Modern Bird

Hiking in the Poconos

2011-08-22T12:01:00.005-04:00

We had a relaxing and adventurous weekend in the Poconos.

My Sweetheart & amazing Pup

Hickory Run State Park on the "Shades of Death" trail.

check out these Mushrooms!

I loved the colors of the moss growing on the ancient tree trunk.

Happy Monday.....Its feels like a fresh start and I am looking forward to a week full of creating.

xo, Laura

Puttanesca - yum!!

2011-08-13T11:11:00.007-04:00

My husband and I joined a wonderful CSA in Philadelphia this year. Our CSA is unique in the fact that farm is located on the grounds of a High School right down the street from our house in the city. If you are not familiar with the concept, CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. Our CSA is run by Weavers Way Co-op and the students of Saul High School which centers learning on the Agricultural Sciences. Every week we get a share of the freshest organic, locally grown vegetables.
This week we received cucumbers, basil, arugula, eggplant, squash & a boat load of TOMATOES!

With all of the tomatoes we received this week I decided to make a home made pasta sauce. As I started sauteing the garlic, I noticed that I had most of the ingredients on hand to make a Puttanesca Sauce. It tasted so savory & delicious, I thought that sharing the recipe would be good due to the abundance of tomatoes out there in peoples gardens right now.

Here is what you will need ::
Tomatoes {!!}
Onions
Olive oil
Garlic
Capers
Basil & oregano
S & P
Red pepper flakes (adds the heat)
Kalamata Olives
& Parmesan cheese
and anchovies (which I did not have on hand, they are optional)

First, I sauteed the garlic and onion in olive oil.
then, I added the tomatoes that were cut in to chunks..
Next add the spices and capers.
Let it all simmer up.
After simmering I add the kalamata olives {I like them to keep their true flavor}.
Spoon onto your favorite pasta ......
Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and Enjoy.

In keeping with the way I like to creatively cook.....just use as much or as little of each ingredient as you like. Spice it up according to how you and your family will enjoy it. Add or delete any of the ingredients.....Make it your own!

Feathers

2011-07-28T11:39:00.008-04:00

For the last several weeks I have been finding feathers on my walks.
They just appear when I least expect them.
Have you been finding feathers too?

Have you heard of Crispy Kale? It's my new favorite Summertime snack !!

2011-07-20T11:53:00.007-04:00

A while back one of my best friends sent me a recipe for Kale Chips
& I have finally made them!
Kale is so yummy and healthy, you can taste the vitamins
and feel them running through your body.

All you have to do is
Wash and spin the Curly Kale.
Tear into small pieces.
Toss with olive oil.
and Sprinkle with sesame seeds and salt.
Bake at 350 for about 10 minutes.
Then munch!

I didn't have time to bake and take a photo the Kale after they became chips.
Keep in mind
they are not so pretty, they just taste amazing!
You can also add your own twist with Miso, garlic, pepper and more.....

Some of my friends from the Blog~o~Sphere Think Tank are also sharing their favorite Summer recipes.......
take a look and start to cook!

Andes Cruz: http://www.andescruz.wordpress.com
Brad Severtson: http://hammeringoutaliving.blogspot.com/
Kathleen Krucoff: http://mysticalmythicalmetalwork.wordpress.com/
Barbara Donovan: http://barbaradonovan.blogspot.com/
Shannon Koochin: http://thebassplayersdaughter.blogspot.com/
stephanie clark: http://thethinkingsofacoldweathergirl.blogspot.com
WATTO: http://www.wattoonline.com/news

Mama Bird in 14k

2011-07-16T16:17:00.008-04:00

I recently had a request to make one of my Mama Bird necklaces
in 14k gold.
This necklace will be a gift from a Mother to the wonderful Nanny who has cared for her son since he was a baby.
It will be an extra special gift because the family is moving soon.....I hope that the thoughtfulness of the gift brings the recipient joy & when she wears her necklace that it serves as a reminder of her time with the family who I am sure will miss her greatly.

Before the necklace flew off to Chicago, I took a photo.
I will be making a few more Mama Birds in 14k, look for them in a few weeks here.

One of my Favorite Quotes

2011-05-19T10:31:00.008-04:00

May's topic for the Blog-o-Sphere Think Tank Group....
What is your favorite quote?

"Maybe our favourite quotations say more about us
than about the stories and people we're quoting."
~ John Green
A few weeks ago I came across this quote in short blog post named Wisdom by Alison "TeenAngster" ..... it rang so true to me.
While most memorable quotes have a universal appeal,
we tend to find them just when we need them.
That day I decided to participate in this months
Blog-o-Sphere Think Tank,
so that I could share one of my favorite quotes by Anais Nin
and why I connect to it.

"And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud
was more painful than the risk it took to blossom."
~Anais Nin

Nature has so many lessons to teach me when I pay attention......
Flowers are one of the natural wonders of the world I learn from and love to investigate & reflect upon.
When I read this quote by Anais Nin the first time, it made me think
that the blossoming of a flower is akin to becoming the best version of myself that I could possibly be.
Blossoming is a natural process, each petal revealing a part of my self.
While complex and layered, I would like to allow my blossoming to just happen freely.
No longer do I want to hold tight to old ways of being that keep me stuck. I do not want to be bound by the idea that I "should be" a certain way instead of revealing who I really am inside.
I want to continue to take the risk of blossoming.....a life long unfolding of all of my petals, that reveals my beauty.

When I add flowers to my jewelry designs, I often have this idea in mind and use flowers as a representation
of constant growth (or blossoming as a person).

:: Follow the links of my fellow Blog-o-Sphere Think Tankers
to enjoy inspiring Quotes & discussion.
:: May's participants in the Blog-o-sphere Think Tank ::

Andes Cruz: http://www.andescruz.wordpress.com/
Brad Severtson: http://hammeringoutaliving.blogspot.com/
Kathleen Krucoff: http://mysticalmythicalmetalwork.wordpress.com/
Wendy Kelly: http://www.wendykianakelly.com/
Mary Spencer: http://www.wattoonline.com/news
Stephanie Clark: http://thethinkingsofacoldweathergirl.blogspot.com/
Barbara Donovan: http://barbaradonovan.blogspot.com/
Beth Cyr: http://bcyrjewelry.blogspot.com/
Thomasin Durgin: http://metalriot.blogspot.com/
Shaun Young: http://shaunyoung.ca/
Kathryn Cole: http://www.kathryncolejewelry.blogspot.com/
Natsuko Hanks: http://jewelrybynatsuko.blogspot.com/

more flower photos from my neighborhood....

Coming out of my Winter Hibernation (finally)...

2011-03-20T09:43:00.000-04:00

I have joined the Blog-o-sphere Think Tank !!
A wonderful group of artists who are blogging each month on a specific topic. The leader of the pack is Andes Cruz: www.andescruz.wordpress.com This month's topic is "best childhood/ younger years memory".
I have been thinking and thinking all month
about growing up in Miami in the 70s,
my best friends, my neighborhood...
The ONE best memory is so difficult to come up with.
I have an overall feeling that keeps popping up, it is the feeling of freedom,
just being a kid.
I grew up in South Miami, Florida, part of a family of four. My childhood home was on a beautiful lake.
As a kid I was always outside.
Swimming, riding my bike, making hiding places under trees & lighting mini bon fires at the canal's edge.
I would pack my suit case and climb one of the trees in my yard and just hang out for the day.
Just the feeling of being outside in the sunshine, playing all day is my best childhood memory.

Here is the view from my childhood backyard in Florida....

Now I live in Philadelphia. When I was walking in the Wissahickon Valley Park this week with my dog I felt that feeling again.....the one of being free, in nature. That is when it occurred to me that I try to recreate that feeling
I had as a kid.
As a grown up, I get outside and walk.
I let all of my worries go and just enjoy being.

Photos of the Woods ::

:: Creatives writing this month ::

Andes Cruz: http://www.andescruz.wordpress.com
Kathleen Krucoff http://mysticalmythicalmetalwork.wordpress.com/
Wendy Kelly: http://www.wendykianakelly.com/
Stephanie Nocito Clark http://thethinkingsofacoldweathergirl.blogspot.com/
Brad Severtson: http://hammeringoutaliving.blogspot.com/
Andrea Bell: http://feathersfreesiasandfishingtackle.blogspot.com/
Natsuko Hanks: http://jewelrybynatsuko.blogspot.com/
Shaun Young: http://shaunyoung.ca/
Pal Gooz: http://pmgart.blogspot.com/
Beth Cyr: http://bcyrjewelry.blogspot.com/

Holiday 2010 Sale at Modern Bird

2010-11-26T23:35:00.000-05:00

If you would like to join my mailing list send me your email address through an Etsy conversation or Facebook
(Modern Bird Jewelry).
I send out information about new work and sales 4 times a year.

Always looking for Treasures on my way to work...

2010-11-18T14:28:00.000-05:00

here are a few.

one rainy morning a few weeks ago.

these i picked on the way home from the post office.

the last two are from my walk today with my new Puppy!!

i love to see buds and blooms together.
xo, Laura

Mini Frittata

2010-11-10T09:59:00.000-05:00

I woke up this morning with a taste for my savory Mini Mushroom and Spinach Frittata.
I wanted to share this recipe with you because it is so easy & healthy.
Keep in mind that you can use any ingredients you like.....these are some of my favorites.

Ingredients for this Frittata ::
Olive oil
Garlic
Rosemary
Pepper & Salt
Mushrooms
Spinach
Goat Cheese
Calamata Olives
Eggs
Milk

First saute the veggies in olive oil and garlic.
Then beat 6 to 10 eggs with a dash of milk.
Portion out the veggies into your muffin pan.
Ladle in the eggs.
Add one olive.
And a dollop of goat cheese.
Sprinkle rosemary, salt and pepper on top.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes at 350 {or 375}.

The mini frittata is the perfect breakfast....
and you will have a small army of them for the rest of the week!
Enjoy!
~Laura

the leaves are starting to change in Philadelphia

2010-10-20T12:38:00.000-04:00

On my way home from the Co~Op yesterday afternoon I had to stop and capture the color of the leaves. The sun was just peeking out after a rainy night and morning. It was beautiful, I just wanted to stay outside all day and play hooky from work!

Haiku Thursday

2010-10-07T12:34:00.000-04:00

Red Gerber daisy
Standing tall, ready to face the day
Confident and content.

Getting ready for this weekend!

2010-06-07T13:04:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone!
I am delighted to be participating in the 11th Annual
Art for the Cash Poor at the Crane Arts Building.
I am busy working on new jewelry for the show.

June 12th & 13th
Saturday and Sunday
1pm ~ 6pm
Rain or shine!

Crane Arts is located at
1400 North American Street
Philadelphia, PA 19122
Please stop by!

xoxo, Laura

ps.....photos coming soon!!

Not too many words today (or lately...)

2010-05-21T17:50:00.000-04:00

Last week I saw my first Poppy flower.....
I took my camera with me to the Co~op this afternoon to capture it and only the pod was left.
I will write soon and share what I have been thinking about these last few weeks on Art & Fear.

I had a bit of Etsy love this weekend!

2010-04-26T09:48:00.000-04:00

ps....My friend Kimberly from I Pinky Bleu sent me a note letting me know she saw Littlebird on the Etsy Front Page.

April in Paris

2010-04-23T09:26:00.000-04:00

I am in the process of taking a leap of faith....working on living the life I envision for myself.
I am participating in an e~course given by Marisa (from Creative Thursday) and her beau Sean. They are teaching the course from Paris, where they are actualizing their dream of living in Paris for a month.

The first step in our journey is asking the question of myself......"What is it that I really want to do?"
And how can I find the courage to take action and embrace change.
I have so many small things that I am fearful of.....just keeping up with writing in this blog is a big leap for me.

Here is my list of things I want to do:
~Live smaller.
~Take Yoga classes.
~Sell most of my extra vintage stuff left over from my shop Decades Ago~Go.
~Ride my bike a lot.
~Expand my lines of jewelry so that I can wholesale to galleries (maybe!!).
~Be more organized.
~Travel to Italy with John.
~Eat more vegetables.
~Create more one of a kind jewelry.
~Set more stones.
~Wake up earlier.
~Loose a few pounds (I thought I would add this to the list!!).
~Journal and write morning pages daily.
~Unplug the rabbit ears on the TV.
~Apply to more local craft shows.
~Blog regularly.
~Take more pictures and figure out how to print and organize them.

I am sure more ideas will come to me as the weeks go by.

I have chosen to focus these next few weeks on committing to creating more one~of~a~kind jewelry pieces.
I would like to spend the time to make jewelry with more components, stones, handmade chain & extra detail.
I have the skills to do it but feel like I don't give myself the space and time to create really special pieces.
Is it fear? Why do I feel stuck creatively? I will be exploring my fears and working towards making this exciting change in my life and work.

Marisa and Sean posed the question "Do you feel like most people in your life are doing what it is they really want to be doing?
Are they living their dreams?
I wanted to ask, are you?
Would you like to come along with me to Paris and take a leap into one of your dreams?

I appreciate you reading this and coming along with my on my journey.
~Laura

Monday's Inspiration

2010-04-05T09:36:00.000-04:00

I woke up this morning and checked in on some of my favorite blogs. Seems like the universe is pointing me in the direction of following my passion and challenging myself....
Here are my two inspirations...

So, Sherry
Sherry Truitt is a fellow metalsmith who is exploring enameling and infusing her designs with color. In her blog post today she speaks of challenging herself to break free from creating the expected.

Next, I found this video on Poppytalk today and had to share it with you all.
I remember reading Etsy's feature interview with Sharon Montrose and feeling such a sense of warmth when I looked at her photographs. Etsy has filmed a handmade portrait of Sharon at work. Seeing her speak about her passion just made me smile and feel inspired to infuse more passion into my work.

I hope these artists inspire you in some way as well.
~Laura

walking in Fairmount

2010-04-01T16:50:00.000-04:00

Fairmount is a cool neighborhood just north of Center City. If you go to the Philadelphia Museum of Art be sure to head east a few blocks and check it out. Beautiful old row houses.....and giant mansions. It is also the home of Mugshots, where you can get a really good cappuccino.
Trees are blooming and daffodils are smiling!

Elizabeth Gilbert on the Creative Mystery

2010-04-01T08:49:00.000-04:00

I just came across this Ted Talk on Beth Hemmila's blog.
It was just what I needed to hear........
so, I thought it would be good to share it with you all.

When I began blogging I was (an still am) fearful about sharing my thoughts.
What will I have to say or share that is so important, I would ask myself? Will I be able to say it thoughtfully and eloquently?
Sometimes with my work it is the same way. How do I let go of my fears that hold me hostage and open myself up to the creative flow of the universe?
After listening to Elizabeth, my new tactic is going to be to show up, unafraid, and do my part.....then let the glimpses of
wonder show themselves to me.

Tulips

2010-03-18T16:09:00.000-04:00

working and walking in silence,
the tulips inspire me
to blossom today.

Warmth!

2010-03-08T16:03:00.000-05:00

It is so funny to me that a Sunny Day with 50 degree weather is WARM!
I headed out for a walk to the post office and here is what I found.

a bouquet of colorful wire

peace to you

looking back

tuft of fabric caught in the fence

sirens......emergency!!

waiting

tiny buds

heading back home under the bridge

bolt detail....beautiful patina

just look.....
the beauty is in the details.

Thank you for coming along with me, Laura

Seventeen Things to Do to Kickstart Creativity

2010-03-02T09:55:00.000-05:00

Inspired by a fellow "Ring a Day" friend and metalsmith, I have decided to make a list of Seventeen things to Kickstart creativity.

1) Write morning pages.
2) Go on an Artist Date with myself....out to a museum, soak up the displays at Anthropologie, enjoy a cappuccino.
3) Walk the dog.
4) Take a drive.
5) Fall asleep with a note book by my bedside.....write what comes up.
6) Look at art books ~ Miro, Calder, Jensen (these are some of my favs).
7) Walk in the woods, walk to the post office, walk, walk ,walk!
8) Avoid the computer as much as possible!
9) Take my camera with my when I go on outings, photograph neat happenings in my surroundings.
10) Take a bath without guilt.
11) Go thrift shopping or flea marketing.
12) Read a good book, fiction, magical realism, historical fiction.
13) Have a bead therapy day...string beads, revel in the colors and gems.
14) Get to the studio and just work on tasks that need to be done, this will usually jumps me into thinking creatively.
15) Look through my collection of found objects, stones and antiques for ideas.
16) Just do it.....the idea is not to think too much and just sit down to create.
17) Join a group of creatives with a challenge....for me it is the Ring a Day 2010 flickr group. RAD is a group of 280 artists from all over the world making a ring a day for 1 year. I am so happy to have joined and it has most definitely Kick~Started my creativity!

I wanted to share this list with you and inspire you to make your own list.
I plan to keep my list in my studio (maybe near the computer too!!) to remind myself of the things I need to do to give myself a little kick in the pants.
I also want to add that taking care of myself, by eating healthfully and exercising, is part of the picture. Two more things I need to remind myself each day.
~Laura

ps... I like to remind myself that I am perfect just as I am. I try not to compare myself to others (which can kill creativity).
Additionally, I would like to learn to meditate.

R & R

2010-02-25T07:59:00.000-05:00

breathing in the sunshine
happily communing
with my childhood home.

rich blue skies and bright white snow

2010-02-12T12:42:00.000-05:00

I wanted to share these photos from yesterday's
morning walk with my dog.
It was so nice to have the sun shining.
Have a good day today, Laura

I.Love.Snow.

2010-02-07T18:29:00.000-05:00

the stillness when it is falling.
the fresh smell.
the powdery fluff.
hunkering down with snacks.

Helping the People of Haiti

2010-02-03T09:24:00.000-05:00

When the earthquake devastated Port~au~Prince Haiti I wanted to contribute in some way. Seeing all of the destruction and pain in peoples faces on the news was scary. I wasn't sure what I could do to help. I watched the "Hope for Haiti" Telethon on TV and called in about 100 times only to hear a busy signal on the other end. As I was watching, I took note of the causes George Clooney chose to support with the money he raised. Oxfam International was one of them that I was familiar with, so I decided to help the people of Haiti through this organization, knowing their humanitarian relief track record was stellar.

I woke up the next morning I searched Etsy and found the site "Hearts for Haiti" which inspired me to sell some of my jewlery at
Modern Bird for Haiti relief. I am proud to let you all know that I have raised and donated $426 so far! Thank you so much to all of the wonderful people who chose to purchase jewelry from my shop because they knew that 100% of the proceeds would go to assist the people of Haiti. Your support does make a difference.

My Mom brought up a very good point to me when she said that giving in this way opens up more awareness to the cause. Instead of just privately giving, I hope that I have introduced people to Oxfam International and given someone an opportunity to contribute when they may not have known how they could help.

Peace to you all, thank you :)
~Laura

Good Morning.... Maple Granola!!

2010-01-26T10:35:00.000-05:00

A batch of yummy granola is in the oven as I write. I am so addicted to this granola I thought it would be a good idea to share the recipe with you. It is perfect on plain yogurt with frozen raspberries.....or to enjoy your favorite way.
This recipe makes a big batch, lovely to share with your best friends.
Here we go....

Ingredients:
3 cups of old fashioned rolled oats
1 cup of raw wheat germ
1/2 cup of ground flax seeds
1 cup of walnuts (or more!)
1/2 cup of raw sesame seeds
1/2 cup of raw pumpkin seeds
1 tsp. of salt
1 tsp. of cinnamon
1/3 cup of canola oil
3/4 cup of maple syrup
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 to 2 cups of your favorite dried fruit.

A special note....I love to get artistic with this recipe, you can follow it loosely and add or subtract things that you like or don't like. My favorite part is the way the wheat germ and flax coat the nuts and makes them sweet and crunchy.

Directions:
~Preheat the oven to 300 or 325.
~In a large bowl combine all of the dry ingredients (except for the fruit).
~Combine the oil and maple syrup in a sauce pan heating it up very slightly and add the vanilla.
Stirring until it is all combined together and quite liquid.
~Combine the syrup mixture to the Oat mixture.
~Spread out in baking pan/ pans.
~Roast for 35 to 40 minutes until the granola is golden. Stirring occasionally for even cooking.
During the last 15 minutes of cooking stir more often to prevent scorching the granola.
~When the granola comes out of the oven it will not be crunchy until it cools. Transfer it into a bowl to cool.
~Now add the dried fruit of your choice (craisins and dried cherries!).
~Enjoy!!

Here are some ideas for additions: raw almonds, craisins, dried cherries, dried coconut, agave, olive oil, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, dried pineapple, sesame seeds.

Before and After photos.

Thrift Store Finds

2010-01-18T12:57:00.000-05:00

Before I began metalsmithing I was an passionate about mid-century modern design. Everything form furniture and housewares to vintage jewelry and toys. I hunted and gathered all of the coolest things I could find at flea markets and estate sales to sell in my shop Decades Ago~Go which was located in Ybor City, FL. This was my creative outlet.... I loved displaying all of my treasures and helping my customers find just what they were looking for.
Recently I discovered a great thrift store near me in Ardmore, PA (it is called Pennywise Thrift Shop). It is chock full of wonderful things....here is a look at my latest finds.
A Russel Wright American Modern double decker serving dish.
Lucite Kitty Cat from the 70's (I think!).....and a green depression glass small footed dish.

Beautiful Etsy front page by glasfaden

2010-01-11T21:59:00.000-05:00

Thank you Devi.
ps....the earrings sold!

Two Worlds Collide

2010-01-08T09:37:00.000-05:00

I cried myself to sleep on Wednesday night after finishing The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. What a captivating story. Narrated by Death, it is a story of a young girl living in Nazi Germany. One of the themes in the book is the power of words.... How they changed a young girl's life and a nation of people.

When I woke up the next morning I had an order to finish, lots of tiny discs with letters stamped on them. Before shipping them of, I strung them together and noticed how beautiful they were together. It made me think.....how about making a bracelet with powerful positive words and phrases. So many discs that only the one wearing it knows its meaning.
The power of words.....turns into thoughts.....turns into action.