My favorite things

I hope everyone had an enjoyable holiday! Tomorrow I head back to my day job, so I've been sitting here looking at the opened gifts under the tree. One of my favorite gifts was a new turtle brooch from my nephew. My husband and I have a nice collection of turtle-related items -- everything from art to clay figurines made my several native americans. I love wearing pins and brooches and am thrilled when someone surprises me with a new one! Below is my new crystal turtle next to one of my favorite holiday pins I inherited from my grandmother.

Cyber Monday

** Free Shipping ** Cyber Monday **

Through midnight tonight, all items in my Etsy shop will ship free to the US and Canada. Below is just a sampling of the items available. Happy Shopping!!

Cleveland Handmade Giveaway ~ Bead Crochet Bracelet

Cleveland Handmade is hosting a giveaway to thank all our wonderful supporters and customers, as well as give you the opportunity to check out the high-quality handmade art in member shops.

This beautiful red and purple glass bead crochet bracelet from Leah Ana Designs closes with a sterling silver clasp. The crochet design allows it to stretch slightly from 7 to 8.5 inches.

Visit the Cleveland Handmade site for all contest details!

Holiday Recipes ~ Crustless Cranberry Pie

My dad is a cranberry lover, so when I came across this recipe I knew I had to try it. It's called a pie, but it's more like a moist coffee cake. It's definitely tart from the cranberries, but the sugar sweetens it up. My dad gave this a 'thumbs up' and I hope you enjoy it too! I'm thinking this would also be good with blueberries when they're in season.

Crustless Cranberry Pie

1 c all purpose flour

1 c white sugar

1/4 t salt

2 c fresh cranberries

1/2 c butter, melted

2 eggs, beaten

1 t almond extract

1/2 c chopped walnuts, optional

zest of one orange (the orginial recipe didn't call for this, but I love the combination of orange and cranberry)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease one 9 inch pie pan.

Combine flour, sugar and salt. Stir in the cranberries and walnuts, and toss to coat. Stir in the butter, eggs, orange zest and almond extract. Spread the batter into the prepared pan.

Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream if desired.

Holiday Recipes ~ Mashed Potato Casserole

This is one of my favorites on our Thanksgiving dinner table. And the best part is that you prepare it the day before and all you have to do it bake it! I've brought it to other gatherings too... I pop it in one of those Pyrex take-a-long insulated carriers and it stays piping hot.

Mashed Potato Casserole
approximately 3 lbs potatoes, peeled, cubed and boiled until tender
8 oz light cream cheese
1/4 c butter or margarine, cut into small pieces
1/2 c sour cream
1/2 c milk
2 eggs

With mixer, whip the potatoes until free of lumps. Add cream cheese and butter/margarine and beat until melted. Add sour cream. In a separate bowl, beat eggs and milk. Add to potato mixture and beat until light and fluffy. Placed in a greased 9" round casserole and refridgerate overnight.

Remove casserole from fridge approximately 1 to 2 hours before baking. Bake at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

Cleveland Handmade Giveaway ~ Lucky Wishbone Earrings

Cleveland Handmade is hosting a giveaway to thank all our wonderful supporters and customers, as well as give you the opportunity to check out the high-quality handmade art in member shops.

These simple Lucky Wishbone earrings from La Petite Fleur are hand forged from 16-gauge* sterling silver wire into delicate thin blades in the front. Light texture is evidence of their handmade nature. The earrings are tumbled to a high polish. Wishbones gracefully hang just a hair shy of 1-5/8 inches from top to bottom in the front. The backs are a bit shorter. These elegant earrings are sure to become a favorite.

Visit the Cleveland Handmade site for all contest details!

Cleveland Handmade Giveaway ~ Handmade Mug

Cleveland Handmade is hosting a giveaway to thank all our wonderful supporters and customers, as well as give you the opportunity to check out the high-quality handmade art in member shops. You can win this gorgeous handmade mug generously donated by Tracy Shea of SheaClay Pottery.

Handcrafted on the potter’s wheel, this stoneware cup measures 4″ H x 5-1/4″ W and holds 12 ounces of your fave concoction. It is dishwasher- and microwave-safe, as well as lead-free.
Click here to enter the giveaway.

This is a great time to discover the talent of many Cleveland artists!

Squire's Castle

I took advantage of the gorgeous fall weather we had last week to take a few hikes and snap some photos. Northeast Ohio is home to the Cleveland Metroparks, a spectacular park system. One of my favorite spots to hike is in the North Chagrin Reservation, home to Squire's Castle. I love the front lawn of the property, perfect for picnics or a game of frisbee. There were plenty of others enjoying the warm sunny afternoon.

Squire's Castle is located in the North Chagrin Reservation of the Cleveland Metroparks in Willoughby Hills, Ohio (visible from River Road). It was built in the 1890s by Feargus B. Squire for use as the gatekeeper's house for his future country estate, which was never built. Squire, a founder of Standard Oil Company, bought the surrounding 525 acres of land but never completed the project. Squire sold the property in 1922 and the Cleveland Metroparks acquired it in 1925. Squire's Castle has acquired a sense of mystery. It is reportedly haunted by Squire's wife, Rebecca. An urban legend says she tripped and broke her neck there, but in reality, she died in Wickliffe, Ohio, in 1929.

My first visits to Squire were many years ago with my Girl Scout troup. We'd camp at Intergrove Cabin in the park and visit the castle.We just loved sitting around the fire telling ghost stories!

Cleveland Handmade Giveaway ~ Felted Carmen Headband

Cleveland Handmade is hosting a giveaway to thank all our wonderful supporters and customers, as well as give you the opportunity to check out the high-quality handmade art in member shops. We’re giving you the chance to win this Carmen headband in red generously donated by Cleveland Handmade member la petite libellule.

This sweet headband is made from hand-felted recycled wool and cashmere sweaters and embellished with a bead center. She slides on a covered elastic band that fits most. Easy and functional but ultra stylish greenwear. A great way to wear school colors and be fashionably rah-rah-sis-boom-bah! Or simply enjoy the sophistication of black and red. This headband features a 3-1/2″ large black flower, a 2-1/2″ red flower, and a 1-1/2″ plaid flower. (The statue featured in the photo is the work of artist

Denise Buckley and is used with her permission.)

All you have to do is visit Cleveland Handmade for details. You have until Wednesday, October 21 at noon EST to get your entry in, so commence browsing. There’s lots to discover!

Custom Wedding Jewelry

I was delighted and flattered when a customer asked me to design earrings for her upcoming wedding. I created 4 pair of pretty freshwater pearl dangle earrings for her maids ...... I love these earrings! And the best part is that the girls will be able to wear these long often after the wedding!

Cleveland Handmade Giveaway ~ Enlighten Necklace

Cleveland Handmade is hosting a giveaway to thank all our wonderful supporters and customers, as well as give you the opportunity to check out the high-quality handmade art in member shops. We’re giving you the chance to win this Enlighten necklace generously donated by Cleveland Handmade member Susan K Jewelry. This necklace is made with three half-inch fine silver discs that have been hand stamped with a peace sign, a lotus flower, and an om symbol. Each disc has been given a brushed satin finish, and a freshwater pearl charm dangle is included. All hanging on your choice of a 16- or 18-inch sterling silver box chain. Total balance here . . . enlightenment and purity.

Visit Cleveland Handmade for all of the contest details. There are just a few simple things you need to do to enter. First, visit Susan K Jewelry’s shop and take a look around. Then either visit our artists page or search Etsy for the “clevelandteam” tag and check out some items from other Cleveland Handmade member artists. Leave a comment on the Cleveland Handmade post telling us your favorite item from Susan K Jewelry’s shop AND your favorite item from another Cleveland Handmade shop, and you’ll be entered to win. It’s that simple!

You have until Wednesday, October 7 at noon EST to get your entry in, so commence browsing. There’s lots to discover!

Pearls of Wisdom....

Ok, I really don't have any wisdom to share, but I do have pictures of pretty earrings! :) I've been in a pearl mood lately. I love working with pearls and think you can wear pearls any time! Don't save them for dressy occasions! I love to wear pearls with khakis and a white blouse. Pearls can be as fresh and modern. Layer your pearls with other jewelry ... Mix it up and have fun experimenting!

Cleveland Handmade Giveaway ~ Bubbling Spring Earrings

Cleveland Handmade is hosting a giveaway to thank our wonderful supporters and customers, as well as give you the opportunity to check out the high-quality handmade art in member shops. We’re giving you the chance to win these Bubbling Spring earrings generously donated by Cleveland Handmade member Rosemarie Hanus of Spawn of Flame. These earrings feature Spawn of Flame lampwork beads made by Rosemarie, sterling silver flying saucer beads, and beautiful aquamarine Swarovski brand crystals. The color is calm and refreshing, like a fresh bubbling spring. These earrings are light and comfortable, and are sure to please! So pretty!


There are just a few simple things you need to do to enter. First, visit the Spawn of Flame shop and take a look around. Then either visit our artists page or search Etsy for the “clevelandteam” tag and check out some items from other Cleveland Handmade member artists. Go to Cleveland Handmade and leave a comment on the contest post telling us your favorite item from the Spawn of Flame shop AND your favorite item from another Cleveland Handmade shop, and you’ll be entered to win. It’s that simple!


You have until Wednesday, September 23 at noon EST to get your entry in, so start browsing. There’s lots to discover!

Quailcrest Farm Herb Fair

The girls (my mom, sister-n-law and her mom) and I drove down to Wooster this past Saturday for Quailcrest Farm's Fall Herb Fair. This is an annual tradition for us and one that we look forward to every year. The folks at Quailcrest have amazing gardens displaying herbs, perennials and much more. Their greenhouse is full of beautiful plants to purchase and their staff is knowledgable and eager to answer questions and give gardening advice. Garden accessories and gifts are featured in the gift shop.

Each fall they host an herb fair the Saturday following Labor Day, featuring over 70 artisans set up among the gardens. Admission is $2 per car, which is donated to the local boy scout troup. This year didn't disappoint with artisans displaying items including jewelry, stoneware, ironwork and much much more! After of morning of shopping and browsing the gardens, we enjoyed lunch provided by the local church.

Glorious mums in a rainbow of colors filled their greenhouses!

This year I had the pleasure of meeting Cindy of Simple Elements Design. Cindy is a fellow Cleveland Handmade team member and her display was natural, earthy and a perfect backdrop for her beautiful jewelry.

What a beautiful way to spend the day!

Pineapple Grass

Everyone once in a while I swing by The Knot to check out the latest wedding trends and styles in bridal jewelry. (plus I just love to look at wedding photos!) That's where I came across Tara, a recent Northeast OH bride (with absolutely gorgeous wedding photos). Tara is the owner of a fabulous blog called Pineapple Grass. If you're looking for a new recipe to try, be sure to check her blog. I've always loved to browse through cookbooks and cooking magazines in search of new recipes to try, so I was thrilled when I found Tara's blog! Each recipe has detailed instructions, tips and a photo (which is a plus for me). I've already tried her Potato and Onion Gratin... yum! Below is her picture ~ mine didn't look quite as nice!

Tara also posts Northeast Ohio restaurant reviews on her blog. Such detail and photos! It's been so fun to read through this blog. Be sure to check it out!!

Cleveland Handmade Contest!!

Cleveland Handmade is hosting a giveaway to thank all our wonderful supporters and customers, as well as give you the opportunity to check out the high-quality handmade art in member shops. We’re giving you the chance to win this Time Flies bracelet generously donated by Cleveland Handmade member Robin’s Egg Blue. Time Flies is a one-of-a-kind bracelet made from antique pocket watch gears, a brass swallow charm, vintage glass beads, vintage brass chain, and a vintage brass clasp—it hooks onto the last gear. It is 7-1/2 inches long.

Visit us at Cleveland Handmade for contest details. Contest runs through Wednesday, September 9 at noon EST.

End of Summer Sale!

Everyone I talk to says they can't believe it's Labor Day weekend. I'm sad to see the end of summer, but have to admit that Fall is one of my favorite seasons. To celebrate the holiday, I'm offering FREE SHIPPING on all items through Monday September 7th in my etsy shop: Sweet Bird Designs.

Smokey Quartz is one of my favorite gemstones to work with, so below is just a sampling of items available in my shop:





Wishing you a safe and fun holiday weekend!

From the Garden

Nothing beats a fresh, homegrown tomato! Except a basket full! Beautiful colors coming from the garden now and I have so many things to make - salsa, tomato pie, salad - but our favorite way to enjoy is with extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper. YUM!

Charity Bracelet

I have to show off a bracelet I recently finished. This bracelet was donated to an auction to benefit the Hospice House of the Western Reserve. I love the combination of blue kyanite and smokey quartz. I'm so happy I was able to donate to a good cause!

An introduction!

Welcome to my blog..... a work in process! I hope to use this blog to share my latest jewelry designs I sell on etsy and also chat about things I love -- cooking, gardening, traveling and anything else that comes up!

Until next time, take care!
Kathy