Music makes the world go around....

I LOVE records. I'm not talking about eating the most hot dogs or the biggest cupcake(although the biggest cupcake does excite me). I'm talking about good old fashion vinyl records. There is nothing sexier, smoother or down right groovier than the warmth of that gentle hiss you hear when playing a record.  The artwork on albums alone is enough to make me weep for the past. Don't get me wrong, I love the instant gratification of finding my favorite song on my computer but it's so impersonal. Remember waiting for that album to come out, going to the record store,  and becoming all giddy when you got home and had a chance to play it. There's nothing that will beat the feeling of turning on your hi-fi and pogoing to The Clash or trying to woo that special someone with the exotic sounds of Martin Deeny. You just can't get that from an IPod.

Now that I've made you wax poetic about the past. I went down to the record vault (okay, the drum studio where the hi-fi's at) and pulled up some of my favorite yet somewhat sillier albums.

 

Okay, seriously, I'm not sure what's better-the cover or the fact that the nursery rhymes are done with a "beat".

Herb Albert is ESSENTIAL to any record collection. I have several of his albums but this one seems to be the most popular and you can find it just about anywhere. 

Warriors! Come  out and play! Damn good movie, damn good soundtrack.  I can dig it.

We have a lot of "theme" and holiday albums in the old collection. These are just two of the boxes of Halloween music OMP has. Yep, you are reading it correctly, Alfred Hitchcock put out a Halloween album for young people. I love the art work on both of these. 

I am a huge fan of Christmas music. I love it. These are two of my favorite Christmas time Albums. Hello! Monsters, chicken and Christmas-my three favorite things! Quit rubbing your eyes, you are reading that correctly, it is a Colonel Sanders KFC Christmas album. 

Let's say you want to plan an romantic night with your sweetie. I've got your covered! A little Harem nights topped off with a little party song to undress too. Oh yeah.....

Not only do we collect old rare albums but we still have a lot from our youth. It was a hard decision of which one to feature-The Clash, The Ramones or Repo Man. All amazing bands and albums that still stand up to today's standards. 

A lot of the albums I collect I find at estate sales, thrift stores or yard sales. You can usually find a decent turntable at the same places. I know vinyl records are by the wayside but in the Pedersen household they are alive and spinning. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna mix up a batch of martinis, throw on some tunes and do a little cha cha with OMP. Later Daddi-o

Getting Crafty with Craftster!

Okay, so I might be a little bias here but I LOVE CRAFTSTER! Not just a little either- A WHOLE BUNCH! I am  inspired on a daily basis and I have met extraordinary people that I will have as friends until I'm an old lady (this give me an idea for an old folks retirement home....must contact the powers that be at Craftster to start working on master plan). I recently had a chance to sit down and talk to Casey aka Jungrrl to get the lowdown on Craftster. Check it out!

What is Craftster and how did it start?

Craftster is an online community focused on indie crafting. It’s a place where you can come and post your completed craft projects, find inspiration, or get answers to your craft related questions. We welcome all types of crafting and handmade items but we’re really here to create a place for hip, irreverent, eco-friendly crafts. We like to say “No Tea Cozies without Irony” ;) It was created a little over 6 years ago, by Leah Kramer. At that time there were plenty of magazines and stores and communities for the country-type crafts (you know, the cement goose clothes or cinnamon potpurri) but few places were people could find things like reconstructed clothing, handmade plush monsters, or cross stitched swear words! You can find all of that stuff and TONS more on Craftster!

I actually did a little interview of Leah a while back, so if you want more juicy Craftster start-up details, you can see them here: http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=217269.0

And if you’re geeky like me and want to see more stats, you can do that here: http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?action=stats

What are the different forums?
We have TONS of different forums! We have over 350 boards in 30 different sections, covering lots of main crafting techniques, objects, and reasons for crafting. Categories for every technique from knitting to soap making to weaving and for items from clothing to toys. We have areas to post what you’ve already made, areas to post questions about things you’d like to make, areas to chat with people in your region, areas to take part in challenges. phew! It’s a lot to take in! If you’ve never been, a great place to start is our front page. We have thumbnails of all the latest and greatest projects and below that we have links to our most recent blog articles where we showcase all kinds of awesome things going on on the site.

What are swaps?
Well we’re in the process of revising our swap information and I think our new intro says it best:

“Swaps come in many shapes, sizes, and forms, but the basic idea is that you make a great crafty package that meets the swap's theme and requirements and takes into consideration your partner's wishes and preferences. You send the package you created to them and they send the package they created to you! Swaps are lots of fun; they can motivate you to create something really great and it's often a fun challenge because there's a certain theme to follow. Plus, you get something original in return!”

(We’re working on updating all the swap information, so if that isn’t up by the time you post this interview, it should be shortly.)

There are some rules for swapping, so make sure you read those (here)to make sure you’re eligible to swap and then go see what’s open! All the open swaps are listed here in this board. There are swaps for just about everything! People swap everything from supplies, to quilts, to clothing, and everything in between.

There’s tons and tons on inspirational stuff here in the Swap Gallery. You can browse through all of the awesome stuff that’s been sent in previous Craftster swaps. (Oh! And here’s a tip, at the top there’s a button that says “Show Images Only”!) Be careful though! It’s kind of addictive!


I keep seeing something about Digizine-what is it?
The Digizine is this really cool new advertising option for small and micro businesses (like, say, an etsy you run part-time). What it is is a shared ad space. Up to 10 banners share one of our main advertising spaces. I know it sounds weird but it’s actually really cool!

See? Pretty cool, huh? Ads come up randomly when loading, but once the page has been open for a bit, they start to scroll. You can even scroll through them manually. This means that every time the digizine comes up on a page, the viewer could possibly see your ad. Plus, sharing the space allows you to get your ad in the best possible ad spot for 1/10th of the regular cost! We LOVE small craft businesses and so do our members, so it’s a great way to reach a really receptive audience. We can even help you make a banner if you don’t have one already! We’ve tried to make this as easy and open as possible so it’s a self service option, but we are always here to help with any questions or issues.

You can see all the digizine info here: http://www.craftster.org/advertise/digizine/

A little birdy told me that Craftster is going to Renegade-is that true?
It’s true! Batgirl, photojenn and myself will be manning (womanning? ;)) a tent at Renegade Chicago again this year! We went last year but the torrential rain put a damper on things. This year we’re back and better than ever! We’ll be selling shirts and other items from the Craftster shop (http://www.shop.craftster.org) and we’ll have some cute little items you can make and take home! For those of you in the area, Renegade Chicago is September 12th and 13th from 11am-7pm each day. Stop by!

What does the future hold for Craftster
Well... There’s a super secret project in the works with this super cool girl named Pam. She’s the bees knees. You may know her? ;) It’s going to be really, really awesome and I wish I could share more, but you’ll just have to wait. (Hopefully not too much longer!) We’re also going to be doing a craft fair blitz in December. If things go according to plan, we’ll be represented at fairs in Minneapolis, Chicago, and Boston on the same weekend. We’ll be selling our awesome Craftster items again, and handing out info on how to make your own holiday gift bags.

How awesome! I can't wait to see what's next! Thank you to all the mods and the staff at Craftster-you guys rock my socks!I'm so glad that I get to be a part of such an awesome, nurturing, fun community.  So, if you haven't yet-get your butts over to Craftster and I hope to see you online or maybe even at a craft fair! 

Tie One On Tuesday!

Hello Daddy, Hello Mom...I'm your cha cha cha cha CHERRY BOMB! There is only one thing I love more than that song and that's cherry drinks!

I thought I would give one last nod to summer with yummy cherry drinks to tease your taste buds. Now I am definitely NOT a maraschino cherry person. Quite frankly they scare the hell out of me. Cherries are not suppose to glow red but I recently fell in love with cherry liqueur and had to find a few cocktails to enjoy this intoxicating substance.

The first drink is just too much fun to say! Cherry Chi Chi. It sounds a little naughty and I'm sure after drinking a few of them you will feel just like the name sounds.

Cherry Chi Chi
3 ounces vodka
2 tablespoons sweetened cream of coconut
1/2 pineapple juice (we used pineapple guava juice for extra taste and for pinkness)
1/2 ounce Cherry Liqueur

Fill a cocktail shaker three quarters full with ice. Add all ingredients, cover and shake well. Strain into a cocktail glass with fresh ice. We actually used a martini glass with no ice, but you can do it whatever way you want, cause I said so.

Now let's get your rum and cherry fix with a cocktail perfectly named Cherry Rum Fix (original huh?)This drink is so easy anyone can do it.

Cherry Rum Fix
1/2 teaspoon simple syrup
1 1/2 ounces light rum
1/2 ounce cherry liqueur
1/2 ounce fresh squeezed lemon juice

Fill glass with ice and build the drink upon it. Stir until glass is frosted and enjoy!

These cocktails are super easy and I'm sure you will enjoy them.  They are a sweet treat to bid summer a fond farewell. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to raise my glass and tell summer to get the hell off my lawn-OMP style!

Back to School!

Ah, summer is winding down, the air is getting a little crisper and the school bell is ringing. It's that time of year again when the little kidlets head back to school for some higher education. Now there are a MILLION school movies out there so it was hard to narrow down the "school" genre I wanted to focus on. Sure I could do inspirational and you already know I love a musicals but the thought of a miserable little teenagers out there brings a big smile to my old bitter face.

Okay class, let's begin with Rushmore. This is a movie that people either absolutely love or absolutely hate (which is the case with most Wes Anderson's movies) This is a very dark comedy about love and after school activities (Not those kind-get your mind out of the gutter). Max Fischer is a precocious 15 year old trying to make it through Rushmore private school. The only problem is Max is exceptional at writing plays and bee keeping but horrible in actual learning part of it. . Throw in a crush on a teacher and Bill Murray and you have a dark touching comedy.

Now for all you misunderstood art class dropouts, I have the movie Heathers. Remember when Christian Slater was cute and dark and the next big thing, yeah well, it never happen. Oh and Winona Rider was totally kick ass-remember-I miss her smart ass humor and big doe eyes. Why? Why? Why? did they have to have such egos...oh wait, we are talking about movies here...Veronica is surrounded by her "in crowd" of Heather 1, 2 and 3 but isn't 100% sure she fits in. This is where JD shows up and the Heathers start dropping like flies. This is another dark comedy that has a lot of sass and great one liners. It was a great contrast to the other 80's feel good teen movies that were coming out at the time.

Last, a little indie movie that burst onto the scenes and quickly won over the mass market without destroying it's indie street cred. Napoleon Dynamite. I will fully admit that I love this movie! It is so painfully awkward that you can't help but to giggle and cringe at the same time. The one thing about underdog Napoleon Dynamite is that you didn't fall in love with him at the end. He was still somewhat of a jerk through and through. You knew nothing was going to change at the end of the movie yet, you were okay with that. Napoleon is a social outcast who goes through his daily life lying about hunting wolverines, catching delicious sea bass and helping his friend try to win the student body presidency. It is a very sweet awkward movie that spun out of control with t-shirts, dolls and lunchboxes.

Well there you have it class, three little indie movies that will get you that cute little indie boy or girl's phone number and maybe even a date to the local filmfest. You can thank me later that night when you write you daily diary entry.

Scrappy Dog Sunday!

 

Mo

As I sit and watch the girls sleeping beside me I realize how lucky they are. They have a wonderful loving home, enough food to eat and parents that love them very much. It's definitely a give and take relationship, I give the treats and they take them. The girls give us more love than we could ever imagine. They lift our spirits when we are down, love us unconditionally and force us to take care of ourselves. I can't imagine life without them.

 

Pico

They are lucky, they have a good safe life, but there are millions of furry babes out there that need loving homes. Now I'm not going to play that completely sad ASPCA ad that makes me cry EVERY time I see it or try to sound like a Feed the Children commercial. I'm just here to tell you about a few places that help you adopt a friend. 

 

Honey

One of the best places to check out online is Pet Finder. I have spent hours upon hours at this site just looking at little ones that need loving homes. The best thing about Pet Finder is that you can enter the type of animals you want and they will find it for you. Maybe you don't want a dog but want a goat instead. Just type in the perimeters and you'll find a goat in your area. It's one of the quickest, easiest ways to find a new buddy.

 

Matilda

There are several options if you want something closer to home. The Humane Society and your local animal control shelter are great places to check out. You can cruise your options online or head down to the shelter to check out the animals that are up for adoption. If you are looking specifically for a no kill shelter, the website nOkillnetwork.org has listings in your area. This isn't a complete listing. I found others in my area by googling "No Kill Shelter".

 

Rosie

Now let's say you are interested in a specific breed, there are even adoption places for that! There are wonderful agencies out there that rescue and save animals from horrible backyard breeders. Again, google the breed that you are interested in and you will come up with dozens of places.

 

Mildred

Adopting a pet is a serious commitment and just like any other relationship should not be taken lightly. Pets need us to take care of them. If you don't have the time and devotion it requires to take care of a pet, then please reconsider adopting. There are other ways to get your fuzzbutt fix-babysit for a friend, volunteer at a shelter, support organizations that help animals. If you are ready for that commitment and are looking for a new friend,consider adoption. You will make a difference in a little one's life and I guarantee they will do the same.

 

Piglet

*All the animals pictured today are looking for loving homes.

Feeling Good Friday!

Blech! I know, I know,,,what a great way to start Feeling Good Friday but I have been sick this whole week and I have managed to get OMP sick which is NEVER good. I apologize in advance to being the carrier monkey, and getting  anyone else sick. Even though I am feeling like I got hit by a Mack truck I can still find wonderful things to be happy about this Friday.

Fall is just around the corner, which means Halloween is not far behind! I LOVE fall weather. It is my favorite time of the year. I get excited watching the leaves change, the air get a little crisper and settling in for an adventurous winter.
I love this piece done by Sew Sugary Sweet. It is so sweet and the stitching is amazing!

Even though I don't have children, I always get excited about school starting back up. I love the thought of getting school supplies, new teachers, meeting new friends and having crazy adventures. I came across this blog and it was so sweet to me. Sparkle Power! is a great blog about life, love, family and being connected to those around you. Oh, and handmade treasures! It makes me happy that there are ultra cool hip moms out there making a difference and being positive.

Speaking of Making a difference!  I just found out that you can donate your old electronics and computers to the Humane Society. How cool is that? Check out MyBoneYard.com for all the details. This is a wonderful way to help out a great charity and get rid of those gadgets hanging around your house.

Oh my goodness how I love Black Apple! Emily Martin's  art is so adorable and yet somewhat creepy.  Did I mention that I LOVE it? You can find her on etsy and different handmade/craft shows. If you don't have a piece of her art work yet, in any form-go get it NOW!

Ah yes, and because I can't resist making list. Here are my 10 happies for the your viewing pleasure.
1. Always at the top. OMP and the pups
2. My friends, I may not be able to tell them on a daily basis how much they mean to me, but they do. I love you!
3. Knowing that I can make a difference in the world.
4. Fall is almost here. So long summer!
5. Knowing that I have people in my life from every different background and from all around the world and know that we can come together in peace  and respect.
6. A good cup of tea
7.Learning to do more than just survive.
8. Singing bad songs at the top of my lungs.
9. Watching the pups heads move side to side when I am singing at the top of my lungs
10. Vanilla

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.
       - Leo Buscaglia

Crystal's Sad Eyed Beauties.

A lot of you have experienced some of my collections but I want to introduce you my friend Crystal. Her sad eyed painting collection is beyond belief! When I was looking through her pictures and saw she had an actual Keane, I think I almost peed my pants. I'll let her tell you a little bit about her collection.

My mom actually got me collecting these pieces.  She bought me a really cute Lee piece (that I've since lost in a move or something) gosh probably about 15 years ago or more. From there it just grew.  I would buy one every time I saw one in a thrift store which wasn't very often.  It seems they never charged very much for them back then and I've gotten several of these for $1.  I hardly find them in thrift stores anymore.  I always look but usually never find any so I really haven't added to the collection in a while.

The last time I found one at a thrift was last year.  I found two really great Maio pieces in great looking frames and they were $5 each.  Of course they are all over ebay but the sellers want a lot for them--usually more then I'm willing to spend.  Most of my ebay purchases have been small pieces.  So if you want to start collecting them ebay's a great place to start and know your artists--Keane, Maio, France, Eden, Lee, Idylle are some of the main ones you see.  There are plenty more artists of the genre out there too--not to mention Gig who did the Pity puppies and kitties if you like sad animals.

One of my faves by the artist Eden.  I love this because I'm an artist and I have a cat. Another great score I got was a Maio. I got it at the flea market for $4.00! It is a bit different because it shows a more adult person and not a small child. I love how beautifully it is painted.

My absolute favorite of my collection is this Keane painting.  Margaret Keane is the grand dame of the genre.  She has a definite style and her pieces are usually filled with such emotion and are almost always sad or depressing.  I love thin one about 2 runaways.  The long alley really gives you a sense of loneliness.  

Hanging them all together really gave me a sense of how many I actually had and I have!  I love looking at them and I love the hunt for them.  That's half the fun of collecting anything really--the hunt for them.  Because I don't see these in thrifts much anymore when I do come across one I get so excited!

Crystal's collection makes me excited! I love that I can geek out with her when it comes to these sad eyed beauties. Thank you so much for sharing your collection with us, it is amazing!