Kreative Kitsch

Moving on.....

2011-03-29T23:13:00.000-08:00

New blog posts at: http://three-dog-nights.blogspot.com

Let Them Eat Cake

2009-12-29T20:44:00.001-09:00

Generally I don't watch tv. I do watch movies, netflix online, and online postings of specific shows that I enjoy. I don't like watching tv because I get sucked in and end up watching hours of programming I have no interest in and real life slows down as I focus my energy on mindless watching. The day dreaming is fun but the inactivity and sidelining of projects is ridiculous. Recently we upgraded our internet at home and unfortunately with that came cable tv. And the beckoning began.

At first I resisted but then I started remembering my old friends: Food TV, HGTV and TLC. They host such amazing programs. Educational programming if you will. Then I started remembering my favorite cooking shows and how last time I was at my parents I found this show Ace of Cakes.

So here I am at the end of a week long TV marathon. I'm tired. I do work on the computer or crochet while I watch because I can't just sit there; so on the upside it wasn't a completely unproductive week.
Unfortunately, wink wink, there are tons of great shows that focus on pastry arts.

I miss baking. I miss being a pastry chef and creating amazing cakes and desserts. I miss catering weddings and parties. I don't miss dealing with crappy wait and kitchen staff. But I love the medium of pastry; sugar, flour, chocolate, butter, etc. I occasionally bake at home but I don't get elaborate since I'm both footing the bill and consuming the calories.

It makes sense that I enjoy cake decorating and fancy pastry making since I love sculpture and jewelry making. It's all bauble making just different mediums, right?

Oh and a bit of a mental crush slash friend/co-worker envy on the group of cake artisans on the show. They have the perfect combination of fun, creative, intelligent, sarcasm going on looks like an awesome place to work. Gives me allot to think about. Maybe when I finish my art degree I'll put it to use, combined with the 13 years of food background, to work by doing pastry arts part time. Maybe I need to start baking more?? Or maybe I should try to focus on the job that I have. Why am I so easily distracted??

My Friend Cadi at MaeheGirl is SO Talented

2009-11-15T12:36:00.024-09:00

I have the pleasure of knowing Cadi both online and in the real world. I joke that she is my only successful online relationship. She contacted me on myspace probably three years ago. We have talked each other through many trying situations. She has visited me in Alaska and I went with her to her divorce hearing, we share dreams, ideas, stories, and laughs every chance we get. She is one of my closest friends and I value the friendship so much.

In addition to being a great person she is so creative. An amazing fiber artist. This girl can knit like no ones business. I saw she posted a new a new blog with the cutest snowman this morning. I don't know how she has the time.

Check out her blog maehegirl.blogspot.com.

And her Etsy store: maehegirl.etsy.com

Christmas Just Around The Corner

2009-11-15T01:17:00.004-09:00

With all this snow on the ground (a good half foot in the last day or so) it's hard not to remember that the holidays are nearing. Since I'm on bed rest with a broken ankle I have been brainstorming lots of small crochet and embroidery gift ideas to work on for Christmas gifts. This year all my gifts will be homemade.

I have tons of wool so I'm definitely thinking lots of fun little felted amigurumi (means crochet dolls in Japanese) creatures. I came across this great pattern site: Free Amigurumi Patterns.

I especially like this Christmas tree ornaments:

Update on the NO shopping for Year Challenge

2009-11-01T13:18:00.001-09:00

Last June I made a vow to buy no new clothes for one year. It was going really well. I've been mending clothes and finishing sewing projects and the urge to go shopping was definitely there but I resisted. Until...the perfect opportunity to rationalize a shopping trip arrived: the job interview. When I was asked to interview I had a mild panic due to my lack of professional clothes. As I looked over my current selection of tattered and coffee stained khackis it was very apparent that I didn't own anything professional enough for an interview. So I told myself I would buy one pair at old navy and be done.

Once inside the store I started to panic there were sale signs everywhere. Comfy T's for 5.99, Peasant blouses for ten dollars. I threw all rationale to the wind and spent just under a hundred dollars. I walked out of the store feeling sick to my stomach. On one hand I had some new articles of clothing perfect for interviewing and starting a new job but on the other hand disappointed that I didn't have the will-power to go one single year.

So here I am starting again but with a more reasonable goal. For one year I will participate in the Dottie Angel Challenge; only purchasing used or handmade items for my house and closet. I will attempt to first buy locally and if that doesn't work then online from small indy stores or etsy type marketplaces. Additionally I can only buy new fabric IF I use up my ample fabric store (Boxes and boxes of beautiful fabrics I've purchased over the years). The only exception is I need new carharts, a necessity for Alaskan winters, and when my broken ankle is healed if I need new shoes or boots thats ok for the sake of my orthopedic health.

Join me in this challenge and check out the Dottie Angel blog.

Beautiful Imperfections

2009-09-21T18:04:00.004-08:00

I just came across an article that makes me very happy! I don't read elle or any of those cosmo type girly fashion magazines. I don't relate to the women I see in them and feel that they make women strive for an impossible level of outer perfection rather than to grow into the strong women they are meant to become if they take the time to cultivate their minds and souls. Anyways I digress....Look at the beautiful image of Lizzi Miller from Glamour Magazine.

I found this image in the Viva La Lizzi on Blog Chics. I love that she posed with all her beautiful imperfection to show the world to embrace their bodies as they naturally are.

Real is beautiful.

Winter is coming

2009-09-21T14:55:00.002-08:00

It was supposed to snow yesterday but ended up being a beautiful sunny day. Today however has an overcast chill of approaching winter to it.

This is my first winter in Alaska where I will be living with true running water! Not just hauled 5 gallon jugs of water but true plumbing. It makes the idea of winter not so daunting. I'm actually looking forward to the snow this year. I'm walking distance to work and the bus stops right down the street; so if my car freezes it won't be the end of the world. Really its going to be quite cushy this year.

I'm looking forward to the long dark evening to do crafts in my toasty house. In past winters hauling water, snow removal, trips to the outhouse, hanging out in laundromats, etc. (all in the darkness of Alaskan winter evening of course) made me just hate living so far north.

This year I"m not minding the idea so much. Especially because a friend just gave me a lecture about how lucky I am to live in Alaska. He says that even though cost of living is a bit higher we are protected from the national economy here. The more I think about it I agree. I would never be able to find as many good paying jobs as I have here. Anyways, I'm skipping work today so I think I will get back to laundry and napping :)

Second Hand Shopping Guide

2009-09-20T22:30:00.002-08:00

The following modified list is from http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/10/23/frugality-in-practice-shopping-for-second-hand-clothes/, which is a handy guide for the first time thrift store shopper.

Set a budget. This is difficult at first — you don’t know how much things cost. But eventually you’ll be able to tell yourself, “I’m going spend $20 today”. It becomes a game to see how much you can buy for $20.
Discard your prejudices. Some people consider thrift stores and used clothing shops nasty dirty places. Some are. Most aren’t. Explore your neighborhood. Find a shop or two that you like, and you’ll be hooked.
Go with a friend. It’s good to have a second opinion. Your friend may have an eye for what looks good on you — and vice versa.
Try things on. Sizes vary widely between manufacturers and even by eras. (Today’s clothes have looser fits.) But go in knowing your general size and measurements. Note that some places don’t have dressing rooms, so it’s smart to wear a modest thin layer in case you need to strip down in the aisle.
Examine each item thoroughly. It sucks to get home to find your new shirt has a hole in the pocket. Or that the slacks you thought were a steal actually have a broken zipper.
Check washing instructions. You don’t want to pay $3 for a silk blouse if you’ll never dry-clean it.
Use the tags as a guide to find quality brands you like, but don’t limit yourself. Sometimes a brand you’ve never heard of can yield a favorite piece of clothing.
Think layers. Maybe that shirt with a stain on the sleeve has a great collar for wearing under a sweater. For $3, you can afford to buy a single-purpose shirt.
Use thrift stores as a way to diversify your wardrobe. Buy colors and styles on which you normally wouldn’t spend much. Wear the new clothes a few times to see how you like them, and to gauge the reaction of others.
Used clothing stores are great for certain accessories. Why pay $30 for a new belt in a department store when you can get a better belt in your size for just $2? I like to shop at second-hand stores for hats. (Nice hats.)
Look for clothes new with tags. Sometimes unsold department store inventory finds its way to used clothing stores and thrift shops. You’ll generally pay more for these items, but not much.
If you won’t wear it, don’t buy it. You don’t save money buying a $3 shirt if it just sits in your closet for two years.
Wash clothes when you get them home.
Watch for sales. Used clothing stores (and thrift stores) run periodic specials. Value Village has a different discount per day of the week; senior citizen, orange tags, etc.
If you go to the same store often, ask when they rotate stock. Stores get new shipments regularly. Most also have extra stock in storage. If you become familiar with the owners, you might even ask them to keep an eye out for particular items.
If buying used clothes becomes a habit, institute a “one in-one out policy”. Every time you bring home something new, get rid of something old. (Give it away, take it to a thrift store, or save it for a garage sale.)
Have fun! Buying used clothing can save you money. It’s also a fun way to kill a Saturday afternoon. At $3 an item, you can afford to be adventurous sometimes.

Too old for this

2009-09-20T11:54:00.004-08:00

I went out last night and it was pretty fun. But the entire time i'm thinking I did laundry today and my sheets are all fresh and clean and my bed is made and i could be at home all cozy between the covers watching a movie and curled up with my pets.......oh my pets i wonder how they are doing home alone this evening....what time is it i feel like we've been out for hours oh it's only 11pm?....really? ...i thought it was at least 2am....wow these bars are too crowded tonight.....ughh i hate people especially crowds of 21 yr old army guys....and even worse than 21 yr old silly army guys are the vapid 24 yr old wanna be army wives all bleached out and trashed dancing out of sync to the band....wow this music is just a little too loud...i love this band but it would be so much more enjoyable if they'd just turn the music down a little......omg are they even carding because those kids don't look old enough to be in a bar; oh my goodness i think i used to babysit that girl....man what time is it??....i need to get home because I have things to do tommorrow....and it dawns on me that i am really getting too old for this.........so i went home!

Apple Drunk

2009-01-10T15:32:00.006-09:00

The funny thing about this ~to me~ is that I once had a deer, hopped up on fermented apples, jump on my car and shatter the wind shield. All we could do was laugh and be happy for insurance. So yes even wild animals like to get their drink on :)

Natalie Dee is awesome!

Milk & Cookies on Castro

2008-12-20T21:36:00.009-09:00

I'm in San Francisco! I have been all week. The weather has been wonderful to me but the locals are crying that its cold :) I was the AGU conference all week where everyone who saw I was from Alaska just had to ask if I knew Sara Palin! so much fun ya right. But at least this was a very granola group of people so we all were in agreement that she was on scary woman. Anyways...

With the conference over I finally had a day to just enjoy the city. I went to Delores Park Cafe for breakfast, then to China town, then wandered around lost for awhile, then took a nap at my hotel, then had a fabulous dinner at the Soluna Lounge, then I rode the cable car to the Castro Theatre to watch Milk.

The Castro Theatre was the perfect place to watch Milk since much of the movie takes place on Castro in the 70's. It was a great movie that I highly recommend!! And if you ever have a chance to watch any movie at the Castro Theatre you should definitely go because it was beautiful! There was an organist who played and played then took a bow moments before the movie starts. The audience is enthusiastic and claps through out the move. And there is balcony seating!

After the movie I had the best warm cookies at a little kiosk bakery right outside the theatre. Castro is a beautiful clean developed area of sanfrancisco with lots of cute little shops, restaurants, and bars. It reminds me of a nicer version of the Hawthorne district in PDX which was one of my favorite neighborhoods in portland. I could definately live in San Francisco IF i was south of market around the Delores park, Castro mission district neighborhoods - as long as i could afford a place with a yard for Che. I'm missing my dog!

Tomorrow I'm off to LA by train. I don't think I've ever ridden Amtrak anywhere so this will be a new adventure! Happy Solstice!

Beautiful New Etsy Purchase

2008-11-22T19:02:00.006-09:00

I recently ordered some new earrings on etsty.com. The ones pictured to right to be specific. They are even prettier on! I'm so happy with the new find and want to tell everyone to check out April's store: http://aprilkawaoka.etsy.com The organic lines of her jewelry is simply elegant but with that earthy edge that I love.

Unfortunately I almost immediately lost half of this beautiful set. When I told April of my unfortunate loss but that I loved her work she very generously sent me a replacement! With ear buds so that it wouldn't happen again.

So when you are doing your holiday shopping in the next few weeks or just feel like splurging on a pretty trinket for yourself be sure to check out April's beautiful store front on etsy.com

http://aprilkawaoka.etsy.com

Questions To Ask In The Beginning Part II

2008-11-22T18:01:00.005-09:00

Well I've come to the simple conclusion that it doesn't matter how many questions you ask or how compatible someones answers sound. In the end you have to Listen to your heart, never second guess your gut feeling, and allow yourself to be confidant enough to walk away when clearly you are talking to MR. WRONG!

Its hard because I want to treat everyone nice and I want to be polite but in an incredibly short amount of time I came to resent the suck on my time, feel repulsed by the idiocracy of his sweet talking BS, and bored to tears by his "intelligent conversation". Not to be superficial but its really hard to find that kopasetic middle ground with someone who's educational/career level is vastly different than mine. I'm not especially smart or successful, nor do I have especially lofty career goals, but I really need to feel mentally stimulated by someone. Its such a huge turn off when theres nothing to talk about.

So I guess it goes without saying that I'm done talking to the guy from the past. I'm feeling strongly that If I don't currently know a potential date in the real world then I have no desire to talk in the virtual world. What a waste of time Mr. Wrong was.

Questions To Ask In The Beginning

2008-10-19T20:12:00.006-08:00

So I'm getting to know someone new. Well hes not really new its more that i'm getting to know someone again after 15 years. So he might as well be new. And of course we don't live anywhere near each other anymore so we are reacquainting ourselves online. I swore I'd never do this again but I've rationalized that its different because I used to know him. Whatever.

Anyways the conversation is good we can "talk" online for till our fingers ache from hitting the keyboard. But I want to start asking the important questions. I've asked a few already but figured I would start compiling a list and if anyone has any ideas of things I should be asking let me know!

These are in no particular order of importance and are definitely not all meant to be asked in one sitting :)

Do you want kids?
Do you like &/or have pets?
Do you smoke? If so will you keep it outside?
Do you do drugs?
Do you drink? If so how much/often?
Any criminal background?
Have you ever cheated in a relationship?
Have you ever had an STD?
Do you get checked for STD's?
Are you an affectionate person?
In past relationships on average who wanted more sex? You or your exes?
Have you ever been in a fist fight?
Have you ever been in a physical altercation with an ex?
How do you spend your days off?
Where would you love to travel?
Best vacation ever?
Last book you read?
Last movie you saw?
Favorite Book/Movie?
Favorite foods?
What do you hate?
What are you passionate about?
What is your relationship with your family like?
Have you ever cheated on an ex?
What do your friends think of you talking to me online?
Do you/Have you played games in past relationships? T/F : All is fair in love and war
What do you day dream of?
Goals for the future? where do you see yourself in 5/10/20 years?
Do you watch TV? If so which and how much?
Do you watch sports? If so which and how much?
Are you religious or spiritual?
What do you think makes a good relationship?
What are your worst traits in your opinion?
What are you looking for?

Flight of the Penguins

2008-10-06T13:53:00.004-08:00

This is probably old news for most but I just came across this movie and had to share:Flying Penguins!

Summers End

2008-08-31T15:27:00.007-08:00

Its a beautiful day today but as I look at my porch plants and see that they are not surviving last nights frost I know its coming to an end. Regardless of the seemingly endless rains this summer my plants did have a chance to bloom.

Here is some of what I enjoyed:

Che's Birthday!

2008-08-14T15:48:00.007-08:00

Che's Birthday is this month. I'm not certain which day but I do know he is 2 now! He's grown up so much since he first came to me and I'm looking forward to a few more years of maturity on his part :) But hes a great dog and I'm lucky to have such a sweet beast!

Duct Tape & Chalk Art

2008-07-26T15:11:00.007-08:00

Every year at the Alaska Summer Research Academy (ASRA) I do "Duct Tape" as an evening activity with the campers. I just wanted to share a few of this years great designs! I also included some of the chalk art pictures.

Kitsch

2008-07-08T08:24:00.001-08:00

For those of you not familiar with the term KITSCH:
.......................
kitsch \ˈkich\
Function: noun
Etymology: German
Date: 1925
1: Something that appeals to popular or lowbrow taste and is often of poor quality
2: a tacky or lowbrow quality or condition
.......................

To sum it up Kitsch is the mass produced 'art' which is stylish in the current era. The crap that you see in people home which reminds you of a specific era like glass grapes, bric a brac gingham, ceramic kitties, velvet paintings, dogs playing poker.

The term appeals to me because its difficult to have a unique creative thought. We as artists are influenced by those who came before us, those working around us, and the culture we are emerged in. To create distinct unique style that no one has ever seen is rare and to have it appreciated in our life time unheard of. So we struggle with creative clarity in finding our voice as a artists. But the real struggle is to continue laughing when you find yourself creating something new only to walk thru Michaels arts and Crafts or the local department store to see it mass produced and being sold at bargain prices, and are then faced with did I already see this or did I truly come to my creative vision on my own. So anyways often we are just producing art based on other peoples art and technically I guess this is kitsch. Sad.

To read more on Kitsch visit:http://csmt.uchicago.edu/glossary2004/kitsch.htm

Welcome

2008-07-07T17:51:00.001-08:00

Welcome to my new blog. A place to ramble about my art and craft projects, technology good books i'm reading. Whatever comes to mind in the moment :)