craf-T

2011-09-20T10:24:00.000-07:00

2011-09-13T15:36:00.000-07:00

2011-09-13T11:57:00.000-07:00

2011-09-13T11:21:00.000-07:00

2011-09-09T16:33:00.001-07:00

Week Seven

2010-02-22T13:03:00.001-08:00

Ok so I know that this is not a drawing. This week I'm going to show off one of my block patterns. Several years ago on a Trip to San Fransisco to visit Jen we all went to the Exploratorium to "play". They have this great exhibit that is just tables full of these colored shapes that you use to build patterns, I sat down at a table and was in heaven, and an hour latter decided that I best go find Matt and Jen. For Valentines this year Matt bought me a small set of tiles. The idea is to expand our collection, so that I can play "with the kids" Something makes me think that I will be using them more though... It is so relaxing to just sit down and make all sorts of beautiful patterns.

Mr. Arthur pants.

2010-02-15T10:53:00.000-08:00

week six

So since we call Arthur "Mr. Arthur Pants" Jessica came up with the Idea to get a tattoo of an "A" wearing a pair of pants! I loved the Idea so much I had to steal it. This will eventually be going somewhere on my boyd (not sure where yet) and the color/style of pants may change.

NOTE: I did not draw the plaid myself, that was photoshoped.

Artsy Fartsy

2010-02-15T08:56:00.000-08:00

week 4

Okay so I actually did this one at the end of December, as a gift for my sister and her husband, but I like it so much I had to show it off, plus I may have missed a week so I'm slipping it in!

Week 5

I actually did this one as a new business card/logo design for my stylist who just opened her own salon. The best part of this arrangement is that I'm getting paid in trade! This means that I won't have to pay to get my hair done for months!

January Illustrations

2010-02-02T09:20:00.000-08:00

So if you also read my actualT blog you know that one of my goals for 2010 is to create an illustration every week, for a total of 52 illustrations in 2010.

here is what I have come up with for my first month.

Week One

I was inspired by an image a friend of my posted on Face book. This one was a lot of fun. I love to draw in black and white.

Week two

This was done in pen and Gouache a type of water color paint. This was going to be a Christmas present for my sister (who's son is named Jack) but I did not have a chance to get it done for Christmas. I forgot how much I love to paint with gouache.

Week three

For the most part I am going to keep my illustration hand drawn, but I spent all my free time this week working on some illustrations for Actual Industries which I did in Adobe Illustrator.

Three is all I got so far. Stay tuned I will upload a new one each week all year!

What did you do today?

2009-05-01T16:55:00.000-07:00

So the other day I was reading my new How Magazine and there was an article called Daily Deadlines about making a new small work of art every day. Two of my favorite featured artists are the Skull-A-Day and Obsessive Consumption artists. I fell in love with the idea, and thought I would copy it a bit, and start creating my own works of art every day.

Since I am on maternity leave, I figured that I needed a bit of a creative outlet for the next 3-5 months, so I plan to illustrate one thing that I do each day during my time off, and some day I will give the books to Arthur.

Week One
4.24.094.25.09
4.26.09

4.27.09
4.28.09
4.29.09

4.30.09

5.1.09

Stay tuned for more of what I did today...

Bad Ass Mommy.

2008-08-12T14:15:00.000-07:00

So I have been told by more then one person that I need to make a diaper bag, and at last I have finally done just that. My little sister has a friend who in having a baby, and wanted a diaper bag that wasn't all diaper baggy. She is having a girl but did not want something all girly, and wanted something that did not look like she was carrying a diaper bag. I totally know where she is coming from, because when I have kids I know I don't want to carry around some cutesie diaper baggy, diaper bag. Thus the Bad Ass Mommy Diaper bag was born.

My inspiration came from a diaper bag that my older sister (who is a mother of a 2.5 year old little boy) LOVES!!! It is the Spark by Skip Hop. Since I did not have a pattern to work off of I went to Target and bought the bag so I could look at it more closely and come up with a pattern of my own (which I will have to create again if I make another one of these bags, because my dog ate the pattern... I'm not even kidding). Having the bag to look at and use to make the pattern was so helpful. Since I'm still pretty new to this whole blogging thing I for got to take photo's of my precess, so I will just have to show you the final product.

Here it is!

I had a lot of fun creating this bag and it turned out just like I wanted it to. One of the best features that this bag has (which I totally stole from the fore mentioned bag) is inside and out side clips that make it possible to clip the diaper bag to the handles of your stroller (see photo to the right). This is one of the features that make the Spark diaper bag my sisters favorite. There are also plenty of pockets both inside and out. I think it is a perfect size neither to big or small.

The best pat of my bag and what makes it so BAD ASS is the fabric. I found this fabric a while back and have fallen in love with it. I have a bag made out of it for myself, and I love peoples reactions when they see it. First they are all like wow that is so pretty, and then they look at it closer and are all like OMG are those SKULLS?! And they are, but is is still the pretties pattern. It is the perfect fabric for bags because it is a heavy canvas like fabric. I was super happy to make a bag out of this fabric because it is one of my favorites, and I cant wait to carry this diaper bag myself... Anyway it was the perfect print for this bag, and since the recipient of the bag is having a girl I lined it with some pink polka dotted oil cloth... because even if you still want to be a bad ass mommy, it's still fun to be pretty!

Inspired!!!

2008-07-29T15:35:00.000-07:00

So lately I have been in a bit of a rut. No new ideas, and no energy. Over the last few days I have been trying to be inspired again.

Last Wednesday I went to a few of my favorite places to be inspired. First I went to Powells and grabbed a whole mess of great books, and looked through them over a cup of tea and made some notes. I came up with at least 2 or 3 fun projects to start.

Next I went to some place new. I went and looked around the museum of contemporary craft. It is a really cool place, and there is no admission on weekdays. I looked at a lot of art that inspired me as well.

Next I walked down to the pearl and looked around in one of my favorite stores Oblation papers and press. I love all the great cards, paper, ribbon, and most importantly I love drooling at all the great presses... I WANT ONE!!!

Last I walked over to Print Arts Northwest my FAVORITE gallery in the pearl and looked at all the wonderful prints. If I had money I would have bought so many of them. I figured out that what I really really want to do is start printmaking again. I miss it so much. I need to get myself a press, or take a class, or something soon...

Anyway I feel much more inspired and hope to get going on some projects soon... so stay posted.

Lazy T / The Sampler

2008-07-18T12:19:00.000-07:00

So I have been the worst blogger as of late. I have been feeling a bit less then creative, but need to get it into gear I know...

One thing I have been up to is creating a set of samples (a monkeys in hats gift pack that includes a blank note card, bookmark, and button) to send into the greatest place that I recently learned about called the Sampler. It is a great program where crafty people like me, or even writers ans musicians can send in samples of there work. The great people at the sampler then put together packages of samples and send them out to their subscribers. I'm super excited to be featured on their website, and to have my samples sent out, now I just have to get my ass in gear and update my website for all those new customers that I hope to get.

Crafty Inspiration.

2008-06-28T12:24:00.000-07:00

So lately I have been a bit lazy, with everything really. I have not done much crafting, or anything for that matter, so I thought it might be time for some crafty inspiration. One thing that I do when I need a bit of inspiration is look to others, some of my favorite ETSY sellers for instance...

elsita, smashing, kate durkin, berkley illustration, terry graziano, modica's Shop, tiny meat, phoebe1, chris parry, the black apple, Orange Willow, mary and jane.

ENJOY!

corporate zombie

2008-06-24T10:40:00.001-07:00

This is my latest in my fleet of cute little zombies. He is a corporate zombie.

When I made my first two zombies I did not have the size hook that the pattern called for, so I had to use what I had. Mr. corporate was made with the correct sized hook, so he is a bit of a better size and shape.

I still have not figured out what to do with the eyes. I have really not thought about it much, nor have I tried what the book suggests, but as soon as they all have eyes I will let you know. I hope to make myself a fez monkey soon also...

My "Cute" little Zombies

2008-06-19T15:26:00.000-07:00

I think I found my new favorite thing to make, creepy cute little critters. They were a lot of fun to crochet, and I can wait to make a whole mess of them. They went together really fast, the hair is what took the longest. I have not decided what to use for eyes, but as soon as I know I will post photos.

The patten is really pretty simple. This is the first "real" thing that I have crocheted from a pattern, other then granny squares so considering that I think I did a pretty good job.

Stay tuned for more additions in my little army of the undead.

"Cutest" book ever!

2008-06-17T10:42:00.000-07:00

Yesterday while running some errands I found the best book ever. Creepy Cute Crochet: Zombies, Ninjas, Robots, and More! I Just learned to crochet last spring, and have not done a lot of it but because of this book I plan to do so much more.

The little "dolls" are so great, can somebody say Fez Monkey... how much do I need one of those. Aside from the monkey, there are so many great projects like: the devil, nosferatu, a cleric, amazon woman, the corporate zombie, grim reaper, day of the dead gal and fellow, and many more!

The best part about the patterns is that they all have the same basic body shape, so as soon as I master that I can make up as many characters as I want... FUN!

The other day while browsing on crafster I came upon the greatest little bit of crocheted people a lot like the ones I hope to make a mess of. If you are a fan of the show Firefly you have to check these little guys out! Happy crocheting.

A is for Apron

2008-06-09T22:18:00.000-07:00

I ordered a wonderful book A is for Apron by Nathalie Morun and it finally came in the mail. It is such a great book, and I can't wait to start making the projects, they are ALL so cute.

Reading this book made me remember how much I LOVE aprons. I swear I think I should have been a house wife in the 50s sometimes... And I think I will now have to work my hardest to bring the apron back.

I would really recommend checking this book out, it has such great projects, techniques, and is really fun and easy to read. Also the illustrations and photos are very helpful and attractive. The book itself is also very well designed, which as a designer I love to see.

Stay tuned because I hope to post many completed projects soon...

My First Drapes...

2008-06-06T20:22:00.000-07:00

They are finally done. Now I don't have to worry about whether or not I have pants on when I get up to make my coffee in the morning!

I have had the material to make the drapes since just after I moved into the new house but have not gotten around to making them until now.

They are super simple, 2 large rectangles with grommets at the top.

The fabric I found and fell in love with to make the drapes with was only 55" wide, since my window is 75" I opted to add an extra 27.5" of fabric to either side to make each panel wider so the drapes would be more full. I do not plan to line the drapes with anything because the back side is almost as pretty as the front so I opted to do a french seam to hold these two pieces together, so there would not be any raw edges on the back side. I also tacked the seam down so that it would not pucker.

After the two panels were all sewn together I put a 1" hem on all of the sides (not the top and bottom). I folded the fabric over twice and put a long strip of stabilizer between the two to make them a bit more sturdy.

For the top and bottom I went with a larger 3" hem and used a heavier stabilizer, so that the grommets would not tear through. I put 4 curtain weights (2 on each side) on the bottom of each panel so that they would hang a bit better.

Last I used 3/4" grommets at the top of the drapes. I placed the grommets about every 5 inches. I chose to use a curtain wire, as apposed to a rod which is why I was able to use such small grommets.

All in all I think that my first drapes turned out pretty well. I did not do anything fancy, but I think their simplicity is what I like the best about them. I think that I might end up lining them after all. As much as I like the pattern on the back, the material is just a bit thinner then I would like an lets a bit to much in.

They still got it!

2008-06-04T09:29:00.000-07:00

Yes I do believe that their new album (the red album) might just become my new favorite. Now I thought that the blue album was and always would be the best, but I must say it that the red one might have to just edge out the blue for #1 in my mind.

The video for "pork and beans" is great, if you are a frequenter of You Tube you may recognize some of the characters.

Also they are on the cover of spin this month. I have not has a chance to read the article, but I LOVE the cover art, even if Rivers Cuomo has a creepy mustache.

So whether you are a long time fan, or just like a good bit of great music you have to pick up the album, you will not regret it... it rocks!

How Does Your Garden Grow?

2008-05-31T16:01:00.000-07:00

With silver bells, and cockle shells,
and pretty maids all in a row.

Okay maybe I don't have any silver bells or cockle shells, but I will do my best on the pretty maids all in a row.

This week I finally got the rest of my garden planted. Once things get going we are going to have more fruits and veggies then we are going to know what to do with, I can't wait.

In the large garden area we have planted: 2 verities of heirloom tomatoes, 2 verities of cherry tomatoes, roma tomatoes, 2 plants of an unknown tomato (my dad gave them to me), english cucumbers, jalapenos, red and purple bell peppers, habanero peppers, anaheim chilies, peperoncini, green beans, cantaloupe, artichoke, zucchini, acorn squash and butternut squash.

In front of that garden area we have 2 rows of strawberry's (3 different verities). And to the left of the strawberry's we have plants a dozen blueberry bushes, and a marion berry bush. We might not have fruit on most of the bushed until next summer but when we do we are going to have more then we know what to do with!

Last we have planted a great little herb garden. It contains thyme, rosemary, sage, marjoram, oregano, fennel, dill, chives, dwarf curry, basil, italian parsley and lemon verbena. The dill is going crazy and I have used a lot of it. It is so nice to just run into the backyard and pick some fresh herbs to go into dinner.

Stay posted for more updates on the garden, recipes and photos of all the great things I plan to create.

Holy Sheet.

2008-05-28T11:26:00.000-07:00

Here it is #1 in what will be a long list of tips and trick I hope to impart on all of my loyal readers.

It is sheets! I know that sounds way to simple to be some great tips, but trust me it is a good one. I have to credit this tip to my mother who was always using sheets to make curtains, or table cloths, or something.

I use them for everything. I love them because even a twin flat sheet is much wider then most plain cotton fabric you can buy off the bolt, and for much less money. I have found great twin sheets, for as little as $4-15 at places like Ikea and Target. You can find them in an array of colors, and even patterns. And if you need a bit more width just upgrade to a full or queen, if you look around you can even find the bigger ones for a good deal.

I have even used a sheet to test out a dress pattern before I make it out of the "real" fabric, so I know how it is going to look and if it will need alterations before I cut it out of the good stuff, pick a good color and you may even end up with 2 cute dresses.
The many uses of sheets:

quilt backing
curtain lining
test dress (or shirt, pants etc.)
bag lining
table cloth
scrap fabric
apron back (see my multi-pocket apron pattern)

The list could really go on an on. If you are going to be a crafty person I suggest having at least a couple of these buggers on hand, because you never know when you might need to use one. So next time you are at target or Ikea, just pick up a sheet or two, you will be happy you did.

Venetian Spritz

2008-05-23T21:20:00.001-07:00

Last Summer when Matt and I were in Italy (Venice to be exact), we happened upon a drink that we both fell in love with. This drink was
a Spritz. During our two weeks in Europe had the privilege to spend my 27th birthday in Venice. It was by far my best birthday EVER. We had so much fun. The evening of my Birthday we (our tour group) took part in a Cicchetti Crawl (the Venetian version of a pub crawl).
During this crawl you go around from bar to bar, and get food and drinks. Each bar serves little appetizer type items for around 1-2 euro. They also serve glasses of wine or spritz' for about the same.
A Spritz consists of White Wine or Prosecco (Italian sparkling wine), soda water, and either Aperol or Campari. The good ones were garnished with a green olive, but some were garnished with a lemon (I like it with both). Neither Matt or I were very fond of the Spritz made with Campari, but we both fell in love with the one made with Aperol.
As soon as we got back from our trip we tried to find find Aperol at a liquor store near us, but had no luck. A few months ago we were told by a friend that we should check a liquor store in the Pearl. Tonight we finally checked them out and lo and behold, they carried Aperol! This is great until you think about the fact that for 7 months we were only 10 blocks away from said store, and never went in. Anyway we were finally able to make Spritz' at home and they were just as good as we remembered.
I would really recommend trying this drink out. It is well worth the trip
to NW Portland for a bottle of Aperol, or even better, a trip to Venice
for the real thing!

My new favorite place to go!

2008-05-21T18:05:00.000-07:00

So I just discovered the best website ever. It is burdastyle.com and it is awesome. I have bought and used Burda sewing patterns and liked them, but did not know they had a website. It is full of so much great information, tips, how tos, free patterns, a blog and forums.

It is such a great resource. I have already gotten so many great ideas and tips, and have not even been able to look through everything the have to offer. I would recommend this site to anyone who sews, would like to learn to sew, or improve their sewing skills.

Check it out!

Multi-Pocket Apron Pattern

2008-05-18T21:05:00.000-07:00

Here it is, my first pattern for everyone to enjoy. I got the idea for this apron from my friend JoAnn. She bought an apron sort of like this one on Etsy. After using it for a while it started to come apart, and she gave it to me to fix. I really liked the design, and started to think...I could make this, and mine would be better, thus the multi-pocket apron was born.

As this is my first attempt at writing my own pattern I need all my loyal readers to give me input. Anyone who can take a second to read over the pattern and see if it makes sense, would be great. All comments or suggestions will be gladly accepted. And if anyone is feeling ambitious and wants to make one and give me the ultimate feedback, that would be even better.

Also blogger does not allow you to upload PDFs so I used a different site to embed my PDF, let me know if there is any problems viewing or printing the pattern. ENJOY!

apron Pattern - Upload a doc

My Jam Plan.

2008-05-15T21:16:00.000-07:00

Just after moving into our new house we discovered a very large rhubarb plant in out backyard. This made me happy because one of my all time favorite pies is strawberry rhubarb. Since I really don't like to bake, I figured the next best thing would be homemade strawberry rhubarb jam. I found this great recipe that uses the microwave. All you have to do cut up your fruit, coat it with sugar, microwave it for 10-12 minutes (more in my microwave because it is an old piece of crap), and put into jars. This process is genius! Not only does it save a mess of time but it, uses like a quarter of the sugar as other jams.

Since I liked how much the strawberry rhubarb turned out I decided to try out some other concoctions, using the microwave technique. I made some strawberry, rhubarb, orange, pineapple jam. And some pear, plum, rhubarb jam. All three are very tasty. I Love to make jam

I can't wait to come up with new recipes this summer. I want to try out some savory jams, like a pepper jam, and we are going to grow all kinds of peppers in the garden, so I will have plenty of great fruit to work with. So stay posted for more jam.

Paisley... My favorite color

2008-05-13T21:02:00.000-07:00

Ever since I laid my eyes on my first paisley I was hooked. I suppose that the paisley is one of the reasons I have a love affair with patterns, and fabric. When I was in high school I used to say that my favorite color was paisley.

I have always loved the patterns and the shapes in a paisley, but until I started thinking about writing this blog post I never really new much about paisley itself, and in fact the history of paisley is almost as interesting as the design itself. Instead of boring you all with my version of the history, I recommend that you read it, I know I found it interesting.

As a person that loves both paisley and designing patterns I find it odd that I only recently started designing my own paisleys.

First I made a sketch (left) to scan and bring into Illustrator to trace. Then I traced it. After I had a nice vector image to work with I was able to use the basic shapes I had created to make my many unique paisleys. So far I have 5 of them (below). Since they are all drawn on the computer they can easily be changed, added to, and colored! I can't wait to do more, so stay posted...

I am craf-T

2008-05-12T19:51:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my new blog. Since I am a crafty person, and often have a lot of time on my hands I figured that it might be fun to share my crafty skills with the world.

craf-T will be full of projects, ideas, tips, awesome sites and crafty people. I will keep everyone posted on my crafty endeavors, and introduce you to other hand-crafters that I love.

For my first official post I plan to introduce everyone to one of my favorite websites Purl Soho. As anyone who knows me knows... I love fabric. I have a bit of an obsession. I buy fabric I don't need, and constantly have to come up with ways new ways to use it up (hence the blog full of crafty tips and projects). Before I could be content with a trip to fabric depot, Mill End or bolt but now I have one more way to feed my obsession. Purl Soho is full of a ton prints that I have never seen at any of my local shops.

I have discovered some of my favorite pattern designers on this site. Among my favorites are; Etsuko Furuya, Tina Givens, Joel Dewberry, Heather Ross, and Anna Griffin. Not to mention all of the Alexander Henry, Robert Kaufman, and Freespirit Fabrics.

Aside from all the great fabric Purl Soho is full of wonderful yarns, books, patterns and accessories. Among all the pages of things you need to buy, there is also a great blog The Purl Bee, full of projects and tips, good for using up all that great merchandise you can't help but buying. I would also suggest putting you e-mail on their mailing list. I love getting my Purl Soho newsletter in my in-box.