Window Shopping-Excursion 1

I caught Suze on public television during a Glee commercial last night. I heard her say, “Live below your means.” I just tallied expenses for tax purposes and man, the $13 here and the $15 there add up into thousands in a year. And if I want to get rid of this "big girl" job, I need to make a plan.

I bet Suze is not obsessed with good design. She for sure doesn’t buy crap just because it has great packaging. And she definitely does not have a stash of crafting supplies that could double as a scale model of Mount Saint Helen.

No, Ms. Orman is probably free from “cute shit” addiction.

This author, I’m afraid, needs to enroll herself into a 12 Step program----I can’t quite put my finger on just what it is, but I’ve come to understand that a bow on anything can drive me over the edge.

Thanks to Google Reader, I have saved the price of a yearly magazine subscription or 2. (or 3, or 6) but now I'm innundated with images of great shit every day, every hour.

What’s a girl to do? Especially a girl who loves expensive perfume, really good coffee, and can’t pass a Barnes & Noble without salivating.

Well, she can window shop. (And collect all the images into a wish list that perhaps her mister friend will peek at before her birthday on May 24th.)

Ms. Kidston, please stop.

Frederic, you, and that Barney friend of yours are indeed killing me.



Dreams of jersey knit tops with a boatneck and 3/4 length sleeves, designed by yours truly.

I know, it's just tape. Pretty tape. Japanese washi tape but when you want the trio in every color....

and the twine to go with it, it's a prime example of this sickness.

And yet another fragrance. I don't even know what this one smells like, the bottle had me hello.

Tom, Glitter and philanthrophy? Yeah, here's my credit card number.

Send me one of each. Size 8 please.

Anthro, I do not need one more reason to stay in bed longer than I should. Does the outdoor space come with it?

Wow, that was fun. Did it help? Maybe.

V, is very very extraordinary

The Love Edition of "The Girls'" are here, straight from the land of Sugary Pink. They'll be at the shop in February. (And are always available online if you miss the Market's open dates.)

The Love Shack feels like the perfect place for these two to stay while they're visiting. They'll play music and sing at the top of their lungs. Should fit in pretty well around here.


L is for the way you look at me

O is for the only one I see

V is very, very extraordinary

E is even more than anyone that you adore can

Organization..What?

Two days in a row? Don't fall over. I'll make this quick.

I received these today. January at the Market focuses on you and your home. You know-after you take the Christmas tree down, your house just feels blah and so do you. My original intention was for these to be with the pretty office supplies to help you organize bills, photos, and whatever miscellaneous crap accumulates at your desk.

Then, an aha went off in my head after I found a necklace while I was looking for tape in my junk drawer.

The perfect jewelry organizer. I tacked this to the wall in my closet and now I can see what I have. It's made of wire so the little curly frame bends to accomodate for the chunky bracelets and the rings open really wide for the big baubles.

The reoccurring theme of pearls, charm necklaces, rhinestones, and beads. I really need to branch out one of these days.

One more unrelated picture---scraps of textured wallpaper? Yeah, it makes the prettiest wrapping paper.

22 Days Since the Last Time

Ok, I know..it's been 22 days (what!?) since my last post and I apologize..bad, bad, blogger. I've been completely preoccupied with the shop, with the value exchanges going on in my life, with finding the perfect merchandise, with being the perfect mother, with trying to balance all of these priorities.

You've read it here before, but when I feel overwhelmed-I stop working. I shut down.I do nothing. This includes blogging with a shitty attitude.

I'm better today-I started small and just did the tasks. Amazing how one step at a time really works. Do they have AA for anxiety? I'd be a perfect candidate.

The market really has three purposes- two of which we are delivering on; offering trendy, affordable goods and supporting independant artists.

The 3rd and most important but sadly the most overlooked is; to find and feed what is inside us.

We are all creative on some level-the Market should be a place of inspiration. A place to feel some excitement to create. To create something, anything.

The supplies to create something concrete are there but somehow they just don't fit. They don't make sense. Making sense out of this area is #26 on the list of to-do's.

I'll start small (like here).

1. letter d, 2. Paper Pulp Letters with Sewing Pattern Decoupage-6 Letter Word, 3. CTMH Black & White Letters for My Craft Room, 4. Paper Mache Letters, 5. Altered DREAM Letters, 6. 7/365 - Love


The Urban Market sells papier mache letters. They beg to be made into something-to be altered, to be customized. They are literally $2/a piece. $2 art? Are you kidding?

I haven't had the time to make any examples so I found some help from some Flickr elves who get it. The above artistas can offer some "Letter" inspiration.

Image from Miss Minnie via Fat & Sassy

Ironic, as I was pondering this post, that I ran across a tutorial from another insanely talented blogger who has layed out a step by step how-to for these $2 fabulous finds.

Get going, make something.

I'll leave you with this thought... Step #1 for Anxiety Anonymous members-good advice for everyone else.

1. mouthwash

Progress and a Peek...

While my sign is being approved and made, I needed to hang something up so my artist friends who visit know where I am. (Too bad it was 9:30 at night when I tried to snap this shot.)


The Market is a place of "craftivity" and inspiration and well...a handmade sign just seemed to serve these two purposes. Something a little more "professional" will soon grace the front of the building. For now, it keeps me grounded in what I'm trying to achieve.



The ceiling is now finished (except for the real lights that need to get hung) but it feels much less like an office and more like my imagination. A bit cavelike but hopefully the real lights and the chandeliers will brighten the place up. Thankfully, the people who have entered thus far can see the potential.



I promised you a little peek, just a little one. I'm still drooling over these baubles. Seriously, I want every single one.

Handmade anything is special to me because of the stories behind them. We all had a reason, some spark of imagination, some creative urge that made it out of us. These items come from somewhere deep, somewhere a factory just can't replicate.

This artist, the jewelry designer from above, gets it. Not only some fabulous pieces, but a story too. See that little gold disc in the center of the photo, it's inscribed with a latin phrase...yes, well if you didn't want it before, you'll want it now.

Her description:
"Qu’hier Que Demain

In the early 20th century, the phrase “more than yesterday but less than tomorrow” from Rosemonde Étienette Gérard’s (1871–1953) poem "L'éternelle chanson" ("The Eternal Song") became a popular expression of growing love.
"I love you more and more each day, today more than yesterday but less than tomorrow. "

This bguides graced my inbox this morning:

“Nothing splendid has ever been achieved except by those who dared believe that something inside themselves was superior to circumstance.”

Bruce Barton (1886–1967) American advertising executive, U.S. congressman

Tell a story, let it out, and be brave.

Artist Love...

I have progress pictures though I can't get them off my camera just now so I promise--next post a shop update. (And a little teaser..I met some amazing talent on Saturday.)

I just ran across this while reading my blogroll and I have to share. For a Monday, it sure made me smile.

You want to keep repeating it, don't you?

This artist has created an entire company; some of her items I am carrying in the shop and I love them all...if this particular one would've been for sale, it would've been in the cart fo' sure.

A Sneak Peak and A Place I'd rather be...

I think a picture is sometimes worth the proverbial 1000 words..these are a few samples of upcoming Market merchandise.

But what if I were to trade all this in for this??? A trip to a French countryside to create and flea for a week? Are you kidding?? I'm sitting on my hand and repeating, " No, you musn't."

This is quite the feat since I am also trying to type this post.

It's really no fun to be responsible sometimes. No fun at all.

Happy New Year...

Graphic Courtesy of the Graphics Fairy

Happy New Year! What does 2009 have in store for us??? I can't wait to go for the ride. No resolutions-only the promise to do one thing per day that matters.


I love packaging (we've spoke of this before) but what I love more is designing labels. "The Girls" are in the shop and they needed some introduction, don't you think???

"The Girls" are going on a little trip. You see, I found the "Toy Society" and their contribution to the world is to give without expecting a thing in return.

The girls aren't good toys as they are, BUT give them a message and a purpose.... A day brightener.

I'm always looking for some sign, a blinking arrow to point me in the right direction. If I were to randomly find one of the girls and she holds a message that says, "Today's the day." Well, I'm ready to conquer the world from (a clothespin??) a little serendipitous message that I just happened to come upon.

(Don't we all have a 7 year old hiding in us? I'm going to use that as to the reason I am so wanting to make more.)

Here's to being 7 and one thing a day that matters.

A Little Courage

Courage has been a reoccuring theme in my life lately. (yes, my own need to change but..) I'm not talking about the, "have the chutzpah to chase your heart's desire" kind of courage but the kind that requires you to take a deep breath and put one foot in front of the other and keep moving. "The sometimes even to live is an act of courage" kind.


A few weeks ago, I was made aware that one of my favorite past co-workers (who is not much older than I) was diagnosed with cancer. Her spirit kicks ass to some of the best and her sense of wit and humor is infectious.

I contacted other co-workers for her address so that I could get something in the mail. Her reply was, "She'd love to hear from you. Just keep it positive." My response, "I know nothing but."

(For the record, I have not ever fought for my life so I'm not sure the kind of courage this requires.)

I only know that I believe I would need to keep my spirit, my mind, and my hand busy provided I was feeling up to it. I put together the little care package above (the card is mine too).

(BTW, she is a crafty soul. If you are thinking, "This chick wants her to fold paper when she's in the middle of killing cancer cells?)

-A feel better "Fortune Cookie"......

-A notebook

-Some paper cranes I folded just for her. (With the instructions on how to do and why, pre cut squares, and instructions to make her visitors help.)

-A mini-dream board for her to see her future...it exists.

I do not have the power to heal. I do not have the power to invoke courage for others. It's in us all-the power is ours.

I am the last person to be preaching on courage. I'm a scaredy cat that wears pants.

Others would disagree. Being an amputee creates this thought from others that you are amazing, that you are an inspiration. None of this is the case-there is no other choice than to continue to get up each morning and live.

This scaredy cat that wears pants needs motivation...I have the above print in my studio.

So paper crane wish #3 goes to Rach for obvious reasons. So that she fights and sees the future with herself in it.

#4,5, and 6 for everyone else who needs the courage-any kind.

Top on my list of favorite movies is "Princess Diaries" in which Amelia's father tells her that,

"Courage is not the absence of fear but the thought that something is more important than fear.

In the Name of Love

Despite the fact that it rained AND I forgot my camera, the Urban Market debut, was awesome.

A few thank you shout outs:

-Debra Ann, for braving the rain the entire day. For keeping me company, relieving me to take much needed "bio" breaks, for laughing when my pin cushions became sponges, and for all the prep help.

-To the librarian and the photographer for lending me their card tables and always their luck and support.

-Kellie and Carmen-Great spot guys!

-To my "neighbor" who let me scootch over a few feet into his massive space.

-Big Mister, whom without, I could not have completed anything. He fell off the "to-do" list often over these past few weeks.

(End of the cheesy Emmy speech....just, thank you!!)

Anyone who visited me today (or Saturday as I write this) and oohed or ahhed over anything, you've no idea how encouraging that is-Thank You! That was partially my soul laying there on those soggy tables and to leave it out in the rain is sometimes a scary, scary thing.

I knew that the Market wouldn't be for everyone. You only had to take a stroll around the park to see that I was in the midst of carved tree trunks and marshmallow shooters. But those of you who got it, well thank you for appreciating something new.

Since I'm all about the lessons life teaches, here's what I learned today:

-Moms do not buy tutus, grandmas do.

-Believe in yourself.

-A little water may flatten your hair, but it can't flatten internal exhilaration.

-Some people really read what they want to see, not what is actually there.

-Presentation, Presentation, Presentation. You don't know how many times I was asked where my store was located. Well, right here, silly. If it looks like one and acts like one, it probably is one.

-Only young women think aprons are an accessory. Anyone over 55 just can't stand the thought of them. (I think you could equate it to us Xers cringing when we see teenagers wearing fluorescent colors. We know that Genera Hypercolor shirts are not far from revival-ew!) Just as they see highballs at 5:00 and pot roast on the table as hubby walks through the door. These women fought to burn apron strings-we are oohing and buying them in every color. I can see where the eye rolls come in.

-Dream Boards were a hot seller. We all could use the visual, don't you think??

One more tidbit: I got so many compliments on the "flowers" pictured above, I thought I would share with the world. These particular ones are part of a Martha Stewart kit. If you must buy them, WalMart (I know, I hate it too..unless I'm looking for cheap things to alter their original use.) has 5 flowers in a kits for $9.97 vs. the 7 for $19.99 at Michael's and Martha's website.

But if you want to make them...all you need is some wire and 15 sheets of "craft" tissue paper (craft tissue paper has a waxy coating on one side-makes your flower hold its shape a little better).

-Unwrap your tissue paper, fan fold the tissue paper (you know back and forth like we did in kindergarten).

-You'll have one fat strip of paper. Round both ends (this will duplicate the lt. pink) with scissors. (Pretend it's a paper doll, and you are shaping the head.)

-Place the wire in the middle of the strip and twist.

-Starting at the end, pull each sheet of tissue paper upwards and shape as you go. So easy and so very cute.

Oh yes, my bguides quote today (hi, divine intervention) from Confucius, "It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop. "

Write Now.

Yes, still manufacturing.....

Since it is now 10:19 on a Sunday, I have exactly 11 minutes until my internal "stay on schedule" voice starts to tell me I need to get my ass in bed. Monday and I don't get along (and we abhor each other if I stay up too late on Sundays. Which always happens.)

Someday, I hope to reconcile with Mr. First Day of the Week but as of yet, we have an unspoken agreement to just deal with each other.

So, I'll make this snappy. To the left, are today's creation. Fabric covered journals. I want to keep them all for myself, (and maybe I'll get to.) As a bonus, I have created a little journal prompt book to go along with these. Sometimes, I'm extremely uninspired and could use the spark to get the juices flowing.

I came up with 29, the 30th one I stole from my dear friend, Oprah. The Gratitude Journal.

So, since I can't use one of these-here are the 10 things I'm grateful for today.

1. My husband's wool socks.

2. Rainy days.

3. The smell of supper simmering all day with the knowledge that I actually planned and executed a healthy meal. (We had beef stew.)

4. 2 crossword puzzles in the Sunday paper-an easy and a difficult

5. The smell of laundry tumbling in the dryer.

6. Naps.

7. Amos Lee, Michael Buble, and Billy Joel

8. Homework completion with no fights

9. Google

10. Picture day outfits picked out the night before.

I'm 6 minutes past my bedtime...Monday, please be nice.

Mailbox Inspiration

I am a word junkie. Some people collect ceramic figurines; I collect verbs.


(Or nouns, adjectives, adverbs, pronouns. I don't descriminate. I get especially excited, when, if grouped together they form motivational sentences.)




So, thumbing through a catalog I came across the inspiration for this idea. Their words were made from misprinted cans and the only option was "eat & drink"..not words that particularly resonate over here.



Here's a task for you..think of one word that could appeal to multiple people that has not been overused. The overused words of; happy, celebrate, cherish, dream, inspire-so tired of seeing. "Live" is in this category but I was in a hurry when I was buying the letters. See, nothing good (and in good, I mean creative) ever comes from being rushed.

So, my version: Visit your nearest craft superstore. (Michaels is just down the road from me...) and purchase the letters required to make your non-generic, non-overused word. The "Live" letters are about 12" tall, Poise are about 6".

Grab all those magazines you have stuffed under your bed and start cutting out images and words.

Grab a bottle of Mod-Podge (this word conjures up images of go-go dancers and Carol Brady) and glue your tushie off. Make sure to smooth down any air bubbles, and let dry. You'll get a great little piece of urban art-and if you don't rush...a piece that resonates.

Awareness??

In an effort to be more aware;

1.) I noted today that someone has worn the same pair of pants each day for 2 weeks in a row. This statement would only be bitchy if I made some sort of catty comment-I’ll refrain since I have no other connection to this person other than my observation. A collection of pants might not be high on her list of necessities.


2.) I also was aware that between the hours of 10:36 and 11:45, the same person loudly cleared his throat 14 times. Update at 5:00 (29 times.)


3.) Yes, I read my horoscope daily. I’ll use the awareness angle that there are alternate sources of divine intervention and I’m not one to discriminate.


(The above comments may feel contrary to the “discriminate statement”. I’m really ok with people who have scratchy throats and those who choose to be unbothered by clothing rotation. I secretly wish I was more comfortable with these facets of my own life.)

Today’s wisdom:
GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Maybe you're not totally ready for a venture. But it's probably too late to go back, so you may as well go forward. The universe is your momma bird, energetically nudging you out of the nest.

(Illustrated by Gumball Grenade..find it here.)

“HELLO!!!”, she says with relief and heavy sarcastic undertones.

4.) Be aware that there are online retailers who actually give a rip. Despite the bad “customer service” rap, here’s a tale:


I ordered a birthday present online yesterday at NOON, I received the item TODAY at 10 a.m. The best part, besides the lightning speed of its arrival, the site offered FREE SHIPPING. Not just FREE to get the damn things to me (and to me via OVERNIGHT when I hadn’t paid for it), but FREE for me to return them should little Miss not like them. Is this not world-class?? In fact, I think this is “Fairy-topia” in the shipping world.






5.) Be aware that there is a substantial reason for each person and thing to be in your life.

I received this fantastic, right-up-my-alley, perfect belated birthday present yesterday from the Possibility family. I love it when people really know you and what you’ll like.
This is no ordinary bracelet. This tiny piece of jewelry embodies the essence of; hope, rehabilitation, possibility (go figure), and change PLUS style, uniqueness, and recycled material. She had no idea (or maybe she did), but I really love this!!

And
6.) Realize that some people need “in your face” proof to believe things.
OR
7.) Marketing tactics work for a reason.
I read another blog in preparation for the big “nest exit” (see my horoscope above).
Originalgood.com, the maker of this perfect present, is a great example of telling a story to sell a product.

I’m patiently waiting for the arrival of the piece #2.







I’m a sucker for a story, good packaging, and something handmade.


I’m quite sure Eckhart did not mean for us to hone this type of awareness. But, I figure, if it pauses the continuous loop of the serenity prayer going through my head, then any type of awareness can be beneficial.



Noticing = Living.

Quote of the Day...

The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide you are not going to stay where you are. (Sorry author, I have no idea who you are.)



Naughty Monkey-Perfect brand of shoes to make an exit...or entrance.