A Little Imagination and a Pile of Junk

ommattub kustboot, or not much inspiration in the old bulk mailbox lately

This time of year, I usually start thinking about gifts I can make for my friends and family. As an artist/crafter myself, I can appreciate the value of making and giving handmade gifts over mass produced commercial ones. Particularly considering that most of the people I love and buy gifts for are like me and have more already than we'll ever need or can even fully appreciate. Giving handmade, to me, is also a reaction against the excessive consumption and unashamed consumerism that tarnishes the holidays (otherwise known as holy-days). That being said, we crafters can also find ourselves caught up in a storm of creating that ends up adding so much stress to the season that it is hard to remember the real reason we started doing it all in the first place. There is always so much we want to do but just don't realistically have time for that we end up buying a bunch of crap that nobody needs at the last minute just so we have a gift to bring--or is that just me?

Just because we can't do it all ourselves doesn't mean we have to spend insane hours at the mall searching for that elusive perfect gift that will be forgotten within a week or two leaving the beloved ones stressed out trying to decide what to do with all this stuff cluttering their lives once the holidays are over. Oh, and I haven't even mentioned the hurt feelings, resentment, and guilt that come from spending so much time and energy making a gift for someone who doesn't fully appreciate all you've put into it and will eventually just stick it in next year's garage sale hoping you don't stop by. The answer then is to still buy handmade because it is just the right thing to do, lets you feel good about the gift your giving, and practically guarantees that your gift will be both unique and meaningful, but let someone else do the creating! There are so many amazing independent designers out there who need our support--if you have a shop, let me know so I can put us together a little inspiration list. And yes, you may have to pay slightly more for that handbag than you would pay at Target or Old Navy but I guarantee you it will be worth every  penny, likely much more carefully crafted, and with all the love and care that most indie designers put into their products will probably come beautifully gift wrapped as well.

So, anyone up for joining me in pledging to buy handmade this holiday season? It just feels right to me. You can get more information (plus a cool banner for your website) and join the fun at buyhandmade.org. I do think I'll try to make a few gifts myself but mostly just for the kids.

Speaking of handmade gifts, it looks like the parade of gifties has already begun at our 12 Days of Christmas Swap. I've got to get working on my gifts which means that I also need to get shopping. At home I would feel compelled to use mainly what I already have in my stash, but since I couldn't take it all to Memphis (I tried, though), I'll just have to go shopping for raw materials: fabrics, paper, paint, and more. It's a tremendous sacrifice, you know, but so worth it.

 

We're settling into our new apartment and it is quite fun. Sort of like an extended vacation. We have a nice (not too) little apartment and daily life is so much simpler and less exhausting when you only have to deal with the stuff that could fit into 8 check-in bags. Little laundry loads, fewer dinner dishes and a whole lot less toys to fight over. I predict we're going to love it here.

heading out

We're all packed and almost ready to go on our adventure. Next time I talk to you, it will be from our new home away from home. I can hardly believe we've done all this in a week, but it was even easier than I expected. God is good. I can't wait to see what he has for us next. It looks like Fall is blowing through Tennessee....

we're serious about fun

Have you seen Planet Earth yet? We don't have cable or satellite so we just bought and began watching the video series a few weeks ago. To say it is unbelievable is no exaggeration. I've watched every episodes with my mouth gaping open. I promise, you have never seen anything like it. It is kind of like The Life of Pi, it will make you believe in God.  And the Caves episode is particularly popular with the kids because it has bird spit, worm snot, and bat poop all in the same episode. We've already watched that one many, many times.

And something else to check out. Not quite so life transforming though still very good:

The premier issue of Stampington & Co.'s Sew Somerset. I have an article inside on making fabric art journals like this, this, or this one. I was really close to the deadline making the journals for the article and forgot to photograph them, so I'll share pictures when I get them back and they may even make their way into my Etsy Shop. But here's a peek at the article. On the chapter intro page, the blue with purple hearts in the middle is mine.

A while back I mentioned that I wanted to do a tutorial on how I make my painted papers but later it occurred to me that I described that process in this article, only for painting on fabric, and I should wait until after the article came out to do the tutorial. So, I'm going to finish working on that now. Hopefully I'll get to work on it while we're in Memphis (I've already learned that it's pronounced Mehm-fus.) and not have to wait until we get back.

Speaking of Memphis, after reading my last post, my husband commented that it sounded like I hate my life here in the Valley which I really do not. I love it actually. My life. Being home with my kids. Homeschooling. The very close knit community we have at our church. Our friendships that have been deeper and more rewarding here than we've ever had anywhere else. The only thing I don't like is the Valley itself. We've been here 6 yrs and it still doesn't feel like home to me. There are things I am thankful for about raising my kids here. The levels and influence of consumerism aren't anywhere near what they would be back in Austin, largely because of the extreme poverty that also exists here. I'm thankful that we can go right over the border (although we don't need to) and see what real poverty is and that my kids have the opportunity to see it with their own eyes. I'm also thankful that the cultural climate here in many ways supports the values we are trying to live out before our children instead of tearing them down. And, ultimately, I know this is where God has called us and where we are meant to be at this point in our lives. But it is still sometimes hard. And I'm glad to be able to get away when we can.

I've already packed up our winter clothes and my art supplies (I've given up the admittedly unrealistic hope of actually sewing anything between now and our leaving.) but I still have so much left to do to leave the house for several months. I wonder how being empty for that long will effect everything? Will there still be dust (which is mostly dead skin cells--sorry to have to tell you) if no one's there??

the wave is coming

Ever since John returned from Bolivia, I've been secretly longing for my own adventure. Then just a few days ago we learned of an assignment, so to speak, that John was asked to take in Memphis, Tennessee doing some training and educating in a clinic before it gets shut down by Medicare. It would be for 3-4 months and the company is paying for everything plus a bonus at the end of it all. So...we're going to Memphis!!!! We leave in a week. Whooooooooooooohooooo!! Can you hear the chorus of hallelujahs from every cell of my being?? I cannot tell you how ecstatic I am. Really, I wouldn't care where the job was as long as it was far away from the valley, but Memphis--how cool is that?? I've already scouted out all of the thrift shops, fabric stores, art museums, and historic districts in the area. Plus, we'll get to take public transportation! I don't know why I'm excited about it, but I've always loved taking the bus. I miss it. I really do.

We're flying up there so I have to figure out a way to get my sewing machine and winter fabrics, jewelry supplies, and art journaling bag to arrive safely. We'll get to wear sweaters! And see the Smoky Mountains in the fall! And have a cold Christmas! Well, colder than here. I don't even care about the 50 million things I have to do in just 7 days, I'm completely blissed out.

Just think of all the adventures we will get to share in the next few months! Sadly, it will have to wait. I don't have much time to sew a new bag for the laptop, a new craft apron, carry on bag for Maisey, and pouch for my sewing supplies. All without my husband seeing a thing because he would freak out if he saw me making stuff while we have all this packing, etc. Earlier he asked me to take all of the art related stuff from our to do list and put it on my own list that he will never, ever see or hear about. It seems my last minute crafting in the face of leaving in a week can create a little extra stress.

But look! I will be carrying these vintage lovelies on the plane with me, all from sweet jessie.

I won a drawing on her blog a couple of weeks ago and I swear it was the first thing I've ever won in my life. But the prize package more than made up for all of the other losses. You should have seen the celebrating when I received the very heavy box last week.

Me (squealing and skipping into the living room): "John look at this! Can you believe it?? I actually won all of this! Look at these fabrics?? Aren't they some of the best you've ever seen? Ever??"

John: "..um....Where did that come from?"

Me: "I won it from sweet jessie, I've never won anything. Ever! Isn't it wonderful?"

John: "...um, who's sweet jessie?"

Me: "My new best friend."

John: "...okay...."

It looks like she has another giveaway going on right now at her blog. You better get over there quick. This is one generous lady (with great taste).

current crushes and new favorite things

A little late, but here it is:  Crusade No. 12: Current Crushes

Crush #1:  Reconstructing Clothing - Making me want to neglect the kids and spend the day online doing "research":

~ New Zealand artist & crafter Debra Dorgan's gorgeous designs: here and here.

~ Blossomnbird's funky yet strangely elegant designs. I want everything in her Etsy shop! You can see more of her work at her flickr site.

~ Renaissance woman Charlotte Self's romantic creations at her shop Blue Butterfly Art.

Crush #2:  Wardrobe Remix flickr group. From the group info: "wardrobe_remix is a DO IT YOURSELF street fashion community. I believe the best stylists walk the streets, not the photo sets, nor the backstage of the runways. the real innovators are you and me: real, fashionable people, men and women alike. How do *you* put it together? where did you get that item of clothing from? is there a story behind something you wear? Whatever you wear, wherever it's source (designer, mass-market/high street, thrift/charity, handmade--it's ALL good): show us how you CREATIVELY put your everyday duds together! post your photograph in wardrobe_remix, and tell us about what you are wearing and why."

There are other similar groups, but right now, this one's my favorite. And way bigger than I can actually keep up with. I'm challenging myself to begin to take and post my own pictures when I can. More as a daily diary or self-portrait experiment. You can never have too many pictures of what you really look like. So, here's yesterday's shot:

• Top: New shirt I made this weekend from vintage fabric (ebay) and New Look pattern #6483
• Jeans: Ralph Lauren, Steinmart
• Necklace: Target
• Daughter: of course she has to be in the picture, too

I'll be doing good if I can get a picture once a week. You see, when you stay at home with kids or work from home, you don't necessarily "get dressed" every day. Ahem.

Crush #3:  BurdaStyle.com - Open source sewing. The most fantastic idea. They have tons of great patterns available to download for free. And you are encouraged to alter the pattern, make it your own, make it better. Then post the pictures and even a how-to if you're up for it on the site to inspire others. Brilliant.

Now all I need is to get over my fear of knits so I can start working on variations of Lydia 3197 for the cooler weather coming.

random friday

~ Latest journal entry for alphabetica round robin (trying to get caught up!)  Over the Rhine lyrics surrounding the photoshopped butterflies:

Dip your hands in colors

while the young night flutters in on you,

And fingerpaint me pictures of all you see….

~ Little pink suitcase I picked up thrifting in Austin with my sweet friend Stephanie. Don't you love it?! It's the perfect purse size for carrying essentials plus a magazine or two. It is probably best that we don't live in Austin anymore. I'd be so broke all the time.

~ Some vintage patterns I also picked up in Austin. I'm freaking out over the cuteness of those skirts.

~ No picture, but exciting news! One of my designs is going to be used on the cover of a book of short stories being published by Random House Canada. I've seen a mock up, but I can't wait to see the actual cover.

Have a great weekend and have fun creating!

oh yeah baby

Now, I know you already love Japanese imported fabrics--who doesn't? But did you know we should also be obsessed with fabrics from South America, too??

My sweetest husband actually picked out and brought home this treasure trove of fabrics for me. While I already knew I was married to the most loving & generous man alive, I never would have seen this coming. Although he loves the things I make, he's definitely not into the same things I'm into, and even probably thinks it is all a bit strange. But, he does have great taste and evidently knows me better than I realized. Let's just look at those one more time--just humor me:

Do you see the silver threads running through the bottom blue & white floral one? The bottom right is a nice & thick seersucker. He picked up 1-2 meters of each one and says he spent maybe $20 on all of it. He was told they were made mostly in Brazil and Argentina. Next time he/we go, we're bringing an extra suitcase. Along with colorful bus tickets, paper money and Che Guevara stickers, I also got these.

So, if being separated from your lover for two long weeks and being showered with beautiful gifts upon his return isn't enough to remind you of all the reasons you married him in the first place, then you're just not paying attention. A few more pictures, you say? Why, of course...

The hats the ladies wear? If they are placed straight up on their heads, it means they are married. If they are tilted to the side, the lady is single. I had no idea Bolivia was so beautiful.