January 28, 2008
Getting Busy with SteveKam
No, you dirty birds! I am not going to blog about that kind of getting busy*! Well, not today anyway...
SteveKam the HandyMan recently finished a remodel of his half bath...
Firstly... this guy decides on the two-tone green stripe for the walls all on his own. Isn't it beautiful?? I am honestly shocked by his good taste. (It's not something I am used to in a man. But, I am growing accustomed - and fast!)
Also... note the lovely hardwood floor... yep, he installed that himself. And that ain't Pergo, friends! Such talent.
When he had these items finished up, he started looking for a cabinet and sink top for the wee terlit parlor. He enlisted my help and we set off to Home Depot. Well - we were out of luck. Everything was pretty ugly. There was one cabinet that was appealing and they were out of stock. It was a white little cabinet with wainscotting on the sides and the doors. It seemed kind of "beach cottagey" to me, which I thought would look really smart against those green striped walls.
We looked at Lowe's. We looked online. But, you know... I really thought he would be missing out on something without that little white cabinet. So, I made a very Sarah suggestion. "Couldn't you just make one?" Wouldn't you know it? He could make one!
This looks JUST like the one we saw, only a million times nicer because it is handmade.
Then, on to the sink top! Back to Home Depot.... Lowes.... nothing! It's a very teeny little bathroom, so the cabinet had to be small... so subsequently, the sink top had to be small. Not too easy to find. So, I queried, "Couldn't we just make one?" :) I had just finished that mosaic table, so I was in the mood - and he went for my kooky idea! We hunted high and low and found tiny little river rocks and he built the top and mortared away and grouted the rocks onto the top (they were already attached to mesh, so that made the whole process a lot easier). He bought a round sink and a perty little faucet and a mirror and a new light fixture... and....
I mean... this could be in an issue of Martha Stewart Living! For reals!
VOILA!
My man is one crafty bitch. :)
*There is another reason why the term "getting busy" makes me giggle. It's what SteveKam says to Kyra when he is coaxing her to poop when he takes her for a walk. "Come on Kyra! Get busy!" Hee hee hee hee hee.
Posted by Sarah at 9:23 PM | Comments (8)
September 8, 2007
Mo-Mo-Mo-Mo-Mosaic!
So, a couple of weeks ago, MH organized Mosaic Day for the Scissor Squad. A bunch of us congregated (why do I keep using that word? I guess I like it a lot this week... weird.) in Michelle's garage on a 95 degree Saturday afternoon to smash up plates with mallets and hammers and glue them to other stuff.
'Twas fun and educational! Mary will be posting about the get-together itself over at the Squad website. But, I'll use my blog to pour over my trials, tribulations and eventually my TRIUMPH over the art of mosaic.
My supplies included a variety of fabulous 70's dishes (yellows, browns, oranges mainly) I purchased in a big ol thrift shop and a fancy little round table I found at the same place!
It took me about 4.5 hours to smash my plates and mortar them to the top of my table.... wow! It was a lot more painstaking than I had expected. I shouldn't have been surprised, though - 50% of my "creative" little brain is under the tyrannical rule of an obsessive-compulsive, type A nutjob. (The other 50% has left a stoned hippie in charge... nothing gets done over there, but everyone is so happy!)
Given the mental energy exerted in placing all my plate pieces exaaaaactly where I wanted them to be (it was like a puzzle once I got started!), I decided to hold off on grouting the piece. This delighted SteveKam, who suggested we find some color coordinated grout to make the project really pop.
First stop - Lowe's! I bought a small container of what claimed to be grout and went home with a trunk full of tools borrowed from SteveKam for my grouting adventure.
Once I got started, I called my main squeeze to get some insight into what the correct consistency for this "grout" was supposed to be... "Seems a lot like wet sand to me..." I said to him. "Well, hmm... I guess that's about right.... The package did say it was sanded grout....", he responded. We discussed it a bit and decided I should go for it.
Here we see some progress shots....
Well, I was pretty thrilled when it was all over... I still felt something was a wee bit off since it really did just feel like wet sand between the cracks of my mosaic.... but, I sponged off the excess and decided to let it sit overnight. What did I awake to?
Sand. Dry sand. This was no mosaic. It was a beach party without the party.
SteveKam and I scratched our noggins... He concluded it must have been something with the grout - it must have needed an additional component... but he had never worked with grout like that before! (Of course... only I can break grout. Like.. did you think that was even possible? Lord.)
But, luckily, dry sand is a breeze to get rid of. We took the table outside and dumped it all out. A quick swab with a towel and the table was back to it's original pre-beach state.
Second stop - The Home Depot! Where we purchased some real sanded grout in a lovely tan-ish color.
Here we see my second attempt - this time in SteveKam's garage so I would have professional help in a snap, should something go awry... again.
Here she is all finished up and sitting pretty in my living room!
I plan on doing the same thing to the second tier of the table... but since I used all my dishes, I'll have to do some thrift store shopping before Round 2 can begin!
ps - keep those party ideas comin!
Posted by Sarah at 11:53 AM | Comments (9)
August 30, 2007
Fiberflew
Sarah: Say "bye, bye", Fiberfly!
Fiberfly: Bye, bye, Fiberfly!
I have come to realize that with a 50 (sometimes 50+) hour a week job, it's just become too much for me to maintain. It's really not the online shop aspect - it's really just the craft I chose to work with. Every time I dye yarn and fiber it is the most arduous process! Setup in my tiny apartment is incredibly time consuming and honestly - daunting. I know it is a lame excuse, but it is my excuse. And I love it despite it's obvious flaws.
I've thought about it a lot over the last two months and came to realize that I just don't love doing it enough to keep up with it... If I'm going to have an online shop and invest my free time and remaining energy into it, I want to have fun while I am doing it! (Watching Mary's passion for her shop really helped me recognize this.) I consider this a step in the learning process. I think it was a successful little venture in the sense it was my first peek into online marketing. Now, on to better things!
The good news:
- Fiberfly itself will go bye bye, but before it does I will try to sell off my few remaining wares by offering free USPS Priority shipping (free standard shipping outside the US) for any purchases made by September 12 (2 weeks from today!). Any items that remain after that time will be set aside for use in a future online shop or craft fair (I might just spin all that roving up into yarn myself!).
- A new, better, more exciting, more fun filled, more Sarah-centric online shop is on it's way! I am digging deep into my crafty little soul to figure out what I really like to do best... My instincts are telling me to dabble in a few things rather than focus on just one craft. Maybe some hand made aprons, some handspun yarn, some stitch markers, some clothing, some prints of my best photos... Let's not have Sarah get bored, shall we? It's all for shits and giggles anyway.
Posted by Sarah at 9:51 AM | Comments (1)
August 23, 2007
So, Maybe She's Not The Devil After All
Okay. So, I may have - in the past - made some pretty inflammatory remarks about Martha Stewart. I might have suggested that she was the spawn of Satan and that all under her wicked rule must have committed heinous sins in order to be banished to that particular circle of Hell.
In honesty... I stand behind my statements. My impression of Martha is not that of a kindly domestic goddess. I've known too many people who have done pool and landscape work on her CT properties to allow this daydream to continue. (Legal Disclaimer: I have no way of knowing if the stories I've heard are completely accurate or hyped up for my benefit. But, it's more fun to believe wholeheartedly.) The fact is that she has a huge team of super creative mega minds pumping out issues of her magazines and prepping projects for TV. "Martha Stewart" has become more of a brand than a personality at this point.
But here's the thing.... That team of super creative mega minds? They're good. They're damn good.
Thus, we come to the point of this rant.
HAVE YOU BEEN TO A MICHAEL'S CRAFT STORE LATELY?
Sweet Jebus. Check this shit OUT. Martha Stewart may as well start personally withdrawing funds from my bank account because I want all of this. ALL OF IT.
To satisfy my craving, as well as my budget, I picked up one of her many many many craft kits while it was on clearance a couple of weeks ago. I could barely keep myself from tearing open the cellophane in the car. I managed to control myself and drove 90 mph the whole way home. I promptly sat down and made this:
Kit/Materials: Martha Stewart Crafts Paper Bead Necklace Kit
Posted by Sarah at 4:21 PM | Comments (3)
August 21, 2007
Up and Coming
Since the snippy little photo shoot for my finished sweaters has been delayed a day or two due to craptastic weather, let me fill you in on what's on the needles and what is on it's way....
Selma's Yarn in Southbury recently went out of business (after 15 years!!) and being the opportunistic little yarn horder I am, stopped by to say So Long and to clean them out of as much yarn as I could....
I grabbed 6 skeins of Rowan All Season Cotton in a nice dark rust color. That is currently on some size 8 needles on it's way to becoming a Pia Tank from Rowan 35.
I also snagged a bunch of Classic Elite Bamboo print in a springy mix of violets and greens. I am eyeing the Drop Stitch Lace Tank from Fitted Knits for this chunk of my stash... think I can pump out two tank tops before it gets cold out? Cheer me on, people! I need some encouragement, damn it! Must. Stay. Focused.
I also have a baby sized project on the needles. It will be a gifty for possibly the cutest baby ever to giggle and spit up on her mama... Baby Penelope. You get no details because Jessica reads this blog (well, at least I hope she still does!) and I want it to be a surprise. :)
I also have socks that I started for Mary and a Dad with a birthday coming up... Lord. I need to quit my job and knit full time. I'll live under a bridge with my stash. Kyra will guard me from vicious vagabonds. I'm sure it would be okay, right?
Hmm.
Posted by Sarah at 12:30 PM | Comments (1)
August 16, 2007
Leafy Goodness
So.... way back in March, Mary, Michelle, Jessica and I headed up to New Milford to The Village Center for the Arts for an evening of Paint-Yer-Own-Pottery.
For some reason, I've neglected to post my creation from that outing until now....
This place was fan-freakin-tastic, by the way! I've never seen such a wide variety of pieces. From kitschy-quirky to elegant contemporary.... tiny gnomes to sushi platters. The gals and I decided that the Squad needs an outing on a Tuesday night - the whole gang has to get in on this action.
I chose a cool little leaf-shaped bowl for my first go. I did a lot of work with ceramics back in high school, but it's been a while and this was my first time painting something that someone else made.... weird!
I know... I really should have taken progress pics... but cram it with walnuts and consider yourself lucky that I remembered to post the darn thing at all!
I was really happy with the way this sucker turned out, actually. I had this vision of a leaf in the process of turning color.... And that's totally what I got! Hard to trust yourself when the glaze looks so different before it is fired!
I like to fill it with candy. But, it usually doesn't last long around here...
Oh - in other news, SteveKam (the fella) and I headed up to Lovers Leap State Park last weekend. The big metal bridge (Falls Bridge) had just been restored and the park was really lovely. The story of Lovers Leap Gorge goes something like this... back a long, long time ago, the daughter of Chief Waramaug threw herself from the side of the gorge into the rushing waters of the Housatonic River when her white lover did not return from an outing on the day he was supposed to. Supposedly, her lover arrived to find her body crashing up against the rocks - he dove in to save her and drowned instead. Similar legends can be found all around the country - check it out. SteveKam and I both managed to trek through the park without crashing to our deaths. Score one for us.
I posted pics from our adventure, along with the usual commentary, here.
Posted by Sarah at 7:38 PM | Comments (1)
August 15, 2007
Flowers, Shotglasses and an FO
So, I've been scolded for neglecting my blogging duties AGAIN this week.
Nag nag nag.
So, I decided to show you all what I did with my lunch break today as I was fortunate enough to work from home on this lovely, sunny Wednesday.
I trimmed back the zinnias in my little garden out front. The little bastards had started taking over the walkway. That is what I get for giving them a home. Ungrateful little brats. So I CUT THEM. Take that! I made an example out a few dozen in hopes to inspire fear in their brethren.
I threw in some lavender from a plant I am growing on my steps and some basil I have sprouting up tall in the same place. As a matter of fact... let's take a look at Snippy's little stairway oasis, shall we?
Here we see Rosemary (who just came home with me from The Elephant's Trunk this past Sunday), Basil, Italian Parsley and overshadowed (and not too visible) are Mystery Plant #1 and Mystery Plant # 2.... as well as the lone survivor of The Snapdragon Experiment (where Sarah learned that they don't like to grow for her even if they are her very favorite flower and she told them so every day and it didn't even matter one little bit to them or nothing.... whatever.)
MP1 and MP2, by the by, were given to me by my crazy neighbor. I'd like to think that I rescued them from a wicked fate, but they're kind of sickly looking and my hopes... they ain't high.
Here is some of that aforementioned lavender, looking scrumptious. Mmmm. You smelly so nice! (When are we getting Smell-o-Vision on the internets? Isn't that something that Walt Disney promised me on one of those craptacular Epcot rides? Hmph.)
Speaking of The Elephant's Trunk, I ought to share what I discovered while there with Mary and Michelle.
Flea Markets are no place to be when it is 90 degrees and you are a.) pregnant (Michelle) or b.) hungover (me). Mary seemed to fare just fine....
We spent a coupla hours there and I'd say my favorite purchase was no surprise given my physical state that day. I give you... the coolest shot glasses ever.
Oh yeah. They are that cool. And they are mine. You want to use them? You're going to have to sweet talk your way over here for a shot party. OOH. Shot party! That sounds like a good idea... Hmm. I'll get back to you all on that.
Oh man... I was going to include an FO in this post, but this thing feels like it's really long. I'll put that sucker in it's own entry later. Cuz that's the way I roll. At least today it is.
Boo yeah.
Posted by Sarah at 4:49 PM | Comments (3)
March 11, 2007
Happy Birthday, Mama!
Okay, so it was a week ago... But, I didn't want to post pics until after she had opened up the present!
My Mom turned 50 last Saturday. I toiled over what to gte her and finally decided that making her something was the best way to go. After even more toiling over what that something would be....
I give you - Mama McNally's Box o Love.
I found a cool little wooden box and decoupaged this really perty tree on top.
And then proceeded to fill said box with 50 little cards I made - each one listing a reason why I love her so.
Since she's so far away, we don't see each other too often. So, now anytime she is feeling down or has a bad day, she can run and open up her Box o Love and grab a card to remind her of why she is so fantastic!
Happy Birthday, Mama! I could have written 50 more, but we'll save that for birthday #100. K?
Posted by Sarah at 8:37 PM | Comments (4)
June 2, 2006
Zorg's Nifty Pouch & Cozy
Well, being stuck in my apartment with no car for a week has at least resulted in some decent crafting!
Here we have a crafty solution to a nagging problem I've had since getting my shiny little loudmouth, Zorg the iPod.
I use Zorg mostly in the car, on my long walks on my lunchbreak, while washing the dishes, and cleaning the house.... I bought a case with a strap, but it just doesn't do it! The strap is too long, so Zorg is always being jostled about. :( And it doesn't cover his head properly, so I get worried when I get caught in the rain during a walk! Boo, Hiss, I say!
So here is my solution.
Why, it's a smart little pouch! (I loooove these buttons! I was saving them for something good.)
What's that you say? Well, it is a clever little pocket to hold my earbuds when they're not in use!
Oh! Here we have a little buttonhole-turned-earbud wire hole!
A little extra storage is always nice....
"But, Sarah", I hear you say, "Poor little shiny loudmouth Zorg won't be very safe in just a couple layers of calico!" Fear not faithful readers, Snippy brought out the big guns.
I used a couple layers of quilt batting, some flannel and my still improving hand quilting skills to make Zorg this clever little cozy. If the baby gets dropped, his noggin should still be in one piece.
Posted by Sarah at 8:03 PM | Comments (9)
January 29, 2006
Bevy of Badass Babes in Brooklyn
First off - thanks to all of you for your comments to my last post! You guys are wonderful :) I love getting positive feedback to a positive post. Watch out! I think it's contagious...
Mary and I drove down to Marie and E's place in Brooklyn Saturday to join the Spiders crew in some dyeing fun! Marie, you see, is the dyeing queen and offered to share her fantastic dyes and extensive knowledge with all of us! (As well as her amazing apartment for the day!)
On a sidenote... if anyone wants to see my mean streak, take me into the city and make me drive around for twenty minutes looking for a parking spot. You'll hear every combination of swear words known to man. Fucking fuckity fuck! If I ever live anywhere urban, I won't be a driver...
Once we landed a spot, we headed in and got to see the gals and I was happy to get caugt up with everyone. Kaitlyn's bump has turned into a belly fulla baby! Joy is heading out to sunny Hawaii in just over a week! Sandra is as witty and fantastic as ever! I got to meet up with a lot of other lovely ladies whose blogs I enjoy thoroughly - it was a great day. :)
Here's Marie showing us the ropes.
Lots of yummy fiber gettiing ready to be dyed! We had all this yarn and roving soaking in the bathroom. The very same bathroom, as it happens that poor Amanda was soon to be trapped in. The door got stuck and a rescue operation was soon under way!
As you can see, we all rushed to grab our cameras. Here's Joy and Lisa getting in on the soon to be blog legend of the attempted rescue via window.
But it was Steph who saved the day! What can ya say? When you're good, you're good.
After Amanda was freed, it was straight back to business! Here's Mary working on her roving.
And what's a party without a group shot? Here's most of the crew in one spot. Pictured here (clockwise please!): Amanda, Kaitlyn, the top of Katies's head, Jess, Sandra, Carrie, Mary, someone's foot (is that you, Lisa?), the back of Sarah's head, and Steph!
Not yet mentioned, but wonderful to meet were Veronique, Iraida, Abby and Julia. Phew! Who knew you could fit this many knitters in an apartment?
Thanks again to Marie and E for being such fabulous hostesses! It was great to see the gang again :) Pics of my finished roving and some of it spun up are soon to come!
Posted by Sarah at 4:55 PM | Comments (4)
November 14, 2005
Excessive Crafting Leads to Bad Blogging
Okay. So I have SO many updates, but I haven't taken any pictures yet.... I've been caught in that nasty riptide of xmas gifts. While I had told myself I'd limit the amount of homemade gifts this year to a bare minimum (to protect my sanity as well as serve my greedy knitting nature as of late) I have come to a shocking conclusion.
I am poor. So very poor.
This led me to the inevitable realization that a.) xmas gifts will not buy themselves and b.) I have a lot of crap around this apartment that can be made into some fabulous items given the appropriate attention and some elbow grease.
I'm happy to report that I finished one gift this weekend, as well as started two others that shouldn't take too much time to complete! Now, I just need to keep this drive a steady one and we might be in the clear!
On to the greedy knitting.... The Hourglass Sweater is done! I just need to get a damn picture taken of it... Oh yeah, and a blocking might make her happy too... We'll get there. (I love this sweater so much - I want to knit another one already!)
The Cable Rib socks are on a hiatus until everyone else's presents are complete... :( Man. One of these years I'm going to knit myself xmas presents and nobody else. Damnit.
edited to add: Mary answered that meme I tagged her with - in a delightfully creative fashion. I urge you all to check it out... hee.
Posted by Sarah at 9:07 PM | Comments (1)
March 16, 2005
cute Cute CUTE!
This is the cutest site ever... and I am going to spend all my money here.
This is the new site that the company my sis works at just launched. It is so ridiculously adorable, I can barely contain myself. They have all these beautiful kits for making shampoo, soap, bath bombs, bath salts.... from novice to pro... And the packaging is stunning. Great instructions and photos - and though it is geared toward children, I think a giganto chunk of the crafty population is gong to eat this site up! :)
So, yes, I highly reccommend this site! Not to mention the people that own the company - and those who work there - are super nice!!! And we'd all much rather give our money to nice folks, right? I hate giving my money to jerks.
Posted by Sarah at 4:46 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack