RVA Projects and thankfully snowed in!!!

First I must thank the snow gods for providing me with a second shot at a Sunday since I spent my actual Sunday being sleepy and lazy despite desperately wanting to catch up on some RVA projects. After a fun Friday and Saturday with Adam, a great dinner at Belgium beer at the Draft Barn in Park Slope and then Phosphorescent at the Bell House I got to make my own chalkboard thought bubble!! I wish I had the money to buy some of them out there, but sadly I don't! BUT, I bought this bubble at Michael's (which has such a great array of wood shapes!) and applied chalkboard paint...and voila...I am inspired....so, even though I am still behind, here are my latest class editions!

Felt Teepee Village (project #3) 

I am somewhat happy about these though there was definitely some trial and plenty of error!! Notice the snow???

Jersey Knit Scarf (Project #6)

This project was sooooooo much fun and I even made myself a pink headband with some extra jersey! I used a pink t-shirt I bought from Michael's for $1 and an old t-shirt from a Halloween themed wedding many many moons ago! I added a small 'X' from extra t-shirt, a ribbon strip, and a button. Sweet!

Felt Family Wall Art (Project #7)

This piece is titled: "Brother and Sister" and naturally I made it for my brother Chris. We are best buds, crazy music lovers who love to see music together, and we are both children of the 80's, so I thought the tapes would be fitting!! I gave this to him today and he has a perfect spot on his wall!

Brother close-up

Sister close-up

And here is the basic layout of Project #5. Generally I am taking the projects pretty literally since I am so pressed for time. All of this is to make me learn how to devote time to the important things...like creating!! But, I need some advice about his project...to dye doilies or not ro dye doilies??? What do you guys think about the layout?? I need to decide before I start the task of sewing!! 

(Sorry about the terrible picture!!)

This wonderful craft session was brought to you by the sweet sounds of Beirut "March of the Zapotecs/Real People "Holland"; Animal Collective "Merriweather Post Pavillion"; Mates of State "Re-Arrange Us"; Vampire Weekend "Vampire Weekend"; Electric President "Sleep Well"; and Seabear "The Ghost Who Carried Us Away"...sigh...music is love!

And...after nearly six years of teaching...my first snow day!!!!

RVA Pretty Class: 'Hide them Here' Journal Covers

Simple and a lot of fun to do! I am so happy to make time to be creative!

Tell me what you think! : )

RVA Class Questionaire !!!

Since I was late to today's chat I decided to do my Q & A here--plus I wanted to share some pics!!

1. favorite recent purchase?

Yesterday I walked around Manhattan with my lovely Patti (who lives in the midst of Chinatown, little Italy and the Village) and went to the Pearl River Mart (so inspiring and fun!) An here are some of the things I got and love:

  This adorable cellphone holder!!

These kitschtastic ornaments!

This horse (that I got for my niece, but am wondering if I can part with just yet!)

 

 This awesome and functional robot sharpener!!! Patti convinced me it was worth it because it had a purpose other than being a robot!!

2. favorite album (for creative purposes, of course!)

I am a music addict!! I have posted about how my lack of musical talents makes me covet music, so I listen to so much all of the time and my desires vary based on the projects I am doing. Lately, I have been non-stop obsessed with The Dodo’s “Visiter” and Seabear “The Ghost That Carried Us Away” and The Pains of Being Pure at Heart (self titled). When I am in  fun crafty mode I love to listen to Of Montreal or Beirut or anything inspiring!! And I forgot, the new Animal Collective "Merriweather Post Pavillion" is AMAZING! If you are a fan, don't forget about Panda Bear's "Person Pitch"--one of my 2008 favorites!!!

3. favorite crafty snack

I am not a big snacker when I craft, but I love me some coffee and when I am feeling fancy a nice glass of Chiraz! : )

4. what time of day do you feel most creative?

Usually when I can’t do anything, like when I am driving!! But often late at night when I should be sleeping!! That dreamy feeling seems to drive me!

5. what is one skill you hope to develop over the next 8 (or 7....) weeks?

Like a lot of people, I would like to break out my lonely sewing machine and really see her go!!

6. Starbucks drink of choice? (well, it doesn't have to be from Starbucks.. we are just big fans.)

First I am proud to say I FINALLY tried the Captain Crunch Berry frap—and oh my it rocked (not an everyday thing, but certainly an awesome treat!!!)

My go to drink is a Venti Soy Latte...boring but consistently satisfying!!

7. secret inspiration sources (do not hold out on us!)   

Nothing with me is ever a secret—but as far as this question goes, when I really need inspiration outside of the internet/book/magazine world I open my eyes and heart up wide and just LOOK at the world around me in new ways. Sometimes I create little missions in my mind or fun stories to dictate the lens I want to wear that day. I really gather from every resource possible so that life is never boring. In my next post I will show one of my favorite inspirations!! 

But really, I love colorful doors! I have a whole flickr album and a couple of groups that I add to!

So, love and creativity to all--thanks for supporting and sharing!!

RVA Pretty Class: Color Me Happy Album

Yay, I finally finished the first class project for the Red Velvet Art online workshop! I will leave this as a picture heavy post and will probably add more details on my flickr album if anyone is interested! The theme is about things that make yo happy, and I sure need something to look at for instant happiness!!

Broke out my sewing machine for a slightly frustrating binding! Cover is made with part of a cereal box covered in strips of felt. The binding is simply twine and then the lovely pom pom embellishment!

To always finding reasons to be happy!

KARMIC UPDATE: when life gives you grey, make some neon!!

Life has been topsy turvey still, my arm is ready for a bionic replacement, the letter 'h' is still on vacation, and I may possibly be scrambling for a roommate soon, BUT, despite my tendency to become depressed and reclusive, I NEVER give in totally!! So, here is some recent EXCITEMENT!!

MY PERLER BEADS ARE IN! I ordered these lovelies from bluendash through ebay and  got so much extra with my order! I am soo happy with all of the colors, the way everyting is bagged and labeled for me, and about the ideas I can't wait to make. My lovely and eco-conscious friend Cyndy mourned over the perler beads being plastic, which makes me feel a bit awful, so perhaps these aren't Karmic Goodies, as much as just eye-candy! 

Then there is my recent love of embroidery and hand-sewing! These are some little clouds I made just to practice the blanket stitch.

Then there is the MOST EXCITING NEWS!!! I decided to do someting completely selfish and sign up for Elsie and Rachel's joint web-worksop!!! If you look at the project list you will certainly be both inspired and jealous!

These are the lovelies: Racel Denbow and Elsie Flannigan...

I have been following their progression for about five years now (crazy?? web-stalkerish?? hmmm) Well, in all fairness, Elsie is scrapbooking royalty with two books, a product line, and a huge following. Rachel primarily runs their joint venture RED VELVET ART which had a funky kit club and is now opening up a 'real life' store!! (I wish I lived in MO!) Rachel also runs the heartachingly cute shop PONY PARTY on etsy. So, even though I have never considered myself a groupie type, I couldn't help but want to be in on the fun and let Rachel and Elsie get to know me!! (hahaha!) Truhtfully, I am trying to make creativity more of a priority in life even if others may find me selfish. Through this course I hope to meet some crafty friends and bring smiles to my forlorn face!   

Look at these cute project sneak-peeks!

And speaking of sneak-peeks, here is a looksy at my first blog giveaway....

To making dreams come true, even if it's a lonely road!