Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Am I a hoarder?

As I've been working through my crafty supplies in preparation for Saturday's sale, I've come to the realization that I'm a hoarder. I don't hoard papers and empty cans, but I am a sucker for project supplies. Jason told me the other day to not bring one more project into this house of ours.

While I hate to admit it, he's right. It's time to clear out some of these goodies so I can find the floor of our laundry room. Besides finding the floor, it's a shame that some of this awesome goodness is collecting dust. Please come by our Yard Sale on Saturday find a few treasures and start a new project of your own.

Here's a sneak peak at a small portion of what I'll be offering . . .


Some of my stash includes 100 or so baby-toddler size organic cotton blank t-shirts for $3/each, a jeweler's soldering torch and tank, metal stamping supplies, adult t-shirt blanks and bags, vintage buttons, patterns, rubber stamping supplies, lots of vintage goodies (including glassware, purses, luggage, fabric), new fabric, frames, and more.

Yes, I need to clean out and I'm ready to bargain. Again, go here for all the details, and see you Saturday!

Friday, May 6, 2011

Lost In Action

Sorry for my absence from this little blog of mine. I've been busy with my real work, and trying to keep our house and lives in order.

If any of you are in the San Diego area, I highly recommend coming and visiting me here:


I have been busy cleaning out my cupboards to get ready for the first ever, Handmade Revolution Yard Sale. I have TONS of stuff including fabric (new and vintage), shirt blanks, a sewing machine, metal letter stamps, rubber stamps, paper goods, vintage items, and so much more. All for great prices (much cheaper than Michael's) and many one of a kind items. I'll be posting some preview pic's so check back soon. And see you next Saturday!

Monday, March 14, 2011

Lent Experiment

Today I'm going out on a limb, and posting something far from "crafty".
For many years the season of Lent didn't mean much to me. When I was young, my mom would tell me about how she would give up eating pickles each year during this season, and on Easter morning there would always be a jar in her basket.

Whether you choose to reflect upon Lent with a spiritual lens or not, I find it a good time to re-calibrate my life. Kind of like spring cleaning, Lent gives me the opportunity to work out the old in the area I choose. In the past I've typically give up sodas. Yes, soda is my necessary evil. It's a good time to cleanse my body of the unnecessary high fructose corn syrup, and I am better off for it.

You may not know this about me, but I am certified as a holistic health counselor through The Institute for Integrative Nutrition (kind of funny since I just told you I love soda). I studied nutrition for a year, and it was a very eye opening time. I would travel each month for weekend intensive courses. Each time I would return home, Paige would ask what diet we were going to be on for that month. All that to say, I've experimented with many different ways of eating.

This year I'm going to try something a bit differnt for Lent. I will be giving up one food group each week until I'm down to a modified cleansing diet. So, by the time we get to Easter it will be just whole grains, fruits, vegetables and water. And can I just add that Easter brunch will be AMAZING this year! I'll use my blog to post recipes for the week, and any thoughts I have.

Don't worry my creative posts won't be gone all together. I realized after the 30 Day Challenge, that I THRIVE on structure in my life. When I have a plan in place, I can definitely follow through. Here's how my next "challenge" will be structured.

Week 1 (starting March 14th) - Give up all meat (no biggy)
Week 2 (starting March 21st) - Goodbye soy and alcohol (still not a big deal)
Week 3 (starting March 28th) - See ya to all animal by products (no dairy, eggs, honey)
Week 4 (starting April 4th) - Caffeine, you are out of here (goodbye coffee and coke)
Week 5 (starting April 11th) - Wheat is out (I will miss you my dear friend named "bread")
Week 6 (starting April 18th) - Away goes any sugar & processed food to be left with only whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans and legumes. I will still use olive oil in moderation and of course herbs and spices for cooking.

So week 1 of my next experiment begins, wish me luck! FYI, I don't endorse this elimination diet to be right for everyone, it's just a food experiment for myself. Check back for my updates.

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Day 30 Reflection

Today marks the last day of the 30 day challenge, and for me it's bittersweet. Exciting that we've come to the end, and a bit sad that it's over. I cannot say thank you enough to all of you who participated. It was so fun at the end of the day to sit down and read each of your entries. I know that I still owe you all two more drawings. They are coming I promise, but today I had not one but two sick boys at home.

Even though I came up with our challenges, and planned out each days events, I too have grown immensely over the last 30 days. Each day I was stretched a bit whether it was drawing, painting, writing, or reflecting. I have found a new love in journaling (paired with doodling).  I also am reminded that creating brings me back to a peaceful content place where the worries of life disappear, and I am free. I loved the days where I created with my family, and I hope that we will continue to find this common space.

So, what's next for you? How will you continue to find creativity in your life? I'd love to hear how your journey will continue.

As for me, I'll continue to post tutorials, projects, before and afters, and document my creative life here. In addition, I'm thinking that I'll post a weekly challenge. More information will be coming on that.

I'll leave you with a bit of Lynda's last reflection because it's really great . . .

"So I got to thinking about why people have the urge to create...and my thoughts are...it is  because we are created in the image of God and he is the Creator.  The Author of all Creation. We must then all have the capacity to create within us, however pushed down, beaten down, or denied it is. Because in our present world, all of creation, for now, is turned upside down and out of whack in sin.  This is where I hold tight to the good news of the Gospel and the freedom I have in Christ. That day by day I am being transformed more and more into His image."

Day 30 - Reflect

Journal a Reflection on this Project 

What did you learn about yourself in doing these exercises? Which day(s) did you enjoy the most? How would you like to continue making creativity apart of your daily life? Continue on in your journey by starting a blog (it’s free) to document your creative ventures. Schedule a monthly get together with friends to work on projects. Sign up for a local art class to hone your skills. And keep following me here for more 30 day challenges and creative inspiration.

Monday, March 7, 2011

Etsy Finds - Stuff I'd Usually Buy

What's the theme today? You got it, I've never even thought to make any of these. These are all items that I've only bought from the store before. Although, I'm pretty inspired now to take a stab at a couple of these, or maybe I could just support these awesome Etsy artist and buy from them?

Whatever your take is on these, enjoy looking


From Left to Right:
Top - Steam Light Lamp by Light Texture, Natural Deodorant by Art Spot, Hand Knit Baby Sweater by Eva Handmade,
Middle -  Natural Vegan Laundry Detergent by Shower Treat Soap, Fused Glass and Silver Bracelet by Silver Bullet, Leather Wallet/Clutch by Robbie Moto,
Bottom -  Leather Journal/Sketchbook by Moon Bindery, Cranberry Lip Balm by Nikki Makes Scents, Mineral Foundation by Pure Natural Minerals