A Long Day

Yesterday started so nicely, and ended nicely too, there were just some bumps in the road along the way. The kid and I did alot of running around at the mall (she needed MORE t-shirts from Pac Sun-aaaaaaahhhhhhh!!!!!!). Then we had to go to Petco and buy a dwarf hamster, she's been asking for another one for awhile, so I saw no reason to say no. I was like, they're only like a dollar... But when we got there, they are actually 15.99! Oh well, much cheaper upkeep than Weezer (our pug).

So then, we go back out to the car, and it wouldn't start (it's been doing that lately), and we sat there for an hour and a half, hoping that "Ollie" the hamster wouldn't die in the heat. (Named after the skateboard trick). So her dad came and rescued us, and had the car started in like 2 seconds, but said I need a new starter. Cars!
So last night I figured out what was wrong with my summer hat pattern that I've been tweaking for the last 2 weeks. I'm not sure how it happened, but I finally had to take mine apart and use that as my cutting pattern, because I couldn't get any of them the same after that one. It worked, and voila! Here's the black and white linen one in the shop today:








It was kind of funny because I had tried to explain to my hubby that I needed a picture of me wearing my hat, to use as the 5th picture in the etsy listing, and he couldn't understand what I was saying. He thought I needed him to take pics of me wearing ALL of them. I'm like, no, honey, I need ONE picture of me wearing MY hat, to use as an example. After explaining it like 3 times, I gave up. So we did a 'photo shoot', and some of them were pretty funny. I'm smelling a fake flower in some, and some I have my eyes closed, because I tell him to count 1...2...3...click, and he goes 1-2-3-and clicks on the "3"! So I finally sent him inside, took 2 of myself, and guess which one I ended up using as my new avatar photo? Mine, of course!
Here's one of the mess-ups:

and the chosen one:

that reminds me, I've never added a profile photo for my blog, so I think I'll use it for that...and maybe a new Flickr profile, too. It's just so rare when I get a picture of myself that doesn't make me want to hurl. Sorry for such a narcissistic post~ Caio for now~

CHARMED~

Ok, so here are the pics from one of the charm bracelets, start to finish. These little buggers are a little time-consuming, but you can't beat a project that uses 1/2 inch pieces of fabric!
So here are the tiny cut out pieces:














and after they are sewn together and stuffed (and I'm getting ready to install the eyelets):


















and the final outcome:











So this one is in the shop, and I think I will make more soon. I figured out that I saw a similar idea in 'Cloth, Paper, Scissors", and Ruth Rae designed them. So fun! Ciao~

Now the fun begins...

Yikes, it's been awhile since I checked in with y'all. sorry 'bout that. I finally finished the last kiddie class yesterday - UGH - and my little one's last softball tournament game was this morning. So after closing ceremonies in about an hour, I'm OFFICIALLY ON SUMMER VACATION! Finally, jeez. I know I shouldn't complain, but I've been ready for this break since about February (see older posts- ha ha). I've been having lots of fun playing with a bunch of new fabrics, and some old ones, and a ton of other jewelry stuff. Now I'm going to go full throttle ( or however they say that), and be prepared to be dazzled, ladies, because there is no stopping me now! Today I'm going to finish a skirt, probably start a new one because I've got some more applique ideas, and work on a fabric charm bracelet. I actually am remembering to take some pics DURING the process, instead of waiting until I'm done and wishing I had documented parts of it for you all. So here's the lovely fabric:















...and the cut out scraps:

I saw some adorable fabric charms made with eyelets somewhere in a craft book, and I thought it was another great way to use up tiny scraps that I just cannot bear to part with. I have a hoarding problem, btw. I buy really cute stuff for crafting, and then I just save it and can't bear to use it because it's just soooooo pretty. What if I run out? I know, it's dumb, but I'm working on actually using the stuff I love, and instead of rushing through a project to get it done, I'm trying to enjoy the process of laying out the design, and thinking and planning, etc. Here's another of my totes (my daughter and I use these for absolutely EVERYTHING on the go), and I had such a relaxing, enjoyable time laying out the pieces and coordinating the fabrics.

Of course it's not too hard to coordinate, because pretty much my entire fabric collection consists of black, white and red. I do try really hard to expand my horizons and throw some aqua in there, but I guess I just love neutrals. Sometimes I'll spend an hour meandering around Joann's, and I'll get to the cutting counter and place my stack up there to be cut, and the ENTIRE stack is black, brown, and cream. Oh well. See how much I blab on and on when I haven't posted for awhile? You guys will be so sick of me cuz now I'm gonna actually post a few times a week now that I'm on VACAAAAAATION! (sorry I can't help it) luv ya~ Caio!

whirlwind

wow, it's been very busy lately. I'm done with my first week of half day art classes that I'm teaching, so I'm officially on vacation for one week before doing it again. I haven't had time to get on flickr or various other things, like planting flowers, or laundry. This spring has been the first time I can ever remember not getting excited about planting anything. I'm not much of a gardener, but at least I could count on 3 weeks of sunny creativity. This year there's just too much crafting to be done inside, but, since I moved my 'studio' to the living room window, I think I'll put some potted plants on the front porch area so I'll have a beautiful view. In the 6 years I've lived here, I've never really put anything out there, because we never use the front door, and are hardly ever out there. But, the back yard is so shady all I've ever been able to grow are pansies, petunias, and various other "p" plants. Anything requiring sun has never worked. The front porch is facing southwest, so I can now revel in learning about actual sun-loving plants.
I reached 75 sales today on etsy, (AMAZING!), and I'm well on my way to reaching my goal of 150 by the end of the summer. I've been really enjoying working on the summer wrap skirts, (see? I'm using my dress form already!)

















and asymmetrical necklaces, and have lots and lots of projects in my to-do pile.

















Also, I finally sold the menswear tweed vest to a lovely girl in Finland, who gave me the most wonderful comments. I don't think I'll relist it now, though, because alot of people need different sizes than the one listed, and I've got so many things I want to make that custom sizing is too time consuming at the moment. I really enjoy doing my own thing and listing it when I'm ready- no deadlines, no pressure. My Finland customer was so patient, though, knowing that I was finishing up grades and everything.
Been making lots of these adorable little houses lately:


































bye for now- Ciao!

Ready for summer~

Ahhhhh, the last day of May. I’m sitting here in my office (kiln closet) at school, and everything is done, cleaned and put away for next year. I am so glad this year is over, it seemed very long. I kind of wish I hadn’t signed up to teach these extra 2 weeks of classes, but they will be fun, and only 8 to noon. Then the rest of the summer is mine! I’m also very relieved because today I found out that my request to have less hours next year has been granted (4 days a week instead of 5), and I get to stay at the same school. Yes, I’ll make less money, but hopefully my etsy sales will more than make up for it.
Now I am going to fulfill the rest of my duties this week, basically attending meetings for my summer classes and turning in receipts, and being a taxi for my daughter’s softball games and pool visits.
Sales have seemed a little slower than usual this past week or two, but I’m hoping they will pick up again, especially when I actually have time to work on things. I’ve been trying to find the time to take pic’s of some skirts I’ve been working on, and I got this fabulous wire dress form that I am super in love with, but I also need a sunny day.


I’ve had a lot of fun planning the design of the applique’s on the skirts, and of course I will be adding some teeny tiny buttons by hand. I love them so much, and I think people will be comfortable buying them because they are wrap skirts, so it’s easier to fit a variety of body styles. I wish I had an old clothesline that I could hang them all on, way out in a green field – what a great picture that would make!

the last day

wow, I feel like I just finished a marathon, and I'm on my hands and knees, crawling and scraping my way across the finish line, completely spent. My mind is so full of ideas on things I want to work on, but my body is just so tired and achy. When I turned off my alarm this morning, and slowly made my way to the bathroom, the bottom of my feet hurt. The only time my feet feel like that is when I've been standing waaaay too much, and for waaaay too long. They used to feel like that after waitressing, and it always hurt more the next morning. Anyway, today was the last. day. for. students. ...
My boss still hasn't told me if my request has been granted for next year for a little lighter schedule. I'd love it if I could just quit, and make etsy my full time job. Maybe someday...
So after dinner Sasha had movie plans, and since we live 20 minutes away from the neighborhood where all of her friends are, I usually end up driving pretty far to take her places. Just the thought of being a taxi tonight made me tear up, so Kev offered to drive her. I am unbelievably grateful for him~ he's always there to pick up the pieces when I feel like I'm going to fall apart. I guess I appreciate it so much because for the first 12 years I didn't have any help. It's so great when I can just sit and be, and someone else can do what needs to be done. So now I'm sitting by my 'studio window', which is our living room window, trying to think and write, and this tiny little dog that lives across the street is incessantly barking at all of the cars parking on our street- due to a band playing a couple of blocks away tonight. I don't let my dog bark and bark like that - it is sooooo annoying! Speaking of my new studio, it's pretty awesome. I'll post some pics when I have some daylight to shoot. Basically, I just keep rearranging until I'm happy, and my husband is getting pretty used to it now. I told him, Honey, you just have to understand that I rearrange every 3 months, no matter what. So his desk and my studio are in our living room, and I kicked him (nicely) out of the corner by the window, and took over. He's fine with it, and now I can take photos of jewelry and things without moving all of my junk. I put a big bookcase behind my desk - off to the side, and I'm organizing all of my supplies that are not housed in drawers there. I love this space so far, and it will get even better when I have time to 'pretty it up'.
My goals this weekend are: 1) finish a custom vest for a lovely customer in Finland, and get it shipped out
2) work on a skirt that's been swimming around in my head for about 2 months,
3) buy some sterling silver chains to create some asymmetrical necklaces with these gorgeous black agate discs I bought on etsy
4) complete my new revised sun hat pattern with some new fabric
...and anything else I can squeeze in.
Caio~

The end is near...

Wow, the last few weeks have been an absolute blur. It's going to be very difficult for me to complete my next few posts without any whining or complaining about classes, students, grades, or anything school related. Throw in Sasha's softball games and practices, and too many miles driving back and forth across town (esp. with the price of gas), and I am one tired mama. But- the end is in sight. I am so grateful that I can spend many wonderful hours this summer hanging out with my daughter, and creating. I am very lucky.
I have managed to create quite a bit lately, considering time constraints. I keep trying to pack more hand sewing stuff to take with me to games, so I can work during down times. My competitive streak keeps me focused on the game most of the time, though. I made this cute boxy purse last week, and it already sold. Yay!
It was pretty tough to get a good shot of it, and then I had to get Sasha to model it for me (which is the shot that sold it, I'm sure), but she HATES modeling for me. I'm loving this fabric right now, though, along with many, many others. I will never ever be rehabilitated from my fabric addiction.

So, onto more projects, and I can breathe a little easier now that all my grades are done. Grading for elementary art is so... hard. That's all I will say about that. All I have to do is survive a few more hyper classes and 6th graders with attitudes, and I'm home free.

Tagged!

I’ve been tagged by hojpoj.
I am so excited because I’ve wondered if it would ever happen, and I love laughing out loud at all of the hilarious things I’ve read when people write about themselves.
• Start with 7 random facts/habits about yourself. People who are tagged have to write their 7 things on their blog. Then choose another 7 people to get tagged and list their names. Don't forget to leave them a comment to tell them they have been tagged and to read your blog.

7 things that people might not know about me:
*1. I absolutely CANNOT eat in a restaurant by myself. I have tried, there is just no way, not ever, it ain’t gonna happen. I really don’t even like to eat with other people if our table is out in the open, and not against a wall. It’s just so…barbaric- to have people watch you eat.
*2. I am crazy about miniature things, and whenever I see something tiny, like doll buttons, I turn into this gushing idiot, and I keep saying “Aren’t these the most precious things youv’e ever seen in your ENTIRE life?” (See pic of random miniatures I've been using lately)

And whoever I’m with usually just nods in agreement and tries to move on quickly.
I was fascinated with dollhouses and the furnishings that go in them when I was little, but never had one. I still think I may get one and decorate it, but not with that expensive furniture at Hobby Lobby, I’ll make my own.
*3. I hate swimming. I finally took lessons at age 11, and flunked. It doesn’t seem natural or normal to me, kind of like flying in a plane; human beings are just not meant to be underwater or up in the sky. (No offense to people who love these things;) some people say “But I feel so free”- I just feel freaked out.
*4. I absolutely love spelling. It drives me CRAZY that I find misspelled words all the time, in books, on signs, in blogs – you name it, they are EVERYWHERE.
*5. I do not have a creative bone in my body when it comes to cooking. No matter how many times I’ve tried, I just can’t get into it. I try on Thanksgiving, and I made an awesome turkey last year (for the first time), but I have to have a recipe and follow it exactly. I’m not one of those people that enjoys experimenting and ‘throwing things together’.
*6. I cannot have short hair – it makes me feel naked. (Is there a phobia trend developing here?) I once went 5 years without getting my hair cut - crazy I know.
Now I get a haircut once a year, at the beginning of the summer, but only an inch or two.
*7. I am good at taking tests, give me just about any book and let me take a test, and I will ace it. But I cannot find my way from one side of town to the other, even if it's somewhere I've been to several times. I don't look at landmarks AT ALL. I have to know the street name, and people have to give me directions like, Turn right on Jones St., turn Left at 3rd Ave., etc. It drives me insane when people say, "Oh just go past the Taco Bell, and up a hill, etc. etc." AAAAAHHHHHH!

Ok, there, I've finished my ranting. Now the hard part of tagging 7 more people. I don't know what happens if they've been tagged before, but I guess we'll find out.
Here's my lucky 7:
Dottie Angel, Mosaic Cottage Happenings,
Alices Looking Glass, An Odd Duck, Hello My Name is Heather, Apron Thrift Girl, Holly Loves Art

10 more student days this year, and I'm going to make a goal of at least 3 blog posts per week this summer. I can't wait to fill up the shop with more stuff soon. It's been dwindling due to sales- that's definitely a good thing, as Martha would say. Ciao!

"After the Tears"

*Inspire Me Thursday*
I thought about tears for this creative challenge, and it occurred to me that I don't cry nearly as much as I used to. I spent a hefty portion of my first 30 years crying, due to depression, bitterness, and loneliness. This led to me being quite a dysfunctional adult, and it took a long time to come out of that and experience joy. As I thought about tears, I kept going over and over a verse in my mind that I couldn't quite remember, so I looked it up. 'Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy. He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him." Psalm 126:5,6
So as I thought about all I have been blessed with, and how my life is SO different now, this picture came into my mind. I've planted seeds of sorrow, and I have reaped in joy. It's like suffering is painful, but it builds our character, and it is not in vain.
After the uphill battle, my life now is high on the hill, with green grass and flowers growing (my teeny tiny buttons), and I choose to revel in my blessings rather than wallow in past pain. I didn't get a great picture of this, but the dress is made from this gauzy fabric.

Should I...Or Shouldn't I?

I should, and I did. I made a decision about the next school year. I am so relieved that I finally made a decision about teaching next year. I have been debating for a long time about reducing the time at school, and I finally requested it. Hopefully it will work out the way that I want it to, and it will be a smooth transition. Basically I will teach 8 cycle days out of 10, instead of 10 out of 10. It sort of works out to 4 days of the week, but every time there is a holiday or a teacher work day, the cycle days shift, so my days off would not always be on the same day of the week. I am extremely happy and at peace that I don’t have to decide what I want to do anymore. If it works out, I’ll have one more day a week to create and work on my art business. I’m just so exhausted sometimes after teaching that I don’t have enough left in me to do anything fun or creative.
Anyone else out there shifting from full time to part time, or quitting completely to do their art? That’s my big dream… someday.
The etsy shop has been going swimmingly this month. It’s only the 12th, and I’ve already had 11 sales! I am going to keep working on improvements too. I found a blog by littleputbooks (check the links to the right), and this wonderful etsy seller has put a lot of selling tips and advice into a really nice format. I’m definitely going to keep it in my weekly blog-visit rotation. There are so many talented people on etsy~ it’s been almost a year since I have been exploring that site, and 4 months as a seller, and I am still amazed by the cool people I find there. It makes me sooooo happy. I just wish we all lived in the same city, and we could all have a cup of tea and be creative together. Oh well, at least we have the internet.
That reminds me, I’ve been meaning to get a world map and put a little red pin into every spot where I’ve shipped work to, kind of as a visual reminder that people all across the globe appreciate me and like my work. It was Kev’s idea and I love it. Now I just need to find a good map, and enough wall space to hang it in our tiny house. Here are a couple of pics of my ‘corner studio’ in our living room, right by the front door of our house.


Kev’s workspace is right behind mine, facing the other wall~ that’s where he does all of his ‘stamp collecting’. It’s so cute to see him with his magnifying glass studying the miniscule details of antique postage. “They are little masterpieces” he says. I’m glad I married somebody who understands and appreciates the visual wonders in the world.
Well, off to work now, dreaming of summer…35 days of school left, and counting!