Coming Up...
Thursday, June 30, 2011
tuesday night knitting club; "quick, my batteries are dying" edition.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Project Planning: Making an Apron.
I have a final for my summer course tomorrow, so this is all that I really have the energy to share. I like to plan out my projects with little collages, to see how all the pieces fit together.
What do you think so far? How do you catalog your ideas?
<3
Robbie.
-Connor the Clown -Our Bathroom; A Work in Progress. -The First Roll of Film From My Diana Mini -A Braided Rug -Tuesday Night Knitting Club
...and so much more!
Coming Up...
Monday, June 27, 2011
Tutorial: Recycled Bottle Vase.
After I made all of those tissue paper flowers, I realized I had nothing to put them in. I mean I have big vases and dainty little ones, but nothing that suited them. I really wanted to be able to keep them in the studio, but I need a vessel.
I was sitting in class when inspiration struck, drinking a bottled Frappucino because the cafeteria was out of coffee (there was no way I was going back without caffeine!). I love the look of antique milk bottles, but don't have any. The bottle was the perfect shape, but kind of boring.
This was my solution:
-A glass bottle or jar
-Painter's tape (or whatever)
-A paint brush
-A marker (don't use a sharpie!)
-Measuring tape
-Paint
-A tiny giraffe (to play with while the paint dries)
1. Measure the bottle from the bottom up and mark it in a few spots. Don't use a permanent marker (you'll have to scrub the bottle with clorox clean-up to get it off, and in the process you'll ruin your sweet blue button down that fits really well). I measured 2.5 inches, but you can do whatever.
2. Place tape around the bottle, using the marks as a guide. Stare at the giraffe.
3. Paint the bottle up to the tape. I used milk paint because that was what I had, but I guess you could use something else? Seal the paint with Mod Podge (why does that stuff get "chunky" after a little while?). Talk to the giraffe about your feelings while the paint dries.
5. Peel off the tape. Immediately show your significant other what you have done. Point out the flaws, and make him fix them (scrape off the sloppy bits, where you went over the tap,e with a razor blade). Stare at the giraffe.
And that's it!!!
Toss a handful of stuff from your pockets (change, marbles, buttons and lint) into your new vase. Arrange the tissue paper flowers you've already made carefully, like a those "floral artists" on Martha. Say something that makes you sound professional.
"The vibrant hues of the peonies are complimented by the neutral vessel. This will create a 'pop of color' when placed in groups, down the center of a dining table. Your guests will marvel at the kinder-crafts which you've created and this will, in turn, distract them from the fact that you are serving Ellio's frozen pizza as an entree."
Have Fun.
Make Stuff.
<3
Robbie.
Coming Up...
...and so much more!
Sunday, June 26, 2011
PMV: Tender Forever
I really love Tender Forever.
Like a lot.
I couldn't choose just one video, so I didn't!
While I really love doing these PMV posts, I feel like it's time to re-format.
Music is very important to me and my creative process, and I'd like to make more of a connection between my personal/creative/blogger lives (as the are all quite funny little animals).
I've been working (in my head) on a new way to present these Music Monday posts in a unique way.
Check back next Monday for "Vinyl Monday!", I have a feeling you're really going to like it.
<3
Robbie.
Coming Up...
...and so much more!
I Won a Prize!
I've been a long-time lurker of Heidi Kenney's blog, My Paper Crane. I really love her aesthetic. Everything the woman does is pure magic. Her blog is one of those blogs that I regularly read, bur rarely comment because I feel unworthy or something.
Anyway, I finally 'manned up' and left her a little comment, and in return I won a tiny cupcake.
I'm going to keep it on my keys forever, as a reminder to stop being a punk and to recognize my everyday heroes!
Thanks Heidi!!!!
(BTW: Heidi has just started a new blog, in which she shares scans of AMAZING vintage books. Check it out!)
<3
Robbie.
Coming Up...
...and so much more!
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Encyclopedia of Craft; Volume 1: Tissue Paper Flowers
Tissue paper flowers are really addictive to make. It took me 6 flowers to finally understand the process and get a finished flower that seemed stable. On the first few, I didn't wait for the glue to dry so they ripped a little in the centers. I tried to use scotch tape in the place of fine gauge floral wire and that didn't work out too well, either. I bought really cheap, sort of shiny, floral tape that t looked kind of tacky.
But by flower number 6, I had something to share that didn't make me feel embarrassed.
I guess the lesson I learned this week is to always use the proper tools.
I've been thinking about this vintage craft encyclopedia project , and I'm starting to wonder what I should do with the FO's. I obviously can't keep them all. Do you think I should sell the things I'm not keeping on Etsy? It would help fund the cost of supplies, and it would keep clutter at bay. This is meant to be a learning experience, so I would probably just list them at the cost of supplies (without figuring in time or overhead). Is it a good idea or am I insane?
<3
Robbie.
Previous "Vintage Craft" Posts:
Coming Up...
...and so much more!
Friday, June 24, 2011
Vocabulary Lesson: "Gimcrack".
source.
gim-crack: n. A cheap or showy object with little or no use; a gewgaw.
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Two weeks ago, a friend had told me about something called "Celebrity Bric-a-Brac Theatre" and I thought it was the cutest thing. I don't know a lot about celebrities, so I could take or leave the impersonations but I love watching the little knickknacks dance around.
Yesterday, we went to the boardwalk in Ocean City for my niece's birthday, and I couldn't stop thinking about the junk shop at the end. They have a giant collection of those funny "made in japan" knick knacks from the 1970's. I found a little fawn for about $6, last fall. We never made it to the shop, so this morning I'm "browsing" Etsy for good deals on gimcrack.
What do you collect?
_____________________________________________
Coming Up...
...and so much more!
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Encyclopedia of Craft; Volume 1: Bird Card
This card is the very first project in the first volume of the Encyclopedia of Craft. Dave's birthday was last week, so it was a more than appropriate project to begin with. It suggests using construction paper but, I used card-stock instead. It was a little hard to fold, but a little bone folder picked up the slack. I should have picked up a glue stick because all I had was spray adhesive and it made an awful mess.
I used the eraser stamping technique from my birthday planning post to make the front of the card. Excuse my lousy penmanship.
For the inside, I followed the tutorial almost exactly. I added more eraser stamps and little wings made with scalloping shears.
It was fun to step outside of my comfort zone. I almost never make anything out of paper and it gave me an excuse to buy a few new supplies (a stamp pad and the bone folder).
I'm really excited about finally working with these books and I can't wait to share more vintage crafts!!!
Do you ever give handmade cards?
<3
Robbie.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
The Encyclopedia of Craft: Volume 1.
A few years ago, I found a picture of a paper mache fox head. I thought about it every day for weeks. I have never even tried to do paper mache. I checked ebay and Etsy constantly hoping to find the book it was from. After a little digging, I found out that the picture was from an Encyclopedia of Crafts that was released in 1975 by Columbia House, NY.
I was more than prepared to buy every single volume (yep, all 24) separately at $7 a piece from a handful of different sellers. I really was out of my mind but, you know how it feels when you prepare space for something in your life and it's just not there yet? That's how I felt about these books. On the morning when I decided to throw caution and cash ($168 to be exact) to the wind, the whole set magically appeared as a library sell-off for $15. $15, can you believe it?
Of course, I bid and checked. And checked again. And checked again. I seriously didn't sleep. I wanted these things so badly!!!!
Obviously, I won (or I wouldn't be sharing the story). I counted the days until they came. Do you know how long a 50lb. box takes to be delivered from California to New Jersey via parcel post. I could have died.
After they arrived, I looked at every single page before I put them away. Once they were shelved, that's where they stayed; until last week.
I was de-cluttering and thinking about blog content. A light bulb came on, I had a goldmine of content stuffed on a shelf in the craft room!!!!!
And so it begins...
I'm going to go through each of these 24 volumes, doing any REASONABLE project along the way (There is some woodworking and furniture making that I have no business attempting). However, I will show the projects I skip as I wrap up each volume.
I have already finished two, and I intend to share them both this week!!!!
Get Ready! This is going to be awesome!
<3
Robbie.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
PMV: It's a Musical!
Sometimes, to lighten the mood at work we make up funny songs and dance around with strips of paper taped to our hands, like ghetto ribbon dancers.
I think life would be more exciting if it were a little more like a musical, and this week's featured band "It's a Musical" share that ideology.
Their music creates an artificial world that I would be more than happy to live in. Forever.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Guest Blogger: Tram Huynh
Hey!
Wool Shorts, Two Ways:
1. trench coat: BB Dakota, Macy's; turtleneck, shorts: thrifted; clutch: fleamarket; studs from http://studsandspikes.com/
2. cardigan: Forever 21, thrifted; button down: Zara, thrifted; boatshoes: Forever 21, Ebay
_________________________________________________________________________________
Coming Up...
-Vintage Birthday Card -Tissue Paper Peonies -Connor the Clown -Our Bathroom; A Work in Progress. -An Easy Recycled Vase
...and so much more!!!
I have a test tomorrow morning at 9:00am, so I don't have time to write an adequate post. Luckily, I still have a stockpile of Tram remixes!!! She's really doing a great job, and taking some of the weight off of my shoulders when things get hectic!
<3
Robbie.
_______________________________________________________
Hi there! My name is Tram Huynh (see that smiling doofus in the picture below? Yeah that’s me…)
I'm here today to provide some styling ideas for your thrift store finds. As we all know in this economy that nobody is paying retail for anything anymore, so why not venture into your local thrift store now and then? That’s where the real fashion treasure lies ;)
2. cardigan: Forever 21, thrifted; button down: Zara, thrifted; boatshoes: Forever 21, Ebay
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Liebster Blog Award!!!!
Hey Everybody!!!!
I was given a Liebster Blog Award by one of my favorite new readers!
It really means a lot! I've been working hard to revamp the space, and provide quality content for all of you.
The Liebster Blog Award started in Germany (obvs) and was intended to drive traffic to hidden gems (blogs with less than 300 readers). Upon acceptance of the Liebster award, the recipient is then obligated to "pay it forward" to 3 small blogs that they enjoy.
My first nominee is Jaqi of the also newly re-vamped Il Filato Dolce. Jaqi is an amazing knitter and good friend. Jaqi will be guest blogging here about her upcoming move across the country, as well as on her own site. She is also taking the same online blogging course as me, so expect to see great things from her in the near future!
My next nominee is Anastasia of Ugly Plants. Her blog was the first one that I saved when I signed up for Bloglovin'. Anastasia is probably the coolest girl on the internet. Even on the days when I hit "mark all read", I still check her blog to make sure I didn't miss anything! I mean, how many other people can quote "King of the Hill" and share a Bikini Kill video in the same week? I think we may be long lost siblings.
And finally, there's GwenStella of Because She Started Knitting. Even though the word "knitting" is in the title, Gwenstella's blog is definitely a lifestyle blog. She knits, crochets and probably even flies. She is slowly persuading to do me to do some kinda boy-wardrobe-remix thing. Hers are always so good!
Check out all three of these blogs! You won't be sorry!
(And girls, be sure to pay it forward!)
<3
Robbie.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Guest Blogger: Tram Huynh
Tram is the most fashionable girl I know!!! She always looks like a million bucks, even if she only spent a few. Her keen eye and impeccable styling were what first caught my attention. We met in a public speaking class, where we had to critique each other's work. My critique always included "great outfit" of "You look so pulled together!". She had done a presentation on thrifting and that's when I knew that she was probably the coolest girl in the class.
She has prepared a companion to her thrifting tips post from last week, about how to style your new thrift store finds.
She's broken up the styling posts into three installments, which I know you will all love.These posts are sort of wardrobe_remix inspired, in that you're taking certain elements and creating several different outfits with them. She's worked really hard on all of her guests posts and I'm so happy to able to share them with you.
Enjoy!!!
<3
Robbie.
_________________________________________________________________________
Hi there! My name is Tram Huynh (see that smiling doofus in the picture below? Yeah that’s me…)
I'm here today to provide some styling ideas for your thrift store finds. As we all know in this economy that nobody is paying retail for anything anymore, so why not venture into your local thrift store now and then? That’s where the real fashion treasure lies ;)
Cheerleading skirt and wool blazer two-ways:
1. jean jacket: Gap kids; necklace: gift; vintage raybans; pleated mint green blouse: Marshall's; green cheerleading skirt: thrifted; silver satin pumps: BCBGIRLS, Ebay
2. silk slip, wool blazer, bag: thrifted; heels: Bakers; gold bracelet: flea market; watch: Movado, gift
3. white corset bra top: thrifted; metallic clutch: Nine West, Boscov's; thick-rimmed glasses: men's section @ Urban Outfitters; watch: Liz Claiborne, yard sale; heels: BCBG, Ebay; leggings: Kensie Girl, Macy's
2. silk slip, wool blazer, bag: thrifted; heels: Bakers; gold bracelet: flea market; watch: Movado, gift
3. white corset bra top: thrifted; metallic clutch: Nine West, Boscov's; thick-rimmed glasses: men's section @ Urban Outfitters; watch: Liz Claiborne, yard sale; heels: BCBG, Ebay; leggings: Kensie Girl, Macy's
Friday, June 17, 2011
Vocabulary Lesson: "Fete Champetres"
fete champetres- n. a garden party, picnic or similar outdoor entertainment.
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I keep pretending that I don't live in a tiny condo. I plan crazy outdoor parties that could never happen . We don't even own a grill.
The reality is that we have a small wooden patio and a old george foreman grill.
I kept everything on a small scale for once, and I think that this could actually work.
Wanna come over for a "fete champetres"? I have enough room for, like, 4 guests (and they will have to sit side by side).
.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Lomo Burritos.
I just got home from Moe's and after eating what was quite possibly the largest burrito ever made, I think I may be dying. Instead writing a long fancy post about some sweet vintage craft or trying to figure out how to take good pictures of my tiny bathroom to share with you, I'm totally copping out.
Last summer, I went to this place called "The Popcorn Zoo". It's a zoo where sick and awkward animals go to be fed popcorn and peanuts while rehabilitating. (Popcorn is low in calories, so I guess it's considered a healthy snack?). It's actually a really cute place and I had a nice time.
I took my Holga 120n and loaded it with slide film that I wouldn't send to be developed until a year later.
Here are the shots from that roll. Most of them are terrible and blurry, but I'm still learning. They have a decidedly "lo-fi" appeal. Any one of them could be an Ariel Pink album cover:
Okay, that was almost more than I can handle. I'm going to go lay on the couch, watch that show where people do those zany water logged obstacle courses, and rub my tummy. I never should have eaten that much!
Have a good night!
Coming up...
-Styling Thrift Store Finds with Tram
-A Vintage Inspired Birthday Card
-Our Bathroom Makeover
-Vintage Tissue Paper Peonies
...and so much more!
<3
Robbie.
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