making something from nothing

Just a quick note to let you all know I'm still alive (I know you were worried :)
busy, busy, busy, teaching art camp.
Today we are making these:

tutorial here at a little hut's lovely blog.
I also might try this modge podge bowl version with the kids.
It's not possible to use earthenware clay with them all week, because there will be no time to fire all of it, so I thought why not make pottery from recycled magazines? my friends often say I have the uncanny ability to make something out of nothing, which definitely helps with the camp budget I'm sure!
Even though I have about 400 magazines in my current collection, I had a hard time deciding which ones I could part with. I love them so much! I know as we are working on the bowls today I'll probably find several pages that I desperately need to save because I can't bear to part with the information.

wide open spaces

I spent all afternoon yesterday dying slips. I'm sure my neighbors are wondering why I have so many slips, and several of them in repeat colors. I love being an alchemist! It's so fun seeing how the colors will turn out, and mixing and stirring.
I wish I had a giant yard, with no houses nearby, and a huge old-fashioned clothesline. I'd love to look out of my kitchen window and see the slips sprawled out across the green, with the big blue sky behind. And of course a gentle breeze to make them flow even prettier.
And then I could walk down to the creek at the end of my property, and collect acorns and leaves on the way back to the house.
Someday...

summer strolls

I'm taking the time this summer to stroll through Omaha's lovely 'old market', feelin' light and lovely in my new slip skirts:

I'm going to keep wearing them in the fall, over jeans, but for now I'm trying to enjoy the muggy summer air. Someday I'll live in a place with weather that is awesome more than 2 days out of the year....
At least these lovely shops are about 1 minute from my house:

enjoy the rest of this photographer's photostream and your summer strolling!

he's quite perceptive, you know

there's something so liberating about not wearing make up for days at a time, and piling my wild hair up on top of my head to get it out of my eyes, and wearing pajama pants and big cozy sweatshirts that may or may not have stains on them. Aaaahhhh, summer. Actually since I started working (crafting, playing, etc. ) from home 3 days a week during the school year, my darling husband probably sees me like this more than I care to think about.
Although the other day he looked at me straight in the face, and said "you know, I was just thinking the other day how you are so beautiful lately". I was a bit shocked, to say the least, but he's not one to add fluff or make meaningless statements, so I'm going to believe that the 'no make up, wild birds' nest up-do' is actually a good look for me :)
I used to never ever in a million years leave the house without make up, for fear that I would for sure see people from my past and they would wonder what the heck happened to her?, but I think as we get older, we learn to enjoy ourselves more, and care less about what others think. Although I would be absolutely mortified to run into anyone I know looking like this.
I'm trying to force myself to take a day off for lounging and reading, but so far I haven't managed to do it. I guess that's what happens when you love what you do!
I've got a few fun, patchy ruffly skirts that I cut out ages ago, and am now finally having the gusto to piece them together. I wonder how many of my readers would get the following question right:
I spend __________ hours per week deciding on whether zippers are the way to go, or debating on if substituting elastic is a more comfortable and easy choice. (And defending the decision back and forth in my head)
A. 2 hours
B. 4 hours
C. 6 hours
I really don't know how many hours, but it's a lot. Plus, elastic is soooooo much better if you've indulged in a few too many everything bagels lately~
The skirts have really cute vintage-y ruffles though, and another funny thing my husband asked yesterday, (and quite perceptive as well), is "Are you in a ruffle-y period, like you know how Picasso had his blue period and his rose period?"
I was a bit stunned! that's what I get for marrying such a smarty pants. Hopefully pics of the new skirts tomorrow, and I'm trying to post a few tutorials for you all too.

stormy weather

I love the rain, and it's been raining a lot lately. It's great for sleeping, even when the thunder gets really loud. I'm enjoying a few weeks off from work before I start teaching summer school, and even though I don't really take days off from sewing, it feels nice to stay up and sleep in late. I know it's good for the farmers :)

lovely storm photo found here
Although there is a weird smell in my new (used) Jeep, so I have to figure out if there's a leak or something. ??? It's so nice to drive something that you don't fear is going to break down at any given moment - my poor saturn had a few miles shy of 200,000, so it's ready for a rest.
I've had a ton of deadlines lately, for various things, but it feels good to cross things off of my list. Upcoming goodies in Somerset Studio - Belle Armoire to be exact, although I don't know what issue yet. Those ladies over there are the sweetest people imaginable to work with! So kind and thoughtful, and willing to help... I just can't say enough good things about them, really.
work in progress:

I'm still creatively pulled in soooooo many different directions, and I'm still learning to accept that it's just 'my way' I guess. I love to do so many different things.
There are also many other things I'd like to know how to do, but I guess someday during retirement I'll work on those~ crocheting (is that a word?) lace, mastering photoshop and fancy cameras, making my own website, fixing cars, playing the piano.... on and on. There's so many things to explore in life!
But I can't stop thinking about that one line of advice in that post about photography awhile back - "You can't specialize in everything".
That phrase has run through my head so many times in the last month, because I am so guilty of trying to do that! I think focus is very important. They don't call someone a 'master carpenter' or a 'master teacher' , etc., for nothing.
Note to self: Learn to master one thing, and do it well. One can hope I guess.

photoshop trials...

sometimes I love photoshop, and sometimes I don't. grrrrr....

summer love

from the summer love collection....

the 'frida dress'

inspired by the amazing frida kahlo

I'm so in love with Danita's adorable version:

more colorful variations of this to come~

hope

today I feel a surge of hopefulness, that soon I will be doing what I love every day (not just part time on a do-everything-myself basis), and that there will be a purpose for what I'm doing. I love doing every aspect of the design/ production process, but it's so hard to be practical that way, because I can't compete with the prices offered by clothing manufacturers. My lovely customers do know what goes into a handmade garment, and they appreciate it.
It's strange that at this point in my life I'm still trying to find that path, but I know there must be reasons why things have taken longer for me than others.
I don't know exactly what form it will come in, but it will happen.
some lovely little clothing tags printed onto one of my favorite summery vintage-inspired fabrics:

wee garden

I love this idea!

I've been racking my brain trying to find a place for some plants, and I really want to try this!
check out the story here.
If it's too late for this year, I may try it next spring!

color

I'm always thinking about color, and I'm doing some summer dresses and working out some dye patterns for them. My friends and I use to tie dye a ton of stuff in college - yes, I admit, I have a serious 'boho hippie' streak in me. My hair was always super long, especially back then. I remember hanging out in memorial park at age 18, and someone was putting a hair wrap in for me, using bright embroidery floss colors. It took 4 months to get it out!
I also made teeny tiny newborn sized t-shirts for S when she was a baby, and put hairwraps in her hair quite often too. Of course friendship bracelets. My dear friend Lori sat patiently teaching me all that she had learned as a camp counselor. I don't know why I didn't learn as a kid, but it's such a relaxing way to spend an afternoon.
We made so many- some were even collars for our cats. This shop has some amazing ones:

anyway, aqua will be a prominent trend for sure in the upcoming summer line, right now I'm just trying to find the time to sit and work on it. Later this week hopefully, major progress will be made.

**********COLOR************
from an article written by Patrick McMurray...

On the subject of psychology: Colour affects your bottom line in branding, packaging, web design, interiors, product design and fashion.

Understanding your personal palette and how to surround yourself with your best colours, in your clothes and your home, will make you feel good about yourself and send your confidence soaring. Looking great is an inevitable by-product.

Black is the colour of authority and power. It is popular in fashion because it makes people appear thinner. It is also stylish and timeless. Black also implies submission. Priests wear black to signify submission to God. Some fashion experts say a woman wearing black implies submission to men. Black outfits can also be overpowering, or make the wearer seem aloof or evil. Villains.

The most emotionally intense colour, red stimulates a faster heartbeat and breathing. It is also the colour of love. Red clothing gets noticed and makes the wearer appear heavier. Since it is an extreme colour, red clothing might not help people in negotiations or confrontations.

Red cars are popular targets for thieves. In decorating, red is usually used as an accent. Decorators say that red furniture should be perfect since it will attract attention. The most romantic colour, pink, is more tranquilizing. Sports teams sometimes paint the locker rooms used by opposing teams bright pink so their opponents will lose energy.

And finally Blue; the colour of the sky and the ocean, blue is one of the most popular colours. It causes the opposite reaction as red. Peaceful, tranquil blue causes the body to produce calming chemicals, so it is often used in bedrooms. Blue can also be cold and depressing. Fashion consultants recommend wearing blue to job interviews because it symbolizes loyalty. People are more productive in blue rooms. Studies show weightlifters are able to handle heavier weights in blue gyms.

I'm yearning for backyard barbeques and days lounging on the patio, for a chance to wear some of these new dresses! pics coming soon!