Busy, Busy...

So I've been very busy trying to find a job, traveling to see family, decorating the house, hosting gatherings, etc. It as if I was making the most of October for some reason. But I'm back and thinking about what to make next. I recently received a custom order from a fellow easy seller for some fabric sleeves which she'll use as part of her packaging. This inspired me to use the leftover fabric to make fabric sleeves and pouches for gift-giving, packaging and the like. I'm also cooking up some 2014 calendar and holiday card ideas.

Also currently inspired by Arcade Fire's latest and greatest: Reflektor.

-photo courtesy of www.wikipedia.org-

Postcard Pouch Favors

For some reason, I've been having a hard time figuring out what to do for party favors. After a few ideas came and went, I finally let the materials decide what they wanted to be. I had some leftover light weight muslin fabric and decided to make pouches. Mind you, I had no idea what to put in them at the moment, but decided to make them with a wide enough opening and depth for a variety of items. I cut the fabric in strips of 13" by 6", folded them in half and ironed the crease. 

Then I selected some colored thread to give the seams some life. I split the pile in half and decided on gold with fuchsia and gold with turquoise. I also wanted to add some more interest so I used different types of stitches. 

The gold thread got a straight line and the pink and blue got a tiny zig zag.

Once constructed, I used a stamp to decorate the center of the pouches. I found the stamp after a "draw my own stamp" trial and error session. I just wasn't getting the right vibe from my own ideas. Thankfully, I found it in a stamp that mimics a used postcard. Didn't know it was what I wanted until I saw it. I went with two colors for the stamping as well. The pouches with pink stitching got stamped with a tangerine color and the blue stitching got kelly green.

As usual, the project took over my dining room table as I have yet to decide on a spot for a proper work area.

A few days later, I decided that I will make some key lime melt-away and strawberry shortbread cookies to fill the pouches with. The initial indecision on every aspect of these favors has become very apparent to me as I write this post. It's probably a good thing. I bought some glassine bags so that all the cookie goodness would not seep through the light fabric while we're dancin' the night away.

With that said, I'm excited to have some friends over this weekend. We're going to be making some snack bags for an event our undergraduate sorority sisters are hosting. I hope this little craft/bake night will be the perfect opportunity to test out my recipe.



Jonsi kept me inspired.

-photo of album cover courtesy of www.jonsi.com-

I'm Not, But I Guess I Am

I don't consider myself to be much of a graphic designer. I can do anything with a brush or pencil, but it's probably because of those abilities that I feel like I lack vision with software. With that said, I've always tried my best and, at times, have made some pretty cool stuff. I'm particularly proud of the invite I created this week for my 30th birthday party that's coming up next month. I had a theme in mind and tried to focus on the essence rather than a literal interpretation. I feel like this instance in particular called for this approach because I wanted to evoke a time and place. The only bit that didn't originate from me is the background which I pulled from one of at least twenty different google searches.

I blocked out some details because, c'mon people, it is the internet.

Also, I've been trying to put together a soundtrack for the party. Well, two soundtracks; a theme-following lounge-y one and an after party one that's more current. I've got tons of Cuban son and big band stuff for the former and stuff like The Naked and Famous and the Two Door Cinema Club for the latter. 

I love hosting events for other people, but not for myself--there's just too much pressure and no one else to blame if things go awry. I'll be posting more about the party this month and next so stay tuned for more of that.

-background photo for the invite courtesy of www.berea.edu-

JL and the Gang

Thanks to a friend whose music knowledge and taste is enviable, I subscribe to Mog.com. Much like a generous musical librarian would, the website/app likes to suggest albums you should listen to based on what's in your queue. Thank you, Mog, for suggesting this.

-photo courtesy of www.wikipedia.org-

A Little Help From...

Listened to oldies but goodies on moving day. If you haven't heard this album, you should. It's highly inspirational on many levels. Mostly musical.

We're in the new place, but haven't gotten everything unpacked yet. I'm holding out on documenting what is currently a mess until we've at least got one room done. It will be a while. We appreciate your patience.

-photo courtesy of www.wikipedia.org-