Less is more 18 July 2008

I feel like the more free time I have, the less I get done. I can always say, “I’ll do that later” since I know I’ll have time later. When I’m busy, things get done because I don’t know if I’ll have time later. So since I started a new job this week, I’ve done a lot of cleaning and organizing that I’ve ignored for a while. There’s empty surfaces that were covered in clutter just a few days ago! My kitchen sparkles!

When you’re busy, you’re constantly going. That momentum keeps you getting stuff done. It’s the stopping to take a break that kills my motivation. My best days at work are the ones where I look at the clock and think: “Wow, 3 hours have gone by already?” Even when I come home after a long day at work, I’m still in the mindset to get a lot accomplished.

Modern day treasure hunting! 9 July 2008

hand carved cat

hand carved bat

One of the coolest things I heard about recently is letterboxing. It combines my love of craft with my desire to explore. It’s virtually free and gets you some exercise. What more could you ask for in a hobby?

The main thing you need to get started as a letterboxer is your own stamp to mark what boxes you’ve found. As an artist and designer, I just couldn’t use a pre-made stamp. My stamp needed to be unique. Of course, I had never carved a stamp before. I’ve been painting, drawing, and collaging for years so why not try something new? There’s somewhat of a learning curve with carving but the technique is very similar to scratchboard. After doing some practice stamps (can you tell which stamp I did first?), I have some ideas on how to perfect the process. Since it’s best to glue the rubber stamp material to a block of wood for clearer prints, I think cutting out the larger shapes and gluing those to the wood directly would save time. And give the stamp a more polished look.

Once you have a stamp (and stamp pad), a “trail name” and a blank book to record your adventures (and knowing me I’ll want to make my own book too!), you’re ready to start letterboxing! Look for clues to find letterboxes near you at www.letterboxing.org and www.atlasquest.com. There’s bound to be plenty within walking distance of your house. When you find the box, mark the box’s book with your stamp and trail name and mark your book with the box’s stamp.

If you want to take it further, create your own box. Put a stamp, stamp pad and small book in a box and post your clues on one of the letterboxing sites.

Good clean fun 7 July 2008

felting process

felt soap

felt beads

Felting is a lot of fun. It’s so satisfying to create beads and nice soaps out of wool. Using a felting needle for the whole process leads to poking your fingers until they bleed. Wet felting doesn’t let you get as detailed. So I combined the techniques. I start by dry felting to get the design started. Then I use a little soap and a lot of hot water to really get the felt going quickly. Gloves help so I don’t dry my hands out.

Felted soap is especially great because you don’t need to ADD soap to the process. And the soap continues to felt as you use it. The end result is a nice light exfoliating soap.

Playing around with shrinky dinks 5 July 2008

I’ve been having fun experimenting with shrinky dinks: sketching with colored pencils and sharpies and painting with acrylics. I’m pretty happy with how these turned out considering I was just playing around. I think if I do a little planning/sketching first, I may be able to sell illustrated earrings, pendants and key rings.

Cupcakes! 30 June 2008

I have a cupcake obsession. I’m not even that crazy about eating them. I actually like looking at them more than I like eating them. Usually cake is too dry and crumbly for my tastes. And I’m very picky about frosting. Give me buttercream or give me death! Crisco is only good for making fake whipped cream or ice cream. It’s not meant to be eaten.

There are very few places that make beautiful and delicious cupcakes. Back in the Day in Savannah’s Starland District and The Cupcake Shoppe in Raleigh. Then there’s those who take that to another level. Like the girl who made knitted cupcakes. Or the perfect snack at the Vagina Monologues.

My baking skills are ok. I can make tasty confections and I can make beautiful pastries. Unfortunately, I can’t do both at once. One Christmas I made Buche de Noel with marzipan poinsettias. It was delicious but the cake looked less round and log-like and more rectangular and misshapen.

So I’ll limit my beautiful cupcakes to the illustrated variety–like these cupcakes done with watercolor and colored pencil last year when I was taking a class called Illustrating the Edible.