Bits & Pieces

A week has flown by since my last post - so much for daily blogging. 

I am listening to the beautiful rain - apparently there has been a flash flood advisory in effect today. Meh.

Todays project came by way of baking. I worked a closing shift which put me at the office at 11am.  I was going to be adventurous and get up early to work on projects, etc. 

The reality? I stayed in bed while it poured outside. So much for productivity. 

However, I did get some creation done today.  Kitchen creation in the form of cookies.  Remember, I work with a LOT of guys.  The gals I work with closely are vegan. I'm not too comfortable cooking vegan friendly, so my baking treats end up in the welcome mouths of my male coworkers. Its an easy way to bring happiness to the team.

Proof that they were kinda tasty....(I had the tin of cookies out for about three hours - there were at least 2 dozen cookies in the tin)

Bits & Pieces Cookies

Start with your fave chocolate chip cookie recipe.

Add:

1 banana

1 tbs of cocoa

2 tsp of oil

3 (ish) handfuls of butterscotch chips 

2 (ish) handfuls of dried cranberries

I added an extra 1/2C of flour to the recipe along with an extra teaspoon of baking soda. Partially because of my lame oven and the altitude i'm at, and partially because the banana and oil made the dough a little too sticky for proper baking.

Its not exact. Believe me when I say I didnt pass chemistry. (well, maybe I passed, but barely got by). I just like to experiment with whatever ingredients sound good and happen to be on hand.

Enjoy! 

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I De-chair!

Today's project was going to be some sewing related.

See, I have proof:

Then, I got this fantastic idea for a slip cover - no sewing required! I mean, I love sewing, but by the time I got home, got a snack and was ready to be crafty, it was already about 930 - and the downstairs space (where the sewing machine is) was occupied...so thus, the decision to switch gears.

Cosmetic Consult:

1. boring *yawn* chair
2. boring *yawn* chair

Supplies Needed:

1. 2 Pillow cases. Matching are best. I picked mine up at a thrift store for $1 each!
2. Ribbon
3. Saftey Pins (optional)

Plastic Surgery:

1. Take the first pillow case and drape it over the back of the chair as though it were a pillow.  Invert the upper corners to avoid the whole "ugly pointy corner" look."
2. with the second pillow case, cover the seat chair. 
3. At this point you can choose to saftey pin the bottom pillow case to a bit of the drapey fabric of the top pillow case. Its not necessary, but if there are small animals or children around which would prevent the case from staying in place on its own, small saftey pins will keep your project in tact.
4. Tie your ribbon around the top of the chair.  You can use matching or contrasting ribbon and I just chose to use bits I had leftover around the house.

Presto! You're done. In under 10 minutes and for less than $5! Unless you needed to buy the chair at the thrift store too...Here's your finished work:

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Isn't about...time?

After a decent nights sleep and a walk through Anthropologie (during my lunch break) I was sufficiently renewed artistically speaking. 

Today's project involved my bathroom. I have had two non-funtioning clocks in that space for quite some time now...and tonight was the night for changing that...  The large clock on the wall is in need of a heart transplant, so I decided to save that surgery for another day.  

As for clock #2,  plastic surgery was in order - definitely a Wednesday night worthy project. 

Cosmetic Consult:

• ultra ugly high gloss shine (making the overall appearance cheap and juvenille...plus I just dont like the look of most plastics)
• bland, over - modern design
• dead battery

The supplies:

• hot glue gun (seriously, I love this tool - I fixed a pair of shoes while I waited for the clock to dry...)
• twine
• brown stamp pad
• shells (you mean everyone doesnt have a bag of hand collected sea shells lying around?)
• sander block (or sand paper)

How To:

1. Use sander block to take the shine off the clock - no need to be gentle. Criss cross your sanding patterns to give the clock's paint a nice distressed, dulled down finish.  This also gives it the appearance of wood.
2. Wrap the twine around the body of the clock. Feel free to criss cross this as well - be creative and keep it interesting. Hot glue the end of the twine to keep it from unravelling.
3. Hot glue shells where you wish.
4. Use the brown stamp pad to further distress the front of the clock.
5. Replace the dead battery

Ta- da! Here's the finished work!

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Sweet Apple Tart

So, tonight I'd like to spotlight a dear friend of mine.  A partner in all things crafty and a kindred spirit in the crazy mind trips of artistic inspiration, Brit is a gem in my life.

Tonight she invited me over to eat tarts. Yes, Madame Attoinette - we let ourselves eat tarts tonight.  Fresh peaches, delicious flaky crust made for a finger-lickin' tasty treat.  It was a sweet piece of fall and homemade goodness that I had to capture.  And then share as an artistic inspiration!

Oh, yes. I was creative independently today.  I tend to dabble in graphic design for blogs...and another dear friend, Mel, has been sharing some ideas for her "new" blog header.  This is a quick lunch sketch of my thoughts...

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Waning Summer Sun

I tried to be creative today. To be inspired.  To find or do something that was artistic.  I was not successful.

I attempted at lunch.

The certified italian pizza place I went to today was delicious.  It was fun to actually watch him make my pizza and then cook it for three minutes at which point it was ready for me to devour. But, that wasn’t really so much an artistic inspiration on my behalf. I just watched him be pretty with my food.

I even walked by my favorite part of the canal during my break. My artistic sight fell dim.

In reality, I have been pensive all day.  Its been an unavoidable thick day.  My heart feels a little tired and has an emotional hangover. Last night it was drunk on worry.

I talked with my mom at lunch - I told her I was up late last night having an anxiety attack about our family -- she laughed. For the next 10 seconds I was silently upset that she was so insensitive as to laugh at my serious emotional condition.

Her response:

“I have them everyday. I understand”

This reminded me that I am not so unique - we all have pain and we all have to get up the next morning and put our shoes on. She has to bear the brunt of the day to day ramifications of my dad and brothers illnesses.  Most days she sounds upbeat and strong.  She has her German gumption and order which keeps reality balanced.  Hearing a small wedge of what her heart really feels at the end of the day when the world is sleeping was disturbingly a relief.  

She isnt as chipper about the situation as I’d thought. 

Part of me feels weak for reacting the way I have - I am not there in the day to day and I cant do anything.  But, that is partially why I feel the way I feel. I am far away and can’t do anything. It kinda stinks. Its really hard.  

I’d rather stay in bed and sleep. Or watch endless amounts of mindless t.v. to numb my mind and stop it from going to “that place.” You know, the place where we stress, wonder, hurt, cry and deal with the reality of hard things. Things we think we shouldn’t have to deal with - because we’re too nice, too young, too smart, too good, too rich, too poor, too ... well somehow we think we’re exempt from mortality. 

We’re not exempt.

Most of me wants to turn into a butterfly and quietly set wing to a lovely beach in Mexico, Hawaii or the coast of France.  

Maybe tomorrow will bring the lightness and joy of artistry. Just not today.

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Ruby Reds

I have been out of town this weekend and havent had access to the internet. It was a much needed break from technology and the tethering I feel to the world through social media/networking and the general slam of information and connectedness smartphones bring.

So, tonight I am back with a daily post of creativity.  I wrote this poem a bit ago, but I feel its appropriate for the day and the experiences I have been in the middle of.  A lot of my friends have been going through some heavy family and personal change (including moi).  This poem is a partial answer to our condition.

         Ruby Reds                   

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Summer Melt

Okay, so maybe its a bit sneaky to post older work in an effort to keep something creative up here daily.  But, its not SO old - just from my artist retreat in August. I had a class in which I wrote 10 quick poems in an hour.  Definitely an exercise which helped me get into the writing groove.  I definitely didn't love all of my poems, but a few of them might make it into my eventual book....

With the fade of summer, this one feels appropriate...

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Circus! Circus!

If I'd known the circus was as cool as the Cirque de Soleil, I would have joined it years ago!

When speaking of fantastic and artistic inspiration, this was the place to be.  I don't want to spoil the show for anyone, but it was so rich in color and details.

A friend of mine celebrated his birthday by organizing a group of people to go to the show.  After quite an adventure driving there (i know, i know, following directions is always an adventure for me!) my roomie and I ended up being late.  BUT, this worked to our advantage.  The nice guy helping people to their seats actually ushered us to the middle section about 4 rows from the front.  This was a lot closer than the back of house seats we bought in to. Woohoo! Surprise and de-light!

It was a magical evening filled with colorful fanciful costuming, imagery, french music and an allure I cant describe.  

Needless to say I was renewed in my creative adventures and will be attending the Cirque de Soliel whenever possible.

Here are a couple after pics!

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Coast to Coast Compost!

For my roomies...they know me as the "gardner."

Early this year, I ventured into independent gardening - a huge leap from the tandem gardening (more like my dad does 80%, I did 20%) of my youth.  

With that came a desire to compost. 

After all, my aunt composts, my dad composts, I bought an organic gardening book and found a free container via the Maryland County "green" program.  (thank you maryland tax payers).

And so it began.  My roomies were very kind and didnt complain too much about the closed container I kept (and still keep) on the counter to collect kitchen scraps acceptable in the heap.

Now? Well, my composting is alive and well.  I just had a conversation with my father and he apparently just created a two tier compost bin so my parents can REALLY be organic gardeners.  This I have to see.

So, in honor of my fathers two-tier compost bin. I post this entry.  And share a link to a great list of everything compostable. (just click on the header of this entry)

And a link to my Youtube Video on composting. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2O8vJsDoF0

Enjoy and happy gardening!!

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Ode to September...

I love the fall - there are a few lingering butterflys, blue skies and lovely sunsets and this comforting feeling of spice and memories in the air.  Summer is a bright time, full of heat and relaxing - a time to play.  But the fall, the fall is different.  The wind sounds differnt.  The sun shines differently - cooler and paler. yes, I like the fall.  Sharp pencils, plaid skirts, and lots of cinnamon.  

Welcome September. 

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Daily Inspiration

I always love a daily dose of good inspiration.  I never know the time or the form creativity will hit me.  Sometimes I am awed by the incredible design and vibrant hue of a flower, other days its another creative person and some days its a memory.

Today - on my lunch break, the inspiration was in a form of a memory - and I smelled it long before I saw it.  Sweet, light notes of vanilla, and a heavy association to the color blue. 

Tobacco. (Now, young readers, dont get any brilliant ideas. I am NOT supporting tobacco consumption.  The stuff will eventually kill you.)

There is a certain warmth and long standing connection between me and the smell of tobacco.  I used to run errands for my dads business and one of the men he worked with was a regular pipe smoker. Also, our neighborhood locksmith (yes, they used to have those back when I was growing up) was tobacco pipe guy. I tend to associate a bit of family, younger/carefree days and the jingling bell of shop front door with the scent.

Its funny how one sniff of the fumes brings a flood of collective memories to mind in just a matter of seconds.  

Here is the smoke shop:

I like the indian statue selling tobacco for 5 cents.  He’s kinda cute.

Now that my 30 before 30 project is done - I need a new “collection” or “installation” to do in the mini-series I call my creative life.  After some careful consideration, I have decided to have a “daily dose” of creativity.  Each day I am going to do something creative - that in itself isnt anyting new - I really do try and find inspiration and create art each day, but now I am going to really hold myself accountable AND blog about it.  No excuses. Daily blogging and daily creation.

And no spill overs. Even though I managed to get in a couple moments of craftiness yesterday, it wont count for today. 

This is including but not limited to the following catagories:

music

photography

headbands

inventions

“found objects”

sewing/reworking vintage clothing

repurposing objects

painting

cards/paperwork

stamping

graphic design

Enjoy!

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Onomatopoeia

Tonight I decided our current english language doesnt reference enough onomatopoeia.

Perhaps if I was at Yale or Harvard or even England (because everything sounds more proper and fun with a british accent) my ears would be delighted with descriptive, textured words. But, I don't.

Tonight, however, I heard a word that reminded me of my love for sweet onomatopoeia.

Nimble.

I welcome your favorite words which reflect good onomatopoeia. That, and I wanted to see how often I could use that word in a single post.

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Order is in Order, I say!!

A lot has been going on in my life lately - for those that know me and my family, there have been a couple bumps in the road.  And, when my emotional state is chaos, the physical world i live in is chaos too! 

This includes but is not limited to: my room, my laundry, my blog, my craftiness, my car and even my groceries. So, in an attempt to CONTROL something (since I cant really control the family things I'd like to control), I went on a crazy spree last night.  No, really.

My need for order was so intense that I even labled the crates in my closet which hold my sweaters. Don'd believe me? Ha. I have proof.  Think you're ocd? Think again.  

And, thanks to my good friend Shell, I adopted the color order method in my closet.

Your jewelry probably doesn't look this tidy.

Ahhhhhh. There are two things that are an immediate fix for my when my world is in crazy-town. High power cleaning/organizing AND craftiness time. Yup. Have proof of that too.

Enjoy! And, for those of you on the west coast, I am jealous. Its raining today. Grey and gloomy at 2pm. 

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