Bird in a Tree Creations

New Location

2016-05-17T18:09:00.001-07:00

I am no longer at this location!

You can find me at www.birdinatreecreations.com

Come on over and visit!

Moving and Shaking Going on Over Here!!

2012-10-29T09:04:00.000-07:00

Hey guys! You know when you have been stuck in a bit of a rut and you just know it is time for a change? Well, I am there! It is time for me to change things around a bit and do some reorganizing. I have decided ( with a little helpful prodding from a friend) to build my own website! Have I built a website- no. Do I know how to- no. But now is the time and I am an eager learner and self starter! I want a place for me and Bird in a Tree. Everything in one place, streamlined. I am creating a site that will contain my blog, my shop and all things Bird in a Tree in one place. I am super excited and ready to take this new path. I'm letting you all know that I won't be blogging as much in the meantime. I am aiming to have it up and running by November 1st. This will be a challenge as I am also preparing for an art bazaar Dec 1st. I will let everyone know when my new home is ready. XOXO

Until next time- never stop growing, changing and evolving!

Messy Studio = Stuff Getting Finished!

2012-10-24T17:43:00.001-07:00

Hey Y'all! Been very busy making cool stuff, sorting out costumes for the kids and stressing about the messy house yet doing nothing about it! I feel as if I am getting sick to boot! I'm keeping this post short and sweet so I can paint a little then hit the sack early. I'm posting pictures of my "Very Used" studio- ahem- and one of the items that are fully created. The rest are in various stages of finish which I will share as soon as they reach that point.

Yes, the floor is totally covered with papers, scissors, trinkets etc. Oh, and my Ipod- I love to listen to books while I make cool stuff! That table is where I mold and sculpt with my paperclay.

Paints of every color, glues, adhesives, Liquid Pearls- You name it! I actually know where everything is here!

Here is a box of completed ornaments. I am very pleased with how they tuned out. They are made out of Paperclay, which is a very light weight clay, so they are not very heavy at all!!! Decorated and embellished with paint, papers, liquid pearls, Stickles and drum roll please- GLITTER!!!! I will have to say, I am not a snobby creator and will add glitter wherever I see fit. Me love glitter! LOL!

Until next time- sometimes it's ok to rest- give yourself a break!

Pumpkin Patch!

2012-10-18T17:29:00.000-07:00

Wren went on her first field trip yesterday- to the Pumpkin Patch!!! Of course I went along, one of the many reasons I chose to be a stay at home mom so that I could always participate in their lives. She was very excited to ride in the van with all her classmates! Here are some pics of the adventure!

Getting ready to leave with the class

Listening to a story

Ms. Kim reading a story

Cool pumpkin

Another cool pumpkin

Spotted this cute flower amongst the pumpkins

Wrennie's class

This guy was about an inch long !

Wren and her scarecrow buddy

Until next time- enjoy every moment, they are gone before you know it!

Move it Monday Part 6

2012-10-15T17:15:00.000-07:00

Hey Guys! I believe I am on week 7 of my get fit journey and loving to see and feel all the changes in my body. I feel better and have much more energy. I have been working out 3 days a week but this week I am uping it to 4! I have lost 7lbs and now my size 11's are too big! Woot Woot! I continue with the clean eating- well, except every now and then! Once in a while a girl just has to have and ice cream sandwiched in between 2 chocolate chip cookies- YUM! I think I might even see enough difference to start showing Y'all some progress pics!

Me- in all my work out glory! LMAO!

Until next time- If you want to make a change in your life, you can do it!!

I Have been a Busy Beaver!

2012-10-11T07:06:00.002-07:00

Missed a couple of days blogging! I have been hard at work! Making birds and ornaments- I love paperclay!!! So much fun!

Steampunk ornament! Going to make a set of these!

Almost finished with this blue set.

Hanging out with my favorite girls!

Sharkey lounging!!

Back to work! I will keep you all updated on the ornaments.
Until next time- Love, Create and Love some more!!!

A Week of Tests

2012-10-05T06:57:00.000-07:00

This week has definitely tested me! Just when I think I am on a roll and am on top of everything- The Universe humbly reminds me who is in control- not me!!! LOL! Willow was very sick with an ear infection and missed 3 days of school. Wren missed these 3 as well because Willow was just too sick to drag around. Then the night before Willow was going back to school, something went terribly wrong with my back! I think I injured it at the gym and then made it worse working out at home with the sick kids. I can barely walk and the pain is horrible. I have not made it to the gym in a week and this makes me mad!! Another lesson in slowing down and letting things that are out of my control go. I have not been able to work on my art either which makes me mad. LOL Yet another lesson in letting go. Things will return to normal and I know this. So, I am releasing this anger. Willow feels better and I will too- that is what is most important and everything else will fall into place. I was very busy with birds until this happened- check out my desk- it looks kinda scary!!

Until next time, let go and roll with it!

Move it Monday Part 5

2012-10-01T17:52:00.001-07:00

I was contemplating what to write today, what can I share about my journey to get fit. I am still so much in the beginning. I officially started September 1st. Within this time I have lost 6lbs and 4% of my body fat. I started at 142 lbs( I am only 5ft tall!) and 36% body fat. I think most of this is due to my clean eating for I don't feel as if I have been pushing myself hard enough at the gym! Time to amp it up for sure!
Today my daughter was very sick so I had to keep both of them home from school. That is when I usually go to the gym. Sometimes life gets in the way of your routine and you just have to work around it if you really want it. After I write this, I am going to the living room and do some crunches, push-ups, and lunges. It is not the workout I would normally do- but it is something!
I guess that the point of this whole post- life will throw you curve balls- but if you really want something you will find a way to work it!

In other news- I listed one of my birdies in my shop!!! Whoo hoo! More to come! I am surrounded by birds in all states of completion!

New Birdie!

This little guy Is almost finished!

Until next time- it does not matter how slow you move, as long as you are moving!

Wisdom From Wren

2012-09-28T08:29:00.000-07:00

The other morning the girls were getting ready for school and I went in their room to make sure they were staying on task. Wren, my 4 year old, was looking out the window. She turned around and said, "Mommy, this is going to be the best day!" Why is that I replied. "Because, I just saw 3 birds and a squirrel" she said with a big ole smile. I thought to myself, wow, how true. Everyday should be greeted this way, with appreciation, joy and the affirmation that it will be a great day! Every time I see birds and squirrels now I think of that morning and how we can create our own "Great Day"

On the way to school I snapped these great cloud photos. (of course, while I was at stoplights!!!)

Until next time, Create your own great day by appreciating all that surrounds you!

Move it Monday (well, Tuesday!) Part 4

2012-09-25T18:34:00.000-07:00

Well, I want to share with you one of my favorite go to recipes from Jaime Eason's Recipies. When I first started "Clean" eating I thought this recipe sounded pretty gross! However, I was willing to try anything so I mixed it up, tried it and was totally, pleasantly surprised! It is low in fat and high in protein and quite yummy. Sometimes to change it up a bit, I use different seasonings to give it a whole new flavor! I even enlisted the help of my little Wrennie to help! She love to get her hands in there and mix it around!

My assistant- Wren

Turkey Meatloaf Muffins

2lbs ground turkey or chicken

3 egg whites

1/2 tsp ground cumin

1/2 tsp dried thyme

2 tsp dry mustard

2 tsp black pepper

2 tsp chipotle pepper spice (I use blackend season)

1 tsp salt

2 tbsp garlic powder ( 2 cloves minced garlic)

1 small onion finely charged

2 celery stalks finely chopped

Directions-

1. Preheat oven to 375

2. Spray muffin tin with with canola or olive oil

3. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl

4. Roll mixture into balls and place in muffin pan. The balls should be about the size of a racquetball

5. Bake for 40 minutes

Makes 12 muffins

Serving size- 2 muffins for woman

4 muffins for man

Calories- 80
Fats- 3 grams
Carbs- 4 grams
Protein- 11 grams

*** Just want to reiterate- this is not my recipe. You can find Jaime Eason and her recipes HERE!

Until next time, bake it, try it, you might just like it!!

Steampunk Style Box- Tutorial

2012-09-23T16:52:00.000-07:00

Howdy folks!!! Today I am going to show you how to make a cute little Steampunk style box. I just love decorating all kinds of boxes- new, old, cigar boxes- you name it! Now, if steampunk isn't your bag baby- that's ok! Use this same concept with different colors and papers and it will still be fab! I like to think of all my projects as recipes and they all need different ingredients!

Here is a list of the ingredients you need for this little gem!

Folkart metallic sequin black and metallic antique copper
Helmar 450 quick dry adhesive
A box- any kind you choose- I have a 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 wood box that I scored at the dollar store
Tattered Angels glimmer mist
Ranger liquid pearls copper and black
Graphic 45 Steampunk Debutante papers
Tim Holtz/ Ranger Cogs and wheels
Tim Holtz/ Ranger Distress ink- vintage photo
Little bottle
Micro beads
ribbons/fiber/lace

First, paint the box black on the outside and copper on the inside.

I really love distressing items and making them look old! So, next I distress all the edges of my papers.

After the distress ink has dried , adhere them with your Helmar adhesive.

Fill your little bottle with micro beads and tie a fiber around the top. Also tie fiber onto the key.

Using your Helmar 450, adhere the bottle, paper and key to the inside lid of the box.
Next, glue your paper and lace into the bottom of the box.

Last step is to embellish by gluing on your cogs and wheels and making dots with your liquid pearls!
Bada Bing- you are finished!!!

Until next time,

Move it Monday- Part 3

2012-09-17T18:58:00.000-07:00

Well, I have joined a gym, what next? I really wanted a trainer but that wasn't in the cards so I thought to myself what is the next best thing? We have access to all sorts of information online. Sweet! I wanted to find something that would work for me that had everything in one, nutrition and exercise. My eating is not that bad but definitely needed a change. I obviously did not get so out of shape by just not exercising- my eating needed to be tweaked as well. I found Jamie Eason on Bodybuilding.com.

Jaime Eason

I like her personality, her plan and would love to look like her! LOL!!! Baby steps Kelly, Baby steps.
I have cut out all white devils- that's what I call bread, white rice, and white flour. I totally love me some bread, especially sourdough, so this was difficult. Now I only eat lean meats, vegetables and whole grains. I have about 5 meals a day to get my metabolism rolling. I try to follow her workout plan as much as possible. I can't really go to the gym everyday so I combine workouts. I figure as long as I am going and moving it is better than sitting around telling myself I don't have time!

Next time I will talk about some of my favorite recipes. My whole reasoning behind Move it Monday is to hopefully give inspiration to those of you who want to make a change and think you can't! I will be posting the good, the bad and the ugly of my get fit journey! I will even post pics of me along the way which is very scary to me and putting it all out on front street! All to inspire you!!! If I, a busy mom with a dream of a creative business, a family and all that entails ( you moms know how hard it can be!) can bang it out and get fit- you can too!!!

Until next time- keep changing, evolving and always look for ways to be a better YOU!!!

Messages From the Universe

2012-09-13T15:52:00.000-07:00

In the past couple of weeks I have saved 2 turtles. Both were in the middle of the road so I stopped my car, put on my hazards, picked them up and put them in the grass. The second one was a pretty hairy rescue! I don't really know that much about turtles and which ones might bite. This guy looked strange to me! I picked him up near the back so that if he tried to bite me, my hands would be farther away. This was a rascally fellow! He jumped out of my hands and scurried further into the road. Cars stopped and probably wondered who the crazy lady was chasing a turtle around! It took about 3 times until I was able to carry him into the grass to safety, laughing the entire time! I went home and searched out what kind of turtle he was- a Florida Softshell.

This is not the actual turtle but the same type.

Any who- I thought to myself the other day- is the Universe sending me messages through these critters? What is the meaning of turtles? So, I did a little research. I found a pretty interesting site called- What's Your Sign. It has all kinds of interesting information on animal symbolism and totem animals.
Turtles are a powerful symbol of protection, order, creation, patience, strength, stability and endurance. I believe the Universe is sending me a message that I am not in a race. My creative endeavors must be met with patience and persistence. No matter how slow I move, I am still getting somewhere. Patience is the key!
Do you have any animals in nature that seem to be crossing your path? Maybe the Universe is sending you a message!

Until next time- keep your eyes and mind open for what the Universe maybe trying to tell you!

Move it Monday Part 2

2012-09-10T12:00:00.000-07:00

Last Monday I told you all that I would be posting on Mondays about my journey to get fit! So now that I made this decision- what next? Figuring that I could not afford to join a gym, I started working out at home. This did not work very long for me at all!!! Too many distractions, kids needing things, seeing dusty corners that have not been cleaned in a very long time all of the sudden needed cleaning! LOL! Any excuse. I needed more motivation. When I was out and about running errands I ended up next to my local gym. I thought- check it out, you never know. I walked in there feeling like such a nerd and so out of place- but did it anyway. I talked to the dude, found out some numbers and thought to myself- we can totally afford this! I am definitely worth $1 a day to feel better about myself!!! So- I joined!!! A big leap for me. 39 and joining a gym to workout when I have not in about 20 years. What next... Join me next Monday to see what steps I took next.

Until next time- You are worth it!

Follow Your Heart

2012-09-05T07:03:00.000-07:00

I have a brain that moves a zillion miles an hour. Sometimes this is good and sometimes it is crippling. When I take a shower in the morning one of two things happen- 1. I get lots of amazing, creative ideas or 2. My brain is invaded with the minutia of the upcoming day. Today, it was the latter! The stream went something like this-
1. have to get the kids ready for school
2. Willow is buying lunch for the first time, will she be ok?
3. I hope Wren doesn't cry again when I drop her off
4. Should I work out today?
5. I still feel sick
6. What will I make for dinner tonight?
7. I really want to make art
The list of invading thoughts goes on!!!!
When this train starts moving in my brain I try to slow it down and focus on the now. I went outside on the porch to get fresh air and there was the most amazing sunrise. I felt a warmth run over me and thought, Kelly, just follow your heart! I ran to get my camera and take pics. The perfect moment had passed but this is what I snapped!

Until next time- JUST FOLLOW YOUR HEART!!!

Move It Monday

2012-09-03T17:50:00.000-07:00

I have started on a new path in my life- getting healthy and fit! I decided on Mondays I will be posting updates on my journey. Maybe it might help you all get motivated if you need to make a change in your life!
Let me give you a little back story first. When I was younger I was on a soccer team, gymnastics and Tae Kwon Do. I was always very fit and active. Around age 21 was the last time I really saw any physical activity! LOL When I turned 34 I had my first baby and I gained 90lbs!!! 15 months later I had my second baby and gained 60lbs.
So here I find myself- 39 years old, out of shape and 45lbs over weight! Time for a serious change!
Next week I will talk about what I am doing to get fit and get healthy!

Until next time- take care of yourself!

Birdies, Birdies and More Birdies!

2012-08-30T08:07:00.002-07:00

If you told me a year ago that I would be making birds out of paper clay and loving it I would have said you were nuts! Here I am- making birds and can't seem to make enough!!! If I had more time in my schedule I would have an aviary full of colorful, glittery, inspiring birdies! For now, I squeeze everything in, wherever and whenever possible! Here is a peek at some of my birdies that are almost finished and then will fly into my shop!

These are the cute feet that I will paint for the birdie below.

Love this guy and his stick legs

This is my ladybug bird!

This little guy is drying upside down because I am decorating the bottom!

Until next time- Tweet, Tweet!!

Holey Moley Flooding in our Hood!

2012-08-29T08:06:00.001-07:00

Tropical storm Isaac pounded us on Monday with serious rain! The kids still had school and it wasn't that bad in the morning. I picked Wren up at 12 noon and I could barely see the road on the way. When I left our parking lot already had about a 1/2 a foot of water. I decided I would get Willow early. When I arrived at her school I was informed they were on lock down and no students could leave. Great! While waiting for the lock down to be lifted a tornado warning was issued. We (all the other parents, Wrennie and I) were ushered into a backroom to hunker down for the duration of this warning. Did I mention we were stuck in there with a very chatty boy of about 11 and a crying baby! Long story short, we finally got Willow and battled the rains and flooding home. Here are some pics.

Outside of my studio window

Off the side of our porch

Our parking lot

The water level on our truck.

Our parking lot had a couple of cars get stranded and all over the city there were cars stranded. Some areas had 2 feet of standing water. I pray NOLA and Mississippi and the gulf coast don't get it too bad. It is a very slow moving storm that is dumping a lot of rain. We got about 14 inches!

In other news, I am finishing some of my birds!!! YEA!!! I will post about them next.

Sending prayers out to all in the path of Isaac. Until next time-

Our Weekend With Isaac

2012-08-27T06:57:00.000-07:00

This weekend we weathered Tropical storm Isaac. In fact as I write this we are still experiencing a lot of rain, flooding and of and on tornado warnings. We really lucked out and it is not too bad. The girls and I worked on a school project for Willow. She was given an outline of a girl that she was to decorate. We made a copy so that Wren could make one too!!

Willow and Wren working on their pictures

Willow's in progress

I am slowly adjusting to the new school schedule. After I drop Willow off I have a 2 hour window before I pick up Wren. This is the time where I squeeze in art! So that is where I am off to now!!!

Hope everybody has a fabulous day and I am sending good energy out to all the people that live where Isaac is headed!!

Until next time- stay dry, create your own life one day at a time and smile!!!!

The First Day of School

2012-08-23T07:32:00.000-07:00

Monday was the first day of school. The first of many firsts in our household. Willow moving the the big school starting kindergarten and Wren starting pre-k.

Willow, Wren and Daddy before the first day of school.

I was nervous and stressed. Change is very difficult for me. Everyday I try to develop a better relationship with change. We handled this first day as a family- with Daddy! I am so luck to have such a supportive husband for me and my girls have such an awesome, participatory father! The day was loaded with tears, nerves, change, loss, gain and we all came out on the other end a little stronger, a little braver and a little changed.

Until next time, embrace change!

Time Standing Still?

2012-05-15T17:31:00.001-07:00

Do you ever feel as if you are in a place where time is at a stand still. That is where I am at right now. I am at a creative stand still! You know where you want to go and where you want to be but feel as if you are just not moving forward. Then I started to look at it from a different perspective. Maybe time is not standing still- all the little pieces I can not see are secretly falling into place. I need to celebrate these times, not just the times where I feel super accomplished. The down times are just as important. Moving full speed ahead all the time is not always the answer. I also think alot of this feeling is based in fear. Fear of success, fear of failure. I really need to enjoy the journey and not attach outcomes to everything. The joy is in the journey.

Until next time, embrace and celebrate!

A Sweet Review

2012-05-10T14:55:00.000-07:00

Polly, over at This Enchanted Pixie, wrote an awesomely sweet review of my soaps! You can read it over here!

Nice pic she posted!

Polly is a great gal and I just love her. She also makes some really cute jewelry and is super awesome at redesigning blogs. She did mine!! If you would like to check her out, here are her links below!

THIS ENCHANTED PIXIE BLOG
THIS ENCHANTED PIXIE STORE

Until next time, Love one another!

Art Dolls- Part 2

2012-05-08T14:54:00.000-07:00

A couple of posts back I told you all about trying out something new- art dolls! ART DOLLS- PART 1
Well, I have completed a bit more on my first art doll. I thought I was using paperclay, turns out I was using clay mache!! LOL! Live and learn, huh?! This doll I have been working on I have been using the clay mache. I think it gives a pretty cool rustic, folksy look. I have started making some cool birds with the paperclay (I will post pics of those later)
So here are some pics of the doll thus far.

I have legs made but I'm not sure if I want it to have legs !

This is the top of the head I crackled.

This is the face that I think I will be steampunking up!

Until next time- keep trying new stuff!!

My First Art Workshop!

2012-04-25T16:18:00.000-07:00

I have never taken an art class, except for the one you take in Elementary school. I have always just made stuff I like to make. I have been dying to take one but they just don't offer what I consider interesting classes around here in Port St. Lucie, Fla. They are all the traditional painting, drawing, watercolor, oils etc. I am currently taking an online class entitled, Canvas Create 2012- with Donna Downey. Each month she sends you a video that shows you how to create a canvas from beginning to end. I am loving it so far, but have to admit I am a bit behind! :-) The link for this class is above if you are interested in checking it out! I highly recommend it!

Soon after I started taking this online course from her I discovered she was coming to do a workshop in Port St. Lucie!!!! She is teaching a workshop called, "The Big 40"! We will be learning over 40 tips, tricks and techniques for mixed media! I am stoked!
A great opportunity to expand my knowledge! I am going with my girlfriend this Friday night and should have a blast. I will definitely do a post on this experience!

Until next time- never stop learning!!!

Art Dolls- A New Adventure!

2012-04-22T07:50:00.001-07:00

I have never been a lover of dolls. Cute, little, perfect, prissy dolls, well- they make me want to barf! Ok, I guess that's harsh- to each their own! They have just never been my bag baby! The other day I was at my girlfriend's house and we were looking at a doll magazine. Now they had some cool freaking dolls!! It hit me, I don't have to make a pretty, prissy, perfect doll- I can make make whatever I want! Duh, right? I am also not good at making faces- but I can make whatever kind I want!! This totally made me excited and want to enter a realm I have never been in before.
So I am going to attempt to make my first Art Doll- right in front of your eyes!!
I will use-
-paperclay
-wooden skewers
-an old plastic snowcone cup
-a piece of wood
-paint
-fabric and embellishments I find around my studio

So follow me on this journey and lets see where it goes!! Below are some pics of the beginnings.

Ingredients!

Working on the head and measuring

Beginning of head and body

Beginning of legs

Until next time- Always try new stuff- it makes ya feel good!!!