Botanical Bird

Hawthorne Street fair, Sun Aug 28th!! 11-5

2011-08-26T08:25:00.000-07:00

Hey Portlanders, it's time for the annual Hawthorne street fair again!

This is a free event in Portland, Oregon, with fun for all!
Music, food, arts and crafts, a fabulous way to spend your day, come check it out.

Multnomah Days Street Fair- Sat Aug 20th!! Free Event

2011-08-19T12:01:00.000-07:00

Hey Portland friends!

Sat. Aug 20th is Multnomah Days!! (that's tomorrow)

This Free annual event is held each year in August in downtown Multnomah village.
This fab street fair is complete with a parade which starts at 10:00 AM, along with 150+ arts and crafts vendors and food vendors, a beer garden and live music!

More info and map:
http://www.1859oregonmagazine.com/oregon-calendar/index.php/name/Multnomah-Days/event/8193/

Congrats!! to the Winner of the $50 Jewelry Giveaway - Rebecca (beattyrl)

2011-08-06T18:59:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Rebecca!!

Winner of the $50 Gift Certificate to Botanical Bird!

To be used only online at www.botanicalbird.etsy.com
(not redeemable with any other sales or promos, no cash back given)

Many thanks to all who participated, please keep an eye out for upcoming giveaways and promotions!

Contest winner was randomly chosen by, Randomm.org

Birthday Giveaway!! $50.00 Gift Certificate

2011-07-22T08:15:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone the sun is out! It's my birthday! and well, I'm just feeling darn good today!

For my birthday, I've decided to celebrate by doing another big giveaway!
One lucky winner will receive a $50 gift certificate, to be spent at Botanical Bird. (Gift certificate valid through Oct 31, 2011)

Botanical Bird

In order to enter please go to my store and let me know your favorite item, by leaving your comments here, which is good for 1 entry.

For extra entries:

Blog about this contest- 2 extra entries

Twitter this contest- 1 extra entry

Facebook post- 1 extra entry

Follow my blog- 1 extra entry

Drawing will be held on Aug 6th! (drawing will be randomly selected)
the more entries, the better your chances...good luck!

Mississippi Street Fair...July 9th!!

2011-07-02T09:08:00.000-07:00

Hey Portland Peeps!

Come check out the Mississippi Street Fair on Sat, July 9th!!
This is an awesome free festival, featuring 32 bands, 100+ vendors and more....
Come say hi, Botanical Bird will be selling on Mississippi Street, between Fremont and Beech.

Etsy Treasury List

2011-06-03T20:33:00.000-07:00

Easter on Etsy

2011-04-21T07:59:00.000-07:00

Here are some Easter lovelies currently on Etsy!
Happy Spring!!
Happy Easter!!

Whichgoose
GoGo Vintage
Teka and Zoe

Cozy finds for Winter in Cream!

2011-01-05T07:10:00.000-08:00

Here are some lovelies to keep you cozy this winter. All of these items are handmade and can be found on Etsy.com

Here is a sweet crocheted bag, complete with a fabulous silk ribbon woven through the top, so lovely!

Bag is by: LovelyCrochet
http://www.etsy.com/listing/31759351/clutch-in-ivory-cream-with-ribbon

Next is a super beautiful crocheted shawl in cream, it's simply stunning!

Shawl is by: ClariceOnline
http://www.etsy.com/listing/54502022/shawl-the-bubble-cream

and lastly is a soft and lovely pair of creamy fingerless gloves, finished with sweet little pink bows.

Gloves are by: Happiknits
http://www.etsy.com/listing/41596033/ahimsa-handknit-fingerless-gloves-free

Friday Freebies!! 6/11/10

2010-06-11T07:49:00.000-07:00

Hi all,
Today's Friday Freebies are:

Receive a Free necklace valued at $22 or less when you spend $44 at Botanical Bird
or
Receive a Free pair of earrings valued at $14 or less when you spend $24 at Botanical Bird

Please be sure to mention Friday Freebies on the etsy invoice in order to redeem this offer! Then let me know which necklace or earrings you would like for your freebie, please do not put your freebie in your cart...thanks!

ENTER STORE: Click Here>>: Botanical Bird

Winner!! of $50 Gift Certificate to Botanical Bird is "Julie"

2010-03-31T18:49:00.000-07:00

A big Congrats to Julie, who is the winner of the $50 gift certificate to Botanical Bird!! Details will be sent to you shortly.

Thank you to everyone who participated, and be sure to keep an eye out for my up coming giveaways!

Winner was chosen by:
Random.org - number generator

$50.00 Spring Jewelry Giveaway!!!

2010-03-14T10:06:00.000-07:00

I've decided to celebrate the coming of Spring with a really nice giveaway!
One lucky winner will receive a $50 gift certificate, to be spent at my etsy store, Botanical Bird.

In order to enter please go to my store and let me know your favorite item, by leaving your comments here, which is good for 1 entry.
(Gift certificate valid through Oct 31, 2010)

For extra entries:

Blog about this contest- 2 extra entries

Twitter this contest- 1 extra entry

Facebook post- 1 extra entry

Drawing will be held on March 31st! (drawing will be randomly selected)
the more entries, the better your chances...good luck!

HAPPY SPRING!!!

Spring time in the Pacific Northwest

2010-03-12T09:34:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited that Spring has decided to arrive a little early this year and as far as I'm concerned the earlier the better! We have what is considered to be a temperate climate here in Portland, Oregon. We enjoy (don't always use this adjective) our fair share of rain during the winter and spring months, but of course this is why we have such lush green vegetation all around us. Because of our climate we can grow a huge variety of plants, which is certainly right up my alley!

When I moved to my current house, I created a good size flower bed just outside my studio window, where I am able to view it perfectly. I have a nice mix of perennial flowers and herbs and I plug in some flowering annuals every year as well. Currently in full bloom, there are muscari or grape hyacinth, daffodils, blue hyacinth, snow drops, pansies and primroses. I'm just so thrilled to once again be able to look out my window and see some color again. Later this month I will be attending the Woodburn tulip festival, where many acres of various tulips will be in full bloom, it is truly spectacular!! The pictures below were taken there and at Skagit valley.

Valentines day.....a time for Love!

2010-01-15T09:15:00.000-08:00

With valentines day quickly approaching I am reminded that love is in the air! So many of us celebrate V-Day in one way or another, though it does seem that many have mixed feelings about it, depending upon whether or not they have a sweetheart. Well I say fooey on that, you don't need to have a sweetie to revel in the magic of the day.
When I was a child I use to make hand painted valentine cards and give them to my family and friends. I remember the utter joy I had creating them and then seeing people light up when they received them. To this day I still send out valentine cards to family and friends and in this way I am sending my love out to those I love and care about, not just to my sweetheart.

With all of these thoughts of love in mind, I am also reminded of compassion and the importance of practicing this daily. I would like to take this opportunity to say that my heart goes out to the people of Haiti during this time of unimaginable sadness. I believe it is so important for people around the world to help the people in Haiti and now is the time to do so. Below is a list of stellar relief organizations where you can make donations. If you have already done so, the people of Haiti thank you!

Disaster relief organizations:
www.MercyCorp.org
www.OxFam.org
www.redcross.org
www.doctorswithoutborders.org

" Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive."

- Dalai Lama

OMG......it's a Valentine giveaway!!!

2010-01-13T08:10:00.000-08:00

The reason for the omg, is that I have totally ignored my blog since Sept, as in I did no blogging whatsoever since then. However I'm planning to get back into it more often, as time allows. To celebrate my return back to blog land I am giving away a lovely pair of vintage earrings.

GIVEAWAY!!
Up for grabs is this lovely pair of vintage faceted red glass earrings!
they are sparkling and pretty and perfect for Valentine's day!

To enter to win, please leave a comment in the box stating your favorite thing about valentines day!
For extra entries:
blog about this giveaway
post this giveaway on twitter

Drawing will be held on Sun Jan 24th!

Ruby Red Earrings by Botanical Bird

Some things I love about Fall!

2009-09-30T07:26:00.000-07:00

Here in Oregon we have a pretty down right spectacular fall, since we have hundreds of varieties of deciduous trees here, including many varieties of gorgeous maples. The leaves are just starting to change and there is now a bit of a chill in the air, along with the site of local apple trees laden with apples.
It's such a great time of year, though I do find it to be bittersweet, knowing that we will be going into our rainy season before too long. Still I am embracing the fall and plan to do some decorating this week!
Here are a few ideas that I've come up with for easy and inexpensive Fall decorating:

Candles are always a must for this time of year, I like to use a variety of pillar candles, the apple, spice or pumpkin scented are perfect at this time. I place them on plates or tray and then surround them with moss, pine cones,pods cinnamon sticks, mini pumpkins or other fruit. This really makes for a gorgeous, fragrant display!

Wreaths are another favorite of mine, last Spring toward the end of the blooming season I cut back my hydrangea bush and dried the blossoms to be used in bouquets and a wreath. All you need for this wreath is a grapevine wreath, dried hydrangea blossoms and a hot glue gun. You simply just glue the hydrangea stems all the way around the wreath and you're done. It can be displayed on your wall or a door.

Pumpkins and gourds, always fun and festive! I like to buy a few in different sizes, the smaller ones to be used as a table display, along with a colorful table runner and the larger ones for the front entryway display.

Pillow and throws will help spice up any room, it's fun to add a nice fall colored throw to your couch along with a couple of seasonal throw pillows, this is really an inexpensive way to make a quick and beautiful change to your room.

FRIDAY FREEBIES!! JULY 31ST!!

2009-07-31T09:26:00.000-07:00

FRIDAY FREEBIES ARE BACK!!! TODAY JULY 31ST!!

1 Free necklace, your choice ($20 value or less) when you spend $40 or more,
2 Free necklaces, your choice ($40 value or less) when you spend $70 or more

PLEASE CLICK HERE BOTANICAL BIRD'S STORE

Colorful, Pretty Flowers

2009-07-26T10:55:00.000-07:00

Here are some gorgeous flowers and plants to check out. All of these shots were taken on my recent trip to the coast...enjoy!!

1. Acalypha (chenile plant)
2. Gloxinia siningia (gloxinia)
3. Cosmos Bipinnatus (cosmos)
4. Papaver (poppy)
5. Digitalis (foxglove)

Handcrafted Jewelry...For American Cancer Society

2009-07-23T08:54:00.000-07:00

Here are some very cool pieces from Laura Slocum. Her beautiful work can be found at one of her two stores on Etsy. Laura Slocum Painted or Creatively Tangled

Laura is a dear friend of mine and a fellow etsy artist. She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer a few months ago and is currently undergoing chemo therapy treatments. She is amazingly brave and is a shining star, and for sure an inspiration to so many. You can read all about Laura, by going to her shop or by going to her blog which is called Stay Tuned 09

CHECK OUT LAURA'S BEAUTIFUL JEWELRY!! PROCEEDS DONATED TO HELP FIGHT CANCER!!
(please click on one of the links above)

Upcoming outdoor markets!

2009-07-03T12:09:00.000-07:00

Hey Portlander's,
This post is to announce my upcoming outdoor shows. I hope you will stop by and say hello!
I will be having a couple of giveaways for various necklaces from my store.
I'd love to see you there!

First show is at: Multnomah Days
date: Aug 15th, 2009
Time: 10:00-4:00
Place: Multnomah village, capitol hwy (I'll be set up near Starbucks)

Second show: Belmont Street fair
date: Sept 12th, 2009
Time: 10:00-5:00
Place: on Belmont st. between 33rd-35th ( don't have my exact location yet)

Seattle's Pike Place Market

2009-06-18T14:06:00.000-07:00

Hot town summer in the city!!!
I just had to say that, Seattle was really all that for me during my recent trip there. Fun, fun, fun are three words that come to mind. I just went on a mini vacation there for 3 days. I rode the train, it's a quick 3.5 hour trip from Portland to Seattle. The train depot in Seattle is close to the heart of downtown, so very convenient if you're staying in the downtown area.
All of the pictures here were taken at Pike Place market, which is a world class farmers & artisans market. This fabulous market boasts a myriad of delights, including, the freshest seafood you can buy, bakeries, coffee shops galore, rows and rows of fresh produce, herbs and flowers, along with artisan crafts from A-Z!
If you are in Seattle, this place is really a must see, and please allow yourself at least 4 hours to really explore, as this market is huge!
I have had an ongoing fantasy about renting a place near this market just for the summer, so that I might immerse myself in the colorful, eclectic world that is Pike place market!

Giveaway & Feature on Rainbowswirlz blog!!

2009-06-15T09:55:00.000-07:00

Hi all here is another fun giveaway along with some pics and a little write up about my daily routine. You will need to go to Rainbowswirlz blog, click on the link below.

CHECK OUT RAINBOWSWIRLZ BLOG HERE!

GIVEAWAY NECKLACE

BOTANICAL BIRD 3 DAY SALE!!

2009-06-06T08:32:00.000-07:00

BOTANICAL BIRD SALE!!

3 DAY SALE!! FRI-SUN JUNE 5TH-7TH
10% OFF ALL ORDERS OF $30 OR MORE
20% OFF ALL ORDERS OF $100 OR MORE

A GREAT TIME TO SAVE AND STOCK UP ON SOME LOVELY JEWELRY FOR SUMMER OR ANYTIME!

The discounted amount will be refunded to your account, contact me for details.

BOTANICAL BIRD'S STORE

BOTANICAL BIRD WILL BE SELLING AT UPCOMING CRAFTS SHOW

2009-05-06T18:15:00.000-07:00

Hey Portlanders!
I am excited to announce that I will be showing and selling my jewelry at an upcoming arts & crafts show in Portland, Oregon!! There will be a range of artists and crafters participating. The show is on a Sunday evening, there will be music, food and drink, so come check it out, what a fun way to spend a Sunday evening!

DATE: MAY 31ST
TIME: 4-8 PM
PLACE: CAPITOL COFFEE HOUSE & BISTRO
ADDRESS; 6446 SW CAPITOL HWY

Giveaway!! Dogwood Blossom Necklace

2009-05-05T07:53:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I did a giveaway from my shop, so I thought it would be fun to do a Spring Necklace! This contests is called the ABC's of flowers.

For a chance to win this lovely necklace, please name 3 flowers, one beginning with an "A", one with a "B", and one with a "C". Then leave the answers in the comment box here, for extra entries, post this contest on your blog and sign up to follow my blog. Be sure to let me know you have done so. Winner will be chosen through a random drawing of all of the entries.

This contest runs from May 5th-May 24th

WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED HERE ON MAY 25TH!!

BOTANICAL BIRD

CONTEST WINNER!! Congrats to Prospero's Girll!

2009-05-04T09:59:00.000-07:00

The winner of the "Firefly" art glass pendant is Prospero's Girl

CONGRATULATIONS!!

Winner was chosen through a random drawing

A new contest will be announced on Tue 5/5/09!!

FRIDAY FREEBIES!! May 1, 2009

2009-05-01T07:26:00.000-07:00

Today's Friday Freebies are:

Receive a Free necklace when you spend $44 at Botanical Bird
or
Receive a Free pair of earrings when you spend $24 at Botanical Bird

Please be sure to mention Friday Freebies on the etsy invoice in order to redeem this offer!

BOTANICAL BIRD

GIVEAWAY!!

2009-04-28T08:39:00.000-07:00

Be sure to leave a comment for a chance to win the art glass necklace!!

See details in the post below!

GIVEAWAY!! WATERCOLOR ART NECKLACE

2009-04-26T08:03:00.000-07:00

I'm thrilled to offer this beautiful watercolor art glass necklace!

This beautiful necklace named "Firefly" is hand painted and was created by etsy artist Laura Slocum of Laura Slocum Painted
This lovely necklace comes on a 17" long red silk cord with lobster clasp.
Arrives in a cute little tin.

For a chance to win this necklace please leave a comment here letting me know your favorite item in the Laura Slocum Painted etsy store!!
Sign up to follow my blog and receive an extra entry in the contest!

WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON MONDAY 5/4/09

Eco friendly craft show!!! April 15th-29th

2009-04-18T07:07:00.000-07:00

Looking for Eco friendly stuff?
Come check out the I heart handmade Eco Show

FREE GIVEAWAYS DAILY!!!

Some fabulous things you'll find there include:
Baby & Kid items
Bath & Body
Clothing & Accessories
Fine Art
Food & Edibles
Home & Garden
Jewelry
Papercrafts
Toys

Lillipops Designs

Mr. Buddington

Dancing Mooney

FRIDAY FREEBIES!! April 17, 2009

2009-04-17T06:42:00.000-07:00

Today's Friday Freebies!!

Buy one necklace and receive one matching pair of earrings, buy two necklaces receive two matching pairs of earrings and so on. I will create a lovely pair of matching earrings to go with any necklace in my store!

Please mention Friday freebie on the etsy invoice in order to redeem this offer, also if you are not already a follower of my blog and you sign up to follow my blog I will include another free gift! please mention "new follower" on the invoice

Vintage Easter!

2009-04-11T08:10:00.001-07:00

Wishing everyone a beautiful Spring time and a wonderful Easter weekend! Here are some adorable vintage Easter images to check out~ enjoy!

Something fun to look at!

2009-04-04T09:32:00.000-07:00

Faces & more in nature

FRIDAY FREEBIES!! April 3, 2009

2009-04-02T19:56:00.000-07:00

FRIDAY FREEBIES!!

Today's freebies at Botanical Bird are:
Buy one necklace and receive one pair of earrings!
Buy two necklaces and receive two pairs of earrings!

Please mention Friday freebies on your etsy invoice to redeem this offer

Botanical Bird

Skagit Valley Tulip Fields!!

2009-03-25T09:46:00.000-07:00

I lived in Seattle for about eight years, during that time I was fortunate enough to be able to attend the Skagit valley tulip festival almost every year! I have to say that it is truly one of the most magnificent sights I've ever seen!

It's best to visit the Tulip Festival during the week when their are less crowds. If you go on the weekends you will deal with more traffic and crowds. Once you get through town and into the tulip field areas, the traffic is not too bad. The Skagit Valley is 60 miles north of Seattle, Washington, 60 miles south of Vancouver, British Columbia. Traveler’s can take I-5 and then use Exits 221 - 236, all of these exits have tulip brochures at the nearest business.

The tulip fields are spread out over a 15-mile radius and tulip festival events are scattered around the entire county. There are many festival sites, It's a good idea to pick up the free Skagit Valley Tulip Field Map for locations of the tulip fields. Checking out their site and maps will help out in planning your day trip to one of the most colorful and spectacular display in the Northwest corner of Washington State.
If you live in the Northwest or you are visiting the Seattle area during the month of April, I highly recommend a day trip to the Skagit valley!

It's time for Another Giveaway!!!!

2009-03-19T06:36:00.000-07:00

Read the Botanical Bird Interview and sign up to win this necklace!

Checkout this blog for the latest giveaway!! Contest is 3/19-3/25
RainbowSwirlz

Orange Apricot Necklace

CONGRATS TO SARAH!!

2009-03-15T13:39:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Sarah John Afana!!
Winner of the Silver Swallow Earrings!

all persons following my blog were entered, winner was determined through a random drawing.

Check back often, I will be posting another giveaway very soon!!

I Heart Handmade Spring Show!!

2009-03-14T07:57:00.000-07:00

Find lots of Handmade wonderfulness at this cool online craft show!
Show runs from March 13th - April 5th!!

Come see Botanical Bird there, I am offering a special free gift!

Here are some things you can shop for there!
Soap, Candles, Baby Clothes, Jewelry, Eco-Friendly stuff, Home & Garden & much more!

Something Sacred......

2009-03-12T07:06:00.000-07:00

Today I would like to share some truly beautiful and spiritual items found recently on etsy.

The first is a stunning painting of Buddha, this beauty was created by Tcatalano this is actually a Giclee, (zhee clay) which is a high quality reproduction of an original painting, which is done on canvas. This artist creates truly breathtaking paintings with a spiritual theme, many of them include Buddha, she likes to refer to her paintings as yoga for the eyes! Her work can be found in a number of galleries in Arizona, where she lives. I hope you'll stop by this shop and breathe in the buddha nature!

Next, is this beautiful Lotus Necklace by LaLaDesignStudio The following is an excerpt of the necklace description, taken from this designer's store listing. The Lotus is a very important symbol in India and of Buddhism. It refers to the complete purification of body, speech and mind, and the blossoming of wholesome deeds in liberation. The lotus refers to many aspects of the path, as it grows from the mud (samsara), up through muddy water it appears clean on the surface (purification), and finally produces a beautiful flower (enlightenment). Pundarika, the White Lotus, represents the state of spiritual perfection and total mental purity. LaLaDesignStudio's store has a variety of very lovely spiritually minded pieces, I hope you'll stop by and be sure to read the beautiful descriptions that go along with each piece!

Lavender Blue.....so lovely together

2009-03-10T08:36:00.000-07:00

Here are some very gorgeous things that I've found recently on etsy, have a look at these really fabulous shops!

Click on the store name to enter the shop!

The first shop is AnnieDesign I'm totally in love with all of the beautiful hand crocheted lovelies that this artist creates, and they are very reasonably priced as well, have a look!

Next there is one of my Etsy favorites Humblebea This lady is super crafty! Her shop is loaded with a variety of handmade wonderfulness! Including heirloom handbags, pinafores, baby shoes, hair pins and so much more. This shop is truly a must see!

Next there is Fray, in my opinion Etsy's most fabulous scarf maker. Her lovely hand knitted scarves are absolute works of art! Sarah, the woman behind Fray creates all of her scarves from her own original designs, many of them with a floral theme, such as my personal favorite the blooming vine scarf. If you like hand knitted scarves and cowls which are masterfully done, you need to check out Fray!

Win a Free Pair of earrings!!

2009-03-08T08:39:00.000-07:00

FOLLOW MY BLOG AND YOU WILL BE ENTERED IN A DRAWING TO WIN THIS PAIR OF EARRINGS!!
Winner will be posted here on the blog, March 15th
Good Luck!!

"And the Kreativ Blogger Award goes to"

2009-03-05T18:42:00.000-08:00

Okay now it's your turn, ...Congrats! & have fun!!

Here are the rules!

List 7 things that you love and then pass the award on to 7 people...tagging them and letting them know they won! You can copy the picture of the award and put it on your sideboard letting the blogger world know you are a KREATIV blogger.

Here are 7 things I love:

1) My husband, for being so kind

2) All animals, especially my sweet little fur babies

3) Traveling to far away places

4) hot baths with yummy bath salts & candles

5) the ocean and falling asleep on the beach

6) the aurora borealis~northern lights

7) the Skagit valley tulip fields

Daffodil Yellow

2009-03-05T10:06:00.000-08:00

I'm totally lovin all of these yellow beauties!!
Just wanted to share some sunshine with everyone today!

This gorgeous daffodil photo is by
3LambsDesign- www.3lambsdesign.etsy.com

The lovely blue dress is by
Gaiaconceptions- www.gaiaconceptions.etsy.com

The beautiful yellow bag is by
Daphnenen- www.daphnenen.etsy.com

Giveaway Winner!! Congrats to Cindy

2009-02-28T09:15:00.000-08:00

Congratulations Cindy of CPMELO!!
You are the winner of the Vintage brass locket necklace, your name was drawn from all of the names with the correct answer.

NEW CONTEST WILL BE POSTED SUNDAY MARCH 1ST!!!

I love flowery things

2009-02-28T06:28:00.000-08:00

Here are some very lovely Spring time creations that I found while perusing etsy recently!

StoriesDivinations, is a really fabulous shop!
This artist creates gorgeous collages, journals and more, she also donates much of the proceeds to various charities, making this and even more awesome place to do some shopping.

StoriesDivinations

Next is the very awesome photography of Flandersfield, this shop is full of exquisite photographs, including many very lovely nature shots. This artist is inspired by the outdoors and flowers and that inspiration comes through beautifully in the photographs. The close up flower shots are just stunning, making this shop a must see!

Flandersfield

FRIDAY FREEBIES!! FEB. 27th 2009

2009-02-27T08:20:00.000-08:00

Today's Freebies!!

FREE NECKLACE ($20 value) when you spend $48 or more in my store
FREE EARRINGS ($14 value) when you spend $24 or more in my store

Please mention Friday Freebies on your etsy invoice to redeem this offer

A couple pics to make you smile!!

2009-02-23T16:23:00.000-08:00

Saturday Special!! Feb 21, 2009

2009-02-21T13:54:00.000-08:00

Buy one necklace and receive one free pair of earrings!!
Buy two necklaces and receive two free pairs if earrings!!

Please be sure to mention today's blog post on your etsy invoice!

In the Desert

2009-02-17T06:10:00.000-08:00

I recently spent a week visiting Arizona, and I dreamed of staying the entire winter! I grew up in Phoenix, so I try and visit my family each year, during the winter months while it's gray and rainy here in Portland, OR. I was fortunate to have taken a side trip to Tucson, where I spent the good part of an afternoon at the Desert Botanical Garden, a truly lovely place with spectacular cacti in abundance! I noticed that many of them certainly had an other worldly appearance to them! There were some interesting birds there as well, I saw a beautiful red cardinal along with his very lovely mate, though she was less colorful, several quail bobbing about, cactus wren and a few road runners. I highly recommend a visit to the desert, if you've never been. There is a special magic about it, especially after a rainstorm, when afterward there is an intense fragrance of desert chaparral wafting through the air, and what a fabulous fragrance it is! The following pictures were taken during my trip a few of weeks ago, and were shot at the Tucson botanical garden.

CELEBRATING VALENTINES DAY!

2009-02-13T07:14:00.000-08:00

It's that time again, and I for one completely adore Valentines day! It's a day when so many of us take the time to think about and acknowledge the ones we love, especially our partners. Though the commercial push can be quite tiresome and lacks imagination, I still have a soft spot for the sweet sentiment of giving your loved one a fancy box of chocolates or enjoying a romantic dinner out. Yesterday I was struck with the spirit of our celebrated Love day, and decided to make some Valentine cupcakes, devils food with cream cheese frosting and pink and red heart sprinkles....what fun!
In honor of Valentines day, I'd like to show off some very cool items from a very cool shop! Which can be found online at etsy.

Here is a shop that I adore Editonbw which offers fabulously unique jewelry, hand knitted brooches and scarves. I really love the style of scarves that this artists creates and have not seen any others like them, take a look at this shop and you will see some really beautiful work!

Editionbw

I think I see Spring time coming..........

2009-02-11T11:11:00.001-08:00

I was just outside in my front yard looking at the remainder of yesterdays snow, which was just a light dusting, thankfully. I started taking a closer look at things and then noticed some Spring bulbs poking up through the soil and was suddenly struck with a feeling joy! I am completely in love with Spring time and the hope of renewal and rebirth, and just the sheer awe of watching the natural world come to life again. Though I know it's still a bit early, I am always so glad to see the crocus, daffodils and tulips coming up and that's my sign that old man winter is on his way out, and what a winter we have had here in Portland, Oregon. We received the most snow on record in the last sixty years, which included a snowy stint that lasted for thirteen consecutive days. At one point I became snowbound and could not drive due to living in a very hilly area of town and I just couldn't get in or out of my neighborhood. Of course this happened just before Christmas when I had many orders to ship out, so I was forced to walk 2 miles to the post office, but I digress. On to brighter, warmer days ahead and the days of digging in the dirt again! Come on Spring!!

The first two pics are from the Woodburn, Oregon tulip festival, the last two are from my front yard and were taken this morning.

Beautiful things...part one

2009-02-10T07:41:00.000-08:00

With Spring on the way, I am getting super antsy for longer, warmer days and the emergence of buds and flowers, in fact I actually spotted some daffodils and crocus poking up through the soil yesterday! So with that in mind, I wanted to share some really beautiful things, that are Spring like that I've found lately while perusing the shops on etsy.
The first one is a brand new shop, Lauraslocumpainted,

Lauraslocumpainted

I adore the hand painted jewelry and magnet sets that this artist creates. Here are two gorgeous pendants to check out! I recently purchased two of the magnet sets, they are super nice quality and I love that everything in this store is hand painted and one of a kind!

Here is another really lovely shop Mymothersgarden which offers gorgeous ceramic treasures for the home and garden. Here you will find beautiful ceramic trinket dishes, as well as outdoor garden decor and birdhouses. This artist uses real leaves, flowers and more to make impressions in the clay, making her pieces absolutely true to nature! Here is a lovely birdhouse and a beautiful butterfly dish.

Mymothersgarden

It's Giveaway time again!!!

2009-02-04T19:39:00.000-08:00

Hi all!
This months contest will be for a free Brass locket necklace from Botanical Bird's store, the winner receives a brass locket of their choice!
Please submit your answer in the comments box, Good luck!
If there is more than one correct answer the winner will be drawn from the correct answers.

WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON SAT FEB 28TH!

CONTEST QUESTION:
BELOW ARE THREE BEAUTIFUL WORKS OF ART-
PLEASE NAME WHAT GROUP OF PEOPLE MAKE THIS TYPE OF ART?

Congratulations to Claire!! winner of the Jan 11th Giveaway

2009-01-12T14:25:00.000-08:00

Winner gets their choice of a Necklace from the Botanical Bird store, valued at $22 or less.

http://www.botanicalbird.etsy.com

Announcing Weekly Giveaways!!

2009-01-03T20:30:00.000-08:00

I will be doing weekly giveaways!!
A winner will be chosen each Sunday at 12:00 PM PST

This week's contest winner will receive their choice of Necklace from
Botanical Bird's store, valued at $22.00

HERE IS THE CONTEST FOR THIS WEEK:

Please look at the photo below, and guess where the photo was taken! You only need to give the general area, not an exact location. If there is more than one correct answer, I will draw a name from those correct answers.

PLEASE GIVE YOUR ANSWER BY LEAVING IT IN THE COMMENTS BOX.

GOOD LUCK!!
THE FIRST CONTEST WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON JAN 11, 2009!!

Some Sweet Holiday Gifts!!

2008-11-25T06:26:00.000-08:00

I heart handmade holiday

Here is a cool site that's hosting a virtual arts & crafts show. The show is called
"I heart handmade holiday" it features 45 indie artists selling handmade goods like jewelry, clothing, accessories, home decor, candles & soaps, and more. The site is AmericanCraftGuide.com This is a wonderful way to get some of your holiday shopping done and not have to even leave the house!

Get your holiday shopping lists ready...there are lots of sweet finds here!

Go to: AmericanCraftGuide.com

Balboa Park-San Diego, CA

2008-11-18T18:33:00.000-08:00

ATRIUM GARDEN AT BOLBOA PARK-SAN DIEGO CA.
The following pics were all shot at the atrium located at Balboa Park.
if you plan to visit San Diego, I highly recommend spending a day at Balboa Park. Besides the gorgeous atrium, you will also find stunning architectural buildings, world class museums, the famous San Diego Zoo and an outdoor cactus garden, all nestled in a eucalyptus forest!

cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vnQVTiVUBRI/SSN9Bq5vDMI/AAAAAAAAANA/Icl32ouTFSY/s320/IMG_3240.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270193456603401410" />

Memories of Summer........

2008-10-26T10:10:00.001-07:00

Here are a few photos of some gorgeous summer flowers. The top two photos were shot at the Portland Oregon Rose Garden, which is a must see if you are visiting Portland in the summer months. It boasts thousands of varieties of roses, hybrids, Teas, Floribundas, Grandifloras- a fragrant and visual delight to be sure! The other photos are from my front yard, look closely at the Blue Morning Glory Flower, you'll find a bee gathering pollen. The other flowers are a bright Red-Orange Oriental Poppy and a bright orange Gazania. Just a few memories from the warm days of summer.

Fun with Rocks & Shoes

2008-10-15T08:13:00.000-07:00

Here are some fun & funky ideas using rocks and shoes. I love the gorgeous colored stone walkway, the rocks have been placed in a beautiful pattern with a flower in the center..cool! Also love the stacked rocks as well, something about them is really soothing and contemplative to me. Lastly there are the plantings in the various vintage shoes, I adore these and I will be on the hunt for a few vintage shoes that I can make into planters...how funky! All of these photos were taken at various residences, during the Portland Metro gardens tour. Hooray for gardeners & their gardens, and for helping to make the world more beautiful & sustainable & for keeping bees in business too.

ETSY SALE!! DO YOUR HOLIDAY SHOPPING EARLY!!

2008-10-15T06:38:00.000-07:00

SHOP EARLY & SAVE SALE OCT 15th-31st
Here is a nice way to get some extra gifts & shop early too!
Please mention blog in order to receive the free jewelry..thank you

Spend $25-Receive a Free pair of earrings $12 value!
Spend $50-Receive a Free necklace $20 value!!

BELOW ARE SOME OF THE JEWELRY ITEMS AT BOTANICAL BIRD

SHOP AT: www.botanicalbird.etsy.com

Columbus Day Etsy Sale Oct 11-13

2008-09-12T18:21:00.000-07:00

The Botanical Bird Sale this weekend is:
Spend $50.00 or more and receive one necklace valued at $20.00 or less FREE!
Please mention the blog sale to receive the necklace

Today's Photos are: The Oregon coast

ETSY SALE FOR WED 9/3/08

2008-09-03T09:25:00.000-07:00

Today's sale at Botanical Bird is:
Buy two necklaces and receive 1 necklace valued at $18 or less FREE!
Please mention the blog sale on your invoice in order to receive the free necklace.

Cape Flattery- Absolutely gorgeous! I hiked out to this point last summer and shot these pictures.

Cape Flattery is the furthest northwest point of the contiguous United States. It is in Clallam County, Washington, where the Strait of Juan de Fuca empties into the Pacific Ocean. It is also part of the Makah Reservation, and is the northern boundary of the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary. Cape Flattery can be reached from a short hike, most of which is boardwalked. The westernmost point in the contiguous United States is at Cape Alava, south of Cape Flattery in Olympic National Park. However, the westernmost tip of Cape Flattery is almost exactly as far west as Cape Alava.

ETSY SALE- LABOR DAY 9/1/08

2008-09-01T10:23:00.000-07:00

HAPPY LABOR DAY!
Today's sale at Botanical Bird is:
Buy two necklaces and receive 1 necklace valued at $18 or less FREE!
Please mention the blog sale on your invoice in order to receive the free necklace.

GARDEN KITTY

ETSY SALE FOR TUE 8/26

2008-08-26T08:43:00.000-07:00

Hello, thank you for stopping by,
Today's sale at Botanical Bird is buy one necklace and get one pair of earrings free!
or buy 2 necklaces and get 2 pairs of earrings free!
You will need to mention today's blog to receive the earrings.

2008-08-18T11:14:00.000-07:00

ETSY SPECIAL FOR MON 8/18/08

Hello all, today's sale is:
Buy two necklaces and receive 2 pairs of matching earrings free!
Please mention the blog sale on your invoice in order to receive the earrings.

PHOTOS ARE OF A LOVELY BLUE IRIS AND A DIGITALIS (AKA FOXGLOVE)

Going Green, as in to the Rain Forest

2008-08-12T08:21:00.001-07:00

One of my favorite places in the world to be is at Lake Quinault, located in the Quinault Rain forest in Washington state, just off of Hwy 101. These pictures were taken from that area, one is of the historical Lake Quinault Lodge, the others are shots of the forested area, and one shot is of a car that pulled up beside us on the highway, it was apparently growing grass! If you ever want to take a truly spectacular trip, I highly recommend driving hwy 101, parts of if are along the coast, with many gorgeous places to stop at along the way and then you can make your way to the Quinault area, you won't be disappointed.

ETSY - SUNDAY SPECIAL 8/10/08

2008-08-09T14:41:00.000-07:00

SUNDAY SPECIAL AT BOTANICAL BIRD 8/10/08

Hello all,
Today's special is buy one necklace and get one pair of earrings free!
or buy 2 necklaces and get 2 pairs of earrings free!
You will need to mention today's blog to get this special

Thanks for stopping by and a beautiful day to you!

Purple Gloxinia, Oregon coast, Morning glory w/ bee

2008-08-07T18:46:00.000-07:00

The trouble with August

2008-08-06T07:39:00.000-07:00

Being that I totally adore summer and I wish it would last another 3 months, I start getting a little anxious when August comes around. On one hand I love this month because of the warm summer nights, complete with chirping crickets and the fact that I now have tomatoes ripening on the vine. On the other hand it is the month that signals the impending cease of my favorite season, which is made apparent by the many back to school ads , along with the fading of some of my favorite summer perennial flowers.
So now I am looking ahead to the Fall, which is a perfectly lovely Season, and I love the transformation that is brought about by all of the colors, it's like walking around in a painting that is continually changing each day, bellisima! With this upcoming season I am also gearing up for the Holidays and am beginning to make a stash of jewelry, so that I will be prepared for the gift giving season. It seems a bit strange to think about all of this now while it's 90 degrees, but think about it I must, since a good part of my income now comes from art and jewelry.
So, here's to Summer and all of it's wonderfulness, cherries, berries, swimming & sunning, as always I never like to see it end, but am happy to know it will come around again.

In the garden today

2008-08-04T10:47:00.000-07:00

Taking some time off from my usual routine of making jewelry, to catch up and to tend to things in the garden and around the house. I love being outdoors and especially poking around in the flower garden, watching all the bird and insect comings and goings , and of course gazing upon all of the glorious flowers.............ahhhhh summer is certainly my favorite time of year, yes indeed! Not much else to say for now, got to get outside.