New camera!

Last week I bought a shiny new camera … my first foray into the world of DSLRs. And boy, am I in love.

I feel like I need to make a disclaimer, though: a fancy camera does not make one a great photographer. I have a lot of professional photographer friends, and I know it takes a lot of skill to take truly great photos, not just fancy equipment. I’m definitely not claiming I have any of that skill. And I have a ton to learn about the equipment!

But I sure am having fun learning! And it’s great to finally have the capability to capture things I couldn’t with just a point-and-shoot.

ps: also, I have the most beautiful cat in the world.

Bows for the hairs

Although I love love LOVE my short hair, it has been a challenge to find ways to accessorize it – bows and flowers and headbands that worked when my hair was longer are often too big and too sticky-outy (that’s a word, right?) now that it’s pixie length.

I bought some clip-in hair bows at a retail store that-shall-not-be-named that turned out just the right size. Once I got them home I thought … hm, I bet I could make something like this! I picked up some small alligator clips from Stacia over at Sassafras Gifts (check her shop out; it’s full of good things!) and after about an hour of trial-and-error, I had my first bows ready to wear.

Now I can’t wait to make them in ALL the colors!

After I’ve perfected them some may make their way into my shop … we’ll see.

Off to the faire

I’m a big fan of renfaires – in large part because it’s a chance to dress up! My current costume has evolved over the years, and while there’s always more to add, I’m pretty happy with its current state. I made the bodice, the under skirt was a thrift store find (I added the extra ruffle at the bottom), the overskirt was originally a 1970s prom dress, and the belt and bag I made from scraps of leather and an old leather vest. Fun times! I can’t wait for my next faire.

Happy spring!

It’s finally officially spring, and not a moment too soon. I always feel most creative in the spring – how about you?

Brussels Sprouts seedlings

Part of being creative for me is gardening. Each year I like to try at least a few new plants, and it’s extra fun if they’re something I really like eating! Yes, I’m one of the rare people who really, really, REALLY like Brussels sprouts (especially when it involves lots of butter.)

So we’ll see if these little ones can survive my gardening skills. Fingers crossed!

This one’s for me

I only sell things that I would wear/display/use myself … which can be a problem! I made this flower pin intending it for the shop, but once I pinned it on my hat I realized it was going to be staying with me. There’s just something so irresistible about a fabric flower pin, especially in a sweet old-fashioned print like this one.

So I had to make another one.

The top 5 reasons why kitties don’t make good sewing helpers

Last weekend I did some sewing for the first time in a while, and everything seemed to take longer than it used to. It took me some time to figure out why, but I’m here to present my findings. You see, I have a kitten named Princess Arjumond … and kittens do not make good sewing helpers. Here’s why:

1. They don’t have thumbs. It’s really hard to sew without thumbs.

2. Their idea of helping is “pushing ALL the things off the table.”

3. They’d rather chew on your twigs than figure out how to incorporate them into a piece of textile art.

4. Their cuteness is distracting!

5. And finally … they always fall asleep on top of whatever tool you need to use the most.

But unhelpful kitty notwithstanding, I finished up my project! You can see it listed here, no thanks to Princess Arjumond.