Fancy Schmancy

Moss Terrarium

2011-03-29T18:19:00.000-07:00

Unemployment has been very soothing (despite the ulcer the lack of money is causing). On Sunday Sophie and I went for a hike in the woods that is our backyard, for the first time since we have been here, just to explore. We found a quick path to the beach, tons of moss, lots of fallen balloons, (think about that the next time you launch one) and some lovely yellow flowers.
When we got back to the studio we promptly created a terrarium. Something I have been wanting to do for years now! And guess what? It wasn't that hard! Grab a jar, toss in dirt, lay moss on top, water and then add woodland creatures. Easy peasy.
I have been vacillating with what I want to do now.
-open master boutique-style pet grooming shop (i have it dwindled down to a starting cost of just one grand now but dang it is hard to pull that out of your donkey these days)
-or just incorporated it in my studio? (leaning towards that as a start)
-make my own pet shampoos and what not (i have always been fascinated with apothecary)
-resell those products (using my Master pet groomer title)
-spend more time crafting with Sophie, summer is a coming!

A Few things I am Loving Today

2011-03-23T10:00:00.000-07:00

A little craft project that I will be doing all the time now that we have a newly adopted studio kitty named Cosmo.
Our kitchen is near complete and man how I miss baking with my daughter. these paper baking cups are top of the list!

Love this matte and gloss retake on french tip nails. (plus i smashed my thumb last week. this would totally hide the black nail!)

Love these shorts. Total throwback to the 90s!

a cute way to display art and pictures.

Don't tell Sophie that I bought her this for Easter. It is totally cute and I cannot stop looking at it and giggling. Check out motleymutton's Etsy shop.

But if you see something you like, grab it! They go fast!

I Missed You

2011-03-21T18:07:00.000-07:00

I quit my dog grooming job last week! I have been looking for a reason to quit and boy oh boy she gave me one! Now I am about this close to opening my own shop so I am scrimping and saving to do it.
Wanna help? Go to my Etsy shop, make a purchase and use coupon code MISSEDYOU to save 20% off all purchases! (convo me for joint shipping charges).

Hide Your Towel, Hide Your Sponge!

2011-02-25T17:39:00.001-08:00

Lookit Lookit!

2011-01-25T20:21:00.000-08:00

I am totally geeking out over what I just found on Ebay and had to tell someone!

Do you see what this is? An uncut Todd Oldham sewing pattern (love him. love his BFF Amy Sedaris. love Charlie Harper. I have for over 20 years now). But when I saw this I said "holy shit- that ugly shirt has every single one of his collectible buttons on it!"
Then I squinted a bit and said "I know that brod. Is that Morena Baccarin? aka Anna from V!"

Totally worth the 7 bucks to find out! There are 2 left if anyone is interested....
size 14-18 and size 20-24

Varsity Prep For Fall

2010-09-04T18:54:00.000-07:00

ASOS Varsity Sweat Blazer

I’m loving this Fall’s preppy varsity look – it seems to be all about faux uniforms, crests emblazoned on blazers, and the revival of the ‘campus’ look. Some of my favorite additions to the style roster would be coat-of-arms necklaces, ‘ivy league’ jackets, and faux horn-rimmed thick framed glasses (although really, they’re just the wayfarer style with clear lenses).

Donegal tweed schoolboy blazer

Puppy Tooth Jersey Jacket My fav so far, prolly for the name. It also sounds soft.

I think this collection of badges and brooches is what got me started on this concept. I have already dug out a few blazers and brooches from my wardrobe and this weekend I hit the mother load when I found a huge collection of vintage badges from various Scottish games at an estate sale.
Here is a sneak peak of what I will be posting over the next few day to my Etsy shop.

A couple of accessories that I am diggin on right now is this big ass hair clip and wallet2wear.

Sushi For Breakfast

2010-09-04T18:37:00.000-07:00

We were planning on having it for dinner last night but it got to be too late by the time we made it onto the boat last night.

Sophie gave it a good try but the seaweed grossed her out a bit.

Next time we will make a more kid friendly version just for her. Like this Sara Lee Deli Kid Sushi.

Ingredients
2 slices Sara Lee® Fresh Ideas™ pre-sliced Honey Ham
2 strips Sara Lee® Swiss Cheese, thinly sliced, cut 2” x ¼"
2 slices Sara Lee® Soft and Smooth™ Made with Whole Grain White Bread
1 teaspoon ranch dressing
1 tablespoon thinly shredded carrots
2 sweet baby pickles

Method
Place two slices of white bread with the crusts cut off on a flat surface side-by-side. Using a rolling pin, or glass, gently flatten and fuse the bread slices together. Spread the ranch dressing over the inside middle of the flat bread slices. Place two slices of the ham on top of the ranch dressing. Place the shredded carrots and Swiss cheese on top of the ham. Place the two pickles horizontally and end-to-end at the bread edge closest to you. Starting at the bottom, roll the bread upwards to make a tight cigar-shaped roll. Using a bread knife, cut the roll into sushi-sized pieces approx one inch in length.

Option: Serve on a bed of mixed field greens with chop sticks and extra ranch dressing for dipping.

Recycled Glass Pendant Necklaces

2010-08-14T19:56:00.000-07:00

I am so very please to share with you the fantastic work of my friend Wendelyne's line of recycled glass pendant necklaces! Each is a beautiful work of art that I cannot take my eyes off of.
Each is a one of a kind (OOAK) piece of art work that hangs beautifully and reflect the light in an ever so subtle way. Plus they are made from recycled glass! Each piece has a secret message of encouragement stamped on the back.
More to come...I have 23 to list so get em while you can!

Great New Shop Items

2010-08-08T17:34:00.001-07:00

Go-with-the-Grain Wood Artwork

2010-08-06T15:09:00.000-07:00

For an eye-catching, one-of-a-kind display, create this naturally chic, go-with-the-grain wood art.

With a little paint and a couple of shelves, unassuming plywood becomes an unexpected work of art.

Step 1: Select a piece of 2’ x 2’ plywood (#7705) that has an interesting and pattern with contrasting light and dark wood. Sand the most interesting side using fine-grade sandpaper.

Step 2: Add water to any water-based, white paint (one part water to one part paint) and paint the lighter grain in the wood using the water/paint solution. Apply multiple coats to add more contrast. Let dry.

Step 3: Apply two coats of Minwax Polycrylic (#290327). Let dry.

Step 4: Cut a 1” x 3” x 6’ pine (#931) into two pieces to use as shelves (14-inches and 10-inches) or ask a Lowe’s employee to cut the wood for you.

Step 5: From behind the plywood, use 2- 1 1/2-inch screws to attach the 14-inch shelf 4 inches from the bottom and 3 inches from the right edge. Attach the 10-inch shelf 7 1/2 inches from the bottom and extending 2 1/2 inches from the right edge.

Step 6: Attach 2 D-Rings (#264577) to the back of artwork. Locate them 2 inches down from the top and 2 inches from the side. Hang in desired spot.

Rolling Cart

2010-08-06T14:52:00.001-07:00

Turn a utility sink into a cart for serving and storage.

1. Lightly sand a 2- x 2-foot sheet of plywood. Prime and paint the sink, sink legs, and plywood; let each coat dry. Apply a coat of polyurethane; allow to dry.

2. From two 1 x 2 x 4 boards, cut two 14 1/2-inch-long pieces and two 19-inch-long pieces. On the underside of the plywood, mark a 17 1/2- x 19-inch rectangle positioned 2 1/2 inches from the edges on three sides and 4 inches from the back. Lay the cut 1 x 2 pieces to fit the marked rectangle. Screw the boards into the plywood so that the assembly will fit securely in the sink.

3. Using a 1/2-inch drill bit, drill holes in the leg bottoms. Insert casters and secure with flat 3/8-inch washers and hex nuts. Snap the legs into the sink.

4. Measure and mark spots for the drawer pulls. They should be centered and 3 to 4 inches from the top edge on the front and back sides of the sink. Predrill holes and attach drawer pulls with screws. Insert the drain plug in the sink.via Lowescreativeideas

2010-07-11T14:28:00.000-07:00

I love this vintage looking cafeteria table. I think it would be the perfect studio table and perfect for an impromptu pot luck dinner with all the other people in our studio complex.
When I showed it to my husband he said "we could make that." Cool!

Me, Myself, Good

2010-07-11T12:15:00.000-07:00

We bought this piece of art made by Michael the gorilla titled "Me, Myself, Good" at an estate sale last weekend. They actually told me that it was a Koko piece so I was a little disappointed to find out that it was a Michael piece. I am familiar with Koko but who is Michael?

From Koko.org- "Michael was the male gorilla who was raised with Koko and communicated using over 500 modified American Sign Language gestures."
Michael died unexpectedly of heart disease in April of 2000.
"Michael's powerful self-portrait which he signed with his own handprint. If you look closely at the colorful shape to the left of the handprint, you may see a profile of Michael sitting, as one autistic student observed."

2010-04-18T15:17:00.000-07:00

Lifeguard Press asked me to review a few of their Lilly Pulitzer products and I have to say they are perfect for this time of year! Beautiful Spring/summery flowers and colors. Sophie and I are sorta fighting over some of the stuff because she thinks that anything pink in this house belongs to her!
I love the agenda calenders. A must have for my right now as we are so busy with the remodel of the boat and the building of the studio. All projects should be completed by the end of the month but I have my doubts...

I rented a storage unit yesterday and moved all of my Etsy Shop treasures into it. It felt really good and kinda like I was expanding my business. It filled up really quickly too. I have so many awesome things to add next month!

2010-04-18T15:00:00.000-07:00

So I bought a one piece swimsuit and a moo moo today. I have not had a one piece suit in years but I need a good "mom suit" to wear to the town pool. My hubby just rolled his eye at me as if to say "I knew this day would come..."

30% off with code 519.

Soy Wax Candle Making for Beginners

2010-03-28T16:46:00.002-07:00

I found a complete Soy Candle Making Kit at Amazon to get started (eligible for free shipping!). They also carry the Candle Making Pouring Pot Kit and some great books like The Everything Candle Making Book.

2010-03-28T16:46:00.001-07:00

New Shop Items!!

2010-03-27T15:09:00.001-07:00

Etsy
Buy Handmade
shoeshoestudio

Etsy
Buy Handmade
avantgarage

Etsy
Buy Handmade
trunque

2010-03-03T04:35:00.001-08:00

2010-03-02T04:35:00.000-08:00

Poodles On Pogo Sticks

2010-02-03T23:36:00.000-08:00

Hi there! I am so sorry that I have been away for so long. I have been spending all of my time at thrift stores and estate sale and over at Etsy trying to really make my shops work. I have expanded them! I have one for mid century modern home items. One for SHOES! (yay shoes) One for Children. And one for vintage fashion. I will also be working on one for older, more rustic/folk items and Mr Hubby is getting in on the action and wants one (maybe 2) for dude stuff.
This is just our attempt at controlling the reins. Although- I think I am going to "go back to work" next week. It's been 5 years since I have worked for someone other than myself and Cribcandy.
I have a local pet groomer wanting me to come work for her. (I am a master pet groomer by trade). Plus I have been bugging Mr Hubby for a dog and he's all "no way" so this will nurture that for me. Little does he know that the best way to get a dog is to work in the field and wait for one to find you.

2010-01-24T18:53:00.000-08:00

I found some new friends for my monkey over at Etsy. I have been spending a lot of time there adding stuff to my shops (ShoeshoeStudio and Avant Garage) but every now and then I snoop through the vintage section for stuff for myself. I found this awesome Kay Bojesen elephant for only $8.00! I kinda feel bad for finding such a deal on such a mid century modern collectible but hey- they shoulda done their homework right? The little ducks were vintage backstock from West Germany. I thought they were going to be larger but they are still really cute and well made.

2010-01-17T15:41:00.000-08:00

I have been into modernism/mid century modern for the past 9 years now. That is the style that I have adopted in my home decor. Living up here in this national forest out in the country but still waterside (goddamn its really pretty up here) I tend to lean towards older looks and warmer styles, but still hang onto a little bit of what I have designed for myself over the past 9 years. I feel like I might be falling into some sort of industrial, old world, country but still luxurious and metro category. Perhaps even a bit steampunk if you will. Take for example this photo of a laundry room portrayed by Restoration Hardware.

I could make a career out of doing the one task that is the vain of my existence if I got to spend my days in a room as rich and old world as this one. I can almost picture cutie Robert Downie Jr. (Sherlock Holmes) dropping of his blood stained clothes....

Vise grip book ends? YES!

Galvanize wine rack

My new flip clock iPhone app.

My new iPhone case

My newest FREE computer screen saver.

Bresson Rocker

Furry object 2.0

2010-01-16T11:37:00.000-08:00

I've spent the better part of the morning snooping around for riding boots for spring. Something to wear with flouncy little dresses. I am totally in love with these FRYE tall riding boots. Now I just have to convince Mr Hubby to part with $348 for them.....

2010-01-11T19:09:00.000-08:00

Amazing abstract tattoos by Amanda Wachob.

2010-01-08T23:57:00.001-08:00

Alma from Rodrigo Blaas on Vimeo.

The amazing story of Alma, a little girl who found her twin doll. Amazing 3D animation movie made by Rodrigo Blaas.

Pickled Spicy Green Beans

2010-01-08T17:32:00.000-08:00

We discovered a pub in town that makes the best jalapeno poppers with a cream cheese and marionberry (isn't that the major of D.C.?) dipping sauce. They also do an incredible bloody mary using pickled spicy green beans as a garnish instead of the typical celery. I decided to look for them at our local market so that we could make them at home. They were hard to find and when I did they had a $7.99 price on them! For green beans? So today I make a batch of them myself using this simple recipe from Chef2Chef. We shall see how they turn out in a month when they have fully pickled.

2010-01-03T20:36:00.000-08:00

I found these stacking stools on Craigslist this morning and had to snatch them up. All 4 for $25.00! They are so Alvar Aalto....(say that with nose pointed upward)

Norah Jones- Chasing Pirates

2010-01-02T13:40:00.001-08:00

Happy 2010!

2010-01-02T10:04:00.001-08:00

Hi there. Did everyone have a nice holiday? I did! My bff flew up from Cali for the week. She was so cute, she bought this huge puffy parka from LL Bean and kept the hood on and tied it around her face. She looked like Kenny from South Park. She was freezing cold the whole time. Silly California chic!

On one of our outings I came across this awesome little camera/necklace at Anthropology. They wanted $298 for it. I found it here for $139.

I am also thinking about making my own mineral make up. I am running low and hate the high prices of $35 for 0.34 oz. at Sephora. I did a little search and quickly came across Brambleberry. They have a kit for $40.00 that gives you enough product to make 4 oz. of foundation. Has anyone tried making mineral make up? I wonder how hard it is to get the color right...

2009-12-18T01:18:00.000-08:00

Resurrection Fern has a fantastic list of tutorials here.

The Bends

2009-12-15T10:35:00.000-08:00

Mark Gmehling

Best Toilet paper Holder Ever!

2009-12-15T10:28:00.001-08:00

About $47.00 USD here. they also have pig and an alligator.

Paper Mache Sailboats

2009-12-15T03:34:00.000-08:00

Ann Wood has a PFD and full instructions up on her site for making these lovely sailboats. Love her!
Also check out her horse pattern as well.

2009-12-14T04:38:00.000-08:00

Still looking for some holiday decor? I could not pass up these super sweet little houses. Check out Thecartbeforethehorse blog for a full tutorial and templates.

2009-12-07T16:58:00.000-08:00

Porcelain ice cream cones

A table made from recycled bowling floors. I would love to have this in my new space. Perhaps a bit higher so that it is a workspace table.

Balloon spice shakers.

Cotton thread that has been wound around a cane. Pretty but I tried something like this on a bracelet and it unraveled right away.

I love these stoppers. makes me rethink some of those carafes I see at thrift stores....

Love this shelf by Daniel Eatock

Screw You!

2009-12-04T07:33:00.000-08:00

Ok ok, so you might get a few gift ideas out of me. I just could not resist showing you this screw key set. Its the perfect stocking stuffer for your dude. And the set is only $5.00!
Screw Key
I have to admit that I am a bit offended by their high shipping costs though.

2009-12-04T06:35:00.000-08:00

OK Go - WTF? from OK Go on Vimeo.

From Brandflakes for Breakfast-
"OK Go became a household name based on the success of a single video that went viral. And it wasn't a million dollar budget that got Here it Goes Again millions of views. It was a great idea.

Their new video is just as clever. They've taken an age old video effect, "trails" and made it fresh and fun. Once again - not technology, not a kabillion dollar production budget, just a fantastically great idea done well."
I couldn't have said it better myself.

2009-12-03T07:59:00.000-08:00

Yokoo of Yokoo Cold Weather Knits created this awesome wreath for Urban Outfitters blog. Check out the tutorial here.

Bah Humbug!

2009-12-02T06:32:00.000-08:00

This is a warning to anyone who knows me and is reading this blog-
I am not going to buy Christmas gifts for anyone other than my daughter this year. I am too busy caught up in my own messy life right now to have a big beautiful holiday. Don't come round here for the best of the seasons fanciest gift list and what nots. There, I've said it! (p.s. to my bbbff (big bodacious best friend forever) who will be here the week of xmas, we will still have a great time but in all fairness you are Jewish :)

I may come around still. I may change my mood and become a last minute Santa. It could happen. So here are a few things that caught my eye as great "make your own presents".

Homemade vanilla extract. I have recently had the joy of finding out that way too much really good vanilla in your chocolate chip cookies is a wonderful thing! Coco&me shoes you how to make some. Plus now that we are all in the thick of the green movement, we can use our garbage as cool containers. How bout that?
This "turkey dressing skirt" tutorial is only for a limited time so chop chop! I think I will make one for Sophie and one for me.
S'mores.....mmmmmm... Sophie still talks about how we made s'more this summer while camping. This would be a great gift for any kid. You can buy them at Twig & Thistle or make your own. You can find boxes here for around 30 cents each. And if you are really feeling adventurous make your own graham crackers and marshmallows.
Sophie still loves everything I have ever made for her. How cool is she? I made a pretty bad version of this outfit last year and it still makes her daily wardrobe changes. I think I need to make a new larger version for the up and coming year. Perhaps I should make one for me as well.... Hey bbbff- you want one?
I love these. I always have. And once I get my craft room up and running again I promise to make one. Scouts honor.
This garland from Shoptwig.com could easily be make using your extra large craft hole punch, some yarn, felt and glue. Makes a great gift or decorate your tree with it. I think they are lovely and they, for some odd reason, remind me of the ladies in Italy that toss ribbons off their balconies to lure male suitors.

Do I really need to say how cute these are? Ok "these are so stinkin cute! Go here for the free PDF to make your own.

I have been spending alot of my time at Etsy, working on my shop Avant Garage and starting a new one selling vintage shoes, Shoe Shoe Studio. Please go check them out. I have some great things there.

Here are a few things off of my favorites list too.
Eddie Ross says that black candles have a more understated glow and by golly I believe him!
I would love to have this soap sitting in my bathroom. I don't think I could bring myself to use it though...
These are so sweet. And sold now. Sorry. But since I live in the forest now and am surrounded by moss, I think I might take a crack at making some terrariums sometime.
I think I drink chai tea a bit more than I should simply because I want to smell it. This might help me with that addiction.
I love this teak safety pin. It would look fantastic as a scarf pin.

This guy inspires me to make Sophie yet another bunny.

2009-11-19T11:48:00.000-08:00

I am totally bored with this day. I guess because I seem to be getting a cold. I have been reading a great little book ( Bringing Home The Birkin) all morning while letting Sophie play video games. Boring boring boring. Sophie still does not know how to use that word. She keeps trying. "This food is so boring mom." "I can't clean my room now, I'm bored!" Kids! Gotta love em. Speaking of kids, here is a video my stepson set me. Fantastic! It's prolly driving his mom crazy!

Peddy Cash FTW Trailer from Thunder Horse Video on Vimeo.

2009-11-19T09:09:00.001-08:00

Dezeen in the Czech Republic: Daniel Piršč, Studio Pirsc Porcelain from Dezeen on Vimeo.

The Chimney Sweep by Joseph Mann

2009-11-15T09:02:00.000-08:00

The Chimney Sweep from Joseph Mann on Vimeo.

2009-11-15T08:45:00.000-08:00

My initial reaction to this concept was repulsion, but really, spaghetti and wieners are a normal thing. I think it would be a fun and easy thing to make for kids or strange parties. Just cut the dogs into 1 inch chunks, break the spaghetti in half and pierce pieces through each dog chunk. Then cook in boiling water according to the spaghetti directions. You could serve it with chili. Maybe even Cincinnati chili!

2009-11-11T09:08:00.000-08:00

I cannot stop staring at this Enzo Speedster from PlayForever. This is like one of those toys that you would display and later it would become valuable.

Shop News!

2009-11-09T16:34:00.000-08:00

Here is a sneak peak at my Avant Garage shop. I have been working on it for the past couple of weeks. I have some real vintage gems to offer. Arne Jacobsen spoons! A Smith Corona typewriter with script font! Fabulous vintage shoes, leather jackets and handbags and so much more that is yet to come.
Have a look see and enjoy FREE SHIPPING on all orders!!

2009-11-08T14:58:00.000-08:00

Two great diy projects by Elsie from A Beautiful Mess.

Thanksgiving Pumpkin Project.

DIY Woodgrain Rug

2009-11-08T04:00:00.000-08:00

I just finished pillaging Apartment Therapy. Check out these great finds.
Philippe Starck kitchens for Warendorf. I love the bookshelves that surround the cabinets.

Beautiful water cooler by Aquaovo.

Fill line tub decals. Totally cute idea.

Great lamp from the Supon house tour. I actually still have hundreds of the edge banding strips that I need to do something with.

Fantastic diy Christmas card idea!

And end it all with the trailer for "The Fantastic Mr. Fox". I had forgotten how giddy I was when I saw this trailer last month.

2009-11-08T02:48:00.000-08:00

2009-11-03T13:15:00.001-08:00

The Future of Food

2009-10-29T14:02:00.000-07:00

We decided when we moved into this house (that is way out in the country) that we would not spend the nearly $350.00 each month for internet and cable tv. Instead we are working our Sprint card to the max by running 4 computers and a VOIP system off of it. We watch a lot of HULU to get us by. I have to say- I am quite liking it! We get to discover a new series and watch the entire season commercial free in one night.
Last night we stumbled upon "The Future of Food". A 2003 documentary about Monsanto's genetically engineered seeds.
"This stylish film is not just for food faddists and nutritionists. It is a look at something we might not want to see:
Monsanto, Roundup and Roundup-resistant seeds,
collectively wreaking havoc on American farmers and our agricultural neighbors around the world.
In the end, this documentary is a eloquent call to action."

Pretty interesting and scary stuff! It has fueled my desire to embrace the local farmers in my new found homeland. I have been sorting through Local Harvest all day.

2009-10-29T03:49:00.000-07:00

We found our way to Bellingham WA. today and I have to say that I am in love! It has both big town and small town feel. It has a great art scene and a vibrant heartbeat. I know I will be spending a lot more time there.

Deception Pass-

This is the bridge that you have to cross to get to our home. It is super high and when the tide below it is coming in or out it looks like a toilet is being flushed.

2009-10-28T11:24:00.000-07:00

Just snooping through the free section on Craigslist and I cannot believe how nice some of the stuff is in Vancouver!

2009-10-28T09:43:00.000-07:00

Our beaches here are completely littered with driftwood. Plenty to go around! I am thinking about creating a few pieces with it. Something modern but also nature related. I have always loved the pieces at Bleu Nature.
I am currently investigating how to treat the wood to rid it of fungus and bugs. I found this extensive page on just how to do it here.

2009-10-27T17:10:00.000-07:00

One of my biggest fears about having a daughter is the fact that at least once in our lives I will be forced to take her to one of those paint your own pottery shops. Where I will be forced to pick out an over priced piece of ceramic and then have the privilege of paying out the wazoo to decorate it myself. I will more than likely sit frozen with a brush in hand trying to figure out what to paint on my piece. Flowers? Hearts? Words? Nope. I'm going this route! Bloody fingerprints! Thank you for the idea Circa Ceramics.

2009-10-27T16:26:00.000-07:00

We just came from the post estate sale of the late Ron Nicolino, aka- the creator of the "Bra Ball". I had not hear of him until today, when I walked into his garage/studio and spotted a giant ball of bras on a wagon in the corner. The guy there told us the story of Ron's bra ball and ended by saying that he never would have guessed that he was going to marry this guys daughter.
That's not the best part- we went to his house because his daughter had placed an ad on Craigslist saying that everything was free today. That's in my budget! I scored a mutha frickin J Schatz Egg Feeder too! Mr Hubby score some Ampzillas that he says are worth a fortune.

Regretsy

2009-10-22T21:04:00.000-07:00

My newest blog crush- Regretsy!

p.s. I am gearing up to reopen my Etsy shop with some awesome new products!

2009-10-21T16:32:00.001-07:00

2009-10-19T20:14:00.000-07:00

We have arrived! We have actually been here for over 2 weeks now. The house is small and it was full of country bumpkin stuff. We had to pack up everything and put it in their shed just to have room for our stuff. Which left us furious! And they did not get it. We have been paying rent since 9/15/09 but they were not even ready for us by 10/6/09! This place should have been move-in ready!!!
The jacuzzi was disgusting. We spent 3 days flushing it out with nasty chemicals. The carpets were urine stained, they did replace them. Pergo floors, bleck. Our bedroom is only large enough for a bed. No headboard, no side tables, no lamps. Just a bed.
We gave notice of departure upon arrival. I think we will be out sooner though. We have a live-aboard slip for the boat and are seriously considering moving on it and leasing/buying office/warehouse space.
By the end of each day we have thought of nearly 100 different ideas. Our lives are changing so fast. So dramatically, I cannot keep up.
One day we want to open a restaurant. The next day a lamp shop.
Today we found a fantastic, brand new storage facility right next to the marina that we can start a business in. We are starting the process of putting in an offer. We have lots of minor legal issues to figure out. We plan to turn it into "creative space" where we can prototype some of our most interesting ideas.
The picture that I have in mind is of some ultimate artist studio! The shit that you dreamed about when you where 18 but to the tenth degree!

Later Gator

2009-09-28T09:55:00.000-07:00

Today is D Day! Today we pack the truck! We have sold just about everything we own. It was a blast! We had 3 days of successful estate/moving and eventually a yardsale. After it was all done and counted we all decided that maybe we should be pros at this stuff. "Professional Yardsalers"

Oh- here is an odd thing. We called Out Of The Closet to pick up the remains of our stuff and when they showed up they were total bitches and just picked though it and took what they thought was nice. They left behind so many valuable items. We even told them that some of the stuff was actually purchased from their stores but they just thought we were lying. So no more Out of the Closet donations from us. I will take my business elsewhere.

In just a little bit I will have to pack up my computer and will not unpack it until sometime around the the 7th (my b-day!) The boat will be hauled out of the water and onto a truck on the 2nd. I can't wait for this to all be over. My stomach is in knots.
Wish us luck on our long haul to Washington state.

Autumn Magic

2009-09-28T09:28:00.001-07:00

Autumn Magic

Kitties!

2009-09-23T10:46:00.001-07:00

Hi There

2009-09-23T09:36:00.000-07:00

Jess Brown dolls

Just taking a few minutes out of our busy messy moving to surf the net a bit. Something I have not done in over a week now. Not that I have not been online. I have! Just posting stuff to sell tho.... In today's down market you gotta push your goods extra hard. It is really amazing what people are telling me too. They are saying that they never bought stuff second hand but now they never go into stores, just yards sales and whatnot. Nothing like a recession/depression to change peoples outlook ey? I have such a great appreciation for my grandparents now! I hope our world doesn't get that rough.

Nic Cave exhibit

Our moving sale was a huge success. It was pure chaos tho. The dealers were at the door at 7. Alot of great people and a lot of horrid people. We had to throw someone out because she was trying to steal from us. Lots of old women trying to confuse us into selling them crap without having to pay but we are slick. We were on to them.

real glass slippers

This week I have sold a few more large items. Today I think I have already sold a dresser and Brian's executive desk. Yay!
I will find a charity today to come pick up the remainder of the stuff that we do not want. I think I will try to plan for them to come Saturday afternoon and then I will try an "impromptu yardsale" to raise a bit more cash.

Beautiful mushroom lamps

Subway map dress

We decided to take our boat with us rather than sell it. Where we are going we will use the hell out of it. We have everything set for October 2nd. We will pull it out of the water and put it on a truck and then we will follow the truck with the "wide load" signs and lights. We only have to follow the truck to the top of California. After that he does not need a lead car so we are going to take out time and explore Oregon a bit.
We just secured a live aboard slip. we do not plan to live on it but we like having that security.

The rocking horse

Taurus pistol with mother of pearl grips and gold accents. Yes I do own guns. It is my right and I am very responsible. Don't hate me.

The Ancient Art of Chinese Noodle Making

2009-09-23T09:33:00.001-07:00

2009-09-16T08:43:00.000-07:00

Our lives are such a disaster right now! I cannot wait for this move to be over so we can start looking forward.

Here are a couple of snapshots of what I am dealing with this week. We are planning a moving sale this weekend. Since we are trying to turn as much of our stuff into cash, we are going to hold it as an estate sale. The way they do when someone dies. We are going to allow everyone to just walk thru and buy whatever they want. So I have been merchandising our home, which is really weird.

The back patio where a lovely set of furniture once sat. Now has been taken over by the contents of our storage unit. Mostly industrial packing supplies and sample boards from out now closed business.
I will be tackling this today so that I can drain Sophie's pool to give to her neighborhood gal pal. We gave her the castle yesterday. I have a feeling it is already trashed. This kid is very different from Sophie. While Sophie is really becoming an awesome little human being. This girl still acts like she is 2 years old half the time. I think her mom is just too passive....

We had a buyer for the truck but the kid just could not get all the money together so that fell through. We also had a trailer on hold for us but that guy could not come up with the dang title. So now we are just building a box on the back of the truck and we are going to use that as our "covered wagon". It should be done and painted by the end of the day. We have a guy dropping off a ramp for us today too. If all goes well we will have it mostly packed by sunset today. Cross your fingers for us.

2009-09-11T02:44:00.000-07:00

Beautiful bike, wrapped in baseball glove leather and it has a flask under the seat. They were thinking of me.
Testube succulents. (I actually have some of these extra large test tubes somewhere....)

Dotty sailboat

Hand sewn canvas envelopes with custom plaid postage stamps.

Bill & Co.

Workplace

“Hidden Design, Hidden Forms” by Franco Clivio

Zoohangers

Veneer bows. (i'm totally making these for Christmas!)

I think I love you by Katie Cupcake

I love this only because we just went to Disneyland on Tuesday.

Seasaw inspirations.

Desire To Inspire

2009-09-11T02:04:00.000-07:00

Free patterns here.

2009-09-10T12:43:00.000-07:00

I have doing my best to sell off everything we own in preparation for the move. We are planning an estate sale next weekend. I have also been dropping prices in my Etsy store so check it out. There are still lots of wonderful items to be found.

And don't forget to check out my book store as well.

2009-09-10T09:29:00.001-07:00

2009-09-10T09:14:00.000-07:00

It seems as though Nate Page has found another great way to marry recycled art and OCD. There should be a competition for that. What would it be called?

I Rack

2009-09-10T07:47:00.000-07:00

I spotted this apple rack at Cox & Cox and thought it would be perfect in the pantry once we move to Washington, aka- apple country! I love apples. So I searched a bit to see if I could find one a bit closer to home. No such luck but I did find this hilarious Mad TV Video instead. Perhaps once I move there I will find one at a local country store.

2009-09-07T15:11:00.000-07:00

"A geek's dream existence: Wake up at noon. Wash hair with soda. Wash body with video game controller. Open bag of Cheetos. Play video games. Fight zombies IRL. Sleep. Repeat."
Digital Soaps

2009-09-07T09:48:00.000-07:00

This weekend was Sophie's 4th birthday. (she was actually born on Labor Day!) She has been looking forward to ordering the cake for nearly 6 months now. She chose this Disney princess cake because a) she is obsessed with Disney princesses, and b) she is a techy so she dug the LED lights that go under the dresses. But to her disappointment, the cake only came with one light even tho it has 3 princesses!
When I went in the next day to complain about that and the fact that one of our guest pulled out a 5 inch hair from her cake, Albertsons did not give a shit! So guess what Albertsons? I don't give a shit about you either! Another 14-18 more years of $30.00 birthday cakes and $200.00 a week for food, GONE! I am taking my business elsewhere.

Making No-Knead Bread

2009-09-04T12:50:00.001-07:00

Then go here for organic homemade butter!

2009-09-04T10:44:00.000-07:00

Check out this super sweet tree house wedding shot by Ben Blood Photography.
I just adore the old time style of it all.

2009-09-04T10:07:00.000-07:00

We have a bunch of premade bamboo shelves that were suposed to go into a retail store but never did. We have been trying to sell them and moving them around for the past 8 months. There are 98 of them. Amber finish. Could be resold. Worth $10,000.00 retail. $5,000.00 wholesale but we will let them go for a mere $1,000.00. And will consider delivery if they act soon. Like today! While we still have the truck. We have to get rid of them! If anyone in the L.A. area knows of anyone who could use them please contact me asap- chapinerika at yahoo dot com.

Etnies SEW ROCK Photo Contest

2009-09-03T17:37:00.000-07:00

Taking inspiration from their Fall 2009 lookbook, Etnies.com lets you create your own DIY fashion and craft a style and enter to win a brand new limited edition Project Runway Brother 50 Stitch Computerized Sewing Machine with the Etnies SEW ROCK Photo Contest. © 2009 Highsnobette for Titel Media.

2009-09-02T08:54:00.000-07:00

I sold a Le Grand Tetras canteen on my Yodel Lay he hoo Etsy site 2 weeks ago to a swell guy that, to my request, actually took the time to give me the history of the bottle. We emailed back and forth a few times about how he wanted to give the canteen to his son's friend as a birthday gift.
I was so thrilled yesterday to find this hand written thank you card WITH A FIFTY DOLLAR BILL IN IT, in my mailbox!

The thing that makes me most happy about this is that he is from the area that we are moving to. I am extra happy now knowing that I will be living among kind hearted human beings once again.

Knotty Little Girl

2009-09-01T18:25:00.000-07:00

I spotted these great rope bracelets at Popgloss and thought "I could make those! Plus they would be perfect as a fall accessory in the new boat town that we are moving to. But how do I make such a knot?"
So I Googled knot tying and found this nifty little site called Animated Knots. The site shows you step by step, animated how-to tie hundreds of various knots. I am not sure which one is used in the bracelet. Possibly some sort of braid or a Reef Knot.
BTW- I did just add a whole bunch of craft supplies to my Etsy shop, including a lot set of trims and ropes. It breaks my heart to see it all go but I have got to lighten the load!

2009-08-30T10:34:00.001-07:00

Abigail Brown

2009-08-27T14:53:00.000-07:00

Visit the fun little textile world of Abigail Brown!

A Few things for the Kiddlets

2009-08-27T14:41:00.000-07:00

Monster Hand temporary tattoos.

Monster Rugs

Lice Bomb- "Lice Bomb uses natural terpenes and hydrocarbons from high grade essential oils that can normally be ingested safely by humans but have higher solvent powers than chemical paint thinners. These natural solvent oils smell nice to us but not nice for lice. Due to its plant derived origins, Lice Bomb is non-toxic and non-aggressive to humans when used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions."

Rich Color Crayons

2009-08-27T07:24:00.000-07:00

If I wore pierced earrings I would buy these and wear them to Oktoberfest...

2009-08-26T09:32:00.001-07:00

Cute little owl cake.

2009-08-26T03:43:00.000-07:00

An so our adventure begins....
We selected a small town in Washington state to move to. We found a nice little house (for less then half the money of our current place), overlooking the water We gave notice to our landlord yesterday. He was the best landlord ever. How many people can say they have a great landlord? I have had many and I have hated them all, but not this guy. I guess that's what happens when you pay $2800.00 a month for rent tho.
We closed our business down as of Friday. F-ing economy!
I have been selling everything off through Craigslist and Etsy. I have been selling a lot of my knick knacks into foreign countries. Interesting. Makes me wish I could mail myself off to Austrailia.
We bought a small trailer to haul the few things that we wish to keep. When you are selling off your stuff you find that you just don't want any of it. I would much rather have the cash now, and replace items later. Plus living in L.A. county means that you have a fantastic chance of selling things and getting good money for them. Everyone here uses Craigslist, something I will miss in Washington.
We hope to be out of California in about 3 weeks. I have so much to do in such a short time but I am very excited to be making a change.

Tea Shirt

2009-08-22T11:26:00.000-07:00

Check out the bizarre world of Meryl Smith. I love the "tea shirt"!

how to make a radish mushroom

2009-08-21T16:18:00.000-07:00

Find out how at Anna the red's bento factory.

2009-08-20T08:22:00.001-07:00

Pigeon Pilfer from Michael Stevenson on Vimeo.

2009-08-20T04:45:00.000-07:00

Zine Fest 09 is this weekend! Workshops on DIY screen-printing & bookbinding!
It's a FREE annual two-day conference for independent and underground publishing. Exhibitors come from all over the West Coast, and while the focus is on zines, all walks of DIY life are represented — comics, arts and crafts, literary presses, and more. SF Zine Fest was founded in 2002 by Jenn of Starfiend Distro.
Zine Fest

Superhero Supplies Catalog!

2009-08-19T18:52:00.000-07:00

I have always been a fan of the Eggers/McSweeney's/826 trifecta of awesomeness, and this just seals the deal. Great work through and through.

"Our 826 storefronts are exciting, whimsical, magical, and sometimes downright weird places where you can purchase anything from a new positronic brain for your favorite robot to a giant can of mammoth chunks for your next 450 B.C.-themed dinner party. Want some (decent) peg leg oil for your next pirate adventure? How about a cryptozoologist’s career starter kit or a space vehicle hull repair patch? Each product has been thoughtfully created by designers across the country, and now, with Essentially Odd, you can get an inside look at featured products from each 826 chapter. The catalog comes complete with notes and thoughts from the innovative minds behind the scenes, such as the following:
"Muscle" and speed of Light Canisters" :
The general concept for the Brooklyn Superhero Supply Company store, from the beginning, was that it was a kind of Lowe’s or Wal-Mart for Superheroes. It would be the place where heroes could come get all the necessities imaginable that one might need for crime-fighting at unbeatable prices. So, we knew that our flagship line had to have that generic feel to it—as though there were a bunch of other fancy, expensive superhero products out there, but ours was the exact same thing only cheaper. Once the label was designed, the hard part would be thinking up a whole range of products that superheroes just wouldn’t be able to live without.
– Sam Potts, 826NYC Designerspan style="font-size:85%;">Essentially Odd features more than 150 pages of color photos of each 826 chapter’s storefronts and products, along with notes and commentary from the product designers. It is perfect for design enthusiasts, 826 fans, or those without enough cash to visit each 826 chapter in person"

Available for $12.00 at 826 National

2009-08-19T18:44:00.000-07:00

Isabel Quiroga (NL) designed a bookcase made of used tables. The tables are sawed through the middle and stacked together. The design lends itself to various purposes.
arteko

2009-08-17T17:57:00.000-07:00

Today was jam makin day! Hooty mutha frickin hoo. I am beat!

After picking and washing the grapes we then popped their guts out of their skin. Pureed the skin with a bit of sugar.

Cooked the guts and skins with sugar and pectin. A bunch of straining, cooking, adding more sugar. More cooking and straining.

8 hours later we have 6 jars of jam! I'd like to think that I did a lot of the work but aside from picking the grapes and squeezing the skin off my husband did the majority of the job. I am still trying to figure out how this is better than buying a jar of jam....
Grapes- free (more or less if you don't count the amount of water you had to give them)
Organic Sugar- about $5.00 (we tried to not over sugar it)
Pectin- $3.00
Jars and lid- $6.00
Gas on the stove- $? (come on-it was on like all day)
Water for washing EVERYTHING IN THE KITCHEN -$?
Labor- I'd like to think I'm worth at least $10.00 an hour for jam making.....

So our jams works out to be about $15.00 a jar before I mark it up 50% for retail. Fantastic! Anyone want to buy some?

The house smells like Manishevitz.

Sewn Machines by The Gun Club

2009-08-14T20:15:00.000-07:00

"Sewn Machines are a series of analogue devices rendered in recycled, vintage and found materials. They are designed and hand-made by the design group, “The Gun Club,” in Los Angeles, CA. Materials are selected from the collections, leftovers and cast-offs, of the designers and their associates. Sewn Machines can be seen as a sort of by-product of the group’s myriad creative processes; as such, no two are alike and their availability fluctuates."
fifth floor gallery

Jo Hamilton's Crochet Portraits

2009-08-14T20:11:00.000-07:00

Jo Hamilton creates these stunning portraits in crochet, based on photographs.

The Last Knit

2009-08-14T08:54:00.000-07:00

Le dernier tricot The last knit
by astre

2009-08-13T11:59:00.000-07:00

I learned a valuable lesson last night- always use UPS to deliver your Etsy sales! I accidentally put the wrong labels on the wrong packages and when Mr. Massachusetts received Miss Maryland's wire basket instead of his teacups I was able to reroute the teacups and email him a shipping label to send the basket off. You can't do any of that with the post office!

Even he has to say "ah doy!" when he hears himself there! You said it yourself dude- it's the government run businesses that have all the problems!

The Knitted Chairs

2009-08-13T09:20:00.000-07:00

So frickin cool! Again, just in time for Autumn. Get your FREE pattern here. The Knitted Chairs

2009-08-13T09:06:00.001-07:00

I love the simplicity of these Hang Out wall hooks and Emotive Tealight Holders wall hooks by David Zachary. $18.00 for 2! You just can't beat that.

2009-08-13T08:52:00.000-07:00

Autumn is just around the corner. That means that many regions will get a bunch of rain. Why not be prepared with a diy-able recycled umbrella rain skirt!

2009-08-13T08:43:00.000-07:00

Spice up some old farm chairs with this modern paint treatment!
Studio Ziben