Mama Sass

Latest Piece: Anchor

2011-06-30T11:09:00.004-05:00

I've been assembling pieces to decorate the wall above my bed. I have some pieces that friends made for me, from embroidery to paintings, a sun burst piece, a dream catcher my beau's mom gave me and a flashcard of a Dulcinea. I decided that I wanted a larger piece, something grounding, something stabilizing. An anchor came to mind and I quickly went to work on it. Recently I've been stretching my work onto wood frames and kind of, but not totally, abandoning the embroidery hoop frame I've used for a while. I'm really happy with how it turned out and not to jinx myself, but last night, the first night it was up on my wall, I slept so hard and so peacefully. *contented sigh*

xo,
*M*

Break Free

2011-06-06T12:09:00.003-05:00

Spread the Word

2011-03-11T10:55:00.002-06:00

There's a lot going on in the world right now that's just plain ol' shitty (Wisconsin and the tsunami for example). And then a friend pointed out this Rachel Maddow video to me about the atrocity that's going down in Michigan. I was born and raised in the Mitt. My mom and many of my close friends still live there. If the Governor there actually gets to do the things he's setting out to do reported in this video, Michigan (my friends and family) will indeed be screwed.

Please watch this video. Educate yourself and spread the word.

*M*

Facehugger

2011-02-09T16:14:00.001-06:00

Sometimes you just have to make a facehugger ski mask.
Right?
Ya damn right.

Eyebrows.

2011-02-09T09:43:00.002-06:00

Yep.

Y: The Last Man

2011-01-26T15:05:00.002-06:00

About ten minutes ago I finally finished the graphic novel series Y:The Last Man. I've been plowing through all ten books, one after another, like candy. I haven't been able to get enough of them and now it's over. It's all over. It's been a long time since I've finished a book(s) and found myself so engaged with the story and characters that I was sad when I came to the end.

I can't believe it ended.

Most of my friends are comic book geeks (I say this with great affection), but up until about two years ago I could never get into them. Then I took a chance and read Watchmen and I've spiraled into graphic novel heaven ever since. So far, everything I've read I've loved, but Y: The Last Man was the first to actually make me fight back tears when I came to the end.

The graphic above begins the premise of the story; A plague hits the earth killing every living being with a Y chromosome...except one man and his monkey, Ampersand. Dun dun dun!!! I could go into it further, but then I'd give away too much. So, in short, READ THESE BOOKS!

*M*

PS. Why does it have to be over? le sigh.

Girl Crush

2011-01-25T14:19:00.002-06:00

I can't deny that my girl crush on Zooey Deschanel is getting more and more out of hand.

This video doesn't help.

She & Him - Don't Look Back from Merge Records on Vimeo.

PS. I don't mean to snuff M. Ward by any means. I crush him, too. :)

Catch Up

2011-01-12T12:03:00.008-06:00

It would seem I haven't posted here since August. I guess that happens when you start a blog that requires you to post something everyday for a year. :)

Anyhoo, I'm just going to play a quick catch up on the things that I've made recently. My peeps on the Facebook seem to enjoy photos of the things I make, so I might as well share it here, too.

Work in progress:

Getting Through It

2010-08-12T09:42:00.002-05:00

One of my favorite blogs is 1000 Awesome Things, which lists 1000 things that make life...well...awesome. I love it because it often makes me laugh because I can relate to the simplicity of the awesome things they point out. It just makes me happy that there's at least one other person out there who sees life for the simple joys and revels in them.

Today I saw this post: Getting Through It

I have to admit that I normally just read the subject title to a post because I get it right away. Example: Christmas Hugs. Dude. I totally understand that one. I understood the title of the Getting Through It, too, but today I just had to read the whole post. It helped reaffirm things I've been feeling lately.

So, folks, I hope you're able to look at the tough times and realize how amazing you are for getting through it. Kudos to you.

You.
Are.
Awesome.

xo,
*M*

The Fiber Between Us

2010-07-28T09:54:00.003-05:00

Dear Readers,

I'm putting together a site for handmade wedding gifts. At the moment I'm calling the site The Fiber Between Us.

I've just come to notice that a lot of my friends who have gotten married over the past five years have asked to make them something for their wedding and I really enjoy the process. I have listed items like handkerchiefs, chuppahs, embroidered detail on veils, fabric/crocheted garlands, banners and of course, custom orders. I'm still tweaking the site before I officially launch it and I'm looking for advice from brides and grooms on what kind of things they would like to see on such a site. If any of you have tips or suggestions I'd love to hear them. :)

Thank ya kindly and happy Wednesday!
*M*

The List of Things to Come

2010-06-18T11:58:00.002-05:00

1. All in the Timing opens in less than a week. I. Am. STOKED.

2. I decided today that I'm going to submit my Badasses Drinking Through Straws series to the Textile Arts Center opening show. I just have to write an artist statement. Currently mulling over that one.

3. Going to see Toy Story 3 tonight and I've been texting my boyfriend with things like "toy story toy story toy story! I'm so excited!!! :D". I'm ready. I want to see it right friggin now.

4. I've started a new embroidery series. I'm stitching simple inspirational quotes, such as "When you throw dirt, you lose ground", but mixing up the letters within the words. The concept is that there are so many simple solutions to life's problems and we tend to over complicate those solutions and make things harder for ourselves. Hopefully, the series makes sense to people. That is the point after all. *wink wink*

5. Sunday is Father's Day. Don't forget to call yo' papa!

xoxo,
*M*

Can't

2010-05-05T09:27:00.002-05:00

I've been thinking a lot about how I've never been one to think "I can't (fill in the blank)". It kills me when I see someone say that they can't do something. When I was younger I worked with this children's theatre company called The Treehouse Players in Detroit. The best thing they ever taught us was "Can't...is not an option." That phrase has stuck with me my entire life.

YOU are not so unimportant as to let such a small word like "can't" get in your way.

YOU are amazing. Wake up and deal with your amazingness.

Start realizing how much you CAN do.

Love,
*M*

Me & Philip Glass

2010-04-16T09:27:00.003-05:00

We (Focal Point Theatre Company) had our first rehearsal for All in the Timing by David Ives this past week. The production consists of four ten minutes plays, one of which is called Philip Glass Buys a Loaf of Bread. People seem to be very excited that we're attempting to perform this piece. Basically, the dialogue is written in the same vain as Glass' music. It's chaotic, simultaneous, sparse, intense, lovely and difficult. Melissa, our director, decided that for our first night of rehearsal we would focus on just that piece and thank God she did! We broke the script up into 28 movements, figured out the tempos and timing and by the end of it we were all fried. Happily fried. Happily, confidently, satisfyingly fried. This is one of the most challenging pieces I've ever done. I can see why people don't perform it often. And I can't wait to show our audiences that we can pull it off. :)

I've discovered that there is a documentary on Philip Glass on Netflix (that I'm watching as I type this). Within the first 4 minutes I had a better understanding of how his mind works. The opening interview follows his wife as she describes the chaos that is his office. How she hopes there's never a fire in their house because (while the originals of all his scores are in archives) his entire library of all his music was sitting on one shelf in that room. How his desk is covered in papers until he finishes a piece at which time he cleans everything only to have it a complete mess three days later. His sense of humor really surprised me. Not sure why. He also makes his own pizza dough. How can you not love that? :)

*M*

The best thing I've seen in a long time

2010-04-13T10:33:00.002-05:00

Mr. T's 80s Fashion Extravaganza!

A New Endeavor!

2010-03-24T10:42:00.007-05:00

Dear Readers,

I'm pleased to announce that I am the new managing director for the Focal Point Theatre Company here in Chicago.! :)

One of my best friends and I have been talking about starting our own company for a couple of years now and this is the year we're making it happen. We're about to go into rehearsals for our inaugural production of David Ives' All in the Timing. All the proceeds will go towards applying for our 501c3. If you're in the area the week of June 23-26th please come visit us at the historic Flat Iron Building in Wicker Park.

We'll soon have a blog up and running, but for the mean time please check out our new website: www.focalpointtheatre.com We're also on Facebook, so please become our friend!

Woo hoo!
*M*

Threadknits Winner!

2010-03-15T10:35:00.002-05:00

Dear Readers...

I won! I found out over the weekend that I won 2nd place for crochet in the Threadknits contest hosted by Threadless Shirts!

You can see all the winners here!

I'm super excited that my zombie suit won. He was a labor of love (with an emphasis on the labor).

Congrats to all the winners! Woo hoo!

*M*

Espresso and a New Series

2010-03-10T16:36:00.004-06:00

There is nothing quite like spending a sunny afternoon embroidering to your heart's content with a side of espresso readily available.

I've started a new embroidery series. Basically, I'll be taking images of nature from illustrated dictionaries and such and couple them with lyrics from rock songs.

This little guy is a Fire Weaver and his lyric will be "I'm a breathing time machine" -The Avett Brothers.

We're Open and the Reviews Are In!

2010-03-02T14:33:00.003-06:00

Dear Readers,

Vanishing Points is open and our first weekend went smashingly! With that said...I'm so happy to have a couple days off! We went through tech and dress rehearsals for almost two weeks straight and I. Am. POOPED.

Luckily, we're getting some good reviews. Yay for hard work paying off!

Chicago Theatre Blog
Time Out Chicago

Turn off your TV and come support your local theatre! STAT!

xoxo,
*M*

Opening Night

2010-02-25T10:16:00.004-06:00

Howdy Friends!

We open Vanishing Points tonight! POC had some company members sit in on our last dress rehearsal yesterday and we got a lot of positive feedback. Woo hoo! I'm so ready for this play to open. It feels like we've been working on it forever and now it's time for the public to see all our hard work. If you're in the Chicagoland area, please come check us out! www.pointofcontention.org

Almost Open

2010-02-19T09:27:00.003-06:00

Howdy Howdy!

Well, we're less then a week from the opening of Vanishing Points!

The show has been coming together quite nicely. We're finally done with Q2Q and tonight we have our first run in the space. Costumes, lights, makeup, sound, the whole shebang.

If you're going to be in the Chicagoland area over the next month come check us out!

Vanishing Points
Feb. 25-March 20th

*M*

P.S. I'm so friggin' tired. At least, it's a good tired. :)

Catch Up

2010-02-12T15:05:00.002-06:00

Dear Readers,

Boy, oh boy, have I been busy! Wooooooooo weeeeeeeeeeeee!
My show, Vanishing Points, opens in less than two weeks. It's really coming together, but I really need to bare down and drill some of my lines into my head. There always seems to be those couple of lines that for whatever reason I can't get my mouth to wrap around correctly. It's really frustrating, but I'm getting it together. Slowly, but surely.
I'm producing the next Babes With Blades show, A Gulag Mouse, which opens March 29th (-May 1st). I won't lie, it's been stressful producing a show while being in rehearsals for another one. Luckily, the cast is in rehearsals now and from what I've been hearing everything is going well. Thank ya Jeebus.
My friend Melissa and I are starting a new theatre company called Focal Point Theatre and we'll be performing our first show at the end of June. We're going to do a series of David Ives ten minute plays. I'm really looking forward to it, but it's pretty daunting that it's coming up at a time when I'm already so stressed and so busy. I know it'll work out. I know it's going to be worth all the heavy breathing I'm undergoing.
And just yesterday I got confirmation that a children's show that my friend Eric is writing and directing is a go and he wants me in it. I was freaking out a little yesterday because now I have to figure out how to balance a rehearsal schedule between that show and the ten minute plays. I'll be doing them one right after the other. Yes. I am insane.
Aside from my theatre life keeping me busy, I'm about to open a new Etsy shop devoted to just my art work as opposed to my craft work, I'm finishing up my last submission for the Threadknits contest (and the deadline for that is March 1!), I'm trying to spend time with my sweetie, trying to see my friends (who I'm getting the impression think I'm putting them off or don't want to make time for them. This makes me sad as it's not about not wanting to be with them. It really is that I'm so busy and committed to so much right now that I'm barely able to get a full night's sleep these days. So, if you're one of those friends who I haven't seen for a while let me just say, I miss you, too. We'll hang out soon. I swears it.), and last but not least I might (hopefully not) need to think about finding a new job. I don't want to think or talk too much about it right now, but it's something that's weighing on me a lot these days.

I've also been listening to a lot of This American Life the past two weeks. Wouldn't you know...now I want to start recording podcasts. Will this desire to do everything ever cease? (Part of me hopes not!)

Happy Pre-Valentine's Day (if you're into that kind of thing),
*M*

Exhaustion Monster

2010-02-05T11:46:00.002-06:00

I'm pooped.
I'm so tired that I've randomly burst into tears a couple times the past few days.
Rehearsals for Vanishing Points are going well. So, at least it's worth being tired on that front.
I've got some day job limbo going on at the moment which has put my life a little on edge.
Last night my fella and roommate were giving me a hard time, telling me I shouldn't do anything this weekend. And they're right.
I've canceled my plans and I'm staying home to be lazy.
I don't want to see anyone or do anything.
I might actually finish some projects, clean my house, snuggle with Sponge and, dear God....catch up on sleep!?!? Woooooooooooow.
Dear readers, I hope you get to rest this weekend, too.

xoxo,
*M*

Queen Elizabeth Drinking from a Juice Box

2010-01-29T20:04:00.003-06:00

Here is Queen Lizzie in all her glory. I was kind of intimidated to make this one. I knew going into it there would be an insane amount of detail. But I'm happy with how she turned out.

Tamed the beast.
Long live the queen...and her Juicey Juice.

*M*

Afternoon of turtles and octpuses

2010-01-26T14:36:00.002-06:00

I'm happy to report that I'm almost done with the next installment of my badass series. Queen Elizabeth is very close to being completed. Ha cha!

While I'm taking a break and letting my hands rest I came across two things of awesomeness.

1. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze is on Netflix Instant Watch. While it's awful in it's 80s campiness, it's also extremely RAAAAAAAAD in it's 80s campiness. :) And now I'm craving pizza.

2. While perusing Flickr just now I came across a fellow crocheter, kidmissle, who has a "Yarn Octopus Army" she's working on. Yeah. You read that right....Yarn. Octopus. Army. Check it and bask in the awesome if'n you please.

Happy Tuesday!
*M*

Squeeeee!!!!!

2010-01-25T09:56:00.003-06:00

I've tried to find a way to not make this sound boastful, but I'm not sure I can so....I've been featured on one of my favorite textile blogs, Mr. X Stitch! Beefranck, aka Bridget, is one of the fabulous, hilarious, creative minds behind the site and I've admired her work for a long time. A few months ago I approached her about doing a swap and, to my utter delight, she accepted!

This is what she made me:

And this is what I made her:

Since we made the swap pretty close to Christmas she asked if I would be willing to make her another MST3K for a friend of hers, to which I couldn't say no. A few weeks later she emailed me to say that she was going to feature me on Mr. X Stitch and I'm not gonna lie, I peed a little I was so thrilled. I love this site because they find some of the most creative and out-of-the-box textile work I've ever seen. In many many ways the work they feature there has inspired a lot of the work I do today. *tear* If you'd like to see the feature (and read the very kind words Beefranck has to say) you can find the article here.

Thank you, Bridget! You're the bestest!

*M*

New Blog

2010-01-19T10:56:00.001-06:00

Dear Readers,

I went ahead and started a new blog for my photo project of 2010.

www.thelensandthesurface.blogspot.com

There isn't much post there just yet, but day by day more will be added. :)

*M*

The good, long weekend continues....

2010-01-18T19:50:00.003-06:00

January 18th, 2010:

New Piece in the Works

2010-01-17T17:34:00.001-06:00

January 17th, 2010:

Dear Readers

2010-01-16T18:55:00.003-06:00

I'm thinking about starting a separate blog devoted to my Picture a Day Project. I realize now that this project is overwhelming my regular blog, which is fine I suppose, but I kinda feel like it's a project that deserves it's own focus, ya know? Any thoughts about that?

Thank ya kindly in advance!
*M*

Good Weekend So Far

2010-01-16T18:44:00.004-06:00

January 15th, 2010:
Taco dinner! Boggle! And four month anniversary with my fella! Woo!

January 16th, 2010:

It's Getting Warmer

2010-01-14T22:14:00.004-06:00

January 14th, 2010:

Threadknits

2010-01-13T22:49:00.005-06:00

January 13th, 2010:

I'm submitting a couple crocheted items to a contest that Threadless shirts is hosting called Threadknits (cute, no?). This is the second piece I'm submitting. It's almost done. :)

A Little Stroll

2010-01-12T17:28:00.003-06:00

January 12th, 2010:

First Rehearsal

2010-01-12T07:24:00.003-06:00

January 11th, 2010:
Ugh, a day late! Sorry to say, this might be happening for a while.

I had my first rehearsal last night for Vanishing Points. It's going to be directed by my good friend Dan Foss with Point of Contention. After the first read through I feel pretty confident saying that it's going to be a pretty awesome show. More details to come!

*M*

Weekend Round Up

2010-01-10T12:48:00.005-06:00

January 9th, 2010:
Dinner (which requires more than one picture)

January 10th, 2010:
Brunch

Sick Day Part 2

2010-01-08T22:18:00.003-06:00

January 7th, 2010:

And one more just because I couldn't resist:

Sick Day

2010-01-07T12:32:00.003-06:00

January 7th, 2010:

There's a winter snow storm going on outside and I'm inside on a sick day. I probably shouldn't/won't venture out today, which is kinda sad considering how lovely the snow makes everything look. On the other hand, I get to be lazy, snuggle with Sponge and catch up on Netflix.

Stay warm, kids!
*M*

A Late Christmas Present....

2010-01-06T21:16:00.003-06:00

So, let me explain this piece....I made this for a very good friend of mine from college for Chrismas this year. We were in this class together called Great Ideas here we read books like Candide and Frankenstein and then discussed the philosophy behind those books...at 8:30 am! Our teacher was a character who often spit out little soundbites (I think) to see if we were paying attention. Well, one week we had to read The Communist Manifesto and at one point during our discussion (I'm sorry I can't recall exactly why we were on the topic of Jesus) our teacher said, "...so it's like, Jesus was the first socialist, which is...problematic." My friend and I burst out laughing in the middle of class. To this day it's one of our many inside jokes, so I felt that I should immortalize it in embroidery. :)

xoxo,
*M*

Double Header

2010-01-06T21:02:00.004-06:00

January 6th, 2010:
9am

4:30pm

Next Project

2010-01-05T17:58:00.005-06:00

January 5th, 2010:

The next installment in the badass series. Queen Elizabeth drinking from a juice box.
*M*

Tura Santana

2010-01-04T21:29:00.003-06:00

I finally finished the Tura Santana addition to my Badasses Drinking Through Straws series. She took a while because I was having a hard time with the size of the pop bottle she's drinking from. Eventually I got over it and just finished the piece.

So far in the series we have:
-Darth Vader
- Napolean
- Pam Grier as Coffy
- Genghis Kahn
And now Tura.
Next up is Queen Elizabeth drinking from a juice box.

*M*

Mittens & Mythbusters

2010-01-04T18:22:00.002-06:00

January 4th, 2010:

Lake Michigan

2010-01-03T16:38:00.002-06:00

January 3rd, 2010:

New Year's Project

2010-01-02T16:34:00.004-06:00

'Ello Friends and Happy 2010!

I'm going to attempt a photography project this year that will require me to snap and post a picture a day here. We'll see if I can keep this up! :)

January 1st, 2010:

January 2, 2010:

xoxo,
*M*

Thank Ya Kindly, 2009

2009-12-29T09:55:00.018-06:00

It's that time of year to look back and evaluate the last 365 days of your life. So, what better way to remember than in list form? :) (In no particular order) 1. I completed the majority of the goals on my list of things to make this year. Ha cha!

2. I met some amazing new people this year. Many of whom I now consider some of my nearest and dearest.

3. I was cast and performed in three plays. Two childrens's shows (The Nerdy Girl and The Intergalactic Dog & Judith Lynn: A Story of the Sea) and my first Restoration comedy (The Wonder: A Woman Keeps a Secret).
4. Discovered new music. Not all of it came from this year, but it's new to me. With the said, Fanfarlo's Reservoir is my favorite album of the year. It's amazing from start to finish.
5. As in recent years, I attained new textile skills and ideas.

6. Traveled. Granted, I went to places that I've already been, but I had family there and that's always a good thing.

7. Fell in love with Doctor Who.

8. Saw many friends get married and engaged and participated in their nuptials in one way or another.

9. I was cast in Vanishing Points which goes into rehearsals in January. I 'm thrilled to start working on this play!
10. Rode my bike!
11. Took a class at Lil Street Art Center that opened my eyes to what I can do with screen printing and makes me want a dark room of my own.

12. I made a swap with Beefranck of Mr. X Stitch, which made me ten kinds of happy. To Beefranck:

From Beefranck:

13. Was given Nancy Sinatra's country album for Christmas. The best present I've gotten in a long while.

14. Found myself a sweetie who's...well....made me the happiest I've been in ages.

15. I've learned to appreciate the little things even more and started working on lightening the load of material things in my life.
16. Friends! Friends! Friends!

17. Got five brand new fillings in my mauwf.
18. Grew countless new gray hairs.
19. Started to think more seriously about the future and my place in it.

20. Starting to feel really good about where life is leading me.

Thank ya kindly, 2009.
Happy New Year, Folks!
xoxo,
*M*

Thoughts for the new year...

2009-11-18T10:27:00.002-06:00

I had an idea last night for a project.
It's not terribly original.
Actually it's been done quite a lot, but it's something I wouldn't mind attempting just for myself.
I'm going to sit on it for a bit longer.
If I'm still thinking about it by Dec. 31st, I'll just have to follow through.

In other news, I'm happy. Life is good. Better than it's been in a long time.
I found myself a sweetie.
Was cast in a great show that opens in February.
Making lots of new things and learning more skills as the days go on.
Happy family.
Happy friends.
Just...happy happy.
:)

Happy Wednesday Folks!
*M*

End of Summer

2009-09-04T09:52:00.004-05:00

Happy Friday Folks!

I'm ready for a three day weekend.
You?
I thought so.

I have a busy weekend ahead. Cast parties, sewing, auditions, wedding showers, rehearsals for a staged reading, pumpkin beer, homemade ice cream sandwiches and enjoying the glow of my sunroom. Please join me in a contented sigh.

:::sigh:::

As it's pretty much the end of summer I stumbled across this article on NPR's website this morning with their picks of five songs for the end of the summer days. I figured I'd share. :)

In other news, today is my friend Jane's birthday, so here's a shout out to her...

HEY JANE! HAPPY BIRTHDAY! :)

Have a great Labor Day weekend kids!

*M*

Glenwood Arts Festival

2009-08-21T11:50:00.003-05:00

Howdy Folks!

If you're around the northside of Chicago this Sunday come and visit me and the kids from Rascal Children's Theatre at the Glenwood Arts Festival from 12-2. We'll be handing out flyers for Rascal's upcoming season and spreading the word on this awesome little theatre. :)

You can find more info here and here you can get info on other theatres that will be at the festival!

Hope to see you there!
Have a fabulous weekend!
*M*

The latest.....

2009-08-05T10:49:00.002-05:00

It's been a busy couple of weeks on this end m'dears.

My show, The Wonder, opened this week and so far it's getting some positive feedback. Woo hoo! Now if only I could catch up on sleep!

I've been working pretty diligently on many different projects. I made this the other day for a friend and her daughter:

I also made this over the weekend while my mom came to visit:

She lounged on the couch watching movies while I sewed and sewed and sewed. I still need to touch it up in certain areas, but considering it took less than two days to put together I can't complain with how it turned out. :)

Anyhoo, I'm about to start working on a chuppa for a friend's wedding, prep for some auditions coming up, house sit for some friends this weekend and finish crocheting the gun from Blade Runner.

Yeah. You read that right.
I must be insane.
*M*

Lovely weekends come and go so quickly...

2009-07-28T12:27:00.002-05:00

My dear friends Jim & Jo came for a visit this weekend. They live across the pond in England. The last time I saw them was over a year ago when they came to visit Chicago during a seven week long vacation to the States. They jet-setted from the west coast to the east coast and we got to spend about four days together, roaming the city, over eating, going to museums, seeing plays, and drinking snakebites (which I found out during their most recent trip are illegal in the UK!). This visit wasn't all the different. :) We had a lazy day here and there, but we managed to keep ourselves busy with the Wicker Park Fest where we saw my friend Marcie's band Silverghost play, we shopped, swapped new music, talked about getting tattoos, they sat in on the first dress rehearsal for my show, The Wonder and countless pictures were taken.

Just before they left (at 4am this moring) Jim went out into the night and left a little something behind in the streets of northern Chicago...

I'm so happy to have something new to look at one the way to the train in the morning. :)

Happy tuesday folks!
*M*

Fireworks and Terrariums

2009-07-07T09:38:00.004-05:00

What a busy weekend!

I drove home to Detroit to see my mom and surprise my friends. I was somewhat successful. I got to see about half of them, but it was great to be home (even if it was only for two days)!

For the past year or so I've wanted a terrarium. I was debating on whether to buy one from Etsy, but I couldn't get it together to purchase one. Then there was a Threadbanger episode where they showed how to put together your own terrarium and I KNEW I'd have to make one! This proved a little more challenging then I originally thought simply because I was having trouble locating some of the ingredients, like Activated Carbon (which now I know you can find at PetCo!). Once I gathered all the pieces I found this lovely glass jar at Marshells. Who knew Marshells had a plethora of glass jars with lids/tops to choose from?! And Voila!

Here's to hoping I don't kill it! :)
Happy Post Fourth of July Folks!
*M*

Etsy Find For The Day

2009-06-26T10:34:00.001-05:00

I think this sums things up rather nicely.

White Elephant Collective

Happy weekend folks!
*M*

Etsy Race

2009-06-23T09:54:00.003-05:00

Etsy.com is holding a promo video contest until August and my friend Gillian and I decided we'd give it a go.

We've got ideas for a couple more videos that we have to find time to shoot, but this is our first one: Etsy Race.

Please feel free to share this with others as the more views we get the more likely we are to win!

Happy Tuseday!
*M*

A Couple of Fun Things

2009-06-12T09:36:00.004-05:00

First, I finished the latest Winchester rifle fillet crochet last night.

Second, my friend Beth was featured on Urban Outfitters' blog the other day!
Urban Outfitters Blog. Check out her shop on Etsy!

Third, Ginny from My Favorite Color is Shiny posted this video yesterday, which actually made me cry a little. I guess I just needed the inspiration today. :)

And last, but not least, I found this the other day:

Happy weekend, folks!
*M*

Patches

2009-06-10T15:49:00.002-05:00

I started working on some crocheted patches to cover the holes in my green hoodie.

It's such a good hoodie. I don't have the heart to get rid of it. But I do have the means to spruce it up a bit! :)

In other news, today has been much better than yesterday. I'm trying not to use this blog to vent my frustrations, but every now and then there has to be an exception. :) Thanks for putting up with my rant, reader. You kids are all right.

*M*

Grumble

2009-06-09T12:10:00.003-05:00

Fair warning: I may asplode!

ARGH! So. Debt collectors suck major ass, right? Long story short, two years ago I paid a bill that went to a collection agency unbeknown to me. I pay it. Debt paid. I'm in the clear, right? Oh no. Not by a long shot. This collection agency has been hounding me for two years, TWO YEARS PEOPLE. Why? Because THEY screwed up my account. First, they entered the wrong amount when I first paid the bill. They corrected it and claim to have sent me a reciept stating it was paid. Second, a few months later I get a call from another debt collector saying that they are representing the first collector and want my money. ARGH! I then have to go through this whole process of sorting out my account again. Done and done. THINK AGAIN! Third, a few more months go by and I get ANOTHER CALL from ANTOHER debt collector. The cycle just keeps cycling!

Then today I get another call. This time the original collector claims that while they see that my account has been paid it isn't "closed out". WTF does that mean? Soooooooooo, they want me to fax them the reciept they were supposed to send me in the first place. I have no recolection of getting this recpiet and if I did, after moving a couple times, I have no clue where it is.

The kicker is I asked the lady I was talking to what happens if I can't find this recpiet that YOU sent me and should therefore have ON FILE ANYWAY. She said she'd have to pass it to her supervisor who would then take care of it. So, I asked her why not just have her supervisor look into it in the first place since I've been dealing with their bullshit for TWO EFFEN YEARS?????

She said she'd ask her supervisor while I look for the reciept. Great. That's really bloody helpful.

In the meantime, I'm trying to relax by crocheting yet another Winchester rifle. Hmmf!
*M*

The Winchester

2009-06-03T10:13:00.002-05:00

When I started going bonkers with filet crochet not all too long ago my good friend Jane commissioned me for a piece. She and her beau live in a house very similar to the Winchester House in California in that there are stairs that lead to nowhere in their basement and there are windows on the outside that do not lead inside. Odd, no? They also collect nic nacs, do dads and other kitchy items having to do with Winchester rifles. So, when she asked me to make her a filet crochet for her home she asked if I could crochet the image of a rifle. Well....sure! Why not!?

The piece isn't completely finished, I still have to dye it brown. I haven't dyed anything in a long time so I'm rather excited to take it up again. :)

xoxo,
*M*

Long Weekend....

2009-05-26T15:34:00.000-05:00

Happy belated Memorial Day, folks! I hope you got some rest. :)

*M*

Cheese

2009-05-21T14:00:00.004-05:00

This latest fillet crochet was inspired by my best friend Jeremy. His love of cheese might be considered awkward by some, but I can't help but love him for it. :)

You can see the post for it on my Etsy shop here!

Happy Thursday, folks!
*M*

Fillet Schmillet!

2009-05-16T16:30:00.006-05:00

I've been working on fillet crochet for a while now. I've come up with a couple of new pieces to put in my Etsy store and there's more on the way.

I had to take a couple days off from crochet because my shoulder and right arm have been developing some serious knots in them from working with such a tiny hook and thin, thin yarn. At the same time it's driving me bonkers to not be making something! Luckily my roommate likes to massage my shoulders and has been working the knots out. She's a good egg.

Anyhoo, I'm off to have dinner with a friend and enjoy the rest of this amazingly beautiful day!
Happy weekend, folks!
*M*

What a Loverly Surprise...

2009-05-14T12:55:00.002-05:00

So, here I am, minding my own business, looking at crafty websites (like I do) and I decided to catch up on Mr. X's blog and low and behold I find THIS!

Woo hoooooo!
*M*

2009-05-08T10:18:00.003-05:00

Dear Readers,

The past few weeks have been busy busy!

Last week I was cast in Point of Contention's The Wonder: A Woman Keeps a Secret. It's a Restoration comedy and I'm so excited to get to work on it. This will be my first play of that time period and...IT'S A FARCE! To top that off a bunch of my friends from the last show I worked on were cast as well. I don't know if I can even describe what a relief it is to know that I have a gig for the summer and that I get to work with such talented people...AGAIN!

Last week was also the first session of the Deadline Workshop I'm taking with four other Babes With Blades company members at the Chicago Dramatists. Basically, we're working with six playwrights who will each write a play with characters written for each of us. So, by the end of ten weeks there will be six new plays with characters written specifically for me. A couple of the other Babes described the workshop as Christmas every week. We had our second session this past Wednesday where we got to read the beginnings of the plays. Christmas totally came early. The most interesting part of the evening was learning what perceptions the playwrights had of us as actresses and how most of the plays have the same themes to them. I don't want to give too much away as we're performing staged readings of these plays at the end of June. I'm thrilled to see what direction these plays go.

And last, but not least, Macbeth is going AMAZINGLY well. The reviews have come in and so far it's a hit! We couldn't be more thrilled and I'm so proud of the work that is being done in this show. If you're in the Chicagoland area before May 30th you NEED to come check it out!

On that note, I have to get some Babes work done. :)
Happy Friday!
xoxo,
*M*

Run!

2009-04-28T14:49:00.001-05:00

Found this in the Loop yesterday...

Hee hee!
*M*

Kids and other Stories...

2009-04-23T09:49:00.006-05:00

A friend of mine asked me to make her a stencil portrait of her kids, Mila and Liam. It's been a few months since I've made one, so I'm happy to be back in the swing of things. I finished the stencil last night and hopefully I'll get to painting it tonight.

I have a lot on my plate this coming week. I have and audition on Saturday, so I'll be working on my monologue like a fiend tonight and tomorrow night. Cross your fingers and think happy thoughts on Saturday! Next week I start rehearsals for the deadline work shop with Chicago Dramatists. My theatre company, Babes With Blades, signed up for this work shop where six playwrights will be writing six plays with characters written specifically for the five of us actresses in the work shop. So, in ten weeks I'll have six characters written with me in mind and then we get to perform them in a couple of public readings. I'm so excited!!!

Speaking of my theatre company, our production of Macbeth opens April 27th. I've only seen the first act so far, but let me tell you, (and this is completely unbiased, I swear) it looks amazing and I'm so proud of the work everyone has put into it. If you're in the Chicago area you should definetly come check it out!

Yay! It's almost the weekend!
xoxo,
*M*

Pamela Grier Is....

2009-04-15T14:38:00.001-05:00

Coffy!

And now onto Genghis Khan!

*M*

I've decided....

2009-04-13T09:44:00.004-05:00

...when I grow up and have a house of my own I'd like it to be designed by the art director from The Royal Tennenbaum's, Carl Sprague.

xoxo,
*M*

99 WaysTo.......

2009-04-10T10:16:00.004-05:00

I used to hate throwing old jeans away after they fell apart. What a waste. But then I bought 99 Ways to Cut, Sew & Deck out Your Denim and finally put it to use last night.

My first recycled jeans project:

It needs some embellishments, but I'm very happy with how it turned out.

See?
:) <----Happy!

I've been thinking a lot lately about what to do to help livin' up the sales on my Etsy store and one idea I've been toying with is working with more recycled materials. Specifically, used t-shirts. I really like the idea of screen printing over old screen prints and bring new life to old garments. I just need a free minute to get to the thrift store! Ugh! I've come to both love and dispise being busy. What a curse and a blessing. Oh well, I digress....recycled shirts. Yes. Top priority on the To Do List...of 1001 Things to Do. ;)

Happy Friday kids!
*M*

I need...

2009-04-09T11:45:00.000-05:00

...a vacation.
Like now.

*M*

Badass Portraits and the Hotei Gallery

2009-04-07T10:04:00.005-05:00

On Saturday I went to the Hotei Gallery (1445 W. Morse) to see their Erotica Exhibit where they put some of my crocheted penises on display. What can I say? They were a hit. :) My friend Melanie came with me and hot damn, did we have a blast! Aside from them having a variety of erotic art everywhere there were body painters, a henna artist, a burlesque dancer and belly dancers! Normally I don't bother getting Henna done because for some reason it doesn't like my skin, but this one did! Woo hoo!

And one of the belly dancers locked eyes with me and pulled me up to dance with her. I can't say that I knew what I was doing...because I didn't!

I came across the Hotei Gallery the other week and talked to one of the owners about putting up some of my stuff. He told me to bring stuff in and they would put them up. I'm been working on what pieces I'll be taking over. So far I'm pretty sure a couple of prints will make it, along with some fiber pieces. Such as.......

A friend of mine back in Detroit has this joke that it's impossible to look like a badass while drinking through a straw. I recently decided to turn his joke into art.

I made a list of historical and fictional badasses to embroider while drinking various things through straws. I recently finished Napoleon drinking a Big Gulp:

Unfortunatley, I don't have a picture of the final piece. Oh well. The only difference is the straw he's drinking out of now is green. :)

If anyone has any suggestions for badasses I'd love to hear them!
Next up, Pam Grier as Coffee. Hee hee!
*M*

Peacock Dress

2009-03-30T11:33:00.002-05:00

I'm about 2/3 of the way done with my goal of making new dresses/skirts for 2009! Whoa!
Here's the latest:

I wish I could explain why I'm into peacock feathers lately. At some point (when I know what to use it for) I'll be embroidering one as well. For now I'm rather pleased with how this screen print came out (even if it's a little smudged in the eye. Oh well!) Next up is a skirt with pockets made from a feather print I found at Hancock a few months ago. Hmm, I'm going to have to look up what feathers symbolize. I'm just surrounding myself with them!

Also, I'm excited to announce that it looks like I'll be putting some of my embroidery pieces on display at the Hotei Gallery in Rogers Park. I went in there on Saturday and spoke with one of the owners who told me that if I had artwork they'd be happy to put it up! It was THAT simple. On top of that, they're hosting an erotica exhibit/benefit this Saturday and some of my crocheted penises will be on display. I made six of them over the weekend. :)

Things are looking pretty good right now. I'm also in the midst of getting a bunch of monoglues together for auditions with my acting coach. Hopefully I'll be able to find some auditions soon!

Happy Monday ya'll!
*M*

Mama Sass 2012

2009-03-26T15:28:00.003-05:00

My co-worker was just talking to me about Sarah Palin running for President in 2012 to which I said, "Palin is the last person who should run for president. I should run for president before she does."

He giggled and said, "Your slogan could be Crochet for Peace."

I kinda want to run for president now. :)

*M*

Helloooooooooooooo Craft!

2009-03-25T11:53:00.002-05:00

Dear Readers,

I'm happy to share that Hello Craft has posted a podcast I recorded over the weekend on their site.

I'm super stoked about it!
I have to go tell my mom!!!!

xoxo,
*M*

So Long Poster Class

2009-03-17T11:25:00.002-05:00

Last week I had my last poster class. While I'm sad it's over I have a bunch of new skills that I've already started putting to use. Until I have those new projects completed, here's the last poster I made in class:

Once I find some cello bags big enough to ship them in I'm adding those prints to my Etsy store. :)

And this one is now on the wall in my kitchen.

Other than that, I've got a lot going on this week. I'm working with a new acting coach on Thursday to go over monologue work. I'm desperately in need a refresher. Then this weekend Babes With Blades will be gathering together to discuss who will be the winner of our Joining Sword & Pen Competition. We have some good candidates, so I'm looking forward to seeing which one we choose to produce. And tomorrow I'm going to the dentist. I haven't gone in about seven years. Needless to say, I'm a little nervous about it.

Well, until next time, dear readers!
*M*

Gorillaz

2009-03-05T12:43:00.002-06:00

The poster class I'm taking is almost over. I have one session left. It's been a great class and I wish I had the means to take more classes at Lillstreet right now, but money's tight as always. Le sigh. But there's no reason to let such things get a girl down! Here's my latest print...

Despite the few faux pas here and there I'm really happy with how it turned out and I can't wait to find a place to hang it in my house. :)

*M*

Silk Screened 60s Mod Dress

2009-02-23T10:42:00.003-06:00

I've been meaning to duplicate this one dress I bought last fall and I finally had the time and materials to do it this past weekend. I took the dress, measured and cut out the pattern and then cut out the new pieces onto a mustard colored cotton. Then I took the skirt part to my screen printing class where I printed images on both the front and back. Saturday night I spent about three hours sewing everything together and now I'm happy to present...

Granted, it's a little short and the arm holes need some adjusting, but overall I'm uber happy with how it turned out! Now I just have to find an occasion to wear it!

Happy Monday readers!
*M*

My First Filet Crochet...

2009-02-10T15:36:00.001-06:00

When it's done it'll say "Bitchin' Par-Tay". Tee hee!

*M*

First Poster

2009-01-16T22:24:00.002-06:00

It's late. And I'm tired, so I'm just posting pictures of my first poster I made this week in class. I'm pretty geeked over it. It was really interesting to see what everyone else in class came up with, too. Not everyone finished their projects in the one session so I'll try to take pictures of the rest next week. In the meantime, here's One Boy From Gaza:

Have a happy weekend, m'dears!
*M*

Art of the Poster

2009-01-09T09:35:00.002-06:00

Wednesday night I had my first Art of the Poster class at Lilstreet Art Center. It was super rad and my teacher, Tom, is at least 27 kinds of awesome. He not only showed us how to set up a screen for printing he also talked about different inks (grains and such), mesh counts for the screens, introduced us to different styles and techniques and he gave us our first assignment. We're supposed to come in with an idea for a simple political poster. Considering the gambit of political topics ravaging the media at the moment, needless to say, there's quite a bit to choose from. I read this article about the children in Gaza a little while ago and it's really stuck with me, so I decided to base my poster off that article. This is what I came up with:

Next week I make my first screen! Gah!
Happy Friday,
*M*

Busy Bee of a Week!

2009-01-07T16:24:00.004-06:00

Dear Readers,

Last night I had my first rehearsal for The Nerdy Girl and The Intergalactic Dog (the new show I'm in) and let me tell you this is going to be one FABULOUS children's show. We just did the preliminary first read through and production note stuff, but I can tell I'm going to have a blast with this cast (rhyme totally intended). If any of you are going to be in the Chicagoland area come February 14th please come check it out! :)

Tonight I start my Art of the Poster class at Lilstreet Art Center. I'm uber excited! More details on that tomorrow. ;)

Right now I'm crocheting, listening to She & Him (my latest musical obsession) and getting ready for the clock to strike 5pm so the work day can be oooooooooooooo-veeeeeeeeeeeer.

Have a loverly evening, kids!
xoxo,
*M*

Dancing With 2009

2009-01-05T10:25:00.003-06:00

Happy New Year dear readers! I hope you had a lovely, safe, rock n' roll new year's eve/day!

I've been looking back on 2008 and all that I accomplished within 365 and for the most part I feel that it was a good year for working with my hands. I'd like to continue this into 2009. I'm not usually one for resolutions, so instead I'm going to make a project list for myself. Please bear witness as I pledge to make the following over this here "new year":

1. Embroidered pillow cases for myself and loved ones

2. Crocheted broaches

3. Embroidered tapestries for my home and then possibly the world

4. More stencil portraits (either for loved ones or for sale) and possibly submit them to art shows

5. Three new dresses and/or skirts (for myself and others)

6. Perfect the design of crocheted shrugs, 'cuz I'm just so tired of frogging them time and time again

7. TERRARIUMS!

8. Perfect silk screening

9. Learn guitar well enough to play in front of people

10. Finish my Polaroid dress (for the love of PETE!)

11. Take full advantage of my Art of the Poster class (which I start this week!)

12. Get all textile vigilante on Chicago in a Microfiber Militia kinda way

13. Possibly start filming certain projects and posting them as guerrilla pod casts *twists evil mustache*

And if the year goes well enough...

14. Write down original designs so I might produce my own craf-tas-tic book of wonder and awe. (Hey, that's not a shabby title. :)

Well, folks that's all I have to say for this here Monday.
Have a happy week!

xoxo,
*M*

Holiday Shennanigans

2008-12-30T09:35:00.002-06:00

Hello Dear Readers!
I hope your respective holidays were super rad and totally awesome. I had a lovely time in Day-Twa seeing the fam and playing with my homies. While I was home I made myself a shrug that I'll be wearing for NYE and can't wait to show it off. I found the crochet version of the cable stitch and I have to say...I heart it. Big time. Pictures soon to come!

In the meantime, my lovely friends at Threadbanger aired an episode last week on how to crochet a hat. Fabulous tutorial, might I add? At the end of the episode they featured a bunch of holiday projects from members on the forums and well...I may have made it into the episode. :)

Anyhoo, I'm off now to prep for my NYE party. I have so much to do and almost no time at all to do it! GAH! Until next year friends, have a happy and safe new years!
xoxo,
*M*

New Role Model? New Project?

2008-12-18T09:58:00.001-06:00

After watching this Threadbanger video I'm suddenly feeling nostalgic for the 1980s crap-tastic fashion.

xoxo,
*M*

Mama Sass Endorsed by The Inspector General

2008-12-11T15:06:00.003-06:00

What can I say? My friend Jane's dog, The Inspector General, loves me. And the feeling is more than mutual. :)

*M*

Buy Handmade

2008-12-04T16:46:00.003-06:00

Last year I decided to take the Buy Handmade pledge and this year is no different. I'm not really one for material possessions anymore. Unless, of course, someone I love was kind enough to make me something with their own hands. This little video that Etsy posted on Myspace today makes me really giddy for all the handmade possibilities out there this season. :)

xoxo,
*M*

Grandma Helen

2008-12-03T09:28:00.003-06:00

Dear Readers,

I hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving . I went home to the good ol' city of Detroit for four days to see my family and friends. I ate way too much and crocheted my mom a pair of slippers. :)

Back in February my mom moved into an apartment and she's still unpacking. Well, she was going through some old boxes and found a stack of my grandmother's handkerchiefs that she crocheted back in the 1940s. They were so delicate and soft. I was in heaven. Then, lo and behold, my mom told me to pick some to keep for myself! I was/am so giddy! My grandmother (who passed away before I was born) taught my mom how to crochet, who in turn, taught me. This is one of my favorites:

When my mom was little my grandmother crocheted her a bed spread with roses like in this handkerchief and my mom loved it until it wore out. I was surprised and thankful that she wanted me to have it. I'm thinking about framing them.

xoxo,
*M*

P.S. If you want to see the rest click here.

Yay for Hi Tree!

2008-11-19T10:23:00.003-06:00

If you haven't found Hi Tree! on Etsy yet, you best get to it, child. I'm a pretty regular reader of Tina's (Hi Tree! creator) blog and a few weeks ago she posted a drawing for a free key chain. Of course, I put my name in the drawing. Lo and behold......
I won!
It is ridonkulously cute. I mean...RI-DONK-U-LOUSLY cute.

I must insist that if you haven't checked out Tina's store Hi Tree! on Esty or her blog you should go do so, like, right now. I mean it. Stop reading this drivel and go check her out!!!

Thanks Tina!
*M*

The Awesome Power of the Alpaca

2008-11-17T11:18:00.004-06:00

Some friends of mine took a trip to New Mexico about a month ago to go hiking with Alpacas and one of them brought back a couple skeins of Alpaca yarn. It's gorgeous, light, strong and oh so warm. The other night she gave it to me and said "make whatever you want with this. I trust you".

I've never used anything like Alpaca yarn before. I feel kinda spoiled by it right now. Hee hee! At the moment I'm just working on a scarf. If I can finagle a stitch here and there to have some left over I'm going to see if I can pull off some fingerless gloves as well.

This yarn is just...so....AWESOME! GOOOOOOOOOOOO ALPACAS!

xoxo,
*M*

Auditions and Crossed Fingers

2008-11-14T10:18:00.003-06:00

For the past two years I've been really dedicated to performing in my theatre company's productions (Babes With Blades). I've been working myself to the bone and I decided after this last one I was going to take a short break. I decided to bow out of the casting pool for our Spring show, MacBeth, which was a haaaaaaaaaaaaard call to make. My sanity won out over the Bard. Next time, Bill. We'll be together next time.

I've been focusing on craft fairs, my Etsy store and getting new head shots taken (one more week!), so theatre kinda went on the back burner for a few weeks. And yesterday I set up an audition for Point of Contention Theatre's ChAoS festival. While auditioning for POC, Rascal Children’s Theater, will be sharing the audition times with POC for their own season, and thus I'll be seen for approximately 10 + plays. Holy majoly. Needless to say I think this will be a good start to getting back into the auditioning game. Ha Cha!

Happy Friday Readers,
*M*

Dollar Store Crafts

2008-11-13T11:26:00.003-06:00

I loves me some dollar stores. Thanks to Threadbanger I came across this blog all about Dollar Store Crafts!

I admit some of the crafts are a little silly, but there are some great ideas that luckily come with tutorials posted there. Oh so many Christmas ideas!

It may become my new BBFF (Best Blog Friend Forever). :)

xoxo,
*M*

Embroidered Text Messages

2008-11-10T09:49:00.005-06:00

It's funny how text messages have become so popular. Almost like a new form of love letters, which makes me kinda sad in a way. But these embroidered text messages are both clever and desperate. I have to admit I'm a little disturbed by how much they affected me this morning. Oh memories....

I was there....

2008-11-07T10:21:00.001-06:00

Up top, America! Way to go.

xoxo,
*M*

Done....

2008-11-04T12:20:00.001-06:00

....and now we wait.

xoxo
*M*

Post Script

2008-11-03T12:10:00.003-06:00

My friend Jim Cereal in the UK loves this artist, Faile. I was just searching through some photos of his work on Flickr and came across this one:

Somewhat fitting considering the history that will be made tomorrow. ;)

xoxo,
*M*

The Future

2008-11-03T11:56:00.002-06:00

Election Day is tomorrow. I can't wait for it to be over.
I had stomach pains all last week from talking politics with people and I just can't anymore.
So, all I will say is, get yourself informed (for the love of God, be informed) before you make a choice. Look outside the box. Go vote!

xoxo,
*M*

Mecca

2008-10-30T12:16:00.001-05:00

I feel as though I just found the embroidery mecca.

Stitch Spectacular

xoxo,
*M*

Future Projects?

2008-10-29T14:37:00.002-05:00

Earlier this week I sent in my headshot and resume to Circle Theatre here in the grand land of Chicago. They are holding auditions in December for their production of Charles Mee's play A Perfect Wedding. It's basically his version of A Midsummer's Night Dream. I would love to be in a Mee play, so here's to hoping I get a call with an audition time. :)

I'm also debating on whether I want to join in on this art project with Art House in Atlanta, The 10,000 People Project. I really love what Art House does for the arts, but there's only one catch. If I sign up for a project they gain the rights to my work. They can distribute my images anyway they want. Not that I think they'd do anything malicious with it or anything. I'm just not 100% comfortable with the idea of someone else owning the rights to my work. I mean...it's my work, ya know? So, I'll have to sit on this for a bit and decide if it's worth it to me.

Thoughts, m'dear readers?

*M*

BADGES!

2008-10-28T10:36:00.002-05:00

I'm pleased to announce that I now have badges (pins, buttons, whathaveyou) for my Etsy store!

I've been meaning to have some made since I opened the store back in June, but didn't have the means (either financially or mentally) to place an order. Low and behold I finally got it together. I'm planning on using them as freebies on Etsy and for the Handmade Market Chicago Craft Fair.

I highly recommend the Etsy seller I got them from as well: Badge Town. Jon, the seller, was really responsive and worked with me to make sure I had the best badges possible. He's also new to Etsy and for the time being his prices are extremely reasonable, so if you're looking for promotional stuff for your store or party favors or just something fun check him out. :)

xoxo,
*M*

Finished! Woo Hoo!

2008-10-26T10:32:00.003-05:00

Dear Readers,

I finally finished my pieces for the Art Whino show. Now all I have to do is gather some hardware for hanging everything and then I can ship everything, which I'll probably do tomorrow. What a weight that has been lifted!

From Art Whino Show Nov. 2008

I also counted up my inventory for the Handmade Market Craft Fair and I have a total of 35 shirts. I was rather surprised, but delighted that now I can pretty much make more items without rushing myself. Phew and phew!

If that wasn't enough, today is the last day for my play Land of the Free. We close tonight and have strike right after. I've had a lot of fun working on this show, but with everything else that is going on I could really use the break. Now that all of these projects are coming to close I can start to focus on my Halloween costume...a Domestic Goddess. I'm pretty excited about it. Pictures to come!

Happy Sunday Folks!
*M*

Top Five Albums of 2008

2008-10-23T15:47:00.003-05:00

Just because I'm a music nerd...

In no particular order:

1. The Dutchess and The Duke: She's the Dutchess, He's the Duke (I've said it before and I'll say it again, thank you Jane for this little gem. I can't stop listening to it and it just makes me want to pick up the guitar again specifically so I can learn these songs. "Strangers" and "I Am Just a Ghost" are high on my list of favorites songs from the year.)

2. Los Campesinos: Hold On Now, Youngster (Shake Shake Shake your fanny all night long! Thanks Uncle Jim!)

3. Eli "Paperboy" Reed and The True Loves: Roll With You (I have a tendancy to buy whatever the guys at Laurie's Planet of Sound in Lincoln Square tell me I should buy. Thus I met Mr. Reed and his True Loves. G Damn it, this album is magic and makes me want to sing.)

4. Juno: Soundtrack (This one just gives me simple warm fuzzes. Thank ya Kimya Dawson.)

5. Pete and The Pirates: Little Death (Once again thanks to Uncle Jim for this one. There are mornings where I find it difficult to listen to this album and not break out dancing on the 147 bus to work. If these boys ever make it to Chicago I will stop everthing to see them. And I'll drag you with me. Oh yes. YOU.)

Runners Up:

- Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings: Naturally. (Didn't make the list only because it was not released in 2008)

- Flight of the Conchords: Flight of the Conchords. (For as much as I love it, I don't feel 100% right about including a comedy album in the top five. Although "Leggy Blonde" is rather pricless.)

- Slow Club....I can't seem to locate a full album, therefore they don't qualify this time around, but rest assured if an album appears before the year is out I have no doubt that one of the current top five might get booted.

- Hot Hot Heat: Happiness Ltd. (Effen awesome album, but I find myself listening to only a couple songs on thier own rather than the album as a whole, but still....fucking brillant tunes.)

- Long Blondes: Couples. (Very different from their first album Someone To Drive You Home. A little more eletronic, a little more clubby, but still something to shake your fanny to. Too bad they just broke up. Sad face.)

- Radiohead: In Rainbows (...why the "f" isn't this in the top five? Just on principle...)

5a. Radiohead: In Rainbows
(I don't want to be your friend
I just want to be your lover
No matter how it ends
No matter how it starts

Forget about your house of cards
And I'll do mine
Forget about your house of cards
And I'll do mine
-House of Cards)

xoxo,
*M*

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