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Restless Hands (and The August Break - Day 16)

Looks like I've been doing pretty well keeping up with the August Break. Although, I'd like for my readership to go up, but - I'm complaining. I blog, and if you're reading this, cool beans & a big thank you!!

Let's see... What have I been up to? Been busy babysitting my friends' daughter, being chauffeur since we're back to being a one-car family. Not fun having to constantly pile the boys in and out of the car, but they like the drive. It would probably be better if my iPod hadn't recently decided to die. Don't have $125 lying around to get it fixed. Oh well. C'est la vie.

Back to making jewelry for the time being. Got this amazing craft book recently. There's an entire section on jewelry making, and I saw something I wanted to try.

This is attempt #3

Not too shabby, right? I'm pretty happy with it. I need to work on getting the spirals down, but I enjoy these early stages of learning how to do new stuff. 

My apologies for this being such a short  blog post, but I must be off to make some earrings.

Hope your day is a great one!

<3

-fal00la- 

The August Break - Day 15

On our way into the bank this morning, stopped to answer a call. 

Looked up, and thought : "This would be a great pic for my blog!!" 

Hahaha! 

(Photo edited with picnik.com)

The August Break - Day 14

 A very pretty giraffe we saw while at the zoo

(Photo edited with picnik.com)

Handmade Giveaway Winners

A big, big thank you to everyone who entered!

The August Break - Day 13

 

 

The awesome mirror I found at a yard sale this morning 

 

Burned Biscuits

I received this story in an e-mail from my Mom. 

Looks like the universe is trying to tell me something.

 

"BURNED BISCUITS"

Author Unknown

When I was a kid, my mom liked to make breakfast food for dinner every now and then.

I remember one night in particular when she had made breakfast after a long, hard day at work.

On that evening so long ago, my mom placed a plate of eggs, sausage, and extremely burned biscuits in front of my dad.

I remember waiting to see if anyone noticed, yet all my dad did was reach for his biscuit, smile at my mom and ask me how my day was at school.

I don't remember what I told him that night, but I do remember watching him smear butter and jelly on that biscuit and eat every bite.

When I got up from the table that evening, I remember hearing my mom apologize to my dad for burning the biscuits, and I'll never forget what he said.

He smiled at her and said, "Honey, I love burned biscuits."

Later that night, I went to kiss my dad good night and I asked him if he really liked his biscuits burned.

He wrapped me in his arms and said, "Your mom put in a hard day at work today and she's real tired. And besides, a little burnt biscuit never hurt anyone."

Life is full of imperfect things and imperfect people. I'm not the best at hardly anything, and I forget birthdays and anniversaries just like everyone else, but what I've learned over the years is that learning to accept each others faults, and choosing to celebrate each others differences, is one of the most important keys to creating a healthy, growing, and lasting relationship.

And that's my prayer for you today. That you will learn to take the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of your life and lay them at the feet of God, because in the end, He's the only one who will be able to give you a relationship where a burnt biscuit isn't a deal-breaker.

We could extend this to any relationship. In fact, understanding is the base of any relationship, be it a husband-wife or parent-child or friendship.

Don't put the key to your happiness in someone else's pocket; keep it in your own.

God bless you today and always.

So, pass me a biscuit, and yes, the burnt one will do just fine. 

"Give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others. "

~Christian D. Larson

The August Break - Day 12

I pass this car and  house everyday. Something very comforting about an old car in front of an old house with a white picket fence...

(Photo edited with picnik.com)

The August Break - Day 11

We're 11 days into August. Found out about The August Break a couple days ago. I've been meaning to get around to it.

Day 11 picture isn't something recent, 

but I did unearth it recently while at my parent's house this past weekend...

Uelita crocheting a dress for my sister

This is a picture of my Great-Grandma. I called her Uelita, which is short for  "Abuelita" (meaning Grandma in Spanish.) I was about 8 when this picture was taken. She didn't teach me how to crochet;  that - I ended teaching myself 20 years later. She was a beautiful woman. Always put together, no matter the occasion. Plus, she was one hell of a cook. I was very young when she passed away, but I have beautiful memories of her.

(Photo edited with picnik.com)

Interview

Jessica (aka @defysocietyarts) and I go way back - A little more than 10 years. There were periods of time where we didn't speak , mostly because we had different circles of friends. Over the last few years, She and I have become very close , sister-like in fact. She's my bestie!

Now, Don't let the fact that I know her stop you from reading this. Jessica is an amazing human being, who is talented, intelligent, gorgeous, and full of heart. She cares like no one I've ever met before. Truly cares. She is the ultimate friend.

        

1. Tell the people a  little about yourself (tee hee.. "the people")

I'm 28.  I have 3 dogs, 3 cats.  I'd love to have more animals but eh, it's what they legally allow in the city limits, and it's pretty much all we can afford.  I live with my boyfriend of 3 years, pretty much consider myself married.  I love reading, writing, painting, crocheting anything crafty.  I spend most of my time with my family and of course, you. ((♥))  Oh and I'm pretty sarcastic on occasion.

2. What are your earliest memories of crafting? 

I have actually been crafting since I was a wee one.  My ma always taught me to think of everyone and to give everyone something because it was always the thought that counted.  So, I would make people gifts outta popsicle sticks, toiled paper rolls, pipe cleaners... you name it.  My Gramma still has a pair of "binoculars" I made for her when I was like 5 outta toilet paper rolls and pipe cleaners LoL


3. What inspires you to create? 

I get inspiration from everything.  However, You have been my biggest inspiration for crocheting and knitting.  I never would have learned to crochet or knit if it weren't for you. ((♥)) I always wanted to but never had anyone to do it with and Stitchin' and Bitchin' isn't as fun by yourself!  There is only so much of your own voice that one can handle.

4. What things have you learned about yourself through knitting and crocheting? 

I've actually learned that I can be pretty patient.  When I screw up and have to redo something that I just spent two hours on, it can be frustrating, but I've learned to get over it and it just makes me better.  I'm not typically a patient person but when it comes to crafting, you sometimes need lotsa patience.

5. Is there a project you would love to do, but at the moment would seem too overwhelming? 

I would LOVE to knit a pair of socks!  I know that doesnt sound like something too hard to some people, but I havent really been working on my knitting too much, I've only been crocheting and knitting for 2 years and for the last year and a half I havent been knitting much, I've been more focused on crocheting and trying to get that more polished. I still havent learned to knit in the round or use double sided needles, so that will come in the future, for now, I'm sticking with crocheting and I'm happy that I know how to do a stockinette stitch finally.



6. When you have faced difficulties in your life, What has been your inspiration to keep going? 

This might sound silly but... my pets.  Hahaha! They make me smile.  When I had my surgery in December, the last thought before I was knocked out was my Jasper.  His smiling face caused me to have happy thoughts throughout the surgery.  When I have a crappy day at work, I know I can come home to their adorable little faces, and they will cuddle with me and kiss me and love me unconditionally.

7. What do you hope to accomplish as an artist in the next year? 

I hope to polish my skills a little more and get a little (ok a lot) faster so I can do more.  Also, I want more time.  So I'd like to learn how to make more of that :)

8. Aside from the basic necessities, Name 3 things you couldn't live without.

Yarn.  Paint.  Lime Popsicles.

 

Handmade Giveaway

Hello!!

Ok, Ok... Sure, It's been quite awhile since I've blogged. I know - Bad blogger! Smack! Smack!

Now that we're doing with the self-inflicted reprimand portion of this post, 

Let's get some info about this give way. 

Trying to promote a website I belong to with my best friend, Jessica (aka @defysocietyarts on the Twitter), along with her honey. Just recently, a facebook page was put together - showcasing SOME of the stuff we do. We're trying to gain some followers, and in fact - there is a giveaway going on the Facebook page as well.

Here's what I have to offer you:
Knitting Stitch Markers!


**If you're not a knitter, we can discuss making the stitch markers into earrings** 
Your call. 

Giveaway #1 : Revolver Stitch Markers. Fits up to a US 13 (9.0mm)

Giveaway #2 : Strawberry Stitch Markers. Fits up to a US 13 (9.0mm)

Giveaway # 3: Cleaver Stitch Markers. Fits up to a US 13 (9.0mm)

All the stitch markers are made by me. Some of you might remember back 

when I was selling them on Etsy.
If you're not a knitter, we can discuss making the stitch markers into earrings. 
Your call. 

 Open to anyone (Including you international folk) 

Rules: 

-Leave a comment for each-
**If you do these things already, Leave a comment anyway** 

  1.  Follow @defysocietyarts on Twitter

2. Click 'like' on the DefySocietyArts.com Facebook page (and tell them someone sent you. Not me, but maybe someone you know from Twitter or wherever)
3.  Follow me on Twitter - @fal00la
 4. Follow my blog

**Make sure to leave your Twitter name or an email address so I can contact you if you win**

And that's it. 

I'll pick 3 winners using random.org
Giveaway ends August 13, 2011 at 11:59pm (MST)

Good luck!! 

:D 

Right As Rain

Well, Hello!! 

It's been far too long since I've posted anything.

My apologies! Been a little busy. 

And...I'm slacking in the crafty arena.

What have I been up to?

Hello, Arizona!

Ka-chaow

                                                                                 
Recently took a trip with Keith (without the boys) to lovely Arizona. Friends of ours were getting married, and Keith was the best man. It was good times. Spent 4 days out there -- without the boys. They stayed home. Not by themselves - of course! We had family taking care of them. :D

"Radiator Springs"

The boys are obsessed the Pixar movie 'Cars'. Really... they love anything by Pixar, but the drive out made me think -- "Those animators sure did capture the NM/AZ feel!"  It's amazing how much of the terrain looks so much like Carburetor County. Awesome stuff, man.

 The drive was loads of fun. The rental we were in had a jack for my iPod. Score! We we happy travelers :D

Daytime Owl

Stopped off at this lovely scenic lookout. Even though the air was a little hazy from the Wallow fire, it was a beautiful afternoon. Now, Let me explain the owl. I bought this sweet little moleskine notebook from PuNk rAwK pUrL a few months back. It has a constant home in my wallet -- you know, for emergency note taking. I'd written down our driving directions in it, and when we got out of the car - I felt compelled to take a picture. I knew she would get a kick out of it :D 

Cute hotel patio

Now, I'm not going to show you pics of the room, even if it deliciously lovely -- Just like I'm never going to show you pictures of my bedroom at home. Some things need to remain a mystery, yes? :) I will, however, show you the sweet little patio we had. Got to spend some time with my legs in the sun, and did a bit of knitting. Good times

Stephanie + Jason = ♥

The Wedding?

So unbelievably beautiful!

They got married in a gazebo -- at sunset. 

Can you say romantic?!

I was a weeping mess. I'm surprised I have tears after that.

 Next day: Where else would we go?!

Oooooh, yeah. Happiness.

Double-Double Animal Style, Baby!

*Sigh*

It seemed like minutes later, we were packing up and on our way back home. It was a great trip, but we had to come back to reality sometime, right? 

On the road:

Super bizzar. I saw this truck passing us on the highway. 

Kim Kardashian... On the side of a Big Rig...

...In an add promoting her perfume?

O_o 

Uh....Ok?

Hello Kim K.'s giant truck boobs

I'm so confused

Looks like a bad storm, but that's ALL smoke from the fire

 Drove through what felt like a wall of smoke. I thought it would let up, but not far out of Albuquerque it started to ligten up. Since we've been back home (and that was Saturday June 5th) a giant chunk of central New Mexico has been covered in a smoke & ash cloud from the Wallow fire. It's gross, and everything smells like campfire -- and not in a good way.

I'm praying for rain. LOTS AND LOTS of rain. 

Home Sweet Home

  Back home now. They day after we got home, I couldn't stop crying and felt really sad. My friend Jason (who also happened to be the Groom in the wedding) told me it sounded like it was the effects of  a Wedding High. Kind of like a sugar/caffeine high, but coming down from it is a lot more extreme. I figured he was right, because since then -- I've felt like I'm back to normal. 

Craft News: My sisters' college graduation party is coming up at the end of this month. Found some kick ass DIY decoration projects I need to get started on so I will have them in time. I've been trying to knit and crochet, but it's been too sunny for that. I think I'm turning out to be someone who only knits/crochets during the fall & winter. hahahah

Until Next Time, 

Happy Crafting!!

♥

-fal00la-

Pour Some Sugar [Skulls] On Me

Second Embroidery project is done!

Well... It's been done - for quite some time now, actually. I keep meaning to make a post, but you know how life is.

Found an unfinished wood frame at the dollar store (Score for cheap crafting!) It's a little bigger than I had originally planned, but I like it. Grabbed some 98 cent paints at Wal-Mart, and a-painting I went.

 

I let it dry overnight. Put the glass back in the frame. Put my finished piece in and

Voilà!

And as a fun little bonus, here are some pictures of when it was just a WIP. 

Finished. Unframed

New. You're So New.

In my constant quest to do as much crafty stuff as possible - I did it. I took the plunge, and did some hand embroidery. Finished my first project last night/this morning while watching the footage of the Royal Wedding.

Went to the craft store, grabbed myself some iron-on transfers (80's themed. Can't wait to do the floppy disc, rubik's cube, boom box, and bulky cell phone). Being from the desert, I'm slightly obsessed with marine life - so I picked the whale to work on first (why there was a whale in a pack of 80's stuff, I'm still trying to understand. Not going to argue tho) I thought he was cute, and would look great all stitched up.
While working on him, Keith brought up the fact that my whale looked a lot like a 'Fudgie The Whale' - an ice cream cake made by a company called Carvel from Keith's neck of the woods. (They also make a cake 'Cookie Puss' which totally gets a hearty giggle from me every time I hear I. I know. I'm 5 years old.)

Fudgie The Whale by Carvel

My stitched up 'Fudgie'

Gotta say, I'm really patting myself on the back (which I rarely do). I was so scared that this project was going to be way beyond my realm of capability. I don't know why I always do that.... Mentally setting myself up for failure is not a good quality. Probably need to work on that.

Anyhow - enough with my therapy session.

One more picture!

I want to take a minute and give a big shout out and "Thank You" to 

my Twitter friends 

@nerdJERK, @AngelaPardue, @Knitterotica, and @posidanielle,

for giving me the nudge I needed to even attempt 

embroidery. 

♥ xoxo ♥  

Until Next Time... Happy Crafting!

You Are An Obsession, I Cannot Sleep

I've gotten into the habit of basing my blog post titles around a song. My goal is to set the overall tone for each post. Also, I just really love music and have the most random taste. :D

I'm a bit of an obsessive person- but not in like, an obsessive compulsive sort of way. I have a tendency to get hooked on something quickly and go full force - an addictive personality, some might say. I can't ever just do anything a little. In fact, I come from a family of "aholics". Mom is a workaholic, Sister is a danceaholic and Dad...Well, his addiction is something more serious, but I don't want to get into that. Whole can of worms I'd rather not open on my blog... Onward, HO!

It's springtime. Easter is only 6 days away. Keith has been out in the yard, tending to the garden (Dude has an unbelievable green thumb. I call him 'The Plant Whisperer'. He doesn't think it's as funny as I do).  and what the hell have I been doing? I've been working on my fake garden -- making frickin' fabric flowers like they're going out of style. Of course, there is a purpose to them; Giving 'em away as Easter gifts. In a panic last night, I was afraid I wasn't going to have enough time to get them done this week. Any normal person would have objectively looked at the schedule for the upcoming week, and found a spot to make time.

PFFT! Who does that?! Certainly not me! 

What did I do? I stayed up until 7am making flowers! That's right. If that isn't sick, I don't know what is. Plus, I got one pretty wicked burn on my left hand from an unfortunate placement of my index finger. My glue gun may be little, but that thing packs some heat!

I think they came out pretty nifty. Each set of flowers has it's own mini terracotta pot.

:)

 I even broke out and tried making some roses

♥ 

Went with gems instead of buttons

I can't seem to stop wanting to make more flowers. I think about them all day long.

I remember when I first discovered Amigurumi. I started making bunnies. Oh. My. GOD... I made so many of those freakin' things. I had family members crawling out of the woodwork, asking me to make a bunny. 

Bright Bunny I made for my Mom

They weren't hard to make, but after awhile... I was feeling stagnant. Sure, I changed up the colors and the pattern, but I needed more. 

Am I alone here? 

Is there something you make repeatedly, and you can't find the strength to stop? 

If any of you out there know the secret to a life of moderation, please share.

Until next time, Happy Crafting!