Busy lil’ crafter.

This weekend, I spent most of my time finishing up three pieces for this Friday’s gallery opening at the Harrison Center for the Arts. I was approached last week to see if I’d be interested in putting a few pieces in the show and, since I had a few drinks in my system at the time, I said “yes.” I had nothing started and, basically, these came from a long night of playing around with fabric scraps, messing up, getting frustrated, trying again and finally figuring out a direction I wanted to go in. Five days later, I ended up with these little babies:

They’re basically a mixture of fabric, felt, machine sewing, hand stitching and some tranfers here and there. Then I edged each piece with a charcoal-colored quilter’s tape. Here’s a closeup of each:

And, finally, a reference for size:

If you’re around Indy for this First Friday’s festivities, you should stop by the Harrison Center. Susan Hodgin is the featured artist and she is amazing. You won’t be disappointed.

Inspirational Interviews

At the beginning of the year, I finally bought this book after picking it up EVERY TIME I went to the bookstore:

#1, you can’t help but touch it because it’s got this crazy mixed-textured cover (part mossy felt and part what appears to be plastic/varnished?). It’s absolutely gorgeous. The inside is full of samples and Q&A with top designers in the industry. Questions range from “Turn Ons” to “What would you be doing if not working in design?” It’s a very fun and quick look inside the minds of some of the most influential design icons (Sagmeister, Scher and Bierut, to name a few).

#2, I think it could be enjoyed by anyone interested in the design process.

I’ve made a habit of keeping it next to my computer so that I can read an entry here and there to inspire.

A Taste of Tuscany II

I’m in the midst of developing the new look for the Ronald McDonald House’s wine tasting charity event: A Taste of Tuscany. The event is in it’s second year and, after developing last year’s idea (which was a merlot tone with a very similar layout), we decided it would be a good idea to keep the brand strong and just change up a few elements.

Version 1

Version 2

Bill Callahan @ LUNA Music Midtown

I just finished this little design for the upcoming Bill Callahan instore at LUNA Music Midtown. It’s on Easter Sunday, hence the Easter theme. I wanted to get some creepiness in there with the headless paper doll.

If you’re in Indy, you should stop by.

My little facelift.

As you may notice, string is looking a bit different today. After many weeks of non-blogging (or, more like, not having much to blog about) and finding out that my new design site will no longer be housing my design-centric blog, I decided to take string in an altered direction.

string will now be a design, craft and lifestyle blog. Which pretty much means it will be the same as it’s been, only with more of my personal work posted. I’ve been working on some things that I think are cool and would love to share…both craft and design.

Spring (or shall I say, “string“) has sprung.

Okay, that was cheesy.

Dark was the night.

I’ve been doing a lot of stuff lately. Between training for the upcoming Indianapolis mini, working, cleaning up the back yard and dreaming about renovations (i.e. garden, new stone and plants and outdoor decor. Oh my!), working on pieces for two upcoming shows and having some down time, it’s hard to find time for anything else. The one thing that’s been keeping me sane (other than Matthew, of course), is my music. And, one of the best albums I’ve purchased this year is the Red Hot series’ Dark Was The Night:

I would say 90% of the album is completely solid. There are some weak links, like any compilation, but for a 2-disc set they are surprisingly few. The David Byrne/Dirty Projectors’ opening track sets the pace for the collection, putting a smile on your face.

But, by far, my favorite track is by The National. One night last week, I had just finished up an exhausting, stressful work day and was heading out to meet friends. My mood was low but the weather was beautiful and warm and my windows were down. The National’s song came on and, instantly, I felt okay. I felt happy and stress-free. I love how music can do that. It can be the best pain killer out there. At least for me.

Girl, I’m not surprised!

My friend, Rob, just told me about this. It made my day.

(Using your pet cat as a weapon? Now, that’s something I hadn’t thought of before.)

I just ate a Panera Bread cookie. And it was good. Real good.

Not that this is a bold statement. Or, that this statement alone is any indication that I have a problem. But it does further my concern that, for the first time since college, I’m finding myself having something sweet at least once a day. Top that off with an evening glass (or two) of wine or beer, and you have yourself  a second-coming of the freshman fifteen, my friends.

Yes, I’ve been working out. And, yes, I’ve been eating otherwise in moderation. But, the last time I checked, a cookie a day did not keep the doctor away. And, the last time I had a cookie a day, I gained 20 lbs.

Am I saying I’m going to stop this nonsense cold turkey? Probably not. But, I can say that this insanity has to be slowed down. So, here I go…making another rule for myself: I get a sweet treat every other day until I can cut back to weekends and special occasions only.

The Craft ‘zine dress.

This is the dress (under a cardi for that not-so-springy-quite yet weather we’re having). The fabric has little white horseshoes all over it.

It seriously took me less than an hour and a half to make it, which is perfect for my sewing ADD. I’m kind of dying to make more…some with little straps.

Now, if I can keep up with the 30-Day Shred DVD, I may be able to shed the cardi with minimal self-consciousness.

Absence makes the heart grow fonder?

I’ve been such a busy bee lately. Procrastinating still? Yes. But, overall, I’ve been doing new things and becoming inspired again.

• I just found out my friend, Mandy, who moved to England a few years back to marry her knight-in-shining-armour just had her baby. I’m anxious to find out if it’s a boy or girl, and how everything went.
• I’m really getting back into felt/crafting again and think I’ve found a direction. I’m working on items for the upcoming Indy Craft Mafia show in June.
• I found out through a friend that I was featured in the “Remixers of the Week” Wardrobe Remix/bits+bobbins blog for week before last. Pretty cool considering this past week I was all denim and comfort.
• I started using twitter.
• I have a new WordPress-based website for my company ready to be populated. I just need to find time to do said populating. Which means I’ll also need to find time to start maintaining my design-centric blog that’s located within the new site.
• I’ve been conversatin’ with two other creative ladies to start a creative collective in Indianapolis. We named it today: Outlet (thanks, Matthew!)
• It’s getting warmer and I actually went bare-legged on Saturday.
• I started training for the Indianapolis 500 Mini. The last 5-mile run nearly killed me.
• Oh, and I made the dress from Issue 5 of Craft over the weekend (the snazzy strapless one)…I took pictures and will post as soon as I get them downloaded. And, as much as I’m insecure about my upper body/arm area, I’m vowing to say fuck it this summer and go strapless when possible.
• I just grabbed a big stash of expensive ‘zines from the Northside News’. I’ll miss you.