some products that definitely hit the spot in Boston.

It seems that my favorite neighboring city is smitten with green. These box earrings were a huge hit. So much so that I was glad I had some wire already cut, with the edges smoothed and tumbled for spring tucked away in my totes. I made a few extra pairs of these olive jade box earrings in the rare moments between rushes of customers. In the end even making on the spot wasn't enough, I sold out.

First frost was a huge hit as well. These are on my to make list for this week. I'm pretty excited that my new winter colors were so warmly welcomed. It really warms this bling makers heart when new work sells out.

I brought back these silver lining earrings from retirement. Am I ever glad I did, they sold really well. So much so that I need to get some supplies to make these fast. I wouldn't want to set up shop at Mass Market on the 11th without them.

So, Boston, let's meet up again this Sunday at Mass Market! I'll be restocked and ready for action!

xo, kim

and thanks for making my holiday making season bright!

{to see these items in my shop click on the photos}

MG ruins

2011-12-02T00:21:00.000-05:00

There's always something new to find on our studio grounds. This week on my way to check the mail I came across this skeleton of an MG. If it's still there within the next week I plan on taking some more pictures. There are close ups and details I want to capture. It is a melancholy subject but it still holds some of its beauty.

happy friday!

xo, kim

ps: I'll be selling my bling this Sunday at Bazaar Bizarre.

I'd love for you to visit me in one of my favorite cities.

a little last bit of autumn

2011-11-24T09:58:00.000-05:00

I am so grateful to have gotten in this amazing autumn stroll.

Everything is gleaming in gold.

With emerald still lingering.

It's a stunning combination.

Grass is still nice and green through the fallen leaves.

It's hard to believe that we already got snow.

And this particular day felt more like spring.

But I will take what I can get. With all of the making I've been doing it's hard to find time to get outside and breathe in fresh air. I'm grateful for crisp breezes and bursts of color. If only I allowed myself this time more often. Next year, and this time I mean it, I will take better care of myself. I will let my life creep back into my schedule, take time to breathe, relax and use my muscles for something other than hammering. This is a promise I vow to keep.

happy autumn!

xo, kim

an east side stroll + a french bulldog

2011-11-24T01:58:00.000-05:00

This past week I took le petit chien, also known as Emmett, for a little stroll.

I guess his neighbor was holding an impromptu used book sale on their stone wall.

Back to le petit chein, it is funny to actually walk a dog. See, it is usually Callie that walks me.

And Emmett doesn't mind one bit if I stop to take pictures.

He doesn't pull in the opposite direction to sniff something more interesting.

He perks his bat ears up even more to be on the lookout for a new adventure.

And he has a photogenic neighborhood. With good coffee nearby. And the best chocolate croissants.

Aren't these doorbells charming?

But this letter slot wins in the charm department. I have letter slot envy.

And, well, I am just a weird gal who is attracted to rusted, deteriorating metal.

I left le petit chien to go get that amazing coffee and even better croissant. He was sad to see me go. I bet he knew I would have snuck him a crumb or two (without any chocolate on it of course).

I've never been in this bakery. It's the sign I'm smitten with. Do you have a favorite treat here? I'd love a recommendation.

This is my absolute favorite rooftop on the east side.

In fact, this photo pales in comparison to the one above.

I just realized the time, this girl needs some shut eye. After all, I am the hostess of the turkey and non-turkey festivities tomorrow.

xo, kim

mini cyclamen

2011-11-20T09:35:00.001-05:00

I found this itty bitty cyclamen I just needed to take home with me.

They are perfectly sweet.

And they remind me of my florist days.

To me, cyclamen have always looked like flowers blown inside-out from heavy winds.

This has always been my favorite shade, magenta with white edges.

happy sunday!

xo, kim

let's twist again

2011-11-19T21:59:00.000-05:00

Last weekend this family of three ventured to Northampton to vend at Twist Fair.

Here's my setup with all of my new new winter hues.

{not that you can see them, but I promise, they are there!}

One of my favorite parts of Twist, is the disco ball. When the ball spins, the fun starts.

And here's Callie, the official canine sponsor of Twist! Callie and husband kept each other company while I was off selling my bling. They were great at delivering food, hugs and smiles.

Maybe I should have had a warning about this photo, it's quite intimidating. This year there was a photo booth for the crafters to go be silly and have some fun in. Eling {of migration goods} and I decided to be space terrorist. Well, I may have bullied our sweet Eling into acting as a terrorist with me. Either way, this is one priceless photo. I adore this crafty western arts gal. Her work is so darn cute and she makes for the best of company.

Next up, my favorite Twist vendors.

Happy Saturday!

xo, kim

callie rose

2011-11-18T13:42:00.000-05:00

My blog has been slow running as of late. My Callie girl has been under the weather and we don't get out for our adventures in the city. Therefore, I take far less photos than usual.

A few weeks ago miss Rose hurt her knee while on a jaunt with her daddy. She let out a yelp and hasn't made a peep over pain since. She is one strong little lady. It seems she tore her cruciate ligament. So, it's been lots of bed rest for this girl. We've been taking good care of her, mixing up supplements in yogurt to slip them into her food and taking her for acupuncture or as we call it, pupupuncture. As always, Callie Rose takes everything with a wag of the tail and with big puppy eyes. We still get dances with her toys when we get home from work, always the gracious hostess giving you the warmest welcome you'll ever receive. She knows just the right thing to make your day better, sweetness and love.

Here's to short walks and a speedy recovery!

xo, kim + callie too

war of the roses

2011-11-18T09:13:00.000-05:00

Autumn may have arrived with snow in the forecast, but these roses are winning the war.

They are still soaking up the little sun they can and dancing in the autumn breeze...

..enjoying one last party before they rest during the frosty winter.

happy, happy friday!

xo, kim

weathered oranges

2011-11-18T00:40:00.000-05:00

It seems like I take a lot of the same paths and always notice something new.

While checking the studio mail I realized these weathered orange hues.

The patterns and textures are pretty impressive on their own.

But the wash of color makes it all come together.

It's funny, I love urban photography but I'm such a sucker for flowers too. Guess I'm just a girl who can't make up her mind.

xo, kim

city sights

2011-11-09T09:07:00.000-05:00

Here are a few photos of my city.

Yeah, I'm still head over heals in love.

This may be my favorite building in Pawtucket. It could have something to do with the name of a metal being posted at least twice on it. Ahhhhh, metal.

happy wednesday!

xo, kim

more 'just because'

2011-11-08T14:16:00.001-05:00

I have to say, he loves me!

even through his cold and feeling crummy, husband stops on his way home to get some flowers...

'just because'

i'm one lucky lady.

oxalis shadows

2011-11-08T08:59:00.002-05:00

On Sunday I noticed this shadow cast on our wall from the oxalis living in the windowsill.

Husband saw me approaching the wall with my camera and immediately called out "good eye!" He knew what I was up to.

The results fascinate me. It looks like a charcoal drawing

done on grey textured paper. The sort that you use white chalk to make highlights on, a la middle school drawing class. Only, this is way classier.

happy tuesday!
xo, kim

happy, happy autumn

2011-11-07T23:58:00.000-05:00

Monday morning I went for a short walk. Finally, I got to take in autumn.

Trees are ablaze in gold...

...a lovely contrast to the blue sky.

My walk was a triumphant one. I've finally reached 100 sales on etsy! I set out to drop my packages off at the pickup and to celebrate with a coffee.

I am at last, feeling better. I thought something was terribly wrong with my sales being so slow.

Then Saturday night after dinner and games with friends I came home to three etsy sales, the third being sale number one hundred. {She's getting an extra shiny object in her order!}

I spent the rest of the morning editing some photos of new work. Keep checking into my shop as I will be adding a few pieces a day.

happy autumn!

xo, kim