tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45039312530135674952024-03-05T10:58:03.743-05:00Twig StudioWelcome to my world of art, daydreams, and enchanting musicTwig Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03747580369085731852noreply@blogger.comBlogger61125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503931253013567495.post-3229344969025843642014-11-03T09:56:00.000-05:002015-01-12T10:02:40.969-05:0010 Uncommon Rules of Trail Running...<b>especially if you are trying out a new trail for the first time*</b><br />
<br />
1. Find a trail suitable for trail running. Some areas are designated as a quiet sanctuary for wildlife and running is prohibited. Of course, if you are being chased by wildlife... run like the wind!<br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAWukxv_xHmeaHOG9hEt4Ut4kYyrlrtwj_UJieKzg4ax9uBIRCRxiCNM880AH0a_s1aGwRbAsDNEwR9-6Vk8azuoefQ1W7ysLDzV8bWqY3LZCeA2FMaP_zN6MOKvPBq9wTWNh-L3biMGc/s1600/IMG_5017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAWukxv_xHmeaHOG9hEt4Ut4kYyrlrtwj_UJieKzg4ax9uBIRCRxiCNM880AH0a_s1aGwRbAsDNEwR9-6Vk8azuoefQ1W7ysLDzV8bWqY3LZCeA2FMaP_zN6MOKvPBq9wTWNh-L3biMGc/s1600/IMG_5017.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
2. Do not freak out if you get mud all over your shoes and possibly your clothes. Unless you live in a dry climate or your area is going through a drought... there will be mud hiding out somewhere.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2jqPzN1VEOc9xRLPeYtq6xhMU-domjxe8uJ2cWUxoQ1YmXUIKZ4G8XaF9gpmAdQX7lIi0RkMmyqxpH_0msJyLEqJD0fZ4oJGFBsQRwhmCBD0GmgaZTIslugaj95rD2iQXmZy7FppEIbU/s1600/IMG_5019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2jqPzN1VEOc9xRLPeYtq6xhMU-domjxe8uJ2cWUxoQ1YmXUIKZ4G8XaF9gpmAdQX7lIi0RkMmyqxpH_0msJyLEqJD0fZ4oJGFBsQRwhmCBD0GmgaZTIslugaj95rD2iQXmZy7FppEIbU/s1600/IMG_5019.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
3. Take in the fresh air! You feel that wind on your face? It's fresh! You are running like you were meant to run, through the woods, dodging branches, hunting food in the form of antelope or a fleeing berry bush, you are a survivor!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbIAVORAcp_OHC2qm2mEB9-r4B3r127RXTHsL-UrXkVGmBHhJy4sVvINQG29VzSIwC7jB8JqI1P9jsDZfWIGN9KsNEPhNbUpXi9v_x8OiyhsfsMdSHj5tolvyqqkeYLCkGhy09UGVCIjs/s1600/IMG_5031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbIAVORAcp_OHC2qm2mEB9-r4B3r127RXTHsL-UrXkVGmBHhJy4sVvINQG29VzSIwC7jB8JqI1P9jsDZfWIGN9KsNEPhNbUpXi9v_x8OiyhsfsMdSHj5tolvyqqkeYLCkGhy09UGVCIjs/s1600/IMG_5031.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
4. Don't forget to look down on occasion. Tree roots will send you sailing!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdfqIW3BAV23mapKpOOmV-3cmTE5iKciEQpq_N7MaiAlRIo3nom0PVMWT8S1dSVcMXWrNWccX3PS-DAJAxmo1qbsuoW6IJR5SgH3fRxKMhrm8kigjhDk2NoJ_BHBRXLPh3jul84QrkoQY/s1600/IMG_5015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdfqIW3BAV23mapKpOOmV-3cmTE5iKciEQpq_N7MaiAlRIo3nom0PVMWT8S1dSVcMXWrNWccX3PS-DAJAxmo1qbsuoW6IJR5SgH3fRxKMhrm8kigjhDk2NoJ_BHBRXLPh3jul84QrkoQY/s1600/IMG_5015.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My phone... sailing.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
5. It's a good idea to have your phone in a waterproof covering of some sort, preferably in a color that doesn't camouflage itself in a woodland environment. This is especially useful after your phone lands 10 feet away from where you fell on your face.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRXQW40FBgMPDiSQ7zB2YYArWn-Cjbvufx-UEtatF7xwe9p4aoRfP1ffGF-pgNvF_yBjW-l4U9j_1GRI55pQJi3hfXFTJI6LiKxGXKipAHdhTZTJbVZmPfOJmfSsmpQ9HqPrW8UOTkT4E/s1600/IMG_5040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRXQW40FBgMPDiSQ7zB2YYArWn-Cjbvufx-UEtatF7xwe9p4aoRfP1ffGF-pgNvF_yBjW-l4U9j_1GRI55pQJi3hfXFTJI6LiKxGXKipAHdhTZTJbVZmPfOJmfSsmpQ9HqPrW8UOTkT4E/s1600/IMG_5040.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
6. Take time to stop and get random photos of fungi, tree roots, and other natural objects that seem really amazing at the time.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigAA5aAw0mhPD4sTgW3Qjw1-0hvx1dsw1cs-Z_Z5klfuA99ICGgwroY-h1GCv1MbMfUBur8EjgCD3c-Y6lbwwq1zGhZqNvRxqks9wjzWCPY4250jj4GrKhJ0TYHYHWa67PoEw-S19HDS8/s1600/IMG_5039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigAA5aAw0mhPD4sTgW3Qjw1-0hvx1dsw1cs-Z_Z5klfuA99ICGgwroY-h1GCv1MbMfUBur8EjgCD3c-Y6lbwwq1zGhZqNvRxqks9wjzWCPY4250jj4GrKhJ0TYHYHWa67PoEw-S19HDS8/s1600/IMG_5039.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWaGsZStTFjiLCTWtCK9t5l-9uUtr6gGq1mtLmRY00Fp00taRoKyMlghK_PkR3rUtUtx0CTj519apn0Q6A9uhR7F4vZfpt3nfeNdaieOj99BxF1cTqitQsESUcHXxZIDOg5SjJWvsfFlQ/s1600/IMG_5042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWaGsZStTFjiLCTWtCK9t5l-9uUtr6gGq1mtLmRY00Fp00taRoKyMlghK_PkR3rUtUtx0CTj519apn0Q6A9uhR7F4vZfpt3nfeNdaieOj99BxF1cTqitQsESUcHXxZIDOg5SjJWvsfFlQ/s1600/IMG_5042.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
7. Don't always assume you know where you are going. Never underestimate just how easy it is to get lost, especially on mountain bike trails that branch off every few feet into countless directions.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4xM5Dw9_HJ4hIOBUouU9PLBfLVLuXyYrOB-QmRuo7-tPVvtH1mnlqJMEIKdlxS8s7cV0U_ntLKSHIdoPj7trzIjU20C1e1LZURGSNwCe368KJBJbkKVjD5C4wYruqs-fln6D-pWsIKeg/s1600/IMG_5011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4xM5Dw9_HJ4hIOBUouU9PLBfLVLuXyYrOB-QmRuo7-tPVvtH1mnlqJMEIKdlxS8s7cV0U_ntLKSHIdoPj7trzIjU20C1e1LZURGSNwCe368KJBJbkKVjD5C4wYruqs-fln6D-pWsIKeg/s1600/IMG_5011.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
8. Speaking of mountain bike trails, watch out for mountain bikes! In some situations, it's a lot easier for the hiker/runner/ambler to get out of the way than for the biker to go around you. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi78rGetArU5RvwSh1IhXp7uqBM3FOXl_xdvKxqK3ZYFW_JlYbwe_1FtUJkFmlUaMVKfwzWDAJ5eN0jS43b14NggaTelCmOuZxDfZlZceF7mjL4FZP_ewJuEuYViviFZtYO8z9Tv8c9hIY/s1600/IMG_5035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi78rGetArU5RvwSh1IhXp7uqBM3FOXl_xdvKxqK3ZYFW_JlYbwe_1FtUJkFmlUaMVKfwzWDAJ5eN0jS43b14NggaTelCmOuZxDfZlZceF7mjL4FZP_ewJuEuYViviFZtYO8z9Tv8c9hIY/s1600/IMG_5035.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
9. Be courteous and respectful, even if others are mocking your bewildered look and bloody knees.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW1bNRhF3w7-NKnP-dCraNTmks-O2m5B6eu4d9_WeJMhAV5nUzQIfPQV4NC6tpF7kCGSEyz9bB7t07-iid6iEwyuVKX1Fv3SErcOyNg2WyX5tRO118cDPpOH1mUxCVRrFJpgLaS3aTxao/s1600/IMG_5048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW1bNRhF3w7-NKnP-dCraNTmks-O2m5B6eu4d9_WeJMhAV5nUzQIfPQV4NC6tpF7kCGSEyz9bB7t07-iid6iEwyuVKX1Fv3SErcOyNg2WyX5tRO118cDPpOH1mUxCVRrFJpgLaS3aTxao/s1600/IMG_5048.jpg" height="400" width="316" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
10. Enjoy your run, even if it turns into more of a jog or a stagger, with lots of photo and GPS breaks! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYOgsEqXWJpL_kgEvVQyfVtniR51oU7l7Yc4QLFgcmqJa4k_v4atwjuZORwWSroFd-HauOXr7Pn5Go5203UuUyuKOWL0AQ9u4aeOYJZwpld7F1N8XpHOu7Lc-PQT_gFMWDxezAAoMUlUs/s1600/IMG_5021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYOgsEqXWJpL_kgEvVQyfVtniR51oU7l7Yc4QLFgcmqJa4k_v4atwjuZORwWSroFd-HauOXr7Pn5Go5203UuUyuKOWL0AQ9u4aeOYJZwpld7F1N8XpHOu7Lc-PQT_gFMWDxezAAoMUlUs/s1600/IMG_5021.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
*These rules do not include or replace the standard rules of trail running safety! Obviously, do not run alone in a dangerous area; let people know where you are going; do not run if you have a medical condition without getting the okay from your doctor; do not run in an area that has had sightings of escaped convicts, zombies, wild boar, or unaccompanied teenagers; do not run in the dark unless you are being supervised by a guide possum; do not run in or near hunting areas during hunting seasons or Celtic rituals, especially if you have antlers; and finally, do not run without remembering how awesome you are just for getting outside when you could have used that time to rewatch an old episode of <i>Sherlock</i>. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Twig Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03747580369085731852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503931253013567495.post-46941920484832782882014-09-03T21:53:00.000-04:002014-09-03T21:53:34.723-04:00This Old BackpackI always put off back to school shopping until the last week. It's not that I dread school starting, I just enjoy summer with the kids and it's hard to get into the "back to school" mentality until it's only a few days away. We were so busy tracking down the right glue sticks and markers, I completely forgot that our rising second grader had a raggedy backpack! <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0mdol1TbHUy0UU_okSTR1GBRn5UJ3S0jfz2bXe-ft355fPBvfnU0SBKFtB4qzAPVESXoF1OlyHUkF_i_QHqtD_49AvMXredWSPAQ-XidBDwQUjpR3VnE7yG4m0O3_-Q-DaC9q4zEcOzw/s1600/IMG_4667.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0mdol1TbHUy0UU_okSTR1GBRn5UJ3S0jfz2bXe-ft355fPBvfnU0SBKFtB4qzAPVESXoF1OlyHUkF_i_QHqtD_49AvMXredWSPAQ-XidBDwQUjpR3VnE7yG4m0O3_-Q-DaC9q4zEcOzw/s1600/IMG_4667.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a>I like making things last as long as possible and I wasn't about to toss a perfectly okay (yet raggedy) backpack that could last another year (or two) if the side pockets hadn't turned into a shredded mess. Oh, and by the way, I will think twice before purchasing a new backpack with that flimsy mesh junk again! You're probably thinking I'm crazy for making such a big deal over side pockets, but I really like side pockets... and hydration!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So... the day before (yes, the day before) the first day of school, I ripped off what was left of the mesh and proceeded to crochet a pocket. Basically, I made a cozy/cylinder using one of their water bottles and left an opening (where it attaches to the backpack)... so it was like a 3/4 cozy. I started out with a circle for the base (single crochet), then worked the side back and forth in a half-double crochet/diamond stitch pattern. Next, I found a large needle, some strong embroidery thread, and attached it to the backpack with a ton of stitches. I left the blue elastic strap at the top to help secure the water bottle. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilISW_0Hl6qLZ6g_QzTIGZFkwXts507i4yiQerX_wo3_pHdDSgeX7cjL9E86DsrR09fb4I_W37XCEfx5S_otIqubaY8XbmJNc_rOOD_JpApPUIISTUz7mxBhGxO9BdUD7Z4kfVvIoaAnE/s1600/IMG_4669.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilISW_0Hl6qLZ6g_QzTIGZFkwXts507i4yiQerX_wo3_pHdDSgeX7cjL9E86DsrR09fb4I_W37XCEfx5S_otIqubaY8XbmJNc_rOOD_JpApPUIISTUz7mxBhGxO9BdUD7Z4kfVvIoaAnE/s1600/IMG_4669.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div>
I'm curious as to how well it will hold up throughout the year. So far, in spite of looking a bit eccentric, it's working out well and her water stays cooler during these 95 degree school days. The other side of the backpack looks basically like the first photo. I only had time for one side and ... well... that's another day. </div>
Twig Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03747580369085731852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503931253013567495.post-31142234073795156422014-05-20T09:02:00.000-04:002014-05-20T09:03:45.984-04:00Blanket StatementI first learned to crochet when I was 12. My mom would make those funky ("funky" in a good way) ripple afghans and they were remarkably cozy and practical. I watched her and picked up on the double stitch ripple groove and made about 10 afghans one year. Sadly, after compulsive coverlet creating, I kind of fizzled out and focused on smaller projects for the next few decades. <br />
<div>
<br />
<div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirK9Fwh_QdDJd4wHCDFMvl0QklKGE7a_IfJZCZ-6u35yc_1HgXG2Phd9vk6jxvsulrmhcofNLWswF1Jm6UGc54X-OUeI4gwg3SzomBKD5TNx6ApVRIrv3pSje7xKsQOlbHXOZbOf3Vw0M/s1600/IMG_3489.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirK9Fwh_QdDJd4wHCDFMvl0QklKGE7a_IfJZCZ-6u35yc_1HgXG2Phd9vk6jxvsulrmhcofNLWswF1Jm6UGc54X-OUeI4gwg3SzomBKD5TNx6ApVRIrv3pSje7xKsQOlbHXOZbOf3Vw0M/s1600/IMG_3489.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Citrus Rose"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
Several weeks ago, our younger daughter asked me to crochet a blanket for her. I thought, "why not?" We looked over some ideas on <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/account/login" target="_blank">Ravelry</a> and we always love the beautiful designs and ideas from <a href="http://attic24.typepad.com/" target="_blank">Lucy of Attic 24</a>. We went with the <a href="http://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/2010/07/the-granny-stripe-tadah.html" target="_blank">Granny Stripe Blanket</a>. After the initial 2 starting rows, which are mostly just long and a bit boring, the rest is a breeze! There are so many options here. You can go crazy with color or keep it refined. You can crochet lengthwise or widthwise, depending on how you want your stripes to run. I went with assorted colors from my cotton Sugar N' Cream stash, we call the finished product "Citrus Rose." For the edging, I used a basic shell stitch. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLsRUGe9OGJuFzKbEUsVWPfCtwRQCIqpVl-IqcByI3F8vCcuLLwryEVgcnbqS9-lpTqMzhwymYTYzrr_GPjdH7upeKXgrtOyZaT8oXT3ONk7DZwyvbrgGXwnVYonK4y55R7H7vn5d4wCQ/s1600/IMG_3594.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLsRUGe9OGJuFzKbEUsVWPfCtwRQCIqpVl-IqcByI3F8vCcuLLwryEVgcnbqS9-lpTqMzhwymYTYzrr_GPjdH7upeKXgrtOyZaT8oXT3ONk7DZwyvbrgGXwnVYonK4y55R7H7vn5d4wCQ/s1600/IMG_3594.jpg" height="200" width="168" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Violet Bluebell"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Of course, our older daughter wanted one immediately after feeling the airy, yet cozy softness of the triple-crocheted granny stripe stitch. Since she loves blues, I went with a cooler-hued stash to create "Violet Bluebell." I used a different edging here, I'm not sure what the appropriate name for it is. Basically, I start with a shell stitch and add a picot stitch to the middle of the shell. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
These blankets are perfect for this time of year, especially when they are made of cotton yarn. You could also use a double stitch as opposed to triple, to create a slightly tighter feel to the blanket. Thicker, woolier yarn would also add warmth, if you need that. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt_li-15OxU-_tERHh_cC4MjzCHAwTQ8MJQTDuyljZrI2FJngg5n3qvZX-NmPOwjMUwHpga7Vi6y31SEYvp_Euacq5lRf2SUELFnnSZc9IEpm_j88tioX5zKmWsUA2kvQsWBc5erqxdaw/s1600/469f4c27fbe4a28da57501122052bb26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt_li-15OxU-_tERHh_cC4MjzCHAwTQ8MJQTDuyljZrI2FJngg5n3qvZX-NmPOwjMUwHpga7Vi6y31SEYvp_Euacq5lRf2SUELFnnSZc9IEpm_j88tioX5zKmWsUA2kvQsWBc5erqxdaw/s1600/469f4c27fbe4a28da57501122052bb26.jpg" height="320" width="245" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
Twig Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03747580369085731852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503931253013567495.post-73257917676954586572014-04-03T09:43:00.000-04:002014-04-03T09:43:49.145-04:00Lions, Tigers, and a Bear of a Project!My latest painting was a big one! 9' x 24' to be exact. I painted a jungle/forest background for my little one's first grade play titled "Welcome to the Jungle." I know what you are thinking. At first, I was wondering who would get the role of Axl Rose but as it turned out, they used an entirely different "Welcome to the Jungle." In spite of being a "bear of a project," I enjoyed every minute of it. Painting for kids is the greatest honor. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix2nWcHJNEUu712lnHCaM54lI47es7B4J7m4SI4dBz3gAhYT9F7mwSRVM2dH0D-bx8_ZHu9nX3fSgZej9ieZ_JXB1qtz5gSb9q0Bf2Y-WJTB-mH0QnUg8R9zQuJSaLf7WXJKPttyjLoVU/s1600/IMG_3214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix2nWcHJNEUu712lnHCaM54lI47es7B4J7m4SI4dBz3gAhYT9F7mwSRVM2dH0D-bx8_ZHu9nX3fSgZej9ieZ_JXB1qtz5gSb9q0Bf2Y-WJTB-mH0QnUg8R9zQuJSaLf7WXJKPttyjLoVU/s1600/IMG_3214.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I used approximately 10 cans of spray paint to create the background. Since the kids were going to be dressed in warm colors such as monkey brown, giraffe gold, and lion bronze, I thought lots of cool blues and purples interspersed with sunrise colors would make the setting "pop." 2 heavy duty drop cloths from Home Depot served as the medium for this sizable project. I cannot even begin to count the bottles of paint that went into the trees and assorted flora... let's just say I have a lot of bottles to recycle. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQP-eTQewY8NKiKw0LG4XjEwj1kcEmm3N-F6tlLBjNcNpRlptoKTb05BPq_wp90_6fUVpIP3_g-NH7bLmBAbOIBlMyW9DRex3Am7JeWRPHGCcvl1FkePKVynwhuXIjOSMLkTB2vvN9EQ/s1600/IMG_3244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQP-eTQewY8NKiKw0LG4XjEwj1kcEmm3N-F6tlLBjNcNpRlptoKTb05BPq_wp90_6fUVpIP3_g-NH7bLmBAbOIBlMyW9DRex3Am7JeWRPHGCcvl1FkePKVynwhuXIjOSMLkTB2vvN9EQ/s1600/IMG_3244.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
The biggest challenges involved space. Ideally, I would have a huge wall with clamps for this type of project. Alas, I do not. I have a small table with clamps. So, I did the best I could and took the canvas out after each painting session to get a true perspective of it in the driveway. <br />
<br />
It took a few weeks to do this and the weather certainly did not help. We had an unusual amount of snow for central Virginia, so it was often too wet to take the canvas out. The play was also bumped back a couple of times because of all the snow days. The music teacher in charge of this production has the patience of a saint, not to mention the energy of a hummingbird!<br />
<br />
In the meantime, a handful of crafty, devoted moms were cutting felt, stitching lion manes, gluing feathers, and attaching monkey ears for dozens and dozens of little creatures. The kids looked amazing and had no trouble getting into character with these adorable costumes. <br />
<br />
Given the theme and the ages of the performers, the look I went for was kind of a "whimsical storybook edge-of-the-jungle" look. The result was lots of very happy first graders who were proud to be "in the jungle!" I would love to include a photo of the actual children dressed up for the play, but I have this weird thing about using children's images (other than my own) on my blog. Trust me, it looks better with all the hippos, monkeys, and adorable faces in the foreground! <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXQlen_JMrn1RJiPZtXCib88GlpH_XIRlLpq3H0JJLe9ONOJ5M28erD8y7YE-m36JxUX0ZhVMFBKoUDz-W3ALcYsIOgeVeEuu3iuiV0R8RW6LZCjmHd0bqlBMUOsKXRyyjsx9U2xSbTnc/s1600/IMG_3292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXQlen_JMrn1RJiPZtXCib88GlpH_XIRlLpq3H0JJLe9ONOJ5M28erD8y7YE-m36JxUX0ZhVMFBKoUDz-W3ALcYsIOgeVeEuu3iuiV0R8RW6LZCjmHd0bqlBMUOsKXRyyjsx9U2xSbTnc/s1600/IMG_3292.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
More images from the process...<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHCExSVECe8Xmp0VGJbn-q2v1KBm0YgDXUmjyp8hCe4SAL-ggqf0u1qgbmdDjD3MWhsWbcrzaHaym-IP331UIvGexMtdCzbvNY-CGLk05idAlez7ydPrgK-GON_ImjrHX-O__47B79jqo/s1600/IMG_3011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHCExSVECe8Xmp0VGJbn-q2v1KBm0YgDXUmjyp8hCe4SAL-ggqf0u1qgbmdDjD3MWhsWbcrzaHaym-IP331UIvGexMtdCzbvNY-CGLk05idAlez7ydPrgK-GON_ImjrHX-O__47B79jqo/s1600/IMG_3011.JPG" height="320" width="315" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">painting the background on the first "dry" day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWiBZVE8y60Njo8TgQZE18Qy2LedabcJecR7XUd8cmoe5eQ_1wrV9qJNw7sW_CS4zl0R4fucfkrYuCl9CVWLqX3MXsZ_uzMjsJHSqamtx7fCP2rbdvYV-iM8V5yP9UfgUTObbNODPFT0U/s1600/IMG_3034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWiBZVE8y60Njo8TgQZE18Qy2LedabcJecR7XUd8cmoe5eQ_1wrV9qJNw7sW_CS4zl0R4fucfkrYuCl9CVWLqX3MXsZ_uzMjsJHSqamtx7fCP2rbdvYV-iM8V5yP9UfgUTObbNODPFT0U/s1600/IMG_3034.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCnumu9pO5kfeJTmfzZWRJ-BgTqSDZnXo0StSdi6BB74Zyxfwzu9jc66nPz4xTEaWlpr5U4_pk4B-mtt0gnZ2M7dD3nRMDmxg2maRnlvDm88vLFiOU2uLOWbUDcVZK-PPeXh9AvQj7Tq0/s1600/IMG_3040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCnumu9pO5kfeJTmfzZWRJ-BgTqSDZnXo0StSdi6BB74Zyxfwzu9jc66nPz4xTEaWlpr5U4_pk4B-mtt0gnZ2M7dD3nRMDmxg2maRnlvDm88vLFiOU2uLOWbUDcVZK-PPeXh9AvQj7Tq0/s1600/IMG_3040.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibteTvAI0wIns9knb1OfHZdmUB-I9EL6VQhJk3hxAr189D3x7Nh902DQY9ozfY4JuKDS_iNxfJHGn2s0VUPRgbkRpXllsFCRG24kARQKFAspXS8mEYuI2gKANN5J0afN0aT3-AxpNWUDE/s1600/IMG_3061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibteTvAI0wIns9knb1OfHZdmUB-I9EL6VQhJk3hxAr189D3x7Nh902DQY9ozfY4JuKDS_iNxfJHGn2s0VUPRgbkRpXllsFCRG24kARQKFAspXS8mEYuI2gKANN5J0afN0aT3-AxpNWUDE/s1600/IMG_3061.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb8482fRZTLS9ouZUOiUvr7sroCThYihd3Lc_4ZaVhVq1CXOGXzndHfwupoWhWTFYX8dzL0h7lRrbcPs_tmkgEJEIFv9H9ceoR1J6SL6yP2CsQO6b01WzO3UNF4EnXo-NhUQuMbPb6u2A/s1600/IMG_3089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb8482fRZTLS9ouZUOiUvr7sroCThYihd3Lc_4ZaVhVq1CXOGXzndHfwupoWhWTFYX8dzL0h7lRrbcPs_tmkgEJEIFv9H9ceoR1J6SL6yP2CsQO6b01WzO3UNF4EnXo-NhUQuMbPb6u2A/s1600/IMG_3089.JPG" height="205" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPAgSY1xZLMuAsuzoMNNNm3Wspmt3gL6UnL8WcPxWw0J-us0gL8DygNvppQnygDpWdGhC7KR-nWdv9hBwHlt8X-gXsh0lkCI8tn-6T3RZo0ULETbyhMGtTqDoWaedxR6q7rdzQ6w6R3MA/s1600/IMG_3064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPAgSY1xZLMuAsuzoMNNNm3Wspmt3gL6UnL8WcPxWw0J-us0gL8DygNvppQnygDpWdGhC7KR-nWdv9hBwHlt8X-gXsh0lkCI8tn-6T3RZo0ULETbyhMGtTqDoWaedxR6q7rdzQ6w6R3MA/s1600/IMG_3064.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
</div>
Twig Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03747580369085731852noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503931253013567495.post-80434163661795531462014-02-12T10:50:00.000-05:002014-02-12T10:54:50.392-05:00Hues of BluesMy kids often ask me the burning question, "Mommy, what is your favorite color?" Of course, I never have a simple answer. It usually goes something like... "Well, it depends on the setting and the situation. I love green trees, periwinkle skies, to wear I prefer blacks, dark plums, ... " and it continues. If I had to choose just one color, I would probably say green. When I look at my Etsy shop, however, there are a lot of blues. <br />
<br />
I did a little statistical observation and examined the first 6 pages of my Etsy shop. I calculated the percentage of items in certain colors and the results were, well, not remotely shocking or exciting. <br />
<br />
Blue won, with 34% of the listings being predominantly blue. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDrvTEufbPUO-npxkvH8jMXwrTNN5EvZfHjW45LksNzvGk6-fDlgnqZOIW48W_zYwQGWwFBsw-fm5QHl9theuEM_A6N0I-IxYupW5fL91EiZJFrQ3Jg2EjaKZyTQ3Z4-XWeScoDJ-Ni8M/s1600/IMG_9537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDrvTEufbPUO-npxkvH8jMXwrTNN5EvZfHjW45LksNzvGk6-fDlgnqZOIW48W_zYwQGWwFBsw-fm5QHl9theuEM_A6N0I-IxYupW5fL91EiZJFrQ3Jg2EjaKZyTQ3Z4-XWeScoDJ-Ni8M/s1600/IMG_9537.JPG" height="304" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDrvTEufbPUO-npxkvH8jMXwrTNN5EvZfHjW45LksNzvGk6-fDlgnqZOIW48W_zYwQGWwFBsw-fm5QHl9theuEM_A6N0I-IxYupW5fL91EiZJFrQ3Jg2EjaKZyTQ3Z4-XWeScoDJ-Ni8M/s1600/IMG_9537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
First runner up was green, with 31%.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinXoYaZFljJGVlqEsI9Pv54ZofIX6Jq7i7pTtxcJYQGaMWqxhckKKcoSOV2S0_ipDyGPWXUq7oXIobs-SPiH-F_-AASViHI1hB0TFO3F4sT970ODyKOIqDKXaH_7MIYqa-ppnXCs0T5oI/s1600/fairyCatTree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinXoYaZFljJGVlqEsI9Pv54ZofIX6Jq7i7pTtxcJYQGaMWqxhckKKcoSOV2S0_ipDyGPWXUq7oXIobs-SPiH-F_-AASViHI1hB0TFO3F4sT970ODyKOIqDKXaH_7MIYqa-ppnXCs0T5oI/s1600/fairyCatTree.jpg" height="320" width="241" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I was a little surprised that only 16% was purple (with some lavender/pink hues).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpZ5hyFwe_WZxRyRxGS1ZU41kNd4RQtSmff1T0Na29LRSsfhUymBiN_PBUq_ZJ6XJP-V4oEhNR07p7QQ0j9YO5LVINipY99ktziO2xeV2kQXyuG_CwhhkXerlr2VPtDz9vJW3z1c5x2os/s1600/IMG_0798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpZ5hyFwe_WZxRyRxGS1ZU41kNd4RQtSmff1T0Na29LRSsfhUymBiN_PBUq_ZJ6XJP-V4oEhNR07p7QQ0j9YO5LVINipY99ktziO2xeV2kQXyuG_CwhhkXerlr2VPtDz9vJW3z1c5x2os/s1600/IMG_0798.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I intentionally made my 2nd page predominately warm colors. Red/orange is still only 14%.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQHyVAEb4pjhfjDf53wu6C0hGgNto8hTOCktklY-UBXhnUkX9b9pwn7TbW5rIQA_qJ1tq2pb2ilZvSsEercMXnjzmArjKN0hgqq_9CfeQ-mCggz5WNhvTrRhg3G1niWnKdBHOCA9WHDL8/s1600/IMG_0897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQHyVAEb4pjhfjDf53wu6C0hGgNto8hTOCktklY-UBXhnUkX9b9pwn7TbW5rIQA_qJ1tq2pb2ilZvSsEercMXnjzmArjKN0hgqq_9CfeQ-mCggz5WNhvTrRhg3G1niWnKdBHOCA9WHDL8/s1600/IMG_0897.JPG" height="303" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Anyone preferring yellows and golds would probably not be that excited about my shop. Only 5% of the items are in those hues. I did not count the brass finish on some of my jewelry items, mostly I looked at the images featured. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXWw30m50QGshZrIuXdTCPowuoffMvAIl7XuRUfQdQshwaHC9ZEALB_r9npFAHU3MayTDLvyFtM-ZKWEqMIe7rysalW8ZRRJVBfaRSTqE5GJYq76mFsS5AWGUOLqZAD19qVEfAp3X8pDg/s1600/AmberGarden2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXWw30m50QGshZrIuXdTCPowuoffMvAIl7XuRUfQdQshwaHC9ZEALB_r9npFAHU3MayTDLvyFtM-ZKWEqMIe7rysalW8ZRRJVBfaRSTqE5GJYq76mFsS5AWGUOLqZAD19qVEfAp3X8pDg/s1600/AmberGarden2.JPG" height="320" width="247" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I only have a trivial amount of white/grey listings. This means I am rarely a candidate for Etsy's front page! <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNhLTjJQZv_cHarpVD6CzIBgFjNQMiuLq2Iz255f3e6TsBQbpu6Bn2wV0uzHDHPkGunRymvg32KHFLJVlyFa2IhziS0YnT57m3lURJetRKsSrO4wasFCIODoVmW0qvUJmJiCP2ZUcy0lk/s1600/IMG_7275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNhLTjJQZv_cHarpVD6CzIBgFjNQMiuLq2Iz255f3e6TsBQbpu6Bn2wV0uzHDHPkGunRymvg32KHFLJVlyFa2IhziS0YnT57m3lURJetRKsSrO4wasFCIODoVmW0qvUJmJiCP2ZUcy0lk/s1600/IMG_7275.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This item actually made it to the front page. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div>
What does this all mean? It probably means it wouldn't hurt for me to get crazy and paint a few yellow/golden tree and forest scenes. </div>
Twig Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03747580369085731852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503931253013567495.post-65355166382668605282014-02-05T22:21:00.000-05:002014-02-05T22:21:52.115-05:00Scenes from a Fairy Tale WeddingA while back, I had the pleasure of working with a lovely bride who wanted me to paint a backdrop for her wedding. Since I had to ship this huge slab of artwork from the U.S. to South Africa, I needed something lighter than a traditional canvas. I used curtains. Yes, curtains. Large, canvas-like curtains. After adding layers, layers, and more layers of acrylic paint, the curtains felt more like heavy vinyl but I was pleased with the end result. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm0OjQNsvcIGEtLU3g_CszBgbdIZovEqlGJ0gEBTK9KG5NUS3X2QeP4C31ssGgNoOAApgHf-HaZf7JR_Mt_KCb0C80xgr1-UutnV76uvsMjjvbcv8W9xR8tjF_8usToPmjOMjethA4yi4/s1600/IMG_0215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm0OjQNsvcIGEtLU3g_CszBgbdIZovEqlGJ0gEBTK9KG5NUS3X2QeP4C31ssGgNoOAApgHf-HaZf7JR_Mt_KCb0C80xgr1-UutnV76uvsMjjvbcv8W9xR8tjF_8usToPmjOMjethA4yi4/s1600/IMG_0215.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-zDaupx4xJHF7BvhLs9JmDEYUUzF4ChSA2BVPLbqBqIKy-XX1rQ1EQ29sDpb-0AJgR9YzqIyO3qunc8mBImbibnGt_-Y83IOfsYDXT8ymTdNWxMV8XcKeZrx5fU2BMtxIKhjCofm_YzE/s1600/IMG_0298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-zDaupx4xJHF7BvhLs9JmDEYUUzF4ChSA2BVPLbqBqIKy-XX1rQ1EQ29sDpb-0AJgR9YzqIyO3qunc8mBImbibnGt_-Y83IOfsYDXT8ymTdNWxMV8XcKeZrx5fU2BMtxIKhjCofm_YzE/s1600/IMG_0298.JPG" height="282" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcJGkk_ZBs9A9VtG_c5o7zjbW8uu6A3qBtjAoIYMmTfKM3HzsL1r5iA8Q3RF3N8-nSSLA4sBvonf9N7tgpBZijvbEYv9d6Yu-mLD4g5bUYTT06AKlqBboBBnUZBrhOOzb-_VJOppQfPl8/s1600/IMG_0251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcJGkk_ZBs9A9VtG_c5o7zjbW8uu6A3qBtjAoIYMmTfKM3HzsL1r5iA8Q3RF3N8-nSSLA4sBvonf9N7tgpBZijvbEYv9d6Yu-mLD4g5bUYTT06AKlqBboBBnUZBrhOOzb-_VJOppQfPl8/s1600/IMG_0251.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_179376414"></span><span id="goog_179376415"></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">She sent me so many gorgeous photos! </span>Notice the bride is wearing one of my pendants...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3VUni6UngcL-xLq9ij8Umt7hQNs8CoLu4uH2Be9ih2j0ehyli3KVIP6D9qE7hf010Pet_-5liHsWcFPWJdbYhkt_ITEUSRXK0awacrTtIwiK6vNaACFrUGHh3e69eI2OfyelsJCKrW5Q/s1600/IMG_0223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3VUni6UngcL-xLq9ij8Umt7hQNs8CoLu4uH2Be9ih2j0ehyli3KVIP6D9qE7hf010Pet_-5liHsWcFPWJdbYhkt_ITEUSRXK0awacrTtIwiK6vNaACFrUGHh3e69eI2OfyelsJCKrW5Q/s1600/IMG_0223.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgddoVwAGO9QEg2zlVsod2Z43iftvZmoglfmrV24uGJlwlhY89dpCRWFhjWLdp0Q9_UiQHUsBXrMBrPnRf8hRKqKhuMNeX3xXZzJAzURcJTrU6hn4yOQDBkr8W6qnahkODAypLUPVMyV5w/s1600/DSC_0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgddoVwAGO9QEg2zlVsod2Z43iftvZmoglfmrV24uGJlwlhY89dpCRWFhjWLdp0Q9_UiQHUsBXrMBrPnRf8hRKqKhuMNeX3xXZzJAzURcJTrU6hn4yOQDBkr8W6qnahkODAypLUPVMyV5w/s1600/DSC_0018.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgddoVwAGO9QEg2zlVsod2Z43iftvZmoglfmrV24uGJlwlhY89dpCRWFhjWLdp0Q9_UiQHUsBXrMBrPnRf8hRKqKhuMNeX3xXZzJAzURcJTrU6hn4yOQDBkr8W6qnahkODAypLUPVMyV5w/s1600/DSC_0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3nMaUpojwdBgb3ao1lNPLq5t2g80qMiCJE4a6R_ZM82U1ZJrHoJFYmG1ZL4m8FEvrnmEhTiL-hM88OKDqXnUQQBq8zJmxsBcOj79pmaFKg9SC6-su09bFFUZsrS_fO8Fxaj0R-BW45yY/s1600/IMG_0177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3nMaUpojwdBgb3ao1lNPLq5t2g80qMiCJE4a6R_ZM82U1ZJrHoJFYmG1ZL4m8FEvrnmEhTiL-hM88OKDqXnUQQBq8zJmxsBcOj79pmaFKg9SC6-su09bFFUZsrS_fO8Fxaj0R-BW45yY/s1600/IMG_0177.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
...and Twig Studio bookmarks were wedding favors!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The bride and groom were adorable and the setting was absolutely magical! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHB2lt-ys23sgC-FkOF2a2L7PvpuaEs_RC-PHePlpItVWgk9amTkpOx4AKxp9Ag_B6bcZUQAYX-u80pL7xK_NZB1agdHyLeeNqNVl0EwglK70VMRgM3a5CfseMYrtSBshdVgX7Ogc9tDI/s1600/IMG_0219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHB2lt-ys23sgC-FkOF2a2L7PvpuaEs_RC-PHePlpItVWgk9amTkpOx4AKxp9Ag_B6bcZUQAYX-u80pL7xK_NZB1agdHyLeeNqNVl0EwglK70VMRgM3a5CfseMYrtSBshdVgX7Ogc9tDI/s1600/IMG_0219.JPG" height="640" width="425" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxpokW0f4ftxZwlEyILk2HYS_UZ8yMpC1ccuFXV2-b4JR7DTrNjX_fdYlbxPJPPPcfhf93dAk_0W_h_g5jzQ1j8FuY6mZkyAq4KB17AFU6Ljhl-kZZqNOq_tkekXVFL2scuw15hNe2GWM/s1600/IMG_0009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxpokW0f4ftxZwlEyILk2HYS_UZ8yMpC1ccuFXV2-b4JR7DTrNjX_fdYlbxPJPPPcfhf93dAk_0W_h_g5jzQ1j8FuY6mZkyAq4KB17AFU6Ljhl-kZZqNOq_tkekXVFL2scuw15hNe2GWM/s1600/IMG_0009.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbh-AxBN01L8AAgUEnUyH8XSu1sBrZzK0tnA_rS7w8cxbUg1Q1tKvtnoN3nKS10slxodZy_x8SxXUgRiOt5jP_cf5KB-q-HoYL-siOi4vnQT5I9K61jQRlRtjOxphLGnkNJE8rqHuXLms/s1600/IMG_0037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbh-AxBN01L8AAgUEnUyH8XSu1sBrZzK0tnA_rS7w8cxbUg1Q1tKvtnoN3nKS10slxodZy_x8SxXUgRiOt5jP_cf5KB-q-HoYL-siOi4vnQT5I9K61jQRlRtjOxphLGnkNJE8rqHuXLms/s1600/IMG_0037.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbh-AxBN01L8AAgUEnUyH8XSu1sBrZzK0tnA_rS7w8cxbUg1Q1tKvtnoN3nKS10slxodZy_x8SxXUgRiOt5jP_cf5KB-q-HoYL-siOi4vnQT5I9K61jQRlRtjOxphLGnkNJE8rqHuXLms/s1600/IMG_0037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJpFXZ_OuCRxnVWlz2XRKlj82IV7j9EunzxeCjg31dKZG4SJlfuQOEUM12Jz4HkYWngXuuYugzoT46B9sjA0ExKUXKWedopLOkVADuC5FcegO2KqYAb2GgplRResXccG8wrm_DcAP8Dto/s1600/IMG_0027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJpFXZ_OuCRxnVWlz2XRKlj82IV7j9EunzxeCjg31dKZG4SJlfuQOEUM12Jz4HkYWngXuuYugzoT46B9sjA0ExKUXKWedopLOkVADuC5FcegO2KqYAb2GgplRResXccG8wrm_DcAP8Dto/s1600/IMG_0027.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1lC5bVASa52xl7ZXONc1pV15tVdg4ZFH68yxDLEKV9fj0A7zWt5NoPYN32e91pPoyk7Gi2NVUbT7pd8DKoS_hpZz2j4WQiDr-Nu-YQP8gmEW6VlN38YtQmbPuJ_w26DXdZdEpOgqA8Ks/s1600/DSC_0084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1lC5bVASa52xl7ZXONc1pV15tVdg4ZFH68yxDLEKV9fj0A7zWt5NoPYN32e91pPoyk7Gi2NVUbT7pd8DKoS_hpZz2j4WQiDr-Nu-YQP8gmEW6VlN38YtQmbPuJ_w26DXdZdEpOgqA8Ks/s1600/DSC_0084.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Apparently, the donkeys got to sample the bouquet! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Happily ever after, you two! </span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Twig Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03747580369085731852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503931253013567495.post-40609620445301113212014-01-05T23:23:00.000-05:002014-01-05T23:23:29.665-05:00Managing and Mastering MayhemI love the holidays but the aftermath can be a bit of downer. By the end of December, my studio was a complete wreck. This image doesn't even show the half of it... the fourth of it! I was starting to have anxiety attacks just thinking about the cardboard boxes in the floor, the paper scraps in the carpet, the bottles of paint sitting next to bottles of glue and glitter. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9vxML6NRG7D4t7lWnXtPZrju89zfqI4EdFjw29qmFJtQ1140xIjz7HGpASPOVV0rTHphD_UAiErfbylbtVwfq3gD8MJzgz-5RCobqbnWoV5REM-ZdypdzVumqBj4FSZoanw8vqzKIORg/s1600/IMG_2645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9vxML6NRG7D4t7lWnXtPZrju89zfqI4EdFjw29qmFJtQ1140xIjz7HGpASPOVV0rTHphD_UAiErfbylbtVwfq3gD8MJzgz-5RCobqbnWoV5REM-ZdypdzVumqBj4FSZoanw8vqzKIORg/s1600/IMG_2645.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
When you create, sell, and ship paintings, cards, jewelry, bookmarks, music, crocheted items, wine glasses, and assorted trinkets, the real challenge is organization, storage, and disposal. Oh, I also sew and I have an embarrassing fabric collection. I try to recycle paper and I reuse paper grocery bags and cardboard boxes as much as possible. In fact, I go overboard. I keep more cardboard boxes than I will ever use and I tend to keep small pieces of paper bags that should honestly be tossed. I will never use all of the yarn that I have piled up in my stash and I have paintings I would not put up for display or sale, ironically stored next to the mountains of yarn. I have clutter. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I have checked out a few books for removing clutter, wasted precious time on Pinterest looking at organizational ideas, and crocheted countless grocery bags with the excess yarn in my stash to thin it out. Realistically, I know that it is my nature to collect things that could have a useful purpose and as long as the clutter situation is kept in a sanitary state, is it really a problem? Chaos is natural, it exists in the weather, geological formations, ecological phenomena... I embrace chaos. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After some focused cleanup with a little help from my husband, it's now clean chaos! Sort of. I still have a lot of work to do but I would rather spend my time permanently splattering my workspace with paint and finding a use for my obscure assortment of fabrics. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4E0D6HKC9vH6CJXSPkxX49qBGIAOXDBgfYHYdqAqfdkJL2RhajQUlHxNt9W2K5YEsI_vgnJJ2zAR80vzohiVZI5rexszYCAuEWeYEdtcAi6rOj04cyCuvrgROoF1r2O3RgFgnsjQhgV8/s1600/IMG_2746.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4E0D6HKC9vH6CJXSPkxX49qBGIAOXDBgfYHYdqAqfdkJL2RhajQUlHxNt9W2K5YEsI_vgnJJ2zAR80vzohiVZI5rexszYCAuEWeYEdtcAi6rOj04cyCuvrgROoF1r2O3RgFgnsjQhgV8/s1600/IMG_2746.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsUTIZGOdHt5Wlbs23mAb4lPEqf5huvZutUw4tHePEjXSFoL8jOVNQL9IvDvG-9Cqt-q6NcI1d-zMXp3SCDLBBamlLtYcGg2saQ7jyLX3kcPcMBv4agqHhWwoV8BSPZ0ModACD7BlLMSs/s1600/IMG_2747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsUTIZGOdHt5Wlbs23mAb4lPEqf5huvZutUw4tHePEjXSFoL8jOVNQL9IvDvG-9Cqt-q6NcI1d-zMXp3SCDLBBamlLtYcGg2saQ7jyLX3kcPcMBv4agqHhWwoV8BSPZ0ModACD7BlLMSs/s1600/IMG_2747.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a path! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrHwqq2Yx-Pcf3uspWzbhyKUv6_9CAxNlGYlJ-XbNmOhH45zlaGrggIUUOS7UnZVVrMvscqG4dvqYrqA-SFt1x4xQHZqj8D9qcU0T1JCpl4YKzqpzX4X08ht22TOsn4FF6mWVgjb8AAEk/s1600/IMG_2750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrHwqq2Yx-Pcf3uspWzbhyKUv6_9CAxNlGYlJ-XbNmOhH45zlaGrggIUUOS7UnZVVrMvscqG4dvqYrqA-SFt1x4xQHZqj8D9qcU0T1JCpl4YKzqpzX4X08ht22TOsn4FF6mWVgjb8AAEk/s1600/IMG_2750.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Twig Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03747580369085731852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503931253013567495.post-78851462105724445242013-11-11T10:38:00.003-05:002014-01-07T22:17:15.790-05:00Confessions of a British TV Junkieor should I say, "a junkie of British TV" since I am technically not British? <br />
<br />
1. I was actually annoyed that both Sherlock and Watson were devoting precious time to other projects.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbUTHRvA8D6z67zoNjk1PNlFWuP2W_RUp9EUOx7zG-NqQSmopzXfic9wliJlVskVs11-K7FXcy7G1MvuoRP2eZIjubnSxbKet5Gpmuw9DY4qcuFIxcvvlXj2j5k3wXgZKu8MhV_AVpjxg/s1600/sherlock1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbUTHRvA8D6z67zoNjk1PNlFWuP2W_RUp9EUOx7zG-NqQSmopzXfic9wliJlVskVs11-K7FXcy7G1MvuoRP2eZIjubnSxbKet5Gpmuw9DY4qcuFIxcvvlXj2j5k3wXgZKu8MhV_AVpjxg/s320/sherlock1.jpg" height="224" width="320" /></a></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXyXmtcKnOcOmPDFjU5lfEAAq6BpTOhZH0xEAUkraaboNbM0f4s7p7PsEZbcOS8c3RNoQyKDoP4j4tv91uDBaASgYSPLi1yZqTKIdmmmgosO2zzfoKWRdj-LWmUBallV4KGRH5pUeVg_Y/s1600/Bilbo-Baggins-discovers-Smaug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXyXmtcKnOcOmPDFjU5lfEAAq6BpTOhZH0xEAUkraaboNbM0f4s7p7PsEZbcOS8c3RNoQyKDoP4j4tv91uDBaASgYSPLi1yZqTKIdmmmgosO2zzfoKWRdj-LWmUBallV4KGRH5pUeVg_Y/s320/Bilbo-Baggins-discovers-Smaug.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great film, but NO</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
2. I always get excited when Foyle knows who did it before anyone else even has a clue, or before the person in question actually did it or knew they were going to do it. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiARNCowTvlTiIp-86AjAWtvH_t3p4yUGF_XKoCqz53_wzROI9d1vBgswiB2F1ERnnxkFhFG2ms9d2p183FS561b7YrYutkyJu1cS9H-dj9dNEVFIlbWg2zDP_LD7N64vQDIvGqwygDSDw/s1600/d51cb63fcb5e84ba31ec59355ea64e38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiARNCowTvlTiIp-86AjAWtvH_t3p4yUGF_XKoCqz53_wzROI9d1vBgswiB2F1ERnnxkFhFG2ms9d2p183FS561b7YrYutkyJu1cS9H-dj9dNEVFIlbWg2zDP_LD7N64vQDIvGqwygDSDw/s320/d51cb63fcb5e84ba31ec59355ea64e38.jpg" height="315" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Foyle's War</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
3. I revisit past seasons of <i>Merlin</i> and get angry because Arthur has NO IDEA!!! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZUty6uEMmz9_yrSWqBsY22SklXv1AIpHD1BlEPoPsyc4B8gwYmCEuruUz8iLAfJK6NifhYcAK4Xnsmt8m53JJ-EJ8KrPzSFT7ng3oAbsQ2Sqgqn-0hSCZaOdbJraL8rcU4hOIkwZTYWc/s1600/merlin1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZUty6uEMmz9_yrSWqBsY22SklXv1AIpHD1BlEPoPsyc4B8gwYmCEuruUz8iLAfJK6NifhYcAK4Xnsmt8m53JJ-EJ8KrPzSFT7ng3oAbsQ2Sqgqn-0hSCZaOdbJraL8rcU4hOIkwZTYWc/s320/merlin1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
4. I never get tired of this show, in spite of the odd British pop culture references and the excessively ridiculous chocolate consumption. </div>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHLwIicFFBa6aFJ6RNAKBRREOjODY1x5_0PB_Ebdf9HC-OMjQxEgQY2aV5smMWmgyzLFDA-DHhfgGR_N7NVqplhmpEITsli4nQtyNwQ0foDyOcwgpVCKf_sra-G1lWN8SSZ9aMaa1Ny3M/s1600/MV5BMTAyOTgyODYyMTBeQTJeQWpwZ15BbWU3MDAzMDc5NDE@._V1_SY317_CR5,0,214,317_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHLwIicFFBa6aFJ6RNAKBRREOjODY1x5_0PB_Ebdf9HC-OMjQxEgQY2aV5smMWmgyzLFDA-DHhfgGR_N7NVqplhmpEITsli4nQtyNwQ0foDyOcwgpVCKf_sra-G1lWN8SSZ9aMaa1Ny3M/s320/MV5BMTAyOTgyODYyMTBeQTJeQWpwZ15BbWU3MDAzMDc5NDE@._V1_SY317_CR5,0,214,317_.jpg" height="320" width="216" /></a></div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
5. I was seriously offended when someone once mentioned that <i>Lark Rise to Candleford</i> made them sleepy! <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKzJVkgOF0-58O_TWUsFoDYqs7r7uRCybew3DDkcl5ZXIPFcu4-TeKEwzZcoR-Kx-_-riVAgtZDFWXfROJTUJPotC_EkCllpLGIuEZHN3vtKcOiTT2boJSO-eB8sFiuq85rEtvb5QppHA/s1600/MV5BMjAwNTYzOTE0N15BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMjU2NzI3NA@@._V1._SX358_SY500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKzJVkgOF0-58O_TWUsFoDYqs7r7uRCybew3DDkcl5ZXIPFcu4-TeKEwzZcoR-Kx-_-riVAgtZDFWXfROJTUJPotC_EkCllpLGIuEZHN3vtKcOiTT2boJSO-eB8sFiuq85rEtvb5QppHA/s320/MV5BMjAwNTYzOTE0N15BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMjU2NzI3NA@@._V1._SX358_SY500_.jpg" height="320" width="229" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This show is EPIC!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
6. I detest <i>SyFy</i> for not only copying <i>Being Human</i>, but doing so in a traumatically mediocre fashion.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5K06yhfEdVyykdEJxcPnK53U3DX3lMb8kPcxCox2Q0BpiIKZr4RZJWzNBaley0g6bb7f6g4tZx-JAXDeZ2Wy_Pjth5tKdgIU1UdK7guiU-EaNWeUp2_x8O9duG_WD7_36qFdWI69TXQc/s1600/being-human-BBC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5K06yhfEdVyykdEJxcPnK53U3DX3lMb8kPcxCox2Q0BpiIKZr4RZJWzNBaley0g6bb7f6g4tZx-JAXDeZ2Wy_Pjth5tKdgIU1UdK7guiU-EaNWeUp2_x8O9duG_WD7_36qFdWI69TXQc/s1600/being-human-BBC.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BBC version of "Being Human" = amazing<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
7. I feel like I know this guy, as he seems to appear in approximately 80% of BBC productions. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJyvJ_aouBLYopvk0g5oS0y-vV_pR0ZwvR3gU3iXYvIterg0LW8n_GU7WA-o3jeafHoFPjTXAita4pvO7IfEtz7ixXULkPrCbPeXgvhbu1iUnBjz_31aLddlcnnqD61EYu8nEZvkFkyfg/s1600/MV5BMTQyMjI0NjgwNF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwODI0NTQwOA@@._V1_SX214_CR0,0,214,317_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJyvJ_aouBLYopvk0g5oS0y-vV_pR0ZwvR3gU3iXYvIterg0LW8n_GU7WA-o3jeafHoFPjTXAita4pvO7IfEtz7ixXULkPrCbPeXgvhbu1iUnBjz_31aLddlcnnqD61EYu8nEZvkFkyfg/s200/MV5BMTQyMjI0NjgwNF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwODI0NTQwOA@@._V1_SX214_CR0,0,214,317_.jpg" height="200" width="135" /></a></div>
<div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYGBhxTHP8gHCkqPycRDMNkwOv85q_q9-yXkfkf2r9pH8svha9KGC0ERKXpxwesTj2n3M0Zu6F5NZj2jNREfJnHDoGDvO4eYqbRlv4mhuBJ6X7UA4QVaoUmf7UnJD8ZDX4bt6Os5gSo84/s1600/smallweed_396_396x222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYGBhxTHP8gHCkqPycRDMNkwOv85q_q9-yXkfkf2r9pH8svha9KGC0ERKXpxwesTj2n3M0Zu6F5NZj2jNREfJnHDoGDvO4eYqbRlv4mhuBJ6X7UA4QVaoUmf7UnJD8ZDX4bt6Os5gSo84/s320/smallweed_396_396x222.jpg" height="177" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smallweed -- Bleak House</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
8. This show makes me laugh more than it should.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTNx2Pk27yH6vg7UTa3S3a4SmUhqFNLGrJgEtIwTllGnOcpu_fKGknkiba69RXjb5jW4qQ2s-cjaBuYkJFwaOV1v6527FrGzK9oZctDRK41gVzQjsdWLPGf63iKFHz3wYeD2eTCE4TPlg/s1600/MV5BMTI1MzQwNDM4OF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTYwMDAwNDg5._V1._SX336_SY475_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTNx2Pk27yH6vg7UTa3S3a4SmUhqFNLGrJgEtIwTllGnOcpu_fKGknkiba69RXjb5jW4qQ2s-cjaBuYkJFwaOV1v6527FrGzK9oZctDRK41gVzQjsdWLPGf63iKFHz3wYeD2eTCE4TPlg/s320/MV5BMTI1MzQwNDM4OF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTYwMDAwNDg5._V1._SX336_SY475_.jpg" height="320" width="226" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
9. I actually watched every episode of <i>Cranford</i> (including <i>Return to Cranford</i>) while crocheting. I should be 80 years old. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjENonAWawmHGTGMV5xtpwNDr1m62XQrpF083CZKx-vFczhJQioi_QhRZaOWOOxRP3S-tdMiqPV8CuW7qKAMICGPnS-byqGXmMBvM_8zKsasRlOycyYilTR2XQdds_B30tB36yh1vqLqEc/s1600/Cranford.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjENonAWawmHGTGMV5xtpwNDr1m62XQrpF083CZKx-vFczhJQioi_QhRZaOWOOxRP3S-tdMiqPV8CuW7qKAMICGPnS-byqGXmMBvM_8zKsasRlOycyYilTR2XQdds_B30tB36yh1vqLqEc/s1600/Cranford.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
10. I have January 5, 2014 marked on my Google calendar. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOv0Vo4viiel1ONQumHQ8uaIFomh2_lZF4i2Ri6lLz4lN7akpK-b_tIDncwJC860M_B4NB0sVOWBdAjWPuEot_fbh0EW-3R4mt2MOXbd_3VX5ro4hQiuWmLfQ9vJTCmxYzV4gga6pR5g8/s1600/downton_abbey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOv0Vo4viiel1ONQumHQ8uaIFomh2_lZF4i2Ri6lLz4lN7akpK-b_tIDncwJC860M_B4NB0sVOWBdAjWPuEot_fbh0EW-3R4mt2MOXbd_3VX5ro4hQiuWmLfQ9vJTCmxYzV4gga6pR5g8/s400/downton_abbey.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and there's this...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/rHfJHjmlxCA?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Twig Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03747580369085731852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503931253013567495.post-43318874708224658622013-10-08T10:02:00.000-04:002013-10-08T10:32:03.825-04:00Lost in the Woods part II or "Some Who Wander Actually ARE Lost"continuing from <a href="http://twigstudionc.blogspot.com/2011/09/lost-in-woods-part-i.html" target="_blank">Lost in the Woods part I</a>...<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAPAzCPCmY72UDei2bUIDKvNdXlnUhK1d8zr3KkmA3RPifNOyWQrx4XKyJjFtO1TIuvt8Qvw28eaJzMg9vOF9Btkwzl2KnM7eFzvucmk1YnHj0fRGil0WUOgio89d_K_cc8p9J9ZEnWvA/s1600/IMG_0819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAPAzCPCmY72UDei2bUIDKvNdXlnUhK1d8zr3KkmA3RPifNOyWQrx4XKyJjFtO1TIuvt8Qvw28eaJzMg9vOF9Btkwzl2KnM7eFzvucmk1YnHj0fRGil0WUOgio89d_K_cc8p9J9ZEnWvA/s320/IMG_0819.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div>
So, at this point I was delirious. It was almost dark, we could barely see, and all we had was a small wind up flashlight. For some reason, winding that flashlight kept me going. Eventually we got back to the camp of college guys. I actually scared them because they could see this crazy woman in the dark with wild hair streaming in the wind, coming at them rapidly. "You were just moving SO fast!" they said, slightly alarmed. While they were chatting with my husband, kindly offering campsite shelter and food, I was already climbing the next mountain. All I could think of was my kids and worried family, I was not about to set up camp. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My poor husband was frightened, more so by me than the situation. I was usually way ahead of him, fueled by terror and determination, and at one point he noticed me walking right past a bear while cursing the entire wilderness area and screaming at the sharp rocks in the rugged "path." Apparently this large dark bear just froze in my presence and after I was several yards away, retreated into the nearby forest. I still feel bad about cursing the wilderness area. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisZU_spu9LnuSnED221x8tGTrjOI1ivYERHOl1Dqzd2SNzZhu8I6EChf3hwTYFo9P5Wo_uwmgRd8121AF-iZezp7SM_AB3yQNSq1ssMWkSYTWqfCT6I-aXhiZbFEHSxN_UdAV-ih7Ln4I/s1600/IMG_0821_3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisZU_spu9LnuSnED221x8tGTrjOI1ivYERHOl1Dqzd2SNzZhu8I6EChf3hwTYFo9P5Wo_uwmgRd8121AF-iZezp7SM_AB3yQNSq1ssMWkSYTWqfCT6I-aXhiZbFEHSxN_UdAV-ih7Ln4I/s200/IMG_0821_3.JPG" width="200" /></a>It's funny how the mind works when you are in a histrionic state. Rationally, I should have been afraid of stepping on snakes, running into bears, breaking my ankle on those awful trails... but no. I was not afraid of those things! My greatest fear was being on that trail forever. It would never end, we would be there from now on and nobody would ever see us again except for that man telling us we were off the map! I wanted the trail to end. I was in a mumbling stage at this point, winding the flashlight and moving forward. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKCSfm5-bPNrV16ealRduckymHFo85IA2Fm6KJvWO-93yWb7NVyWppqUAxD_SimxB4IA9T5FIC137yhlur_uS7PVO1KPj6eqeYqK-UUqQxSOrJK0M5WvFP5Af4EhQb9ZPK6FQRQ-S6-bs/s1600/IMG_0845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKCSfm5-bPNrV16ealRduckymHFo85IA2Fm6KJvWO-93yWb7NVyWppqUAxD_SimxB4IA9T5FIC137yhlur_uS7PVO1KPj6eqeYqK-UUqQxSOrJK0M5WvFP5Af4EhQb9ZPK6FQRQ-S6-bs/s200/IMG_0845.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div>
It was 1 AM when we finally reached an area with a cell phone signal and started making our way down a steep ski slope. My in-laws had already contacted the local police but at that point we had them call off the search. We finally knew where we were. Ski slopes seem more slippery in the summer when they are covered in mud and gravel, especially in the dark. I had bruises in places I dare not mention and my ankles were throbbing from repeatedly stumbling in the dark. Regardless, we were on a definite path home. My father-in-law met us at the bottom of the slope and we were back at the cabin around 2 AM. <br />
<br />
The next morning I was at a nearby coffee shop in Davis, WV. It was a rugged scene, the baristas were dressed as if they engaged in rock climbing during their lunch breaks and the air was filled with the smell of coffee and mud, along with adventurous conversations. There were more mountain bikes outside than cars and I felt like an outsider in their ruggedly cool world. "You from here?" I was asked. Eventually I came out with it. "We were lost in the wilderness for over 12 hours yesterday!" All of a sudden, I was one of them! Rugged people were surrounding me, asking questions, sharing similar stories, guys with beards nodded with respect and admiration for my survival skills. I left out the screaming/mumbling part of the adventure. Then I realized my husband and kids were waiting in the car so I gathered my coffees and said my goodbyes. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3oDHLIBZwSSPFASI34IMtoYezj36xeO6imJAQ6X_VGt3eOgO3OINN5_9cVHnub05JdT1eAOedxbo0-YXJRekpL1wS6ZuqW0oZuSfSxrQMycHwQQs89QbG-0hrRF-JHQaZ9VlatBfA41U/s1600/IMG_0832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3oDHLIBZwSSPFASI34IMtoYezj36xeO6imJAQ6X_VGt3eOgO3OINN5_9cVHnub05JdT1eAOedxbo0-YXJRekpL1wS6ZuqW0oZuSfSxrQMycHwQQs89QbG-0hrRF-JHQaZ9VlatBfA41U/s200/IMG_0832.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
While we were lost, I cursed Dolly Sods and decreed to the wilderness that I would never... ever... return. EVER! A few days later, I was going through all the amazing photos I captured in this beautiful wilderness. I will return there someday, obviously better equipped and mentally prepared for the true meaning of the word "adventure."</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Twig Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03747580369085731852noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503931253013567495.post-63240213105704524472013-10-07T10:46:00.000-04:002014-03-30T18:10:33.139-04:00Magical Universe at the Woodstock Film Festival<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjghCG4dlLqEXzLDgA1Nu9DOwZj9pe3aJFU2cor6wNBXL_08qjcv7U5wPTUzOTz0LQa7vgBLECCpKf44v27CXaotEY6SAdL6DBJiwJKbBanuNpanvpIK0_sPHvK8MZPI80xclf0Ws7B2nE/s1600/1374130_510836508999755_1756750247_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjghCG4dlLqEXzLDgA1Nu9DOwZj9pe3aJFU2cor6wNBXL_08qjcv7U5wPTUzOTz0LQa7vgBLECCpKf44v27CXaotEY6SAdL6DBJiwJKbBanuNpanvpIK0_sPHvK8MZPI80xclf0Ws7B2nE/s320/1374130_510836508999755_1756750247_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
After watching <a href="http://magicaluniversefilm.com/" target="_blank">Magical Universe</a> dozens and dozens of times while scoring the film, I finally had the pleasure of seeing it on the big screen at the <a href="http://www.woodstockfilmfestival.com/" target="_blank">Woodstock Film Festival</a>! It was wonderful to view it with the filmmaker, Jeremy Workman, and enjoy not only the film itself, but the response of the audience. I am happy to say that Magical Universe won the AUDIENCE AWARD for BEST DOCUMENTARY (tied with <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2385558/" target="_blank">American Revolutionary</a>) and HONORABLE MENTION for BEST DOCUMENTARY JURY PRIZE at the festival! <br />
<br />
By the way, that's Jeremy's photo down there, but that wasn't taken at the film festival. I stole that photo from one of his websites, totally not a Woodstock background. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiul3LEbCdPq_-gvKaj4Gmwr5ziKhhif6HLYAlx0idm_VyItlKpcmlf0XUuu9GltyInX5cQSGGYIKlAslidHHJPbliRgnfLqBTIPLQ4CJ10QohOG-pXlVXIBGuuHXAX6BiEWo2Iv0h7wa0/s1600/b7fb8fca97b04121ba5d83b06c77b0f1_f42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiul3LEbCdPq_-gvKaj4Gmwr5ziKhhif6HLYAlx0idm_VyItlKpcmlf0XUuu9GltyInX5cQSGGYIKlAslidHHJPbliRgnfLqBTIPLQ4CJ10QohOG-pXlVXIBGuuHXAX6BiEWo2Iv0h7wa0/s200/b7fb8fca97b04121ba5d83b06c77b0f1_f42.jpg" height="132" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeremy Workman, filmmaker, two-time Emmy nominee</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The response from the audience was amazing and it was an incredible experience, just being there.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl30l0HXV-E11ly1TsBjvEEDFkcj36QJRs0c_x9QgRoZGSUPIu7GZvQO2XM3ppQ1genYyQ_jHpgoiM4iMBhIamWEJIcv20sYqwnmuQkti9PgjivDIetXKOi_ahAcwGdBvyQMnPGOZ43MI/s1600/MagicalUniverse_OneSheet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl30l0HXV-E11ly1TsBjvEEDFkcj36QJRs0c_x9QgRoZGSUPIu7GZvQO2XM3ppQ1genYyQ_jHpgoiM4iMBhIamWEJIcv20sYqwnmuQkti9PgjivDIetXKOi_ahAcwGdBvyQMnPGOZ43MI/s200/MagicalUniverse_OneSheet.jpg" height="200" width="136" /></a><br />
This is my first film score. I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to do this, not only score a film but a film that I feel so good about. Please visit the Magical Universe website to see if it will be playing in your area! <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2759fQ79pq8KYAnvJvnceos_AcNqtHuvt0f86opfhdYXPpgLG4q8MHyJTtJkxUQLLwKl22sVQAHtVIxNSeNWYh_cRA4NIKR9LnU-GvQ2EWaWK0SgbADcDyJMeXLx6PWJ68nhOuU517_s/s1600/f7f4248d55af17de46ffce19be897b57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2759fQ79pq8KYAnvJvnceos_AcNqtHuvt0f86opfhdYXPpgLG4q8MHyJTtJkxUQLLwKl22sVQAHtVIxNSeNWYh_cRA4NIKR9LnU-GvQ2EWaWK0SgbADcDyJMeXLx6PWJ68nhOuU517_s/s200/f7f4248d55af17de46ffce19be897b57.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo from <a href="http://www.woodstocksanctuary.org/" target="_blank">Woodstock Farm Anim</a><a href="http://woodstocksanctuary.org/" target="_blank">al Sanctuary</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />Twig Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03747580369085731852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503931253013567495.post-8488929334432830102013-09-25T02:22:00.000-04:002013-10-08T10:10:05.875-04:00Lost in the Woods part I<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWD7CikX3-_-0g8bSQuiPrge7DpWe0s_1VEUD2YkzWCbo9tT776JHZq_H59gXnFR5beYpu9kO2TxLch7ijPTuZsrCl4dfLhbeJOxAI3ZsbphFtbxrLSA_EIq3KM54zjghA2wRGdVi8vb0/s1600/IMG_0762.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWD7CikX3-_-0g8bSQuiPrge7DpWe0s_1VEUD2YkzWCbo9tT776JHZq_H59gXnFR5beYpu9kO2TxLch7ijPTuZsrCl4dfLhbeJOxAI3ZsbphFtbxrLSA_EIq3KM54zjghA2wRGdVi8vb0/s200/IMG_0762.jpg" width="152" /></a></div>
<br />
Some of my favorite forest photos are from the Dolly Sods Wilderness in West Virginia. I had my nice camera, my nice hiking shoes, and my nice husband who happened to have a nice topographic map, and we set out one early afternoon around 1 PM for a nice hike. Within the first 30 minutes we realized that this was not going to be a "clean" hike. Other than being covered in mud from slick, wet paths (ski slope trails in the summer), we found that many of the trails were not marked and made quite a few circles around the ski slope trails before we finally got to the entrance of the wilderness. <br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiplQAWHuiMT1jiS4_ZoQg1JfPociDl44nqgv5Y1zMzE84tkW2uoS8jCfVrySmRGseNaofzggZCCg4a6zGZiTRfo-VPOGZBzvr0eScjfZnSr6qivTe-4g3FVjMGPL0M2AP43aIcc038ZFw/s1600/IMG_0812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiplQAWHuiMT1jiS4_ZoQg1JfPociDl44nqgv5Y1zMzE84tkW2uoS8jCfVrySmRGseNaofzggZCCg4a6zGZiTRfo-VPOGZBzvr0eScjfZnSr6qivTe-4g3FVjMGPL0M2AP43aIcc038ZFw/s200/IMG_0812.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzAO3ZDBmvLGS8q6x3AACLwpsiJD9dYEayyJRxeUUXDnRv-HOc-9GsBKQ9qfG_CTH3eEXse9vlzRU0LjSw2Xalu3fl_X2snsQXU16ccUlYtD1y5FK92bJhr9s1_KhRHRL7li2iy4DTp6c/s1600/IMG_0781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzAO3ZDBmvLGS8q6x3AACLwpsiJD9dYEayyJRxeUUXDnRv-HOc-9GsBKQ9qfG_CTH3eEXse9vlzRU0LjSw2Xalu3fl_X2snsQXU16ccUlYtD1y5FK92bJhr9s1_KhRHRL7li2iy4DTp6c/s200/IMG_0781.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixGSgilOXL_et1D7S1-cCPfwb2AaBrUZXeHCLr6EbIioErT2bRblSbhbUVg7nkrhRa4fnAVLUL8VByn38D0ZA-GHLNsjiJAaiDn_X_vUkilZhsio5JRb2MgnLWXkepAYH4pPcVLq79Pvk/s1600/IMG_0788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixGSgilOXL_et1D7S1-cCPfwb2AaBrUZXeHCLr6EbIioErT2bRblSbhbUVg7nkrhRa4fnAVLUL8VByn38D0ZA-GHLNsjiJAaiDn_X_vUkilZhsio5JRb2MgnLWXkepAYH4pPcVLq79Pvk/s200/IMG_0788.jpg" width="150" /></a>In spite of the minor obstacles, we were truly enjoying our little hike. The weather was cooperating relatively well and the surroundings were absolutely breathtaking! A few hours went by quickly as we witnessed amazing changes in terrain, foliage, and biomes. We laughed at a delightful, yet feisty little snake, picked a few wild blueberries, and fondly talked about the bears in the area and how they must enjoy such delicious blueberries. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOSuHQN0oyZ9wi_VqqKc9YGjySTgttzN5e8uOd_n5G6nw-Ca4cGWP8fM8WKVnCqElkWHwpn4P5zI3MKbMG-1E2EQcC8M6YGx1KrGbe8c6pdVI9VxE6t8CT2iV94BQB3luI_k6rNHfx2s4/s1600/IMG_0779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOSuHQN0oyZ9wi_VqqKc9YGjySTgttzN5e8uOd_n5G6nw-Ca4cGWP8fM8WKVnCqElkWHwpn4P5zI3MKbMG-1E2EQcC8M6YGx1KrGbe8c6pdVI9VxE6t8CT2iV94BQB3luI_k6rNHfx2s4/s200/IMG_0779.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
Two more hours went by as we hiked along, still enamored with our surroundings but less enchanted by the lack of signs and marked trails. In fact, after the big sign at the entrance, we only saw one other sign. Occasionally we saw a weird rock pile, sort of a totem indicating that the trail was of some importance. Or perhaps someone was just really bored. In addition to being poorly marked, the trails also had a tendency to turn into nothing more than streams, weeds, and piles of rocks. Regardless, we kept getting out the topographic map to plan how to get back to the entrance. It was getting late and we were tired, hungry, and wanted to get back to our cabin with the rest of our family. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYSXhLd4Dk2g5e3tdYendaQ9uZi5OMRpF6Wngs5BHqm5J5o9shb6FHrJ-wlnvTwYHcW_2MJmw8YgBwdDSM5NdPUJLF-L1T2LbdXyMi4SG9raBRrpMbLq4gJeX8fIsuGdHnfqv1uZJdSe8/s1600/IMG_0832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYSXhLd4Dk2g5e3tdYendaQ9uZi5OMRpF6Wngs5BHqm5J5o9shb6FHrJ-wlnvTwYHcW_2MJmw8YgBwdDSM5NdPUJLF-L1T2LbdXyMi4SG9raBRrpMbLq4gJeX8fIsuGdHnfqv1uZJdSe8/s200/IMG_0832.JPG" width="200" /></a>We ran into very few humans during our hike. The first small group was at the entrance picking blueberries and riding horses. The next group we encountered hours later at a campsite, a group of college guys in some wilderness-related club. The third person we encountered around 8 PM, cooking over a campfire and seeming quite confident in his wilderness skills, appropriately dressed with just enough gear to look experienced but not going overboard. When we asked if we were going in the right direction, he kindly gave us the facts. NO. <br />
<br />
WE WERE WAY OFF THE TRAIL AND THE MAP! There were 2 ways to get back to the entrance. The first option was to simply backtrack the way we came. Of course, there was nothing simple about hiking 4 hours back over a series of trails that led us into oblivion. The second option was to keep going and climb the mountain ahead. It was a shorter route but well known for being stocked with many bears. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
My husband looked over at me to get my opinion and discovered that I was no longer there. I was already on the trail heading back the way we came, moving forward at warp speed with determination to get back to our cabin. We had no cell phone reception so our family had no idea what had happened. Having packed our bags for a "day hike," we were almost out of water, completely out of snacks, and in my case, totally out of patience. I was going to walk and walk and walk in the dark until I got home. I wanted to see my children!<br />
<br />
To be continued... see <a href="http://twigstudionc.blogspot.com/2013/10/lost-in-woods-part-ii-or-some-who.html" target="_blank">Lost in the Woods part II aka Some Who Wander Actually ARE Lost</a></div>
Twig Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03747580369085731852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503931253013567495.post-66416669281988892942013-09-09T09:13:00.000-04:002013-09-09T09:13:39.799-04:00Speak, Little Friend, and Enter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfGB74ym1YbJxLRUzRGYvEgFpNgrF9C-8D6K3_TdgdFVAbQc6lR1z0tXK_6qbfy4lgcWQ5iDP18XLvoCflQYDQPszs4UIBItROdomd6xUVhyphenhyphenXdOpkm7n5S6LMIYD37yS3JJgTQLghWdLI/s1600/IMG_0646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfGB74ym1YbJxLRUzRGYvEgFpNgrF9C-8D6K3_TdgdFVAbQc6lR1z0tXK_6qbfy4lgcWQ5iDP18XLvoCflQYDQPszs4UIBItROdomd6xUVhyphenhyphenXdOpkm7n5S6LMIYD37yS3JJgTQLghWdLI/s320/IMG_0646.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">September in central Virginia means slightly cooler days, a little less humidity, and at times, fewer mosquitos. This inspires me to be a little more productive outside, pulling weeds, planting winter vegetables (hopefully the bunnies will not confiscate the entire lot), and engaging in practical activities such as transforming our trees into little gnome homes. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I wish I could say that I used all found objects to make this little abode, but I did not. I went to Michael's, originally seeking yarn. <b><i>One does not simply walk into Michael's. Its sliding gates lead to more than just yarn. </i></b> Anyway, you get the idea. There is a section with a bunch of wooden thingies, precut in every shape you can imagine. I also picked up some Martha Stewart glow-in-the-dark paint, but so far the glowing effect hasn't impressed me. Of course, I added white to the yellow paint because I wanted the glowing windows to look quaint and cozy, like a warm fire is crackling inside, not a toxic waste spill. If I had used the paint straight out of the bottle and layered several coats, perhaps I would have glowing windows. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtPByNkswP1lQKOItd6TUKc1IDw03xIEoUs7u7x9-vRMBq3vMUJZ1ofqrs2EtogzoPI3LIOAfARqRF28QhqEqSkmUN9qPbEF8HALTG-CkNdZLb9pXrAixQSIQ-6Nj8LX5pgI5Nhq9Vzao/s1600/IMG_1795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtPByNkswP1lQKOItd6TUKc1IDw03xIEoUs7u7x9-vRMBq3vMUJZ1ofqrs2EtogzoPI3LIOAfARqRF28QhqEqSkmUN9qPbEF8HALTG-CkNdZLb9pXrAixQSIQ-6Nj8LX5pgI5Nhq9Vzao/s320/IMG_1795.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bunnies Triangulating</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Naturally, I could not stop at one. In several weeks I hope to have a bountiful crop of broccoli, kale, onions, garlic, and gnome homes. More than likely, we will have a bountiful crop of ravenous bunnies.Twig Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03747580369085731852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503931253013567495.post-60434445735127057552013-09-04T09:16:00.000-04:002014-01-09T08:58:49.810-05:00Strings and Stitches part II<a href="http://twigstudionc.blogspot.com/2012/04/strings-and-stitches.html" target="_blank">See Strings and Stitches part I.</a><br />
I still stink at sewing bodices that fit and using a sewing pattern is not my cup of tea. However, I have discovered that I can CROCHET bodices much better than I can cut and sew! This has taken my dressmaking skills to a whole new level of the Molly Weasley school of stitching! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkKGLK_rQ2Ne5-7TAIBrRDLSPzxokeBisTmCwZ7CNZpKyYcEJV7PyCptIzqzYKEcXS7_5KdBo0TSiRmmiOtU5YA9iOMStbDxTuA4a-L1ZxTSpkNivUDQMFUOgfhtVNE3k7GsWPFtR4zY8/s1600/Theburrow.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkKGLK_rQ2Ne5-7TAIBrRDLSPzxokeBisTmCwZ7CNZpKyYcEJV7PyCptIzqzYKEcXS7_5KdBo0TSiRmmiOtU5YA9iOMStbDxTuA4a-L1ZxTSpkNivUDQMFUOgfhtVNE3k7GsWPFtR4zY8/s1600/Theburrow.JPG" height="200" width="189" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I love these basic dresses for summer, especially to wear over top of a swimsuit. They dry easily on a hot day! You can even leave them out for winter with a turtleneck and some cute leggings.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIQIqQJvXtsqByHyV7SIkkbl-f47eEpwbRtfkkCOakj6f8wZwId3z7-ogUiM06_Ln-WuFoeV_XX0EI3h_EFsQUC5qKFwvNSujvyzEM_IJDalPbT0gMxuvK_iw5rEFpjcrE3LABhdl1JtQ/s1600/IMG_1993.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIQIqQJvXtsqByHyV7SIkkbl-f47eEpwbRtfkkCOakj6f8wZwId3z7-ogUiM06_Ln-WuFoeV_XX0EI3h_EFsQUC5qKFwvNSujvyzEM_IJDalPbT0gMxuvK_iw5rEFpjcrE3LABhdl1JtQ/s1600/IMG_1993.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIQIqQJvXtsqByHyV7SIkkbl-f47eEpwbRtfkkCOakj6f8wZwId3z7-ogUiM06_Ln-WuFoeV_XX0EI3h_EFsQUC5qKFwvNSujvyzEM_IJDalPbT0gMxuvK_iw5rEFpjcrE3LABhdl1JtQ/s1600/IMG_1993.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIQIqQJvXtsqByHyV7SIkkbl-f47eEpwbRtfkkCOakj6f8wZwId3z7-ogUiM06_Ln-WuFoeV_XX0EI3h_EFsQUC5qKFwvNSujvyzEM_IJDalPbT0gMxuvK_iw5rEFpjcrE3LABhdl1JtQ/s1600/IMG_1993.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
I'm horrible at writing patterns, but honestly all you need to do is single stitch crochet and keep a child nearby for measuring. I use cotton yarn, so I make sure it's a little snug because it will stretch some with wear. If you need a pattern, I looked up a few for you on Ravelry...<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/beautiful-red-dress" target="_blank">Beautiful Red Dress</a><br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/kindergarten-dress" target="_blank">Kindergarten Dress</a><br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/how-to-crochet-a-childs-dress---crochet-yoke-and-fabric-skirt" target="_blank">How to Crochet a Child's Dress</a><br />
<br />
Along the bottom of the bodice, I usually do a small <a href="http://www.knotyournanascrochet.com/2013/04/10-ways-to-get-perfect-finish-on-your.html" target="_blank">shell stitch </a>and along the top and the sides of the straps, <a href="http://crochet.about.com/library/blpopcrn.htm" target="_blank">popcorn stitches</a>. Most popcorn patterns call for 5 double crochet stitches, but I make a more petite edging for these by using 4 half double crochet stitches. <br />
<br />
I have actually washed these and they held up, but remember cotton yarn is going to fade a little. If you are going for rich, bold colors, you may want to look for another fiber.<br />
<br />
Spending less time worrying about the exact cut and stitching of the bodice allows me to be more creative and experiment with the skirt (see "hobbit dress" below). I actually used wool yarn for this bodice because I knew it would be worn over top of a blouse in October. After this photo was taken, I took the straps up a bit because, well... they needed it. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2k-3y4LjWirqrMrHMqjsRXmtLD8OtrgSpeZChOUQL7GM5mlxaZP6_14WZKdPnngSruXSQG-j_cEyP4VXBpzU7IfIFqF1duT303Ph4xpMnSZnEE9lOIaieBUzG03ht54md-SGWPzI6a6I/s1600/IMG_0672.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2k-3y4LjWirqrMrHMqjsRXmtLD8OtrgSpeZChOUQL7GM5mlxaZP6_14WZKdPnngSruXSQG-j_cEyP4VXBpzU7IfIFqF1duT303Ph4xpMnSZnEE9lOIaieBUzG03ht54md-SGWPzI6a6I/s1600/IMG_0672.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I did not make the bunny (lamb) costume!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF6IAMqhJbqHJZPvD2fsE4ZGghdYXsyVvrJMynwaGYk53vlsJpUy1X5zi9JIk2uqpBzowpM_fHn38Rq-JYpDxHULUWCUV7sG4DS1PRALG-DXksf5t9k9Skg9wee47Xq9PkyAqyvBQevg0/s1600/IMG_0674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF6IAMqhJbqHJZPvD2fsE4ZGghdYXsyVvrJMynwaGYk53vlsJpUy1X5zi9JIk2uqpBzowpM_fHn38Rq-JYpDxHULUWCUV7sG4DS1PRALG-DXksf5t9k9Skg9wee47Xq9PkyAqyvBQevg0/s1600/IMG_0674.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice the "furry" hobbit feet!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Of course, crochet works beautifully with tulle! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUm42Wr3MJcQA41IawXO9cpQaHd-S1eE4pwyjipE-_BS4899PlUHHr9essjvaiddW0VpPBrKqW7gSO4XjvVSciHnnY7dySHpdFbYQKgM5oPcswjIBkQ917LG-wHYktr2KAghJOHPBrNQ8/s1600/IMG_6679.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUm42Wr3MJcQA41IawXO9cpQaHd-S1eE4pwyjipE-_BS4899PlUHHr9essjvaiddW0VpPBrKqW7gSO4XjvVSciHnnY7dySHpdFbYQKgM5oPcswjIBkQ917LG-wHYktr2KAghJOHPBrNQ8/s1600/IMG_6679.jpg" height="320" width="231" /></a></div>
For very basic and amateur instructions, see <a href="http://twigstudionc.blogspot.com/2012/11/how-to-make-butterfly-fairy-dress.html" target="_blank">How To Make a Butterfly Fairy Dress</a>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKePEV3nqP1b3CaaGWpaoXnJapqHb_xKhrAOS1hKX8mTKaLftQooyt4EPIC4sYIICnwFluVtniPZ3wWPpqXvwpKtJW-rzsjeAx3yic5BF9DPxI8m-C_xhDxzg-pbmnJb23yBvdZKrACPQ/s1600/IMG_7900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKePEV3nqP1b3CaaGWpaoXnJapqHb_xKhrAOS1hKX8mTKaLftQooyt4EPIC4sYIICnwFluVtniPZ3wWPpqXvwpKtJW-rzsjeAx3yic5BF9DPxI8m-C_xhDxzg-pbmnJb23yBvdZKrACPQ/s1600/IMG_7900.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Twig Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03747580369085731852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503931253013567495.post-69667131547440681202013-09-02T09:21:00.000-04:002013-09-20T08:54:46.369-04:00Gothic Horror Something wicked this way comes...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf0OVULqfwfRnxF3qTJYfkGjiNeGeloPb8QX-qyPfVtDig8x2mJBf1wjr4OzjKNlNJ-ElAmai0REoxrN7Jgevg__BWAYtL8_aeQS427ii44GN6fvE3PFesH12BctJenKeolLN2Jc6k8ho/s1600/IMG_7540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf0OVULqfwfRnxF3qTJYfkGjiNeGeloPb8QX-qyPfVtDig8x2mJBf1wjr4OzjKNlNJ-ElAmai0REoxrN7Jgevg__BWAYtL8_aeQS427ii44GN6fvE3PFesH12BctJenKeolLN2Jc6k8ho/s200/IMG_7540.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNy45pc363ByujK2npNB-3-QZcrut37AGD4jeBtrU7zy-LaYlR8k2hZgz4JyBNq7S0OVD1hwDU3B-3R_x3rNAraMtmozYeDdcjS484pbyUfeNPlYMYGdVegg-lXZwVEgt6VBtm4WcRCTs/s1600/SGPoeCloudy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNy45pc363ByujK2npNB-3-QZcrut37AGD4jeBtrU7zy-LaYlR8k2hZgz4JyBNq7S0OVD1hwDU3B-3R_x3rNAraMtmozYeDdcjS484pbyUfeNPlYMYGdVegg-lXZwVEgt6VBtm4WcRCTs/s400/SGPoeCloudy.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhOH_I8t0VfhJAoYJU2-0yhqJsg_wyXxs3qoXbrqKoPN94ubzUbLtVUox2Fc7nFG1ec1kHpPDVkIURERxnPw0kL-DAAnxrCF4yvNik4iCiFkTCgD1Gs6abgcXJy_xm9cW5o0TFFC1czg0/s1600/IMG_7212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhOH_I8t0VfhJAoYJU2-0yhqJsg_wyXxs3qoXbrqKoPN94ubzUbLtVUox2Fc7nFG1ec1kHpPDVkIURERxnPw0kL-DAAnxrCF4yvNik4iCiFkTCgD1Gs6abgcXJy_xm9cW5o0TFFC1czg0/s320/IMG_7212.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Scarlet Grove print with quote</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmp1wRyEbag3SDJ5jSbFkBP1AT76EVhDyfgI-crdZgzLUhJ5fdJ4YpsY2XvZGlRvUlA2I10g1A_YHfZPMKFZTNtKMjpkvryZWtZmKLuhopXrIX0rpdQ5LzEC7kExvZULVeMkS68zorJNE/s1600/IMG_7829.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmp1wRyEbag3SDJ5jSbFkBP1AT76EVhDyfgI-crdZgzLUhJ5fdJ4YpsY2XvZGlRvUlA2I10g1A_YHfZPMKFZTNtKMjpkvryZWtZmKLuhopXrIX0rpdQ5LzEC7kExvZULVeMkS68zorJNE/s200/IMG_7829.JPG" width="191" /></a><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPXKnQZWmNhqeASkQhXG5wv1h30EEU_keA4VOKatPuE1FIvi46JWAM5m6dLnCjo7HEErm1GSD1Xbi4zHMsPS1Sr6O7hdFNeHR8jGMSVtF8dKsS0-J5-MSkYmHwnZk8GdmOvU-s5zrB7TY/s1600/IMG_7268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPXKnQZWmNhqeASkQhXG5wv1h30EEU_keA4VOKatPuE1FIvi46JWAM5m6dLnCjo7HEErm1GSD1Xbi4zHMsPS1Sr6O7hdFNeHR8jGMSVtF8dKsS0-J5-MSkYmHwnZk8GdmOvU-s5zrB7TY/s320/IMG_7268.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sleepy Hollow stemless wine glasses</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi34lSeCkC_5j9srqbwqtvS-pN5tVzED2DuTJWbgS5FJHBWC8xRgIFnG4UPwqkN6o3ciWpaD9zryWHJYSpg9q74rBVkavL2xyKMA3qkLpwObqRWyZv2wp8xMkNa0gctLe2fZv0i1KAomi4/s1600/SpookySprite.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi34lSeCkC_5j9srqbwqtvS-pN5tVzED2DuTJWbgS5FJHBWC8xRgIFnG4UPwqkN6o3ciWpaD9zryWHJYSpg9q74rBVkavL2xyKMA3qkLpwObqRWyZv2wp8xMkNa0gctLe2fZv0i1KAomi4/s320/SpookySprite.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDKSmS4gDVjX0Yq2RS-NbFPzj4XBMMa1H4QBGC-s9MDK64dJf_47cXNPhnG57it4cp37i9x7E8NH1Edyd5d6YoGgnSgP8MiI6eAoGxhm3L7gNidnAujb9iYrAjHEhUpqwIeaNbLotxS4o/s1600/IMG_2811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDKSmS4gDVjX0Yq2RS-NbFPzj4XBMMa1H4QBGC-s9MDK64dJf_47cXNPhnG57it4cp37i9x7E8NH1Edyd5d6YoGgnSgP8MiI6eAoGxhm3L7gNidnAujb9iYrAjHEhUpqwIeaNbLotxS4o/s200/IMG_2811.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ichabod ornament</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ds5BzYiRiYJkph5Ha6DSWFiFd-ApdMNsj7rDzUXwxnHtjIyRUuSx-eW6r3TKyr_i2ficChbOKrEfoiIvI8VtBmY_lwTXSbPDbupJZuIXEdbGr5Dv2pYz6lqiE11TDIvpty2A0Xwx1sE/s1600/SleepyHollow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ds5BzYiRiYJkph5Ha6DSWFiFd-ApdMNsj7rDzUXwxnHtjIyRUuSx-eW6r3TKyr_i2ficChbOKrEfoiIvI8VtBmY_lwTXSbPDbupJZuIXEdbGr5Dv2pYz6lqiE11TDIvpty2A0Xwx1sE/s400/SleepyHollow.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sleepy Hollow print</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhpsdO3Anab3oRvEp8-NhAyftqmOZCcn_zHy67j1VE1KgwHyVQ3guudLlXJHbwjKQlxoH37s7kQtwX6ySqc-1tUlBZ07h8KrZJ4KJanBt3pWt8F4Vnlf-g4RvD2wwqMSx01bWoM4h0xr4/s1600/IMG_7093+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhpsdO3Anab3oRvEp8-NhAyftqmOZCcn_zHy67j1VE1KgwHyVQ3guudLlXJHbwjKQlxoH37s7kQtwX6ySqc-1tUlBZ07h8KrZJ4KJanBt3pWt8F4Vnlf-g4RvD2wwqMSx01bWoM4h0xr4/s320/IMG_7093+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crimson scarf</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjidDxNmetbPZMy11DzvM5y82mHxo2xQEm07Mvgzu0FJE1L6wn5flDYB5d3XK3SAHheMM7AosxVJUg18zbOfCrSjcQb9Rl900at452D5uDH96JE5hk_J7SAl1w4WOvd1wV9dSECzsDtrx8/s1600/IMG_2765.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjidDxNmetbPZMy11DzvM5y82mHxo2xQEm07Mvgzu0FJE1L6wn5flDYB5d3XK3SAHheMM7AosxVJUg18zbOfCrSjcQb9Rl900at452D5uDH96JE5hk_J7SAl1w4WOvd1wV9dSECzsDtrx8/s400/IMG_2765.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Edgar pilsner glasses</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><br /><br /><br />
<br />
These can be unearthed in <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TwigStudioArt" target="_blank">my Etsy shop</a>.<br />
<br />Twig Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03747580369085731852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503931253013567495.post-40958405719027814702013-07-19T11:03:00.000-04:002014-03-30T18:26:19.472-04:00A Magical Project<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Composing music is a passion for me and having a genuine excuse to compose is exhilarating! Recently, I had the opportunity to score the music for an intriguing documentary by <a href="http://jeremyworkman.com/home.html" target="_blank">Jeremy Workman</a>, Magical Universe.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_4GGn5sz70gLyMt0vwH-jjZL5MzJWVgX4KE0m_sNJgh-sQmv82bHoS8ZGTM1KgzMuydAv_-pV7wbUWrKNA592MxUgs2Fg16mLKWobYg8nc3HmiYZl5xLUB9_mqGrnvU3J3ofm5yttAt8/s1164/MagicalUniverse_OneSheet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_4GGn5sz70gLyMt0vwH-jjZL5MzJWVgX4KE0m_sNJgh-sQmv82bHoS8ZGTM1KgzMuydAv_-pV7wbUWrKNA592MxUgs2Fg16mLKWobYg8nc3HmiYZl5xLUB9_mqGrnvU3J3ofm5yttAt8/s200/MagicalUniverse_OneSheet.jpg" height="200" width="136" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><br /><span style="line-height: 22px; text-align: justify;">Ironically, I met Jeremy in 2012 when he was making a </span><a href="https://blog.etsy.com/en/2012/christmas-wreaths-modern/" style="line-height: 22px; text-align: justify;" target="_blank">holiday video</a><span style="line-height: 22px; text-align: justify;"> for Etsy featuring wreaths. I had a wreath in my shop and he was interested in using it in the video. I sent him some images of wreaths and happened to mention that I compose music if he needed any for the project. After hearing some samples, he asked me to create a few cues for the video, which I gladly obliged. He mentioned something about a long term project featuring an artist who took photos of Barbie dolls. I thought that sounded a bit odd, but I was impressed with Jeremy's work and figured it must be something pretty cool. A few months went by and I figured Jeremy had forgotten about me, then one day I received an e-mail from him opening with "I have a weird question for you!" </span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTSfw93FvJQy-mLUjSrz5oC-6o_rmJEiwav_NadABVKt8zgmxL0vlVdsvfaaPqhcbopb7-2C_L2OaDXKw3wVxTMMycaieTGnJdhb5pdJBNDR9CDPzcfmziQ-lykP_OEaCQF52mW89V_Bo/s1600/IMG_7486.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTSfw93FvJQy-mLUjSrz5oC-6o_rmJEiwav_NadABVKt8zgmxL0vlVdsvfaaPqhcbopb7-2C_L2OaDXKw3wVxTMMycaieTGnJdhb5pdJBNDR9CDPzcfmziQ-lykP_OEaCQF52mW89V_Bo/s1600/IMG_7486.jpg" height="200" width="178" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span>I was eager to preview the film and jump right in. When I first watched, I had to pause the film a couple of times to process what was going on. It wasn't because the film itself was hard to follow, on the contrary, it's elegantly rendered and captivating! Without giving too much away, I was awed in the end with what Jeremy had accomplished in this film. It is truly beautiful and it deserved a beautiful score. <br />An excerpt from the film's website...</span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: 'Droid Sans', sans-serif; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 8px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<i><a href="http://magicaluniversefilm.com/" target="_blank">M<span style="font-size: 14px;">AGICAL UNIVERSE</span></a><span style="font-size: 14px;"> is a portrait of Albert Nickerson Carbee -- an elderly, eccentric artist living in a ramshackle converted barn in the fading town of Saco, Maine. Al spends each and every day alone in his cavernous home creating elaborate photographs and collage art -- most of which feature Barbie Dolls in provocative yet complex dioramas. Few have seen Al's unique art. Even fewer have met Al himself.</span></i></div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: 'Droid Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 8px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrlGA0bvjuuF0nquIN7Co1Uq1qZT08Ntn-dSw0jBbwY9p3Wz18RdGvqmO6FtV1P1xGFgcgBO3Y9lwCPJEu-5JkGHoQ_7WxJe9hlsd8kZyxqh8FlM_Ebr2W-ZXgbY7szI4vEyLgepGccZU/s1600/981412_474842185932521_737192647_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrlGA0bvjuuF0nquIN7Co1Uq1qZT08Ntn-dSw0jBbwY9p3Wz18RdGvqmO6FtV1P1xGFgcgBO3Y9lwCPJEu-5JkGHoQ_7WxJe9hlsd8kZyxqh8FlM_Ebr2W-ZXgbY7szI4vEyLgepGccZU/s400/981412_474842185932521_737192647_o.jpg" height="247" width="400" /></a></div>
<i>When New York filmmaker Jeremy Workman and his girlfriend Astrid arrive on Al’s doorstep for an unplanned visit in the late 1990’s, the stage is set for the beginning of a strange and wondrous decade-long friendship between Al and Jeremy, an unlikely pairing in which the filmmaker goes on to become the reclusive Carbee's closest friend and his only link to the outside world.</i></div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: 'Droid Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 8px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEnR9o4yjuYAzWXrGNvxP2lQANuzaPeEq4VlNvo4xPL95h9xMPaoGt42MTvtYOjM4gta_KsSlIHKwBKiJrZRGHiDHZ7oL9Uofgt4dEOVt2mF98QAUrPePRGIEM-mSAGGAe07KltMK2dwk/s1600/28164_475082189241854_662799854_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEnR9o4yjuYAzWXrGNvxP2lQANuzaPeEq4VlNvo4xPL95h9xMPaoGt42MTvtYOjM4gta_KsSlIHKwBKiJrZRGHiDHZ7oL9Uofgt4dEOVt2mF98QAUrPePRGIEM-mSAGGAe07KltMK2dwk/s200/28164_475082189241854_662799854_n.jpg" height="200" width="130" /></a><i>MAGICAL UNIVERSE is a feature-length documentary about Carbee's amazing body of work and his relentlessly creative lifestyle. Its story is explored through the prism of Al’s strange but intensely devoted friendship with Jeremy and Astrid, with whom his bond is just as passionate as the one he has made with his art.</i></div>
<div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 8px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<div style="font-family: 'Droid Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">
<i>Something like a cross between the Henry Darger documentary "<span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">In the Realms of The Unreal" </span>and a first-person documentary, MAGICAL UNIVERSE is, at its core about wonder, friendship, and the transcendent power of creativity. The film culminates with Al Carbee's greatest triumph as an artist and a man: the day when Carbee's Barbies are briefly revealed to the world.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
All photos are from the film's <a href="http://magicaluniversefilm.com/" target="_blank">website</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/magicaluniversefilm?fref=ts" target="_blank">facebook page</a>.<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
<a href="http://vimeo.com/59085189">Magical Universe</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/wheelhouse">Wheelhouse Creative</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://jeremyworkman.com/home.html" target="_blank">Read about Jeremy Workman</a>.<br />
<a href="http://magicaluniversefilm.com/" target="_blank">Magical Universe website</a><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/magicaluniversefilm?fref=ts" target="_blank">Magical Universe on facebook</a>Twig Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03747580369085731852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503931253013567495.post-61482383713729867202013-03-28T09:18:00.000-04:002013-03-28T09:18:14.736-04:00Spring Has Sprung... Almost<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-IKdaTb-U7CjjzxeMWSreSsPr4SMGNythstWzrWAyPg6ZMQK9vVw-2KA8tqkTS3RI7XHsJoBW_5ukUuSnSsnJfEGT1X_eiUg_OUkY79k3F8Fg3PPpD4PwrDE89VmdVfGrHpga5ivp87E/s1600/IMG_9932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-IKdaTb-U7CjjzxeMWSreSsPr4SMGNythstWzrWAyPg6ZMQK9vVw-2KA8tqkTS3RI7XHsJoBW_5ukUuSnSsnJfEGT1X_eiUg_OUkY79k3F8Fg3PPpD4PwrDE89VmdVfGrHpga5ivp87E/s200/IMG_9932.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
Who can resist the pageantry of spring? Even as the cruelty of daylight saving time sets in at 6:15 AM, I cannot help but smile at the pale pink blossoms and the sweet bird sounds as I look out my bedroom window. <br />
<br />
<br />
Of course, Monday I looked out to see THIS...<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3B5jCHzip1xFagN-eXYo_WL01dqOaItN_UHSKgzwB0NnpbjEdXz7pzTxn59rQU7NmxxFe1SAyRoQKFO7HzloTaFmbCb_HBotNztnFKBH5Z5CoxLX5Ee1KpzDpP74C9OD9AASNe1hEaYc/s1600/IMG_9874.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3B5jCHzip1xFagN-eXYo_WL01dqOaItN_UHSKgzwB0NnpbjEdXz7pzTxn59rQU7NmxxFe1SAyRoQKFO7HzloTaFmbCb_HBotNztnFKBH5Z5CoxLX5Ee1KpzDpP74C9OD9AASNe1hEaYc/s320/IMG_9874.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNGG6StbTgt9mP1R6TLSa4GIUSzy2_ybRS3NxsDSdXrlrSjp_uLRsI2pWAkb6seUYuVU6KWx1gCuIL6noGsmgkBHkNwRycYvbr3JgrQq8jUH_iKawbxm5Jj4pr-QfgKUBNaGpRtxb_5AE/s1600/IMG_9862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNGG6StbTgt9mP1R6TLSa4GIUSzy2_ybRS3NxsDSdXrlrSjp_uLRsI2pWAkb6seUYuVU6KWx1gCuIL6noGsmgkBHkNwRycYvbr3JgrQq8jUH_iKawbxm5Jj4pr-QfgKUBNaGpRtxb_5AE/s200/IMG_9862.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yep, it's officially snowing!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
At least school was canceled and I could go back to bed... for 3 minutes. Naturally the kids woke up and there's no sleeping when the outside world is an enchanted winter fairy tale. </div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6sTFjSITiOKyaWrOZ5ru9v__MUjY9dX5ALG6rRwoZl0uM4Z9bY8WISOGK7PjAnigzb82txK9-6iFDpNrd1-38zdke-490ezYJXHerguSawveW48NyC97e_9Fq_QIHo7uEY2eBcqqs2TQ/s1600/IMG_0010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6sTFjSITiOKyaWrOZ5ru9v__MUjY9dX5ALG6rRwoZl0uM4Z9bY8WISOGK7PjAnigzb82txK9-6iFDpNrd1-38zdke-490ezYJXHerguSawveW48NyC97e_9Fq_QIHo7uEY2eBcqqs2TQ/s320/IMG_0010.jpg" width="240" /> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6sTFjSITiOKyaWrOZ5ru9v__MUjY9dX5ALG6rRwoZl0uM4Z9bY8WISOGK7PjAnigzb82txK9-6iFDpNrd1-38zdke-490ezYJXHerguSawveW48NyC97e_9Fq_QIHo7uEY2eBcqqs2TQ/s1600/IMG_0010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Regardless, spring must go on! While the world was frozen and white outside, I painted and photographed these wine glasses, hoping the snow-covered pink blossoms outside would be okay.<br />
<br />
I am really into crocheting accessories lately, so I had to transition from warm winter hoods to spring bonnets, purses, and practical things...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLe2nw-a9R72HXdQC9WJ9qUFGAulFsWcmq-sDP3t2BPRSwFBIYq-RvI54vORPOTh8nEnrdSR-z66Hn-dQLWPYYgRaJqrG9ypqzURv-FiPoq8KIP1c213qulvCjU9O_hdBSMXXWTj_M2NQ/s1600/IMG_9957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLe2nw-a9R72HXdQC9WJ9qUFGAulFsWcmq-sDP3t2BPRSwFBIYq-RvI54vORPOTh8nEnrdSR-z66Hn-dQLWPYYgRaJqrG9ypqzURv-FiPoq8KIP1c213qulvCjU9O_hdBSMXXWTj_M2NQ/s400/IMG_9957.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk16AxIAWw6WKrpWoBsxyKqNw-Z2kUYluNuQQD0WB0l2z18DDa6yjtCGNh2l-Q6F1E10tSqg_NRBKoP-Wg8Kd9_3nUlnneDYASbvG6bhc2KCvIObdD3Z6_XGSSSGvTwsAdwbRPTS8f5RQ/s1600/IMG_9205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk16AxIAWw6WKrpWoBsxyKqNw-Z2kUYluNuQQD0WB0l2z18DDa6yjtCGNh2l-Q6F1E10tSqg_NRBKoP-Wg8Kd9_3nUlnneDYASbvG6bhc2KCvIObdD3Z6_XGSSSGvTwsAdwbRPTS8f5RQ/s400/IMG_9205.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYYk-n2oReZO_6xlo1GQaCUXdiUPiXwZbVjfoRi1Bj5cP1LEhVwUXqWph_DZM9uKJBoSiOLoMXfV42VrIpXjHgunkzFIied51kIBMvMtWD5VyYSVcgJT5wcY3Vlw1_PdYF6yhF9pvrK08/s1600/IMG_0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYYk-n2oReZO_6xlo1GQaCUXdiUPiXwZbVjfoRi1Bj5cP1LEhVwUXqWph_DZM9uKJBoSiOLoMXfV42VrIpXjHgunkzFIied51kIBMvMtWD5VyYSVcgJT5wcY3Vlw1_PdYF6yhF9pvrK08/s400/IMG_0018.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_RgS7GG-5FPbC3ttyYBSWR9IxItVRvQ17DxZGUSUKn5se20ve0BHv6iBxl84N8eVTaBSqvknpr98ewF1wY7PDPoTYkk0oicw66RIqkoAXSkO-FFjCkYAWCCTLfag4mGFz_C5EWOcXQ-I/s1600/IMG_9908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_RgS7GG-5FPbC3ttyYBSWR9IxItVRvQ17DxZGUSUKn5se20ve0BHv6iBxl84N8eVTaBSqvknpr98ewF1wY7PDPoTYkk0oicw66RIqkoAXSkO-FFjCkYAWCCTLfag4mGFz_C5EWOcXQ-I/s320/IMG_9908.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6RqyQ4n4WPdrEOi5_IORsXMYNAqAXZ8P5t0P5Uj7jrSRQu_7WlzkuAukHB9n-P8MUDoxXFcMEnEIEI2aKBjNIikismocIN8HiA-ry-Kcp_Qd7wmOFJ_nT_qIZ-XeyHSuLS6cyVrCqDKw/s1600/IMG_9234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6RqyQ4n4WPdrEOi5_IORsXMYNAqAXZ8P5t0P5Uj7jrSRQu_7WlzkuAukHB9n-P8MUDoxXFcMEnEIEI2aKBjNIikismocIN8HiA-ry-Kcp_Qd7wmOFJ_nT_qIZ-XeyHSuLS6cyVrCqDKw/s320/IMG_9234.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRRgECNvELL5OwPZYpSOCweitSUi42UlsE4dZK1ESPLqWj_9ZgEEBKJhZnIVLQJcXQAgjKIY_vqgOKgzjskctRjC1nnAg9QHBor8PkR-24TTeUzHYl5BdTFozKUsgLiKh7VKDaOnL8eZU/s1600/PixieGarden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRRgECNvELL5OwPZYpSOCweitSUi42UlsE4dZK1ESPLqWj_9ZgEEBKJhZnIVLQJcXQAgjKIY_vqgOKgzjskctRjC1nnAg9QHBor8PkR-24TTeUzHYl5BdTFozKUsgLiKh7VKDaOnL8eZU/s400/PixieGarden.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
May your spring be full of blossoms and and practical delights! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Twig Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03747580369085731852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503931253013567495.post-80120067506080423832013-01-09T10:36:00.000-05:002013-01-09T10:37:41.241-05:00Truly Handmade With Love<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPKlyd8xkc8TIg0V00tZHJfY-2HpwofdrmhKce4evwRlnOsc0TVHtrN2EuhFoqtZ4bEmxAKdoQMHFSjjoX_BTW85qX9tVj-AH_MDqokaJ9GGM7xji8ESIR8NUohSSsKyaLrS7YiNv7xdg/s1600/IMG_9278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPKlyd8xkc8TIg0V00tZHJfY-2HpwofdrmhKce4evwRlnOsc0TVHtrN2EuhFoqtZ4bEmxAKdoQMHFSjjoX_BTW85qX9tVj-AH_MDqokaJ9GGM7xji8ESIR8NUohSSsKyaLrS7YiNv7xdg/s200/IMG_9278.JPG" width="200" /></a>Recently, I crocheted a bunch of snowflakes with hopes of sending them to the Sandy Hook PTA for the "<a href="http://www.ctpta.org/SANDY-HOOK-FUND.html" target="_blank">Snowflakes for Sandy Hook</a>" project. When I visited their website to get the address, I was slightly disappointed to see that they no longer needed snowflakes, as they had enough snowflake donations to cover the entire town! But I couldn't stay disappointed for more than a few seconds... it made me smile to think of all the snowflakes that were created with so much love! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBn7XfytaGiIoFx4pHekCt-NkeAXB-aRRF_wcEB6_qxapP2S5bzlR-AipAMyQPswMGgQr0BQ8d_jY-108__F0TQrmsPsR1zuDpvBHopIHiyiTIFgBl1QGul9zU2TDL6wtdS4JvQdFNhWM/s1600/IMG_9269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBn7XfytaGiIoFx4pHekCt-NkeAXB-aRRF_wcEB6_qxapP2S5bzlR-AipAMyQPswMGgQr0BQ8d_jY-108__F0TQrmsPsR1zuDpvBHopIHiyiTIFgBl1QGul9zU2TDL6wtdS4JvQdFNhWM/s200/IMG_9269.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
By the way, if you happen to need a crochet pattern for snowflakes, <a href="http://www.chezcrochet.com/page72.html" target="_blank">ChezCrochet</a> is a good source. I soaked these in a glue/water solution with a bit of fine, powdery white glitter, to make them stiff and slightly shimmery.<br />
<br />
I am not always great with words (and blogging), especially when it involves such a profound situation. The snowflakes were a chance for me to say... in a befuddled way... <i>I would crochet a thousand of these if it could change what happened, but for now I will crochet as many as I can to let someone know I care. </i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixT8UDKCAI1tY4MGf5dxl3rd02iw3aTb1EC1aJEhve86sWEf4Z9tBGA_UvaPy0w6FR0LSAYKdJRLHs16R4mgykz7hWlFDtDMKlTi3Bq66GyF-Gn-nLv_vQsQ8ssc2uaKVL7OY3UNaHbIM/s1600/IMG_9274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixT8UDKCAI1tY4MGf5dxl3rd02iw3aTb1EC1aJEhve86sWEf4Z9tBGA_UvaPy0w6FR0LSAYKdJRLHs16R4mgykz7hWlFDtDMKlTi3Bq66GyF-Gn-nLv_vQsQ8ssc2uaKVL7OY3UNaHbIM/s200/IMG_9274.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.uwwesternct.org/sandyhook" target="_blank">The United Way of Western Connecticut Response for Newtown/Sandy Hook</a> is accepting donations to provide support to the community. I will either donate these snowflakes to our local school if they need them or auction them on eBay and have the money go directly to the United Way branch listed above. I have other listings on <a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/221175234259?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649" target="_blank">eBay</a> donating to this charity, along with a section in my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TwigStudioArt" target="_blank">Etsy shop.</a> <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Twig Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03747580369085731852noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503931253013567495.post-45911620290554239302012-11-27T08:46:00.000-05:002014-01-08T22:23:35.455-05:00A Few Ideas for Safe Shopping on Etsy...<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA-0v1OsDaBqTWfOxqAx8Bl7zZkMpsecG2HhYmZdD1oHLVQqdKSfhd9AlPd-Y5QC04TNqEIAB_y-rW6BUDCDirIB7ZfKujgTK86YwBo-3Yqtfmx9nxxpQX-JRVhPZW2rzqxfUCoLk3nmM/s1600/2374686.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA-0v1OsDaBqTWfOxqAx8Bl7zZkMpsecG2HhYmZdD1oHLVQqdKSfhd9AlPd-Y5QC04TNqEIAB_y-rW6BUDCDirIB7ZfKujgTK86YwBo-3Yqtfmx9nxxpQX-JRVhPZW2rzqxfUCoLk3nmM/s200/2374686.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">make...it...stop...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">... and similar online marketplaces. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you are like me, you would rather have your wisdom teeth extracted (again) instead of battling hordes of shoppers, busting doors and fighting mature adults over ninja trains, gothic fairy diaper dolls, and action figures that really should not have been resurrected from the 80s. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Online shopping is more popular than ever. Reasons include convenience, the ability to compare prices easily, curing boredom, and impulse buying. While I agree with these reasons, I feel there are different reasons for shopping on Etsy, Artfire, etc. Convenience is definitely a factor, but people often come to Etsy because they want something more than the average online shopping experience. They want something special, something lovely, something unique, and something that makes a difference. Paying a little more for a beautiful sweater isn't so painful when you know that your money went directly to the talented person who made it, a person who wants to do things differently and make their own way in life. (Some Etsy sellers even let you pay for the pricier items in installments). Furthermore, the quality and design of a handmade item is usually superior to anything you will find at the shopping malls. </span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZApmIJ2gcfusGLFK_rl_I-hhaKq5VTXx3iKZYyGgN3hXuK9sGl_BidtELWYI3O-eDeaZgXcphMyopg85J9Ax8fDCQtKkjz3kdztgbViYXFxF5I99ZnQfdqwh440-mXR-9tiDYD7gNtAY/s1600/tumblr_m3k02wj4u01qfyv0d.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZApmIJ2gcfusGLFK_rl_I-hhaKq5VTXx3iKZYyGgN3hXuK9sGl_BidtELWYI3O-eDeaZgXcphMyopg85J9Ax8fDCQtKkjz3kdztgbViYXFxF5I99ZnQfdqwh440-mXR-9tiDYD7gNtAY/s1600/tumblr_m3k02wj4u01qfyv0d.png" height="160" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What is a shopping mall?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unfortunately, there are bad online shopping experiences and while the good outweighs the bad by far, the bad ones are the most publicized. It's human nature to want to tell the world when you feel you have been wronged. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is a list of my personal guidelines for safe Etsy (and Artfire, and Craftsy, and eBay, ...) shopping:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>BEFORE YOU BUY:</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>LOOK AT THE SELLER'S FEEDBACK SCORE - This is obvious but there are things to examine.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. Feedback as a buyer.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. Feedback as a seller. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. Responses to negative feedback (if any). The way someone handles a negative response says a lot about their character and the way they do business. NOTE: Just because that person has 1 or 2 negative feedbacks (or more if they do a LOT of business) doesn't mean they are off limits. Examine the feedback, see if reasons are listed. If someone just leaves a negative and there is no explanation, to me that is a worthless report. </span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. Also remember that shops with lots of small items are going to have MORE feedback usually, as feedback is left for each individual item. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5. Do not abandon a shop just because they have made very few sales! The quality of the feedback can be more valuable than the quantity. Everyone has to start somewhere. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">LOOK BEHIND THE SCENES - How do you know this shop is making everything they claim to make by hand? This may not apply to every seller, especially if they sell vintage items or supplies. </b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRg0rT5pDxoIkrTPP7XltWVoANypweIQNaru0_Rz8eTfL95DOFit69Ev5vP96nvbxR87BZzPzaj1GEXvv0dA6TzrLN-F23uqmLr5_cSuQSnRZyg9UjJHaK0iRvFswjGWWRp4HiRYSIAnE/s1600/ForestEvolve.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRg0rT5pDxoIkrTPP7XltWVoANypweIQNaru0_Rz8eTfL95DOFit69Ev5vP96nvbxR87BZzPzaj1GEXvv0dA6TzrLN-F23uqmLr5_cSuQSnRZyg9UjJHaK0iRvFswjGWWRp4HiRYSIAnE/s320/ForestEvolve.jpg" height="320" width="195" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. Look for images of the shop's work in progress, studio, owner, etc. This can often be found on the shop's "about" page. If not, seek other sources...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. Find another site associated with that shop. Often shop owners have links to their blog, Facebook page, etc. available. Blogs are great for finding out more about the shop and the owner, a glimpse into their creative world. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. If this shop has nothing like this available, contact them and tell them you are interested in their work. Ask them about their craft, their process, etc. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. Keep in mind... some artists and artisans would rather spend their free time creating rather than social networking; furthermore, they may feel "technologically challenged." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Obviously there are exceptions to all of these "guidelines."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>CONTINUITY OF LISTINGS - Does everything in the shop look like one person (or small guild) created it? (Again, this will not apply to vintage or supply shops).</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. If it's an artist selling items with their artwork, look for the actual artwork in their shop. Also look at the image quality and resolution of the listings, make sure it isn't something they ripped off/downloaded from another shop. Ask them for a clearer image if it looks sketchy. Or say "This is lovely, do you have this available as a print?" OR "This image is lovely, does it have a name?" </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. A shop is selling 1 leather handbag, 3 velvet corsets all in size XS, 1 pair of silk stockings, 20 friendship bracelets ... and the "about" section indicates very little other than the fact that they love "all things artsy." I'm not saying this isn't legit, but it probably merits a little research. For the sheer sake of entertainment, you should at least message some questions concerning their inspiration and process. </span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJnQe24l6wr7M0h_0iKAGmsfr17UsGzrF3G6WhHFpDWlcDarR7TYjUG7GyUk3ODFtSrs3Ws2iMi1kPSzZmKQCicHjaxF194QBZQMbgz6Bew5QRLqy9M5t4uCUAYLh3i2m_6BMLimRtzzQ/s1600/Cows2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJnQe24l6wr7M0h_0iKAGmsfr17UsGzrF3G6WhHFpDWlcDarR7TYjUG7GyUk3ODFtSrs3Ws2iMi1kPSzZmKQCicHjaxF194QBZQMbgz6Bew5QRLqy9M5t4uCUAYLh3i2m_6BMLimRtzzQ/s1600/Cows2.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This image is irrelevant.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. Descriptive listings. How well does the shop owner actually know the item they are selling? Most artisans love to talk about their work, the fibers that went into the scarf, the old barn supplying the reclaimed wood for the bench, the smell in the air that lingered as they shot the image of Uther Pendragon's stomping ground. There should be a story behind every handmade item, even if it's as simple as "this is so soft and cozy" or "I made this using reclaimed vintage carpet fibers from an old pet store." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. With all that said, my shop is a haphazard array of art, jewelry, glassware, crocheted items, and even CDs. A lot of people probably look at my shop and say "What the heck does she do, exactly?" If you look closely, however, you will see a very common theme... trees. Also, if you look at the jewelry, the stationery, even the album artwork on the CDs, you will see images from the actual artwork that is also available in my shop. Of course, the crocheted items are a bit out of place, but I really don't want to manage multiple shops. </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw8KWxk2__-aVRYSdxV75PYPdvcW6ketC5TyS72oc5_ZYBUxw9y_Hb3aB7NHJ6GbVwOnhq6DDDIaoCiw41Fmeec0HFps7cNIOGcxKwPSgO8SdSEviNwTmkkfO_ZbNpLXJeBYFvPEDGid0/s1600/IMG_4195b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw8KWxk2__-aVRYSdxV75PYPdvcW6ketC5TyS72oc5_ZYBUxw9y_Hb3aB7NHJ6GbVwOnhq6DDDIaoCiw41Fmeec0HFps7cNIOGcxKwPSgO8SdSEviNwTmkkfO_ZbNpLXJeBYFvPEDGid0/s200/IMG_4195b.jpg" height="200" width="193" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>SHOP POLICY - This is another obvious source, but it is often overlooked. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. How do they handle shipping fees/overcharges? Shipping is not a handmade item; therefore sellers should not profit from shipping fees. However, it can be difficult to predict shipping fees. As a shop owner, I would rather overestimate and promptly reimburse as needed, as opposed to underestimating and going broke. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. How do they handle returns? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. Do they seem to have a pleasant approach to policies or do they seem to be scolding you before you have even made a purchase (my personal pet peeve)?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. What is the estimated shipping/processing time, what do they offer, etc.? Shops that do a lot of business are going to need a longer processing time, especially if they are making the item or items to order. While it is important for the shop owner to be realistic up front about the length of time it could take for you to receive your item, it is important for the buyer to realize the importance of shopping in advance for certain items. </span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC8PxqFM2oeBnMnn77dfygLeLRd4AToT3vYy3upokhTnMfyR1CXoArfgD9dhktzZFSH_tUt4qpsnE0TsCs-PBStCeXFNDGzVNNDzN1eNmrOapb3yvroKkvKgXqGTurksReXj7-_F0yS0A/s1600/sweetduke2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC8PxqFM2oeBnMnn77dfygLeLRd4AToT3vYy3upokhTnMfyR1CXoArfgD9dhktzZFSH_tUt4qpsnE0TsCs-PBStCeXFNDGzVNNDzN1eNmrOapb3yvroKkvKgXqGTurksReXj7-_F0yS0A/s200/sweetduke2.jpg" height="138" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">free to pet or scratch behind the ears</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5. Smoke free/pet free home. How important is this to you as a buyer? Most sellers will let you know what kind of environment they work in. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>DURING/AFTER THE PURCHASE</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>COMMUNICATION </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. Be specific about your needs in the "message to seller" field during the transaction. If there are choices, let them know what you want. If offered, do you need it gift wrapped, do you need an enclosure card, what do you want it to say, is it going directly to the recipient ("do not include invoice"). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. Make sure your shipping information is accurate. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. If it's a big ticket item, ask the seller to add insurance to the shipping fees. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>RECEIVING</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. If you should have received your order yesterday and you're getting frustrated today, give it another day (unless you paid extra for a shipping upgrade). Verify the shipping method you paid for and look in your "purchases" section to see if the item has been marked as "shipped." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. If the item has not been marked as "shipped" and you should have already received it according to the shop policies, by all means, contact the seller. It's possible they just forgot to mark it as shipped. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>FEEDBACK</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sellers love feedback. It's not just because they like a nice feedback score, they want to know they are doing the right thing. Most artisans take great pride in their work and they want the buyer to love it as much as they do! I have had buyers to send very happy messages to me personally about their purchase, yet they forget to leave feedback in the official feedback section. Personally, I am COMPLETELY okay with that. What matters to me is a happy customer and I understand some people don't get into leaving feedback. If someone has a small or a low feedback score, however, and you are happy with your purchase...</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These are just suggestions, loose guidelines, and a lot of words. If you fall in love with something online, don't rule it out just because it doesn't meet one or two of my personal guidelines. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-line; word-wrap: break-word;">
<br /></div>
Twig Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03747580369085731852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503931253013567495.post-4811693900072307712012-11-19T22:06:00.004-05:002012-11-19T22:08:17.916-05:00Merry and Bright<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt72BYobDHoOvmH7CSKY-qoDJl6kO6NFHR7Ye5Sf5gDYu56SBcBJnojcJoyN1H0EAkn-7SZpK_BD2tbL6m_T6i9et-veZcuzcpIq9KuOci_RuISIeCRpUqy9MlqkQwyt7l7gxT0vys6oc/s1600/IMG_3392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt72BYobDHoOvmH7CSKY-qoDJl6kO6NFHR7Ye5Sf5gDYu56SBcBJnojcJoyN1H0EAkn-7SZpK_BD2tbL6m_T6i9et-veZcuzcpIq9KuOci_RuISIeCRpUqy9MlqkQwyt7l7gxT0vys6oc/s320/IMG_3392.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipiMvqAuV41-5Mkfb_ve7y96TPizZYOY5fF6nUVJNYc6yL3ZpwNPfDb2K5p0qLuMjpTXOcYEnSQYJK482JZtnlMUy-04ObBIKBp0Kmwqgh1o5xLP266NTjbf_af4NsWS6yIgeq66nB5c8/s1600/IMG_8787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipiMvqAuV41-5Mkfb_ve7y96TPizZYOY5fF6nUVJNYc6yL3ZpwNPfDb2K5p0qLuMjpTXOcYEnSQYJK482JZtnlMUy-04ObBIKBp0Kmwqgh1o5xLP266NTjbf_af4NsWS6yIgeq66nB5c8/s400/IMG_8787.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">note cards</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUQgTDsHeu5BUknt7XuEvZzkxEYOf_vycvGppHJd06UQnyel67Zh7-hdTkDH-18CnWLP2KNLTDZTLUpCWwN0tVYu2ZVHN2YpV2ResXCg_tZGn9hGxyfCWlVUEFfJQnljOXhR95Zjhp6nw/s1600/IMG_8770.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUQgTDsHeu5BUknt7XuEvZzkxEYOf_vycvGppHJd06UQnyel67Zh7-hdTkDH-18CnWLP2KNLTDZTLUpCWwN0tVYu2ZVHN2YpV2ResXCg_tZGn9hGxyfCWlVUEFfJQnljOXhR95Zjhp6nw/s320/IMG_8770.jpg" width="259" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">gift tags/enclosure cards</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiKbgWL5-JBeTVDk1lnv9cLfCyh1k9zW8yg4c8ACzvqu9rydZLRLv1qY4cGNrefBaBpE4K-9B6EHD83LSN-e9ea7Q-Wl3al1oSrXqoyuyjVfQK_SXpxcvGTKq-QtcfecyULTZasAZmTqA/s1600/IMG_8736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiKbgWL5-JBeTVDk1lnv9cLfCyh1k9zW8yg4c8ACzvqu9rydZLRLv1qY4cGNrefBaBpE4K-9B6EHD83LSN-e9ea7Q-Wl3al1oSrXqoyuyjVfQK_SXpxcvGTKq-QtcfecyULTZasAZmTqA/s320/IMG_8736.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">messy business</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYQtngHjFTIb2k9Nygm0dHSIttKQ7KndmFzkGDeub_VsZW31w4lj1zgh9IS2uPOXyo2NfmQIjjo4oDEGVOIdtC12iXFxpXLagN57jrV39oSx9TipqAfYuJKph725geQbX8rkiWSjhNKI8/s1600/IMG_8749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYQtngHjFTIb2k9Nygm0dHSIttKQ7KndmFzkGDeub_VsZW31w4lj1zgh9IS2uPOXyo2NfmQIjjo4oDEGVOIdtC12iXFxpXLagN57jrV39oSx9TipqAfYuJKph725geQbX8rkiWSjhNKI8/s320/IMG_8749.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I go through about 4 of these punches a year! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuuqGeYjJ0LJlkgPbtOZpkMInK19qU8YUW6dYCNsSu2c1LubhuyEpz4BjdcdnoRQHLd3DZjmwXlghhdFzS2RVLumwKS-VDdnVZrD3CYUmj-mq5mVFohVElWnk-eIlqBjgx9tDpmjygLcU/s1600/IMG_7961.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuuqGeYjJ0LJlkgPbtOZpkMInK19qU8YUW6dYCNsSu2c1LubhuyEpz4BjdcdnoRQHLd3DZjmwXlghhdFzS2RVLumwKS-VDdnVZrD3CYUmj-mq5mVFohVElWnk-eIlqBjgx9tDpmjygLcU/s320/IMG_7961.jpg" width="234" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wassail wine glasses</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcYlDC4j3HSWddR6E4M8wqJ7lyYzjEyrvqNeMGGPQauts0sdcsRwFsvTQgNrNMn8EOqdlIB5k64iCIlvhSp2EBUstGeFe2d8-RdxrQ4OSoWIynWzkByr5n62UhIVMWkQJYC8uRkG9A_-w/s1600/IMG_7963.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcYlDC4j3HSWddR6E4M8wqJ7lyYzjEyrvqNeMGGPQauts0sdcsRwFsvTQgNrNMn8EOqdlIB5k64iCIlvhSp2EBUstGeFe2d8-RdxrQ4OSoWIynWzkByr5n62UhIVMWkQJYC8uRkG9A_-w/s320/IMG_7963.jpg" width="233" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cranberry Cordial glasses</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Twig Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03747580369085731852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503931253013567495.post-1690888789703658152012-11-02T10:14:00.001-04:002013-10-08T10:54:52.169-04:00How to Make a Butterfly Fairy Dress! Here are some slaphappy instructions for making this dress. If you have very basic crochet and sewing skills, you can master this. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXJKC6Hl58cxhOk0rZnSOhAjlmJMgPSfZ2ot8iU5_mLJJzhqjZQh4qb3_i_GeWc9ltrR7vgAcd_CP9FlWx3coTCrjiXYPtTxLtFiLnjISssx8nzEVNik_IJH4N-EvHETlHGVuZtgqEO4o/s1600/IMG_7913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXJKC6Hl58cxhOk0rZnSOhAjlmJMgPSfZ2ot8iU5_mLJJzhqjZQh4qb3_i_GeWc9ltrR7vgAcd_CP9FlWx3coTCrjiXYPtTxLtFiLnjISssx8nzEVNik_IJH4N-EvHETlHGVuZtgqEO4o/s320/IMG_7913.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
First of all, you need to be able to crochet a basic <a href="http://www.crochetspot.com/how-to-crochet-chain-loop-mesh-stitch/" target="_blank">fish net stitch</a>. You will need some <b>worsted weight YARN</b> -- I used Lily Sugar'n Cream. You do not need anything fancy and it will not take a lot of yarn for this stitch. Use something fairly durable, soft and silky isn't the way to go here. <br />
<br />
You will also need <b>TULLE</b> (I prefer spools) in colors of your choice. The amount you need depends upon how full you want the skirt. I used about 3 spools here (7 on the blue dress below).<br />
<br />
Other things you need...<br />
-- a crochet needle (I used size I or 5.50 mm)<br />
-- an embroidery needle<br />
-- sturdy thread to match your bodice<br />
-- a cotton, stretchy camisole to match the bodice<br />
-- sharp scissors, fabric scissors if you have them<br />
-- ribbon for decoration<br />
<br />
Use the child or a dress form to determine the size you need for your foundation row (it needs to be snug). I prefer joining the bodice in the end since I'm going to be adding tulle and stitching it to a camisole. <br />
<br />
Fish net back and forth until the bodice is the right length to fit the child. <b>PLEASE NOTE:</b> <b>This stitch will stretch a lot once the tulle is added.</b> If you are adding a lot of tulle it could double in length, so be careful not to make the bodice too long. For this particular dress the bodice has 14 rows, but it all depends on the yarn and the size you need. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKePEV3nqP1b3CaaGWpaoXnJapqHb_xKhrAOS1hKX8mTKaLftQooyt4EPIC4sYIICnwFluVtniPZ3wWPpqXvwpKtJW-rzsjeAx3yic5BF9DPxI8m-C_xhDxzg-pbmnJb23yBvdZKrACPQ/s1600/IMG_7900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKePEV3nqP1b3CaaGWpaoXnJapqHb_xKhrAOS1hKX8mTKaLftQooyt4EPIC4sYIICnwFluVtniPZ3wWPpqXvwpKtJW-rzsjeAx3yic5BF9DPxI8m-C_xhDxzg-pbmnJb23yBvdZKrACPQ/s200/IMG_7900.jpg" width="150" /></a>Be sure to secure the stitch when you finish. I always add another string of yarn into the last stitch to tie everything together, just to be safe. Simply weaving in the ends is not going to be enough for such an airy stitch. <br />
<br />
Your bodice should be a big rectangle. You may have noticed by now that I do not normally write patterns or instructions (and that is probably for the best).<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUm42Wr3MJcQA41IawXO9cpQaHd-S1eE4pwyjipE-_BS4899PlUHHr9essjvaiddW0VpPBrKqW7gSO4XjvVSciHnnY7dySHpdFbYQKgM5oPcswjIBkQ917LG-wHYktr2KAghJOHPBrNQ8/s1600/IMG_6679.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUm42Wr3MJcQA41IawXO9cpQaHd-S1eE4pwyjipE-_BS4899PlUHHr9essjvaiddW0VpPBrKqW7gSO4XjvVSciHnnY7dySHpdFbYQKgM5oPcswjIBkQ917LG-wHYktr2KAghJOHPBrNQ8/s320/IMG_6679.jpg" width="231" /></a>Now for the fun part... adding the tulle! You can be as sloppy or as precise as you like here. I like to use the spools of tulle, it's a lot easier for measuring and cutting. Just roll out the spool, cut with some sharp fabric scissors, and remember, you are going to need each strand to be <b>TWICE</b> the desired length. <br />
<br />
If you are planning for the skirt to actually function as a skirt (no leggings needed), you will need a lot of tulle. I still recommend using a little slip or tights underneath. For the butterfly dress, we were planning to use leggings so I added just enough tulle to make it full and fancy. <br />
<br />
As for colors, be creative! My daughter wanted to be a monarch butterfly, so I used (in descending order of quantity) orange, black, yellow, and fuchsia. <br />
<br />
After you have your strips of tulle ready, you can simply pull the strands through the openings in the bottom of the bodice. When a strip is halfway through the opening, tie it into a double knot to secure it. You can make the skirt as full as you like, but remember, the more tulle you add, the more your bodice is going to stretch. For this dress I used two strips of tulle in each opening along the bottom, and at least one strip in each opening in the next row above. For the blue/purple dress to the left, I used almost twice as much tulle, and the the yarn in the bodice was almost too soft and stretchy for that. Again, just use a fairly stiff yarn if you want to use a lot of tulle. Even that scratchy Red Heart Super Saver stuff works well for this. <br />
<br />
Now you have a fish net rectangle with a lot of tulle hanging from it! Let's make it functional by finding a matching camisole. I like the cotton camisoles at Target, especially the ones with the soft lacy trim. Any cotton, stretchy camisole will do as long as the color is right and matches your bodice. I was lucky enough to find blue ones at Target this summer to match the blue flower girl dress. Finding a black camisole was easy. <b>Make sure the camisole has a snug fit!</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Go find a needle and some matching thread. I suppose you could use a sewing machine for this but I felt more comfortable doing this by hand. Position the bodice over the camisole so the ends meet directly at the back center (or as close as possible). Sew the bodice to the camisole along the top. Use lots of stitches and secure them well. I am neither a a sewing expert nor a sewing instructor so I wish you the best of luck here! Just make sure you use plenty of stitches, sturdy thread, and if the thread is a good match, all those crooked stitches wrapped around the yarn will not be noticeable. When you are finished, the bodice should be securely attached to the camisole and the opening should be at (or near) the back center of the camisole. <br />
<br />
Now it is time to stitch the camisole together with your matching yarn. I like to use slip stitches then go back and tie with several pieces of yarn. If you feel like the closing looks messy, take some pretty ribbon and tie some bows back there for distraction. I am a lace/ribbon/bow/trim hoarder, mainly because I am impatient and I like distractions. <br />
<br />
You're almost finished! Decorate it however you like -- I added lots of ribbon to the monarch butterfly dress. For the flower girl dress, I attempted to make my own silk flowers. I made enough for two dresses and I burned myself a few times. Just be careful if you do this and there are <a href="http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/231155/how-make-paper-and-fabric-wedding-flowers/@center/272429/diy-weddings#100157" target="_blank">tons of tutorials</a> out there for making these. Of course, you could just buy some silk flowers or (even better if you have the time) find some at a local Goodwill store, flea market, etc.<br />
<br />
It was fairly cold this Halloween (yay!) so we used a plain black stretchy shirt underneath, plain black leggings, black socks, and ideally black shoes (but my daughter wanted to wear pink sparkly shoes... it worked). I decorated her black leggings with strips of tulle (see photo, this was a 30-second decoration) and painted her face a little, which she loved. <br />
<br />
I was going to attempt to make the wings, but after having a sinus infection all week I broke over the day before and purchased wings at the some big Halloween chain store. By the way, those stores are not child friendly in my opinion. Why should my kids have to see a plastic yard scene from SAW or disfigured zombie babies when they walk in the door? Lesson learned. <br />
<br />
Believe it or not, it took us twice as long to come up with the "sweet, cute, friendly werewolf" outfit for our older daughter. I can only take credit for the disheveled furry "leg cuffs" and that thing hanging on her arm. Oh, I smeared some blackish grey paint on her face. Fortunately my husband found a mask at a local costume rental shop, as the chain stores only had scary, mean grizzly werewolves (and no "normal" wolves whatsoever) with severed arms hanging from their jaws. <br />
<br />
<b>USEFUL ADVICE</b><br />
-- Help your little one get into and out of this dress! It is made to fit snug, there are tons of holes in that bodice for little arms to force their way through, and you do not want a struggling child caught in this mound of fish net and tulle! A strong, angry child could possibly destroy this dress in a fraction of the time it took you to make it. <br />
<br />
-- This is not an easy care, wash and wear type of dress. Wash it by hand if needed and lay flat to dry (be sure to shape it properly). It's fine for play as long as they aren't bouncing off of the walls. With that said, how durable are those cheaply made costumes at Target or Wal Mart? I can assure you that this dress, if made properly, will not only be more durable but 10 times more beautiful than anything (affordable) you will find at a chain store. <br />
<br />
-- Do not attempt to sell your creations unless you have made quite a few and tested their durability on actual children! So far, the dresses I have made have not fallen apart after a few outings, but I am still not to the point where I would personally want to sell these. <br />
<br />
-- Feel free to experiment! If you want a more durable bodice and you have the time, single crochet all the way around. For the last 2-3 rows, double crochet to give yourself openings for tulle. You could even create a bodice with straps or sleeves that will not need an attached camisole. I personally like the fish net design, not only because it's quick to create, but it has lots of decorating options. Furthermore, if I am going to devote the time and effort to crocheting a solid, functional sweater, I am probably going to let it remain... a sweater. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Twig Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03747580369085731852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503931253013567495.post-55205971387617543262012-10-23T11:52:00.002-04:002012-10-23T12:18:27.551-04:00Once Upon a Winter EveI finally got around to making a "sampler" video for the album I released last winter, "Once Upon a Winter Eve." While putting this together, I was reminded of how much fun I had creating this album. While it isn't technically a Christmas album, there are elements of wintery magic, anticipation, a hint of darkness, and even a little adventure. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/2m-RU1aaEwk?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<b></b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaDLXZiFczy4K4SUxC6OhroEzhRTwtMMvfiU6riRTKlev3tZqPOi-kgd7XAYcPIhc7ySflGY8fVsqYKRJpOs717RPit4dYi5gBxQfHT7lo54-OBB0G2yEEXLrWVdLTI5WhNpKuul2cm2o/s1600/feb19_frodo_and_sam_leaving_shire.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaDLXZiFczy4K4SUxC6OhroEzhRTwtMMvfiU6riRTKlev3tZqPOi-kgd7XAYcPIhc7ySflGY8fVsqYKRJpOs717RPit4dYi5gBxQfHT7lo54-OBB0G2yEEXLrWVdLTI5WhNpKuul2cm2o/s200/feb19_frodo_and_sam_leaving_shire.jpeg" width="200" /></a><b><span style="font-size: large;">Far Away</span></b><br />
This is a sweeping landscape type of song, with adventure, grand beauty, and even a little yearning for simple goodness. As you may have guessed, I was completely inspired by Tolkien's world of rolling green hills, snow-capped mountains, and very important missions.<br />
<i>“It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to.”</i><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Frost Arrives</span></b><b></b><br />
<div>
While creating this song I envisioned Jack Frost and possibly a team of ethereal winter fairies lacing the trees with ice, breathing frost on the window panes, and stuffing the clouds with flurries.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggbWDemunXosx4HbfT2daZS1ABq6qCIYvBHeRTz9NLWWiUvOxDrXy5BBrf8s_WoKCjNl4qUBIHonIFxPefEESrfMtkzjT1vT4uo7gJxZtEPSB2HFSM4PS_N1UAiEARFa9wWA_5ekcQMAQ/s1600/4643179183_a3f6439136.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggbWDemunXosx4HbfT2daZS1ABq6qCIYvBHeRTz9NLWWiUvOxDrXy5BBrf8s_WoKCjNl4qUBIHonIFxPefEESrfMtkzjT1vT4uo7gJxZtEPSB2HFSM4PS_N1UAiEARFa9wWA_5ekcQMAQ/s200/4643179183_a3f6439136.jpeg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">from Fantasia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><br /><span style="font-size: large;">The Night Before</span></b><br />
Many have said that this song sounds "Burtonesque," although technically that would be "Elfmanesque." While I certainly consider Burton and Elfman influential in some of my work, this song was more inspired by "The Nutcracker Suite" and "'Twas the Night Before Christmas."<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Following a Star</span></b><br />
Hope, magic, enchantment... peace, contentment, and beauty in knowing you have something to follow, even if it seems far away.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Candlestick Waltz</span></b><br />
For this song I imagined a curious little girl wandering around in her nightgown in the middle of the night, in search of something magical. She walks into another place and time, a grand ballroom full of dancers who may or may not be ghosts. They immediately bring her into the dance and she is a part of their waltz and their world. <br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">New Snow</span></b><br />
This is actually a revised version of "First Snow" from "The World Beyond." I loved creating the first version and I really wanted to add more. When I created "First Snow," I envisioned (here is a shocker) a blanket of snow on the ground, undoubtedly the first snow of the season. Kids are playing, a little girl in a red coat is taking on two little boys in a snowball war in the front yard of an old church. Everything is fresh and sparkling, litter on the streets covered, barren twigs glisten with a coat of glass. "New Snow" is slightly more contemplative than "First Snow." Instead of being out in the wondrous winterland, the perspective is from the inside looking out the window. There is hope and enchantment along with some darker, more complex elements. <br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Wishes</span></b><br />
Inspired by O. Henry's "A Gift of the Magi," one of the most memorable Christmas stories in my opinion. <br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Frozen Rain</span></b><br />
Originally I wanted to simply call this "Frozen," but I did not want to duplicate a popular (or relatively popular) title by Madonna. It is really hard for me to describe this song, I would have to say it is different from most of the other songs on the album. Not only is the style a bit different, but the theme and inspiration is more modern. Most of my songs are inspired by a time in the past, "Frozen Rain" is inspired by the present and the need to preserve moments in time.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Once Upon a Winter Eve</span></b><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5GiIFCpPL1QLNE6C9_Q-XX6A_vcTSIECi9wuClvdm5SMJ9qa_n8zc0VFA5algh8tTVYYCpGKb92_SVH7opu8jShIVoDdibv4dBw0pIeoA2rRgGPAjTIAFvjsZ7nZok3lqJojFyvUifxw/s1600/001393_12.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5GiIFCpPL1QLNE6C9_Q-XX6A_vcTSIECi9wuClvdm5SMJ9qa_n8zc0VFA5algh8tTVYYCpGKb92_SVH7opu8jShIVoDdibv4dBw0pIeoA2rRgGPAjTIAFvjsZ7nZok3lqJojFyvUifxw/s200/001393_12.jpeg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Burton's Sleepy Hollow</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Some of my fondest memories involve being at my grandparent's house out in the country. It was an old farm house in the middle of 200 acres of trees, so a roaring fire and power outages were quite common in the winter. They had a "fancy" wood stove in the living room, but we always preferred the fireplace in the kitchen/den where we could all gather around (and be near Grandma's food). My dad and grandfather would take turns telling ghost stories and getting us way too scared to sleep that night. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxgUb64L34GmAOI2t_z4Lm2B_ZM-j6YojddoIe3EMC99jlB5gw_c8-IMRiaTs341NTxwbQ-qc345B-87U9U-ghnR_B0gcbFqQekr7Qh2iP0RhbtJsUIn8FR4m8fx6-Tumo6GiIPbfiOpc/s1600/bruckmann-poe-portrait.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxgUb64L34GmAOI2t_z4Lm2B_ZM-j6YojddoIe3EMC99jlB5gw_c8-IMRiaTs341NTxwbQ-qc345B-87U9U-ghnR_B0gcbFqQekr7Qh2iP0RhbtJsUIn8FR4m8fx6-Tumo6GiIPbfiOpc/s200/bruckmann-poe-portrait.jpeg" width="156" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">http://www.poemuseum.org/</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b></b><br />
<b></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">Haunted</span></b><br />
Inspired by my own natural spooky tendencies, along with Washington Irving's "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and of course, Edgar Allan Poe's "Haunted Palace," "The Tell-Tale Heart," "The Masque of..." okay, basically Poe in general. <br />
<br />
<i>Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there wondering, fearing, Doubting, dreaming dreams no mortal ever dared to dream before...</i><br />
from "The Raven"<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Treasured</span></b><br />
This song was directly inspired by Tolkien's "All That is Gold Does Not Glitter." In fact, you can sing along...<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>All that is gold does not glitter, </i></div>
<div>
<i>Not all those who wander are lost;</i></div>
<div>
<i>The old that is strong does not wither,</i></div>
<div>
<i>Deep roots are not reached by the frost.</i></div>
<div>
<i>From the ashes a fire shall be woken,</i></div>
<div>
<i>A light from the shadows shall spring;</i></div>
<div>
<i>Renewed shall be blade that was broken,</i></div>
<div>
<i>The crownless again shall be king.</i><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaNiXOuZOUpGPpy244uEISENMJDxUlF-yQXcqg_pWVoQtKMqxgvqPc7tqmttdP4mTqTvdTjIlB1E5LSh-U784CwUhdeQIDWVJ8wREQFzRjh2F8EDJDl3sYNvHkdbSu5siZLHxFYrIBWuI/s1600/waterhouse_the_lady_of_shalott02.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaNiXOuZOUpGPpy244uEISENMJDxUlF-yQXcqg_pWVoQtKMqxgvqPc7tqmttdP4mTqTvdTjIlB1E5LSh-U784CwUhdeQIDWVJ8wREQFzRjh2F8EDJDl3sYNvHkdbSu5siZLHxFYrIBWuI/s200/waterhouse_the_lady_of_shalott02.jpeg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Myth</span></b><br />
Here is where I have to admit my total enthrallment with Arthurian legend and the sappy romance of it all. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">The Lady of Shalott by John Williams Waterhouse</span><br />
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Stories by Firelight </span></b><i>see Once Upon a Winter Eve</i><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Passages</span></b><br />
This song makes me cry, thanks (again) to Tolkien... sing along...<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglOXIuVIvQfutETNkrdFbOn3L68fW1QLz1OO7jNZgEG5GAq9izuuxuj5o5cp9GDgSLRq7S52RMeITu00i1v3xJmNlXaFJJns6OWPwTxv4asxmxsIAndOlxvHEAuQrLuIYlNGQFopcgngw/s1600/tolkien460.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglOXIuVIvQfutETNkrdFbOn3L68fW1QLz1OO7jNZgEG5GAq9izuuxuj5o5cp9GDgSLRq7S52RMeITu00i1v3xJmNlXaFJJns6OWPwTxv4asxmxsIAndOlxvHEAuQrLuIYlNGQFopcgngw/s200/tolkien460.gif" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">JRR Tolkien</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i>I sit beside the fire and think<br />of all that I have seen,<br />of meadow-flowers and butterflies</i><br /><i>in summers that have been;</i><br />
<div>
<i></i><br /><i></i></div>
<div>
<i>Of yellow leaves and gossamer<br />in autumns that there were,</i><br /><i>with morning mist and silver sun</i><br />
<i>and wind upon my hair.</i></div>
<div>
<i><br />I sit beside the fire and think</i></div>
<div>
<i>of how the world will be<br />when winter comes without a spring<br />that I shall ever see</i></div>
<div>
<i><br />For still there are so many things</i></div>
<div>
<i>that I have never seen:<br />in every wood in every spring<br />there is a different green.</i></div>
<div>
<i><br />I sit beside the fire and think</i></div>
<div>
<i>of people long ago,<br />and people who will see a world<br />that I shall never know. </i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i>But all the while I sit and think</i></div>
<div>
<i>of times there were before,<br />I listen for returning feet<br />and voices at the door.</i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
"Bilbo's Last Song" or "I Sit Beside the Fire and Think"</div>
<div>
by J.R.R. Tolkien<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXCwtiYs2RTfc7Iy-bO7PrWnGoNL59_3gCgl1ehYLpYpHZq-U_cTbnNU6QeJfTYsKFNb8taoPmcm01nCp0NsegmOecCCA16wALNz1cshkvzejV6y1y7BPi5fiU43CNnlLotrG4YiJew1I/s1600/WinterEveFinal2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXCwtiYs2RTfc7Iy-bO7PrWnGoNL59_3gCgl1ehYLpYpHZq-U_cTbnNU6QeJfTYsKFNb8taoPmcm01nCp0NsegmOecCCA16wALNz1cshkvzejV6y1y7BPi5fiU43CNnlLotrG4YiJew1I/s200/WinterEveFinal2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSlP2gwhBpB1cPdE-hyfbLiRjS7gZFB164_fnepJqknH5UTsdkibiQaka5tkXU8M_jythuc4hhYeRGN6w26jlmMmcScDNaOkurkTOWGMHDT5nqYOS7NQGYRSI11-EmHfD9JYOjQ2xsE6I/s1600/WinterEveBackFinal2B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSlP2gwhBpB1cPdE-hyfbLiRjS7gZFB164_fnepJqknH5UTsdkibiQaka5tkXU8M_jythuc4hhYeRGN6w26jlmMmcScDNaOkurkTOWGMHDT5nqYOS7NQGYRSI11-EmHfD9JYOjQ2xsE6I/s320/WinterEveBackFinal2B.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Twig Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03747580369085731852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503931253013567495.post-57775990757544731512012-09-12T09:14:00.000-04:002012-09-12T09:14:34.138-04:00More Painted GlassIt's official. My painted glassware withstands wash and wear better than my kids' <i>Hello Kitty</i> Thermos cups. Well, the paint/design withstands, obviously my wine glasses would break if you dropped them on the pavement after soccer practice. Even washing by hand, I have noticed that Hello Kitty and Minnie Mouse are fading and chipping after just 2 months. Grrrrrrrrrr. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Anyway, back to painted glass. By the way, these painted designs should last years if handled and washed properly. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6kMhYjN3g6zVwG5i5hwPz_qxlzHzyA51shsQ1oYoRbUbioXvm_LxID6_aQHJE-j-EcVtavgQ855enoVzHte0eKEjuHCd2WODzKnI8hyqwQ1CAjYyjP_5HseW1L_0BhVs_0X2pppFmTEA/s1600/IMG_7268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6kMhYjN3g6zVwG5i5hwPz_qxlzHzyA51shsQ1oYoRbUbioXvm_LxID6_aQHJE-j-EcVtavgQ855enoVzHte0eKEjuHCd2WODzKnI8hyqwQ1CAjYyjP_5HseW1L_0BhVs_0X2pppFmTEA/s400/IMG_7268.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sleepy Hollow stemless wine glasses</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8hGUfpyBxJanTayZs7qkvtG9ZUD7MoUfEDdNx5ro8YUhMLXv2-W-z-qSmSiIxGzBlUD49J7wjFoYEo8z6CN7CaX5qNMr5ePyToAgd5pYedXTlNT9sjvsektip2gYNJ3NCDeC2vg_jvTc/s1600/IMG_7264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8hGUfpyBxJanTayZs7qkvtG9ZUD7MoUfEDdNx5ro8YUhMLXv2-W-z-qSmSiIxGzBlUD49J7wjFoYEo8z6CN7CaX5qNMr5ePyToAgd5pYedXTlNT9sjvsektip2gYNJ3NCDeC2vg_jvTc/s320/IMG_7264.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sleepy Hollow stemless wine glasses</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8hGUfpyBxJanTayZs7qkvtG9ZUD7MoUfEDdNx5ro8YUhMLXv2-W-z-qSmSiIxGzBlUD49J7wjFoYEo8z6CN7CaX5qNMr5ePyToAgd5pYedXTlNT9sjvsektip2gYNJ3NCDeC2vg_jvTc/s1600/IMG_7264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFzywwapuzKUiGKLSA6qjA6cmZh2uHvvyU15mn-VphwTpwNCXQTYzz6CxKHvXz2zI_e2CtN_2Wnp34Q5l2oPSNRHD3Z51KJfBIs3V0s_jate3Lv05I1j_lKy-y3FqJThKUH-9zBAdrA84/s1600/IMG_7044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFzywwapuzKUiGKLSA6qjA6cmZh2uHvvyU15mn-VphwTpwNCXQTYzz6CxKHvXz2zI_e2CtN_2Wnp34Q5l2oPSNRHD3Z51KJfBIs3V0s_jate3Lv05I1j_lKy-y3FqJThKUH-9zBAdrA84/s400/IMG_7044.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seaside Twilight champagne flutes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe9v8ioBARviUqQC1eBNSQJOFg9mnHItQXN6uRaB_AX2VLPJ3xDApfyjBhFf6u6rgMnm5lcAXbhKOhfBDeKs4fb3H0U9kr9iCa6UT0wXOgLsZjoN-DNRDaO7NQ7vvJe1o2iOk_mFv8PNw/s1600/IMG_7054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe9v8ioBARviUqQC1eBNSQJOFg9mnHItQXN6uRaB_AX2VLPJ3xDApfyjBhFf6u6rgMnm5lcAXbhKOhfBDeKs4fb3H0U9kr9iCa6UT0wXOgLsZjoN-DNRDaO7NQ7vvJe1o2iOk_mFv8PNw/s400/IMG_7054.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Samhain champagne flutes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx2DervpkFktAByYW1-mW_B41CHY1URsdsOsJ33kH6btp5L4dQWRg23v50SlpGEWF__1LMDassYgo9CeT0Y1pzpjYU1rxx66LTLz4yHsE634oBmdU4He1HOcRXffYp7YhJywZpXaGTitU/s1600/IMG_7275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx2DervpkFktAByYW1-mW_B41CHY1URsdsOsJ33kH6btp5L4dQWRg23v50SlpGEWF__1LMDassYgo9CeT0Y1pzpjYU1rxx66LTLz4yHsE634oBmdU4He1HOcRXffYp7YhJywZpXaGTitU/s400/IMG_7275.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frosty Sea stemless wine glasses</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8hGUfpyBxJanTayZs7qkvtG9ZUD7MoUfEDdNx5ro8YUhMLXv2-W-z-qSmSiIxGzBlUD49J7wjFoYEo8z6CN7CaX5qNMr5ePyToAgd5pYedXTlNT9sjvsektip2gYNJ3NCDeC2vg_jvTc/s1600/IMG_7264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><br />
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Twig Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03747580369085731852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503931253013567495.post-84141514710119368552012-09-06T11:01:00.000-04:002012-09-06T11:03:46.604-04:00Cozy CrochetVirginia is a beautiful state, but there are quite a few weeks in the summer that are downright miserable. When the heat index is 107 and the only creature stirring outside is a hungry mosquito, the last thing one would normally think about is wooly scarves! Crocheting is actually quite accommodating for indoor, air-conditioned days when the kids are stuck inside reading, practicing their instruments, and ...well... watching way too much My Little Pony (friendship IS magic, by the way). <br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It was a very long, hot summer!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSAaL3ykDe5nJiRXo5adSTd7G82ZskoG9gJzrA7gqY1-3R-kwDxPMfERh71vq08wixOLGpLnCdMGTD-VSNxGSgRw3VA6N7N8PEq2m8I0xSPTn0MIylsRdqJfQpJBq__o-NJMua3O04-Ik/s1600/IMG_7191+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSAaL3ykDe5nJiRXo5adSTd7G82ZskoG9gJzrA7gqY1-3R-kwDxPMfERh71vq08wixOLGpLnCdMGTD-VSNxGSgRw3VA6N7N8PEq2m8I0xSPTn0MIylsRdqJfQpJBq__o-NJMua3O04-Ik/s400/IMG_7191+copy.jpg" width="361" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These scarves are in <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TwigStudioArt" target="_blank">my Etsy shop</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5QLw0h8fwV8Zi0jkObJSG0OLAsRfqBBQ1Gb17o4QlDeofUlNGrGfDq8CdDJ-D5edxvzQTyMYf2EM2CHqsYh1pMevzAW7BrnsA85fqZfZjILO3alfqUkAQzXYJ4OJqekRAUN6pdDBotew/s1600/IMG_7212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5QLw0h8fwV8Zi0jkObJSG0OLAsRfqBBQ1Gb17o4QlDeofUlNGrGfDq8CdDJ-D5edxvzQTyMYf2EM2CHqsYh1pMevzAW7BrnsA85fqZfZjILO3alfqUkAQzXYJ4OJqekRAUN6pdDBotew/s400/IMG_7212.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNMwuWGRJmIq0qniKIe43SRu0yJNtS0qCnANVQVqJ7IcWTf30l8knfJiNaeZc027Z90Dn6IaBfD4zhBZoMcw0jXmZbRXcLzvW6pAZ9AnRBiSWhEnFMZuv9KlAsBqLq8vU0bxSgd4TgEko/s1600/IMG_7093+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNMwuWGRJmIq0qniKIe43SRu0yJNtS0qCnANVQVqJ7IcWTf30l8knfJiNaeZc027Z90Dn6IaBfD4zhBZoMcw0jXmZbRXcLzvW6pAZ9AnRBiSWhEnFMZuv9KlAsBqLq8vU0bxSgd4TgEko/s320/IMG_7093+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9YbBCIw2fU8z622FHGXGgmn-bFTAVGcWi2cjCpcL5Uz5iGujXWLfCOhz-Q_ATYBz14R-OsV59eaEO58mTgg8odlCdyT35UJaunHJdSrMfjTyjEOacpmkBYBF0u7wmS9xrsskjHfySE54/s1600/IMG_7186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9YbBCIw2fU8z622FHGXGgmn-bFTAVGcWi2cjCpcL5Uz5iGujXWLfCOhz-Q_ATYBz14R-OsV59eaEO58mTgg8odlCdyT35UJaunHJdSrMfjTyjEOacpmkBYBF0u7wmS9xrsskjHfySE54/s320/IMG_7186.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjajKzD3kdrjJa2r8jlYThdzRUM03lqcPdQR7XI-tPJdQR4bhFwEh3uxrvHH7zIlsi4xaNi59RLc91Tv9U2-B98a9zs8IkeGTaV4Y3Rxvu1hzMGEQ5uN3wc3ildOVZ_B7U-kEFZLKrZArs/s1600/IMG_7256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjajKzD3kdrjJa2r8jlYThdzRUM03lqcPdQR7XI-tPJdQR4bhFwEh3uxrvHH7zIlsi4xaNi59RLc91Tv9U2-B98a9zs8IkeGTaV4Y3Rxvu1hzMGEQ5uN3wc3ildOVZ_B7U-kEFZLKrZArs/s400/IMG_7256.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhIyxjd8fomoTv-nlV2irLCAxizseC8sdpCtSEDMqGhSwxmysAHmQzoG46vklS9rSkrkkuk-Gr8RCpwxzBdEGzfxfp_ZWxBRiFzTE2D4IZrUblAIP_ecNlZOnjyR7xhZHSdP5kEY8oJW0/s1600/IMG_7075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhIyxjd8fomoTv-nlV2irLCAxizseC8sdpCtSEDMqGhSwxmysAHmQzoG46vklS9rSkrkkuk-Gr8RCpwxzBdEGzfxfp_ZWxBRiFzTE2D4IZrUblAIP_ecNlZOnjyR7xhZHSdP5kEY8oJW0/s320/IMG_7075.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC6YozX7Pd-hc98xe5uXJjAbKAzRKgnGOLntBOoneiAO9kplgS1znoIg_Pm5vNFTkI7QJYieAiAVjwXY8-v_Wp86bI_Nzg1mHf0gRMiGVFqTN7X2bmhL9vcGb60RT2X7st7VdYsRyJBiY/s1600/IMG_7087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC6YozX7Pd-hc98xe5uXJjAbKAzRKgnGOLntBOoneiAO9kplgS1znoIg_Pm5vNFTkI7QJYieAiAVjwXY8-v_Wp86bI_Nzg1mHf0gRMiGVFqTN7X2bmhL9vcGb60RT2X7st7VdYsRyJBiY/s200/IMG_7087.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibpDKdkfDrdv6kYjK35uT7XivROXqWuQgRHBux8z9koN8R8pZ8IiHwLRm6x2DaLKkf5OWs47trTfuDdkwrPmDb_Jyw45y16ZtvzrV6Fjv9YGgArAoHeGzNqrbBz16R_k56MP14iS6jAvw/s1600/IMG_7110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibpDKdkfDrdv6kYjK35uT7XivROXqWuQgRHBux8z9koN8R8pZ8IiHwLRm6x2DaLKkf5OWs47trTfuDdkwrPmDb_Jyw45y16ZtvzrV6Fjv9YGgArAoHeGzNqrbBz16R_k56MP14iS6jAvw/s400/IMG_7110.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Of course I had to make a "Rainbow Sash!"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF9wpyE-VH2pVL74QxaonCZZHkuBE37Yv-HMEwE2ZC3bJ-Sli_DqMByiRb4zzCKn7Y44OYejOK-pKjaKq1D1BOlK1ycBo_qKkWbK_SL2rx1l1LaRqacUZ60rlBUscuMnKb65fmMs30hY4/s1600/g4_mlp_fim_rainbow_dash_by_omg_chibi-d36a7ec.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF9wpyE-VH2pVL74QxaonCZZHkuBE37Yv-HMEwE2ZC3bJ-Sli_DqMByiRb4zzCKn7Y44OYejOK-pKjaKq1D1BOlK1ycBo_qKkWbK_SL2rx1l1LaRqacUZ60rlBUscuMnKb65fmMs30hY4/s200/g4_mlp_fim_rainbow_dash_by_omg_chibi-d36a7ec.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Twig Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03747580369085731852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503931253013567495.post-14319808117034463772012-05-30T21:37:00.000-04:002012-06-08T10:15:22.714-04:00Who is the swirliest of them all?<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH7DP02er8L-CIkt-rNZ8F0IE8_lETgmpIC-uIziY0dO7hcXDMirt5P2Srht1DnxpSfSClc2S6e4w1493tPCt5mAdKu0aHUkm6Aow1RRYCmur-_-ssfgPsS9k3nyWZoVinRlbWIxQubmw/s1600/IMG_2663.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH7DP02er8L-CIkt-rNZ8F0IE8_lETgmpIC-uIziY0dO7hcXDMirt5P2Srht1DnxpSfSClc2S6e4w1493tPCt5mAdKu0aHUkm6Aow1RRYCmur-_-ssfgPsS9k3nyWZoVinRlbWIxQubmw/s200/IMG_2663.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
There is nothing like opening your Etsy messages first thing in the morning to find that a fellow artist is accusing you of copyright infringement because they think you copied their trees. An artist I had never heard of accused me of copying their "swirly trees."<br />
<br />
When I asked this artist if their work predated Klimt's "Tree of Life" they replied that they have been selling swirly trees since 2005. Surely Klimt can't top that! Interestingly enough, this artist's work is available at Target and Bed, Bath, and Beyond, which leads me to question why this person is on Etsy picking on artists who do not have their work mass-produced. Artists are supposed to support each other!<br />
<br />
I am older than I look and I was probably doodling swirly trees before this person was born. My dad drew swirly trees back in the 70s. Klimt did swirly trees back in the early 1900s. Van Gogh did swirly stars. Tolkien, Blake... trees... swirls... this person's legal team must be good. Clearly, this person is the original, one-and-only swirly tree artist as they have now added to their Etsy shop announcement! I really didn't think swirly trees were that big of a deal, they have always been fun for me. The idea that adding a swirl to the end of a tree branch is a groundbreaking, trademarked artistic technique is absolutely absurd. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
This artist doesn't even paint glassware... at least they don't have any listed, yet my champagne flute listing (above left) is the offending listing that was in the original message. If this person had taken the time to look at my work, they might see that I paint all kinds of trees and forests and I also compose music, clearly I have my own source of creativity that extends beyond the branches of a swirly tree. <br />
<br />
Copyright infringement is rampant on Etsy. There are more resellers and copycats than you can stuff into a hand-woven, repurposed, steampunk basket, yet this delusional person is focusing on and reporting a legitimate artist who actually has to print her own work. <br />
<br />
I hate toxic stuff. <br />
<br />
Swirls make me happy and I will not stop making swirls.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUKLQe-7B9Ibus6Hm6JxDHQoj0fxCDe3rxVWbtvTNKuWXoOYrCPLBBYfdYyaELhuGbZ9YdIbWhwQRmq658h4I98dop2NKbMmWrxj7lVrIIxs6D8LFL7HBiXaSLKeUoSAK4sACOEIE6thk/s1600/FairyTaleLight2Sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUKLQe-7B9Ibus6Hm6JxDHQoj0fxCDe3rxVWbtvTNKuWXoOYrCPLBBYfdYyaELhuGbZ9YdIbWhwQRmq658h4I98dop2NKbMmWrxj7lVrIIxs6D8LFL7HBiXaSLKeUoSAK4sACOEIE6thk/s400/FairyTaleLight2Sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fairy Tale Forest</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfllcN4ZxUvFJl7HENRQrh2ZHCtpV7zPr8t3RIF7CEcax1idJTYcxSCBTmWPTjuVzaAj7ggMc5l-AQDV3ADCT6u86FfWl_z3VvH6Mu_RU6s2FsRgXpgDTnRGIWFubETtyAhMjiSZzyA6k/s1600/earth14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfllcN4ZxUvFJl7HENRQrh2ZHCtpV7zPr8t3RIF7CEcax1idJTYcxSCBTmWPTjuVzaAj7ggMc5l-AQDV3ADCT6u86FfWl_z3VvH6Mu_RU6s2FsRgXpgDTnRGIWFubETtyAhMjiSZzyA6k/s400/earth14.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mermaid Tree</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQmCkXRdf17Pf9IvVroImvKfZ5i4ggn1uZOX33mc9hwonV2Wrs4pvvqNfJszGtQwBrwKhS6w_SeGJwczG_vHqYA1iBI88vJL5BXaOVeXq6bSjWNQ6lvlK7IjiRT_W7rIm1RZGShb6GkY4/s1600/IMG_0433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQmCkXRdf17Pf9IvVroImvKfZ5i4ggn1uZOX33mc9hwonV2Wrs4pvvqNfJszGtQwBrwKhS6w_SeGJwczG_vHqYA1iBI88vJL5BXaOVeXq6bSjWNQ6lvlK7IjiRT_W7rIm1RZGShb6GkY4/s400/IMG_0433.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fantasie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjInalU5oFcR5GfPd30wOlqW-X0OiA9DRjLh2qr1BMLD7bFzX-wKz-03YSSKYqOiUl0OlXxqoDBV1kuucuFNQlA4wLBpKUZHLZUrToyQ0H0ljX-BBM7hAuMnI-lzTeNMkYTDvQNH7Hhors/s1600/IMG_0108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjInalU5oFcR5GfPd30wOlqW-X0OiA9DRjLh2qr1BMLD7bFzX-wKz-03YSSKYqOiUl0OlXxqoDBV1kuucuFNQlA4wLBpKUZHLZUrToyQ0H0ljX-BBM7hAuMnI-lzTeNMkYTDvQNH7Hhors/s320/IMG_0108.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was painted in 2002... </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>Twig Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03747580369085731852noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4503931253013567495.post-85426674842783741952012-05-10T21:35:00.003-04:002012-05-10T21:35:37.800-04:00Timeless, an Etsy treasury of art and music<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/3WJbclA17Ww?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">The following Etsy shop owners were kind enough to let me use images of their original artwork and photography in this video...<br /><br />Vegablue Photography<br /><a class="yt-uix-redirect-link" dir="ltr" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/vegabluephoto" rel="nofollow" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; cursor: pointer; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="http://www.etsy.com/shop/vegabluephoto">http://www.etsy.com/shop/vegabluephoto</a><br /><br />Photography Dream<br /><a class="yt-uix-redirect-link" dir="ltr" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/PhotographyDream" rel="nofollow" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; cursor: pointer; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="http://www.etsy.com/shop/PhotographyDream">http://www.etsy.com/shop/PhotographyDream</a><br /><br />Artistic Release<br /><a class="yt-uix-redirect-link" dir="ltr" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/artisticrelease" rel="nofollow" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; cursor: pointer; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="http://www.etsy.com/shop/artisticrelease">http://www.etsy.com/shop/artisticrelease</a><br /><br />FotoArtiste 58<br /><a class="yt-uix-redirect-link" dir="ltr" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/FotoArtiste58" rel="nofollow" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; cursor: pointer; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="http://www.etsy.com/shop/FotoArtiste58">http://www.etsy.com/shop/FotoArtiste58</a><br /><br />Arpad Lukacs<br /><a class="yt-uix-redirect-link" dir="ltr" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ArpadLukacs" rel="nofollow" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; cursor: pointer; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ArpadLukacs">http://www.etsy.com/shop/ArpadLukacs</a><br /><br />The Maidens Flower<br /><a class="yt-uix-redirect-link" dir="ltr" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheMaidensFlower" rel="nofollow" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; cursor: pointer; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheMaidensFlower">http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheMaidensFlower</a><br /><br />Carl Bork Fine Art<br /><a class="yt-uix-redirect-link" dir="ltr" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/CarlBorkFineArt" rel="nofollow" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; cursor: pointer; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="http://www.etsy.com/shop/CarlBorkFineArt">http://www.etsy.com/shop/CarlBorkFineArt</a><br /><br />Calico Sky Creations<br /><a class="yt-uix-redirect-link" dir="ltr" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/CalicoSkyCreations" rel="nofollow" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; cursor: pointer; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="http://www.etsy.com/shop/CalicoSkyCreations">http://www.etsy.com/shop/CalicoSkyCreations</a><br /><br />Color Landscape Photos<br /><a class="yt-uix-redirect-link" dir="ltr" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ColorLandscapePhotos" rel="nofollow" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; cursor: pointer; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ColorLandscapePhotos">http://www.etsy.com/shop/ColorLandscapePhotos</a><br /><br />Song by Karen Altman (that's me), "Timeless," released in 2010 on "The World Beyond."<br /><br />View the treasury...<a class="yt-uix-redirect-link" dir="ltr" href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/NzI3NjUwMXwyNTczMzE5MTc4/timeless?index=1" rel="nofollow" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; cursor: pointer; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/NzI3NjUwMXwyNTczMzE5MTc4/timeless?index=1">http://www.etsy.com/treasury/NzI3NjUwMXwyNTczMzE5MTc4/timeless?index=1</a></span></span>Twig Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03747580369085731852noreply@blogger.com0