Just a little experiment. I haven't used this platform since 2012. I was pondering the idea of writing more today and wondering where I would write. This platform popped into my head as an option. I wasn't even sure if this blog was still here, if blogger was still here. It is, so this is just a little test to see what this looks like.

New Website & Blog

I have a new Website and Blog that I am so happy to share with you!  

I will be updating the new site and blog regularly so please visit me over there! Here's the link, 

 www.pkkdesign/blog

Quite Contrary Earrings

Inspired by my spring watching colourful flowers bloom in Holland.  Quite Contrary Earrings made from oxidized and hammered sterling silver, copper, vitreous enamels, and peacock freshwater pearls. 

No Mud, No Lotus Necklace

When I was in Holland at my jewelry artists residency last spring there was a small pond in our backyard.  It was muddy, murky, filled with gross bugs and green slime.  I didn't pay too much attention to it, it hadn't been cared for for some time.  Until perfect pink lotus flowers started to blossom in it.  It captivated me.  I had new respect for the murky pond, new wonder and fascination.  I would sit in front of it and notice how the lotus flowers opened and closed.  I would notice how the bugs interacted with the flowers, I would notice how the plant life was so alive in the mud.......

No Mud, No Lotus Necklace. Patsy Kay Kolesar Design 2013

What's Working For Me Right Now

I've been welcoming in the year of the Snake and I wanted to share some of the things that I'm finding helpful, inspiring, and intriguing while staring off this new year.

1. Black Coffee
I decided to go 1 week without added sugar and without any alcohol.  I really enjoy a nice glass of wine and I love sweet creamy coffee in the morning, but i was feeling a little sluggish and I wanted to give myself a little healthy kickstart for a week.  It was my intention to only do this for 1 week, but after a week of drinking my coffee black, I realized that I was liking it so I've continued.  I find it very interesting that by making 1 small adjustment to my lifestyle for a short period of time it's turned into a more permanent change.  We get so used to the way we do things, but sometimes we just have to try to do what we do in a different way and then change happens. 

2. The Make Shift Happen Podcast by Dean Dwyer
I'm a bit of a sucker for all of the life coach advice that is plentiful on the web.  However, I get really tired of thinking that I don't have the tools to do what I need to do, that I have to take another course, or read another book, or buy buy buy something else.  Dean's podcast is about making small shifts in your life in order to be happier.  He comes from the perspective that you already know what you need to know, but by listening to his story and the stories he shares you may see a new way of doing things in your life.  Golden.

3.  Squarespace
I'm building a new website.  I'm using a platform called Squarespace and so far it's been really painless and simple.  I'm surprisingly proud of how technical I am becoming.  There is something really empowering about learning something new and taking control of something that you didn't think you could.  My new website will be launched soon! Stay tuned!


This is what is on my bench right now. A sea of enameled copper pieces in bright spring colours.

Reflecting On The Past Year

I spent 3 days in Brussels, Belgium in the spring walking around feeling delighted, star struck, and inspired by all of the beautiful art nouveau architecture.  The whole city was an art gallery and I fell in love with every piece in it.     

Brussels, Belgium. 

Supporting Local Independent Shops

I recently faced the same dilemma that many of us will face over the next few weeks.  I was in Winners and I saw some big plastic trucks for 19.99 that my two little nephews would probably love.  I stood there for quite a while in front of them, thinking that for 19.99 times 2,  I could be finished my Christmas shopping for them, but I would be doing exactly what I said I didn't want to do - buy plastic and buy from big mega stores.  So I walked away.  I walked away and this past weekend I went to Kids Books on Broadway where one of the very helpful women working in the store knew exactly which books they had on space for 4 year olds.  I bought a beautiful book about a mouse who goes to space and a rocket ship board game.  I walked away happy that I was supporting local independent shops.

I want to live in a city where local independent shops can thrive.  

Below is a list of the amazing local independent shops and galleries who carry my handmade one of a kind jewelry.  I hope that you support some of these shops and other local independent retailers over the holidays.

British Columbia

Urbanity
2412 Granville Street
Vancouver
www.urbanity.ca

Edgemont Village Jewellers
3102 Edgemont Blvd
North Vancouver
www.edgemontjeweller.com

Stock Home Design
38036 Cleveland Avenue
Squamish
www.stockhomedesign.com

Salon D
166 Selby Street
Nanaimo

Gar-nish
120 Mackenzie Ave
Revelstoke
www.gar-nish.com

Alberta

Influx Jewellery Art Gallery
201-100 7th Avenue S.W
Calgary
www.influxjewellery.com

Saskatchewan

Mysteria Gallery
2706 13th Avenue
Regina
www.mysteria.ca

Ontario

Distill Gallery
55 Mill Street #47
The Distillery District
Toronto
www.distillgallery.com