Turtles

I love turtles! There is something so majestic about them, their slow pace and graceful movement. I'm still waiting for the first time I get to see one up close while snorkeling... Last Saturday I participated in the Festival de Tinglar (Turtle Festival) in Luquillo, Puerto Rico. It was sponsored by the local chapter of the Sierra Club and I had a chance to meet so many cool and like - minded people, besides getting a chance to show my jewelry. What a fun day! Food, drink, lots of artists and the constant rythym of bomba and salsa music. This week I've selected other artists that must love turtles too since they've prominently displayed them on everything from cool coin purses to baby bibs. Enjoy!

"Batik Turtles", Coinpurse by Superb Kitsch, Gainesville, FL - $19

Visit Superb Kitsch: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=5843824

"Sea Turtles", Boutique Infant Baby Bib by Posh Kids Co., Summerville, SC - $7.50

Visit Posh Kids Co.: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=5780268

"Turtle on The Big Island", Original Oil on Canvas Painting by Deborah Sprague, Bend, OR - $149
Visit Deborah Sprague: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=5780268

"Sea Turtle", Hand Screen Printed Ladies Jersey Tee by Supastarr, Cincinnati, OH - $21

Visit Supastarr: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=5799795

Quote-
"Slow and steady wins the race."
- Excerpt from Aesop's Fable, The Tortoise and the Hare

Copper...

Man's eternal metal, copper is the most versatile and durable of all metals. It has been in use for over 10,000 years and traces can be found throughout various ancient cultures worldwide. Copper is also an essential nutrient, vital for good healt and 100% recyclable. This week's artists feature copper as an element or color in their amazing designs. I've added a link to purchase Copper River Wild Salmon (season starts May 15th), a recipe for Copper Pennies and a quote from Abe Lincoln. Enjoy!


"And All That Jazz" 3 - Piece Polymer Clay Pendant, from Marcia Palmer - $24

This three piece pendant is like music to my eyes! I love its movement and flow. It's a lovely piece that makes a bold statement. The pendant is fashioned from polymer clay, metallic leaf and metallic paints. Copper colored wire embellishments provide the finishing accents. An acrylic liquid was applied as the final layer to seal and protect the piece. The back of the pendant is made with black clay and has a subtly textured surface. The pendant measures 3.25" (hanging) x 2.25". A 20" lightweight buna (rubber) cord has been added so it's ready to wear. The cord is finished with a handmade ball and loop closure. Visit Marcia Palmer's shop: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=5595291

"Tomorrow at Three Dimensions"; An original from EarthArt - $109

24 x 43 Abstract sun in bronze, three shades of gold, two shades of copper, brown and silver. Very dynamic and light shifting. Natural aluminum is left exposed in parts of the heart of the sun. Medium gauge aluminum is affixed to a wooden base and connected with strong gauge hoops. It floats off the wall slightly for fantastic dimension. Sealed with a protective coating for the protection of this art. The top bar is a piece of poplar that is routed to have smooth edges, sanded, painted then coated with sealant. There is a slotted bar that has been chiseled out in back for super easy hanging and I send the screws to hang. You won't find anything like this ANYWHERE - it's my own design. Signed in bottom right hand corner. Visit Earth Art's shop: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=5574839

"Cut and Fold Vase"; from JS Ceramics - $25

This earth-toned vase is made on the potters wheel and then altered to create the unique "cut and fold" look. Visit JS Ceramics:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=5722626

"3 Rows of Solid Copper Chainmaile"; from Design by Lara Studios - $35

This solid copper ChainMaile bracelet was constructed using thick 12-gauge copper wire that was formed into circular links. There are a total of 3 rows in interlocking links creating a stunning, bold piece of jewelry. The toggle was also handcrafted by Lara using the same 12-gauge wire. The bracelet measures 8 ½” in length and is 1 ¼” wide. Visit Design by Lara Studios: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=5624873

"Out of Sorts"; Urban Copper Art from Atlanta Copperworks Studio - $99

Blues and greens are hatched with rich copper colors. Swirls are scratched into the paint. A true delight for your home or office! As with all my copper paintings, nail and hammer marks are retained. This painting will change in different lighting due to the reflective qualities of the copper underneath. This painting is wired and ready to hang. The copper "eyes" are placed in such a way that the painting may be rewired to hang horizontally--or even upside down. Each copper eye has a felt backing to protect your wall. The painting is signed and dated on the back. Visit Atlanta Copperworks Studio:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=5705164

Copper River Salmon Season is Coming!
Get ready for the best salmon on the planet: Copper River Wild Salmon! The season opens on May 15th and the salmon is only available for a few weeks. You can pre-order your salmon by visiting www.fishermansexpress.com . I promise you won't be disappointed. And to go with your super tasty and highly nutritious salmon, try the Copper Penny recipe below, they're delicious AND good for you :)

Recipe- Copper Pennies (Pickled Carrots)

• 5 cups carrots (about 2 lbs.)sliced and parboiled
• 1 small bell pepper, sliced into rings
• 1 small onion, sliced into rings
• 1 (10 oz.) can condensed tomato soup
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup cider vinegar
• 1 Tbl. worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. pepper

Directions:Par-boil carrots until crisp-tender. Drain carrots and let cool. Combine all other ingredients in large bowl and add carrots. Toss well to coat. Refrigerate for at least 12 hours stirring several times. This will keep for at least 4 - 5 days (if it lasts that long!). The longer it sits in the refrigerator, the better it tastes.

Quote-
"Always bear in mind that your resolution to succeed is more important than any one thing."

Abe Lincoln (1821 - 1862), 13th President of The United States of America

Weekly Contest-

If you've enjoyed visiting MoCo Cafe this week, subscribe to the blog and enter to win weekly prizes! This week's prize is any item in my shop, www.cocoblackdesigns.com, valued at $25 or less. To join, go to the subscribe by email link located on the right side at the top. Have a great week!

Cheri, aka Coco Black

Geometry

My least favorite subject in school, geometry, has now become one of my favorite design elements... Each of the five artists featured this week have certainly mastered it! I have also included a snippet about the importance of the kitchen triangle, a yummy recipe for Filet of Beef Triangle Tea Sandwiches and one of my favorite mathematic quotes from Albert Einstein, enjoy!

14K Gold Fibonacci Earrings by Lisa Wigger of LEELOO Studio- $550

Fibonacci Earrings 3x1 in 14K Gold by Lisa Wigger. These earrings are part of the Fibonacci Collection and feature three leaves in varying sizes. The earrings are available in sterling silver or 14K gold. Earrings measure approx 4.5 inches.These earrings come with a matte finish but are also available in a shiny finish. Visit leeloostudio at http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=73245 or her website at www.leeloostudio.com.

Triangle Wall Piece from Timothy Adam Designs- $110

This triangle wall art piece is made from 1/4 inch steel rod framed in an angle iron frame. It stand 30 inches tall and is 20 inches wide. Visit timothyadamdesigns at http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=5528484

Disco Dots Purse from Girly Girl Bags- $30

Stand out in a crowd with this funky purse, the mod polka dot home dec fabric is echoed in the bright polka dot fringe. White home dec lining fabric also features pink and green polka dots, while the handles contain silver flecks for more disco-ness. All seams have been double stitched for durability, and it's lined in fusible fleece for softness and body. 12 1/2" x 10 1/2" and 1" deep with a patch pocket and magentic closure.
Visit girlygirlbags at http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=5577551

Rock-N-Royale Necklace from Totemic- $90

A one-of-a-kind, rock-n-roll, art deco necklace made from a vintage deck of playing cards and Fender celluloid guitar picks!To create this piece I painstakingly adhered triangular sections of the most intricate face cards onto nine Fender triangle guitar picks and coated them with several layers of flexible, water-based varnish for durability - varnish also adds a vibrant sheen!16 1/4 inches and linked together with stainless steel jump rings - secured with a brushed nickel sister-hook clasp. Guitar pick dimensions are 1.75 inches along each side of the triangle. Visit totemic at http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=514028

Collection of Lollipops Greeting Card from Art of Andrew Daniel $3.50

Lollipop collection, not to eat! :) Here is one greeting card that you can send to your friend or loved ones. This 5" x 5" card comes with an envelope and a plastic liner. An image of birds is on the back. Visit artofandrewdaniel at http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=5536335

The Kitchen Work Triangle- The concept for the kitchen work triangle was developed by the Small Homes Council of the School of Architecture at the University of Illinois in the 1950's. An invisible "work triangle" is created in the kitchen by the arrangement of the sink, stove and refrigerator. The placement of these three elements in relation to each other is intrinsically connected to designing an efficient kitchen. All of the elements in the Triangle need to be close together to keep movement in the workspace to a minimum. Keeping the triangle tight also limits unwanted traffic from passing through your work space. (excerpt taken from www.renovationexperts.com) ,visit their site to learn more about how you can design an efficient kitchen.

Recipe- Charlie Palmer's Filet of Beef Tea Sandwiches with Roquefort & Walnut Crust

Ingredients:
2 cups California walnut pieces
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/2 tsp chili oil or pepper
1 tsp orange zest, grated
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp garlic salt
3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
2 cups Roquefort cheese, crumbled
1 tbsp Armagnac (French brandy)
18 slices white sandwich bread, thinly sliced
1 lb. filet of beef, medium-rare, thinly sliced
2 cups watercress leaves
Directions:
Toast walnuts in shallow baking pan in preheated 300°F oven about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until aromatic. While nuts are toasting, continue as below.
Melt 1/4 cup butter in small skillet over low heat. Stir in chili oil, orange zest, cayenne and garlic salt. Cook gently about 3 minutes, stirring to combine. Pour mixture over hot nuts and stir to coat. Return nuts to oven 20 minutes more, stirring occasionally. Remove nuts with skimmer and transfer to paper toweling to drain 10 minutes. Transfer to clean paper toweling and drain 10 minutes more. In food processor, chop nuts coarsely. Remove 1 cup and set aside. Process nuts remaining in food processor in on-off flicks until finely chopped; transfer to shallow dish and set aside for finishing sandwiches. In same food processor, place softened butter, cheese and Armagnac. Process to combine. Add reserved 1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts and process until finely chopped but not pureed. You will have 1 1/2 cups walnut-cheese mixture.
To assemble sandwiches: Spread very thin layer of walnut-cheese mixture on 6 slices of bread. Cover with layer of beef and then a layer of watercress leaves. Place another slice of bread on top, spread with very thin layer of walnut-cheese mixture, cover with layer of beef and layer of watercress leaves. Top each sandwich with a third slice of bread and press down firmly. You will have 6 whole sandwiches.
With long, sharp knife, trim off crusts. Cut each whole sandwich diagonally into quarters, thus making triangles.
Spread edges of each triangle very lightly with remaining walnut-chesse mixture, then dip sides into reserved finely ground walnuts to finish. Cover tightly and refrigerate until serving. Serves 12.

Quote of the Week- If A is success in life, then A equals x plus y plus z. Work is x; y is play; and z is keeping your mouth shut. -Albert Einstein

Weekly Contest- If you've enjoyed visiting MoCo Cafe this week please subscribe to my blog to win weekly prizes! This week's prize is any item in my shop at www.cocoblackdesigns.com, valued at $25.00 or less, I even pay shipping. See the tool bar on the right for more details and the subscribe by email link- Have a great week! -Cheri, aka Coco Black