Hip Chicks Craft Too!

Art Class

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi Cogdill) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 02:18:00 +0000

My daughter has been asking to take an art class and she found one at Michael's Craft Store and she wanted to take it. Now this was an adult class, so I spoke to the teacher and explained she has been painting for years and would benfit from this more experienced class. The teacher agreed, but I felt bad sending her off into a class of adults alone, so I decided to take the class with her.

We were told to bring acrylic paints, brushes and canvas. I didn't know what we'd paint, but I was both excited and nervous. Turned out we'd be painting the Sullivan's Island Lighthouse. It's a lighthouse we see practically daily since that's where we go to the beach and for our walks. It's an odd shaped lighhouse. It's triangular and square.

I've photographed this lighthouse many times.

We had a great teacher and we both learned something new.

Here is my painting from class:

Glimpse Into My Sketch Book

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi Cogdill) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 02:33:00 +0000

I always find it so interesting to get a glimpse into other artists sketch books. It fascinating to see how they try new techniques or colors. How a sketch starts as a simple idea before it's turned into a finished product.

I've been working on a book concept...it's far from full conceptualized, but I know it'll have pages full of beautiful artwork and color. I've never really painted with watercolor before...besides the pitiful messes we made in elementary school. As this book idea came to me it was full of watercolor painting and I was floored. I was terrified of this idea so I spent days trying to create an image of this book full of acrlic and mixed media...the mixed media became a natural fit, but the watercolor images were too powerful. Feeling very overwhelmed I sat down with watercolor paper, paints, brushes and watched youtube videos. The first few paintings weren't as terrible as I expected. So I've not only undertaken this book, but also learning to use watercolor paints.

Watercolor I worked on last night.

DailyPT Logo Drawings

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi Cogdill) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0000

My personal trainer hubby has launched a new site called DailyPT.net and he asked me to draw fitness models for his logos and header. I was super excited!

Here are my drawings....

Here is how he ended up using them...

Handmade Journals

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi Cogdill) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 01:27:00 +0000

Over the holidays I had some free time and I spent most of it making journals. I had a blast putting these together. I got to use an old "Good Literature" newspaper from 1898. I've had in my stash for 10 years and finally found something special to do with it.

I then sent them to my family and friends...but it was painful to see them go...I fell in love with each one.

A Very Merry Indie Christmas >> Link Party

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi Cogdill) — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 08:00:00 +0000

I hope you had a wonderful day yesterday! And that today you are in the mood for shopping "INDIE" style.

Casey over at TheWiegands.com is hosting a shop indie link party so hop on over...after you've visited my shop first of course....and check out all the fabulous gift ideas.

Today I'm offering you, my fabulous blog followers, a coupon code to use when shopping in my Etsy shop. Just enter this code ShopIndie11 when checking out to save 20%!

(Copyright Information: This pattern, including text and images, is copyrighted to Heidi Cogdill, Hip Chicks Craft Too. No part of this pattern can be copied, shared, distributed or sold. All rights reserved. No commercial use of this pattern is allowed (which means you cannot sell the finished product).

Hip Chicks Shop Update

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi Cogdill) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 22:01:00 +0000

I've added "LaLa" and "Dreamer" to my Etsy shop!!

"LaLa"

"Dreamer"

(Copyright Information: This pattern, including text and images, is copyrighted to Heidi Cogdill, Hip Chicks Craft Too. No part of this pattern can be copied, shared, distributed or sold. All rights reserved. No commercial use of this pattern is allowed (which means you cannot sell the finished product).

Hip Chicks Cook Too! Taco Soup

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi Cogdill) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 20:46:00 +0000

Today in Charleston the sun is shining and the sky is blue and temperature is very cold! The crisp fall like air reminds me of Oregon. So I put on my sweater and we light the fireplace. I love these days when we hunk in. My senses are always hightened on days like this. I love the sound of the dryer and the smell of the fireplace. I love the sun beaming in through the windows and the crisp air whisping in through the cracked window. I have a warm cup a tea next to my keyboard and a pot of Taco Soup simmering on the stove.

I am very blessed!

So I thought I'd share with you my recipe for taco soup. It's super easy and seriously yummy!

Ingredients:

Pound of ground beef or turkey
Package of taco seasoning
1 can of garbonzo beans
1 can of black beans
1 can of pinto beans
2 cans or 1 large can of tomato sauce

Instructions:

1) Brown your meat and then set aside.

2) Pour the tomato sauce in a large pot and mix in the taco seasoning.

3) Open the cans of beans and add to the tomato mixture.

4) Add the browned meat to the pot and stir.

That's it!! Seriously easy right?!

You can also add corn or any other goodies you'd like.

I then turn the burner down to simmer and let all the flavor get all warm and fuzzy together. I usually start this a few hours before dinner so the beans are nice and soft.

You can make corn bread or biscuits to go with...or we sometimes use scoop Freetos. Yum!!

I hope you enjoy this soup on a cool day! I know we will!!

I Adore This Shop >> InkBerry

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi Cogdill) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 19:30:00 +0000

Today I'd like to introduce you to a great artist and friend, Ann from InkBerry, in only photographs.

Her shop is full of the greatest seasonal decorations and vintage charms.

Ann partners with other companies on Themed Party Decorations

Halloween Garland (Ann makes the most amazing dress garlands)

Cake toppers

Christmas Garland

Spring Garland

Fairy Dust

Hanging Art

Don't forget to click over to Ann's blog and say HI! Also, if you love her stuff as much as I do...visit her shop or Facebook Page.

(Copyright Information: This pattern, including text and images, is copyrighted to Heidi Cogdill, Hip Chicks Craft Too. No part of this pattern can be copied, shared, distributed or sold. All rights reserved. No commercial use of this pattern is allowed (which means you cannot sell the finished product).

Hip Chicks "Fashion Mirrors" Are Back!!

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi Cogdill) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 03:05:00 +0000

Inside the Hip Chicks Studio we’ve been super busy creating great new Fashion Mirrors for the gift giving season!

Last winter I introduced a limited edition holiday collection of Fashion Mirrors. I was so thrilled by the response last year that I decided to make them a regular part of Hip Chicks product line starting this month.

"2010 Fashion Mirrors"

I’ve been working on new sketches and so far the mirrors are turning out just as I envisioned. I have to say that this years mirrors are some of my favorite {wink, wink}…and I just know you’ll love them too. Each mirror is one of kind, as I add special charms, papers and attachments making each one an individual.

This year I've decided to go with themes...like Paris, cheerleading, tennis, beach, surfing, and so many more! Just wait to you see them all!! In the meantime….here is a sneak peak at one of the new designs.

I will be putting them on my Etsy shop every few days.

I'm also taking special orders this year, for those who want a mirror tailored to a specific someone. Also this year we’re offering personalization…adding names to the front of the mirrors.

Make sure to get yours early as they will sell fast and we will stop shipping after the first week of December. So if you have your eye on one please make sure to order quick.

(Copyright Information: This pattern, including text and images, is copyrighted to Heidi Cogdill, Hip Chicks Craft Too. No part of this pattern can be copied, shared, distributed or sold. All rights reserved. No commercial use of this pattern is allowed (which means you cannot sell the finished product).

Creating A Baseball Themed Room

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi Cogdill) — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 21:36:00 +0000

My son has a passion for two things...Sock Monkeys and Baseball.

He has a large collection of Sock Monkeys (but that is for another post)...and he's recently started playing baseball. When it came time to buy new bedding...he was torn on which direction to go.

We ended up finding a baseball/sport themed bedding set at Target, which he loved, so we decided to use baseball as the predominent theme. On one wall he wanted to hang his baseball posters (which he and his sister and drawn one late night) and the other he wanted to hang a shelf where he could display his Sock Monkeys.

We both loved the way it turned out.

(Copyright Information: This pattern, including text and images, is copyrighted to Heidi Cogdill, Hip Chicks Craft Too. No part of this pattern can be copied, shared, distributed or sold. All rights reserved. No commercial use of this pattern is allowed (which means you cannot sell the finished product).

Fall Yarn Wreath Tutorial

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi Cogdill) — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 00:04:00 +0000

I've seen these yarn wreaths on various blogs and even in a magazine recently...unfortunately I can't remember where they were. I made this wreath in September after I found this gorgeous fall colored yarn. I've had it hanging on my front door since...I love seeing it everytime I come home.

What you'll need:

Yarn
Wreath (you can get all different types and sizes at any craft store...I got mine at Michael's)
Hot glue gun
Silk flowers, plastic berries, etc (anything you'd like to add to the wreath)

Step 1~ Wrap the yarn tightly and very close together. This is something you can do while watching TV or talking with your hubby or kiddos. It's time consuming and if you let go the yarn can loosen. Best to do it in one sitting.

Step 2~ Once you've covered entire wreath...cut yarn so the end stops at the "back" of the wreath. Apply a generous drop of glue and press the end of the yarn into place.

Step 3~ Glue on your decorations. I chose to keep it super simple and add only a silk flower and leaves. But you are only limited by your imagination on this one...go for it and have fun!

Favorite DIY Post - Gussy Inspiration Workshop

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi Cogdill) — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 03:48:00 +0000

Hi Y'all~

I'm sharing my favorite DIY post from Hip Chicks over at Gussy Sews Inspiration Workshop. Jump on over and see all the super DIY projects.

100 Things I Love

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi Cogdill) — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 05:19:00 +0000

{Stacked rocks found while at Cannon Beach, OR}

Life has been all the way around difficult for so many recently. The anniversary of 9/11 is coming this weekend and we're all forced to remember where we were when. It's a memory that is forever embedded in my mind and probably yours. It makes us hold our loved ones close and pray the evil of this world will go away. The weather around the U.S. has left a lot to be desired. Hurricanes, earthquakes, wild fires...sheeesh!!! Scary!!

After so much I thought I'd take things to a lighter note and let y'all get to know a little more about moi. I found a list in my journal from years ago entitled "100 Things I Love"...I cried (shocker!!) while reading it. I thought the 100 things fit nicely with my 100 things theme this year so I thought I'd share.

Have you ever written a list of the things you love? No?? You should!!

It's seriously the coolest thing to come across years later. It's like a peek into your own soul. If you have written one or want to...I'd love to hear from you so you can share with the group. Come on...be a good sharer :)

100 Things I Love

1. The feel of a baby nestled in my arms

2. The sun...how the light makes everything brighter

3. The sound of the ocean

4. Pedicures

5. Massages

6. Tanning (yes, I know it's bad for me...)

7. Raspberries (could eat nothing but all day...every day)

8. Warm, soft bagels

9. Fresh donuts

10. The smell of movie popcorn

11. Drive-in movies

12. Swimming

13. Naps

14. Reading

15. Snuggling with my kiddos

16. Lazy weekends

17. A first kiss

18. Hugs

19. True Friendship

20. Good books

21. Tearjerker movie

22. Eating with chopsticks

23. The silence that comes after a heavy snow storm

24. Turning the radio really loud in the car

25. Dancing around the house with the kids

26. Bike riding on the beach

27. A good sweaty workout

28. When the house is quiet and I have time to write

29. A fire in the fireplace

30. Watching the snow fall

31. Listing to the rain

32. Big family gatherings

33. Beautiful art / photography

34. The sounds of kids laughter

35. The words "I love you"

36. Freshly washed sheets

37. New socks

38. The way it feels to put pen to paper

39. The smell of magazines

40. A warm, steamy shower

41. Freshly washed clothes

42. Chocolate!

43. Cold soda (with lots of ice)

44. The smell of coffee (only the smell...never drink the stuff...ever...I know weird right?)

45. New car smell

46. My husband right after a shower

47. The sound of my father playing guitar

48. Libraries

49. Bookstores, especially used bookstores.

50. Hugs from Ethan first thing in the morning

51. A good hamburger

52. Ballpark hot dogs (at an actual ballpark)

53. Really funny movies

54. Letters

55. Candles - the smell and light

56. Shoes!! Seriously who doesn't??!

57. Jewelry...silver and funky!

58. Painted nails...especially toes

59. A good chiropractic adjustment

60. A well fitted bra

61. Getting up before dawn to write while the house is quiet

62. The smell of cut grass

63. Sound of Dustin's voice

64. Baby animals

65. Hyacinthus (favorite flower)

66. Weeping willow trees

67. Waterfalls

68. Fog, the way it silences the world

69. Thunderstorms (not so much anymore...thunderstorms in SC are serious business)

70. Museums

71. Baked cookies

72. Champagne

73. The Dictionary

74. The sound of the ice cream truck approaching

75. Antique stores

76. Holding hands

77. Wiring conferences

78. Balloons

79. Walks on the beach!!

80. Baking / Cooking (wearing a pretty apron)

81. Helping others

82. Weddings

83. Learning

84. Documentaries...these are the best

85. Flying first class (only done this once...best flight EVER)

86. Tropical islands

87. New journals

88. The feel of a paint brush in my hand

89. Family photo albums

90. Touristy shops, trinkets

91. Old keys

92. Mountain cabins, nestled in snow

93. Deserted islands

94. History books, tours...anything history

95. Beach cottages with hardwood floors...and sand in the grooves (One day I'll live here!)

96. Eating breakfast at a restaurant

97. The sound of crickets

98. Sleeping under the stars

99. Fire flies

100. Campfires

(Copyright Information: This pattern, including text and images, is copyrighted to Heidi Cogdill, Hip Chicks Craft Too. No part of this pattern can be copied, shared, distributed or sold. All rights reserved. No commercial use of this pattern is allowed (which means you cannot sell the finished product).

Don't Reject Yourself For Not Being There Yet

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi Cogdill) — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 02:41:00 +0000

Your path truly begins whereever you're at. Turning 35 was harder then I thought it would be. I remember being a child and looking at my mother who was in her thirties and thinking "she's an adult...she must have her stuff figured out". Now I'm that mother in her mid-thirties and I realize my mother still doesn't have her stuff figured out :) I've had many goals over the years. Goals about family and career. And sadly I'm not where I thought I'd be at 35. Waking up on Saturday and coming face to face with the reality of that was a bit overwhelming. For the first time I wanted to rewind the clock. The do things differently. To appreciate myself and the time I had when I was in my twenties.

But then I read an article by Tama J. Kieves...who I have to say is my guardian angel. I'll get an email newsletter from her and it's as if she's reached deep into my soul and found the words I was struggling to form. In this post she said "Don't reject yourself for "not being there yet," wherever that great "there" is for you. You are on the path. The path begins whereever you are, when you emrace life with honesty, patience and compassion."

No truer words have been spoken.

Becareful of self-doubt. There are enough people in the world waiting for us to fail...don't fall into the trap and believe them. Believe in yourself...even if only a little bit. Start with that nugget and nurture it...protect it! Feed it! It only needs the smallest morsel of food to grow.

Everyday we wake up and are bombarded by the stresses of life. Our responsibilties to family and job can get in the way of true creative freedom if we let it. Be your own hero...block out a small chunk of time to feed and nurture your passions. And remember that whereever you are now is where you are meant to be. Life may not turn out the way we hope or plan, but if you stop and look at where you are and appreciate all that you do have, you'll see that goals are only a point in the distance we aim for...

This year I created a list of 100 things I'd like to accomplish in 2011. I wanted my goals to be more reachable. "Be published by 30" was a goal I had in my twenties...but this was huge! How does one accomplish a goal like that? By 29 years old I was in a panic.... How would I get published in a year if I hadn't started the process yet. I was tired of making these long term goals without having smaller, more reachable goals to help me get there. So I created a list and I've spent the last 8 months slowly checking them off. I've blogged about it on Holistic Momma, but I'm going to share my list with you here as well.

1.write 3 pages every day 2. ~~join a homeschool group~~ 3. ~~join a critique group~~ 4. ~~move to SC and live by the ocean~~ 5. ~~sell crafts on etsy~~ 6. paint 10 mixed media paintings 7. ~~take a pilates/yoga class~~ 8. run a marathon with Dustin 9. ~~write everyday~~ 10. workout 30 minutes 4 x's / week 11. stop eating sugar & ~~drinking soda~~ 12. finish book edits and query letter 13. submit essays to magazines 14. write endometriosis experience and submit to magazine 15. ~~get eyes checked and purchase new glasses/contacts~~ 16. ~~create school transcripts for kids~~ 17.order photo prints for 2007-current 18. ~~take an art class~~ 19. apply for writing grant 20. ~~(too personal to share)~~ 21.~~clean garage~~ 22. ~~have yard sale~~ 23. save $ (personal) by end of year 24. ~~make $(personal) each month~~ 25. ~~keep current on payroll taxes and reports~~ 26. dissolve corp 27. ~~save $(personal) to move to SC~~ 29. ~~make a new friend~~ 30.take writing class 31. ~~blog at least once per week~~ 32. ~~create or join endo support group~~ 33. ~~Prolo on thumb~~ 34. ~~wean myself off hormones~~ 35. ~~take more photos~~ 36. buy a new camera (a SLR) 37. write a 1,5, & 10 year writing business plan 38. ~~work with ethan on reading...have him able to read a full book on his own by Sept.~~ 39. ~~write thank you notes to family for help~~ 40. ~~research family history...pick a line and find out their story~~ 41. ~~research on how to become a geneologist~~ 42. "Throwdown" cook off with hubby 43. feel confident in a bathing suit 44. ~~finish pilates & cycling certification~~ 45. ~~see Ma before moving to SC~~ 46. ~~write Ma a letter or call once every month~~ 47. ~~rebuild credit score~~ 48. ~~take kids to Oregon historical sites (Lewis & Clark fort, etc) before moving~~ 49. write homeschool article 50.~~order new debit card~~ 51. read Kate Furnivall books 52. finish Paulina Simmons book 53.~~buy a purse I LOVE~~ 54.~~create an art journal~~ 55. ~~buy Aly gold chain for locket~~ 56. ~~get teeth whitened~~ 57. ~~say goodbye to unhealthy relationships~~ 58. ~~walk with friend 1 hour / week~~ 59. ~~learn to play a song on the guitar~~ 60. visit Dixie in Idaho 61. ride bikes on the beach 62. spend the weekend alone with Dustin 63. throw a girls night out weekend 64. no TV for one month 65. attend blog conference 66. attend writing conference 67. pitch novel to agent/editor 68. ~~declutter filing boxes~~ 69. ~~teach a class~~ 70. ~~find new accountant~~ 71. ~~file tax extension 72. take a ballroom dance class with Dustin 73. spend my 35th birthday on the beach in SC~~ 74. take a cooking class 75. ~~write "fan" letters to writers whose books touched my heart and life~~ 76. ~~meditate for 10 min every day~~ 77. ~~get to bed earlier so I can get my day started earlier~~ 78.~~help Ethan sleep better in his bed...commit to a bedtime routine~~ 79. ~~find classes/activities for kids to participate in~~ 80. write an endo support book 81. ~~take each kid on a special date, full of activities they would enjoy alone~~. 82. ~~tell my family I love them everyday~~ 83.~~give hubby at least one passionate kiss every day~~ 84. ~~declutter my house~~ 85. rewrite our will 86. ~~create a SC change jar fund~~. 87. ~~buy a large 1,000 piece puzzle to do with the kids~~ 88. perform 2 random acts of kindness 89. ~~buy a new book light~~ 90. help Aly find a place to volunteer 91. ~~reconnect with my spirituality 92. create a connection spirtually between our family~~ 93. make a cake from scratch 94. ~~grow my hair long 95. create a list of all special events and write cards for each~~ 96. read "the screenwriters bible" 97. ~~make piece with the fact I'll never have another baby 98. (too personal to share)~~ 99. sell atleast one of my paintings 100. ~~acknowledge the positives of each day instead of the negatives~~.

You should try it!! Make a list of 5 or 10 things you want to accomplish or do in a month. Small goals are building blocks to larger goals. You can't take a flight of stairs in one step!

(Copyright Information: This pattern, including text and images, is copyrighted to Heidi Cogdill, Hip Chicks Craft Too. No part of this pattern can be copied, shared, distributed or sold. All rights reserved. No commercial use of this pattern is allowed (which means you cannot sell the finished product).

Journaling Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi Cogdill) — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 04:18:00 +0000

Have y'all had a wonderful Labor Day Weekend??

We've had a nice weekend! My birthday was Saturday and the weather was gorgeous! When I take the weekend off from work I always have a HUGE list of things I want to do and accomplish. I wonder if this is just another excuse to create To Do lists.

One of my goals was to spend some time playing with my journal...

Hip Chicks Cook Too! Sock Monkey Cupcakes

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi Cogdill) — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 21:44:00 +0000

My son is a collector of all things sock monkey...from the dolls, to books, and night lights. Last night we decided to decorate cupcakes like sock monkeys.

What you'll need: cake mix, chocolate frosting, mini nilla wafers, oreos, decorating frosting

Step 1) Make your cupcakes. We chose to make chocolate cupcakes, but this is totally up to you. Set aside to cool completely.

Step 2) Frost the top of your cupcakes. Again we chose chocolate...however, you could mix chocolate and white frosting to make a lighter brown color.

Step 3) Apply a mini wafer to for the nose and attach oreos for the ears.

Step 4) Using decorative frosting apply the eyes and nose. Here you could also use licorice robe for the mouth and colored candies for the eyes. The options are limitless....just let your imagine run wild.

Best Things to Do with Jeans Filled with Holes // by Suzanne Townsend

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi Cogdill) — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 04:41:00 +0000

Hurricane Irene is bearing down on the East Coast and thankfully it looks like she'll hit to our North...so we're only expected to see tropical storm winds and rain. We have our emergency food and water, lots of batteries and stacks of DVD's for our weekend hiding out in our house. Since we'll be battening the hatches...crafty friend Susanne is sharing ways to recycle your holey jeans.

There is a circle of life when it comes to jeans: purchase, wear for a few years until the sight of the first hole, hang in your closet for two years trying to deny the existence of holes, and then eventually throw away or give away. Alas, even the most well constructed jeans eventually wear through. But what if there was a way to prolong the inevitable and extend the life of your favorite jeans? Consider me your jean genie for I am about to make your denim dreams come true.

Turn your jeans into shorts~
You might be thinking that any 3rd grade student with a pair of safety scissors could turn jeans into shorts, but hear me out. Cut off jeans have had negative connotations for years – visions of trailer parks and booty shorts may be dancing in your head as you read this, but there is a way to wear cut offs and still look respectable. Try cutting them right above your knee and roll them up once leaving the frayed edge visible for a casual surfer look, or cut them at your mid-thigh and roll twice for a more polished summer look.

Patch up your jeans~

Visit your local fabric store and buy a dynamic print to sew into your jeans. For a contemporary look, pick a simple black and white print or go for complete whimsy and use Winnie the Pooh or a tie-dye print. As long as you love the fabric you chose, you’ll wear your new original jeans with pride.

Turn your jeans into a purse~

Cut straight across your jeans where your hips would be and sew straight across the jagged edge. Voila, you have the makings of a cost free handbag. Sew straps by using strips cut from the legs of your jeans. Don’t be alarmed! – when you wear your jeans on your arm you may be self conscious about displaying the size of your bottom as an accessory, but you’ll get over that the moment you get your first compliment.

Make your own bell bottoms~

Okay, this doesn’t make the holes in your jeans go away, but it will make them 70’s chic. At the bottom of your jeans, cut a triangle on the outside of each pant leg with the base of the triangle at the hem of the jean. Use the cut out triangle and trace it on a piece of fabric with an extra 1” around the shape and sew the larger triangle into your jeans. The extra fabric will give them retro flare.

Wear your holey jeans!

A few years ago the trend was to wear distressed denim. Jeans had so many holes that they looked like strips of fabric connected by a zipper and a button. We now understand that less is more. One hole in the knee of your jeans can (and should) be pulled off with style. Six holes means you’re trying a little too hard. If your denim wear and tear has occurred naturally then wear those holes with pride.

With these ideas, and maybe a few of your own, you are well equipped to breathe new life into those jeans sitting idly in your closet. After all, they are your favorites for a reason! So, don’t abandon hope. Fight for your denim, holes and all.

Suzanne is a blogging Seattlile with an affinity for fashion and a healthy obsession with skinny jeans. She loves helping others find their personal style and believes that every day is an opportunity to shine.

Flash Mob...Artist Style

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi Cogdill) — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 20:49:00 +0000

We've all seen or heard about the newest craz...FLASH MOBS. They are super fun to watch and I've even wished a time or two to be a part of one. I remember the first one I ever saw. It was a YouTube video of a group dancing in a train station and I was in awe of such a mass group working together. It was both beautiful and inspirational. Who can forget the Flash Mob that danced to the Black Eye Peas during the Oprah show.

Maybe it's the image of so many working together. Take any of those moments and the people standing beside one another or walking through a train station barely noticing those around them. And just for a few minutes they are all working together in harmony. They are enjoying themselves and they are allowing all that are watching to be amazed and thrilled. It is an example of bringing humanity together. If you'll notice in the flash mobs that there are all ages dancing together. It's truly beautiful!

So when I read about an artist named Gary Smith who has been organizing his own "Artist Flash Mobs" it brought a smile to my face. He puts a call out that he'll be at a certain location and all artists are welcome. They setup and all work together in a new setting. He has a website called EscapeWithGary

I imagine this is what it would feel like to travel around Paris. Artists setup outdoors painting the scenery and the people.

In fact, I just read about a blogger (I can't remember the blog's name...I'll see if I can find it)...but she and a friend pulled out her vintage camera and went to the eiffle tower and offered to take people's pictures for a small fee. The whole idea was to have dinner with their earnings.

We need more art around us. I love art museums, but they are indoors in controlled environments. We need to see artists at work. We need to see dancers working together. We need to see that humanity is more then wars and bad economies.

I think I should start by own Artist Flash Mob...would you join me?

(Copyright Information: This pattern, including text and images, is copyrighted to Heidi Cogdill, Hip Chicks Craft Too. No part of this pattern can be copied, shared, distributed or sold. All rights reserved. No commercial use of this pattern is allowed (which means you cannot sell the finished product).

Make Your Own Facebook, Twitter, and Email Icons

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi Cogdill) — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 00:02:00 +0000

I've been working on layout changes here at Hip Chicks and while I was looking for different Facebook and Twitter icons I decided to try to make my own.

1) I drew squares to give me a reference point. Then I drew in my F and T.

2) I then rounded the corners and used an eraser to clean up my edges.

3) Once I had the look I wanted...I transferred over to a decorative piece of paper.

4) Using my "Karat Aquarell" watercolor crayons...I traced around the square and the letters, then with a paint brush dipped in water I following the lines then dragged my paint brush across my icon to blend the color.

5) Once the paint was dry I scanned my images into the computer. You could take a really good up close image as well if you don't have a scanner.

6) Using PhotoShop I cut my icons apart one at a time and saved them individually. Something like "facebook-icon-sm"

7) From there I opened my design feature on Blogger and added a gadget. I used "add a picture" then typed in my link.

They turned out just the way I wanted them to. Now I have my own artsy...one-of-a-kind icons.

Judy Moody and Stink Moody Dolls

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi Cogdill) — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 02:59:00 +0000

Have your children discovered the adventures of Judy and Stink Moody yet? Have they read all the books? Have they seen the new movie? Have they spent hours playing in character mimicking the style and adventures of the Moody siblings?

Well...mine have!

My daughter fell in love with these books a few years ago and my son soon found the Stink series.

I decided to make a Judy and Stink doll for my kiddos while they were away visiting their grandparents.

I drew out a pattern and began to put the dolls together. I had a basic plan and if I must say...they turned out super cute!!

After drawing the pattern out I sewed the arms, legs, body and head together...then stuffed with polyfil

Using fabric markers I drew a face and then sewed on black buttons for eyes.

The hair was sewed down the center of the head and then again above the ear area to hold the yarn down.

Using baby clothes I dressed Stink and Judy

And the siblings were done and waiting for the kiddos to get home!

Here they are dancing with their new friends.

E-Course

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi Cogdill) — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 02:20:00 +0000

I'm super excited to be participating in Kelly Rae Robert's E-Course starting this Sunday. If y'all haven't had a chance to take her course now is the time to sign up!!

Painting Again...Finally!!

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi Cogdill) — Sat, 28 May 2011 01:42:00 +0000

We have finally settled in to our new home in Charleston, SC. The weather has been very sunny and for the first time in a long time...I am warm. Work has been so crazy and I've been burning the candle at both ends...so today after hitting a wall I finally pulled out my paints. I needed to clear my head and reconnect with my soul and this was a great beginning. I setup my art supplies on our screen porch and I enjoyed the warmth and the breeze that blew through the leaves just outside our screen.

(Art table on screened porch)

(View from art table)

"This too is part of my story"

First painting since December...felt so good to have a brush in my hand again.

I'm working on a series of paintings about women with endometriosis. I want them to represent the journey each woman goes through to heal and to find her voice...and her strength.

I Miss You...

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi Cogdill) — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 07:26:00 +0000

Hi my blog friends!!

It's been a while and I'm so sorry for that. :(

I wanted you to know that I haven't forgotten you, I've just been healing. I have written in depth about my surgeries and how I'm dealing with endometriosis and how its changed my life over on my Holistic Momma blog, but I chose not to go into details here because this was intended as a creative space and one that was about exchanging ideas and inspiration. So my silence has only been due to the time I've had to give myself to heal.

I'm a homeschool momma who works at home and also helps my husband run two businesses. I have a lot on my plate and crafts and art have not been my priority as of late. However, I miss it terribly and I'm working on adding it back to my life. It's a big part of my soul and it soothes me. So I've given myself a goal of updating at least once a week so I hope you continue to stop by and visit with me.

I want you all to know how much I appreciate you and to all those who are new here...welcome and please have a look around and enjoy some of the super fun crafts I've shared. Thanks everyone for the continued support for Hip Chicks Craft Too!!

Hugs~

(Copyright Information: This pattern, including text and images, is copyrighted to Heidi Cogdill, Hip Chicks Craft Too. No part of this pattern can be copied, shared, distributed or sold. All rights reserved. No commercial use of this pattern is allowed (which means you cannot sell the finished product).

Looking for Guest Bloggers

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi Cogdill) — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 09:01:00 +0000

I'm looking for crafters who want to share their talents with my readers. Whether it be a tutorial or inspirational story...please submit your post for potential publication here on Hip Chicks!!

Contact me here with questions or suggestions.

(Copyright Information: This pattern, including text and images, is copyrighted to Heidi Cogdill, Hip Chicks Craft Too. No part of this pattern can be copied, shared, distributed or sold. All rights reserved. No commercial use of this pattern is allowed (which means you cannot sell the finished product).

Holly Releigh Show

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi Cogdill) — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 06:18:00 +0000

Finally I'm getting around to downloading the photos from my camera of the Holly Releigh Show.

My booth!

My hope is to get the product that didn't sell listed on Etsy soon. I'll keep you posted!!

(Copyright Information: This pattern, including text and images, is copyrighted to Heidi Cogdill, Hip Chicks Craft Too. No part of this pattern can be copied, shared, distributed or sold. All rights reserved. No commercial use of this pattern is allowed (which means you cannot sell the finished product).