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Summer DIY project

I know everyone probably made about 100 of these in their pre-teen years. I have a distinct memory of sitting on the grass at recess making these with my little girlfriends ...

I love the idea of making something pretty out of weeds :) 

Anyways, here's how I do it ... (please share if you have a different method!)

 Start with three clovers ... preferably with loooong stems.

Braid the ends (just like you would with your hair.)

Insert the next clover in one of the braid "holes." 

Keep braiding with this new stem (making the chain longer).

Keep going with this process ... inserting a new clover and re-braiding it into the chain.

  

:) 

the wall.

This is really a combination of writer's block (because I haven't been blogging) AND creative block (because I'm in a bit of a designer's rut.)

I think it's all the life changes I've been going through ... but I can't seem to find my muse/inspiration. I also think that a lot of my creativity used to come from being alone in my apartment and being kind of sad. So ... now that I've got Rich at arm's length and am totally happy, there isn't much room in my heart/brain/soul for much else!

I'm thinking of trying some new techniques ... like sketching, clipping from magazines, etc.

Any suggestions?

OMG the ribbon outlet....

SOOOOoooo.... Amanda, my big sis, and her little girl, Ella (my niece!) were in town for the weekend! Ella has gotten SO big! She loves "The Wiggles" (think: Richard Simmons on acid.) She calls them the "wee wees." aww!

Our big trip to the Ribbon Outlet in Hagerstown, Md., was a huge success! Amanda and I each got like $50 worth of cheap-o ribbon!! (Mom sat with a napping Ella in the car.)

Here I am with a MONSTER ROLL of red ribbon. This whole thing was like $3.00. NO WAY! I tried to stay with a more manageable size and amount though :)

Here's sweetie pie Ella, by the way :)

And LOOK! She is modeling my new line of "BabyGoose" accessories!!! More to come :) :)

Coming full circle

Super secret for you::::

Sometimes, custom orders stress me out. 

I mean, really! It's such a huge pressure to create something that someone will wear for an important day (most especially if that day is their wedding day!)

Usually, the customer has an image in their mind of what they're after, and my job is to get as close to that image as possible! I admit, I do love the challenge, but sometimes it is quite a difficult undertaking! This is why I am taking a break from custom work right now. 

I think it was starting to drain my creative "mojo," you know?

But, rest assured, I plan on getting back on the 'ole custom order wagon later this fall. 

(Like a month or so I think.)

======

Here is the upside of custom work though!! This was a great experience with Etsian, tschuess. Here she is with her FABULOUS hair and my bright little comb :) How cheery!

This is the best when an order can come FULL CIRCLE. From that initial contact, to a shared idea, to a product, then a photo of it in action!!

It makes me smile :)

ode to mod podge

I can't remember the first time I saw a rainbow, or what I was wearing when I got my first kiss, but I clearly remember the first time I met my true love: Mod Podge.

This disco-inspired bottle of joy is my true obsession. 

It literally can do anything. I am convinced of it. 

Not only do I use it for all of my crown-making and sealing, I also repair broken ceramics, fix the seal on my refrigerator, and even using for its intended purpose: decoupage!

There is not a pair of pants that I own, (or a blanket or rug or table for that matter) that does not have evidence of a wiped "modgey" finger on it. (I get in a messy mood when I'm creating...ask my parents about the carpet in my childhood room....) 

SO- this ode I devote to thee, my love, Mod Podge. You are at the root of my art, the obsession of my altered creations. Here's to you.