Oatmeal Cookies Big as your Hand

Oatmeal Cookies Big as your Hand

Avoiding refined sugar has helped Big Time with migraines.  So what does a girl do when craving an Oatmeal cookie that satisfies the need to sink teeth into crunchy chewy sweetness?  

Midnight scrolling thru Instagram!  I searched photos tagged #oatmealcookies and was looking for just the right size, shape and texture to fill my need, haha.  I found a gorgeous photo from @turbalroman who is a baker, photographer, fashion designer and more.  I enjoyed seeing the beautiful cookies that matched what I was craving, hoping that would be all I needed.

This morning, the craving couldn't be contained!  Normally, a nice hot bowl of oatmeal with honey and spices does the trick.  But there is a recipe on the lid of the oatmeal container for Vanishing Oatmeal Raisin Cookies.  Cookies or oatmeal?  Cookies wins!

I was feeling creative and did not follow the recipe on the lid exactly. I was craving the big gorgeous cookies from the photo.  Somehow convinced, this is what I actually made using the lid recipe as the guide.

I present the ultimate, big a$$ oatmeal cookie recipe, created this morning:

1/4 cup Country Crock Shedd's Spread
1/4 cup Coconut Oil (mine is solid at room temp)
1 cup Raw sugar (granulated crystal Turbinado type)
1/4 cup Molasses
1 T Honey
2 eggs
1 t vanilla
6 dashes of Bitters (used in bartending)
1 1/2 cups flour
1 t baking soda
1 t special spice blend (see below)
1/2 t salt
3 cups Oats uncooked
1 cup add-ins (chocolate chips, mostly crushed cashew pieces to equal 1 cup together)

1.  Heat oven to 350 degrees F.  Beat the first 5 ingredients until creamy with an electric mixer on medium.
2.  Add eggs, vanilla and bitters, beat well.
3.  Combine flour, baking soda, spices, salt in separate bowl.
4.  Measure out oats and add-ins to have aside and ready.
5.  Mix the flour mixture and wet mixture well.  Add oats and add-ins, mix well.
6.  Spoon 2-3 inch mounds onto ungreased cookie sheet about 2 inches apart.  Flatten the mounds to about 1/2 inch height.  The dough is sticky and just scrape and press to release it from fingers or spoon.
7.  Bake 10 mins.  Edges will show browning and centers will look set but not browned.
8.  Remove to cooling rack right away, slowly working the cookie lifter under each cookie firmly.
Makes approx. 24 cookies that measure 3-4 inches and 1/2 inch tall

Special Spice Blend
Mix spices together and use for the cookie recipe, then use a funnel to pour extras into a shaker.  I like to shake some on top of morning oatmeal, shake some on coffee grounds before brewing, over sweet potatoes before roasting, on bananas when pan frying, etc. Honestly, I eyeball the amounts and go heavier on the spices near the top of the list, lighter on the others and generally get this type of blend.  I believe this is a basic Chai mix.

1T Cinnamon
1/2 t Turmeric
1/4 t Ginger
1/4 t Nutmeg
1/4 t Cardamom
1/8 t Clove
dash black pepper

Warm spices blend in handy little shaker

Two dozen giant cookies!  Share them or stash in freezer.  Crunchy chewy craving solved!
Would these cookies be a hit or miss with you?  
Kathy

York Avenue Studio is 5 Years Old - Giveaway Ends 6-10-15 Ended

York Avenue Studio is 5 years old!

A few thousand of my pieces are out there in over 22 countries and all 50 States! I'm amazed and now I want to offer a chance for some lucky winners to receive a gift from me!

Comment below about an item in my shop that you would consider buying, something you wouldn't buy somewhere else or make yourself. I'll randomly choose 4 winners to receive THEIR selected item! 

Open to all over 18 yrs, and only with US shipping address. (I am not able to include Int'l and I hope you understand,). Starts today, Ends Wednesday the 10th midnight EST.

I can't wait to see what is chosen! Contest is also posted on Instagram and Facebook, good luck to all the entrants!

Kathy

UPDATE:  Winners selected and posted on Facebook and Instagram 
https://instagram.com/p/3yw-xFAzQp/?taken-by=kathysinbox

Creative Fun so far in 2015

White Buffalo Turquoise Ring by York Avenue Studio

This is the year that I have jumped into rocks!  Sawing slabs and cutting cabochons!  White Buffalo Turquoise is my favorite gemstone at this moment and I am learning all the good and bad of polishing this stone into jewels. 

Follow me on Instagram and see the works in progress, with some fun photos included throughout my day.  My profile is @Kathysinbox and here is a link to see some pictures right now:


https://instagram.com/p/z7vMPsAzQc/

Thanks!
Kathy

Happy Holidays from York Avenue Studio 2014 Coupon

Every year just before Christmas, I like to say "Thank You" to the wonderful shoppers who have visited my Etsy shop!  Your orders have made it possible for me to continue working at what I love doing, metalsmithing and gemstone jewelry.

I offer the coupon code to returning shoppers as well as anyone referred to my shop.  Take $20.14 off your order, minimum order of $24.  One offer per shipping address.  Code to use at checkout is "2014YorkAvenueStudio" and expires Dec 10th.

I have not posted on my blog here in quite a long time, mostly due to the fact I found Instagram!  If you want to see daily photos of behind the scenes projects, and other little trivial pictures from my work and play, follow me on Instagram @kathysinbox and I would be thankful.

I also quit smoking in March of this year, which kept me from my computer which was a common "smoking zone" and I needed to avoid that area for any seated typing, etc. to reduce temptation!  9 months later, still smoke-free and very much better for it!

My latest jewelry interest and focus has been Boho style, Southwest and Gypsy style.  I have fallen in love with Turquoise!!!!  Please feel free to follow along and watch what this new direction brings about in designs and new items.

Also getting pretty excited about the 3D printing possibilities for my jewelry designs, working with Matter.IO and I have ideas brewing! 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all my family and friends out there! 
XOXO
Kathy

Event is Over - Stethoscope Giveaway - York Avenue Studio

Stethoscope Giveaway by York Avenue Studio

Welcome to my Giveaway Contest!  The random drawing will be held Nov 17, 2013 and one winner will receive the stethoscope in the photo as well as the airway openers.  Brand new!  Bright cheery colors!  Enter now thru Nov 16th, details below.

I am hosting this Giveaway in order to introduce my charms for stethoscopes, hoping to reach those who use stethoscopes and would be interested in a charm that is personalized and custom made. 



Stethoscope Charm by York Avenue Studio

Stethoscope wide band ring that can be personalized with names and dates. I designed this solid metal cuff to fit around the tubing of your stethoscope and stay in place. The charm shown in the photos has a name and the date, the date is in roman numerals for a classy look. This particular charm has a paw print and DVM for Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and a caduceus medical symbol.

Stethoscope Charm by York Avenue Studio for Nurse or Vet

This is the perfect gift for anyone who uses a stethoscope! The name charm will identify their property as well as add a personal touch to their equipment. It stays put and isn't distracting or get caught up on clothing or in hair.  I make them in your choice of Golden Bronze or Sterling Silver. 

Gift for Nurse Vet - Stethoscope Charm by York Avenue Studio


Some ideas: Name or initials centered front with tiny paw prints all around. Maybe a dog or cat or both. Maybe the University letters of the school where the degree is from. Butterflies, flowers, stars, hearts, etc.

Veterinary Stethoscope Charm by York Avenue Studio

Please feel free to share this listing with anyone else that you know that might be interested.  There might be others that would like to find out about these charms and also enter the Giveaway. 

Designer made original art jewelry.

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To enter the Giveaway:
Unlimited entries per person, 18 years and older with a US shipping address.  I will mail the package to a US address only.  Be sure to leave an email so I can contact you if you win.  If you prefer to send your contact info and entry to me and remain confidential, send me a note to enter at support@yorkavenuestudio.com

One entry for every Facebook page like - Like my page and then comment below to be counted as entry.  Here's my Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/York-Avenue-Studio-Handcrafted-Gemstone-Jewelry/138653009529987

One entry for Share on Facebook - spread the word for the Giveaway and leave a comment below to be counted as an entry.  The comment below can simply state "shared", but I would love to see the link, too, and visit your page!

One entry for every comment below with you ideas for what you might put on a charm - I really look forward to reading the ideas!

One entry for visiting my Etsy shop, YorkAvenueStudio,  looking around, and then commenting below about anything that caught your eye - I have a section in my shop called Personalized that I hope you enjoy browsing.

On Nov 17th, I'll count up the comments below, draw a random number, and contact the winner!

Good Luck!  Thank you for allowing me to introduce my Stethoscope Charms!
Kathy

Eureka! - Finding A Jewelry Style That Fits Like a Lost Puzzle Piece

Haunted House Pendant by York Avenue Studio - Reversible

After agonizing over the design details for my Haunted House necklace, I finally chose to keep the house size limited to a small version with tiny details, and layer the pendants so the copper would show along with the enamel.  The front has a black silhouette against a copper moon.  The back has a spooky copper house with an enameled winter scene in the background.

Haunted House Pendant by York Avenue Studio

My initial design included much more house with a pointed turret, tiny cross on top, moon behind the house, all framed with a silver circle.  The cost of materials and the labor pushed the end price too high for what I was hoping to offer the pendant.

Spooky House Black Silhouette - by York Avenue Studio

This is where the story takes a twist!  I was preparing a new design for a stethoscope charm to give to my daughter.  She is in Veterinary Medical School.  I wanted to know the thickness of the tubing so I could make the charm fit the stethoscope.  Searching around on Google, I stumbled upon a vintage stethoscope and took a closer look. 

Of course, I get distracted easily and the vintage shop also had jewelry, so I had to browse and then BAM - I found this!

Halloween Pin by Jonette Jewelry - JJ

Like finding a lost puzzle piece that fits, I was thrilled to see this pin!  The similarity is so amazing with the pointed turret, the circle window near the top, the porch step, I was so drawn to this pin and bought it!  The description mentioned that it was a JJ design.  I've never heard of that company, so of course, I Googled it.  The images that showed were, one after the other, remarkably wonderful and so similar to my taste!  Here are some examples of how, for years, I've been designing similar styles to this company.

The shooting star on the far right is almost exactly like the shooting star ring I made years back.  It was one of my first rings made using silver metal clay.

 

I started making the ring band flat, then formed the ring and set the gemstones.

This daydreamer frog by Jonette Jewelry has the same posture and whimsy as my little daydreamer monkey!

Daydreamer Monkey by York Avenue Studio

Back to the stethoscope charm, my drawing was for a snake spiraling up a wooden rod, the medical symbol for veterinarians.  Of course, another pin from JJ with the same!

Jonette Jewelry made over $5 million a year, outsourcing some work.  What a great company and hats off to them for such success back before the internet. 

Here is another Jonette Jewelry pins that I actually owned when I was young, incredible!  Just to think years later, it would come back in front of me just by a coincidence!

I have a sketch book full of ideas that are yet to be made, and while browsing the JJ site, it was so fun to see that "my style" is actually a STYLE that existed long, long before I started making jewelry and never came across until last night!!

Jewelry is one of those "love at first sight" things, something that sparks an emotion and feels like you've found a long lost piece that you've been separated from, finally to be reunited and bring home!

Kathy

Polymer Wax Seal Gift Wrap for Jewelry Boxes

York Avenue Studio

Here is an idea for transforming a simple plain jewelry box into a wrapped treasure.  At the same time, it is another way to show off your business logo!

I have a Signature Stamp from The Charm Factory with my logo for York Avenue Studio.  If you are interested in a stamp for your business, I highly recommend them!

To make the wax seal in polymer clay, I used red and a small amount of purple, rolling them into each other to get the marbled look. 

Polymer clay wax seals

I use corn starch to keep the clay from sticking and to reduce my fingerprints.  My little dish is a milk jug cap and you can see my stamp right next to a little ball of rolled polymer.  I made some little kitty shapes, too.

Cat wax seals with York Avenue Studio

Bake the polymer clay according to the directions on your package.  Rinse them and pat them dry.  You can take it further and sand them, polish them, make them shiny.  I left them as matte finish.

Kitty Wax Seal Jewelry Box by York Avenue Studio

A simple waxed cotton cord with a knot and a wax seal kitty!  I use glue to hold the string and polymer in place.  E6000 is a good adhesive, rubber cement works well, super glue, etc.  Be sure to have proper ventilation while working with glues.

Thanks for reading this post!  I hope this inspires some creative packaging ideas!  I used my signature kitty, but other ideas could be little house shapes, mittens, stars, etc. 

Metal Clay Challenge - Beautiful Designs and Bad Rap Music

Here is my entry for the Design Challenge held by the Metal Clay Heads Team.  The theme is Text and Textures. 


"Personalized name pendant with fresh style! This design shows off a name or word with a reversed image that becomes something unique as a special shaped charm. I make this design with golden bronze that shines like gold and sparkles in the light. The lettering is hand written into a sheet of foam that leaves grooves as the pen is pressed down.  The clay is pressed into the foam.  The grooved lines are now raised which gives the charm texture and more depth."

Follow the link to the Challenge and view the entries.  Everyone can vote for their favorite.  Voting ends Sept. 7th, 2013

http://metalclayheads.blogspot.com/2013/08/text-and-textures-with-metal-clay-metal.html

Just for fun, and with a sense of humor, I played around with an app on my phone called Autorap!  Here is my own little rap song to promote the Design Challenge and get more votes for the team! Click my logo to hear it!

 

If you want to have some fun that is guaranteed to make yourself laugh and completely embarrass your kids, here is the link to Autorap!!!  As far as I know, this is only for use on a smart phone, not a computer, but I might be wrong. 

https://www.smule.com/autorap

I hope after you stop laughing, you take the time to vote!  Thanks for having fun with me!
Kathy

Mother's Day 2013

Pearl and Opal Thumb Ring by York Avenue Studio

Happy Mother's Day to all the ladies!!!  I won't try to sound like a greeting card, but I will say that I'm the luckiest mom to have 5 children and there are no words that truly describe what being their mom means to me.  Past, present and future volumes of unconditional love for my kids!  And an always expanding love and appreciation for my Mom, as time goes on and I experience what she must have already known!

This Mother's Day, I decided to make myself a gift from materials that I had put aside as "scrap for future projects".  I used up some Goldie Bronze metal clay, a couple of White Opals that have gorgeous color but just too tiny and a Pearl that had a flat bottom and some natural "wavy" lines across the top.

Pearl and Opal Thumb Ring Golden Bronze

I made the band to fit my thumb and left it open with a slit just off to the side to allow adjustment to slip over the knuckle.  The gold color is rich and smooth and the tiny Opals flash so much color as the ring moves.

Pearl and Opal Thumb Ring by York Avenue Studio

My skin is super sensitive to Copper, I get itchy and turn green where it touches.  Bronze is about 90% copper and is alloyed with tin.  I'm much less sensitive to Bronze, and after I seal the metal with Ren Wax, I can wear Bronze as an everyday ring without any problems!  Pearls and Opals are soft gems, not ideal for everyday wear and can be damaged easily if they get bumped around or scratched.  This ring will get worn often and that's the beauty of having "scrap" to play with sometimes!  The materials would just be boxed up for "later" but I'm enjoying them today for Mother's Day and beyond!

Kathy

Updated with Round 2! - Ammonite Wins Round 1

Ancient Ammonite Matched Pair

Ammonite fossils from millions of years ago vs. Me - The wrestling match begins!

I absolutely love the organic beauty of these stones!  The colors, the pattern, the symmetry, love it all!  I have the idea to use these stones as the focal for some hair sticks.  The Ammonite at the top as the adornment and the stick part will be the wavy squid-like legs, made in glistening Goldie Bronze. 

The first challenge is how to secure the Ammonites in a setting. They are flat on top, the backs are rounded and curvy and uneven.  I am picturing a solid back that is curved to fit the stone, maybe some squid arms to curve over and hold the stone as prongs.  I spot a "perfect template" in the fridge!

The bottom of the coffee creamer is just the right size in the center, deep and has legs, hello!!!

 



 

After some hand carving on the dried bronze, I add the legs for the hair stick.  So far, so good....



Oh dear, there are several design issues now that I need to re-address:  size, thickness, shrinkage, weight, support during kiln firing, etc. etc.  The piece needs major repair, maybe a complete revamp in design, but I am convinced that I can win! 

The Ammonite won this round, escaping confinement and still has freedom, but I will be back for Round 2......Ding Ding!

 

UPDATE!!!

OK, I call this match at best a TIE!  The Ammonite is secure, but MAN, this is one heavy hairstick!  I ended up using jeweler's epoxy to glue the bugger in.  I repaired the cracks, adding more and more bronze that this piece would actually qualify as a dangerous weapon if thrown!  For now, I'll keep it by the front door in case someone tries to break in!!

 

 

Free Jewelry Giveaway is Over, Winner is Rusty! - Sterling Silver Personalized Ring

Silver Love Wrap Ring by York Avenue Studio



Enter now for a chance to win a new personalized ring just like the one shown above, but with your own words! Customized with words, names and special meaning!  One Lucky Winner of this drawing will receive this ring!  The details on how to enter are below.

Before I list the ways to enter the drawing, I'd like to invite you to read on and see why this personalized ring is so unique and popular.


The Sterling Love bypass ring, the perfect gift as a Friendship ring, Promise ring, birthday or anniversary. Personalized for your special reminder or meaning.
This ring can be customized with any name, word, initial, date, etc. Any message can be stamped on the outside and inside of the band. Upper case as well as cute lower case letters. I also have Greek Uppercase. Perfect for Sorority sisters. You can also request symbols like hearts, heart with wings, stars, etc.

This everyday band looks chic, a little rustic and heartfelt. This is a very comfortable ring that will not catch on clothing and won't ever need to be taken off! The band is slightly adjustable, too




Latitude Longitude Coordinates Ring by York Avenue Studio

This ring is also perfect for Latitude and Longitude, perhaps the location of your first kiss, a special location with friends or family or a vacation spot or maybe an engagement proposal.

This is my original design and I have worked very hard to perfect the process for a nice, weighty elegantly formed ring using the best sterling silver material and traditional metalsmithing techniques.

I find it so amazing how many ways this ring has been personalized. That is why I love making these rings!

Could you think of something special to have written on a ring? A gift for someone close and special or a treasure to keep for yourself? A best friend?  I'd love to hear your ideas. Here is the link to my shop where you can read more and order a ring with your ideas: Love Wrap Ring


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Here is how to enter the drawing for the Free Jewelry Giveaway.  Be sure to leave your contact email in case you win:

1. Follow my blog and comment below that you are a follower. You will be entered if you leave a comment. Current blog followers need to leave a comment to be entered, too.
2. Anyone that mentions the giveaway at checkout when placing an order in my Etsy shop will be entered again for more chances to win.
3. Like my Facebook Page and you will be entered if you leave a comment below. Here is the link:

York Avenue Studio's Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/York-Avenue-Studio-Handcrafted-Gemstone-Jewelry/138653009529987

4. Post on your Facebook about York Avenue Studio, maybe mention the Giveaway or let others know about the Custom Love Wrap Ring. Leave a comment below and you will be entered.

5. If someone mentions you in their comment below, you both will be entered again!

Details of the Giveaway:
This drawing will be done by random.org and is for US residents over the age of 18. Anyone may enter an unlimited amount of times. I will hold the drawing on October 29th which means the last entries must be in before midnight on 10/28/2012. One winner will be randomly selected and I will contact the winner and announce them on my blog. Please be sure that your email contact info is available, either in your comment or privately emailed to me. I must be able to reach the winner by email and confirm that the delivery address is US. The ring for the winner will be made to size and personalized with your own ideas.  The retail value of the ring is $39.60.  I sell these rings in my Etsy shop for $19.80.




Good Luck! I look forward to reading the comments and selecting the winner!
Regards,
Kathy

Free Jewelry Giveaway (Expired) - Silver & Gold Maple Leaf Earrings

Fine Silver and Gold Maple Leaf Earrings by York Avenue Studio

Enter now for a chance to win the earrings shown above!  The details on how to enter are below.

Fine silver tiny Maple leaf earrings with 14K gold filled ear wires. I used real Maple leaves as the mold for the fine silver to capture the tiny detail. The silver and gold contrast adds to the organic look of these nature inspired earrings.  These are delicate, lightweight and very comfortable.

Tiny Maple Leaves Silver and Gold by York Avenue Studio

I used Art Clay Silver overlay paste and literally painted the leaves with silver. After firing at 1200 degrees, the leaves are now .999 fine silver. I soldered the 14K gold filled wire with gold solder to the silver leaves. These have been tumbled with steel shot for over an hour and are sturdy, yet light and dangle so sweetly with a very nice shine.

Fine Silver Maple Leaves with 14K Gold Filled Ear Wires

Before I list the ways to enter the drawing for the Silver and Gold earrings, I'd like to introduce you to my favorite item that I offer in my shop:  The Silver Love Wrap Ring with Custom Words Names and Special Meaning.

$15 Little Love Wrap Ring by York Avenue Studio

Above is the smaller version of the Love Wrap Ring without custom words.  I use heavy 12 gauge sterling silver to create these handstamped rings one by one.  Perfect to say I Love You to someone special. 

Below, is the Original Love Wrap Ring:




Silver Love Wrap Ring by York Avenue Studio

 Sterling Love bypass ring, the perfect gift as a Friendship ring, Promise ring, birthday or anniversary. Personalized for your special reminder or meaning.
This ring can be customized with any name, word, initial, date, etc.  Any message can be stamped on the outside and inside of the band. Upper case as well as cute lower case letters. I also have Greek Uppercase. Perfect for Sorority sisters. You can also request symbols like hearts and stars.

This everyday band looks chic, a little rustic and heartfelt. This is a very comfortable ring that will not catch on clothing and won't ever need to be taken off! The band is slightly adjustable, too




Latitude Longitude Coordinates Ring by York Avenue Studio


This ring is also perfect for Latitude and Longitude, perhaps the location of your first kiss, a special location with friends or family or a vacation spot or maybe an engagement proposal.

I find it so amazing how many ways this ring has been personalized. That is why I love making these rings!

Could you think of something special to have written on a ring?  A gift for someone close and special or a treasure to keep for yourself?  I'd love to hear your ideas.  Here is the link to my shop where you can read more and order a ring with your ideas:  Love Wrap Ring


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Here is how to enter the drawing for the Free Jewelry Giveaway:

1.  Follow my blog and comment below that you are a follower.  You will be entered if you leave a comment.  Current blog followers need to leave a comment to be entered, too.
2.  Anyone that mentions the giveaway at checkout when placing an order will be entered again for more chances to win.
3.  Like my Facebook Page and you will be entered if you leave a comment below.  Here is the link:

York Avenue Studio's Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/York-Avenue-Studio-Handcrafted-Gemstone-Jewelry/138653009529987

4.  Post on your Facebook about York Avenue Studio, maybe mention the Giveaway or let others know about the Custom Love Wrap Ring.  Leave a comment below and you will be entered.

5.  If someone mentions you in their comment below, you both will be entered again!

Details of the Giveaway:
This drawing will be done by random.org and is for US residents over the age of 18.  Unlimited times a person may enter.  I will hold the drawing on July 23rd which means the last entries must be in before midnight on 7/22/2012.  One winner will be randomly selected and I will contact the winner and announce them on my blog. Please be sure that your email contact info is available, either in your comment or privately emailed to me.  I must be able to reach the winner by email and confirm that the delivery address is US.  The earrings in the photos are the exact pair that will be sent.  The retail value of the earrings is $50.00.

Tiny Maple Silver and Gold Earrings by York Avenue Studio

Good Luck!  I look forward to reading the comments and selecting the winner!
Regards,
Kathy