Viva 2011

Today begins the YEAR OF THE RABBIT (check this link out for some beautiful rabbit projects-make sure you click threw each bunny day--LOOOOVE)....

According to the Chinese Zodiac, the Year of 2011 is the Year of the Golden Rabbit, which begins on February 3, 2011 and ends on January 22, 2012.  The Rabbit is the fourth sign of the Chinese Zodiac, which consists of 12 animals signs.  The Rabbit is a lucky sign.  Rabbits are private individuals and a bit introverted.  People born in the Year of the Rabbit are reasonably friendly individuals who enjoy the company of a group of good friends.  They are good teachers, counselors and communicators, but also need their own space.

According to Chinese tradition, the Rabbit brings a year in which you can catch your breath and calm your nerves.  It is a time for negotiation.  Don't try to force issues, because if you do you will ultimately fail.  To gain the greatest benefits from this time, focus on home, family, security, diplomacy, and your relationships with women and children.   Make it a goal to create a safe, peaceful lifestyle, so you will be able to calmly deal with any problem that may arise.

Not many people know that the Rabbit is the symbol of the Moon, while the Peacock is the symbol of the Sun, and that together, these two animal signs signify the start of day and night, represent the Yin and Yang of life.  It is said that anyone making supplications for wishes to be fulfilled are certain to get what they want... and in the Year of the Rabbit, the wish-granting aspect of the Sun and the Moon combined is multiplied.  The Moon is YIN and this is the Yin of Heaven, signifying magic.  Thus on each of the Full Moon nights of this year, go out into your garden to gaze into the Full Moon and visualize plenty of Moon dust and Moon glow flowing into you, filling your whole body with bright white light and granting you fearlessness, love and courage.  This will not only strengthen your inner "Chi" energy, it will also bring wisdom into your life.

Sounds like this year will be fabulous....can't wait to find our inner "Chi' and be calm and peaceful!



Guess this year we aren't a 'Little Off North"...but East!!?!?



For some fun:

Famous Rabbit People:  Angelina Jolie, Anjelica Huston, Drew Barrymore, Edith Piaf, Fanny Brice, Helen Hunt, Jane Seymour, Joan Crawford, Kate Winslet, Natasha Richardson, and Tina Turner.

Hope this gave you some fun insight...we'll be posting in the upcoming days some of our latest crafts and inspirations.  Check back soon!!!  Happy Year of the Rabbit today--(maybe celebrate by eating one of our favorite cuisines..Chinese)

Hello...Quillow

Happy FRIDAY!!!! 
As you look outside your window (here in Cincy), the trees and ground are COVERED in a beautiful white snow...and it makes you cold.  One way to warm yourself up is to cover up with a quillow. A fantastic mix between a pillow and a quilt. Now, there are multiple ways to make them....binding/no binding/interface/fleece...etc!  If enough interest is shown we'll post a tutorial!
They are fun because they fold up into a pillow and when you want to use them as a quilt...just unfold! The best part is the when opened a 'foot pocket' is there to keep your feet warm!



Made By: Kristy Soard



Made By: Kristy Soard





Made By: Kristy Soard



Made By: Kristy Soard





Made By: Kate Schwerzler







Sneak Peak Thursday....

Love this week's..............check back tomorrow for more pictures and inspiration!!  Could be a great Valentines Day gift (more manly ones tomorrow.......)!!! Maybe even a guest 'apperance' (if we're lucky), YAHOO, love that!

what could this be...not just what you think.....

Winter Warmies

As I, Kate, sit here watching the flickering of one of my Peace candles I am feeling blessed to have a day off work and am enjoying every flake of white snow that falls.  It is so beautiful and mesmerizing to me--love nature! 

Anyway, Tracy and I want to share with you all that brings us happiness.  One of those things is FOOD!  So, today I made homemade salsa, nothing fancy, just garden fresh salsa. It reminds me of summer/spring and gardening...gave me a glimpse of what is to come in 2011.  It is a goal of my family to create a garden this year...I'll let you know.  If you'd like the recipe, please comment!  Second, I am going to let you in on one of my favorite kitchen tools.  There are now more brands that make this spatula than in years past so they are available at more places (Target, Sur La Table) This red one makes me SO happy and makes my kitchen a fun environment for me!  It is a double ended spatula, one side is fat and the other is skinny-perfect for all jar/bowl sizes.  Also, it is SO easy to wash and can be put to the test at high temps!  It is always annoying when the stick falls out of other ones...this one doesn't have that problem. They last for such a long time...one of my loves! 

As my husband and I were getting ready to head to the gym this snowy morning, I was putting on my cold gear.  I was inspired in December to make fashionable/adorable head/ear warmers.  After I wore them a couple times, I heard they are all the rage in NY city...who knew?! I have given some of these as gifts...so lucky you if you got one--right!!!

 

 left: peppermint inspiration

 right: glitter flower

left: gift for my 5 nieces in OR

right: gift for my momma, she loves blue and buttons. Perfect!!



 

left: gift for a great friend

right: made to match my new red coat!

I purchased (cheaper to buy pre-made) the warmer and then embellished them! I used for the most part felted wool, needle, thread.  I am obsessed with felted wool right now and don't know how I've never used it before.  I bought some thrift store 100% wool sweaters and felted them.  Then I let my imagination fly! Below are some of my favorites:

"Kate shared with me the directions for felting wool and the awesome headband ear warmer she had made. Here are a few of my first attempts. They are so much fun to make and wear."  -Tracy-

I, Kate, adore these.period.

Monthly Inspiration

words. I adore words.  For many reasons, and I won't list them all, but they not only can have a great font but such a deep meaning.  My house is filled with words to constantly remind me of what I want to inspire my life, to help guide me in the path I want (and am led) to follow.  I saw these gorgeous candles and wanted them of course...then I saw the price.  When this feeling hits me I always think to myself, "I can make that..."  This is the start of my artistic challenge.  I want to make it my own.  For those who know me, I love to talk, and so does Tracy.  We are both teachers (myself, 5th grade; Tracy, art) and to help make it through our day we...talk! These candles got us both excited and inspired. 

Our list of inspirational words:
1.Adventure
2.Joy
3.Health
4.Love
5.Balance
6.Fun
7.Peace
8.Comfort
9.Friendship
10.Luck
11.Wealth
12.Hope

One word for each month of the year. A way to sit down after a long day (or start your day), burn your candle and reflect.  To help someone truly concentrate on a positive word, help focus their days and show impact in their life.  I can't wait to burn mine each night! This month for me is Peace...enjoy our creations!

front                                                                                 back

peace, friendship, love

start of the 12 inspirational words...                                       

Westward Ho!!

Welcome to little off north on this fabulous day of 1.11.11! At the end of 2010, we reflected. We decided since we have so much fun creating and making things together and talking about them, that we wanted to share them.  Our plan is to post every Thursday at minimum and whenever the mood strikes. We look forward to comments and creating a sharing environment. Enjoy! Create! Carpe diem!

Check back on Thursday for some INSPIRATION!