August Crafternoon

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I meant to write more about Heidi’s crafternoon in the last post, but I got a little side tracked by my macaron pictures. Plus CT woke up early, so I had to cut the post short so we could start our morning. It’s now the late afternoon and I’m getting a slight break to “play” on the computer!

Every crafternoon has a set project, and this months was fabric covered button hairbands. I also brought along some of those plastic bezel pieces I made a few months back to try out. You can see one in white in the photo above, bottom left corner. Anyway, it was a nice project that did not result in any injuries. We were asked to bring some scrap fabric and Heidi provided the rest. As always it was fun! The project wasn’t as intense as past months which meant everyone was able to socialize more, which is always the best part of these get togethers!

The food was great again too! I have been having issues with gluten for awhile, so when I go places I don’t expect to actually get to enjoy things. Well, thats not the case for these parties. Everyone is so thoughtful and accommodating. I was able to enjoy a cheesy potato soup (with full on fixing bar) and a piece of povlova made by Heidi, and an awesome veggie wrap using gluten free tortilla by Molly. I of course was also able to enjoy my own macarons since they are also gluten free!

I’m so glad I get to go to these things. Thank you Heidi! I’m already excited about next months crafternoon, I really enjoy everyone that attends and I almost always get to meet someone new! If you live in an area with loads of crafty people, I totally suggest trying these types of get together! Were all so attached to our computers all the time that its nice to get out and see people face to face!

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Teal Macarons

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This past weekend Heidi had another one of her monthly crafternoons, and I wanted to make some macarons again!

I was too busy last month, but this weekend I had more time since the get together was later in the afternoon. That meant I could make them the morning of, instead of the night before.




I got lazy and made the same flavor combo from the macaron party I threw a few months back. These smurf looking macarons are pumpkin spice flavored with vanilla chai butter cream filling! I doubled the amount of spices this time around and was very happy with the results!! I think everyone else liked them too (or they were just being very nice!). The teal color has nothing to do with the flavor by the way! I just really wanted to make brightly colored macarons. Ha.



Oh and of course I had to some some up close pretty pictures of the cookies! I have that new camera now, I better as well use it right! Haha!

and just for fun check out this animated gif I made in photoshop! I put my camera on continious shot and took photos while my mixer was on the highest speed.

Anyway, I want to make another flavor combo soon, any idea? something fruity maybe?

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Shop Update: August 22nd

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I was able to add nine new pieces to the shop today. I had planned for more but CT was having a cranky day and needed more of my attention than usual. Some of the pieces are BRAND NEW, like the blue one pictured above, and some are just updated colors of existing pieces. Oh and theres also two new hairpin designs!! I’m really happy with all these new designs and I can’t wait to make more.

On a sorta related note… As you can see above, I’m trying out a new background for photos. I don’t know if I want to continue using wood as my background or not. It’s hard to do batch editing and such and a lot of times if gives everything a yellow glow. Plus I want a cleaner look to everything. I’m testing out options and would love your input…

Do you like the wood background? or the extremely (almost white) light gray one? or neither? Oh and keep in mind that the necklace on the left is black and the one on the right is dark gray, their not the same necklace.

I’m not a professional photographer with loads of equipment so this has been interesting figuring it all out, any suggestions would be great!

Behind the Scenes: Unfinished Projects

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The past few weeks I have been feeling very discontent. I want to do so much but I hardly have the energy or strength to walk to the other room. Being forced to do nothing is frustrating, I’d rather it be my own choice. I would probably enjoy it more if I was the one saying “I’m not going to do anything today”, instead of my body.

I do find spurts of energy here and there and have started a few projects lately, and finished about half! I’m trying not to buy more craft supplies until I use the ones I have. I don’t think I’ve stepped foot in a Joann’s in weeks, and even then we were there to buy frames, I don’t think i even looked at anything else. Well, that will probably change this week. I realized after finishing the top section of the chevron quilt that I did NOT have enough coordinating fabric for the back. I had fabric, yes, but not COORDINATING fabric! So that project is at a stand still!!

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I also started a Totoro Doll for CT since she LOVES the movie… (I found the pattern on Pinterest) well, I messed up on cutting out the ears, paws and tail. I forgot a seam allowance. I also used the last of my grey felt, so now that project also has to be put aside. Frustrating.

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I DID finish a simple little tote bag and tank top using supplies I already had. I’m happy with the outcome of both, but feel super great about the tank top!! It’s the first piece of clothing I’ve made myself that didn’t have to be taken apart and redone. I got it right on the first try. I didn’t use a conventional pattern either, I just did a rough crayon rubbing of my favorite a-line tank top and tweaked it a bit. It fits perfectly, and now I want to make a dozen or more. Especially since I’m not fond of the fabric I used for this one, it’s not really me.

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Oh and I’m also, slowly, working on a shop update! Ive been working on some new pieces that I can not wait to share fully! You can see a few above. I’m trying out a few new ways of photographing them since I think it’s time for change. I always think its time for change! Any suggestions?

As I was proof reading this post I thought “well, I guess I did get a few things done… but how much could I accomplish if I just felt better?”. Ugh, I guess I just want to do too much…

Thirty

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This upcoming Sunday is my birthday, my 30th birthday to be exact. It doesn’t feel like a super important birthday, even though it’s technically the one that takes me out of my twenties. I don’t know. Sometimes I’m upset about it, sometimes I couldn’t care less. Ugh.

Anyway, to celebrate my “Birthday Week” I’m having a sale on the Art School Dropout website!

yep, 30% off any order over $30 to celebrate my 30th Birthday. 30, 30, 30! The sale starts now and will end Sunday at Midnight (EST). Just use coupon code: 303030BDAY during checkout. This coupon can be used on ANYTHING in the shop, even all the new pieces!

If you have any questions, just let me know!

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Chevron Quilt: Halfway Done…

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The chevron quilt is no longer a stack of fabric!! I feel so accomplished! Even though I’m only about 50% (or less) done. Ha. This is the largest quilted piece I’ve worked on and the most mind boggling. I messed up three times on the placement of certain squares, mostly around the edges. Also, as you can see in the photo above, I’ve been sewing so quick that I just skipped over snipping threads, so that’s a whole huge step I need to do too. I don’t care I’m just excited to finish it, hopefully in time for Fall. I’m going to need a nice quilt to snuggle with on cold mornings.

Have any of you ever made a chevron/zig-zag quilt using squares? How did you end up quilting it? I’m still trying to decide, so any input would be awesome.

I also finished up a few tote bags using the supplies pictured above. I’m hoping to have them in my next shop update that may or may not be this upcoming Monday. All depends on how my weekend goes.

Edit: minutes after I published this post, CT starting coughing behind me, so my weekend may be spent cuddling with her…

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