angry chicken

messing around when I should be working-

Um, yeah. So, if you want to waste a lot of time putting your photo in crazy settings—this is totally fun. Check it out here (via photojojo).

nothing better than new art supplies

Before it felt like summer here (like all of last week) we got some new art supplies to play with. These wood heads on the pencils don't do anything special, but they sure look cute, which is enough.

We also got these rock crayons.

Here's a color sampling. These all came from Stubby Pencil Studio which sells non-creepy art supplies for kids, which is great for so many reasons—especially for the baby crayon eater in the house. My personal favorites are the wood pencil that is a eco-highlighter, the triangular pencils from reforested wood, the watercolor crayons, the rock crayons, and the soy crayons. Oh, and the pencils in that first photo. So, pretty much everything they have. I think I am more excited by these things than the kids are.

paper projects

I have been chillin' out with some paper, an X-acto, and music/podcasts in the evenings. I have a stack of these little paper scenes printed out on card stock—ready to be cut and glued together when I get a second. I just use a glue stick. These are so pleasing, I can feel my blood pressure dropping even time I make one.

I listened to This American Life while cutting this one and learned the average American person watches 29 hours of TV a week. Insane! I am so excited about starting a toy theater. I got a great link for a free one here. (Thank you so much Josie! I can't get your blog to link.) Now I just need that clone.

These remind me of my favorite Chris Ware paper projects in the back of his comics. These are vintage and come from Agence Eureka's paper craft set. There are many so I could be busy a long time. Sadie can cut these out too, they would be a wonderful gifts for kids (maybe for ages 5 and up?) printed out and tied up all pretty. Maybe with a little glue stick and little scissors—how sweet would that be? Tons of paper projects for boys and girls here. And adults, obviously, since I am obsessed.

It absolutely blows my mind how many free projects and ideas are out there like this. I panic and think I will forget about them next time someone has a birthday. I need to start a list.

amazing paper type items

I had a fit of craziness Thursday which resulted in terribly bad posture at the computer (Involving nursing, while standing, and typing with one hand, good lord.) and this all resulted in my back going out. So, that has been horrible. This is what caused my poor judgement. This is a small theater. I am now obsessed with the idea of making a miniature theater.

There rich history of miniature theaters out there, I have discovered. Much to research and explore. This vintage paper toy version is from Agence Eureka's photo set. You can see the whole group here. Amazing.

Every single photo of hers is amazing. Like this one. I almost cried digging through all her vintage (mostly French) ephemera and the like. I have only scratched the surface of what she has and I'm hoping my back can take it. Obviously, I need to get a chair.

I'd like to live in this jar.

I had been itching to do another paper cut this week and was able to bust this out 2 nights ago when I was supposed to be working on other things. I feel so much better.

Some random items:

-Quilt Market is this weekend in Portland. It's to the trade only (Bummer for most sewers, sorry.) but the good news is it's bringing a slew of big fabric designer rock stars to this town for a few days. This event over at Bolt featuring Heather Ross And Denise Schmidt is for everyone, so head on over—€”it should be a mad house! I hope there will be wristbands. It's this Friday, May 16th, from 5-7pm.

-I am so excited to see all the Pleated Beauty handbags on the Bend The Rules flickr group. Most of these newest ones were part of this BTRS swap organized by Clicky the Moose, so flipping cool!! You can vote for the next BTRS swap project at the link. This warms my heart you guys!!

-On the paper cutting topic, I finally have this book and this book headed to me in the mail. I still need the Rob Ryan book here. He's a knife wielding genius. His blog is here. Amazing. And his skirt design for Clothkits, even more amazing.

-The single Ked is still missing. I got another pair, but they are different, because if I replaced the exact pair, you know I would find the missing Ked. That's just how it works.

right on time.

This clock hardware made it home with me from the craft store months ago and had been haunting me, but I was ignoring it. I got all excited to make a clock and then forgot and then remembered again—and last weekend I finally made it.

I showed it to Pete and he said "Now we can say it's half-past soup." Awesome. I drew these little sketches for another project and then just placed them in a circle when I needed some numbers for the clock. There is no rhyme or reason to them—but now looking at it I see all these meanings in the images for each hour.

So I was thinking about including this artwork laid out like this and directions to make a clock in the new e-mailorder. Cool? It wouldn't be the main project just an extra paper project. It was so fun to make, addictive actually. How many clocks do we really need? I guess a few more.

you can click on it for a bigger view

letter folding and doane paper **update: the fold is here! thanks stacie!

a valentine and other stuff

I cut this for Pete for Valentine's Day. But he hasn't seen it yet. Honey, stop reading.

After a total sugar freak-out I am limiting my intake to weekends only. And not all binge-y either, but a normal amount. It all started with the caramel corn incident, which I will blog about very soon. It's a lot of words to type. And then the chocolate experiment, also forthcoming, and then ice cream cake. Ugh. I have had so much sugar lately my eyes hurt. So I need a break. But, I did make brown rice pudding for breakfast, but I don't think that really counts exactly.

I got the new Alison Krause/Robert Plant album and it is really good. I kept hearing it was—and it is. It's very restrained so I was happy because he does get all Robert Plant on a few songs. He's like William Shatner, you know? You just can't keep the Shatner in. I love hearing this album and then imagining Robert with his jeans all freaky low ala The Song Remains the Same. Not that I really like this image, it's more like I find it very amusing. My mom saw a part of that movie and declared his jeans "obscene" which is hysterical coming from my mom.

three sisters.

Some holiday catch-up:

My brother received his paper cut, framed for Christmas and my mom got this one. She was surprised, she didn't know one was also made for her. It was cut at the 11th hour, at 2 am, with not enough light, but I just couldn't stop working on it. It was framed in white, wrapped, and put under the tree—so I realize, seeing it now, I had forgotten exactly what it looked like. I found this very cool super thin crepe-like paper that was wonderful to cut and has a very small wrinkled texture. (Here locally at paper zone, portland peeps.)

It's framed in an 8" x 10" white frame with very little breathing space, the paper cut almost goes up to the edge. I'm not sure if I need to float these more and give them more room. Framing them floating with more space makes them seem more precious and I am not sure if I want this folksy craft style of work to take on a precious capital A arty feel when framed. . . I need to experiment more. At any rate, I love drawing and cutting these, so I will have plenty to frame and experiment with. I changed blades on this one—the sisters there are small, the smallest is about the size of a dime.

Inspiration of late:

I just found Little Circus Design (via Bloesem) and her work is making me very happy. It's not paper cut, I don't think, but has the bold graphic look I am obsessed with right now. Please look at this one. Amazing.

moist dirt.

Santa (my husband) gave me this insanely cool terrarium for Christmas. He got it here in Portland at Pistils and I love it so much. I have been admiring terrariums for a bit now (who doesn't love these things!?) and now I have one, which is perfect because I officially got rid of my 4 remaining houseplants right before Liddy was born. Long story. Something to do with yellow withered leaves making me crazy days before I went into labor. (It's the little things, right?)

I have seen several styles of these cool terrariums around but never seen this orb style that hangs.edit-I just saw one very similar in the new CB2 catalog. I need to stress again my love for this. There's an air cactus in there, which is so funny to me—because it looks all modern and cool but I associate air cacti with 1970s pet rock/Mexican jumping beans/chia pet fads. I am not sure why. Couldn't you buy air cacti in the check outline at the grocery store about 20 years ago?

There is so much out there in webville about these, how to make them, inspiring photos, etc. Here's a short list that makes me super happy.

-Hello Yarn's Flickr set with great info about her terrariums. I love her blog and shop so much and I want to be 1/8th as good at knitting as she is when I grow up.

-Stephanie's brilliant terrarium party favors

-The succulent terrarium Mellisa made Mariko (which I was tempted to steal. That would be funny, right? I'd give it back in a few months. I should really do this.)

-this really sweet and informative how-to video

-terrarium flickr group (only for pants, not lizards/frogs, etc.) edit-pants!!!!! okay, it should say plants, but this is too funny to correct. can you imagine tiny pants in terrariums?? Wow. That would be awesome.

-Martha Stewart kids terrarium project

-Ann Wood's amazing terrariums (just added this one, thanks cal!)

-very very small (eek! so cute!) terrarium at Cottage Living with nice how-to (thanks chelsea!)

more jen love.

I was alerted by Josie (thanks!) that tiny showcase has a Jen Corace print up right now. I freaked and bought it right away--so surprised it wasn't sold out. It's actually an unlimited edition available through this friday (11/30) to celebrate the opening of the rad sounding craft show, Craftland, that I can't go to because it's across the country from me.

I actually received a postcard version of this print (and got all giddy when it came, you rock, Sarah) but had to buy this print version too, cause, you know, it's Jen Corace. And paper dolls. Good god, could it get any better? And what would I do if she actually made a paper doll book or something? Just die right away? That would be so sad for the girls--for me to have a heart attack over Jen Corace paper dolls. I did not buy an original piece this year by Jen, I opted for a significantly cheaper gift for myself, a desperately needed new winter coat, which is on it's way and better fit, dangit.

Okay, links here:

-Jen's current show at Giant Robot
-tiny showcase jen corace print
-craftland show I can't go to

if you happen to in NYC. . .

Jen Corace is having an opening at Giant Robot in NYC this Saturday, the 17th. You can get the details here. I sure wish I could go.

This new body of work is titled, Told you so.

I wrote the gallery right away asking about online sales and the works should be available about a week after the opening. So you collectors of Jen's amazing work (like me) can pounce all over that. Early Christmas gift to myself?

fall.

These leaves on our block.

Helpers. Delia is still wearing her Halloween Sally dress, by the way.

We forget to compost two really big leaves.

Unrelated, our conversation this morning-

pete: "I'm going to do recycling now before work."

me: "cool."

pete: I'm also going to throw away this old grilled cheese sandwich in my pocket, here."

me: "you're crazy like that."

the season of the witchy

I don't remember why I was researching herbs for kids, but I was, and found this book, A Kid's Herb Book, which I just bought. I love it. It's simple and easy to read because it's meant for kids but is perfect for adults learning about using herbs and plants for the first time. It has an overview of about 15 herbs that are safe and perfect for children. Then it includes recipes (teas, baths, salves, etc.) for each of them. Over the summer, the girls loved gathering basil and thyme for cooking so I thought they would also dig learning about using herbs for medicinal purposes. I need to find a good Portland shop for herbs (any suggestions?) because I didn't grow many of these this summer, so don't have any dried herbs on hand. I think I might get some dried herbs, muslin bags, and beeswax from Mountain Rose Herbs in Eugene if I don't find a good Portland shop. (There must be one.) I love this kind of stuff and love the idea of being able to make my own non-creepy vapor rub for little colds this winter.

In a similar theme, I just got this lovely print from the Tiny Showcase by Katy Horan and it's called The Healers. Perfect! I have loved Katy's work for a bit now and was super excited to see it for sale. (It sold out.) Pete suggested that the bison (?) which looks dead, is a tad creepy and the spooky masked figures might freak out the girls. I suppose he's right, but there's bunnies there too, see? It will probably go in my art pile of "too freaky for the girls" art for a while, anyway. I actually might put a bunch of prints in an album, so we can look at them whenever instead of stashing them away. Hey, that's a good idea! okay, I am going to do that.

Katy's work is so crazy cool and witchy-pagan without being too hippie/acid-ish. Sorry. That was probably the least elegant art description I have ever written--but there you go. It's Friday and I haven't had coffee yet.

Auction next week-One in Ten

This art print Dusty is Busy, (which sold out last year) is going up for auction starting Sunday, August 19th. You can find all the details about the auction on the One in Ten site.This is an auction is for Eireann's mother, and I am so happy to be helping anyway I can. (See her side bar for the complete story.)

It comes framed. More information will be listed about this piece over on e-bay. There are some truly amazing handcrafted items that will be auctioned. The direct link to this piece for bidding is here, and you can link to all the other pieces at the One in Ten site.

she's here!

Lydia Rose Matern came to us Friday, June 22 and we are ecstatic!! We have 3 girls! Papa hasn't put her down. My water broke Thursday and then. . . . nothing. So we waited and waited and had her here, at home, in the tub, about 27 hours later. It was awesome and we are all doing great!

I supect good times will be had. . .

This Saturday, here in Portland, a friend is reading at this amazing event. She is one of the organizers as well, and the whole thing sounds so very cool, I really am hoping to go. (Hang in there, baby!) Local writers/performers "read and reflect on their favorite passages from the famous works of Judy Blume." Brilliant! I would be reading from Wifey, because I was one of the naughty girls who read that one way too young. I know I'm not the only one! Oh, and Forever, that one I remember so well. . .sigh.

thank you! (and there was no barfing.)

Thank you all for the birthday well wishes. Getting all those happy comments on my birthday made me feel wonderful, so seriously, thank you.

We ate a great dinner at the new restaurant, Country Cat. I had strawberry shortcake for dessert, very tasty, and I got some lovely gifts, including a gift certificate from Pete to buy a piece of art, which I did about an hour after I received it. I heart computers. The piece above is mine now. It's called, untitled (white bear in a blue shirt holding a bird's head) by the uber-talented Matthew Feyld, and I love it. I've been wanting a piece by Mr. Feyld for a long time now and Pete was going to surprise me and get one, but couldn't find where I had him book-marked. Apparently, I have "the entire internet book-marked." Ahem. So I got to pick one out myself.

I am putting aside the orange and white quilt for baby to try and get issue #7 mailorder together. My hope is to get the subscriber issues out some time next week (probably the end of the week) and have the sale for the single issues next Friday, June 1st. This is all loosey-goosey, because they haven't been taken to the printers yet, so more on all that soon. (And once I know for sure, I will send out an e-mail to the mail list over at kingpod.) But because of all that potentially happening quite soon, Subscribers, if you have moved in the last 3 months, or if for any reason paypal has old info for you and you have never told me, please send me an e-mail. Thank you, and have a relaxing 3 day weekend.

a comic and some links

I was siting around the last few days looking through my well worn copies of Everyday Fashions of the Twenties, Thirties and Forties (Dover) and got the urge, again, to start a comic project. Yet another thing on my "want to try this in my lifetime" list. I admit this might fall by the wayside, but it's a start. I don't have a hand sewing project right now, and need to do something while the girls play (the computer and phone are not okay by them at all.) It's very Henry Darger (old timey style) and Dan Clowes (tentacles and fur) inspired. I also found this great tutorial about coloring drawings in photoshop via Drawn. I didn't follow the directions because that would have involved reading and way too much concentration, but it inspired me anyway. I ended up just drawing by hand, scanning, adding the color in Photoshop the way I always do, but good to know a better way is out there.

I also found a great photo editing site via my husband called Snipshot. Great for all of you who want to edit your photos and make them look all pretty but don't have photoshop. I do have it, but not on my main computer (long story) so I use a lame program most of the time and Snipshot is WAY better. It allows you to "enhance" your photos with a miracle one-click button! (you can also do it with more control) You can then upload directly to flickr if you want to. 2 things.

Thing 1: If you do upload to flickr, you will get a warning from flickr that says Snipshot then has access to your account-if this bugs you, just save as a jpeg to your computer and upload yourself.

Thing 2: I thought at first you could only edit photos if they were already on a website-this is not the case. You just have to "open" a photo in Snipshot and then you can edit from wherever. I can't tell you how cool I think this program is-cropping, resizing, color enhancement is so easy. It's free (why does that seem suspicious?) for now anyway. . .

And my husband swears ask a ninja is the funniest thing ever. I haven't watched it yet, but it sounds promising. Because I haven't seen it yet, go at your own risk. (We can blame him later.)

thank you!! and a brain dump

Wow!! Wow! Thank you all so much! God, I felt so great yesterday-floating on air. Heck, I still feel great! The whole process has been so exciting/nerve wracking/worry producing/and wonderful all mixed up in a huge bag. I was nervous to put it all out there yesterday, you all are so awesome. So, again, thank you.

I finally got around to framing the Mailorder #5 cross-stitch sampler. I didn't use glass, and I am very happy with that decision-having no glare is really nice. The amazing painting above is Camilla's, of course, and the one peeking out from the other room is an older one of mine, "Friendly Squid."

Okay a few things I can't stop thinking about or looking at:

-helloyarn's terrariums photos on flickr. I heart moss so much.
-these crazy amazing prints from artist, Beci Orpin, that are making my wallet feel lighter by the second. Holy smokes, can't stop looking at them.
-the fabric collection, Nell's flower shop, by Moda, which has some cute cross-stitch cheater cloths and a very cool linen/cotton blend solid color collection-I saw all this at Fabric Depot about 4 weeks ago, and I bought none. Why?? I see Miss Emily snagged some, now that's some good shopping!
-I keep thinking about the movie we netflixed last week, Junebug. loved it so much.
-Why don't they have a drive-thru for pizza by the slice? It's not that messy, I could totally grub it while driving, I really think there is a missed opportunity here.
-so excited to get my hands on these new magnets by the crazy mind of the small object. They are amazing/painful/happy/cute.

letterpress love.

Hooray! Brian has opened his shop over at Boiled Art Editions! I got the most amazing custom cards from him a bit back and have loved using them any chance I get. Along with his wonderful custom work, I am so happy that he now has individual cards for sale as well over here. The Squirrel is extra special, I say. Can't get too much of that letter press goodness.

rebelling against myself

I have had this book idea in my head for awhile now. It's for the girls and I was thinking of putting them in different scenes, with a simple story and simple drawings. I think they would freak at seeing themselves in a book. I would! So, this was started about an hour ago and I guess there is no way I can do ten drawings and write the story and get the book made by Christmas. I was hoping to get it bound in one of those books you can make on flickr, I need to mess around with it still.

This came about because I am a bit antsy lately with the crafting. For about 3 weeks now the cross-stitch has taken up all my time. I like it, but multi-tasking craft projects is my bag--I never work on one project at a time, let alone one for 3 weeks. I am too ADD and get all freaky when I work on one thing for too long. So, I was  working on mailorder this morning (hubby took a vacation day off, whoo-hoo!) and found myself working on this book project instead. I hope to get mailorder out the first week in January. Not sure why the timing of mailorder always seems to be very close to a holiday.

Anyhoo, I think mailorder will happen on time, but I am so glad I rebelled against my own deadline to work on this a little instead. It's good for my brain. Okay, back to stitching and cookie baking and freezing.(And maybe some more drawing for this book.)

happy arty stuff.

Thanks you guys for the really really nice comments about my podcast-it was fun doing it, but sort of nerve wracking knowing it is going to be out there. . .

A super genius friend of mine directed me to these giclee prints done by the uber-talented Jen Corace. There are 3 of them and they are available at Art Star as a limited edition, so I moved fast. Some of the original paintings from this series are here at motel. .

I freaked out about these (a huge understatement) and got all 3. I missed the Tiny Showcase Jen Corace print this last time do to an family emergency (literally, an emergency room style emergency) so this more than makes up for that.

Art Star has other lovely prints by several other artists. This whole giclee print thing is so cool. The prints are beautiful and so very affordable, I just love them.

**updated- don't forget your tie one on apron for june/july! You have until Tuesday-the perfect weekend project!

it's too hot to be doing this-

Wow! Thanks you all for the box bag love! I forgot how fun it is to paint on wood (except when it's not fun, if you know what I mean)

Here is box bag #2. She still smells like varnish. It's so flippin' hot here I'm amazed these things are drying. This is a dutch inspired type of design and I'd love to do one in black next, instead of the orange. I am still thinking about trying a stencil (freezer paper?) but my first attempt didn't work. I think the paint was too thin-so maybe a freezer paper stencil with thinker paint. I don't want it to look like tole painting, I am going to smooth even color. . .the pin cushion box that matches this is here, along with other photos. . .and I am happy to report that I am now the owner of my first Enid bag (en route) I have been trying for the last few days and finally got one. whew! that was a hard one!

I wanna be enid.

So, in a nutshell, I was possessed again this last weekend by the discovery of the not so secret-but secret to me (because I am the last to know) vintage Enid Collins box purses. I was minding my own business on flickr when I found this group-and I was struck-STRUCK with the urge to get a box and paint my own. And I did, and another one is drying right now, with another on deck, I can't get enough!

The original Enid bags are amazing, but the potential to make my own is also so compelling and all I needed was at Michael's, the ubiquitous craft emporium. The paint, varnish, and the jewels (why do I have these?) I already had. I stained the unpainted boxes with acrylic paint with a ton of glazing liquid, then painted the design. Then I varnished with a clear oil (toxic and smelly) and then glued on the jewels with tacky glue and put the hardware back on. The purse hardware is also from Michael's as well-who knew!! I am thinking sewing boxes here, and I have a smaller one started to go inside as a lidded pin-cushion box. So excited! I am dorkin' hardcore on these!

These have taken way too much space in my brain (it could be the varnish) and Sadie thinks more jewels are needed-as do I! I will show the other one when it dries. I am experimenting with a stencil for the next one, I can't decide if this would be easier or harder. . . to be continued!

very important business

Very important business has been happening around here. These are all the items you can get with your mailorder funny money. . .I realize that the coupon needed to purchase all these goodies is only available with mailorder issue #3. So, if you have funny money from issue #1 or #2 that you want to spend, let me know and/or mail it in to me and I can happily choose an item to send back. These are the Stick Puppets (sticks not included)

the Paper Food. . .

and 2 Very Good Recipes and the Mailorder Stickers. I also have Bad Poetry ($1.10) which it's my favorite item so far. It's titled, The Unicorn of Pain, and there is a very short play, which I think is $2.25, but the price-list isn't in front of me. .

Receiving the mailorder funny money carefully cut out (with a S.A.S.E.) with the coupon has been thrilling. I think I really must be a 12 year old. This has been my surprise favorite activity in this whole mailorder craziness. . .

okay-I am taking a break this summer and then mailorder will be available again, subscription only,4 issues a year, in early fall, so we can all rest for a bit this summer. I will, no doubt, yack about it more, so you won't miss any details-but just know it will all start up again after August (and again, signing up on the mail list over on kingpod is the best way to get all the details when they come out of my brain)

On an even more important note, we are berry picking tomorrow and I hope for another raspberry buckle!

Mailorder #3 secret word

Hello!

Poor kingpod needs an overhaul, it's up, but I can't update it, so until we find a new home for it, the mailorder official business will be here on the blog. Like this secret word thingy. It's right here, and also you can find it over here on the left as a handy button so you don't have to search for this post again when you unscramble your word!

Please enter the word below. Thank you and good luck!

 

Congratulations! Here is the link to your prize.

Yo, li'l dawg, that was not the secret word

sold out.

Mailorder #3 is sold out.

Thank you for your support mailorder members! Your dedication and loyalty will not go unrewarded.

mailorder #3 soon!

Okay!! exciting things this week. I have secured Mariko's help to stuff envelopes for mailorder #3 (she gets a frozen pie, and I will even bake it first) It will be sent out to you crazy loyal subscribers in the next day or so. Then the remaining 150-ish will go on sale this Thursday (around noon) as single issues. I will send out a reminder e-mail when it is available on Thursday.

In this issue you will receive: a professionally printed full color recipe card, a small booklet paper project featuring diagrams for needle stitches with a matching slipcase, a crafty palm reading chart and a very important coupon to fill out and mail back to buy prizes with all your hard earned funny money. Also, a merit badge, secret word and the mailorder letter. same price as before:$12/$15 overseas. this includes shipping. whew! some extra details:

• I will be out of town starting Thursday night until Sunday, so if anything crazy happens with paypal and you don't hear from me, don't worry, you will, but not until later.
• Subscribers, when you find and unscramble the secret word, just hang tight. king pod is acting up, so I will have to post the pdf file later next week.
• This time the sale will be through this blog right here-you will see a paypal button, Not through king pod like before.

**also-in the directions, I suggest sewing through several layers of paper to make the needlestitch booklet binding with your sewing machine. This might not work on all machines so if you are in doubt, just staple the binding.

okay, back to stamping, stuffing, and licking (really, I use a wet paper towel, I don't want you to think I am getting you all germy) oh!! I forgot, again, to sign the official letter. I am a bad secretary.

mailorder. in the mail.

Oh the postal service. you think you know how to mail something until you mail 200. and have, so I am told, a woefully inaccurate scale. and an "improper" mailing address labels. and "Canada" needs to be on it's own line. always. the things you learn at the post office.

but fear not, mailorder club members, all is taken care of and shipped out. I had to deface some of the mailing labels (I'd like to think this adds a handmade "charm") and was horrified to notice that I neglected to sign the master copy of the "letter from the mailorder secretary" but aside from these minor snafus, we are good to go. I had chocolate and teddy grams for the girls, and they handled the post office better than I did.

coffee, raspberry linzer torte, and two amazingly generous helpers (an eggplant and a posie) were all invaluable last night, so thank you very much.

There are many of you who did something weird on paypal and these issues (very funny and really not a pain for me, I promise) should be all taken care of now. so, if you know you did something strange and haven't heard from me, do e-mail me.

I just like looking at this.

I don't have this book, it seems hard to find and very expensive, but I was looking at Winsor McCay books online and was stunned by the cover. The beautiful blue with the reds-I actually have a hold on it from our library, along with a lot of other people, so hopefully I will get to look inside. It looks like a lot of Winsor McCay books are out of print and have gotten really expensive. So, I may have to call in all the family for a group birthday gift (hint)-yeah, my birthday isn't for 4 months and already scheming. Little Nemo is on of those things I always have meant to look at more (or at all) because every time I see anything from it, I freak out.

So, I met up with Stephanie (of little birds, no longer, sniff) and Lisa over the weekend and it was such a delight to see them both. I actually had a little fabric goody bag for Lisa I forget to give her because I couldn't stop talking. I was able to avoid devouring my huge portion of bread pudding (blueberry and pear!) again because I couldn't stop talking. They are so fun, those two sisters, and not having a sister myself, I get very excited for Sadie and Delia to be sisters together after hanging with these two. We met at a cafe (cafe crema) and the pastries were amazing. wow. But don't you think it's a bit odd when you are given a number when you order, for not your food, but for your coffee drink? I was so busy talking (as stated above) that the time flew by, but there must have been at least 12-15 minutes before we actually were served our said numbered coffee drinks. hmm. not to bitch, but I'm just saying . .they were very tasty and attractive coffee drinks, I will say that.

**also, not to belabor mailorder, but yes, I do take visa on paypal, and the next issue will be for sale at a different time, to make it fair, and yes, if you subscribe for the first 3 you will get first choice at subscribing for the next 3 before everyone else, and I might make more copies (300?) for the next one and there is no "sign up" for this-it's a first come thing on Friday. and Canadian is regular postage, no extra. I think that's it for now-whew! excited and a bit freaked out!;) When is does go on sale it will be at kingpod, under "papergoods" then click on "mailorder".

 

mailorder is here. (I mean friday)

Mailorder is done! A quick re-cap. This is a 6 times a year mail club with sewing, recipes, and paper projects delivered to your door. Become a member and receive funny money, secret passwords, and craft filled fun.

This first issue is jam packed with 9 sheets of goodies.  A birthday calender is the main project-complete with cardstock pink backing, 12 calender sheets and paper embellishments to glue on. (remember, just paper in this club, so the ribbon and mini brads are not included.)

Then we also have a recipe card, a letter from the secretary, funny money, a mailorder full color professionally printed club postcard, merit badge plaque with merit badge for issue #1 and the official double-sided mailorder club id card in protector sleeve. All club items printed on colored card stock or nice text weight paper in a clear resealable envelope to keep it all safe and sound. It will come to you in a red envelope and will be waiting to be opened and dismantled. Whew! here's the details:

quantity: 200 edition (no back issues)

price: $10 plus $2 shipping ($4 shipping for overseas)

**subscriptions: 3 issues for $28 plus $6 shipping ($12 shipping for overseas) and you will get some extra goodies and will never have to worry about missing an issue! subscriptions only available for sale with issue #1 and then not again until after issue #3

when is it available?: Friday, February 10th  (about 8AM PST)

I will be sending out a reminder e-mail on Friday morning early so head on over to king pod to get on the mailing list (if you are on the mailing list, you have already received an e-mail by now.)

thank you,
Amy Karol
your mailorder club secretary

p.s.If you are interested in subscribing, issue #2 will have a bonnet sewing pattern (for both adult and child, in time for Easter) and issue #3 will have a small book paper project. Of course there is more included, but it's a surprise!

 

don't worry!

wow!
I am so excited and happy people are so into this idea of mailorder. Here's a few things: I will happily ship oversees, I just need to figure out the additional shipping cost. No, you don't need a blog, and I still need to get all the "welcome to mailorder membership" packets together, update the kingpod website, all that stuff, so we are a couple weeks out here.

There is no "sign-up" I will just announce when it's all ready to go, and then you can just buy it (and I'm still thinking about offering a special price break/additional fun stuff for subscribers who can pre-pay the first 3 packets)

T-shirts,are a brilliant idea! There are so many idea, really it's hard to keep a lid on it. so stay tuned and I'm thinking given the response, to limit the packet amount to 100 this first time around. I do think that will probably cover it, and again, I will give you a few days notice before I actually start selling.(but it will probably be in very early Feb, after I do the tie one on gallery)

mailorder. coming soon.

I have had this idea brewing in my mind for a couple months now and it's getting closer to becoming real. I love getting mail and I love clubs. not exclusive clubs, but membership clubs, with id cards, secret codes, projects, newsletters and all that. I also have been wanting to work with paper more and was trying to figure out how all this could come together. The answer is mailorder. I could do this all from PDF's but, really, no fun in that! This is about getting mail every 2 months and looking forward to that big red envelope in your mailbox. (I already have these red envelopes, of course. priorities, you know)

It's a "recipe, sewing pattern, & paper project" club. The idea being; you get, every 2 months, a packet with a recipe and a project, or pattern, and/or stickers, or something else fun to make. It might be a sewing pattern, or a paper craft pattern, but you get to cut, glue, staple, and sew, to your heart's content. These projects, patterns and additional silliness would all be designed and drawn by me, I'm not just copying clip art here. If enough people get into it, it would be fun to have a flickr group for show and tell.

My initial thought is 6 times a year, each packet being $8 +$2 shipping. paper only (not supplies) There would be contests/giveaways and/or some secret shenanigans. Possibly you could earn funny $$ to get addition patterns, Really I could go on, because this kind of thing makes me so crazy happy I can't stand it. There will be a price break to subscribers and a cool additional membership packet (with id card), still figuring this part out.

okay, lots of words here. I'm going to work on the details (like if each packet should be a limited edition, that way I could do more and when it's gone, it's gone) but it's coming. Soon. Like, hopefully I will start shipping next month and get started on the bonnet pattern I have in mind for the second packet (in time for Easter) sound like fun? let me know what you all think . .cause it's all for you!

**update: holly cow! I am so happy this sounds like good fun to you all! thanks so much! okay, I will sort out the details (and figure out international shipping) and then get it set up hopefully by the end of this month. I may limit the number of subscribers or packets this first month (50-75?) so I can see what I am really in for-but I will give you all fair warning if I do that. It's on!

since it's so dreary outside-

it's so gloomy here (and still raining) that I have been framing and moving around artwork, trying to freshen up the look of the inside of the house, since we never see the outside anymore. We all went for a walk for the first time in 2 weeks yesterday (the kids were in the double stroller all wrapped in plastic.) I need some sun, pronto! Vitamin d is depleting as I type this. We are like the kids in that ray bradbury short story that only see the sun one day a year. God, what a sad story that was, now that I think of it.

One the bright side is these new pieces I have recently put up. This amazing "portrait of a girl" by jen corace, is now matted and framed and up in the living room.

And over the holidays I finally caught up with the talented  amy ruppel, who I see way too infrequently, for her being in town and all. We exchanged holiday gifts and we received this lovely owl encaustic from her. The four owls are our little family. So wonderful, thoughtful and extra cool. I am really digging the new way she is framing these out as well, they really project out from the wall, like about 3-4".Very, very cool.

So, it's looking pretty good on the walls around here, but the floors are a totally different issue, how much laundry/toys/books can we actually have laying around? Well, it turns out a whole heck of a lot.

paper fun for rainy days

It's been really rainy here (Like crazy floods and land erosion and I'm getting ready to work on the arc soon, type rainy.) We have had heavy rain the last 24 days in a row, and this is real downpour type rain, not the light drizzle variety.

So I was thrilled to find these amazing vintage paper craft projects that meggiecat linked to for an indoor project that would be fun for the girls and I. You can download the pdf, print them onto cardstock and with a tiny hole punch and some mini brads, you are in business. These are so very cool, they really do move. I get a ridiculous thrill out of this type of old timey paper stuff.

Meggiecat has an amazing site. I have found countless of links to vintage paper resources, projects, copyright free graphics, and fabulous links to other blogs, really amazing stuff! I just now noticed a fun paper craft pattern for an egg stand for Easter. That's on the list next. I always figure everyone knows about these cool blogs like hers, but, you never know. She has one of those blogs I get "stuck" in because she lists so many sources and cool links. I go there, look up, and realize I have been clicking around for the last 45 minutes (and the girls are covered in pen and god knows what else.) An amazing resource!

more mish-mash

I have been doing a lot of framing this year, especially recently, and finally framed a tiny showcase print and am so thrilled with how it turned out. I really love cutting mats-but it was a long haul to get to this place. I hated framing for so long, but had to learn when I started doing monoprint and working exclusively on paper. Framing a show would cost so much $$$, I had to learn to do it myself and fortunately I found the best mat cutter ever and have had it for a few years now, and it always does right by me. It's hard to explain in detail why this mat cutter is so great, but it has a system of pegs, so there is no real measuring, if you can imagine that. There is a jig, of sorts, and unless you use the wrong peg, it's impossible to screw up. It's also cheap, compared to other mat cutters, and if you have 5 pieces to frame, it will pay for itself. I also have to use museum board (4-ply, white) for my mats. I get very fussy about this-no paper mats, just rag. Sorry for the boring particulars, but framers will know what I mean,another reason I cut my own.
This lovely print by Catia Chien was a very belated b-day gift for a dear friend and framing it has motivated me to frame my other tiny showcase prints (but I haven't yet.)  I get my frames here and they include Plexiglas, which is great for shipping, but not so great for cleaning. But I do think the benefits outweigh the lamess of this material. I have more framing info here. . .

a dang good book

I bought this book, 52 projects, by Jeffery Yamaguchi, over the weekend and absolutely love it. It's poignant, honest, inspiring, and Jeffery is a great writer. It's not too sweet or self-helpy, just funny and real. This is the kind of book that is hard to write about because it's more like an event than a book. Or a way to look at life a bit differently. It's big (like big ideas, big) and it's one of those books where, even if you read just a few pages, you will remember what you read for a long time. It's all about projects. Creative projects like:

#19 write down the story of the best night of your life.
#27 take a picture of a kid you know, make a postcard out of it, and mail it to to the kid.
#41 create something during the time you are doing your laundry.
#22 write in the margins of your books.

Really great ideas, thoughts, and writings, just on how to live a creative life though these various projects. Also, I think it's really touched upon something very personal for me right now (especially with the holidays approaching- making gifts and selling gifts) which the notion that so much of what defines successful craft and art is the sale of it. Like if I sell a bunch of paintings, I am a good painter. Or if I sell a ton of quilts, or notecards, whatever. It's hard not to feel like the selling is the measure of the talent and of the success (or perceived success) of an artist. Also, in a practical sense, people who produce a lot of stuff (me) need to get it off our hands, so we can make room to create more stuff, but again, then there is usually an implied value to all this stuff even if it's traded or bartered. . .not just creating for the creating. Or creating just for the documenting of life-which is so important to being a participant in life, to me anyway.

Which is why I love this book and the website so much, it's about art in such a pure form to me. Not that other ways are unpure by any means, (or that it's a bad thing to make a buck from your crafts/art, which it most definitely is not, and I am continually grateful I can make a buck from mine) but when you create something you can't sell, or never intend to sell, it takes on a whole new artistic identity-and it's a different experience producing it. At least it is for me.

And I love the idea of collecting data, of any kind, and putting it into some kind of format, and then seeing the result. Organizationally, I find it very pleasing, and many of these projects involve this type of activity.

There is a wonderful interview with Jeffery Yamaguchi on this great site crafty pod. It's a podcast. I have read a lot about this book, and I think this interview is my favorite, and really sums up the ideas about it the best. Plus, I love listening to things. It's hard to stay focused long enough to read in depth on the computer with the babies crawling up my leg.

so, yes, another early gift for myself, but this is a really good one!

mission accomplished

I went down to motel Thursday night and saw jen corace's new show. I also met her and she was so friendly and lovely. Very excited to meet her in person. We had actually exchanged a few e-mails this summer, so I wasn't being a total stalker, just a sort-of stalker. I was so excited to see her new work in person. I can't quite put into words how delicate and absolutely exquisite her works on paper are. I can't stop thinking about them and get a little teary-eyed when I do. Her lines are incredible. Even something as simple as a shoe. The way she draws a shoe or a hand. Unbelievable. She can convey so much character in such few perfect lines.

these two portraits in particular really amaze me. There is more to see here- and while I was at motel I picked up two of jen's ornaments

which kill me. I'm so excited that so many artists are making christmas ornaments this year. I gave thought to making some. for about half a second,and then came to my senses. . .not this year. The tree will be only half decorated from the middle up anyway because of a small crazy person in the house, who turns one on monday.

** I read this post over a bit, talked to pete, and called motel and bought the girl portrait. I was feeling agitated all day about this piece and didn't want to look at it online, fearing it had sold AND fearing that it was still available-because I knew I had to have it. I am so happy (in that special "I can't afford this way") so, I get to look at her all the time now. my christmas comes early this year!