Hey Lisa: I have an Idea!!!

Hey Lisa (of Craftingbymoonlight and SeventyTwoStitches on etsy), I have an idea. I think I know how we can store all of our yarn, look at this wall!!!

NCSI?! ...That's me!!!

I was at the gas station yesterday and the cashier lady said I reminded her of the CSI Lab Tech. I had no clue who she was talking about but thanked her anyway. I looked her up this morning, and I have a vague idea why! Nice hair NCSI Lab Tech Lady!!!

Christmas Drug of Choice: Caffeine

I have found myself lately thinking about a glass of wine to calm the nerves a bit and relax, but always decide to opt for the caffeine instead, not wanting to feel too tired to accompish all that needs to be done!!!

...

As I grow older, I have become aware of a bit of Christmas irony. During the Christmas season we all become much worse people. It's true, this probably includes you.

We run around town hectically and impatiently acting like a bunch of jerks. We drive more impatiently. Get easily frustrated as our patience is tested to its limits. We impatiently tap our feet at the post office, as the line continues it's stretch out the door. (Thank you USPS for being open on Christmas Eve!!!) Oh Lord, please forgive me, because I am no exception...but there is just so much to do!!! I don't even host Christmas at my house!!! Thank God for coffee!!!

...Now that it's Christmas eve, all the ends are coming together. The to do list is done!!! Christmas is here!!! It's time to relax and enjoy the products of our hard work!!! This is the season to celebrate the news that the Savior is born, we are all saved from the consequences of our sins. The dude that had been prophesied about for thousands of years has been born. The scriptures are real!! It's all true!!! Our savior is born, let's celebrate!!!

Merry Christmas every one!!!

Etsy in the New York Times!!!

Yokoo

Etsy was covered in the New York Times (click!!) on Wednesday!!! Woo hoo!!! Gotta love the EtSy!!
They chronicled the daily goings on of several felllow EtSians, such as Yokoo, Byrd and Belle and Paloma's Nest. Love it!!!!!!!

Supply run!!!

Last night Johnny took care of the kids and I ran out to buy some supplies. I love supplies. When it comes to crafty supplies, you must resist the urge to buy things to make stuff you'll never have the time to get to..... this is not my forte'. I got sucked in to the fabric remnant section and came out with $15 of fabulously bold-colored fleece. I got a lot of fleece for $15. Hold on, I'll take a pic...

I have some ugly dolls in mind.

I also got some supplies for more light sabers since the last ones were such a hit!! My kids are super pumped. I think I better start cranking these things out... and buy some red yarn. I'm out of red yarn. (Man, I never realized how much crochet would occur when pottery went on hiatus.)You are looking at the interior of 15 to-be light sabers.
Light sabers
...
I also managed to buy some Christmas cards while I was out.We'll just see which one you guys get. I'm trying to Hack into the Santa files right now, just for the sake of accuracy. You don't want to alarm anyone unnecessarily.

Monday...Mailbox Jackpot!!!

I got my necklace I ordered from Artibility.etsy.com
So stinkin' cute!!! Thanks Artibility!!!
He was freezin' his tentacles off all weekend in my mailbox. He was in there since Saturday, and I only checked the mail on monday. Poor David the Octopus. I think I'll make his some hot cocoa.

This is surely a sign that I am Christmas slacking!!!
I have to wrangle up those kids and snap a shot before the snow melts.

I got my sweater stone.

Dudes, I am not kidding when I say this thing is fabulous. It leaves behind some sweater-stone dust, so bring a broom... but your clothing will look fabulous. Thank you SweaterStone!!!

Larkbooks: the final cut

I have butterflies in my belly
Shipping out the submission today.

How to Tuesday: Felting

Detroit Urban Craft Show

Detroit Urban Craft Fair at the Majestic Theater was a huge success!!!!

EinfachSkate.com

Vault of Midnight ComicsCleo Dee
Nicole Lindner

This weekend was the 2nd annual Detroit Urban Craft Fair, hosted by Handmade Detroit, at the Majestic Theater. I don't think I had ever been around that many crafty people at one time. (DUCF Live Blog of Saturday's events)
Me and my love walked around and tried to absorb as much creative energy as possible. We thoroughly enjoyed our first Urban Craft Fair experience. I highly recommend seeking one out near you! There's one coming up in Ypsilanti on Dec. 5th. I can't make it, so I need you guys to go in my place. You should definitely take advantage, because it is great to be me. Trust me.

Shadow Art Fair- Ypsilanti, mi
Saturday Dec. 5th, 12pm-12am
at the corner brewery
shadowartfair.com
....
Bazaar Bizarre
Cleveland, OH
Nov 27th, and Dec 12th
....
The Renegade Craft Fair
Chicago
Dec. 5th and 6th
....
Check out Handmade Detroit's feature in the Detroit Metro Times (click!!!)

Back on the Vineyard...

Larkbook Photo Shoot #1

Aardvark 1

Chicken Mask 1

Critters 1

The submission is for Larkbooks
Design Inspiration Guide: Animals, to be released March 2011.

How to Tuesday: Make Crochet Flowers

P.S. Vanna Contest Update: Onto my 6th skein!!!

Watch this.... I dare you to not be inspired.

I have discovered the 'There's no place like here' category on the You Tube Etsy channel. They tour the homes of Etsy artisans... I found this one particularly inspirational. The interiors of these homes are amazing. I am now looking at every corner of my home, and it should feel threatened... because it is. Every inch of my home should now feel very worried and afraid, because it is in extreme danger of redecoration... Extreme redecoration.



I don't know if I could handle living with so many people, but it certainly has its charms.

The Art of Slow...

I am hand stitching today. There is just something emmensly satisfying, calming and centering about doing something that centers your concentration on something slow...

Lark Books!!!!

I got a much welcomed convo @ The Clay Hut yesterday from Gavin at Lark Books. It was a request to publish some of my animal artwork in a new book...the first in a new design inspiration series... Design Inspiration Guide: Animals!!!!! (a working title) Due for release Spring 2011. I cannot express the height of my excitement and anxiety as I plan to put together the artwork photos and application. Oh man, I hope I get in!! Thank you Gavin from Lark Books!!!

Lark Books is a prominent force in the art book indusrty. Many, many favorite books around the pottery studio are published by Lark Books, most prominently,
....the 500 Series

New Book...and a new Project!!!

For those of you who are unfamiliar, I am addicted to books, and Amazon.

I was in Barnes and Noble the other day and found this little treasure. I am not naturally an embroiderer, but this book makes me want to give it a shot.
I came home, priced it on Amazon.. and before I knew it I was entering in the shipping address. It was here within the week!!! Now I have a stack of things to be embroidered and beautified... and not enough time in the day.
My precious overalls have developed quite the holes in the knees, and I have patched them, but to properly secure the fabrics together would be an ugly job...until I discovered decorative embroidery!!! Even Johnny is gonna get a pretty little patch, on his manly elbow... maybe page 121. Very manly.

How to Tuesday: Write Like an Architect

Ok...one more. How to cut with an X-acto knife like a bad ass!!!

Urban Craft Show in 3 weeks!!!

November 21st (2 days before my birthday)
There will be an Urban Craft Show in Detroit
at the Majestic Theatre
*10am - Free Admission*

Artist of the Day: Keri Smith

So, today my family and I went to the mall and we entered through the Barnes and Noble. I made a bee line to the art section. (I had been envying it earlier on a top secret mall mission, but did not have the time to peek.) After being freed of all children because I have the best husband in the world, I spent what seemed like half a day in that isle.
In this isle I discovered a new favorite artist. She is the author of "Wreck This Journal", "This is not a book", and a 11 others I am sure are just splendid. Her name is Keri Smith.


She has a blog: Wish Jar