MegExpressions

Dove Chocolates, Up in the Air, Valentines Purses, and Christopher Buckley

2012-01-27T13:00:00.000-08:00

So I've been eating entirely too much chocolate lately.

Dove puts a little message inside of the wrapper

Some other messages from ones that I just ate; "Share a Sunset"and "Make somebody melt today"

Pretty insipid. But I'll tell you something that is NOT insipid. The Movie "Up in The Air" (Yes, I know that it is old news, but I've finally seen it). Now THAT is a good movie. I like how it followed three characters, had some well-developed female characters, and demonstrated that people can have lives who don't have lives in the traditional sense.

So anyway, yeah. I've put together some Valentine-themed items.

Lots and lots of pink,

red,

and white. Was listening to lots and lots of Christopher Buckley while I put these together. Do I like him? Well enough anyway. "Boomsday" is entertaining, but had to stop listening to that 'mum and pup' memoir; all of the name dropping made me want to vomit.

Going to put my shop on sale pretty soon,

Maybe even as soon as this afternoon. So come on by.....

New Clutch

2012-01-12T22:02:00.000-08:00

Here is a new clutch that I have just designed.

It is pretty simple, uses upcycled denim and a patchwork design.

It's a good size for storing all sorts of toiletries, etc.

And I have several of them for sale at my etsy store

Small Handmade Evening Bag

2012-01-05T19:54:00.000-08:00

Here are some little purses that I've made in the past few days.

I designed them with a wedding in mind; since I was going to a wedding on New Year's Eve, I needed a small bag that would hold just a few 'essential' items, such as the ones below.

And so I came up with this simple design.

All of the purses are made from repurposed clothing;

Sheets, shirts, jeans, that I found at the Goodwill bins.

It turned out to be a pretty useful bag, and now I have several for sale at my etsy shop.

Scrap Quilt

2011-12-31T06:00:00.000-08:00

Just two days ago, I finished making a scrap quilt. Here's a photo of some of the scraps that I used when I started the quilt.

After sewing several of the scraps together, I combined them with large pieces of mostly purple fabric.

Then I added strips of solid-fabric to join the smaller squares together.

Here is the almost-finished quilt, taped to the floor so that I could tie the quilt-top to the base.

And this is the finished quilt! All ready for the wedding that I am going to today. I really liked this one, will probably make another in the near future, the next one will be for myself ;)

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire....

2011-12-19T18:11:00.000-08:00

Here is proof that I have officially gotten into the Christmas Spirit!

A Gingerbread house that I made with the kids who I nanny for!

Too cute! Little Joseph-Bear sitting on Santa's lap at Macy's!

And here's Esther...asking Santa for an Ant Farm!

Last but certainly not least; some plates of yummy treats from a cookie exchange I had
on Sunday.

And God Bless us, every one!

The Laziness Challenge

2011-12-13T15:31:00.001-08:00

So anyway, yeah. I am a lazy blogger, sometimes going for days, weeks, or even months between posts; ten days have already elapsed since my last post~

~but I'm beginning to see that laziness may not be a deplorable attribute. Last Sunday's NYT featured dancer Ashley Bouder's Sunday Routine; in the course of given Sunday, Bouder says that she sleeps until 10 or 11, drinks up to three glasses of wine, takes her dogs on three walks, spends 3-4 hours watching television and reading, plus finds time to bake and cook omlets for herself! Hot damn.

And I found myself trying to recall whenever I had spent a day in a similarly leisurely manner....it certainly hasn't been recently; nor, does it appear, will I be having time to laze in the near future. Take this coming Sunday for example; I'll be having some friends over for a cookie exchange, which means that I'll be awake between 6 and 7 and spending hours cleaning, buying groceries, and cooking. Do those sound like leisurly activities???????????????????????? Not hardly. Add to that spending the afternoon playing the hostess; that trying chore of looking presentable and finding pleasant things to say!

And so Bouder's Sunday Routine has really inspired me: in addition to losing the 2-3 pounds I'm gaining from eating non-stop during these holiday weeks, in January I'm also going to resolve to become lazy. Yes, you did read this correctly; next year I am going to put myself to a laziness challenge, and to carve out do-nothing time to read, and read, and read, and drink and watch all of those television shows that people always talk about and which I know nothing about. (Example; Jersey Shore). Maybe I will also buy myself one of those really cushy couches that you sink several feet inside of every time you sit down.

How good are you at being lazy?
One way to check it to do a simple inventory of things in your home;

How many bath bombs do you own? (And when was the last time you took a bath?)

How many bottles of wine, maragarita fixings, or bottles of Baileys are lurking in your fridge or pantry?

How many pairs of sweatpants and slippers do you own?

;)

Handmade Christmas Cards

2011-12-06T15:28:00.001-08:00

Jo Ann's had a really sweet paper sale the other day, and here's

some of the paper crafting that kept me busy over the weekend.

I used embossing powder on the Madonna stamp to create a shiny surface.

Here's a fun square pattern I came up with

And some simple packages.

The inside is lined with cream linen paper. Real simple.

As usual, I haven't made nearly enough, but at least I'll be able to stay in touch with some of my new/old friends and colleagues.

Handmade Calendar!

2011-12-01T18:16:00.001-08:00

Here is a calendar that I just finished making!

I took the front image from an ad in Vanity Fair.
To make the cover durable, it has been reinforced with packaging tape.

I started with this template of squares, and made double sided copies of it at Kinkos.

Then I added dates, days, months, and a pink strip along the sides!

Next, I sewed up the spine with some embroidery floss and a large needle. It held together pretty well.

And I taped the last pages to the cover with some masking tape.

It turned out pretty well. I'm all ready now to face the New Year!!!

Character Sketch

2011-11-28T03:17:00.001-08:00

There’s lots of things about me people don’t know anything about. That’s because they never ask. Did you know that one summer I lived in New York City and played with a band? We had gigs all over the city. My buddy found that for me. He had a brother living over there at the time.

Or that another time I jumped off a hundred and ten foot bridge? The guy who did it before me broke his ankle. I landed on my side and had a bruise and sore hip for several weeks. Guess I'm too old for bridge jumping now, although it's the season.

   It’s been nice just sitting here. Although the sun is starting to get awful hot.
   Mind if I bum one of those off of you? I've just got one left in my pack and have been holding onto it for dear life.
   Lady over there; she's $14 short of a bus ticket. Told her to go to one of those churches in the area. One time, in Denver, I was $5 short on a bus ticket--took me two days to come up with the money.

My mom sent me a letter a few weeks back about a reunion her family is having. She’s not the sort to call or e-mail. I decided to show up for it; it would be nice to get away. Plus I haven’t seen my mom for maybe five years now. I’ve already been waiting here half hour. I know that she will be here, though. She just isn’t the punctual type.

   After the bus dropped us off and everyone cleared out there was still one taxi left who had no one to pick up. The driver turned up his radio and opened up his car and laid back on the hood. He played two great songs; "Midnight Special" and "Eye of the Tiger".
   There was some crazy shit going down on the bus. This one lady; she fell asleep then the guy sitting next to her--guess that he thought that it was the right thing to do--he starts to lick her arm. Then the driver tells him he has to get of the bus and he starts screaming obscenities at him, every one you can think of.
   This other lady, she came on with her two kids, then passed out on one of them. The girl was hitting her mom in the face with a shoe trying to get her to get up. People say that he had a seizure. I could tell that she was really stoned, her eyeballs rolled back in her head like that.

Sure has been nice to get away for this two-day road trip. I've been doing 10-hour shifts; roustabout work repairing people's pump jacks all day. My old boss says he can get me a job as manager of Jiffy Lube. A steady job sure would be nice. Before this, I was unemployed for a year and a half. What happened was, got laid off in December and forgot to get my license renewed. I'd built up 3200 hours in plumbing, but couldn't get a journeyman's because I forgot to renew my license. Fifteen percent of my income goes to child support.

I've done all sorts of things; used to cut hair, to cook; thought about going to culinary school; don't know if I wanted to do that as a career. Only thing that I haven't done yet is go work on one of those boats out in Alaska. One of these days I'll get up there, come back with a few grand in my pocket.
Problem is though that I am really a musician.

I got real involved in a band in my early 20s. That's why I dropped out of school, decided that it really wasn't for me. I played bass, keyboard, some back-up vocals. We had lots of local gigs, and even Sony was interested in us for awhile. Kept thinking we would have our break and make it big. Never did happen, though. One of the guys left to get married, another went back to school. Still have some songs rattling around in my head. Maybe one of these days I will write them down.

   It's been, oh year and a half since my ex and I split. We didn't do anything legal or nothing after the breakup, I just send her the child support check every month. Have a friend of mine, he started to get his paychecks garnished when he wasn't paying, and now his ex- wife hands him the baby every Sunday and says "enjoy your stupid holiday." Sure am glad we managed to avoid that.
   She was a little bit of a head-case; became an emotional nightmare after just two drinks. That's because of a motorcycle accident she'd had in her teens.
   Sort of went crazy after we split, though. I went on a Subway diet and lost 20 pounds in three weeks!  That was when I got into skydiving. I’ve jumped at least fourteen times; last time I jumped nude with a bunch of people who I used to party with.
    Plus it's been hard, adjusting socially. Used to come home and my ex would have a meal all prepared, it was all domestic and like. Now I've had to learn how to go out and meet people again. Think that I'm going to acquire a few pieces of flair; maybe a hat with a feather or something; think that should help.

At one point during the break-up I was living in the attic and she was on the first floor and I left for the weekend and when I got back all of my stuff was gone. Found out what it’s like to start over from scratch.

My ex got a new boyfriend and is already living with just after we split. And she's been real obsessed with finding out what I am doing and who I was with. Don’t really understand that.

I haven’t been able to meet someone else. Every time I get involved with a girl I put all of the effort into the relationship and she takes my heart out and steps on it and puts it into flames. I've learned that good looking people don’t always treat you right.

I met a girl once who wasn’t like that. This was at a poker party, back in my college days, this was in my 20s. (I never did graduate.) I am trying to make him NOT of that 'I go to college and graduate' cultural cross-section. She was pretty in sort of an unusual way; lots of freckles and didn’t have that real done-up look that I have always found unattractive. It was more the way she talked that I liked; always making jokes but didn’t have to be the center of attention, or how she would mention things like a trip to Prague or her family’s condo in France in a real ordinary way that made these far-off places somehow seem accessible. Just got the feeling she was the kind of girl who you might have spent the entire day with not doing anything at all.

She really kicked our asses good. I thought my mom had taught me how to play but she really showed me! We sure was glad that we decided not to play for money that night. I’d say that is the closest that I have ever come to love at first sight. Although I don’t know if I even believe in that as a concept.

Professor back in college said that you never really love another person; you only love your idea of that person. Don’t know if I agree with that either.

My dad is the one who got me interested in all of the philosophers. Plato was his favorite, but he read all sort of things. He used to read to me about Lady Philosophy and stories like Siddhartha or the allegory of the cave when I was just a little boy. He’s passed away now, almost fifteen years now. One day I opened the door to the basement at our house and the light was on, which was unusual. So I stepped down a few stairs, and I saw him sitting there in an old recliner. Kind of funny, I thought, since it was the middle of the day, and the light was on and all. I called to him and he didn’t answer me, so I went down and thought that he was sleeping. What really had happened is that he had swallowed a bottle of sleeping pills.

Oh, sure, I miss him. Think that is why I ended up studying philosophy in college. Although I can’t say that I remember a lot of it anymore. Think that it was Descartes who said something about “I am only wise in that I am not wise” or something like that. I think that he was really onto something there.

I mean, life is so complex. When I was six, I thought that I knew everything. I wanted to be Eric the Red. Then, when I grew up and started going to school, I found out that everything had already been discovered.

My mom should be showing up pretty soon now. She sure did sound glad when I called and told her that I was coming home. Although she has never been the punctual type.

Anyway, I don’t mind. Just gives me some time to sit here and think. Although the sun is starting to get awful hot.

I wonder whatever happened to that girl. I can’t even remember her name anymore; just her red hair and eyes, low and slanted, like two grey stones. And how she really kicked our asses good. Boy. We sure was glad that we decided not to play for money that night.

And I wonder if it is true that 'in all chaos there is a cosmos' or if it's all just a mess and nothing really makes sense.

And I wonder if someday I am going to have my break. Or if somewhere, somehow, it’s already come and I missed it.

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T13:25:00.001-08:00

everybody! So what are you making especially for today? The most exciting thing that I will be making is pumpkin bread; exciting in that I have never made it before.

Good luck to you tomorrow, may you arise early and snag many many door busters. I've decided to have a disciplined Black Friday and to only go to JoAnns. Terribly boring, I know.

it's ALL on sale!

This Friday, Saturday and Sunday I'll be having *free shipping* on all purses and accessories in my etsy store; use the code "blackfriday", and on Monday everything in the store is 25% off! (coupon code 'cybermonday'). Which is the better deal? Couldn't tell you....you do the math.

Adieu~m

"The Gospel According to Mark" by Jorge Luis Borges New Yorker Fiction podcast with Paul Theroux

2011-11-21T14:21:00.001-08:00

So anyway, yeah. If I were you I'd listen to this podcast....or perhaps I should say if you were me, you would have listened to this podcast....approximately 18 billion times!!! Since this is in fact what I have done. And why? Because it is so goddamned good, that is why. Such a brief story; (spoiler alert!) of a young Argentine who is crucified by some Gauchos after he reads them the Gospel according to Mark; but "deftly written" (Paul Theroux quote); the kind which you CAN listen to over and over (and over and over) again and continue get more out of it!!!

Today I listened to it while doing a little paper-crafting--but more on that later. Good story, good before and after reflections with author Paul Theroux and New Yorker Fiction editor Deborah Treisman.

Fun Fabric Scraps from Sara at GoGingham!!

2011-11-17T14:29:00.001-08:00

Here's my favorite of the scraps that
Sara gave me; at one point this was a dress sleeve. I love
the sweet roses; wish that I had WAY more of this
fabric.

Just a few weeks ago, Sara Tetreault of the blog Go Gingham generously donated an awesome bag of fabric scraps to me, which I have used in several of my creations this week.

These sweet little Florence purses have been a top seller for little girls;
I love the sweet Calicos and yellow gingham that Sara gave me.

I've incorporated some of the rose-calico fabric into
these tissue holders.

Tomorrow and Sunday I'll be selling these at the St. Anthony Bazaar in Forest Grove, and will be putting more online soon!

The Politicization of Birth Control: Terri Gross interviews Jill Lepore on Fresh Air.

2011-11-13T15:27:00.001-08:00

So anyway...yeah. Terri Gross interviewed Jill Lepore on the history of the birth control movement on her program Fresh Air last Thursday. Lepore recently wrote the article "Birthright" for the New Yorker on this dirty, hairy subject. I listened to the interview while sewing together these 'camila' sunglasses holders.

Gross asks her why she's chosen to write about the history of birth control, and Lepore gives this eloquent response, "It is the great tragedy of American politics that this issue divides us so profoundly....there is a surprising lack of basic human charity when people talk about this issue no matter what their position...and I do think that that when we are often not talking about abortion that we are talking about abortion." (And why is it, I wonder, that when people are talking about birth control and they are so often also talking about abortion, as in this instance of Lepore's response?)

They discuss Margaret Sanger, who opened the first birth control clinic in the US in 1916. Sanger thought that women needed to have control over the amount of children they had, since childbirth was very dangerous at the time. (She grew up in a family of 11 children and her mother died age of 45 while her father live to be 80, and also witnessed many difficult childbirths during her work as a nurse on the Lower East Side.)

Interesting to note that in opening her birth control clinic in 1916, Sanger intended only to provide birth control to married women; and not to provide abortions, making me wonder what Sanger might think about her legacy in the modern-day Planned Parenthood.

They also discuss the politicization of birth control. For example, in 1970 Nixon signs Title 10 which provided government funding for family planning services. In his re-election, however, he reversed his support of Title 10 and, in an attempt to divide the Democrats by securing the Catholic vote, speaks eloquently about the sanctity of human life (Humane Vitae had been published in 68). Probably a smart move for him to make, as in the last several decades all successful presidential campaigns have won Catholic vote.

Lepore unfortunately only superficially mentions the Catholic Church's opposition to birth control with publication of humane vitae in 1968, and never discusses its prediction that widespread use of birth control would create a culture where men "may forget the reverence due to a woman, and, disregarding her physical and emotional equilibrium, reduce her to being a mere instrument for the satisfaction of his own desires, no longer considering her as his partner whom he should surround with care and affection." ~A consequence that can widely be seen in this Western culture today, where 'living in sin' has become the status quo, and sexual trafficking has increased dramatically.

A surprisingly good interview. Gross' questions did not reveal an overt agenda, as they so often do when she discusses religion or politics.

Holiday Bazaars in Portland, Lake Oswego, Beaverton

2011-11-09T14:09:00.000-08:00

Hello all,

Here is a list of the Holiday Bazaars where I will be participating this month and next. The Carriage House Holiday Boutique in Beaverton is going on now through Sunday, November 13th. Also, be sure to visit my etsy store; through November 20th use the coupon code "HolidaySale" for 15% off all items.

Cheers,

Meghan

Carriage House Holiday Boutique, November 4th-6th and Wednesday Nov 9th thru Sun Nov 13th

Location: 8760 SW Jamieson Road, Portland OR
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
_____________________________________________

Fall Bazaar at Carman Oaks, Saturday November 12th

Location: 3800 Carman Drive Lake Oswego OR
Time: 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
______________________________________________

St. Anthony Bazaar, Sat/Sun November 19th and 20th

Location: St. Anthony Catholic Church 1660 Elm Street, Forest Grove
Time: Saturday November 19th: 9-6 and Sunday November 20th 9-4
______________________________________________

==December==

Garden Home Show, Saturday December 3rd

Location: Garden Home Rec Center, 7475 SW Oleson Raod, Portland
Time: 9 am - 4 pm
______________________________________________

St. Pius X Women's Bazaar

2011-11-08T12:13:00.000-08:00

Here's my purse and accessory display at the Bazaar.

This weekend I participated in the St. Pius X Women's Club Bazaar in Cedar Mills, a happy gathering of many fun and talented artisans.

These are some of the items that I had for sale.

Here is some of the beautiful pottery of MamiYamada, who I also have sold with at the Beaverton Art Court!

Look at her totally cute plaques! Love the quotes.

Here's a biz card holder that I purchased from Mami--LOVE it!!!

Check out this beautiful crochet, at the booth next to me. I love images created from crochet!

Too cute! This is a mini-fabric studio, would have loved to have purchased this for my

studio space.

And here is a pizza studio that she has created as well. So so cool. what a fun weekend!

Last Saturday at the Art Court

2011-11-04T13:59:00.000-07:00

An interesting visitor approached my table of purses and accessories at the Beaverton Art Court this weekend, the last show of the season. Unusual in part because, unlike 98% of the visitors who look at my purses, he was not of the female persuasion. But there's more to it than that.

He began to sort intently through the purses and accessories, with a desperate look on his face.

"Can I help you find something?" I asked.

"Not something," he told me. "Someone."
He unfortunately did not elaborate on any of the details, but said with dreamy, far-away look on his face, "I just finished running the Portland Marathon, and as I crossed the finish line, all I could see was her face."

"Ah," I responded. "Well if you want to get her back you're going to have to do something dramatic."

And I suggested this purse to him.

"No," he said. "She really likes to play tennis. I'd better go with something bigger."

So he decided on this purse, which is in fact large enough to fit a tennis racket inside of it! Plus, it has short handles for carrying with your hands, and long handles to carry over your shoulder.

He had a t-shirt that he had purchased for another vendor. "This will go great wtih the purse," he said as he stuffed it inside.

"Good luck." I gave him a pat on the back, and he went on his way.

With this story, I want to address a group of people who I have largely ignored in my aggressive marketing campaign; men; and to emphatize to you that no matter what you have done, in whatever context, to whatever woman, that you can win her back!!!

Buying one of these purses will help you. Trust me, she will be thrilled. As thrilled as the woman in this picture.

(pretend for a second that the ring is a purse with a t-shirt in it)

Evern better, find a shirt, to stuff inside the purse, perhaps one from here, or here, or even here. That will put you off to a good start :)

News-Lite 10-31

2011-10-31T18:40:00.000-07:00

In the wake of Libya's newfound liberation from Gadhafi, men will now have the freedom to marry as many women as they please.

A New Jersey Baggage screener will be fired for giving a handwritten note that said, "get your freak on girl' to a traveller carrying a sex-toy onboard.

An Oakland man made the fateful decision to take his mother-in-lawon his surfing vacation. While swimming in the ocean, she made a tragic encounter with a shark. The shark is now in critical condition, and his doctors think that he will not make it.

St. Petersburg times notes that Goldman Sach's CEO hourly wage is only $9,165, and not $16,000 as Rhode Island protestors claimed in a protest sign.

Santa will not be visiting several cities this year, including Columbus, Ohio, saying that they just don't have the funding to support him.

News-Lite

2011-10-29T14:50:00.000-07:00

A San Francisco man trapped himself into a baby swing on Tuesday on a dare. He used dishwashing soap to get his legs through the holes on the swing, but then could not get himself out. By the time police found him 9 hours later his friends had abandoned him. Tragically, it appears that his ego may never recover from this event.

In other breaking news, this week Fred Meyer will be opening its 107th Super-Mega Shopping Center within the Portland area.

"This one is going to be really really big," Fred Meyer CEO commented.

In addition to grocery, technology, furniture, and clothing departments, this store, which will occupy 7 city blocks, is also offering dry cleaning, pet-shampooing, doggy and children daycares, a sit down restaurant, and a gym.

Compasses will be handed out to customers when they enter, along with a map.

The store will also offer overnight accommodations for those who wish to make a mini-vacation out of their shopping experience.

Sleeping Bag for Teddy

2011-10-24T12:52:00.000-07:00

It seemed high-time for the little boy who I take care of

to have a new craft project; and so it occurred to me to create a blankey of sorts

for his inseparable Teddy, Orso (Orso is Italian for bear)

Here's the patchwork color pattern that I came up with;

I liked that I used some of the lace edges from an old sheet across the rim

I cut up an old sheet and lined it with batting; Joseph helped me sew

some of this sleeping bag together.

And here is the finished simple sleeping bag, fully eqip with a pillow!

We attached two buttons to the front of the bag; and here's the finished sleeping bag, with the bear inside!

Now is that cute or what?

Occupy PDX

2011-10-19T10:47:00.000-07:00

"And if they're learning the right lessons, like, that was crazy, then I'm like, okay." ~Our First Lady, explaining how she feels about Melia and Sasha watching the Kardashians. (Is like, somebody like working on ValleySpeak???)

But this isn't the point of this post! What I really want you do is check out these photos! Hundreds of protesters have set up (now reeking) make-shift homes in what was once a peaceful idyllic inner-city Portland park, full of benches, green grass and overweight pigeons.

Despite the illegality of their camping, mayor Sam Adams has given no indication of when the protesting will come to an end, reasoning that these kinds of protests are going on all over the country. (Great rationale, Mr. Mayor!)

Former President Bill Clinton remarked on the movement in his recent interview with David Letterman saying that the Occupy Wall Street Protestors "Need to be for something specific, and not just against something because if you're just against something, someone else will fill the vacuum you create."

Great point! And by the way, Clinton really is looking better than ever!

Fun with Totes

2011-10-17T12:15:00.000-07:00

This week I got busy making totes for some upcoming shows in the Portland/Beaverton area.

All of these totes are the same size; the exterior designs, however, are one of a kind.

This ruffle purse was popular at shows this past summer.

Most of these are for sale as well on my etsy shop

The Feng-Shui Prosperity Frog

2011-10-14T19:55:00.000-07:00

Ruth came by my booth at the Art Court this past Saturday and purchased a 'Lizzy' for her 11-year old great niece.

She's been by before. Ruth is a sweet and friendly woman in whom I have found a true MegExpressions fan!!!!

Ruth was also the first person to tell me that having my frog-prince logo at my table would bring about wealth and prosperity. Many, many visitors to my booth have commented likewise.

I even sold this small 'Denise' pouch to a 60-year old man in part because he wanted to be carrying a coin purse with a frog on it!

Apparently in feng-shui, frogs = wealth and prosperity.

Ruth recommended to me that I put one in my home; putting one by the front door will bring wealth in, and by the backdoor it will channel wealth out.

I've done a little more reading on the subject and have discovered that the prosperity frog may only work for a time,

and that additionally, it is important to have an energy connection with the wealth frog in order to see wealth and prosperity come into your home!

Maybe I will have to give the feng-shui prosperity frog a try. It seems so much simpler to place a frog by the front door than to practice more traditionally accepted methods for obtaining and maintaing employment such as accountability, education and maintaing personal hygiene.

For one year anyway. Then I'll see where I am $at$.

Republican Lawmaker Looking out for the Little Guy

2011-10-12T10:15:00.000-07:00

The Sunday Oregonian ran an article titled "Lawmaker would revive dwarf-tossing"

Republican lawmaker Ritch Workman of Miami, Florida aims to undo a ban on dwarf-tossing, a practice common at bars in the 80s of throwing a dwarf wearing protective gear. His rationale is to create jobs for dwarfs in this sinking economy.
Critics of dwarf tossing claim that it is both dangerous and inhumane to toss a dwarf for play, which is why it was banned in 1989.

I am pleased to see that the Oregonian is taking note of this significant and controversial issue, and is willing to openly discuss its pros and cons.

One critical point that this article never raises, however, is that of employment equality. Take somebody like myself; 5'2" and 128 pounds on my better days; now could I ever get a job being tossed to and fro in a bar? Not on my life! And for the simple reason that I am way too huge for this line of work.

This is sheer unfairness, no matter how you decide to look at it.

Chuch Klosterman: Fun Intense Intellectual from North Dakota

2011-10-11T09:00:00.000-07:00

Chuck Klosterman came to speak at Powells last night to a crowded room of devoted fans. "Everyone knows that the dullest part of any book reading is the actual reading", he told us before he proceeded to read from his new book "The Visible Man"

Then he opened it up to questions on any topic. In his answers, he took the opportunity to do what he seems to enjoy most; comment on popular culture.

Someone asked whether he still plays sims, and Klosterman digressed to talk about how the use of the telephone has changed from the 80s--"there was no answering machine back then, so if the phone rang you had no choice but to listen to it ring or to answer it." He also bemoaned the frequency of asinine blog comments--sometimes the person commenting hasn't even made the effort to read the blog post-- and the differences between Lady Gaga and Brittany Spears (BS's celebrity image was produced by other people; LG's image has been crafted largely by herself).

I felt like I was listening to an unusually intellectual comedian. He has a very down to earth and approachable demeanor, coming dressed in a t-shirt and zippered hooded sweatshirt, and an intensity and eccentricity that makes him comical to listen to.

For a good time, check this guy out! He may be coming to your town next!
Or you can listen to him interviewed by Marc Maron on WTF, in an exceptionally funny Live show in Brooklyn.

Handmade Quilt

2011-09-29T20:14:00.000-07:00

This is a quilt that I finished making just a few days ago.

Here's a few of the finished steps; first ironing the top of the quilt,

Then taping the matting down to the ground, with the base of the quilt underneath

And taping the top of the quilt over it.

Next I did lots of knots with colorful yarn, to attach the front to the back.

And here is it! The finished quilt.

Good fall colors.

I took it to Mother and Child today, in NE

Portland, as a donation.

Mother and Child is a center in the Hollywood District that provides assistance to mothers in need!

New 'Sarah' Ruffle Purse

2011-09-23T11:03:00.000-07:00

This post is about the genelogy, if you will, of this

new "sarah" ruffle purse!

The purse design first started out looking like this

it had five ruffles across the front,

A handle that attached at the end of the zipper

Plus a pocket in the back! I liked this design, so

created this purse, out of a skirt that my friend Andi gave me, of

'Andrea Lynne photography" (we vend together at the Art Court)

It was a nice purse; one of the major flaws, however, was

the back pocket, it stretched all the way across the purse

and so was just a little too large.

Finally, I came up with this purse. I like that it has three ruffles, meaning

that it takes less time to make.

And an interior pocket that can also hold a pen.

Plus, the back pocket is a little bit smaller; it only stretches about 2/3 of the was

across the back, so is a good size for keys or cell phone,

or those small pieces of paper that have a way of

accumulating.

Here she is; I just made this one this week. Two of these purses are for sale on etsy,

and I will also be selling some at the Beaverton Art Court on Saturday.

Love Sonnet

2011-09-21T20:47:00.000-07:00

Naked, you are simple as one of your hands,
Smooth, earthy, small, transparent, round:

you have moon-lines, apple-pathways:
naked, you are slender as a naked grain of wheat

Naked, you are blue as a night in Cuba;
you have vines and stars in your hair;
naked you are spacious and yellow
as summer in a golden church.

Naked, you are tiny as one of your nails--
Curved, subtle, rosy, til the day is born
and you withdraw to the underground world,

as if down a long tunnel of clothing and of chores:
your clear light dims, gets dressed--drops its leaves--
and becomes a naked hand again.

Pablo Neruda

Crave Portland ~ ME Spread

2011-09-19T21:24:00.000-07:00

So I know that I already wrote about Crave Portland in a previous post, but I am just so stoked about this book that I thought that I had to write a little bit more.

This is the MegExpressions spread that is included in the book, featuring

photography by Kelly of June Lion (isn't she great?)

The Crave Portland book has a similar spread for dozens of Portland women

business owners.

The book is for sale right here, at my website.

2011-09-16T12:14:00.000-07:00

This is a checkbook holder that I finished making on Tuesday.

Handmade checkbook holder

it is a new design....here's a little bit about the process that I

went through to make it!

First, I started out just making a checkbook design out of

white sheet; something really simple, and outlined where the jean,

stripes, and MegExpressions stamp would be.

Next, I put this together. I liked it, but felt like the

lip was a little bit too oval at the edges.

So next, I came up with this design, very similar, except

that the lip is slightly wider on the edges.

Here's the interior, where i've put the ME Tag,

And inside the pocket, where you can see I've sewn an additional

card pocket.

This is the back; more of the striped pattern, and some

jean as well!

Already have some of these for sale in my etsy shop

New Purse

2011-09-13T17:16:00.000-07:00

Here's an experiment with a larger purse that

uses the three ruffle pattern that I've been putting into some smaller purses.

Something about it didn't seem quite right.

So I worked with stripes instead, and came up with this purse.

It has a pocket in the back, with a the ME tag and logo stamped onto it.

Here's a close up; I've been using this bag and it works OK.

just a simple tote, will probably make a few more

to add to my etsy shop!

Pencil Pouch

2011-09-12T10:21:00.000-07:00

The adorable boy who I have been a nanny for these past 2.5 years.

He was upset at me in this one for taking the photograph.

Here's the pencil pouch I made for him (to help him succeed with his

pre-school career)

And a close up of the pencil pouch. Should I make more of these?

I can't tell.......

Women with Moxie

2011-09-09T10:58:00.000-07:00

Earlier this week I attended the Women with Moxie Mixer

it was a fun girl's night out

The evening featured jewelry by Cookie Lee;

who mostly sells her jewelry in home shows.

Women with Moxie is a networking group started by a woman

in Sarasota. It was a fun evening.

Morning's Crafting

2011-09-08T14:21:00.000-07:00

Here's some crafting that I just finished this morning.

I loved this white sheet with the crocheted edge. It was hard to cut into this.

All of the materials, lined up and ready for stitching!

Here's the pouches just before I trimmed them down and added the zipper.

And here's the finished product!

These Lizzy's have been a popular item at shows this summer.

They are the right size for cards plus the base ruffle adds a fun touch!

signing off~

Crave Book Launch!

2011-08-31T15:51:00.000-07:00

On Thursday I attended the 'Crave Portland' book opening!

Here's a picture of Sue, who owns Brownie Me. She is standing in

front of some of her yummy brownies!

Sue and I both sell at the Beaverton Farmer's Market on Saturdays.

It was great to see her at the opening.

Here is the fearless founder of Crave Portland, Melody Biringer. She is holding

a copy of the book!

And here is Kimberly, the Portland Crave rep. Crave is a book

that features Portland women business owners.

This was a fun party. These cookies were totally good.

The Crave book will be on sale at my booth at every show I'm in,

and you can also purchase it right from my website, for only $10 with any purchase.

(regularly $19.95)

BVM Bag

2011-08-11T14:10:00.000-07:00

Here is a special 'BVM' bag that I made for my friend who recently converted to Catholicism. It shows the sillouhette of the Virgin of Guadalupe, a popular image in art!

This was a fun bag to make; just went on a walk with her yesterday and gave it to her!

2011-08-03T21:57:00.000-07:00

A Patch of Old Snow

There's a patch of old snow in a corner
That I should have guessed
Was a blow away paper the rain
had brought to rest.

It is speckled with grime as if
Small print overspread it,
The news of a day I've forgotten--
If i ever read it.

Robert Frost

Summer Craft Shows

2011-07-29T21:02:00.000-07:00

Craft Shows have kept me quite busy this summer; yesterday marked my 20th show since

the middle of May!

Here's some of the lovely artisan merchandise other vendors have been selling.

These headbands have been made by Abby, with whom I had a very

friendly chat at the Beaverton Art Court on Saturday!

And here is some of Kate's teas; Kate spends much of her time selling

fresh herbs at Farmer's Markets in McMinville and Lake Oswego, and sells the tea

as a side hobby!

Here's some lovely pottery from the Summer Art on Main, Wednesdays

at the Portland Center for Performing Arts. Loved this display!

And Paul Gerald made quite a showing with his awesome display of

two books he's written; Breakfast in Bridgetown, a self-published book reviewing Portland's Breakfast Scene, and

60 hikes within 60 miles of Portland. Plus he's selling books by other local writers.

And here is your's truely, the little display that I put together last night

at the Alberta Art Walk.

Here's my neighbor, Ilona who makes beadwork, and on the other side of me,

"Shh...It's a Pipe", these are actually bracelet that double as pipes. omg.

Donya Purse

2011-07-09T19:53:00.000-07:00

Here is a new purse that I have been working on.

The inspiration came from some purses that I saw at the Hillsboro

Tuesday Market.

It is named after my friend Donya, who also sold at this market.

This Donya has two outside pink pockets

and also two outside larger pockets.

The interior of the Donya has two pockets and a pen holder. It is one of a kind

and handmade from repurposed jeans, sheets and shirts. It is $39 and you can buy one here

Esther N&I Little Girl Purse

2011-07-08T10:13:00.000-07:00

This is a modified version of the old Esther purse.

As with many of my products, I am adding some ruffles to the base

And the side of the purse. This Esther is machine washable and one of a kind.

It has been handmade from recycled materials. You can purchase one here.

N & I Betsy

2011-07-03T12:12:00.000-07:00

This Betsy purse is a little purse that I have

been working on; have noticed from craft fairs

that oftentimes people are shopping for

little girls. And so this purse has been designed

with a little girl in mind. It is one of a kind and

has been handmade from recycled materials. Buy one here for only $13!

N & I Lizzy

2011-07-02T21:22:00.000-07:00

Here is a new product that I have been making

and selling at the Beaverton Art Court

and other shows throughout the Portland area.

This little pouch is one of a kind

and has been handmade from recycled materials.

You can buy one here for only $8.50!

Strawberry Bag

2011-04-29T19:22:00.000-07:00

This is a little bag that I just made,

it is based on a small tote that my Grandmother made me

a LONG time ago......

It is pretty small and simple, dimensions 10" by 12" high

And is machine washable and one of a kind!

Additionally, it is handmade from recycled materials! This bag is for sale here.

This is another version of the same tote,

This one with stripes and a flower interior!

Ellen Wallet -Deluxe and Basic

2011-04-25T19:07:00.000-07:00

This is a new wallet that I am making...have decided to call this one the "Ellen"

This wallet has four credit card spaces and two larger

pockets to hold things like receipts.

As always, it is made from recycled materials and is machine washable.

These cost $12.50 and I have some for sale here.

Here is a more deluxe version of the same wallet....this one

Has a coin pouch and additional pockets to hold, ie credit or business cards.

This wallet sells for $20.

It additionally has a frill on the front of the wallet ;)

Fun with Emely!

2011-04-23T16:00:00.000-07:00

Hello there bloggy blog blog!

Lately I have been having fun with variations on the 'Emely' Purse.

Here is one with a square on both sides.

the stamp says 'handmade from recycled materials'

And this one--unfortunately for the sunlight the pic isn't so great--has lots of pleats, including a large base pleat!

And here's another, perhaps a bit over the top, with lots and lots of ruffles!

These will be for sale (for $38) at my etsy store shortly!

Handmade tote bag

2011-04-14T14:21:00.000-07:00

Here is a bag that I made a few days ago.

It is a handbag made from recycled materials.

I got the inspiration for this bag from a painting by Palermo called "Coney Island II"

Here's a shot of the inside; it is lined in blue fabric!

And this is the front! Going to put this into my etsy store soon!

Kristin Grocery Bag--New Handle!

2011-04-12T16:46:00.000-07:00

I've added a shoulder strap to the Kristin Grocery Bag!

Now, you can carry it by the handles or over your shoulder as well.

The strap is removable--it ties with a bow.

I'm really excited about this new handle; think that it makes the bag much more versatile.

Got the idea from a Jil Sander bag that I was looking at.

This Kristin is $30, and it is for sale at my website.

Mention this blog, and I'll take off shipping!

New! Pleated Purse

2011-04-10T14:39:00.000-07:00

Here is a colorful pleated purse that I have just completed.

Here's the back; it's made from about 9 different colorful fabrics.

The inside has a striped pocket.

It has all been made from jeans and sheets and shirts.

My friend Maya give me this idea, she says that she likes rows and rows of pleats. It seems to be a sturdy bag, since it is made from so much jean.

New! Zippered Pouch

2011-04-09T14:32:00.000-07:00

Here is a zippered pouch that I completed about a week ago.

It has the same design on the back, less the large pleated stripe.

here's a close up of the ruffles and stripes!

This pouch was made from repurposed jeans, sheets and shirts!

It is machine washable and one of a kind.

Look for it SOON on my website!

2011-04-07T13:06:00.001-07:00

Last night I woke up at about 3:30, and since it didn't feel like I would be going back to sleep anytime soon,

I decided to use the time to sew!

Here's a purse that I made.

It is another modification on the 'Emely'. I like it for all of its

stripes, it uses about 9-10 different fabrics.

This design was inspired by the painting "Ball and Biscuit" by Tim Bavington.

As always, it is handmade from recycled materials! (and is machine washable and one of a kind!)

This purse is $38 and is for sale at my etsy store!.

Emely Pleated Purse!

2011-04-05T11:56:00.000-07:00

This is a new purse that I have just made.

In fact, it is a new take on an old design; the 'emely'.

Here is the interior of the Emely, it is lined in red fabric, and the rest is a white sheet. The Emely has one interior pocket.

This is a front shot. This purse has lots of fun pleats, and is a minimalist design in that it only uses a bit of color. The rest, as you can see, is white.

The Emely is a great size for carrying books, lunch, or groceries.

Since the Emely has been made from recycled jeans and sheets and has two interior layers, it is very durable and is also machine washable!

This Emely is for sale at my etsy store for $38.

Amanda Messenger Bag

2011-03-31T18:27:00.000-07:00

Had several days off of nanny work and in the meantime designed this messenger bag!

Not quite sure why I hadn't made a messenger bag until now.

The inside has one pocket and a pen holder.

These are two pockets in the front (below the 'messenger' flap)

This bag also has two bows on the side, and a 4' pleat on either side :)

This is the back pocket. I made this with a pair of stone-washed jeans, which gives it a lot of personality, I think!

Here is it on my mannequin, Natasha.

Notice how the strap ties with a bow? this makes the strap adjustable. The Amanda is $59. It's for sale here.

Lubitsza Etsy Shop

2011-03-25T20:35:00.000-07:00

Look at this totally cute frog!

I just purchased him from Lubitsza. Lubitsza is an etsy shop which sells lots of totally cute things

Including these kitty cats

And this handmade glazed clay angel!

Belt Bag

2011-03-21T07:44:00.000-07:00

A lady who I met at the SE Artwalk told me how she really only likes to carry purses on her belt.

This inspired me to get to the sewing machine to make a belt bag!

This is the loop on the back. This belt bag is essentially the same as the Betsy, another purse that I make, except that it has no handles and a belt loop!

This bag is machine washable and one of a kind. It closes with a bow.

You can purchase one of these belt bags here.

New Lizzy Coin Purse

2011-03-16T20:27:00.000-07:00

A customer at the SE Artwalk wanted a coin purse that was slightly larger than the Lizzy that I currently make.

She was interested in something that would hold up to 15 cards.

And here is what I came up with!

As always, this coin purse is one of a kind and handmade from recycled materials. (in Portland, Oregon)

you can purchase this coin purse, or others like it, here

Handmade Quilt

2011-03-11T20:50:00.000-08:00

Here are some photos of a quilt that I just finished making.

Maybe you can tell ~ it is a baby quilt!

On Wednesday I donated it to "Mother and Child" a local charity for expectant mothers in need of extra assistance!

SE Artwalk Re-Cap

2011-03-08T14:53:00.000-08:00

On March 5th and 6th I participated in the SE Portland Artwalk. This is Marie Blanchard, one of the artists in the same room as me. She has great ceramics and paintings, I purchased a refrigerator magnet from her!

We sold our artwork in the Ford Building, at SE 11th and Division, with 50+ other artists. This is art from Richard Armstrong, who lives in SE Portland and makes these paintings from volcanic ash. His work is great in that it is weather-resistant, and so can be hung outside and/or near a garden.

Here is some artwork from Fred Green, who does all of his work with paint pens. His work is very colorful and fun, Fred was very sweet and gave me one of his small prints!

This artwalk had a lot of visitors, was a good use of my time, since I sold several things, and also got ideas for new products, and met many new amazing and inspiring artists as well!

SE Portland Artwalk

2011-03-03T09:57:00.000-08:00

This weekend I will be participating in the Portland SE Artwalk....in the Ford Building with over 70 other artists! The Ford Building is located on SE Division and 11th.

The Portland SE Artwalk is on March 5th and 6th from 10-6, and will have 200 participating artists, at various locations between Powell and Division and 11th and 39th.

For maps and more information visit SE Artwalk.

Camila Glasses Case

2011-03-01T20:34:00.001-08:00

The Camila is a drawstring glasses bag that I designed in December. It is named after a young girl who lives in the neighborhood where I am a nanny.

The Camila is Machine washable and handmade from recycled materials.

Each Camila is one of a kind.

The Camila is $7. You can purchase one here

Red Velvet Cake

2011-02-23T10:33:00.000-08:00

So I just put together a red velvet cake in honor of my sisters birthday. We had a pretty good time devouring it as well with some family and friends. Here's the recipe, with the icing recipe as well. Although traditionally red velvet cake has cream cheese icing, I decided not to go for that since I can't stand cream cheese icing. The photos should guide you through the creation process.

Recipe for Red Velvet Cake

1-1/4 cup flour

3/4 cup sugar

1/2 t. baking soda

1/2 t. salt

1/2 t. cocoa

3/4 cup vegetable oil

1/2 c. buttermilk

1 egg, room temperature

1 Tablespoon red food coloring

1/2 t. vinegar

1/2 t. vanilla

~mix dry ingredients, then add wet ingredients. (if you don't have buttermilk, you can just use regular milk and increase the vinegar to 1 teaspoon). Blend all ingredients well for 2 minutes with blender. Then pour into floured 9"x9" cake pan and bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes, or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean!

Buttercream icing

1/4 cup (one stick) butter

1/4 cup shortening

1/2 pound powdered sugar

1/2 t. vanilla

2 Tablespoons milk (or less, to taste)

~mix the first four ingredients, blend well, then add milk incrementally to achieve desired consistency.

As you can see, the batter becomes a very bright red!

pour into a pan that has allready been buttered and then floured.

When the cake is done baking, it will have risen in the middle.

You can cut of the edges with a sharp knife!

And also level out the top of the cake with a large knife.

Cut the cake into two equal size pieces. Frost the base layer and then

Place the top layer over it,

Then frost the entire cake.

If you don't have a icing bags, you can put the buttercream icing into a small zip lock bag and clip the corner.

And there you have it!

Therese Cell Phone Bag

2011-02-01T10:33:00.010-08:00

The Therese is a small drawstring bag that I designed in December.

It is just the right size for carrying a cell phone and keys, which is what I have been using it for. The Therese has an interior pocket that can hold the keys separately.

I decided to name the Therese after "The Little Flower" or St. Therese of Lisieux, since I consider her to be one of my best friends and confidants!

The Therese is made from 100% recycled materials. It is machine washable and one of a kind. You can buy a Therese here.

Andi

2011-02-01T10:33:00.009-08:00

The Andi is a little drawstring bag that i designed in December. it is named after this awesome lady who I met at the Beaverton Art Court last summer.

The Andi works great as a lunch bag or toiletries bag.

And it has an interior pocket. The Andi is made from 100% recycled materials, it is machine washable and one of a kind.

you can purchase an Andi here.

Cathy Fashionable Camera Bags

2011-02-01T10:33:00.007-08:00

The Cathy is a drawstring bag that I designed especially to hold digital cameras.

It is lined with batting for extra cushioning, and is named after a nice lady on Bainbridge Island who gave me lots of her old jeans to help me with my purses!

All Cathys are one of a kind and machine washable and handmade.

They are made from repurposed jeans, sheets, and shirts, and (new) batting.
You can purchase a Cathy at my etsy site.

Jacky Accessories iphone holster wallet

2011-02-01T10:33:00.005-08:00

The Jacky is an iphone cozy that I designed last December. The inspiration for this cozy came from Jacky, the owner of Mamas n Papas, where I sell some of my purses.

Jacky recommended that I include on this cozy an extra loop so that someone could attach it to their keychain and put it on their belt loop.

Additionally, it has a pocket on the front that is just right for holding credit cards and business cards. This iphone cozy is handmade and machine washable and one of a kind.

It sells for $8.50, and you can buy one here

Maya iphone cozy

2011-02-01T10:33:00.003-08:00

My friend Maya has been encouraging me for a long time to make this iphone cozy.

She suggested that it be just like a sleeve so you can easily take the iphone in and out.

This iphone cozy is machine washable and one of a kind

it is sized to fit only the iphone, but if you have a protective case on the iphone, it might fit rather sungly.

you can purchase a "Maya" iphone cozy right here.

Monica Handmade Clutch Purses

2011-02-01T10:33:00.001-08:00

Here is a little coin purse / clutch that is just right for carrying small items such as keys and change, etc.

It is machine washable and handmade from recycled materials (excludes zipper)

The Monica sells for $8.50 and you can purchase one at my etsy store.

Each 'Monica' is one of a kind.

Lidiya - New!!

2011-02-01T10:32:00.003-08:00

Just before the Christmas craft fairs, it came to my attention--by my sister I think--that my business seriously lacked some clutches; "I just want to get my clutches onto one of your clutches, Meghan, but you don't seem to have any" were her exact words, or as I recall them anyway.

So to the sewing machine I spun, and modified the current Lidiya into what you now see before you.

It was rather well received at the Madeline Parish Craft fair, particularly among 5-8 year old girls.

The Lidiya is handmade from recycled materials (excludes zipper)

It is also machine washable, and all Lidiya's are one of a kind.

You can purchase one here.

Melba Coupon Wallet

2011-02-01T10:32:00.001-08:00

Here is a little smallet/iphone holder that I designed last December, that I have decided to call 'Melba'

The Melba is named after a friend who I have met this past year who lives in Beaverton.

It is made from 100% recycled materials and is machine washable.

The Melba has an interior pocket that is just the right size for holding credit cards and business cards. It sells for $8 and you can purchase one here!

Unique Holiday Gifts

2010-12-22T16:19:00.000-08:00

Santa needed to subcontract this year, so I found myself with lots of work to do!

Here's a tiny little cross-stich; I found the pattern at the dollar store for guess what, only $1!

And doesn't everybody need a candy-bar cozy????

Here is my very first murse!

(close up)

And last but certainly not least, a baby quilt!

Whew! Now that all of the hard work is done I am able to sit back and celebrate the real purpose of Christmas; drinking excessively!

Rachel Credit Card Holder

2010-12-14T15:53:00.000-08:00

This is a new item that I have recently designed!

This is for holding credit cards or other equally-sized items, as well as credit card, id, and business cards!

it has two internal pockets, and is machine washable and handmade from recycled materials!

you can buy one here!

Craft Fair Finds!!!

2010-12-14T15:27:00.000-08:00

Shopping at craft fairs for Christmas gifts has led to some AMAZING finds!!!

This elephant puzzle was too cute to pass up!

Look at how they fit so nicely together~

And check out this mama mousie with her babies!

This is adorable woodwork!

Check out this elegant croched doily! The pink shade of thread seemed just perfect for the cherry blossem outline!

Such fine work! This artisan must have labored for HOURS!!

Martha Credit Card Holder

2010-12-08T15:48:00.001-08:00

Here is a new item! One that I have been making for only about a month now, the Martha credit card holder.

I've invented this item in order to serve the necessity of holding business cards and credit cards securely

The Martha Credit Card holder is made from recycled materials, and each one is one of a kind! Right now it is selling on etsy for only $5.80, so buy one now!

Feather Earrings

2010-11-27T19:49:00.000-08:00

Last night I had the enjoyable experience of making feather earrings!! Up at Collage on Alberta, where they offered the class for the incredibly low price of $5!

started out small and simple.....

Can you believe that I actually made earrings out of this stuff?

Believe it! Because here they are...two pairs of earrings in fact!

And here's a blurry photo that I took of my finished earrings with my crappy piece-of-shit digital camera!

(blurry photo before mac-retouch)

Holy Rosary Craft Fair~Handmade Christmas Gifts

2010-11-21T19:17:00.000-08:00

Just finished up a LONG weekend at Holy Rosary Craft Fair in NE Portland

The craft fair had many nice things for sale, including these nice soaps!

And these adorable Raggedy Ann Dolls!

Here's a close up of my display; I tried to bring lots of smaller items like coin purses and Credit Card holders, since these tend to sell well :)

And here's a hula-hooping nun that I just had to purchase! Couldn't help myself.

Fried Eggplant Jerusalem Sephardic Style

2010-11-04T22:44:00.000-07:00

This a recipe from my auntie that I crank out every once in awhile and it is quite good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ingredients:
3 medium eggplants (I just use one)
1 egg plus one egg white
small can of tomato puree (6 oz paste)
2 cloves garlic
salt and pepper

First, slice the eggplant and set on a pan overnight.

Next, crack an egg and egg white and add s & p

dip the eggplant in the egg

next, fry the eggplant in vegetable oil heated over medium heat, turning so that it is golden on both sides :)

Next, fry garlic in a small amount of oil and then add tomato puree and three times its amount in water, and stir over medium heat

when it is boiling, add the eggplant and cover and let sit for 15 minutes.

you can eat it hot or put in the refridgerator and eat it cold. YUM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

'Mina' Tissue Holder

2010-10-27T17:32:00.000-07:00

Here is a little tissue holder that I designed this month.

Once again, the inspiration for this item came from a conversation with a customer at the Beaverton Art Court.

I've decided to name it the "Mina" after my grandma, who helped me out with the design.

The Mina is machine washable, and handmade from recycled materials!

These sell for $5! Buy one here!

Pink and Black Line

2010-10-24T15:45:00.001-07:00

Recently I realized just how good I think pink, black, white and jean look together, so I decided to put them altogether in an individual line for my purses!!!

Here is a Nikki Dodd!

this is a Kleenex holder

And this is the little Jen!! Stay tuned, these will soon be available for sale at my etsy store!

Maternity Bars

2010-10-07T21:43:00.000-07:00

*aka "the bar that Michelle Obama wants to outlaw"

My 7-month pregnant sister inspired me to make these bars. Although they are intended soley for pregnant women, I guess that technically anyone can consume them, if he/she is interested in putting on an extra 5-10 pounds!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

YES, THEY REALLY DO HAVE THIS MANY CALORIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here's the ingredients: (although the bars were created with the intent that only one be eaten at a time, in the likely event that a pregnant woman might consume 2-3 in one sitting, I have intended some healthful ingredients such as wheat germ to provide some important nutrients)

Maternity Bars
*Preheat oven to 350 degrees*

9 (full sheet) crushed graham crackers, crushed
4 T butter
~mix the graham crackers with the butter and place in an 8" by 8" pan lined with parchment paper~

1/2 cup coconut
1/2 cup dried fruit (such as cherries, golden raisins)
1/2 nuts, toasted (pecans or almonds or cashews)
2 T wheat germ
1/2 cup white chololate chips
1/2 cup butterscotch chips
~layer these ingredients on top of the crushed graham crackers and butter~

2/3 cup sweetened condensed milk
~pour this over the layers and put in the oven for 22 minutes~

Topping
3 cups miniature marshmellows
3/4 cup milk chocolate chips (or dark, if that is what you prefer)
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 T butter
3/4 cup rice krispies
~pull the bars out of the oven after 22 minutes, put the marshmellows on top, and then place BACK into the oven for 3 minutes. Melt the chocloate, PB and butter in a saucepan, mix in the rice krispies, and then smear this chocolate mixture over the melted marshemllows.

DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Look at all those yummy layers!!!!

Andrea Lynne Photography

2010-10-02T17:29:00.000-07:00

Today unfortunately marked (what will quite likely be) the LAST day for the Beaverton Art Court......it will be so sad to no longer see all of the wonderful crafters/artists who I have met this summer!

Here are some photographs from one particularly talented photographer who I met at the Art Court, Andrea Lynne!

Andi likes to take pictures from camping trips, while she is going walking, and trips to the ocean.

I LOVE this picture of the map as well! It could bear so much signifigance to people attached to this particular place. Andi also took the awesome photo of the skittles that I have pictured in my Bible Bag for Andi blog post.

This is Andi's first year selling, and she has been very dedicated to attending the Art Court...she started setting up in January, making bookmarks, photos, and cards.

Here is a picture of Andi herself, on the right, with her sister Melina.
Andi recenly set up an etsy store as well!

Esther Purse

2010-09-29T16:34:00.000-07:00

After recognizing a recurring demand for little-girl purses at craft fairs, I finally designed a purse specifically designed for little girls.

Here it is....named after the little girl who I have been nannying for for the past 20 months, Esther.

This purse is machine washable, and one of a kind.

The Esther sells for $12. You can purchase one here or here, or at the Art Court in Beaverton this weekend!

Sarah

2010-09-22T18:03:00.000-07:00

The Sarah is a bag that I have named after the mother of the mother of the children who I nanny for (is that clear?) She was so nice to send me some of her used clothing all the way from Chicago that I decided that I just had to name a purse after her.

The purse is inspired by a discussion that I had with two women at the Beaverton Farmer's Market (aka Art Court) regarding walking bags; they said that the Betsy was too small, but that they liked the concept. They wanted a long-strap purse that would be large enough to hold a cell phone and keys and other basic, small things that one might take on a walk.

So the Sarah, essentially, is a walking purse; or actually it can also be a going-out purse. I just used one last week when I went to 80s night at Lolas! The PERFECT purse for dancing the night away.

$15, buy one Here, or here.

Blankie for Monkey

2010-09-10T19:58:00.001-07:00

Here's a blankie and a pillow that I just finished making with the little girl who I nanny for. (yes I am just going to go ahead and end that sentence with a conjunction)

We have been working on it for the past few months. In addition to teaching her some fine motor skills, her monkey is FINALLY going to be warm and comfortable at night!!!

Blackberry Kuchen

2010-08-09T15:42:00.000-07:00

Hello little bloggy blog-blog, so I have sort of been neglecting you lately as other areas of my life have been consuming most of my time and energy....

anyhow recently I discovered that The Grand Central Bakery has published a book of all of its recipes!

Today I went berry picking and so decided to use some of the

berries that I picked to turn into Blackberry Kuchen!!!!! using Grand Central's recipe!

Here goes....

BLACKBERRY KUCHEN

BATTER
1-1/2 cups of whole milk
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
10 Tablespoons of unsalted butter
1 Tablespoon of active dry yeast
3 eggs
3-1/2 cups flour
1-1/2 t. salt

TOPPING
3 or 4 cups blackberries
1/4 cup brown sugar
4 tablespoons of butter

VANILLA GLAZE
1 cup of confectioners sugar
2 tablespoons of heavy cream
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Gently heat the milk, brown sugar, and 10 tablespoons of butter, until just warm (use saucepan or the microwave). Add the yeast and let sit for several minutes.
Crack the eggs and whisk, then add salt and flour and the above mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon until dry ingredients are just incorporated.
Put in a greased 13" by 9" pan (I halved the recipe and put it in an 8" by 8" pan), and let sit in a warm place for one hour to rise.

Next, put the blackberries, sugar, and butter on top of the mixture and bake at 350 for 30 minutes, then lower the temp to 325 and bake for 10-15 minutes, until the top is golden brown.

Drizzle the glaze over the warm kuchen and enjoy!!!

Fun with MacBook

2010-07-17T20:41:00.001-07:00

(if only marriages to laptops were legalized.......I guess that for now I will have to settle for living in sin with my MacBook!)

2010-07-13T22:09:00.001-07:00

Maybe nothingness is to be without your presence,
without you moving, slicing the noon
like a blue flower, without you walking
later through the fog and the cobbles,

without the light you carry in your hand,
golden, which maybe others will not see,
which maybe no one knew was growing
like the red beginnings of a rose.

In short, without your presence: without your coming
suddenly, incitingly, to know my life,
gust of a rosebush, wheat of wind:

since then I am because you are,
since then you are, I am, we are,
and through love I will be, you will be, we'll be.

Pablo Neruda

Art Court

2010-07-10T15:52:00.000-07:00

Here are some of the beautiful arts and crafts booths who I have been selling with at the Beaverton Art Court.

Today we had beautiful 80-degree weather and many of us sold very well!

This is such a beautiful colorful display of hair clips!

Liz's Glass Art

2010-07-08T14:49:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth Guevin is a glass artist who I have met at the Art Court in Beaverton.

These are some beautiful pendants that she has made

And these are salt & pepper shakers.....

and these are light fixtures......she makes wonderful items in practical mediums.
And here's a refridgerator magnet that she gave to me....just because she is so dang generous!

to find out more about Liz, e-mail her at eguevin@comcast.net

Zoe's wedding present

2010-07-06T19:01:00.000-07:00

This is a pillow that I made for my friend Zoe who is getting married in August.

I used a fabric pen to write her and her fiance's name into the fabric.

This is my first attempt at a pillow in quite some time, so I am pleased with the way that it turned out. The shell is removable, so that it can be washed.

Here is the pillow that inspired the design.

Bible Bag for Andi

2010-07-03T12:57:00.001-07:00

In the past two months I have come into the acquaintance of Andi since she sells photography at the Art Court in Beaverton.
Andi needed a new bag for her Bible and so asked me to make her one!

These are the two bags that I came up with (slightly varying in size)

And here is Andi, looking very happy with her new Bible Bag!

This is the *awesome* picture that Andi traded for the bag! Skittles, I love it!

See this photo? See me over on the far right with the funky facial expression? Guess what I'm eating? That's right, SKITTLES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tillamook Cheese Factory

2010-07-01T15:47:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I went to the Tillamook Cheese Factory and here are some photos from this enjoyable adventure!

who are those silly people?
Yummy cheese sampling! The first time I have every tasted curds!

Look at all of the cheese that's for sale!
Can you believe it....these cheese and dairy products from Tillamook are sold in ALL 50 STATES!!!

Lucifer's Redemption

2010-06-29T12:15:00.001-07:00

“Lucifer’s Redemption” is written by Brett Dean McGibbon, and published by “Different Fish” publishing, a publishing business based in Seattle founded by McGibbon himself.
LR is the story of James, who is the devil born as a human, who takes a motorcycle trip to Alaska and meets Michelle. In the chapter “The first time I have ever slept with God” he and Michelle go down below in his boat “where we could be close.” After this, Michelle leaves James for another man. As a result of this relationship, however, James concludes that “if I ever was the devil, I was no longer.”
Although this is the story summarized in the preface and eulogy, LR redemption seems to really be about much more.
James decides to leave Syracuse when his heart is broken by his girlfriend’s abortion, and he realizes that in order to travel “all you need is gas money and a bunch of peanut butter sandwiches.” He journeys to to Alaska via Seattle. While in Alaska, he works on fishing boat and discovers that “normally there’s a solution for everything. You just call the cable guy or the plumber and soon the problem is gone. Not so on a fishing boat...you have to be able to solve all problems yourself.”
These back-to-the-earth conditions lead James to conclude that it’s most important to have “well rounded skills to extract a living from the earth, not from the CEO’s and stock owners...knowledge of the tides and currents; of the ways of the fish and weather; knowledge of the boats and sails or engines.” (This line reminds me of two lawyers who I used to work for who wrote a check and two Hispanics showed up at their house with weed whackers and cleared out their weed-infested yard, and a money-grubbing professional who I also worked for who fixed the broken drawer in his kitchen with duct tape.)
Additionally, James undergoes a religious conversion on his journey. “My heart had been touched and had opened and love had streamed in....it was Christ love or agape love or Jesus loving me fully, deeply to my core.” The book includes some beautiful passages on the Holy Spirit.

Probably the biggest issue I had with Lucifer’s Redemption is that the discoveries about life and himself that James makes on his motorcycle trip make a better story than the ‘central story’ about Lucifer being redeemed. I don’t sense that this character of ‘satan’ is well developed; it is never explained why satan, who’s role traditionally has been to “steal and kill and destroy” has come onto earth in the form of a hopeless romantic. James reminds me more of the “Skipper” character from Sex and The City. (Except that Skipper went for older women and James' type seems to be the fertile-earth-goddess with enormous birthing hips.)
Even though the book is written in first person, suggesting that everything is seen through the eyes of the “James/Lucifer” character, I sense that much of the novel is the voice of the narrator breaking through, and offering his insights and opinions on so many subjects, ranging from tipping at a restaurant, to the war in Iraq, and to Canada vs. US.

I really like McGibbon’s originality in his writing; for example, he calls Seattle the city “where the woodsman and the Jetsons mix and have kids”. And he writes in a sweet and simple tone; “I wanted to quit people. I wasn’t going to love anyone or let anyone close to me until I met my one girl.” You get the feeling he’s the kind of guy who cuddles up with a teddy bear every night and goes to sleep in Star Wars pajamas.
The descriptions that McGibbon makes of James’ trip are great; “I would come around a bend and crest a hill where the horizon would recede miles and miles from me across a valley to snow capped mountains...Dignity is what it had, the beauty that queens emulated. I wanted to shriek, I wanted to stomp, I was undignified, I wanted to fuck the whole world right there--and after a cigarette I felt like I had.”
I found the unconventionality of this book a HUGE breath of fresh air....how he has written it, bound it, and sells it on the street himself.

(great bod!)
This dude has had quite the recurring presence in Seattle, selling books outside of Monorail Espresso downtown and in front of Broadway News on Broadway for years now. I first encountered him 5-6 years ago when he was passing out his poetry for free. He only secludes himself when he is working on a new book, or taking another road trip up to Alaska. McGibbon has sold 4800 copies of Lucifer’s Redemption and supports himself through book sales--good for him!

Last Thursday on Alberta

2010-06-25T20:43:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I participated in the Last Thursday Art on Alberta.

This is a very organic, laid back art show where you essentially find a spot on the side of the street on Alberta and set up your art work! It turned out to be an exceptionally warm night, and so was well-attended. At 7:00 the streets are shut off from traffic.

It amazes me that this Art Walk can be so successful and low-key at the same time.....unlike so many of the craft fairs/art walks that I have participated in which seem to THRIVE on bureaucracy! These are some photos of my little booth.

And here is some paintings from the much-admired "Brett" who paints his work on pieces of wood and in window frames. I love this one of Alice, looking into Wonderland!

He brought up as much paintings as would fit into his truck.

We definitely soaked in a lot of sun!

Betsy

2010-06-22T13:52:00.000-07:00

The Betsy is named after my awesome business advisor, Betsy Talbot. She lives in Seattle and advises women solopreneurs. I felt indebted to her for the advice she gave to me, and so decided to name this little purse after her--and it is one of my top sellers!!!

I've modified this purse a little bit recently, taking out the outside pockets so that it has only one main pocket. Additionally, I have changed the long strap to that it ties with a bow and is adjustable. This way, it can be worn by big girls and little girls alike.

You can purchase a Betsy here. It costs $10. The Betsy closes with a button or else a tie. It is made with 100% recycled materials, and is machine washable.

Credit Card Holder

2010-06-19T18:26:00.000-07:00

I just designed this little credit card holder.

It closes with a button, and holds credit cards or business cards on either side. Still trying to figure out who I can name this thing after...maybe my roommate? I don't know.

Look, I have made quite a few! Plan to get these onto my website/etsy store ASAP!!!!!!!!!