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Storefront CLOSED...on to greener pastures!!

2012-04-09T07:23:00.001-07:00

So, my storefront did close. Im not upset at all about it! I moved it into The Boston at 121 N. Main Streen in Urbana Ohio. That store is filled top to bottom with THREE FLOORS of antiques and unique items. Im proud to have my items showcased there :) They recently opend The Veranda in the back of the store. It also houses a General Store, Art Gallery, Garden Basement, Vintage closet and they are working on a Retro Apartment!! Great shop if you are ever in the area!! For more detail check out www.facebook.com/thebostonstore

Owner Gina Mokry just happens to be my mother! I asked her to move to Ohio from Arkansas to buy this failing business so I could have a built-in baby sitter-AND a mom to share with!

Well, she turned the shop around and opend the basement and upstairs and now a back patio. The store is filled with 52 very unique vendors who plow the ohio fiels and barn looking for rusty gold!! The store is amazing and not only because it houses my new location for The Green Owl or that Gina Mokry is my mother- its just a destination to experience!

Visit the boston any day of the week- they are always open!

Monday-Thursday 10-5 (but always stay till alomost 7)

Fridays 10-7 (and always there til about 8)

Saturdays 10-people stop showing up- usally after 7

sundays 1-4

If they are in the store and the doors are closed- just knock!! They will let you in to shop! Happy shopping!

Ups and Downs of The Green Owl

2011-07-06T07:34:00.000-07:00

So, although I love my shop, The Green Owl, I still miss my freedom to be creative when I want. I started this business when my son was a baby and thought it would be easy to run a shop while toting him around...needless to say i was wrong. I didn't think about how it would be once he grew up and instead of toting him around I started chasing him. When he was a baby I had down time and was able to create. Now, there isn't any down time. I do a little merchandising and then I'm back to see what mess I have to clean up. I love my son very much and have wanted to hang out with him outside my shop instead of inside. Plus, its much better damage control! I hired a manager for the store two months ago but as you all know, if you have started a small business, all the money you make goes right back into the business. Everything I paid my manager for two months ended up being the money I wasn't able to take home or put back in my shop. After two months of the store looking amazing because the manager had put her whole heart into my shop... I had to let her go. It was having her or having food on our table...hmmmm...not a question. The I contemplated on closing. Option? What would I do? Get a "real" job? God no! A friend of mine started talking about doing flea markets and shows. Now that's an idea! We have been working non stop trying to get our first show off and running! Its been a blast finding treasures to fix up and sell. My favorite find was a box of keys that i turned into necklaces and magnets. Cute! I'll post pictures of them in my next post. As for my shop, The Green Owl, it remains open. I still love it and I plan on doing some wonderful things with the store. My brain is forever going and i know that there will be another time in my life when i feel like closing but that day isn't today! Happy shopping!!!!

Art Party Packs!!

2011-04-18T19:19:00.000-07:00

Shop Green Owl on etsy

Day 3. The Glass Bottle.

2010-12-29T21:09:00.000-08:00

I really do love my work space. I enjoy walking into the room knowing that I have all my little crafty items so close at hand. I must say it is so much better then the living room floor or the kitchen table. I remember when I worked on the table I hated putting everything away- another reason I didn't create very many items. At every meal we would have to clear everything- so annoying. Now I like cleaning up my stuff- I love it. THAT, my friends, is strange :)

Not much to say today- I'm so very tired and happy that my craft is finished :) I have always wanted to add paper to glass and now I have. AWESOME!! I'm not really in love with it but I like it. The best part is the vintage button that is in the shape of a bow- I'm not sure I know where I got that one...very cool.

Day 2. A Shower then Craft...maybe.

2010-12-29T08:56:00.000-08:00

Paris or Bust Photo by simplyhue.Etsy.com

I really didn't think I was going to get Day 2 of my crafting frenzy finished. I'm sure you're thinking, "Its only the second day, Kristie!!!" Well, after shopping for dinner, cooking dinner, returning the movies from last night and getting Sam ready for bed, I thought I would wind down with a shower. I even had crazy thoughts about shaving my legs. That's it- Ill shave my legs, use my 'new' bath wash I bought ages ago and maybe leave the conditioner in my hair a little longer than normal...doing this all while thinking about my craft project I have planned for the evening. Of course, I knew life had other plans for me when I was rinsing the shampoo out of my hair and a little red headed naked boy opened the curtain, "I shower too, mommy" Fine. I'll shave tomorrow. At least my hair was clean.

Too tired to get crafty but still hours later... My mission was to decoupage a vintage suitcase. My tools: paper, Mod Podge, scissors, suitcase, and a Glee CD. Awesome! I was set!! :)

Did I do that? I LOVE IT!! I absolutely love. Not very often do I fall in love with my work but everything about this is totally me and that is what I love. I love Paris, love to travel, I love clothes and of course I love creating new things. I dream of Paris and walking the streets, eating French food at an outside cafe, listening to street music, drinking wine and going to fashion shows. Everything about Paris is intriguing. I guess that's why I loved living in New York so much- it really is like a European city. I wont start with New York- that will have to be another blog post. I'm sure I can come up with something that will give tribute to one of my favorite cities soon :)

A small tip: If you want to decoupage something make sure to lay everything out before you commit :)

A New Year of Crafting

2010-12-28T09:55:00.000-08:00

When I first started writing a blog I thought I would do it so I could get more traffic to my website, my Etsy store or just to say I have one. When you own a business you have to have a blog. Right? :)

During this holiday weekend off I moved most of my "creating" items to my home. I always thought I would keep everything in The Green Owl Studio but was too tired in the evenings and never made it over there to create. After running after a toddler all day, cleaning, cooking, changing diapers and my never ending trips to Wal-mart and Kroger, I just never had it in me to put my coat on and truck it to the Studio to create something amazing. Now I have my glue sticks, vintage papers, sewing machine and crafty books at hand. Lets not forget the lovely rusty old locker filled with funky and fun fabrics that Joe, my boyfriend, wishes I would sneak to the dump, is now sitting in my new work space. I like the sound of that. Work space- in my home!!

Someone once told me that around your birthday you have a renewal of sorts. This must be true. Of course, I think it must come once a month. If you are a women I'm sure you can relate :) So, here I am renewing myself once again. I have my creative juices flowing and I cant wait to begin!! I have vowed to create at least one item a day- in the evenings, of course. After my little Sam has had his bath and is fast asleep I will get crafty. I might even skip an episode of American Pickers just to get it done. I'll post something everyday to keep you all updated- this is until I renew myself again. Ha!! This New Year should be exciting!! So.... to crafting, sitting on the floor so long you have one butt cheek numb, glue guns, vintage paper and being creative (Im holding my imaginary wine glass filled with shariz)!!!

2010-10-17T19:39:00.000-07:00

Never look back, except for an occasional glance, look ahead and plan for the future. Success is not built on past laurels, but rather on a continuous activity. Keep busy searching out new ideas and, experimentally, keep ahead of the times, or at least up with them.

—Dorothy Draper

Top 10 Gifts Under $10.00

2010-10-17T18:53:00.000-07:00

Christmas is a time of family, friends and STRESSING over the perfect gift. Here are a few tips that might help you sleep a little better at night. Relax and enjoy the upcoming holiday!

Coffee is always a great gift, especially when you know what kind the person really likes. If you buy a bag of coffee beans, you can place it in a nice gift bag or you can also add a mug that reminds you of the person as well and then place the bag of coffee in the mug. An added bonus is buying coffee that comes from your local coffee shop or roasters.

Baked goods are a great idea for a gift. Who doesn't like something sweet for the holidays? If you make the baked goods it may even be cheaper and it shows even more of an effort on your part.

Picture frames are beautiful and inexpensive. And adding a picture of you and the person you are giving it to will have even more meaning to it. Just make sure the picture is flattering of the person receiving the gift :)

If you know a person loves wine, buy them a decent bottle and wrap it or put it in a nice bottle gift bag. A wine lover will appreciate this and you will not have to worry about it going to waste.

Books and journals are a great gift idea for all the readers and writers on your list. Some books can be expensive so try buying a paperback or go online and search for a cheaper price.

You can always find board games for under $10 dollars. They are fun and very entertaining and will most likely be played one they are opened.

Note cards or a stationary set is a wonderful gift idea, especially personalized ones. Try to look around for different prices because depending on the store because they can be pricey.

Try buying lotion, body scrubs or bath salts. This is the perfect gift for the women on your lists.

Christmas ornaments are a precious and meaningful gift. This is a gift that will be used every year and the receiver will think of you each time they hang it.

And lastly, for all the animal lovers out there, you can get them gourmet treats or accessories for their pets.

Fall in Love Like a Child...AGAIN!

2010-10-04T09:58:00.000-07:00

It's that time of the year again. After living in Ohio I have really have learned to love every season. I love how everyone really celebrates all seasons and now we have to get ready for fall. About two weeks ago I spent some time at Circle Farms in Champagne County, Ohio and fell in love with pumpkins again. I haven't been in love with pumpkins... well, lets say it's just been too long. I thought it was something that was just for kids. As a child, I remember getting so excited to go with Mom ans Dad to pick out my very own pumpkin. The idea of choosing your very own pumpkin as your canvas to make the best Jack-o-Lantern ever was almost as good as getting all that candy and choosing what to wear for Halloween!! In fact, I don't think I have said the word 'Jack-o-lantern' as an adult. Going to a pumpkin farm really helps you get in the mood!! I feel like a child again! I have been looking everywhere trying to see what I am going to make with my pumpkins and how I want to decorate with my long lost orange treasures. It sure feels good to be excited like a child again!!

Of, course I love the owls!! What a great idea! Just use nuts and dried seeds to make your own creation.

Use berries, gourds and pumpkins to decorate a wagon or wheel barrel. Then, add a painted "Welcome Friends" on your pumpkins! Can't paint? Just buy letter stickers! Perfect!

Take those little guys out of the bowl and put them to use. They make great candle stick holders or votive holders (the white pumpkins especially). Just take the stem out and make a hole for the candle sticks or dig everything out for the votive. you can add anything with a little glue. The picture shows berries and small pine cones. Add a few fall leaves for a little bit more spice!

Get one of these awesome painted pumpkins by Debbie Loffing! Each one is different...contact me and I'll give you the information on how to get one!!

Happy Fall Everyone!

2010-06-30T07:33:00.000-07:00

Well, its about that time when we enjoy the backyard grill and have too many hot dogs for our waist line. We might drink a little too much beer and forget to wear sunscreen. So we better stock up on that aloe! The fireworks will scare the crap out of some of us while others will do the scare. It might be the first time we talk to our neighbor even though we have shared the same fence line for years. Water will call out to some of us and our bathing suits will make their first appearance. Of course, we will wish some bathing suits would have stayed on the store rack why we will try to look away. We will remember the times when we were young and wrote our names in the night air with sparklers and will try to teach our kids to do the same. The poker chips come out of the box- making their last appearance at Christmas- They have missed you! They haven't missed you loud and obnoxious Uncle who steals your money every year. Many of us will lay out a family quilt, relax and enjoy and soak up the sun. Its the Fourth of July!! Its the time we hang our American flags proud.We celebrate our family, hamburgers, fireworks, life and our country. So... HAPPY 4th to you all!!!

The Green Owl Hosts Etsy Craft Party

2010-06-24T07:27:00.000-07:00

The Etsy Craft Party was a hit!! We had so much fun learning how to make bib necklaces, party banners and painting on glass!! Well, the cupcakes were yummy too!! Thanks to the help of our Champagne County Etsy Team for helping us put on a wonderful craft party!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/zemphira

Christmas in July

2010-06-08T08:20:00.000-07:00

During the mist of backyard bar-b-q's, hamburgers and hotdogs, baseball games, and summer vacations is a month long celebration called Christmas in July. Its time for early Christmas parties and secret Santa's. Shop owners open their doors to the public to offer the seasons winter trends. Here are a few fun items I have found to help the early birds get a jump start!

Fearless Decorating

2010-01-28T20:01:00.000-08:00

There are so many times we have all played it safe. We carefully pick out paint colors and get a little stressed when we test them in certain lights. We sit back and wait for our boyfriends, husbands, or sons to finish watching the game to get a helping hand in doing something while secretly wanting them to stay busy because it might be a mistake- and they will just have to help change it back. We look through thousands of magazines and books pointing out things we like and things that would be "nice" to do. We watch HGTV over and over thinking "I could do that", "I could never do that!" or "Why didn't I think of that!".

Well girls it's time. Time for what you might ask?? To be FEARLESS! It is time to take action. Time to take that idea and run with it. It is time to paint that wall without testing the color (I mean really, how are you going to know if you dont like it from that small painted area- really!) You have to make it, paint it, build it or create it to know if you like it. If you dont, give it away, redo it, paint over or just let it grow on you. At least you can say you did something :)

Today I was in my shop and needed to create something. I had that "lets decorate" mood going on. Now, a little advise- when you get that :lets decorate" mood you HAVE to use it! Don't turn on HGTV or grab a magazine to find something that you want to do. If you wait that long the mood will have passed. Use it! Get off your butts and get movin!

So, back to the store- I wanted to change the front of the store. It needed a warmer feeling when you walked in. I became FEARLESS! I did something that I had never seen on TV- I'm sure it has been done before though ( I dont want to take full credit or anything). ANYWAY... I have a wooden wall. I thought I would paint it? No- I needed more paint- no time- I have to use the mood while it was on. Stain it? No- I didn't have any. Im a store...what do I have that I can use?? Tissue paper. Tissue paper? TISSUE PAPER!!!

So this is what you do:
Find a wall or furniture piece you want to change.
Now, look/shop for tissuse paper you like. I would suggest any kind- just as long as you LOVE it!!

Supplies you will need:
Tissue Paper
Spray Adhesive
X-Acto Knife

Spray the adhesive to your "canvas". Take your tissue paper and lay it on the wall. Try to rub out any air bubbles and paper folding by taking your hand to the middle of the paper and rubbing out (honestly, I wasnt too worried about all the folding- FEARLESS!)

When your paper overlaps take your x-acto knife and go accross the over lapping area. Dont worry if it isnt lined up- thats not the look you want. This isn't wall paper- it's tisue paper. FEARLESS! :)

The Family Picture

2010-01-18T18:58:00.000-08:00

In my antiquing searches, I have always been able to find new family memories out of others old ones. When I see that old rusty box filled with photographs I cant help but stop. If there is a space on the floor and if the shop isn't busy I like to sit and take my time as if looking though my own photo memories. I think of who they might have been and wonder why their family just tossed their photos away. Looking at them in a box at an estate sale, at the auction house or in a small downtown shop makes me want to take them all home and cherish them the way I wish their family would have. What did they do? Did they farm? Did they have children? If so , how many? These are the crazy questions I ask myself while I look at the unsolved mysteries. Then, I always manage to take a few home. This past year I made a Christmas tree filled with antique photographs. I LOVED it!! I also made greeting cards- the possibilities are endless... Heres hopes you find your long lost family in that old dusty box. Happy New Year!