Hello, readers! (All 1 or 2 of you!)
It's been over a week, I think, since I've updated - and since my camera is working after all (it was the batteries, never cheap out on camera batteries), I should really be keeping on top of this!
I'll make my excuses, though, and plan to aim for a post at least once a week in the next few weeks (May is looking to be a bit of a busy-ish month for me.)
First of all, I can announce this now that the word is officially out, my husband and I are expecting a baby in October (the 27th is the due date, which happens to be our 2 year wedding anniversary!). This is an excuse as to my sporatic blogging, because man, is the first trimester an energy-drainer, or what?
Now that I'm making my way into the 2nd trimester, and not feeling so tired or heartburn-y, I've caught a cold. Not a bad one, but I've been working a bit more than usual (I picked up an extra shift at work almost every week so far this month), so today on my day off, I'd kind of rather stay on the couch and nap or read than upload and edit photos...also, my house is a mess, and if I can muster the energy, I'd like to start some spring cleaning, or at least regular tidying!
I won't say May will be a write-off, but I do have quite a bit happening. It'll start off with my husband and I hearing our baby's heartbeat (which we both got the day off for, so have decided to go out and celebrate after), another week at work where I have more hours than usual. My nephew's birthday is on the 8th, and I still have to find the perfect gift! My birthday happens to be on Mother's Day this year, so obviously, I'll be celebrating with my mom - also, that's the time of year when my dad goes on his week long fishing trip, so mom and I get together for dinner and eat sushi and other things that dad doesn't particularily care for! Ending the month is a party for my grandparents' 60th anniversary/ Gramma's 80th birthday, and my aunt, mom and I are working on a photo album for that, so there's still a lot of scanning, printing, and scrapbooking ahead! (I haven't even printed and scrapbooked my own wedding photos from 2012 yet!)
The good news, craft-wise, is that when spring hits (like for real, as in warmth and more than 1 or 2 sunny days a week), I get very inspired in the craft room. I think it has to do with all of the colour that finally starts to bloom around me, and the natural light that shines in the windows.
I am working on a pair of earrings, which I've photographed in the process from the original design sketch, to each stage until completion. It changes drastically from concept to finished product! Stay tuned!
I'm ending this novel now, then I'll finish my coffee and try to force myself to at least vacuum before claiming the couch and watching some Doctor Who on Netflix!
Anyone else trying to get motivated to spring clean? Anyone finished?
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Monday, April 14, 2014
Drawing Inspiration From The Past
I'm inspired by so many things. In fact, I could probably take inspiration from almost ANYTHING, especially if my mind is open enough to being inspired at that moment.
In the last several years, though, my main inspirations have been colour (the brighter the better!), the Japanese pop, lolita, and visual kei movements & cute "kawaii" toys and things, and the 80's & 90's (my childhood).
I'd like to talk about going back to the past, and drawing inspiration from that.
I have a youtube playlist full of 80's commercials that, when I close my eyes, I can imagine I'm back there, my hometown looking the way it did then, myself having no cares but which neighbourhood park I wanted to play in, the (amazing) music that played on the radio, and the smells of the perfumes, shampoos, candy, and scratch 'n' sniff stickers we had back then.
I was actually thinking in the shower last night, how I missed the smell of Revlon's Flex shampoo, and LA Looks shampoo. That got me to thinking of Malibu perfume, and Exclamnation, and, my personal favourite that I'd give anything to smell again (and hey, Amazon has it!!!), Cover Girl's Navy perfume! Ooh, and Maybelline's Kissin' Coolers - particularily watermelon flavour! I can almost smell it now!
I thought I'd share my two "blast from the past" pinboards (and my truly outrageous Jem pinboard!), so you can see what I loved so much about the 80's and (early) 90's!
In the last several years, though, my main inspirations have been colour (the brighter the better!), the Japanese pop, lolita, and visual kei movements & cute "kawaii" toys and things, and the 80's & 90's (my childhood).
I'd like to talk about going back to the past, and drawing inspiration from that.
I have a youtube playlist full of 80's commercials that, when I close my eyes, I can imagine I'm back there, my hometown looking the way it did then, myself having no cares but which neighbourhood park I wanted to play in, the (amazing) music that played on the radio, and the smells of the perfumes, shampoos, candy, and scratch 'n' sniff stickers we had back then.
I was actually thinking in the shower last night, how I missed the smell of Revlon's Flex shampoo, and LA Looks shampoo. That got me to thinking of Malibu perfume, and Exclamnation, and, my personal favourite that I'd give anything to smell again (and hey, Amazon has it!!!), Cover Girl's Navy perfume! Ooh, and Maybelline's Kissin' Coolers - particularily watermelon flavour! I can almost smell it now!
I thought I'd share my two "blast from the past" pinboards (and my truly outrageous Jem pinboard!), so you can see what I loved so much about the 80's and (early) 90's!
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Is the Universe Pranking Me?
...It is, after all, April Fool's day.
I wanted to snap some photos of my art room, in all it's "a-tornado-must-have-gone-through-here" glory. It would have been a post showing just how many projects I have on the go at once, and how many different KINDS of projects I have on the go at once. Not to mention, my inspiration board, and all of the cool stuff I clutter my space with that also inspires me!
The idea for ME was to put that out there, and be shamed into properly organizing it again, as I had done not too long ago, (believe it or not.)
Well, I managed to get a couple of photos. Then, the batteries in my camera died. After replacing them three times, and it still not working, I've decided that my camera has died. Until I find my old camera (it's sooooo horribly bad, too), I thought I'd try using the webcam on my mini laptop...but I'm in the process of Googling that right now, as my laptop never came with any software for the freakin' camera!
Oh, and my phone? I use it for emergencies only, and have no idea how to use the camera on it. (I hate the phone, you guys, so really, you'll probably never see me carry around a cell phone that isn't just tucked in my purse for emergencies. I really don't WANT anyone to be able to contact me. I'm living life! Leave me a message at home, right? Sorry - this is a craft-type blog, not the rant-type blog I've always dreamed of having, but I don't want to offend anyone...)
I can't even find the DS to use as a camera! HAHA! It's actually funny how I'm striking out, here!
To be honest, I feel like unplugging today anyway. I can't believe a single post I read on facebook (as I've said, it's April Fool's Day), and I really should get a head start on my Spring house cleaning now that the snow looks to (maybe) finally be melting!
I know it's difficult to tell the tone of "voice" in written form, so let me just assure you, I'm not really ranting in a miserable, grumpy way. I am actually amused at my little predicament! I just really wanted to get a blog post up today, since I'd neglected the last few days.
I'll end this by showing a couple of the photos I managed to take before my camera died. Think of it as a preview of a future post!
You can see that all manner of bright toys and knick-knacks inspire me. We've got Smurfs, Betty Boop, Belle, cupcakes, Return to Oz, and a beautiful card my friend brought me back from Ireland. Oh, and there are some necklaces hanging there, too - I did make something, it's not just a kitschy museum!
My cork board with a Jem puzzle, Disney cards I'd received, a Pokemon origami, an art project my nephew made for me, and many cut-outs of things that inspire me, mostly jewelry, and some musicians with quirky styles I like.
This last photo is one I've shown before, on my very first post, I believe. You can see all of the projects on the go - ribbon, puzzle-pieces, beads, quilled paper pieces, etc.
If you couldn't tell, my art space is in our (as yet, unfinished) basement. I love basements, unfinished or finished. I don't know why.
Anyway! My non-post has become my most long-winded!
I hope no one's getting pranked TOO badly this April Fool's Day!
I wanted to snap some photos of my art room, in all it's "a-tornado-must-have-gone-through-here" glory. It would have been a post showing just how many projects I have on the go at once, and how many different KINDS of projects I have on the go at once. Not to mention, my inspiration board, and all of the cool stuff I clutter my space with that also inspires me!
The idea for ME was to put that out there, and be shamed into properly organizing it again, as I had done not too long ago, (believe it or not.)
Well, I managed to get a couple of photos. Then, the batteries in my camera died. After replacing them three times, and it still not working, I've decided that my camera has died. Until I find my old camera (it's sooooo horribly bad, too), I thought I'd try using the webcam on my mini laptop...but I'm in the process of Googling that right now, as my laptop never came with any software for the freakin' camera!
Oh, and my phone? I use it for emergencies only, and have no idea how to use the camera on it. (I hate the phone, you guys, so really, you'll probably never see me carry around a cell phone that isn't just tucked in my purse for emergencies. I really don't WANT anyone to be able to contact me. I'm living life! Leave me a message at home, right? Sorry - this is a craft-type blog, not the rant-type blog I've always dreamed of having, but I don't want to offend anyone...)
I can't even find the DS to use as a camera! HAHA! It's actually funny how I'm striking out, here!
To be honest, I feel like unplugging today anyway. I can't believe a single post I read on facebook (as I've said, it's April Fool's Day), and I really should get a head start on my Spring house cleaning now that the snow looks to (maybe) finally be melting!
I know it's difficult to tell the tone of "voice" in written form, so let me just assure you, I'm not really ranting in a miserable, grumpy way. I am actually amused at my little predicament! I just really wanted to get a blog post up today, since I'd neglected the last few days.
I'll end this by showing a couple of the photos I managed to take before my camera died. Think of it as a preview of a future post!
If you couldn't tell, my art space is in our (as yet, unfinished) basement. I love basements, unfinished or finished. I don't know why.
Anyway! My non-post has become my most long-winded!
I hope no one's getting pranked TOO badly this April Fool's Day!
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Don't Throw That Out!
I'm not a hippie. I haven't completely gone green, though I do my part just like everyone else.
I DO, however, love free craft supplies, and if it means less stuff tossed in a landfill as well, then that can't be bad, right?
I try to upcycle now every time I craft, whether it's scrap fabric, puzzle pieces, broken jewelry bits, whatever I can find! It's like I've decided to challenge myself to turn trash into treasure, and since I kind of pride myself in seeing beauty in almost everything, it makes me feel good to accomplish just that!
Here's a look at a few things I've created using "junk":
This Halloween bunting was made using those cardboard beer coasters you get at bars. (I was given a couple of packages of them after a local establishment closed years ago.)
Old crayons melted in silicone molds makes new, fun-shaped crayons!
Paint and seal tiles to make a coaster set!
CD jewelry.
How about turning a record into a candy dish?
Scrap fabric becomes yo-yos to put on jewelry, hair accessories, anywhere!
The list really goes on and on. I have boxes of "junk" that I have plans for, including old Christmas light bulbs, pages from vintage encyclopedias, pieces of broken mirror, etc. Luckily, Pinterest is chock-full of upcycled craft ideas, so if I'm not feeling too inspired on my own, I can just hop on over there and get some cool ideas.
I challenge you to think before you toss something out. Maybe that pile of scrap paper can be turned into even prettier home-made paper (Paper-making is messy, but really fun! You could even add some glitter to the pulp!). Maybe you could turn that soda bottle into a planter (I just saw the cutest soda-bottle planters on Pinterest yesterday), or maybe you can gather a few pieces of "junk", and challenge your kids to create something fun!
The possibilities are endless!
I DO, however, love free craft supplies, and if it means less stuff tossed in a landfill as well, then that can't be bad, right?
I try to upcycle now every time I craft, whether it's scrap fabric, puzzle pieces, broken jewelry bits, whatever I can find! It's like I've decided to challenge myself to turn trash into treasure, and since I kind of pride myself in seeing beauty in almost everything, it makes me feel good to accomplish just that!
Here's a look at a few things I've created using "junk":
The list really goes on and on. I have boxes of "junk" that I have plans for, including old Christmas light bulbs, pages from vintage encyclopedias, pieces of broken mirror, etc. Luckily, Pinterest is chock-full of upcycled craft ideas, so if I'm not feeling too inspired on my own, I can just hop on over there and get some cool ideas.
I challenge you to think before you toss something out. Maybe that pile of scrap paper can be turned into even prettier home-made paper (Paper-making is messy, but really fun! You could even add some glitter to the pulp!). Maybe you could turn that soda bottle into a planter (I just saw the cutest soda-bottle planters on Pinterest yesterday), or maybe you can gather a few pieces of "junk", and challenge your kids to create something fun!
The possibilities are endless!
Monday, March 24, 2014
I Draw, Too
...In fact, drawing has always been my first love. Ever since I could hold a crayon, I've been filling up notebooks, and pieces of paper with doodles and designs.
For the longest time, I had planned on studying fashion design in Paris, and being a famous fashion designer. Of course, once I got nearer college-age, I decided that the fashion world was pretentious, and I could never justify charging $1000 for a tee shirt. (Had I known, at the time, that the internet was going to be a big thing, and places like etsy would be available for me to maybe be successful in my own private label, maybe I would have gone to a more local college's design program, but I digress.)
To be honest, sewing and draping isn't my thing. I love to design, to put it on paper, to DRAW. No formal training, no real technique. I'm not really all that good at all, if you're looking for rules to be followed (light and shading...huh?)
Know what I've noticed, though? Once I realized that I didn't follow any rules, that I had no technique, I kinda stopped churning out drawings every single day, like I used to. I'm not as creative as I once was, even with my handmade craft, for the same reason. I just need to DO and not THINK! (Something I must tell myself in many aspects of my life.) The internet allows me to share my creativity with others, and allows me to enjoy the amazing things others create...but it's also overloaded me, and given me sort of an inferiority complex, and I plan to erradicate that asap!
A great place to discover and share visual artwork of any kind, is deviantArt. Here's the link to my account: http://roxyguitarz.deviantart.com/ (Yes, my username is roxyguitarz...as in Roxy from the Misfits, from Jem and the Holograms). I started there in 2007, and went strong, submitting all the time for a few years, and then my submissions eventually became few and far between. I submitted drawings, jewelry, crafts, and even my couple of attempts at digital art. I've met some great artists, great PEOPLE, on dA, and I encourage you to explore the site and enjoy the art, all skill levels, all genres, all types of people, just doing what they love.
If you, dear reader, dabble in arts and/or crafts, I encourage you to share your work on deviantArt - it's so easy! (I warn you, though, it's addictive!)
Here are a few galleries I recommend, of some deviants I've met along the way!
myroski
amjara
foozma73
zombietastic
blue-willow
myntkat
jerzee-girl
Please explore the site, and find some favourite artists of your own. If you'd just like to "collect" your favourite artworks but don't want to post any work of your own, you can become a member, and simply add the work you love to your "favourites", and even organize it by genre, artist, or however you'd like!
It would be silly of me to make a post about drawings without a single image in it. So, though there's much more on my deviantArt page, here's a sampling of some of my drawings through the years...
(Okay, so technically this last one is a painting...but I drew it out before painting it, so it counts!)
For the longest time, I had planned on studying fashion design in Paris, and being a famous fashion designer. Of course, once I got nearer college-age, I decided that the fashion world was pretentious, and I could never justify charging $1000 for a tee shirt. (Had I known, at the time, that the internet was going to be a big thing, and places like etsy would be available for me to maybe be successful in my own private label, maybe I would have gone to a more local college's design program, but I digress.)
To be honest, sewing and draping isn't my thing. I love to design, to put it on paper, to DRAW. No formal training, no real technique. I'm not really all that good at all, if you're looking for rules to be followed (light and shading...huh?)
Know what I've noticed, though? Once I realized that I didn't follow any rules, that I had no technique, I kinda stopped churning out drawings every single day, like I used to. I'm not as creative as I once was, even with my handmade craft, for the same reason. I just need to DO and not THINK! (Something I must tell myself in many aspects of my life.) The internet allows me to share my creativity with others, and allows me to enjoy the amazing things others create...but it's also overloaded me, and given me sort of an inferiority complex, and I plan to erradicate that asap!
A great place to discover and share visual artwork of any kind, is deviantArt. Here's the link to my account: http://roxyguitarz.deviantart.com/ (Yes, my username is roxyguitarz...as in Roxy from the Misfits, from Jem and the Holograms). I started there in 2007, and went strong, submitting all the time for a few years, and then my submissions eventually became few and far between. I submitted drawings, jewelry, crafts, and even my couple of attempts at digital art. I've met some great artists, great PEOPLE, on dA, and I encourage you to explore the site and enjoy the art, all skill levels, all genres, all types of people, just doing what they love.
If you, dear reader, dabble in arts and/or crafts, I encourage you to share your work on deviantArt - it's so easy! (I warn you, though, it's addictive!)
Here are a few galleries I recommend, of some deviants I've met along the way!
myroski
amjara
foozma73
zombietastic
blue-willow
myntkat
jerzee-girl
Please explore the site, and find some favourite artists of your own. If you'd just like to "collect" your favourite artworks but don't want to post any work of your own, you can become a member, and simply add the work you love to your "favourites", and even organize it by genre, artist, or however you'd like!
It would be silly of me to make a post about drawings without a single image in it. So, though there's much more on my deviantArt page, here's a sampling of some of my drawings through the years...
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Paper Quilling
I like to try all sorts of crafty things, and last spring, I was gifted with paper quilling supplies, including the most brightly colored papers.
Over the last year I've had fun experimenting, ultimately trying to make paper into wearable pieces. (And a couple of Christmas ornaments.)
An adjustable ring, inspired by Jem and the Holograms. (Truly Outrageous)
The centers of these ribbon flower hair clips is glazed, quilled paper.
Un-glazed, quilled earrings-to-be.
One of my Christmas Ornaments.
If you like the look of paper quilling, a google search will direct you to a number of blogs where you can enjoy the amazing work of real paper quillers - trust me, it gets amazingly ornate!
Over the last year I've had fun experimenting, ultimately trying to make paper into wearable pieces. (And a couple of Christmas ornaments.)
If you like the look of paper quilling, a google search will direct you to a number of blogs where you can enjoy the amazing work of real paper quillers - trust me, it gets amazingly ornate!
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Loving BF Crochet Creations
If you love beautiful, intricate, BREATHTAKING - not to mention soft and cozy - wardrobe accessories, then I must direct you to the blog of a very talented (and smart and beautiful to boot!) friend of mine: http://bfcrochet.blogspot.ca/ (Seriously, click it - not only is she talented, but she's hillarious. I never thought a mission to organize one's craft stash could be so entertaining!)
Tamsin TAUGHT HERSELF how to crochet, and not all that long ago, either! (And for someone like moi, who has tried and failed at crochet and knitting - I just don't have the knack - this is a HUGE deal!)
She works mostly in luxury yarns (and she has a knack for selecting the most beautiful color-ways), and designs all of her grogeous creations. Soon, she'll even be making her patterns available for anyone to purchase, and create in their own favourite yarns!
I'm actually writing this post wrapped up in a beautiful, cozy throw that Tamsin made my husband and I for our wedding gift! She also made my garter! (That's Tamsin's hand, she was fitting the garter on my leg, deciding where to finish it off. Yes, those are skulls. Yes, she's THAT awesome!!!)
Here's a photo of Loki, master of the house, having claimed the beautiful starburst throw Tamsin made my husband and I. Sadly, it doesn't come close to showing off the blanket in the LEAST, but it does prove that it's loved! (I have to steal it back every night, or at least wriggle myself carefully under a section...) Also, yes, it's sparkly!
THIS is the gorgeous shawl Tamsin made me for my last birthday. I had snapped a photo of myself wearing it as a cowl that I was sure was on my laptop, or saved on a flash drive, but I can't find it ANYWHERE! A shot of it on my dining room table will have to do, and this photo doesn't do it justice in the least. The colors are WAY more intense, they practically GLOW!
Edit: found the photo of myself wearing my shawl like a cowl...
It was Tamsin's jump into blogging (and a facebook fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/tamsinjuby ), that inspired me to start taking more creative time for myself, and to share it with the world again. Look out for some collaborations in the near future, too - we've got things in the works!
Follow her blog and/or her facebook fanpage to see her latest creations (and contact her about purchasing), read her entertaining anecdotes, and just be inspired by the beauty that can come from two hands and a crochet hook!
Tamsin TAUGHT HERSELF how to crochet, and not all that long ago, either! (And for someone like moi, who has tried and failed at crochet and knitting - I just don't have the knack - this is a HUGE deal!)
She works mostly in luxury yarns (and she has a knack for selecting the most beautiful color-ways), and designs all of her grogeous creations. Soon, she'll even be making her patterns available for anyone to purchase, and create in their own favourite yarns!
I'm actually writing this post wrapped up in a beautiful, cozy throw that Tamsin made my husband and I for our wedding gift! She also made my garter! (That's Tamsin's hand, she was fitting the garter on my leg, deciding where to finish it off. Yes, those are skulls. Yes, she's THAT awesome!!!)
Here's a photo of Loki, master of the house, having claimed the beautiful starburst throw Tamsin made my husband and I. Sadly, it doesn't come close to showing off the blanket in the LEAST, but it does prove that it's loved! (I have to steal it back every night, or at least wriggle myself carefully under a section...) Also, yes, it's sparkly!
THIS is the gorgeous shawl Tamsin made me for my last birthday. I had snapped a photo of myself wearing it as a cowl that I was sure was on my laptop, or saved on a flash drive, but I can't find it ANYWHERE! A shot of it on my dining room table will have to do, and this photo doesn't do it justice in the least. The colors are WAY more intense, they practically GLOW!
Edit: found the photo of myself wearing my shawl like a cowl...
It was Tamsin's jump into blogging (and a facebook fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/tamsinjuby ), that inspired me to start taking more creative time for myself, and to share it with the world again. Look out for some collaborations in the near future, too - we've got things in the works!
Follow her blog and/or her facebook fanpage to see her latest creations (and contact her about purchasing), read her entertaining anecdotes, and just be inspired by the beauty that can come from two hands and a crochet hook!
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