nifties

February 2011!!

2011-02-10T21:48:00.003-06:00

I started my new job at Walmart as an optician, which is rad. I'm so happy to have a job, it doesn't really matter where... I'm happy to be there! And the people seem really nice so far.

I'm hoping since I got a job that I can reopen my Etsy store - nifties - soon! I'm working on a painting right now. (I'll post updates as I'm finishing it)

Short post, but I just wanted to get going again on this thing!

work in progress: part 1

2008-06-17T21:27:00.005-05:00

Here are a couple of things I've actually completed! I've been trying really hard to finish up 4th of July gifts for the hospice I volunteer for, and they are coming along beautifully. I'm repeating a little of what I wrote in my MuseFactory blog today.
I found a listing in VolunteerMatch online for a hospice that was absolutely perfect for me. The add stated that they needed someone to make gifts for the people that are on hospice. I love doing crafty stuff anyway, and it means so much to me to be able to lift some spirits. I've had a lot of fun making holiday gifts for as many as I can. I always try to include enough presents so that at least some of the amazing staff there will get some too.

Its incredible when I go there. EVERYONE there loves their job. Everyone is always smiling and super friendly. They are the most giving people I've ever met. It has been such a great experience. These people are truly strong, they deal with the hardest part of life on a daily basis. I just can't say enough great things about them and wanted to share what my experience has been.

The only other accomplishment really right now is that I listed something new in my etsy shop. I really like how the photos turned out, they are much more lively and colorful. I may need to reshoot others so they look as great!

organize this

2008-06-14T01:05:00.012-05:00

All I did today was work on the zillion projects I've started and continue to work on, I really need to finish something! This is everything I've started:

*a quilt, I'm determined to hand-sew the entire thing, its turning out really beautiful
*a 4' by 3.5' collage, ya it'll take a while
*another collage about 2' by 3', I've been working on it for 2 years, yikes
*4th of July gifts for all the amazing people at the Lighthouse hospice
*other various nonsensical creations
*more stuff to add to my etsy shop, nifties, I had a great idea today for some new earrings
I might spread off into necklaces too now

earlier today** This is my first late night post, I just went onto etsy to find...
I'm on the front page again!! This is 5 days in a row now!!
I will post later today, after I sleep and live life some.

snappy pappy

2008-06-13T13:05:00.024-05:00

its Friday 13th... I was on the front page of etsy again..... 4 days in a row now...
Also I found the most beautiful perfect song, its by Daniel Johnston. He is an Austin icon and painted the Hi, How Are You mural with the little frog guy. I added his song to this blog, the player is in the right column.

I'm so excited right now because I will finally own a moonstr artwork. I've had my eye on this ACEO in her shop for a while now. Her paintings are just so beautiful and colorful. Each one has its own unique personality. This one is mine:

Check out her shop: ***moonstr***
What a vivid imagination! Her painting descriptions are hilarious as well you have to go check them out! All of these pictures are linked to her shop...go...hurry....

Here is the collections that was on the front page of etsy
My favorite pair were featured again!!
Here is the link if you catch it in time: TREASURY

you unlock this door with the key of imagination

2008-06-12T22:01:00.010-05:00

I was on the front page of etsy again today
what is going on here
3 days in a row
am I in the twilight zone?
if I am I don't want to leave

this is the group I was included with this time, each picture is linked with each store

beautiful collection

I've been thinking a lot lately about personal architypes. I believe that each of us has these and they affect our behavior and dreams. I really can't say with much certainty that I believe in universal architypes, but it is possible. I will soon start an artwork to sort this for myself in a way. It will be set up like a chart, I have to decide how it will work in the way I need it to.

I'm spiraling

2008-06-11T21:08:00.016-05:00

There are such good things and bad things happening right now, I just don't know how to deal with it all. So I've decided to list some things to sort them in my head, and whoever reads this can understand why I feel this way.

GOOD
* getting noticed a little more at etsy, I was on the front page again today- 2 days in a row!! My favorite pair in my shop too, which makes me very happy. Except that I want to keep them for myself now.

* I have only one month before my next trip to Belize, and I'm so excited about going back.

* for the first time in my life I'm making artwork that is satisfying. I'm finally finding ways to express what I want and feel like it is me coming through.

BAD
* these don't deserve pictures obviously- I found out that I will have to pay for my last few hours to finish my degree out of my pocket. This scares the crap outta me and might take me longer to finish, it seems pretty absurd.

* I can't find a job, but I am leaving the country soon so maybe thats why. I am terrified about trying to find one when I come back from Belize though, I will need one!

Okay well those are big things that are stressing me out, but it will pass and I'm sure everything will work out fine. I will try hard to focus on the good things for now.
Here is a link to the treasury that was featured on the front page: treasurywest

Here also is a grouping of what was I was featured along with, each picture is linked to each shop:

front page

2008-06-10T20:53:00.014-05:00

I just bought my plane tickets to and from Belize, I'm so thrilled to be going back.

I also just finished my first post for my new joint blog The Muse Factory. It is a group of six girls from different parts of the country, talking about crafty stuff every week. Well I am stretching myself too much maybe, but its great to participate in it with those great gals.

I made it to the front page of etsy today!! YAY!! I just relisted my Ella earrings- the ones I was giving away in a drawing- two days ago I think. Its so exciting!

theory of everything

2008-06-09T18:03:00.013-05:00

I'm going to pretend for a moment that I know something about physics...

String theory is basically a theoretical physics approach to understanding and describing the most basic element that patterns our universe. There are multiple versions of string theory, but M theory is what brings them together, "the theory of everything." Theoretical physics employs mathematical models and abstractions of physics in an attempt to explain experimental data taken of the natural world. String theory is somewhat new, originating in the late 1960's. I can't help but feel as though we are on the verge of some incredible discoveries about ourselves and our world.

Even if string theory turns out to be incorrect, it still seems incredibly beautiful and perfect in my own mind. Doesn't it seem as though things always happen to us in waves, at least in some form. Or ripples even. To me it makes sense that we all move and are affected in the same way, even non-living things. It may be a stretch but something I've been thinking about a lot lately is fractals, and want there to be some connection between the two.

hope > fear

2008-06-08T21:16:00.006-05:00

I found a package under my doormat today, I guess that means I didn't leave my apartment yesterday... anyway it was an Obama shirt Andy sent to me. Thats right- I'm an Obama supporter. I'm excited to see that he is finally the official democratic nominee, but now I'm anxiously waiting to see who will be his running mate.

You know, my faith is one that admits some doubt.
Barack Obama

the muse factory

2008-06-07T18:52:00.007-05:00

In celebration of my new joint blog The Muse Factory, and in collaboration with the great ladies there, I am promoting a drawing in my etsy shop.

The drawing is for a pair of my Ella earrings, and to be entered in you have to make a purchase in my shop nifties on June 7 or June 8.

looking glass jewels interview

2008-06-06T14:00:00.017-05:00

LookingGlassJewels is one of the first etsy shops that really got my attention, her jewelry is just incredibly beautiful. The following is my interview with her:

Describe general things about yourself. What is most important to you?
Hands down, my family is most important to me. I have a very small family, and unfortunately some of them live many states away. As I've gotten older, I have learned to appreciate them more and more. I realize that they will not always be here, and I want to make the most of the time we all have together.

What inspires your jewelry making, are there specific things that draw your attention when designing?
I am coming to realize how much I am inspired by nature. I love rich earth tones, sweet birds, warm metals... Many of my pieces are named after the things in nature they remind me of: water, sunshine, earth... Most of my creations are just instinct; a bead, a color, a feeling, even a sound... something triggers the “create” button and a new piece is born! Even the simplest pair of earrings mean something to me in their own unique way.

What makes your jewelry stand out on etsy?
I love so many different materials, from elegant stones to funky acrylic to wonderful vintage items, that my jewelry is quite varied! With an eclectic taste in materials and a tendency towards nature-inspired designs, I knew that Etsy was the perfect place for me. My hope is that I have been able to capture some of the great “spirit” of Etsy, and that it can be seen in my jewelry!

What do you do for fun?
I have *always* loved crafting and creating. I remember sewing yo-yo's from fabric scraps and stealing my father's fishing line to string beads when I was a little girl. I truly enjoy creating, it has never been work for me. Working in my studio is where I have the most fun.
Outside the studio, I love to read and go for long drives with my husband. We've been to the coolest places and seen the neatest things just by jumping in the car and heading down the road with no destination in mind!

What heirlooms do you own?
I own several things from my grandmother that are precious to me: a beautiful mantle clock from the 1920's, antique plates that originally belonged to my great-grandmother, and several kitchen towels. (Yep, kitchen towels! 'Heirloom' may not be the right word, but I feel closer to my Grandma when I use the same towels in my kitchen that she used in hers. I'm kinda sentimental.)

What is your favorite website?
etsy.com, of course!

What is your favorite quote or phrase?
The intellectual answer:
"If you're going through hell, keep going."
- Winston Churchill

The slightly embarrassing answer:
I asked my husband if he could think of a quote or phrase that I used often.
I was thinking he'd tell me of something sweet that I've said to him when times are tough, or something thoughtful and inspirational. Instead, he thought for a minute, and said,
“Well, you say 'WICKED!' a lot. Is this a quote you can say in public, because I can think of a few more things that you say all the time that aren't public-appropriate....?”
*sigh*
(Note to self: Work on the potty-mouth. Also, “wicked”? Really? How old are you again?)

from Katy: Amazing person and shop, please check it out:

LookingGlassJewels

1:11

2008-06-04T15:03:00.005-05:00

Okay I know this is going to make me sound like a wacko but I swear ever since about a year ago every time I look at a series of number (not just the clock) they are repeating. People will say, "but you see other numbers, just the repeating ones catch your attention!" Well that may be somewhat true but its getting ridiculous how many times I see the repeating ones. The clock in my car is even wrong, but the same thing happens when I check it out. It has happened so much that its beginning to happen in dreams as well and that seems odd to me... aren't dreams timeless?

* I have to add that just now I was getting off the phone with my mom, and glanced at the call timer as my phone was being cut off from my mom's. The call lasted exactly 1 minute 11 seconds.

anyone and noone

2008-06-02T17:04:00.006-05:00

One of my favorite poems by E. E. Cummings

anyone lived in a pretty how town
(with up so floating many bells down)
spring summer autumn winter
he sang his didn't he danced his did

Women and men (both little and small)
cared for anyone not at all
they sowed their isn't they reaped their same
sun moon stars rain

children guessed (but only a few
and down they forgot as up they grew
autumn winter spring summer)
that noone loved him more by more

when by now and tree by leaf
she laughed his joy she cried his grief
bird by snow and stir by still
anyone's any was all to her

someones married their everyones
laughed their cryings and did their dance
(sleep wake hope and then) they
said their nevers they slept their dream

stars rain sun moon
(and only the snow can begin to explain
how children are apt to forget to remember
with up so floating many bells down)

one day anyone died I guess
(and noone stooped to kiss his face)
busy folk buried them side by side
little by little and was by was

all by all and deep by deep
and more by more they dream their sleep
noone and anyone earth by april
wish by spirit and if by yes.

Women and men (both dong and ding)
summer autumn winter spring
reaped their sowing and went their came
sun moon stars rain

plant diversity

2008-05-31T12:47:00.005-05:00

Today I've been thinking about expanding my influences for the little flora earrings I've created for Etsy. There are so many incredible and strange plants on our planet, it would be interesting to see people wearing artsy replications on their ears.

what is art

2008-05-30T17:25:00.011-05:00

Its funny how different the responses can be to this question. Some think only visual work is art, and others think it can be visual, musical, and writing. The definition I've decided to defend is that any human endeavor can be considered art. I'm definitely not sure if this could be true but I like to argue. Its a great way to learn.

It may seem broad, but it just takes looking at things in a different way. War for instance, I think can be seen as acting out the differences between conflicting social/political/religious beliefs. The outcome is a new mindset, and a change in the woa far stretch, but I like thinking about our world from new perspectives.

I finished the first section of my Operation Exquisite Corpse today, and passed on the bottom edge to the next artist. I'm so happy and excited because the list is up to 7 people that want to contribute. I can't wait to see what it will look like!

I can't post the collage I made yet though, so that the next person in line can't see what I made, its all very secretive...

Something really cool happened with etsy again, BearChick featured me in her blog! She is the one who made that fantastic peace sign AECO that is on the right in this blog. This is what she featured:

virtual life @ etsy

2008-05-29T12:10:00.020-05:00

I just wanted to share these great pictures from etsy people, showing me love! Its satisfying to see that people like what I am creating.

Check out moonstr at etsy she is freaking fantastic!

moonstr

Also check out these fantastic stencils I made for an etsy custom order from iWear1:

operation exquisite corpse is underway

2008-05-28T12:28:00.017-05:00

I'm not afraid to be totally arrogant and admit that I had a stroke of genius today. Okay maybe not, but I really want my vision for this artwork to succeed! I have created a new blog to contain my infinite exquisite corpse.

http://operationexquisitecorpse.blogspot.com/

Also I found another treasury with my little leaf earrings:

Check out this treasury here: Leafy Green Summer

These adorable little leaves are for sale in my shop: nifties

please make it stop

2008-05-27T13:10:00.022-05:00

Back to school again for me... will it ever end? I really love learning new things but I am burned out on classes. Almost finished though, and I will be filled with joy when that day comes!

Check out this beautiful pendant and other wonderful handmade things from: ***Tresijas***

Whoso neglects learning in his youth,
Loses the past and is dead for the future.
Euripides (484 BC - 406 BC)

hopscotch

2008-05-26T20:18:00.018-05:00

Well nothing really happened today but I decided to write anyway because a couple of pretty cool things happened with etsy. First I have to mention iWear1 again, we've decided we must share some sort of psychic connection--see what I'm talking about: iWear1blog. It relates to yesterday's post about life signs. Also I found that I've been included in another treasury! It has stuff from my etsy group Mad Scientists of Etsy:

Check out this treasury here: ORGANIC forms that have CHEMISTRY

Check out this ACEO here: ACEO carbon atom collage MSOE challenge
I just talked about this ACEO collage in my first blog entry, good timing huh?

lazy days

2008-05-25T20:08:00.042-05:00

It was quite a lazy day today. I'm trying to enjoy it as much as possible before school starts up again for me.

The theme for today seems to be signs... I asked people earlier if they believe in life signs, like little signals that inspire or influence you, and no one had a clue what I was talking about. There are a couple of people in my life that seem to know what I mean though, so I don't feel so alone in the notion.

I've been making these really cool stencils for an etsy friend, iWear1, check out his shop: http://www.iwear1.etsy.com. They're a range of things but I have to say my favorite is the bicycle. I'm excited because iWear1 talked about my shop in his first youtube blog: http://youtube.com/watch?v=PF44tzE8_Lo.

calculators and carbon atoms

2008-05-24T13:36:00.014-05:00

I bought a used book today, on how to use calculators. It's pretty entertaining (for a nerd-lover). I've decided to shred it and use it as inspiration for my first ACEO (art cards, editions and originals.) There will be more artwork to come though, its destruction will not have been in vain. Here is my first ACEO of a carbon atom:

So back to the cool calculator book. Its packed with wacky illustrations that somehow do not belong. What I discovered about this book that peaked my interest was a sealed envelope inside...

So it didn't turn out to be some long lost love letter but it was interesting to find anyway. It's actually little papers that are placed in an old typewriter to print in red.