ReLove Projects

My Latest Endeavor

2012-01-29T19:32:00.000-08:00

I've been collecting vintage things for YEARS. I discovered thrift stores in high school and haven't spent very much money on new clothes since! I prefer the uniqueness and the history that vintage items have. I have also been hoarding things for ReLove Projects. I'll find a cool vintage dress and think that I may someday want to use it for the fabric, but then the dress is so awesome that I can't bear to cut it! My collection has become quite large...

About a week ago Brad went to a job interview. The job was to take photos of vintage goods to sell online. It was a part-time job, the pay was measly, but it was an opportunity that he wanted to look into nonetheless. The night before his interview I was looking around my house at all of the unnecessary things I have. My first thought was, "I should sell this stuff." That thought developed into an idea and the idea became Vintage Rhino! Brad and I have officially gone into business together selling quality vintage goods. Brad is the photographer, tech savvy, and business development. I am the artistic director, collector, and customer service. Right now we're both working constantly on getting our website launched, but until then you can check out our goods on Etsy: www.thevintagerhino.etsy.com.

We are SO EXCITED! It's been really fun- we make a great team. Vintage Rhino gives me a way to sell my vast collection of unused vintage things, it gives Brad a way to use his photography skills and have a job that will pay more than it would for someone else. Over the weekend we photographed a bunch of things I'm ready to let go of. These are some of my favorites: (click on the picture to be directed to our shop)

Because I appreciate your support over the years, I'm offering 15% off your Vintage Rhino purchase at Etsy. Enter 'ReloveProjects' in the coupon code when you check out!

Oh yeah, and if you're wondering about how Brad's job interview turned out... Before I even pitched my idea he decided that the part-time measly paying job wasn't worth the drive (1 hour + in traffic).

Valentines

2012-01-21T21:33:00.000-08:00

I just listed these sweet heart cards in my shop!

2012

2012-01-09T23:13:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! I always feel like the start of the year is brimming with possibilities and potential. I usually don't do resolutions but this year I decided to go for it. Resolutions are all about embracing change and improvement, so why not, right? I wanted to keep them realistic (and achievable), so each month I have 2 goals. This gives me some flexibility if something just isn't working and I don't want to stick with it for a whole year. My goals for January are going well- I might actually want to keep it up for 365 days! It's pretty simple: Floss my teeth every day and exercise 3-5 times a week. It's 2 things I should be doing anyway, but before I made the resolution I didn't do either nearly enough. So here's to 2012- with better oral hygiene and all the benefits that come with regular exercise. How do you feel about resolutions? Did you make any?
Before I go, I wanted to share a photo of my super cool daughter. She got hair dye from her grandma for Christmas and used it all at once. (Isn't it great that her grandma, of all people, got this for her? I love that)

Handmade Christmas

2011-12-26T12:16:00.000-08:00

Have you heard of the Barbapapas? It's a book series by Annette Tison and Talus Taylor that I used to read when I was young. It really is great- whimsical, happy, good messages. The books have been out of print for awhile and are now considered collectors items. So when my niece wanted Barbapapa dolls for ChristmasI knew I had to make them!

Holiday Pictures

2011-12-13T21:00:00.000-08:00

If you've been reading this blog for a few years then you've probably figured out that I'm not a big fan of the holidays. I don't like the obligations, running around like mad, sending out the required Christmas cards with sweet family photos... So this year Hana and I made our own kind of holiday card!
I'm getting them printed tomorrow (and don't want to spoil the surprise for those of you on my mailing list), but these are some of the extra pictures we took:

Hana is really good at doing a straight face, mine is totally insane, and Rosie, well, she's cute no matter what, even when she was a pest and insisted on being in the pictures (seriously, a part of her is in almost every photo)! And yes, those are Christmas vests and turtlenecks we're sporting. Um, yeah, and potholders. Please don't blackmail me.

Pssst...

2011-12-06T13:22:00.000-08:00

Get 10% off your purchase in my Etsy shop! The coupon code is 'Holiday2011'. Enjoy!

2011-12-03T20:39:00.000-08:00

I received the following conversation from a customer at Etsy:

Hi,

I really love your little whale here. I was wondering if it was possible to mark the year somewhere on the little guy? I started an ornament collection for my baby last year (this will be ornament 2/2, and he is definitely not a little baby any more...) - and having your whale with 2011 tagging him somewhere would be really cool. If you can't, I totally understand - I would still want to give him a home with us.

Thanks,
Angeline

I was thrilled to be a part of such a sweet tradition! And of course, I was happy to include the year. Do you have any holiday traditions?

New ornaments!

2011-12-03T18:42:00.000-08:00

I was looking at my Etsy shop and realized that I had a few whales that hadn't been posted. Whoops! Don't forget- you get free shipping on the second item purchased when you buy an ornament!

Pink Whale with Pink Belly

Pink Whale with Orange Belly

Tahitian Whale

Tahitian Whale (other side)

Long Creative Weekend

2011-11-28T12:27:00.000-08:00

This weekend was GREAT! I work off for four days. It was amazing. On the creative side I compulsively made a snail, I started an idea that's been floating around for awhile- fabric jewelry (I'm almost finished with my first piece!), and I worked on Mud Whimsy Ceramics. It was nice to feel like I had the time to just mess around. I also designed an advertisement button:

My ad will be over at Cakies for the month of December. I've enjoyed Rubyellen's blog for quite awhile and am excited to sponsor her!

On the not-so-creative-but-very-fun side I went thrift store shopping. My best find was a tablecloth that is beautifully hand sewn. I am going to turn it into a bedspread.

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!

Encaustic Fun

2011-11-17T18:17:00.000-08:00

A little while ago my daughter and I had some encaustic fun. She's been collecting bugs; I've been collecting feathers.

Here she is all finished and proud!

A detail of the honey bee. It was found dead. No insects were purposely killed for this art piece!

...And here is mine. I'm thinking of adding a touch of orange. Any thoughts?

New Octopus!

2011-11-16T18:59:00.000-08:00

I just listed these in the shop:

I do love them so- I hope they find good homes!

Tomorrow I'll be adding some of these ornaments to my shop:

A few weeks ago we had a big heavy snow storm before the trees lost their leaves. Many branches were broken. I found a cool big branch, trimmed it, put it in a tree holder (for a fake christmas tree), and painted it white. It's the perfect thing to hang all my creatures on!

Extra Hour

2011-11-06T23:15:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure if we actually gained an hour for daylight savings but it definitely felt like it. It was strange to wake up and realize that I was awake earlier than usual. I decided to do something with my hour, so I made another octopus. (I still can't find my camera cable so I took a picture on my computer. Unfortunately it doesn't show the amazing colors in this guy!) He's made with vintage fabric that I had a small swatch of.

You get a little peek at one of my collections too... I have 9 gold framed mirrors hanging in my bedroom, all on the same wall. I just liked how the first one looked (an antique oval mirror , above the octopus' head) and kept finding them in thrift stores.

Facebook Giveaway!

2011-11-05T10:55:00.000-07:00

Yes, a giveaway! Here's what you need to do:

1) 'like' my Facebook page

2) Comment, write on my wall or post a link to my page (let me know if you post a link).

3) Check my page on November 14th... I will enter all contestants' names in a hat and draw a lucky winner.

Prize: $20 redeemable in my Etsy shop!

Inspiration

2011-11-05T00:11:00.000-07:00

Loan Tran for Stylelikeu.com from StyleLikeU on Vimeo.

I just watched this video over at stylelikeu.com and was so inspired! Loan Tran is just herself, no apologies. She was discouraged by being turned away from dance clubs in New York and thought, "I can dance wherever I want!" And so she did, with headphones and costumes.

My favorite quote of hers is:

"We're all different, and sometimes we need courage to show the world what truly makes us different -whether it means how you dress, or how you express yourself."

After doing a little hunting I discovered that she has a blog, an art website, a documentary in the works, and she's been noticed around NYC...

Etsy Treasury

2011-11-03T14:18:00.000-07:00

Ikioma Finnish ecodesigns

I used to REALLY want to create a treasury list on Etsy but every time I would try there wouldn't be space. I even checked it at weird times in the middle of the night (silly me, I should know that LOTS of artists and crafters are night owls like me!). I think it was reformatted because when I went to check it today I was able to just create one! The title is Eco Holidays: Buy Handmade Recycled Gifts. I typically look for other recycled and eco crafters so I had a bunch in my favorites already, but I also found a lot of new great creators. If I had the money I would buy everything on my treasury- I love it all!
Here it is
ps- more on buying handmade later...

Ornaments!

2011-11-02T19:29:00.000-07:00

My boyfriend, Brad, sure takes some great photos! I love how these turned out. All of these ornaments are for sale in my Etsy shop HERE! As always, they are made from recycled fabric- much of it is vintage, so they are one-of-a-kind.

(If you're interested in hiring Brad for product photography he can be found at www.torchlightphotography.com)

Updates

2011-11-02T12:59:00.000-07:00

Here's a few more photos of Halloween. My daughter wanted to be Catwoman this year- which she told me about at 6:00 Sunday night! I offered to make her the mask. I figured that would make or break the costume. It was created with a black t-shirt, some black felt, and white stitches. I think it turned out pretty well!

And my birthday was lovely... I did everything I wanted to do, didn't work AT ALL (I didn't even put clothes in the dryer!), I ate good food all day (cappuccino in the morning, Jill's Cafe for lunch, Foolish Craig's in the afternoon, and Indian food for dinner), and I saw some of my favorite people. My daughter wins the award for the strangest birthday gift ever:

(It's a zombie baby eating its own foot)

Today my boyfriend photographed the latest projects... I'm excited to post them! He's still editing and retouching, but they will be up as soon as possible.

Happy birthday to me!

2011-11-01T00:19:00.000-07:00

It is officially my birthday! Every year on my special day I take the day off of work, spend time with the people I love, and do whatever I feel like doing. Tomorrow I'm sleeping in, going to a free yoga class, out for lunch with my dad, then my boyfriend is coming over to help me photograph my stuff (New whales! New octopus! Cards!). It's a good sign when I want to work on ReLove Projects on my birthday!
To help celebrate my special day I'm giving YOU a present: 20% off anything in my Etsy shop. Enter 'Birthday' in the coupon code. It's only good today, November 1, so jump on it!

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-30T23:07:00.000-07:00

Oh, I am so excited for Halloween this year! I've always wanted to be a peacock except I was stuck on the fact that the beautiful blue and green peacocks are actually male. Then I decided, screw it- I can cross dress- it's Halloween!

So this year I am a peacock. I made a dress out of recycled t-shirts and a bunch of fabric I had in my studio. I sewed and cut ALL the feathers on the tail... My poor fingers had blisters from the sewing scissors, but it was worth it. I got to test run my costume at a Day of the Dead themed party over the weekend.

Unfortunately I didn't get any full body or tail shots, dang it. But tomorrow I'm dressing up too!

If you're wondering who's in the photo booth with me on the left is zombie Steve Jobs (AKA Brad, my boyfriend), on the right is a Japanese Gothic Lolita (AKA Megan).

Social Media

2011-10-26T19:13:00.000-07:00

The past two weeks I've been trying to get a little more savvy in the social media department. I've had a Twitter account for ages (@ reloveprojects) but I barely did anything with it. I just never really got it. But according to my research a Twitter account is crucial to a craft business. It's a way to constantly remind people that you're around and making things. So- you'll notice a little 'follow' icon off there to the right. I'm going to play around with it and see what happens.

I've also just finished creating a Facebook page. It still needs work, but it's up and running.

In celebration of my social media advances, next week I will be offering discounts and giveaways to those that are 'following' and 'liking'!

PS- Twitter and Facebook took me waaaay too long to do, and part of that was that I couldn't figure it out. I'd be happy to help anyone else who's struggling with this! Email me at reloveprojects@yahoo.com.

New Listings! Yay!

2011-10-20T16:15:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to be making stuff again! Here are some new listings in my Etsy shop. They are all one-of-a-kind, so if you love it then get it before someone else does! Click on the caption to be directed to the item.

Medium Dog Collar- Bright Blue with Blossoms

Large Dog Collar with Orange, Yellow, Pink, Blue....

Purple Paisley Large Dog Collar

New things!

2011-10-20T13:09:00.000-07:00

Stepping away from my computer and phone the other day was very good for productivity- I finished a bunch of collars, a few whale ornaments, and I almost finished wrapping a branch in yarn. My idea is to use it to display my goods (hopefully in a holiday market, if I'm accepted!).

My boyfriend, Brad Nielson, helped me photograph all of my newly completed things:

Look for new listings in my etsy shop over the next few days!

I am going to do this

2011-10-18T13:03:00.000-07:00

This is another great addition to the world by Miranda July... "A Handy Tip for the Easily Distracted". I think I might have to do this! Then I will make coffee, then I will finish some dog collars I started, then I will paint a shelf for my studio, then I will wrap a branch in yarn, then I will photograph my finished dog collars, and then ~~I'll post them on Etsy~~, no wait, can't do that (not only will my computer be trapped, but I also can't find my camera cable ANYWHERE), um, so then I'll clean my room and change my sheets (don't you love a bed with clean sheets?), and while cleaning my room I'll find the camera cable, and maybe by then the grape juice will have evaporated and I can post my new collars on Etsy!

New Dog Collar

2011-10-10T22:23:00.000-07:00

I'm getting back into sewing dog collars... For awhile I felt like I was a one-person assembly line robot just making collars and I lost the creative drive to do it. So I took a break. This is the first one I've made in months! I'm back in a place where I'm really enjoying sewing them again, so I'm going to crank out a few more. I haven't listed this one yet in my Etsy shop, so as my blog readers you get first dibs! If you're interested in purchasing let me know and I'll reserve it for you!

Do you go through lulls when you just don't feel like creating? What do you do to recover from your burn out?

PS- Better photos are coming soon!

White Box

2011-10-09T12:41:00.000-07:00

This is such a beautiful, creative video! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

White Box from makoto yabuki on Vimeo.

(found HERE)

Inspiration: Kristin FitzGerrell

2011-10-03T09:45:00.000-07:00

The first and second weekend of October Open Studios are happening in Boulder. It is a FABULOUS event that's been going on for 17 years. 135 artists open up their homes/studios to the general public and are there to answer questions and show people around. Every time I go I leave feeling so inspired!

On Saturday I went to the home and studio of Kristin FitzGerrell of Studio 22. She makes wall pieces out of reclaimed wood, though that description doesn't do her work justice! I really love her artist statement (found on her website, www.studio22art.com):

In this studio the scrap bin is the supply closet. My mixed media collage and assemblage work justifies my complete and chronic infatuation with cast-offs. In my artistic practice I elevate the simplest of scrap to pedestal status and encourage you to see beauty where it had not been evident before. I find shape, color, and form inspiration in the most ordinary of places. My art materials come from an alley, a salvage yard, a recycle bin, a dumpster. I work and re-work these precious bits right down to the part that is left over from the part that was left behind.

It might be a weathered piece of wood, a fabric scrap, or sign letter that I find too irresistible to pass by. I am forever drawn to the bits and pieces that have become useless to us in our busy, important lives. I am most enamored with the ones that have lost a mate, worn through a layer or have passed their prime. I choose my scraps and sometimes, even when I think I can walk by, they choose me.

‘Tis a scrappy love affair to be sure.

This is what I think artist statements should be like- storytelling, personal, funny, revealing.

Kristin's house was AMAZING. And it brings me to why Open Studios is so fun. Kristin's home is the kind of place that you'd walk past and think, "Hmmm, I wonder what it looks like inside". And you might even walk by at night hoping that the curtains were left open. It's a remodeled home, modern and custom, different from the ranches and track homes on either side. Its obvious that someone creative lives inside. The one bedroom that was open to the public had a chair in the corner that was a knobby gnarled stump of wood that was lacquered and gorgeous.... I was inspired and did a search on 'wood stump chairs'. This is what I found:

Arbor Chair by Peter Jakubik found here

Solid Wood Furniture by Denis Milovanov

Found here

The one I found that is the most similar to Kristin's is HERE....

Kristin's art was everywhere- Forms made from probably 20 different chunks of wood that were stained and painted and pieced together: elephants, cows, little birds on branches, typography, bulls eyes.... Even though it was on display for sale all of the art looked like it was placed permanently. None of it looked out of place or temporary. She has a distinct style that flirts with being modern, rustic, crafty, and fine art.

There is a great article in The Daily Camera written by Julie Hagy HERE if you'd like to know more! And if you live in Boulder definitely check out Kristin's amazing studio and home.

*I also visited Catherine Cleary's home and studio but thought it would be more fitting on my ceramic blog at www.mudwhimsy.blogspot.com.

Mumu Whale

2011-09-28T19:01:00.000-07:00

In anticipation of the holidays I am trying to think of some cute ornament ideas... I'm experimenting with making animals out of recycled fabric, kinda based on my cards. I am really happy with this whaley guy! He's made out of a former gigantic vintage mumu, that was actually the first fabric that inspired me to create things using recycled materials. I'm down to scraps and pieces, but I feel like this is the mumu that keeps on giving. I think he's going to have water spouting out of a button blowhole to be hung up by.

Next I want to make an octopus! And more whales too.

A little side note... If you live in Boulder be sure to check out the Open Studios Tour starting this weekend. It is truly an art event not to be missed! My encaustic teacher Alix Cristian will be participating along with my clay crush Caroline Douglas. And like, 125 other artists.

New cards!

2011-09-27T23:36:00.000-07:00

I've been busily editing photos and posting new listings in my Etsy shop!

I love the fabric for this elephant card! In it's past life it was a blouse. This card can be purchased HERE.

This fun giraffe card can be purchased HERE.

And this sweet giraffe... Well, it has been purchased. I'm not putting this up to tease you with what you can't have; that would not be nice! This is a gentle reminder that all of my creations are one of a kind, so if you like something buy it before someone else snags it! And if someone does end up buying something out from under you please send me an email. Often I'll still have bits and pieces of fabric and might be able to make something similar for you.

pARTy

2011-09-26T13:18:00.000-07:00

Soooo, my art party was on Saturday night. It was really fun! I met lots of new people, sold some things, took some great pictures (my boyfriend set up a photo booth!), and my friends who joined me made some money too. It's really nice in the aftermath because my house and studio are SO clean and organized. I'm going to have to have a lot of these just to keep myself on track!

Firefly Handmade

2011-09-23T16:23:00.000-07:00

Have you heard about the Firefly Handmade Markets? It was started last year by three Boulder artsy ladies: Kristin FitzGerrell, Allison Bozeman and Holland Seydel. To sum it up, Firefly Handmade is a way for local artisans to display and sell their goods in the community.
Last weekend I had the pleasure of working the Clementine Studio art booth at the Firefly Gypsy Farm Market and I was SO impressed with EVERYTHING. The booths were so creative, the work that the artisans were selling was inspiring and beautifully made, and everyone was happy! Really, everyone was just so happy and friendly.
My photo is of the outside "yard" where there were trucks, airstream trailers and tents. Hay bales with quilts draped over them were in the food area where mobile restaurants rolled in just when I started feeling hungry.
I was so very impressed and inspired that I decided to give it a whirl for the Firefly Winter Market! I've submitted an application on behalf of ReLove Projects. I'm trying not to set my heart on being accepted... But I'm crossing my fingers. It's time for me to invest a bit more of myself and to take a few leaps and risks, so here I go!

PS- Almost everything is ready for my Art Party tomorrow night! I hope to see you there- 6pm-9pm, my house.

No Know Knitting

2011-09-06T22:59:00.000-07:00

I'm a crafty gal. Pretty much anything that is artsy or crafty, I can figure out, and then it becomes my next obsession. But there is one thing that I've never gotten into- knitting. I've tried it, I really have. I put sincere effort into it! I learned to cast on and I made a scarf.... I just couldn't get into it, so I left it in pursuit of all the other things I do. But yarnbombing has inspired me to give it another try!

THIS makes me want to know how to knit! Over at Knitta Please they cover everything with yarn- busses, trees, air ducts, pipes, parking meters, public statues. I could so get into yarnbombing!

Cute Turtle Card

2011-09-03T18:33:00.000-07:00

I hate to toot my own horn, but I love my turtle cards. I used to have a box turtle as a pet when I was in middle school, maybe this is where my fondness comes from... This turtle guy is now for sale in my etsy shop!

You're invited!

2011-09-02T23:08:00.000-07:00

Who: Mud Whimsy

Dead Wilder

ReLove Projects

Sugar Dreamery

Torchlight Photography

and possibly others...

What: An art party! Let's call it a pARTy

When: Saturday, September 24th, 2011

6-9 p.m.

Where: My house

(if you're in the Boulder area and not already

on my mailing list email me at mudwhimsy@gmail.com

and I'll send you an official invite with the address)

Why: To celebrate the completion of the Mud Whimsy Studio!

And to see/ buy art! Yay art!

P.S.- I will be making pesto (that's the color I painted the studio) with fresh homegrown basil!

P.P.S. Feel free to bring kids, friends, significant others. All are welcome! Except cats, because I'm allergic.

Reloved Fortune

2011-08-29T10:56:00.000-07:00

He he he!

ReLoved Coat

2011-08-28T14:07:00.000-07:00

Motivating myself to get back on track with ReLove Projects began with cleaning my studio. It was (and still is) a horrible mess. I have it closed off with a curtain which makes everyone want to peek around it. So it has become a horrible, embarrassing mess! I'm trying to spend some time every day organizing, getting rid of stuff, recycling, tossing. Every day it gets a little better. I keep discovering things forgotten- a box of antique buttons, magazine tear sheets, my old notes from art school... I have also found many many projects that are unfinished.

This coat has been in progress since February or so... Unfortunately I don't have the 'before' photos, so I'll describe it for you. It was pretty plain, just a blue button up coat. The biggest problem was that it could have fit someone about twice my size! I started altering it with great gusto, worked away, and then lost half of the zipper. I could not figure out where the heck it went! So the coat stayed in a pile on the floor of the studio adding to the mess and the list of unfinished things sitting around in my creative conscience. Cleaning my studio led me to the discovery of the lost half of the zipper (mixed in with a pile of papers). I tore the buttons off the coat, stitched lace on, and sewed the zipper on asymmetrically. The coat was way too big for me and one of my favorite tricks to adjust the fit is overlapping the front flaps. Another one of my favorite things to do with coats is to add inside pockets. In my creative fantasy world I would add pockets to everything!

I might add more lace- maybe to the other side to hide the zipper, or around the cuffs, maybe on the front pockets... What do you think? Either way I'm happy to have it done enough to hang in the coat closet!

Leaf Carving

2011-08-27T21:32:00.000-07:00

The leaves in my neighborhood are just barely starting to turn all of the beautiful fall colors. I found this carved leaf at The Senses Five and am so amazed... There are more carved leaves HERE.

New Listings

2011-08-26T16:16:00.000-07:00

I just uploaded these two cards into my Etsy shop! Yay! New work! It feels good to be back in the saddle, er, sewing seat again.

I LOVE:

2011-08-25T11:38:00.000-07:00

I love converted busses, Airstream trailers, and Volkswagens! Click on the photo to be directed to the source.

Coupon for YOU!

2011-08-23T13:28:00.000-07:00

As promised, I have a coupon for those of who that still check in to this ole' blog. Save 15% on your purchase in my etsy shop! Once again, thank you so much for your support. I plan on making new cards, mobiles, and bags to add to the shop over the next few weeks... For now though, I have re-listed some of my favorite cards. They are individually made with recycled paperboard, vintage fabric, buttons, and hand stitched. Each is one-of-a-kind!

The coupon code 'relove' can be used in my etsy shop HERE!

Checked out for the summer!

2011-08-18T12:29:00.000-07:00

Hi all... Sorry I was so absent this summer. A big part of that was because I didn't sew hardly a stitch! Really, I'm not exaggerating. The only things I did sew were for the art school I work at. That brings me to my next reason for taking an extended break. While it was good in some ways, this summer was so busy with art camps at Clementine Studio. A few of them were totally full - 30 kids! At the end of the day I just didn't really feel like making, or writing, or doing ANYTHING. I spent a lot of my evenings sitting in front of the fan and watching DVDs.

Now summer is slowly fading out and I'm starting to get that sweet cozy fall feeling. I think I'll pull out some of the quilts I've been working on (like this one, that I worked feverishly on and then put away for a year and a half!) and finally finish some projects.

I'm really gearing up with my pottery creations too... Definitely check into Mud Whimsy if you haven't already!

Thank you for sticking around, even when I took an unannounced extended vacation. Once I get my Etsy store loaded up I'll post a coupon for you! (within the next few weeks- I promise)

What I've been up to lately

2011-04-22T20:25:00.000-07:00

So, obviously I haven't been blogging around here lately... Sorry about that! You might be wondering what exactly I have been doing with my time. So here is a list for those of you wonderers:

1) Working. Did you know I have 3 jobs? Yes, 3. Two of them are very part-time. My main job is as an art teacher at Clementine Studio, which I LOVE. It is so fun to see the creations that my students come up with!
For example, this is a portrait of me made by a 4 year old student (he was "pretending I had hair bows and had lost some teeth")

2) Clay, clay, clay! Right now I'm registered in a pottery class and I'm trying to make the most of it. This is the first time I've had access to a full studio in 6 months and I'm so excited to be throwing, firing, and glazing work. Some of you may already know about my other love: Mud Whimsy. (It's my ceramic business- for those of you that don't know). Soon I'll have new work in the shop, another open house/sale, and a few improvements to the studio. I've also been trying to keep my clay blog updated- www.mudwhimsy.blogspot.com.

work in progress

3) Speaking of the studio, I'm talking about the little shed my dad built me in the back yard, solely for my art. Working with clay is messy business, and my dad being the observant guy that he is, thought that it might be nice for me (and my roommates) if I had my own space to do it in. So he built a 10 foot by 9 foot shed, and I've gone out there every day since. My new goal is getting the exterior painted. It's been a lot trickier than I thought it would be with all this rainy weather, but slowly I'm getting there. I'm painting it a color called 'Pesto', and I'm quite thrilled with it. The trim will soon be a cream color...

Not a current photo- just the color!

4. Just life. My daughter, my boyfriend, and my dog.

Re-loved garden fence

2011-04-10T20:26:00.000-07:00

Every time I went out to my studio I would think to myself, "Ugh, that fence is so ugly!" Rosie the dog keeps going in the garden, so a fence of some sort is necessary. But this one? I knew I could think of something better. The other day when I was in Anthropologie I was inspired by their line divider made out of fabric....

This is what I came up with! Now when I go out to my studio I think, "Oh, how cute!"
I used the fence stakes that we already had, then tore up a sheet and tied it around the stakes. The criss-cross part is the 'gate'. It's easy to step over but if needed it can just be untied and taken down without disturbing the rest of the fence. (I'll have better photos soon!)

Last Week

2011-03-28T19:06:00.000-07:00

Last week was a busy, busy week. It was technically Spring Break, but I did not get one! The art school where I teach (Clementine Studio) hosted one of our most successful workshops to date: Make Way For Ducklings by Robert McCloskey. The kids made ducklings, nests, Mr and Mrs Mallard, and scenes from the classic story. The projects were adorable and I can't help but share. It was a great way to celebrate Spring!

Earth Hour 2011

2011-03-19T10:48:00.000-07:00

This year on March 26 at 8:30 pm millions of people, businesses, city landmarks, and buildings will turn out their lights in support of Earth Hour. I've been doing this for a few years now and every year it's really fun. In addition to turning off all lights I also unplug things like power strips, clocks, dvd players- anything that still has a light on when it is turned off.

Even though it is great that more and more people are participating in Earth Hour, the question has been asked, how much of a difference does it really make? The conclusion was that Earth Hour could be doing more. So now in addition to turning off the lights for an hour people can pledge to do other environmental actions.

For more information on Earth Hour, visit their website HERE

For more information on Beyond The Hour, visit their website HERE

Spring! (And a giveaway)

2011-03-16T08:37:00.001-07:00

It feels like spring is officially here. Little flowers are poking up and blooming, caterpillars are crossing sidewalks, there is an underbelly of green grass, it is staying light until after 7pm... Ah, I love this time of year! I'm not the only one with spring fever- the gals at Hot Mama are having a fabulous spring giveaway! All you have to do is leave a comment on their blog telling how you are celebrating spring. The prize is one of their sweet personalized necklaces!

I am especially fond of Hot Mama Designs because they are a local business, based in Boulder.

Landscape

2011-03-14T20:31:00.001-07:00

I thought that this was very beautiful... It is actually moldy bread in a clear plastic bag but when I looked at it in a different way it became green rolling hills. I love how the bag picked up the light too. This is evidence that I can find art in everything!

I like to ride my bicycle, bicycle!

2011-03-09T17:55:00.000-08:00

'I LOVE TO RIDE- (It's A Passion)' by paradacreations, found HERE

Since making the pledge to ride my bike to work in March I've been finding all sorts of fabulous bicycle things....

Bicycle jewelry,

black plated vintage bicycle pendant necklace, morikaty, found HERE

bicycle photography,

'bicycles bicycles I love bicycles', by maddenphotography. Found HERE

I especially love the description: " I took this photo while I was visiting Osaka Japan, It is such a HUGE city, with TONS of people. But what is great, is that EVERYONE rides their bike to work! You will see hundreds of bikes lined up everywhere! What a great way to be Green!"

bicycle clothing,

Octopus on a bike, darkcycleclothing, found HERE

bicycle artwork

'4 Fun deers on a bicycle', by Coco De Paris, found HERE

My pledge is going strong! I commuted by bicycle on Friday. It was really chilly outside and if I hadn't made the promise then I probably would have driven to work. Instead I bundled up and after a few minutes of pedaling I was nice and warm. I also rode in today. Again, had I not made the pledge I would have come up with enough excuses to convince myself that I should drive. It was really windy, and I'd be getting out of work right when the sun was going down. I don't have a bike light, so I'm weary about biking at night, but I made it home while it was still light enough. So my excuses weren't very valid! Every time I ride my bicycle it makes me so happy!

Ad-Free Blog

2011-03-06T19:46:00.000-08:00

Since starting this blog I've wrestled with the idea of advertising. I've had offers and inquiries, but they were never from a product or company that I actually would endorse (or that was relevant to my blog). Then I read this FAQ and made the decision to make this an ad-free place.

I don't want any of my endorsements questioned- everything I promote is simply because I believe in the product, NOT because I am being paid.

If you would like to join this bandwagon, you can get your own ad-free button here. This is the pledge:

by using this icon on my website I am stating...

1. That I am opposed to the use of corporate advertising on blogs.

2. That I feel the use of corporate advertising on blogs devalues the medium.

3. That I do not accept money in return for advertising space on my blog.

signed,

the author

ps- I am not saying anything against bloggers that choose to advertise or host sponsers. There are many lovely blogs that I adore with ads and links!

Tiny homes

2011-03-05T18:01:00.001-08:00

I happened upon the website This Tiny House recently and was so impressed! It's all about living a big life in a small space. The creators of the blog are currently living in a small trailer and traveling, but before that they shared a 500 square foot home.

I have dreams of someday living in an old VW van... The problem is that I have so much stuff! Being an artist I do eventually use much of what I have so it's difficult for me to wrap my brain around such a drastically different lifestyle than the one I'm currently living. I love the idea of paring down though, and This Tiny House has inspired me to do that. Maybe someday I'll be able to fit into my VW!

Both images are from Texas Tiny Houses. The first one measures 12' by 21', the bottom one is 12' by 28'. These are lived-in homes!

Handmade Pledge

2011-03-05T09:51:00.000-08:00

I don't know why it took me so long to happen upon Buy Handmade... But now I'm onboard! From here on out I will make a conscious effort to buy handmade items whenever possible, and especially during the holiday season. Almost 53,000 people have taken this pledge. Pretty awesome, right?

(photo via Buy Handmade website)

Green Team

2011-03-03T11:26:00.000-08:00

I just pledged to use an 'alternate clean commute option' once every week in March over at the radio station KBCO! I've been wanting to ride my bicycle more and this will give me a little push. Last weekend I rode my bike to work and it felt so good. I easily forget the benefits of riding my bike- free exercise, less traffic (going to work I travel almost entirely on a bike path. I cross two roads!), saving gas and emissions.... Just to name a few. Plus, I just enjoy it! An extra perk is that by signing up I'm entered to win a schnazzy scooter.

If you live in the Boulder area and would like to pledge also, here is the link.

A Fabulous Saturday

2011-02-27T16:15:00.000-08:00

On Saturday I didn't have to work at the school. It's been a long time since I've had a weekend day off so I knew that I had to make it a great day! And I did...

I drank Bhakti Chai out of one of my mugs. Bhakti Chai is the perfect amount of sweet and spice, in my opinion. It's quite a bit more flavorful than any other chai I've had. If you like a spicier, stronger chai I recommend you try Bhakti Chai. It's perfect on a cold day!

My man and I went out for breakfast at Dot's Diner (a Boulder classic).

Then we fixed up my bike. I love this bike! It's an old Schwinn cruiser that I got at a yard sale a few years ago. I don't know why, but I much prefer to ride old creaky inefficient bikes over fancy new fast ones.

My day had everything that makes a great weekend- good food, fun, creativity, relaxation, being with people I enjoy...

I hope you had an equally great weekend!

(PS-my boyfriend took the bike photos. He's pretty amazing with a camera!)

Tape Sculptures

2011-02-24T18:41:00.000-08:00

I wish I had known about the 'Off the Roll Tape Sculpture Contest' hosted by Scotch earlier! I so would have made something. There are some AWESOME creations; it's hard to believe they're all done with tape. You can cast your vote for who you think should win here.

Photos: Some of last year's winners!

1. Can I Keep Him? By Elizabeth K

2. Senor Ocho (Mr Eight) (No artist sourced)

Found via Wonder How To

Rainbows!

2011-02-20T17:32:00.000-08:00

For sale on Etsy by PigCastle

Handspun handpainted yarn by Deb Robinson found on Etsy

Artist Jonathan Whitfill found via The Jealous Curator.

The rainbow house by Ab Rogers Design found via Black Eiffel

Rainbows just make me happy and I wanted to share some with you!

Sassy Scarf Collar

2011-02-16T09:07:00.000-08:00

I just listed another dog collar over at Etsy. It is made with a recycled scarf and jeans so it is one-of-a-kind! You can get more info and purchase HERE.

Dog Collars

2011-02-07T14:08:00.000-08:00

I just got finished posting these dog collars over in my Etsy shop! They are made with almost all recycled materials and are one-of-a-kind.

Fortune

2011-02-04T08:51:00.000-08:00

Welcome to The Year of the Rabbit! I thought that sharing a fortune I got might be fitting for the Chinese New Year.

Amazing

2011-02-03T10:01:00.000-08:00

Isn't this leaf amazing? It was sent to me by my pen pal in Alaska. I just wanted to share because it's too beautiful to keep to myself!

Mud Whimsy

2011-01-29T19:11:00.001-08:00

Since opening my studio in November I've been working at trying to get my ceramic business going. Things are certainly underway now! I decided to call it Mud Whimsy. I've always liked the word 'whimsy'. The definition according to Dictionary.com is:

whim·sy Noun /ˈ(h)wimzē/
Playfully quaint or fanciful behavior or humor
the film is an awkward blend of whimsy and moralizing
A whim
A thing that is fanciful or odd
the stone carvings and whimsies

I felt like it summed up what I wanted to create with clay.... Unique, playful pieces. I didn't want to be constrained in a certain niche. I wanted a name that could allow me to create anything I want! Right now I have only functional pieces in the shop, but I'm really excited and inspired to make all sorts of clay creations!

You can find my shop on Etsy HERE.

And you can find my Mud Whimsy blog HERE.

P.S. While looking up the definition, there was a fabulous quote by environmentalist and writer Bill McKibben using the word 'whimsy':

"The point is not to stop giving; the point is to give things that matter. Give things that are rare - time, attention, memory, whimsy. "

Bringing back the love (ahem, ReLove)

2011-01-28T09:08:00.000-08:00

I know I've checked out around here lately. I went through a little phase when I wondered if my time was worth it, if anyone even ever looked at this blog, if selling my work online would ever be profitable... The conclusion I came up with was maybe not. At first that stung. I feel like I've been working at this for such a long time and somehow I just am not where I thought I'd be. After more reflection I realized that the whole reason why I started selling my work online to begin with was simply because I loved making stuff. It wasn't to build a business, it was just to create things and put them out in the world. I think I lost a little bit of that love when I was trying to keep up on the business end. So now I'm back with a new perspective. I'm going to continue doing what I love and if I make a little extra money on the side, great! Hopefully that love will show through in everything I do. As a result of my new devotion to ReLove Projects I've posted some of my favorite cards in my Etsy shop!

Does anybody else ever feel this way about their craft business? What do you do to get past it?

I want an Earthship for Christmas next year

2011-01-26T09:36:00.000-08:00

This year I pretty much checked out for Christmas. Last year got WAY too hectic and I just couldn't take another year of it! So I called up my friend in Taos... Unfortunately she rented her house out over Christmas, but we were able to stay there until December 23. I figured getting away for any amount of time over the holidays was what I needed! My mom and my daughter joined me.

One of my favorite things that we did on this trip was visit the Earthship Headquarters. It was amazing. We didn't want to leave!

It was so lush and alive inside. I felt healthier just being in there! And the plants were thriving. They had all sorts of foods growing- tomato, eggplant, lettuce, strawberries. It is one of the few structures that are truly off the grid. Everything is used and reused. I can't put into words how impressed I was!

Once again, Taos was a magical and wonderful place. I can imagine myself living there someday. Here are a few more photos from the trip:

(I think this photo is hilarious. It's my daughter posing as an emo!)

Catching up

2011-01-22T09:45:00.000-08:00

Wow, I can't believe so much time has passed since my last post! This is just a placeholder to check in, let you know I'm still here, and I will be returning to this ole' blog soon.
(the photo is me in New Mexico, December 2010)

My day off

2010-12-14T16:33:00.000-08:00

I had an unexpected day off last week and made a teepee! (of course, what else is there to do with a day off?). I used PVC pipes that I had left over from another project and recycled sheets. I still have to make a doorway, so perhaps the next day off I have I'll devote it to that!

Golden Friday

2010-12-04T15:55:00.000-08:00

There is a cute town called Golden about 30 minutes away from me. Even though it is nearby I've only driven through and haven't spent any time there. Last time while passing through my squeeze and I decided we'd come back. Yesterday we both had the day off and seized the opportunity to visit Golden! This is what we did:

Photographed the Justice Center.

(I think he was just testing his camera settings, but I figured I'd throw this one in! We were in a big field by the Justice Center and the wild winds were blowing, whipping my hair around)

Visited downtown Golden... Something that thrills me to no end is posing with statues. While my antics have embarassed some, the guy I'm with now actually helped me up on to the buffalo and then took about a million photos.

This was a rusty old bike chained up downtown. I just thought it looked neat!

We ate at Ali Baba Grill, Lebanese and Persian cuisine. If you live anywhere near Golden I highly recommend you try Ali Baba's. I'd go to Golden just to eat there, it's really THAT good!

We visited the Foothills Arts Center. (String photo was part of a display. It was made to look like a tree- very cool!)

Even though we were gone for just a few hours and about 30 miles away from my house, I felt like we'd gone on a vacation. I came home inspired and refreshed!

A Fave

2010-12-01T12:18:00.001-08:00

I'm beginning to notice a few things about my favorite songs- many have whistling, trumpets, male and female vocalists, and are happy tunes. This is a great one by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros called 'Home'. Enjoy!

Inspiration

2010-11-30T09:58:00.000-08:00

I love the way old wood looks when it's painted. The top photo was taken in a small town in Colorado on my way to Taos. The rest were photographed at the graffiti wall in Boulder (I guess the paint strayed off the wall a bit!).

Evolution of a Painting 3

2010-11-30T09:50:00.001-08:00

I am officially stuck on where to take this painting next. I don't have the feeling that it's finished (then again, I very rarely do with ANY of my projects!) but I just can't decide on what it's asking for. So I hung it up on a nail in the wall and I'm living with it for awhile. I do love what the cold did to the paint, though a wild wind took the bee away the night I added the purple.

So Thankful

2010-11-25T10:22:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving to you and to you! And you too! I know that I have a lot to be thankful for.

I am thankful for my brilliant, interesting, sweet and kind daughter. I am thankful that she is who she is. Hana doesn't care if people call her weird- she takes it as a great compliment- and I think that's pretty wonderful.

I am thankful for my goofy dog. Thanks for making me laugh every day, Rosie!

I am thankful for my creativity. (This is an encaustic piece in progress). I'm realizing how lucky I am to be able to do what I love every day!

I'm thankful for the fabulous, fun and playful people that have come into my life this year.

And of course I am thankful for my supportive family. (Especially my sister because she's the only relative that actually reads my blog!)

I hope you all have much to be thankful for too.

Evolution of a Painting 2

2010-11-23T18:47:00.000-08:00

I added more watered-down acrylic paint and left it outside overnight. I loved what the cold and freeze did to the colors! So tonight I added just a spritz of purple, and I'll let the winter do what it will again.

Evolution of a painting

2010-11-21T16:25:00.000-08:00

I had a bucket of water that I was rinsing my paintbrush off in, and I ended up really loving the color. So I splashed it all over a canvas! I left it outside and when I looked at it later in the night it had a beautiful frost all over it. A few other unexpected surprises were a couple of insects that wandered in- two little flies (in the lower right corner) and a bee (upper left-ish)! Today I poured more color on and photographed it when the paint was still really wet and swirling together.

I love this way of painting because I never know what's going to happen! I will post more photos as this one evolves...

Too cute

2010-11-12T09:12:00.001-08:00

Sometimes my students create things that just make me want to cry happy tears from all the cuteness! Right now in my sculpture class we're working of life-size self portraits.

2010-11-10T11:01:00.000-08:00

These little drawings are for my invitations for my Studio Warming Party! I will have some of my mugs for sale, lots of cards and pictures, and a few paintings (Maybe. If I can finish them!)

My studio!

2010-11-09T12:52:00.000-08:00

My ceramics studio is FINISHED! I'm going to have a celebration November 19th at 7. Email me your address, or leave a comment, and I'll be sure to send you an invitation!

(Sorry for the dark photos. I was out there last night and the flash reflected off the shiny walls!)

Halloween

2010-11-02T17:33:00.000-07:00

I LOVE Halloween! This year we got crafty and made our our own costumes.

My daughter was Edward Scissorhands. We bought a black shirt at a thrift store and covered it with belts and black duct tape. For her hands we cut out cardboard scissor shapes and glued aluminum foil to them. Then we duct taped the scissors onto gloves. It was actually a pretty easy costume to throw together!

I dressed up as a raven. My costume was a bit more complicated! I sewed each feather from recycled T-shirts.

Terrariums

2010-10-18T19:42:00.000-07:00

I went to a very sweet wedding over the weekend! The aisle was made from a line of autumn leaves. One of my favorite touches were little terrariums spread out here and there and on the tables. I commented on how cute they were and the bride let me take one home! I'm now imagining tabletops covered with them...

Pumpkin party!

2010-10-17T19:58:00.000-07:00

Today I spent my afternoon decorating pumpkins in the park! David Lorraine with 8z Real Estate included Clementine in hosting the first annual Martin Acres Pumpkin Party. I loved all of the creativity! It really put me in the spirit of Halloween.

(This one looks gruesome because it is!) You can see David's post with more pictures here.

Organization

2010-08-30T10:32:00.000-07:00

Perhaps because of the impending autumn and knowing that I'll be spending more time indoors; perhaps because I have a new roommate moving in next week; perhaps because once again I am fed up with all the clutter in my house, I have been ORGANIZING! I spell that with capital letters because It's a bigger job than I realized. My studio is out of control and has been for months. It was so bad that for awhile I moved my computer to the dining room! I'm scouring the www in search of some inspiration. Here is what I came up with:

A very cute button cabinet at Oh The Cuteness. The buttons are separated by color- I love that idea!

photo found here.

And this article over at Real Simple Magazine. I'm going to go and get myself some folders and spend some time filing....

Alive

2010-08-24T21:05:00.000-07:00

This was too good not to share. And the Metric song 'Help, I'm Alive' is playing in my head, which again, is too good not to share.

image found here

Cozy Quilts

2010-08-13T20:01:00.000-07:00

I'm starting to feel just a hint of crispness in the air at night. The apples in my tree are getting juicy. Kids around here are starting school next week. I know Autumn is still a little ways away, but I'm already dreaming about cuddling up under a cozy quilt drinking a cup of tea. I'm dreaming about finishing one of the quilts I've started- a patchwork recycled denim quilt with embroidered stars, a 60's mod quilt with a swirl of black velvet dots, and a few more that are still residing in my thoughts. And I'm dreaming of the NEW quilts that I can allow myself to make once I finish the others-fabulously detailed, beaded, hand sewn, emboidered quilts!

(top photo found at Design Sponge, here)

Amy Ahlstrand (below), who calls herself an Urban Quilter, is a great inspiration

My Only Live Once Moment

2010-08-03T21:57:00.001-07:00

This past weekend I FINALLY got to go to Taos to visit my girlfriend, Jamie. I'm not sure if you remember THIS post.... Or THIS one. (Or if you even read them to begin with!). To sum it up, I've had very bad luck with road trips. I was supposed to go to Taos in January and got snowed out. The chances of snow in July were pretty slim so I decided to take the risk. I'm SO happy I did! It was suggested that I burn some sage in my car before heading out, and I did. I don't know if it was the sage or if the Curse of the Road Trip has finally lifted, but it was smooth sailing all the way. Funny enough, this is the only picture I have of the ride there!

My bear, Gilbert, helped drive for a bit! (notice the BEAUTIFUL weather?)

Taos is a very cool place... Earthships, Taos Pueblo, Ojo Caliente, art galore, The Plaza.... There is so much to do there- one weekend just wasn't enough! I did knock off seeing an earthship home (very cool), going to Ojo Caliente Springs (so relaxing), and dancing for hours at The Alley Cantina in The Plaza (so fun! The Strange was playing that night and they were GREAT performers). I also put a big dirty check mark next to something else to do in this lifetime... Mud wrestling! Yes, I mud wrestled. I thought, when else will I possibly get the opportunity to do something like this? A Seize-The-Moment sort of thing. So I did it. The big question people ask when they hear this is, "Are there photos?" Here's the answer to THAT question:

Notice the mud on my teeth?

Some interesting things I learned about mud wrestling:

1) Mud gets EVERYWHERE. I'm still finding mud in my ears, under my nails, in my wounds- two days and three showers later.

2) It is very physically difficult. My abs are sore, my legs are sore, my arms are sore. I thought I was in good shape, I thought I'd do ok, but I got my butt kicked!

3) Mud is vicious stuff. I look like I was dragged through the desert behind a truck! When my boss saw me she said, "Oh my god! Did you get in a bike accident?" I have scrapes on my feet, my knees, my hips, my elbows.... Next time I'll be sure to check the grit level.

Now I'm home, putting vitamin E on my wounds, and am filing that road trip in the top 5 weekends of all time! Even though I wasn't as tough as I thought I'd be in the wrestling ring, I feel quite badass. Finally I had a road trip happen without a hitch. And it was great to see Jamie (thank you so much for having me!). Taos is a wonderful place and I'm already looking forward to returning.

Mugs mugs mugs

2010-08-03T16:39:00.001-07:00

I know it has been a long time since I gave this ole' blog some attention. I went through a period where I just wasn't feeling creative and then I went through such a burst of productivity that I didn't give myself time to write about it. But I'm back, and excited to catch up and let you all in on what I've been doing lately!I've been doing LOTS of pottery. Mostly mugs. Each one is thrown and then hand carved- which makes them one-of-a-kind (I'm starting to figure out that's my schtick). Soon I'll have enough to host a little sale/open house, so if you're in the Boulder area and interested, let me know and I'll be sure you get an invitation! People can always use a really special mug, right?

I've been toying with the idea of opening an Etsy pottery shop. Any thoughts?

Sorry Charlie

2010-06-04T12:52:00.000-07:00

This was painted on the graffiti permission wall in Boulder at the intersection of 30th and Arapahoe. (If this is your work and you would like credit please email me!)
I am just speechless and heartbroken at how BIG of a disaster this is. What really irks me is the lack of responsibility, integrity, and honesty BP has shown in disclosing information and coming up with solutions. Did you hear what CEO Tony Hayward said about the oil spill? That it was "relatively tiny" compared to the size of the ocean. !!! And that the environmental impact would be "very very modest". !!!!! I... Am.....Speechless.

Boston!

2010-05-30T20:16:00.000-07:00

I went to Boston for a whirlwind trip May 10-11. I went alone, which sometimes I think is the best way to travel. I mostly just walked around... Boston was a very cool city. Tons of history every which way, neat old buildings, sea gulls, cold wind, and the smell of salt in the air. I definitely have to go back and stay awhile!There were some interesting things- like the pool ladders into the harbor, and the spiral escape staircase (instead of a ladder).

Earth Hour

2010-03-27T09:53:00.000-07:00

Tonight is Earth Hour! And finally the city of Boulder is participating. At 8:30pm all city buildings will turn off unnecessary lights. I'm going to go around my house and not only turn off the lights, but unplug EVERYTHING.

The photos above are of Nashville- the city lights as they usually are, and the lights during Nashville. It is such a striking difference!

Find more information here.

Just Because Bicycle Ride

2010-03-04T13:14:00.000-08:00

Today is such a beautiful day in Boulder. Spring is teasing me! I love Spring. I love the burst of energy I get every year. I love the little flowers poking up through the snow. I love the bright green color of baby leaves. Colorado is notorious for being in the 70's one day, snowing the next, so I wanted to seize my opportunity to soak up the warmth. Usually I ride my bicycle only to get places, which sometimes adds a burden to an otherwise pleasant bike ride. So today I decided that I didn't want to go anywhere in particular but I wanted to go there on my bike! I rode around the paths of Boulder, through puddles of melting snow, past a lake with water and sun breaking up the ice. I heard little birds singing the whole way. I came to a very important conclusion: I need to go on more just because it's beautiful bicycle rides!
*I'm trying to draw a little bit every day. Nothing fancy, just putting the pencil in my hand. I'm starting off with drawing things that make me happy! My Schwinn is definitely on that list. Created March 1, 2010*

Sometimes it's the only thing I can say

2010-02-24T13:30:00.001-08:00

Sometimes I'm reminded of how little control I have over anything. Usually at that point the best thing for me to do is to take a deep breath and....... let go. And if I'm really frustrated, adding the F-bomb into that said letting go can help too!
This was made from a former skirt, a pillowcase, and embroidery floss. I stitched the fabric onto a stronger backing (felt works well), then tied the letters onto a strip of fabric with embroidery floss.

Day dreaming

2010-02-18T11:34:00.001-08:00

How I would love to be floating on this boat, snuggled under a colorful quilt, and reading a good book! Photo found here.

My sweetheart

2010-02-15T12:23:00.000-08:00

This year for Valentine's Day I was single for the first time in many many years.... So I decided to be my own sweetheart! I've never been a fan of the whole business around Valentine's Day- that you only love someone if you get them a dozen red roses and a mushy glittery heart card. But flowers are nice, and so in the spirit of loving myself I got exactly what I wanted. Purple tulips for my table, and a 'Twinkle' orchid for my bedroom. And strawberries.

I do have an admirer though!

True, Sam is only 6, but it was lovely to get a card!

Dinner for two

2010-02-08T14:22:00.000-08:00

Lately I've been actively looking for things in the world that are artsy, imaginative, and happy. There's always something! This weekend while I was out and about and walked past a furniture store window. Things seemed normal at first- lights, couches, a dining room table... But then I realized, wait a minute! It is NOT an every day occurrence for a couple to be dining and in the display! It looked very romantic and made me smile. I went to the downtown bookstore and then spent a little time devouring my purchase in a nearby cafe (I got the book How To Be an Explorer of the World by Keri Smith). When I walked past the display again the couple was gone, no evidence of their dinner in sight.

Dog Collar!

2010-02-06T10:43:00.000-08:00

I just got done listing this fabulous dog collar on Etsy! As with all my projects, it is one-of-a-kind and made with recycled materials. Rosie is such a good model, and works for treats!

Multitasking

2010-02-02T14:05:00.000-08:00

This is what I call multitasking:

Rollerskating, walking the dog, and taking a picture at the same time!

Jumping and Joy

2010-02-01T16:25:00.000-08:00

Have you ever tried to photograph yourself in mid air? If not, I suggest you do it. I had so much fun and the results can be hilarious. I set the timer on my camera, and.... Jumped! Sometimes it captured me when I landed, before I took off, or getting some serious air, but in every photo I was smiling like a crazy person.

Stickers!

2010-01-26T13:39:00.000-08:00

ReLove Projects cards have been improved! I now enclose each card in a biodegradable plastic sleeve (made from corn!), and stick them shut with my logo printed on recycled craft paper. I also include a sticker in the package- to put on the envelope, the card, or whatever else. Even though this is such a small thing I feel so much more professional now. You can find my one-of-a-kind cards here!
Right now I just have a few in the store, but more will be listed this week.

The curse of the road trip part 2

2010-01-24T19:47:00.000-08:00

So remember how in my last post I wrote about how I have bad luck with road trips. Yeah.... Here is my conversation with my friend in Taos, the day I was supposed to leave:
Her: "Have you checked the weather? It's snowing here, we have about a foot right now, and we're supposed to get tons more. School is cancelled. The roads are still open but it seems risky..."
Me: "Crap."
I was so bummed- I made arrangements to get work off, to have the dog I'm sitting for taken care of (I decided to bring Rosie so that I'd have some company!), I cleaned my house, I bought road trip food. I was ready to go! And I needed to go. With my luck though, I was not going to head out with such a bad forecast. I was whining to my dad, and he said, "Maybe you can visit your sister." (In Steamboat, about a 4 hour drive, the opposite direction from Taos). Brilliant. So I went with Rosie and quite a bit of trepidation. Besides forgetting to bring an extra pair of socks (and learning that the hard way), the trip there was easy. I made it there quickly, safely, and with mostly good weather. I spent the whole weekend feeling smug and accomplished.
Saturday night I was watching the news. Southern Colorado (which I would have passed through to get to Taos) got 4 feet of snow, high winds, and in some places there were 20 foot snow drifts. Holy moly, I made the right decision! More smugness.
Next time I have any feeling that even slightly resembles smugness, I need to remind myself to get ready to eat it. The drive home was not sunshine and daisies. It was snow snow snow, driving 10 miles an hour, limited visibility, and pure fear. My hands still ache from gripping the steering wheel. But I got through it. I made it over the pass, through the bad weather, and into Kremling, the first city after leaving Steamboat. Then I got to Silverthorn, my next milestone.
I started heading up a big highway hill (I-70, on the way to the Eisenhower tunnel), traffic stopped. And went. And stopped. And went. And so on. It took me 45 minutes to go a few miles. Snow started blowing. As I inched up the hill, I noticed a strange smell. I thought, "Who could be baking here?" That's really what it smelled like- cookies. Then a guy started waving in the car next to me and pantomimed that my engine was smoking, and it was. White smoke was seeping out the cracks, getting thicker and smelling not so much like cookies anymore. Rosie started pacing in the back seat as her muscles shook. I was scared. There was nowhere to pull over, nowhere to exit, nowhere to turn around. After what felt like a long time (but was probably just a few minutes), there was enough of a shoulder for me to pull off.
I'm a wuss when it comes to car problems. I wish that I were one of those tomboy types that could figure things out, but I'm not. There was once when I got a flat tire on a mountain road and thought I knew how to change it. I got out the tools and kept telling myself, "How hard can this be?" I was flailing around with the jack when a truck pulled up. Two guys jumped out and without saying anything, changed my tire, got back in their car and drove away. Maybe I make a better damsel in distress? Pathetic.
So there I was, sitting on the shoulder of the highway, with an insane mountain drop on my right side, traffic on my left, nowhere to go, and a smoking engine. I started crying. Why did I decide to take a road trip by myself? How is it that I am so inept with cars? What could I even possibly do? Then traffic stopped with me. People got out and stretched. One guy near me opened a beer and was running between the cars whooping and having a great time. I laughed. Rosie stopped pacing and laid down with a grunt. My engine stopped smoking. My phone worked and I called my sister and her husband, who very gently talked me through my options. My sister said, "Ok, open the hood of your car." I don't even know how to do that! My car maybe overheated, maybe blew a hose. Finally, the best idea seemed to be: Let the car sit for a little bit, start it, and then drive to the next exit with the heat blasting (to prevent it from overheating again) and figure out what to do from there. Traffic started moving again. I started my car and kept my eye on the temperature gauge. It smelled horrendous, like car chemicals, but it ran fine until I got back to Boulder a few hours later.
Now my car is in the shop. Hopefully it is something stupid and harmless, like my dad's theory that my wheel wells were full of snow and ice.
I now officially believe that I have some sort of road trip curse!

Road Trip

2010-01-22T12:05:00.000-08:00

This weekend I'm going on a little road trip. In all my life I've never driven anywhere alone. I've always had company of some sort (even if it was a sleeping toddler). To be honest, I'm a little nervous. I have bad luck with road trips.
When Hana was 2 I decided that I wanted to visit a reservation in South Dakota. About 20 miles away from our destination we hit a serious blizzard and had to stay with an elderly couple I met in a diner. Overnight 3 feet of snow built up. When I called the tribal leader I was supposed to stay with he simply said, "Better not come. The roads aren't marked. Better not come."
When Hana was 3 my mom took us on a road trip to Santa Fe. Again, we got stuck in a blizzard, the highway was closed, and we had to stay in a Red Cross shelter in Las Vegas, New Mexico.
Last April I tried to go to Santa Fe again, and my car got stuck in snow before we even left! Then the windshield wiper broke and we stayed in a hotel in Denver, about 40 miles from my house.
So wish me luck! I'm hoping for sunny skies all the way.

Another Boat

2010-01-20T13:00:00.000-08:00

http://www.annwoodhandmade.com/

I made another boat! Thanks again, Ann, for posting such a great tutorial. This guy is smaller than the other one, and once again needs some extra trimmings. But I did it! That's one project finished! (I am so embarassed to admit that I made this for a Christmas gift. I don't know why it took me so long to finally finally do it. Sheesh!)

Painting over

2010-01-18T21:56:00.000-08:00

Today's project was unexpected and came up quick. My daughter decided she wanted to move her bedroom into was was previously "The Lounge"- the room I've always associated with the men that have come in and out of my life. First it was my daughter's father's room... Then it was Paul's, and then it was David's lounge. When Paul was living with us he chose a brown color with a hint of.... green? yellow? Whatever the color, it was very dark, very masculine, and very unsuitable for a pre-teen girl. So we went to the hardware store last night where my daughter chose a plum color for one wall and a cream color for the other three. The closet was in poor shape so we painted that plum as well (top photo).

All day I painted painted painted. I forgot what hard physical work painting is (my arms feel like they might fall off). I forgot how it always takes longer than I think (how does painting a tiny bedroom take 7 hours?!). And I forgot the thrill of how great a simple change in color can look I'm done. It feels so good to paint over the reminder of failed relationships and create new associations in its place. (more photos coming soon!)

Time to kick my own ass

2010-01-15T09:26:00.000-08:00

I recently came across my old friend's blog The Diary of a Man Sometimes Lost. Adam and I went to high school together. He was always the guy doing his own thing, not caring what anybody thought (in high school that in itself shows what a huge person he is). He would rally crowds people to try and fit into the ancient Ford Fairlane (it fit a lot of people, 17?), jump into the pool with his clothes on, and give high fives in the hallways. He's one of those amazing people that has the ability to make anybody feel good- great even- for being just who they are. So knowing Adam, and knowing that everything he writes about comes from a good place, his most recent post opened my eyes to some hard ugly truths. Go read it, then come back, and read the rest of this. Here is the link again, just to make it easier for ya!

So on the issue of telling your friends the truth and having them return the favor: nobody told me how lame it is that I haven't updated my etsy store in.... how long? Nobody said anything about all of the incomplete projects I have laying around. No one even hinted that much of what I've been doing lately has been half-assed. Of course I have my reasons and excuses, but after whining about those I still have an empty etsy store, no new projects, and this yucky feeling that comes with me not doing my best. I haven't been doing my best in life either. I've let relationships slide, I've neglected my body, and I've been taking the easy road every time I'm given the choice.

Telling the truth can be hard and scary, especially if it's to someone you care about. And telling the truth can hurt. And man, when I'm called out sometimes horrible human things come out of the closet to play- Shame, embarrassment, defensiveness... Usually the worst part is that I didn't see it, I wasn't truthful with myself. I got lost in the excuses, the fear, the denial. But no more. I've looked in the mirror and told myself the truth: It is time to make new work, take care of my etsy store, finish projects. It's time I start submitting work and actually get to a place where I can support myself with my art. I need to get back into yoga, running, walking, riding my bike, and all those great active things that I truly enjoy doing. I need to call all the people I love and tell them so. I need to finish painting my kitchen.
It is time to kick my own ass.
Thanks Adam, for being a friend and helping me to see my ugly truths.
And now I'll be your friend too- What ugly truths have you been hiding from?

Love this

2010-01-11T21:03:00.000-08:00

Fermatic Wilderness (Detail) Acrylic and hand-cut paper on panel

Fermatic Pandemic

72″ x 36″ x 3″

acrylic and hand cut paper on panel

2009

I just love the art work by Charles Clary. It's interesting- months ago I started doing something similar with clay. Less colorful and complex, but it is layers of blobish things mingling together. Similar, but also very different. Now I'm inspired to add some color to my pieces! I found this here over at Art Milk, also a great discovery of my Monday.

Ahhh, I just love Mondays now. One full day of doing what I love to do. Today I worked on my banner, or bunting, or whatever. I need to get a different color of thread, but I'm making progress. By next week I should have little flags of happiness hanging around! (this is a really dark photo, but I like how much the fabric stands out). My bunting is made with a recycled vintage table cloth that was stained and torn. Unfortunately in my gusto I wasn't very careful and have a big ole' stain on one of the flags. At least it is just for me. I can live with imperfection (and often prefer it). I'm thinking of making a few for my etsy shop... Any thoughts or ideas?

Inspiring artists

2010-01-06T12:31:00.000-08:00

I am so inspired by Sophie Blackall! She is an illustrator/artist living in New York. She has a few blogs and websites: her blog, Missed Connections, her website, and her shop. I especially love her 'Missed Connections' series. She looks on craigslist for some interesting missed connections, then illustrates them. Sometimes when I'm tired of news and disasters and all of the sad happenings in the world, I'll read the personals. Where else does one paragraph have the potential to change your life? And how often are we required to sum up ourselves in so few words?