A Trailer for Every Academy Award Winning Movie Ever -- powered by Cracked.com
I'd like to thank Amanda D for tipping me off.
Showing posts with label Have More Fun. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Have More Fun. Show all posts
Monday, March 8, 2010
A Trailer for Every Academy Award Winning Movie Ever, and for your enjoyment.
A Trailer for Every Academy Award Winning Movie Ever -- powered by Cracked.com
I'd like to thank Amanda D for tipping me off.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Bossy Blog 2010 Fitness and Health Challenge: FINALLY!
By Sally
I am finally following up on my previous post. Sorry it took so long! We were out of town, frolicking in the snow, and sans computer. But I'm baaaack! And ready for 2010 (well, kind of ready)!
So, wonderful readers, what are your health/fitness resolutions for the new year? If you need some ideas, see the blogpost below. It is time for you to share yours. Here are some of mine:
Okay: please, click on the comments, and tell us your goals. 2010 is going to be healthy!
I am finally following up on my previous post. Sorry it took so long! We were out of town, frolicking in the snow, and sans computer. But I'm baaaack! And ready for 2010 (well, kind of ready)!
So, wonderful readers, what are your health/fitness resolutions for the new year? If you need some ideas, see the blogpost below. It is time for you to share yours. Here are some of mine:
- Eat more healthfully
- Become a proficient runner
- Lose 15 lbs by July 1
- Add 2 cups of veggies to my lunches and dinners at least 10 times/week (already started this)
- Cut out carbs for 2 weeks (this I started yesterday) and then introduce healthy carbs (whole grains and fruit) starting no sooner than Jan 18 (this is basically the South Beach diet)
- Start fitness walking and make sure my quad is healed (that is this week)
- Start running at least 4 days/week, in the AM before family is awake. Stretch after running. (this starts Monday if my quad is sufficiently healed).
- Get daily runs up to 3 miles by Jan 29.
- Run 5 miles continuously by Feb 27 or sooner.
- Get daily run up to 4 miles by Feb 27.
- Run a 10K race by end of March
- Train for a half marathon--get a group of friends together (I kinda already did this, I'm hoping they'll want to do it again)
- Run a half marathon by Nov 1
- Increase core strength by doing ab and back work after my Monday/Wed/Saturday runs.
This is me doing a run/walk half marathon in 2005. I loved it and I want to feel that way again!
All of this is going to require determination, hard work, and self-control. I will do better at it if I have a support group, and you will do better with your resolutions too, so let's help each other!
Please! Post your fitness/health resolutions for 2010! Leave a comment that is as detailed as you like, and we will encourage and congratulate each other! We will check in on this topic once/month so you can post your progress if you like.
Also: we Bossy Sisters have been talking about doing something fitness-y this year and inviting any and all to join us. One option is the Women's Fitness Celebration in our hometown of Boise, ID. It is apparently the largest women-only 5K in the world, it's in September, and it looks like a LOT OF FUN. My guess is that some of you have done this event or are planning to--please let us know! Another option is the Revlon Run/Walk for Women in LA on May 8. That is a nice time to be in Southern California and I'll be doing that one for sure.
Friday, June 12, 2009
by Kristen
Oh, what do you do in the summertime, when all the world is green?
Do you get up early, and work like a bee, and post on the blog, Bossy!?
Is that what you do? Neither do we!
All kidding aside, if Hallmark is right, and it is the thought that counts, we are golden here! But, if it is action that matters... well, we are falling short.
As Bossy! sisters, we have been talking about how often to post in the summer time, because the rest of the song is a lot more accurate. We are busy swimming in pools, swinging on swings, drinking lemonades, and watching clouds drift by. And we think that's what you ought to do too.
So take some time off the computer and enjoy summer. We will be blogging, probably once a week, but we are still working out the details, so don't forget us. In the meantime, sing this little song to yourself or with your kids while you enjoy a nice summer day!
"Oh, What Do You Do in the Summertime?" from the Children's Primary Songbook
Oh, what do you do in the summertime, when all the world is green?
Do you fish in a stream, or lazily dream on the banks as the clouds go by?
Is that what you do? So do I!
Oh, what do you do in the summertime, when all the world is green?
Do you swim in a pool, to keep yourself cool or swing in a tree up high?
Is that what you do? So do I!
Oh, what do you do in the summertime, when all the world is green?
Do you march in parades, or drink lemonades or count all the stars in the sky?
Is that what you do? So do I!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Learn something new...
by Kristen
A couple of years ago I took a class at Boise State University with 3 of my friends. It was a spanish class. We had a blast! Every Tuesday night we'd carpool down to the university and pretend that we had studied during the week and laugh and visit and learn some spanish. Sometimes after class, we would go out for dessert and once we all got together for a study session (yes, we did try to take it seriously).
Our instructor, Maria, was from Spain, and she was darling. She told us we could only speak spanish in the class, so we prefaced all our english with "Tengo un pregunta", which is something like "I have a question", and then we would ask our question in english. We would also say, "¿Cuál es el significado..." to ask what something meant. But my favorite, by far was "¿Cómo se dice...". Which is "How do you say...?"
My dear friend, Teri, would always ask funny questions like, "¿Cómo se dice butt?" or "¿Cómo se dice nasty?" Maria just would laugh at us and answer our questions. I wonder if it bothered her that we didn't take it very seriously. I don't think so. But it did bother our class mates. Some of them were VERY serious about this community ed introduction to spanish class.
Anyway, if you are wondering butt = culo, nasty = sucio.
The following video is a very funny clip about "spanish for your nanny"...
Currently I am taking a Water Safety Instructor class. It is awesome!
All my life I've wanted to be able to swim the Butterfly stroke, and all my life I have caused great anxiety for nearby life-guards and swimmers when I have tried. It is a hard stroke to learn!
A couple of years ago I took a class at Boise State University with 3 of my friends. It was a spanish class. We had a blast! Every Tuesday night we'd carpool down to the university and pretend that we had studied during the week and laugh and visit and learn some spanish. Sometimes after class, we would go out for dessert and once we all got together for a study session (yes, we did try to take it seriously).
Our instructor, Maria, was from Spain, and she was darling. She told us we could only speak spanish in the class, so we prefaced all our english with "Tengo un pregunta", which is something like "I have a question", and then we would ask our question in english. We would also say, "¿Cuál es el significado..." to ask what something meant. But my favorite, by far was "¿Cómo se dice...". Which is "How do you say...?"
My dear friend, Teri, would always ask funny questions like, "¿Cómo se dice butt?" or "¿Cómo se dice nasty?" Maria just would laugh at us and answer our questions. I wonder if it bothered her that we didn't take it very seriously. I don't think so. But it did bother our class mates. Some of them were VERY serious about this community ed introduction to spanish class.
Anyway, if you are wondering butt = culo, nasty = sucio.
The following video is a very funny clip about "spanish for your nanny"...
Currently I am taking a Water Safety Instructor class. It is awesome!
All my life I've wanted to be able to swim the Butterfly stroke, and all my life I have caused great anxiety for nearby life-guards and swimmers when I have tried. It is a hard stroke to learn!
But on Monday night - in a 3 hour class, I DID IT! I learned the Butterfly! I am so on cloud nine for this accomplishment. It was just so cool to finally get it. The timing, the breathing, the kicks, the stroke, it all came together. I'm not saying it was pretty, but I did it and the Master's Swim Coach who was teaching me was pleased and said she'd give it a "pass". I will be working on this a lot in days to come. And I know my shoulders will be dying tomorrow...
BUT I DID IT!!!!!
(Later, in some other post I'll tell you about me and Michael Phelps...yeah, I know him. We're tight! That's why I used a picture of him in this post.)
I'm already thinking about what class I'm going to take after the WSI class is over. I want to get back into pottery, so maybe I'll find a community ed pottery class.
Taking a class makes you feel younger, more vibrant. When you learn a new skill, you feel accomplished. And even if you don't learn a lot (as in the case of my spanish classes), if you take the class with some friends, you'll have a blast.
Why, just last night I went to a couponing class. It was so awesome! Thank you Discount Queens! I can't wait to start saving money! When I left I felt smarter, more resourceful, and I had a little spring in my step. Amazing how just one little class can do that for you!
Think about it - you could take:
a dance class
a language class
a finance class
a parenting class
a pole-dancing or belly dancing class
a gardening class
an exercize class
a religion class
a cooking/culinary class
a kayaking class
or pick any subject a the university - psychology, biology, math, education, history, etc.
you could even take a capoeira class (see video below). I have a friend, Cherie, who is very good at capoeira, she teaches it at the YMCA.
What kind of class do you want to take?
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Going, Going...Gone!
by Kristen
Here are the rules that they listed on KSL under the video:
Those attending can bring whatever they want to try to sell (items you are going to give to goodwill, grocery items you really aren't going to consume, bottles of lotions or bath essentials, partially used scrapbooking supplies, clothing, books, home décor, etc.)
Since all good gatherings require good food, everyone brings a potluck dish to share.
As you arrive, you sign up for a selling slot.
Participants sell in the order they arrive. Each seller has a 10 minutes time limit. All bids start at five cents and bids need to be dividable by 5 (no 38 cent bids, here!). You can jump the bidding, but the amount must be dividable by five. The bidding can go as high as the bidders are willing to go, no limits. *Some auctions opt to allow the seller to set a starting bid.
For timing purposes, no commentary about the item being sold is allowed (Example: "I bought this three years ago, my daughter loves it," etc.)
Once the item is bid out, toss the item to the winning bidder and someone (working as scribe) writes down the name of the person and the price they committed to.
Then the next item starts, same process!
When that seller is all done, the scribe shouts out the totals for all the winning bidders, they put their money in a bucket of sorts that gets passed around the room (like a collection plate) and it all goes to that seller.
The next seller starts.
So do you wanna give it a try?
Okay everyone are you ready to try something new and fun? How about some "economy shopping"? Thanks to Tiffani at http://paulandtiff.blogspot.com/ for sharing this! (I copied it directly from her blog).
Video Courtesy of KSL.com
What is a nickel Auction? Watch this video to find out.Here are the rules that they listed on KSL under the video:
Those attending can bring whatever they want to try to sell (items you are going to give to goodwill, grocery items you really aren't going to consume, bottles of lotions or bath essentials, partially used scrapbooking supplies, clothing, books, home décor, etc.)
Since all good gatherings require good food, everyone brings a potluck dish to share.
As you arrive, you sign up for a selling slot.
Participants sell in the order they arrive. Each seller has a 10 minutes time limit. All bids start at five cents and bids need to be dividable by 5 (no 38 cent bids, here!). You can jump the bidding, but the amount must be dividable by five. The bidding can go as high as the bidders are willing to go, no limits. *Some auctions opt to allow the seller to set a starting bid.
For timing purposes, no commentary about the item being sold is allowed (Example: "I bought this three years ago, my daughter loves it," etc.)
Once the item is bid out, toss the item to the winning bidder and someone (working as scribe) writes down the name of the person and the price they committed to.
Then the next item starts, same process!
When that seller is all done, the scribe shouts out the totals for all the winning bidders, they put their money in a bucket of sorts that gets passed around the room (like a collection plate) and it all goes to that seller.
The next seller starts.
So do you wanna give it a try?
Reading the comments about this on KSL was very interesting.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Cheap Date Part 2: Poisson et Snowflake Addiction
Last week I shared some fun, free things to do with the family. Today we're headed to the World Wide Web to have some more free fun.
First, for the little kids:
First, for the little kids:
Around here, we love noggin.com. It's entertaining (features all of your little kids' favorite TV characters) and it's safe for your children, educational and free.
A screen capture from poissonrouge. Every single item is clickable and leads to a game.
We also love poissonrouge, which is a great French site (and you don't need to speak French to use it). Poisson Rouge means Red Fish, fyi.
Starfall is a great educational site. Fun games teach letters and reading. They also have printable material and you can order teaching materials from them, too.
Now for the adults. Make-a-flake! Technically, your kids can do this too, but you will love it and get addicted. (You will know you are too into it if you feel annoyed when your children make inferior snowflakes, and you can't wait until it's your turn.) Give it a try. See if you can cut shapes, letters, etc into the snowflake. It's an excellent way to put off housework.
We are always looking for new babysitters educational sites for the kids and better ways to put off housework, so if you know of any, please share.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Cheap Date.
By Sally
(If you go to Lowe's, or any of these activities, and you have a small child with you, too small to do the craft, DO NOT under any circumstances place the child in a shopping cart, forget to check on said child, and then find that the child has rolled away into the parking lot and been retrieved for you by a total stranger. I can ONLY IMAGINE that would be a terrible thing to do.)
Next, check out Michael's "The Knack". Starting May 2, they have free workshops every day for a week for children to make crafts for Mother's Day. I am going to encourage my husband to take my kids and make the picture plates.
Then there's Home Depot. They also have children's workshops. They are the first Saturday of the month. While the crafts haven't been as cute as the Lowe's crafts, IMO, they are still pretty great. On May 2 your kids can make a wheelbarrow (I am assuming this is a miniature w'barrow, very useful for carting cheerios or legos around).
After your craft, you can get a cheap lunch. Restaurant.com sells gift cards to restaurants for cheaper than the value of the cards. They are super cheap. There are a few restrictions on when the cards can be used, but if you find a restaurant on the site that you eat at regularly, you should try it. However, if you only find restaurants you've never eaten at, don't be like me and buy a gift card and then never use it. That would be a waste of money.
What a cheap and fun date with the family! You are WELCOME!
PS Do you know about any other fun free stuff for families?
When I was in college, I had a saying that went:
"If it's free, it's for me!"
I still like free stuff, as long as it's not junk. I especially like free craft activities that I can do with my kids because: 1. it's free, 2. quality family time, 3. if the crafty item breaks, I don't have to care because it was free!
I like y'all so much that I am going to help you go have some crafty fun for free. Yahoo!
First (and my favorite), check out Lowe's Build and Grow workshops for children. These free workshops are hosted by Lowe's every two weeks. The crafts are very cute, and this Saturday, April 25, you can make a hang glider. In my experience, the under 8 crowd will require adult help, but it really is fun and Lowe's has great employees that help out. One of the perks of the Lowe's workshop is that they will give your child a work apron (to keep), safety goggles (to keep), a certificate, and even a patch that can be sown (or hotglued or stapled if you are like me) to the apron! CUTE.
(If you go to Lowe's, or any of these activities, and you have a small child with you, too small to do the craft, DO NOT under any circumstances place the child in a shopping cart, forget to check on said child, and then find that the child has rolled away into the parking lot and been retrieved for you by a total stranger. I can ONLY IMAGINE that would be a terrible thing to do.)
Next, check out Michael's "The Knack". Starting May 2, they have free workshops every day for a week for children to make crafts for Mother's Day. I am going to encourage my husband to take my kids and make the picture plates.
Then there's Home Depot. They also have children's workshops. They are the first Saturday of the month. While the crafts haven't been as cute as the Lowe's crafts, IMO, they are still pretty great. On May 2 your kids can make a wheelbarrow (I am assuming this is a miniature w'barrow, very useful for carting cheerios or legos around).
After your craft, you can get a cheap lunch. Restaurant.com sells gift cards to restaurants for cheaper than the value of the cards. They are super cheap. There are a few restrictions on when the cards can be used, but if you find a restaurant on the site that you eat at regularly, you should try it. However, if you only find restaurants you've never eaten at, don't be like me and buy a gift card and then never use it. That would be a waste of money.
What a cheap and fun date with the family! You are WELCOME!
PS Do you know about any other fun free stuff for families?
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Have some birthday fun!
by Emily
Is it weird to post a photo of yourself on your own birthday? Who cares! These are from favorite birthday parties of past (not mine). Robin assigned me this post today, so here you go: how to have fun on your birthday. You have to make your own fun, don't wait for it to happen to you!
Today is my 30th birthday. SO, today we (meaning: me, you, and your kids) are celebrating by going to Village Bakery for an oatmeal cookie at about 11:00am. I hope you can come. You ALL are invited. Surprise me and come!
Me making Joe's B'day cake, Barefoot Contessa Ina Garten's Coconut Cake, yum!
*DH has to work hard all day and into the evening. We'll celebrate later this week.
Is it weird to post a photo of yourself on your own birthday? Who cares! These are from favorite birthday parties of past (not mine). Robin assigned me this post today, so here you go: how to have fun on your birthday. You have to make your own fun, don't wait for it to happen to you!
Today is my 30th birthday. SO, today we (meaning: me, you, and your kids) are celebrating by going to Village Bakery for an oatmeal cookie at about 11:00am. I hope you can come. You ALL are invited. Surprise me and come!
Me making Joe's B'day cake, Barefoot Contessa Ina Garten's Coconut Cake, yum!
*DH has to work hard all day and into the evening. We'll celebrate later this week.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Part 2: Win Chiska's Give-Away!
Leave a Comment by April 14th (next week) for a chance to win a cool, creative, doable crafty gift from Chiska!
Dear Bossy Readers,
Here is some more hands-on advice and experience from my awesome friend, Chiska. Check out the cool suggestions and links for fun, simple, creative projects (even some that require NO sewing), and LEAVE A COMMENT for a chance to win our Give-Away!
How do you prioritize your life so that you have time for your creative pursuits?
Well honestly, I drop lots of balls. I have a great husband who tries to help me have the time. The other thing is just fitting it into the few minutes here and there.
I keep projects in bags (that zip close--I do have curious children, but it helps) that way I can grab them and work on them when the kids are happily playing and have a few minutes. My son
is pretty used to hearing, “let me finish this or that and then I’ll read you that story, help you find that toy, or just come be with you.”When I get excited about something that’s when it’s the easiest. It’s more difficult to say I want to make something and be motivated to do it, than it is to see something specific and think, “Hmm I want to make a felt sandwich because it looks cool.” Then once I get started and I get really excited because hey I can make this!
What have been some of your favorite projects, some of your nightmarish projects?
I think one of my most favorite was making moccasins for my husband. They were my very first pair of adult moc’s. I used some of my mom’s “toe patterns” to create a design for the beading on the toe.
It was fun time with my Mom holding my hand through the process and they turned 
out! I also love them because I was making a mountain scene with a river and when you look at it upside down it looks like some kind of goofy guy with a mustache snorkeling. I love goofy stuff like that. 
I also loved learning to paint silk scarves--another Mom teaching me thing. It was an amazing process and pretty quick results.
Me painting a scarf
Nightmarish:
I think nearly every project has a nightmarish stage in it. For Christmas this lat year I made “picnic” blankets--small rectangles really for my brother’s girlfriend’s kids. I started in September and was really excited it was going to be a pretty simple project. Then of course I creatively made it more complicated. I appliquéd some animals on one and quilted crowns on another. Anyway, I thought I’d be able to sew up the sides pretty easily and after the 4th or 5th time of trying to make it look nice I just got mad and quit. They were very gracious about them, but that’s when I decided that using the machine as a time saving device--or trying to hurry to get something done was a bad idea.
How far in advance do you start thinking about/working on handmade gifts before they have to be given?
I usually pick something to make for someone and whenever I get it done--they get it.
The exception to that is Christmas. On my side of the family we take turns at Christmas time so we only have one family/person each year (there are 6 living kids and my Mom and Dad). That makes it easier. I like to think about it way in advance so I’m less stressed right before Christmas and I have time to mail it. I also have a quirk that says that it’s never too late for a gift. For example I had one of my brother’s for Christmas year before last. He got his gift from me right around April Fools Day. It was a quilt that I’d been working on for him off and on for about 7 years. I’d seen the fabric and thought he’s like it. I was also determined to make it big as I’d made him several blankets and they were always too small. I overcompensated, but it turned out great!
There are things that are quick to make so you can do them last minute.
Have you made anything special for your children while pregnant? Or since they've been born?
You know it’s kind of sad, but I haven’t made much for my kids. When I was pregnant I was so tired (both times) that I haven’t done much for them. I did make a book of pictures of Gram for my little guy so He’d remember her (she passed away two summers ago) I hadn’t realized this until recently when I made a scarf for him and he was so excited he couldn’t stand it.
I do have plans for a wall quilt for my tiny girl and I have some dolls that are in process--they’re my first attempt at dolls and look rather alien like--I call them awake and asleep dolls. My Mom
made something like it for me and my three 
sisters. Her Mom had made a doll for her and each of her sisters when they were small. When her Mom died her Dad took the dolls and kept them for them so they wouldn’t get ruined. Until her sister’s passed away they would get together periodically and have tea parties with the dolls. I also want to make them both ABC quilts modeled after one my Mom made for me when I was young. My oldest loves the alphabet.
What handmade objects did you give for Christmas last year (or recently)?
I’ve already told you about the two small “picnic” blankets. I also made a “hug” blanket for my brother’s girlfriend (when asked what she wanted she said a hug would be just fine--so that’s what she got)
I’ve made a couple pairs of moccasins a baby pair and an Plains Indian Style (which was a first for me) for a special birthday for one of my nephews. I also made a laminated list with magnets on the back with all the birthdays in our
family for each family. Handy little reference when you need to know whose birthday it is. Most recently I made a felt “lunch” with a couple of bean bags as a birthday gift. I also attempted a flax-filled heating pad--it should be up under the nightmare projects, I still don’t know what the receiver thought of the 7 pound awkward thing, but I have a pretty good idea that it wasn’t good. I hope he fed the flax to his chickens or something.
Last Question: Do you have any suggestions of handmade objects that a beginner would feel is doable, and not too expensive?
Oh my favorite question! But it begs some return questions--what do you have? What do you want to do?
Sewing Machine Projects:
Rice Bag Feet Warmer http://adayinthelifeofthechristensons.blogspot.com/2009/02/tutorialrice-bag-feet-warmer.html
Faux Baby Legs
http://www.flickr.com/photos/babyhopes/sets/72157594274454468/
On this one if it seems complicated keep trying--it’s really not.
Lunch Sack--I’m adding this here, but it works great with felt food for a gift.
http://www.simplicity.com/index.cfmpage=section/classroom/sewprojects/lunchtote/lunchsack.html
Fabric beach balls
I haven’t tried these, but they look like they’d be fun so I’m adding them to the list.
http://www.purlbee.com/fabric-beach-balls/
Hand Sewing Projects:
Felt Food is amazing. This site is the best compilation I’ve found for how to info and patterns. Even the “high end” materials are relatively inexpensive and it’s just fun. For big kids, for little kids--you could make it for just about anybody.
http://www.keeperofthecheerios.com/2008/12/best-felt-food-patterns-from-around-web.html
Felt Sushi
http://hoogliart.wordpress.com/2007/08/08/felt-sushi-tutorial/
I thought this letters ideas was a cute one too--also felt related:
http://muffinsnmore.blogspot.com/2009/02/lovely-letters.html
No Sewing involved:
Button magnets: Buttons are so fun. I have an old cookie tin filled with buttons. I love running my fingers through them--that’s an idea too, make a button “box” for someone. Here’s an idea for magnets (among other things)
http://www.soulemama.com/soulemama/2009/03/button-it-up.html
A Journal--a book, not as hard it might sound.
http://www.jpgmag.com/stories/354
I recently saw a basket someone made from magazines by accordion folding each page and then wrapping them around each other (attaching them with a glue gun). You make a circle base and then overlap them slightly as you move them up to create the “walls”.
Look around your house and ask yourself what can I make with what’s around here?
What can I collect in the natural world?
Nature Printing:
On that point something that I just did recently as a preschool project was “nature printing” you can use felt tipped markers and/or an ink pad. You take a leaf--you’ll want a fairly malleable (not dried) one either color it (with the pens) or press it on the ink pad. Then stamp it onto paper. I used some dried Gingko leaves (strongly suggest if you have dried ones that you “re-hydrate” them) and markers and we had a blast! The fun thing with this one is that little kids and adults can do it. The results vary widely, but it’s fun for both.
Beads:
Something else I tried a couple years ago was making beads out of wood branches. I used willows, but I think any kind of tree would work. You snip the branches in whatever lengths you want your bead to be and then pound them through (lengthwise) with a nail about the girth of the hole you want. You can carve the bark if you want, I didn’t. I used a horse chestnut and some beads to make a present for a friend. I doubt she’ll ever wear it, but it was fun and she did like it.
If you know what you want to make, but don’t know how and don’t have anyone to ask then Google it. Chances are there’s someone on the web that will tell you how to make it.
I think nearly every project has a nightmarish stage in it. For Christmas this lat year I made “picnic” blankets--small rectangles really for my brother’s girlfriend’s kids. I started in September and was really excited it was going to be a pretty simple project. Then of course I creatively made it more complicated. I appliquéd some animals on one and quilted crowns on another. Anyway, I thought I’d be able to sew up the sides pretty easily and after the 4th or 5th time of trying to make it look nice I just got mad and quit. They were very gracious about them, but that’s when I decided that using the machine as a time saving device--or trying to hurry to get something done was a bad idea.
How far in advance do you start thinking about/working on handmade gifts before they have to be given?
I usually pick something to make for someone and whenever I get it done--they get it.
The exception to that is Christmas. On my side of the family we take turns at Christmas time so we only have one family/person each year (there are 6 living kids and my Mom and Dad). That makes it easier. I like to think about it way in advance so I’m less stressed right before Christmas and I have time to mail it. I also have a quirk that says that it’s never too late for a gift. For example I had one of my brother’s for Christmas year before last. He got his gift from me right around April Fools Day. It was a quilt that I’d been working on for him off and on for about 7 years. I’d seen the fabric and thought he’s like it. I was also determined to make it big as I’d made him several blankets and they were always too small. I overcompensated, but it turned out great!
There are things that are quick to make so you can do them last minute.
Have you made anything special for your children while pregnant? Or since they've been born?
You know it’s kind of sad, but I haven’t made much for my kids. When I was pregnant I was so tired (both times) that I haven’t done much for them. I did make a book of pictures of Gram for my little guy so He’d remember her (she passed away two summers ago) I hadn’t realized this until recently when I made a scarf for him and he was so excited he couldn’t stand it.
I do have plans for a wall quilt for my tiny girl and I have some dolls that are in process--they’re my first attempt at dolls and look rather alien like--I call them awake and asleep dolls. My Mom
made something like it for me and my three 
sisters. Her Mom had made a doll for her and each of her sisters when they were small. When her Mom died her Dad took the dolls and kept them for them so they wouldn’t get ruined. Until her sister’s passed away they would get together periodically and have tea parties with the dolls. I also want to make them both ABC quilts modeled after one my Mom made for me when I was young. My oldest loves the alphabet.What handmade objects did you give for Christmas last year (or recently)?
I’ve already told you about the two small “picnic” blankets. I also made a “hug” blanket for my brother’s girlfriend (when asked what she wanted she said a hug would be just fine--so that’s what she got)
I’ve made a couple pairs of moccasins a baby pair and an Plains Indian Style (which was a first for me) for a special birthday for one of my nephews. I also made a laminated list with magnets on the back with all the birthdays in our
family for each family. Handy little reference when you need to know whose birthday it is. Most recently I made a felt “lunch” with a couple of bean bags as a birthday gift. I also attempted a flax-filled heating pad--it should be up under the nightmare projects, I still don’t know what the receiver thought of the 7 pound awkward thing, but I have a pretty good idea that it wasn’t good. I hope he fed the flax to his chickens or something.Last Question: Do you have any suggestions of handmade objects that a beginner would feel is doable, and not too expensive?
Oh my favorite question! But it begs some return questions--what do you have? What do you want to do?
Sewing Machine Projects:
Rice Bag Feet Warmer http://adayinthelifeofthechristensons.blogspot.com/2009/02/tutorialrice-bag-feet-warmer.html
Faux Baby Legs
http://www.flickr.com/photos/babyhopes/sets/72157594274454468/
On this one if it seems complicated keep trying--it’s really not.
Lunch Sack--I’m adding this here, but it works great with felt food for a gift.
http://www.simplicity.com/index.cfmpage=section/classroom/sewprojects/lunchtote/lunchsack.html
Fabric beach balls
I haven’t tried these, but they look like they’d be fun so I’m adding them to the list.
http://www.purlbee.com/fabric-beach-balls/
Hand Sewing Projects:
Felt Food is amazing. This site is the best compilation I’ve found for how to info and patterns. Even the “high end” materials are relatively inexpensive and it’s just fun. For big kids, for little kids--you could make it for just about anybody.
http://www.keeperofthecheerios.com/2008/12/best-felt-food-patterns-from-around-web.html
Felt Sushi
http://hoogliart.wordpress.com/2007/08/08/felt-sushi-tutorial/
I thought this letters ideas was a cute one too--also felt related:
http://muffinsnmore.blogspot.com/2009/02/lovely-letters.html
No Sewing involved:
Button magnets: Buttons are so fun. I have an old cookie tin filled with buttons. I love running my fingers through them--that’s an idea too, make a button “box” for someone. Here’s an idea for magnets (among other things)
http://www.soulemama.com/soulemama/2009/03/button-it-up.html
A Journal--a book, not as hard it might sound.
http://www.jpgmag.com/stories/354
I recently saw a basket someone made from magazines by accordion folding each page and then wrapping them around each other (attaching them with a glue gun). You make a circle base and then overlap them slightly as you move them up to create the “walls”.
Look around your house and ask yourself what can I make with what’s around here?
What can I collect in the natural world?
Nature Printing:
On that point something that I just did recently as a preschool project was “nature printing” you can use felt tipped markers and/or an ink pad. You take a leaf--you’ll want a fairly malleable (not dried) one either color it (with the pens) or press it on the ink pad. Then stamp it onto paper. I used some dried Gingko leaves (strongly suggest if you have dried ones that you “re-hydrate” them) and markers and we had a blast! The fun thing with this one is that little kids and adults can do it. The results vary widely, but it’s fun for both.
Beads:
Something else I tried a couple years ago was making beads out of wood branches. I used willows, but I think any kind of tree would work. You snip the branches in whatever lengths you want your bead to be and then pound them through (lengthwise) with a nail about the girth of the hole you want. You can carve the bark if you want, I didn’t. I used a horse chestnut and some beads to make a present for a friend. I doubt she’ll ever wear it, but it was fun and she did like it.
If you know what you want to make, but don’t know how and don’t have anyone to ask then Google it. Chances are there’s someone on the web that will tell you how to make it.
Leave a Comment by April 14th (next week) for a chance to win a cool, creative, doable crafty gift from Chiska!
Part 1: Meet Chiska!
by Emily
Chiska is a dear friend I first met in a feminist literature class, and then later became closer friends as roommates in London. She is an ideal travel companion!
Chiska is probably one of my most creative and unique friends, and I love her so much. She has a sincere and generous heart. I want to introduce you, Bossy Readers, to her because she inspires me--and maybe she'll inspire you too! Leave a comment and you may even win her GIVE-AWAY! (it promises to be something cool and doable!)
If Chiska were a character from a book, for her I would choose Sarah Agnes Prine from These is My Words. This is because both Chiska and Sarah are pictures of beauty and strength--and Chiska has had her share of strengthening life experiences. But we won't focus on those experiences (including a newborn hospitalized for months with a life-threatening condition). No, instead I wanted to ask her about something of a much lighter nature: creative pursuits. Chiska finds beauty and interest in just about everything this world has to offer, and inturn inspires those who know her. And, she has a rockin' cool name. Meet Chiska:
You grew up in Alaska. How do you think that has influenced your creative pursuits?
I do more in the winter. Winter is the time for “hibernating” inside and making things. Summer is for outside playing as much as possible. I learned to make moccasins because of living there. The people I knew growing up were creative. I still want to be like them.
What are a few handmade objects that you treasure? What’s their story?
Oh dear, “a few”. It’s hard to pick just a few.
I have some lace that my Aunt Janet made. I actually have several pieces, a table cloth and a bunch of smaller “snowflakes”. The tablecloth she made for my wedding.
This was something that she did for almost everyone who got married. I didn’t expect that I would get a piece since she had been so ill. She had talked to my Mom about finishing it for her because she was having a very hard time doing it, but then decided she wanted to finish it. My Aunt Joy blocked and starched it for me. She said she knew that it was 90 inches because it took all 90 inches of her to get it blocked out. They’re both gone now and I love that memory.
The smaller pieces she made because she told me she wanted to sit me on a chair
and sprinkle them down on me so I would know how much I was loved. She never got a chance to do that, but she tasked my mother with completing the “snowflakes” and she in turn sent them to my husband who did the sprinkling while I cried.
She also sent me a small piece of lace which I framed while I was struggling at school. She sent it just because “it wanted to come to your house”. And we (she and my uncle) want you to know that we love you. I still remember the lift it gave me at that difficult time.
I have a number of things my mother has made that I treasure.
Three stained glass pieces, a 
tulip, a fish and a girl walking under an umbrella, and frame made from beach glass she collected and some glass that my husband and I had collected at an abandoned coal mine.
Another piece that it multi-generational is a picture with a piece of cotton tucked into a “vase” of material that one of my ancestors wove for her son.
She also made my wedding dress. It’s made of white leather and beaded with what
we call ice beads. They’re faceted beads that catch the light marvelously and truly look like ice. The dress is self is simple. She made a collar, cuffs and an octopus bag. The star-like piece is our interpretation of a mariner’s compass, the flowers are forget-me-nots and of course snowflakes. I like to use my bag now in object lessons because to look at it, it’s different and interesting, but nothing special. When you shine a concentrated light on it, it’s amazing. It truly makes you catch your breath. My brother, Me, Wade @ Mendenhall Glacier
She always makes a pair of these for
grandbabies--these are my baby girls
I have two wonderful quilts that my elementary school librarian has made quilts for each of my kids. The most recent is a fun storybook quilt.
Did your creative pursuits take a back seat when your little guy was born and spent the first part of his life in the hospital--or were you able to do things during that time, was it a good outlet?
Take a back seat? Absolutely they took a back seat. I did make a pair of baby moccasins toward the end of our time at the hospital. It gave me something to do when we couldn’t do much else. Ironically we were more involved in his care at that time than earlier on, but I just wasn’t up to much before that. When we brought him home he was on dialysis from about 5:30 p.m. until 5:30 a.m. I would come home from work and play and interact with him for about a half an hour and then we would “put him on” and have the evening to do things. It was great for my husband and me. We would visit and work on things--well he’d read and I’d craft. It was a great way of coping for me at that time. You always think when you’re going through something difficult that it’s hard to go through, but for me the aftermath has been more difficult. Some of that may be that there is no after in aftermath, but it is much calmer now and things are much more stable.
What sort of objects do you collect? (I know about your children's books, and now, placemats--which is such a great idea! Tell us about those, and others as well.)
Somehow in my youth I decided that I needed to collect things so I think I collect anything I can.
I love art, so pictures that “speak” to me get picked up from calendars, cards, posters, original work, photographs (my husband’s a great landscape photographer).
Original Oil by friend, Gwen Toomalatai You can get a better idea from her etsy website: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6377160
Placemats--usually the cheap tourist trap plastic ones. It’s fun for me now when my wings are a little clipped and I can “travel” at my table and talk to my husband and kids about other places. I had to get some animal mats from Alaska so my little guy would be excited about them, but now he is.
Fabric (and I’m not much of a “sewing” person, but I’m learning to quilt)
Books, especially children’s books. I love the marriage of art and words in them. We have a “library” with about 7 bookshelves in it. That doesn’t count the ones in other rooms.
Prisms, I love rainbows.
Leaves, rocks--I once carried a rock that I named Herbert 3 miles. When I was traveling a lot I’d pick up flowers and leaves and press them. I made a book and put them in it so I could remember some of those fun times.
(Herbert pictured here)
Cool containers, formula cans, cereal boxes (great for making pattern templates). I have a hard time throwing anything away--it drives my family crazy.
Unusual generally small dangly earrings. In my younger single days I had a pair of “hiking”
earrings. That still makes me laugh.
Shells, beach glass, rock with barnacles and the edge of the frame my Mom made.
If you could be an apprentice to any kind of craftsman or woman, what would you want to learn?
I would love to learn print making, spinning, weaving, paper making and woodworking. I don’t know that I could choose just one. I have an Aunt who always had something she was doing in her hands. It didn’t matter where she was: meetings, riding in the car (she was legally blind and couldn’t drive), church, family gatherings. She could knit, crochet, and weave. When she died no one was interested in her spinning and weaving things so I got them all. So here I am a fully equipped spinner and weaver without any skill whatsoever and a little bit overwhelmed by it all.
I tried some crocheting for a while with some cheap yarn that someone else gave me--it’s a pile of cheap yarn so I thought I would make a multicolored who cares what happens with it afghan type of thing from what I remembered learning as a kid (with a few tips from passersby) It’s miserable, but it kept my hands busy when I couldn’t do much else. Can anyone tell me how to keep your edges straight?
Do you do this just for yourself, or have you ever gone commercial--craft shows, selling objects online, etc?
I’ve never been able to bring myself to going commercial. I don’t know that I could. I don’t like production levels of handmade things. I did once trade a pair of baby moccasins for some smoked salmon, but that’s as close as I’ve come. Most of what I do is for me and the deadline makes it stressful for me as I try to steal the time to do it from my day. When I can just go at my own pace if I have sick kids that need me for several days more constantly it’s ok.
I've always seen you as a person who takes in the world around you--embracing it in its beauty and harshness--Has becoming a mother dampened this (because you're so busy) or has it heightened it (because it is magnified through your children)?
Becoming a mother has rocked my world in positive and negative ways. I want one day to create some kind of masterpiece that shows the dark and light of it all. I think as a child I thought that for the most part life was light. As I grew I learned a lot about the dark, death, pain, suffering and sorrow, they’re all part of living. It’s not always fun, but it is always life. I still have to encourage my son through the pain of regular blood work--it’s not as often as it once was, but it’s still very difficult to tell this precocious child that he needs to cooperate with someone who’s going to hurt him. I want them to see that life is hard and good. I hope that some of what I make helps them to see that and to focus on what it good and beautiful while acknowledging what is bad and ugly. I’m certainly busier than I’ve ever been, but I still find a need really to express myself in one way or another.
What other "creative" pursuits do we overlook that can also be fulfilling?
There are so many things that can fulfill a person: cooking, throwing parties, writing, gardening, blogging, reading, being a mom, being a wife, being a woman, being a Dad, being a husband, being a man, being a friend--they all require us to take from the world around us and create something that is uniquely “us” and share it with others.
There is so much information out there, so much criticism, negative and positive, that I think you have to pull from all the different sources and makes what works for you work for you. Doing something that gets you excited, interested that’s what is fulfilling and therapeutic.
Staying at home full time is an incredible opportunity for creativity. A friend of mine pointed out to me that you have the opportunity to fill your day with whatever you want. You choose. It doesn’t always feel that way, but the reality is in no other job in the world can you make those kinds of decisions every single day.
I’m afraid I’m getting lost in this question. I have 3 sisters. All 3 have said that they “aren’t creative”. In other words they don’t make THINGS. One of them throws amazing parties for her kids. That’s one of her creative outlets.
Another sister is an amazing dancer and I think that’s one of her creative outlets. It’s what charges her batteries.
The other sister makes things, but she’s not as voracious about it as my mother or even I am.
Chiska is a dear friend I first met in a feminist literature class, and then later became closer friends as roommates in London. She is an ideal travel companion!Chiska is probably one of my most creative and unique friends, and I love her so much. She has a sincere and generous heart. I want to introduce you, Bossy Readers, to her because she inspires me--and maybe she'll inspire you too! Leave a comment and you may even win her GIVE-AWAY! (it promises to be something cool and doable!)
If Chiska were a character from a book, for her I would choose Sarah Agnes Prine from These is My Words. This is because both Chiska and Sarah are pictures of beauty and strength--and Chiska has had her share of strengthening life experiences. But we won't focus on those experiences (including a newborn hospitalized for months with a life-threatening condition). No, instead I wanted to ask her about something of a much lighter nature: creative pursuits. Chiska finds beauty and interest in just about everything this world has to offer, and inturn inspires those who know her. And, she has a rockin' cool name. Meet Chiska:
You grew up in Alaska. How do you think that has influenced your creative pursuits?
I do more in the winter. Winter is the time for “hibernating” inside and making things. Summer is for outside playing as much as possible. I learned to make moccasins because of living there. The people I knew growing up were creative. I still want to be like them.
What are a few handmade objects that you treasure? What’s their story?
Oh dear, “a few”. It’s hard to pick just a few.
I have some lace that my Aunt Janet made. I actually have several pieces, a table cloth and a bunch of smaller “snowflakes”. The tablecloth she made for my wedding.
This was something that she did for almost everyone who got married. I didn’t expect that I would get a piece since she had been so ill. She had talked to my Mom about finishing it for her because she was having a very hard time doing it, but then decided she wanted to finish it. My Aunt Joy blocked and starched it for me. She said she knew that it was 90 inches because it took all 90 inches of her to get it blocked out. They’re both gone now and I love that memory.
The smaller pieces she made because she told me she wanted to sit me on a chair
and sprinkle them down on me so I would know how much I was loved. She never got a chance to do that, but she tasked my mother with completing the “snowflakes” and she in turn sent them to my husband who did the sprinkling while I cried.She also sent me a small piece of lace which I framed while I was struggling at school. She sent it just because “it wanted to come to your house”. And we (she and my uncle) want you to know that we love you. I still remember the lift it gave me at that difficult time.
I have a number of things my mother has made that I treasure.
Three stained glass pieces, a 
tulip, a fish and a girl walking under an umbrella, and frame made from beach glass she collected and some glass that my husband and I had collected at an abandoned coal mine.
Another piece that it multi-generational is a picture with a piece of cotton tucked into a “vase” of material that one of my ancestors wove for her son.She also made my wedding dress. It’s made of white leather and beaded with what
we call ice beads. They’re faceted beads that catch the light marvelously and truly look like ice. The dress is self is simple. She made a collar, cuffs and an octopus bag. The star-like piece is our interpretation of a mariner’s compass, the flowers are forget-me-nots and of course snowflakes. I like to use my bag now in object lessons because to look at it, it’s different and interesting, but nothing special. When you shine a concentrated light on it, it’s amazing. It truly makes you catch your breath. My brother, Me, Wade @ Mendenhall GlacierShe always makes a pair of these for
grandbabies--these are my baby girls[Jealous Readers: Chiska made a boyish pair of these for my little guy. I LOVE them.]
I have a bowl that she made when she was trying her hand a
t ceramics. It has lupines painted on it and says, “More beautiful because you came.” I love how lupine leaves catch water in their center like diamonds.
My Mom has something she calls whisper diamonds--moments that you catch as they come into your life through all the other muck that we have to wade through. There’s a story my Dad tells of picking nagoon berries with m
y mom in a torrential downpour. (Nagoon berries grow very close to the ground so you have to bend over to pick them) He says that just as the rain really started coming down and he was sure it couldn’t get any worse he heard my Mom say in an excited voice, “Look!” She was looking at the droplet of water that the lupine leaves had caught. She’s like that, always looking for the good and beautiful even in the midst of misery.
Lupine leaf w/ water droplet
When I returned to Alaska as an adult I’d told her I loved lupines. She told me that she didn’t like the flowers--which shocked me. So I told her what I’ve just told you. Her response was my bowl.
I have a bowl that she made when she was trying her hand a
t ceramics. It has lupines painted on it and says, “More beautiful because you came.” I love how lupine leaves catch water in their center like diamonds. My Mom has something she calls whisper diamonds--moments that you catch as they come into your life through all the other muck that we have to wade through. There’s a story my Dad tells of picking nagoon berries with m
y mom in a torrential downpour. (Nagoon berries grow very close to the ground so you have to bend over to pick them) He says that just as the rain really started coming down and he was sure it couldn’t get any worse he heard my Mom say in an excited voice, “Look!” She was looking at the droplet of water that the lupine leaves had caught. She’s like that, always looking for the good and beautiful even in the midst of misery.Lupine leaf w/ water droplet
When I returned to Alaska as an adult I’d told her I loved lupines. She told me that she didn’t like the flowers--which shocked me. So I told her what I’ve just told you. Her response was my bowl.
I have two wonderful quilts that my elementary school librarian has made quilts for each of my kids. The most recent is a fun storybook quilt.
I also have a piece of carved wood that my youngest brother carved for me. It’s a totem of sorts with the masks of comedy and tragedy with a rose on the top. It’s a curved piece--stick really that has a beak at one end and the carved “totem” as it were on the other. It was just something that he’d done to keep busy, but I loved it because of a writing project I’d just completed titled The Rose Connection about my sisters and I. He gave it to me after a debate about whether or not he would sell it to me. I love it now in part because he’s gone and it gives me a little piece of him to keep. 
I have a painting my grandmother made. I don’t know when my grandmother started painting, but I think it was later in life. I love this one particularly because an aunt and uncle gave it up so that I could have it. 
A story my husband wrote for me while we were dating and had is 7 year-old niece illustrate. How can you not love a man that would take the time to do that?!
Are you still with me? Last one I promise. My mother-in-law made an incredible cross-stitch of a World War 2 plane. She made it for my husband who bought the pattern for her. She in turn altered it so that it would match the plane that his Dad was a tail gunner in during the war. It’s representative to me of the special bond that my husband has with his mother and it’s amazing.
Do you think of yourself as a creative person--and good at it too?
I’ve only just started to think of myself as a creative person. Do I think I’m good at it? That depends on what I’m doing. I’m a great at cross stitch and I like it. I do pretty well with moccasins…the baby ones. I make a very nice origami lily. I love to try and make things work. I’m exploring that part of me more. It’s hard for me to slow down and try to do things well sometimes because I’m anxious to see the outcome. There’s nothing that “fills” me as much as completing a project…especially with help from my family. I love that!
What does it mean to you to be creative? How do you value this?
It means I get a chance to make or do something unique to me that connects me to others.
It’s a way for me to interact with others, to express my love and appreciation. It’s a way to honor my pioneer ancestor’s resourcefulness. I love it when I can make something from things I have “on hand”.
It’s a way for me to connect with my children and husband. Sometimes my little boy will climb up on my lap and sew with me as a break from his playing. (I have a needle guard so there’s no danger of him hurting himself) I love that closeness and he feels involved in a grownup project which he loves. My husband is great at helping me lay things out (as in quilts--2 so far) balancing color and shape. He’s also a great editor. It’s been fun for us to collaborate.
It also gives me a way to produce something when my job as a full time Mom gives me very little that lasts longer than a few minutes in the way of tactile accomplishment.
It gives me a space separate from my kids. My circumstances are such that true “breaks” from my kids aren’t frequent so I create breaks by encouraging their independence so I can work on a project--even if that’s only a few minutes.
My “studio” really a corner of our dining room
What kind of handmade objects are you working on right now?
Currently a wall quilt, some felt food, a cross stitch, a writing project that I’m trying to make time for and a pair of moccasins (well 2 pair actually--one of my very best friends got married 18 years ago and they’re supposed to be their wedding gift. I tried to get out of it, but her husband won’t let me.)
Working on can be loosely interpreted. I usually have a list a mile long and projects in various stages hanging about.
[L to R: Wall Quilt, Cross Stitch, What I Write With]
It's easy to let things get in the way of pursuing creative projects: the dishes need to be done, it costs money, I have no uninterrupted time, I don't know how, where do I start, I want to--but checking my email and blogs is easier to do and instantly gratifying, I'm just plain exhausted!...are these things you struggle with?
Absolutely! Some of my struggles are different from yours but distractions and exhaustion often get in the way. I find I go in cycles. Usually the winter time is a more of a creative production time for me.
The implied question here is how do I work around those excuses? One way is to make friends with people that I know make things. It’s been my experience that people who make like to share their skill. Not everyone certainly, but lots of people. Ask around. My Mom makes moccasins and is willing to teach anyone who wants to learn. So far no one has ever taken her up on her offer of coming by the house and learning. Make time for that. I also think that it’s creative to read blogs. I’ve gotten lots of great ideas from places online. It takes time to seek good things so remember that it’s ok to be reading.
Absolutely! Some of my struggles are different from yours but distractions and exhaustion often get in the way. I find I go in cycles. Usually the winter time is a more of a creative production time for me.
The implied question here is how do I work around those excuses? One way is to make friends with people that I know make things. It’s been my experience that people who make like to share their skill. Not everyone certainly, but lots of people. Ask around. My Mom makes moccasins and is willing to teach anyone who wants to learn. So far no one has ever taken her up on her offer of coming by the house and learning. Make time for that. I also think that it’s creative to read blogs. I’ve gotten lots of great ideas from places online. It takes time to seek good things so remember that it’s ok to be reading.
Did your creative pursuits take a back seat when your little guy was born and spent the first part of his life in the hospital--or were you able to do things during that time, was it a good outlet?
Take a back seat? Absolutely they took a back seat. I did make a pair of baby moccasins toward the end of our time at the hospital. It gave me something to do when we couldn’t do much else. Ironically we were more involved in his care at that time than earlier on, but I just wasn’t up to much before that. When we brought him home he was on dialysis from about 5:30 p.m. until 5:30 a.m. I would come home from work and play and interact with him for about a half an hour and then we would “put him on” and have the evening to do things. It was great for my husband and me. We would visit and work on things--well he’d read and I’d craft. It was a great way of coping for me at that time. You always think when you’re going through something difficult that it’s hard to go through, but for me the aftermath has been more difficult. Some of that may be that there is no after in aftermath, but it is much calmer now and things are much more stable.
What sort of objects do you collect? (I know about your children's books, and now, placemats--which is such a great idea! Tell us about those, and others as well.)
Somehow in my youth I decided that I needed to collect things so I think I collect anything I can.
I love art, so pictures that “speak” to me get picked up from calendars, cards, posters, original work, photographs (my husband’s a great landscape photographer).Original Oil by friend, Gwen Toomalatai You can get a better idea from her etsy website: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6377160
Placemats--usually the cheap tourist trap plastic ones. It’s fun for me now when my wings are a little clipped and I can “travel” at my table and talk to my husband and kids about other places. I had to get some animal mats from Alaska so my little guy would be excited about them, but now he is.
Fabric (and I’m not much of a “sewing” person, but I’m learning to quilt)
Books, especially children’s books. I love the marriage of art and words in them. We have a “library” with about 7 bookshelves in it. That doesn’t count the ones in other rooms.
Prisms, I love rainbows.
Leaves, rocks--I once carried a rock that I named Herbert 3 miles. When I was traveling a lot I’d pick up flowers and leaves and press them. I made a book and put them in it so I could remember some of those fun times.(Herbert pictured here)
Cool containers, formula cans, cereal boxes (great for making pattern templates). I have a hard time throwing anything away--it drives my family crazy.
Unusual generally small dangly earrings. In my younger single days I had a pair of “hiking”
earrings. That still makes me laugh.Shells, beach glass, rock with barnacles and the edge of the frame my Mom made.
If you could be an apprentice to any kind of craftsman or woman, what would you want to learn?
I would love to learn print making, spinning, weaving, paper making and woodworking. I don’t know that I could choose just one. I have an Aunt who always had something she was doing in her hands. It didn’t matter where she was: meetings, riding in the car (she was legally blind and couldn’t drive), church, family gatherings. She could knit, crochet, and weave. When she died no one was interested in her spinning and weaving things so I got them all. So here I am a fully equipped spinner and weaver without any skill whatsoever and a little bit overwhelmed by it all.
I tried some crocheting for a while with some cheap yarn that someone else gave me--it’s a pile of cheap yarn so I thought I would make a multicolored who cares what happens with it afghan type of thing from what I remembered learning as a kid (with a few tips from passersby) It’s miserable, but it kept my hands busy when I couldn’t do much else. Can anyone tell me how to keep your edges straight?Do you do this just for yourself, or have you ever gone commercial--craft shows, selling objects online, etc?
I’ve never been able to bring myself to going commercial. I don’t know that I could. I don’t like production levels of handmade things. I did once trade a pair of baby moccasins for some smoked salmon, but that’s as close as I’ve come. Most of what I do is for me and the deadline makes it stressful for me as I try to steal the time to do it from my day. When I can just go at my own pace if I have sick kids that need me for several days more constantly it’s ok.
I've always seen you as a person who takes in the world around you--embracing it in its beauty and harshness--Has becoming a mother dampened this (because you're so busy) or has it heightened it (because it is magnified through your children)?
Becoming a mother has rocked my world in positive and negative ways. I want one day to create some kind of masterpiece that shows the dark and light of it all. I think as a child I thought that for the most part life was light. As I grew I learned a lot about the dark, death, pain, suffering and sorrow, they’re all part of living. It’s not always fun, but it is always life. I still have to encourage my son through the pain of regular blood work--it’s not as often as it once was, but it’s still very difficult to tell this precocious child that he needs to cooperate with someone who’s going to hurt him. I want them to see that life is hard and good. I hope that some of what I make helps them to see that and to focus on what it good and beautiful while acknowledging what is bad and ugly. I’m certainly busier than I’ve ever been, but I still find a need really to express myself in one way or another.
What other "creative" pursuits do we overlook that can also be fulfilling?
There are so many things that can fulfill a person: cooking, throwing parties, writing, gardening, blogging, reading, being a mom, being a wife, being a woman, being a Dad, being a husband, being a man, being a friend--they all require us to take from the world around us and create something that is uniquely “us” and share it with others.
There is so much information out there, so much criticism, negative and positive, that I think you have to pull from all the different sources and makes what works for you work for you. Doing something that gets you excited, interested that’s what is fulfilling and therapeutic.
Staying at home full time is an incredible opportunity for creativity. A friend of mine pointed out to me that you have the opportunity to fill your day with whatever you want. You choose. It doesn’t always feel that way, but the reality is in no other job in the world can you make those kinds of decisions every single day.
I’m afraid I’m getting lost in this question. I have 3 sisters. All 3 have said that they “aren’t creative”. In other words they don’t make THINGS. One of them throws amazing parties for her kids. That’s one of her creative outlets.
Another sister is an amazing dancer and I think that’s one of her creative outlets. It’s what charges her batteries.
The other sister makes things, but she’s not as voracious about it as my mother or even I am.
What advice would you give to women out there--all kinds of women in different stages in life, experiencing different joys and sorrows--on how they might begin a small creative project and how it might help them?
I think I would tell anyone if you have the tiniest of interests in something pursue it. You may find you don’t like it or you may find a way to live and enjoy life.
Having a way to express yourself is so empowering. It takes time to learn things, take the time. Choose things that fit into the time that you have and once you have even the most rudimentary of skills make it your own. It can be a distraction, a way to reach out to someone, to connect with someone. It can be a simple as sitting down and coloring (with or without lines) something. Don’t worry about it matching what’s in your head, just do it. Then move on from there. I believe in coloring and I’m terrible at it. I’ll win no art contest or even the admiration of others, but it’s color and shape and me. Nothing else matters. It does help that my little man says, “Oh Mom, that looks beautiful!”
I think I would tell anyone if you have the tiniest of interests in something pursue it. You may find you don’t like it or you may find a way to live and enjoy life.
Having a way to express yourself is so empowering. It takes time to learn things, take the time. Choose things that fit into the time that you have and once you have even the most rudimentary of skills make it your own. It can be a distraction, a way to reach out to someone, to connect with someone. It can be a simple as sitting down and coloring (with or without lines) something. Don’t worry about it matching what’s in your head, just do it. Then move on from there. I believe in coloring and I’m terrible at it. I’ll win no art contest or even the admiration of others, but it’s color and shape and me. Nothing else matters. It does help that my little man says, “Oh Mom, that looks beautiful!”
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