tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72419048684932298102024-03-12T19:50:49.699-07:00alberta albertatales from a craft room...and a crafty lifemelissa @ alberta albertahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212630287909270500noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241904868493229810.post-26135771077515626752011-04-21T15:52:00.001-07:002011-04-21T15:54:36.260-07:00Time flies...I'm a little embarrased that it's been 2 years since I posted anything here. <em>2 years</em>. I don't know how that happened, it went by in a blink. I realize we're already nearly halfway through another year but I'm going to try and post monthly first, and then work my way up to every 2 weeks, and then maybe weekly. Cross your fingers for me...!melissa @ alberta albertahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212630287909270500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241904868493229810.post-45649193319635090632009-12-22T10:51:00.000-08:002009-12-22T10:54:06.208-08:00Today I am...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkBe-oHaTpwXptkze78J2jeFLPINX9ojf4jF-kISkM-GcrFWtx5v6TdHvKSONbnetgKHpTTnJ4zSYosGik6o3B7udAg_DPiZ0YD9hhwpcMlgyKJtB00Xb5-luM9Qorkd37StI38__nBf8/s1600-h/1189890045_02bbd3ba02%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 242px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkBe-oHaTpwXptkze78J2jeFLPINX9ojf4jF-kISkM-GcrFWtx5v6TdHvKSONbnetgKHpTTnJ4zSYosGik6o3B7udAg_DPiZ0YD9hhwpcMlgyKJtB00Xb5-luM9Qorkd37StI38__nBf8/s320/1189890045_02bbd3ba02%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418135344286268770" /></a><br /><br />wow. <br />i think it's going to be the best year ever.<br /><br />(image borrowed from cokeisit7 on flickr)melissa @ alberta albertahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212630287909270500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241904868493229810.post-32972689422983207012009-12-17T09:52:00.001-08:002009-12-17T10:00:33.037-08:00I'm so GEEKEDI really had no issues with Project Runway moving from Bravo to Lifetime, I'd watch that show if it was on C-SPAN at 11PM on a weeknight. It seems though this move to the new network is making them very productive, they just wrapped season 6 in September and season 7 cast has been announced with a premiere date of January 14! <br /><br />http://tvwatch.people.com/2009/12/16/photo-project-runway-season-7-cast-revealed<br /><br />Yay Project Runway. Thank you for taking me back to the days of Fashion Plates. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPMxtDSbEkzgHypgbfNsFEgZnm6jyC7YOIDwcauNxz0_NYFshGq2EoY8u0vOmuqVPjcXGzFKTX_XGQdoHDE0sC6LPHLQM8kMqHj4qzAH371SgX8N3m1z2Zp93MuviTImg09LMrcJIgSX0/s1600-h/fashion_plates-719474%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPMxtDSbEkzgHypgbfNsFEgZnm6jyC7YOIDwcauNxz0_NYFshGq2EoY8u0vOmuqVPjcXGzFKTX_XGQdoHDE0sC6LPHLQM8kMqHj4qzAH371SgX8N3m1z2Zp93MuviTImg09LMrcJIgSX0/s320/fashion_plates-719474%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416264509735997778" /></a>melissa @ alberta albertahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212630287909270500noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241904868493229810.post-29775209444424492122009-09-17T20:12:00.000-07:002009-09-17T20:29:15.902-07:00Bird Bird Bird Craftster SwapIt's been awhile since I participated in a craftster.org swap, but I needed to feel inspired and challenged...and there's nothing like a theme with a deadline to do that. This swap was called Bird Bird Bird, and I like birds so that seemed like a good fit! I tried something new this time - a mini art quilt - and I didn't buy anything new, I only used materials and supplies I had on hand. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjncdNAaT247vyVqYMvyoFrlKXamg2bPNlObT-pQGIGuO57AyZqYuCW42OOcD0nHMAFcGkJRNAP1YEMYajUGahOGF4X6ZInwMdYNZTYc0oM602pl4WQ74EWdcZ43Hmfn63ZyArfMvvXCl0/s1600-h/fly40276.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjncdNAaT247vyVqYMvyoFrlKXamg2bPNlObT-pQGIGuO57AyZqYuCW42OOcD0nHMAFcGkJRNAP1YEMYajUGahOGF4X6ZInwMdYNZTYc0oM602pl4WQ74EWdcZ43Hmfn63ZyArfMvvXCl0/s320/fly40276.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382640360070891890" /></a><br />The whole box - I used pattern paper for packaging, my favorite way to recycle! I tried to make a package that I would love to receive myself. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixInmc6M5gdc9L2lCrAD0przXCLTY3_DjMPSylIymlFcuLVmlVJdMa_8PQmvfWAf1F7-OUQEWbvfm7f9Sd09NdMN5OdQU1eNI4x6LRMRo2aTrA4b6GWALQZ_KA_G781wusUUAXgfy68sw/s1600-h/fly10274.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixInmc6M5gdc9L2lCrAD0przXCLTY3_DjMPSylIymlFcuLVmlVJdMa_8PQmvfWAf1F7-OUQEWbvfm7f9Sd09NdMN5OdQU1eNI4x6LRMRo2aTrA4b6GWALQZ_KA_G781wusUUAXgfy68sw/s320/fly10274.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382640336966236370" /></a><br />Mini art quilt/wallhanging. Measurements are about 8" high by 6" wide.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSwGR3hrvDoQVGXbCzhYz0b28tvLGEPnRWcQD89styXVFFFiNhZAm3t6-A77fdY3T-XRczS4GJE-ifqCLtpolpjV2mB7qvk1QJ4LQHlJYf0Q0da7K_iCacI7iB0VMpwrSwZ9GgQNA0Bc4/s1600-h/fly20275.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSwGR3hrvDoQVGXbCzhYz0b28tvLGEPnRWcQD89styXVFFFiNhZAm3t6-A77fdY3T-XRczS4GJE-ifqCLtpolpjV2mB7qvk1QJ4LQHlJYf0Q0da7K_iCacI7iB0VMpwrSwZ9GgQNA0Bc4/s320/fly20275.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382640341511727138" /></a><br />Back of the quilt with my alberta alberta label.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Ak3bvQJw3YQzAE55OySkTdbHvQqWC4BuJ7QKcthNIZvH08cOfs7W9PVKv4iJjNjNBgKLN_IaG3VcwWy68ZtiqlGGjr_t0BSsVnYuli1RglFQ2mw_rY3XI8AO1hRIbcJldDkemsZHQRI/s1600-h/fly30273.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Ak3bvQJw3YQzAE55OySkTdbHvQqWC4BuJ7QKcthNIZvH08cOfs7W9PVKv4iJjNjNBgKLN_IaG3VcwWy68ZtiqlGGjr_t0BSsVnYuli1RglFQ2mw_rY3XI8AO1hRIbcJldDkemsZHQRI/s320/fly30273.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382640352666820338" /></a><br />A close up of the fabric print I made using a stamp, inkpad, and some heavy cotton. This was 1 of 3 lavender sachets i made, the other fabrics I used were remaining scraps from the quilt.<br /><br />I can't wait to try another mini quilt, and making my own prints again too!<br /><br />-Mmelissa @ alberta albertahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212630287909270500noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241904868493229810.post-46611011819245522292009-08-20T14:48:00.000-07:002009-08-20T15:01:58.653-07:00I'm so freaking excited...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAIqcKJVeMDULn_FGuHnCFzKdOGoVaqsmNKN1ikOU04J7jNIci5GSYu-r03-N4oY4j3MHNXRtAfyRCjUA38T5sqOv5e1Vh6aaPvXvFQGFID6FINmVFUzJ_gWQVNvp1qWsLcLH-WWSPCPM/s1600-h/Project+Runway+Season+6+Designers%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAIqcKJVeMDULn_FGuHnCFzKdOGoVaqsmNKN1ikOU04J7jNIci5GSYu-r03-N4oY4j3MHNXRtAfyRCjUA38T5sqOv5e1Vh6aaPvXvFQGFID6FINmVFUzJ_gWQVNvp1qWsLcLH-WWSPCPM/s320/Project+Runway+Season+6+Designers%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372167819213978322" /></a><br /><br />I can't help it, I've been waiting for this since the last one ended. <br /><br />http://www.mylifetime.com/on-tv/shows/project-runwaymelissa @ alberta albertahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212630287909270500noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241904868493229810.post-31212562172453087512009-08-09T16:58:00.001-07:002009-08-09T17:01:48.407-07:00Doll Project, Part 2<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-eG7NJE6xPLXR89HNkYtYYGHmZHcosPo4Fv80LK5kstAv6_kbz8StslS7cAKbMcOfUA0NHZ1z6d5AGHYKovA_9d2o4bsmNEWWUWRS448Ap-WVTs5Qh7JiMEKxsMygT566CdBgFq6WDFA/s1600-h/dolls.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-eG7NJE6xPLXR89HNkYtYYGHmZHcosPo4Fv80LK5kstAv6_kbz8StslS7cAKbMcOfUA0NHZ1z6d5AGHYKovA_9d2o4bsmNEWWUWRS448Ap-WVTs5Qh7JiMEKxsMygT566CdBgFq6WDFA/s320/dolls.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368118247505711362" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE-ahyqmj8EF2aP73ILVBwwCW9gNWDb1Ezc101AHwOJVdASejTCLfaafXth_Na8f-H72BJfs3knivJvCLjdxBz9h6V4FdmsW_nLx83_u_a6aivE_8U-DSYXHWpXji_g1HmSzB-Dh3BIoU/s1600-h/dolls2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE-ahyqmj8EF2aP73ILVBwwCW9gNWDb1Ezc101AHwOJVdASejTCLfaafXth_Na8f-H72BJfs3knivJvCLjdxBz9h6V4FdmsW_nLx83_u_a6aivE_8U-DSYXHWpXji_g1HmSzB-Dh3BIoU/s320/dolls2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368118237202691138" /></a><br /><br />Here is the finished project! The four dolls together, and with their happy recipient :)melissa @ alberta albertahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212630287909270500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241904868493229810.post-75535059605515278122009-08-08T20:46:00.000-07:002009-09-23T17:18:15.493-07:00Doll Project, Part 1<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAwgjRYGA31-vdFUcJK79kyHy9qKB9Mlg95lC6fCxDPTDPkH6kdYhVmAsJmgAfLw8FFSxOI4MIp6HQPChXaNYP4QQccUcqrWnGZKA1ZZ6RpkW7w7dGhMBd-_27rwgrfLBVTxxUrmFwOYc/s1600-h/dolls10043.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAwgjRYGA31-vdFUcJK79kyHy9qKB9Mlg95lC6fCxDPTDPkH6kdYhVmAsJmgAfLw8FFSxOI4MIp6HQPChXaNYP4QQccUcqrWnGZKA1ZZ6RpkW7w7dGhMBd-_27rwgrfLBVTxxUrmFwOYc/s320/dolls10043.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367805718602795666" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnw1krx3Ii8Xcu6mJVcX5vFr4t0EzI3pyaH2ip00yG2BqDWWMX4wlJtMd1ZIvIJMx7cS1J_g3fWbRxO_GqbfoNd1xfMl0SkXlr8Fp_DEUma3P3cGUKrlzOkkQwtJSegu5q7wGk2n_47MY/s1600-h/dolls20044.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnw1krx3Ii8Xcu6mJVcX5vFr4t0EzI3pyaH2ip00yG2BqDWWMX4wlJtMd1ZIvIJMx7cS1J_g3fWbRxO_GqbfoNd1xfMl0SkXlr8Fp_DEUma3P3cGUKrlzOkkQwtJSegu5q7wGk2n_47MY/s320/dolls20044.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367805715898158178" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL9prRuhPpfww9aBEhv0yFteLfmSTapla62WmWYF5PhqaKEsF5TF29LWiCPcqgkm3mYLj5Er7kx4a0z5tB34lsqiS-jp9gE9L99SCddUbpFcWYlUjSogPNsOq7NP1qlgYJbkUSh2u9Ctg/s1600-h/dolls30045.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL9prRuhPpfww9aBEhv0yFteLfmSTapla62WmWYF5PhqaKEsF5TF29LWiCPcqgkm3mYLj5Er7kx4a0z5tB34lsqiS-jp9gE9L99SCddUbpFcWYlUjSogPNsOq7NP1qlgYJbkUSh2u9Ctg/s320/dolls30045.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367805703784984050" /></a><br /><br />Awhile back, my youngest sister Laura and I decided to combine crafty superpowers and make a gift for our 4 year old niece. We decided on the idea of a soft doll set, in the style of Russian nesting dolls (we were inspired by similar dolls on etsy and craftster). We picked a color palette and had a basic design but since Laura lives in New York and I live in California, we did everything by phone and internet (fabric shopping via camera phone, sketch ideas via email attachment). When we met up in July for our sister Kellie's birthday party, we were able to give the dolls to our niece in person, and see how our project came together - I'm so happy with the end result!<br />Here are some in-progress photos...I'll post the finished product soon!melissa @ alberta albertahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212630287909270500noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241904868493229810.post-49006173228098096062009-08-08T19:49:00.000-07:002009-09-23T17:18:35.554-07:00Pirate Party!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgubiPSSx-odJQPqkl9jfVt5fv5CLZ_NQadejJtwSERzjIqXIBPQ2gJ8QKskYxGSkFb75hlPW-1xYVS8R0O_ahBHCPUJNqLyd0QAtVBSZb0OM4VuNRN1g2UMLyjd4kiEkQS1FkQlTVsAYs/s1600-h/pirate+party40042.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgubiPSSx-odJQPqkl9jfVt5fv5CLZ_NQadejJtwSERzjIqXIBPQ2gJ8QKskYxGSkFb75hlPW-1xYVS8R0O_ahBHCPUJNqLyd0QAtVBSZb0OM4VuNRN1g2UMLyjd4kiEkQS1FkQlTVsAYs/s320/pirate+party40042.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367797330936837682" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Xyd1dMPKJGbcfxiw84A-U3GOjQoCNWZKvyMAtpo99Y-OANpNwIfDd8q9fzYx_lNlk8pzRxKm6JYVyMvbCCni6IrcL0D24eSUdbq2AhvQxQsg3VvhVWWxSqnGo3B6XNVKTZU9eAMRROA/s1600-h/pirate+party30041.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Xyd1dMPKJGbcfxiw84A-U3GOjQoCNWZKvyMAtpo99Y-OANpNwIfDd8q9fzYx_lNlk8pzRxKm6JYVyMvbCCni6IrcL0D24eSUdbq2AhvQxQsg3VvhVWWxSqnGo3B6XNVKTZU9eAMRROA/s320/pirate+party30041.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367797325217401858" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYxbm-vAbrhGQ3_76OkTqTqioJ7i6WK0XTFL3e0BOilfNegsmFGiQZJLIgsRRk1rZ0dqUaTnKImDE-n7hxqn530jqPN0WVxD4FodqmSk8RvUeTpW5Ljo9NeLc3pxcuh9bv7pcp_qgMnVU/s1600-h/pirate+party20040.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYxbm-vAbrhGQ3_76OkTqTqioJ7i6WK0XTFL3e0BOilfNegsmFGiQZJLIgsRRk1rZ0dqUaTnKImDE-n7hxqn530jqPN0WVxD4FodqmSk8RvUeTpW5Ljo9NeLc3pxcuh9bv7pcp_qgMnVU/s320/pirate+party20040.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367797315755742642" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvrpGF6hMQ5aOSP2w7zkniqllrg02UIhWaZsL5lhrF0-j2VhxIRKbZIC0WTGK2y0or-ouFrSJV3TxCtjducoP9fRfzMvjjVozVWBIor3IzyNp29T1gvKtLd9y4-cNtvgadfq_wMMdAles/s1600-h/pirate+party10039.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvrpGF6hMQ5aOSP2w7zkniqllrg02UIhWaZsL5lhrF0-j2VhxIRKbZIC0WTGK2y0or-ouFrSJV3TxCtjducoP9fRfzMvjjVozVWBIor3IzyNp29T1gvKtLd9y4-cNtvgadfq_wMMdAles/s320/pirate+party10039.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367797314877162562" /></a><br /><br />I made some decorations for my sister's recent pirate-themed birthday party. I tried my hand at making a bunting, and it was so much easier than I thought it would be (I definitely took some shortcuts!) but I might make another one for myself, maybe for my craftroom? I also made a treasure chest (a painted cardboard box) filled with pirate loot (mardi gras beads and gold sparkle foam cut into coin shapes), and a pirate flag (I added a skull and crossbones to a preprinted bandanna).melissa @ alberta albertahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212630287909270500noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241904868493229810.post-33812593312992141852009-07-24T10:17:00.000-07:002009-07-24T10:39:48.287-07:00slowly but surely...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUDyP-0EdpBI9F16FTphuCfh2mkEsIcXYiCt01vpFlkx1_SU7_JY6NKpxU7smsskkDDZbkV5FfZTC3bFXSq4g4gycCjC6cCwMJQLW7lsEfB8fqb4N3qCtTLOEG55sRgF-78yk5eqJTKt8/s1600-h/percolate.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUDyP-0EdpBI9F16FTphuCfh2mkEsIcXYiCt01vpFlkx1_SU7_JY6NKpxU7smsskkDDZbkV5FfZTC3bFXSq4g4gycCjC6cCwMJQLW7lsEfB8fqb4N3qCtTLOEG55sRgF-78yk5eqJTKt8/s320/percolate.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362079658081674082" /></a><br />above image by diathesis on flickr<br /><br /><br /><strong>percolate</strong>/<br />[v. pur-kuh-leyt;]<br /><br />–verb <br /><strong>6. to become active, lively, or spirited. </strong><br /><strong>7. to show activity, movement, or life; grow or spread gradually; germinate: Interest in the idea has begun to percolate. </strong><br /><br />it's been far too long i know, but i'll be posting some updates for you very soon. <br />thanks for your patience!<br /><br />-Mmelissa @ alberta albertahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212630287909270500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241904868493229810.post-92084271365171794612009-05-28T19:30:00.000-07:002009-05-28T20:08:50.645-07:00purples and pinks<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwcmB9PX-QJU3ZVT2TD2Yqa5og-FacmYQPAXZWx-Fnd5SU_Sx6zhX8DPIj88RUqptMIh1DyCvS2sGkjmbGlXYlaoV0VuAmFEzg9HEBx_KLAmQSer_KqxMBj2Il0VxVlzbifmEcJ0fTnoE/s1600-h/pink80013.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwcmB9PX-QJU3ZVT2TD2Yqa5og-FacmYQPAXZWx-Fnd5SU_Sx6zhX8DPIj88RUqptMIh1DyCvS2sGkjmbGlXYlaoV0VuAmFEzg9HEBx_KLAmQSer_KqxMBj2Il0VxVlzbifmEcJ0fTnoE/s320/pink80013.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341076140140784530" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAchBFA4BTUAacKTA_cyQSDMtMMmIUHJDW3kl91kswRhbaiKJFBZtjx05ob44uMQBCFkvcjsSUa-0Do1_CZEtlJepbNUWPsmgjE2I6l9zErBaJsTiE6qk9CAKcYS403SMbNRVGGZjpGvQ/s1600-h/pink40007.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAchBFA4BTUAacKTA_cyQSDMtMMmIUHJDW3kl91kswRhbaiKJFBZtjx05ob44uMQBCFkvcjsSUa-0Do1_CZEtlJepbNUWPsmgjE2I6l9zErBaJsTiE6qk9CAKcYS403SMbNRVGGZjpGvQ/s320/pink40007.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341076138900493986" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4YeEa_dCy0mkIXgDBT7d5pcuejTUZF8iS1LRVU0hn3GcYweeQfV7zVKUkXOoI8BhOdsuzRVWGxrPavNK4yTO-1cWV_wiqSMG0TAe42wWNbOv2lvZZLA3qk-UAGJHrg_7xdJDCWMNTnwA/s1600-h/pink60009.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4YeEa_dCy0mkIXgDBT7d5pcuejTUZF8iS1LRVU0hn3GcYweeQfV7zVKUkXOoI8BhOdsuzRVWGxrPavNK4yTO-1cWV_wiqSMG0TAe42wWNbOv2lvZZLA3qk-UAGJHrg_7xdJDCWMNTnwA/s320/pink60009.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341076136525551522" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ2-L8IVDs_VlCXv7jAqofAOLj-JOeFE-d2SkynJqqR28SghRZ4Bu8erF3SMLTbGVQhZWgzyrzvRv16vU0s9TkzAQ5woDgP2gUOFcU-Pef86_yJKNt_TCzoRO7Lp-YWzDnsMEb8i6pI60/s1600-h/pink20005.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ2-L8IVDs_VlCXv7jAqofAOLj-JOeFE-d2SkynJqqR28SghRZ4Bu8erF3SMLTbGVQhZWgzyrzvRv16vU0s9TkzAQ5woDgP2gUOFcU-Pef86_yJKNt_TCzoRO7Lp-YWzDnsMEb8i6pI60/s320/pink20005.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341076133181592962" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivPc2BSHV_qqpx8W98dYKFTfqclKmKd7KAgEIKLZx4x16M6pP0jil-wYxazsSSpBHCaOUi0c2CWHvNr4e2q1aJ5-fwLlm-EZ0VVEC-W0O2CoZgW9ReZ-51MtdxCLkTKqi4Gs2Yc5mzSXw/s1600-h/pink30006.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivPc2BSHV_qqpx8W98dYKFTfqclKmKd7KAgEIKLZx4x16M6pP0jil-wYxazsSSpBHCaOUi0c2CWHvNr4e2q1aJ5-fwLlm-EZ0VVEC-W0O2CoZgW9ReZ-51MtdxCLkTKqi4Gs2Yc5mzSXw/s320/pink30006.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341076131594246770" /></a><br /><br />a few weeks ago everything was yellow, everywhere i looked i saw yellow...but i kept forgetting my camera. now everything is pink and purple and i remembered to take pictures :) i must've taken 30 pictures on my walk home from work, it was hard to choose but i think these are my favorites. <br /><br />-Mmelissa @ alberta albertahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212630287909270500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241904868493229810.post-46535231951631582722009-05-28T19:24:00.001-07:002009-05-28T19:30:21.500-07:00i may have jumped the gun...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe5O2MO0wDDVMhWBgwv-B13A3Y9yTQ_BihWn3a2eP9xOb98adw2qO09pr2xZyYrTK3AjG0CJ-CE7eZZWgVoKCDZ3joQXwkLNsTpLS-UUiNaAReG4VbD6IOlPF7IdnwTqaV4jFH0eMtkGg/s1600-h/radish0001.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe5O2MO0wDDVMhWBgwv-B13A3Y9yTQ_BihWn3a2eP9xOb98adw2qO09pr2xZyYrTK3AjG0CJ-CE7eZZWgVoKCDZ3joQXwkLNsTpLS-UUiNaAReG4VbD6IOlPF7IdnwTqaV4jFH0eMtkGg/s320/radish0001.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341067143496938898" /></a><br /><br />i left the others in a little longer :)<br /><br />-Mmelissa @ alberta albertahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212630287909270500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241904868493229810.post-90400068491346521822009-03-13T16:27:00.000-07:002009-03-13T16:29:29.707-07:00woohoo!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsVItGxTn1I07BiRuFFLj_J5kny5yGH-bEZ4mYs25lGmZKOSvoAMOhE8JGkw6-6N29FxeJK6VViehnqGTPjuklOwGGCzVn0ZfGxXoXEBqWUtAWw9KK915FdaMjVLwb73D09wKlXTNFY30/s1600-h/yay.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 193px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsVItGxTn1I07BiRuFFLj_J5kny5yGH-bEZ4mYs25lGmZKOSvoAMOhE8JGkw6-6N29FxeJK6VViehnqGTPjuklOwGGCzVn0ZfGxXoXEBqWUtAWw9KK915FdaMjVLwb73D09wKlXTNFY30/s320/yay.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312818145087906242" /></a><br /><br />I'm feeling great today - lots of good things are happening and I will catch you all up soon!<br /><br />-M<br /><br />(above image by Kristine May on Flickr)melissa @ alberta albertahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212630287909270500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241904868493229810.post-50677582062436740322009-02-10T14:14:00.000-08:002009-02-11T09:56:43.571-08:00Australian Bushfires and what you can do to help<a href="http://handmadehelpsout.blogspot.com/" style="display: block;"><br /><img alt="Handmade Help" id="Header1_headerimg" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmdla3VjrYTXdsRExzC1XZreONhda0A1GQawh3u8oxwjsfiVDhMUH7jzhVbdaMRIjCNmG-1w7KlhXTrMIsT2HWIsrDaByA82Cpk4HtK8CHHI6Gq_UuuqEC1vPRFWWbk26cWhECYSgECxo/s1600-r/handmade+help+banner+2.jpg" style="display: block;" height="60" width="360" /></a><br /><br /><div id="content-wrapper"><div class="widget Blog" id="Blog1"><div class="crosscol section" id="crosscol"></div>Last summer a huge part of the Midwest was devastated by horrible flooding. My hometown of Cedar Rapids, Iowa is still working to rebuild, it's going to take a really long time. Seeing the images from the fires in Australia right now made me think of the flooding again, and made me wonder what I could do to help.<br /></div></div><br />I came across a great website accepting donations from crafters and artists with all proceeds going the Victorian Bushfire Appeal. I donated an item from my etsy shop and I'm sure they'd gladly accept more items.<br /><br />Please check out the link below and if you are so compelled, buy something, donate something...help if you can.<br /><br /><a href="http://handmadehelpsout.blogspot.com/">http://handmadehelpsout.blogspot.com/</a><br /><br /><br /><br />-Mmelissa @ alberta albertahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212630287909270500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241904868493229810.post-87422383601887220102009-01-31T14:32:00.000-08:002009-03-04T11:38:51.396-08:00Featured Artist - Dolan Geiman<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidIsBTtOmrkTDiwwXXMFIyBdZVpZoqZh3P4QBfvlW5fjEjXs0_AQErUyZX403pLAVeSNbMcMOUP5g597aIx4Dy4K1dl5MBaHZU9U-Ke2PT67Vkv14d2vl4Eh-XA1dWwTGHZ6RdbODByHs/s1600-h/DG+Lovebird.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidIsBTtOmrkTDiwwXXMFIyBdZVpZoqZh3P4QBfvlW5fjEjXs0_AQErUyZX403pLAVeSNbMcMOUP5g597aIx4Dy4K1dl5MBaHZU9U-Ke2PT67Vkv14d2vl4Eh-XA1dWwTGHZ6RdbODByHs/s320/DG+Lovebird.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297597479742969362" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz6HYf2vdmRb2PGFEEKH6KRsiFGK4IkBvn-grNfRh0_voDUDr7BL0Ntihp2z0QCsh6sFDEePr8UtHHCR1zMMjVTPnEsPEVlonYJ-h8sWgb28Fiy-Nx6J2FjbsvzDuxiNO_HTqTTjoZqAI/s1600-h/DG+Musician+Country+Fair.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz6HYf2vdmRb2PGFEEKH6KRsiFGK4IkBvn-grNfRh0_voDUDr7BL0Ntihp2z0QCsh6sFDEePr8UtHHCR1zMMjVTPnEsPEVlonYJ-h8sWgb28Fiy-Nx6J2FjbsvzDuxiNO_HTqTTjoZqAI/s320/DG+Musician+Country+Fair.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297597481372398242" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtOqZ2Da0e1fYFMtkcHR4A0X8sZrLDXrWr9AFx1B2Mbghy6BLo7jTTpA6bKmAPIEbkV8lZxjjWXLYMgtNIIvSQEb_ga2BV_yhly-myycq24lxxWlJ5UT4WBcc09jyfTJbrqfHIgu6No8M/s1600-h/DG+Folk+Guitar+II.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 219px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtOqZ2Da0e1fYFMtkcHR4A0X8sZrLDXrWr9AFx1B2Mbghy6BLo7jTTpA6bKmAPIEbkV8lZxjjWXLYMgtNIIvSQEb_ga2BV_yhly-myycq24lxxWlJ5UT4WBcc09jyfTJbrqfHIgu6No8M/s320/DG+Folk+Guitar+II.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297597478300737394" /></a><br />Welcome to my newest blog feature! Over the next few months I will be showcasing an artist who makes me sit up straight and blink a few times. Someone who inspires me to run, not walk, to my work table. Dolan Geiman is such an artist. His honest answers were so much more than I expected, and made me feel like I was looking over his shoulder while he worked. He couldn't have been more gracious. My favorite part of the whole interview is in the final paragraph, where he talks about working with his wife and business partner Ali Walsh - that's the kind of collaboration we all hope for. <div>I hope you will check out more of his art at: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">http://dolangeiman.com</span> and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">dolangeiman.etsy.com</span></div><div><br /><div> </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">January Featured Artist - Dolan Geiman</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">aa: I see something new every time I look at your work. One piece in particular, the rescued work construction "Red Valentine" in the 'Lovebird Series', it has a wooden spoon in it. Such a great use of reclaimed materials. How do you decide, or know, when a piece is complete?</span></span><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> </span></div><div> </div><div>DG: That is a great question. Well, usually I will work on about 5 or 6 pieces, or more, at a time. This keeps me from getting antsy, and it gives me more time to look at my work in progress. Usually, when I get tired of working on something, I shut it down! I don't really have a set time frame for working on each piece, but I can usually stand back from the piece and notice if it feels balanced or not, or if it needs one more little splash of paint, or another screw. I guess it's kind of like cooking. If you make pies all the time, you figure out how much butter is enough, and how much sugar you need to add to get the right taste.<br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">aa: Do you sketch out your ideas or do you just dig right in with your materials and see where they take you?</span></span><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> </span></div><div>DG: Well, it depends on the piece. I usually dive right in and just start working on something. Some larger pieces require more thought, so I like to have a little bit of a plan, but it's a real balance. I don't like to plan too much with the actual piece. My planning exists more in the tools, like making sure to have proper brushes and paint...so I can create the proper vehicle for creativity. Art shouldn't be like science and math. You shouldn't have too many formulas if you want to really tap into the raw aspect of creating.<br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">aa: I noticed your use of leather and twine. Do you ever work with fabric?</span></span><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> </span></div><div>DG: Sometimes. It just depends on what I want to create. I used to make clothing, and that led to some interesting sculptures. I even made some cool flags at one point, which I gave out to people on the street.<br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">aa: Do you prefer working on a large scale or a smaller format, or both equally?</span></span><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> </span></div><div>DG: I love working larger in the spring and summer, because everything is busting out and growing and birds are chirping and flowers are mating and all this weird stuff is going on, and everyone is excited because we survived the winter. I feel like the appropriate scale for those emotions is REALLY BIG. I started working small, and always love the intimacy of a small scale collage or drawing too. Now that I have a larger studio, I'm lucky to be able to work on large scale pieces as well as the small stuff.<br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">aa: When did you realize you could do this exclusively, or did you just know there was no other option than to create full-time?</span></span><br /></span></div><div>DG: I think I've always just been stubborn and had the idea that I could be full time. I mean, I never had a choice about it really. I can't go anywhere without thinking about making art. I can't really do anything else. Not because I'm not skilled at other things, but because my mind is full of ideas that make me restless. I knew that if I had to do something else I would go nuts. Life is always too much for the creative mind. We have to know more, explore everything, translate all things into paint or pen. There is no rest for the creative mind, right? When I met Ali and she said she'd help me, it was like making a deal with the art gods. They gave me a partner, and I agreed to make art til I die. Pretty simple.<br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">All featured works are property of Dolan Geiman<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></div><div> </div><div> </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Image 1</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Lovebird Red Valentine Fifth Year Anniversary</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Rescued Wood Construction - Lovebird Collection (2009)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Mixed media assemblage with salvaged wood and found materials</span></div><div> </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"> </span></div><div> </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Image 2</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Musician Country Fair</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Country Fair Box Print</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Archival reproduction on wood; limited addition</span></div><div> </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"> </span></div><div> </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Image 3</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Folk Guitar II (New Orleans Queen)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">New Orleans Queen - Made in the Shade Collection (2008)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Recycled paint with salvaged wood and metal</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:13px;"> </span></div><div> </div><div> </div></div>melissa @ alberta albertahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212630287909270500noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241904868493229810.post-34231661221221042842009-01-28T19:15:00.001-08:002009-01-28T19:35:21.704-08:002008 I hardly knew ye...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWyaFsO5qdxBi5EEydmWmdV-0pttpUL9poEXuaIwDF6wSKr7PYxjMm7KICZNrdLIGjEE0K1l120frgJSVdxZNx5YwjoLCxTJMzUgNLK1wwf5aH7RNiHXWCtxxxLHiiz0qZLYuaDdxHoDw/s1600-h/blues+and+greens0328.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWyaFsO5qdxBi5EEydmWmdV-0pttpUL9poEXuaIwDF6wSKr7PYxjMm7KICZNrdLIGjEE0K1l120frgJSVdxZNx5YwjoLCxTJMzUgNLK1wwf5aH7RNiHXWCtxxxLHiiz0qZLYuaDdxHoDw/s320/blues+and+greens0328.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296552899152385650" /></a><br />I'm having a hard time reconciling that it's already the end of January. The end. Like, a full month ago it was Christmas! Sigh...how time flies once you pass 30 :P <div>That being said, I am really excited about this year so far. While it's already brought some surprises (or annoyances, depending upon which week you ask me) I'm looking forward to what the rest of 2009 will bring. I have my hands and head in a lot of stuff, stay tuned for new projects and some new blog features...</div><div><br /><div>-M</div></div>melissa @ alberta albertahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212630287909270500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241904868493229810.post-4559847539163332722009-01-16T13:40:00.000-08:002009-01-28T19:40:20.173-08:00Canvas Project - Patty Griffin Lyrics<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW5wOJoOVCSN39pr-05p9L7CYHTX2WbYtRUAotGhst27QrNXEY6tGUKueaqOuXe7QBKFNug81ZreqCWqvCEK-kQlUA5qD-giKF68rMeRwUrzDKHKp5eiECAjXlP3nfNnkzpD_mAogH7vg/s1600-h/Tryptych+0306.JPG"><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW5wOJoOVCSN39pr-05p9L7CYHTX2WbYtRUAotGhst27QrNXEY6tGUKueaqOuXe7QBKFNug81ZreqCWqvCEK-kQlUA5qD-giKF68rMeRwUrzDKHKp5eiECAjXlP3nfNnkzpD_mAogH7vg/s320/Tryptych+0306.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292010734260811906" /></a>I just finished this canvas set for my best friend's birthday. It's based on one of her favorite Patty Griffin songs - we are both are huge fans - called "Carry Me" (from the album Flaming Red).<div>I took lines from the chorus and broke them down into separate ideas...and then created a fabric collage for each one.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlDSWyZlp3kCqTZHPfCBzFpUMS6vXcFzYWrPISNuOyHeLH3XoeFfRIL1FVr5RfmAVlK2xtAZk9xajUZNZxe3i32TfcYGancXE91CwczJKIHiEgIDEmF9HAsifjOrWiofJ5xBXU1k1_r54/s1600-h/Tryptych+10307.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlDSWyZlp3kCqTZHPfCBzFpUMS6vXcFzYWrPISNuOyHeLH3XoeFfRIL1FVr5RfmAVlK2xtAZk9xajUZNZxe3i32TfcYGancXE91CwczJKIHiEgIDEmF9HAsifjOrWiofJ5xBXU1k1_r54/s320/Tryptych+10307.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292010733078713762" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>"fading into the tall grass"</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvGPuSn3KMKRz_ft8_tEEr5-kUf31ZtoPPm2GF-lTC-tRzwuIP8n-x_oRZZdp6ndVO5rNknnS0n6l_aGaP1IS1F_Dom7EFgcX4pjRh72AtAukKcxVxYNf_5xCAxRiEwxeqk1_vWHSh_PI/s1600-h/Tryptych+20308.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvGPuSn3KMKRz_ft8_tEEr5-kUf31ZtoPPm2GF-lTC-tRzwuIP8n-x_oRZZdp6ndVO5rNknnS0n6l_aGaP1IS1F_Dom7EFgcX4pjRh72AtAukKcxVxYNf_5xCAxRiEwxeqk1_vWHSh_PI/s320/Tryptych+20308.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292010729191413746" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> "slipping into the twillight"</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLE2YvOvP5HoB5gW3xm4mAc4XUIkZOguFPt9JVriip3ObNctq8YPfBhIja3Fm6hXaFCDN64C_bo_QRWC7r_osjuPdAiopoMGs6P-FcJbfIXoOdKSlmp7dxLLR9yi71EE8c1jr3mrLP88g/s1600-h/Tryptych+30309.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLE2YvOvP5HoB5gW3xm4mAc4XUIkZOguFPt9JVriip3ObNctq8YPfBhIja3Fm6hXaFCDN64C_bo_QRWC7r_osjuPdAiopoMGs6P-FcJbfIXoOdKSlmp7dxLLR9yi71EE8c1jr3mrLP88g/s320/Tryptych+30309.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292010728776695650" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> "carry me over the ocean, over the sea"</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNX66Ty5ftlAChQJooOfA0fU5V8pUOrNfNK18mcPHecyFCkQqF1u6K7Vs5xrNEw1h0QFHfjMx34b7BmFBnGYhtlcw3j3WV1z_YH1nHI8trOkcnaQq9vqtDzeof4oUx7cjfmQUuOjvA2xY/s1600-h/Tryptych+back0310.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNX66Ty5ftlAChQJooOfA0fU5V8pUOrNfNK18mcPHecyFCkQqF1u6K7Vs5xrNEw1h0QFHfjMx34b7BmFBnGYhtlcw3j3WV1z_YH1nHI8trOkcnaQq9vqtDzeof4oUx7cjfmQUuOjvA2xY/s320/Tryptych+back0310.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292010719362446914" /></a>I added a handmade tag to the back of each canvas :) </div><div><br /><div>-M</div></div>melissa @ alberta albertahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212630287909270500noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241904868493229810.post-53200094070975134802008-12-10T13:52:00.000-08:002009-01-28T19:33:37.363-08:00And the winner is....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-5YBqXXBSy0_4jxXzM9WzD6QR5693K8a9pLk1VIC-5t4ukfie-GhLAHAtblQrAWL0PIdoqKAPIHnXrn5wv5PVVq0C0UnjNO7sOwsvOg_veZKmaPv3AEinl0Iui26cdemvUxA0n6QlB9Q/s1600-h/Giveaway+0305.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-5YBqXXBSy0_4jxXzM9WzD6QR5693K8a9pLk1VIC-5t4ukfie-GhLAHAtblQrAWL0PIdoqKAPIHnXrn5wv5PVVq0C0UnjNO7sOwsvOg_veZKmaPv3AEinl0Iui26cdemvUxA0n6QlB9Q/s320/Giveaway+0305.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278419605348293138" /></a>Susan Cahill! Congratulations Susan, you are the very first winner of the very first alberta alberta giveaway! Thanks so much to everyone who entered, and for all the kind words about my car, I really appreciate it :) I had such fun with this giveaway...gathering and organizing and waiting. I'll definitely be having more giveaways in the future...<div><br /></div><div>-M<br /><div><div><div><br /></div></div></div></div>melissa @ alberta albertahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212630287909270500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241904868493229810.post-25719878781971247202008-11-30T12:47:00.000-08:002008-11-30T13:19:13.406-08:00Fall Giveaway...or, how to put a spin on car theft<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsJmxq4e-YBFMLhET1BR1yy_6Bqy9ZZSrTe1_pZtAAUod-U4ABZjX73uWVYc98K3f47Bt0T1XFWtRersgg5w58ZqzgaX1OcDEmZWrf7Te9OYJucmkQl5LiEXnyTJ5RvVvaqPwBl3Xxir8/s1600-h/FallO8Giveaway0303.JPG"><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsJmxq4e-YBFMLhET1BR1yy_6Bqy9ZZSrTe1_pZtAAUod-U4ABZjX73uWVYc98K3f47Bt0T1XFWtRersgg5w58ZqzgaX1OcDEmZWrf7Te9OYJucmkQl5LiEXnyTJ5RvVvaqPwBl3Xxir8/s320/FallO8Giveaway0303.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274557593323265682" /></a>so my car was stolen just over a week and a half ago. from in front of my house, from a neighborhood that for the past 2 years has always felt very quiet and safe. the good news is i did get the car back, in basically the same condition i left it...the inside was pretty trashed and a few items were taken but otherwise it's almost like it didn't happen (except for the $500 we had to pay to get it out of impound :( what a way to add insult to injury!) <div>however, to celebrate the return of my wheels i am having a stashbuster giveaway here at alberta alberta! fabric, buttons, trim, and beads in fall colors - great for a fall quilt or adding to an existing project. </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">if you'd like to enter the giveaway please send me an email at albertaalbertahandmade@gmail.com and use the subject line "fall giveaway". i will draw names on december 10th and announce winners that day. </span></div><div>this holiday i am so grateful for so many things; my family, my friends, a good job, a car with some street cred, and the opportunity to have this blog :)</div><div><br /></div><div>-M</div><div><br /><div><br /></div></div>melissa @ alberta albertahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212630287909270500noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241904868493229810.post-83521044644204174752008-11-05T09:48:00.000-08:002009-01-28T19:40:38.982-08:00WOOHOOOOOOOO!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3NVMlHINA361alLmXNcJ7VWk3KPucOlSrMnAesKDeUtWP-HeFU5TMBjrOUUEiF93ed4jh0fy-BhjMXfYuPCm-HQLLh4H39Xz_3JjOLYAEUFh1hyKXXPJvHETGUCxEjcbYqY70vpS6IsA/s1600-h/yes.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265232340108393618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 247px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3NVMlHINA361alLmXNcJ7VWk3KPucOlSrMnAesKDeUtWP-HeFU5TMBjrOUUEiF93ed4jh0fy-BhjMXfYuPCm-HQLLh4H39Xz_3JjOLYAEUFh1hyKXXPJvHETGUCxEjcbYqY70vpS6IsA/s320/yes.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Wow. Just wow. </div>melissa @ alberta albertahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212630287909270500noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241904868493229810.post-17817974439338960462008-11-04T14:16:00.000-08:002009-01-28T19:40:46.289-08:00VOTE VOTE VOTE!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtCMGH7dIKok_sZrL2CykXqNJahZ268yiXDv-5fkVId-bgLUWSzvt7G7th0VmhpBb2gjb0kZ_diVTfdyxoHTRV58woad77VE2GAg_s9_XU22lPLNrkbF1HS9-T5CXCD1Qw3OuhbUPN5sM/s1600-h/obama.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264934736697846210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 247px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtCMGH7dIKok_sZrL2CykXqNJahZ268yiXDv-5fkVId-bgLUWSzvt7G7th0VmhpBb2gjb0kZ_diVTfdyxoHTRV58woad77VE2GAg_s9_XU22lPLNrkbF1HS9-T5CXCD1Qw3OuhbUPN5sM/s320/obama.jpg" border="0" /></a>(from <a href="http://www.designforobama.org/">http://www.designforobama.org</a>)<br /><br /><div>we woke up to a little more foot traffic than usual today - our polling spot is right across the street from our house. lots of excited voices and shuffling of sample ballots :) my hands were shaky when i was filling in those little ovals, so anxious! i kept my t-shirt zipped tight inside my sweater until i walked out the doors of the polling station but i've been proudly displaying my vote since, along with my "i voted" sticker.<br />looking forward to chewing off my fingernails tonight watching those returns come in.<br /><br />hope, change, and a new president...<br /><br />-M</div>melissa @ alberta albertahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212630287909270500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241904868493229810.post-79604367220955765342008-10-29T22:55:00.001-07:002009-01-28T19:34:44.972-08:00No glass slippers, just glass pumpkins...I haven't gotten an actual pumpkin yet this Fall, over the weekend I was really wishing I had one. I came up with these cute little guys instead.<br /><br /><br />Very shoddy tutorial follows...<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz643CciJeRqOyvhhPDY-RBchawYoYprj7h0OYW914M9qf0avd1gPNdhDGpW4pOss1yS2lvFyoAxoY6OloWwODtWAMC97oFBKTXCOA16UmEEa6nCH9nVXSdqEijnPan3wfXqG56yYjn9w/s1600-h/glassjackolanterns10288.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262822690646222578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz643CciJeRqOyvhhPDY-RBchawYoYprj7h0OYW914M9qf0avd1gPNdhDGpW4pOss1yS2lvFyoAxoY6OloWwODtWAMC97oFBKTXCOA16UmEEa6nCH9nVXSdqEijnPan3wfXqG56yYjn9w/s320/glassjackolanterns10288.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />1. Gather your fabric and clean jars in various sizes (mine once held beans, spices, and artichoke hearts). I simply wrapped the fabric around the jar and cut to size.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYDTf0yaoy-QOtVq3VGc9zOiUnvhmjG6J_xJxU-rKqwwJR1M1rogwZzC7c8M7PbcltQAfCU3reMCAh_pNtaUwPQsoprzHWdZPiY2VK3dwfJKIeQ8RnmCbNeVnI0bGjKto4kLll62Ns-rw/s1600-h/glassjackolanterns20288.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262822690768502946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYDTf0yaoy-QOtVq3VGc9zOiUnvhmjG6J_xJxU-rKqwwJR1M1rogwZzC7c8M7PbcltQAfCU3reMCAh_pNtaUwPQsoprzHWdZPiY2VK3dwfJKIeQ8RnmCbNeVnI0bGjKto4kLll62Ns-rw/s320/glassjackolanterns20288.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />2. Make a little face...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJp0-xgnTkC1WCTzGDf9I_-shz0zEz0use1M3NB_AHqgpf33ZTZyV0ANPPuNTrjKSkxmQeJXo5S6N3uqduQF_o7vWZzpo2mWGO7V8B1-AHaQ8uhPI0HXi-SfEy_GOyNWEvCud5NHSO3w0/s1600-h/glassjackolanterns40290.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262822688816948690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJp0-xgnTkC1WCTzGDf9I_-shz0zEz0use1M3NB_AHqgpf33ZTZyV0ANPPuNTrjKSkxmQeJXo5S6N3uqduQF_o7vWZzpo2mWGO7V8B1-AHaQ8uhPI0HXi-SfEy_GOyNWEvCud5NHSO3w0/s320/glassjackolanterns40290.JPG" border="0" /></a>3. Cut out little face (I started with an exacto knife and then trimmed with scissors).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgm9qwiXsFtbsUh3-bSybZCy2SQN4ORWPGUyIbXQjcTunjBwBOVzi3Lx27M3RYy6XetYCmqHbX78yUWTSUxMCSkxfIATJePk_bhlNHurVWOMUTJJEGXGmUvO4VjQI8gJSQ45tDHVzVGZo/s1600-h/glassjackolanterns60292.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262822687953854114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgm9qwiXsFtbsUh3-bSybZCy2SQN4ORWPGUyIbXQjcTunjBwBOVzi3Lx27M3RYy6XetYCmqHbX78yUWTSUxMCSkxfIATJePk_bhlNHurVWOMUTJJEGXGmUvO4VjQI8gJSQ45tDHVzVGZo/s320/glassjackolanterns60292.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />4. Wrap fabric around jar and glue at seams (I used epoxy which is still holding up, hot glue or fabric glue would probably be fine too).<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="TEXT-DECORATION: underline"></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="TEXT-DECORATION: none" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinZflsxvYDCXZRL7B8OXSDbCWomRWAbNTFsECzXhpIhTjTZNVjm90fzHYelKZr1b3JSW8Y14-sLx0vwT0ss1wwbJKGGf5LTPgu0ERcuPsn380ee1WJm0-3M-ao9nOzgjoiufgVO436QC8/s1600-h/glassjackolanterns90295.JPG"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,0)">5. Add a votive, light, and enjoy the glow :)</span></span></span></span></span></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="TEXT-DECORATION: none" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinZflsxvYDCXZRL7B8OXSDbCWomRWAbNTFsECzXhpIhTjTZNVjm90fzHYelKZr1b3JSW8Y14-sLx0vwT0ss1wwbJKGGf5LTPgu0ERcuPsn380ee1WJm0-3M-ao9nOzgjoiufgVO436QC8/s1600-h/glassjackolanterns90295.JPG"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,0)"><br /><br /></span></span></a><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="TEXT-DECORATION: none" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinZflsxvYDCXZRL7B8OXSDbCWomRWAbNTFsECzXhpIhTjTZNVjm90fzHYelKZr1b3JSW8Y14-sLx0vwT0ss1wwbJKGGf5LTPgu0ERcuPsn380ee1WJm0-3M-ao9nOzgjoiufgVO436QC8/s1600-h/glassjackolanterns90295.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262822686645585954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinZflsxvYDCXZRL7B8OXSDbCWomRWAbNTFsECzXhpIhTjTZNVjm90fzHYelKZr1b3JSW8Y14-sLx0vwT0ss1wwbJKGGf5LTPgu0ERcuPsn380ee1WJm0-3M-ao9nOzgjoiufgVO436QC8/s320/glassjackolanterns90295.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></p><p>-M</p>melissa @ alberta albertahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212630287909270500noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241904868493229810.post-38977011965838461152008-10-14T22:57:00.000-07:002008-10-29T23:49:16.343-07:00It's Birthday Season (Part 2)<div>My godson, Val, had his 3rd birthday party this past Sunday. I was pressed for time and low on funds so I dug deep into my stash and came up with a crayon roll. I don't think he quite knew what to make of it but he did have fun pulling the crayons out and putting them back in their homes...and his mom liked it a lot so that works for me!</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgop0wIITKTSQfwjrdtNPjomx1Nnc_0xcJ2TlfVrEwspd32FEc6uPJiqP1kAKS7PKHC2Ap5bpNPuXWLwuieykV9gvSpzq91cVBJV24nxzRAWt83ZIM_m0av3KN8IH_few3wkiSCXVfA104/s1600-h/crayon+roll_10286.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgop0wIITKTSQfwjrdtNPjomx1Nnc_0xcJ2TlfVrEwspd32FEc6uPJiqP1kAKS7PKHC2Ap5bpNPuXWLwuieykV9gvSpzq91cVBJV24nxzRAWt83ZIM_m0av3KN8IH_few3wkiSCXVfA104/s320/crayon+roll_10286.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257257935433994354" /></a>All wrapped up, I love that green ribbon.<div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh37itYEVutlmZ3MH9cZ24g-V-Aeb2fyF-H9_9aPmnc4fFitMRKl-y6CU3Xpbjn25QXAf1DBNnDNQPnsbjn6Y1Mkl1_FwE8VAn4xAM3Q_UwKyCmwx6zIyFa9rZ0U33aFXHP71AZA94Zc2s/s1600-h/crayon+roll_20285.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh37itYEVutlmZ3MH9cZ24g-V-Aeb2fyF-H9_9aPmnc4fFitMRKl-y6CU3Xpbjn25QXAf1DBNnDNQPnsbjn6Y1Mkl1_FwE8VAn4xAM3Q_UwKyCmwx6zIyFa9rZ0U33aFXHP71AZA94Zc2s/s320/crayon+roll_20285.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257257939172167938" /></a>The front with his name.</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZNPKxlnQz-EEgN44KSX3jQiU2zGlvh8Mqse0iBEsekQn2MOk4rB4Yl7U_jEbztJWvqNqJTAxwkDkJprsLFIAE39kOaFOrtlKIo4xBal6YuZV1_g1ZazpKnIfSs5FrnIDclx2djqKd6JM/s1600-h/crayon+roll_30287.JPG"><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZNPKxlnQz-EEgN44KSX3jQiU2zGlvh8Mqse0iBEsekQn2MOk4rB4Yl7U_jEbztJWvqNqJTAxwkDkJprsLFIAE39kOaFOrtlKIo4xBal6YuZV1_g1ZazpKnIfSs5FrnIDclx2djqKd6JM/s320/crayon+roll_30287.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257257943968525890" /></a>My first time with machine applique...don't look too closely!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6FaTrkGTCtSLKdqG3W6qbqSWCAB2-V3wC9HK2KBo_7UBm92TOr6BWaE342sGCRCfRmgp-zogiZBS1J8RDOWMIX4mNye4ohpWcarrHXjjeSG55rdTiWNSARQ3k5VRyVlDhzyevDxjNcv8/s1600-h/crayon+roll30283.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6FaTrkGTCtSLKdqG3W6qbqSWCAB2-V3wC9HK2KBo_7UBm92TOr6BWaE342sGCRCfRmgp-zogiZBS1J8RDOWMIX4mNye4ohpWcarrHXjjeSG55rdTiWNSARQ3k5VRyVlDhzyevDxjNcv8/s320/crayon+roll30283.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257257948168799586" /></a>The inside: I only had that one strip of the alphabet fabric, so glad to have found a home for it. </div><div><br /></div><div>-M<br /><br /></div>melissa @ alberta albertahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212630287909270500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241904868493229810.post-68635633377993239482008-10-14T22:31:00.001-07:002008-10-29T23:50:09.654-07:00It's Birthday Season (Part 1)<div>Beginning in July I start to feel overwhelmed with birthdays; both sisters and my brother have birthdays within a few weeks of each other, then my dad, 3 of my close girl friends, then James, and my godson. It doesn't let up until Christmas and then, well, then that's a whole new slew of gifts. </div><div><br /></div><div>I've been challenged to use only what I have on hand lately and I'm really happy with what I've been able to come up with...and also a little alarmed at the amount of crap I have stockpiled. </div><div><br /></div><div>My friend Jill received the below gifts recently, they seemed to be a big hit and I was quite pleased with myself ;)</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdfwqTONv-oo1GKM3bWvXyOsUMKxPb4dK_Q53KYoIo9w2O2aNX2saLascXAIaeKgsFgND4m0zIudzA2tPEl4pYT2RKTAidVzRScuPzQuW0w4_bqKVTsVkoh2WyP6cYL1hJnwuyAadihFs/s1600-h/compact10277.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdfwqTONv-oo1GKM3bWvXyOsUMKxPb4dK_Q53KYoIo9w2O2aNX2saLascXAIaeKgsFgND4m0zIudzA2tPEl4pYT2RKTAidVzRScuPzQuW0w4_bqKVTsVkoh2WyP6cYL1hJnwuyAadihFs/s320/compact10277.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257249366549185106" /></a>Vintage-y compact, rub-on letters, rhinestones...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhynyVIeFmRTQzM9X329NPZ4ARz0VS3t1tA7vdN8EgvC5PXF6S4npFxpTQ30s8JX3uaQEsovr2wjmk72hZiOIXQPgb3C6LIzFRkwjluFe2STzr2IkmCUMxqT51ZxyHgZdV4G9l-pIodeII/s1600-h/compact10276.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhynyVIeFmRTQzM9X329NPZ4ARz0VS3t1tA7vdN8EgvC5PXF6S4npFxpTQ30s8JX3uaQEsovr2wjmk72hZiOIXQPgb3C6LIzFRkwjluFe2STzr2IkmCUMxqT51ZxyHgZdV4G9l-pIodeII/s320/compact10276.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257249366326678450" /></a>Background of lettering is a piece from an old watercolor.<div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil9_txhYYu5cGXFTiy-K0RKeJLtjKkswfgHfP4dIgDkzklE3pVFU7mxsDP1Wlw4UFnwfTsKecckusdyLAYhONLfg-t13CKul_f477YJlFVnkiQ2QY60qMxz24c5DmqIhOW2J6UyVtxFxI/s1600-h/pushpins10279.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil9_txhYYu5cGXFTiy-K0RKeJLtjKkswfgHfP4dIgDkzklE3pVFU7mxsDP1Wlw4UFnwfTsKecckusdyLAYhONLfg-t13CKul_f477YJlFVnkiQ2QY60qMxz24c5DmqIhOW2J6UyVtxFxI/s320/pushpins10279.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257249368405315682" /></a>How did I have a "J" for Jill button just laying around? It was serendipitous! All are vintage buttons except for the fuschia one. The cork was from a tile that would not stay on the wall.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrdqZpUgs52c-HnsAiYMp8igA7SsAaGPw4D6GiGWdHFMiexP5pVUpVs3s8fKoqqxa9k1E6dcCj3XG9WZYw03OYELKUKmkzd3rYm30CTbJOeWOdRhxCRKQObrYbPLqLwsekfz3gsw5hNQU/s1600-h/sachets10278.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrdqZpUgs52c-HnsAiYMp8igA7SsAaGPw4D6GiGWdHFMiexP5pVUpVs3s8fKoqqxa9k1E6dcCj3XG9WZYw03OYELKUKmkzd3rYm30CTbJOeWOdRhxCRKQObrYbPLqLwsekfz3gsw5hNQU/s320/sachets10278.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257249374388706242" /></a>4 teeny pillows filled with lavender from a long ago project. Finding 4 pieces of fabric in my stash that coordinated this well made me so happy. The leather cord is a belt from a skirt circa 1999...</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRi2XX8BjSkGcJZiCe7Tp_yML39TUrbEkM13_dMsZPHjZKhoFCc7emdaKPy6drZ5D3DMGrn9lF-82rvuRolL1ShXXOPGQJygQTlQZ1Xjwnmh9-O1KHOytAxsTczdSN7vQoQtccTIgqsTI/s1600-h/wholeshebang0280.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRi2XX8BjSkGcJZiCe7Tp_yML39TUrbEkM13_dMsZPHjZKhoFCc7emdaKPy6drZ5D3DMGrn9lF-82rvuRolL1ShXXOPGQJygQTlQZ1Xjwnmh9-O1KHOytAxsTczdSN7vQoQtccTIgqsTI/s320/wholeshebang0280.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257249372342547762" /></a>The whole shebang; the basket once held garlic from Trader Joe's :)</div><div><br /></div><div>-M<br /><br /></div>melissa @ alberta albertahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212630287909270500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241904868493229810.post-37389153861645624642008-10-14T22:10:00.000-07:002009-01-28T19:39:09.240-08:00Lots of crafting, not so much with the blogging...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEcjzCNGRLj-7Zf-VfqtXxxq0BZTFXUzf8tox4zC2bLolpz5XTrmG-XTaPSvvSmZv-j97Xh7dDAzOu3N2xHotWMRmd9eRoC4Yu4ECJZPQ0oX6ydi52W9Axd7NXlzVPzpaRlOFpqkFdqJs/s1600-h/shade30272.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEcjzCNGRLj-7Zf-VfqtXxxq0BZTFXUzf8tox4zC2bLolpz5XTrmG-XTaPSvvSmZv-j97Xh7dDAzOu3N2xHotWMRmd9eRoC4Yu4ECJZPQ0oX6ydi52W9Axd7NXlzVPzpaRlOFpqkFdqJs/s320/shade30272.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257244119064185074" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEYa_1S7P-O3PMmxFsOhgqC_pnE3Kqg4-6oVww3d2WbEBf8WIz00jLYwx53k7O4S-DltLFxY9YLmRU-bcdmJSGNjJw8sJsnvbhLvjlwBssGu4qpaNSHZWCjNGwhJSBPbT_WibBibBF6js/s1600-h/shade10270.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEYa_1S7P-O3PMmxFsOhgqC_pnE3Kqg4-6oVww3d2WbEBf8WIz00jLYwx53k7O4S-DltLFxY9YLmRU-bcdmJSGNjJw8sJsnvbhLvjlwBssGu4qpaNSHZWCjNGwhJSBPbT_WibBibBF6js/s320/shade10270.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257244122360989362" /></a>I have been neglectful of this little blog here, but for good reason...I've been crafting up a storm! Most of my crafts end up as gifts in other houses but I was really needing something for my own space. I reworked an yard sale lampshade using the tutorial in Celine Dupuy's beautiful book, "Simple Sewing with a French Twist" (a gift from my sister Kellie). It was a vast improvement from the previous shade which was covered in some scary barky stuff. I pulled this off and just recovered it with some scrap fabric from my stash, hurray for no cost home improvements!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1h6_-fwtaidnvMRes0G843TXJp9TMatl4lGTvyb5eApeE1200hL6FsTk9CMo6lZLb7PdOJUlp5Zd69LmOZtGnuty3ieJkActPOvBJgw_k6vJXaRGJ7NYCyte5uLOK0mJ79c6tyb3E4rY/s1600-h/pillow20274.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1h6_-fwtaidnvMRes0G843TXJp9TMatl4lGTvyb5eApeE1200hL6FsTk9CMo6lZLb7PdOJUlp5Zd69LmOZtGnuty3ieJkActPOvBJgw_k6vJXaRGJ7NYCyte5uLOK0mJ79c6tyb3E4rY/s320/pillow20274.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257244127237211538" /></a>I also made a pillow for the living room using fabric from a vintage apron pattern. The pattern instructions were printed directly on the fabric. I liked the idea of working the lettering into the actual design and I'm so happy with how it turned out, I only wish I had more of it! The pillow now lives on a chair below our ACL Festival poster, and the colors couldn't be a more perfect match...also fitting is the print looks like little mandolins :) :) :)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLgzOI61oNj5dIM-ytKRFUaxF4Ca2EhyphenhyphenoMmXtAeEK-z8QFQzNK36ozog7h_bIEepbJwD_WQxXd2rI1u2ztkCGb7WWbHG3VJi3J-PDYmn__I_anKCPvge_vzGQ-SweGM858s6PdagTK7x0/s1600-h/pillow30275.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLgzOI61oNj5dIM-ytKRFUaxF4Ca2EhyphenhyphenoMmXtAeEK-z8QFQzNK36ozog7h_bIEepbJwD_WQxXd2rI1u2ztkCGb7WWbHG3VJi3J-PDYmn__I_anKCPvge_vzGQ-SweGM858s6PdagTK7x0/s320/pillow30275.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257244125964696594" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7DgXhYHqrQ_u4BGkIm9xF9NBN5z0ATgtkTfaNwmPczvWa2R730CnJgmTf0nxncbN-hzfEpLA_LMG8M_Q-5jxNR5yuOX_qjVFE9Mem1ndU2pfZRWNRP1ReluG_ja6J9AQXJ-lbpjd7DLY/s1600-h/pillow10273.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7DgXhYHqrQ_u4BGkIm9xF9NBN5z0ATgtkTfaNwmPczvWa2R730CnJgmTf0nxncbN-hzfEpLA_LMG8M_Q-5jxNR5yuOX_qjVFE9Mem1ndU2pfZRWNRP1ReluG_ja6J9AQXJ-lbpjd7DLY/s320/pillow10273.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257244130542208290" /></a><div><br /></div><div>-M</div>melissa @ alberta albertahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212630287909270500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241904868493229810.post-13510175054195547742008-09-30T13:30:00.000-07:002009-01-28T19:38:52.507-08:00The Last Supper (of the summer)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi07AxgoUPLNmwd5dsRGecNTP5JwF_sKG0pTlgtRQ2j6IYhhgdfacHkgHb7aLrSjtfs4BB9GeY3hBwQShB0xxf_OR0TGAoEJN36BdgRcSXyxqEADj85_x7YRH2Oz5QzOrRDF3Zbyjqy9Js/s1600-h/food0269.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251913416165477058" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi07AxgoUPLNmwd5dsRGecNTP5JwF_sKG0pTlgtRQ2j6IYhhgdfacHkgHb7aLrSjtfs4BB9GeY3hBwQShB0xxf_OR0TGAoEJN36BdgRcSXyxqEADj85_x7YRH2Oz5QzOrRDF3Zbyjqy9Js/s320/food0269.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />We've had a nice little heat wave this last week and it put me in the mood for something summery for dinner. I used what I had on hand, it was fast, and we have plenty of leftovers...that's the best kind of meal! <div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Polenta with Sausage, Greens, and Tomatoes</span> <div>Enough polenta for 2 people (I use the loose grain style) cook and set aside.</div><div>1/2 chopped onion, cook in olive oil until translucent. </div><div>Enough greens (I used the Trader Joe's 'grab bag') to fill up the pan, toss with onions until wilted.</div><div>1/2 can of whole tomatoes, and a few spoonfuls of the juice, toss in with greens and onions. Toss continuously.</div><div>Remove veggies and juice from the pan and set aside. Toss in 2 sliced sausages (I used pre-cooked chicken sausage, spicy italian flavor), brown each side. </div><div>Dump veggies and juice back into the pan on top of the sausage, cook until everything is heated. </div><div>Serve on top of the polenta. </div><div>Eat up...and let me know if you try it!</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>-M<br /><div></div></div></div>melissa @ alberta albertahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212630287909270500noreply@blogger.com0