alamodestuff

Hump Day Humor - What Stormtroopers do on their day off

noreply@blogger.com (alamodestuff) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:28:00 +0000

These are hilarious! By the end, you see what great friends these Stormtroopers are, LOL!!

365 days of Stormtrooper fun by Stéfan. View larger here.

I'm intrigued. UK friends, have you or your friends seen this?

noreply@blogger.com (alamodestuff) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 20:34:00 +0000

To mark the launch of the new Arts Council website, acclaimed visual artists Thomson & Craighead have created a bespoke new digital art commission.

Learn something every day

noreply@blogger.com (alamodestuff) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:17:00 +0000

I did not know this!!

This is a great site: Learn Something Every Day.

This modern home makes my heart flutter

noreply@blogger.com (alamodestuff) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:07:00 +0000

I just came across this wonderful home in Sebastopol, California, by architects Turnbull Griffin Haesloop. As I looked through the photos, a few of which I've re-posted here, my heart literally raced with excitement. I would love to live in a space that caused that kind of energy. It's the functional open space and natural lighting that really appeals to me. I also love how it blends into the surrounding landscape so beautifully. Surprisingly, the main house is only 1,700 square feet. It appears much larger. If the space is functional and open, who needs anything bigger?!

For more pictures and descriptions, visit Contemporist.com here.

Photo of the week - colorful crayons

noreply@blogger.com (alamodestuff) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 16:26:00 +0000

Remembering a sunny day on my deck this summer...

I've been seeing red for 2 weeks!

noreply@blogger.com (alamodestuff) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:23:00 +0000

Since I hate to re-thread my sewing machine, I tend to work according to the color in the machine. For about a week and a half now, I've been sewing all things red.

Notice all the threads hanging off the items. Another work quirk is trimming loose ends. Sometimes I'll trim as it comes off the machine and other times I'll wait and do them all in one sitting. Oh, the minutiae of it all!

I'm now going into a grommet phase. I hate to only grommet one thing at a time so I've waited to accumulate about 10 or more items. Today, I'm off to the basement to hammer away.

Please tell me you have some little working quirks, too. I'd hate to think I'm alone.

Be a socially conscious consumer and support independent designers @Moxsie .com

noreply@blogger.com (alamodestuff) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:20:00 +0000

Shopping online has become easier over the years. Now we can buy anything from anywhere at anytime. We can also make socially conscious decisions about what we buy and from whom. But beware of savvy marketing. Being "green" is the thing these days and many companies put more effort into clever marketing than true sustainability.

[As a socially conscious independent designer and business owner, being truly "green" is on the forefront of all my decisions. I work hard to find materials that would otherwise be discarded. My seat belts and upholstery are all overruns or remnants. My seat belts come directly from a local manufacturer, not a third party buyer. I even save my own remnants and find new ways to use them. My new wallets, checkbook covers, and business card holders are a prime example. They utilize all my smaller scraps. From there, anything left over is donated to a child who is learning to sew or an artist who uses tiny scraps in his work.]

Having so many choices means that we need to be vigilant in our efforts to buy responsibly. Recently, I came across a San Francisco company called Moxsie which not only promotes independent designers, but also "donates a portion of all sales to the charity of each shopper's choice."

Moxsie was created by Catalina Girald when she realized there was a need to not only support talented, independent designers but bring them to the attention of socially conscious consumers. "These brands do not exist for volume, they exist for passion and causes."

"Moxsie's mission is twofold: to provide world class service to our consumers and to find and support talented designers from around the globe. We look for artists with a purpose and sustainable or cause driven designers. We guarantee quality of construction and originality of design and we don't sell fur or products made from endangered or threatened animals."

Moxsie has launched a new Eco Shop focusing on organic, socially conscious and reclaimed material clothing, shoes, and accessories. So now, I can buy an Eco-friendly outfit, support an independent designer, AND give to a great cause...all in one push of the "buy now" button. Now that is what I call a fantastic circle of socially conscious consumer life...and, well, great karma.

Here are some of my favorites from their site (click photo for more info):

And here's more...Moxsie offers free shipping and returns within the US, Alaska, and Hawaii. They've also offered my readers a discount of 15% off any purchase through the end of the year. Simply use this code, Eco15, upon check out! They are planning some fun giveaways around the holiday, so check their site and blog often.

Hump Day Humor - When reason fails, stick a sign to it

noreply@blogger.com (alamodestuff) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:30:00 +0000

As mentioned in a post last week, on Halloween I enjoy decorating our house. This year, I put one of my dress forms in an upstairs window decorated as a headless bride. The window happens to be outside E's bedroom door. More than once, I heard him say that the mannequin scared him.

When I finally had the time to put her away, this is what I found:

You can see more of our Halloween decor and fun here on flickr.

Rings! - post by Crafted by Lindy

info@craftedbylindy.com (craftedbylindy) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:00:00 +0000

Top to bottom, left to right.....

1. Sterling Silver Ring with an Oregon Pine Tree - ashhilton

2. world landmarks acrylic ring set (black) - plastique

3. On the Wire Ring - Choose Your Size - dillondesigns

4. pierced sterling silver ring - galita

5. DJ Ring - Fordos

6. Rain Drop Mokume and Silver Dome Ring - JesseDanger

[Lindy lives in Alberta, Canada, with her husband and son. Besides blogging, she enjoys running her stationary business and creating new designs for her Etsy shop. You can read her blog here.]

November? How did it get here so quickly?!

noreply@blogger.com (alamodestuff) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:45:00 +0000

I'm scrambling. I'm beginning to feel a panic in the pit of my stomach. I have two big holiday shows coming up and not enough merchandise (in my mind, there is never enough merchandise). Breath...breath...

On a personal note, Today, I'm tending to a boy who has poison ivy spreading from his face to various other parts of his body. Oh, the joys of momdom!!

My posts may slow down a bit from 7 days a week to 4 or 5. They may become erratic with multiple posts popping up in any given day. Essentially, it will be a reflection of me trying to get through my day the best way I know how...one moment and one task at a time.

Besides making a heck of a lot of bags, pillows, jewelry, and switch plates in the coming weeks, I do hope to have at least one more giveaway before the holidays. And, I have a website review that I am working on that includes a special discount for you. Stay tuned!

This week, my newsletter is scheduled to go out. If you haven't signed up for it, please do (sign up is on left hand sidebar). I am offering a discount during the month of November that is exclusive to my mailing list.

If you are local or planning to visit the area in December, SAVE THESE DATES:

The Foundry Artists Holiday Show
Opening Reception
Thursday, December 3rd, 5-9pm

Show and Sale
Friday, December 4th, 12-8pm
Saturday, December 5th, 10-8pm
Sunday, December 6th, 10-6pm
Friday, December 11th, 12-8pm
Saturday, December 12th, 10-8pm
Sunday, December 13th, 10-6pm

Craftland Show

December 4 - 31

Open 7 days a week from 10am to 6pm
(later nights are Thursdays and Saturdays, 10am to 8pm)

Opening Party - December 4 from 5-9pm

Meet the Artists - December 17 from 5-8pm

Photo of the Week: Autumn bokeh

noreply@blogger.com (alamodestuff) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 14:01:00 +0000

Autumn bokeh
Originally uploaded by ~ielle~ ilarialuciani.com

Happy Halloween!

noreply@blogger.com (alamodestuff) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 12:45:00 +0000

Mortimer waving to the neighbors
Sigh...since the boys have moved beyond homemade costumes now, I thought that I share a few favorites from the past.
2006 - E as mummy and M (sneaking up behind) as Ninja. E's costume was simply muslin tacked on to grey sweatpants and jacket. To this day, there are still little knots of thread on that jacket.2007 - E as an M & M. This is one of my favorites! I used puffy paint for the face and felt for the body. His only complaint was that people kept trying to take a bite out of him.

2007 - M as a crusader from Monty Python (the killer rabbit scene - notice it on his neck). People either recognized this costume right away or didn't get it all.

2008 - M as Angus Young from AC/DC.

Munkii Vintage Bookshelf

noreply@blogger.com (alamodestuff) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:17:00 +0000

This is a fantastic line of bookshelves designed by Jaren Goh for a furniture company in Singapore, Munkii. These bookshelves combine baroque and contemporary styling, perfectly melding the two into a piece that is functional, whimsical, and relevant to our time. I love them! For more pictures, visit Design Milk or the Munkii website. [originally seen on Design Milk]

H1N1 hits close to home

noreply@blogger.com (alamodestuff) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:21:00 +0000

I look to my husband to quell any sort of medical hysteria that surfaces in the media: cell phones causing brain tumors, to vaccinate or not to, etc. I don't usually get too worked up about these things.

Last night, we learned that a 7th grader from a nearby town died earlier this week. The exact cause of death is yet to be determined, but she did have H1N1. More tests are being taken. My heart broke for this family. I immediately thought of my own 12 year old, 7th grader.

Yesterday afternoon, I was surprised to read in the New York Times that a large percentage of the parents in NYC had not given consent for the vaccine. This morning, I realized why this may be the case. I was looking through the 6 or 7 notes/announcements that E brought home (the usual pile of paperwork from school) and found one about his school's upcoming H1N1 clinic. The paper was filled with small type that I quickly scanned. As I was looking for the date of the clinic (this Monday) I quickly noticed that a consent form needed to be turned in TODAY for an official count. The consent form could be DOWNLOADED from the internet or picked up from the school. ARGH! I called the school and was told I could turn it in by the end of TODAY. I went on line and dug through several links to find the form which I will fill out and submit by the end of school. Rhode Islanders, here is a link to the form.

HELLO! We just got this notice last night. What about the other families who missed reading the fine print and are at work today with no way of knowing that the deadline for signing up is TODAY. What about the families that don't have access to the internet? There are many. No wonder the numbers are low in NYC and probably every where else.

I don't blame anyone. This is all happening so quickly, that information may fall through the cracks. If you plan to vaccinate your kids, please be vigilant in your pursuit to find out about the clinics and necessary forms in your area. Whether you vaccinate you children or not is none of my business. The debate is heated. But for me, everything we do in life is a gamble. Each day we are faced with making choices outweighing risks. I hope that none of us regret the choices we make.

Hump Day Humor - Halloween fun in our home

noreply@blogger.com (alamodestuff) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 20:31:00 +0000

I love Halloween! I've always had a thing about dressing up like someone or something other than myself and parading around town [something I also did on a normal basis in the mid '80s]. I totally get into the festivities.

In year's past, I used to set up a parlor in my driveway. I'd lay out an old rug, settee, table with lamp, eerie sound effects playing in the background, etc. I'd also serve spiced apple cider. Over the years, we've accumulated a lot of decorations including a crystal ball with a floating head, fog machine, and grave stones. One year, I even made a mini haunted room in our garage for the kids to explore. Needless to say, this all took a lot of time so I've stopped doing as much any more. However, I do still like to bring out some props and dress up a bit.

Here is a fun DIY project for the whole family - Bowl of Brains. This is such an easy prop to make. [I did notice today that cauliflower isn't cheap at $4/head.]

Here's what you need:
cauliflower
toothpicks
large glass bowl
red food coloring (gel works best)

Clean the green off the cauliflower and place it in the bowl. With a tooth pick, wipe some food coloring on the cauliflower. The gel appears like blood clots. Add water and more food coloring to your liking. That is it! The glass magnifies the cauliflower and makes it look brainy. You can add gummy eyeballs or worms for extra grossness. Isn't it simply disgusting?! The kids love it!

This is our family friend, Mortimer...

Mortimer is an academic skeleton that was purchased for my husband's birthday when he started residency (6 long years ago). He typically lives in my studio/office closet because he frightens the children who come over to play. [Mort used to stand by the door of the office until I heard the blood curdling scream of a 6 year old one day. We were so used to his presence that we forgot to close the door when my son had a play date. This will be mentioned in at least one future therapy session, I'm sure.]

Mortimer sits in our window during October. He comes out on to our front porch to wed his headless bride (one of my dress forms all dolled up) on Halloween night. Top hat and all, Mort is a classy guy. I'll try to take a photo this year so I can share this blissful wedding occasion with you.

As the boys get older, our decor seems to get a bit more gross. This year, E decided to take sticky body parts he found at the dollar store and place them into one of many skulls we have around the house. Yes, we have many skulls of varying sizes in our home. I never thought I'd get used to so many skeletal pieces surrounding me, but somehow over the years I've become jaded to them. I assure you none are real, although I do believe you can buy them on Ebay.

Next, there is witch Hazel. She is a Martha Stewart silhouette I bought at Michaels one year. I use a tension curtain rod to hold up her "fiery" cauldron which makes Hazel glow in the window at night.

I'm keeping my "costume" subtle this year. I'm just wearing my horns, striped socks and my spider ring - not a huge departure to my usual wardrobe.

Are you dressing up this year? Do you decorate your house? I'd love to see what you do!

Lending money through Kiva.org

noreply@blogger.com (alamodestuff) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 13:14:00 +0000

This morning I did something I've wanted to do for a very long time. I started an account with Kiva.org and loaned money to an entrepreneur in Ghana.

What is Kiva?

"Kiva is the world's first person-to-person micro-lending website, empowering individuals to lend to unique entrepreneurs around the globe." [source]

100% of the lender's money goes directly to the individual or group of their choice. The lender is paid back, according to the particular loan agreement, and can then withdraw the funds, donate to Kiva (for operating expenses), or re-lend it to another person. Kiva works closely with other microfinance institutions around the globe to bring these partnerships together. The organization has set up systems of accountability to make the transactions as transparent as possible. You can learn more about how it works here.

My loan went to Alima. She is 45 years old, married and the mother of four children. All of her children are in school. She lives with her husband, who is a farmer, and their children in a small community in the Brong Ahafo region of Ghana. She is a food vendor. She has sold kenkey with fried fish for four years. Kenkey is prepared from milled maize grains, cooked and taken with hot pepper and fried fish. She has many customers since many Ghanaians enjoy kenkey as breakfast, lunch and supper. She wants to use the loan to buy more raw materials like bags of maize, meat, fish, vegetables and firewood. She hopes to increase her savings to support her children's education. She would be grateful for your support.

I chose Alima for a number of reasons:

1) Her loan was 96% achieved and with my loan it would be complete.

2) She is a working mother with an entrepreneurial spirit (like someone else I know).

3) My husband has a connection to Ghana. When he was 6 years old, he lived there with his family for several years. His parents moved there as volunteers to teach people how to start and sustain small businesses.

I wish I could loan so much more money to many organizations. While we do donate money, time, materials, etc., it is hard to justify giving money with borrowed money (medical school loans linger on the horizon). I am fortunate enough with my business, to be able to make small steps in helping others. I believe that is all it requires, small steps and a genuine heart.

Note to self...shipping over 4 lbs to Germany

noreply@blogger.com (alamodestuff) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 20:26:00 +0000

When shipping the new large seat belt messenger bag to Germany, charge $40.00 for priority international shipping. It is too heavy to ship first class (4+ pounds). I knew I was going to loose $$ on this sale. I just hope the recipient, who is getting it as a gift from my customer, loves it!!

Live and learn, right?!

Water your plants in style with these modern watering cans

noreply@blogger.com (alamodestuff) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:41:00 +0000

I recently came across this great modern rain barrel that incorporates a watering can and a tap. It was designed by a very talented Bas van der Veer in The Netherlands and, in my opinion, is divine. Besides its sleek style, I love that it is multifunctional and eco-friendly.

This discovery got me thinking about watering cans. I have an inexpensive can that drives me batty. It is too small, and forces me to go between my plant(s) and my sink so many times that I've opted to use a huge glass vase instead. So, I thought I'd search for a modern can to replace it. Here are a few that I really liked:

1.2.

5.6.

1. Stainless Steel Can - $91.14

2. Jerszy Seymour: Pipe Dream Modern Watering Can Magis, Italy - $98.00

3. Kiwi Watering Can by Alessi - $49.00

4. Ikea -$1.99

5. Twist and Spout - $6.99

My favorite, and one I'll likely purchase is the Twist and Spout. How ingenious to make a handle/spigot to be used on plastic soda bottles. Why didn't I think of that?! And why am I not surprised that it was designed by my buddies over at Fred and Friends!

Photo of the week: Pansy Warp 4

noreply@blogger.com (alamodestuff) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 11:29:00 +0000

Pansy Warp 4
Originally uploaded by philwirks

New this week @ alamode...bags, bags, and more bags

noreply@blogger.com (alamodestuff) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 12:39:00 +0000

I'm officially working in high gear catching up on many orders and preparing for the holiday shows. Here are a few bags that were completed this week: The seat belt clutch with chrome handle, $58.00, is currently only available at Craftland, in Providence. I am making a variety of bags from this blue webbing, but they are limited edition. Additional colors include: red, grey, and black

The Ultraweave Tote Bag, $80.00, was first introduced last fall. The bag is made with Ultrasuede and a durable seat belt bottom. For those who like the look of seat belts but want a lighter bag option, this bag is great. It will be available in a variety of colors and also in a messenger bag style.

I never thought I'd be so excited about recieving a huge box of hardware and bag supplies, but yesterday I was. My order came in and I can't wait to start using the new D rings and sliders. Stay tuned...

This weekend, I'll be making several custom seat belt messenger bags (they'll be added to my custom work on Flickr). On a personal note, C is working all weekend and we have football games, art classes, and guitar lessons. Do you ever feel like you're a hamster on a treadmill? Or George Jetson walking Astro? "Jane, get me off this crazy thing!"

[source: TV by the Numbers]

Handmade finds by Crafted by Lindy: Bump in the Night

info@craftedbylindy.com (craftedbylindy) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:15:00 +0000

1. Blue Horror Lamp Shade - Spooky Shades

2. Darwin Stuffed Guinea Pig Plushie - Zygopsyche

3. Spiderweb Pressed Halloween Party Invitation - Letterpress Light

4. Happy Halloween White Tree - A Punkin Card Company

Living Handmade - Art found across the pond

noreply@blogger.com (alamodestuff) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:51:00 +0000

Today in Living Handmade, I'm peering across the pond into Jennifer Sneddon's home to catch a glimpse of how she's incorporated her handmade purchases into her life. She lives in the UK and has two Etsy shops Sneddoniart and Sneddonia.

Jennifer recently posted these pictures the the Living Handmade Flickr group. Thank for sharing, Jennifer!

Bookshelves don't have to be just for books. I really like how she added a few small items mixed in with her books collection. It adds an interesting depth to her display. The ACEO (art cards, editions and originals usually 2.5") is by Black Lily Pie's Tara Forin in Canada. Framed ACEOs are wonderfully affordable and can give little nooks and crannies a big boost of style.

She found different pieces of art from 3 separate artists and made them one cohesive focal point for her wall. Lovely! The art is by Quite Contrary, Champignons, and Linda Boucher all artists in the UK. This is a great way to make a big statement with multiple pieces of art. Simply find that one common theme or element whether it be color, style, subject matter, or even using the same frames.

If you have handmade purchases artfully displayed or used in your home please share them with us. If you are on Flickr, join or add them to the Living Handmade group. If you are not on Flickr, email them to me directly at info@alamodestuff.com. I'd love to feature them and give you a little shout-out.

Hump Day Humor - 8 yr. old develops a new line of air fresheners

noreply@blogger.com (alamodestuff) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:55:00 +0000

don't do it again
photo by Valeriẻ

My boys have picked up on some of my marketing and selling habits. I'm impressed and sometimes a bit disturbed by their ideas. E has been known to sell rocks at the end of our driveway. The fact is that with the right marketing and product display, he actually makes sales. He has also made piles of "books" (each personally signed) from scrap paper and sells them to his grandpa just like an online publishing company.

The other day, while C was making dinner, E came up with a line of "real life" air fresheners that he thinks everyone needs. He doesn't know that some of them have already been developed but the others, as gross as they sound, are actually brilliant. If you think about it, we use air fresheners to distract our senses from an existing odor. Who says the distraction has to be palatable? Wouldn't a good jolt of stinky socks solve the broiled fish smell from last night's dinner?

Warning, the following may be gross and socially unacceptable. Read at your own risk!

This is his list, in his words, of "Air Fresheners we Really Need:"

1. Basil (done, but I love that he likes the fresh scent of this herb)
2. Poop (what can I say about this one?)
3. Cookies, the tossed kind (wow, nothing would distract me more!)
4. Real cookies (Whew!)
5. Brownies
6. Bread
7. Coffee (the kid has a great nose!)
8. Trash
9. Nana's refrigerator, the smell of rotten milk and stinky cheese (sorry, Nana)
10. Pasta sauce
11. Karate studio, the smell of mold and sweaty feet (sorry, Rocky)

I'd encourage him to change the name of this line to "Air Distractors We Really Need." There isn't anything fresh about most of these.

Additions Style Feature - Artist to Know...me!

noreply@blogger.com (alamodestuff) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:12:00 +0000

Valerie at Additions Style featured me in her blog yesterday as the Artist to know. I'm so flattered. You can see the featured post here.

I've been a fan of Valerie's work myself. She uses hardware, one of my favorite materials, in her jewelry. She is also from my old haunt, Chicago! Chicago friends, look her up! You'll love her work!

You can visit Valerie's Etsy shop, Additions Style, here. Click on the pics below to see each item.

Thanks, Valerie!!

Mad Housewife t-shirt giveaway - The dishes can wait, dinner be damned!

noreply@blogger.com (alamodestuff) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:24:00 +0000

- GIVEAWAY CLOSED -
a winner has been chosen and notified

I recently partnered with a great micro-winery, Mad Housewife Wine. They are a label out of Seattle that combines great affordable wine with fun marketing (two of my favorite vices). I designed several exclusive switch plates for them, for a recent giveaway, using some of their popular by-lines (wine charms are in the making).
Mad Housewife Wine can be found in most states and parts of Canada. Currently, it is not available in RI but I understand you can request it at your local wine shop and liquor store. Girlfriends, it is the perfect wine to take to your next book club or girls night out!!

I will be giving away 2 Mad Housewife t-shirts this week through my blog and 1 additional t-shirt via Twitter. Warning: these t-shirts get attention!

click photo for closer view

Entry details:

Visit the Mad Housewife website or blog and come back here and leave me a comment about what made you smile. Familiar with the wine, let me know! Make sure your comment includes contact information.

3 Additional entries when you:

1) Tweet about this giveaway. Be sure to include @alamodestuff in your tweet so I can keep track.

2) Blog about this giveaway with a link to the post

3) Follow this blog (if you already follow, let me know. That counts, too.)

Please let me know if you done any of these to ensure you get your extra entries.

Two (2) winners will be randomly chosen (through Random.org).
Contest ends Friday, October 23 at midnight EST.
Winner will be notified by Monday, October 26.