When I saw this project from Ann Wood, I couldn’t wait to try it! I love coming across recipes and projects that look intriguing. I have a major lineup. My next project is going to be resurfacing a table that Bunk and I found on the street. I’ll let you know how it goes.
I’ve always loved Marisa’s art and creations. A while ago, she started selling embroidery kits. I had never embroidered before so of course I had to get it. It took me a while to start because I had to buy the string and needle, but once I had all of my supplies and did a tutorial on youtube, I went for it. I really loved it!
Embroidery – done.
When I was little and my aunt would cook or bake, it was typically a disaster. I remember going over to their house for brunch or dinner and we would end up laughing at a burnt quiche or bland dish. My mom, on the other hand, is an amazing cook and an even better baker. It makes perfect sense. My mom is a perfectionist. She likes things just so. And therefore, enjoys leveling off a cup of flour or making sure that the thermometer reads correctly before she puts the baking pan in the oven. My aunt, on the other hand, is the exact opposite. She’s more carefree, enjoys improvising, and over time has become a good cook.
I’m more like my aunt. I do have issues with wanting to be perfect, but ultimately would rather be imperfect. I made cheddar-dill scones tonight for the first time. Here are the things that I didn’t do right:
Luckily for me, there’s enough butter, cheese and cream to disguise any missteps. And believe me, they’re delicious.
My birthday was on Wednesday. I’ll tell you more about it later. But, I found this in the trash the morning after and thought I’d share it with you. It was pretty spectacular.
Dearest Darlingest Dinosaur,
I am wishing you love, freedom of art expression, and play this coming year. How lucky I am that you live down the road and that I get to share so many passions with you, not the least of which are art and Nathan. I am so lucky to have you in my life, sweet girl. Here’s a little something to warm you this winter. Happy Birthday.
XO,
Char
As I try to figure out what I want to do and how my creativity can be channeled, I collect data. In reality, I’m probably already channeling it, but I digress. I absolutely love Austin Kleon’s How To Steal Like an Artist. Whenever I start a writing project or do an art project, my first thoughts go to – who will read or see this? What will they say? How will they respond? I’m far too concentrated on other people. I love his advice, “Write the book you want to read.” This reminds me that creativity is personal. It’s a space where you belong.
song of the day: April Come She Will by Simon and Garfunkel
I’m sick of my “to do” list. It isn’t even that long, but when I even look at it, I feel frustrated and stressed out. I’ve decided that I’m going to have a “can’t wait to do” list. This list makes me really really happy. Do you have a can’t wait to do list?
can’t wait to do
1. art
2. vulnerable pulp
3. NYC adventures
4. neighborhood exploration
5. spend time with Bunk
6. watch new seasons of my favorite shows
7. read
8. crafty projects
10. read inspiring blogs like these
song of the day: your ex-lover is dead by stars (don’t be fooled by the name. it’s an awesome song.)
A wonderful evening – art, wine, good music, Bunk reading on the couch and Jibbs asleep on the floor.
We’re in the home stretch for the wedding. It’s about a month away. It’s definitely coming along and we only have a few last details to work out. When we first got engaged, I read tons of DIY wedding blogs. As I started thinking more about all of the projects I could do, they actually seemed quite expensive and would take a lot of effort to do from across the country (did I mention that we’re getting married in San Francisco?). As the details started to evolve, I decided to at least pick one thing that I was going to make – the table numbers. I definitely knew that I wanted to use brushed ink for the numbers. For the background and framing, I’ve been playing around with water colors, crayons, canvas, twine and paint. None of them were making me happy. That’s when I glanced over at my jar of buttons that I’d collected from a button frame project I did about 4 years ago. I tried out a few patterns and settled on a more random look. Now I only have to make 15 more and figure out how to get it across the country.
Song of the day: Love Love Love by Tristan Prettyman.
Sometimes I tell myself a story that I’m not expressing my creativity. I tell myself that I don’t have time to do crafts or try a new collage medium. I tell myself that I have some sort of creative block. I read blogs and dream of things to do but then I don’t put my intentions into actions. Yesterday, I was sitting here telling myself stories and reading blogs when I came across some cool paper flowers on Poppytalk. I clicked through and found an actual tutorial on PaperVine. Right then, I ran into the other room and found some supplies and made a flower! I didn’t have maps to do the project or a skewer, but I had some blue paper and a chopstick. I think it turned out really cool! It reminded me that our stories evolve. It was wonderful to feel creative and do a project, but it was really important to me that I watched my story evolve, even for a moment.
I’ve been reading Superhero journal for about 8 years now. I even bought one of Andrea’s necklaces from the attic in one of her old apartments. I remember when she first came out with her Mondo Beyondo list. I sat down to create something, but it felt like so much pressure. What would I put on the list? How can I imagine all of the things I want to do? Ever since then, I’ve been thinking about my list. Not a bucket list – oriented towards getting it done before the end. But a mondo beyondo list – looking forward to what my life could look like and what my intentions are.
A few weekends ago, I went to my friend’s wedding on a farm in Pennsylvania. It was simply lovely. Their favor was silk screening tote bags. In that moment, I was filled with excitement. I’ve often thought about trying silk screening, but I’ve never had the chance. I thought about it later and realized – that would have been on my list. That’s when I changed my thinking. Instead of trying to think of all of the things I would like on my list, I realized that I would realize them when they came true. This is not to say that I don’t have great beautiful amazing spectacular things that I want to do and see. But, if I stumble upon my list, at least for now, I think the pressure will be eased.
So, every once in a while, when I realize that I did something on my list, I’ll let you know.
Silk screening – done.
Song of the day: Your Ex-Lover is Dead by Stars
