Penny Glass Girl

Shop Update: New Birds

2012-02-18T07:09:00.000-08:00

This post is a little late, (I had a total computer meltdown this week) but I wanted to let you know about all the new happenings in the shop this week.

I listed a new set of pendants, these sweet little birds meant to bring a pop of colour to our white wintery days:

These pendants will be sold in seperate listings in the shop and also as a set, great for gifts and weddings:) AS with all new listings, if youput the word "friend" in the coupon code section, you'll recieve FREE shipping when you purchase.

I also wanted to let you know that a BIG SALE will be happening starting this next week to clear some older designs and make room for my spring collection.

I'll list all the details Monday. Until then, I hope you are staying cosy and warm with those you love this week.

XXOO Penny

Happy Weekend

2012-02-11T07:27:00.000-08:00

It's snowy here, finally! So the while the kids are out shovelling the snow (yay!) I'm stayin in keepin warm and bundled. I love the snow, but just to look at from the warmth of the inside. I bought these flowers yesterday as a way to remind us that spring is just around the corner:)

I hope your staying warm and cosy with the poeple you love this weekend.xxoo Penny

Making Today: Napkin Rings

2012-02-10T11:17:00.000-08:00

Hello:) Today, I decided to make some new napkin rings for a dinner party we're having with friends tonight. It's a csual BBQ type dinner, so I wanted to keep it light and simple. The napkins, made by my talented friend and fab textile designer, Saskia, are my favourite shade of sunny yellow and feature lovely little brids in various colours.

To make the napking rings, I used some fused glass cabs that I had left over from making some jewelry (but you could used anything with a flat back side for this). First, I glued a pad used to make a bolo style tie (I get mine at a jewelry supply store locally and must say that they come in handy for so many things)and let them set for about 3 hours:

Then, when the pads were set on the back, I threaded some ribbon through the back and flatened the ends down:

Then I tied the ribbon in a loose knot around the napkins and ces't fini!

Now I get to spend the afternoon cooking up some yummy bbq. Hope you get to spend the weekend with those you love.xxoo Penny

A Day Off

2012-02-09T16:33:00.000-08:00

Today, I decided to take a day off from work (one of the very best benefits of working for myself:) Instead of lounging around in my jammies, which I was very tempted to do, I decided to make tackle a few projects off my to-do list.

Since tomorrow is friday (yay!) and we are having friends for dinner, I was a busy bee planning my menue and digging up some decor ideas for the table. I love my oak dining table, but I wanted to dress it a little differently tomorrow for a fun bbq. I kind of wanted to dress it down a little, you know, picnic-style to brighten a wintery day.In the end, I decided on this ANNAMOA fabric from IKEA for the table cloth. I think it'll be the perfect addition to our fun casual table:

I'll try and get some pics of the table tomorrow before the festivites. I'm really looking forward to an evening with good friends after a particularly busy week:)xxooPenny

Sometimes, the little things mean the world to me.

2012-02-08T10:02:00.000-08:00

Today, I haven't been my usual upbeat self. I'm not one to complain, well, not TOO much, but things just having been going my way.

At least, that was the way my day was going until a good friend dropped by "just because",after my can-anything-else-go-wrong!!!! morning, and just brightened my day. AND she brought me ribbon which she just happened to see on sale and knew that I used for my packages. I had just run out of ribbon and was going to have to go all the way accross town to get it but now I don't have to. It's like we have some kind of friend esp:) Sometimes, especially during the bad times, I feel so lucky to be reminded that I have a great back up system.

So thankful for the little things today, and isn't this ribbon adorable? Right? Love it, and THANKS friend:)

Shop Update: Sneak Peek New Customizable Bracelets

2012-02-05T07:45:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, inspiration for a new piece strikes me and I can't get produce it fast enough. At other times, I need to think about an idea and ruminate on it for quite some time. It's the latter senerio that went into creating my newest bracelet idea.

The inspiration for these bracelets came originally from the countless paint chips and colour wheels that I have been starring at for the last few weeks contemplating my newest home project - a total re-do o our third floor (more on that later). I wanted to create a bracelet that could be completely customized and provide a fun way to play with differnt colour combinations. In addition, all the colours can be ound in my pendants, making them a great accent when worn together.

Here's a sneak peek of the results:

I'll be listing the bracelets above in the shop tomorrow along with a custom listing and all my current glass options so that you can customize a piece in any colour combo you desire. In the meantime, if you would like to purchase one right away, send me an email at pennyglassgirl@yahoo.com and I'll set up a listing just for you.

Cheers, and happy weekend!

xxoo Penny

A Fine Mess This Weekend

2012-02-04T11:52:00.000-08:00

Today, I woke up to find this mess on my dining room table:

It seems that my two boys were up early and had the sudden need to decorate the bird houses that a neighbour gave them almost a year ago. Although, I didn't relish the idea of cleaning up, I was happy to see that they were productive and not seated in front of the TV or computer. And hey, I was able to sleep in on what seems like the first saturday in history when we didn't have to wake up and make a mad dash for the hockey rink, the ski hill or some other such activity. AND they thought to use placemats!

A few hours later, and I had another mess to clean up (this time my own):

Since it really feels like a holiday on this lazy saturday, I decided not to do any work, but to make a few beaded bracelets for myself with beads that I have been meaning to use for a while:

So far, it's been a pretty fine day, hope your weekend is lovely too.xxoo Penny

In The Studio Today

2012-01-30T09:50:00.000-08:00

I always feel very lucky on days like today. I'm lucky that I get to play away in my little studio and watch the snow fall and the light filter through the windows and reflect on the quiet while the boys are out and the husband is at the office. On days like these, I know for certain that I have chosen the right path for myself. Yes indeed, there is no place I'd rather be than right here.

I hope you are where you really want to be today.

xxoo Penny

New In My Studio

2012-01-24T11:45:00.000-08:00

Hi! Just thought I would share a pic of my latest studio project. I made a few of these windows/glass art wall hangings for some Holiday shows that I did this year and they sold well. Trouble was, the original intent when I made them was to hang them in my little studio for some added colour but people started asking me to make them for sale instead.

This week, I finally had time to make the one below just for me (and anyone who visits:), and started a few others for the shop. They are mixed pieces using a fused glass image in the centre, surrounded by stained glass which has been assembled using lead came. I'm thinking it's pretty much spring themed so perhaps I'll aim to have a few by end of February.

Shop Update: Updating my Classics

2012-01-22T17:50:00.000-08:00

I have been busy updating the shop this week! While I haven't got around to photographing and listing my all new products (coming soon!) I have been able to list some favourites and best-sellers which I have re-vamped in all NEW colours.

First, my best-selling dandelion pendants are now being offered in serene soothing shades (but don't worry the brights can still be found here too:)
Soothing Shades:

I've also re-vamped my classic Ginkgo pendants in all NEW colours and made them 1 inch pendants (they used to be 1.25 inches and I wanted them to be a little more delicate:

These pendants are available in sets in my shop as well and make great bridesmaids gifts and wedding favours (just sayin).Drop by anytime, it's always nice of you to visit:)Penny

Just Thinking.......About Sylvia Plath

2012-01-11T09:37:00.000-08:00

I was doing some research on a writing project lately, and came across this poem by Sylvia Plath. How it brought me back to my school days....... I know it's not exactly the "love and hearts" type of Valentine's day themed goodness I shared the other day, but a reminder of just how it feels to be in love, or to have lost love, or to feel the madness of love.

I love the haunting melody of the poem and how it expresses the emptiness and sadness of the subject so clearly. Sigh.

Thought I would Share:

Mad Girl's Love Song

I shut my eyes and all the world drops dead;
I lift my lids and all is born again.
(I think I made you up inside my head.)
The stars go waltzing out in blue and red,
And arbitrary blackness gallops in:
I shut my eyes and all the world drops dead.
I dreamed that you bewitched me into bed
And sung me moon-struck, kissed me quite insane.
(I think I made you up inside my head.)
God topples from the sky, hell's fires fade:
Exit seraphim and Satan's men:
I shut my eyes and all the world drops dead.
I fancied you'd return the way you said,
But I grow old and I forget your name.
(I think I made you up inside my head.)
I should have loved a thunderbird instead;
At least when spring comes they roar back again.
I shut my eyes and all the world drops dead.
(I think I made you up inside my head.)”
― Sylvia Plath

I HEART YOU

2012-01-08T18:57:00.000-08:00

I'm getting all gusshy about Valentine's Day. Lame, I know. But yet, I'm a sucker for anyday that celebrates love and sweethearts. I've been lucky enough to have had 17 Valentine's Days with my guy and I'm so looking forward to at least 50 more:)Here are a few new Valentine's inspired pieces NEW in the shop today:

FREE for Black Friday!!!!!

2011-11-25T04:36:00.001-08:00

Hello, Happy Black Friday!

I'm thrilled to post my Black friday Sale HERE. Right now in my shop, everything is 15% - no exceptions, Yay! In adddition to my storewide sale, I'm offering a FREE gift to all Facebook fans, twitter followers and Blog friends. Just write "friend" in the "notes to seller section" so I know it's you.

When you purchase any item im my store, I'll send a free pair of resin and sterling silver earrings. The choices are pictured here, if you like, let me know which ones you would like with your order, if I don't see a note, I'll surprise you:)

Thanks so much and have a wonderful shopping day, Penny.

Penny Glass Girl gets to visit!

2011-11-23T13:57:00.001-08:00

I have been so busy since my last community show, that I haven't have the chance to post here! Shame on me, i'll get better, I promise. For now, I'm just popping in to include a photo of my booth set up for the show, I had a few questions from others as to how I would display my stuff, so here it is:

My set up certainly isn't perfect yet, especially since at this particular show, the set up time is pretty short, but I have been working on building the right display for my work and I think I'm finally on my way.This past show was a community event at my sons' school, it was so well attended by old friends and new, I had a blast. Today, we are getting ready to celebrate American Thanksgiving (even though we are Canadian) and it's busy, busy in these parts.I hope you're having a great day too:)Penny

Howard Arts and Crafts Tomorrow

2011-11-16T04:36:00.001-08:00

Hi Toronto Friends!Tomorrow, November 17th, I will be at the Howard Arts and Crafts Showcase and Sale, I would LOVE it if you could stop by for a visit.This really is a unique craft fair and the talented vendors that make it such a success every year are truly exceptional.Happy Shopping!

New In The Shop.

2011-11-06T07:52:00.000-08:00

I have been working away in the studio this week getting ready for the hollidays. I could use a little cheering up these days, so I focused on creating a new line of cuddly creadture pendants in really bright translucent glass. So fun!

Come by and take a look, if you like, enter BLOGVISIT in the coupon code section at checkout and get FREE Shipping.Penny

Beating the Blahs.

2011-10-19T09:49:00.000-07:00

I love fall, I really do. It's my favourtie time of the year.

I love pulling out my wool sweaters, wearing socks for the first few days of Autumn chill, watching the leaves float by my studio window and feeling warm and cosy plugging away doing what i love.

But (there's always a but) when the thrill of the new season starts to wear off, I feel the need to combat the blahs. You know, the feeling you get when you realize that winter will soon settle in.

My work lately has been a reflection of these feelings. The result? Fun, colourful colours are making their way into my work. Even I can't feel blah when I shift through candy coloured hues to find the right shade of pink or chartruese to perk me up.Here's a peek at my new goodies:

Please come by and visit all the new candy coloured goodness at Penny Glass Girl as well :)

New!

2011-10-15T17:39:00.000-07:00

Penny Glass Girl has been working up a stom this week in preperation for the busy holiday season. New work is being posted all the time, including the return of my One of a Kind Millefiori (meaning, a thousand flowers) Glass Pendants. I love making these and can't imagine why I stopped for awhile. The process of layering the glass and fusing them to 1500 degrees means that I never quite know what the end result will look like until the kiln has finally cooled and I can peek inside - very exciting!

The Title of these pendant, "Earth and Flowers" was inspired by one of my favourite quotes, "Earth laughs in flowers." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson. The mix of the millefiori glass centres, made in Murano, and bright hued glass makes me think of cheerful days in the garden. You can find the pendants here:)

New Bracelets at Penny Glass Girl

2011-10-13T05:05:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited to have been able to re-open Penny Glass Girl with all new items for fall. Today, I have also added fused glass and leather wristbands to the shop.

I have been perfecting these for awhile, working on the perfect mix of though and shiny:) Drop by and see the first samples in the shop right HERE

I Wish You A Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-10-10T08:05:00.000-07:00

I have so much to be Thankful for this year! Especiallly for the love and support of so many in the last few months as I have been dealing with so many personal issues.

I wanted to take this opprotunity to say thanks for the support and to say that Penny Glass Girl will be re-opening tomorrow!

I wish you all a happy holiday season with the people you love.

Penny

Closing Up Shop For Awhile

2011-04-10T09:54:00.000-07:00

I'll be taking some family time over the next few months and will be closing my etsy shop until at least June. Until I close (sometime in the next week) EVERYTHING IN MY SHOP has been discounted by 50%.

Stop by to find some incredible deals.

Cheers,
Penny

Soup Club - On The Mend

2011-04-05T05:32:00.000-07:00

Leek and Legume Chicken Soup

Today I have my youngest boy and my husband home with the stomach flu. I'm going to go out on a limb and state that I'm not going to get any work done today.

Instead of trying to fight it, I'm going with the flow and making my boys a little soup to make them feel better. This recipe is one I created for my Soup Club friends and it is simple, but oh so tasty.

First, I sweated three leeks (white and lightest green parts only) in some butter in a large soup pot. I then added a cup of white wine - I used an unoaked chardonay from Wayne Gretzkey which I LOVE at the moment - to deglaze the lovely brown bits on the bottom of the pan.

After the deglazing, I added 6 cups of organic chicken stock (you can use veggie to keep it vegetarian if you like) and 2 cups of dried legumes. I use my own mix of dried legumes because I find the mixes that are prepackaged to have added salt and this soup has enough flavour, just be sure to rinse and drain them thoroughly.

If you want to keep this soup vegetarian, just stop here and simmer for 2 hours, or if you want, add some precooked chicken (I added 1.5 cups of left over roasted chicken today) for the last few minutes to heat it through.

To serve, I added a tbsp of shredded arugula for a peppery-fresh finnish.

This recipe makes a full large pot of soup (enough to share with my soup club), but if you like, you can cut the recipe down by one thrid for 2-4 servings.

A perfect Feel Better Soup

Finally Spring

2011-04-02T08:03:00.001-07:00

I came across this pilliow from syko which makes me REALLY happy because it reminds me that spring will indeed appear and this very long winter will be over soon. The whole shop is full of lovely spring themed items to get my spirits up.

It is finally good weather here (as a Canadian I am hesitant to say that spring has actually arrived lest we get one more dumping of snow - eek!).

For now, I will luxuriate in this great day and enjoy the coming of spring.

Happy Weekend

In The Studio : Back to work, well, paper work:(

2011-03-30T16:43:00.000-07:00

I made it back from vacation refreshed and totally inspired to create some new goods. I really don't regret taking a break at the worst of my madness, not at all. Of course, I'll have to come up with some way to pay for it, and getting caught up with everything at home is stressful, but here's what my "office" looked like for 7 wonderful days:

yep, totally worth it.

But it seems like even though I ran away for a short break, my paper work, books and tax receipts didn't. Time to pay the piper and get caught up on all the yucky part of owing my own business. Here's my office before I got started (I couldn't bear to show you what it looks like now that I'm 1/4 done!)

It's not exactly the view I had on vacation, but I am glad to be home and lucky enough to have a great place to work on my ideas and inspirations.

Now if only I could get through all my government forms and back to the spot I really love - my studio table, beckoning me to come back soon:

Time for a break.

2011-03-13T16:35:00.000-07:00

Kisses From The Beach by zuppaartista

I am usually the heartiest of Canadian Girls, but apparently, even I have my limits and I have reached them.

The truth is I've been in need of a break for some time. I have been really, really down and this cold winter hasn't helped one bit.

I tried creating my way out of my blues. I have made so much progress when it comes to work lately, but I can't seem to see the upside of it lately.

I took a break from some of my work and social commitments, book club can get by without me I'm sure, the dinner party we've been planning can be postponed and my custom clients have been very understanding when I push back deadlines. But still I'm feeling the weight of it all.

Last Tuesday, with husband away and work piling up, I felt that I was just tyring to get by with the kids when it occurred to me: I need to get away, we all do. Of course financially the timing couldn't be worse, and in terms of schedulling, deciding on a last minute beach vacation during March break is kinda nuts, but it's time - it's really time for a break.

I will be taking a short, but much needed break as we take our kiddies to the beach. I know that it won't fix everything, but I am hoping to come back a little rested and alot reengerized.

In the meantime, the shop will be closed tomorrow, March 14th until MARCH 26th. I promise to be just a little cheerier upon my return!

Cheers,
Penny

New For Spring

2011-03-10T16:54:00.000-08:00

Some New Pendants are starting to find their way into the shop. I'm very happy to be turning to some bright, lively colours in hopes that spring will find it's way here after many, many, many months of winter (is it just me or has this been the longest ever).

To celebrate the coming of spring, enter coupon code 03000 and get 15% off your purchase for thwe next 7 days.

Sneak Peek - In the studio

2011-03-09T04:43:00.000-08:00

It has been a very busy week in my studio. In fact, I realize I haven't been out of my space for awhile, and I'mnot unhappy about it. I love when I actually have time to focus all my energy on a work project.

Lately, I have been re-visiting the size of my current pendants. While I do like the bolddness that my current line reflects in size, I do get many requests for smaller or larger pendants which I create on a purely custom basis.

I decided to re-focus my current spring line on making new designs in three different sizes. My hope was to create options, while still mainting the bright, airy feeling I wanted.

Here are a just a few designs in progress. More work is needed to perfect and finnish the pieces, but they'll be available in the shop soon:

While I have been toiling away, I haven't been completely alone. Max, my large, furry companion, has been making sure he maintains his real estate in the most inconvienent of places, right on my work table. Hopefully, he'll decide to move on soon so i can get these pieces finnished:)

What a difference a day (ok, 2) Makes

2011-03-06T17:57:00.000-08:00

I snapped the first pic below of my back yard view from my studio window on Friday because I wanted to brag to a friend about the lovely little thaw we have been experiencing the last week or so in Toronto.

If you can ignore the ugly plastic kid toys, you can see that we actually had a patch of grass! After this killer winter, I have to admit that I was giddy with the prospect that it might actually be over soon.

Of course, it didn't last. This is my yard as I found it this am:

I really hate to be so sterotypically Canadaian (we do love to live here AND complain about the weather) but I AM SO DONE with winter.

Just when I was really getting down and grumpy about the snow, my biggest little one (my 9 year old) offfered to go shovel. I quickly accepted his offer, as long as he took his little brother out too.

When my 5 year went out to shovel the back yard pathway to the garage, he kept falling over because the shovel was too big for him. It was too good an opprotunity to pass up, so I grabbed my camera. Just as I was about to shoot, he looked around and, confident that no one was looking, he decided not to shovel after all. What this snow needed, was a little snow angel action:

With moments like this, I can ALMOST bear the idea of winter for a tiny bit longer. ALMOST. But spring better be coming soon, I have a garden to plan!

NEW For Spring

2011-02-25T04:59:00.000-08:00

It's been a hectic week around here, kids and choas abound, but I managed to make it through this week AND list some brand new items in my shop, yay. I'm going for celebrating the small accomplishements in times like these.

Stop by the shop to see all the new things which I will be listing throughout the weekend. Use the COUPON CODE 022011 at checkout and receive 10% off everything. Here are just a few new pendants this week:)

Turning to Other Comforts - Soup Club

2011-02-22T06:49:00.000-08:00

I have been having one of THOSE weeks in the studio.

My sketch book is full of great ideas - check! My studio is fully stocked with new glass and fun, shiny supplies - check! I have had soem time to myself, without children - check!

Just when everything is alined and should fall nicely into place, I can't seem to make anything work out the way I want it to. Every piece of glass I touch breaks. Every firing schedule I try seems off. Every design I draw looks like my 5 y/o did it (no ofense to him, he really is quite good for a 5 y/o).

In times like these, I am VERY grateful that I work from home and can find other comforts to distrat me. Today, I turn to making soup for my SOUP CLUB.

This week, in the dead of a winter I swear will never end, I wanted to choose a hearty soup that used up as many of the organic root veggies that I have with a Winter Veggie Soup. I also wanted to add a little spice to my usual comfort food because I need an extra kick this week.

I roasted these heritage gold and candy striped beets and potatoes with olive oil as the base with 2tsp of cayan pepper for that spicy kick I was after:

Then, I roasted a pan of red peppers, squash, carrots, parnsnips and onions. I added some veggie stock (I always make my stocks in large batches and then freeze them ahead to make everything easier during my busy weeks).

All I do to finnish the soup off is to puree it all together in the food processor. You can use a hand held blender, but I find that I need the food processor with larger amounts like this for soup club (which is a triple batch).

Now all I have to do is deliver this soup so my friends can share and HOPEFULLY things will get back to normal in my studio after my little break.

In The Studio - Finding Inspiration in Experimentation and Making Mistakes

2011-02-17T08:01:00.000-08:00

I have an Inspiration Board in my studio that most often looks just like I imagine the inside of the artsy side of my brain - choatic, colourful and fun.

To tack up all my little snipets of inspiration, I have taken to using discarded pieces of glass which I turn into magnets. These pieces are often the ones which never made it into production becasue they didn't turn out how I expected, or have tiny flaws that just don't pass my quality standards.

It's funny, but for little misteps and mistakes, I find it interesting that they seem to be the pieces everyone gravitates toward when they visit. I've come to realize that they each have little stories of their own to tell. Like the time I learned that trying to get a little more kiln time and speeding up some firing cycles means that you can essentially throw away $50 in glass (patience, patience) or the time I realized that pink flowers on a cobalt background makes lovely peonies look like dread grey, lifelless ghost plants (not the cheerful spring look I was going for).

I have tried selling magents from time to time and it never seems to work out the way I planned, but for now I realize that these little pieces of failled experiments help me connect to people who take an interest in my work. I often send them away with friends and customers, and it's nice to know that they want to share part of my process and love that buying from me means buying from a real person who experiments and sometimes fails.

In The Studio Today

2011-02-09T06:53:00.000-08:00

I'm back in my studio today making merry and getting back to what I love - making tiny pieces of glass with colourful-goodness.

I have been attempting to make my work life a little more focused in order to get more out of my very limited work-time buget. In order to make sure I get the most out of my studio time, I have been religious about planning my work, sourcing all my materials ahead of time and DOCUMENTING everything.

I thought I might share a little bit of my process lately, some inside the scenes pics of my notebooks.

I have been using penceil and paper sketches mostly to plan out my layout an get a basic colour story going before I cut glass. It doesn't always stay true to the story when I start working with the glass, but I find it best to have a solid starting point to avoid total disasters.

Here, I keep fighting with finding the "right" green (which always seems to be a difficult colour for me) I'm still tweaking it.

A successful colour test. Although the colours between the paper and glass don't always translate, sometimes the final result is fairly close to the original idea.

I promise I'll be back to this space soon to update you on my progress. For now, it's back to the studio for me:)

Big Black Firday SALE (But it starts Thursday!)

2010-11-24T18:06:00.001-08:00

I haven't been in this space for a while, but I'm back to announce a huge sale in my shop that begins Thursday November 25th (12am).

Stop by Penny Glass Girl to receive 15% off on top of FREE SHIPPING until Dec. 1st. To my blog, facebook and twitter friends, I would like to offer an additional 10% off (for a total of 25% off plus free shipping!) Just enter the coupon code "friend" when checking out.

To "like" me on facebook and receive more frequent updates, click here

Happy Thanksgiving to all my American friends!

Beach Days

2010-08-26T08:35:00.000-07:00

All too soon, our summer at the beach will come to an end and next week we will be back in the city for another year. I will miss my lazy days on the beach, but will be taking so many fun memories home with us to keep us going until next year. These pics are just a few, taken during our last few beach days.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-08-18T05:44:00.001-07:00

A Nothing Kind Of Day

2010-07-28T06:19:00.000-07:00

Today is a nothing kind of day. Nothing we have to do, no goals we have to accomplish and nowhere we have to go. I love these kinds of days as they happen so rarely in our crazy, whirlwind of playdates, camps, field trips and outings with visitors, friends and family.

This morning, I asked my little guys what they wanted to do today and I was met with a skeptical, "why, what do we HAVE to do...." when I answered, "nothing really" their eyes lit up and and they eyed each other happily. So when I asked again what they wanted to do they said, "could we go for a little walk on the mountain, then have a picnic?". I love that they are still at that age when material things don't always jump to the forefront of their wish list, they could after all, have asked to go to the waterpark, or the toy store or even mini golf.

So today, if you need me, I won't be doing very much at all on this nothing kind of day and I wouldn't want to have it any other way.

P.S. and FYI The above photo was taken by me during a long walk on another Nothing Kind Of Day recently.

A New View

2010-07-09T12:11:00.000-07:00

I'm a city girl. I like my corner cafe, close neighbours and long walks down my funky city streets, but having new avenues to walk out in the country for the summer is a welcome change.

I never realized how much colour I was missing out on during my daily strolls. The restorative powers of nature can be truly invigorating. Here are just a few pics I captured after a heavy rain this morning:

NEW THINGS PROJECT: Rewind, Review, Recharge

2010-06-28T07:37:00.001-07:00

The above photo was taken last year during our holiday at my family cottage just 1.5 hours away from the city where I usually spend my days. To me, there is no other place in the world as special or as comforting.

When I was a child, this spot was the one place I could run free and wild and leave my city life far behind. It was also the one place, in the care of my grandparents, when life seemed easy and the rules simple: Be kind to others, treat nature with respect and be your own guide.

On this beach, I was able to leave behind all the pressures of my chaotic homelife - my parents divorce which lasted 7 years, days full of organized activities (school, drama, art lessons, music lessons, soccer etc...), pressures from friends and others - almost everything, and recharge.

After every summer, when I packed up to leave my summer refuge, I was struck by my mixed feelings: sad to be leaving my days in the sun and sand, but happy and reenergized, ready to return to my everyday life.

As I grew older, and life, work, kids and repsonsibility took over, months spent at my family cottage were restricted to weeks, then days, at a time. The ability to rewind and remember, review and reflect and recharge my energy, was reduced to tiny fragments.

After a year of reflection and looking inward, I have come to the realization that I need to have that feeling again. I need to take a resonable amount of time out to run free with my family on the beach and build nothing more than a sandcastle or two.

We are finally taking the summer off as a family to rewind, review and recharge. Although we can't spend the entire summer at our family place, we will be very close by at a place we rented for the summer. I realize, that the most important thing I can give my own family is the time to be together without all the distractions that we face daily.

On the business side, this means 2 changes will be occurring: 1) although I won't be making any new pieces for the next 2 months, I will be shipping my existing stock and 2) When I do return to the sudio in September, I expect to be jumping at the chance to form new pieces with new enthusiasm and perspective.

I will post more pics of my lovely retreat soon. For now, how a lovely summer:) Penny

Tending to something NEW

2010-06-21T07:34:00.000-07:00

I have to admit that I have a bit of a black thumb. I enjoy gardening, but without my lovely mother (an expert gardener) around to help, I can't even keep the hardiest specimens alive.

House plants are no exception, none are safe from my black thumb. I gave up trying years ago and haven't had a living plant in the house since, until recently when I paid a visit to my mother in law and saw how well her orchids were doing after months of blooming.

I was inspired to give tending to living plants another try. I love having fresh flowers in the house, I buy fresh cut flowers every week, so I think that these orchids are a great new start.

Wish me (and especially my new orchids) luck, we may need it:)

Something NEW in the Studio

2010-06-15T09:15:00.000-07:00

A little glimpse into my strange mind: I cannot work unless my table is cleared and I know exactly where my tools and materials are. I am a fanatic when it comes to lining books perfectly on my shelves (to the mm) and a luxurious day spent cleaning out a cupboard is a recurring fantasy for me. I know, I sound like a freak, I probably am. It's ok, I can live with that label.

Well, today for my New Things Project I thought I would share something new that makes a freak like me jump for joy. My husband finally got the hint to hang my peg board for me in my new studio!

Of course by *hint* I mean laying out all the necessary tools and screws, drawing an outline exactly where I needed it and taping a note to the door that reaad something like, "Dear Husband, I would consider not coming home tonight unless this peg board gets hung in my office cause you may find your wife sobbing in the middle of her workspace."

You may ask why I didn;t hang the peg board myself, well there are 2 reasons, 1) I do not know how to use a drill (yet, but I vow to learn by end of summer). and 2) Husband is also a freak and if I touched his tools I would be single.

In any event, I can now work without feeling anxious about the whereabouts of my tools and husband can come home safely.

My BFF Lorna with her NEW girls Riley and Sidney

2010-06-14T15:17:00.000-07:00

Today, I was able to meet two lovely ladies: Riley and Sidney - my BFF's brand new twin girls. I have to say that there is nothing like a new baby, except TWO new babies and I am in love with the world all over again.

I realize that I have become so wrapped up in the not so fun, mundane details of my work and everyday life, it takes some sweet babyness to melt it all away.

I live in a house full of boys and I wouldn't have it any other way, but it is so nice to have some little girls to visit and buy for. These little ladies are gonna be spoiled - and rightly so!

New In The Garden

2010-06-08T11:24:00.000-07:00

Today, I tried a fun new photo experiment with my new line of place card holders - I took my photo studio outside into the garden to give it a try.

Lots of fun, but who knew taking photos in the burning hot sun out in rose garden with lots of cupcakes and bees could be dangerous? A few stings later and here are some of the first photos.

Cupcake Place Card Holders, available soon in the shop

Seed Packet Place Card Set, available soon in the shop

They aren't edited yet, and I think I might try some later in the evening when the sun isn't shining, but still tons of fun trying something new today:)

Letting Go

2010-06-02T07:39:00.000-07:00

Just let it go art print , HoneyBoo

Ok, confession time. I am not good at letting go.

If I feel like I haven't done something perfectly, or worse, if I feel like I have failed at something, I can't seem to tell myself, "oh well, better luck next time". Instead, I sit and stew and brood or abandon an idea althogether.

Take this blog for example. I love to post here, and when I started my "new things" project, I was even more excited. I loved the chalenge of pushing myself out of my comfort zone and doing something new. But as soon as I started messing up, missing a day here and there, or hitting an obstacle (like not being perfect at something I tried), I stopped.

I don't know why I'm like this. I think part of it is personality: I'm stubborn, I'm a perfectionist, I work hard because I don't know any other way, I expect a lot from myself. So why, I have been asking myself, do I beat myself up about it? I like these qualities about myself, in fact, I think that all these traits have lead to great success over the years - both personally and professionally.

After months of brooding and contemplation, I think I have found the answer, I need to LET THINGS GO. I need to start now. I need to be able to fail, learn from it, and move on.

So, I think I'm ready to continue with my New Things Porject today. My new thing, beginning to LET GO, forgive myself and see what is really important in life.

Just Let It Go by Jessica Simanowski

Try Something New - Starting Over

2010-01-26T15:56:00.001-08:00

Today, Day 5 of my Try Something New project, I was finally able to begin the final stages of my new studio makeover.

The project began almost a year ago, when in this post I spoke about my studio reno.

Well, as life would have it that room did get renovated, but not for me. My Mother, newly retired and in need of some company, ended up moving in with us. While I am so happy that this event occurred, it happened suddenly and we all had to make sacrifices in the short term. For me, that meant giving up my studio reno to make a bedroom. We now have 5 people, 2 cats and 1 dog in our urban 1900 square foot living space, and while we are a happy bunch and all well-loved, it hasn't been easy.

For the last eight months I have been without a permant work space. I have toiling away, in the garage, the laundry room, the basement (have I mentioned I detest spiders!) anywhere I could find a little bit of room for my work table.

To tell the turth, I have been miserable working this way, but today that all changes, as I was able to begin to move into my NEW STUDIO. It's a lot smaller than the room I had originally planned on having, but it gets amazing light and it's all for me!

I just started filling it today, here a just a few of the things I have to work on (trust me, it's all a labour of love).

I will be back this week with more pics of my lovely new space to be:)

Try Something New - Baking!

2010-01-25T15:42:00.001-08:00

Today, Day 4 of my Try Something New Project, I was busy in the kitchen baking! This is pretty impressive for two reasons, 1. I was also busy all day painting my new stuido(yay, but more on that another day) and 2. I can't bake, not even a little bit, everything I bake seems to turn disasterous. But, I promised I would try new things and I'm determined this year to shake my baking curse.

I don't know why I can't bake, I can cook. People rave about my cooking, but when it comes to desserts, my husband assumes the role of baker, and I'm left to do the dishes. Not tonight:)

I started simple, with and apple crumble which I was pretty sure I couldn't mess up and I was right! I used this recipe, which turned out pretty darn good I must say. Tonight, husband is doing the dishes.

Here's the result!

Try Something New Day 3

2010-01-22T10:36:00.000-08:00

Day Three of my Try Something New Project was spent with my youngest little boy in his Dalcroze Eurhythmics music class in our wonderful neighbourhood music school for parent participation day.

The Dalcroze method is a creative approach to learning music through body movements and by going to the class, something I normally couldn't do when I was working outside of my own business, I was able to participate first-hand in something I would otherwise just heard about.

It was really interesting to see how the teacher could focus a group of four year olds on such big tasks, such as learning rythm, tempo, ear-traing etc., using something that is more familiar to them - moving their bodies. It was also cool to see that my once shy little guy is coming out of his shell and is actually taking on a leadership roles. Sweet.

Here are some additional links for Dalcroze Eurhythmics:

http://www.dalcrozeusa.org/
https://www.msu.edu/user/thomasna/

I'll be back Monday with something New!

Trying Something NEW

2010-01-21T10:48:00.000-08:00

Day 2: TEA TIME

I have to admit that I have always been a coffee girl, my habit has now brought me up to a staggering 4-5 cups a day, but I have decided to give afternoon tea a try instead. So, for Day 2 of my try something new project I went out to my neighbourhood shop to find something new.

I came home with a sampling of teas from Steep and Infused , a local company which was previously unknown to me (yay, another NEW thing!).

Today's choice was Japanese Cherry (a japenese green sencha tea with rose petals and natural cherry flavour) and I am so happy that I tried something New! The smell alone made me feel all warm and fuzzy and the exotic taste really made the whole ritual enticing. I think this new thing could stick:)

Do you have a favourite tea I should try?

Thanks for sharing my Something New today. Penny

2010 Trying Something New

2010-01-18T06:09:00.000-08:00

Ok, I realize it's a little late for a new year's post. It's already January 20th and I haven't updated my little blog in oh so long, yet here I am, with renewed hope and promise for a new year - 2010 - holy moley.

I would love to say that I have been away becuase I have been working feverishly on all my new goodies, but it just isn't so.

I would love to say that my adoring children have kept me tied in knots with their constant demands, but the truth is they are kind of being good at doing for themselves lately (sigh).

I would love to blame it on a busy social life full of glamourous events and outings that take me away from home and computer for days on end. Actually, that's not entirely true either, I kind of like my quiet life and close friends and small gatherings.

The HONEST truth is that I have been in a rut. A post-holiday kind of rut that has made me rethink life, work, and my general well-being. BORING! So, after I was done feeling sorry for myself, I decided to embark on a little something to jump start my creative juices again.

2010 will be the year of the NEW for me. I decided to try at least one (1)new thing everyday and document it here. It may be a new craft, a new food, or just a new challenge to make my small little life (which I have to say is rather ok as it is) just a tiny bit larger.

Today is DAY 1. I took a sewing machine esstentials class at the adorable Workroom and finally learned, or at the very least tried to sew. It actually wasn't today, it was 2 weeks ago, but I had to start somewhere and I wanted it to be with this post becuase I was so very proud of myself (even with all the little imperfections).

Here's to trying something NEW, I'll be back tomorrow with another new adventure - I really am looking forward to what 2010 will bring.

It's not too late!

2009-12-12T15:40:00.000-08:00

Need a last minute gift, but still want to buy handmade? Solution = Gift Certificates!

Penny Glass Girl now has gift certificates in $25 ans $50 demoninations. Perfect for last minute gifts or to them choose their own gift:) Happy Holidays!

HOLIDAYS ARE COMING SALE

2009-11-26T06:02:00.000-08:00

In order to celebrate the upcoming holiday season, my BIG SALE begins today. Everything in Penny Glass Girl has free worldwide shipping until November 30th. In addition, blog followers, facebook fans and twitter friends get an additional 10% off this week.

Just mention "friend" in the notes section when you checkout and I will refund the difference! Thanks to all my friends, customers and inspiriational peeps for making this year so fun for Penny Glass Girl.

It's Halloween, AND it's my birthday sale!

2009-10-31T07:44:00.000-07:00

I have always loved having a birthday on Halloween, so I thought that I would share my special day with everyone else with a big sale!

Here's how the sale works:

1) Just visit penny glass girl and penny shop girl, I always like to see you there :)

2) Purchase any 1 item and receive 15% off your purchase!

3) Purchase any 2 items and receive 20% off your purchase!

4) Purchase any 3 items and receive free shipping as well!

5) I will of course offer the discount for purchases in either shop.

6) Your discount will be refunded via Pay Pal after you complete your purchase.

Just cause I like to prolong the my celebration of Halloween (not so much getting older) This sale is good through to 12pm Monday Nov. 2nd.

mmmm...cheescake

2009-10-14T17:47:00.000-07:00

I tweeted and facebooked (is that a word?) about my husband's lovely Pumpkin Cheesecake that he made for thanksgiving last weekend and I was barraged by requests to provide a recipe. Here it is!

Although he didn't come up with it, I can vouch for its tastiness.

I'm Back.

2009-10-13T11:43:00.000-07:00

Told you I'd be back! After a hiatus from blogging and from my second Etsy shop, Penny Shop Girl, I,m back with lots to share.

I took a long while out of my hectic schedule to spend with my little darlings, and while I'm still running to keep up with them, I couldn't ignore the constant tap on my shoulder from my creative mind. So I am returning to focus on my new endeavours once again.

Here is a sneak peek at some new design to my shop, others can be found at Penny Shop Girl, and of course, Penny Glass Girl too!

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-10-12T18:16:00.000-07:00

Today I am thankful for a wonderful weekend with my family. It included a rare trip to the country for apple picking and lots of fun.

After this holiday, my blog posts will return to a normal schedule - I have so much to share. In the meantime if you mention "blog" Penny Glass Girl or Penny Shop Girl for free shiiping (valid until Oct 19th).

Big Huge Summer Sale At Penny Glass Girl

2009-07-22T16:12:00.000-07:00

I have been away for such a long time, locked in my office coming up with all sorts of new ideas and now it's finally time to get into the studio and start making a mess! Oh, and lots of new pretty glass things as well.

At Penny Glass Girl you will find fab deals like $5 off all pendants and necklaces and $3 off all earrings. At Penny Shop Girl, $2 off all earrings and $4 off all necklaces. FREE SHIPPING ANYWHERE still applies too.

What can I say, any excuse to get dirty and make new stuff - I loooove making a mess :)

2009-07-05T08:35:00.000-07:00

New Things are happening at Penny Shop Girl. I have been busy building on my new line of assembled jewellery as the reno on my glass studio continues. Here are just a few new pieces:

1. Lost Trail Earrings
2. Butterfly Road Necklace
3. Tea Time Earrings in White
4. Saturn Necklace

Front Page News

2009-05-29T04:34:00.000-07:00

I was delighted to find out that my latest treasury was on the Front Page yesterday. Of course, I was out when it happened, but some lovely twitter friends let me know about it.

I actually had this one in the works in my poster sketch and I really LOVE every item in the treasury. Please visit the artists, all of their shops are just lovely.

Penny Returns From The Deep Dark Garage

2009-05-20T11:08:00.000-07:00

Oh blogging, how I have missed you! I have been quietly working away in my temporary studio (aka the garage) for the last week and have been away from the laptop for awhile. I have the spiders (eeek!) to keep me company along with an old radio (circa 1980 I think) so don't worry if you haven't heard from me I'm doin ok.

Being out of the house and away from a few distractions has meant that I have been very productive.I have been designing new glass and enameeling lots of copper too:

Since I am still in the midst of my reno (oh save me, please) I have decided to continue my reno sale too. Look Here for details.

I'll be back from the garage soon for an update.

XXOO

Front Page News

2009-05-09T10:48:00.000-07:00

I love to wake up and find out that one of my items was on the front page, always such a nice surprise. So happy to see that it was one of my favourite pieces, a black ginko leaf on vanilla pendant!

The Reno Continues....

2009-05-05T04:31:00.000-07:00

Hello friends!

Well day two of construction (4 days after demo began) and we're off to a good start. Yesterday's news - a moved plumbing pipe resulted in a waterfall in my dining room (under the studio). I could cry, but I won't. I will stay strong and remember what will come soon - very exciting!

Despite my setbacks, I am working away with the spiders in the garage and even managing to list some new pieces in my shop. Don't forget my reno sale, look for details here

Cause My Studio Looks Like This Sale

2009-05-04T04:18:00.000-07:00

I wish I could tell you that the above happened accidently, that someone broke in and destroyed my studio space. Unfortunately, I caused this mess. It all started with asking my dear Mother to come stay with us and now we are all moving rooms, building new closets and ripping out fixtures - it's called the "may as well syndrome" in home remodelling.

I will be without a permanent studio home for two months, in the meantime I will be in the garage. What does that mean? Time for a BIG SALE to clean out the place.

For the next tow weeks (until May 18th), get 25% off any order AND free shipping with any jewelery purchase from Penny Glass Girl. Just mention "Studio Mess" when you checkout

My Perfect Find

2009-04-30T08:51:00.000-07:00

I have to admit, that I hardly ever visit yard sales. I have so many things, and such a small house, that I just can't face bringing in more. But four years ago, when I passed these needle work trees, I just had to have them. I can't remember what I paid for them, but I know I had to fight with the kind woman selling them because she didn't even want me to pay her!

Four years later (and hence the reason I never go to yard sales) they sat in my basement until I remembered them. I had a problematic hallway, open to my dining room on a staicase wall, I never know what to hang there. Then one day, I remmebred these trees.

All I had to do was fight with the frames that they had been trapped in for so long, I found new ones waiting for me at a craft store (55% off on the day I showed up!). It was meant to be.

Now, not a single person walks by them without commenting on how perfect they are for the space. This summer I will definately be on the lookout (selectively mind you) for more perfect finds.

Sunday Sale Pendant

2009-04-26T07:59:00.000-07:00

Every Sunday, I chose a pendant for a one day sale. Here's this weeks' pic:

Happy Sunday.

Booster Juice

2009-04-22T07:24:00.000-07:00

I usually post a more ambitious recipe, but I have been sick with a virus all week and thought I would post about the one thing that is picking me up a little: booster juice!

My husband is actually responsible for this one, he modified a smoothy recipe as 3 out of the 4 of us are lactose intolerant. We make this frequently when were feeling down or sick as it has great anti-oxident properties, but also as a regular treat for the kids.

Ingredients:
3/4 cup Orange Juice
1/2 cup frozen raspberries
1/2 cup frozen blueberries
1/2 bananna

Just blend items in blender (I use the hand held emulsion kind and it works great).

Optional: To fight off sickness I often add a Tbsp. green energy powder and sneak in some carrot juice when the kids aren't looking.

SECRET TIP: Pour mixture into ice cube traps and add sticks then freeze - makes great homemade popsicles.

And The Winner Is.....

2009-04-20T05:25:00.000-07:00

Nina! Nina was picked randomly (all the comments printed and put in a box)from all the posted comments. As the winner of the April Giveaway, Nina can choose any one jewelery item from Penny Glass Girl, or, have a custom pendant deigned just for her.

Thanks to all who entered. It was really a lot of fun to go through the enteries and read all the comments and suggestions, everyone had such creative and useful ideas!

Nina suggested, "I'd like to see flowers, sea creatures, and celestial bodies in your future installments of your She Loves series." I love these idea and as many said they would like to see ocean or beach themed pendants this summer, who am I to argue.

New this week at Penny Glass Girl.

More She Loves pendants will be listed this week, so keep in touch! Blog Hint: May's giveaway will be my biggest yet!

APRIL CONTEST!! SHE LOVES.......

2009-04-13T05:45:00.000-07:00

SHE LOVES SHOES....coming soon!

The above pic is a sneek peek at my new line of hand painted and fully fused pendants in the SHE LOVES series coming soon to my shop. The first in the series, this one is of course, SHE LOVES SHOES. Other Pendants already in the works are SHE LOVES SHOPPING (purse), and SHE LOVES SPRING (spring blossoms).

THE GOODS: You can win any one jewelery item from Penny Glass Girl, including the pendant above or, your own custom SHE LOVES pendant designed just for you.

Now down to the contest! Here's how to enter:

1) Visit my shop and comment below this post on something you love, or something you would like to see.
2)For a 2nd entry, follow my blog, or let me know that you already follow. Or, twitter this contest.
3) For a 3rd entry, suggest a theme, or image, that you would like to see in the SHE LOVES SERIES.

The contest will run all week through to APRIL 20 (12am EST).

Sunday Sale Pendant

2009-04-12T04:48:00.000-07:00

This week's Sunday Sale Pendant is a favourite of mine. I am loving pink lately, maybe it's a spring thing.

This pendant is reduced for today only (April 12th). Happy Sunday.

Soup's On

2009-04-08T07:42:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, I posted about my Soup Club (post found here) I had such a good time sharing, I thought I would try it again.

This week's receipe was for my family, as I don't think it would reheat very well for my club. The essentials for this receipe are a slow cooker (my $60.00 investment has served me well), fresh veggies and patience (it smells so good while it's cooking it's hard to wait!).

Here's the recipe!

Pasta Soup

Fresh Ingredients:
2 cups fresh spinach, corasly chopped
1 cup thawed peas (I used Lima beans cause that's what I had).
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1/4 tsp salt

Pasta
1 pkg frozen cheese ravioli cooked.

Vegetable Stock:
2 each carrots and ribs celery, chopped
2 onions (with skin), chopped
1 plum tomato
3 cloves garlic, halved
1 pkg (14g) dried mixed mushrooms
1/4 tsp each salt and peppercorns
2 bay leaves

Vegetable Stock:
1) Put all ingredients listed under "vegetable stock" above into slow cooker. Cover with about 7 cups of water. Cook on low until veggies are soft and tender (6-8 hours).
2) Strain into a saucepan, squeezing to extract all liquid.
3) Bring stock to a boil over medium-high heat.
4) Add items listed under "fresh ingredients" above. Simmer until spinach is wilted.
5) Divide ravioli among four bowls. Ladle Soup over top.

Happy eating!

Front Page Treasury

2009-04-06T05:11:00.000-07:00

I was pleased to find out that the lastest treasury I made was on the front page yesterday. The items were lovely and one shop even mailed to let me know that they made a sale because of it. Yay! It was only my second one (patience not my strong point) but it is a little addicitng so perhaps I'll try again!

Window Shopping - All About The Pink

2009-04-03T06:05:00.000-07:00

Today, it is pouring rain and a strong, blowing wind is rattling my windows. For today's window shopping I thought I would feature some lovely items in pink! No other colour could brighten my day as much or make me look forward to sunnier weather more.

This dress from lyptis is used as her avatar and caught my eye immediately!

I need to hop on the treadmill a little more before I get this one, but this skirt from fellow Canuk, Ureshii would be great for the spring and summer:

Finally, while not completely pink, I think these earrings by fussjewelery are a must for me this spring:

Happy Friday!! I must remeber that all this rain means that there will be something green to see (finally) in the days to come.

New At Penny Shop Girl.

2009-04-02T17:33:00.000-07:00

I have been strangely quite on the blog front this week I realize, but I have a good excuse. I have been working away on new designs and shopping quite a bit too (shh, don't tell my husband).

I pronmise I will be back to my regular musings soon, maybe even a contest next week, so look back.

In the meantime, here a few new designs at Penny Shop Girl!

Monday Blog Special

2009-03-30T05:05:00.000-07:00

Ginko Purse Hanger

This week I am having a SALE on all my accessories, including purse hanger and wine stops!

This weeks Blog Special (March 30 - April 5): Buy any accessory here and receive free shipping too!

Happy Monday!

Purple Haze Wine Stop

Sunday Sale

2009-03-29T08:49:00.000-07:00

SALE Sunday Afternoon Fused Glass Pendant
Every Sunday, I make my pick for my SUNDAY AFTERNNON SALE PENDANT. Usually, my pick is based on my mood or the season. Today it is based on the fact that this one reminds me of my summer garden, which I am starting to plan now. The excitment is building!

Window Shopping (or Surfing)

2009-03-27T05:24:00.000-07:00

Budget does not allow me to put everything in my cart this week, but window shopping through some greats is fun too.

Taking a look at my favourites this morning, I realized something spooky - I had a whole page of green items that I LOVE. Maybe it's a spring thing, but I want all of these things!

This scarf by kalla has been calling my name for some time now.

I'm facing having to redo my taxes, so this print by CritrusTree speaks to me:

Who could pass on an incredible sale, especiallywhen it's from
eNVe

Soup Club

2009-03-25T14:55:00.000-07:00

My Soup club consists of four busy moms (including me) from my neighbourhood. We all have very different lives, but share one common problem: after we take care of everyone else, we often find that we neglect ourselves. (I.E. forgetting to eat lunch 3 days in a row!).

Out of our shared love of soup, we formed a club to rotate soup making each week. The rules are simple: make soup, enough for two-three bowls per person, and deliver to friends. That way, after only making soup once, we all get fed lunch for a month!

The bonus of soup club is that we get to share receipes and sometimes, mistakes, and remind each other to take a least five minutes for our selves.

This week was my turn. I decided on Pureed Vegetable Soup for my friends (a favourite from Williams-Sonoma "Soup").

Here's the recipe - For my Soup Club I doubled the measurements:

2 TBSP Olive Oil
3 Leeks, including light green parts, finely chopped (I roughly chopped mine and they were fine)
4 carrots, peeled and sliced
4 zucchini, sliced
3 waxy (all-purpose) potatoes sliced very thin
1 1/2 TBSP Tomato Paste
6 cups prepared chicken or vegetable broth (I made mine from chicken leftover from the weekend).
1 cup chickpeas
1 TBSP fresh lemon juice
Salt and white pepper

Directions:
1)In a large saucepan, heat oil and cook leeks over medium heat unitl translucent.
2)Add carrots, zucchini, and potatoes and saute until they begin to soften (3 min)
3)Add tomato paste and stock, cover partially until veggies are tender (25-30 min)
4)Add chickpeas and cook additional 3 min. Add lemon juice and salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
4)Blend in batched in a food processor, or, use emulsion blender,until smooth.
5)Optional: add lemon zest and parsley when served.

Monday Blog Special

2009-03-23T05:00:00.000-07:00

New necklace

New necklace.

Today, I am a busy beaver in my studio. Door locked, kids with the sitter kind of day!

There are lots of new items being added to Penny Glass Girl and Penny Shop Girl this week. Drop by and have a look.

This weeks sepcial: mention "blog" in your notes to seller at checkout and I will refund your shipping and include gift wrapping and a gift card with your purchase. The perfect time to send a gift or to treat yourself.

Happy Monday!

Sunday Slide Show - Some Recent Work

2009-03-22T05:29:00.000-07:00

New Pendants in my Shop

2009-03-21T06:47:00.000-07:00

I am wrapped up in Birthday celebrations for my "little" boy (almost as tall as me at 8!). But I just wanted to post a quick peek of my new bubble pendants. I am haing lots of fum with chemicals of all kinds this week, so stay tuned for some more fun finds.

Better Late Than Never BLOG SPECIAL

2009-03-19T10:25:00.000-07:00

New earrings this week. I have been having fun experimenting with new materials.

Ok, so my Monday blog special didn't happen this week. The call of great spring weather combined with march break with the kids forced me out of the office and studio and out into the beautuful sunshine.

So, in it's place, I have a Thursday blog special to make up for it: Buy any jewelery item in my shop and receive a free pair of earrings. Any pair! Just mention "blog" in the notes to seller upon checkout and tell me which pair you would like. Good until the Monday Blog Special returns next week.

Making An Imperfect Pizza.

2009-03-15T06:35:00.000-07:00

Pizza day happens every week in our house. It doesn't have to be the same day each week - we are after all, a typical busy family - but our kids would never let us forget the ritual.

It has to be a day that Dad is home, he has an important role: the DJ who selects the music and therefore the tone of the evening. On this day, Joel Plaskett, a favourite in our house was playing on the ipod.

Some days when we have time we make the dough, you can find the recipe here but others days we cheat and get the dough from our local bakery, they usually have some on hand as does our grocery store.

This week, my oldest son just had to be the one to roll out the dough, an important honour which he took very seriously as he donned the pink apron.

This week, my youngest son was more into making playdough pizza, that's ok too.

And after an hour of dancing, dough rolling and clean-up, we add pizza sauce and cheese and bake it on a pizza stone which has been slowly heating up to 425 degrees in the oven. Ta Da, the best, most imperfect pizza ever!

Friday Front Page News

2009-03-13T05:04:00.000-07:00

Again, it was a welcomed surprise to find out that I was on the Etsy front page last night. I would not have known, but for a request to relist the item that sold when it appeared.

Today, I am studio bound (yay!) to make more of my elephants for the up coming week -keep watch - my elephants will be getting some friends to join them too.

In need of a little inspiration

2009-03-11T07:47:00.001-07:00

This winter thing is really starting to get to me. So I was searching through my archives in an attempt to find something to inspire my designs today. I came across this great photo that my son took last summer when we were out for a walk.

I love the memory of him sneaking up so quietly and patiently (not his strongest qualities) to take this pic with out scaring the butterfly away.

A little something to ward off those winter blues!.

Monday Blog Special

2009-03-09T05:53:00.000-07:00

They say that nothing in life is free, it's true. But you could have a free pair of my new post earrings with purchase in my shop this week if you mention "blog" when you checkout. Just let me know which style you prefer - it's really that easy.

I have been busy creating all sorts of lovely new things for spring, but posts are are my new favourite. I love how light and versatile they are, I wear them with everything.

Happy Monday!

It's Tax Time

2009-03-08T09:08:00.000-07:00

I hate tax time, and I think I finally realize why, it's because I am so disorganized when it comes to paper work. Thus, I have a new tax year resolution: To streamline my office and paperwork procedures as much as I have my studio space.

Here are a few suggestions which I resolve to follow this year:

1. Clean up my desk and files. I found a few great suggestions on the HGTV website.

2. Make paperwork easier and more enjoyable. After much research I think that I need to do a weekly journal using Quickbooks.

3. Make my office a more enjoyable environment to be in. I think that a few of these oranizers are in order:

These embroidery hoop bullentin borads from littleprettystudio would make me smile, and keep me better organized

These file folders from WhiskerGraphics are just what I need for my thousands (really!) of receipts that float around everywhere.

I have am phobia (it's extreme) of computer cords, these great new travel cord organizers from RAGGEDedgeGear
are bright and functional.

Fashion Friday

2009-03-06T08:18:00.000-08:00

Tonight is my date night. I am told my husband is taking me somewhere nice. I would love to have time to go shopping, but alas, I must only take a few moments for window shopping (or surfing!).

Here are my pics for this friday:

I have been coveting this beautiful dress by econica for quite some time (hint husband!).

I would also love this from polestar

And I will break down (very soon I can feel it) and buy one of these from redrubyrose

My Dreaming Room

2009-03-04T11:23:00.000-08:00

I have been complaining about my living room for ages. Finally, it has paid off and my husband has agreed to repaint and invest in a few new pieces.

Right now I'm just in the planning stages, but it's all I can do to hold myself back from pulling out the credit cards and going crazy. Here are some of my favs:

1.I have been drooling over this vase by redhotpottery

2. I have the perfect mantel ledge for this piece by EmilyReason

3.This Olive cushion would be the perfect addition to the cosy, casual feel of the room.

Monday Blog Special

2009-03-02T05:05:00.000-08:00

It's a fine Moinday morning. I am rested from my family ski weekend - sore knee but no major injuries. Actually, the knee was injured swimming, go figure.

SPECIAL:
My free shipping offer for february has ended. But, since you were kind enough to visit my blog, if you enter "blog" when you checkout in my Etsy store, I'll refund your shipping all the same. That's how much I like you. This offer is good all week.

Have a great Monday.

Hands Off It's Mine

2009-02-26T10:43:00.000-08:00

Ok, I don't want to brag, but I picked up one of these last week (actually, it was mailed to me and packaged very nicely). It's been a long time since I bought something for myself (ok, so it's been a month!) but I decided that my spiral notebook that I used as my ideas and sketch book made me feel like a 7th grader - and not in a good way.

Now, I can't wait for all my new ideas for Spring and summer to fill these pages.

Drop by MyHandboundBooks to view more beautiful designs.

Command Central

2009-02-24T06:11:00.000-08:00

I had a friend visiting my studio the other day. I always wonder how people view my studio, my favourite place to spend time alone.

Funny thing, what she noticed was how many paper covered tube and boxes I had! I hadn't really picked up on it , but I guess I do make a lot of things into containers covered in pretty papers cause I just can't seem to throw them away.

What I noticed when I surveryed my desk, was how many Etsy related treasures I was collecting there too.

1. One of my favourite things to look at everyday, a bud vase from stepanka

2. I write notes and thank-yous to friends and family on notecards, right now, I love these from ouou

3. I wrapped on of the used calendar pages from artistscs28 to pretty up a container I use for supplies.

4. Although, usually wrapped around a coffee (a studio staple) when not keeping my java cozy, this coffe sleeve from handmaidenBC looks great adround my pen holder.

Visit Me At Paper n Stitch

2009-02-23T06:04:00.000-08:00

My Shop on Paper n Stitch is open today. Paper N Stitch provides an online exhibition space for talented artists, designers, makers selling handmade goods, and independent boutiques.

The items on Paper n Stitch are linked back to my Etsy Shop. Stop by and heart me if you can (show me the love please). Also, receive 20% off when you mention Paper n Stitch in the notes to sell upon checkout.

My First Blog Giveaway Winner!

2009-02-22T07:17:00.000-08:00

Congratulations Elizabeth! You are the winner of my very first blog giveaway.

Elizabeth commented:
"I came across your Etsy shop and favorited it. I love to look at glass-work and you have some lovely stuff in there. :) I'd be hard pressed to pick a favorite, but, if pushed, I think I'd choose the Whispers Fused Glass Pendant. But it's all gorgeous!"

I will be in touch to get your shipping info Elizabeth.

A big thank you to everyone who entered. I was touched that so many people took the time to look at my work.

It was so much fun, that I will be holding a monthly giveaway. Follow my blog, or, check back often for the next contest.

Post Earrings Are Back!

2009-02-21T17:17:00.000-08:00

I have had many an email asking why I haven't had post-style earrings in my shop for a while. So here's my chance to clear it all up, the whole story is...well I dunno.

I guess I have just been caught up on other projects. But, without further ado, they're back, they're cute and they're affordable. Stop by my Etsy shop and have a look at all the new stuff that's being listed.

MY GIVEAWAY WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN after the contest closes at 11:59 PM and will be announced tomorrow, check back or follow my blog (upper left) for updates.

My First Blog Giveaway!

2009-02-16T15:06:00.000-08:00

This is the first giveaway I have attempted on my blog - so bear with me.

I love this piece and it has become one of my most popular styles, both in my Etsy shop and in the retail locations that I supply. It is fun and funky and works perfect with summer lights and winter darks.

This giveaway is open to anyone and everyone, but please a few guidelines:

1) To enter, just leave a post in the comment section below with a way to get in touch with you (email, your blog info etc) and a comment on anything you found in my ETSY Shop.

2) Only one entry per person please.

3) One entry will be drawn on Satuday Feb. 21st.

PSST: Follow my blog (top left corner of the page) for notifications of upcoming giveaways.

mmmm Valentines Day

2009-02-15T12:51:00.001-08:00

My wonderful husband is blessed with a unique talent for baking and cooking (which is good cause I'm not).

The cheescake he made me yesterday was wonderful - here's the recipe which he found at www.foodnetwork.com.

He also made a raspberry sauce which I didn't get a pic of - heaven.

I Love Candy

2009-02-15T12:41:00.000-08:00

Here are the new style purse hangers that I have been working on for Spring! I love how fun it is to work in colour!

Front Page News

2009-02-13T05:26:00.000-08:00

I was surprised to find out that my new belts were featured on the front page of etsy yeaterday.

Above is a pic of the beautiful treasury by RunAliceRun.

New Spring Stuff!

2009-02-12T14:52:00.000-08:00

Ok, I said on Monday that I was posting new earrings and rings, but I'm a little late. I have a good excuse, I promise. I have been working into the wee hours on my new spring line for my retail locations and am just strating to list some new stuff on my ETSY site.

PSSST SECRET BLOG SPECIAL: This month I have free shipping on all jewelery items in my shop, but if you mention the word, BLOG when you buy something in my Etsy shop, you get an additional 20% off ANYTHING - all the time!.

New To Penny Glass Girl

2009-02-09T18:38:00.000-08:00

I've been busy working on new items for Spring. The first of my new arrivals - belts!

Here is the first few, hot outta my kiln - more design are coming!!

Tomorrow - a peek at my new rings and purse hangers!

Penny Glass Girl Update

2009-02-07T07:27:00.000-08:00

Why haven't I been updating my blog lately? Because I have been busy working in my studio - lame excuse I know.

Here's a pic of my work table, taken for a recent "show your workspace feature" which will appear on another blog soon (I'll keep you posted).

The table is pretty functional and is where I spend most of my time. I also have a space for metalsmithing, a place for display and a desk for my daily activities - I'll post them later.

Penny Glass Girl AND Penny Shop Girl

2008-12-27T17:40:00.000-08:00

click here to see my new store: Penny Shop Girl.

The time has come, Penny Glass Girl is growing and branching out! Now, my shop has expanded beyond Penny Glass Girl and I have opened up Penny Shop Girl to showcase my glass and bead creations.

Future listings of Penny Shop Girl will also include my new metal smithing skills and copper enamlled pendants. Please sign up for my blog updates at pennyglassgirl@gmail.com for all our exciting news in the near future.

Mention BLOG in your notes upon checkout at either store and get free shipping!