Checkout Girl

Hopeless in Hoopville

2012-01-26T20:05:00.000-08:00

Well, it turns out I can't marry that white dog--or this black one, or this orange one (and will you look at those eyes?). . .

. . . because apparently they have this whole family already--and who's going to break up this crew?
Certainly not me. Humph.

Puppy Love

2012-01-23T12:25:00.000-08:00

One day, when ladies may legally marry dogs--well, felt dogs--this guy will be my husband.

Meanwhile, I'm off to make vegan meatloaf from the ground seitan I cooked up this morning!

Love Bird

2012-01-17T11:51:00.000-08:00

Tis the season--nearly--of hearts and lace and chocolate boxes and swooning, so I thought, for those who are into that kind of thing, I'd remind you of this tutorial.

I'd love to hear what you think if you try it.

P.S. I am aware of the spam problem that has suddenly developed in my comments section, and I'm thinking about how I want to handle it. Drats.

January Doings

2012-01-09T16:45:00.000-08:00

The first portrait of 2012, in progress, with pups galore.

We are returning to our "school" schedule, both home school and university. This semester, Annabelle is studying reconstruction of the South after the Civil War, a bit of algebra, piano (of course), reading Lord of the Flies, and I've resolved to give her a cooking lesson each week, with the aim of her being able to cook independently in a couple of months. Meanwhile, I'm preparing to teach a course on Apocalypse in American Novels. Cheerful, huh? First, though, I'll give these folks some faces.

More Making Over

2012-01-05T13:38:00.001-08:00

I whipped up a patchwork cover for my old gold chair--Sophie likes to scratch around on things before she lies down, some kind of hardwired nesting instinct, I guess, and it's hard on furniture.
If you've been around since the posts where I talked a bit about my minimalism, you'll recognize this old girl, and you won't be surprised that I made a cover instead of buying a new chair. It's making me very cheerful--and there are different squares on the other side...reversible!

Makeover

2012-01-04T10:27:00.000-08:00

Remember this little guy?

He got a bit of a New Year makeover in order to serve as a baby gift for a towhead named Pierce. As you can see, I haven't quite convinced myself to put away the Christmas table cloth, though the tree made its reluctant way out the door today. Mark and Annabelle would hold onto it--and play the music, eat the candy canes--all year long if I let them. Me--I'm ready for the new. You?

Baby Brother

2011-12-30T08:33:00.000-08:00

Well, he's not such a baby anymore, is he? In fact, he's 21, but you know how it is--when I look at his handsome man-face, I still see the fat cheeks and cork-screw curls.
The lovely young woman snuggled up to him is his girlfriend, Bridget. The hoop was my Christmas present to them--and kind of a nod to their long-term relationship, a welcome into our family. And I accomplished all that with wool felt! :-)

2011-12-22T09:18:00.000-08:00

The Agony and the Antigone...

2011-12-18T11:00:00.000-08:00

On the docket for this weekend? Six more Intro to Lit final exams to grade. (That's the agony part.) But the bright side? I also get to see Annabelle perform Antigone--twice!

After that? Christmas crafting, Christmas movies, Christmas cookies... you get the picture. :-)

Easy Little Ornament

2011-12-15T06:57:00.000-08:00

I was hoping I'd have a leisurely afternoon before the middle of December to make a full-fledged tutorial, with step-by-step photos, for this little Scandinavian-inspired tiny-hoop ornament, but that, alas, was not to be. Since no one will have time to make one before Christmas if I don't post about it, well, immediately, I thought I'd just share the photo and a little note about how it's done.

Materials/Supplies:

3-inch wooden embroidery hoop

scrap of fabric (I've used turquoise/teal) about 4" square

felt scraps in various colors (I've used white, pale green, and red)

red embroidery floss

length of ribbon about 8" long (I've used red velveteen)

glue

scissors

embroidery needle

scrap of brown paper (I've used a bit from a grocery bag)

Instructions:

1. Secure the fabric tightly in the hoop.

2. Cut your felt pieces--in this case, I've cut two curved white pieces (though straight strips will work, too), six small, green teardrops, and four small red circles (which a hole punch can cut if you want to go that way).

3. Position and secure the white strips to the fabric using four strands of embroidery thread and a small, neat running stitch. Position and secure the green teardrops as shown with a couple of back stitches. Position and secure the red circles as shown using two small crossed stitches.

4. Run a bead of craft glue around the hoop edge at the back and fold the fabric over onto the glue, running your thumbs around the glued fabric until it adheres. Allow to dry.

5. Cut away excess fabric from the middle back of the hoop, so you get a neat edge.

6. Using this hoop or another three-inch hoop, trace a circle onto brown paper, and cut the circle a bit smaller than the template indicates. Run a bead of glue around the edge of the back of your hoop, right on top of the glued-down fabric, and secure the brown paper circle to the back of the hoop. (This will hide the stitchy backside.) Allow to dry.

7. Attach your ribbon through the metal closure at the top of the hoop and tie a knot a few inches up, so you can hang the ornament.

Voila!

I think one of these would be lovely added to a special package--or you can just keep yours for yourself, as I intend to do. :-)

Lucy's Stocking

2011-12-10T13:18:00.000-08:00

This puppy is ready to hang on the mantle! It'll be my friend Jason's baby Lucy's first Christmas, and it's so fun to think about the fact that for many years she might run to this stocking upon waking on the big day, anxious to see what treats Santa has tucked inside.
Welcome to the world, Little Elf. It really is a sweet place.

Elfing Along

2011-12-09T12:59:00.000-08:00

While I await final papers and exams, I find myself free to sink into the sweetness of the season--we've watched both the Mr. Bean and the Black Adder Christmas specials this week; we've taken many brisk, pine-cone collecting walks; we've filled the bay window with junk-mail paper snowflakes (using this lovely tutorial--try it--it's fun and feels quite virtuous!); general elfishness has ensued. Right now, Miss A. is working on a secret project that means she's in her room, Indigo Girls on the iPod, "Please Knock" sign on the door for a couple of hours every afternoon. That leaves me free to work on the felty stocking you see in progress above.

I'd love to hear what secret projects are in the works at your houses!

The Big List

2011-12-03T09:37:00.001-08:00

We all know it's not just Santa who has one--mine's the length of my arm and then some. It includes shop business, student paper drafts to comment on, a whole issue of the English department's literary magazine to publish, and all those gifts I want to make before Christmas.
This item, such a pleasure to attend to these past few days, is now checked off, and I am hoping that the smiles on these felty faces will be reflected back when the recipients get a look at their portrait!

Why wait to wear purple when you're old? (portrait in progress)

2011-11-29T07:46:00.000-08:00

Because I'm teaching only online, I can set my "weekend" so it works for me and for my students; right now, that's Monday and Tuesday. Those are the days when you'll find me here--

--at the dining room table, Christmas tunes on the laptop, getting my "make" fix.
Three lovely ladies in purple, soon to have eyes and noses and mouths--the work of the afternoon.

Return to Hoop (and a winner!)

2011-11-21T14:19:00.000-08:00

Little Max's birth announcement is the only hoop I've made in weeks, which signals that teaching has indeed usurped making in my life of late. I console myself with two thoughts: first, I've been uncharacteristically ill (nothing serious, just annoyance after snotty/coughy/headachy annoyance) this semester, which has no doubt slowed me down, and I will soon enjoy a month off from school. We shall see what happens then, friends!

Meanwhile, we do have a winner in the Modern Blocks giveaway--Alexis! And by the looks of her own lovely blog, I'm guessing this book is right up her alley. Alexis, send me your mailing address (at the email address on my right sidebar), and I will get this baby on its way to you.

As for the rest of you--thanks for your congratulations (and condolences, Crow/e-wise). :-) Some of you called for a photo of my block, and I promise to take/share one if the sun shines tomorrow. It includes felt. And birds. And embroidery. I know this will come as a great shock. Ahem.

The Good News First? (a giveaway)

2011-11-17T18:37:00.000-08:00

The good news is that I am apparently a "well-known" designer! The bad news is, they spelled my name wrong. The good news is I've used photo editing software to correct the problem here in my perfect-blog-dream-world! (I promise, though, it's really me.)
The really good news is it's a beautiful book, well-designed, full of lovely quilty projects, clear photos, and concise directions. The other really good news is I'd like to give a copy to one of you. Want it? Leave a comment, and I'll pick a winnah on Sunday at midnight.

Any Asheville folks out there?

2011-11-14T07:10:00.001-08:00

I have zero pictures because I left my camera at home in a neck-spasm/tension-headache/prescription-meds induced stupor, but I am currently in Asheville, NC, and I am thinking of moving here in the spring. I'm wondering if I have any readers from here or who have had some serious experience with the area. If so, I'd love to hear your thoughts, make plans to meet up when I return, get your advice on neighborhoods, homeschooling, anything you want to offer. (We have dined like vegan kings and queens since arriving--I can tell you that!

As Promised...Foxes

2011-11-02T07:15:00.001-07:00

The foxes, and the evening, were pretty fantastic. (They made their own "squab giblet" treat bags.)
I think the tails were my favorite part.
We spent much of the afternoon filming scenes from the movie. (The line "I consider myself an athlete" is still playing on a loop inside my head.)
Trick or Treat was pretty awesome--when they got recognized (which happened maybe six times) as Kristofferson (Grace) and Ash (Annabelle), they were beyond thrilled; they were invited to a bonfire, chased by a wolf man, and given prizes for last year's costumes by a young couple who remembered the washer and dryer. They said, as they always do, that it was the best Halloween ever. Mission accomplished!

Crazy Like a (Half-Finished) Fox...Or Two

2011-10-31T09:36:00.000-07:00

Fox Face Factory

All Tails on Pants

I suspect I'll have some girls-as-foxes photos tomorrow--wait for it!

And cold or no cold, we're Halloweening...

2011-10-24T13:58:00.000-07:00

...cupcake style. (These are the basic chocolate cupcakes with buttercream frosting from Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World. Delish.)
In other Halloween news, this week I'm charged with transforming two twelve-year-old girls into these guys:
Wish me luck!

Depapering/Repurposing

2011-10-21T12:52:00.000-07:00

I've had a cold for 2 1/2 weeks, folks. BLARGH.

This means crafting has ground to a halt, grading is limping along, and only in moments of sudden and uncharacteristic energy do I manage to work on my new, beloved project, this wreck of a dollhouse I found by the side of the road. Here you can see that my current stage is "depapering," which takes more muscle than I can muster, really. But when I kid myself into giving it a go, I use my old Whole Foods employee discount card; it's no longer serving as it once did (since my beloved Mark is now a stay-at-home dad again), but it makes a pretty good scraper!

Road Side Find

2011-10-11T10:22:00.001-07:00

I've been traveling the state for the past couple of weeks, Portland to Farmington, Farmington to Portland, Portland to Presque Isle, and home again. At trails end, one street over from my own house, I found this one, its "FREE" sign beckoning my dollhouse-loving blood.
It's kind of a wreck--full of spiders and a bit smelly. But frankly, that just makes me love it more. I'll give it a good wash this afternoon and then head to the hardware store for a can of primer. Oh, the fun I'm going to have.

Jellyfish Tutorial

2011-09-26T10:00:00.001-07:00

Materials:

small pieces of felt in white and pink (or the jellyfishy colors of your choice)

a bit of stuffing

a five(ish) inch piece of ribbon for hanging

Tools:

sharp scissors

pins

pencil

sewing machine or needle and thread (in pink and white)

printed templates (below)

Cut out paper templates; pin to felt and cut the number of shapes indicated by the template. (For the teardrop shapes, I traced the templates, since pinning such small bits is hard.)
Position the white teardrop pieces on the pink bell pieces and fasten with a whip stitch or running stitch if you're sewing your jellyfish by hand. Alternately, you can attach with your machine.
To create the tentacles, cut each felt circle (3) in a spiral beginning at the outside and working your way in to the center.

Position the top of each tentacle between the two lower-body pieces, so each aligns with one of the three lobes. Pin and sew the two lower-body pieces together, making sure to catch all three tentacles between them. (Again, you can use a whip stitch or running stitch or sew the pieces together on your machine.)
Insert the lower body at the center bottom between the two bell pieces and pin. Beginning near the top, sew the two bell pieces together, securing the lower body between them and leaving an opening (as marked on the template) at the top for stuffing.
Stuff!
As you sew closed the opening, catch the ends of the ribbon, folded in half, in your stitches, and voila!
I've made one jellyfish on my sewing machine and one by hand--the machine version is neater and quicker, but you can make the hand sewn version while you stream episodes of Felicity on Netflix, so it's a tough call.

(If you enlarge or shrink the pattern pieces, you can make these in many sizes--attach them to a wooden hoop and you'd have a lovely mobile. The pattern pieces could also easily be used to create jellyfish applique. Have fun!)

Prototype

2011-09-20T11:54:00.000-07:00

I'm working on a tutorial for this little hanging jellyfish--wait for it!

Living Color(ization)

2011-09-18T08:59:00.001-07:00

I recently had my first opportunity to "colorize" a black-and-white image, whilst creating an anniversary portrait for a gorgeous, long-married couple. This:

arose from this:
All those blue lines were made by Brooke (the couple's granddaughter) and correspond to a list of colors she provided. The process was ridiculously fun, and I ended up feeling (vanity alert) like I was working a bit of magic. I hope the recipients feel that way, too!

I Love Making Presents

2011-09-15T18:27:00.001-07:00

This one's for my mom. When I read the Isak Dineson quote, I knew she had to have it on her wall, and the process of creating the appropriate back drop was great fun.
I've simply sewn two scraps of linen (one a sandy cream and the other a sea-ish blue) together on the machine, ironed the seam flat, and attached it securely to the wooden frame, taking care to tug and tighten until I got a nice, straight seam line. I'm the type who likes to use my sharpest pencil to mark the lettering, but you can use a tidier method if you like.
And then there are the french knots. I know some folks hate 'em, but I want to marry them.

The September Way

2011-09-10T13:24:00.000-07:00

She likes to write on the porch in the sun for a little while each morning (the girl, not the dog).

We're shifting here--from fall to summer, from swimsuits to jeans, from full-time mom to full-time dad. Today's Mr. Crowe's last day of work-outside-the-home, and we're thrilled, all of us. We'll welcome him to our days, along with the sooner dusk, the cooler breeze, the redder leaves.

Sometimes Harrier is Better

2011-09-06T08:26:00.000-07:00

Comet got a bit of a makeover!

So Many Discussion Board Posts, So Little Time to Sew

2011-08-31T13:51:00.000-07:00

But I manage to finish this portrait of Rebecca and Comet!
What a face, huh?

A Post About a Wagon (with bad photos and a LOT of words...)

2011-08-29T10:15:00.000-07:00

Remember my minimalist bedroom? Well, it's still pretty bare, but things have changed a bit.

That is, things have changed in my life, and the decor of my bedroom, now also an office, reflects those changes. I'm still a blogger, a crafter, and a mom, but I am now also--again--a full-time professor. From home. From my bedroom to be exact (where you will note, there is still not enough light for a decent photo!).
When I started this blog, the Crowes were embarking on a new life, with Mom (formerly "Dr. Crowe") staying home and Dad (formerly "Mr. Mom") heading into the world of work for the first time in nearly a decade. The career he thought he wanted--well, it turned out he didn't, and he wound up working long, hard hours--for three years--somewhere he didn't want to be. Still, the move was worthwhile and refreshing and enlightening and enlargening; our sense of our possibilities got bigger and clearer. We have a better idea of what we want: fulfillment, flexibility, family-centered days, self-sufficiency, and simplicity. We have a better idea of what we don't want: anybody spending most of their hours in ways that feel wasteful or wrong.

Enter another remix. New Life, 2.0! I have been very fortunate to be offered a one-year, full-time contract as a professor for the school where I taught before the move, and the truly sweet part is that I am teaching and conducting my service entirely online. In short, this means more of what I liked about teaching (reading, writing, scholarship, meaningful interaction with students) and less of what I didn't like--which I won't go into now. ;-) It also means we three Crowes can inhabit the same space every day, that both A's parents can be available when necessary, and that her Dad can have as whole and happy a life as she and I have enjoyed these past three years.

That this gig is potentially temporary also feels like a plus to me--one of the values we've come to strive for is a kind of weightlessness, fewer things and fewer--what's the right word? Constraints? We desire the ability to revise when it feels necessary, to keep making rather than simply withstanding our lives. For now, the best possible way for us to get closest to the life we want is for me to teach and for Mark to be at home as a parent, as Annabelle's teacher, and as my support system. I can say that I am filled with joy--and some trepidation--as we start this school year (today!). I'm worried about whether I'll have enough time to make art--but I think I will. I hope I will. You all will help with that, right? You'll give me a friendly nudge if it seems I am living too much in my mind and not enough with my hands?

So, then, what about this business of recovering, as in "art and craft from a recovering academic"? It's clear that I never stopped being an academic and never expected to, which is I guess why I didn't say recovered. Teaching turns out to be a fairly essential part of who I am, but I do feel like I'm still recovering--from the way I made my job so central to my life that it threatened to eclipse all else, from the way I submitted to parts of academic life that made me miserable. And from the confusion that led me to believe that to be a strong person, I had to learn to just deal with it all, persevere in a course that was, truly, untenable for me. Have I fallen off the wagon? I don't think so--I think maybe I've hopped on a new wagon, or I'm just putting the old wagon on a slightly different course. We'll see--and I'll keep you, as ever, posted.

Finished and Begun

2011-08-27T12:22:00.001-07:00

Big changes are afoot in my family life, and I'm brewing a post about them. Meanwhile, the cycle of completion and undertaking continues!

Who, me? 37?

2011-08-23T18:52:00.000-07:00

Yup--and it came with sunshine, pirate-themed putt-putt, a log-flume ride, french fries on the pier, vegan brownies and mint-chip ice cream. This is not to mention the company--handsome-gentleman husband, bright-faced and especially-cheerful daughter, beautiful sister bearing flowers, cuddly little dog. So. Much. Good.

I Love the Word August

2011-08-14T14:32:00.000-07:00

We begin to loosen our grip on summer, of which there is never enough. We're eased into the letting go by late blooms, dinner picnics, one more picture (for mid-winter remembering) of a black-and-white dog in the grass. . .
. . . we check out fallish books (anything over 300 pages counts) and daydream on the porch, perhaps imagining a wisp of wood smoke (because August still smells of flowers and grass, yes, but there is at least the anticipation of smoke and pumpkin and spiced apple) . . .
. . . on the gloomiest days (like today) we work our rainy-summer puzzle . . .
. . . and our fingers turn to felt.

Summer Stitch Progress

2011-08-02T12:16:00.001-07:00

Still stitching spare moments onto this white canvas--my summer for-fun project. Annabelle, ever my business manager, suggests that I sell pieces like this with family names ("The Crowes") or other words--"Welcome," for example, stitched to the right of the decorative bits.
I think such a thing would be lovely, but oh, the work. I might have to start a little sweat shop to crank them out--and my first underpaid worker* would be Miss A. herself!
* To hear her tell it, she's already the oppressed underclass around here--she moans her way through the emptying of the dishwasher and the sweeping of the kitchen floor every morning. We may have a strike on our hands.

Kimmer's a Winner!

2011-07-28T21:29:00.000-07:00

I think I may have forgotten to say that I have a little project in this book--an embroidered-birdy hoop--pretty exciting! Also exciting is the fact that a copy will shortly be on its way to Kimmer. Send me your address, my dear (to the email on the right sidebar), and I'll get the book in the mail!

Kids' Crafternoon/Creature Cosy--Miss A. Reviews (and a giveaway--again!)

2011-07-27T06:57:00.001-07:00

Hello, all! Annabelle here.
First let me just say that I normally am not a fan of making things from patterns. The idea of spending my time making something somebody else already thought up and created does not appeal to me. However, these little monster iPod cosies from Kids' Crafternoon Sewing looked so cute and fuzzy that I gave in.It was delightful from the start. I love the idea of recycling old felted wool sweaters! The project itself was pretty simple, and I say this as a not-too-brilliant sewer. The patterns had to be resized some (they were a little big for my iPod nano) but after that I was able to manage with very little help.
Meet Moby.
I found this whole project very inspiring. I mean, it simply begs to be personalized! One eye, two eyes, THREE eyes, even an eye patch! It could have fangs, buckteeth, snaggleteeth, ears, horns, spikes... The possibilities are endless! Do you get that I'm excited about this? Also, as a nice bonus, many of my Xmas-gift-giving worries are over.
...nom nom nom...
Right now I'm heading off to make one for my BFF Grace, as a friendaversary gift. So long, and tip your waiters! (But not too much.)

(Melissa here--if you'd like to win a copy of Kids' Crafternoon Sewing, leave a comment on this post, and I'll select a winner via random number on Friday at midnight. Thanks, y'all!)

Pink House Hoop Winner!

2011-07-26T21:51:00.000-07:00

Karri (who said, "Lovely! The vegan felt looks beautiful!"), this hoop's for you! If you'll send your mailing address to me at the email address on the right sidebar, I'll get your little prize in the mail.

Many of you asked how I like working with the new felt, and I can say it's great--it's a thinner felt, so it's easy to cut and easy to layer. The texture is creamy and wooly and not at all shiny (making it unlike acrylic craft felt), and both Mark and Miss A said they couldn't tell the difference when I showed them the finished hoop. I think the stuff is perfect for applique, though it will pill if roughly handled, and it's just generally not as sturdy as 100% wool, so I don't think it's right for softies or anything that might be "loved" by small children. For felt picture making, though? I'm giving it the thumbs up!

Unwool: a Vegan Giveaway!

2011-07-24T09:34:00.001-07:00

In the process of test-driving my latest find, a decidedly-wooly, vegan alternative to wool felt, I made up a little-pink-house hoop. Right now, I have only a limited palette, having ordered just six colors, so the piece is a bit one-note (well, six-note!).
All that being said, I'd be glad to send it out into the world. If you're interested in getting a spot o' pinkhousiness in the mail, leave a comment on this post, and I'll close 'em up on Tuesday at midnight and select a winner all random-like.

(Please excuse the white fuzzy nonsense that's hitchhiking on the bottom left leaf in the photo. I will de-string the thing before shipping. ;-))

May I Present...

2011-07-20T06:41:00.000-07:00

Mr. and Mrs. Tiny Dancer!

Tiny Dancers, On the Loose

2011-07-19T09:30:00.001-07:00

Look who's dancing on my dining room table! These lovebirds will soon be waltzing below a flowering dogwood, but for now, I love how it looks like they escaped the frame. They'll go where they like, gosh darn it.
I'm guessing their getaway would be easier if I gave them feet.

My Friend's Friend

2011-07-16T08:36:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things about a life-long friendship is the reciprocity, the--dare I say--complimentarity--of the thing. My best friend Jen drives me places (since, yes, I lack that skill) and can always be counted on to find a good deal on a great hotel. She reads everything, including YA lit, so she consistently suggests excellent books for A., and, in general, she's the cleverest person I know--makes me laugh like a crazy person.

I think I offer some good stuff in return--one thing I do bring to the table is creativity; I've been drawing everything she needs drawn since we met (more years ago than I care to publicly tally), and these days when she needs a special, personal gift, I'm her man--er, woman. In this case, I've stitched up a little head-and-shoulders portrait of her excellent neighbor, Valerie, and Valerie's two children, and I'm of the mind felt suits them!

(If Jen tells you I've been promising her a felt portrait of her own family for a year and a half, don't believe her. She fibs.)

Back to Craft

2011-07-13T14:39:00.001-07:00

With summer-semester grades submitted, the Beloit issue chosen, the camp costume made and worn (and thanks for all the flapper love, btw!), I find myself periodically and so-so-blissfully at my leisure. The suddenly-hot weather makes me feel a little wool-averse, so embroider-doodling it is, folks, and this time, I'm doodling directly onto inexpensive, pre-stretched white canvas. It's super fun!

Full-Effect Fabulous

2011-07-12T16:51:00.001-07:00

Before:

After:
More after:
May the gods of parental-sanity-during-adolescence please give me the strength to endure the moment when she wants to go out with lipstick on for real. The five minutes between full-costume and for-camp departure were enough to make her father and me feel faint.

But it's a cool costume, right? :-)

Unflappable

2011-07-07T13:37:00.001-07:00

Annabelle told me on Tuesday evening that she'd need me to please make her a Revolutionary-War-Era costume for "Decades Day" at camp, which would be on--get this--Friday. Since I had to turn in grades for two online classes less than 24 hours later and since I'm currently reading manuscripts for my Beloit editorial weekend, which also begins on, you guessed it, Friday, I chose my response carefully. "You know," I said, "I bet they mean decades from the 20th Century." She thought that an unnecessarily limited interpretation, so I found a slew of very cool-but-tame google images of flappers, read her a little description of those bold--even a little brazen--trailblazing proto-feminists, and--thank goodness--she was in. One old skirt and half a yard of gray quilting cotton later, I just have to tack on the sash, and she's good to go. (I think we'll leave off the cigarette holder and the hip flask, but we're still negotiating about the t-strap heels. ;-))

Crowe News

2011-07-02T11:34:00.000-07:00

For those with a burning need to know (or with the patience to listen to me anyway!), here are your top stories, Crowe-wise, today:

1. I'm working on a craft-fair-table sign-hoop-type deal for a client who makes beaded jewelry; the project involves feltifying her adorable brand art. Fun!

2. Sophie (the cute mug of whom you see below) turns four years old today.
3. There's a wild turkey chilling in our backyard. We want to be friends with her more than she wants to be friends with us, sadly. Happily, she's a slow runner (and her style of running--like mine--seems to mostly involve the neck), so we can almost cuddle with her before she decides to blow our pop stand.
4. I found what I think is a viable, non-wool felt alternative; the palette is perfect (and varied), which means no dyeing (a process it turned out I didn't much enjoy after the first blush of new-craft love) and the texture is rich and creamy but still somehow wooly. I'm ordering yardage now, in order to make sure my initial assessment is correct, and then I'm going to have some kind of party to celebrate the discovery of high-quality vegan craft felt. No joke, folks--I'm psyched!

Wanna Get Feltified?

2011-06-30T06:47:00.001-07:00

After a long period of catching up on a crazy backlog of the stuff, I've finally made available in the shop some listings for custom portraits, both the house and family variety, not to mention the lovebirds--
--I'm not sure how many orders I'll be able to take before they come down again, but I'm working with several weeks free of teaching, so miracles are possible, folks. If you have any interest in a portrait of your own kin or abode, feel free to contact me. I aim to feltify the world, friends, one sweet mug at a time!

Wedding Cool

2011-06-21T09:16:00.001-07:00

Recreating the effortless cool of this pair of newlyweds--in felt--wasn't easy. The original photo was very dark and moody and Rat-Pack-ish, and my version is, well, brighter. Like a Rat-Pack quilt?
But I sure had fun--choosing that little scrap of fabric for the painting in the frame, embroidering the groom's face in a style that makes him look like the graphic-novel version of Frank Sinatra, and don't even get me started on the purple shoes. In the end, I think it's a successful portrait, if only because everybody loves a red sofa. Right? :-)

To My Two Favorite Dads--

2011-06-19T11:53:00.000-07:00

--mine--

--and Annabelle's--
--the happiest of days.

Flowers and Floss

2011-06-16T08:37:00.000-07:00

In summer, I want to embroider--just grab a fresh cut of creamy white linen and a sharp pencil and draw what I see, a sketch to be filled in with gorgeous color and texture.
Picking the floss colors is almost the best part, and this morning I'm inspired by a little jelly glass of flowers brought to me by my friend Emily. She and Liz were back-porch lunch guests yesterday, and today the air seems clearer and the table prettier for their having been here. (This is not to mention the nearly-whole, fiendishly-delicious lemon-coconut bundt cake somebody left on the counter--sheesh.)
Is summer putting ideas in your head, too?

Porch Life

2011-06-07T06:41:00.000-07:00

I bought something (a rare occurrence)--a patio table and two chairs, just two, though there are three people in my family, because I rationed that when Mark is at home, he can carry a dining chair out there. No joke.

It was a great purchase, as we have eaten 9 out of 10 meals out there since we hauled the thing home. And somehow those meals are lovelier, tastier, happier (more filling?!) for occurring on the back porch, in view of the garden--the smell of honeysuckle, the hum of bees, an occasional butterfly visit. Sweet.
And though this isn't a food blog by any means, this salad was so delicious, I thought I'd tell you how to make it. The salad part is local boston lettuce, cucumber, bright-orange grape tomatoes, apple, carrot shavings, and sunflower seeds. I made the tangy dressing by mixing about four tablespoons of olive oil (normally I'd use flaxseed oil, but I was out), two tablespoons of cider vinegar (lemon juice works, too), a tablespoon or so of maple syrup, half a teaspoon of salt, some black pepper, and some finely chopped fresh garlic. Wisky-wisky and you're done!
(This dog had nothing to do with the salad, much to her grumpiness, but she looooves the garden.)

To make the crispy maple-soy tofu for the top, I drained and pressed about 1/2 block of firm tofu, sliced it into thin strips (larger than what you see in the finished photo), and pan fried them in a tiny bit of olive oil, on both sides, till they got golden. Then I mixed probably two tablespoons of soy sauce with a tablespoon of maple syrup and some garlic granules and poured that right on top in the pan. I let that stuff work its darkening magic on both sides of the tofu, and then I removed it to a napkin to drain off the extra moisture and cool. I chopped it up and tossed in on--it was fairly heavenly. Perfect for my new porch life.

Wedding, circa 1972

2011-06-05T13:12:00.001-07:00

I. Love. These. People.
I want to be the bride, who looks like a beautiful, smart, plucky combination of Velma and Daphne. Right?Mostly I just wish I could attend the 40th anniversary party where this portrait will be presented to my two current-favorite feltsters!

And the Bride Wore No Neck

2011-06-02T12:09:00.000-07:00

These Goats Are No Joke

2011-05-29T11:58:00.001-07:00

No--they're very serious. They're for the the-a-ter.

In a break from portraiting, I've been solemnly (ahem) crafting three goat costumes for Annabelle's upcoming production of a "fractured fairy tale" version of "Three Billy Goats Gruff," in which she plays a cranky teenaged, yes, goat.
In case you're itching to have a goat hat of your own, though, for less lofty purposes (greeting your husband at the door? frightening the neighbor kids? eating grass?), here are some of the making details:

The hat and ears are made from this gorgeous organic sherpa--soft and furry and all-around dreamy. (Hey, Dory!) I cut two ear-shaped layers of sherpa and sewd them together right-sides facing and turned out. I made the hat using this tutorial, though I obviously omitted the drawstring/ribbon detail. I got horn advice from the genius of all-things-softie-pattern (Hey, Abby!) and drew a curved horn shape on brown wool felt, put this "pattern" over another piece of felt, followed the pencil line with my sewing-machine needle, cut around the shape, turned it out (the hardest part--I've got to invest in a hemostat!), and stuffed it. In the end, I just machine sewed all the parts onto the hat as best I could. (Picture me jamming layers of fluff under the presser foot and praying for the best.)

I kind of love the end result--and I only have to make two more!

Feeling Tah-Dah-ish

2011-05-22T10:50:00.001-07:00

I finished one! I had such fun making this family portrait--Kristen, the mom with the beautiful red mouth, requested those birch trees, and I love making birch trees. Beyond the background, though, this little crew just spoke to me. Sometimes I receive the client's images and I think, "Oh, yes." A kind of chemistry maybe?
And I always feel like critters make a portrait come to life. Increasingly people are ordering pieces with pets included, and I can see why.
Well, my belly's full of what might have been the season's last soup (Broccoli Bisque), and I'm off to read The Subtle Knife with Miss A. Have a lovely Sunday afternoon, friends.

Battening the (Emotional) Hatches

2011-05-20T11:07:00.000-07:00

This morning, at the other end of my second work surface (a.k.a. "the dining table"), while I sat sewing felt heads to linen canvas, a little girl sat with her math workbook. There are some real challenges to home schooling a twelve-year-old--at least this twelve-year-old (who is wickedly smart and terrifically funny but also stubborn as heck). Some mornings devolve into a battle of the wills before I'm in my street clothes, for instance, but this morning, seeing her there, working quietly and so close by, I felt a rush of love and gratitude (for the girl, for my life) of the kind that will get me through this afternoon's battles.

Progress--

2011-05-19T08:27:00.000-07:00

--including my first pair of (worn-on-the-eyes) felt sunglasses! Miss A. helped me work out the effect, which entailed making the glasses (black rims sewn onto brown "lenses") and then stitching the eyes directly onto said lenses. Felty problem solving is my favorite part of portrait making, I think. When I figure out how to do something fiddle-y (with the help of my trusty assistant), I get so excited!

The "Recovering" Academic Gets Back on the Wagon

2011-05-18T08:07:00.000-07:00

Grade final exams, papers, and portfolios? Check.

Calculate and post final grades? Check.

Celebrate with a burrito the size of my arm and two episodes of Mad Men? Yes, ma'am.

Return full force to portraiting? You betcha.

(This felty trio is awaiting the addition of their two puppies and, you know, their faces.)

This is a stick up.

2011-05-17T11:30:00.001-07:00

Actually, it's a magnet. A set of magnets. A gloriously clever little set of pretty magnets for embroidery geeks, and I won it!
I almost never enter giveaways, feeling as I do about the accumulation of stuff, but when my friend Corinne posted these babies on her blog, I didn't hesitate, and voila! They're mine!

(I photographed them next to the window because, yes, it's still raining here. What do May showers bring? June . . . bugs?)

A Dozen Years of Girl

2011-05-11T14:13:00.000-07:00

As I sit portraiting this afternoon, I'm enjoying the left over festival effect of Annabelle's birthday table--gorgeous flowers that foretell summer, criss-crossed bunting overhead. (The rosettes on a string came from this tutorial--try it--it's easy and lovely.)
Twelve-year-old wish, I wonder what you are.

Have you ever seen the rain?

2011-05-08T15:11:00.000-07:00

Wanted to let you know that this sweet pair of critters in a puddle are available in the shop today, and more of their ilk will follow as I get better pictures of the other pieces that returned from Wintergreen. (If there was something you saw that you wanted from those in-progress shots, feel free to let me know, and if I still have it, I'll gladly create a reserved listing for you.)

Weather or not...

2011-05-05T08:01:00.000-07:00

It's a rainy May so far, which is good for, you know, flowers and whatnot, not so good for photos--or for my energy level. It's been a long semester, my friends. I taught more than is usual for me (since quitting my full-time job), and some things suffered as a result. I am looking forward to the summer for so many reasons, not the least of which is an energetic return to more making and more blogging. I'm itching to create a tutorial, to think again about a portrait contest, to write a book proposal before the kind souls that asked for it change their minds. Come on, final exams! Come on, sun! :-)

Sophia and Max

2011-04-30T08:00:00.001-07:00

Maybe these two, born a month apart and from places far flung, are destined to meet someday, beyond their hoops (in flesh and blood, not felt, I mean), and fall in love.
Or maybe it's time for me to put the needle down and pay attention to the "real" world for a few hours. (Given a choice between stitching felt babies and grading lit papers, though...)

Baby Hoop Factory (and Look What My Mom and Annabelle Gave Me!)

2011-04-27T11:54:00.000-07:00

(Does it count as a "Wordless Wednesday" when you cram all the words into the title?)

Easterish

2011-04-25T08:29:00.000-07:00

Before:

After:
Details:

Emily's lovely book (already on hand thanks to a double Christmas gift)

wool felt mushrooms based on this tutorial

carrot goodie bag as explained by Betz

super cute printable bunny box from Martha, of course

plus jelly beans and chocolate!

And the winner is--

2011-04-22T09:20:00.000-07:00

--skooks, who said, "How fun! I love all those ladies mentioned. I bet it's a sweet read. And P.S. my birthday is coming up. No really, I'm not just saying that."

Happy Birthday, skooks! Send me your mailing address (my email's on the right sidebar), and I'll send you a present!

Signature Styles (a giveaway, baby)

2011-04-19T11:39:00.001-07:00

The folks at Lark Crafts were nice enough to sense that I have no crafts of my own to share and, so, to send me a book to give away as a means of distracting you from my bad blogger form.
This particular book is a top-notch bathtub read, folks, and I should know. (Sometimes I bathe twice a day, whether I need it or not.) Signature Styles is full of behind-the-music-type information on some of coolest women from the design/craft world (like my gorgeous friend Meg McElwee--above--who Annabelle says looks like Audrey Hepburn in that photo, and the always-lovely Betz White, resplendent in polka-dots below); think People Magazine, only about crafters, and without the break ups and rehabs and blurry-beach, look-at-that-cellulite photos.
Instead, you get each artist's thoughts on personal style, home decorating, and the like, along with a favorite project tutorial, like the headband below, from Elsie Flannigan. (It's made from bamboo felt, too!)
If you'd like to do the bubbles-and-book thing in your own tub--or, you know, if you'd just like a copy of Signature Style, leave a comment on this post. I'll close 'em down at midnight on Thursday, April 25, and pick a winner, random-generator style.

I'm still here--

2011-04-15T11:19:00.000-07:00

--sort of. :-) More soon, I promise!

Really Big Show

2011-04-03T12:32:00.000-07:00

Well, it happened . . . but barely . . .

The show's up through the end of April. The snow will hopefully melt long before then!

Jury's Still Out

2011-03-28T08:59:00.000-07:00

Truth be told, this last one was a bit of a trial. So far I haven't really been a softie designer (though I am a bit of a softy--ask my dog, who always comes to me for treats when the others refuse her), so that balloon part got sewn and sewn (and maybe cursed a little), and I'm not sure how I feel about the combination of the 3-D in the top hoop with the 2-D in the bottom hoop.
All that said, there's something kind of delightful about the piece as a whole--but I'd say my mixed feelings have led me to the conclusion that I am nearly done making pieces for this show. I think I'll do one more simple something, and then I'll start obsessing over what to say at my opening "talk." And trying on outfits. You know what I'm talking about. I'll be looking at my bottom in everything I own for the next 48 hours.
And then I'll just wear the first thing I tried.

Still Two-Hoopin'

2011-03-25T08:27:00.000-07:00

Short dispatch from the land of felt and string: I have less than a week to make probably half a dozen more pieces for the Wintergreen show, and I'm having a blast. It feels like the kind of effort that's no effort at all really, at least for as long as the skin on my fingers holds out!
We're getting more sun, and that may have a lot to do with it--it's amazing how much mood depends on light. Here's hoping the forecast (weather-wise and life-wise) is bright where you are, too.

And Now for Something Completely Different--

2011-03-21T16:47:00.001-07:00

Rabbit portraits. Yup. Now understand, I don't know these rabbits--they're not over here sitting for this piece, though oh-my-goodness, how I wish they were. I am, however, considering offering custom rabbit portraits, should you know any bunnies who'd be interested.

In other news, thank you so much for your brilliant two-hoop ideas. No joke, people, I love you. My short list now includes a child walking a dog (boston terrier, of course), a child with helium balloons, and some sort of tree/swing scenario, but if I live long enough, I'll do 'em all! (Why do I feel like typing mwah-ah-ah after that promise, like an evil felting genius? ;-))

Done!

2011-03-17T11:50:00.001-07:00

I'm having a real blast with this whole multi-hoop experiment. I've got a couple of other ideas up my sleeve, but if any of you smarties have suggestions, I'd love to hear 'em.
I have a fantasy in which I make enough hoops like this to create a whole interconnected village--houses, trees, critters, clouds, birds, underground warrens. That'll happen, of course, as soon as the need to make money, do laundry, raise my child, and spend time with my husband passes (and no, I don't expect that time to pass, well, ever). Still, a girl can dream--and her friends can dream a long with her. :-)

Spring: A Work in Progress

2011-03-16T09:25:00.001-07:00

It's dreary out there, but I'm dreaming of no-more-snow, sun-on-mud-smell, crocus-hello, full-blown spring, and I belieeeeve it's just around the corner. If I can hasten it with needle and thread, I will!

Springing

2011-03-12T12:45:00.000-08:00

You would laugh, maybe, if you saw the thigh-high snow banks still toughing it out in my neighborhood (mud-blackened and shrinking though they may be), but there are murmurs, friends...
...and I can get by a few more weeks on murmurs, as long as it's spring in the studio at least.

(This two-piece piece is for my Wintergreen show, which is careening ever closer.)

Doggies--Down!

2011-03-10T13:28:00.001-08:00

I finished my second pet-portrait ring pillow of the week. The furry white guy is my favorite--
--although the wiemaraner has a bit of a lovely Scooby-esque thing going on, and wee Mr. Orange ears is kind of killing me. He's like, "What's that you said? Oh, right--I do, too."

We Call it Wednesday

2011-03-09T12:40:00.000-08:00

I just had an amazing lunch at this lady's house--the theme was "Vegan Diner," and yes, there were milkshakes involved (along with some amazing devil-dog-style cupcakes--Liz, I love you)--and now I'm back to work on the three-dog ring pillow you see above. I'm willing to concede that some people have it worse than me. :-)

Me and this Rabbit? We're Still Here.

2011-03-03T19:23:00.000-08:00

We're just crazy busy--mainly teaching Lacan to my online Lit Theory students. Frankly, the rabbit hasn't been much help on this count (and there have been moments when I've thought maybe me neither). But he's eighties-Easter-basket beautiful, right?

There's some stuff in the pipeline, though--I've got a few pieces brewing for my upcoming show, which I will absolutely share as soon as ever there's anything to look at. And I'm cooking up a big idea--what would you think of my hosting another contest, this time for folks who want to make/submit their own felt house portrait or family portrait? I'd love to know if any of you think you'd be seriously interested in participating and also how long you think you'd need to complete the project, realistically. You think on that, and I'll be back with, you know, some crafts--asap.

Girl Party--and a Loon

2011-02-24T17:35:00.000-08:00

With a few clear days on our calendar, Annabelle and I invited our best girls (Hi, J! Hi, G!) for a little extended sleep over. They were also coming to fetch a special gift I made for their loved one's birthday (a portrait of the "new family camp" alongside the "old family camp").
When I was not stitching up add-ons (like this loon A. and G. insisted was absolutely necessary at the zero hour), we could be found eating diner food, singing along to fifties tunes (think "Cupid" and "Next Door to an Angel"), and making jersey snoods for ourselves in shades of red, gray, and mossy green.
There was a little terminology confusion when I suggested the scarf project--my best friend of over 20 years thought I was proposing we make little knit bags for our hair. What? We cleared it up, though, and she went home with a warm and stylish neck and a clarified notion of my personal style, thanks very much. (I don't even have long hair. What?)

Home's Cool

2011-02-21T15:50:00.000-08:00

Home-school-wise, the past week has been really lovely (despite the fact that near-twelvishness seems to be producing some moods I could live without).

We enjoyed a little harvest--the excitement of picking these full-grown oyster mushrooms and immediately chopping and tossing them into the pan. A bit of garlic, a drizzle of olive oil, a pinch of chili powder...
I've quite honestly never seen Annabelle enjoy her lunch more--I'm resolved to encourage her interest in growing food, despite my own, shall we say, black thumb?
She is also currently very interested in silver foxes--can't wait to see how this one turns out. (My fellow cheapskates might like this tip: A. has two or three canvases for her bedroom walls, and as her tastes change, we take 'em down, paint over 'em with white acrylic, and she makes "new" art. This one used to be covered with jellyfish, which apparently are now out with her.)

We've just reached the Civil War in our American history studies, and we're enjoying a biography of Lincoln in the context of the conflict. Annabelle asked me to read more of it aloud this afternoon when we'd already completed our daily dose. Nice.

This week, I feel like I'm doing some things right--always a good feeling.

Handin' it Over: Annabelle Crowe, Guest Blogger

2011-02-16T07:49:00.001-08:00

Hello there! Annabelle speaking. My mother's blog is today's stop on the blog tour for Abby Glassenberg's new book, The Artful Bird. On each page of this intriguing book, cocky little birds grab at your attention, while the majestic owl with the wise eyes simply radiates awe. The earnest penguin grows a bit shy at so much attention. Whatever their attitude, each bird has a very distinct personality, an almost tangible story. In short, fascinating.

I have had the pleasure of interviewing this extremely talented woman! Below is our virtual chat.

Annabelle: What is your favorite type of bird?

Abby: I don't know that I have a favorite bird overall, but among the birds featured in the book I like the penguin the best. He was the very last bird I made after 8 months of solid work and when he was finished I just felt so pleased with his expression. He is looking down at his feet and I am well-known for always looking down at my feet. I have missed many cool things because I am always looking down (including nude men on a nude beach on Cape Cod), but then again, I've also found many cool things that other people missed (including several $20 bill over the years). Me and that penguin, we're two of a kind.

Annabelle: How do you learn about what the birds look like before you make them? Do you use the internet? Bird watch?

Abby: I have the Sibley's Guide to Birds on my desk, among other bird and nature reference books, and I use those when I am making sketches for a new bird design. I don't think the birds I make are an attempt at realism, though. They have recognizable features, for sure, but they are my artistic interpretation of a particular species of bird. In no way am I attempting to create a real scale model. I kind of like to use an imaginative set of colors and textures for fabric birds.

Annabelle: Where do you get vintage fabrics?

Abby: I live in Wellesley, Massachusetts, where one Saturday each year all the big church's in town hold rummage sales. It is a crazy day for me! I go from church to church and I have the most fabulous time. I always head straight to the linens and I check out the holiday section, too, because that is often where miscellaneous craft supplies end up. I have found and bought the scrap bags of many church women who, for one reason or another, no longer sew. I even found an amazing box of vintage feedsack at our town dump's take-it-or-leave-it section recently. Finding vintage fabric that costs only pennies, or is entirely free, is like winning the lottery. I just get so much joy from giving all that material new life.

Annabelle: What was the first bird you made? Why/when did you start making birds?

Abby: I had a show at the local library about three years ago. At that time I was making all kinds of stuffed animals. I made over fifty finished pieces for the show, including three long-legged birds. Those were the first birds I ever made. It's funny because the long-legged wading birds are among the hardest birds to balance. I find them frustrating at times, even after so many years of bird-making. I guess I like the start with a challenge! The long-legged birds in the library show got a really warm reception from everyone who walked by the display cases. I had them set up to look like they were standing in a marsh full of reeds, like in a display in a natural history museum. Seeing them there and watching people's reaction spurred me on to explore fabric birds in earnest for the next several years.

Annabelle: Do you have any advice for aspiring fabric artists?

Abby: Don't be afraid to make your own patterns! If you have an idea for a bird or animal that you'd like to make, don't feel like you have to find a published pattern, either in a book or on the web, in order to make it. You can draft a pattern and do it yourself! In The Artful Bird I give some tips and techniques to help you draft your own, original patterns for fabric birds and I'm doing a series on my blog right now that explores the basic elements of soft toy design. So get out some paper and pencil and see if you can draw out your very own pattern. It might not work the first time, but you'll learn so much along the way and when you do finally figure out a pattern that works, you will be so proud of yourself!

Thanks, Abby!

Wonky but Well Meant

2011-02-14T12:13:00.001-08:00

I'm not super crazy about Valentines Day (not a hater, but not a follower either)--
but I am super crazy about my girl--
--so I made her this quickie Valentine today.

P.S. My favorite part of Valentine's Day? You guessed it--the puns. I'm thinking A. probably doesn't understand all the layers of my message, but you might. (She's 2 and 1/2 inches taller than last time I measured her, and she told me this today: "Mom, I don't care for fart jokes. I like sophisticated humor.")

Two WIPS, a Deer, and an Accidental Pun(kin)

2011-02-12T20:26:00.000-08:00

Here you see the two "works in progress" currently taking up half my dining table--a huge Edward Gorey puzzle we got for Christmas and a little felt forest scene. I'm experimenting with some new ways of making wall hangings as I think about my upcoming show at Wintergreen Arts Center. Said experiments involve drilling lots of holes with my Dremel. Frankly, I've just been looking for an excuse to drill holes with my Dremel. Sometimes I just drill holes in an old board, and once I used it to carve a pumpkin. I'm hoping this application proves more fruitful. (Oh, my--that was an accidental pun. I promise.)

Shroomin' at the Crowe School

2011-02-10T11:10:00.001-08:00

Her shrooms (misted daily and watched closely):

My shrooms:
There's been a great deal of symmetry in our work today, actually. As I sat at the computer trying to explain Donna Haraway's use of the cyborg as a metaphor for political hybridity to my online Lit Theory students, Annabelle was calling to me from the sofa, where she lay with a sci-fi novel. She wanted to read me a passage depicting consumerism and its effects on the human mind. (She said, "They take something we all think inside and make it so real and creepy.") She also wanted to know what inept means. Looks like I'm always teaching. Which is pretty cool.
Makes me feel very "ept." ;-)

Full-fledged Bride and Groom

2011-02-06T12:51:00.000-08:00

Everybody finally has a head, complete with requisite facial features. I must confess I love making wedding portraits--I strive to capture a feeling of intimacy and hope and joy that I see in the photos themselves, and when I get it right, I feel pretty-darned pleased with myself.
These folks are just plain gorgeous, which made my work easier, and then there's the amazing clothes and the idyllic backdrop. Possible new job title: Melissa Crowe, Wedding Feltifier. What do you think?

Where the Magic Happens (ahem)

2011-02-03T13:58:00.000-08:00

When your "studio" is situated two paces from the front door (whether or not that's your main in-and-out, housewise), you feel some pressure to keep it neat. I do manage this most of the time--but the current state of neatness reveals how little work I've been doing since the mad rush of Christmas passed.
When I knew I'd have to move to a smaller apartment to squeeze more blood out of the turnip that is my budget, I have to admit I was grumpy (well, sad really) about losing my full-fledged third-bedroom studio, the only one I've ever had. That's why, upon first entering this apartment--through that now-fairly-unused front door--upon seeing the pink-dotted light fixture and pure spaciousness of this foyer, I knew I was home. There was the matter of convincing Mark, who knows things less quickly than I do (what he likes to refer to as "logic"--whatevs), but I'm pretty good at leading a horse to water and making him drink, so...
Most of my heavy-duty supplies live either in the closet to the left of my desk (felt yardage, hoops, mailing supplies) or in the library card catalogue you'll see in our dining room later on, but in my foyer-studio-professorish-office, I keep some of my books, my most-used fabrics, my smaller felt pieces, my thread, my sewing machine. Oh, how I love that sewing machine.
That vintage, robin's-egg-blue Samsonite traveller was a Christmas gift from my smart mom last year.
My comfort-for-clutter level is highest in this space, I'd say, where I do need stuff to look at--color, shape, texture, the art-and-craft flotsam that keeps me energized and interested when I'm sitting at my work table.
That door leads to my bedroom, and when I work in the wee hours of the night, I can leave it open and listen to my beloved's endearing (or distracting, depending on whether or not I have PMS) snores.

All the bits and pieces I find and just can't jettison end up pinned to this board. I think it's the one place where chaos totally works for me. When I look at it, I want to make stuff--bad. Maybe I need one in every room!
The stuff lowdown in this room? I bought the chair and table at Ikea (well under $100 for both, I think). Mark made me the bookshelf in a friend's workshop, and the storage bins were very cheap. Pretty much everything else was made by A. or me or my mom or was a gift. I truly adore each object here, and I spent almost nothing to create this space. Often I actually work in the living room or dining room, alongside Miss A., but just knowing it's there, that it exists, and that my family has no problem with me having carved it out as my own, fills me with happiness. Do you have a corner like this in your home? I'd love to hear about it.

Half-Done Husband

2011-01-30T11:41:00.001-08:00

Sure he's headless--but he's also somehow handsome, right? :-)

A Whole Lot of Living (Room) To Do

2011-01-27T11:44:00.000-08:00

In Part 2 of our "what happened to their stuff?!" series, we'll have a look at the living room, which is really part of a sort of great room, since it's connected to the dining room and to my studio space. Again, click to see the labels, which reveal a bit about my relationship to the (startlingly few--even to me) things in this room.
We really do most of our hard-core relaxing here--and I do tons of handwork here, since the chair at my work table hurts my bum. (TMI?)
To be perfectly honest, I'd like to hang some curtains, and I already have them, but the rods from our old house won't fit these windows, and every time I'm at the store, I talk myself out of buying new ones. I think, "But there are already blinds in there. Why do I need curtains, too?" I just do; that's why. And yet...
This view shows you a glimpse of my "studio," which is really the front foyer. We downsized from a three-bedroom to a two-bedroom house as part of an effort to downsize Mark from a two-job to a one-job man. It worked, and hence I'm quite glad to have this smaller work space (which I will show you more of later).
In the left corner up there you can see that we do have a television, though we don't get "TV." My husband is a huge film buff, so the screen feels necessary on some level.
Annabelle's grandfather made her that lovely dollhouse, and I consider it an art object. Above it sits our collection of vintage Doctor Dolittle books.
And these guys? My inheritance from my maternal grandfather. No joke. I love them with all my heart.

Bedroom: A Room for Sleeping In

2011-01-24T12:36:00.000-08:00

There was a wee-bit of clamor for photos of my living space; probably you folks just want to see what it looks like to live someplace where it appears the inhabitants have already packed to move. I can't blame you--it's like looking at those dioramas of ancient people in a cave. Ahem.
I thought I'd do it "anatomy of a room" style, and I'm starting with the bedroom, which is probably my most monastic space. There's also never any real light in there (which is fine unless you want to take photos), so forgive the lamps. Because my aim--as I have gone about drastically altering my material and emotional relationship to money and objects--is not so much to create beautiful, artful surroundings as to create a functional, peaceful, and cost-effective life, I've labeled some things in the room to show what they are and where they came from, and if you click to enlarge the photos, you can more easily see what's going on with that.
The above photo makes me a little nervous--that's what my inner-OCD-angel calls clutter, but in fact, we do need/use all the stuff that's on that bedside dresser, so I'm going to chill out about it. For reals.
Full disclosure: I took the clothes out of that laundry basket. Nobody needs to see my dirty skivvies, right?
What I love about this room: its spare functionality. Everything I need here is here, and very little that I don't. This room is for sleeping--you know, mainly. I also exercise here every morning, and that's all I'm going to say. ;-) Also, there are many objects that I love in this room, either because they are lovely or because they serve us well, or both--the solid wood armoire, the black iron bed, my nightgown (yep--I have one nightgown and wear it pretty much every night).

What I spent real money on: the bed and mattress and the exercise bike. Everything else was a cast-off (from friends or family--things they no longer wanted/needed), a practical gift, or a yard-sale/thrift sale purchase. Why is this important to me? Well, I aim to be frugal, not cheap (spending money on things I need--spending the right amount of money to fully achieve but not exceed my objective), with the ultimate goal of working less and living more, and I aim also to use up the fewest resources, partly by reusing as much as I can of the stuff that already exists in the world. I think I'm succeeding fairly well in this room.

Little Pink Nerd

2011-01-20T13:48:00.000-08:00

My pink-house anniversary hoop is finished, and I'm onto a portrait of the dreamiest bride and groom I've ever seen in front of the ocean in Cyprus. It's hard work, but somebody's gotta do it.

Since my post about my relationship to "stuff" (namely, I don't want much of it), I've gotten quite a few emails and comments that suggest some of you are interested in hearing more. I was thinking I might just, now and then, post about my-life-with(out)-things, in order to clarify this lifestyle I'm striving toward and just how (and why) I'm trying to make it happen. Maybe we can exchange ideas about how to live more meaningfully in the material world--and how "making" goes along with all of it. It sounds super nerdy as I'm writing it, but, um, that's never stopped me before. ;-)

Where in the world did Carmen's skivvies go?

2011-01-19T11:16:00.000-08:00

A's doll, tentatively named "Carmen," got coifed today--that is, her wig is glued on, but she wants a little cut and style (and, you know, garments). I'll keep you posted.
And I'm at work on a little backlog of custom orders that came in before Christmas. January is a busy month for me--preparing online courses for the spring semester takes up much of the month, but classes started yesterday, and I'm looking forward to the relative calm to come. I'm bubbling with new art and craft ideas, which is a good thing because I've been offered a little solo show at Wintergreen Arts Center in my hometown of Presque Isle. It'll be April 1, no fooling. ;-)

Neither Hair nor...Clothes

2011-01-16T14:31:00.000-08:00

I thought I'd update those of you who were interested in the progress of Miss A.'s doll-making adventure (which is, of course, also my doll-making adventure, since that's how we roll around here). Our little lady now has arms and legs (attached using Mimi's button method from her Purl Bee tutorial); the clay parts of said limbs were sculpted and painted by the girl, and then I helped secure them with fabric glue and a few stitches.
Tomorrow she gets hair!

Not Too Much of a Good Thing

2011-01-11T13:19:00.001-08:00

I am very careful about the objects I let into my life. I don't want to live with things I don't love or need, but truly enforcing this credo can take a heroic amount of vigilance. Things just seem to appear, don't they?
The truth about me, though, is that I don't shop for fun and don't really (anymore) experience much desire for stuff (outside of stuff I can eat, of course!). While I admire beautiful things, I don't long to own them, at least not very often. So it's mainly gifts that can create accumulation I don't want.
The people I love seem to have become, all of the sudden, beautifully sensitive to my strange ways. (A little background: often when people come to my house, they ask if I'm moving and if I've already packed. No. I'm a minimalist, I tell them. I have had the same bedspread since 1993, and I've been wearing the same black wool coat for thirteen winters--no joke. I love these things because they serve me so faithfully.) This Christmas, my loved ones gave me a few, small things, mostly handmade or thrifted, all terribly lovely and/or useful. Sigh.
Spring shoes--handmade (and vegan!) from here--await my feet with their soft pillowy insoles; a bear drinks tea (unquestionable necessary, thanks very much), patiently waiting to be framed and hung on my studio wall, and--come on--John Denver and the Muppets?
Then there's this hat. It has braids, people.
I am full of good things, but not uncomfortably so. I feel loved but not overwhelmed. Just right.

Gettin' Girly With It

2011-01-10T13:53:00.000-08:00

No one's ever ordered a girl-baby version of my baby-gift hoop--until now! I thought I'd share the results.
It's no secret I'm pretty fond of the pink/turquoise/red combo, and throw in a little olive green and I'm doing a jig of joy. Well, not really. I don't have the energy to jig (even if I did know how) because in my cliched-January way, I've taken up cardio in the mornings. Why can't exercise feel like eating potato chips? That would solve all my problems. :-)

Whew! I Missed You!

2011-01-06T17:23:00.000-08:00

January is all like, "Hey, everybody thinks December is jam-packed and mad busy, but don't count me out!" And I'm all like, "Hey, January--you don't have to prove anything to me. I'm convinced."
(Yup--I'm pretty busy. And perhaps slightly bonkers. But how do you like my new custom pet-portrait wedding-ring pillow? That cat with the white face and the black head is kind of rocking my world.)

Happy New Year from William and Paul

2010-12-31T09:46:00.001-08:00

And, you know, from me. Ring it in with joy, my dears, and the boys (vintage cross-stitch portraits, Christmas gifts from my spot-on husband) will see you in 2011!

Who, Me? A Day to Myself?

2010-12-28T15:13:00.000-08:00

Yes, I'm already back to work--preparing for a wee post-Christmas shop update.
We had a bit of glorious sun this morning, after our two-day blizzard, and I soaked it all up with my camera and spent the day editing pictures and tidying my house and drinking chai and listening to This American Life, whilst my girl was off sledding with a friend.
Can I say this day was almost my best Christmas present? (I say almost because of the two thrifted vintage cross-stitch portraits of pipe-smoking fishermen my husband gave me--wait till you see them. I didn't know the world held so much awesome.)
Lovely.

In Which I Allow Myself to Get a Little Sentimental about Christmas

2010-12-23T07:54:00.000-08:00

Christmas keeps amazing me. Permission to revel in the joy that can be had in the most meager of circumstances? Think about it--as a collective, we've agreed to create such warmth and fellowship that ice and snow make us feel good. Darkness becomes an occasion for candlelight.
All platitudes aside, Christmas fills me with gratitude--for the Boss crooning "Santa Claus is Coming to Town," for those weird little creatures singing their hearts out in The Grinch, for the clean white that's covering everything outside right now, so that the world looks, well, new.
And I'm grateful for these monkeys, of course, and for the Daddy that will come home soon and join us in the cozy, darkening house, the Christmas tree shedding its bits of light on all that I love.

Merry Christmas, my friends. I can't wait to see what grand ideas we cook up together in the New Year.

Last LPH--Out the Door!

2010-12-20T11:26:00.000-08:00

It's a gray day and, so, impossible to get good pictures in natural light, but these babies had to go straight into the mail this morning to arrive in time for Taylor and Maquire to open them on the day, so...
And with that, I have completed and shipped the last of my custom orders for 2010! Now? Three kinds of Christmas cookies to bake (classic sugar cookies, chocolate peanut butter pillows, and some chai spice thing Annabelle is insisting we try--I'll let you know), gifts to wrap and some still to make, a house to clean, a Christmas Eve tapas menu and a Christmas day feast menu to plan and shop, The Grinch to watch. About all of this I am psyched.
Grading exams and portfolios and submitting final grades by the 23rd makes me a little less psyched, but I can handle it.
After all, there's no pouting allowed. Santa's coming.

Happy Little List

2010-12-18T07:46:00.001-08:00

1. Satsumas. My husband brought me an entire grocery bag full of these delicious little gems last night, and there is something less than a bag full of them left right now. Ahem.
2. Completed Cousins. Yup, this year's version of the crazy-Christmas-deadline-super-cousins-portrait is out of my hands and off to Indiana. Whew.
3. We have a winner! Ye ol' Random Number Generator tells me it's Erika--email me your address, Miss Lady, and I'll send you a little bundle of wool-felt gift tags.

(And I would absolutely be happy to create a tutorial for these, as a couple of you suggested, but I'm guessing that will happen post-holidays. Still good for birthdays, though, right?)

Santa-Type Behavior

2010-12-16T17:08:00.001-08:00

You know, giving things away? (I've no intension of taking up pipe smoking or moving anywhere that's even one degree colder than Maine.)
Remember these little guys (reusable, wool-felt gift tags) you all advised me about weeks ago? I have some left over from the craft fair, and if you'd like to have some, leave a comment on this post. We'll do it quick-like, so you can have 'em for your Christmas presents--I'll close the comments on Friday at midnight and send the winner a pack of six tags in assorted colors.

I can't promise not to get any fatter. So there's the giving stuff away and the cookie eating. But no smoking. I promise.