marathon1981

Stuffed Winter 2012

2012-01-19T22:39:00.000-06:00

I almost forgot to mention marathon1981 has been featured in the January 2012 issue of Stuffed Magazine!

I was delighted to receive my copy in the mail last week and see my creatures in print.

Here's my little page.

I've been pretty absent from the internets once again, busy with holidays and now trying to catch back up on my making business. My creatures are taking form and I will have a new series of monsters to show off fairly soon. marathon1981 creatures are also going to be available at some new local locations coming springtime, so look forward to that announcement. All the best holding out for spring!

-k

and more places to find creatures...

2011-12-04T10:19:00.000-06:00

The Luv-able Hug-able show in New York opened on December 1st and goes until January 6. If you are local you can check it out at Gallery Hanahou, or you can view the online catalogue HERE.

I have also been invited to be a participating crafter in the Theatre Projects Manitoba's holiday event so I will have a table in the lobby with fresh monsters (I almost sold out yesterday!!) crocheted skullies, our giant friend Lumpy and the Knit the Bridge yarn ball as well as a hand full of other local talent.

More info on their page HERE

With such a busy season I've not taken the amount of photos I would have liked but I will have something to share in a week or so, but I have much sewing to get to!

Enjoy the season
-k

more Upcoming ...

2011-11-27T21:10:00.000-06:00

These will be the last two local sales of my season and I'm looking forward to both of them so much! Next weekend at Crafty Minions I will be bringing more vintage kiddo goodness, dresses galore and much more from my Young Team collection, and new sea creatures and catties at the Fa La La Open House. See you there!!

-k

Upcoming

2011-11-21T23:25:00.000-06:00

I will be here this weekend! Looking forward to this sale again, last year was a blast. Great vendors, very helpful staff and a great little cafe for hungry shoppers and vendors alike. This year they are adding a second level of tables, so it should be a doubly good sale. Come visit if you are in the area!

-k

on living in a room

2011-11-20T12:05:00.000-06:00

Yes, things have been beyond busy around here. I haven't posted pictures as I had hoped, haven't updated my shop, haven't really done much in terms of updating anything computer wise. Probably the worst season to slack off around, but I have been much more active at the sewing machine, at work and at home which you can't see and probably don't believe me! (:

My new "studio" space has been working out really well. Basically Mike and I have embraced the face that we have so few people to our house that having a "living room" with couches and chairs wasn't really serving a purpose. Any time we watch movies together it is in Mike's office where there is a big TV and a couch, so the living room wasn't getting lived in. This lead us to the conclusion that if we have the space we should use it for what we need it for ... therefore it has now become a studio space for my sewing supplies, a workout room for Mike's gym equipment and a play room for Gwyn to watch her VHS movies on the old TV.

Previously my sewing machine was in our bedroom at the end of the bed with very little storage room and limited hours because it shared a wall with Gwyn's room and she'd wake up if I was sewing at nap time and want to help. Now I have all the sunshine and storage space I need and it makes me fell that much more creative. Life being full and busy also makes me creative, so if my life is creating what better place than a living room!

Creature Feature

2011-11-09T22:13:00.000-06:00

It has been another while since an update, once again, because I spend most of my time not at my work, really making things.

This week a box full of creature is making it's way to New York city for the Luv-able Hug-able show at Gallery Hanahou which opens December 01. I wish I could make it to this one! but alas.

I have also been given the opportunity to teach some more print making classes with studio 393, this time showing kids how to do lino-cut printing on a drop in basis.

So basically when I'm not at work making things, I'm at home making things!

This season I will be doing 3 more local craft shows, the first of which is on the 26th of this month: Here
the second HERE and a third at a new local wonderful place called "The Stitchery" which is hosting more of an open house than a craft sale, but will be packed full of art and stitching and wonderfulness.

I hope all the crafters out there are having as much inspiration as they need as well and enjoying the busy season!

-k

Seattle Part 2

2011-10-27T23:51:00.000-05:00

Besides going to Plush You!, I got to spend some amazing time with my friends Danielle and Robert who were my guides to the windy city. Our very first stop was a local coffee shop in downtown where I had my first of many Seattle coffees.

Danielle led me on some amazing lush green trails near the condo where we saw slugs the side of a thumb, leaves bigger than your hand and the largest tree in the county.

We went to amazing local restaurants for farm fresh organic foods of all kinds and flavors. I kept the little paper menu, printed daily, because I couldn't even pronounce half of the fancy foods listed.

Some essential Seattle sights ... the space needle at night ...

The Gum Wall ... kinda gross, but very colourful.

some amazing street art below the Pike Place Market

and of course the Market itself!

This avocado was as big as my head! There were so many heirloom foods of all colours and shapes, stacks of fruits and veggies, fresh coastal fish (something almost impossible to get in Souther Manitoba given the geography)

flowers, baking ...

fresh cheeeeese!

it was amazing, everywhere we turned there was good things.

The three of us has such a wonderful time, we chose good things to eat and Danielle cooked us a wonderful supper, wine and good company. It was a dream trip and I am again so thankful I was able to go!

And now the time has flown away from me and halloween is in 4 more days!!

-k

Brandon's Big One

2011-10-21T23:19:00.000-05:00

This weekend I will be headed out of town once again for monster related activities, although this time it will only be a 2 hour drive away.

My sister is coming along as a booth buddy and will be selling some of her wears as well, at the 22nd annual Brandon's Big One handmade sale. at the Keystone Centre in Brandon Manitoba. We will be setting up our booth bright and early tomorrow morning and the sale is from 10-6 on Saturday and 10-5 Sunday.

We have a whole 10x10 booth! I'm super nervous for such a big sale ... I've only ever had to deal with a 6x2 table before so filling up a whole booth will be interesting. I've just loaded the van with all the creatures and display stuff. I hope it looks good in the morning. Pictures to come, as well as part two of my Seattle trip.

Seattle and Plush You! Part 1

2011-10-18T23:24:00.000-05:00

As you may know this past weekend I was able to have the most wonderful little getaway to Seattle to check out Plush You in person!! This trip was made possible my all my wonderful friends who actually fundraised my plane ticket and encouraged me to go. Kristen Rask, the owner of Schmancy Toys told me to thank you all for sending me (:

and a HUGE thank you to my hosts in Seattle Danielle and Robert who made my stay most comfortable and enjoyable and I couldn't have imagined a better weekend with more wonderful people. This trip will be in my heart forever as one of the best weekends of my life!

During the opening of Plush You I was able to see so many of my plush hero's work in person and it was such a wonderful experience to meet some of the people behind the plush

Here are my three submission pieces handing out with plush from around the globe!

It was great to see some pieces by Ninon, one of my long time plush heros

Aigoo ... this is the creature I really wanted to take home, but my travel budget was pretty tight and bag space limited. This blue face guy was really huge!

Scrumptious Delights

OhMa Felt

Yermits

Moxie

Pepper Stitches

Pink Cheeks Studios

The Beast Pedler

Cotton Monster

CatRabbit

Plushroom Soup

There was so much to see in the shop it was jam packed full of plush. Each time we walked around the shop we noticed another creatures we hadn't seen before... I tried to take photos of everything but my head was just swirling with excitement!

Check back later this week and I will be posting part two of my trip, adventures around Seattle

-K

Making

2011-10-08T22:13:00.000-05:00

I've just been busy making.

Have a Lumpy Culture Days

2011-10-01T17:54:00.000-05:00

This weekend is "Culture Days" in Winnipeg and across Canada cities are celebrating culture of all sorts. Last year a group of local crafters artists knitters and supporters joined together for "Knit the Bridge". This year a crafters market was organized as well as "Knitting Albert Street".

The above photo is of Lumpy, the giant plush creature collaboration of myself and Melanie Wesley, sitting in The Cube in downtown Winnipeg at the Culture days market. We spent a few weekends working together to come up with a giant creature. The original vision was a little different, involved an internal skeletal structure and wheels, but given costs, materials and especially time and space, Lumpy evolved. The most difficult hurdle in making a giant plushie was stuffing.

We finally found enough free foam scraps to fill Lumpy, and his name was born! He will become an evolving blank canvas type of project that will be added to as time and events allows us, but to be honest I think he freaked a few people out. One thing is for sure, he is very large and caught people's attention up there on the stage all by himself.

Gwyn and I spent some time at the market this afternoon ...

and she also helped me instal our yarn bomb as a part of Knitting Albert Street. Above, another yarn bombed tree in lovely yellow and purple.

Here is mine, which turned out more long than wide so the only suitable structure was a street sign. I think it looks much better now, don't you?

Gwyn wanted to pose in front of all the other pieces

This little blue one was ours too. I kind of want to go back and do more, they looks so neat when they are all together!

After that we checked out a few shops, including the newest coffee shop in Winnipeg, Parlour Coffee, probably the best coffee in town.

Then on the way home we saw this creature up in a tree close to our neighborhood. Love it!

Tonight is Nuit Blanche which is an all night art party in downtown with free events, art galleries open late, food and music until 6am. We will see how long we last!

-k

Plush You!

2011-09-27T20:24:00.000-05:00

These three characters are my submission pieces for Plush You! 2011 ... I'm SOOO excited to be able to attend!

I will be hosted by my lovely and wonderful friend Danielle and her beau in Seattle, a city which will be new to me so I'm doubly excited to spend time with her and see a new place.

Only a few more weeks away.

AAAAAHHHHH!!!!

My favorite part will be seeing so many of my plush hero's work in person.

Any of you out there able to attend, I'd love to know!

-k

Adventuredump (maybe a long one)

2011-09-18T21:40:00.000-05:00

Well as you may have observed I haven't been the best keeper of the blog here lately, but I do have a few things to update you all on now.

You may remember hearing that my beloved (previous) workplace Aqua Book/Eat! Bistro was shutting down ... that is still half the case, but it was also a hard decision for our family and I have started a new job. Tomorrow will be the start of week two and it has been a bit of a roller coaster around here getting used to a new schedule, finding time for crafting and family and a huge learning curve.

As I've told most people who ask how the new job is going ... my old kitchen would fit into this new kitchen's walk in fridge .... big. big changes. big amounts of food. big responsibility. I've been hired as a deli supervisor at the University of Winnipeg through Diversity Food Services which takes care of all on campus food services and catering and some off campus catering. So we make a lot of food.

Besides all that I've still been making time for sewing, which is why the blog has been one of the backburner type projects. To make up for this, I will now share an adventure dump in photo form.

First of all, this little beast turned 3 on Monday which was pretty exciting for all of us. We had a little celebration at home with presents and balloons and cake and spent the day at the Ciclovia street festival.

Her favorite little horse Taco was at the festival too!
And now in no particular order ...

me on the roof of my sister's new abode

waffles

trying to go to garage sales in our matching cardigans

Gwyn's candid photography (I just found this on my camera)

stealing daddy's t-shirts

rest stop on our brief and ill advised trip to the states

it was Gwyn's first time to America

hugging bears in Grand Forks

Windmills and a prairie sky

Gwyn's very best photo of mum and dad

and a good one of her with her prairie flowers.

And so these have been some of the adventures we've been on lately. Still around ... still busy but looking forward to a nice calm fall season. And now I just made a delicious banana bread that I am going to enjoy with a beer! hah.

-k

Creature Feature

2011-09-04T17:24:00.000-05:00

I've been busy busy busy this weekend working on more creatures for the coming craft sale season. Today I've really gotten back into HOOTS!

Whooo doesn't love a good hootstack?

I have been feeling like I need to change shapes in my work recently and I've gone back to the jabba-the-hut blob and I've used a few times before. I like adding fur to the back to give some dimension too.

Hand stitching the feathers is a really relaxing activity when G is playing puzzles or legos and not getting into my stash of supplies!

Because I'm focusing more on making than on my etsy shop these days, I'm not sure if I will be listing as many new creatures, but I am open to requests and will list on demand!

and a few snowy types thrown in for good measure.

Thanks also to all the wonderful local folks who have dropped by Sew Dandee to donate to my "get to Plush You" fund! I've booked my ticket this week and it's official, I'M GOING TO SEATTLE!!

On that exciting note, I'm going back to the sewing room!

-k

9 thing I like with angles and stripes

2011-08-25T23:42:00.000-05:00

working on, working off

2011-08-21T22:53:00.000-05:00

It has been all go around here these days! A lot of changes for our little family, transition to fall seems like a big one! We've decided to see if Gwyn will be ready for nursery school, Mike has been working days this week, changes with my work and we still have our own projects to accomplish.

I've been a slack blogger but I'll prove it has good merit because of all the progress photos!

Mike snapped this photo of me unawares so I look really tired and surprised!

Did you notice my little helper in the window? She has her own sewing machine too and can't stand not to help when mum is making monsters

A quick shot of some of my work in progress. I've been trying out a new way of making batches of creatures ... using a ruler and cutting all my pieces at once. Usually I make one at time and hack my fabric to pieces just to get what I want, but I've been trying for efficiency and it's been working out.

All these strips are becoming catties. It has taken a few days and turning arms and legs is the longest
step, but in the end I should have over 20 cats in record time.

Here is a ghosty shot of empty bodes with no eyes. Gwyn insists on choosing eyes for each one, but they are in the mail and should arrive in the coming week so she'll have lots of work to do too.

besides these fellows, I've been working on a new batch of Octacreatures which might just find their way into my shop sometime soon.

So you see, I have been a busy bee working away and not just neglecting my little blog (:

I will be back when I'm back! Have a wonderful week

-k

Crafty Minions: The Visual - August 13 2011

2011-08-16T08:26:00.000-05:00

Thanks to everyone who came out to support this Crafty Minions show as well as Aqua Books and Eat! Bistro, it was a wonderful day!

I gave me setup a new look and opted for a real table as opposed to the desk I usually snag at this show. The doll house was found at a garagesale for a mere two dollars! Gwyn and I have been working on the paint job and I think it looks peachy. I have a big crush on chevrons that doesn't seem to be letting up. I also ordered a real banner for my set up too which turned out better than I expected!

The only shots of my table include the lovely Michael who was manning the fort and kiddo wrangling for me while I set up and said hello to other crafters, grabbed a couple coffees and waited for the doors to open.

Part of the excitement that was going on during the show was due to the closure announcement of the bookstore. We had tv crews in the restaurant all week and this day was no exception. Crew from the CBC were doing a spot on Kelly Hughes, the venue and the craft sale so they were hovering around my table for some time. Finally one of them explained to me what was taking place and that they wanted to use my table and creatures in a few shots of the sale. I said sure because it means my creatures might be on the tele. Kinda cool! Not until September though, but I'll post a video clip later if it works out.

In the mean time I forgot the bring the camera around and Gwyn did my photos for me ....

It was a great day and we are all hoping Crafty Minions will continue post Aqua books!

-k

Crafty Minions ... good news and sad

2011-08-13T00:35:00.000-05:00

I'm taking a brief sewing break to post about the Crafty Minions show tomorrow. I'm really excited for this show because I feel mostly ready ... and I have a feeling it will be a busy one! Good news.

The sad news is that Aqua Books and Eat! Bistro (my work!) has announced that the doors will be closing this fall.

We are all really sad about this and the media has been streaming through the door since the announcement. Yesterday during our lunch rush there were about 6 or 7 news crews through the restaurant. Only a little distracting when we're still trying to do a lunch! I may have been on the news making flat bread ...

I've been wanting to blog about this for a couple days but I'm having a hard time processing the news. This is a big deal for our little family because we have a very intricately balanced work/homelife/creative schedule and changes don't bode well. But things always have a way of working themselves out and we are optimistic about the future. My dream would be to just sew all day!

On that note if you are in the area, come down to possibly the last Crafty Minions and support local talent, it means a lot to all of us!

Found it!

2011-08-08T22:26:00.000-05:00

Just a tiny little treasure update this week. I've barely had any thrifting time these last few days with all the busy things going on around our house these days!
But here are a couple colourful things to keep you up to date!

I have a major weakness for vintage tins of any kind. I can't help when they are less than a dollar and can be used to store small things of all kinds. I'm always convinced I have a use for just one more!

... same goes for beautiful globes. I found two more large ones in my last few treasure hunts to add to the collection. I need to find a better way to get photos in my kitchen, they always turn out yellow!

And finally this fabulous bubbly plastic planter. I already planted my 'old man' cactus in here and the wire rack was one of my finds on my birthday thrifting trip.

Have a wonderful week. This Saturday is the August version of Crafty Minions so I'm getting things ready and Mike is recording an album the same weekend so things are all go around here!

-k

Creature Feature

2011-08-03T23:09:00.000-05:00

Ok so here it is ... the fruits of my labors this last little while, my attempts at making a creature a day or more. Yesterday and today I got 5 "catties" as Gwyn calls, them completed and I still have a ways to go before I'll have enough to designate to all the various commissions I've signed on to!

These little catties are so much fun to make too, I could keep working with them for a while and never get bored. My favorite part is using vintage fabric and keeping them simple to showcase the patterns.

This fellow is a little different than others I've worked on ... he just came about one day. A kind of broken hearted half frog half bear man beast.

Some more octacreatures. Gwyn calls the orange eyed one "Bubble"

And now back to the sewing machine!

-k

What she wore

2011-07-31T22:11:00.000-05:00

This little goof ball is always happy to be in a photo shoot when I'm trying to take photos of anything else, so once again, we changed focus and snapped a few of her in some recent thrifty finds.

This great two piece dress and bloomers is a Health-Tex original, one of my favorite vintage brands to find. Shoes were unmarked but looked like Buster Browns.

I've still been working on my 'one creature a day' goal .. which hasn't always been met on a daily basis, but today I ended up making three to make up for lost time so a creature feature is coming soon. It's been more making than blogging lately but bare with me!

-k

Project Sunflower

2011-07-28T08:27:00.000-05:00

This summer Gwyn got a chance to make a planting pot with daddy at a local art drop-in at the park by our house and they planted fresh little sunflower seeds inside.

She has been so excited to watch them grow bigger and bigger each day, I figured I'd document them for her as well.

Here they are just after they sprouted and broke through the soil. It sure didn't take very long at all.

a couple of days later ....

and now they are getting pretty monstrous! Not sure what type of sunflowers they will be but the best part is being able to teach Gwyn about how things grow.

Have a fabulous Thursday (almost Friday!!)

-k

Creature Feature ...

2011-07-23T23:57:00.000-05:00

My goal this month, and for the next 3 months is to try to make one creature a day in preparation for the various shows and holiday craft sales that will be fast approaching in the fall. So far I have been pretty productive!

I'll be honest when I say I have had a few nights where I just haven't mustered up the inspiration but only a couple and I've got a good lot of monsters waiting to be photographed. A few of the ones below have already found homes.

I will have more creatures to share soon and more news regarding where creatures will be available locally! Very exciting stuff. Now for a relaxing weekend

-k

Found it!

2011-07-22T00:54:00.000-05:00

I have greatly missed my little found adventure posts so I finally got around to taking some photos of the treasures I've been collecting! The above piece came to me via my sister who found it at an arts depot in town for free! I kind of want a tattoo designed in this style one day.

A friend and co-worker was having a garage sale and knew Gwyn loved these type of prints so I was directed right to them. She loves them, except the sailor girl who she says is too angry.

I found this amazing NASA hoodie on Morris on my birthday thrift adventure. It is just too bad it is a little small for Gwyn by now, she is a space fanatic.

This neato old stapler caught my eye, mainly because we don't have a stapler in our house of two students who constantly have papers due. How does that even happen?

Will owls ever get old? I hope not because I still love them.

This card case fits business cards, which leads me to believe it would be the perfect size for instax mini photos. I would really love one of those cameras one day, I'm a sucker for small cute and instant things.

A little yellow case for 45's. Gwyn has a small collection but I want to find her some old movie sound tracks like I had as a kiddo to keep in a special case until she is old enough to play them herself.

and a fabulous bright red danish modern cooking pot. Missing a piece on the handle but I love the shape!

I hope your adventures find you well. Tomorrow is a short day of work at the bistro and then off to the studio to show more kids how to make shirts!

-k

What she wore ...

2011-07-19T22:45:00.000-05:00

I was taking photos in the porch the other day and Gwyn decided she wanted to be the centre of my photo shoot.

Here she is wearing a vintage cotton and lace toddler lingerie tank top. I'm not sure why anyone made lingerie for kiddos but that's what the tag says!

Her skirt was something I made for her when she got into my fabric stash and was trying to drape it around herself as a skirt anyways. I added an elastic waist band and some vintage appliques.

Our evening time activity as of late has been dance parties in the living room so she likes to practice her moves whenever anyone is watching. It is a good way to burn off steam before bed time!

Have a wonderful night!

-k

MY Saturday Off

2011-07-16T18:14:00.000-05:00

Today is the Saturday before my 30th birthday so I booked the day off work in hopes of a roadtrip of some description. Initially there was talk of driving down to Minneapolis in the states, which is 8 hours away ... but new breaks for the van took priority.

So I figured I'd use my lovely day off for some novelty thrifting in Southern Manitoba! Gwyn spent the day with G and G, Mike got the house to himself to work on music, and I headed towards the border to see how many MCC shops I could hit in one afternoon. Today the answer was 3, and it was a blast!

This is what most of my drive looked like, wonderful HOT flat prairies. Today is the first day of a "heat wave" that is coming through, +32 Celsius, plus humidity!

The first shop in Niverville closed at 1pm, luckily I got there at 12:30 and had a half hour to go through all the amazing craft supplies.

Seriously, this is the fabric section alone! I found a heap of wonderful fur and striped fabric.

My serious road face. Everyone thinks I'm mad when I drive but I'm just concentrating! (probably not a smart idea to take photos and drive ...)

Next stop, Morris. This is the town I always knew for the last gas station before crossing the border, now I know it holds treasures! I found a great bunch of vintage kiddo stuff for the shop and for Gwyn

On the way I saw a huge wind farm. I have a special weakness for wind farms. I can't explain it but it's just one of those quirky things I like. Do you love wind farms too?

Last stop ... Winkler, the town where my mum grew up. I didn't find too much here, a dress for Gwyn and one for me (for 50 cents, but it is too small!) and a wire shelf for some creatures.

There were a couple more shops on my initially planned route but due to timing I had to head back. I will show you some of my haul in another Found it! post later this week.

It was the most wonderful day off and tonight we are heading to a birthday party for our buddy Nathan and then heading home to try and keep cool in all this sweaty heat. I hope your Saturday is amazing!

-k

Craft on the Loose 2011

2011-07-14T08:01:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was the opening of the 2011 edition of Craft on the Loose, and outdoor exhibition of crafty goodness for all to see. I submitted a piece, so the fam and I were set to attend.

The Manitoba crafts museum and library provided juice boxes for the attendees

Gwyn found a flower

Here we are on location where my piece is hanging on Corydon Ave.

I used a LOT of the vintage bias tape I had in my supplies to create the feathery scales on this fishbird creature.

G felt like she needed to pose all evening

I kind of envisioned this creature like a hovering blimp of plush coming at ya!

Michael wrote me a nice little artist bio for the tag ... I'm terrible at writing about my own self

Unfortunately our tour got cut short after an "accident" (toilet training) but we will get a chance to see the exhibit in it's entirety until the 27th!

-k

Bloglooks

2011-07-09T22:46:00.000-05:00

Hello to all you folks I hope you are having a fabulous Saturday night! Just wanted to invite those of you who haven't seen, the blog has a new look! Summer is here and I thought a fresh face for marathon1981 was in order.

Bright colours, wider photos, what do you think? I'm still touching up little bits, but so far I like it!

Tomorrow the girl and I are spending the day together, Mike is on the road for a jam night with the guys and tonight I think I'll break away from the computer and get sewing!

-k

Creature Feature

2011-07-08T22:23:00.001-05:00

A few new folks I've been dabbling with, a new look for rabbit types.

I can't seem to get away from making rabbits of any kind. I think they will always have a place in my artwork.

and sea creatures as well. This little lady came to me last night and I love the way her legs turned out!

Tomorrow is Saturday and I'm so excited for the weekend!

-k

I'm so excited ...

2011-07-03T11:39:00.001-05:00

... to be in the summer issue of STUFFED Magazine!!

I submitted 3 creatures back in February and here they are in all their printed glory! It is really quite exciting to see something I made along side so many other talented artists. I plan on submitting a few more creatures for the winter issue as well so we will see what happens (:

I really have to thanks my crafty supporters, local and online, for encouraging me along the way and telling me I'd be crazy NOT to submit my work. I'm still so shy about being an "artist" but I'm getting used to giving it a shot!

so thanks if you've been following along on this little adventure of mine!

-kami

9 Things I like to wear for Summer

2011-06-30T22:58:00.003-05:00

bobomb

2011-06-29T07:54:00.001-05:00

Last night I spent some time preparing packages that have been waiting to be shipped now that our "postal disruption" has come to a conclusion for the time being. I am so grateful for the wonderful customers who were willing to wait this out with me, THANK YOU!!! Your packages are on their way as fast as they can be processed.

(photo via outdoorknit.blogspot.com)

I also spent some time working on my submission for this year's Craft of the Loose exhibit. Last year Gwyn and I were spectators. This time I am working on a big bizarre plush creature creation that will be hanging somewhere outside on Corydon Ave in July for the duration of the exhibit. I will have some photos soon when it is closer to completion.

Have a wonderful hump-day!

-k

Ack

2011-06-26T11:56:00.001-05:00

It looks as though my efforts to be a more active blogger have failed me this week, eek!

Tomorrow (I'm so excited!!) I am starting orientation at my new summer job with Martha Street Studio, where I've been asked to co-teach a workshop on screen printing t-shirts! This opportunity came up and I was able to make it work with my full time job so that I can teach once a week on Friday afternoons. I get to find out all the details tomorrow but I am over the moon right now!

Last night I got a chance to lend my skills to Mike while he played a show with his band SKF as the "merch girl". I figured if there was anything I was good at it was sitting behind a table selling handmade things which included the t-shirts we printed and the records he made. Success! (I was also the dork at the metal show needle felting a sloth, as can be seen on our cash box hehe)

Gwyn has been at sleepover with G and G and is coming back very soon so we're gonna spent today hanging out at the park and enjoying the sunshine!

Hope your weekend is wonderful

-k

for me?

2011-06-18T22:16:00.001-05:00

Have you even been surprised, like really really surprised?

via

I am a terrible guesser. I guess that means a great guesser. Terrible for the person who tries to make me guess something when they don't really want me to guess, because I always do.

This fact makes it difficult for Michael to ever surprise me with anything because my little mind cogs get spinning and I figure things out. Now to his credit, yesterday he surprised me!

Apparently I have been 'whining' about my 30th birthday for some time. I just wanted it to be a memorable one because I've been looking forward to turning 30 since I turned 20. Yes, I guess I'm crazy. But somehow in my mind it was supposed to be a big deal.

So Mike spent the last 3 months plotting and tricking and planning and scheming and completely 100% surprised me with a surprise 30th birthday party one month early. It had to be early because I would have guessed ... so I had NO idea it was coming!

We are good friends with our next-door neighbors in our apartment and regularly watch movies with them so when Mike told me we were going over, I just thought we were going over, but we walked in and a whole bunch of people I knew were sitting there grinning at me yelling "surprise!" and I had no idea at all. It was the greatest and I want to thank Mike and my friends for lying to me for months to make it all happen. Not only that, but he organized a 'Seattle Fund' where everyone donated to send me on my way to the Plush You! opening in October!! I'm really going!!!!

Thank you Michael, my most wonderful partner in crime, and thank you to my wonderful friends!
I originally thought it would be funny to have a John Cusack themed party, so this photo made me laugh ...

via

Also, because I was so surprised I didn't bring a camera and have no photos of my own to share!

-k

Found it! The type edition

2011-06-16T01:07:00.000-05:00

Lately I've come across a lot of wordy little treasures during my travels and I thought I would do a special little Found it! post

A few of these finds have appeared before but I just thought they looked so good as a collection.

I just love the obvious statements each piece makes

I was thinking I will make little collections to show you now and again of all the treasures I come across. What would the readers love? Finds of the week, or collections? I'll let you decide! I want to finds ways to motivate myself to become a more regular blogger too so I'm taking suggestions, fun yes? for example I love Cassandra's new feature of interviews! Let me know what you think

-k

Creature Feature

2011-06-14T23:22:00.001-05:00

I've been slowly but surely working on new creatures these days. This creature came together the other day when I finished his little vest and jeans!

I came across some amazing floral fabric and I couldn't just let it go to the pile so this little lady was born.

I other exciting softie news, Stuffed Magazine comes out on July 1 and three of my creatures will be IN PRINT! I'm so excited to get my copy of it and feel like a real live artist.

And ... a couple weeks ago I also met with some local shop owners who are interested in selling some of my creatures so I have to get busy making a dozen or so for the shop. I have to remember to photograph them all to share with you before they find their new homes.

All the best for the coming Wednesday!

-k

Camping in pictures

2011-06-13T23:09:00.000-05:00

We had a great time on our first family camping trip this weekend. We ended up coming home a day early due to thuder storms but the day that we had was great! Spent time in the town, by the fire, at the beach. G didn't want to leave the sand and was sad that it was too cold for swimming. Here is a peek of what we were up to...

A first ...

2011-06-05T14:27:00.000-05:00

(via)

I'm so excited for this coming weekend because we just booked our FIRST family camping trip! M and I both used to go camping with our families as kids at a place called Clear Lake in Wasagaming which is about 3 hours north of Winnipeg. I have so many great memories of the little shops in the town, catching crawfish in the lake and bike rides on trails.

Gwyn has never been camping and I'm not sure she totally understands what it is all about but since we told her she keeps saying she wants to go NOW! and I have to tell her it will be 5 more sleeps etc. I'm hoping we can make this a family tradition of our own. Do you love camping too? We are going in a tent. My family used to have a pop up trailer with 3 beds, so it meant the kids had to share cuz there were 4 of us and my folks and so many fights over who got which spot. Lucky thing about one kiddo ... no fights!

-k

Printing time

2011-06-01T22:11:00.000-05:00

Well I think I said something about showing off my print work that I did this past while, so here is a few pieces. Above is the t-shirt design Michael and I worked on for his show last week. The ink is silver on black t-shirts ... it didn't photograph that well, but they look really sharp for something we did on the kitchen table, and we already sold 2!

You've seen this guy before but here he is again. I sent my brother in Japan a t-shirt with this character on it and apparently it was a hit with his students

This is a lino-cut technique of an elephant character couple. I enjoyed lino-cut because it made my think in terms of black and white, sharp lines, and I got to use a sharp tool!

Another couple lino-cuts, Inky the octopus

and 'the family'.

I will be returning to the studio in the near future to work on some more prints. I have a few bits of exciting news to share, but I will wait until further details are clear ... excitement!

-k

Found it!

2011-05-29T22:23:00.000-05:00

Thanks to all the lovelies who came out to the Crafty Minions sale on Saturday! I will have to admit it was my most disorganized (personally) show ... I didn't even have a float for change ready on the morning of so I had to run to safeway and get some fives! But it was a great afternoon and as always, great company of fellow crafters and enthusiasts. Next one is in August and I'm already looking forward to doing it again.

And now, a selection my treasures as of late ...

I came across this piece and couldn't figure what it was for at first ....

a new addition to my ever growing out of control globe collection, the smallest one in the middle. Do you collect globes? I feel like a lot of people do, or want to (: I'm on the hunt for a moon globe and a black water globe ...

A little brass cat for hanging aprons in the kitchen (also, my kitchen isn't quite so 'yellow' but doesn't get any natural light ...)

sweet gingham glasses

some vintage fabric with great patterns. I have no idea what I will make yet, perhaps a simple dress for Gwyn of a skirt for me ?

Bright pink handled cutlery set. I've never had a matching set of cutlery in my life (do you say silverware?)

and this amazing tape recorder for Gwyn, who loves the sound of her own voice. Now we just have to find some blank tapes ... not as easy as it used to be.

Have a fabulous week!

-k

Working on ...

2011-05-22T21:04:00.000-05:00

Some random creatures that appeared this week. I came across a great fur stash at Arts Junction the other day and these fellows just popped out!

-k

Crafty Minions strikes again

2011-05-18T00:31:00.000-05:00

Getting ready for this show coming up in a bit more than a week!

I always like to mix up my wares so my table will be different every show, so this time I'm going to have some of my silk screen and lino cut prints, amazing vintage wares and of course new creatures. I would love to see some local folks out to say hi!

-k

Found it!

2011-05-16T23:45:00.000-05:00

This week I've been thrifting like crazy but I haven't been so quick with the picture taking. Luckily we have actually has some amazing sunny weather lately but that doesn't make for the best picture lighting in my little sun porch full of glare and shadows.

Above I found this sad little Dansk Paella pan in rough shape but cleaned it up nice as best I could!

How awesome is this cat mug made in Japan

A fantastic little spring coat in navy blue gingham

and a cat sweater I want to be in my size so bad!

This cow pitcher is made in Finland and these sweet birds in Denmark ... my dream places to visit!

Garage sales are getting into full swing around here so I should have some more regular finds to show you all summer long!

-k

Times

2011-05-14T23:00:00.000-05:00

The top photo is Gwyn. I found this old photo of me on my computer just now at about the same age. Do you think we look related or what?

-k

Because of her ...

2011-05-08T21:37:00.000-05:00

... I get to celebrate this lovely day (:

And also because of my wonderful mother who taught me every thing I know about being a good mum.

-k

A few new creatures

2011-05-04T20:49:00.000-05:00

I haven't been sewing as much as I need to lately, but this week I came up with a few new creatures. This little pengu was a custom request from a friend for her sister's birthday. I've never done a penguin before but I LOVE how he turned out so much that I am going to be making a few more. The fabric on his belly came from a wonderful customer in Japan last year who sent a package of fabric as an appreciation gift for custom work I did for her.

The little toque was something I made that didn't suit another creature, but was perfect for Pengu!

Here his is without his hat ... a little chilly!

This wild creature just came together after I found some messy yellow fun fur at the bottom of my pile. I liked the crazed look of it and this creature is what followed. He has hand stitched scales/feathers on his chest and little pointy legs.

Only a few more weeks until the next craft show so I've gotta get stitching!

-k

Found it!

2011-05-03T00:09:00.000-05:00

This week I've come across some wonderful colourful finds from all over town. I feel like spring cleaning has begun and treasures are everywhere!

These little salt and pepper shakers match a coaster set I found another time.

Little retro tea set with cream and sugar. No teapot though ...

I've been collecting vintage thermoses because I love the patterns so much, these to beauties were together but one is missing it's top.

Gwyn has a pair of these froggie boots she calls her 'Kerms' ... after Kermit the frog, her favorite muppet. We found this second pair a little bit bigger than hers.

lovely bright enamel is another weakness of mine.

And here is Gwyn being my little model. I sort of had to bribe her to put this sweet little sailor shirt on and she was pretty good for me ....

but she usually ends up being a big goof!

I've been working on a little pile of custom orders this weekend as well as trying to get ready for the next Crafty Minions show taking place on May 28th. I will have photos soon!

-k

The Outside Times

2011-04-28T22:48:00.000-05:00

We have finally been having some wonderful weather here in Winnipeg which mean our collective family cabin fever is coming to a close. Living in an apartment means we don't have a lot of green space to call our own, but luckily there are a lot of parks in our area, and if we feel like a new park ... off we go to find one!

This is G at our local park just across the street from our building on Easter Sunday after we all went out for family breakfast at a local cafe.

She's wearing a great vintage dress gifted from the lovely DizzyDame, a red vintage cardigan and her sparkly silver moon boots from Old Navy.

Bike rides and tumbling down the hill!

We drove across town to the park where Mike played as a kiddo, one of the few parks that still has some of the old equipment like these mushrooms

and the climbing elephant. There is a picture somewhere of Mike at the same age climbing this guy too.

big kid swingin

and here's a sweet new jacket I got at a clothing swap over the weekend!

I hope the weather in your town is bringing you sunshine!

-k

Found it!

2011-04-22T22:35:00.000-05:00

Happy Easter weekend to all the folks out there. Easter is my favorite holiday for so many reasons but I always look forward to the easter egg hunt with my family. My folks have done one every year for us kids even though we are grown up ... and now Gwyn is the excuse!

Here are some of my treasure hunts over the last little while...

I love the expression on this noble squirrel's little face

a happy red desk lamp

aaaaaaamazing vintage shoe for me ... just my size and perfect for skirts and tights ...

and a matching pair for the girl!

this little pyrex oil jar makes me happy

1979 original Strawberry Shortcake dolls. I remember having some of these as a kiddo, they still have the same smell!

and this was my favorite find of the week. I went out to look for this exact house, and there it was for only $4! I felt like everyone else in the shop was going for it I almost ran over and grabbed it. Gwyn has been having a lot of fun with this one. I had the same one as a kid as well and it was a favorite. Did you ever play with this house? I loved the doorbell!

-k

Printmaking goodness

2011-04-20T23:01:00.001-05:00

Here is a little poster ad for the art show opening for the print making workshop I've been taking over the last 3 months. The background is one of my linocut prints!

I'm really excited for the opening tomorrow. I've never had my art hang in any kind of gallery before this this will be a first .. weeeeee (: If you are local, come check out the display until May 6

-k

9 Things I like for Weird Easter

2011-04-18T20:58:00.000-05:00

I made shirts!

2011-04-15T23:28:00.000-05:00

This Thursday was my last printing workshop with Martha Street Studio and I was able to bring in a few t-shirts from home to screen print my design on. I basically brought all the blank shirts I could find at home to test out my skills, so we now all have matching shirts.

I think it will be funny to make Mike and Gwyn wear their shirts to our little art showing next week so it looks like I have a fan club!

Gwyn was very excited to wear her new shirts today with matching vintage skirt. She is such a stylin kiddo!

Here is my final screen printing project, a 7 colour print of my little winterized ocotocreature.

The process was confusing at first, but I finally figured it all out and have fallen completely in love with screen printing. This summer I am going to find ways to spend time at Martha Street Studio working on more printing and then possibly applying for a continuation of the youth program I did this spring.

Now my brain in being completely eaten up by the idea of the exam I have on Monday and I have to study. I will be back with more Found It! posts and 9 things I like very soon.

-k

Riverwalks

2011-04-10T22:53:00.000-05:00

Oh little blog, I have been away so long! It has been another busy little time around here, but today was a family day off and we all spent time organizing, spring cleaning, playing and going for walks.

This is the view behind our apartment right now with the Red River on it's way up up up. Last year the river flooding was pretty big, but this year I think it will be a record flood.

It is times like this when I am glad we are renters and don't have to worry about our basement flooding!

There is our little white van up the hill

Gwyn and I were watching some ducks and geese land on the water. The other night we even saw a kayaker making his way upstream. Pretty brave!

First swing of the year in our local park. It was crazy to see how much G has grown compared to last fall in that little kiddo swing!

Walking home with mum and dad ... she really didn't want to go back inside. It has been nice having longer and warmer days, but I feel like I have been busy but not productive ... do you ever get like that?

hope you are having a wonderful warm weekend

-k

Found it!

2011-04-03T23:47:00.000-05:00

This week G and I didn't have much of a chance to go treasure hunting until the weekend and we scored BIG TIME!! I have so many new finds I didn't even get a chance to photograph them all, but here are some highlights .... Amazing armadillo candle. I just imagined this sitting on someone's mantle for the last 25 years and then one day I found it. So cute.

Pink enamel.

brown enamel

a BIG red pyrex 404. I looked this up after, but apparently the red 404 was only produced as a single not a set and is kinda rare. Sweet!

also this delphite (blue glass) golden grapes bowl was a promotional piece made as a chip and dip bowl set. This was found alone, the smaller of the two but still kinda pretty.

found a 1960's polaroid WITH FILM! ... The film expired 1969 ... so I don't think it will work, but I might try it out. Or put it in the shop (:

more sweet enamel. I like the green pattern on this bright yellowy colour.

and some blue cast iron enamel. Can you tell what my eyes have been looking for lately?

G and I were keeping an eye out for Fisher Price people as well. She had a great set of Mike's old toys at G and G's place, but we wanted some for home ... came across a huge bag full for only $4, plus a firetruck for $3. The three characters above are what she calls her family. I'm the red one, Mike is green and of course G is the little girl in blue.

and check out these fab suede 1970's platform disco beauties! You can check out the shop for a few of these finds and maybe more as the week goes by!

Happy Monday morning soon!

-k

Mossy

2011-03-28T22:48:00.000-05:00

This afternoon G and I spent some time making a little project I have been dying to try for a while. I had been saving up supplied to make some little terrariums all winter until we could find some moss. Just the other day while visiting my folks, we came across some beautiful moss on top of the snow, in nice green round chunks with no soil attached. I wondered how on earth the moss go to be there, but scooped up a few pieces to take home.

We gathered our supplies and went into the freshly opened sunroom in our apartment. It is SO nice to have weather warm enough to open the porch again!

Gwyn was very excited to be a helper, she always likes to be right in the mix and tell me what to do next. I got her to put the stones in the jars very nicely. I chose an old pyrex coffee pot and she had a little jar, and we did one more mason jar.

I have never put together a terrarium before so I didn't want this to be a tutorial ... just incase they all die! But here is some of our supplies ... soil, rocks, small pebbles, moss and of course some plastic animals (spiderman was not included in this project ...)

it was nice to have small hands to reach into the jars!

and after all that, here is one of our little beauties. If you can see, this one has a tiny little black and white cow grazing on some new green moss.

We will have to see if they last, and then maybe I'll make more with a step by step guide. Sometimes it is hard to wrangle a kiddo and take pictures of a project at the same time!

-k

Launched!

2011-03-25T23:08:00.000-05:00

Well I got anxious and I decided to launch my new shop tonight!

check it out HERE

Here is a little peek. I think my neck is cramping from craning over a computer and listing items for now, but if vintage kiddo stuff is your bag check back because I have a massive collection to post in this little shop for the coming springtime!

Have a fabulous weekend, I know I will ... I think I might actually get out of the house with some friends this time around ... weeeee!

-k

Creature creatures

2011-03-22T22:16:00.002-05:00

Here are some creatures I haven't show you before. I just finished this octolady the other day. She was meant to be something else that didn't turn out, and she evolved from a beautiful mistake!

and then I added a toque!

this brilliant red never seems to turn out in photos, but it's pretty bright! I found the yarn at a thrift store and wanted to make something amazing with it ... what better than creature hats!

here is a little mer-monster with sweet cheeks

another armless rabbit hopster

a fishyboy with a red hat

and a frogman with bright purple legs.

most of these guys were cutting room floor inspirations and just fell together. Sometimes I love when work does that for me! I feel like when I over plan a project it doesn't turn out. Today at my print making class I was working on a copper etching project where I ended up having to make touchups ... which in the end kind of screwed up the project. I came away frustrated because I really wanted to make good use of my time there, and now I have to correct a number of things. I won't get into the details of the process, but copper etching is very process intensive and going back to fix something takes a lot more effort than just an eraser!

Artistic processes are something I have been thinking a lot about lately. I've been trying to understand how my own mind works when it wants to make something. I have come to realize I like using hard bold lines and colours, I don't sketch well, I don't like to erase, I make a mistake into something else ... like the creatures above ... a wrong line in a drawing can become a whole other landscape I didn't know was happening. When I plan a project out first and something goes wrong I have a hard time accepting, so I tend not to plan and just wing it, which most of the time goes well.

Anyways, that is my art rant for today ...

I would love to hear about your processes and ideas too!

-k

Found it!

2011-03-21T07:45:00.000-05:00

This weekend I was out in Steinbach for my cousin's wedding ... which also meant a chance to hit up the biggest MCC thrift store I've seen yet! I found this sweet barbed wire pyrex casserole dish for a steal!

other finds this week include a flowery retro poncho type shawl

very cute and very teeny shoes. Why did I buy teeny shoes you ask? ...

NO we're not having another kiddo ... I'm having another shop! I've decided to launch a second etsy shop to house my vintage kiddo finds. It will be launching this spring (probably after exams) and I'm super exicted, but I will let you know the official details coming up

a little jackalope with sweet brown flocking.

this dutch oven is made by Copdo Denmark and is SO heavy. It's just 9 inches across but weights 5.5 lbs!

I love the shapes on this simple teapot. When I found it, there was not much shine to it, but once polished up I think it's pretty swell

and this sweet little find also came from the MCC. Someone had left it in a cart and no one was around so I snagged

this is now Gwyn's new favorite place to do "projects" and have lunch

Hope you've had a good weekend. I'm getting some creatures ready for one more springtime show at the Edge Gallery. I won't be there, but my creatures will, check it out if you are in the area

-k

Big Soft News!!

2011-03-17T21:24:00.001-05:00

Today I am very excited .... !!!!

I recently found out that I've been accepted into STUFFED Magazine's upcoming issue for July AND ....

PLUSH YOU! 2011!!!

uhm...

AAAAAHHH!!!!!

Basically I've been jumping up and down inside for this entire week.

I'm working on some creatures for the submission for PlushYou! that I will show you when I'm done, but I think I'm in plushie maker heaven and haven't come to reality yet.

phewph. I have to finish my university class and my exam is quickly approaching ... I'd much rather be sewing than studying statistics ... but I'm trying to maintain focus before I go wild.

You should also check out the sweet little ladies that found new homes over the weekend at Freckled Nest! Thanks LA!

-k

We Won!

2011-03-14T20:48:00.000-05:00

Last month I entered a giveaway contest on ionlylikemonsters.com The giveaway contest was to write a haiku about one of the monsters on the site, and a choice of 4 giveaway items ....

well I won first place and got to make my selection from the fabulous prizes ... of course I had to choose this fab monster from Scrumptious Delight, fellow Canadian monster maker! This is also my first online contest win so Gwyn and I are super excited to add this fluffasaurus to our creature collections.

-k

Crafty Minions March 2011: The Visual

2011-03-13T22:17:00.000-05:00

This past Saturday was the 3rd Crafty Minions sale to take place at Aqua Books in Winnipeg and it was another great event! Once again I got to share a room with some familiar friends and some new ones in the crafty scene. Unfortunately ... like is usually the case at sales, I didn't get to wonder around and meet everyone or even see every table, but I did take a few photos

Andee representing local brick and mortar shop Sew Dandee

Chelsea of SeaCaps and her beautiful work, she contributed the green hat to the stone angel above!

Melanie from Papertrail Craft Co. who makes awesome one of a kind cards

tech geek jewelry from Periwinkle Dzyns

my even entertaining tweeting table neighbor Rebecca of Everything Is Ticketyboo

and Eat! Bistro's own beautiful Dora the cookie girl!

There were really quite a few vendors at this sale, the entire upper floor of the building was bursting with handmade and vintage goodness. There was an entire ROOM of vintage pyrex at the end of the hall that had me drooling like crazy.

So many great people came by and braved the less than pleasant weather Saturday afternoon had to offer and the afternoon totally flew by.

Here is my little spot at the desk where I had a chance to hang my new jelly ladies

off the the side there was huge old shoe shine bench where some creatures were hanging out.

It was a really fun sale and I think everyone is looking forward to the next one in May!

-k

Crafty Minions March 12

2011-03-09T23:19:00.001-06:00

SO excited for the spring edition of the Crafty Minions sale coming up THIS Saturday! I just finished tagging and pricing a huge trunk full of creatures ... I didn't realize how many I have accumulated since after Christmas, I just keep making them.

If you are in the local area come down to say hi! I'm also looking forward to seeing so many great crafty friends selling at this one too.

-k

Cthulhu as a Young Man for a boy named Max

2011-03-08T21:20:00.000-06:00

Here is the final version of the WIP had on my chaos desk in a previous post. This is the largest plush I have made so far and he was so much fun, I am working on another large scale project already!

Of course I always get G to test out the newest creatures and this guy is totally fun to dance with and hug

You can't see in these photos but he also has little wings coming from his back

I sure hope little Max will love him!

-k

Found it!

2011-03-07T21:26:00.000-06:00

This week I actually had some amazing luck finding some vintage goodness for MYSELF!

I feel like I have given up in the past on finding good vintage clothing, in my size, let alone dresses. Lately I figured I'd just check the dress section and to my amazement I found 3 dresses in the last week!

I love the daisy pocket applique on this hand made gingham beauty. I'm getting so excited for spring!

and a lovely fortrel black and white dress, I need to find the perfect belt

and this little summer beauty!

Seriously exciting! I also found a sweet piratey shirt too made for Eatons

and in will all that goodness some great vintage finds for G too! I wish this chevron shawl was my size! I have a huge crush on chevrons lately.

a nice blouse

this beautiful thick wool jacket was made in England by Mothercare ... what a cute name

and a fancy tooled leather belt that ways JIM on the back

Hope you've had a thrifty week too!

-k

Family Fridays

2011-03-04T23:08:00.000-06:00

I haven't done a Family Fridays post in a little while, mostly because we've been too busy to stop and take photos along the way, not because we haven't been having adventures! So here are some sort of random shots from the last while.

Gwyn announced the other day that she was in a band where she was the guitar player, keyboard player, drummer and 'basser'. We asked her what her band was called and after a few moments of thought she yelled "STINKY!"

It was a priceless moment!

Whilst eating a pear she ran up to me with this and told me is was a pear pumpkin because she had made a face on it like our jack-o-lanterns from halloween. Again, priceless.

"helping" at laundry time

a 'marker city' in which she was planning to live

and of course dress up.

I finally wrote my midterm exam for my class so this weekend feels a little less stressfull, but then I remember I have one week until a craft show and I haven't priced a thing!

-k

Goodbye Old Friend ...

2011-03-02T21:36:00.000-06:00

This week we lost a pet, a friend, a family member. Goodbye to our dearest Buckweet, she had a good 16 years and it was her time. We are glad that she will be a memory for Gwyn (:

My Mad-scientist "studio" and a WIP

2011-03-01T22:12:00.000-06:00

Here are some photos of my "studio" space where all my creatures come alive.

These shots are for Cassandra who is probably the complete opposite when it comes to organization (:

I call it a "studio" because this is really part of our bedroom, and is only a small corner where I cram as much creativity and fabric as I can.

I find my creative process comes out best when I can make a huge mess. This isn't ALWAYS how it looks ... I like to keep notions on their boxes and bins and fabric folded and sorted by colour and type for the most part ... but I thought I would take some photos right in the middle of a large project.

I usually work right through a project from start to finish before I lift my head so I never think to document it ... but this custom order for a friend's new nephew is a big guy, as you can see on my sewing machine, his head is huge!

I needed to take a few breaks and he's still not complete yet, but there you have it .... this is how things unfold when I'm creating. I dig out fabrics and colours until everything is just right, and I have to admit, sometimes it takes a while for things to find their place again, but they always do!

I will have some photos of the final monster coming up so check back

-k

Found it!

2011-03-01T00:21:00.000-06:00

I feel like it has been ages since I did a Found it! post, but here we are! I finally had some extra time and cash to hit a few thrift stores with the girl over the weekend. We came across so many good finds, we didn't even take them all home!

Above is a set of 7 vintage party invites. I love the design and the colours!

Another small beautiful enameled flame red sauce pot. I would theme my kitchen in these colours if we were allowed to paint!

At first I passed by this little book, but on second look, the colours drew me in and I found that it was filled ....

with records! Old 33's and 45's which are perfect for the little record player I found last month!

Every vintage record collection needs at least one Nana record!

One thrift shop we went to had LOADS of vintage pyrex! Not all of it was in great shape, but I was drawn to this bold pattern and great condition. I have a few mixing bowls this size, but it goes so well with the snowflake pattern ones too.

among that lot of pyrex we also came across this set of fridgies in near perfect condition. Only the lid for the green is missing so I will keep my eyes open in the lid bins that every thrift store seems to have at the end of the pots and pans shelf.

these funky retro daisy glasses came in a set of 4, again all in perfect shape! We has such luck this trip for finding these without chips in the rim. I usually run my finger around all the edges to make sure ... the the risk of slicing myself (hasn't happened yet!)

and of course some finds for the girl, who is always a great helper finding things on the bottom shelf ... like this fabulous retro plastic tea set. This is her new favorite activity ... both Mike and I have had our share of invisible cream drinks and plastic bananas.

A couple more awesome sweaters that I REALLY want to have in my size!!!

And a pretty camping thermos to add to my growing collection

Hope you've had a wonderful weekend. Reading week for students is over and today was back to class. Now I just have to study for Friday's test and get off the compy!

-k

What she wore ...

2011-02-24T07:58:00.000-06:00

I thought it would be fun to do one of these posts because I just couldn't help but laugh when Gwyn got dressed all by herself ...

Here she is wearing a vintage red and blue striped turtleneck, layered with a blue t-shirt (Joe Fresh). Plaid buckle skirt (Gap) with blue polka-dot tights (Joe Fresh), knee high "hockey socks" (handmade) and vintage hightop sneakers (Voit).

I remember my mother and I having battles about what I was supposed to wear as a kid ... and I don't want to fight this girl's natural sense of fashion, so she can choose whatever she likes ... but I get to photograph it to show her when she's older!

-k

BANGs!

2011-02-22T23:28:00.000-06:00

This weekend I finally got my hair cut again. It has been a little while and I've been getting shaggier than I'd like ....

my sweet mum got me a gift certificate to our hairstylists new salon and I decided to brave bangs again. I find I get tired of worrying about them after a time and try to grown them out ... but I think this time I will keep them for a while. I'm not a hair person and I just want the cut to do all the work for me. Plus the fact that I keep my hair under a bandana at work all day, I don't want to look totally hat-haired after work if I have to run somewhere. Basically I feel cute and I think this cut will work for a while!

After taking these photos Gwyn and I had some fun with the photobooth program and she was pushing me out of the way to play with it!

This week is reading week for university students, so no class, but I'm trying not to get behind in all my projects! Custom orders, exam next week, coming craft shows, work each day, family time and sleep somewhere in there too.

-k

9 Things I like with Ruffles and Scales

2011-02-21T23:04:00.000-06:00

Watermads

2011-02-20T20:39:00.000-06:00

This is just a sneak peek of the jellyfish ladies I have been working on. My thoughts have been absorbed by seacreatures lately and I came across some amazing vintage rickrack so this is what I have come up with.

I have a few more to get some photos of this week so check back!

In other news I can't believe I have barely been thrifting this week ... I'm having withdraw! Tomorrow is a holiday here in Manitoba, so pretty much everything will be CLOSED. It means I don't have class at the U of W, but can't really go anywhere either. I need more fiberfill and I NEEEED to go thrifting!

Besides that, Gwyn and Mike and I plan on having a family lunch date to enjoy the time together.

Anyone having some clever plans for a cold week?

-k

Ladies to love

2011-02-14T20:57:00.000-06:00

Well it has been another busy week of more making than finding, which can always be a good thing. These ladies are my latest sea creatures. I had one very small piece of this AMAZING headless fish fabric, straight from a wonderful customer from Japan. I wanted to make something super special from it and was inspired to make these octopus ladies.

I spend a lot of time stitching each of these mother-of-pearl buttons on for tentacle suckers, but it was quality time spent watching a movie with Mike at the same time!

These are the little mini monster hats that I made at knit night.

I still have to finish the suckers on the yellow lady but it means another movie night.

I think they are the cutest ... I always want to keep them all!

Have a wonderful Valentines days! We are hanging out at home together as a family and enjoying the mind February weather we are having here in Winnipeg.

-k

9 Things I like in Shimmering Scales

2011-02-08T08:06:00.000-06:00

Found it!

2011-02-06T23:54:00.000-06:00

It feels so good to have some finds to show off once again! It has been a busy time but I've managed to collect a few new objects ... check out this vintage record player. Everything seems to work, although the needle is pretty used and the record is scratched, but it has a unique sound of its own!

This lovely sunflower mug has two matching friends for a nice set of three

I love the olive green of this little pyrex casserole in perfect shape

I don't really use trivets, but this design caught my eye and I didn't realize what it was all about until I saw the back ...

so cute, and it has come in handy!

I recently found this larger cactus all by it's lonesome, paired with the two shorties I found another time, it makes for a nice little shaker desert

beautiful table runners makes me wish for a nice long hallway table

and another perfect floral enamel pot.

Hope your treasure hunts have been a success!

-k

Gray times

2011-02-01T22:55:00.000-06:00

I can stop making elephantmonster people. These are my latest creatures, in addition to some more armless rabbit men which I will show you later on.

and some ladies!

I can't believe it is already February. There are a lot of activities going on around here.

One midterm test in statistics = conquered (I hope!) and I had my first class at Martha Street Studio today. I found out yesterday afternoon that I have been accepted to their Youth Mentorship Program, which is 12 weeks of learning different print making techniques including silkscreen (dream come true!) and block printing.

I will be sure to show you some of my projects when we are able to take them home ... oil based inks take some time to dry. This program is twice a week after work for 3 hours, so that is on top of working full time and 8:30am school three times a week ... and being a good mum and wife ... and making monsters on the side!

Can you tell I like to keep busy? So far so good! I'm super duper pumping full of inspiration and ideas which start flowing like crazy when I get busy, which I why I love it.

I should have some more Found it! and 9 things I like posts for next week. Haven't had much shopping time this week.

-k

Stylin'!

2011-01-31T12:13:00.001-06:00

So a little while ago I was awarded the Stylish Blogger Award by the lovely Cassandra! I was very excited to read about this little award because like her, I started this crafty blog with no idea about blogging or who would find me and read my little rambles ... I am very honored to have been an inspiration so Thankyou Cassandra!

Now The 4 duties to perform upon receiving this award are:

1. Thank, and link back to, the person who awarded you this award
2. Share 7 things about yourself
3. Award 15 recently discovered great bloggers
4. Contact these bloggers and tell them about the award!

7 things about me:

1. I love winter time. Some people in Winnipeg hate it and dread it each year, but I actually love it and I feel like I'm going on a great adventure every time I gear up to go outside.

2. Never broken a bone

3. I probably talk too much but I'm really kinda shy, I am terrible at introducing myself, but I'm ok once I've met someone.

4. The first stuffed animal I remember sewing was when I was about 7, on my mum's old sewing machine that she got from a garagesale when she was in her 20's ... the same machine I borrowed to start my etsy business until I earned enough to buy my own. I made a teddy bear with no pattern and it was the worst but I wish I still had it.

5. For some reason I have only ever traveled to Common Wealth countries: Ireland, England, Scottland, Australia. My favorite places were Belfast Northern Ireland, and Tasmania.

6. For breakfast I ate delicious raisin toast with butter and drinking coffee with vanilla soy milk.

7. When I am done University, in a long time from now ... I will be a scientist so I can have a day job that affords me all the crafty supplies I could want!

15 Recently Discovered Great Bloggers ... some of these aren't necessarily recently discovered, but I think they deserve an award for awesome anyways!

Dizzy Dame
Periwinkle Dzyns
Marysza
I Only Like Monsters
The Wug's Backyard
Mentalmulch
Crack the Sky
Kyla Roma
Kiddlebug
Kayla Aimee
Caitidid Designs
Mermaid's Closet
Lune Vintage
MidKid
Heather Bays

Now I am on my way to task #4!

-k

9 Things I like in Brilliant Greens

2011-01-25T07:51:00.000-06:00

Found it!

2011-01-24T01:21:00.000-06:00

Can you believe it ... more pyrex goodness. I think I have a problem now ... my husband needs to be reassured that I am going to part with some of it ... but it is all so pretty! I found a matching little snowflake pattern bowl in white to keep the blue one company ...

and another lovely sunflower piece. The smaller one I found previously already has a new home

this lovely enamel plate is in such good shape all but for one chip on the rim and it's made in Poland which made me think of Marysza!

Every time I find vintage kids dresses I wish like crazy they would make dresses like this in my size

I have a new love of fortrel for the way it holds it's shape. I did find a black fortrel skirt for me but a black skirt isn't that exciting in photos!

of course some lovely vintage ceramic figurines. This is the second squirrel thermometer I have come across ... I wonder if this means it's a collection?

little kitties from West Germany ... too cute!

-k