Spec-ta-cles

MOVING DAY

2012-06-08T23:51:00.001-05:00

It's all about the URL and the need for a fresh start. Keep up with all of the creative ventures over at heypaulstudios.blogspot.

New look, new series, no reason not to change your bookmark!

Current Stitch Project

2012-06-06T17:22:00.001-05:00

This week's current stitch project is begging me to complete it. This one is much more daunting than my normal monotone work. This is sure to be my favorite large scale kidney yet.

Here is what the finished product should eventually resemble!

May Before and After Gallery

2012-05-27T20:49:00.005-05:00

La di dah! We are about 98% complete on our backyard. I'm sure Adam may estimate it at more of 50% completion. This has been years and long evenings of backbreaking work in the making. The backyard is functional and I have enjoyed filling it with family members over the Memorial weekend. Off to light a fire!

Our Patio bench was inspired by this

Pinterest Pin.

More pics to come soon!

Cleaning Product Organizer

2012-05-22T20:02:00.000-05:00

For my weekly organizational project, I tackled the cleaning supply cupboard. This over the door shoe organizer fits well on the inside of the linen closet door. Most of my cleaning products fit well in the shoe pockets, allowing extra space under the sink for the bulkier supplies. There is no digging because you can see the labels of the products clearly through the plastic.

Check back next week for the next organizing solution!

Current Stitch Project

2012-05-22T17:46:00.001-05:00

This week's current stitch is in the very early phase. I'm working on an enlarged scale version of the human lungs that are currently for sale in my Etsy shop. Once completed, this piece will be stretched and permanently displayed in a 17"x14" frame. I'll keep you up to date on the progress!

Etsy Listing

Sharing 30

2012-05-22T15:09:00.000-05:00

Another wonderful birthday month. I'm happy to start sharing our 30's together!

Vintage Typewriter Fabric

2012-05-22T15:03:00.001-05:00

I've always had a thing for vintage typewriters. I stumbled upon this fabric at Bon Bon Atelier in Kansas City. The very next weekend I was given my very own vintage typewriter as a gift! I feel an embroidery pattern inspiration coming on...stay tuned!

Photo A Day May

2012-05-06T12:00:00.000-05:00

This is my first Photo A Day challenge and I'm so excited! I wake up, excited to seek out the daily photo opportunity.

If you haven't already joined the fun on Instagram, join at #photoadaymay.

Mobile Vintage Boutique

2012-05-05T16:52:00.000-05:00

We ventured out to Westport today to check out Mo Vi, the Vintage Mobile Boutique. One look at the vintage airstream trailer and I was hooked. You can bet that I bought the blue dress pictured below!

Check out Mo Vi in Kansas City on Westport Rd every Saturday

and at 19th and Central for First Fridays! More details on the Mo Vi Facebook Page.

Rebranding

2012-05-04T01:03:00.001-05:00

Breaking the news....things are really picking up around the studio, the blog, and the Etsy shop. It's time to make the change that I've been contemplating for the past year.

Spec-ta-cles will soon be no more. Anticipate the announcement of the new shop name, logo, and branding soon!

AIDS Walk Kansas City 2012

2012-04-29T18:11:00.002-05:00

This was the most successful year ever by Team KC Free! At last count, our team raised $11,581.80. Our initial goal was $3,000.00. I'm still accepting donations on my fundraising page until May 30th.

Your 2012 Team Captains!

Team KC Free

Gold Rush

2012-04-29T17:04:00.000-05:00

Good-bye silver, hello gold. It's taken me awhile to become gold friendly but now I can't get enough. Check out this "Gold Rush" treasury list that I created on Etsy.

View the rest of the collection on Etsy!

House Tour

2012-04-29T16:51:00.001-05:00

Be sure to check out the new updates to my House Tour page. I'll be posting more albums as we make progress on this old house!

April Before and After Gallery

2012-04-29T13:36:00.000-05:00

For the April Before and After Gallery, I'm pulling out a before and after from the archives. This is the 2nd floor bathroom a/k/a my bathroom. I chose this as the first room to redecorate because I felt like it had the most potential. While I don't remember the final cost of the project, it was relatively inexpensive. The most difficult task was scraping the wallpaper border and painting the window sills. The shower curtain was handmade from fabric that I picked up on sale at the local fabric store.

Slide Show

Game 3 Rocky Horror Derby Show

2012-04-22T22:13:00.002-05:00

Jamming Debut! A harsh loss but I've never been more ready for the next game!

Photo Credit: Brandi Beyer Wilson

So proud to have my niece Baila on the rink with me during half-time!

Photo Credit: KC Derby Digest

DIY Vintage Photo Booth

2012-04-21T18:27:00.000-05:00

Prior to moving to Kansas City, I served on the board of directors for Tiny-K Early Intervention in Lawrence, KS. This year's annual "Chair-ity Event" for Tiny-K called for the submission of a chair, stuffed as a gift basket. The concept for my chair was a DIY vintage photo booth.

The old chair and a picture frame got a quick coat of spray paint for a shabby chic look. I ironed Stitch Witchery onto a vintage table cloth and ran a curtain rod through it for the backdrop. Throw in a funky old camera, a bow tie, several scarves, a pair of silk gloves and a vintage hat, and you've got plenty of props to shooting!

To learn more about Tiny-K Early Intervention, click here.

Roller Derby Embroidery is Here!

2012-04-21T00:34:00.005-05:00

Available Now on Etsy!

The Letter Project

2012-04-13T19:18:00.000-05:00

On my drive home from work I had an impulse to take the first exit and explore around in the Crossroads. I wondered into a tiny little shop, Spool Boutique. I was drawn in by the handwritten letters dangling from the ceiling, just above head level.

The letters were a part of tonight's opening of "The Letter Project." Check it out if you are in the Kansas City Arts District or go to the TLP website.

Only a few weeks ago, I was remembering the handwritten letters that I exchanged with my Great Grandmother Hinson while I was in college and how much that tangible connection to her meant, even if she was far away. Although she is gone now, I will always treasure those letters.

"The main purpose of The Letter Project is speak on the ability that writing letters has to connect two physical spaces, no matter the distance between them. "

-Clair Rock

I was so moved by the project that I picked up one of the five handmade Letter Project albums. Only 4 more remaining!

Rocky Horror Derby Show

2012-04-12T07:50:00.000-05:00

It's a jump to he left! The Rocky Horror Derby Show is this Sunday! Live performance of Time Warp during half time. Cheer for the Pains!

Road Trip

2012-04-07T13:17:00.002-05:00

Road trips are for letting the wind blow through your ears!

First Fridays Kansas City

2012-04-06T08:30:00.003-05:00

Today is the day! If you are venturing out in the Crossroads of Kansas City for First Fridays, please stop by to see my Stitchography at Honeytree Gallery. Be sure to check out gallery owner Kate E. Burke's new showroom. Happy Friday!

504 E 18th St, Unit 102, Kansas City, MO

April 6, 2012

6pm-9pm

2012-04-05T07:45:00.000-05:00

Hard work to earn the right to wear these!

Royal Pains Family

2012-04-05T01:33:00.000-05:00

80's themed sleepover and family day at the park. It was a great weekend for team building!

Game 1 Highlights

2012-04-05T01:27:00.000-05:00

THIS IS DEAD GIRL DERBY!

March Before and After Gallery

2012-03-23T21:51:00.002-05:00

Boring spare room on the first floor...

Turns Energizing and bright!