I found the onesies stamp at Michael'a in the dollar bin, and modified the diaper pattern from one on the Martha Stewart website, in the card crafts section. I see flaws, but overall I'm actually pretty proud of it! I think it's super cute. :)
Sunday, April 25, 2010
I've been busy...
SO. I suck at updating, I realize that. It's not for lack of want, it's lack of having anything relevant to share, heh. That, and this blog isn't a "habit" yet. Trying to make it one, though! Just need to find my niche. In the meantime, here's my latest project: a congratulations card for a friend that recently announced his wife is preggers! I need to mail it to them still, so no reactions from the parents-to-be yet. :)
I found the onesies stamp at Michael'a in the dollar bin, and modified the diaper pattern from one on the Martha Stewart website, in the card crafts section. I see flaws, but overall I'm actually pretty proud of it! I think it's super cute. :)
I found the onesies stamp at Michael'a in the dollar bin, and modified the diaper pattern from one on the Martha Stewart website, in the card crafts section. I see flaws, but overall I'm actually pretty proud of it! I think it's super cute. :)
Saturday, April 3, 2010
40 ?'s beauty meme (stolen from Messy Carla)
One of my big focuses this year is to find my way back to feeling good about myself. I've let myself go for a long time, and I'm trying to increase my awareness (and desire) to primp myself more.
I'm also a sucker for filling out memes and surveys, esp. ones that ask me questions about myself. xD MessyCarla posted this great one! Wheee!
Link back if you decide to fill this out for yourself! I love hearing/reading other people's beauty recommendations.
How many times do you wash your face daily?
Not as much as I should - I only do it once a day, in the morning. Should probably do it at night, though. =/ (might steal Messy Carla's idea of finding a good face wipe to use instead... better than nothing!)
What skin type do you have?
Oily-ish. It's changed as I've gotten older. Basically, if I wash my face and DON'T moisturize, I get pretty greasy in my t-zone as my skin's way of giving itself moisturizer... but my cheeks and chin break out more often than my forehead and nose. So I'm not sure anymore. It's probably combination-to-oily.
What is your current facial wash?
Dermalogica special cleansing gel. Friggin' expensive, but the Dermalogica stuff makes my skin feel fantastic (when used regularly).
Do you exfoliate?
Once a week. Might try doing it twice a week, though.
What brand do you use?
Dermalogica Skin Prep Scrub
What moisturizer do you use?
Dermalogica Active Moist
Do you have freckles?
I have moles. Lots and lots of moles. Mostly on my face and arms, as they see more sun than the rest of my body.
Do you use eye cream?
Not currently, but I think I might have to start soon. Starting to get wrinkly up in the creases!
Do you or did you have acne prone skin?
Yes. I used Retin-A for a few months in 10th grade. It worked TOO well, as I was also on the swim team at the time, and the Retin-A + chlorine = super-dry skin! Ugh. My face looked like it was snowing.
Did you ever have to use Pro-activ?
Nope!
What foundation do you use?
I don't. I like Prescriptives, I've used that before. But I hate the feel of heavy foundation, so I use tinted moisturizer (Lorac)
How about concealer?
No, just try a little extra moisturizer and some powder to set it.
Do you know your undertone colour?
green - I glow olive green under my skin.
What do you think of false eyelashes?
I love them in moderation (unless they're on drag queens, then the more the merrier!). I personally don't wear them, 'cuz I have super-long and thick eyelashes naturally.
Did you know that you are supposed to change your mascara every 3 months?
Yes, but I don't use it as frequently as I should so I usually go for 6 months at a time. Heh.
What brand of mascara do you use?
Maybelline Great Lash. I stick with the classics. xD
Sephora or MAC?
I love MAC, but I like Sephora, too - I like variety!
Do you have a MAC pro-card?
No.
What make-up tools do you use in make up application?
I bought them from E.L.F. Heh. Cheapies! I use a shadow blender eyeliner brush
Do you use make up base/primer for the eyes?
I usually just use a super-light shade of the color I'm using for my eyes at that time.
For the face?
Nah.
What is your favourite eyeshadow (colour or shade)?
Plum! It makes my hazel eyes pop.
Do you use pencil or liquid eyeliner?
pencil - liquid's too harsh for my style.
How often do you poke your eyes with a pencil eyeliner?
Very, very rarely. It HAS happened, though. OMG does that sting.
What do you think of pigment eyeshadows?
If I was more adventurous, I'd probably love them. As it is, I like sheerer shades so I can have more control over their intensity.
Do you use mineral make-up?
I tried it as a base, but it sets so damn fast that I couldn't get good coverage. Plus it felt like my skin couldn't breathe with it on. =( I have to amend this to say that I used mineral makeup again for my sister's wedding, with a mix my ex-stepmom made me for my own wedding. Using a big brush REALLY helps, and the coverage is excellent when you have a sunburn. My face looked normal instead of bright red! Still heavy-feeling though, will stick with my tinted moisturizer. =)
What is your favourite lipstick?
My favorite lipstick ever was Cliniques "Sandy Beach", which was a pinky-tan sparklyish lipstick. I don't really wear lipstick, though, it feels icky on my lips and fades too easily.
How about lipgloss?
LOVE lipgloss. I wear cheapies to Stila, I ain't picky, haha. My favorite is Lancome Juicy Tubes in Pink Lemonade.
What is your favourite blush to use?
I have a mineral-based one that I really like, but I use it VERY infrequently. I have very round cheeks that don't really need highlighting. xD
Do you buy your makeup on Ebay?
Never have, and probably never will. Nothing against eBay, just don't need makeup that bad. xD
Do you like drugstore makeup?
I have no problem with drugstore makeup! I buy eyeshadows and lip gloss from drugstores, cheaper and I don't feel so guilty if I don't like the color.
Do you go to CCO's (cosmetic company outlets)?
I have no idea what this is.
Did you ever consider taking make-up classes?
I've thought about it - I do enjoy applying makeup, and I think I'm decent at it. I loved designing stage makeup as a theater major in college.
Are you clumsy in putting on makeup?
Not really; I have steady hands from crafting and watercoloring. =D
Name a makeup crime that you hate?
Tattooed eyebrows. FUG.
Do you like colourful shades of makeup (lipstick, eyeshadow) or neutral ones?
I'm all about natural makeup. I'm a firm believer in makeup enhancing your natural beauty. I have no issue with people wearing colorful makeup, though, as long as it's well-done. =)
Which celebrity always has great make up?
Anne Hathaway. She's just gorgeous.
If you could leave the house using just ONE make up item, what would you use?
Tinted moisturizer. It evens out my skin tone.
Could you ever leave the house without any makeup on?
Do it all the time! I love makeup, but it usually gets left behind if I'm running late or feeling lazy.
Do you think you look good without any make up on?
I think it depends on my skin condition that day. If my skin's rough-looking, then no. If I'm fresh out of the shower, I think I look lovely, though. xD
In your opinion, what is the BEST makeup line?
I <3 style="font-weight: bold;">What do you think of make up?
I think the last thing it should be is a requirement. It should be fun and make you feel good, but I think people should feel just as comfortable with themselves without it. I mean, if you wear it all the time because you LIKE to wear it, by all means! I also don't think people should use it as a way of hiding themselves, either - I fear that people who wear a ton and/or go for overly-dramatic eyeliner and lipstick are hiding themselves, and should go for a more natural look. It's meant to make what you have look even better, not completely hide your face!
I'm also a sucker for filling out memes and surveys, esp. ones that ask me questions about myself. xD MessyCarla posted this great one! Wheee!
Link back if you decide to fill this out for yourself! I love hearing/reading other people's beauty recommendations.
How many times do you wash your face daily?
Not as much as I should - I only do it once a day, in the morning. Should probably do it at night, though. =/ (might steal Messy Carla's idea of finding a good face wipe to use instead... better than nothing!)
What skin type do you have?
Oily-ish. It's changed as I've gotten older. Basically, if I wash my face and DON'T moisturize, I get pretty greasy in my t-zone as my skin's way of giving itself moisturizer... but my cheeks and chin break out more often than my forehead and nose. So I'm not sure anymore. It's probably combination-to-oily.
What is your current facial wash?
Dermalogica special cleansing gel. Friggin' expensive, but the Dermalogica stuff makes my skin feel fantastic (when used regularly).
Do you exfoliate?
Once a week. Might try doing it twice a week, though.
What brand do you use?
Dermalogica Skin Prep Scrub
What moisturizer do you use?
Dermalogica Active Moist
Do you have freckles?
I have moles. Lots and lots of moles. Mostly on my face and arms, as they see more sun than the rest of my body.
Do you use eye cream?
Not currently, but I think I might have to start soon. Starting to get wrinkly up in the creases!
Do you or did you have acne prone skin?
Yes. I used Retin-A for a few months in 10th grade. It worked TOO well, as I was also on the swim team at the time, and the Retin-A + chlorine = super-dry skin! Ugh. My face looked like it was snowing.
Did you ever have to use Pro-activ?
Nope!
What foundation do you use?
I don't. I like Prescriptives, I've used that before. But I hate the feel of heavy foundation, so I use tinted moisturizer (Lorac)
How about concealer?
No, just try a little extra moisturizer and some powder to set it.
Do you know your undertone colour?
green - I glow olive green under my skin.
What do you think of false eyelashes?
I love them in moderation (unless they're on drag queens, then the more the merrier!). I personally don't wear them, 'cuz I have super-long and thick eyelashes naturally.
Did you know that you are supposed to change your mascara every 3 months?
Yes, but I don't use it as frequently as I should so I usually go for 6 months at a time. Heh.
What brand of mascara do you use?
Maybelline Great Lash. I stick with the classics. xD
Sephora or MAC?
I love MAC, but I like Sephora, too - I like variety!
Do you have a MAC pro-card?
No.
What make-up tools do you use in make up application?
I bought them from E.L.F. Heh. Cheapies! I use a shadow blender eyeliner brush
Do you use make up base/primer for the eyes?
I usually just use a super-light shade of the color I'm using for my eyes at that time.
For the face?
Nah.
What is your favourite eyeshadow (colour or shade)?
Plum! It makes my hazel eyes pop.
Do you use pencil or liquid eyeliner?
pencil - liquid's too harsh for my style.
How often do you poke your eyes with a pencil eyeliner?
Very, very rarely. It HAS happened, though. OMG does that sting.
What do you think of pigment eyeshadows?
If I was more adventurous, I'd probably love them. As it is, I like sheerer shades so I can have more control over their intensity.
Do you use mineral make-up?
What is your favourite lipstick?
My favorite lipstick ever was Cliniques "Sandy Beach", which was a pinky-tan sparklyish lipstick. I don't really wear lipstick, though, it feels icky on my lips and fades too easily.
How about lipgloss?
LOVE lipgloss. I wear cheapies to Stila, I ain't picky, haha. My favorite is Lancome Juicy Tubes in Pink Lemonade.
What is your favourite blush to use?
I have a mineral-based one that I really like, but I use it VERY infrequently. I have very round cheeks that don't really need highlighting. xD
Do you buy your makeup on Ebay?
Never have, and probably never will. Nothing against eBay, just don't need makeup that bad. xD
Do you like drugstore makeup?
I have no problem with drugstore makeup! I buy eyeshadows and lip gloss from drugstores, cheaper and I don't feel so guilty if I don't like the color.
Do you go to CCO's (cosmetic company outlets)?
I have no idea what this is.
Did you ever consider taking make-up classes?
I've thought about it - I do enjoy applying makeup, and I think I'm decent at it. I loved designing stage makeup as a theater major in college.
Are you clumsy in putting on makeup?
Not really; I have steady hands from crafting and watercoloring. =D
Name a makeup crime that you hate?
Tattooed eyebrows. FUG.
Do you like colourful shades of makeup (lipstick, eyeshadow) or neutral ones?
I'm all about natural makeup. I'm a firm believer in makeup enhancing your natural beauty. I have no issue with people wearing colorful makeup, though, as long as it's well-done. =)
Which celebrity always has great make up?
Anne Hathaway. She's just gorgeous.
If you could leave the house using just ONE make up item, what would you use?
Tinted moisturizer. It evens out my skin tone.
Could you ever leave the house without any makeup on?
Do it all the time! I love makeup, but it usually gets left behind if I'm running late or feeling lazy.
Do you think you look good without any make up on?
I think it depends on my skin condition that day. If my skin's rough-looking, then no. If I'm fresh out of the shower, I think I look lovely, though. xD
In your opinion, what is the BEST makeup line?
I <3 style="font-weight: bold;">What do you think of make up?
I think the last thing it should be is a requirement. It should be fun and make you feel good, but I think people should feel just as comfortable with themselves without it. I mean, if you wear it all the time because you LIKE to wear it, by all means! I also don't think people should use it as a way of hiding themselves, either - I fear that people who wear a ton and/or go for overly-dramatic eyeliner and lipstick are hiding themselves, and should go for a more natural look. It's meant to make what you have look even better, not completely hide your face!
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Yet another obsession
WWEPW - Hairography "What Emma WOULD wear" by dlishly-girly featuring Ted Baker shoes
I'm obsessed with dressing "Emma Pillsbury". I blame "What Would Emma Pillsbury Wear?", which I discovered through Tom and Lorenzo when they posted an interview they did with WWEPW. (Pretty common how I discover other blogs, I find them through clicking from a link in a favorite blog to another blog, and then I see an interesting link in THAT blog, and so on... it's like a Rube Goldberg of clicking to get from one site to the newly loved site. xD)
WWEPW has fashion challenges where you re-dress Emma with an item from a previous outfit, and they use the site called Polyvore to create the collages. OMG I HAVE ALREADY MADE 4 COLLAGES, THEY'RE SO MUCH FUN. It's like shopping and being a personal stylist, as well as invoking my love of paper dolls from when I was a kid! LOVE IT. SO MUCH FUN.
AND playing with Polyvore via WWEBW's group has led me to a NEW glee blog to love, Glee Dork. It's the Ciiiircle of Liiiiiife, and it rules us allll...
Thursday, February 25, 2010
On my back and unable to craft!
I'm so sad to say I haven't touched anything crafty in so long... last Friday morning, my last day of school vacation, I strained my lower back. Unfortunately, this wasn't the first time, and just as annoyingly it happened under relatively mundane circumstances. I won't go into a long diatribe of why it probably happened, other than to say that I'm now damned determined to not let it happen EVER AGAIN. Why? Aside from being all "hurty" (to quote Ralph Wiggum), It's SO BORING TO LAY ON YOUR BACK ALL WEEKEND AND WEEK. I can't walk my dog farther than the complex pool (which is maybe 50 feet from our apartment), and she's going NUTS, poor baby. I can't craft, can't shop, can't do anything, really.
I'm getting close to being 100% again, but this was probably the worst I've ever strained it so it's taking longer to heal, sadly. I'm at the point where I can walk around a little more, but I'm still not standing up straight. It's gone from really painful to really uncomfortable. I probably could have crocheted all this time on my back, but I'm more feeling card-making, haha. That's the craft I can't really do right now, though! Argh! I actually NEED to make a card or two now! xD
So instead I'll share a couple of blogs that are majorly inspiring to me right now! Fair enough, right?
The Sew Weekly - I actually found her via CRAFT Magazine's blog when she blogged her journey to prepping herself and her friends for "A Gatsby Afternoon" (which I WILL go to one day, oh yes...). CRAFT linked her up again as she started this blog, and her love of vintage + her Bay Area references (I'm from the area as well, and miss it terribly) = I LOVE THIS BLOG. It makes me want to get my sewing machine fixed so I can start sewing again, more than any other inspiration - and I studied costume design in college, for chrissakes!
Vickie Howell blog - I have to admit, I know how to knit but I've never been a fervent knitter like other people are, so Vickie was always kind of a "meh" for me. Nothing against her, I just wasn't that into what I thought was her main craft or most of her patterns. =) BUT I discovered her blog today, and it's not all knitting! It's actually full of great craft projects.
Heart of Light - She is life-living inspiration. Not only is she a very talented crafter (I love her rosebuds and wish I'd thought of it first, dammit!), but her postings about the little things she does to make her life beautiful simply fill me with awe and wonderment. She reminds me that life is for LIVING, not existing. At the very least, I'm copying her "Friday flowers" idea... but mine will be Saturdays 'cuz that's when I can get to the Farmer's Market. ;D
I'm getting close to being 100% again, but this was probably the worst I've ever strained it so it's taking longer to heal, sadly. I'm at the point where I can walk around a little more, but I'm still not standing up straight. It's gone from really painful to really uncomfortable. I probably could have crocheted all this time on my back, but I'm more feeling card-making, haha. That's the craft I can't really do right now, though! Argh! I actually NEED to make a card or two now! xD
So instead I'll share a couple of blogs that are majorly inspiring to me right now! Fair enough, right?
The Sew Weekly - I actually found her via CRAFT Magazine's blog when she blogged her journey to prepping herself and her friends for "A Gatsby Afternoon" (which I WILL go to one day, oh yes...). CRAFT linked her up again as she started this blog, and her love of vintage + her Bay Area references (I'm from the area as well, and miss it terribly) = I LOVE THIS BLOG. It makes me want to get my sewing machine fixed so I can start sewing again, more than any other inspiration - and I studied costume design in college, for chrissakes!
Vickie Howell blog - I have to admit, I know how to knit but I've never been a fervent knitter like other people are, so Vickie was always kind of a "meh" for me. Nothing against her, I just wasn't that into what I thought was her main craft or most of her patterns. =) BUT I discovered her blog today, and it's not all knitting! It's actually full of great craft projects.
Heart of Light - She is life-living inspiration. Not only is she a very talented crafter (I love her rosebuds and wish I'd thought of it first, dammit!), but her postings about the little things she does to make her life beautiful simply fill me with awe and wonderment. She reminds me that life is for LIVING, not existing. At the very least, I'm copying her "Friday flowers" idea... but mine will be Saturdays 'cuz that's when I can get to the Farmer's Market. ;D
Friday, February 12, 2010
V-Day 2010
V-Day 2010
Originally uploaded by mantequilla81
Ahhhh, god bless holidays that give me an excuse to make cards!
Actually, it was last year's V-day that made me interested in card-making in the first place. I was inspired by an online friend's decoupaging of tissue papers on card stock to make Xmas cards, and since I do love to decoupage, I thought it'd be fun to make V-day postcards for my friends and family. I ended up making a few actual cards, too. Here's some of the postcards I made. Crazy how I've been doing this for a year and now I'm totally hooked.
The funny thing is, I still kind of turn my nose up at scrapbooking, which is basically CARD-MAKING on a bigger scale! It's not that I don't like pictures, I just think that most scrapbooking I see tends to be a bit cutesy and cloying, even when done well. I know, I'm a snob. I still like to look at it, but make it? Meh. Maybe I'll change my tune when I have kids, although having a totally cute dog hasn't inspired me to change my tune. O__o
Regardless, I less than 3 (<3) Valentine's day. Not just because I have a Valentine (although yes, I do), but because I love love. I try to act all cool and cynical, but dammit, I'm a big gushy lovebug at heart. Not romantic love, though, just the act of love. I love my family, I love my friends, I love The Hubs, I love my dog (she's so cute OMG, you readers are so lucky I don't turn this into a dog-blog), and I love having a day to shower them with gushy affection. I do hate how this holiday makes people feel lonely, though, but I LOVE having the excuse to make pretty cards for them to cheer them up!
This year, though, I admittedly got a leetle lazy with it and only made intricate cards for certain family members and out-of-state friends. My local friends are getting kitschy school-style valentines when I see them, and The Hubs is getting candy and a printed-out card of a TV character he likes 'cuz I think it'd be funny and he won't expect it. ;D
Actually, now that the cards are made and shipped off, I'm planning on making more love-themed crafts, but they won't be card-related. I've been wanting to try my hand at pocket shrines and altered books for a while, and now I'm going to work on that. One will be for a grandma who has a bday coming up (pocket shrine), I think, along with an order from my mom to make her another neck-scarflette like the one I made Grandma for xmas - apparently Grandma really likes it and wears it all the time, haha. I can't wait to play with them, though, and show you my results!
Happy Valentine's Day! Don't make it about romance, make it about showing everyone you care about that you think they're lovely.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
New cards
Bday card for my Grandmama
Originally uploaded by mantequilla81
So, I said I'd post once a MONTH, right? Not once a week? Just wanted to clear that up. ;D
How do you find motivation to craft at the end of a long day? I'm having trouble finding it. I can look at craft stuff all day on blogs (if work is being particularly slow - usually I don't get much of a chance to go on the 'net) and be SO INSPIRED, and then I come home, walk the dog, do any chores, start dinner, and before I know it it's 7:30pm and I have no desire to do anything other than watch the boob tube or surf the net.
I think my other issue is that my craft area is very small and only conducive to certain crafts. For example, I've been wanting to sew, but my desk won't support it and my sewing machine needs to be looked at but we don't have the funds. I've been crafting on our dining table because my desk (which nicely holds all my craft supplies) doesn't have a ton of room for actual crafting, esp. with my laptop on it. Plus my desk and dining table are in the general front room of our 1-bedroom apartment, so I have no privacy and am easily distracted.
Either way, I go through phases where I can't stop crafting, and then I go through weeks where I have no inspiration or motivation. I miss it right now, but I did craft up a storm at my mom's this weekend. Made 4 cards, including the one pictured, which was my favorite of the bunch. She admitted she doesn't always craft when she gets home, too, which made me feel better. Hopefully when The Hubs and I can afford to move into a bigger home, I'll feel more inspired since we've agreed that we'll get at least a 2-bedroom that I can use one of the rooms for crafting, which means I could spread around and have everything I need in one room.
In the meantime, I will just continue to gather links to cool stuff I want to make. My dream is to start an after-school monthly crafting club for whatever school I work at long-term, so I actually have lots of those links saved and ready to go. I also have the desire to make Valentine's for my friends again this year, so I think I'll work on that as my motivating project for this month. Hopefully when I post next month, I can show you what I ended up doing! xD
Sunday, January 3, 2010
I'm not dead!
Retro Card 1
Originally uploaded by mantequilla81
I know, I know, I've been dreadful about updating this blog.
Part of it was lack of time - I was busy cranking out Xmas gifts.
Then it was lack of inspiration. There are so many blogs out there centered around crafting, I don't quite know how to make mine interesting, let alone relevant.
THEN it was actually getting a long-term sub gig that kept me tired and busy.
FINALLY it was due to adding a new member to the family. I blame this devil:
Don't be fooled by her adorableness, she's... well, she's not evil, she's just distracting. xD
I do want to make this a regularly updated blog. Maybe not daily, but at least weekly. For now, it might just be a "Look what I made!" blog, and that's fine, as I find my niche. I won't say that there won't occasionally be a blathering about other creative things, though, like theory or people I admire that are what I deem "creative". I also might blog about style as it relates to me, as I'm trying to pull myself out of a self-imposed duldrums when it comes to self-expression.
In the meantime, I wanted to start the new year on the right track and say "Hello!" I am re-committing to this blog, there's no point in having it and not using it, and I really do want to show what I make more often.
If you'd like more info on the card featured above, please click on the picture to go to the Flickr page with description. =)
Happy 2010! Let's make this an awesome one, eh?
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Homemade Xmas gifts - yay or nay?
Sorry for the radio silence; my current project was also my biggest project, and I've kind of been focusing my time to that. It's done now, though, and I can share.
Here's the thing, though - it's for a friend who is internet savvy, so rather than just go BLAM and post a picture, I'm going to link the pictures, and you can choose to look if you want. I will only say that it is crochet and it is wearable.
After Xmas, I'll post the pattern and such - I don't know where the pattern is from, because I saw a similar piece on a student while subbing, fell in love with it, and figured out the pattern myself from looking at how the piece was made. It's very simple, though, and I really like how it turned out; I just can't claim credit for it OR give proper credit - the original piece was a gift to the student! xD
Picture one
Picture two
Here's my fear, though - I love my friends and family, and I know they love me. But I worry that what I give them is crap. No matter how well it's made, I really fear that they'll think it's crap. Now, I'll admit part of this fear came about from an offhand crack someone I deeply care about made about a gift I made them last year (no specific pronouns to protect the innocence), calling it a "yarmulke" (apparently I made it too small - but the person is a tiny person and I wasn't sure!). To the point where I haven't made any of the gift I made last year for this year's round.
I like making the gifts, though, because I'm trying to make a gift that the person will love and want to wear/use on site. It's an extension of my joy of gift-giving in general; it's my goal to find something unique to the recipient that they'll also like AND be able to use. So I'm already disappointed if they don't like what I buy; it's even more heartbreaking if they don't like what I made just for them.
At the same time, I don't want to be treated like a charity case, either - feedback is helpful, always, but the joke hurt. I doubt the person meant to hurt, but it still hurt a LOT. (Not that I ever told the person... not to mention how lame am I that an offhand joke made A YEAR AGO is lingering over my head still?)
I guess this is where I am at a standstill - I still love to make things with my hands, but at the same time I don't want to bother if it's not going to be useful or appreciated by the person. If they aren't liking their gifts, then it becomes, to be blunt, creative masturbation - I'm making things for me but claiming they're "gifts". Meh.
Not that this ultimately matters - I mean, for Pete's sake, I've already made the majority of gifts this year, and this is one of the few years where it's been a NECESSITY due to financial issues. Ultimately I think the people I love take it as my slightly-better macaroni picture of love for them, like I did when I proudly gave my parents my class "artwork". So whether it's actually a good gift depends on the recipient, but ultimately it's received with the intention that I made it for them because I love them. =)
Aaaand on that note it just occurred to me yet another damn gift I'd like to make for people. God dammit. I'M ADDICTED TO GIFT MAKING, I CAN'T STOP.
Here's the thing, though - it's for a friend who is internet savvy, so rather than just go BLAM and post a picture, I'm going to link the pictures, and you can choose to look if you want. I will only say that it is crochet and it is wearable.
After Xmas, I'll post the pattern and such - I don't know where the pattern is from, because I saw a similar piece on a student while subbing, fell in love with it, and figured out the pattern myself from looking at how the piece was made. It's very simple, though, and I really like how it turned out; I just can't claim credit for it OR give proper credit - the original piece was a gift to the student! xD
Picture one
Picture two
Here's my fear, though - I love my friends and family, and I know they love me. But I worry that what I give them is crap. No matter how well it's made, I really fear that they'll think it's crap. Now, I'll admit part of this fear came about from an offhand crack someone I deeply care about made about a gift I made them last year (no specific pronouns to protect the innocence), calling it a "yarmulke" (apparently I made it too small - but the person is a tiny person and I wasn't sure!). To the point where I haven't made any of the gift I made last year for this year's round.
I like making the gifts, though, because I'm trying to make a gift that the person will love and want to wear/use on site. It's an extension of my joy of gift-giving in general; it's my goal to find something unique to the recipient that they'll also like AND be able to use. So I'm already disappointed if they don't like what I buy; it's even more heartbreaking if they don't like what I made just for them.
At the same time, I don't want to be treated like a charity case, either - feedback is helpful, always, but the joke hurt. I doubt the person meant to hurt, but it still hurt a LOT. (Not that I ever told the person... not to mention how lame am I that an offhand joke made A YEAR AGO is lingering over my head still?)
I guess this is where I am at a standstill - I still love to make things with my hands, but at the same time I don't want to bother if it's not going to be useful or appreciated by the person. If they aren't liking their gifts, then it becomes, to be blunt, creative masturbation - I'm making things for me but claiming they're "gifts". Meh.
Not that this ultimately matters - I mean, for Pete's sake, I've already made the majority of gifts this year, and this is one of the few years where it's been a NECESSITY due to financial issues. Ultimately I think the people I love take it as my slightly-better macaroni picture of love for them, like I did when I proudly gave my parents my class "artwork". So whether it's actually a good gift depends on the recipient, but ultimately it's received with the intention that I made it for them because I love them. =)
Aaaand on that note it just occurred to me yet another damn gift I'd like to make for people. God dammit. I'M ADDICTED TO GIFT MAKING, I CAN'T STOP.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Sami turns 21!
My younger sister, Sami*, has officially turned 21. Ignoring the fact that all my years of pushing on the top of their heads a la Lucy from "Peanuts" didn't work, I'm very excited for her. Now we can go drinking!
Not that I'm some huge drunk, or that she hasn't already been drinking for years. Just... it's a milestone that I get to help someone else celebrate! I'm usually the younger of my crowd; the only other person I've helped celebrate their 21st is my husband (who is 1.5 years younger).
So I'm excited! To celebrate, I made my sister a card AND jewelry for myself to wear tonight so I feel a little younger and more hip. (Not that I'm SO much older, but I'm a good 7 years older than my fellow revelers... and probably the only one who is dorky enough to use the word "reveler". ;p)
First, my sister's card:
I wanted to convey a sense of drinking. Was I successful? ;p I made the martini "paper" with some clear stamps, then colored and stamped the large martini glass.
Aaand these are for me! I'm treating my sister to dinner (and if she really likes this set, I'll just give it to her - I have enough materials to make another xD) for her gift, but I wanted a good necklace to go with my low-cut sweater top. I want to look cute, too! Even if I AM the old lady of the group! Hahahaha.
*If you look to the right, you will notice that I am named Samantha. Yes, Sami is short for "Samantha" and my sister and I have the same name. Just to explain, 'cuz EVERYONE asks: My sister and I share a brother, but are not blood relatives ourselves. Basically, bro and I share a dad, bro and Sami share a mom. Sami is my sister through LOVE, which is even stronger than blood IMHO - I don't have to love her, but she is my sister no matter what you say. The names are merely coincidence - we met when she was 1 and I was 8.
Not that I'm some huge drunk, or that she hasn't already been drinking for years. Just... it's a milestone that I get to help someone else celebrate! I'm usually the younger of my crowd; the only other person I've helped celebrate their 21st is my husband (who is 1.5 years younger).
So I'm excited! To celebrate, I made my sister a card AND jewelry for myself to wear tonight so I feel a little younger and more hip. (Not that I'm SO much older, but I'm a good 7 years older than my fellow revelers... and probably the only one who is dorky enough to use the word "reveler". ;p)
First, my sister's card:
I wanted to convey a sense of drinking. Was I successful? ;p I made the martini "paper" with some clear stamps, then colored and stamped the large martini glass.
Aaand these are for me! I'm treating my sister to dinner (and if she really likes this set, I'll just give it to her - I have enough materials to make another xD) for her gift, but I wanted a good necklace to go with my low-cut sweater top. I want to look cute, too! Even if I AM the old lady of the group! Hahahaha.*If you look to the right, you will notice that I am named Samantha. Yes, Sami is short for "Samantha" and my sister and I have the same name. Just to explain, 'cuz EVERYONE asks: My sister and I share a brother, but are not blood relatives ourselves. Basically, bro and I share a dad, bro and Sami share a mom. Sami is my sister through LOVE, which is even stronger than blood IMHO - I don't have to love her, but she is my sister no matter what you say. The names are merely coincidence - we met when she was 1 and I was 8.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Hallowe'en Craftiness
So, as I've mentioned before, I'm an unemployed teacher. Nothing I did, just the way the chips fell with the economy and the budget cuts statewide. Ugh.
I am working as a substitute teacher, and unemployment makes up the difference, so we're not broke, but we're trying to be cheap and frugal when need be.
One of those frugal choices was Halloween - we wanted to have fun costumes, but not spend a lot of money. We thrift-store hunted and modified as needed. I went as a Roller Derby girl, and I made my own shirt:
I was lucky - the trims were on sale for 50% off, so I spent about $3 for the trims. Paint cost about $3, and the shirt itself was a whole $2.
I found the stencils at Michaels in a set for $5. I painted the fire first, then layered the skull on top once the painted fire was dry.
My "derby name" and number - hey, if I'm hell on wheels, I should have an appropriately demonic number! (The derby name is a play on our last name, hence the double n.)
Aaaand me in full costume. Helmet is thrifted, found the skirt at a thrift store and cut it WAAAY short (esp. in back - oops), and found the knee socks at a thrift store, too. The fishnets are tights that I cut the crotch out of and cut the feet - the "crotch hole" went around my shoulders, and I owned the black tights already. So basically I made my costume for about $25! I had skates, too, but I didn't get a chance to practice in them before we went to my cousin's house - and I didn't want to get an RUI, or fall on my butt, frankly. Hehe.
Most people got it immediately, and I was told the shirt was the best part. It's my favorite part, too - I'm glad I found those stencils to make the "logo" of the team!
I am working as a substitute teacher, and unemployment makes up the difference, so we're not broke, but we're trying to be cheap and frugal when need be.
One of those frugal choices was Halloween - we wanted to have fun costumes, but not spend a lot of money. We thrift-store hunted and modified as needed. I went as a Roller Derby girl, and I made my own shirt:
I was lucky - the trims were on sale for 50% off, so I spent about $3 for the trims. Paint cost about $3, and the shirt itself was a whole $2.
I found the stencils at Michaels in a set for $5. I painted the fire first, then layered the skull on top once the painted fire was dry.
My "derby name" and number - hey, if I'm hell on wheels, I should have an appropriately demonic number! (The derby name is a play on our last name, hence the double n.)
Aaaand me in full costume. Helmet is thrifted, found the skirt at a thrift store and cut it WAAAY short (esp. in back - oops), and found the knee socks at a thrift store, too. The fishnets are tights that I cut the crotch out of and cut the feet - the "crotch hole" went around my shoulders, and I owned the black tights already. So basically I made my costume for about $25! I had skates, too, but I didn't get a chance to practice in them before we went to my cousin's house - and I didn't want to get an RUI, or fall on my butt, frankly. Hehe.Most people got it immediately, and I was told the shirt was the best part. It's my favorite part, too - I'm glad I found those stencils to make the "logo" of the team!
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