Saturday, April 2, 2011

Friday's Fresh Find: Art Snack

OK, I'll be honest: today is Saturday. I think my fresh find makes up for the tardiness, though.

I discovered this Art Snack through MayDay - we'll be vending there together at the end of the month. Such cute food-themed items - I cannot wait to meet this artist. So much fun! Now anyone who knows me knows that I have an insane addiction to carrots, so I immediately checked the shop for a cute carrot pillow or two. I didn't find one, but I bet the minute this wonderful crafter meets me, my love for carrots will inspire something to be listed in the Art Snack shop soon! In the meantime, check out the marvelous offerings!

Lemon and Lime Pillow Set
Eggs and Bacon Keychain
Vegetable Clock
(with an adorable carrot at 7 o'clock)

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Thursday's Thoughts: Stress Management

I had a particularly stressful week at work, so creative ways to manage stress are on my mind. I thought I'd share them with you today!

From The Write Network:

Eat nutrients that increase energy
Stay away from diet colas, iced coffees, and chocolate coffee beans - they'll give you a quick high, but you’ll crash soon! A healthier way to reduce stress is to eat foods that increase energy production, which will help your body to cope with stress. Focusing on B Vitamins, magnesium and ribose (ribose is the key building block for energy) is an important part of stress management.

laugh necklace by Piano Bench Designs
From The American School of Laughter Yoga:

Try Laughter Yoga!
Using laughter as a form of exercise is a sure-fire way to reduce your stress. You can download some laughter "exercises" here.

From Elizabeth Scott, MS on About.com:

Create a vision board.
Vision boards are a type of blueprint for the kind of life you'd like to create for yourself -- a visual representation of what you'd like to include (and exclude) in your future. Creating a vision board helps you hone in on your goals and priorities, stay motivated for positive change, and perhaps even draw positive things into your life. You can find out how to create one here.

From Health.com:

Be assertive.
A lot of stress is caused by us agreeing to take on more than we can handle because we're afraid of saying no. Being assertive is an excellent way to take care of yourself and reduce your stress. Learn some techniques here.

And from me:

Get creative.
Drawing up a new pattern or sewing anything at all really help me to relax. Sometimes, though, I'm stressed due to spending so much time on The Quilted House. At time like that, I like to be creative in other ways: cooking, trying a new recipe, making a batch of ice cream, crocheting, rug hooking, beadwork, pretty much any creative activity at all will work. And if I'm still stressed, my absolute favorite activity: a hot, steamy bath paired with a bowl of ice cream. It works every time!

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Wednesday on the Worktable: More Custom Bags - So Fun!

This week my worktable is taken up with more custom bag creations. Most of the bags I make are custom orders from friends of ladies for whom I've made bags in the past - the very best kinds of referrals! This one is one of my favorites. This woman wanted a very funky black and white paisley exterior and I paired it with a fun bright purple interior for a little surprise every time she opens it! One of my new quilted flower pins is just the funky finishing touch that was needed!



Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Monday, March 28, 2011

Monday's Friday's Fresh Find: Holly Kitaura

Hello! I took the weekend off to celebrate my anniversary and didn't realize that my Friday Fresh Find didn't publish out - I had it scheduled in advance so that I wouldn't have to worry about it, but no luck! So, I figure since I didn't create any marvels for Monday's Marvels, I'd take the opportunity to share last Friday's Fresh Find with you instead! Enjoy!

Yesterday I got a new heart on Etsy and I love the way the new Etsy system works: when you get a new heart it shows up in your activity feed and you also see all the other favorites that the person who loves you has. That's how I found Holly Kitaura!

Mermaid Lullaby Art Print
I fell in love with this art the minute I saw the tiny thumbnail in my activity feed and just had to visit her shop! WOW just doesn't say it! I love the colors and brightness and depth! Holly is a Hawaiian artist and her art really illustrates my imagination of Hawaii: bright, beautiful, hot, lush, amazing!

Mushroom House
My particular favorite is Bubblebath Cat - I just can't get over the kitty in a bikini! Such whimsy, such fun! I hope you head over and check out these wonderful creations! Definitely a fresh find!
Bubblebath Cat

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Thursday's Thoughts: Ready for Spring!

Organic Bachelor Button Seeds
from Wall Flower Studio
Right now all I can think about is spring. Rochester just got another serving of snow as the crocuses were trying to show their faces. I truly love all four seasons, but I'm ready for winter to hand over the reigns to spring! So, in that vein, here are five thoughts to get us ready for spring:

From Better Homes and Gardens:
Yoga for gardening: I'm a newly avid gardener - have a large square foot garden in my backyard which we will be doubling in size this year, plus I do yoga, so this one is perfect for me. If you are love both or are new to either, take a gander at this link.

From Wall Flower Studio Seeds:
Cultivate a different attitude about pests: I read  great post today about dandelions and made the decisions to think about alot of other springtime pests the same way. Not as the enemy, but just as one part of the beautiful season.

From TLC:
Spring clean. . .naturally! If you live anywhere like Rochester, the winters are long and by the time spring gets here, I am only interested in being outside (and in the sunny studio). I do my spring cleaning while winter is still hanging on. That makes using natural cleaning methods even more important since the windows are usually still shut.

From Moving.com:
Change up your decor for spring on the cheap! Even if it doesn't look like spring outside, bring a spring inside will lift spirits and get your home ready for the season! I have to admit that I need to take this one to heart - I've sort of not taken down my Christmas tree yet (tee hee!). We could use a little springification in this house! You can find beautifully crafted spring items to decorate your home by doing a simple search with the keyword "spring home decor" on Etsy!

and from Me:
Take a walk around your neigborhood. Even here in Rochester with snow on the ground there are lovely signs of spring. I love walking the block, re-meeting neighbors I rarely see during the winter hibernation!

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Wednesday on the Worktable: qPouch - Kindle, Nook, and iPad Style

The worktable has been covered with creations in preparation for two shows in April:
  • Library Services Craft Show, April 29th at the Rochester Holiday Inn Airport 8 - 5
  • MayDay Art + Crafts, April 30th at the Main Street Armory 10 - 4
I plan to introduce three or four new designs at MayDay - likely with a preview at the Library show. I've been working sewing up the first this week: qPouch - Kindle, Nook, and iPad style! Take a look and tell me what you think!

A nicely padded space to keep devices safe!

External pockets on the front and back

Says it all!

Double batting in the body and pockets = quadruple padding for your device

And pretty fabric combinations make the whole design perfect!