sewing marathon

ok, so yesterday I was super excited that I could spend most of the day sewing. I cut out tons of things, paired various fabrics together, and created a pattern for a purse that's been in my head for a few weeks. I'd love to keep this baby, but I have several more in other color combinations cut out and ready to be sewn, so maybe I'll keep one of those.

It took me about 8 hours to make, but that was due to designing and creating the pattern, writing instructions for myself as I was doing it, so I could have the future ones go smoothly. Like do this part before you do this part, to make life easier. I think I will make the sides shorter in the ones to follow, so the zipper has more room to lay when it's closed. I abhor installing zippers, but when I actually start doing it, it's really not that big of a deal. Jeez, you mean I have to change the foot on my sewing machine~ gah! So hopefully the next one I make will be more like 3 hours instead of 8 or 9. I haven't been carving out time for working out this week either, and even though I've been sick, and even lost my voice for 2 days, I still feel guilty.
I can't wait for spring break though, so I can have a few more sewing marathon days. This is just one of the fabric stacks I have set aside for the new shop:

I'm so in love with the black and white damask print that I used for the purse, but it was originally purchased for some of the couture children's clothing for the new shop. I'm probably going to have to invest in a serger within the next couple of weeks, because there are some designs that will have rows and rows of ruffles, and it's just not practical to have to turn the raw edges of each ruffle down twice, not to mention all of the other wondrous things that a serger can do that I don't even know about. It will be nice to not always have to do french seams on everything.

the countdown begins...

ok, it's March 21, and the official countdown to summer vacation has begun. I know it's a little early, but a girl's gotta have dreams. Basically, my countdown works in weeks. I have a sticky note pad with 8 pieces of paper, and I just pull one off after the week is over, and then it says '7' underneath. It's a great joy to rip off each page. I know, small things bring me much happiness. I just can't even begin to fathom that pretty soon I'll actually have the time and energy to make and do everything that I want to get done. And sleep in...
Yay for summer!
And the excitement is even more intense, because I know that this is the end of my teaching career. (With children at least). I'm really looking forward to teaching workshops with adults. Let's get crafty, ladies!!
I took a picture of my desk the other day, because it seems like every time I need to sit down and complete orders or make something new, I have a giant pile of crap on my desk. So I've gotten pretty good at picking out anything important and scooping all the tiny bits of paper, thread, wire and fabric (only the scraps that are smaller than an inch~) off into the garbage.

I also took a picture of my giant box of bubble envelopes I ordered, because it's so wonderful to have 100 or so sitting there waiting to be filled with orders, instead of always worrying if I have enough. Surprisingly, they take up less space than I thought. It saves a lot of money doing it that way too.

I'll post some pics of my other shop as soon as I have some.

this is serious!

ok, so I got tired of schlepping around 12 x 12 scrapbook paper in different types of bags, baskets, and containers, (the paper always curls up on the edges and gets all messed up, because it's too big) to do projects on the go, so I decided to make the 'seriously big tote' in one of my favorite amy butler fabrics. This thing can hold a ton of scrapbook paper, my camera, laptop, scrabble tile tin, glue, magazines, lunch, hat, gloves, ink pads and stamps, and still feel kind of empty. In a word, it rocks!
I think I'm so happy with it and it's such a joy to use because I hardly ever make anything for myself. I'm always too busy making stuff for the shop. I actually get excited to leave the house because I get to have all of my stuff with me, and since it's basically devoted to crafty stuff, I don't have to keep packing and unpacking and re-packing it. I always have projects that I need to work on while I'm on the go, like for those times in the car waiting for my daughters soccer/basketball/softball practices to be over. I want to make another one (or two) to keep in the car for the grocery store, and I think it would be fun to add some embellishments to the outside before I put the lining in... like buttons (I know, I have a button obsession, but at least I can admit it), or fabric transfers of clip art faces. And of course some of my vintage inspired lace, and my adorable rickrack. I saw a tote at a little boutique that had a rafael-like face image on it, and it was very european looking. So now I just have to learn how to do fabric transfers and find some cool faces.

So I already made another for the shop, and I think I'll make a series of these, and I want to put contrasting fabric pockets on the outside too, (this style has two large pockets on the inside.) I put some canvas stiffening in the bottom for support, and it's just perfect. Maybe I should make more stuff for myself...

dream

I've been dreaming and planning about a new venture, probably beginning this summer, since I just don't have the time right now. I decided (FINALLY) after much flip-flopping and flopping back again, since last August, that I am done teaching elementary art. I will finish out this school year, and take a leap of faith. If I was still a single mom, this would really not be possible. I've cried my heart out to my husband more than a few times, and analyzed and re-analyzed all of the pros and cons. Of course the only con is money. But I've been thinking a lot about really being happy in this life, and that feeling of being truly fulfilled, and I decided at age 37, if I just keep doing what is expected of me, or what everyone else around me is doing, then I'm not really being true to myself, and what's the point of living if you're not really living?
Yes, there were many times over the last 9 years that I felt creative and challenged, and like I was really making a difference in kids' lives, but more often than not, all the little nuisances of being a traveling teacher, and not a 'classroom' teacher, just made me feel...less than. The way the system is set up, I just felt un-valued by many of my coworkers. My administrators never really made me feel that way, but they aren't the people that you have to deal with day to day.


So, I'm brainstorming the name of my new shop, which will be couture clothing for children, and some for women as well. The main focus at first though, will be over the top designer girls garments. Kind of like why I love decorating kids' rooms - you can be as extravagant and as dreamy and as 'fantasy' as you want to, you can go beyond the limits of what is 'normal' or 'ready to wear clothing. I've always had a fascination with tulle, so that will be a huge part of many of the designs, as well as buttons, ruffles, and many other embellishments. For some strange reason, the womens' designs that I've been dreaming up are mostly off white, sheer, raw edged- shabby, etc. Very different contrasts... but it is what it is.
Of course, deciduous soul will always (as far as I can foresee) be a huge part of what I do. It will be amazing to actually have the time to devote to it.
Thanks to all of my faithful customers, who have made this dream even possible. Look for some very unusual and interesting ideas coming soon...

new flourish design

flourish domino necklace
Originally uploaded by ♥ellene♥

is this thing on?

wow, I never clicked on the 'blog this' button in flickr~ that was so easy! Flickr has so many cool toys, and I have no idea how to use most of them. I can't even get a screen shot of treasuries!

the good, the bad, and the ugly

ok, first~ the good: I got my March/April issue of Somerset Studio in the mail this week, and my article that was in it is lovely, and I am so proud.
now, the bad: My Mac died a slow, painful death, and I really feel as if I'm missing my left leg. I also cannot figure out how to import photos on my husband's window machine (I abhor this thing)- actually, importing is easy, dealing with the photo and trying to do adjustments and exports - no clue. So I can't yet post pics of my above proud accomplishment. Guess you'll have to buy the copy:)
Finally, the ugly: The Biggest Loser competition at my job started very strong, and I had extremely high hopes, but as I've stated before, pounds do not 'melt' off of this body very easily. I have what is called a 'mesomorphic' figure. I have a nice blend of fast twitch and slow twitch muscle fibers, which gives me an athletic, proportionate build. However, I've been increasing the amount of weight that I lift, and I think it's building major muscle. That's all fine and dandy, except I am UP 4 pounds since the last weigh in. VERY UGLY.
I've been pretty darn good with my food, but I did have a little valentines day dinner at my all time favorite restaurant, and was very good until dessert. I picked the one from the dessert tray that was ALL brown. Basically, I was looking for the most possible chocolate- I figure, if I'm going to splurge, I'm going to SPLURGE. And boy was it gooooooooood. But then I was craving crap for a few days, and I had to fight that feeling. So now the plan is to get serious. No more playing around. I'm cutting out anything that resembles bread, which I adore, and cutting back on my '100 calorie' snacks that I snack on too much. Chicken, fish, veggies, fruit, and brown rice. I'm going to be very strict with myself for the next 2 weeks until the next weigh in to see if I can force these pounds off. And the last part of the ugly equation: Instead of 20 minutes running up and down the steps at lunch and 30-45 minutes on the treadmill at night, it will now be- 20-30 minutes on the steps, and 2hours (yes, I said two) of cardio split between am and pm. I told you it was U-G-L-Y.

studio flurry

well, I've been a busy little bee in the studio: I've got some collage blocks coming to the shop and they will be in the shape of... what else - little houses :) They are similar to my scrabble tile necklaces, except they are 3 -d and not wearable. I'm thinking that they would make great Christmas ornaments, because I fell in love with the little Anthropologie fabric embroidered houses last year. I guess my idea came a little late for Christmas, but I'm going to keep making them this summer, as I need to be MUCH more prepared with inventory for next holiday season anyway. I've been asking friends and family what else they could be used for, other than sitting on a shelf or windowsill and looking really cute. I can't help it, but I love it when art is functional.

So here are the suggestions I've gotten so far: 1. review mirror dangly thingy, 2. Light pull (for those ceiling fan lights with the chain hanging down), 3. knobs on dresser drawers in a kid's room... If anyone has any great ideas, please comment on this post. If I use your idea in my 'marketing description' in the shop, I'll send you a little house of your own. They will have a roof, and a tiny button doorknob of course. I'll post pictures later today when I get them finished. Finding a triangle top for the roof has been a challenge, but I bounce all of my ideas off of my husband (I'm sure he loves hearing them all), and he thought of using the really small moulding strips from the hardware store. We tried cutting blocks in half, but apparently did not have the right saw, and the wood is very hard.
On the fabric front, I have tried not to buy any more fabric until I work my way through some of my fabric shelves, because I'm tired of trying to find more places to put it, and reorganizing it all the time. But I bought a few goodies from the amazing PurlSoho, and they arrived yesterday:

It's a print of a coupon ticket from a french auction, and I'm going to use them individually as little frayed labels on some purses I have been dreaming up. I also got some Amy Butler for some spring skirts. Pictures coming soon!
I never got my velveteen scarflette finished last weekend, because laundry and working out and family stuff doesn't leave enough time for crafting and sewing. (Oh yeah, and the day job). But I'm going to make it happen~

one month down, 3 to go...

BIGGEST LOSER UPDATE:
It's been four weeks since the official beginning weigh in at school, and I've been pretty darn good if I do say so myself. We are having 'checkpoint weigh-ins' every 4 weeks, and I lost 8.8 pounds as of today. I'm extremely excited, but pounds do not just drop off of this body, especially since I entered my 30's. It takes a lot of work, and getting my food right. I wasn't in the top 3 today, but I'm sure I will be at the end -- I better be in the top spot, because I've got plans for the $500!
So even with my continuing back pain, I shall march forward (on the treadmill no doubt), and continue on. I have made a definite lifestyle change, and I'm starting to wonder what it will feel like to actually look good in a swim suit this summer. I can't even fathom it yet!
Onto other news, I've got some new purses and wrap skirts coming, with spring fever at the forefront of my creative mind. I still love all of my lovely fabrics in browns and greys, like corduroy:

and this beautiful blue velveteen that I'm going to make a scarflette out of tomorrow (for sure!), but I am looking forward to some brighter colors. I've noticed just in the last 2 years, my color choices have definitely gotten more cheery. My wardrobe, my wall paint choices, everything!
I used to be Queen Neutral. You couldn't find anything in my closet except for black, grey and brown. My latest buys were some really cute hoodies in turquoise (my favorite color, but used to be afraid to wear it), hot pink (yes, it is actually really cute), and a buttery yellow- YES, I said YELLOW!!!!! Can you believe it?
I have no idea why I've been so afraid of color for all these years.
Maybe I'll wear something really bright and eye-popping in my final 'after' picture when I WIN the biggest loser competition!!
caio girls~

~book giveaway~

ooooooohhhhh, I'm a craft book collector on a serious level, and hope to write one myself soon, and here's one I don't have:

Catherine Matthews-Scanlon will be giving away 2 copies of this wonderful mixed media collage book, so check it out on her blog. Yay!

2007 questionnaire

1. What did you do in 2007 that you'd never done before?
~ran an online shop~ yeah etsy!

2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
~well, it's only Jan. 2, so yes. (biggest loser competition is main one, and I threw my back out at the gym on Dec. 29, so major pain at the moment, but my resolve it still there!)

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
~no

4. Did anyone close to you die?
~our pug, Weezer (love you)

5. What countries did you visit?
~none

6. What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007?
~a lean, mean physique, and more confidence

7. What date from 2007 will remain etched upon your memory and why?
~Oct. 2 - 2year anniversary!

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
~etsy shop, raising a 14 year old

9. What was your biggest failure?
~ not having the best attitude at work~

10. Did you suffer any illness or injury?
~ bladder issues

11. What was the best thing you bought?
~fabric, fabric, and ummmmm, fabric~

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
~Kev, quit smoking and other bad habits

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
~ westroads mall shooter

14. Where did most of your money go?
~after bills, fabric and supplies (teenage daughter clothes)

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
~sales! lots of time for crafting

16. What song will always remind you of 2007?
~all the repetitive crap on my daughters fave radio station

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? ~happier
ii. thinner or fatter? ~same, but that's going to change
iii. richer or poorer? ~much richer, very very blessed

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
~exercise, more home improvement, more saving money
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
~complaining, eating ice cream

20. How will you be spending Christmas?
~spent it at home with family

21. Did you send out Christmas cards this year?
~never do...maybe someday?

22. Did you fall in love in 2007?
~with etsy!

23. How many one-night stands?
~zero

24. What was your favorite TV program?
~Color splash! david bromstead is HOT! and he's so creative! (my husband knows about my obsession)

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
~ I try not to hate anyone~

26. What was the best book you read?
~Lisa Bevere's books
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
~no discoveries really, but I was stoked that Alicia Keys put out a new cd

28. What did you want and get?
~an anvil for hammering clasps (birthday), craft books, martha stewart craft kit from my little one
29. What did you want and not get?
~ new tiles for kitchen floor
30. What was your favorite film of this year?
~ nanny diaries (just saw it 2 days ago, and it was better than I expected, but I can't think of any others right now)

31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
~37, dinner with family

32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
~working at home full time, reading my bible more, being in better shape

33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007?
~modern organic, comfortable, various 40's flair ideas, sporty at times

34. What kept you sane?
~my faith, my daughter, my husband, my sister, my friends

35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
~uh, david bromstead ~

36. What political issue stirred you the most?
~if they are truthful about what they say- no issue in particular

37. Who did you miss?
~my sis, my pug

38. Who was the best new person you met?
~ a workout friend who I hadn't seen in a long time

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2007:
~if you are patient and hardworking, you can achieve anything!