The countdown begins.....

It's time to ring in the New Year once again! Thank you 2013 for many surprises. You were full of ups and downs... but most of all I will remember he good times. This last year I took a HUGE leap and started my own business "Nothing but a Pigeon" with the help of my loving Husbear. It was terrifying but I did it and I'm so glad I did! I also discovered (I kinda already knew) that I was having health issues due to the stress level of my previous job. It got so severe that I started having seizures induced by stress..... which led to the blues. Since leaving my job I haven't had a single seizure and have never felt better. I'm back to working out on a regular basis which is great and also helps with my mood. 2014 can only bring more warm fuzzy feelings. I can't wait to see what's in store for me and my Husbears future. Cheers to a New Year and a happy future! 

I can't wait to share with everyone my New Year's resolutions. It's no shocker that I make a list.... I'm pretty sure everyone does it or at least thinks about it in their head. I have some grown up goals for 2014! What are some of your resolutions for the coming year? I would love to hear them.

Also, please be careful if you venture out for The New Year. Be safe!!

Happy New Year to all!

xoxo

The 2013 Blue Genie Art Bazaar

It seems like forever ago..... or maybe just the other day that we (me and 139 other local artists) were struggling to set up our displays for what was to be one of our biggest shows of 2013. Now it's Christmas Eve and the last day to shop The 2013 Blue Genie Art Bazaar! It's been an adventure to say the least. This year proved to be bigger and better than ever! I graduated from a shelf to a 4x8 panel! Yipppppeeeee! It was a ton of hard work keeping it stocked for a whole month but it will be well worth it. I met a ton of new artists and saw some old friendly faces as well. It's a year to remember as it's my first Christmas being self employed. I learned a bunch.... good and bad and will continue along on my journey. For now I wanted to feature some Highlights of BGAB. 

Always a favorite of mine! Plaid Pigeon.

The ever talented Amanda Michelle of Curare Sweets. Amanda specializes in Laser cut Jewelry.

The very awesome Mobile's by JCR Work. The Husbear and I want the Whale!

One of my all time Fav's Lux Revival. (I hope the Husbear made a stop here for Christmas) 

One of my new favorite's and dear friend is Lisa Chouinard of feto soap. Lisa is the creator and owner behind the label. Personally I'm in love with her lotion bars...... but there is a little something for everyone. She even has a line of her own nail polish!

The very sweet and talented Manue of Pretty Kiku. Manue specializes in Japanese Paper Jewelry.

The cutest little Macaron Soaps by Latika. 

The always bright and colorful Meow Kapow! Melissa Stewart was also a vendor that braved the freezing weather at The 2013 Cherrywood Art Fair.

The very talented Chet Phillips! You have got to check out his website at Chet Art.

I'm dying for all of Ashley Gierke's  handy work! 

Look how adorable her cacti are! Gah!

This Fox pillow will be mine... oh yes it will.

The amazing Little Low Studio. I seriously need this Vegetable Chart for our kitchen!

Last but not least... The Blue Genie Art Bazaar wouldn't be complete without the awesomely talented embroidery work of the very so sweet Rachel Pruett of Poppy and Fern. 

I could go on and on about all the wonderful and amazing talented artists that participated this year... this is just a tiny portion of BGAB in a nutshell. For a listing of all the artists and their work please visit The Blue Genie Art Bazaar.

xoxo

Matt's Eco-Friendly Chicken Coop featured on Barley & Pfeiffer Architects

Check out my Husbear Matt Hart's chicken Coop Design featured on Barley & Pfeiffer Architects Blog. Way to go Matt! It's a DIY chicken coop that Matt designed and built for our three chicken's Betty, Lola and Molly. 

The chicken “Coop” reflects the design of the art studio I built in the backyard for my wife Taylor, which has a similar sloped roofand is composed of the  same materials. Lucky for me, the left over material or “construction waste” (which wasinconveniently molding under the brand shiny new studio) could be happily repurposed to build the  entire structure for free, that includes the paint and stain.

                  Some of the amenities our chickens Betty, Lola and Molly enjoy are:

·         A radiant barrier Galvalume” D” panel roof at  the nesting box.

·         Radiant barrier insulation with an air gap at the Southwest corner walls.

·         Roll applied rubber membrane flashing under the nesting box roof and the green roof over the roost,  providing them with a very water tight covering (Dry chickens make happy chickens!).

·         Venting at the back wall for good air flow through the roost from the ramp entry.

·         A removable sliding floor tray  in the roost box for easy cleaning.

·         A hinged top at the nest box for easy egg retrieval.

·         A light for heat generation when temperatures dip below freezing.

·         A pop door at the side of the run for chicken access to the yard.

·         A large door at the top of the screened run for easy human access.

·         Mixture of native species and succulents for the top green roof plants (for their viewing pleasure).

·         A 2’-0” below grade ½” X ½ “ galvanized hardware clothe enclosure to keep them safe from marauding raccoons, foxes and cats.

Description, photos, and design courtesy of Matt Hart at Barley & Pfeiffer Architects.

For more ideas or information on how to build a eco-friendly Chicken Coop contact us today.

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Nothing but a Pigeon featured on kxan.

Here's a little fun clip of my crochet Longhorn featured on KXAN as seen at The Blue Genie Art Bazzar. 

The 2013 Blue Genie Art Bazaar is back and better than ever. See our Dana Younger present great gift ideas and details about the Bazaar on KXAN. He features leather work by Stowe Provisions, laser-cut paper by MakeATX, silkscreened tea towel by Carolyn Kimball, and knitted taxidermy by Nothing but a Pigeon.

The Blue Genie Art Bazaar

DIY Holiday Garland.

I'm really starting to get into The Holiday Spirit. The Husbear and I got our Christmas Tree and decorations all set up. We dug out our Pat Boone Classic Christmas CD to listen to while we rediscovered our ornaments and sipped on some Hot Buttered Rum. Mmmmmmm..... our favorite! I love this time of year when everything seems shiny and bright. I feel like a kid all over again.
I can't wait to watch "It's a Wonderful Life".... it's tradition. I'm a big fan of traditions, decorations...the whole nine yards. Some of my most cherished decorations are the old handmade ones. You know...we all have them stored away. I'm especially into Garland this year! I see it everywhere... not even just for the Holiday's. I searched Pinterest and found some fun and easy DIY Garland that is super cute that anyone could make.

Easy Paper ornaments.

You can buy Holiday Inspired colors at any craft store and make your own bunting.

Felted balls on a string. Simple... yet effective.

If your handy on the sewing machine.....

Glitter always makes me smile! Great for ringing in the New Year too!

Now this I adore! 

Felted plushie Christmas Trees.

Scarf and mitten duo.

Purchase a Christmas Tree shaped cut out stamp and go to town! Follow my DIY page on Pinterest for more fun ideas....

Nothing but a Pigeon

xoxo

Instagram Lately....

Gah! The Holiday's have me running around like a chicken with it's head cut off! I've been crocheting and trying to restock all the stores I'm selling in... not to mention The Blue Genie Art Bazaar which is currently still going on till the 24th. I have also managed to even squeeze in a few special orders for some very special people! Eeeeeeep! I've hardly had anytime to do much else. I've participated in three Holiday shows thus far. I'm amazed at how much hard work it's taken but it's so worth it. I've met so many fun and interesting people and have learned bunch's from my experience....which isn't over yet! I've put my crocheting aside just for a wee bit to share with you some of the images I have captured so far this past month. 

Enjoy!

Throughout all the chaos and busyness we still managed to find time to put up the our tree and decorate it. These are just a few of my favorite ornaments.

These little guys are quite popular this year. The Jellyfish on the left is $55.... and the cuttlefish on the right is $45. They are available on Etsy.

My Brown Bears are also a popular seller. I found these new mounts/plaques that suit them quite nicely I must say. They too are available on Etsy for $65.

Sophie our newest edition to The Hart household has been keeping me on my toes while I work from home. When she's not running amok she is busy snuggling next to me as I crochet. I've become quite the Netflix expert. I'd be more than happy to recommend a good flick to you.

Just some loot I brought back from The Cherrywood Art Fair this year. Not only was I a vendor I also did my fair share of spending as well. I was very lucky to have my tent next to Amy of Sweet Tooth. I picked up some awesome little handmade wallets and a very cute zipper pouch as well as adorable little birdie clips. I dropped by Lisa of Feto Soap booth as well to say hello and purchased some yummy Gingerbread Bubble Bath and my new favorite Lotion Bars! Lisa also makes some pretty awesome fingernail polish as well. Last but not least....my other booth neighbor Britt Kilpatrick of Bright Eyed Birdie. I had to snag some of her adorable Christmas Cards and tiny note pads as gifts for my friends and family.

Just a few of the other items I was selling at Cherrywood. Cupcakes with your choice of sprinkles or berries on top.  

Macaron's anyone?

Little Lucy Hart keeping me company while I crochet.

I also participated in The Austin Flea's winter show and met Jenson Reiser of Carvin Marvin Custom Stamps & Stationary. Jenson also brought along her newly adopted doxie Clementine! She is the sweetest! 

It was a good day at The Flea. I traded rings with Blue bamboo crafts. All their products are made with 100% duct tape. Pretty sweet eh?

Next to me was Casey of Fartsy Arts. She makes the cutest Laser cut Ornaments! That's not all... check out her awesome bloggy here. Guess who's following who now???

I managed to buy some trinkets and treasures at The Austin Flea as well. On the left I purchased a neato little T Rex Air Plant holder by Fruzworld. My all time favorite Peace Spray by The Good Hippie. A quirky yet clever necklace/jewelry holder (that's what I think it's intended for) by Fartsy Arts and lastly my favorite purchase of the day.... The RX card by Jenson of Carvin Marvin.

I haven't purchased any Custom Cozies yet but adore them and admire the hard work it takes Gina to crochet these fellas! Check out more of her crochet Cozies here.

I haven't made any Amigurumi Plushie guys in quite awhile but jumped at the opportunity for this very special custom order for Christmas!

This is pretty much how I feel at the end of the day..... completely wiped out! I have to say it's been the most satisfying last few months of my life. Sure there have been some snags along the way but that's to be expected. I'm so fortunate to have been given the chance to follow my dreams and start my own business and I couldn't have done it without the help of my Husband Matt. He has stood by me (literally during every show) has stained plaques, sanded wood, drilled my little Taxidermy heads together and has held me when I cried. He is my best friend and partner in crime. I love you Mattie. 

Thanks to everyone that has helped me out along the way... I love my little crafting circle of friends. You know who you are! 

There is more to come in the near future... I have some rather exciting news to share with you all. 

I hope everyone has a safe and happy Holiday!

xoxo

The Cherrywood Art Fair

Come visit me this weekend Saturday and Sunday from 10:00am-5:00pm at Maplewood Elementary School located at E 38th 1/2 and Maplewood Ave. There will be live music, food vendors and not to mention tons of wonderful handmade art and crafts! Hope to see you rain or shine!

xoxo

Nothing but a Pigeon

Cherrywood Art Fair

etsy love

The Holiday's are right around the corner and I'm bustin' my arse to crochet product for not only 6 stores but also The Blue Genie Art Bazaar and The Cherrywood Art Fair coming up this weekend! I've been M.I.A. lately and I do apologize but it will all be over after Christmas. Whew! I wanted to take a little time to share some fabulous gift ideas for Christmas. These are all unique picks that I thought were pretty clever and range in price. I found all these on Etsy and I hope you adore them as much as I do. Remember to support local businesses and buy handmade! Yippppeeee!

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