New Year’s Resolution: Journaling

I used to keep a journal. It was small and spiral bound with multicolor pages. Every day, for maybe a year or two, I would make a bulleted list of what I had done that day. I think I was 8. I would write things like: went to school, came home, had a snack, played with the hamster, did my homework, etc.  This is probably the most diligent I have ever been about keeping any sort of journal.

I have been thinking for a while now that I would like to do this again. I enjoy making lists and recording things, but consistency and follow-through are a problem (the contents of my blog serve as evidence). Learning about the Feltron Reports from the podcast 99% Invisible (via Radio Lab) has renewed my resolve to journal. I don’t intend to be quite as thorough (or anywhere near as thorough!) as the Feltron Reports are, but perhaps 5 to 10 records a day would be doable?

I could use the Daytum app to keep my records, but there is something about handwritten lists that I feel will help me stay consistent. The act of putting pen to paper feels more intimate and honest. It is somehow a release.

What kinds of things should I record? As my dad pointed out, the categories themselves will be indicative of the things that my 24 year-old self finds important. If I continue, it will be interesting to track the evolution of categories, in addition to their contents. I will start by taking the next two weeks to record a variety of things, and by the New Year will have paired them down to a handful of categories to be tracked over the next 12 months. Here goes nothing.

Vinyl Bookends

I signed the lease on my very first real apartment yesterday (Uh oh… does this mean I’m a grown-up?). I’m determined to outfit this new place crown to kick with crafty goodness. First up, book ends made from old vinyl records. 45s are a good size for this, but you can also cut a 12″ in half (score with a boxcutter and break).

45 book end

12" book end

inspired by: http://www.instructables.com/id/Vinyl-Record-Bookends/

Sandwich Love: Turkey Bacon Swiss Croissant

Mini celebrations are important, even for silly little things. I keep a stash of Dove peanut butter chocolates on hand to reward myself for, say, emptying the dishwasher. or having a good tip night at work. Today, after completing a successful phone interview (pick me! pick me!), mom surprised me with some fresh croissants from the bakery. As much as I love simple croissants with butter and or honey, I was in the mood for something a little more lunch-y. So I came up with this little creation:

Ok, so there isn’t anything revolutionary about this sandwich. But do you ever just bite into something simple and soft and buttery that makes you feel all melty? Well that’s what I’m channeling here.

You will need:

• 1-2 pieces bacon
• 3-4 slices turkey breast
• 1 slice swiss cheese
• a fresh croissant
• butter

The Method:

Cook 1-2 pieces bacon in a small skillet. Remove and set aside bacon when done and drain out excess grease from the skillet. Don’t wipe the skillet: use whatever grease is leftover after draining to cook the turkey. Keep the skillet on medium heat and add 2 slices of turkey. Add a piece of swiss and top it all off with another 1-2 slices turkey (swiss should be sandwiched in between turkey). Cook until turkey browns a little and cheese starts to get melty. Flip and cook the other side. In the meantime, slice and butter the croissant. Put the cheesy turkey pile in the croissant and top with bacon.

I think next time I’ll try this in the grill pan with a slice of tomato (grilled tomato?).

Other delicious creations consumed today (I’m in that kind of mood today):

• Two eggs over easy on wheat toast topped with goat cheese crumbles.
• Greek yogurt with fresh strawberries and a little honey.

ZOMG, I love food.

T Shirt Vest

Let it be known that sporadic posting does not necessarily mean sporadic crafting. I made this a few weeks ago, but alas, my camera was MIA. Now that we are reunited (thanks Tyler!), behold the t shirt vest.

Its made from a shirt that the G-parents brought me back from Nice several years ago. I liked the anchor logo and I thought it would be fitting with nautical spring/summer looks on the rise. A Rock and Roll Hall of Fame shirt made for a good lining. Mismatched buttons were fished from the vintage stash.

Please ignore the wrinkly shirt and the 90s decor.

Flowers for Ladies of Society to Wear

The other day I stumbled across this great tutorial for fabric flowers on 100 Layer Cake (via Creature Comforts). This made the perfect between class/lunchtime craft for substituting yesterday! I made these 3 big ones (approx. 3″ in diameter) and a bunch of smaller buds.

Not sure what I’m going to do with them yet,  but they sure are pretty! Plus they remind me of the Bobby Darin tune Artificial Flowers.

New Etsy Items: Romance Novel Valentines

New cards just in time for V-day! Made from old romance novels (the dirty parts, of course!). Check it, yo.

Romance Novel Valentine with Anatomical Heart

Altered Men’s Dress Shirt.

Some days a girl just has to sew. And yesterday was one of those days. I spent the entire morning turning a thirft store men’s dress shirt into a long cami.

I used the Youtube draping tutorial by Mimi Goodwin to create a pattern for a basic bodice. Then I just cut apart the shirt and traced the pattern onto the shirt, leaving the true bottom of the shirt intact.

And if you are a hasty pattern tracer like me, a belt is very handy to cover up where you started marking the waist with pen instead of tailors chalk.

Should I do a tutorial? I was thinking of doing a YouTube vid of the process or maybe sending something to Threadbanger.

Statement Bra

I caught the tail end of Oprah’s interview with Lady Gaga several days ago. They had a segment where they toured her wardrobe and I was delighted to discover that Gaga has a bit of crafter in her! Not that I was really surprised. Anyone with that artistic vision is bound to have a penchant for the handmade.

Remember the disco bra from the Just Dance video? She made that. Oh yeah.

We have statement necklaces, statemtent hair pieces, statement shoes. But I really think that what every girl needs is a statement bra. Even if you only wear it rocking out in front of the mirror at home.

A few days ago, I went about making my own. I pulled out an old demi from my drawer, grabbed a 30″ metal zipper and went to town. All I did was cut the zipper down to the length of the bra and hot glue that sucker together. It helps if you pin all of the zippers into place first so you can see your finished design before gluing.

Stark County Artists’ Exhibition

I’ve never actually had my work in a real art exhibit. And by real, I mean non-student.

Until now!

Pelvis and I

Many many thanks to my family and friends that attended the opening of the Stark County Artist Exhibition at the Massillon Museum!

Dollar Drama: Plumage

I blame my friend, Hannah, for my feather earring kick. She volunteered at an organic farm where there were free range chickens. One day this past spring she returned home with a handful of feathers and went about making chicken feather earrings. I took a page from her book and for next couple of months I would sport plumage from one earlobe.

This past November, my interest was renewed when I spotted a dramatic pair of feather earrings at a Bazaar Bizarre. They were so long that they brushed my collarbone and the arrangement of different feathers was a gorgeous cascade. Sadly, the fishline and tape arrangement that kept it attached to the actual earring left something to be desired. The feathers came loose and disappeard after only an hour of wear.

Today, while browsing at Pat Catans, I came across the exact same feathers, grouped and tied with fishing wire and tape (minus the earring)! And they were only $1.19 for a pack of 4! Victory! Upon returning home, I set about making my new and improved feather earring.

You will need:

• Darice brand 5″ feathers (available at Pat Catans)
• wire (I used 26 gauge)
• fish hook style earring
• needle nosed pliers (optional)

How To:

Make a loop with the wire similar in size to the fishing line loop. Hold the wire loop against the fishing line loop and secure it to the feathers by wrapping the long tail of the wire around the taped neck of the feathers several times. It looks nicest when the tape is completely covered by the wire. Then insert the earring, close it up with pliers (or your fingers), and you’re set to go. The wire keeps it securely attached to the earring and also adds a little weight so that the feathers dangle a little nicer. Below is a close up shot of the feathers before and after the wire contraption is added.

There couldn’t be a simpler way to frame your face with semi-homemade drama. They come in packs of 4, so you could make 2 complete pairs, but I always wear just one. I like asymmetry with this kind of look.