My Owl Barn

Akshata Nayak: The Orange Owl

2012-05-16T09:34:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, please welcome my new blog sponsor Akshata Nayak from The Orange Owl. You can find and visit the link to her store along with the other amazing sponsors on the left side. Thanks to all of them for making this blog possible, without their support it would not have been possible. So, a huge thanks to all of them again.

Akshata shares her motivation that made her start her own company.

A big motivating factor for me was the research I did during my Master of Science degree in Biochemistry (I have published papers in peer reviewed journals about this) - exposure to the levels of toxins (I studied arsenic specifically) that are allowed in the environment by legal EPA standards can negatively affect our immune system on a genetic level. A couple of years later, when I studied more about toxins and how our bodies react to them during my second Master of Science in Applied Clinical Nutrition, I started paying more attention to all the chemicals we are regularly exposed to.

I was really surprised to see (finally notice, I should say) that chemicals I used in my lab for experiments were present in most skincare products which people buy in bulk off the shelves and use daily. For example - certain glycols (like PEG) are used as antifreeze in labs.

I didn't pay a lot of attention to it before, but I do now and I truly believe that you are the sum of what you put in and on your body. Your physiology, including genetic information, is affected by what you and your environment do to it. It is obvious that you cannot control every aspect of the environment, however, you can give yourself the best chance by managing what you do to your internal biochemistry. I am just trying to help people understand that with The Orange Owl and my wellness center, Alternative Roots Wellness Center.

Did you need any more?

Why did you choose owl for your logo?

When the idea of setting up my own brand for ecofriendly skincare products was just taking root in my mind, everywhere I went, I saw owls in all shapes and forms (toys, stuffed animals, graphics, fabric prints). So when time came to choose a name, the owl stood out in my mind. It just felt right. And The Orange Owl is the bright and wise choice :) I actually have a full blog post coming up about this in the next few weeks!

Any events in the future that you would like to share about here?

MTV Movie Awards Red Carpet Gift Lounge. The Owl was recently chosen to participate in this Gift Lounge hosted for the nominees and presenters at the Awards Show on May 31st. The award function itself is on June 3rd. I will be at the event introducing the celebrity world to The Orange Owl!

We are launching our line of body scrubs at the show - specifically Mocha Buzz (Coffee, Chocolate and Vanilla). These will be made available for retail online at the end of June. The Orange Owl is also going fully vegan for the show - this is a change we will institute in our online store over the next few months.

At the moment, our lip balms cannot be labeled vegan because of the beeswax content. We are switching over to Candelilla Wax over the next few batches we make.

Gift bags full of our ecofriendly and vegan products will be available for all the celebrities and all attendees will be able to scoop up our luscious and chemical-free lip balms.

Thank you, Akshata.

Loboloup

2012-05-16T08:15:00.000-07:00

Nancy and her niece Elizabeth Wolff have started a boutique design company Loboloup, specializing in contemporary wallpaper for kids. Their products are eco-friendly, hand-painted and are hand-screened using water-based inks. There are many designs including owls, ships & sails, circus, robots and more that'll look great in a kid's room. You can visit their website to make a purchase or visit them at at ICFF, May 19-22, booth 976 when they are premiering the collection.

Owlsome Deal - Owl and The Pussycat Wallet 30% Off

2012-05-15T05:15:00.000-07:00

~~Regular price:~~ ~~$8.50~~

Owlsome deal price: $5.95

Harriet Gray is a freelance illustrator from the UK. She loves to experiment with textures, patterns and colors. Harriet makes one-of-a-kind and limited edition goodies that are adorned with her original illustrations. I am so thrilled that she has offered this beautiful 'Owl and The Pussycat' wallet for the Owlsome Deal at 30% off for a limited time and in limited quantities. You can grab one at the special price of $5.95 only by clicking 'Add to Cart' button below! It'll make a perfect father's day gift or for someone special in your life.

Click the Add to Cart button below to buy:

This deal is only available till 05/23/2012 5:15AM MST

The deal can end earlier, if the product gets sold out.

The wallet is handmade by Harriet with high quality, super strong, glossy vinyl that is pliable and very tactile. Bound inside is a print of my 'Owl and the Pussycat' illustration which, when folded, shows Owl one side, and Pussycat the other.

*Especially perfect for use when traveling in a little pea green boat.*

Detail:

Lovingly hand stitched together with soft 'midnight blue' embroidery floss.

This wallet has two clear vinyl pockets on the inside to hold your travel cards / train tickets / business cards / photos / pea green boat tickets / ... anything credit card sized!

Measures approx 105mm x 75mm when closed or 210mm x 75mm when open.

Will be carefully gift wrapped in tissue paper.

Not so fine print:

- Once you click on the checkout button in cart, you will be directed to the PayPal payment page to make the payment to the seller. You can pay with your PayPal account, or with your credit/debit card.

- You will also be asked to provide your shipping address on the PayPal payment page.

- If you are seeing "This product is out of stock" message after clicking the "Add to Cart" button, that means that the deal has ended due to deadline being reached or the item being sold out.

- This Owlsome Deal is available to all the international readers.

- If you have any pre-purchase enquiries or questions about your purchase. Please email at harriet@harrietgray.co.uk.

- You can read more on shipping info and return policy at http://www.etsy.com/shop/harrietgray/policy?ref=shopinfo_policies_leftnav

Don't miss any Owlsome Deal, sign up now to get them delivered in your mail box.

Do you have a product that you would like to offer to the "Owlsome Deal"? Read more.

Sarajo Frieden

2012-05-14T10:15:00.000-07:00

Sarajo Frieden is an artist, illustrator and designer based in Los Angeles. She creates these amazing and intricate embroidered paper pieces that are full of color and texture. The gorgeous owl was done in collaboration with a talented friend, Marci Boudreau.

Fable and Exotic Collection

2012-05-14T09:33:00.000-07:00

Fable and Exotic are the first two whimsical pillow collections by East Camp Home. Lucy Bohnsack the founder, collaborated with renowned animal photographer Valerie Shaff to create these fun and unique pillows that are perfect to bring nature in any corner of the house.

Pablo Picasso Owl Vase

2012-05-14T08:45:00.000-07:00

Pablo Picasso owl shaped, hand-painted ceramic vase circa 1968. Beautiful!

Animi Causa

2012-05-14T08:15:00.000-07:00

I love this idea of wall decals that double as clocks. There are several designs to choose from owl to bunny and more by Animi Causa.

Happy Friday + Happy Mother's Day

2012-05-11T10:05:00.000-07:00

Make this! For directions and template click here.

Download these owl recipe cards for your mother, for free!

More mother's day special DIY.

Owl gift wrap, card, tags and more. Get'em all from here for free!

More free printable. Print it from here.

Send link to your mom of this wallpaper.

Happy Friday and Happy Mother's Day weekend! I am looking forward to spending my day with my mom, she has been a great inspiration in my life. Her inner strength and determination especially during hard times have been truly inspiring to me from which I have learnt to become more patient in life. I am blessed to have her as my mother. Wishing you a great weekend and a very happy mother's day. See you all back on Monday. Take care!

Free Printable Wall Art for Mother’s Day

2012-05-11T09:00:00.000-07:00

Maddie of 'Colour Me There' has created this geometric heart shaped wall art that you can download and print for free. When I first saw it, it appeared to me as a face of an owl. Does it you too?

It's an owl. It's a heart. It's a mighty fine printable! Download it from here.

Owl Pancake

2012-05-11T08:15:00.000-07:00

If your mom loves owls then surprise her with this easy to make owl pancake. I promise this unique and sweet breakfast will delight your mother and it'll be an experience that she'll never forget. For more details and directions go to this link.

Mibo: Tea Towels

2012-05-10T10:15:00.000-07:00

I have blogged about Mibo's super cute products previously here. Today, I am excited to share their newest of organic cotton animal tea towels that are available in four designs - owl, lion, squirrel and fox. These towels double as cushions, watch the following video showing you how to make the animals.

Nell Smith: Organic Baby T-shirt

2012-05-10T09:30:00.000-07:00

Nell Smith loves to draw and an award winning surface designer based in Manchester, UK. He hand screenprints all of his products using traditional techniques. His designs are inspired by Japanese cartoons and Scandinavian textiles, and yet delightfully simple. His designs can be found on several products from children's clothing to homewares. You can find his baby t-shirt range in his online stores at Etsy and bigcartel in over 10 adorable designs including owl, lion, panda and cat.

Twine: Takayama Birds

2012-05-10T08:35:00.000-07:00

I am loving this flock of birds! These gorgeous birds are handmade in Takayama which is a historically preserved town in northern Japan. The beautiful details are block printed on linen and each bird is stuffed with cotton and rice husks. These birds can be decorated as an ornament with the hanging thread or on a book case. Available at Twine, starting at $32.

Jeremy Kool: 3D Sculptures

2012-05-09T09:45:00.000-07:00

Jeremy Kool is an Australian graphic designer and 3D artist who designed the project “The Paper Fox” an idea for an interactive storybook on iPad and Android. The paper sculptures shown here look like real origami animals are actually created digitally by Jeremy and are only a small portion of the amazing project. You can follow his blog for updates on his work.

Animal Stamps for Budafest Zoo

2012-05-09T09:15:00.000-07:00

I came across these stamps on behance.com created as a school project for Zoo Budapest.

Tin Pot Owl-Bots

2012-05-09T08:15:00.000-07:00

Alex Morgan is a graphic artist based in the UK. She studied Photography and Design at Norwich School of Art and now works as freelance under the name Spellstone. Her passion for color and pattern is reflected in her work. Her latest collection 'Tin Pot Owl-Bots' featuring mechanical owls are so adorable! Aren't these just perfect for making a quilt for a little guy in your life?

Owlsome Deal - Owl Purse 33% Off

2012-05-08T05:15:00.000-07:00

SOLD OUT!

Today's "Owlsome Deal" is by Sally Weatherill who has offered this beautifully crafted purse, handmade from lovely soft leather and lined with blue and white gingham fabric. It's 16 x 11cm which is perfect for change or lipsticks with beautiful detailing. It's a one-of-a-kind purse which is available through the "Owlsome Deal" at 33% off for a limited time only. To buy, click on the "Add to Cart" button below.

Click the Add to Cart button below to buy:

This deal is only available till 05/14/2012 5:15AM MST

The deal can end earlier, if the product gets sold out.

Not so fine print:

- You will also be asked to provide your shipping address on the PayPal payment page.

- If you are seeing "This product is out of stock" message after clicking the "Add to Cart" button, that means that the deal has ended due to deadline being reached or the item being sold out.

- This Owlsome Deal is available to all the international readers.

- If you have any pre-purchase enquiries or questions about your purchase. Please email at sallyweatherill@hotmail.com.

- Return policy: Only if item is faulty.

Don't miss any Owlsome Deal, sign up now to get them delivered in your mail box.

Do you have a product that you would like to offer to the "Owlsome Deal"? Read more.

Orange & Turqouise Modern Owl Themed Baby Shower

2012-05-07T10:35:00.000-07:00

Heidi from Spitfiregirl Design planned this whimsical mid-century modern owl themed baby for her friend who lives 1,200 miles away. The theme was inspired by baby Colin's owl nursery and it's fresh color palette of orange, turquoise, and brown, and the parents love of mid-century things. The shower decor was simple yet elegant like the little owls and the fabulous macrame owl along with tonnes of delightful vintage details.

{images via On To baby.com}

Zoé de Las Cases: Masks

2012-05-07T09:15:00.000-07:00

owl

fox

wolf

eagle

Animal and bird masks by Zoé de Las Cases.

I have blogged about Zoé de Las Cases previously here.

What a Hoot

2012-05-07T08:45:00.000-07:00

I just adore this "What a Hoot" owl print! If I were to buy only one of the two then I would choose the comforter and those pillowcase. Do you like the print better on the comforter or the sleepwear? Available at The Company Store.

Red Cap Cards

2012-05-07T08:15:00.000-07:00

Red Cap Cards is a Beverly Hills, California based brand that was founded by Hal Mertz and Carrie Gifford in 2007. They offer a wide range of quirky cards designed by seven artists and designers including Jill Labieniec, Lizzy Stewart and more. I picked out some of my favorites to share here, visit their website for entire range of cards for all occasions.

Collection: Owl Tattoos

2012-05-04T13:55:00.000-07:00

{from the top: 4²5²☆productions, nowheregod, Shana Marie, moninsomnie, dave barton, Tangerine, Vespa, Casey McGovern, nnatalliaa}

Happy Friday! Thank you for being here with me this week and for sending me your love through emails and comments. You guys make my day! :) Lately, tattoos have been on my mind which inspired me to compile this collection of owl tattoos that I absolutely love. I hope you enjoy them too. Have a great weekend and take care!

shivani

Deweaponizing the Gun: Walt Creel

2012-05-04T11:17:00.000-07:00

Walton Creel is an American artist who presently lives and works in Birmingham, Alabama. Deweaponizing the Gun is his series of large scale illustrations created by shooting patterns through 6x4' white painted sheets of aluminum with a .22 caliber rifle to create wildlife animal portraits.

"My main goal was to take the destructive power away from the gun. To manipulate the gun into a tool of creation and use it in a way that removed it from its original purpose, to deweaponize it."

Freebie: Mother's Day Card

2012-05-04T10:15:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to discover this adorable Mother's Day card by Wee Gallery. If you don't have the time to create your owl card then this one is for you. Simply download it and print it and you are done! I am sure owl mothers will love it!

DIY: Mother's Day Card

2012-05-04T09:30:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day is just around the corner on May 13th. What better gift than something you've made and can personalize for your Mom? This cute card features the owls peeping out from their tree house. The owl card can be removed later and stood up on its own, making a great decoration. There is some space on the back for a mother's day message. The card comes with an envelope and yes, everything is free for download :) To download the instructions and template hop on over to Canon's Creative Park after the jump.