Feel Good Friday!

Thank you Sunshine Kid

 
It's Friday,doing a happy dance. Yahoo! Friday! Today started like just about any other day until my co-worker brought in her puppy to work. That TOTALLY made my day! Baby animals are the best cure for what ails you.

If you have never seen Amanda Panda Pant's embroidery work, you are missing out. This lady can STITCH! She does some amazing work, not to mention she is adorable and super sweet! I always love her take on traditional patterns. Yeah, she rocks!

Speaking of awesomeness, Have you checked out the vintage goodies at Lily Loves Bernie? They have a blue coat that is do die for. I SO wish I could fit into it! She also does some super cute embroidery on some very sexy slips. H-O-T!

I LOVE finding new blogs and websites.Meeting new people and reading about everyday life connects us. I love when you are reading a blog and have the epiphany, "That is me! I do that too!" The instant connection you have with someone warms the soul. You may never actually get to "meet" them but it is always nice to know that you have a friend who cares about your out there. When I first read Alicia Paulson's blog, I got that instant warm cozy feeling and not just because we are in the same town but because her warm personal writing invites you in and ask you to sit down for some tea as she tells you about her many adventures.

Who is ready for the movie Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs? I LOVED this book as a child and remembered that I wanted to live in the book so I could ski on mash potatoes. Well, they made the book into a movie and I'm actually really excited to see it. I know this is a change from my normal horror movie but I can't help it! It just looks too cute to pass up. 

Before I head out for the weekend. I wanted to remind myself (and you!) of 10 things that make me happy. In no certain order they are...
1. OMP and the Pups (ALWAYS)
2. Puppy kisses
3. Swapping on Craftster
4. Sleeping in on days off
5. A good cup of tea
6. A good piece of cake
7. Inside jokes with friends
8. Loving myself
9. My 75 year old dad on Facebook and him calling it Facemail
10. YOU!

Now go out there, enjoy the fall weather and be happy!

Jenny Hart and Sublime Stitching-This Ain't Your Gramma's Embroidery!

Did I ever tell you how much I love Jenny Hart and Sublime Stitching? No? Well-it's bunches and bunches! She is the reason I got into embroidery! She has inspired so many people. She is a talented artist and super sweet with a pinch of sass!

So,,,the big question is-how did you (and Sublime Stitching) get started?
When I first took up embroidery, I had never tried it before. But once I did, I became completely addicted to it. This was in the summer of 2000, and the handmade movement was just really starting up, but with a heavy focus on knitting. No one was really doing anything with embroidery in the contemporary sense, and there were no new resources for it. I was so taken with embroidery because it's illustrative (and drawing is my first passion). I wanted to turn other crafters on to it as well, but knew they’d need updated patterns, starter kits and instructions -exactly what I was looking for but couldn't find anywhere. The idea of tattoo designs for patterns was considered outrageous! My mission as a company was to change the way people looked at and learned embroidery. I began with a very modest but generous loan of $1,000.00 from my parents, I had to outline an entire budget to my father and account for every dime he loaned me, which I did. It covered my first manufacturing costs, shipping, packaging and my first print ad. They asked that I pay back half once I turned a profit which I did six months later. I never borrowed money again until five years into running the company. I have been very careful about the kind of debt I’ve acquired and have tried to avoid costly loans or over-use of credit cards.

Who/What inspires you?
I'm inspired by anyone who has a unique vision that clearly stands apart. You know it when you see it, because it makes you feel something. It makes you feel your own kind of inspiration that can take form in you that is totally unique as well. I feel this is true in art, music, film, writing -anything. There are endless forms that inspiration can take and I think the incredibly diverse offerings of work within the DIY community alone is a remarkable testament to that. For my own work, I often find I'm inspired by what I don't see. Meaning, I end up looking for something I'm curious about, or have imagined or wanted. Then I seek it out -if I can't find it, I'll try to make it myself. That's how Sublime Stitching was born, after all!

You just had a new book released-can you tell me about it?
I'm so excited about it! It's called Embroidered Effects  and it covers embroidery how-to from the very beginning to more advanced and unique techniques (like stitching combos for unusual effects), over 20 projects with pages and pages of full-color photos, a new stitching sampler, large-format transfers (yes, the fandancer on the cover is one of them) and pictures of my cat! Had to mention that.

I am so thrilled with how this book turned out, but it would not have been possible without the help of many people, including Ginger Edwards, Amy Bindel (Early Bird Special), Flor Hernandez (Feeling Stitchy) and Rachel Hobson (Average Jane Crafter), who helped me stitch up projects for the book and did a beautiful job. This book is plumb near everything I have learned (but just the tip of the embroidery-berg) about embroidery over the last eight years between two covers. Almost. Not quite. It was a lot of fun work! I hope you enjoy it! The book is available through Chronicle Books.

What are you working on right now?
I am in Paris where I have embroidered works hanging in two shows opening in October! You can see more information about it at my website . When I get back to Austin, a group show of contemporary embroidery that I was asked to curate will be opening the first weekend in November at Yard Dog. It's called "Over and Under". This is just a small show in a small (but wonderful) gallery, so I couldn't possibly include all of the wonderful artists working in embroidery today that I'd like to. The other in-the-future project that I'm excited about but will say no more than two words on is: Hart Crafts.

 What advice do you have for the masses?
Do it, make it yours, show the world and be proud of it.

BONUS QUESTION
You know of my deep fear of French knots, are they really that warm and fuzzy?
You must get past your fear little stitching grasshopper. I think you might be doing it wrong. Have you tried my very own "Fool Proof French Knot" instructions?


Alright, only cause I like you and trust you, will I give French Knots one more try. You make it look pretty easy.

Jenny-thank you so much for inspiring so many people. You are a big hero to me and to others. I wish you success in everything you do. I can't wait for you next adventure!

Tie One On Tuesday

Okay, before I let OMP take over, did anyone else realize that Tie One On Tuesday spells TOOT? Hee hee...I'm a 12 year old boy. Okay, before I get "the look" from OMP, here ya go!

How to stock your home bar OR how to get free stuff from your friends without really trying!!

So this week we are forgoing the drink recipes for a more important topic. What’s that you say? What’s more important then booze? Hold onto your highball there sparky, we are still going to talk about the fermented goodness but just not in the usual way. I want to help you people out there get your bar stocked in the proper way.

We all look at the different drinks and such (here and elsewhere) and drool, but then ask yourself – that sounds good but I don’t have a bottle of bitters or Vermouth.

Well I am going to talk some good old fashioned (uuulgh, an Old Fashioned……oh sorry, faded off there for a sec) sense when it comes down to getting the right stuff.

First do yourself a HUGE favor and go out and get yourself a good drink book. If you want basic Cocktails, then get a basic bartenders guide. There are lots on the market right now, or if you tend to be a girl drink drunk then pick yourself up an Exotic/Tiki drink book (HINT: Beach Bum Berry’s guides are tops in this genre).

Flip through the pages and pick yourself out a couple of drinks that sound really good to you. Look over the recipes. Make a note on the ingredients and then head off to the Liquor store. Pick yourself up the ingredients to just those two drinks. I might make the recommendation that you pick up the smaller bottles (Pints) of booze, this will cut down on your initial investment and still provide some juice for your bar. Now go home, lock yourself in and attempt to make said drinks – enjoy!!!

Now, that you have those two down, flip through the book and pick out a couple more, then next payday go to the store and get the mix’ums for those drinks. In a few weeks or so you will have a nicely stocked bar and know how to make some basic drinks. And yes start out with the easy ones. Biggest mistake I made years ago was trying to mix a proper Zombie. First two I made caused my friends hair to fall out they were so strong.

Okay – now here is a sneaky way to get “free” booze. Plan out a party and invite your friends over for a “stock the bar” party. Admission is a bottle of booze and one mixer. Now – this can back fire in a BIG way if all your friends like Margarita's. In the end your bar is stocked with 20 bottles of Tequila and Rose’s Mix. If worse comes to worse, drop polite hints as to what type of liquor your interested in, OR what type of drinks you like (and would like to make for them). In the end of a successful party, you have more booze in the cupboard and you’ve made your friends happy with some party dip and a few drinks. If you’re lucky – most of your friends will drink Beer and wine. It’s a win for all!

If you still have questions on any of the above please, do not hesitate to not ask them NOW! My head hurts from writing, I’ll be in my bar.

Next week – the tools of the trade………

Scrappy Dog Sunday!

This week's Scrappy dog is Margarita. She is the cutest little pupper! She is always well behaved, full of love and a mom or sister to any pet needing a little extra attention. She's kind of like the furry version of Mother Theresa (well, if Mother Theresa was full of sass). Here's a little bit more about my sweet fuzzbutt.

You are such a sweetie, is it all just an act?
Well nobody is perfect, I have my moments especially when Elsa has been mashing my head with a toy for ten minutes or she tries to steal my spot on the bed. My other fault is that I can't resist the lure of people food, if it is in a bowl or on a plate I want it.

What's it like having so many brothers and sisters?
The cats are pretty awesome, they leave me alone except when they want to cuddle. Elsa is a typical little sister, sometimes I really like having her around but she can be such a pest!

What's your favorite song?
Anything by Neil Diamond.

Your best day ever was....
The day that my mom was sick and she stayed home from work and we sat on the couch under a blanket and watched TV all day!! It was B.E. (before Elsa)

Bonus Question
Happiness is.....
A warm spot in the sun!

Margarita, you are such a lover girl! I'm so happy that you are out there. You have a better outlook on life than most humans! Now Scrappy dog fans be sure to stay tune next week to find out what Elsa thinks about her big sister!

Feel Good Friday!

BLECH! What a craptastic week! Has everyone been having the week from hell? You have? Well, I've got a few things to make you happy at least for a few minutes, let's hope more!

So, I've decided this morning that I need some fun music to get my blood pumping and put a little smile of my face, a little spark in my eye and a spring in my step. Here's my morning mix for you. It is a sure fire cure for anything that ails you.

Sweet Caroline-Neil Diamond-Chicks love Neil Diamond. It is a proven fact that if you put on this song, girls will be dancing on the table. I don't know one person in this world that does not like to belt this song out at the top of their lungs and if you don't like it, something is seriously wrong with you. Go to the doctor and get checked out immediately.
Fat Bottom Girls-Queen. Oh Freddy Mercury, thank you for singing a song praising the girls who have a little junk in their trunk.
Rock and Roll all Nite-Kiss. Don't lie, you KNOW you love this song. Everytime it comes on you put your fist in the air and  give it a good ol' horns up!
Tighten Up-Archie Bell. When soul was good and you could dance to it.
20th Centruy Boy-T Rex. This songs makes me dance and wish for the day of English Glam rock. No one did it better than Mark Bolen
Tick Tick Boom-The Hives. Now you know that I ALWAYS praise this band but they really are the best band out there right now. Those Swedes know how to do it. I can put on any Hives song on any given day and instantly be happy. They will make you happy too.

 

I love this piece from Bookwormbethie. The stitching blows me away. 

I came across this website on my daily surfing of the interweb. Creature Comforts offers daily inspirations, amazing  finds and wonderful downloads. Oh yeah, my favorite part-it's PINK!

Jesse Danger makes beautiful unique jewelry. It's so hard to decide which piece I love the best.

Well, there ya go! Get your butt moving and have a happy Friday. As always some warm fuzzy animals to make you smile. The ears people, look at those ears. Killing me!

Aw, You're a Doll!

A lot of people find dolls pretty creepy and granted some of them are  but I still love them. They take me back to a time when I was a little girl . I loved making up little stories for them and making differnt outfits for the daily lives. They had the adventures I couldn't have at five.

I love this doll so much. It reminds me of my mother when she was a little girl.  

 

These lovely girls are from a Meyer and Frank Back to School display 

 

I LOVE Blythe! This is not an original. I don't think I could possibly afford one. My friend Linda made her a bunch of clothes but I can't possibly take this kimono off of her-she looks way too sweet. I love that her eyes turn different colors and that they change direction.

 

Another popular doll that is on the same line as Blythe is a Pullip doll. They have different costumes and themes. She is a gothic Lolita. I have several of them but she's my favorite. 

 

I found these two in St. Augustine, Florida. I'm not sure what their history is but I love their faces and hands. They have been moved around so much that their dresses are kinda beat up.

 

Gene is my ABSOLUTE favorite doll EVER! She is a 1940's pin up actress that came with different outfits and stories. The original doll comes with corset.

I really wish I could show you all of my favorites but then there would be pages and pages. Doll collecting can be a scary world to venture in. There are a lot of  very serious people out there. Like I always say, have fun with it. Collect what you like.  It doesn't matter whether it is new or old or missing a shoe. It's your collection and you can do what you want, cause I said so!

Getting to know Bascom Hogue

I can't remember where I first discovered the breathtaking, eerie and beautiful work of Bascom Hogue. I just know I was blown away by the images and the rawness of the embroidery. As I've gotten to know him a little better I have found that he is a man true to his word, deeply spiritual and yet still an enigma. 


Tell me a little bit about yourself.
I am a Mennonite from Kansas. I love Jesus. I like potatoes, pies, homemade bread, dogs, road trips, the Great Plains, reading, sewing, painting, and the feel of freshly laundered sheets on the bed. My mother is Jewish and my father is Christian. I have advanced college degrees in social work and theology. I have seven older sisters.

Your images are so breathtaking and personal. How do you choose them?
Kansas is the land of contrasts. I have always known some folks who sin like crazy, are mean as hell, and go to church every Sunday. I also know many folks who are quite charitable in their thoughts, deeds, and epitomize what a Christian should be. I pick images by thinking about contrasts and distilling them to their essence. I try to make images that have the grand qualities of Tolstoy’s writings and the beauty of Johns’ works but always anchored to the things I know.

I love the old photographs and images you have on Flikr, where do you find them?
Some of them are family photographs passed sown to me. Some of them I found in junk stores, antique malls, old books, drawers in estate sales, and some from internet auctions.

Do you have a website?
I have a blog called Cottonwood Diner. I like cottonwood trees. I like diners, and I like people. http://cottonwooddiner.blogspot.com/

 Any advice for the masses? 
Like the song says, “…Love one another right.”

Thank you so much for allowing me to share your beautiful work with others. I wish you peace and happiness in everything you do and all adventures you set out to discover. You are a wonderful person and an amazing talent.