New Journals

I spent all weekend working on some new journals, and I have to say that I'm quite happy with the results. Normally, I make two, maybe three, at a time...but, I decided to make five at once. Quantity really draws out the whole process! I'm exhausted after my marathon of folding, tearing, cutting, sewing, photographing, editing...*sigh* It's such an amazing feeling to get it done like that! =)

I used a new kind of paper for the bulk of the book blocks (say that 5 times, fast). I ordered it from thepapermillstore.com, and even over a holiday, it took about 48 hours for my order to arrive. Awesome service. Awesome paper. It's 30% post-consumer content, FSC certified, and, wait for it...made in the USA. It's 70 lb. weight, and has a lovely natural color. Each signature has decorative endpapers...either vintage maps or brightly colored, travel-themed scrapbooking paper.

Available for purchase: Here.

50 Projects in 2011: Revisited

So...
I filled up my old sketchbook...
I bought a new one...
I needed to start a new list because I didn't want to carry both books around...
I made a new list (added and removed a few things, too):

1. Spin silk/bamboo/merino roving
2. Green Day Heart Grenade Embroidery
3. Political Embroidery
4. Octopus Embroidery
5. Decorate Light Switch/Cover for Bedroom
6. Corduroy Pencil Case
7. Peace Embroidery
8. Atlas Shrugged Embroidery
9. Batik Quilt
10. Water Spirit Doll
11. Steampunk Elf
12. 'Gibbous' Dress
13. Grilling Apron for DH
14. Corduroy Skirt
15. Victorian Corset
16. 'Gibbous' Top Hat
17. Vest
18. Tenth Doctor Doll (I'm newly in love with Doctor Who... and David Tennant)
19. Fabric Cuff Bracelet
20. Mini Journal Pendant
21. Green Fairy Doll
22. Inked Leather Sketchbook
23. Rag Quilt for the Kitty
24-28. Small Leather Journals for Shop

La Fee Verte

Absinthe. The Green Fairy. A source of inspiration (or, at least, libation) for countless creative minds. And, now, she'll be sitting in my craft room to inspire me.

Doodle Book

Inspired by pieces I found in a book on 18th Century embroidery, I've been creating my own designs. Though I intend to use some of them for embroidery, I have also put them to good use in disguising imperfections in the leather cover of this journal. I needed a little book for my doodles, anyway. (My normal sketchbook is (gah!) store-bought. Can you blame me for liking the large sheets of spiral-bound paper and sturdy, hard covers? I make small journals. =) ) I digress...I just didn't want to clog up my normal 'idea' book with pages of little doodles. That book is for BIG doodles.

#16: Straps and Lace - Obi Belt

I've been wanting to make this belt for months. I finally got around to doing it, and I'm okay with the results. I got a little lazy with the free-motion stitching...it's mostly just doodles of flowers and swirls and circles. But, it looks cute over a long-sleeved tee. =)

I used gray corduroy left over from my jacket, chantilly lace, grosgrain ribbon, a scrap of quilted fabric, stray buttons and strips of eyelets. I only broke one needle! Yay!

That's 11 out of 50.

Is This Goodbye? No Way!

Today did not start out well...at all. I was awakened quite early by an inconsiderate phone call. Then, I received some feedback from one of my peers that made me cry. Can I please go back to bed and start the day over?

Craftster.org used to be my go-to place to share my creations and receive constructive feedback. But, in the last year, I have noticed more and more negativity. It's just crappy little comments and backhanded compliments, but it hurts. I feel unwelcome. I mean, why, if you don't have something nice to say, can you not just zip your lips? Why do you feel the need to tell me that you would never have dressed my doll in the clothes I dressed her in? Why do you feel the need to tell me that you didn't like the yarn I spun, but that you suppose the finished item is alright? What is wrong with you?!? Who took a dump in your cornflakes this morning?!?

So...
I'm going to be keeping my distance. I can't handle all of the negative people. It feels like high school all over again. This just sucks...I used to love Craftster.

Edited to add:
Screw it. I'm not staying away from a community that I love just because a couple individuals choose to be a bit sour. My desire to leave positive feedback for my fellow Craftster-members has been renewed. Boosting the egos of other artists and encouraging them to do what they love is just me being the change I want to see in the world.

Leather!

Yay! More leather for journals! I picked up 8 shades of gorgeous upholstery leather yesterday. Most of the pieces are only large enough for the pocket-sized journals, but the black (dark charcoal?) is large enough to make pair of pillows...I'll probably just make books with it, though. I'm totally in love with all of the different textures. And colors. I even managed to find a piece of that crimson leather that I adore!

Naughty Words

I love naughty words. When you're feeling strong emotions, sometimes they are the only way to truly express just what you need to. I also like embroidery. I began doodling some floral designs based on 18th century motifs because I wanted to have some nice wall hangings for my new craft room. On a particularly frustrating day, I started modifying those designs to include some choice swear words. What resulted was a series of six naughty words, surrounded, in contrast, by delicate leaves and flowers. I have been having a great time draining my ink pen and giggling like a schoolgirl all the while.

That takes care of #33. Six down, 44 to go.

50 Projects in 2011

Over on Craftster.org, there is a group of artists who attempt to complete 50 projects each year (or more). I thought that I'd take a page from their book and try it for myself. It didn't take very long for me to nearly fill my list with things that I would like to make. Most of the projects are for me, the hubby, the cat, or the house. I'm pretty much through with crafting for other people...only the kids seem to appreciate it. Most of the adults in my life are less than supportive. In more than two years of having a shop, only one family member has ever purchased anything from me (thank you, D!!!). Enough of feeling sorry for myself. It doesn't matter if they believe in me or not.

Here's my list (so far), the bolded items are done, italics are started:

1. leather drawing journal
2. leather drawing journal
3. spin silk/bamboo/merino roving
4. Green Day heart grenade embroidered patch
5. anarchy embroidery
6. octopus embroidery
7. modify switchplate for bedroom light
8. pencil case in gray corduroy
9. peace embroidery
10. john galt embroidery
11. finish batik quilt
12. water sprite
13. steampunk elf
14. 2 ships embroidery
15. gibbous dress
16. gibbous obi belt
17. grilling apron for hubby
18. corduroy skirt
19. slouchy newsboy hat
20. victorian corset
21. gibbous top hat
22. capri pants
23. vest
24. Doctor Who poppet
25. authentic fish 'n' chips
26. yarn scrap flower shawl
27. Halloween costume
28. kitty embroidery
29. fabric cuff bracelet
30. 18th-cent.-inspired embroidered wall art
31. 18th-cent.-inspired embroidered wall art
32. 18th-cent.-inspired embroidered wall art
33. series of 18th-cent.-inspired embroidery patterns (naughty)
34. series of 18th-cent.-inspired embroidery patterns (nice)
35. large leather artist's book
36. leather artist's book
37. crochet baktus from handspun (roving received from Superhooker)
38. catnip wool ball for kitty
.
.
.
5 down, 45 to go.