handmade holiday pt. 1

Here, finally posted, is my first handmade tote bag. I selected materials that I thought my mother would like. The sage material especially looked like a print she would love, and the pink complimented it really well. I appliqued a little bird on the bag, because in Portlandia, "you can put a bird on something and call it art."

Here's my second tote bag that I gave to Brian's mom for Christmas. I really like how these two fabrics go together. This one turned out slightly better since it was my second round at the same pattern, but I must say, whether it's a yoga bag or a tote, I hate handles! They are a pain in the arse!

Aminals!

This year for Christmas, I had so much fun making little stuffed animals for kids in the family. The above owl, monster, and elephant went to my cousin's kids, and today, the oldest girl called and thanked me for her owl. Then she asked, "Did you make Jake a monster?" I told her that yes, I had made a monster. She then yelled, "It is a monster!" And then I heard Jake going, "Rhaa! Rhaa! Rhaa!" in the background. When I asked what he was doing, she said, "That's his monster noise!" My cousin (their mom) then got on the phone and told me she was a bit jealous and wasn't sure which one she liked best.

I made this sock monkey for little Elliot, my friend's little boy. We always joke that he's a little monkey, and he dressed as an adorable one for Halloween. Plus, he has sock monkeys on his curtains, so it seemed like a good fit. I bought these tights at the Bins over a year ago and finally got around to making them. Here's Brian's niece posing with her owl, pretending to be one herself.

I still have more Christmas presents I want to make for people! I wonder if I'll turn into one of those dreaded grandmas or great-aunts who always gives homemade gifts rather than the cool store bought stuff. Like the aunt who made Ralphy the pink bunny pajamas in the BB gun movie! Ha!

Santa Baby

Dear Santa,

When we talked on the phone on Thanksgiving, I promised you that I would post my Christmas list. Well, Santa, here it is. Read on, have a few chuckles, and enjoy!

Of course, beautiful prints from the QiQiGallery on Etsy would be much loved.

 

However,  a gift card to Sock Dreams would be dynomite! Especially as I'm still thinking about these gorgeous crocheted tights.

Then there are these sick boots from The Frye Company to wear with the tights.

A girl can dream, can't she?

Of course, snowshoes would be well worn and well loved as well, especially in the magical forests on Mt. Hood.

 I will leave you to ponder this also, Santa: Helping out financially with plane tickets home for bridal shower and wedding would be much appreciated. Any of these gifts would be loved, but are not necessary.

Much love,
J.

Give Handmade

On Sunday, I may head over to the Give Handmade Sale to get my holiday shopping on. I'll gladly hand over some of my cash to local artisans who have agreed to donate 10% to the Oregon Food Bank. This way I can purchase unique gifts for a good cause. Who wants to go with me?

plant, paint, collage, sew

My project ideas continue to exceed my talents and my time allowance, but that's okay. I'd rather have too many ideas than none. Ideas excite, entice, and enchant. In one week, I'll be handing in my classroom key and entering the world of waiting tables and working around the house on projects such as these (rather than working 50 hours or more a week on teacher stuff. But**sigh**I do love teaching):

I really really want to make a wall planter board. I first saw them at Portland Nursery, and am currently keen on building my own using hens and chicks and perhaps other rock-wall loving plants/succulents.

Part of my front yard is a complete mess of weeds rather than grass, so I've started the job of digging it up and turning in into a bee-friendly garden rich with foxglove, hollyhocks, sage, thyme, buttercups, cosmos, and asters. Plans are in the works.

B-rye uses an ugly fugly box lid to store his mixer in, and I'm going to deck it out all styley cool via collage and perhaps some spray paint. I'm looking forward to that little task.

Since my side of the bed is up against the wall, I want to make myself a colorful linen wall hanging to hold my books, a journal, and possibly a water bottle. I think I'm going for red and turquoise for bedroom colors.

I have been commissioned to sew my friend Kara's curtains, an exciting and slightly daunting task that I intend on facing with full exuberance next week! The Amazing B made my sewing table yesterday which is located right in the heart of our house, next to the hearth, in the living room. So I can sew while we watch movies and hang out.

My gift-giving is still in the conceptual phase more than anything, although I did give away seeds last week. But my gift plans are further advanced, including a semi-developed idea for a mother's day gift and a baby gift for a new mom. I'm skimping on details in case these special people read this post.

homage

I have been the recipient of some lovely gifts lately. Here's a sampling of just some of the darling things my friends near and far have spoiled me with:

An adorable necklace made by Emily (above), and the sweetest little book ever from Cass (below).

And Cass also got me this magnet at Saturday Market:

I've also been gifted in the past few days with ginkgo tea, sugared citrus soap, and honey from friends. Plus, chocolate, zinnias, and cards from students. It's teacher appreciation week, so say hello and thank you to a teacher who made a difference.

Thank you, all!

love arrows

After a weekend of meeting amazing new people and savoring the salty sea air, May came in wearing dismal thunder clouds and cold, cold air, literally and figuratively. I feel the cold bite of the critic rearing her ugly head, mocking me. My mood swings from anti-social tendencies to feelings of loneliness. I feel crowded in by too many project and anxious by the high demands I seem to place on myself. Perhaps this stems from the insecurity May represents. On the 17th, I say goodbye to my beloved current job (my favorite job ever) of teaching American lit. and creative writing, and with a blue heart, say goodbye to my creative, smart, frustrating, awesome, funny, creative, sassy, challenging, sweet, entitled, demanding, cool, stylish (and so forth) students. I then return to the world of shlubbing ("shlepping" combined with "subbing").

But this post isn't meant to be a self-indulgent poor-me pity party. Instead, it's a resolve: I'm going to fight the blues by giving the love away! I have 20 targets for my love arrows and the list keeps growing. Time to get to creating and giving, rather than sulking and moping.

Anyone want to join me? We can make May our "love arrow" month for those people in our life that we love and hold dear. We can give candy, homemade cards, compliments, or whatever else strikes our imagination. I'm starting today. Let the journey begin.