Mini Photo Shoot

My good friend Rachel called me up the other day and asked if I was free to come over, have some lunch and do a mini photo shoot of my new jewelry for the holidays. I am a sucker for free food and cool people so of course I headed right over to her place, where we spent the a few hours pulling decorative items off her shelves and walls + using them a props to style the shoot! It was so much fun, Rachel has such a great eye.  I always love to see how someone else is going to display and show off the jewelry I make. (How cute are those bracelets hanging from the tree like ornaments?!)

Rachel will be helping me at the Cleveland Bazaar Holiday Show this weekend, so be sure to come by and see us!

( All photos taken with iPhone by Rachel S. )

Crafty Supermarket / Cincinnati

A few favorites from the show : Chevron Beaded bracelets : On the Lookout / Fork Tine earrings : Spoons And Such / Dipped Triangle earrings : Line & Loop / Unicorn Magnet : Happy Bungalow

The Crafty Supermarket was this past Saturday in Cincinnati and it. was. AMAZING! I was lucky to have two friends make the trip with me I am so grateful they were there to help chat with everyone + manage the crowd.  At 4,000 shoppers, this was the biggest show I've ever done.  It was a phenomenal day and equally as exhausting!  I sold out of a lot of things, but luckily I brought supplies to make more bracelets on the fly -- People where buying them freshly made, right out of my hands!

My friends and I stayed at the 21C Museum Hotel in downtown Cinci.  This space is a perfect mash up of hotel + modern art museum in one.  The decor of the room was minimal and crisp, with pops of weird art here and there.

Crafty Supermarket happens twice a year and the talent there was so great. I hope I get the chance to take OTL on the road back to Cinci veryvery soon!

Other vendors of note that you should check out :

illustrations by Sally Harless
ceramics by STAK
jewelry by Rock Salt Vintage

A Few Things : Black, White + Tan

1 : Black cat patterned paper.

2 : A simple + sturdy leather clutch to hold sketchbooks and iPads.

3 : DIY painted feathers.

4 : A pretty mug filled with hot breakfast tea warm my hands + helps start my morning.

5 : The most beautiful storage / shelving ever.

6 : A elegant + simple watch for me / my man. Or for you + yours!

7 : Bacon, caramelized onion + jalapeno jack cheese cornbread. Yeup, I just got hungry too.

8 : Less whine, more wine.  We all needed that reminder.

A Trip Down Halloween's Past

Just taking a little trip down memory lane for #tbt + Halloween! My favorite part about Halloween is creating a costume that is SO homemade but so on point and then taking it way. too. far.  If you've ever seen me in any costume, you know I STAY in character all day + night, possibly to the point of annoyance. This year I dressed up as a black kitty and yes, I was seen chasing my own tail/giving salty looks/being awesome/demanding catnip.  Cheers to a holiday that gets better as you get older!

Mario + Luigi hit the streets of Chicago and act a damn fool and draw on their faces with permanent marker! (2007)

 UPS Delivery DREAM TEAM! Opps, my scanner is on. (2008)

 Masters of the Universe + of everything else. (2009)

Anatomically Incorrect Skeletons. (2010)

The Indigenous Cave Peoples of Northeast Ohio. (2011)

Invisible. (2012)

A Black Cat from Hell, apparently. (2013)

Yep, already thinking about next year.  I have a pretty solid idea that I've been wanting to do for a while now...  HAPPY HALLOWEEN, kids!

On that IG : Wanderlust

Saying something like "I LOOOVE Instagram!" is stalker language for "I'm a little lot obsessed with secretly creeping around the lives of total strangers + I spend too much time doing it."

sianricho : Hokiang Harbour, NZ

But dang it, I LOVE Instagram. Scrolling though my feed isn't the most productive part of my day, but you better believe it gets done on the daily.

I get that many/most/all images have been set up, styled + aren't actually candid or in the moment, including some of my own. People spend a lot of time on IG and for good reason : fame + fortune + Rihanna + procrastination!

Plus, throwing a filter over that otherwise mundane pic of your din has to be the easiest way to show how freaking rad your life is - Do you see the way the light hits the chicken? So good! #nomnom.

maraserene : somewhere in the Redwood forest / thethriftstorecowboy : Horseshoe Springs, UT

As narcissistic + inconsequential as IG can be it's also pretty inspirational.  And getting to see the world through others' eyes makes me so overwhelmingly wanderlust-y, that I'll hop on AirBnB while simultaneously pricing out flights for my next imaginary vaca. It's fun + someday I'll pull the trigger and book that swanky flat in Cape Town. Either way, I love the accessibility of sharing images + how excited it makes me to see the world.

Who are your favorites on that IG?

FW13 SHOWS

I'm so excited for the FW13 + Holiday show line up that O T L will get to be a part of:

* Friday 10/11 : Tremont ArtWalk - Banyan Tree - 6 to 9pm, 2242 Professor Ave, Cleveland Ohio

* Saturday 10/12 : OktoberFlea - Sterle's - 9 to 4pm, 1401 W. 55th, Cleveland Ohio

(RSVP to the event on FB!) 

* Sunday 10/20 : Sunday Market in Hingetown - 10 to 3pm - 1455 W. 29th, Cleveland Ohio

(RSVP to the event on FB!)

* 11/16 : Handmade Toledo Maker's Mart - Downtown Toledo OH

* 11/23 : Crafty Supermarket - Music Hall Ballroom - 11 to 6pm - 1241 Elm St, Cincinnati Ohio

* 12/14 + 12/15 : Cleveland Bazaar (formerly known as Bizarre Bazaar Cleveland!) - 78th Street Studios - 10 to 6pm - 1300 W. 78th Street, Cleveland Ohio

* 12/21 : Last Minute Market at Screw Factory - Cleveland Ohio

The shows in Cinci and Toledo mean a few short road trips ahead :)  I am proud of myself and so thankful for everyone's support. Running this little biznass is difficult, fun and scary as hell.  But, I think that's what it feels like to be doing what you love + getting to go where it takes you. 

Font Friday

from the top: Miss Ellen, Prism, REMARK

There is such thing as the perfect font and searching the internet for the perfect font / inspiration for a project is one of the most nerdy things I love to do.  dafont.com is my first stop because it's simple and easy to peruse. But, I usually end up downloading a bunch, only forget that I ever did and never use them -- and a perfect font is something I want to be able to go back to whenever I need it. To make things a little easier, I figured I'd compile my coolest font finds as a reoccurring post.  That way I always have access to them and you can peep them too : )

5 Etsy Favorites 01

Get your etsy fix:

galaxy cat print - pink clouds poster - feather crown - cold press soap - dipped chairs

September's Cleveland Flea

From the Cleveland Flea this weekend:

The September Cleveland Flea was this past weekend and O T L was a lucky participant! This month was definitely the best yet and I feel like the event is really finding its groove.  The crowd was amazing (thanks for stopping to say "Hi!") and the weather was perfect once the sun came out. 

I was put in great a spot in front of the food vendors and bier garden, in between those bright dahlias from Holly Ridge Nursery and a cute vintage tent where I scored the painted donkey. Ode Vintage, Playhaus Design, Oceanne Jewelry and Hunt/Gather Jewelry, four of my other favorites at the Flea, were just around the corner. Unfortunately, as the only worker of my tent, I didn't get to stray too far.  But, I was lucky enough to have cool stuff all around me from the get go! I brought a few pieces from the FW13 collection and they were really well received and I hope to have that out by sometime early October (!)

Were you at the Flea this weekend? Any other great vendors that you recommend? I plan of being a part of the OktoberFlea (10/12), but I definitely have to find someone who will help me man the table so that I can check out the rest of the good stuff I've been missing!

If you missed the seeing the jewelry at the Flea this past weekend, you can see me in a few more spots this month:

Sept 19 - Banyan Tree Fall Styling Event - 6 to 9 pm - 2242 Professor Ave

Sept 22 - Sunday Market - 10 to 3 pm - Ohio City

Good Together / Leafy + Green

*sigh* I am not going anywhere for spring break. I'm watching a dog whose people are enjoying two weeks of Pacific Ocean bliss in the Galapagos Islands. *envy*

Ohio, I love you, but even I'm getting pale at this point. And cranky. I'm no doctor, but I think it's safe to say 4.69 out of 5 of my friends are experiencing some sort of serious SAD symptoms. The cold, grey weather is getting mighty old and I've got the tropics on my mind, dammit! In lieu of self-imposed exile to the Bahamas or year-long sabbatical to Costa Rica (both of which I keep unrealistically threatening to do) here's a little dose of that lovely, lush, jungle green!

botanical print /russian amazonite necklace / malachite placemants / essie nail laquer / woven wristlett

one-piece bathing suit / men's face soap / iphone case

How about some "neat" facts about green? Sure sure sure, here you go:

- green is the 2nd most favorite color, coming in after blue.
- green is a soothing color that alleviates anxiety and depression and offers a sense of renewal and harmony.
- Libya's flag is solid green and currently the only national flag of a single color.
- green is the single color used in night vision goggles because the human eye able to discern the most shades of it versus any other color. (green facts found here.)

Interesting... So, you learned a few things.  Not bad for a Wednesday afternoon :)

I N - T H I S - M O M E N T / 02

I am...

inspired by these beaded West African (Bemileke) Elephant Masks.  I snapped a picture of this one last week when I was at the Cleveland Museum of Art.  The beautiful beadwork got me.  It's so damn intricate! Just imagine how much thought and effort goes into all of thoes details...  I always wonder WHY?  What the hell did someone do all that for?  Don't you love how art invites you to be curious and ask questions and learn more?  It is such a powerful vehicle for communication and thought.  Plus, it's usually super weird and that's always fun.

taking a hand lettering class through Skillshare.com. Have you guys ever tried an online class like this?  It was only $20 dollars, so not much of an investment and definitely worth it if I can learn a thing or two about creating more illustrative text.  "Live well and rebel" is the phrase I'm working with and I'll report back when it's over!

looking forward to... like everyone else... SPRINGTIME.  And sunshine!  And bike adventures! Did you hear that weather? It's Spring.  So, man up and act like it.

preparing for a shop update in the next few weeks, a craft show in Cincinnati at the end of April and being a featured artist for the Tremont Art Walk in May!  There's a lot on my plate.  Lucky for me, I am one hell of an eater :)

Heyo, it's almost the weekend!  Happy Thursday!

all photos taken with iPhone / via instagram (on_the_lookout) / edited with AfterLight, Diptic and Over photography apps. 

Good Stuff / Animals with Sharp Teeth

I've mentioned this before, but I love cute animals with sharp teeth.  Don't you? So, it only makes sense that I'd be lovin these animalistic finds.  Plus, I needed a reason to show you that black cat tote. #catlady

skark fin ring - fox earrings - tiger glasses case - wolf tee - bear print - black cat tote - kiddo wolf suit

Moodboard Monday / OTL SS13 Collection

After a much needed break from all things jewelry after the holidays, I've finally gotten back into the obsession that is running this small business. Since the creative process can tend to be a clusterf*ck of ideas that never (ever) stop, I've decided to keep trying mood-boarding as a way to get myself focused around inspiration for the next collection. I went into this process with a clear mind and as usual, a strong theme emerged pretty quickly.  So, I went with it, finding more and more inspiration that just rocked my world.

And, thus, RENEGADE PRINCESS was born.

(All images via Pinterest)

I'm so excited to use this moodboard to help direct the creative process this season.  The renegade princess doesn't actually exist -- she is a muse. But if she did, she'd be a few parts badassed mofo, diva, smart as a whip and would definitely march to the beat of her own drum --while looking being pretty damn fabulous, sexy and strong at the same time.  She has a penchant for light mischief (read: adventure) and the kind of ballsy attitude that is never too cocky and always admired.  Basically, she can handle her biznass and doesn't give a f*ck.  And she's part cat? YES.

Am I being weird enough yet?  Cool, onward.

For ON THE LOOKOUT SS13, you can expect a lot more edgy and a lot less safe with an "I don't take crap from nobody" attitude baked into every piece. I'm going to make it a point to do my thing and create unique pieces that I LOVE and hopefully you will too.  At this point you should be asking yourself, "When will this rebel-without-a-cause collection hit the streets?" Well, I expect to restock the shop around the beginning of April, so if you want a heads up, GET ON THA LIST.

That gives me about 30 days to blow your mind....

----- ----- ----- ----- -----

(Side note: If you happen to be in the midst of creating a themed event, decorating a space, branding yourself, starting a business or blog, I think creating a moodboard is essential.  It's really fun and you get to see a mash up of your vision all in one place.  It's like a little road map of what you want to create.  Interested in making one? This is how I do it.) 

OTL Featured on Uncovet!

What an exciting Wednesday it's been :) My feature on Uncovet.com just went live!  Eeeeeeeee! Kind of awesome, right? Uncovet is a rad, little, online shop that features small-run and one of a kind, handmade pieces from all sorts of designers and up-and-coming makers.  Oh hay, bonus: All items are discounted too, 10-15% off!  Check out OTL Jewelry on Uncovet!

This is such a big step for On The Lookout! I am still a little in shock that the intense desire to start a creative business + an out of control bead obsession have even gotten me to this point!  There is still so much more that I want to learn and do and make and see, but this feeling of tangible success feels DAMN GOOD :)  #craveit

For this feature there will be five pieces from the most recent collection on Uncovet:

• Warrior Bracelet
• Warrior Necklace
• Golden Beaded Bracelets
• + two more mystery ones that will be released later this week!

(Yay) So, I'm going to make a big effort to not freakout/over think/get anxious... And instead enjoy this moment,  smile + give myself a little pat on the back. And then get. back. to work ;)

Hope it's a great hump day for you too, friends!

Moodboard Monday / In the Bedroom

I've been talking (to anyone who will listen) about wanting to really decorate my place, so I thought it would be fun to throw up some quick moodboards about that, in lieu of actually doing it... I'm a busy girl, you see.  First off: The Bedroom.  Because some of THE MOST important stuff goes down in here -wink- and I think what you wake up to could seriously make or break your morning day/night/week.  A bit over dramatic? Yes, yes I is.

Anyway, here's a mash up of decore, storage and comfort pieces I'd like to see in my bedroom:

1/ glass terrarium + planter 2/ winged jewelry holder 3/ solid walnut headboard 4/  antlers poster

5/ custom light switch ;) 6/ African basket 7/ spray paint painting by Jonathan Runcio 8/ wire trash basket

9/ muted, geometric throw 10/ i love you pillow 11/ vanity 12/ bedside table 13/ coconut-mango candle 

14/ Blue Potter tumbler 15/ Moroccan shag rug

For me a bedroom calls for a quiet, uncluttered space, with a muted colors + soft textures + scattered pops of color for some energizing fun.  I pulled together this mood board to help dictate the feel of my bedroom revamp and I think it will really be helpful when I have the time to actually make it happen :) Anyone else redecorating out there?  If so, how do you organize your ideas in an effort to create the outcome you want?

Oh and have a great Monday everyone!

I N - T H I S - M O M E N T / 01

I am...

Thinking about : My future +  how I am tying to do it all right now + "the art of failure." What, if anything, do I need to let go of in order to REALLY have time and mental space for the things that have me grinning ear to ear?  I've been feeling a little in over my head lately, with a hand in everything.  And while I love the challenge of being drawn to do + accomplish so many things, I've lost sight of where I actually want to go.  I think it may be time to slow down and reconnect with that.  Similar thoughts seen around the web here + here.

Wanting : To revamp the decore in my bedroom.  So. much. inspiration.  Not enough time/money/knowledge... not like that won't stop me from trying!  First task: paint the muddy, cream-colored walls WHITE.

Cooking/Eating : I made this baked polenta with tomato + basil recipe last night and it was SO damn GOOD.  And super easy to boot!  I still have the appetite of a teenage boy, but my nearly 30-year old digestive tract CANNOT HANDLE the crap I've been eating. So, here's to learning to cook + fueling this body the right way.

Obsessed with : Block Shop Scarves + the design process behind the brand, as well as the process of actually producing these beautiful accessories.  Evetthing in the shop sold out in record time -- I can't wait to see what this sisterly duo comes up with next!

M O O D B O A R D Monday / The Ocean

Mood board Mondays.  Because I like doing these little mash ups and I hope you like looking.  Soon to actually come on Monday's!

BTW how good is Frank Ocean's, "Swim Good?"  I'm still kind of obsessed.

Frank Ocean / defy the odds / glass lamp / shark earrings / ring / circle scarf / tie / shark socks / kitchen cart / nautical poster / painting / leather bag / glass bottle / waves photograph

Loci

These are paintings that I feel like I could design a whole collection around.  The colors, the drippiness and  free-form geometrics.  Super vivid and organic.

Loci / swiped from...

GOALS: January 2013

I was so happy with how I did with my 5 goals from last month, that I am definitely going keep it going into the new year! 

For me, a few, simple goals are much easier to stick with than a blanket "resolution" statement -- Although I'm no stranger slightly unrealistic declarations (I WILL GET MY SHIT TOGETHER... by the END OF TODAY!) And while I think it's essential to DREAM BIG, I also know how easy it is to get carried away with a vision so phenomenal, that it quickly becomes overwhelming and unattainable.

So, some good advice, if you are struggling with the enormity of your awesome life ahead...

(image via Alt Design Summit)

Start where you are : Like as in, what are you waiting for?  Right NOW is as good a time as any to start a good habit. Take a moment, after you read this maybe, to do something good for yourself. (Have a glass of water.  Easy, right?)
Use what you have : No need to wait to "get something" in order to do something.  Get creative and use what you have right in front of you.  Accomplishing a goal don't have to cost a damn thing.
Do what you can : ...and get better as you go. Being an expert or even sort of good at something the first time you try it shouldn't be the aim.  Enjoy being a beginner, it's SO FUN and there's no pressure to be perfect or get it "right" :)

Hope this New Year has been a welcome *restart* for those who need it. And for those who don't, I hope 2013 provides you with the challenge to make it even better than the year past! Get IT get IT.

^^^^^ ^^^^^ ^^^^^

My goals for January:

1. A food & drink post on the blog this month, made by myself.

2. Go running in the snow.

3. Read a book, stretch for 2. Half-way through one, I'll take it.

4. Re-pot my plants the right way, instead of just hoping for them not to die.

5. Take care of OTL biznass (proper license, business account, tax stuff -- uggh.)