alberta alberta

Time flies...

2011-04-21T15:52:00.001-07:00

I'm a little embarrased that it's been 2 years since I posted anything here. 2 years. 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...!

Today I am...

2009-12-22T10:51:00.000-08:00

wow.
i think it's going to be the best year ever.

(image borrowed from cokeisit7 on flickr)

I'm so GEEKED

2009-12-17T09:52:00.001-08:00

I 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!

http://tvwatch.people.com/2009/12/16/photo-project-runway-season-7-cast-revealed

Yay Project Runway. Thank you for taking me back to the days of Fashion Plates.

Bird Bird Bird Craftster Swap

2009-09-17T20:12:00.000-07:00

It'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.

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.

Mini art quilt/wallhanging. Measurements are about 8" high by 6" wide.

Back of the quilt with my alberta alberta label.

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.

I can't wait to try another mini quilt, and making my own prints again too!

-M

I'm so freaking excited...

2009-08-20T14:48:00.000-07:00

I can't help it, I've been waiting for this since the last one ended.

http://www.mylifetime.com/on-tv/shows/project-runway

Doll Project, Part 2

2009-08-09T16:58:00.001-07:00

Here is the finished project! The four dolls together, and with their happy recipient :)

Doll Project, Part 1

2009-08-08T20:46:00.000-07:00

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!
Here are some in-progress photos...I'll post the finished product soon!

Pirate Party!

2009-08-08T19:49:00.000-07:00

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).

slowly but surely...

2009-07-24T10:17:00.000-07:00

above image by diathesis on flickr

percolate/
[v. pur-kuh-leyt;]

–verb
6. to become active, lively, or spirited.
7. to show activity, movement, or life; grow or spread gradually; germinate: Interest in the idea has begun to percolate.

it's been far too long i know, but i'll be posting some updates for you very soon.
thanks for your patience!

-M

purples and pinks

2009-05-28T19:30:00.000-07:00

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.

-M

i may have jumped the gun...

2009-05-28T19:24:00.001-07:00

i left the others in a little longer :)

-M

woohoo!

2009-03-13T16:27:00.000-07:00

I'm feeling great today - lots of good things are happening and I will catch you all up soon!

-M

(above image by Kristine May on Flickr)

Australian Bushfires and what you can do to help

2009-02-10T14:14:00.000-08:00

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.

Please check out the link below and if you are so compelled, buy something, donate something...help if you can.

http://handmadehelpsout.blogspot.com/

-M

Featured Artist - Dolan Geiman

2009-01-31T14:32:00.000-08:00

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.

I hope you will check out more of his art at: http://dolangeiman.com and dolangeiman.etsy.com

January Featured Artist - Dolan Geiman

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?

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.

aa: Do you sketch out your ideas or do you just dig right in with your materials and see where they take you?

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.

aa: I noticed your use of leather and twine. Do you ever work with fabric?

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.

aa: Do you prefer working on a large scale or a smaller format, or both equally?

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.

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?

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.

All featured works are property of Dolan Geiman

Image 1

Lovebird Red Valentine Fifth Year Anniversary

Rescued Wood Construction - Lovebird Collection (2009)

Mixed media assemblage with salvaged wood and found materials

Image 2

Musician Country Fair

Country Fair Box Print

Archival reproduction on wood; limited addition

Image 3

Folk Guitar II (New Orleans Queen)

New Orleans Queen - Made in the Shade Collection (2008)

Recycled paint with salvaged wood and metal

2008 I hardly knew ye...

2009-01-28T19:15:00.001-08:00

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

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...

-M

Canvas Project - Patty Griffin Lyrics

2009-01-16T13:40:00.000-08:00

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).

I took lines from the chorus and broke them down into separate ideas...and then created a fabric collage for each one.

"fading into the tall grass"

"slipping into the twillight"

"carry me over the ocean, over the sea"

I added a handmade tag to the back of each canvas :)

-M

And the winner is....

2008-12-10T13:52:00.000-08:00

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...

-M

Fall Giveaway...or, how to put a spin on car theft

2008-11-30T12:47:00.000-08:00

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!)

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.

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.

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 :)

-M

WOOHOOOOOOOO!

2008-11-05T09:48:00.000-08:00

Wow. Just wow.

VOTE VOTE VOTE!

2008-11-04T14:16:00.000-08:00

(from http://www.designforobama.org)

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.
looking forward to chewing off my fingernails tonight watching those returns come in.

hope, change, and a new president...

-M

No glass slippers, just glass pumpkins...

2008-10-29T22:55:00.001-07:00

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.

Very shoddy tutorial follows...

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.

2. Make a little face...
3. Cut out little face (I started with an exacto knife and then trimmed with scissors).

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).

5. Add a votive, light, and enjoy the glow :)

-M

It's Birthday Season (Part 2)

2008-10-14T22:57:00.000-07:00

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!

All wrapped up, I love that green ribbon.

The front with his name.

My first time with machine applique...don't look too closely!

The inside: I only had that one strip of the alphabet fabric, so glad to have found a home for it.

-M

It's Birthday Season (Part 1)

2008-10-14T22:31:00.001-07:00

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.

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.

My friend Jill received the below gifts recently, they seemed to be a big hit and I was quite pleased with myself ;)

Vintage-y compact, rub-on letters, rhinestones...
Background of lettering is a piece from an old watercolor.

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.

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...

The whole shebang; the basket once held garlic from Trader Joe's :)

-M

Lots of crafting, not so much with the blogging...

2008-10-14T22:10:00.000-07:00

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!
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 :) :) :)

-M

The Last Supper (of the summer)

2008-09-30T13:30:00.000-07:00

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!

Polenta with Sausage, Greens, and Tomatoes

Enough polenta for 2 people (I use the loose grain style) cook and set aside.

1/2 chopped onion, cook in olive oil until translucent.

Enough greens (I used the Trader Joe's 'grab bag') to fill up the pan, toss with onions until wilted.

1/2 can of whole tomatoes, and a few spoonfuls of the juice, toss in with greens and onions. Toss continuously.

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.

Dump veggies and juice back into the pan on top of the sausage, cook until everything is heated.

Serve on top of the polenta.

Eat up...and let me know if you try it!

-M

Ooooh Fall!

2008-09-25T20:09:00.000-07:00

This is my favorite time of year, despite the fact that my allergies are the most hateful Sept-Nov. No matter though, because I love the colors this time of year, the smells, the food, and pumpkin everything. I had my first grande soy pumpkin latte (2 pumps only please) of the season last week and it was so good it made my knees a little weak. I went to Target the same day and lusted after the wool coats and the dark wash jeans and the stripey cardigans. Grownups get to shop for back- to-school clothes too, right? I restrained myself from buying anything in the clothing section but I did treat myself to a shiny new bottle of 'fall' nail polish in a color called "brick wall". Hurray for small pleasures.

xoxo

-M

I'm back!

2008-09-25T19:21:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile but I'm back and I have a lot to blog about! I had a lovely vacation; I got to see my brother and sisters and it really made me wish we all lived closer. I also got to see my niece and meet my new nephew, which made me remember how much I love being an aunt. I went not only to Iowa, where most of my family resides, but to New York City where my youngest sister lives. I basically shopped and ate the entire trip. Thrift shopping in the midwest reminded me that things are still fairly priced outside the Bay Area ($4 aprons...sigh).

Hitting the Hell's Kitchen and Brooklyn flea markets reminded me how much I love living outside a city like San Francisco :) I came away with some really amazing treasures from both places.

It was great to get away from everything and exactly what I needed to feel inspired again.

-M

I'm so tired...but I'm finally finished!

2008-08-21T23:16:00.001-07:00

I'm leaving very early in the morning for a flight to see my family - I'm so excited for my first vacation of the year and I've been scrambling to get all my handmade gifts finished. (Please forgive the poor photo quality - the lighting in my house at this hour leaves much to be desired!) My brother just moved into a new apartment, the first one he's never shared with anyone. I offered to help with his decor and his only requests were, "only black, white, and red...and no flowers or polka dots". I hope he approves of the prints I picked! I also made him a multi-media collage using my favorite photo of us from way back in the day. I enlarged it and converted it to black and white and used the same fabrics I used for the pillows. He may only hang it in his bedroom but I think he'll appreciate it :) Since my nephew is just a baby I know he's stocked up on clothing and toys so I made a canvas set for his wall. I had just a little of the vintage nautical-themed fabric and I amped up the muted (and extremely dated) colors by layering primary colors and prints on top. My niece is only 3 1/2 but she loves books so I made a quickie book bag for her from fabric in my stash. I also included a copy of 'Olivia' by Ian Falconer, one of my favorite children's books. I'm so pleased to be finished with all my gifts...now I can pack and shower and possibly take a nap before we have to leave at 3:30 am (ohmygod!)

Signing off until September 2nd...hurray for vacations!

-M

New multi-media collage, "Sisters"

2008-08-07T19:31:00.000-07:00

My family and friends are often my guinea pigs when it comes to new projects. My sisters in particular seem to love my handcrafted presents, which of course makes it totally worth it to make things for them! I wanted to somehow use an old photo I found for my sister Kellie's birthday present. I had some copies made of the photo and I played around with some ideas for a few days until I came up with this. I was happy to find colors and prints in my fabric stash similar to what we're wearing in the photo. I hand embroidered 'sisters' onto muslin and then machine stitched the photo to the rest of the material (I totally didn't think that was going to work, how great that you can sew through just about anything!)

I'm really pleased with how it turned out and Kellie left me the loveliest message after she opened her package, she didn't remember the photo so it was an even better surprise than I expected! I definitely want to try this again and think I'll be offering this type of collage as an option on my etsy page soon.

-M

Project Runway Challenge #1

2008-07-30T19:35:00.000-07:00

I believe I mentioned I'm a little obsessed with Project Runway...so imagine my excitement when I found out there were online challenges - you can literally play along with the show! Challenge #1 was to use non-traditional materials to create your design. So I took my slightly smaller supply allowance (they gave each designer $75, I gave myself $25) and went to Long's drugstore instead of Gristede's. I'm pretty pleased with what I was able to craft out of shelf liner, an ironing board cover, some stretchy hair bands and a bbq tent (what? what is a bbq tent?!?) I'm going to do my best to stay on top of the challenges and continue to post what I come up with on here.

-M

Project Runway is back!

2008-07-17T15:12:00.000-07:00

If I could only watch one t.v. show, it would most definitely be 'Project Runway'. As soon as they started advertising for Season 5 I got a little flutter...and the wait was so worth it! Even though the judges complained about the lack of innovation from the majority of the contestants I thought the designs that came from all those disposable tablecloths were pretty amazing. How did Korto do that amazing pleating with her paper dress? And Daniel's plastic cup creation was so outside of anything I would have considered. Kelli was clearly the winner with her marbled 'fabric' vacuum cleaner bags, the studded belt-piece from thumbtacks, and that hook and eye closure from a freaking spiral notebook...
Check out the gallery from the show last night:
http://www.bravotv.com/Project_Runway/season/5/photos/gallery.php?e=episode_1_rate_the_runway
My favorites so far are Kenley, Emily, and that sassy Kelli - hope these gals can stay on top!
Over and Out,

-M

Square One!

2008-07-14T10:58:00.000-07:00

"If you want something done, ask a busy person." Lucille Ball said that and I think it's a great quote. I am a busy person and while I sometimes get overwhelmed and procrastinate, I do get things done. Getting this blog going was somewhere near the middle of a very long to-do list for alberta alberta. It seemed like more than I could tackle a few months ago, but I think now is a great time to try it and see how I do. Once I make my goals public I feel a little more accountable, and I think having feedback will help keep me focused and inspired. So hooray for alberta alberta the blog!
Thanks for checking out my little space...

-M