Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Mail Art: Time Capsule

Mail art inspired me so much. I loved opening my mail to find interesting things and thoughtful notes from other artists. That was when I was most productive.

I came across a book about mail art. Good Mail Day is a great source. Also, International Union of Mail Artists website. I recommend checking them out if you are curious about mail art.


A couple of weeks ago I opened my box of mail art. I haven't touched it since before I moved. I had a stack of post cards that were never sent and a stack that needed response. It went quickly once I got started.




I cleared some space on my desk and set out different stamps and inks. I hope to stay on top it this time. I also got some addresses from Post Crossing. I picked up some great cards to send out last time I was in Banff.




Lets take a step back and look at the chaos of my crafting. Clothes to alter on ironing board, shirts to stencil on the table, mail art album plopped on top of that to be updated, and shirts to be fitted in a big pile. I got a lot on the go, I have also been sketching some jewelry displays that I hope to build soon.

Yep, big to do list and lots of ideas. Isn't that how it always is?

What projects are on your to do list?



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Bit of Glamour

Working on some new pieces in preparation for this weekend. I am going to have a table at the Roller Derby game this weekend. I am not playing, but hopefully I will have a good view.














Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Name That Tarantula!


Anyone who has had a pet tarantula knows that it is hard to learn the sex of one until it is mature. Males grow hook things on their front legs, females don't and live a lot longer. For over two years I didn't have a name for my spider because I had no ideas. She is a mexican golden knee. 



Help Me Out!!! 





Monday, April 22, 2013

Construction....

This blog is currently under construction. 

Sorry for any broken links. I should be finished soon.

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Another Journal Project

Art Journal, Inspired by Teesha Moore



This is a fun journal that I use to layer images and scribble a few things down. I made it a while ago and just picked it back up. I like to change up my projects often, whenever I get bored or stuck. 



He he, kinda silly. 



Edges prepped for future use.


Still more room on the back. 




Here are the instructional video by Teesha Moore! Make your own and send me a link.















Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Something Green

Like most people, I was so sick of winter and wanted something green in my life. In February I bought a few house plants and decided to try something I saw on Pinterest.



This orchid is dyed, it was so beautiful and the blooms lasted for 2 months. 


A couple more plants for the stairs. That leafy one lasted around 2 months. I over watered it then under watered it. I do better with orchids. The aloe is growing great.




I saw this on Pinterest. Thats exactly what I was looking for. 


I set them up on the kitchen table. I also started some herbs. They are doing well. 


The tulips however grew mould. I got rid of them after that. Pin Fail... I imagine if the conditions were ideal they might have done better. 








Friday, April 5, 2013

Flash Back: T Shirt Reconstruction

I recently got back into the track after around 14 months away. I miss roller derby a lot. I decided to make my return to a different league. Why? The friends that I made in derby that I kept in touch with either are no longer skating or they are skating with another league. It wouldn't be the same as when I was last there so a change of scenery should help me stay motivated. I am nowhere near ready to play competitively, but exercise is always good. Meet my new crew!






Now, on to the t shirts. These are very old, think early 2010. I watched a lot of ThreadBanger and bought some books on sewing. (the old crew is back to it and I enjoy their new videos) I am reviewing my old altered t shirts and going to work on some more. Putting my name and number on some new shirts will help my new team mates get to know me.



Here is a video that shows you how to make a pattern.


Tunic Large Mens T



Remove sleeves and cut a flattering neckline.


Turn inside out, measure and mark.


Pin then trim!


Sew sides, leaving arm holes open.


I used little scraps of fabric to gather fronts of straps. I tied a double knot and trimmed ends. 






Dress from XXL Mens T


First remove collar and sleeves.


Measure and trim to size or use elastic to fit it if you want it baggy, like I did. 


Use sleeves to make bust area, trim and pin. 
Cut strips from scrap fabric and sew them to top for ties.


Sew... top and add elastic.


Ta Da! 


I wear it with a bandeau so its not too revealing. 




Now to get out my stencils, paint and scissors to make some more tops!