DECEMBER DAZE

DECEMBER DAZE

It’s impossible to believe that it’s already almost mid-December! I’m just over here trying to get caught up, not to mention getting Christmas ready.

I had a great time at Mod Shop on small business Saturday and wanted to share a few photos. All in all, it was a great event and I’m already looking forward to next year.

I have a few Hamsa suncatchers left, as well as some hand-dyed indigo textiles. I’ll be updating my etsy soon and will be making another batch of textiles pre-holiday. I still have a bit more time for commissions, so send them my way! Hope everyone’s December is off to a great start!

SHIBORI SESSION

SHIBORI SESSION

I’d been admiring Shibori projects that I’ve seen online for the last couple years. Back in the Spring, a girlfriend and I decided to give it a go. It was a lot of fun and pretty successful for our first try. Last month, another one of my girls and I went for it again.

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Both times, I’ve used the same kit from Amazon. It comes with the basic instructions as well as rubber bands and a couple of small squares of wood.

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You will need a couple of buckets which can be found at your local hardware/home store.

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We also used additional rubber bands, chopsticks, twine, binder clips, pvc pipe, tile, and more wood blocks. They do not recommend using this particular kit for synthetics so check your labels and go all natural!

The most time consuming part of the process seems to be the tying and prepping of the fabric. One kit goes a long way and you can even save the Indigo dye vat to use again. There are tons of great tutorials online for even more ideas. The possibilities are truly endless!

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What I really love is watching the process and how the fabric is transformed before your eyes. The indigo develops when exposed to oxygen and you can actually see it turn from green to blue.

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I read a little about the history of Indigo and was definitely intrigued. The natural form of indigo dye has been used worldwide for thousands of years. We tried lots of different tying and folding techniques on shirts, duvets, throws, scarves, and the results were all lovely.

I’ll be doing another dying session this weekend in preparation for the upcoming ModShop handmade market. I’m excited to work with some table linens as well as kitchen towels and curtains. They’ll definitely bring some beauty to your home! New pieces will be available on my Etsy page soon!

HEY HEY, HAMSA

HEY HEY, HAMSA

It is said that when something repeatedly shows up in our lives, it is for a reason. I first encountered this symbol as a child, as my mother had some Hamsa jewelry. More recently, I started to see it everywhere and took this as an insight that I should make my own stained glass versions.

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sunshine-yellow, ocean-blue, copper

These are the first 3, each in different color stories. The Hamsa in an ancient symbol, recognized by many religions as bringing good luck and protection and is also thought to represent the hand of God. 

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aqua-green, red-orange, copper

“The Hand (Khamsa), particularly the open right hand, is a sign of protection that also represents blessings, power and strength, and is seen as potent in deflecting the evil eye.” The history of this symbol is deep and very intriguing and the renewed popularity is easy to understand.

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aqua, cobalt, copper

I’m pretty happy with the start of this project and am working on creating a few dozen more for an upcoming craft show. After that, I would LOVE to work on some commissions. The possibilities of color combinations are endless and can definitely be suited for any aesthetic. They make a sweet little addition to any home and whether or not you believe they bring luck or protection, they definitely bring some beauty.

 

Succulent Heaven

Succulent Heaven

 

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It’s pretty clear that the popularity of succulents has reached a fever pitch. I’m very happy about this because being that they are typically pretty hardy, they are perfect for those of us that don’t possess a green thumb. I’ve made many attempts at being a good plant mom over the years but don’t always succeed. I like to blame it on my house being dark but I’m pretty sure it’s not just that.

Greenhouse gorgeousness
Greenhouse gorgeousness

My sister recently visited the Succulent Gardens in Castroville during her honeymoon and as soon as I saw the photos, I knew I had to check it out. My children also love succulents so were very interested in seeing what they had to offer. Getting kids excited about any part of a road trip is a victory in my book! They’ve both made beautiful succulent mini-gardens as school projects and would have bought the whole place up, if I would of let them.

I’ve got a thing for greenhouses. Like a serious thing. I dream about having one some day (non-green thumb and all), so that may make me somewhat partial but this place is gorgeous! The prices were very reasonable and the selection is beyond amazing.

Fear not if you are not in California or anywhere near the Monterey Bay, because they ship! I do realize that succulents are mainly meant to be outside but am trying my hand at keeping them right under my kitchen window and hoping that will do the trick. So far, so good.

 

All about that GLASS

All about that GLASS

I’ve been obsessed with stained glass for as long as I can remember. The way it captures the light is nothing short of magical. Back in the year 2000, (can you still remember that far back?) I took a stained glass workshop at the local community college and I was smitten, big time.  I had a lot of fun with it for a few years and then life got in the way. Fast forward to May of 2014, after much contemplation, I finally allowed myself to make the time for a refresher course.

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I had to start with the obligatory instructor-chosen project which definitely involved a hummingbird and flower. After that, I found the Art Deco Sunrise pattern and decided to give it a whirl. I was pretty happy with how it turned out considering it was only my second piece in 12+ years. Since I am a creature of comfort, I decided to stick with the same pattern for my next piece which was to be a wedding gift for dear friends. Since the bride loves color, I went a bit brighter for the second version.

I’m still doing my best to squeeze in some glass time! The fuller life gets, the harder it becomes. BUT time spent doing something we love is always worth the investment. I’ve also made a sweet little feather and am currently working on an ongoing project making as many sun-catchers as humanly possible for a local maker’s faire this upcoming November. And just for fun: Art Deco Sunrise v1 goes Disco

Happy New Year! Life is SWEET.

Happy New Year! Life is SWEET.

 

Okay, I give. It’s not exactly the new year. It’s much more like mid-year or actually, slightly past mid-year. BUT it’s my NEW YEAR and that counts for something. My birthday was 2 weeks ago, so my new year is here!

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I’ve been pining after these prints for months. Over a year, actually. I finally bit the bullet today and Charlie & Veruca, will be mine!

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I am beyond excited to have these beauties by Heather Buchanan on their way to me. I came across this amazing artist on instagram a couple years ago and have been longingly loving her work, ever since.

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I can’t count how many times I read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. So much that most of the Oompa Loompa songs are permanently engraved on my brain.

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I’ve seen the 1971 Gene Wilder classic  dozens of time and it never gets old! Ms. Buchanan’s paintings of the child actors give me all the feels.

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Anyone who adores both Bill Murray, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, has my heart. These babies will be taking center stage in my living room, real soon. I can’t imagine my childhood without the creations of Roald Dahl.

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And now, I can’t imagine my adulthood without the creations of Heather Buchanan. Bravo.