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31 December 2008

Change We Could Live With


My New Year's Resolutions are standard and cliche- go to bed earlier, eat less, eat better.. yada yada yada...
But, here are two funny NYR pieces I came across this week, because making resolutions for other people is way more fun. Have a super duper New Year's Eve, see you next year.

MEMO to Brad Pitt: What’s up with the porkpie hat and the slacker pants, fella? Are you a movie star or do you work in a record store?

Note to the former Mrs. Guy Ritchie: time to send the shtick in to the star shop for new brake pads and another one of those trademark reinventions. Eat a cookie while you’re at it, Madge. Lose the leotard.

A heads-up to Lindsay Lohan and Silvio Berlusconi and Mary Matalin and Brandon Flowers and John Mayer and Miley Cyrus and President Bush (watch out for those size 10s!) and yes, even the folks at Zagat.

It’s a new year. You’ve all been caught repeating yourself too often, giving the same trademark gopher-face smile to the media; having too many “private” girlfriend spats in public; putting your foot in a mouth stretched so surgically taut it’s a wonder you can still wedge a shoe past the caps; and reworking hoary formulas, sad routines or “reluctant” Lothario scripts to the point where now imminent irrelevance looms.

The time for a makeover is nigh.

Jack Shafer, the editor at large for Slate, spoke for a lot of folks when he let rip recently about the dreary hegemony exercised over the presidential campaign by the same 10 pundits mouthing canned political “insights” as they wagged their big bobbleheads.

“Why does the mere sight of David Broder, Bob Shrum, E. J. Dionne, or Peggy Noonan on television make me want to kill myself?” Mr. Shafer wrote. Did he really need to ask?

This is the time of year when we all flap our gums about changes we have no intention of making. Come Jan. 1 we embark on mass indulgence in fantasies that, just by willing it so, one can acquire thrifty habits, give up martinis, toss the Marlboros, eliminate the muffin top and finally finish reading Proust. Deep down we know that none of this is likely to occur.

And this is why it’s such a pleasure to dispense makeover tips about everyone and everything else.

And so Steven A. Shaw, a founder of the foodie Web site eGullet and author of “Asian Dining Rules,” recently took aim at the shopworn formula behind the Zagat empire, suggesting that the time had come to rework a tired trope.

“I mean, how many of those ‘not terribly pithy’ entries ‘strung together’ from reader ‘comments’ can a person ‘read without going insane?’ ” Mr. Shaw said in an e-mail message. “They need a new song.”

The French D. J. Michel Gaubert says new songs of a different sort are overdue when it comes to the substance abuse of celebrities driven to rehab.

Mr. Gaubert says he is weary of the usual yawn-inducing drug or alcohol or sex addictions that keep tabloids in business and the revolving doors spinning at rehabilitation centers like Cirque Lodge in Utah or Promises Malibu in California. He would like to “hear about other habits.”

How about compulsive nail biting, knuckle cracking or pica, the disorder that causes people to eat substances like cornstarch, chalk or dirt?

Perhaps, though, celebrities eat enough dirt as it is, in their roles as vessels for our imaginings about how they might live fuller lives, dress better for that endless red-carpet loop and stop making dumb choices in men.

TAKE Madonna. For decades the singer has been the billboard image of a shape-shifter, so much so that her makeovers risk seeming overcalculated and stale. Fans with long memories will recall that, before she dieted and exercised to the point where her ex-husband Guy Ritchie reportedly likened her to a “a hunk of gristle,” Madonna was a lovable and slightly chubby pop chick with a charmingly clueless taste for ripped crinolines and fingerless gloves.
For the rest of this article go to this NY Times page.

27 December 2008

post- Christmas, holiday fun

Getting organized and ready to ski takes some serious organization and skill- it's kind of like herding cats.
Observations on a super duper fun ski day.
My kids are:
1. Getting big and growing up faster than I ever could imagine.
2. S'dang cute.
3. Rockin' little skiers and boarders, little C (4 years old) has been wearing his skis around the backyard since it started seriously snowing a week or so ago, begging to go skiing and ride the chairlift so he can jump and do tricks.
4. So cute together. We were all cracking up when F, who usually boards- gave skis a go again today. He used a pair of his sisters skis and poles. He grudgingly brought it to our attention that the pink and silver ski poles he was using had 'fun girl' printed on them. That was his nickname for the rest of the day.

Relaxing in the lift line. It was freezing cold today, but we all bundled up and skied it up anyway. I was wishing I had a puffy coat like M's pictured here. I think I need to do a little post- Christmas shopping for something really puffy.

Sundance- looking so beautiful all buried in piles of snow.

23 December 2008

and the bigger tree...

Here is how the Christmas tree is looking this year. The chubby full tree isn't my first choice, but the kids picked this one out with their Dad. He is a lot less of a control freak (yoga breathing) than I am when it comes to things like picking out Christmas trees. But, I love it now all dolled up with lights and ornaments.

Collage Art- 'lemur lady' from the Beehive Bazaar.

A gift from Molly, picked up at Felt Club. Silkscreen on felt.

Sparkle bird, with crown... can you ever have too much sparkle? I don't think so (wait, in some cases-probably yes...)

This is actually a coaster, but I like it much better as an ornament. We don't have much use for coasters around these parts.
Steph gave me this one, it's from Coal Umbrella.
We sure think that cats doing silly things is darn funny. If you feel the same way, and you especially love hamsters- go see Bolt. I laughed 'til I cried (mostly feeding off the giggles of my kids).

Another felt ornament purchased for inspiration (from Anthropologie). I would like to make a few of these someday.

I did make this one. A new craft I just tried- made from big, round and flat sequins, pins, a styrofoam ball, and some green wool felt. I really like the way it turned out. Perhaps I put a tutorial on this blog after Christmas when I have a minute to breathe.

A few lovely fishies. The yellow fish, is from Felt Club but I embellished it a bit. I sewed the silkscreened fish on felt onto two pieces of pinking shear cut silver fabric then stuffed with a bit of batting- for a little extra pizazz. You could also sew it on a t-shirt, skirt or backpack, maybe I will change it up after Christmas.
If I remember correctly, the other fish in the background is from Pearl River Mart in NYC.

What in the crap am I doing blogging? I have many so many things I should be doing-finishing handmade gifts, wrapping, thankfully no more shopping, shoveling and the list goes on.....
Good luck with Christmas preparations everyone!

22 December 2008

tiny tree

A few Christmas decorations for around the house... I put all the tiny favorite, or really heavy (but still small) ornaments on this little tree where they can be seen a bit better. I know the background is a bit over exposed and blurry, but I promise you there is a full blown blizzard going on in the background, and I couldn't be happier about it. A white Christmas!




The kids are a bit confused by the felt skull... to bad, I guess that's the way it is around here. Oooh, and the underside of a caterpillar, beg your pardon.


I wish I could say I made this tiny dress, but I didn't. It's from Anthropologie a few years back.


A few gourds as snowmen.


I really, really want to make more felted things, whenever I see them made I get all inspired- then don't really know where to start. Maybe that should be my New Year's Resolution... do more felting. This bird, also from Anthropologie.

18 December 2008

blueprints and inner office memos



We have gotten lots of snow lately, so last Friday night and Saturday (all day) F (age 10) M (age 8) and a few friends drew up these plans, then worked very diligently building this igloo.
I must say the finished product was very close to the original plans. I didn't get a picture before it warmed up and said igloo collapsed under the sun. But it's snowing again, I'd better hang onto these blueprints in case they need to refer back to them.



The kids love playing office when we go to Torrey to visit. They take over Grandpa's space, and he is always very obliging about allowing this sort of business to go on (thanks Owen!)
At Thanksgiving they set up a jump rope hoisting sort of mail system from the office loft to the main level of the house to easily pass important information to each other. This note was passed between M and Q. I believe M is the pencil and Q is the handwriting in pen. The best part is that Grandma is the one that found it!
I'll probably get in trouble from the kids for posting this... but I think it's worth it!
You clever kids, I love you!

15 December 2008

a few cinematic gems



I've been doing a ton of sewing and crafting even though the Beehive Bazaar has wrapped up. Been watching a lot of movies whilst spending long hours in my sewing room making those pesky handmade Christmas presents- can't post pictures of the goods just yet...
The Station Agent came up in my Netflix queue and I really, really liked it. It's just a simple slice of life film, slow and fairly uncomplicated. On of those films you find yourself looking back at and smiling. I reminded me a tad bit of Garden State- another film I love.





Tristan and Isolde rates up there with Pride and Prejudice for me, I need to own it I love it so much.

12 December 2008

bus stop cozy


Now that's a lot of work. It wasn't me, unfortunateIy I don't knit very well or fast. I think it was a Cougar (BYU) who knitted this marvel, Steve O spotted the bus stop cozy in Provo near BYU campus and snapped a few photos before it was taken off. I wish I knew the clever one who added some warmth to the waiting bus patrons, even the bench was covered with a cozy.

10 December 2008

thank goodness my kids request such sensible Christmas gifts

My 12 year old wants a pony. She's so serious, she wrote a two page paper on why. This is the priceless letter we just received from her:

Sorry, the author requested I remove her letter, some sensitive feelers on my little gal.

What does a parent say to that?


Now, if that wasn't enough to swallow, my 10 year old son told me (in all seriousness) that all he wants for Christmas is a monkey. A real, live throwing-poo-around-their-cage monkey. Nothing else. Then he spent about an hour researching pet monkeys online. He is completely convinced it's an excellent idea and having a pet monkey around the house would be no trouble at all.

So that- in a nutshell- is what I'm working with this Christmas...

08 December 2008

a huge thanks

I just want to shout out Thank You to everyone out there who came to the Beehive Bazaar and bought my goods. I feel extremely thankful for everyone's support of my stitchery. With over 50 vendors the Bazaar was bigger and better than ever this December. We were tickled with the crowds of folks who showed up to shop it up.
It was amazing to see the support locals gave to the show, to handmade goods, to their fellow Utah residents. All of the artists involved put a crazy amount of time and effort into creating their wares- it's nice when all your hard work pays off in the end.

Here are a few things I picked up at this years show:

Yeah, that 2 1/2 ft tall brown paper mache reindeer is standing on my hearth next to the wood stove. The kids want to ride it, and can't stop touching it. So cleverly made by Hiedi Blackwelder. I also took home a couple of the collage trees from the picture to be added to my growing collection of tiny, crafty Christmas trees made by Hailey Liechty.

Super cute little pockets wall hanging made by Molly Call- my favorite part is that I don't own any of the fabric it's made out of. It may sound silly, but that's huge for me.

Absolutely hilarious 'siblings with hamster heads' collage art by Jami Schuur that will be hanging on my Christmas tree, and maybe somewhere else for the rest of the year.

Darling snowman gourd made by Jeni Gochnour.

This kitty on roller skates was snatched up before I could make up my mind, darn it. Dallas Russell- you always make the greatest little dolls.

04 December 2008

It's finally here!

I'm dying over these tiny boxes 'o' nonsense Stephanie is making for the Beehive Bazaar. I want at least 5 to put all over my house.


Don't miss the Bazaar, opening night is tonight and I can't wait to see what all the hardworking handmade busy bees are going to treat us to! Bee there or bee super bummed out if you miss it...

03 December 2008

take the pledge

I Took The Handmade Pledge! BuyHandmade.org
I took the pledge last year and am even a firmer believer a year later. With the economy in the state it is in and the Christmas season is upon us, it is more important than ever to make gift giving meaningful.
I read an excellent article called "The Frugal Teenager" in the Sunday Styles section of the New York Times a few months back that has stuck with me. The gist of it was- cutting back isn't necessarily a bad thing, it's a wake up call for the overindulged next generation as well as ourselves. Kids expressed that spending quality time with their parents was a gift above and beyond any material gift. They may not express it that way now, but they'll thank you later.
So think twice about your gift giving this year, take some time and make something- even better make gifts together, with your family- for each other.
One of my favorite quotes:
Memories mean more to me than dresses. -Anne Frank

01 December 2008

Beatles fabric


One in a whole series of very cool Beatles fabric I saw at equilter.com. I think I need to order some.

26 November 2008

Happy Thanksgiving




You can pick up a cute reversible apron like this next weekend at the Beehive Bazaar in the meantime, have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

25 November 2008

wrap-around skirts for ladies

After some trial and error in the pattern department I think I've finally got a shape I feel satisfied with. I'm sorry to say that they won't be available on my Etsy site until January- most likely. If you've got to have one- you'll just have to snatch one up at the Beehive Bazaar next weekend. With fall and winter in mind I made a few reversible skirts but most of them are single layer... both are so cute over jeans.

24 November 2008

a night out



The ladies of Book Group went to see Twilight Saturday night. Melinda, Book Group member who picked the book a few summers ago wasn't with us- she had gone on Thursday, the opening night (we missed you Melinda!)
It was a much needed (and anticipated) night out in the middle of craft season. I enjoyed every single moment- sitting completely still, not multi-tasking, tummy full of Bajio, no one hanging on/complaining to me.
I guess I'm pretty easy to please. Of course I could nit-pick or complain about bits here and there that didn't match up to the images in my head- but I won't. I loved the film, through and through- a few parts made me giggle, but for the most part it made me feel 18 again and helped me escape mundane reality for a couple of delicious hours.
It was great to be with all my ladies, our Book Group has been going strong for ten years now. All the gals are so uniquely fabulous and inspiring to me. As life gets busier and our kids grow up, we have spread out geographically making it increasingly difficult to get together regularly. So, no matter is going on in my life, I always look forward to Book Group every month- spending a few minutes discussing a book, but mostly, catching up with all my friends and life's goings on.

21 November 2008

High Street Messenger Bag... kind of



I've been making some messenger bags for the Beehive Bazaar all week. My kids and their friends each have their favorite bag picked out- this one with the owl is getting the highest score so far.
I've been using the Amy Butler High Street Messenger Bag pattern- not so easy to follow, let me tell ya. And I'll tell you why: instead of printing a picture to go along with every step, there are a few steps pictured and a wordy explanation for the rest of the steps.
It is so much easier to follow illustrations for each step- like a regular sewing pattern. It's like trying to teach someone how to tie knots with only words and no pictures- 100 times harder without the pictures. Maybe it's just me, maybe I've followed too many Butterick patterns over the years.
So, after picking out lots of mess-ups, I finally got it right. Now I have been altering the pattern a bit here and there. I changed it to a squarer shape, added a tiny cell phone pocket on the side, took off the magnetic tab on the front for closing.

20 November 2008

thinking ahead


It just hit me this morning- as the kids were putting Pierre (the kitty) in dolly clothes, someone has got to be a circus monkey next Halloween. Hopefully I can talk one of my kids into it, the smaller the body the funnier it would be. I've got about a year to convince (cajole, hound, beg, plead, black mail, bribe- whatever it takes) one of them it would be the best costume ever.

18 November 2008

a few tiny things I found at Felt Club

Felt Club was fantastic, it is always inspiring and motivating to see what other crafters, sewers, artsy folks are making. I came home with lots o' tiny things which is good for a gal whose suitcases are already full of fabric that she just so happened to have picked up on the same trip. This little ceramic fish on wheels (about 3 inches long) was made by PearsonMaron check them out on Etsy.

I have been wearing these earring nonstop since I got them- I love them so much- gotten a few compliments on them too. The gal who makes them had lots of cool jewelry made from recycled vintage goods- watch parts and typewriter keys too. Check her out here The Weekend Store.

When we went to Felt Club 2 years ago I got a tiny bird head figure wearing panties by this same artist, Melissa Contreras. It's one of my very favorite things in my house. I was so glad she was there again this year, I hemmed and hawed at her booth and finally came away with this tiny friend. She's about 3 inches tall and s'dang cute. Melissa's illustrations and paintings are very cool too. Check her out at Axel Honey.

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