Nicole Chang Makes Things

2010-06-30T11:56:00.000-07:00

This year my sister became an American.

The image is drawn but the text is embroidered.

2009-06-09T00:48:00.000-07:00

I lost a couple rolls of film worth of pictures and I am infinitely worried. I sewed all Sunday long and managed to sew up my new favorite dress. On Friday, I made my new summer purse. Then on Saturday, I got my first sun burn of the summer. Tonight I'll watercolor. Pictures post tomorrow!

Hello there.

2009-06-04T02:17:00.000-07:00

Long time no see, blog but I am back. Past three months have been kind of hectic with dreading school and hating work and being an emotional wreck. I'm back! I'm ready to DIY it up to the max. School is over in less than 40 hours and I am more stoked than ever. Here's a picture of a baby hat that was a byproduct of fair isle pattern I attempted to make (it was mailed to my only friend with a baby), a bowl full of ceramic earthworms that I made in class in order to overcome my fear of them, Chris putting yummies onto french toast almond butter "mini subs", a silly calendar of May I made while the kids were doing the same thing, a map full of silly words and a tree I decorated to celebrate spring. Oh in the picture with the hat, I sewed in the cuff with my favorite fabric in the entire world. I made two shirts with it already. Summer's here! I can tell because instead of pom poms, that tree has unripened plums!

Outfit post

2009-03-07T18:43:00.000-08:00

This is my favorite outfit ever for now. I felt so good wearing it that I felt compelled to post a picture of it. I am wearing

Shoes- Keep
Leggings and Cardigan- American Apparel
Shirt- Rogan for Target
Skirt- Vintage
Scarf- NY streets
Necklace- Seattle antique shop skeleton key

HOUSES

2009-03-03T21:34:00.000-08:00

FUNNY HOUSES ARE SO CUTE.
found at http://lodgewars.blogspot.com/2009/02/blog-post_17.html

Fusing

2009-03-02T23:35:00.000-08:00

I am ashamed that I haven't posted in so long, but I heard that March is the Month of Crafts so I shall make make make! I started the month by finishing up a pair of socks knitted with Noro sock yarn and fusing the hell out of beads upon beads. It's fun!

Upside down houses

2009-01-27T18:34:00.000-08:00

I'm so into upside down structures, it is not even funny.

Also,

Happy Obama Day!

2009-01-20T13:42:00.000-08:00

I've been obsessed with the Sampler making thing on American Girl website. Felicity is the best. I think these look so cute I can't handle it. Well Obama Day is so great I feel like my eyes are tearing up every time I think about it. I just heard Charlie Gibson talking about Sasha and Malia's coats and about how much fun Sasha probably had picking it out. This makes me so happy. Joe Biden's beautiful smile makes me happy. I'm so giggly and happy and excited and kind of nervous. They say there are 10 balls happening tonight in Obama's honor and he's expected to dance at each and every one of them. Hot.

I like them!

Some preview of my recent projects, including a professional African American man in honor of Obama.

New Year Crafts!

2009-01-18T17:03:00.000-08:00

I doodled this lady in class when I was bored, and last night I carved linoleum of her face. It took 3 buffy episodes, but I think she's damn perfect.

My sister is modeling this headband I made. Cheap notions/weird appliques from SAS and vintage paisley trimming make perfect headbands. I've been wearing this a lot with my new poncho and the old Mexican boots from the ten dollar store.

My sister who is completely oblivious to all things craft bought this from Joann about a year ago. She still hasn't learned to use the sewing machine, so I made it for her. Why she wanted this tiny quilt, I do not know, but I think it's rather darling.

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T02:10:00.000-08:00

This year, I celebrated Christmas by making homemade marshmallows with friends using Martha's recipe and carving my head off to make linoleum block printed Christmas cards. After Olvera St, I listened to Odetta and danced around the house then eating alphabet soup out of a bowl I made while watching Buffy. I also sewed velvet until my fingers were stained. The rest of the day was spent sitting around listening to Debussy with my family while eating in-n-out then watching Korean dramas all night.

Christmas eve ruled. I wish everyone a great happy merry Christmas!

Worry dolls

2008-12-25T01:57:00.000-08:00

For Christmas, Justin took me to Olvera St. and bought me everything I wanted. I picked out a pair of leather sandals and a couple families of worry dolls. I think they are so darling and I love them so much.

I want to make something out of them like a pin or something but I don't want to take them apart from one another.

I'm free.

2008-12-19T15:04:00.000-08:00

Today was the last day of school until January 5. It's a bummer I'm taking winter session but I'm gonna do it! I guess I might not go to Chicago tomorrow, it's still up in the air and I don't really care. To celebrate my freedom, I took a self portrait on my beloved Land camera and finally got to use my self timer. It's insanely hectic running around trying to make sure I set everything up right. I had to do this 5 times, but I really like the result. The colors kept on coming out skeezy because the film was old. I forgot that I bought this film 2 summers ago and that's why the film was being unforgiving. I just ran around, googled, adjusted until I ran out of film.

It's my homage to Mexican haciendas.

One day, I will have a working scanner. Until then, this will do. I also just got a bunch of 55 film and a handmade wooden pinhole camera. I'm gonna make so much.

Earwarmers.

2008-12-17T20:37:00.000-08:00

I saw this thing at Urban Outfitters and I thought that I could make it. So I did! I knit it with white cotton yarn with a pink mohair. It's wonderfully fluffy and so nice. Today I wore it out for the first time, and I kept on getting "Why isn't it a beanie?" comments but I like the 20'sness of it.

The flower looks like this. Kind of oversized but lovely.

That's the original I looked at while knitting.

Early 2008

2008-12-03T19:26:00.000-08:00

These are really old, but I really like the shrinky banner pins, and vintage wooden button rings, and loomed flowers I made with yarn from this estate sale. I wish I could craft more. I don't have the time, but more tragic thing is that I stepped on my flower loom, so I can't make flowers anymore.

Modge Collage

2008-12-03T19:06:00.000-08:00

For my art class, I had to make a collage using all the design elements, blah blah, about yourself blah blah. I stayed up all night cutting cigarette boxes and decoupaging the hell out of everything. All the things on the collage were found in my room, just laying around, and I think that means I have too much crap. I guess it was worth it because it was really well received and I think it looks pretty badass. My art teacher man said "that looks like art" and tried to make me call myself an artist. I don't really want to seem like an ass and call myself an artist or a photographer, because that just sounds lame. I think I'm still only 20 to declare anything like that. I am just gonna be me and work it and see what happen. Modge Podge ruined my nails, but I did enjoy peeling the dried layer of stickies off my fingers while watching Buffy.

Yellow house and birthday party.

2008-11-30T23:15:00.001-08:00

I worked for Justin's grandma for his uncle's birthday party. I taped a bunch of decorations everywhere and it looked hilarious. This marks the end of my blogging binge. My new nickname for myself is Blogging Molly.

Oh, I am taking a RT to Chicago in 3 weeks. Sweet.

My favorite things of November

2008-11-30T22:59:00.000-08:00

My dear boy is in a new band.

This truck has airbrushed artwork of the same truck getting chased by a cop car and a helicopter by a shell station. Bomb.

I bought wool and a drop spindle at Felt Club, which was a beautiful event by the way. I made yarn for the first time ever and it turned out crazy thick and funny looking but it is yarn afterall.

Chris Torres and I went to Intelligencia after trying to go to MOCA for the 3rd time. I finally got to go last weekend, and the Louise Bourgeois show was so fantastic. She had fabric sculptures and fabric collages. It was just amazing. Well, CT and I had fun one day, and that's when the picture was taken.

Raku in class! I rakued a bowl that my dad stole from me. I've got much better at the wheel and throwing or whatever, and made a set of mugs for my family. It's for Christmas!

The knitted blanket Justin bought for me has become one of my favorite blankies ever. It stretches and completly wraps my entire body, and it feels so awesome. I guess Justin likes it too.

I made it a goal to visit a museum every weekend of November. Out of 5 weekends, I went 3 to a museum three weekends. I went to MOCA where we ended up in Little Tokyo having delicious ramen, LACMA twice, once on a Monday, and the Norton Simon. This burger was purchased at LACMA, and it was delicious. Boigas and art. My favorite!

RIPE

2008-11-30T22:55:00.000-08:00

I was in this group show this month. The theme was RIPE, so what's more appropriate than my favorite polaroids!

Dia de los Muertos

2008-11-30T22:48:00.000-08:00

Justin's grandma had a beautiful dinner party for Justin's mom's birthday and the day of the day. We ate limey soup out of a bowl that looked like a gourd, and frosted and glittered sugar skulls. I love it when my dear boy and I craft together, but it's extra funny and cute when little kids are involved.

Fingerpuppets and yummies

2008-11-30T22:37:00.000-08:00

Around Halloween, Caitlin, CT and I went over to Olvera Street where I bought too many finger puppets. Afterward, we watched Buffy and ate desserts at Pann's. When ordering my brownie a la mode and black coffee, I mentioned how I felt like an adult because I drink my coffee black now. Then we all looked down on the table, saw my finger puppets, and decided that I'm not a grown up. The white wall is sparkly!

Every I bring around a finger puppet, Justin's roommate always asks me to make one of him, for him. I wonder what would be the best way to make one. Knit one? Felt one?

Art at Work

2008-11-30T22:32:00.000-08:00

The kids are enjoying art more than ever, but the business is definitely suffering financially. I wish we could do marvelous art projects, but I'm seriously lacking funding. Also, my boss wants me to teach the kids how to draw exactly and all the boring stuff. I'm going to keep teaching them fun stuff like dip dying, painting on wet paper, and all the fun stuff, until I get in trouble. Whatever

OBAMA!

2008-11-30T22:27:00.000-08:00

I don't know why I always wait till the end of the month to post, but I am planning to blog binge tonight. I'll start it off with an Obama post, just so I can fit in. Ali, Caitlin and I watched all the debates together, eating pizza, making ramen, etc. We were together on the election day too. I was so nervous for a week before the election, that I wouldn't even let anyone talk about the election around me. On the election night, we headed over to the Democratic Action Center, and celebrated together. Everyone cried, laughed, and watched the speeches together. It was a beautiful night indeed.

My Three Favorite Things.

2008-10-29T03:50:00.000-07:00

1. Stationary at work is so pretty. The colors work so nicely, and my kids have such cool pencils and pens I'm jealous all the time.

2. The part of my school's library no one ever goes to. The art book section is in here, but it is always creepily empty and there is a door that makes squeaky noises and I'm just so nervous in there all the time. But I really do enjoy my school library.

3. I got into the ceramics class even though the semester is half way over. Oh how happy I am to be in that class. I'm really enjoying the hands on getting messy fun. Learning to use the wheel is really hard and everyone tries to help me but this surfer dude uses the word "vibe" to describe the techniques, so I can't help but to laugh all the time. I like everyone in this class.

The bowl.

2008-10-29T03:45:00.000-07:00

My sister Claire took me to the Hollywood Bowl for Rumi's birthday bash hosted by Yo-Yo Ma, and it was absolutely spectacular. They projected beautiful patterns on the bowl, and it was so inspiring. So pretty so lovely. The night was absolutely amazing with chants and hand drums and cool men from the Middle East. My sister does nice things from me all the time. Yay!

Kid Van Gogh

2008-10-29T03:40:00.000-07:00

g

Children's Van Gogh is absolutely fantastic. They called the tree in the foreground the "giant seaweed tower." I love my job so much lately. I've really getting the fulfillment of being a teacher. I might want to do that for living. All I know is I want to make art with little kids forever even if it's only every Friday.

I'm going to be a tree!

2008-10-29T03:11:00.000-07:00

I made a garland for my Halloween costume. The dress I made for this occasion is absolutely perfect in my eyes. I'll post pictures soon. I love faux bois!

Few things.

2008-09-21T17:30:00.000-07:00

Temporary construction walls at school. I find it absolutely gorgeous.

Mixed media-ing at Boone Children's Gallery with Ali and Caitlin.

Dale Chihuly's collection of blankets in San Francisco.

My new obsession is weaving. I made a loom with an old picture frame and I've been weaving all weekend. The colors are all wrong here because of the light, but I loved how it looked during sunset in Justin's room. I can't wait to finish this.

My favorite soy chai latte in Echo Park.

DFTBA

2008-09-21T17:23:00.000-07:00

For John Green's birthday, Caitlin and I made a kite. We flew it and it was wonderful. Korean Bell is seriously an amazing place to fly kites. We giggled and flew kites, and my friends are so cute. I love it.

Don't forget to be awesome.

Lisa Frank

2008-09-21T17:13:00.000-07:00

Doing crafts at Kirby's house was interesting because of we only made Lisa Frank things! She still had it from her childhood. Pretty much incredible. I miss Kirby and I miss Kirby's house. I miss craft nights, I'll bring them back!

Summer!

2008-09-21T16:37:00.000-07:00

Summer art class was so fun at work. Our Buffy addicted mind made Caitlin and I made Anthony look like Angel, and we did so many fun art projects together. It ended with going to Fun Factory with all the kids. I'm gonna miss it. Now we have art every Friday! Last Friday, the kids learned how to hand sew. Look how well they did!

Kathy's Kreations

2008-09-13T20:07:00.000-07:00

I'm in San Francisco staying at the most awful hotel in the whole entire city. It smells bad, feels grimy, but I have a tummy full of Hunan food and saw a bunch of amazing things in museums all day. Then we get to the hotel, and Justin's grandma gives me this!

Money, Amex, shopping bag and cute stuff! I love it. Kathy's such a freak to make such a crazy pin. And the alliteration! I have the best grandma of the boyfriend ever. By the way, Justin's not on this trip. It's just grandma and Lydia. I have the funniest life.

RIP EVIL CAT

2008-09-11T22:38:00.000-07:00

Rest in peace Evil Cat.
I hope you enjoyed 18 years of being evil and cute.
I will miss you and your paw cross.
And getting a phone call from Justin saying you were gone was one of the saddest morning phone calls ever.
I love you as much as someone who is allergic to kitties can love a cat.

2008-09-06T17:29:00.000-07:00

It's been so long since I've posted anything. I've already gone on my vacation, turned 20, and also created lots of new things. When I was in Portland I went to Yarnia for magical yarn and I also taught myself how to make arigurumi. School started and it's been kind of crazy so today I decided to make something.

I really enjoy making bunnies. In my family, and maybe in the Korean culture general, people compare their children's cuteness to that of bunnies. One year, I made my mom a "bunny made by her daughter who's as cute as bunnies" for mother's day, and I've made a few more for her since. I think I'm going to give it to my dad this time.

2008-08-10T16:20:00.000-07:00

Tye Die Birthday!
Happy Birthday me!

Summer is

2008-07-11T00:07:00.001-07:00

1. Reading Amelia Bedelia books

2. Roller hockey game at the park

3. Paper cutouts and oil pastels

4. Delicious veggies

5. Bumper car rides

6. Watercolor painting

7. Art talk with students

8. Decalcomani

9. Boyfriend wearing t-shirts

10. Swinging from swings

11. Park hopping with friends

12. Vegan truffles

13. Cooking and dinner parties

14. Handmade presents

15. Supersamplers

16. Soda Olympics

17. Wine and cheese parties

18. Cute toesies

19. Guerilla handball

20. Reading children's books

21. Brightly colored accessories

22. Sparklers and fireworks

23. First attempt at crockpot meal

24. Slide in parking lots

25. Marbleizing paper with shaving cream

26. Outside meals at the harbor

27. Presents and people back from Mexico trips

28. Tanned legs and dresses

29. Funny decorated walls

30. Mexican food!

That's what my summer looks like so far.

And this is what I look like during windy days in Manhattan Beach.

I don't do much crafting lately, except for work things. Being an art teacher twice a week for kids ages 7-12 is so much fun and rewarding. I really like how all the memories of doing the same crafts always rush back in class. It is pretty much amazing.

Beach tomorrow!

Washington next week!

Portland the week after!

Back to Washington the week after that!

Granny squares and necklaces.

2008-06-15T21:30:00.000-07:00

I've been sewing up the storm lately, but the most exciting news in my craft world is that I learned how to make granny squares! Learning how to crochet better at 3 in the morning with Yvonne is the best. I also made this necklace after seeing this. Even though mine looks kind of messy, I really like it.

New Abe design is done, and I made a new sweater from a Built By Wendy pattern. Massive clothes update soon.

PS. My favorite new finger puppet was purchased yesterday!

Photos!!!

2008-05-31T21:15:00.000-07:00

May has been full of crafts, but there are not enough photographs of them. Anyways, here are some images of May.

1. Slutty outfits made by sluts of my alma mater.
2. I can't believe I found a creek
3. Dad loves mountains
4. Squished penny collection
5. Persimmon is a beautiful color
6. A bag of cherries from my boss, she picked them herself
7. DIY carwashing
8. Greatgrandma’s house
9. A jumper I made in the mirror I found
10. Partying in LBC
11. Mother’s Day blockprint cards
12. The sky in the creek
13. My foot in the creek
14. AP with a Holga at the doctor’s office
15. A little surprise under the hood of Justin’s car
16. KD wearing a shirt I printed while playing
17. Lori’s weird bag
18. The beach on a hot day
19. Lori has problems
20. Playing games with kids
21. Van van van!
22. Jeff’s house in the springtime
23. Justin and a giant toilet

It was a great month!

Notice the black dot on the top right corner? My lens is broken. It is officially the dark corner camera.

No posts in May!

2008-05-20T00:41:00.000-07:00

May has been a difficult month with a lot of craft discouragement from myself, many ebay purchases, and also fun times. I can't believe I've neglected this blog for so long, but with my new Husqvarna and all, it's been pretty great. Right now I'm listening to Andrew Jackson Jihad and trying to feel as great as I felt when I snuck out of California with Justin for 26 hours. I'm also wearing a ponch/cape/cuteness that Justin's great grandma gave me. Her godmother knitted it for her, and I can't believe it is so beautifully knitted. It is the best, the warmest, and the best summer outerwear I can think of. It's going to be perfect for Anacortes, WA (pictured below) in July. I have this paper to write that makes me feel like my brain is frozen, but that's okay. I made a few dresses and a couple stuffed animals, and everything in between that everyone should see, because they are pretty great. Going to the zoo a couple of weekends ago inspired me to love animals more. So more animals too.

Next up: listen to Simon and Garfunkel till my brain explodes.

Update: I've made a killer outline, and there is a helicopter flying in circles over my house and it is making me want to throw up. Sounds of motion sickness.

Sometimes magical things just happen.

2008-04-30T23:34:00.001-07:00

I started my day yesterday with going to the farmer's market and meeting up with Ali and Lori. We ate tamales and freaked out over how heavy my bag full of produce was. I went back to the flower stand and we all picked out our free flowers. Those daisies are one of my most favorite things in the world, so I was really happy to have one. I came home and went to work then to school, then met up with Ali and Lori again and guess what we found! There was a special windchime outside of Rite Aid. It was just like the flowers we got from the farmer's market. It made me feel good. That's all.

There's a craft fair in Gardon Grove I'm going to be a part of this Saturday. I haven't made anything new, so I'm kind of freaking out, but it's going to be amazing. I promise. Come if you dare!

Britex Fabrics!

2008-04-27T01:15:00.000-07:00

Wow, wow. What an amazing place. I've always heard about this store and seeing it for myself changed my world. They had everything! How could a store carry all the Clover products I've only dreamed of and only checked out on the website? And all the beautiful fabric? Seeing them all at one place totally overwhelmed me. I wanted to max out my credit card but I stopped myself.

So I bought a bunch of cute piping, ribbon, tape things and cute watch buttons. They were all on sale. Britex reminded me of Florence's Fabrics that closed, and it was just a reminder how upset I am that the place is no longer in my life. I feel like such a craft geek when I freak out over things like this, but I will never forget this experience.

Oh, by the way San Francisco is treating me great.
I'll be back home tomorrow.

Knitorama

2008-04-23T19:01:00.001-07:00

I've never been good with knitting but I think it's all about to change. Coke cozy. Hot shit.

Husqvarna!

2008-04-23T02:32:00.000-07:00

As of today, I drive a Swedish car, sew on a Swedish sewing machine, and sleep under a Swedish blanket. It kind of creeps me out but I really do love Volvo, Husqvarna, and Ikea.

I sewed up a muslin dress and now it is being dyed over night. I can't wait to start sewing my summer dresses. Pictures later.

The dress that is cooking up in the bathroom right now better look as good as these from last October!

4 months of not having a sewing machine really killed me. Sewing all day everyday, starting now!

Linocut!

2008-04-15T03:14:00.000-07:00

I am so happy. I love cute, sweet, soft, or delicious things, and try to surround myself with all things good. I got a blanket from Ikea that is the best ever. I had to choose between a dragon blanket or a lion blanket and I am a Leo and was born in the year of dragon, so it was a hard decision. I bought the lion and with help from Ali, I named Lionel Richie. Speaking of Lionel Richie, once I went to an estate sale and bought an obscene amount of yarn and things and the guy who was selling me the stuff gave me the music for Say you, say me for free. It was a good experience. Anyways, the blanket looks like this .

He is the cuddliest of all blankets. When I was buying the blanket Jeff told me he thinks by the time I am 30, I would have 80 blankets. That is also my personal goal. To have the warmest, cuddliest, softest, happiest blankets in the world on my bed!

I've been cutting linoleum and printing things. This is my second design and my favorite so far. The first was birthday cards for my dad and Annie with a bunny and a tree. I really like using the brayer. I am looking forward to printing more and more.

Today I had a magical visit to Joann. I bought a bias tape maker, 3 different yo-yo makers, a quilting ruler, and a bone folder all for 40-50% off! It was amazing. I love Clover products, but I also love sale at Joann.

Now sleepy time. Today is no farmers market and lunch with parents for dad's birthday day.

Weekend pictures

2008-04-07T11:52:00.000-07:00

#1 Indie rock girl serenade
#2 Discovering a glowstick in the trashcan
#3 Four hours of playing Wadjet

Shrinks with Babies

2008-04-07T11:42:00.001-07:00

I suggested to my boss at work if we could do a project. She agreed to pay for the supplies and I finally got my wish! I made shrinky dinks with my kids at work! They are all in between ages 6-10 and they are so deprived of anything creative. Ever since I've been working there, I've always wanted to teach the kids art. Now that I've gotten the first project, second and third ones should come easier. The kids really liked making things with me. They thanked me and hugged me after we were done. I turned them into necklaces, and they went home wearing them! I hope we could do this again soon.

Craft Fair #5? #6?

2008-04-07T11:33:00.001-07:00

We had another craft fair last Thursday. It was in a gallery in San Pedro. Everything looked beautiful and I met Eva aka really nice lady who makes pretty boxes. We had fun and Mexican food like we always do when we are anywhere. Another craft fair this weekend!

Brussel Sprouts

2008-04-05T18:17:00.001-07:00

Cooking at Justin's house is really fun except their Ikea knives and tiny cutting boards are stupid. I made and ate brussel sprouts for the first time last Monday. I sprinkled some curry on it and it was heaven! I am going to frequent the farmers market because last Tuesday I had the best tamales and bought the best vegetables all for 13 dollars. I hope my visits to farmer's market is going to improve my cooking skills.

Free Tibet and Knitted Socks!

2008-04-05T18:09:00.000-07:00

I finished my first pair of socks. They are so big for some reason that they fit Justin's stinky feet perfectly, but I don't feel like giving them to him because I'm strongly attached to my first pair of socks. I don't really like socks but I really like the ones I knitted that are 5 sizes too big.

Free Tibet shirt design is finished and I printed one shirt and it looks pretty cool. I really like printing things. I am going to be a print master one day!

Easter!

2008-04-05T18:05:00.000-07:00

I wish I've experienced more Easters in my life. There's no bunnies or eggs or anything involving none Jesus related things in Korea when I was kid. Maybe they do that now, but I have no idea. I know it's a little late, but I really did enjoy Easter at Justin's great grandma's house. I think it's all because bunny shaped coockies are amazing.

It was such a beautiful morning!

2008-03-27T14:38:00.000-07:00

Today I woke up at 8 am, squeezed lemons and made the personal best lemonade. I worked on my Tibet shirt design for a little bit then got dressed, put on my boots, and felt great. I went to Penzeys Spices aka the best place to be in the world, and spent a little too much money on spices. I'm so excited for my cinnamon sugar, adobo, cayenne, sweet curry and so much more! I can't wait. I went to Joann and returned my rotary cutter, and didn't spend any money! I looked around for future projects. Then I came home and tossed up some salad with the Italian dressing base I got at Pensey's, drank some lemonade, and felt even more amazing. Today was kind of like getting a taste of what life of a crafty housewife would be like. I read so many blogs written by lovely ladies who live in places like Portland with their two kids and cute husbands and dogs, that sew pretty things and make cute things and bake delicious looking cookies and cakes. I would imagine it would feel kind of like my day today to be them.

I must take a shower now and go to work, and break out of the day dream of being a full-time domestic goddess. Then off to the presses and print me some shirts!

New Cuteness

2008-03-25T02:16:00.000-07:00

I am busy catching up with March worth of goodies. I've spent many hours making things this month and here they are.

1. Lovely loomed flower pins that I embarassingly and lazily didn't sew the pinbacks on to. I had to sew them as I sold them. I guess that was fine.

2. Vintage wooden button rings. I had hard time finding good buttons and ring parts in Downtown, and when I did it was like hitting the jackpot. It found an absolutely lovely stores filled with things I love. Here are some of them. I didn't finish assembling all of them, but when I do, there will be picture because they are so cute! I varnished with polyurethane and that made me feel like passing out, but the outcome is lovely.

3. Animal pins! I cut them out of shrinky dinks and baked them into their loveliness. They are awesome! The rabbit was sold, the cat was stolen by a lovely lady, and now I only have the doggie. I shall make more!

4. DIY pins! They were so popular. I also had people ask me what DIY was and that made me cringe a little bit inside. Not because I didn't want to explain it to them, but because I wish everyone in this world understood the importance of making. Not making money, and not making love, but making just to put a smile on your face. Anyways, since they were so popular, I am going to make more and maybe put then on my Etsy shop.

I also made some banner necklaces in the style of the pins, but they are not yet photographed. Most of them have been sold. I should learn to photograph things before they are gone!

I think I'm done now? It's pretty late and I feel crappy because at least one kid is always sick at my work, and they always make me sick. There are suuuuch ups and downs when it comes to working with kids I don't know if it is worth it or not. But I have a lot of fun telling kids about the difference between vegetarianism and veganism, and the conspiracy involving standardized tests. I like planting the seeds of rebellion in the minds of sheltered second generation Korean kids. I'm stoked about that.

I'm going to continue eating this disgusting yet somehow good soy jerky and attempt to design a free Tibet shirt, because what's happening in that side of the world right now is really pissing me off.

Dos Faires

2008-03-25T02:10:00.001-07:00

Babe Lincoln successfully participated in two craft fairs last week! We were invited to set up at table at Marymount College's event. It was pretty exciting meeting all these young ladies who are eager to craft. I am thinking about starting a legitimate craft club. It's just a thought but we we'll see. There was a house show at Justin's Long Beach house so Ali, Stephanie, and I set up a little craft corner in the kitchen! The response was lovely. We debuted Babe Lincoln bandanas that were fresh off the presses. It was very fun. I sold out of my DIY pins!

We have a craft fair in mid April, and one in the beginning of May. This is really exciting. I can't wait. Summer dresses, craft fairs, lemonade, and everything wonderful! I can't ask for much more.

Craft Space

2008-03-25T02:03:00.001-07:00

March has been a crazy month! It was really fast and it made me pretty ambitious. It started with organizing my craft space. These pictures were taken long before everything was messied again! Look at my little turtle. The sewing machine in the picture is broken, and instead of getting it fixed, I think I'm getting a new one. My my, I break a sewing machine every 3 year or so, and it's just getting ridiculous. I have to dip into my Portland fund to buy a sewing machine. I think not having a sewing machine makes me feel more inspired to sew. It's kind of driving me crazy. The discovery of Burdastyle.com didn't help either. I decided to make my entire summer outfits! T-shirt dresses with pockets and fanny packs and cut off shorts! That's going to be my look this year. Last year I attempted to do overall shorts, but it failed when I couldn't find a good pair. But this year I'm making my own so I shouldn't have that problem. I'm excited!

love love love!

2008-03-03T13:37:00.000-08:00

This Valentine's day I made potato prints and made valentines. It was the best. I love the texture and the feeling of working with a potato. Then I made my mom a potholder as a Valentine's day present, and she likes it so much that she won't even use it.

My students at work have been so amazing and incredibly sweet (i.e. bringing me drawings "farm Elisa to Nicole teechar") so I made them a little presents. I am bringing these to them in 2 hours, and I am so nervous! I hope they go crazy over them.

The last week of February shirt was a hit. Everyone in class told me that it was my best shirt design yet. I like it too. Martin Luther King and Malcolm X? Can't go wrong.

Shrinky DINKSSSS

2008-02-22T01:54:00.000-08:00

Shrinking is so fun I am about to cry. All I want to do is shinkydinky, and all I can think about is how much shrink plastic I'm going to buy in the future because of how fun it is. It is unbelievable. I made a billion little things and this one is my favorite so far.

I was in San Francisco last weekend, and at the hotel I made this pouchy while watching Juno. So I call it the Juno pouch. I think I 'm going to give it away, because that's what I don't really like to do. I just want to keep everything for myself!

Photobooth pictures blow, but I can't find my camera battery charger!

I forgot to make the post for Week #3 shirt, but it was made, and #4 was made today. Posts on that later!

I love to make!

2008-02-14T00:07:00.001-08:00

I bought a bunch of plaques over the winter because I thought I would make hanging loveliness for people for Christmas. I never got around to it, but now I have all these things I can make for my wall! One thing I made is this cat thing with actual yarn ball, inspired by Justin's roommate's vintage art. Here's picture of the original, and my version of the cat thing next to my favorite green shoes.

The other night, I helped Justin's roommate Nick with a V-day present for a lady and it is the sweetest thing ever! He saved up the ends of guitar strings for years, and I strung them together and added a clasp. It is brilliant. Then we ate some garlicy pasta and watched Mr. Show and went to bed. The best.

Happy Birthday Abe Lincoln!

2008-02-12T23:51:00.001-08:00

Sorry Abe, I didn't realize it was your birthday until two hours ago. I freaked out and made a fuse bead thing of your lovely beautiful face. I hope everything is okay and you're not mad at me. I love you. SO much.

Black History Month #2!

2008-02-08T21:51:00.001-08:00

This week's cool African American person is Frederick Douglas! i messed up the screen and his face is kind of scary, but the screens kept on dying and I had to print at least one of them. This is it! I might make another one, but right now, I'm kind of happy with how freaky it looks. Thank you Frederick Douglas for caring about slave issues.

My First Quilt!

2008-02-07T01:56:00.000-08:00

I finished my first quilt the other day, and the whole experience was very rewarding. Going into this, without research, and not knowing what kind of commitment I needed to have, it was very difficult. But few Mondays ago, I had to end the 4 month long process of not finishing the quilt. My favorite part is that I can actually cuddle with what had been scraps of fabric, and the light that comes through the quilt when I hold it up to the light. I am pretty much infatuated with all the uneven parts, which is pretty much the whole quilt. If I were to do it again, I would definitely plan but right now it's kind of hard to even think about the next one. I wish quilts were easier to make so I can make one everyday, but then I wouldn't feel so good to cuddle with them. And next time, I would definitely make a pattern. For this one, I used self developed quilt making skills and made it according to my assumption of how it was made, rather than planning ahead with research and preparation. I want to do it for real next time!
There's a "detail" shot of my quilt with Frank Farter, our favorite dog toy for our non existent dog. Justin's new house gets lovely light through the windows during the day, so I want to bring everything there to take pictures.

Fuse Beads!

2008-02-07T01:48:00.000-08:00

They are my new favorite. Ali bought me 10,000 beads for last Christmas and tonight we worked with them. They are so amazing. I really love how tacky they are. I love fuse beads!

I've been pulling my hair out because of the stress of one shirt design a week. It's pretty hard, but this week's shirt is pretty kick ass.

Black History Month

2008-02-01T14:57:00.000-08:00

As you all know, February is Black History Month. To celebrate this special month, I will be debuting new t-shirt design of deserving icons of the African American history every Friday. The first week, the first shirt is dedicated to Oprah Winfrey. February is special and has 5 Fridays, that's 4 more design!

If you want one, just ask!

Asian Knot makers

2008-01-12T03:25:00.000-08:00

I usually freak out over how much craft supplies I want all the time, because people have thought of the best things to make crafting even more interesting than it already is. But when I stumbled onto these Asian knot maker thing, I couldn't believe that they existed. Who makes those knots? I am so unbelievably unbelieving of their existence that I had to say something about it.

http://www.shopatron.com/index/181.0.22735.22130.0.0.0

Insane, right?

2007 in crafts!

2007-12-31T02:43:00.001-08:00

This year was by far the best year of my life. I've continued to make, and deeply fell in love with crafts. Ali and I started craft nights on Wednesdays, which kind of fell apart but because of it we are crafting every night, and I started working with different mediums and learned so many new things. For the first time, knitting felt relaxing instead of stressful, and I learned how to silkscreen, needlefelt, and so much more! The amount of money I spent at craft stores was outrageous, as well as the number of times I visit JoAnn every week, but everything was so worth it. I am a happy girl. This is what 2007 in crafts looked like.

I learned how to cable knit, to use double pointed needles, and to knit in a circle. Thanks to knittinghelp.com. For a while the only thing I was not happy with was the frustration that came with the lack of knowledge in knitting, but I think I'm doing better, and I couldn't have done it without knittinghelp.com.

For my mom's Christmast present, I made this jewelry box. She asked me to make her something that isn't too crazy, but I just felt like gluing all the jewels I can find and painting it yellow. She loved it!
These little dummies were the first few of many plushies I made this year. I gave the bunny to mom for Mother's day, and I made the fruits while Justin was in Paris. I also made a bunny just like in green that for my favorite teacher in high school and I hope he still loves it as much as he did when he first saw the bunny.

It is really hard to work with felt lately, since I spoiled myself with fancy wool felt for the white elephant party gift, because sewing acrylic felt makes me feel bad inside.

This year I also organized my embroidery floss box for the first time in about 4 years. It looks so pretty now.
I am not a very organized person, but when it comes to craft supplies I am really crazy and neat. I guess that is how much I love it. I'm constantly cleaning my workspace and organizing everything!

Then I made some knitting needles with buttons and wood sticks. I love the feeling of carving wood, and E6000 is amazing. I made a pair for Ali and pair for myself.

I made a white elephant named Finney for the aforementioned white elephant party using fancy white felt. I really didn't want to give him away, but when the day came, I knew it was the right thing to do. Luckily, my friend Mallory ended up with Finney, and I ended up with a gift she put together, which consisted of a handmade pouch that I use to store all my knitting accessories, a doggy calendar, and candy in this lovely drawstring bag I now use to transport my knitting projects. It couldn't have been more perfect. I got something handmade for something I made. I wish everyone had made their presents.

That's Finney and that's the pouch. Aren't they lovely?

This is the first thing I've ever needle felted, and the first knitting project that I've finished that is not a scarf. It looks kind of silly and frumpy, it's a laptop case and I love the big red swirly button.

Enough with things I've made, now it's time for things other people made that I love so much. Going to Felt Club and purchasing Heidi Kenney's cutie banana was the best feeling in the world. Justin bought me the bunny at the museum store, and she is the cutest. While Caitlin was in New York, she bought this Tigre for me, and Jeff brought me back the Homer Simpson and the Batman that I call Bateman when he moved back to California. I don't know why I didn't run into any finger puppet vendors while I was in New York. At least I have friends who would buy them for me!

Last but not least, I knitted a hat tonight, while watching the Law and Order marathon. It's the first hat that I knitted that is actually wearable.

I want to make a new year resolution to make at least one thing a day, but I don't want to make things just because I said I would. So my new year resolution is to be as creative as I can be! Also, I bought a pair of gold Ginger scissors with JoAnn gift card Justin's mom got me! So fancy! I'll definitely be sewing more with these new scissors, after I get both of my machines and serger fixed. Hopefully next year, crafting will be even more exciting for me and for everyone else everywhere! Happy new year!

First Craft Fair

2007-12-11T02:39:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday was the craft fair at BFF and it was absolutely amazing! So many people complimented on our stuff/design/etc. and they were strangers! There is something so special about people you don't know telling me that I am doing a good job. We sold out of all the girl Abe shirts, and sold tons of necklaces we've been working really hard on, and my last minute ornaments were pretty well received too. We stayed up till wee hours of the night for weeks to do this thing, and the results were pretty satisfying. This is what it looked like.

I've been knitting crazy lately, and having yarngasms, and only looking for knitting things on ebay and websites, and getting yarnspiration on other people's blogs, and hating everyone who were taught by grandmas (because my grandma didn't teach me), and thinking of new projects to work out everyday, all day. It's such a good feeling that over the course of two years of knowing how to knit, I went from dreading every stitch to a yarnoholic. I'm pretty happy. I could not live without knittinghelp.com
And today I knitted a pair of fingerless gloves but they are too snug because I couldn't find my size 6 needles so instead i knitted with size 8 ones. I am almost thinking about unraveling the whole thing and starting over, or even felting it, but I don't know how much they will shrink?
But I am pretty amazed and happy that I finished a project in one day and I watched three episodes of Law and Order: Criminal Intent with my boyfriend too. I am pretty happy overall. As always, I cheated and know what I am getting for Christmas, and I am getting JoAnn gift certificate AND the Craft Magazine Boxset! I have all the good things in the world! Also, I just ordered the entire collection of bamboo circular, double pointed, single pointed needles from China and they are on their way here. Seriously, I am too happy.

Back from New York!

2007-11-16T14:29:00.001-08:00

I just came back from New York a couple days ago. While I was there I was lucky to catch the opening of this amazing gathering of the world's cutest plushies. I couldn't afford the $160 felt camera, so I bought me an owl pin by kup kup land, just like this one. It looked so good on my coat. I loved it! It was so inspiring to see all these cute mommies with cute babies and their amazingly cute everything. I want to be one of those. All I want to do is craft, you know? Anyways, the New York trip was successful, and this weekend is Felt Club! Speaking of all these craft fairs, Ali and I will be in the BFF store's holiday craft fair. I am so excited so you should come. I just don't know when it is yet.

I'm going to go and craft for the first time in ten days!

Oh look at the silliness that happened while waiting for the train in New York. Justin's graphic designs have been really amazing lately. I'm inspired!

6th Wednesday: Halloween.

2007-11-01T15:43:00.000-07:00

This week's craft night was spent making last minute Halloween costumes. I was a skunk, Ali was a "boy" scout, Justin was a kitty kat, Jeff was a bro, Lori was a broho, and Julian was an airman. It was not a very significant night, and I don't have any pictures to show.

Tonight I was supposed to have some work up in a gallery, but I really don't feel like it so I won't. I don't feel like I have any new work that I like. I think I'm in a slump.

Also, I will be gone for the next two craft nights, because I am hopping on a plane and going to New York!

5th Wednesday : Absence.

2007-10-27T02:57:00.001-07:00

This week I missed craft night because I was working on a set in the desert. While I was gone everything I've been waiting for came in the mail, including this lovely necklace off of Reform School. I am nervous to get the wool dirty/wet/etc. It's beautiful but today, I am feeling rather blue.

Ali and I dropped off some things at BFF and I am kind of nervous and excited at the same time. I hope they sell well and make me a millionaire!

Babe Lincoln

2007-10-22T00:34:00.000-07:00

Ali and I have been in sewing frenzy, working hard for our new "company" that is temporarily called "Babe Lincoln." I screenprinted the Abe Lincoln image on burlap and little Abes are then turned into purses. I am just nervous that burlap purses won't sell since it isn't the softest fabric in the world but I think these are pretty bomb.

4th Wednesday : the Celebration

2007-10-18T02:14:00.002-07:00

This is what craft night #4 looked like.

The usual crafters Ali, Justin, Julian and myself relocated to Ali's house and invited our friends Caitlin, Andy, Erin, David, Lori and Jeff to celebrate the one month anniversary of craft nights on Wednesdays. As always, I made some silly pins, and there is a picture of one of them. Ali worked on her crocheting, while Julian painted, Justin watercolored, Caitlin and Andy weaved bracelets, David painted patches, and Lori and Erin sat and entertained us. It is always nice to get together with friends, but it was especially nice because we had the craft juices, and plenty of wine of course, flowing through our minds. It was a beautiful night.

Yorkie on Ebay.

2007-10-14T21:06:00.001-07:00

I was ebaying craft supplies when I stumbled onto this great collage. The dog with angel wings is my favorite.

Pins Pins Pins!

2007-10-13T02:43:00.001-07:00

I am really into pins. Here's the latest one that I made with embroidered cross stitch fabric, the lid for a film canister, pinback, and a little bit of felt for the backing. I like it because you can embroider anything on it! Its thickness makes the pin stand out even more. I really like it. There are few pins I've made in the past that I really adore. These are some of them. They are made out of plastic maps, and miscellaneous lace, sequins, and tape measure. The tape measure one has West Hollywood and surrounding areas, and the heart shaped one has the city I live in on it. I like to support my hood!

Finger Puppets

2007-10-13T02:30:00.000-07:00

I found a way to provide shelter for my finger puppets. It's quite crowded but as long as they are all together, they are happy! Look at that silly deformed fish with a claw on its tail!

I've been seeing a lot of crocheted finger puppets online and I want to acquire the skills to do that. I'm so impressed, and so obsessed with finger puppets.

It's raining out, and all I want to do is slosh around! Oh, and get a house of my own where I can put cozies on everything!

2nd & 3rd Wednesday : Care package and hats

2007-10-13T02:12:00.000-07:00

I really look forward to Wednesdays because of craft night! Last Wednesday, we put together a care package for a friend far far away. Ali made a button bracelet, which was put together with embroidery floss and odd closure, and silly little paintings were made. For some reason doing crafts with close friends makes me really sleepy. On this Wednesday, we had a brief meeting rather than a session of fun, because I had to go see Mt. Eerie and Lloyd and Michael. It was a great show that I had been looking forward to for a while, but I had a hard time choosing music over crafts, since Ali and I talked about craft night since the previous one. It was a shame. We met at a local Joann store and picked out future projects that is hats. I guess that's important too. I hope the next one will be bomb. I've been crocheting non stop for a week, and made 3.5 hats. They are so cute!

2007-10-01T01:48:00.000-07:00

I am really jealous of this.

There is a chance that I might be moving to Portland for the summer of 2008, and if that happens, it will be my goal to take advantage of all the craft that is going on there.

My boyfriend has a new project called Freedog, and I made shirts for the cause. It was my very first shirt printing experience, and I dug it a lot. I've been wearing mine for three days.

This is the closeup of the dog that is obviously very free.

Screenprinting fun!

2007-09-29T23:21:00.000-07:00

I am learning to screenprint, and this is my first attempt at printing fabric.

Embroidery!

2007-09-29T23:14:00.002-07:00

I was at an Ethiopian restaurant with friends, and the service was a little slow. I had time to get embroidering, and that's what I did!

I wonder if I should add a birdie or two?

Felt cuties

2007-09-29T23:08:00.000-07:00

When my boyfriend was in Paris, I was lonely so I watched daytime television and sewed me things. I made a carrot named Carro, a strawberry named Strawbz, and the needlebook is just a needlebook. They are all made out of felt and embroidery floss, except for Strawbz because it has small beads all over the place. The beads were so small that I had hard time getting the needle through them. I am happy with the result.

1st Wednesday: Finger Puppets.

2007-09-29T22:40:00.000-07:00

I am going to document my craft creations, collabos, and crazy cuties on this blog. My bestfriend Ali and I decided to craft every Wednesday night, and last Wednesday was our first. Here is the outcome.

I made a flower, and her name is Flora. Ali made a hand, and I made the watch for it. We love finger puppets.