St. Valentine would be proud.
Valentine’s Day is not a favorite holiday of mine. I wonder at the point of having a day when we take time to say “I love you”. Shouldn’t we be doing that everyday? That said, I can’t help but admire all of the beautiful bits of handiwork that emerge at the coming of this holiday. Enjoy!
simple song designs
vitamin i
bazaar Latino
Thanks, Jason Mraz…
Do you worry ? I do from time to time, and it annoys the daylights out of me. I’d like to think that I *never* worry or over-analyze, giving every thought the exact attention that it needs and then no more. But, if I’m brutally honest with myself, that’s not what happens. Instead, I think and think and think, jumping to every conclusion I can think of, and panicking over the fictitious situation for the rest of the day. Yeah. It sucks.
Worried Denim Guy by Anklebiter
This was what I was dealing with this last week as I drove my boys to their weekly karate lesson. I had grabbed my ipod to help with the drive, figuring the music would help occupy the guys, as well as myself. And just as my worries invaded my head yet again, The Remedy by Jason Mraz started playing through the car speakers.
The peppy music appealed to all of us, so I turned it up and started mindlessly singing along. That’s when Max asked, “Hey Mom? What does this song mean?”
Ouch. Now, I have to explain the meaning of the song to my 7 year old, while kicking myself in the pants and telling myself to listen to my own words. What did the song mean? As I was singing out, “I won’t worry my life away…” here I was obsessing and thinking about things totally out of my control. It got me to thinking, though, and it was then that I remembered some harder hitting words.
“Be anxious for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4:6-7
Don't Worry necklace by PinkBubble
My lesson for today? Chill. Relax. Enjoy today, because tomorrow has plenty of it’s own troubles. And hopefully, if somebody did turn off the sun, I’d still be able to shine. So, thank you, Jason Mraz for your catchy little song, and thank you Max, for causing me to stop and think. And thank you most of all, Lord, for carrying my burdens and helping me to be anxious for nothing.
Let’s try this again…
I tried my hand at this blogging thing about a year ago, and quickly became amazingly overwhelmed. I swore it off and said it wasn’t for me, not no way, not now how.
But, once again, I’m bowing to peer pressure.
I want one of those spiffy, inspiring blogs that all of my other crafty muses have. One that makes people smile when it pops up because just the sight of it makes them happy. Like this one at tenthings. Kerri’s blog *always* makes me feel good inside. Let’s hope I can produce something like that. After all, time is precious, right? I mean, you have little enough of it as it is, so you want to make sure you don’t waste one single second. What a sad thought to think that reading my little blog would be a waste of time. Heaven forbid.
Anywho, on to happier thoughts. I’ll give this blog another go. I’ll jazz it up, and write about things that inspire me, that make me smile and that make me feel creative.
On that note, check out this cool quote by some guy named Charles Dickens. I think he wrote a book or two:
“The whole difference between construction and creation is exactly this: that a thing constructed can only be loved after it is constructed; but a thing created is loved before it exists.”
I love this, and I’m so glad that he said it so I could quote him 140 years later. What a great way to express what all of us artists/designers/crafters feel. To finally give credence to that attachment we feel to something we’ve made. That is truly art, wouldn’t you say?
Well, enough for today. I’ll start small. Here’s to you and your creativity, and to all of the ideas swimming in your head that are just waiting in the wing to be created.
Have you started yet?
Christmas shopping, that is. I am one of those cheesy people who loves to start celebrating the season months in advance, so I usually start shopping for gifts early. Like, real early. Like, August. This year, though, I am slacking a bit. I think I bought my first gift in October and I feel like I’m soooo behind.
Thankfully, we have this amazing thing called the Internet. I don’t know what I would do if I couldn’t shop from my computer. I don’t know about you all, but I seriously HATE mall shopping during the holidays. The crowds, the overpricing, the same old boring stuff. No thanks.
I’ve done a lot of my shopping on Etsy. Shocker, I know, but it was a goal of mine to try and support home crafters and indie artists since the very beginning of the season. I have found some AMAZING things. Here’s what I’ve purchased from Etsy artisans so far:
This gorgeous family tree print for my parents: http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.41785026.jpg The artist, Angie, is doing a custom family tree for my enormous family. (2 parents, 8 kids). I love how different it is from other family trees that I have seen. Here’s her shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=21665
Earrings for my sisters: This pair is from musical kitten, who designs awesome jewelry using guitar picks. So creative! http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.32934631.jpg Be sure to check out her super cool store: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6072937.
Novelty bath/body items for my baby sis: These are awesome! Check out the shape of this soap! http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.43233189.jpg Isn’t that great! Seriously, I’m totally amazed by the creativity that I find on Etsy. I also bought some cupcake flavored lip balm from this same shop, Embrace Bath and Body. Here is their shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5528943
As much as I adore Etsy, they don’t have EVERYTHING that I’m looking for this season. I’m still trying to find some quality toys for my boys. Toys that aren’t stupid, cheaply made or overpriced. In other words, toys that aren’t from Toys R Us. But where do you go to find such gifts?
Hearth Song (hearthsong.com) is an excellent place to start. Their toys are educational and extremely well made. I love that they sell toys that focus on a kid, well, being a kid. No skanky dress up stuff for girls, or crazy stupid video games for boys, but actual honest to goodness toys. Wooden tools, colored stacking blocks, car kits, fairy wings, wooden dollhouses and tea sets. If you’re fed up with c-r-a-p toys (I always spell that word in my home) like I am, this store will be a breath of fresh air. Here is a sampling of what they have: http://hearthsong.com/productCollections.asp?section_id=5&join_key=105&sc=1005&body_sc=1005&gc=218&clnm=GiftCenter
The one down fall to Hearth Song is their prices. They can get expensive. In my search for keeping things under budget, I found Rainbow Resource to be a great place to shop. For those of you that homeschool, you’ll probably know Rainbow Resource. And while they are a great place to get curriculum, they also have some great toys. I get a toy catalog every year around this time, and I ALWAYS mark the heck out of it. Lots of great pretend play toys, engineering toys, and art supplies at great prices. Check them out here: http://rainbowresource.com/prodlist.php?sid=1226596374-437269&subject=20
Well, while I am certainly not done shopping, I have made a significant dent in my list. And while I’m sure that I will find most of my gifts via the Internet, I have this sinking feeling that I will have to make that dreaded trip to the mall…yikes.
I made a treasury!
I love making treasuries on Etsy, but I hardly ever get one. I actually lucked out yesterday morning and snagged a spot on the Treasury West. Its a bit self-serving, seeing as how the theme is my Christmas list.
Here’s hoping I find something off of this list under my tree! Here’s the link. Just click on it for a better view of these amazing pieces. http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=31465
I’ve been tagged!
Woohoo! I’ve never played the tag game before! I’m totally excited! Linda from Linda Loves Beads ( http://linorstorecom.blogspot.com/2008/11/tag-game-youre-it.html#links) has tagged me.
Here are the rules of tagging
1. Link to tagger and display these rules on your blog. (check)
2. Share 7 facts about yourself – some random, some WEIRD (see below)
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by including links to their blog. (see below)
4. Let them know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
7 Random Facts About Sarah
1. This is my favorite item in my shop right now. I just totally dig the fabric: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16815804
2. I have a serious addiction to candy corns. The only reason that I don’t have a constant diet of them is due to their seasonal availability. Thank God…
3. One of my all time favorite movies is Casablanca. ” Of all the gin joints in all the world, she had to walk into mine…” One of the best movie lines, ever.
4. My name means ‘princess’, and I try to use that to my advantage as much as possible.
5. I’ve had oral surgery twice, but never stitches.
6. My oldest son’s formal first name is Maximillian. Poor kid.
7. My husband and I never dated. A fact both weird and completely random.
Okay, you guys. Now you know 7 completely random and useless facts about me. Tag, guys. You’re it:
http://oneblessedmommy.wordpress.com/
http://www.extremehousewifeing.blogspot.com/
http://homedeconomics.blogspot.com/
http://papergirlproductions.blogspot.com/
Gingerbread bars
Even though it is still 90 degrees here in L.A., I can still pretend that it’s fall,right? I decorated my house, got out sugar and spice candles, and made my very first batch of Gingerbread Bars. These are one of my all time favorite fall-y recipes. They are super easy and oh-so-yummy!
Gingerbread Bars
3/4 c. shortening
2 c. flour
1 c. sugar
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. cloves
1 tsp. ginger
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 c. molasses
1 egg
2 tbs. sugar
Heat oven to 375 degrees. In large saucepan, melt shortening, cool 5 minutes. Add remaining ingredients, except for the 2 tbs. sugar. Press in bottom of 9×13 pan. Sprinkle with remaining sugar. Bake for 12 minutes. Do not overbake. Let cool for at least 10 minutes before cutting into bars. Enjoy!
A first time for everything
There is a first time for everything, and parents know this truth especially well. We just experienced another first in our home last week. Our first broken bone. Max, being our oldest, decided it was his responsibility to introduce his mother to the kind of stress and worry associated with broken limbs. Here’s the story according to Max:
‘I fell right on my arm, on the ground. And the ground was very hard so, I plopped onto the ground and it hurt so bad. I was playing soccer with my teammates and I stepped on the ball. I was trying to kick it back up to the people that owned the ball. I was crying and I couldn’t get up, but some kind of mom and dad, they came and helped me up, and that’s why I’m standing right now.’
Max and his cool green cast
So there you have it. Straight from the source. After spending 2 days with different doctors trying to find out for sure if it was broken, Max got the right arm casted and it will remain so for 3 weeks. He’s pretty proud of it, especially now that it is covered with signatures (he calls them autographs) from his family and friends. Oh, and there’s no soccer for 3 whole weeks. Bummer…
Do you follow trends?
This is something that I really struggle with as a designer. I often peruse the purse/bag competition, and come away feeling like my designs are not in line with what is trendy here and now. Is this good or bad?
My Audrey clutch...trendy or no?
When I first stared making bags, I was totally overwhelmed by the diffrent styles and designs that were trendy and I felt that I needed to make those particular bags to be successful. It was difficult, because after a while, I realized I was so stressed about making the ‘right’ thing that I wasn’t having fun anymore. My favorite colors, fabrics and designs weren’t really in line with those bags that are super popular. I was making things, and yet, not feeling very creative.
Don’t get me wrong. I think that as a designer of purses, clothes, jewelry, etc…we need to have an idea of what’s hot right now, but I think we can lose our creativity when we let ourselves become ruled by the trends. What makes me different from the masses?
My Peggy Sue design, not very trendy, but totally unique!
In conclusion, I think we need to find a balance of following what is popular and staying true to your own likes and passions. When we can find that balance, we are most likely to find success! Good luck to all of you as you find your own unique style!
Oilcloth, My Latest Obsession – Part 2 (finally)
Okay, so I want to thank all of you who have been waiting patiently for me to reveal my tips on working with oilcloth. It has been a crazy week of soccer, school and mayhem here at my house, but I think I found a quiet moment to type this all out. So,without further ado, my oilcloth tips!
Tip #1 – Trace your pattern on the back of the oilcloth.
This is a must when working with oilcloth. You can’t pin your pattern down to the oilcloth (I’ll cover that in a moment), and holding your pattern as you cut will just make your piece all wonky. I suggest drafting your pattern pieces (or tracing a pre-exsisting pattern) onto a lightweight cardboard, such as a cereal box. That way it won’t wrinkle or tear after a few uses.
Once you’ve made your pattern, use a ball point pen to trace your pattern on to the back of the oilcloth.
My traced pattern, on the back of the oilcloth.
Tip #2 – Never use pins on your oilcloth.
Oilcloth is just like leather, vinyl, etc… Inserting a pin will leave a permanent hole. When you want to sew two pieces of material together, I suggest using paper clips or, my personal favorite, good ol’ clothespins. These will keep your pieces together, without moving, and they won’t leave any personal marks on your oilcloth. *NOTE* There is one time when using pins is okay. If you decide to cut out your pattern using a lot of extra room, like in the photo below, you can always pin your oilcloth together on the excess material. Make sense? Probably not, so be sure to study the photo to see what I mean.
My beloved clothespins, and the 'no pin' exception
Tip #3 – When sewing oilcloth, lower your presser foot tension.
Whether you’re sewing on the right side or the wrong side of the oilcloth, it’s always helpful to lower your presser foot tension. I usually set mine between1.5 and 3.
Tip #4 – You may want to use a bigger sewing machine needle.
This is not a hard and fast rule. I usually switch my universal needle for something a bit more sturdy, like the leather needle (90/14), but I’ve forgotten at times, and it really doesn’t seem to matter that much. I think it helps your stitches to be a bit more consistent, but it’s not so that you would notice. This one is really up to you. Try it both ways and see what you like.
Tip #5 – When sewing on the right side of oilcloth, use a Teflon foot.
I can’t stress this tip enough. Being a natural born tightwad, I tried to scrimp and save by not purchasing this essential foot. Don’t be penny pinching here! Buy this foot! I think I paid $25 for mine, and it was worth every single penny that I paid. It glides on your oilcloth beautifully, while your regular machine foot will stick like crazy. Then you will end up fighting your fabric by pulling and pushing it through the machine. All that will get you is sloppy stitches, a messy project and a migraine. Trust me when I say, invest in a Teflon foot. You’ll be glad you did. *NOTE* If you are sewing on the wrong side of the oilcloth, you can use your regular machine foot, but still lower your presser foot tension.
The one, the only, TEFLON FOOT!!!
The slick backside of the Teflon foot.
Well, that’s about it. Thanks for letting me share what’s worked for me. Hopefully, these little pointers can be helpful to you, too! Oilcloth can be tricky, but if you use these tips and just keep practicing, you’ll be an oilcloth pro in no time!
I’ll be showing off some of my oilcloth projects in my next and final oilcloth post. I’d love to get feedback from you guys and hear what you all are making. Have fun and be creative!
