Nafsika Made

New pieces for Valentines day!

2012-01-19T01:20:00.000-08:00

I have been working on some pieces for Valentines day.
I am especially happy with my little matches! I think they make a very special gift!

I also had to custom orders for engraved rings. The first a small band ring with "Love conquers all" engraved on to it.

And the second was an order for my wider ring with a personalized inscription.

Be the 100th customer and win a lovely gift!

2011-12-09T23:15:00.001-08:00

I am so happy! My etsy shop has reached 99 sales!! Be my 100th customer and win this gorgeous set of Acorn Studs!

Xmas Craft Fair@Bliss

2011-12-09T02:16:00.001-08:00

The annual Christmas craft fair of EGST was held at Bliss last weekend! I was eagerly expecting it but due to family troubles at first I thought of cancelling my participation. I thought over and decided to go literally on the last minute!
And a good thing I did! :)
It is as always a pleasure to see familiar faces and meet new ones.We had a great time even though the hours were loooong and I by Sunday I was beat. Every time we have such an event I am reminded of the importance of getting together with others who share your passion for creating and how remarkable it is how connected you can feel with people you spend scarce but precious time! In other words:

Girls you made my weekend!

This year I decided to change my display to something more bright to show better the colors of my pieces. I used the frames from IKEA that we had at the house, bought me some white mat board, 3 vintage volumes of National Geographic and our tiny Christmas Tree. I think it looked very nice and its cost was next to nothing!!

Can't wait for the next one!!!

D.I.Y. Repurposed Book Page Wreath

2011-11-28T01:37:00.001-08:00

A wonderful idea! DIY Repurposed Book Page Wreath from the Living with Lindsay blog would make a perfect solution if you are looking for a different Christmas wreath! Love it!!!! Add a bit of glitter for more Christmas sparkle!

EGST BAZAAR @ Bliss!

2011-11-24T02:43:00.001-08:00

Creation isour hope and the power in our hands!

Crafters from Etsy Greek Street Team are ready to fill Christmas with colors,shapes, textures, forms, crazy ideas, talent and lots of positive energy!

Despite thedificulties of our days, we insist on expressing ourselves and resist on fear,disappointment, the lack of vision and resignation.

We want toshare our love for handmade, while supporting tradition, recycling and expression!
So we created two christmas craftparties – bazaars, full of goodies from our hands, that can’t wait to becomeyours! We are inviting you to visit so as to meet , exchange ideas, learn newtechniques and create together in our workshops!

In our exhibitions you can find:

Christmasgifts – jewelry – accessories – clothing - utilitarian and decorative items –toys and dolls– knits and felts – weaving – paper crafts - recycling

…and lots of surprises and gifts!!!!

Εtsy Greek Street Team

1rst EGST Craft Show - December 2-3-4 at Pure Bliss - Alternative Multispace

2nd EGST Craft Show - December 12-18 at the 1rst floor of Parapera - Alternative Multispace

Waterfall

2011-11-24T00:51:00.001-08:00

I am a bit behind the happenings in the music bussiness but I really do love this song by Coldplay! I find it ideal to listen to it while driving :)

I turn the music up,
Got my records on
I shut the world outside until the lights come on
Maybe the streets alight,
Maybe the trees are gone
I feel my heart start beating to my favorite song

Midnight in Paris - Rhinoceros scene

2011-10-13T00:03:00.000-07:00

Last night i saw the new film by Woody Alen "Midnight in Paris".

I was intrigued by the movie poster, featuring"Starry Night", the work of my favorite painter, Van Gaugh. Oddly enough Van Gaugh doesn't appear at all in the movie :(

Despite this fact the movie is an absolute delight for people who a)love Paris and b) love artists and writers who lived in Paris! My favourite part of the movie is when our hero meets with Dali played by Adrien Brody! Hillarious!

Blackberry Muffins :)

2011-10-11T02:33:00.000-07:00

So...i promised blackberry recipes....here is the one i used to make the muffins

Blackberry Muffins Recipe
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 stick unsalted butter (4 tablespoons or 60 grams), melted and cooled
1 large egg, beaten
3/4 cup plus 2 teaspoon milk
1 1/2 cups blackberries

Method:
Preheat oven to 400 degree F. Line a muffin pan with 10 paper muffin cups or spray with non-stick cooking spray. If you have a twelve-hole muffin pan, fill the two empty cups halfway with water (this makes the muffins moist).
Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt into a large bowl. Stir in the sugar. In another bowl, together the melted butter, egg, and milk. You can also use an electronic hand mixer. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and whisk until just blended (mixture should be slightly lumpy).
Add the blackberries to a bowl and stir them in just enough to combine.

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffins cups. Bake the blackberry muffins until golden, for about 20-25 minutes. Remove the blackberry muffins from the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool. Blackberry muffins are best served warm.

Small Luxuries!

2011-10-10T03:10:00.000-07:00

Do you love blackberries? I know i do! So D. and I decided to make an excursion to Tatoi and pick some! In the beginning is seemed as an easy project but the blackberry bushes had a different idea. It took us 2,5 hours (and a lot of scratches) in order to collect 500gr of blackberries! But it was worth it!
I made a lovely jam with them and i kept a cup for muffins! Here are photos from the picking ...recipes will follow!

Tatoi

Blackberry shrub (these berry will be ready to pick in about a week)

Mission Impossible!

Trying to get out of the shrubs!

our precious blackberries!

Some tips for picking them!

When you go out to pick blackberries there are some useful tips to remember. Blackberry juice will stain hands and clothing, and the brambles are covered in many sharp thorns. Therefore wear something old and sturdy (trousers not shorts, and a long sleeved shirt), and give small children gloves.

The most flavoursome blackberries are those which have grown on plants in direct sunlight. Often the best blackberries will be found in difficult to reach positions where they have had the chance to fully ripen without being eaten by birds.

If picking berries on verges, only pick berries above knee height which will not have been splashed by rain hitting the ground, or urinated on by dogs and other animals. Pick only the fully black blackberries (not red or purple) as under-ripe berries will not ripen further once picked. Good blackberries will come of the plant with just a light tug.

When you get your blackberries home, soak them for a good half hour in water just before you intend to use them, and then rinse them well before eating or using them in recipes. If you do not intend to use the berries for a few days, refrigerate them unwashed so they do not spoil, or wash them and pack them into an air tight bag or container for immediate freezing.

source: http://www.self-sufficient.co.uk/Picking-Wild-Blackberries.htm

Infograph...ARE U HAPPY?

2011-07-21T00:18:00.000-07:00

Happiness is a state of being that is envied by those not happy and enjoyed by those who are happy. Is happiness really as easy as it looks though? This infographic helps you to find happiness in just a few simple steps.
Found here.

Shabby-chic Gingerbread House

2011-07-20T00:52:00.000-07:00

Or Appearances can be deceiving!

See this house or better, see this shack? One might think that it looks small and a bit too shabby.... but appearances can be deceiving.. When you walk through the front door you discover an interior fit for a fairy tale!

This dream home does not include a bathroom or a kitchen. Sandra, the master mind behind this dream retreat lives, with her husband, across the river in their mobile home that does include a bath and kitchen. She did the renovation of this old hunting cabin and furnished it herself for $3,000. She used vintage columns that cost $60 each and floorboards for the exterior facade and wavy glass windows. The home was painted green and white, the front door was left in its original vintage style.

Sandra has her own blog that has more about her life and her home here.

For more photos and details see here.

PANTONE 2011 COLOR OF THE YEAR

2011-07-12T01:47:00.000-07:00

A Color for All Seasons From Pantone
Courageous. Confident. Vital. A brave new color, for a brave new world. Let the bold spirit of Honeysuckle infuse you, lift you and carry you through the year. It’s a color for every day – with nothing “everyday” about it.

“In times of stress, we need something to lift our spirits. Honeysuckle is a captivating, stimulating color that gets the adrenaline going – perfect to ward off the blues,” explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “Honeysuckle derives its positive qualities from a powerful bond to its mother color red, the most physical, viscerally alive hue in the spectrum.”

Honeysuckle always works with the standard basics of black, navy, charcoal or light to mid gray. But using complementary bronze greens like Willow PANTONE 16-0632 and/or Tapenade PANTONE 18-0840 adds a new sophistication to the combination that showcases the energy of Honeysuckle. The green tones can be really interesting in accessories for Honeysuckle tights and top. Another great and unique combination is Honeysuckle with a pinkish brown like Apricot Brandy PANTONE 17-1540. Think of a warm cashmere turtleneck in Apricot Brandy with a matching skirt and shoes to blend and flatter the legs. A Honeysuckle cashmere scarf and belt create a luscious combination. And to blend all the colors, try a big and bold patterned bag with every color mentioned above.

Quintette Necklace Pink cotton circle crochet necklace

Little Red Shoes - Art Print

Pink flower Sterling Silver Earrings

Vintage 1980s Honeysuckle Pink Pumps

A great Weekend-Egst bazaar and craft party!

2011-06-09T05:00:00.000-07:00

The last two weeks were hectic! Loads of stuff to prepare for the upcoming bazaar at stavlos and a lot of pressure! Thankfully it all went great and (as always) we had a lot of fun! Itls always a pleasure seeing my old crafty friends and a delight meeting new ones!!!

My stand!

Panicalab

Zdrop and friend

Katrien from Inqueue

The stand for Laboom and Akamatra

A cute kitty by Blackreddots

Our Captain! Antigoni :)

Annie!

tutorial by Ergani!

Elena :)

Summer Bazaar!!

2011-06-03T00:27:00.000-07:00

Μετά το χριστουγεννιάτικο bazaar, το ‘Γειά στα χέρια μας’, επιστρέφει για να καλοσορίσει το καλοκαίρι με ένα νέο bazaar παρέα με καλλιτέχνες, χειροτέχνες, diyers, crafters, designers και γενικά με ανθρώπους που εκφράζονται δημιουργώντας.
Για τρείς μέρες, Παρασκευή, Σάββατο και Κυριακή, διοργανώνουμε το πιο πολύχρωμο, ζωντανό και παιχνιδιάρικο Bazaar με ελεύθερη είσοδο για όλους!
Σας προσκαλούμε να έρθετε, να χαζέψετε τις νεανικές ιδέες που θα παρουσιάσουν τα... παιδιά και γιατί όχι να αγοράσετε δώρα για εσάς και τους αγαπημένους σας. Στόχος των συμμετεχόντων είναι να προωθήσουν την ιδέα του ‘buy handmade’ και να κάνουν αισθητή την παρουσία τους σε ένα υπερκαταναλωτικό κόσμο στηρίζοντας έμπρακτα την διαδικασία αγοράς ‘από τα χέρια του κατασκευαστή, στα χέρια του αγοραστή’ , χωρίς μεσάζοντες που ανεβάζουν το κόστος και χαμηλώνουν την ποιότητα!

Οι κατηγορίες προϊόντων που θα βρείτε στην έκθεση είναι:
Κόσμημα – αξεσουάρ – ένδυμα – κάρτες – γλυκά – παιχνίδια – αντικείμενα για παιδιά – διακοσμητικά καθώς και πληθώρα χρηστικών αντικειμένων.

Ας υποδεχτούμε το καλοκαίρι δημιουργικά…

Διάρκεια bazaar: 3 – 4 - 5 Ιουνίου 2011
Επισκέψιμες ώρες:
Παρασκευή: 18:00 – 24:00
Σάββατο: 11:00 – 24:00
Κυριακή: 11:00 – 22:00
είσοδος ελεύθερη

Στις 4 & 5/6 θα πραγματοποιηθούν workshops (εργαστήρια) με παρουσίαση τεχνικών κατασκευής κοσμήματος, κατασκευών DIY και διακοσμητικών, με ελεύθερη συμμετοχή.

Η έκθεση φιλοξενείται στο STAVLOS, Ηρακλειδών 10 , Θησείο, Αθήνα.

Tutorial by Alex Monroe....an amazing artist!

2011-05-24T05:41:00.000-07:00

Check out this very interesting tutorial from a master of Jewelry making Alex Monroe! Its shows how you can create a feather from a sheet of metal. His designs are trully mouthwatering!

Recent purchase-Sari ribbon!

2011-05-10T02:38:00.000-07:00

I am thrilled about my recent purchase so i am going to share it with you.
I bought a colorful silk ribbon skein from HamptonArtisticYarn made from hand cut strips of sari silk fabric which has been sewn end-to-end.

I just loved the colors!!

My first attempt in using them was this bracelet. I took a blue ribbon, braided it and used it as a bracelet for one of my butterflies :)

What are you dreaming off? Inspired by pilli pilli blog

2011-05-02T05:55:00.001-07:00

I dream about taking a long nap, going to the beach and run around, eating a huge ice cream, being a kid again, go in a flower field and being happy!

originally uploaded by Nafsika.1. yawn, 2. Beach, 3. Ice cream <3 * Explore!, 4. The Flying dog - The strange case of the dog who jumped over his shadow, 5. just chillin', 6. Now, this must be something to eat., 7. "The most important thing you leave behind is the stuff that turns into treasures when children find it." ~Story People, 8. 4 - Pencil Vs Camera for Art Official Concept, 9. Dandy

The Fringe Benefits of Failure, and the Importance of Imagination

2011-03-23T00:40:00.000-07:00

Today i saw this video of the speech of J.K. Rowling at Harvard. Take a look...it quite inspiring.
"It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all."

Hachico

2011-03-08T11:00:00.000-08:00

In 1924 a professor in the agriculture department at the University of Tokyo took in Hachikō as a pet. During his owner's life Hachikō greeted him at the end of the day at the nearby Station. The pair continued their daily routine until May 1925, when Professor Ueno did not return. The professor had suffered from a cerebral hemorrhage and died, never returning to the train station where Hachikō was waiting. Every day for the next nine years the golden brown Akita waited at Shibuya station.

Hachikō was given away after his master's death, but he routinely escaped, returning again and again to his old home. Eventually, Hachikō apparently realized that Professor Ueno no longer lived at the house. So he went to look for his master at the train station where he had accompanied him so many times before. Each day, Hachikō waited for the return of his owner.

The permanent fixture at the train station that was Hachikō attracted the attention of other commuters. Many of the people who frequented the Shibuya train station had seen Hachikō and Professor Ueno together each day. They brought Hachikō treats and food to nourish him during his wait.

This continued for nine years with Hachikō appearing precisely when the train was due at the station

The art of Louis Wain

2011-03-03T05:56:00.000-08:00

I recently discovered through a post by KarmologyClinic the art of Louis Wain. Wain was an artist, mostly know for his drawing of cats.

I was drawn by the subject (of course) but also from the amazing colors he used.

Then i read about him in Wiki that "At the age of 23, Wain married his sisters' governess, Emily Richardson... Emily soon began to suffer from cancer, and died only three years after their marriage. It was during this period that Wain discovered the subject that would define his career. During her illness, Emily was comforted by their pet cat Peter, and Wain taught him tricks such as wearing spectacles and pretending to read in order to amuse his wife. He began to draw extensive sketches of the large black and white cat. He later wrote of Peter, "To him properly belongs the foundation of my career, the developments of my initial efforts, and the establishing of my work." Peter can be recognized in many of Wain's early published works."

Moving isn't it?

In his later years he developed schizophrenia and many claim that one can see the process of his illness in his paintings.

Caps for Good-Monday MoodBoard!

2011-01-31T03:43:00.000-08:00

1.Charlene's Red Hat by Nauliknits
2. Crochetted hat by Cookieletta
3. Longear flap hat by Sidirom
4. Everyday bag by CreationsbyEve

Yesterday EGST members gathered to knit baby caps for charity! It was the first time ever that i actually finished a knitting project!
Photos and details coming soon!

Monday Mood Board :)

2011-01-24T03:30:00.000-08:00

1. Red Hearts from Urban Blue

2. House brooch from lacravatteduchien

3. Pillow with Heart from Annakrycz

4. Teal heart from Sabanhur

Stylish Blogger Award!

2011-01-13T01:28:00.000-08:00

I have been given the Stylish Blogger Award by Liana from http://feelwhatifeltblog.blogspot.com/

thank you so much!!!

So this is the how this award works.

You Have to:

- Thank and link back to the person who you Awarded;

- share 7 things about yourself;

- Pay it forward to 15 bloogers you like;

- Contact Those bloggers about the award!

Here are a few things about myself:

I love animals

I am vegetarian

I cry easily especially when i am angry

I am absentminded most of the time

When i play board games i want to win, and if i don't i get a headache!

I always want to loose some weight but i never say no to food!

I am addicted to frontierville :)

As for the blogs i love here they are:

Rapakousisk
A few pretty things
ArtiMaria
Pilli Pilli
Christinebyhand
Ohsohappytogether
Donauluft
cri-cricurieux

2011 Resolutions.....

2011-01-05T00:33:00.000-08:00

This year strangely enough i have no resolutions... in the past i used to make lists, write them down and at the end of the year check if i have reached my goals....come to think of it that's a bit stressful!
But not this year!
I decided to free my self from lists, deadlines and resolutions that stress me and focus on living one day at a time and enjoying each and every one from the next 360 of 2011! Sounds like a resolution....doesn't it ? :P

Oh, by the way meet the newest member of the family :)

B-Day at our new home!

2010-12-13T00:43:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was D. birthday, what a great occasion to celebrate and to gather our friends to eat and drink and be merry! :)))
Of course we worked our butts off to get the house spic and span! I focused my efforts in cooking for our 11 guests. It must be admitted i owe a lot to smitten kitchen and tastespotting for the ideas i got regarding the menu! So we had chickpea salad with roasted red peppers (the remaining chick peas were turned into one yummy hummus as a dip for freshly cut veggies), tabouli salad (i use cold water and turns out fine) and a mixed salad . For the main course i made roasted baby potatoes with orange and mustard, beef burgers and a baked pasta with minced meat based on this recipe but ommiting the peppers and the parsley (there was none left!). My good friend Liana provided us with little sausages paired with a killer dip :)
Altogether was a great evening!

A great weekend!

2010-12-07T03:36:00.000-08:00

Last weekend was a blast!!! Many of us Greek Etsians, participated in a craft show at Booze, an alternative space downtown. It was (as always) tons of fun seeing my online friends, sharing news and drinking great wine :) The only drawback was that i caught a cold and now i am at work feeling like a zombie!! Well, something's gotta give as they say!

My stand! I finally found a printers drawer:)

The whole setting! My great friend Liana (FeelwhatIfelt) shared the bench with me. She made some super cool xmas wreaths

Maria with her fab jewelry and soaps

Eve with in her stand!

The beautiful architect behind Eried Creations!

Eve, Anta and Antigoni!!!

Daphne....did some modeling!

The space!

BlackredDots space :)

And of course the wreaths from Liana! Amazing!!!

Getting into the Xmas spirit...

2010-11-30T01:56:00.000-08:00

Hello everybody!
Long time no post yet again!!! And a lot has happened since my last post. I moved out of my parents house and in with Dimitris...my significant other. This was a huge change for me and i am both happy and in awe by all of it. Also my best friend got married :))) and i was as we say in Greek the Koubara (the best "woman")..that was also a huge deal and a very emotional time. Finally last week my oldest friend (we know each other almost 20 years) gave birth to her baby boy...
So now it's time to settle down, relax and start getting back to my craft routine :)
What a better way to do it by starting to make things for the holidays!

Today i found this great project by Martha Stewart! It seems quite easy and the materials are also easy to find!

All you need are pine cones, pipe cleaners, and other simple supplies (no toy-making expertise necessary).

Another project from the same site is this:

Tools and Materials
Circle cutter
Brown card stock
Cream card stock
Holly craft punch
1/4-inch hole punch
Light-green 2 3/4-inch scallop gift tag
Glue pen
Craft glue
Adhesive foam dots
1/8-inch hole punch
Gingham ribbon

Holiday Gift Tags How-To
1. With the circle cutter, cut a 3-inch brown circle and a 2-inch cream circle from card stock.
2. Punch 6 green holly leaves with the holly leaf craft punch. Punch 6 red berries with a 1/4-inch hole punch.
3. To assemble, attach a scallop gift tag to the center of the brown circle with adhesive foam dots. Attach the cream circle to the center of the scallop tag with adhesive foam dots.
4. Using glue pen, glue 3 holly leaves to the cream circle, with points meeting in the center.
5. With a glue pen, glue 3 red berries where the holly leaves meet in the center.
6. Attach another 3 holly leaves with adhesive foam dots over the "flat" holly leaves, slightly offset, with stems at center of circle.
7. Glue another 3 berries onto the raised holly stems with a dot of craft glue.
8. Thread gingham ribbon through hole of scallop gift tag.

More to come soon!!!

Changes!

2010-10-27T00:23:00.000-07:00

Well again it's been a while since I updated my blog!
A lot has changed! Me and Dimitris have finally found a house and now we are in the process of moving! I am sooo excited and at the same time a bit anxious! The fun part of it is of course finding decorating ideas! And an amazing resource is this blog: Design Sponge
. You can find decorating ideas, diy on how to transform old furniture and even recipes!!!

Etsy Boot Camp :) --The pledge!

2010-10-01T02:33:00.000-07:00

I, Nafsika pledge to participate in the Etsy Success Holiday Boot Camp to the best of my abilities. I vow to check in every week, do my homework and support my fellow Holiday Boot Campers. I will read the weekly newsletters and blog posts, check in on the weekly forum thread, read the weekly blog post, check off the checklists and salute the mascot. I promise to share what I've learned with those who need it, support my fellow Etsy indiepreneurs and, most of all, have a positive and persistent attitude. I understand that together we can spread the word about our handmade and vintage goods, making this holiday season a more unique and meaningful one to gift givers and give-ees everywhere!

Crafty Friday!

2010-09-17T01:14:00.000-07:00

Do you want to know whats my day like?

Check out this!!

HeliS keeps an amazing blog that presents every Friday artists from Europe!

Cat versus human....

2010-09-14T23:54:00.000-07:00

I am a cat person....its obvious :) So imagine my delight upon discovering an amazing blog that's called cat versus human and is filled with some very funny comics! (well funny at least to someone who is a cat person)
So if you have a special feline friend in your life (or many) or if you are just fascinated by the behavior of cats check this out.

An interesting link :)

2010-09-08T00:56:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered about the origins and the symbolism of the ring?
Well i have....and here you can find a book published in 1917 that answers all your questions and you can read online!!

Ithaca

2010-08-24T00:46:00.000-07:00

A few photos from my summer holidays in Ithaca, a truly amazing little island of the Ionian Sea. I do recomended to anyone in search of a picturesque island, quiet and turquoise waters!

Oh yes...food was great too!!

Crystal clear waters...no sandy beaches though...pebbles all around!

I love old windows!

Turquoise and blue waters!

Sarakiniko Beach!

My summer reading :D

Little treasures i gathered!

THE BEATLES- HERE COMES THE SUN

2010-07-27T00:12:00.000-07:00

Summer inspiration!

2010-07-19T03:27:00.000-07:00

I fooled around with my big stash of beads and findings and here are the results...

First off the Demeter Necklace! I love green hues and particularly the olive color...so i combined 3 rows of beads (orange coral, green coral and Yellow Magnesite -Turquoise)and a row of a 24k golden plated sterling silver chain with a beautiful olive green ribbon.

Then i remembered the braided bracelets I used to make when i was a kid in the summer, using the threads i found in my grandmothers sewing basket. I wore them all through summer and then in September when school started i had to take them off...but the memory of my vacations remained from the white mark left on my skin from the bracelets.

So here is my new version of a summer bracelet.Cotton embroidery thread braided with a sterling silver chain.

Now that's what i call a useful pet! :)

2010-07-15T23:52:00.000-07:00

I heard it on the radio today so i had to check if it was true.....a 13 year old cat was responsible for 10 minor thefts a day!!!

Here is the piece from reuters!

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE66730T20100708

Cat burglar takes shine to washing-line underwear

LONDON | Thu Jul 8, 2010 11:50am EDT

LONDON (Reuters) - A spate of thefts from gardens and washing lines in a southern English town had been puzzling police.

Socks, gloves, ladies underwear -- almost anything left unattended was fair game for the thief, especially the knickers, and the rate of offending was getting worse.
But now the culprit has been unmasked as a kleptomaniac cat with a generous nature.
Eager to please his new owners, Peter and Birgitt Weismantel, 13-year-old Oscar had been bringing home presents to the family home in Portswood, a suburb of the southern coastal town of Southampton.
"He started bringing socks home a few months ago and then gardening gloves which we tracked to our neighbor," his owner Peter Weismantel told the Southern Daily Echo newspaper.
"Then we had a situation in which he brought back young women's underwear," said Peter, 72.
"It began to escalate and I telephoned the police as people must have been missing clothes -- especially with women's underwear being taken."
The couple have been fostering Oscar from Southampton's Cats Protection charity since Christmas.
Since then he had also pinched builder's gloves, a knee-pad, a paint roller, rubber gloves, and 10 pairs of children's underpants.
On average he commits 10 robberies a day.
"He brings them back as presents," Birgitt told the Echo. "We can't give him back now as he makes such an effort with all these gifts. He's got a lovely personality and is a very loving cat.
"I think we fell in love with him before he started taking all these things," she added. "It was just so touching to see him come home every day with something for us."
Now the couple will adopt Oscar full time but they still have yet to devise a way to curb his criminal instincts.
"He's still doing it now," said Peter. "We are thinking of training him as Fagin!"

Amazing isn't it? Poor Oscar felt he should be grateful for the old couple and decided to bring them presents!!

Finally some work done :)

2010-06-25T01:36:00.000-07:00

After quite some time finally i got to finish some pieces and take the photos for my etsy shop! (Hooray!!)

So here they are, two band rings...first my leaf ring...made by the imprint of a real leaf :)

and then my Dream Ring....my new obsession is stamping..i admit it! My good friend Liana from Feelwhatifelt (http://feelwhatifeltblog.blogspot.com/) bought me a set of steel stamps and i am as happy as a schoolgirl to use them! :)

2010-06-22T00:44:00.000-07:00

Crafting on a terrace overlooking the city of Athens on a warm summer night....does it get any better than this? Sure!!If you are crafting with friends in a get together to celebrate Etsy's birthday with drinks!!!

The party was held at Psarokokalo's place! Each guest brought their craft materials! We had everything from buttons to felt and from sea-shells to crochet needles, it was a crafter's heaven!

A marble table was transformed in a long workbench and we began our project for the night soon after the sunset....

We decided to make an Etsy sing for the Berlin office, and sent it over of course. From what we have seen in the Virtual Labs with Matt and Benedikta, the only sing there right now is a printed paper, stuck on the door with tape! It's about time to have something more special, don't you think?

Later in the afternoon we had to abandon our idyllic location due to some un-foreseen raindrops but it was ok since most of the work was done..

Ready for the party!!!

Dafni and the S!

Eve!!! :))

Maria, Antigoni and Stefania with the amazing view!!!

We worked till nightfall!!

Our project!!!

Me, learning crochet :)) Thanks Eve!!

Friday Inspiration!

2010-06-18T00:56:00.000-07:00

Green for hope, serenity and calmness!

1. freedom exists, 2. Untitled, 3. Untitled, 4. the simplicity of most things

New addition to the family...

2010-06-18T00:09:00.000-07:00

Meet the newest member of the (already extended) family. Found last Monday in the middle of a busy street, a victim of a hit and run accident left to die...
She has a broken leg and a broken jaw bone (fixed now)but i guess this is nothing compared to the luck she would have if i haven't found her...

Party Time!!

2010-06-16T01:22:00.000-07:00

On June the 18th Etsians around the globe are going to celebrate Etsy's Birthday! So here are some fun stuff i found searching flickr which are bright and happy and remind me of a party!!! :)

1. Prepping a party - part 2, 2. flying doggies :), 3. Summer bunting Pouch #2, 4. standing on a ball

Stay tuned for some fun photos from the Greek Craft party in Athens!!!

Some trully inspired artists!

2010-06-10T00:20:00.000-07:00

1. R-A-D #150 6/4/2010 "Silver Fish", 2. Aquamarine, 3. Pendientes The Three Petals, 4. Oval shaped earrings

Maraveyas Ilegal!

2010-06-08T00:17:00.000-07:00

Last night we went to Maraveyas Concert!
Kostis Maraveyas is an amazingly fun new artist and i just love his music!

And here is a track from Maraveyas! :)

Zzz.. Zzz...

2010-06-02T03:08:00.001-07:00

1. Sunshine Nap! , 2. On a beautiful sunny day, leave me alone!! I am sleeping comfortably. Zzz.. Zzz..., 3. Friends Nap, 4. Nap time

Weekend in Kea

2010-05-31T05:42:00.000-07:00

A few shots from my weekend in Kea island.

Dimitris is a member of a sailing team and last weekend they had a race from Voula to Kea and back!
The view from the ferry on the way to Kea.

One of my favorite things!

2010-05-13T00:07:00.000-07:00

Giving a friend a surprise b-day party!

Well yes, i admit it, as corny as it may seem i am a sucker for surprise parties! The are so special!

The whole process of planning and executing it just makes my inner child grin like that cat in Alice in wonderland! :)

This time it was the b-day of my friend and colleague Irene.... she definitely wasn't expecting it and when our common colleague suggested i was more than happy to assist... :)

First we made some snacks :)

Then we prepared the cake!

the chief master mind behind the suprise...Maria

Us waiting!

And finally the guest arrived!!!

Why no post?

2010-05-10T03:18:00.000-07:00

Hello...well it has been a difficult week over here in Athens...and i was (and still am) struggling to grasp and understand some of the things that are happening around me.

My Creative Space

2010-04-29T00:05:00.000-07:00

Remember my daisy ring? Well it changed a bit :)
This daisy turned out colored in exquisite purple hues...i must admit it's more exciting this way :)

Also as many of you know i am lately obsessed with flowers, the latest project was these cute rings made from carved coral.

for more creative spaces check out this!

weekend tripping!

2010-04-26T04:43:00.001-07:00

Last weekend we visited my best friend and her boyfriend in their new house in Patra. They recently moved there and it was a great treat to spend a whole weekend with them!

I made them a snail for the couch....and i think i will make them a larger one to use as a pillow

Kostas welcomed us with an amazing lunch....the mushrooms in particular were excellent!

We had time to catch up and chat in person.....i particularly liked Sunday morning...we were the early risers and had a grand breakfast!!And yes i am the one with the glasses and the unruly rockabilly morning hair! :)
And finally the group shot!!! I just love it!!!

La Trap Gallery

2010-04-23T02:25:00.000-07:00

My dear friends and fellow artists Maria (http://psarokokalo.etsy.com ) and Evridiki (http://Evrydiki.etsy.com) have a created an art place in Athens.

In la.trap you will find works from yours trully :))) and also: brokequeens, euangelia, ioli, matalou @ home, evrydiki, psarokokalo, the race behind the hill, quat, fricdementol, pinpals, ingermaike, christina morali, ergani, efigee, vera zefki, yourdoll, madame mo, daniela pais, laga, and many more.....

I visited La Trap yesterday and here are some shots to give you an sneak peek!! :)

You will find la.trap shop-gallery at 56, Trivonianou street, in Mets, open Mondays to Fridays from 11.30-14.30 and 18.00-21.30 and on Saturdays from 11.00-15.00. And you can combine it with a drink or coffee at Odeon (http://www.myspace.com/cafeodeon) which is only a block away!

Remember the preparation?

2010-04-20T23:58:00.000-07:00

I had a custom order for a daisy ring....and here is what turned out....

Fresh!

2010-04-20T02:35:00.000-07:00

My two new rings.....
Phrenite and pink quartz

and aqua aura chunky ring

John Blogging.....

2010-04-19T23:43:00.000-07:00

Hmm.....this looks extremely familiar :D

Spring Cooking...Artichokes polita style :)

2010-04-19T00:35:00.000-07:00

What can you do with fresh artichokes? well you make them a la polita :) A typical greek recipe, great in taste, reasonably priced and vegetarian!
The only problem is preparing the artichokes :)))

For 4 portions
6 fresh artichokes
2-3 potatoes
2 carrots
1 large dried onion of 2 fresh onions
1 piece of garlic
1 bunch of fresh dill
Lemons...(lots of them!)
Salt and pepper
Olive oil ...well a cup or so :)

First of you clean the artichokes...thats the hardest part of the recipe....
and here is step by step how you do it :

#1. First, set up a bowl of water and squeeze the juice of two lemons into it .Keep one half of a lemon out of the water for you to use during the process.

#2. Using a large knife, cut off the bottom of the stem, about 1 inch, discard and rub the bottom of the stem with the lemon half.

#3. Next, cut off the top 1 ½ inches of the artichoke. Discard the tops. Immediately plunge the cut artichoke into the lemon water for a moment.

#4. Pull off the outer most leaves. Continue upwards, snapping off about 25 percent of the outer leave, or until you reach the leaves that have a lighter brighter green color and appear to more tender.

#5. With a small pairing knife, trim the dark remains of the leaves from around the stem; also peel the outer skin on the stem to reveal a pale green stem. The stem is a very tasty part of the artichoke!

#6. Cut the entire trimmed artichoke bottom off. Keep the bottom and stem in the lemon water.

#7. You will probably see shiny purple-tipped leaves in the center of the artichoke. These are covering the choke and may have thin thorns on their tips. Reach in and grab them all at once, pulling outward with a twisting motion.

#8. Once the inner leaves of the artichoke are removed, you’ll see the fuzzy choke. Scrape it out with a spoon. Be sure to remove all the hairy bits, but don’t scrape away the edible flesh of the heart.

Then...you cut the artichokes in halves, the potatoes and the onion(s) in medium sized slices. You cut the carrots in slim slices. In a baking pan you place the onions, the carrots, the potatoes and the artichokes. You add the finely chopped dill and the garlic, the juice of 1 lemon, the olive oil, 2 cups of water and salt and pepper. You mix them all together and place in a preheated oven in 350 degrees (180 Celsius).

Its better to cover the pan with foil for 1 hour so that the artichokes don't get burned. You uncover the pan and let it cook until the potatoes are done.

If you want the "sauce" to be thick,you drain it from the pan, and in a sauce pan you mix it with a small teaspoon of cornflour in 1/4 cup (60 ml) water and you let it cook for 5 minutes.

Process for making a sterling silver daisy ring...

2010-04-14T00:24:00.000-07:00

I had a custom order for a daisy ring by Carmella from Italy :) so first off i made the daisy from wax.
The center of the flower was made by placing tiny drops of wax:) or in other words...granulation :)

Brotherly love....

2010-04-11T23:25:00.000-07:00

7 years ago, during a summer evening i was walking my dog....and then i heard a crying sound coming from a bush!I looked and saw two abandoned little kittens. The decision was instant...
So here they are, Philosopher and Mr Beige....

Favorite corner of my bedroom...My treasure self from IKEA

2010-04-08T23:55:00.000-07:00

This is my treasure self from IKEA.... it supports my best memories....and i admit this sounds corny but each little item represents a memory. I love little things! And yes...my bedroom is painted pink :D

Long time no post!

2010-04-07T01:36:00.000-07:00

Another Easter has come and gone..... as always lots of church going...fasting....and then on easter Sunday lots of food and sleep...

On easter Monday me and Dimitris went for a day trip in Epidaurus and visited the ancient theater and the ruins of the asclepieion at Epidaurus which was the most celebrated healing center of the Classical world. It was my 3rd time there but i must admit each time i discover something different and exciting....I was in awe once more to walk in such sacred grounds.

We will surely visit Epidaurus in the summer for the greek festival http://www.greekfestival.gr/

Meet Mr Blue Dog

2010-03-30T23:59:00.000-07:00

This is Mr Blue, a really melancholic dog...he was so melancholic he actually turned blue :(

Making a Sterling Silver Kitty Brooch....

2010-03-26T01:29:00.000-07:00

So here is how you can make your own kitty brooch....

First of all you take a sheet of silver (or other metal of your choice) and you draw the kittyThen you take your saw, place a sawing blade and saw around the figure taking care you trace the perimeter

Then you take the kitty and with the dremel you trace the details for you kitty

Then you file the around the piece to make the edges smooth.

And you have something that looks like this!
Then you cut about 5 cm (that may vary depending on the size of the brooch) of sterling silver
wire, you anodized it and quench it in water and with a round plier make 3 loops.With the file make the other of the wire pointy an a needle. Then cut another piece of wire less than 1cm to make the hoop for the brooch.

Make markings on the kitty to see where you will solder the pin and hoop. Take in consideration the weight of the piece and how you want it to stand.
Then put some borax on the point where you will put the solder, heat, then place the solder. Heat until the solder melts and attach the pin and hoop.

Quench it in flux, remove from flux using a wooden spoon or plastic spoon and rinse it thoroughly with water.Using the dremel with the metal brush, brush the piece until its clean.

Using a scotch brite piece brush the piece to give it a nice matte finish....and you are ready!!!!

Note from the author....its not easy shooting your self while soldering piece so that's why some steps were not photographed :)

Always wear protective gear when using the dremel of flex shaft.

Ravani with Coconut Recipe...a bit retro but oh so nice!!!

2010-03-24T04:00:00.001-07:00

Ravani with Coconut Recipe...
Ingredients
INGREDIENTS for 1 rectangular pyrex

* 250gr butter in room temperature
* 4 egg
* 1 cup sugar
* 1 cup self raising flour
* 1 cup coasr semolina flour
* 250gr yogurt
* 1 cup dessicated coconut
* 50ml cogniac
* zest from 1 lemon (or from 1/2 orange)

syrup

* 1 cup sugar
* 1 cup water
* some lemon or orange peel

DIRECTIONS

1. Pre-heat the oven to 180 oC.
2. Μake the syrup: boil sugar, water and peel for 2-3 minutes. Let it cool.
3. Beat sugar and butter until they become white.
4. Gradually add the eggs.
5. Add yogurt, zest, cogniac and continue beating.
6. Fold in coconut, flour and semolina until completely incorporated.
7. Butter the pyrex or tray and fill it with the mixture.
8. Bake for 30-40 minutes until golden.
9. When the cake is done, cut through it with the knife and pur the cold syrup over it (or hot syrup over cold cake).
10. Sprinkle the coconut on top and enjoy on its own or with some vanilla ice cream.

Meet Up with Greek Etsians

2010-03-23T00:47:00.000-07:00

Last weekend was very special! Members of the Etsy Greek Street Team got to hang out and have fun at Psarokokalo's house (Maria)! It's amazing when crafty people get together!You can learn so much!!

Summer Color Trends! Get Ready!!!

2010-03-16T01:15:00.000-07:00

Here are the colors to use this summer according to
www.fashiontrendsetter.com

I love all those pinks and purples!So lovely!!

Inspiration

2010-03-15T03:36:00.001-07:00

Victoire de Castellane

Victoire de Castellane is the queen of enamel and jewels. The rings are huge, bold, chunky. It’s like wearing a little forest on your finger. All this is topped on a white or yellow gold band of exquisite quality.

Weekend suprises!

2010-03-15T02:17:00.000-07:00

My ring made it to the front page of etsy!
I am so happy!

New year, brand new listings...

2010-01-11T05:36:00.000-08:00

This time it's all about rocks, mineral and gems! Woohoo!

Isopor? Naum fui eu!

2009-11-25T00:11:00.001-08:00

Isopor? Naum fui eu!,
originally uploaded by Jim Skea.

Do you like cats? I love them!!!
Jim Skea from Flickr has an amazing set of photos with his cats.....amazing!!

Secret Santa Gift Exchange

2009-11-23T02:55:00.000-08:00

As a member of the European Street Team on Etsy, this year I was so lucky to take part of the Secret Santa organized by the amazing Artmind.

And my secret Santa was House of Mouse... a wonderfull package filled with Mousey goodies!

New Creations!

2009-10-29T02:36:00.000-07:00

I absolutely adore working with textures...so here are my leather looking earrings and rings! I love how the texture came out and a little oxidizing does wonders to bring out the texture

Also now that the season of gifts is coming how about something for the love of your life? A lovely sterling silver ring that spells love.....

Autumn Bliss

2009-10-22T01:46:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday i went for a walk in Parnitha mountain...an amazing place so near Athens. I was fortunate enough to see a Deer :)

The nature was amazing and here are some random Autumn shots!!

Butterfly

2009-10-21T23:53:00.000-07:00

The myths of the Greek goddess Psyche exemplify a woman's search for authentic personal growth, a reminder that the integration of our experiences, however sad or frightening they may be, matures and transforms us, like the symbol of the butterfly emerging into the light from its dark cocoon.

A little bit about me...

2009-09-22T02:52:00.000-07:00

Making : a flower ring as a gift for a good friend of mine..
Cooking :fried rice with vegetables
Drinking : water....
Reading: "The Last Lecture" by Randy Pausch
Wanting: to sleep as much as i can in order to feel rested
Looking: at my pc screen
Playing: with my hair :D
Wasting: time by fooling around watching tv
Sewing: well not yet...but i start my sewing lessons in october!
Wishing: i was happier
Enjoying: the rain
Waiting: for the clock to strike 17:00!
Liking: that Christmas is coming!
Wondering: what's life is going to be in 5 years time!
Loving: my cat!
Hoping: that i don't get the H1N1 flew this year!
Marvelling: at how quickly time has flown by
Needing: some tender loving care
Wearing: jeans and a fuchsia blouse
Following: project runway but it got canceled!
Noticing: that i need some manicure asap
Knowing: that everything is going to work out just right!
Thinking: of some ice cream
Opening: my emails
Feeling: sleepy!

Fall is here....

2009-09-18T00:49:00.000-07:00

So...fall is HERE! No turning back...rain will come (hopefully) and slowly we will proceed to winter...

2009-09-08T01:32:00.000-07:00

Inspiration...

This summer was full of inspiring images that linger in my mind...

2009-09-07T02:30:00.000-07:00

Black Black Heart with a red Twist!

Lily Sterling Silver Ring

Katerina's Flower Sterling Silver Ring

2009-09-04T04:35:00.000-07:00

Hand Painted, Sterling Silver Butterflies

True Blue Flower Small Sterling Silver Ring

Aphrodite's Earrings!

Spring is here!!!

2009-03-11T02:10:00.000-07:00

Lets wear some flowers!!!

New listings!

2009-03-05T00:00:00.001-08:00

My first golden ring...
I was afraid working with gold...to expensive these days!!But...i thought what the heck!And here was the outcome...

Last week i bought a grey dress...

2009-02-02T03:41:00.000-08:00

...so i decided to dress it up by making this lovely pearl and bear :0) necklace!!
I loved making something for my self for a change!

Boat expo

2008-11-21T01:37:00.001-08:00

,
originally uploaded by Nafsika quoth the raven.."Nevermore".

The past few days have been busy...no time for new jewelry creations...just a few mediocre shots from a boat show :(

Fresh from the oven...

2008-11-04T05:35:00.000-08:00

These past few weeks have been quite challenging...so the only way out was work work work :)

Why i love custom orders....

2008-10-24T01:07:00.000-07:00

even though i find them extremely stressful, custom orders are creatively rewarding. They give me the chance to push my self to do better!

A friend of mine had found a tiny tiny pine cone that meant the world to him. He wanted a ring made out of it...It took me about a month to find a viable solution that both he and i would be satisfied with....and here is the result!

Finding my way....

2008-10-24T01:04:00.000-07:00

into the world of creative jewelry!