tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32575614581327607342024-03-13T13:08:24.079-04:00the slender grasshopperfinding my creativity ...Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04716255655834530188noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257561458132760734.post-81488470231454756982010-11-11T20:03:00.000-05:002010-11-11T20:03:18.759-05:00Crafting FailSo this has not been a good week for crafting. I finished two knit hats this week (two! I can't believe it!). And apparently I'm not a super-tight knitter anymore -- because both of the hats ended up being too large. Like, way too large. Maybe I have a freakishly small head? They both came out really well too! I guess I just need to find somebody with a large head. <br />
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Then I was trying a sewing project today and that didn't work out too well either. I'm not totally throwing in the towel, but I'm unsure how to get it back on track. <br />
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What do you do when a craft project goes awry?Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04716255655834530188noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257561458132760734.post-8835876594066880702010-11-09T18:16:00.000-05:002010-11-09T18:16:59.853-05:00I Can Sew!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BpMEGuEQfGw/TNnV1MbEFPI/AAAAAAAAAH4/WE7KMpyU8no/s1600/pouches+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="151" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BpMEGuEQfGw/TNnV1MbEFPI/AAAAAAAAAH4/WE7KMpyU8no/s200/pouches+1.jpg" width="200" /></a>I've been wanting to learn how to sew for a long time. When I was in junior high school, you could take Home Ec -- if you weren't in the band or choir. I was in the band, so I never did all the fun sewing and cooking projects that everyone else did. At the time, I didn't really care, but as I've been discovering my creativity, learning to sew has been high on my list.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BpMEGuEQfGw/TNnV4c66q7I/AAAAAAAAAH8/ifYDZCUUofQ/s1600/pouches+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="129" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BpMEGuEQfGw/TNnV4c66q7I/AAAAAAAAAH8/ifYDZCUUofQ/s200/pouches+3.jpg" width="200" /></a>So last week I finally decided to buy the sewing machine I've been eyeing for months. It's the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Brother-CS6000I-Affordable-60-Stitch-Computerized/dp/B000JQM1DE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1289344141&sr=8-1">Brother CS6000i</a>, which I picked up from Amazon. I don't know that I could have found a better beginning sewing machine. It's super easy to use; I had the machine threaded and was doing practice stitches within half of hour of unpacking it. And it's a great value -- there are over 50 stitches and it comes with seven different presser feet, including a buttonhole foot.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BpMEGuEQfGw/TNnV5o8R80I/AAAAAAAAAIA/YtUfuI3fwMg/s1600/pouches+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BpMEGuEQfGw/TNnV5o8R80I/AAAAAAAAAIA/YtUfuI3fwMg/s200/pouches+2.jpg" width="200" /></a>I've been spending hours online searching for sewing patterns, and when I came across this <a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/2010/04/27/pleated-pouch-tutorial/">pleated pouch tutorial</a>, I knew I had to give it a try. I suppose I should have been afraid of starting out with a project with a zipper in it, but I just decided not to be afraid of it! A day after I received the sewing machine, I finished my first project. Then I did another one a day later. <br />
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My head is bursting with ideas -- can't wait to sew some more!Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04716255655834530188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257561458132760734.post-25431186127054728242010-10-31T14:02:00.000-04:002010-10-31T14:02:52.509-04:00Knitting Like CrazySo apparently whining works. <a href="http://theslendergrasshopper.blogspot.com/2010/09/my-lovehate-relationship-with-knitting.html">After lamenting about my poor knitting skills a few weeks ago</a>, I've actually finished four projects since then! They are all small, but significant for me, since I have now managed to do some real lace knitting.<br />
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The <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/honeycowl-2">Honey Cowl</a> was a pretty easy knit -- not that much effort for a really nice finished piece. I just wish I hadn't chosen a wool yarn; it's kind of itchy. Maybe someone will get this as a gift.<br />
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Next was this <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/knit-coffee-sleeve">coffee sleeve</a>, which I plan to use as a cuff bracelet. Theoretically, it could be both, but I'm a notoriously tight knitter. This might fit a Tall at Starbucks, but I doubt it would fit a Grande -- and that's the size I usually order. :)<br />
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Then I tried something truly lace -- these <a href="http://www.coatsandclark.com/Crafts/Knitting/Projects/TV+Projects/KTV2024K+Lacy+Beaded+Fingerless+Gloves.htm">fingerless gloves</a>. I've dabbled in crochet, but not enough to want to do the beaded crochet lace on these gloves, so I just did more repeats of the pattern. The yarn was so easy to work with, which made the project even easier.<br />
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Finally, the one I'm most proud of. This <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/blue-leaf-headband">Blue Leaf Handband</a> had lots of different increases and decreases. But it was actually a pretty fun knit and has really increased my confidence in lace knitting. <br />
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Next up will be this <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/super-simple-fast-and-easy-chunky-hand-knit-beret">beret</a>. I love Ravelry's feature that lets you search for projects by yarn. So many good ideas!Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04716255655834530188noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257561458132760734.post-16414244155870840512010-10-15T13:22:00.000-04:002010-10-15T13:22:21.074-04:00T-Shirt Fun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BpMEGuEQfGw/TLiNTtINktI/AAAAAAAAAHc/dr2NJh6jF34/s1600/tshirt+fun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BpMEGuEQfGw/TLiNTtINktI/AAAAAAAAAHc/dr2NJh6jF34/s200/tshirt+fun.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Disappeared there for awhile, didn't I? Had a huge work project that wrapped up last week, so crafting is back on the schedule!<br />
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Picked up a couple of plain t-shirts at Target today and then found some wonderful fat quarter collections at Joanns. Add in a little heat-and-bond and I'll have some unique and adorable t-shirts. Stay tuned for pics when they are finished.<br />
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And despite <a href="http://theslendergrasshopper.blogspot.com/2010/09/my-lovehate-relationship-with-knitting.html">my hand-wringing about knitting a couple of weeks ago</a>, I've actually been knitting quite a bit. I'll get some pics of that posted soon too.<br />
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What are you crafting today?Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04716255655834530188noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257561458132760734.post-86623128788688643552010-09-18T12:50:00.000-04:002010-09-18T12:50:14.475-04:00My Love/Hate Relationship with Knitting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BpMEGuEQfGw/TJTtdXNt6lI/AAAAAAAAAHY/taTXg4zA-uk/s1600/blue+scarf+--+sept+2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="108" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BpMEGuEQfGw/TJTtdXNt6lI/AAAAAAAAAHY/taTXg4zA-uk/s200/blue+scarf+--+sept+2010.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>It took me awhile to teach myself how to knit, but I finally got it. I've got the basic knit and purl stitches down, I've knit on circulars a couple of times and I've even experimented with cables. I love buying yarn and have lost count of the number of projects I have on the needle.<br />
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But when it gets more complex, like a lace pattern, I just get lost. I invariably wind up with too many or too few stitches when I'm done with a row, and the thought of unraveling stitches to try to backtrack makes me cringe. And even basic knitting can lose its allure; I'm not a fast knitter, so everything takes me quite awhile.<br />
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However, as fall descends, I ache to knit again. There's just something about the cooler weather that makes me want to knit. So I've picked up <a href="http://cocoknits.com/knit/garments/accessories/fear-of-commitment-cowl.html">a scarf project</a> I abandoned last year. And I think I'll spend a little time on Ravelry browsing patterns that I'll probably never knit. Oh well, a girl can dream.Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04716255655834530188noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257561458132760734.post-14420405081387908832010-09-14T18:17:00.000-04:002010-09-14T18:17:48.116-04:00Cheering Myself UpI totally forgot to post this yesterday. I was feeling kind of down, so I created a Treasury based on <a href="http://theslendergrasshopper.blogspot.com/2010/09/new-kitchen.html">the kitchen photo</a> I found last week. The seafoam background with highlights of pink, yellow and red just kind of says "happy" to me.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="203" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BpMEGuEQfGw/TI_x5GNhn8I/AAAAAAAAAHU/Z5AhTk5osvI/s400/cheering+myself+up+treasury.jpg" width="400" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c8eb3345b778eefc82878db/cheering-myself-up?index=0">treasury link</a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm not sure the Treasury made me feel any better, but the comments I received just make me love the Etsy community that much more.</div>.Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04716255655834530188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257561458132760734.post-8381502386405426352010-09-10T22:01:00.000-04:002010-09-10T22:01:03.636-04:00A New Kitchen?Stumbled across this photo and LOVE this soft seafoam green with punches of color. I thought I really liked my kitchen (turquoise walls with accents of lemon yellow), but this seriously makes me consider re-painting.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/decorology/2714205003/" title="kitchen by decorology, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3103/2714205003_5788eab3a6.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="kitchen" /></a>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04716255655834530188noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257561458132760734.post-51015268679624543622010-09-07T20:25:00.000-04:002010-09-07T20:25:18.582-04:00The Blog GuidebookAre you listed in <a href="http://www.blogguidebook.com/">The Blog Guidebook</a>? It's a great resource I found a few weeks ago but only recently had a chance to explore more. They will list your blog for free and there are TONS of categories. There are also sponsorship opportunities with prices that seem pretty reasonable.<br />
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For a limited time, you can get a free upgrade. Your button (blog badge) listed on their site for free -- normally a $20 value! Go to <a href="http://www.blogguidebook.com/">The Blog Guidebook</a> and do some exploring.Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04716255655834530188noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257561458132760734.post-18114894299050568912010-09-07T20:14:00.000-04:002010-09-07T20:14:24.883-04:00Flapper Girl Halloween Giveaway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BpMEGuEQfGw/TIbUccpJK1I/AAAAAAAAAHQ/YLCxMLOio9g/s1600/blue-bat-cozy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BpMEGuEQfGw/TIbUccpJK1I/AAAAAAAAAHQ/YLCxMLOio9g/s200/blue-bat-cozy.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Christine at <a href="http://flappergirlcreations.wordpress.com/">Flapper Girl</a> makes some great vintage-y things: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/53929830/retro-halloween-cupcake-toppers-set-of">cupcake toppers</a>, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/51371997/the-vintage-camera-garland">garland</a>, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/54553196/trick-or-treat-retro-tulle-halloween">aprons</a>. She's holding a Halloween giveaway right now and you can win a retro apron, cupcake toppers and -- my favorite -- this adorable vampire bat coffee cozy.<br />
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Head on over to Flapper Girl to <a href="http://flappergirlcreations.wordpress.com/2010/09/06/flapper-girl-halloween-giveaway/#comment-1315">get the details and enter the contest</a>. Ends September 13.Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04716255655834530188noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257561458132760734.post-55778171823135123612010-09-02T19:11:00.001-04:002010-09-02T19:11:45.646-04:00Oh So Pretty<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BpMEGuEQfGw/TIAu0pbgiWI/AAAAAAAAAHI/uNHIwcQX1eo/s1600/ruche+mary+janes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="159" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BpMEGuEQfGw/TIAu0pbgiWI/AAAAAAAAAHI/uNHIwcQX1eo/s200/ruche+mary+janes.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>I have no need for these shoes. I work at home, and most days I wear jeans and a t-shirt.<br />
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But I have been lusting after a pair of Mary Janes for quite some time, and these are just about the most perfect Mary Janes I've ever seen.<br />
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<a href="http://www.shopruche.com/pink-studio-bellina-mary-jane-pumps-p-3442.html">From Ruche, $92.99</a>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04716255655834530188noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257561458132760734.post-7346745822484218282010-08-31T21:03:00.000-04:002010-08-31T21:03:27.064-04:00New Items in the Shop!I've updated my Etsy Shop. Two new bracelets and a necklace. Check 'em out.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BpMEGuEQfGw/TH2k5GhVG-I/AAAAAAAAAG8/oUAld8j8ZsA/s1600/golden+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BpMEGuEQfGw/TH2k5GhVG-I/AAAAAAAAAG8/oUAld8j8ZsA/s200/golden+3.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>The faceting on these beads is phenomenal. They flash all kinds of colors when the light hits them.<br />
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/55212082/golden-faceted-beads-bracelet">Golden Faceted Bead Bracelet</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BpMEGuEQfGw/TH2lb29jpDI/AAAAAAAAAHA/1zid_Cc_FRE/s1600/satin+neck+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="118" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BpMEGuEQfGw/TH2lb29jpDI/AAAAAAAAAHA/1zid_Cc_FRE/s200/satin+neck+1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BpMEGuEQfGw/TH2lxywNwFI/AAAAAAAAAHE/QGyJJF3ooO8/s1600/satin+bracelet+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="88" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BpMEGuEQfGw/TH2lxywNwFI/AAAAAAAAAHE/QGyJJF3ooO8/s200/satin+bracelet+3.jpg" width="200" /></a>I couldn't buy these beads fast enough. A beautiful satin finish, bold colors and a modern feel.<br />
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/55213459/satin-leaves-necklace">Satin Leaves Necklace</a><br />
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The matching bracelet. <br />
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/55213857/satin-leaves-bracelet">Satin Leaves Bracelet</a>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04716255655834530188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257561458132760734.post-30236071765786922382010-08-30T18:09:00.000-04:002010-08-30T18:09:07.521-04:00Delicious Tape-y Goodness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BpMEGuEQfGw/THwraKsrg2I/AAAAAAAAAG4/sUEAUl_JHCY/s1600/cute+tape.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BpMEGuEQfGw/THwraKsrg2I/AAAAAAAAAG4/sUEAUl_JHCY/s320/cute+tape.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I received my order from <a href="http://www.cutetape.com/">Cute Tape</a> today. Great customer service! Super-speedy shipping, wrapped beautifully and a personal note. Will definitely be ordering from them again. <br />
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It's almost -- almost -- too pretty to use. But I will anyway :).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04716255655834530188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257561458132760734.post-78016861775146974502010-08-27T11:01:00.000-04:002010-08-27T11:01:52.075-04:00Win A Slender Grasshopper Necklace!The lovely Katie at Heaven Baked Sweets has The Slender Grasshopper shop as her <a href="http://heavenbakedsweets.blogspot.com/2010/08/friday-feature-giveaway.html">Friday Feature and Giveaway</a>! Hop on over to learn a little more about me and get a chance to win one of the items from my shop. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04716255655834530188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257561458132760734.post-54949020565402170682010-08-26T20:57:00.000-04:002010-08-26T20:57:46.173-04:00Pretty Sticky<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BpMEGuEQfGw/THcNFnWHn9I/AAAAAAAAAG0/btvBSw-k58s/s1600/washi+tape.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BpMEGuEQfGw/THcNFnWHn9I/AAAAAAAAAG0/btvBSw-k58s/s320/washi+tape.jpg" width="320" /></a>I'd heard of Japanese washi tape before, but didn't really know what I'd do with it. When Jessica <a href="http://howaboutorange.blogspot.com/2010/08/make-bags-from-envelopes-and-decorative.html">posted a cute little project on How About Orange</a> using this super-fancy masking tape to make little packages, I told myself there <u>had</u> to be some way to use it in making jewelry.<br />
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And after thinking a little while, I did come up with an idea. But I'm not going to share it, because frankly, I don't want anyone to steal it before I can get something made! <br />
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In addition to the sources Jessica listed, here are a few more:<br />
<a href="http://www.tapeswell.com/decorative_tape/">TapeSwell</a><br />
<a href="http://www.kawaiitape.com/">Kawaii Tape</a><br />
<a href="http://www.thetintedmint.com/Washi_Tapes_s/3.htm">Tinted Mint</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.kawaiitape.com/product/paris-eiffel-tower-series-japanese-washi-masking-tape-violet">Tape shown from Kawaii Tape</a>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04716255655834530188noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257561458132760734.post-47783295370115286372010-08-17T20:07:00.000-04:002010-08-17T20:07:22.862-04:00I'm a Guest Blogger!The lovely Erica at <a href="http://greenapril.net/">Green April</a> was kind enough to give me the opportunity to guest post on her blog. And it's very special because it's my first stint as a guest blogger and her first time featuring a guest blogger. A match made in heaven! <br />
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Hop over to <a href="http://greenapril.net/2010/08/17/inner-girl-geek/">Green April to read the full post</a>. And take some time to check out Erica's takes on books and music as well as some fabulous photos.Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04716255655834530188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257561458132760734.post-27335673713628871722010-08-16T21:31:00.000-04:002010-08-16T21:31:34.137-04:00Is This Me?I'm dangerously addicted to personality quizzes; I guess I'm always looking for something that's going to help me understand myself -- even though the rational part of me knows that answering a few questions on a Web site isn't exactly deep analysis.<br />
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Anyway -- I <u>am</u> trying to discover what creativity means for me, so I couldn't resist this quiz from <a href="http://www.psychologies.co.uk/">Psychologies</a> called <a href="http://www.psychologies.co.uk/personality-tests/whats-your-creative-style/">"What's your creative style?"</a> Not sure that I agree with everything, but this seemed to ring true:<br />
<blockquote style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">You like the attention and good opinion of others. When you show people what you’ve made — a birthday cake, or a piece of music you’ve written — it’s your baby, so you are very sensitive about any criticism. You need to be able to distance yourself from the result, and allow others to enjoy it and feel part of it, without it reflecting on you alone. <br />
</span></blockquote> Thanks to the wonderful Jessica at <a href="http://howaboutorange.blogspot.com/">How About Orange</a> for sharing another fun quiz.Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04716255655834530188noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257561458132760734.post-29267181424188716252010-08-14T13:00:00.001-04:002010-08-14T13:00:03.100-04:00Favorite Summer ReadWell, the summer isn't quite over yet (although I am looking forward to fall), but I do have a favorite summer read. I recently read a biography called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Elizabeth-Philip-C-Higham/dp/0425137570/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1281741355&sr=1-1">Elizabeth and Philip</a>, about Queen Elizabeth of England and the Duke of Edinburgh. It was really interesting. She's been on the throne forever, and although many have questioned why she hasn't abdicated in favor of Prince Charles, it's pretty clear that is not going to happen. Her duty is to her people. <br />
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It was really a fascinating book and knowing more about her makes her seem a bit more human and less a figurehead.Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04716255655834530188noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257561458132760734.post-21434605907095516012010-08-13T19:05:00.000-04:002010-08-13T19:05:18.017-04:00EtsyBlogger Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BpMEGuEQfGw/TGXPeEzcddI/AAAAAAAAAGg/YvaeHdul0AE/s1600/etsyblogger+patch+ring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BpMEGuEQfGw/TGXPeEzcddI/AAAAAAAAAGg/YvaeHdul0AE/s200/etsyblogger+patch+ring.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>This month's featured EtsyBlogger is Patch. And she has not one, not two, but three Etsy shops!<br />
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Jewelry: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/patchfirstshop">http://www.etsy.com/shop/patchfirstshop</a><br />
Vintage:<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/patchvintageshop"> http://www.etsy.com/shop/patchvintageshop</a><br />
Supply: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/patchsupplyshop">http://www.etsy.com/shop/patchsupplyshop</a><br />
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With a birthday coming up this month, I'm awfully partial to this <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/39794324/handmade-jewelry-peridot-little-princess">cute little peridot ring in the shape of a crown</a>. Adorable! Be sure to check out all her lovely items.Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04716255655834530188noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257561458132760734.post-37107290205758840122010-08-11T18:23:00.000-04:002010-08-11T18:23:49.120-04:00Joie Magazine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://issuu.com/indiefixx/docs/joiemagsummer" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BpMEGuEQfGw/TGMiEIM9WhI/AAAAAAAAAGU/EdhSMG9CTZM/s200/joie+mag+premiere+issue.jpg" width="154" /></a></div>The fabulous Jen of Indie Fixx has created a new online magazine called <a href="http://issuu.com/indiefixx/docs/joiemagsummer">Joie</a>. It's a lifestyle mag all about the art of living joyfully. It's packed with fabulous features and some gorgeous photography. I've only had a chance to take a quick look, but I can't wait to sit down and devour the whole thing.<br />
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And The Slender Grasshopper shop is proud to be an advertiser in the first issue! Check out my cute little ad on page 64.Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04716255655834530188noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257561458132760734.post-55647543409675669582010-08-09T21:38:00.000-04:002010-08-09T21:38:33.773-04:00No More Bad Hair Days TreasuryI'm growing my hair out, and that's never fun. I figure a few cute hair accessories might make it a little easier. So I made a Treasury featuring some of my favorites from the talented Etsy crafters.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BpMEGuEQfGw/TGCtTGgT2oI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/41IGB2YPbzM/s1600/bad+hair+day+treasury.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BpMEGuEQfGw/TGCtTGgT2oI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/41IGB2YPbzM/s400/bad+hair+day+treasury.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04716255655834530188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257561458132760734.post-86047217469907290662010-08-09T21:14:00.000-04:002010-08-09T21:14:52.895-04:00Etsy BloggersYay -- I'm now an official Etsy Blogger!Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04716255655834530188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257561458132760734.post-10799123358023343972010-07-29T20:18:00.000-04:002010-07-29T20:18:04.572-04:00Why I Read ...Time for another "Why I Read..." post. This is where I talk about one of my favorite blogs and why I read it.<br />
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I don't know how I found <a href="http://alisaburke.blogspot.com/">Alisa Burke's eponymous blog</a>, but I'm glad I did. Alisa is a painter and artist; she also writes books and offers several online classes. What I like about Alisa's blog is that most of the stuff she talks about -- from sewing to cooking -- looks really easy and do-able. She genuinely believes in the creative abilities of others and works hard to make sure everyone sees that possibility in themselves. <br />
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One of Alisa's recent additions to her blog posts is talking about the creative process from inspiration to finished product. <a href="http://alisaburke.blogspot.com/2010/07/evolution-of-idea.html">Today she talked about something she saw at her local art museum and showed how that manifested itself in beautiful hand-painted mugs.</a> This kind of post really appeals to me because I'm still trying to find my creativity and what it means to be creative. Right now, it's making jewelry. But I'm also thinking about drawing and sewing -- two things I know nothing about but want to explore further.<br />
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Alisa's blog has quickly become one of my favorites. Read her blog -- you'll be glad you did!Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04716255655834530188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257561458132760734.post-92105624156180128352010-07-26T18:35:00.000-04:002010-07-26T18:35:57.862-04:00Do I Dare?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BpMEGuEQfGw/TE4NgjNcbII/AAAAAAAAAGI/HvrmYVrcFt4/s1600/tattoo+pens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BpMEGuEQfGw/TE4NgjNcbII/AAAAAAAAAGI/HvrmYVrcFt4/s320/tattoo+pens.jpg" width="248" /></a></div>I've thought about getting a tattoo (good thing my mother doesn't read this). The problem isn't so much having something permanent. It's what design to choose. I'm one of those crazy people who actually likes change. I've painted almost every room in my house twice, and I've only lived in it for seven years. I change my hair color, my nail polish, etc. How could I possibly pick just one design for a tattoo?<br />
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Well, this could satisfy my short-term urges. <a href="http://www.patinastores.com/Products/Metallic_Tattoo_Pens_100108.cfm">Tattoo pens!</a> They last for about seven days. And they include stencils! This could be fun ...Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04716255655834530188noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257561458132760734.post-31060990861524119382010-07-25T12:29:00.000-04:002010-07-25T12:29:16.771-04:00Sneak Preview<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BpMEGuEQfGw/TExmSVnghtI/AAAAAAAAAGE/Fc6rkXAwCJs/s1600/P7250001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BpMEGuEQfGw/TExmSVnghtI/AAAAAAAAAGE/Fc6rkXAwCJs/s400/P7250001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04716255655834530188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257561458132760734.post-23767664483414036222010-07-24T19:27:00.000-04:002010-07-24T19:27:34.944-04:00Felted TreasuresI really have no idea what goes into creating these beautiful felted items, but I'm quite fascinated by them. I could easily amass quite a collection, and the variety is just astounding. Check out this <a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c4b7511f31c8eef9c12d57f/felted-treasures?index=0">Treasury</a> for just a few ideas.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BpMEGuEQfGw/TEt2ffbylfI/AAAAAAAAAGA/jarMVRTJOgw/s1600/felted+treasures.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BpMEGuEQfGw/TEt2ffbylfI/AAAAAAAAAGA/jarMVRTJOgw/s400/felted+treasures.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04716255655834530188noreply@blogger.com3