Art, Like Bread

Ten Reasons to Take a Cloth Napkin (Hen House Linens Product Review)

noreply@blogger.com (Cami) — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 20:08:00 +0000

Full Disclosure:

I received a set of dinner napkins

from Hen House Linens (& I love them)!

How many of you grab a couple of extra napkins every time you're at your favorite coffee house? I've definitely been guilty of that one, but let's stop to think about it. There are numerous environmental reasons that using cloth napkins is preferable to paper ones. Aside from saving trees, you're also saving water used in the manufacture of paper napkins.

Truthfully, there is a reason that paper napkins are so ubiquitous. They are convenient, useful, and you can easily just throw them away. However unfortunately, they don't really go away. According to Organic Authority, landfills are stuffed with 3,000 tons of paper tissue products daily. This produces harmful greenhouse gasses.

Source: US National Archives, Wil Blanche, 1973 via Flickr Commons

A 1970's landfill. Yuck.

And think about it, isn't it kind of charming to pull a brightly-colored, soft cloth napkin out of your pocket rather than grabbing for that dull, brown paper one?

I got that adorable napkin as a sample from Hen House Linens. True, you can easily make your own cloth napkins, but I really like these for a few reasons. I've had them a while now, and they have stayed crisp and colorfast through several washings. They've also got some adorable patterns for Spring 2013 right now and they come out with new ones every season.

Gorgeous, right? Image source: Hen House Linens

Using a cloth napkin need not be unsanitary. Get a stack of at least six. Stow two in the car, two in your purse, two in your desk drawer, etc. The idea is to always keep a few with you to use. When you're done, stash them in a dedicated plastic bag and throw them in with a laundry so you always have fresh ones. You needn't use cloth napkins only for mealtimes.

Here are ten other great reasons to pack a cloth napkin (or two) daily.

1) Blot your face on a hot day.
2) Wrap your coffee cup.
3) Clean up your eye makeup.
4) Store your leftover cookie inside.
5) Dry your hands after you wash them.
6) Blot your lipstick.
7) Use it if you get the sniffles.
8) Avoid touching the dirty gas pump. Wrap it with your napkin instead.
9) Tie something onto your handbag with it to remain hands free. (See photo below.)
10) Clean the dust off your dashboard.

I tied my crochet bag to my handbag with the napkin!

How would you use a cloth napkin? Please leave any other ideas in the comments! :)

Free Pattern: Spring Flowers Hairband on #Crochet Addict UK

noreply@blogger.com (Cami) — Sat, 23 Feb 2013 20:32:00 +0000

I am writing to let you know about a wonderful new guest post I did on Crochet Addict UK! Crochet Addict UK is a wonderful blog with lots of crochet inspiration and fun. It is written by Susan, who discovered crochet after learning it could help her with Cronic Fatique Syndrome, or CFS. It's inspirational to know that the yarn and hook can make such a difference in someone's physical health.

I was honored to be able to participate in her blog and I decided to write up a quick crochet pattern to contribute to her collection of free patterns on the site.

I love this pattern for people who enjoy funky headbands, especially girls. I could see my students wearing them, and making them, too! It's a very easy pattern, so I hope a lot of people will give it a try! :)

To link to the pattern, click on the picture! Thanks for stopping by! :)

One Skein | One Love

noreply@blogger.com (Cami) — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 14:00:00 +0000

You know what it's like. You walk into a yarn store and its an immediate flush of color. Your senses are piqued when touching the comforting softness of delicately spun yarn. There's stuff from all over the globe, in fibers you've never even heard of. Blink. Did that label say 100% Mink? You wonder what you could make... Who knows; who cares? You just really need this yarn. And that one, and that one, too.

Free screen saver image from lionbrand.com.

Or, you're just browsing through Michael's and that rich Emerald blend just speaks to you. Into the cart it goes! It's just one ball anyway and maybe you can dig up that 40% off coupon...

Or, you're done with your project and you have a skein left. Who knows where the receipt is? You probably bought it a year ago anyway! This yarn is NOT going back to the store. It'll stay right here with you!

Or, a friend who knows you love crochet surprises you with a beautiful gift bundle-six skeins of yarn in varying colors and weights. It's all gorgeous. It was all expensive, but what exactly are you going to crochet from it?

Or, you're always crocheting in worsted weight and you just want to branch out into a different thickness. With 400 yards in this ball of lace-weight, why buy more than one?

Free screen saver image from lionbrand.com

If you do crochet or knit, I bet you've had at least one of the experiences I described. And life is good! Just because you have a stash of varied colors and yarn weights doesn't mean you have to worry about letting them go to waste! Perhaps you've seen the famous One Skein Wonders series by Judith Durantand wondered why there wasn't more crochet in them. I know I did!

Well, the wait is almost over, friends. We're getting really close to the launch date of the triumphant Crochet One-Skein Wonders: 101 Projects from Crocheters around the World!

Available for pre-order now. Launches March 26, 2013.

And, the author of this blog just might have a pattern in there. Hooray, I'm in a book and I can't wait until it comes out. But until then, please share your favorite crochet projects using one skein in the comments so we can stitch away.

Here's a link to one of my favorites, the Petite Scarf by Lion Brand Yarns. Here's the Ravelry page, too. Oh, and it's free! :) Enjoy!

Disclosure: Free logins are required

to access the Lion Brand Pattern and the Ravelry page.

This review was part shameless self promotion, part sheer love,

and part boundless enthusiasm. The Amazon links are affiliate.

Book Review: Big Ass Book of Bling by @MarkMontano

noreply@blogger.com (Cami) — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 19:33:00 +0000

Woohoo, people, the wait is OVER and we can all get our bling on with fabulous DIY guru Mark Montano! Whut whut!

It's a project from the Big Ass Book of Bling!

Yes, I'm excited, but can you blame me? I mean, it's Mark Montano. No, I'm not celebrity-obsessed (well, not really…) I'm really all about QUALITY, INNOVATION, LEARNING, and EMPOWERMENT through CRAFTS! Mark Montano teaches us to DIY in many different ways and his projects always come out rocking!

So when I learned about his newest Big Ass book, The Big-Ass Book of Bling, I didn't wait for a publisher to email. I didn't contact anyone for a free book, I pre-ordered that bad boy from BN.com, and it was perfectly delivered on time to my iPad. How's that for a space-saver? And since it's on my device, I can take it with me wherever I go. So, if I'm at the craft store, for instance, I can shop for all of my materials for a specific project using the list of materials in the book without carrying around a Big Ass book! However, I have a hard copy of the The Big-Ass Book of Crafts 2, and it's awesome to have that as well. The format is up to you!

I love learning about the inspiration behind each project. In this book, Montano has arranged his projects by theme, often riffing on a similar focal point or theme. For example, he has multiple fantastic projects using vinyl and E-6000. You know those suckers are going to last forever! The work is so stylish and the techniques are tried and true. It's a privilege to peek into the mind of a true artist!

As an avid crafter, I am ready to dive right into the projects and techniques that Montano outlines in his book. However, I encourage even the more timid crafter to open his/her mind and give some of these techniques a try. With the right tools and instructions, they're not that hard.

Did you know you can make a crown inspired by Glenda the Good Witch for a costume party, child's tea party, or just to wear while doing errands (wink)? All you need is a headband, some wire, paper, spray paint, and a few other things. That's pretty cool if you ask me!

And lest you be worried about buying supplies and not using them, put your mind at rest. There are at least 6 other crowns using similar materials in the book. And once you make yours, I am sure everyone's going to want one! :)

In short, if you're thinking about buying this book, but aren't sure if it's any good, or if it's worth it, put your mind at rest. It's worth it just to read and learn, but the DIY possibilities are endless! You will grow as an artist if you use this book. This is a book you'll want around for years to come.

Disclosure: Amazon affiliate links.

Saturday Beret #Crochet Along with Ellen Gormley!

noreply@blogger.com (Cami) — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 19:14:00 +0000

Hey, everyone, and Happy 2013! Looks like we made it into this new era of kindness and creativity, so let's celebrate by crocheting a beautiful beret in Bruges lace!

The pattern was fun and easier than it looks!

Ellen Gormley is an accomplished crochet designer who has authored many pattern books. She's also a television personality and a member of the Crochet Guild of America (CGOA). She has sold over 200 patterns. That's impressive!

But guess what? She's also really nice. I have been fortunate enough to get to know Ellen through her group on Ravelry, but she's also crafting all over the web. Check out GoCrochet.com to see what she's been doing.

I don't remember where I first heard about Clever Crocheted Accessories, but I do remember thinking that the cover hat was beautiful and wondering how it was done. Then I learned that Ellen had designed the hat using a beautiful technique she has been exploring called Bruges lace. All signs pointed to one thing: Crochet Along! So we got one going! Here's Ellen's post about it on Go Crochet.

And, the hat made the cover of a completely awesome book!

You know you want a hat like that, so join us on the Saturday Beret CAL Ravelry thread!

Disclosure: There is one Amazon Affiliate link up there.

It looks like this: Clever Crocheted Accessories

Reblog: Diary of a Crafty Chica™: Last Minute Holiday Craft Ideas: Round Up!

noreply@blogger.com (Cami) — Mon, 24 Dec 2012 05:00:00 +0000

This post was reblogged from Diary of a Crafty Chica™ with permission. Everything you see after this intro was written by her! I'm honored to have been included with such a prestigious group of crafters! Thank you, Kathy! Enjoy these great last-minute crafts, everyone!

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There is ONE weekend left before Christmas, that's PLENTY of time to make something fabulous! Whether you need ideas for presents, home decor, hostess gifts, whatever it may be, I gathered up some fun crafty ideas from my crafty amigas, sure to spark some inspiration! Check out these fabulous sites and see all the ideas they have to share!

DIY Frida Ornaments by Pear Mama

Paint-dipped Pinecones by Design It Girl

Big ol Gift Bag by Art, Like Bread

Christmas Domes by Pandora's Craft Box

Assorted Christmas Inspiration Tutorials by Sabor a Cajeta

Loteria Sparkly Banner by Sacred Yoli

Holiday Craft Ideas by Crafty Chica

Christmas Coloring Sheet by Studio Longoria
Recycled Christmas Ornaments by Mark Montano
Three Kings Day Tablescape by Martin Amado
Chocolate Ganache Truffles by Liz Hicks
Hot Chocolate Palitos de Bombon by Growing Up Blackxican
Christmas Wrapping Ideas by Juan of Words

Book Review: Fairy Tale Knits and The Twelve Knits of #Christmas by Fiona Goble

noreply@blogger.com (Cami) — Sun, 23 Dec 2012 19:43:00 +0000

Still stumped about what to get your favorite knitter? Look no more, my friend. You can either dash out to your local bookstore, or get wireless delivery to your e-reader by Amazon!

This is fun pair of books to open on Christmas Day! From the young but capable knitter to the family member or friend who knits for children, this is a beautiful pair of books available from Andrews McMeel Publishing.

Each title is available separately for $19.99 retail (and I've seen them at Books A Million.) Together they make a dynamite gift that can be enjoyed all year long!

The Twelve Knits of Christmas has a pattern for each of the whimsical characters found in the happy holiday song. The cool thing about this is that it gives exact yardages needed for each project. For example, the partridge uses only 12 yards of the main color yarn. Since they're small, they're quick projects. You could knit up a partridge and put it into the paper pear tree that is found in the back of the book!

In addition the book is colorful and exciting, so the child in your life will love looking at the pages and read (or sing) along to the words of the song.

For fun that knows no season, try Fairy Tale Knits , also by Fiona Goble, which features 20 characters from six different fairy tales. The designs are incredibly endearing. My personal favorite is the beast from Beauty and the Beast. He's not so very scary, but beastly indeed.

I think it would be fun to knit up each character from one tale and then create shadow box sets for them. These toys would not only be enjoyable to make, but also spark imagination in the lucky child who receives them.

Vital Stats

The Twelve Knits of Christmas by Fiona Goble

Andrews McMeel Publishing, LLC

ISBN: 978-1-4494-1131-2

Price $19.99 U.S. and $22.99 Canada

Paperback, 8 3/10 by 10 3/5 inches, 64 pages

Fairy Tale Knits: 20 Enchanting Characters to Make by Fiona Goble

Andrews McMeel Publishing, LLC

ISBN: 978-1-4494-1801-4

Price $19.99 U.S. and $22.99 Canada

Paperback, 8 3/10 by 10 3/5 inches, 80 pages

Disclosure: I received a review copy of each book, and the links are affiliate.

It Feels Good to #Crochet (a Black & White Shrug)

noreply@blogger.com (Cami) — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 13:00:00 +0000

One of the things I really love about crochet is how it makes me feel. I love the entire process of creating something unique and useful. It may sound funny, but it actually makes me feel powerful! :)

I started this Black and White shrug on an airplane to visit my alma mater, Mount Holyoke College, in the beautiful mountains of Western Massachusetts. It had been almost five years since I'd been home, except for a very quick jaunt last summer.

I just followed the pattern for the Lacy Springtime Shrug from Lion Brand Yarn (free login required). Don't tell anyone, but I didn't swatch (gasp!) I just had a huge ball of B/W yarn I bought in the streets of Mexico City's yarn district, and my trusty hooks, so I went for it! I made the largest size.

The entire time I was making it, I was thinking, 'Hm. Is this thing going to fit me? Am I going to run out of yarn?' Well, when you crochet like I do, those are some pretty common thoughts. I'm more of
a 'fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants' crocheter. I just go for it. Hook now, worry about yarn later. It's just how I am. Somehow, it all works out. I either end up with a cool project, an excuse to buy more yarn, a mass of something for the frog bin, or a piece begging to be yarnbombed. If you ask me, that's okay. There's always more yarn. There are always more patterns.

I ended up getting to the very ends of my mega ball of yarn and realizing that THIS WAS FAR TOO BIG, AND THERE WAS NO WAY I WAS GOING TO FINISH THE PATTERN AS WRITTEN. Luckily, I understood the construction well enough to understand that I could just make the sleeves a little shorter and then hope for the best.

To make a long story short (too late,) I skipped the sc border rounds, fit the shrug to myself, addressed the resulting "space age" shoulders, and added on some little sleeves. The resulting shrug is a short-sleeved cutie, and I like it a lot! I can wear it to work or out and about. I love wearing shrugs with camisoles in the Southern Florida heat. To me, they're the perfect layering garment.

Since the shrug has a definite "top and bottom," I stitched a little red yarn onto the inside seam of the right armhole. I will remember that "red is right," and never put my pretty shrug on upside down! :)

So, what do you think? Have you ever modified a pattern at the last minute? Tell me your story! :)

@MUSIBATTY Giveaway Winner!

noreply@blogger.com (Cami) — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 03:00:00 +0000

With over a hundred eligible entries, I am pleased to announce the winner of the

MUSIBATTY Mexican Bird Pendant!

Hey, rrjane011749! Congratulations!

Please contact me at artlikebread[at]gmail[dot]com right away

with your full name and mailing address so I can ship your gorgeous prize!!

I'm sorry if you didn't win this time, but don't forget that Art, Like Bread readers

get a special MUSIBATTY Etsy Store discount

(free shipping to U.S. and Canada) until March 1, 2013!

Use coupon code ALB1234.

And remember, this is just the beginning!

I have more handmade and craft giveaways for you, so I hope you'll join me again.

One great way to connect is by subscribing by email or in an RSS reader.

I'll never share your email address.

Thank you to EVERYONE for making this a very successful giveaway.

Special thanks to CraftGossip.com for posting about the giveaway!

On @CrochetSpot: Why #Crochet?

noreply@blogger.com (Cami) — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 20:22:00 +0000

I am excited to share some wonderful news with you. I was recently hired by Crochet guru, designer, and teacher Rachel Choi of Crochet Spot. I have been an admirer of the blog for years, so I applied for a staff position and was accepted! Exciting, right?

I adore Rachel for many reasons. Firstly, her love and passion for both the art and hobby of crochet simply shine through on her blog. I have been following her since she had only 3000 subscribers, but now she has over 16,000-for good reason. She routinely provides high quality patterns- both for free and sale! She also helps people to learn crochet and increase their skills through her instructional tutorials. She has a wonderful business model, and she pays it forward by hiring staff writers and pattern writers alike.

One extraordinary thing about Rachel is that she's pretty young. I am proud to tell you that she's in her early 20's and has already accomplished so much!

Is it any wonder that I wanted to work for her?

I am proud of my first post, entitled "Why Crochet?" If you have a moment, I hope you'll check it out. The stories in the comments are extraordinary. Artists, students, grandparents, artisans, and hobbyists are all chiming in to discuss why it is we all choose crochet. I've found it to be incredibly inspiring. :)

And finally, TONIGHT, I will be posting the winner of the amazing MUSIBATTY Mexican Bird Pendant! Woohoo!

Technique Video: How to Loom Knit a Shawlette

noreply@blogger.com (Cami) — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 22:11:00 +0000

The Michael's of Mexico, Fantasias Miguel, just posted this great instructional video about how to loom knit a shawlette! While the yarn does not match my personal taste, the technique could be applied to any yarn.
This shawl would be gorgeous, for example, in Lion Brand Amazing.

I am glad they posted this, because I have a loom that is made for this specific technique and I was wondering how to use it! :D Bonus! It's in Spanish (but the visuals are great), so you can either read along, have a Spanish lesson, or just follow what the lady in the video is doing. :D

@musibatty Sterling Silver Mexican Bird Pendant #Necklace Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Cami) — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 04:58:00 +0000

The Prize

Pájaro Mexicano, MUSIBATTY, 2012

Sterling Silver Pendant with Chain

Learn more about MUSIBATTY here.

First Entry (required)

Go to the MUSIBATTY Etsy Store (http://www.etsy.com/shop/musibatty) and look at the gorgeous eye candy there! (If you love jewelry and good design, you'll be in heaven.)
Decide which MUSIBATTY original piece or pieces you'd love to wear or give to a friend.
Comment on this post with your name/nickname and your favorite MUSIBATTY piece or pieces! :)

For (up to 3) Extra Entries

note: extra entries will not be valid without the first entry.

Twitter: Tweet "I entered to win a @musibatty Mexican Bird #necklace on @artlikebread. Visit artlikebread.com! #jewelry #albmbg1." In order to be counted for an extra entry, all hashtags and mentions must appear in your tweet.
Facebook: Join the artlikebread facebook page. If you are already a member, simply post on the wall that you'd like an extra entry for the MUSIBATTY Mexican Bird Necklace Giveaway.
Pinterest: Pin the photo in this post from your pinterest account and include the following hashtag in your description: #albmbg1.

To see if you won

Please check back on artlikebread.com on Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012 by 11:59 PM EST in order to see if you won! The winner should immediately email me his or her mailing address so that the beautiful prize can be shipped right away!

If you don't win, don't worry.

MUSIBATTY is generously offering a coupon code for free shipping to the Canada and the United States on any items purchased from her Etsy store from now until March 1, 2013. It's ALB1234. Check her store for availability. MUSIBATTY pieces are timeless and work for every holiday.

Full Disclosure: This giveaway and coupon code are open only to the United States and Canada.

International Readers: Thank you for understanding and please fill out this form, so we can keep in contact with you! People in every country deserve a MUSIBATTY piece! Comments and additional entries from outside of the United States and Canada will not be valid for this giveaway, but we want to keep in touch!

Inspiration from @Anthropologie @AventuraMall

noreply@blogger.com (Cami) — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 13:00:00 +0000

I was over in the mall checking out cell phone plans and wandered into Anthropologie.
It's not just a store. It's a museum. ;)

This backdrop is made of 70,00 paperclips. The sales associate told me that they contract two artists to do all of the original art displays in the store. I thought this one was pretty innovative. It reminded me of a cascading water wall.

Read more »

The Principles of #Knitting Book Review

noreply@blogger.com (Cami) — Sat, 06 Oct 2012 13:00:00 +0000

This is a book review about The Principles of Knitting by June Hemmons Hiatt. I received a review copy of the book.

Since this wonderful resource came out in February, it could be said that this review is long overdue. However, the simple fact is that this volume is incredibly relevant and will remain so for years to come.

This is the kind of book you buy for your knitting library and refer back to over and over again. It's perfect for seasoned knitters and newbies who want to increase their knowledge and skills.

The instructions are very clear and easy to follow. Hiatt also devotes a chapter to yarn! I loved reading all about the carding and spinning process. She goes into a great level of detail, even explaining the different terminology for particular types of fiber. Do you know the difference between a noil and a filament? I do. They're quite different, actually...

While I would not recommend this as a beginning knitting how-to book, and it's certainly not a page turner, it is definitely an essential reference for serious knitters.

Vital stats:
The Principles of Knitting

June Hemmons Hiatt
Hardcover

Touchstone/Simon & Schuster
ISBN 13: 978-1-4165-3517-1

ISBN 10: 1-4165-3517-9
$45.00

P.S. It's also available digitally. A bit cheaper and saves space, too! And, oh yeah. Those links are affiliate links.

@CraftyChica Design Team: #Crochet Fabulous Milagro Market Tote Tutorial

noreply@blogger.com (Cami) — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 03:23:00 +0000

Welcome to Crafting by the Pool

with Cami from Artlikebread.com

It's so exciting! I applied for and was chosen to participate on the Crafty Chica Design Team! The purpose of this post is to show you how I used one of her cool, new, Dia de los Muertos-themed products in an original DIY project. Before we begin, take a look at this fun video where I show you all the materials I used!

And don't worry. In case you're viewing this on a mobile device or don't feel like watching the video, I'll do a play by play right here with still pictures.

HERE WE GO!

Interview with J. Musi, Artist and Designer at MusiBatty

noreply@blogger.com (Cami) — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 21:40:00 +0000

Hey! Thank you for joining me today! I am overjoyed to present this interview with Jennifer Musi, the artist and designer for MusiBatty. If you saw my blogoversary post, hopefully you are already excited about her jewelry and the upcoming giveaway of the Mexican Bird pendant. There will be more on that later, but I wanted to give you a little background on the artist herself. Therefore, without further ado, I present Jennifer Musi of MusiBatty.

Model wearing four MusiBatty pieces. Used with permission.

Fun #September #Holidays and #Ideas!

noreply@blogger.com (Cami) — Sun, 23 Sep 2012 18:09:00 +0000

Sugar skulls and lucha libre in the window @Paper_Source in Evanston, IL

Hi, everyone! I went to Paper Source in Evanston, IL with Crafty Mumu and I bought this really cute and useful 17-month calendar. I really needed something to keep my blog organized. I have had some pretty awesome calendars before, and this one is no exception.

and of course I added a little bling! * snap *

I was excited to pay full price ($12.95) for this calendar because it was exactly what I wanted. I know I could have made my own, but I didn't want to!! hahaha! I had neither the time nor inclination!

I did make a calendar back in the early days of Art, Like Bread, and maybe I should do a tutorial on it. It's really cute. If you are interested in a tutorial on that, please let me know. :) You can comment below or even on my facebook page, or via twitter. You could also email me at artlikebread(at)gmail(dot)com. I can not commit to doing a tutorial right now, but the interest would motivate me! :) :) I love my readers!

Guess which cool holiday is coming up in November!!!!

So here are the September holidays & the ideas I promised.

Sept. 17 - Respect for the Aged Day (Japan) - Celebrate by crafting with your grandmother or an elder at a senior day care like the Regency Senior Day Care in Niles, IL.
Sept. 17 - Rosh Hashanah - Do you have a good crafting idea for Rosh Hashanah?
Sept. 21 - International Day of Peace - Celebrate by personalizing a t-shirt with permanent fabric markers. I use the ones from Tulip.
Sept. 22 - Autumnal Equinox - Take a nature walk and observe the leaves. Write down any craft/creative ideas that sparks.
Sept. 26 - Yom Kippur - Do you have a good crafting idea for Yom Kippur?

I would love to hear your thoughts on this blog post. If you are a blogger, please leave your link! :)

Oh, and here's the picture and link to my previous calendar project from 2007! :) I didn't even have an acceptable digital camera then, and just scanned my projects!

A dear calendar I designed from a plain book. Calendar, you served me well.
Click the picture to see the inside!

Technique: Tubular #Knitting on 2 Straight Needles

noreply@blogger.com (Cami) — Sat, 22 Sep 2012 13:00:00 +0000

My jaw was on the floor after seeing this video. Very cool technique for knitting in a tube but using only 2 straight needles and a combination of knits and passes. Thanks, Josune, for passing this along!

It's in Spanish, but the hand shots are very good, so give it a try even if you don't understand Spanish.

5th Blogoversary Reflections (with good things to come)

noreply@blogger.com (Cami) — Sat, 15 Sep 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Pájaro Mexicano, MusiBatty, 2012
You could win this. Exciting? I know!

I have had the time recently to reflect upon my creative life. I am incredibly happy to say that this blog, which started from a place of creativity and needing to connect has definitely been that space for me.

It's kind of hard to write this post because I have so much to say. I feel immensely privileged to have become a part of such a strong crafting community that spans the globe.

I am very grateful to the people who have read the blog over the years. In fact, I am surprised that anyone read it at all! I started the blog just to document my crafts and to express myself. It's grown into a lot for me, and I'm overjoyed that people really seem to like it.

I don't always update the blog, but I will be making a concerted effort to update on a regular basis this year. I am hoping to have a giveaway every month in order to celebrate my 5th year. (I have 3 scheduled so far... stay tuned!) I do blog from the heart, and I always will.

I am opening my mind to new possibilities this year. I'm going to stretch and see where this blog can take me. I am listening to my creative heart. I am attracting all of the abundance this world has to offer.

I guess what I want to say is thank you. Thanks so much for reading the blog. It means the world to me, and I hope that you get something out of it.

Oh yeah! I have to tell you how to win the bird you see above.

Read more »

National Alpaca Farm Day - Sept. 29 & 30

noreply@blogger.com (Cami) — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Visit me!

How could you say no to a face like this?

Cindy Berman Morrow is someone who periodically informs me about interesting stories and articles for the blog. When she sent along this cute story, I knew I had to post, because I think my readers will really love it. :)

I just found out about this gorgeousness from Dharma Yarn! Alpaca!

All the stuff you see below was written by her. :) I hope you will give this event a try as I will be outside of the area. I went to the National Alpaca Farm Days website below and found that while there are several alpaca farms in Florida, there are not any very close to Miami. :( So go to this event for me! :)

Please comment if you do decide to attend. I think it would be great!

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Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association (AOBA) invites you to visit their member farms and ranches on National Alpaca Farm Days on September 29th and 30th. This is a unique opportunity for the public to explore the many aspects of the alpaca livestock industry in the United States and Canada.

From meeting these beautiful, inquisitive animals in person to experiencing luxurious alpaca products at individual farm stores, there will truly be something for everyone.

Visitors can also learn how alpacas are a green business opportunity, as they are animals that are sensitive to their environment in every respect!

While most alpaca farms welcome visitors throughout the year, National Alpaca Farm Days are sure to include special activities and educational opportunities.

For a complete list of participating farms and ranches, visit www.NationalAlpacaFarmDays.com.

Crazy for Cake Pops Book Review

noreply@blogger.com (Cami) — Sat, 08 Sep 2012 12:00:00 +0000

This is a book review for Crazy for Cake Pops by Molly Bakes (Ulysses Press). I received a review copy of this book.

I am not good at cooking. Ask anyone. I don't like it. I don't like wet messes, touching raw ingredients, or all that mixing and stirring. While I will approach a craft project without fear, making food just isn't my thing.

But how could I say no when Ulysses Press asked me to review this book? Get Crafty with Cake, put it on a stick!

nom nom nom nom

I love cake. I love frosting. I love cute things. I love creativity. I'm in!

#Yarn Candy: Lion Brand Bonbons!

noreply@blogger.com (Cami) — Tue, 04 Sep 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Could it get any cuter?

Last month I was asked by Lion Brand to do a review of their new product, Bonbons, or as I like to call it, crochet cuties. The idea was that I would receive a package of their new product in each colorway, and fill out a survey about my thoughts on the product. I completed that piece over a month ago, and my excitement for Bonbons has not died down. I knew I had to blog about this!

I was not asked to blog about the product. I asked permission to blog about this experience because I am truly excited about it! It's always exciting when new products come out, but not all of them are this interesting.

Curvy Girl #Crochet Book Review

noreply@blogger.com (Cami) — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 12:00:00 +0000

This is a book review for Curvy Girl Crochet: 25 Patterns that Fit and Flatter by Mary Beth Temple. A review copy was given to me at no cost by Taunton Press.

photo from amazon.com

I love Mary Beth Temple. I love her because she's funny and nice and full of personality. Never mind that she's a great designer. I just like the woman, period. Now let's talk about her impressive resume- numerous designs in major crochet magazines, her own pattern line, Hooked for Life, and authoring several books. I know her best from her award-winning podcast, “Getting Loopy,” and from chats around the internet.

Needless to say, I was honored to be asked by Taunton to receive an advance copy of her latest book and review it here on Art, Like Bread.

Sweetheart Tank Top (photo via Ravelry)

Cast On Baby Video

noreply@blogger.com (Cami) — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 14:56:00 +0000

Where did this meme start? Everyone started doing a "Call Me Maybe" video out of nowhere. But you have to admit, the tune is pretty catchy.

I heard about this video in my Lion Brand Swaps group (Ravelry login required to view link) from my amazing co-mod Faded Lily who blogs here.

It's a "Call Me Maybe" video with a twist of yarn. Very cute.

I love that this video is intergenerational. :)

Journal Making at GapKids! #CleverGap #ShineOn

noreply@blogger.com (Cami) — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 14:00:00 +0000

This post is sponsored by GapKids. Check out all the fun Shine On activities at your nearest Gap store. For event dates and locations, visit Gap’s Facebook page and join the conversation on Twitter with hashtag #ShineOn.

It was great making my way down to the Coco Walk last Saturday for journal writing at GapKids. I hopped a bus (and another bus and a train and a bus), y'all! I told myself I would make it down to Miami proper, and boy, did I!

I have happy memories of the Coco Walk from when I visited Miami during my birthday weekend about ten years or so ago. (Could it possibly have been that long ago?) Time flies. My friend Mike and I had so much fun! We were buddies from the Tanglewood Music Center. Good times. Mike Kearns, where are you?

So, shining on, I made my way upstairs to the GapKids and found some perfectly sized kids' activity tables and several little ones working steadily on their journals. :) I explained to the very kind crew that I was a blogger from the Clever Girls Collective and not some weirdo randomly taking pictures of children crafting, haha. But, as a teacher and discerning crafter, I had to analyze the instructions, usefulness, cuteness, and overall quality of the projects.