Crafting Update (with pattern)

There's nothing like the holiday season to kick my crafting motivation into high gear. I have finished quite a few projects so far. Thought I would share this really cute scarflette I made as a gift. I'm not really an expert on knitting patterns but this is generally what I did:

Using a bulky yarn like Jiffy Quick cast on about 24st. *Knit across turn purl across Repeat from * until it can wrap comfortably around your (or recipients) neck. Then begin moss stitch, for 5 rows. Cast off in moss stitch. Add buttons of your choice!

Enjoy and HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Debut 2009

I had the wonderful opportunity of being chosen for a Cotton Incorporated competition called Chairing Styles. I designed the textile print for a fabric that was then used by a fashion designer to create a gown for Barbie and an interior designer who created a chair. We all got to walk the runway with our designs at FIDM's Debut 2009. It was a great experience and I am really proud of my design. Feel free to watch a video of the show on FIDM's website.

Trend Watch: Spring 2010

Keep this shade in mind when looking for items to add to your spring 2010 wardrobe and decor. Its a serene icy blue shade that adds a sense of modern softness. I think its a fresh, clean and crisp shade that's absolutely timeless.

Grossest Gift Winner

Not only does bacon disgust me but add bloody wounds to the picture and you've got one gross gift. Bacon Strips bandages, who thinks of this stuff?? I can only imagine what these suckers look like on! So, if you're looking for a great gag gift or better yet a gift for someone on your naughty list you can get these greasy gauze's on fredflare.com for $9.

One-of-a-Kind Recycled Home Decor

Got this fun little article from one of my favorite sites, The Daily Green, I strongly encourage everyone to subscribe to their newsletter.

See how a little creativity and little to no money can give your home instant style all while you remain eco-friendly!

One-of-a-Kind Recycled Home Décor

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The future scares me...

This fembot looks way too real for my comfort, I'm not quite sure how I like the idea of hot girls that can literally be programmed and turned off running around. She is a product of Kokoro, a division on Sanrio and her name is the Actroid DER2. Amazing technology with a frightful future!

a yellow submarine

This yellow submarine, vinyl shower curtain makes me wants to scrub-a-dun-dub all day long. So cheerful! To make it even better you can get it for just$20 at one of new favorite online shops, Plasticland. Check them out, there site is filled with cute and kitchy stuff, including a hot pink Cuckoo clock that I can't get enough of.

A Great Cause!

Kitchen Gardeners International (KGI)wants you to help them Crush Hunger. KGI is working through its members and partners to plant school gardens around the world so that those in need can learn to provide for themselves. I beleive this is an amazing cause, because we are teaching them to be self sufficient. It is not a hand out it is the opportunity to change their way of life. If this is an issue close to your heart look into donating to KGI or find your own way to help fight this massive world issue.

Trend Watch: Hardware

Hardware is popping up everywhere and it is definitely a trend to track this coming fall and winter season. The gloves pictured above are my favorite pick and can be found at Free People. You can find super edgy, bold pieces or items with just a studded hint; make the look yours. Update old items in your closet just by adding some hardware accessories from your local craft shop or from things found around the house. The cool metallic accents add a polished edgy feel to any look.

DIY Eco Speakers

Ummm....all I have to say is, "Yes Please!". These Eco Speakers are made by Merkury and cost just under $20. If you're like me then you'll love the face that they are 70% recycled cardboard and that means they don't have an industrial look, like most electronics do. Plus they are super cute!!

Crafting Update

So I have made a little progress finishing some of my craft projects. I almost finished a scarf that I set out to make for myself. I have never knitted or crocheted myself anything. However, as I got to the final stage of the scarf it started to look, well....ugly! I think I did something wrong. This is when I quit and never go back. So now I must tear out several rows and start again. I am forcing myself to finish this thing and to do it right. And when I do, I will post a picture of my masterpiece. Until then...keep crafting.

Tree Cozy

This tree is called the "Tree Cozy" and it's located outside of the City Hall in Cleveland Heights. It was created by Carol Hummel and it took her over 500 hours to complete! I usually think that nature doesn't need any help looking beautiful and that we shouldn't mess with it, but I think this tree is somehow magical looking. Hummel creates tons of amazing yarn masterpieces from covering parking meters to making crochet paths in the sand. Her website is definitely worth a look.

Projects Galore...

I have soo many craft projects that I start and NEVER FINISH!! I'm sure there are more of you that are just like me out there. We are procrasta-crafters! I get an idea in my head, go buy all the supplies, come home convinced that I am going to stay up all night and work on it; then when I hit an obstacle I stop and hardly ever go back to it. I need to make a deal with myself that I will go back and finish at least 3 of the things I started. When I do...I will post pictures to prove it - I swear (no fingers crossed). ,I challange you my fellow procrasta-crafters too! FINISH YOUR PROJECTS once and for all!!!

Knit vs. Crochet

I've always been a knitter. I learned a few crochet techniques in school but never really had an interest in the look of it until recently. It seems to be a upcoming trend this fall and I really like what I'm seeing. I still prefer the look of a knit but I'm loving my new crochet projects because I finish so much faster. What do you all prefer...knit or crochet??

Support Your Boobies with more then just a bra!!

On Sunday, October 18, 2009, I will be participating in the 17th annual Komen Maryland Race for the Cure. If you can't join me then I hope you will make a contribution to support the Komen promise. NO DONATION IS TOO SMALL!

Because early detection is the best protection for breast cancer, Komen Maryland sponsors grants that increase the number of women who have annual mammograms and clinical breast exam screenings. Komen grants also target the entire range of breast health services from transportation to appointments and financial support to clinical trials and national research to find a cure.

All you need to do is go to my personal webpage to make a donation or to register as a race participant! It's that easy!


Click Here to Donate

Trend Watch

A new trend to watch out for in the apparel and interior industry is tartan plaid! It's coming back in so many forms, from wallpaper to purses. Keep your eye out for fresh modern versions of this timeless pattern. It looks like one of my favorite site The Nest is right on point with the trend as seen in the picture above which was taken from their website. Also a hot color for the fall 2009 season is steel blue-gray. You will see it paired up with vibrant violets and navy blues.

Friday Finds!

This week I want to feature an artist after my own passion. Masha D'Yans creates amazing note cards with using brilliant watercolor techniques and Japanese inspired motifs. Each card is rendered so well that I want to frame it instead of sending it throught the mail. Check out her site to be inspired or order a pack of cards to wow your friends.

Great Resource

Just thought I would share one of my favorite online resources. If you ever get stuck on choosing colors for anything, whether is be a craft, an outfit or just decorating your home this site can be a priceless resource! Coulour Lovers gives an endless array of color palettes that follows current trends.

Friday Finds

I decided that every Friday I will feature a new online boutique or product that I think is fabulous so I do my part in promoting the design industry and the people who slave for it. This week I came across an amazing little design shop called Rare Device. It was founded by, Rena Tom in an effort to promote designers (just like I decided to do with this entry). Every item on this site makes me say, "oOoO...I want THAT!!". For example the picture above is the Clocky, which is an alarm clock that runs away from you when it goes off, so you are forced to take that dreadful leap out of bed.

A site every woman should know about...

Skin Deep is an amazing resource put together by the Envirmental Working Group. In the past 5 years I have become much more aware of the toxicity of products on the market but I'm no scientist so it's hard for me to determine what's safe and what's not. Skin Deep does all the hard work for me. I can look up just about any beauty product on the market and find out it's toxicity levels. They do a great job of breaking down each toxin and why/how it affects your body. I've found that soo many companies are 'green-washing' themselves and the public trusts that when they buy a product labeled 'organic' or 'natural' that it's safe, but that's not always true. This site is a wonderful resource that should not be passed up!

Cutest Crab

I absolutely LOVE this crab pattern that I found on Knitty.com, I guess being a Marylander has something to do with my obsession since we are crab fiends here. There is nothing like a true Maryland Blue Crab! If you use this pattern let me know I would love to see a different spin on it.

mini vacation

Took a mini vacation to Ocean City, since it was only sunny the first day we got very competitive out of boredom. He won mini golf as usual, but I doubled his score in 500 Rummy! Now I'm just trying to hold onto any bit of summer that I can.

lovely

This is the Enso modern moka tea pot by Jeff Engelhardt. What an amazing form...Beautiful! I want one...NOW!!

Inspiration

I made this mosaic mirror a few years back. Recently I have been stressing over making my art perfect because for the first time in my life I am trying to actually sell it. I love this mirror and I remember being so proud of it when I first finished. It has become a sense of inspiration for me with my new printing projects. Reminding me that I can't over-think my designs and have to trust my artistic instincts, becuase it when you put yourself into something it shows and that's what makes art so great!

Pepper Proud!

I harvested my first peppers from my organic jalapeno plant!!! I am soo excited and proud of myself that I just had to share it with everyone. I went to the market and bought all the necessary ingredients to make salsa from scratch. Yummmm....

new beginnings

Moved 3000 across the country to become a "designer"
Graduated with open doors and high hopes.
Moved 3000 miles back to my comfort zone.
Applied for every job I thought I deserved.
Nothing.
Applied for every job I thought I could get.
Nothing.
Became a teller.
Met a lifelong friend.
Became an insurance specialist.
Died slowly behind a computer.
Got fired.
Cleaned out a corner in a spare bedroom.
Call it my studio.
Smiled.
Lets take it from here....