Sunday, September 6, 2009

Greenman Wooden Spoon in a Treasury!



♫ ♪ Treasury ♫ ♪
Greenman... Spirit of the Forest
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=80248

LilYkaT Studio is honored to have the Greenman Wooden Spoon in this Treasury!
Check out this treasury on Etsy. More views of my Greenman Spoon here: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29931531

Off to burn wood & take pictures!

Saturday, September 5, 2009

New Treasury with Celtic Wooden Spoon!



♫ ♪ Treasury ♫ ♪
TOOTS & the MAYTALS Sweet & Dandy
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=80294

LilYkaT Studio is honored to have the Celtic Wooden Spoon in this Treasury!

Zoo Zaniness






DH took the day off yesterday, and we went to the MN Zoo in Apple Valley. Holiday weekends are great for going there, as everyone else heads out of town, so it's not too crowded. The weather was perfect - sunny, but not too hot. My son was in a good mood; he's 13, so good moods are not as common as they once were...

We were going to do a leisurely stroll through the Zoo, but there was excitement at every turn... Full moon effect? The otters were fighting over a branch, the monkeys were playing tag and diving into their pool, the tigers, wolves and leopards were out and active... and then there were the bears...

There's a Russian Grizzly exhibit at the Zoo http://www.mnzoo.com/grizzly/bear.html. The last time I was there, you couldn't even see a whole bear... just the butt as it was napping. It was twitching it's claws as it slept, just like my cats... only about a million times bigger! When we walked into the "lava tube" cave with the bear observation portal, there were 2 bears swimming in the pool, and one up on a hill. Soon, the hill bear charged down the hill straight into a tree, where it leapt up, climbed about 20 feet up, and sat. Note to self: climbing a tree won't get you away from a bear. He can climb faster, and his 7-inch claws make it easy.

The two swimming bears were very aware of the people watching them. I could almost hear them cataloging us by taste, as they watched us, watching them. "Hmmm... that one would be easy to catch... look! That one looks young & delicious! Which one would you eat first?"

Then... one found a stick. And the other wanted to play with the stick, too. No sharing was going on, and the snubbed bear started shoving. Stick forgotten, the first bear got into his face, and mututal intimidation moves started. Then some playful ducking sand biting... until one bit the other's face a little too hard and two tons of fur, teeth and claws started to really go at it! They fought for about 45 minutes... mainly 8 feet away, but at one point they were just on the other side of the plexiglass. My heart was hammering, seeing full-length and close-up, this kind of action! And I was hoping the plexiglass held! What an amazing experience!

More of my Zoo pics here: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=101772&id=843614168&l=811f336037

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Spookapalozza Treasury with LilYkaT's CandyCorn Necklace!



This Treasury sure made me smile! Check it out for yourself and leave a comment at:
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=66921

I'm pleased and honored that my Candy Corn Glow in the Dark Necklace was included! To see more views of the necklace, go here:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29404528

Thanks for looking!

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Harvest Selections feature Swingy Autumn Earrings




A fellow blogger, Studio Haus, has made a beautiful, bountiful Harvest collection, and included the Swingy Autumn Leaves Earrings from my shop in the collection. I'm honored and excited to be featured in this way. Please swing by her blog and vote for your favorite item!

http://studiohaus.blogspot.com/2009/09/fall-harvest.html?showComment=1251948891390#c8059759218132701278

For more views of my earrings, see here:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29372161

Etsy shop addy:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7639697

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Challenge Entries - Vote for Me!










Since I got laid off in May, I have been working on jewelry in my spare time while looking for a job. I've opened up an Etsy shop at: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7639697

I'm in two challenges for two different groups this month:

HandmadeMN
http://etsymn.blogspot.com/2009/08/august-challenge-purple-rain.html
5th down, Purple Rain Drop Earrings by LilYkaT studio

EtsyPagans:
http://paganteam.blogspot.com/2009/08/harvest-challenge-entries.html
#10 Harvest Goddess of Women's Wisdom

The entries in both of these contests are really fun & creative. If you have a second, pop on over to take a look. Of course, I'd love it if you vote for my stuff! Send your friends to vote, too!

Monday, August 31, 2009

Everybody Sing! "Purple Rain, Purple Rain..."

LilYkaT StudiO listed the August Challenge entry for HandMadeMN - Purple Rain - Rock on Prince! LOL!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30195284





These earrings are elegant simplicity at its finest. The drops are of natural amythest/quartz geode, hand carved into a drop shape, accented by gunmetal stardust beads and aurora borealis swarovski rounds. They swing from oval gunmetal rings and drop 1-5/8" from the gunmetal-toned fish hook ear wires.

Created for the August HandMadeMN challenge. All items used in these earrings were also bought from local MN shops, making it truly a Minnesota creation - in honor of the 25th anniversary of Minnesota native Prince's Purple Rain.

Metaphysical properties of the stones are thought to be:

Amythest - Stone of spirituality and contentment. It is warm and cuddly as well as regal and ruling. It has been used to encourage and support sobriety & freedom from addictions. Calming, strong, protective qualities, healing, divine love, peace and inspiration. Enhances one's psychic and creative abilities.

Quartz - said to bring the energy of the stars into the soul. Harmonizing, purification, transmitting energy.

Glass - glass represents and carries the energies of transformation, merging of elements, rebirth, focus and communication. The colors of the glass bring the vibrations of those specific color energies.

*Metaphysical properties are listed for our own personal curiosity & for the interest of Etsy readers. Sources include: "Love is in the Earth" by Melody; "Crystal, Gem and Metal Magic" by Scott Cunningham; Avalon Crystals and various unattributed internet sources. Stones can enhance your enjoyment of life, but should not be used as a substitute for good physical and mental health care.

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Minnesota Renaissance Festival








We went to the Minnesota Renaissance Festival yesterday. The weather was perfect - a little on the cold side, so it was comfortable with all those clothes on!

We rode the elephant, petted the animals, and ate our way from one side of the Faire to the other! It was prime people-watching, with Scottish Festival in full schwing. Men in Kilts everywhere! Our little group all went in costume, and had a fabulous time! My son was a bit cranky to start out the day, but he pulled himself out of the doldrums, and ended up having alot of fun. He was navigator the whole time, reading the map, figuring out where we were from the landmarks and shops.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

August Challenge Entry finished & posted




Women's Wisdom Goddess of the Harvest, can be viewed here:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29950483

This necklace started with the beautiful, carved Picasso-like wood jasper dryad bead. It had to be mine! I pictured it like the trunk of a great tree, dripping with beautiful leaves, suspended on swaying branches, with an abundance of apples within reach.

I wanted it to look classic, but modern, so I wove the seed bead base through a brushed silver-toned chain. As I was putting the necklace together, I decided the dryad needed a string skirt. I'm facinated with women's history - the stories that aren't told! String skirts were probably the first non-animal clothing humans ever devised, and were made more for adornment and ritual than for protection. To the dryad's beaded string skirt, I attached an amethyst snake bead. I like the renewal aspects represented by the snake, who was a traditional ally of pre-Christian Goddesses. The dryad bead is attached to a smaller brushed silver-toned chain with sterling silver plated wire.

While making this necklace, I was reminded of one of my favorite children's stories by Caitlin Matthews, "The Blessing Seed," an inclusive revisioning of the creation myth. This beautiful story has a Tree of Wisdom giving a gift to the people, and the people gladly accepting the responsibility and challenges that come with wisdom. These challenges have been met by women throughout history (Herstory), and are still being met by women today! That is the message of this necklace, to reach for and tap into your wisdom, and don't fear if some authority figure tries to shame you out of your wisdom, for it is yours!

The necklace is 19-3/4 inches long, with a silver-toned clasp that has the word, "WISDOM" on the bar of the bar-toggle. The dryad/Goddess bead is 2-1/8 inches long and hangs 3-3/4" from the main chain. It is created with a custom mix of many colors and sizes of seed and bugle beads,pressed glass leaves some with aurora borealis and some with gold accents, amethyst snake bead, and wood jasper dryad bead.

Metaphysical properties are thought to be:

Amethyst - bestows stability, strength, invigoration, and peace, the peace being the perfect peace which was present prior to birth. It is warm and cuddly as well as regal and ruling. It has been used to encourage and support sobriety. It is an excellent stone for one who is attempting to find freedom from addictive personalities (oneself or another). Calming, strong, protective qualities, healing, divine love and inspiration. Enhances one's psychic and creative abilities.

Jasper - is said to give protection, stability and balance. Can help coordinate buiness activites leading to increase. Known as the stone of Global Awareness - It promotes brotherhood to work together to save the planet. It emits an energy which promotes the spiritual affinity to achieve perfect accord between humanity and nature; It is one of the earth Stones for the age of redemption & cleansing of the earth.

Silver - Mirror to the soul. Eloquence. Connects physical and astral bodies. In jewelry, it provides a balanced setting that retains the qualities of the stone it holds. Lunar energy. Cleansing, balancing.

Glass - glass represents and carries the energies of transformation, merging of elements, rebirth, focus and communication. The colors of the glass bring the vibrations of those specific color energies.

*Metaphysical properties are listed for our own personal curiosity & for the interest of Etsy readers. Sources include: "Love is in the Earth" by Melody; "Crystal, Gem and Metal Magic" by Scott Cunningham; Avalon Crystals and various unattributed internet sources. Stones can enhance your enjoyment of life, but should not be used as a substitute for good physical and mental health care.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions.

Magickal Wooden Spoons on Etsy


Find more photos like this on Pagans of Etsy Street Team

Magickal Wooden Spoons on Etsy




I've started posting some of my wooden spoons to Etsy. I've been making magickal wooden spoons for 7 years now, and I've started listing some in my Etsy shop.

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7639697

I've belonged to a co-ed group and a women's magickal group, and I find that (for me) a spoon used for casting a circle and directing energy gives a stronger, more feminine energy than a typical wand, athame or sword. Maybe I have a really strong affinity to wood, or maybe I just like the associations that a wooden spoon brings to mind... warm kitchens, families talking and eating together, wonderful homemade deliciousness, and the organic feel all combine for me. I had very strong, creative grandmothers, who used all of their tools at hand to the best advantage, so my strong role models were women - and my dad, who will bake bread using one of my spoons now & then! So... these spoons are close to my heart. I've had them in some local shops, and now am going on a broader market.

I've also done logos, including sports teams, family crests, and totem animals on spoons. They are so useful and different! And fun for me to make!

If anybody out in cyber space has magickal experiences with wooden spoons, let me know!

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Earring Showcase on Etsy!





LilyKat Studio is in the Etsy Earring showcase today (Sunday). I tried to feature the Swingy Autumn Leaves earrings, but the showcase cropped them off, so the Greenman earrings were better. I love the Greenman earrings, too, so I'm happy either way. It's good to know how the different spots in Etsy crop things differently - it makes a difference in how I take the pictures. So much to learn!

It's all very exciting! I tried to take a break on Saturday, but projects called to me, and I learned a new wire-wrapping technique that's kinda fun! Pics to be posted later.

On a good note, the dude who sold me Guitar Hero Drums on e-bay sent a new receiver, and this one seems to work! We haven't had time to put it through the paces yet - hopefully we'll do that Sunday evening. It's after 2:00 AM, so I'm off to bed!

Friday, August 21, 2009

Fabulous Friday!!!!




It's a whirlwind, and I'm not complaining! Loving every minute of it, and then some!!!


Starting yesterday, I was notified that one of my necklaces - a very whimsical Candycorn with glow-in-the-dark sculpted beads and jasper - would be featured in an Etsy Treasury. Treasuries are picked by fellow artisans, so I feel very honored to be in one. http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=65331


Then, late last night, a Pagan friend notified me that so many items had sold off her treasury, that another necklace of mine, Swingy Autumn Leaves, moved into an open spot. So, I'm in two treasuries! Yay!
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=77239

So... I was having a conversation with one of the makers of the treasuries about how to snag one... and her instructions were so good, I ended up making one of my own!

Check it out:
Feeling Like Fall
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=77566

I engaged in a little shameless self-promotion, so I put one of my items in there, as well. I'm now in 3 treasuries! Woot!

And... almost a month ago, I'd booked a spot on a necklace showcase on Etsy for today, 8-21-09:
Jewelry-necklace showcase:
http://www.etsy.com/showcase.php
go to Jewelry- necklace in the dropdown list on the right.

And... Lest anyone think all I do is think about jewelry - I've learned to play Vampire Wars on Facebook! LOL! Too fun... I need a bigger clan, tho. Lily Gardener in Minneapolis on Facebook. When I figure out my direct link, I'll post it - friend me! Thanks!

Thursday, August 20, 2009

LilyKat is in an Etsy Treasury!!! 8-20-09



LilyKat Studio's Glow in the Dark beadwoven glass, jasper & OOAK clay beads necklace made it into an Etsy Treasury, called Halloween, Samhain, All Hallows Eve:
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=65331

We are so honored & excited! The selections in this treasury run from whimsical, fun & unexpected to some beautiful items & Celtic knotwork. Love it!

Check it out - it'll be up until Saturday!

Monday, August 17, 2009

LilyKat is in an Etsy Treasury!!!





LilyKat Studio's Swingy Autumn Leaves necklace is in an Etsy Treasury called "Longing for Autumn" http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=76731. I'm so excited!!!! Somebody picked our stuff for a Treasury!

A Treasury is picked by the artisans in the Etsy community around a particular theme. The fact that another artist picked our stuff is really an honor. It's our first time ever in a treasury! How fun, and kewl. I was dancing around the kitchen... silently, as my child was still sleeping. He was up until 3:00 AM.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

HandmadeMN featured us on Facebook!





Woot! We are soooo proud! HandmadeMN featured the Lively Labradorite Earrings on their facebook announcement today! Whoo-hoo! I had to take a screen-shot of it. As you can see beneath, I listed the Candycorn necklace today, also. It's getting to be that time of year! OK - now back to work!
~l~

Saturday, August 15, 2009



Autumn Earring creations - posting to Etsy this week!

My burning bush is turning red already. Fall makes me both happy and sad. I like the colors, but I miss the long days!

Friday, August 14, 2009



I’m very pleased to announce the first HandmadeMN giveaway! We will be holding a new giveaway every couple weeks, so check back often.

This week’s giveaway comes to you from Jodee of Palettepassion. Check out her shop for beautiful hand painted silk scarves and accessories!


More info on how to enter at http://etsymn.blogspot.com/2009/07/handmademn-giveaway-palettepassion.html

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Goddess necklace begun...

While I was caffinated up last weekend and couldn't sleep, I was laying in bed, thinking of what to make with a recently acquired Goddess bead... and I had a marvelous idea (I think!). So... after the anklet showcase was in the past, I began the necklace. I think it's gonna be good! Combines my love of history, folklore, trees & alternative religions. I'm excited, can you tell?

Off to create! Pix soon!

~l~

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Autumn Jewelry designs


We've started posting our Autum jewelry designs to Etsy, and we've got some great new Goddess beads that are going into new creations. I can't wait to finish!

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Etsy Anklet Showcase!!!

LilyKat Studio is in the Etsy anklet showcase today! Check us out! We'z all proud!
http://www.etsy.com/showcase.php
in the menu on the right, scroll to "Jewelry" > "anklet"

Monday, August 10, 2009

Got 10 anklets in the Etsy anklet showcase!!!



Whew! Got all 10 slots available for LilyKat Studios filled for the Etsy showcase. Yay! Finished the last two this evening, after another session of fused glass fun!

Now... to work on something besides anklets! LOL!

Finished up 4 anklets for the showcase last night. Yay! Got them photographed and am uploading them today. I might have 10 pcs by the time I'm finished. We can showcase up to 10. Soooooo.... I can always sleep later, right?


5:00 PM - got 'em all listed w/metaphysical properties. Yay! Slots for 2 more, if I get that far. Midnight is still hours away....

Anklet Showcase in less than 24 hours!

Our first Showcase on Etsy is Tuesday & I'm pretty excited. My brain is whizzing and I don't know how I'll sleep! I've listed 4 anklets so far & Have 4 more to list, one that needs to be finished and a few in my head, that I probably won't get to... but you never know!

Off to try to sleep!

~l~

Sunday, August 9, 2009

We are members of Handmade MN!!!

LilyKat Studio is now a member of 2 Etsy street teams - Handmade MN and Etsy Pagans! Whoo-hoo! This is very, very exiting.

I was up until 3:45 AM putting together anklets for our showcase on Tuesday. Had my 3rd fused glass session on Saturday, and I'm hoping to have a fused glass anklet ready for the showcase!

Kat and Tanya are busy traveling this weekend. I'm hoping to meet 2 new fur babies that will be coming home with Kat sometime soon! Tanya & Kat have been crafting some awesome Goddess beads that might make it to Etsy, if they don't get snatched up before we can list 'em!

Off to create more stuff.
~l~

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Anklet showcase coming up!

LilyKat has an anklet showcase coming up August 11th! We are busy putting together some fun, funky & fabuloso designs that we hope will appeal to alot of people! Or just raise our visibility on Etsy. Sales would be good, too! LOL!

Gotta go create...

~L~

Thursday, August 6, 2009


I just wanted to photograph a bowlful of jewelry... so I did!

The start of it all


Wow! This summer has been quite a rush, and now we're into August!

LilyKat Studio has been a registered business in MN since 2006, and we went dormant for two years, as jobs, children, and life interrupted. But... creativity will not be denied.... so we are back after our hiatus and glad to be working at LilyKat Studio again!

LilyKat started as Kat - the outgoing one, and Lily, the introvert. We learn alot from each other, compliment each other's strengths and keep the other on their toes. Then, we met Tanya! She's younger, but a kindred creative soul. She pushes us to think in different ways, which makes everything better. For all of us, creating is a passion, and obsession, and a necessity! And we love it that way! (I inititally typo-ed "live it that way" Hmmmm... that, too!)

We have always done alot of mixed media... before that was a common phrase! Kat was always putting beads and feathers into polymer sculptures, Lily was putting wire and beads onto everything, and making computer parts and fishing lures into jewelry, and Tanya was putting extras onto paintings. Our main focus is jewelry and woodcrafts, but we've been known to go off on a tangent. Pleasant surprises are always welcome, aren't they?

Now we're on Etsy, we've previously been on e-Bay and in 3 local shops. Crazy-busy, but we are never bored! Check out our shop at: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7639697

Also, Kat has alot of photos of past and present designs on her facebook page. I'll post a link shortly!

Make it a great day! ~Lily~