Friday, January 31, 2014

March for Life 2014


This was my second go round on the March, it was a different experience but a good experience. I was a chaperone with our parish priest and we were charged with keeping our little group of high spirited teens amongst the larger together. I love these kids, a few are almost ready to go off to college and it was a great opportunity to see them get out of our small town for a spell and focus our energies on a cause larger than ourselves. 

 

It's overwhelming being amongst half a million people but exhilarating, even though it was 19 degrees and it felt like the shuffle for life as we linked arms and tried to keep warm, it was a joyous crowd. This year's theme was Adoption, which was very fitting. Three of my cousins are adopted and they have been such a big part of our family.  

 

I believe every life matters, and it was a joy to stand up and be counted with so many people that I would severely miss if they weren't a part of my life :)

 

Also in the freezing cold and falling snow we saw the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It was a poignant moment as we read the tomb and it said "Here rests in honored glory, an American soldier known but to God." And it just made me think of all the children who are known but to God.

Friday, January 17, 2014

Art, Ipsy, and a Bowl Full of Cherries


I've been working on catalog covers this week and playing with the delicious Blick Studio Acrylics, they dry super fast but the colors are really vibrant. Couldn't you just eat them. But seriously don't. I will post some of the ombre art I've been finessing soon. 

 

This week has been busy as I've been preparing for a pilgrimage for the March for Life, but I was super excited to get my first Ipsy bag! Ipsy is a subscription service and I'm all about a bargain. For $10 a month you can't beat it. I got healthysexyhair leave in conditioner, an Elizabeth Mott eye shadow pencil, Mica Beauty lip tint, Apothederm skin serum, and pomegranate makeup removing cloths, + you get a cute little bag too. I'm definitely going to keep this one up as I like trying new things and I don't have time to get out and shop much. ( check it out! http://www.ipsy.com/r/3xts)


On a side note, some friends and family of mine have been going through some tough and trying times. Please keep your loved ones in your prayers because even though they wear a smile they may be hurting underneath. So life often isn't a bowl of cherries, but you can still buy them frozen at the supermarket throw some sugar on top and count the many blessings that you do have.



Sunday, January 12, 2014

Hot Air Balloons and Dancing Sketches


My friend from grade school, yes I'm still friends with people from grade school, that's how we roll-- we form tight bonds in the Midwest, is having her first baby and is going with a hot air balloon theme for the nursery. They haven't announced the sex yet so I tried to keep the colors simply fun! I did this pair of acrylics yesterday, or technically this morning because I'm basically nocturnal on the weekends. 


Also on the weekends I'm lazy when it comes to cooking and I have a lot of projects going so I do things like dress up my Ramen, which is absolutely delicious by the way. After cooking the noodles and adding the seasoning packet, I add chopping cilantro, green onion, and shredded cooked chicken. Perfect on a cold but productive winter day!


 Some of my sketches were featured in a Strathmore ad in the Blick Catalog, it's one of the perks of my job! Thanks Mom and Dad! I'm using my degree!!


Thursday, January 9, 2014

Project Revamp: Stage Two Disassembly


The future couture gown is underway, I cut apart the layers and threw away this nasty crumply brownish paper layer that was sewn underneath. Next up I soaked the pieces in a cold bath of "Biz" basically the cheap man's version of Oxiclean. So far the cost of this project has been $5 + $6.50. I let the dress soak overnight and by the next morning, grossville! The water was brown! I can't wait to see the pieces dry and clean and less musty smelling. Look forward to the posts of my fashion sketches coming soon! What style do you think I should shoot for, send me ideas!

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Project Runway, Lady Popeko Style


So here is one of my big pet projects of the year. I got a dress form from my parents for Christmas! And I purchased this old wedding dress from the Peoria Players Theater sale when I was 15 for $5. My goal is to refashion it into a beautiful and elaborate couture gown by the end of the year. Fashion doesn't have to be for the rich and famous. I'm no seamstress but I do love to design and I've been drawing fashion sketches since grade school. I will be tracking the progress as I go. Have you ever revamped a garment? If so do you have any tips?

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Throwback Tuesday: Discovery by ELO


I think I scored this gem for a whopping dollar, I broke it out and listened to it yesterday as I was snowed in and doing some photography for The Furnace Room. ELO is one of my favorite bands, orchestral themes mixed with rock and disco, what's not to love. Jeff Lynne is the man. This album is probably best known for "Don't Bring Me Down" which immediately slows my work flow as I cannot help but start dancing. "Need Her Love" is extremely sweet and "Midnight Blue" is probably one of my favorites as well,

I see you standing there far out along the way,
I want to touch you but the night becomes the day,
I count the words that I am never gonna say
And I see you midnight blue.


I wish more people would cover these songs because the lyrics are really beautiful. Although no one could ever outdue "Mr. Blue Sky", that song is pretty much perfect as is and will always be one of my favorites. So what is your throwback record for today? Leave a comment and maybe I'll give it a listen! 

Monday, January 6, 2014

Happy New Year and Many Happy Returns!!!!!


I'm back!! Happy New Year Everyone! And Merry Christmas!! 2014 was a blessed year and I see many exciting things on the horizon! Today we had a snow day with -40 wind chills and several inches of snow, this is the view of my kitchen window. I urge you to check back often as I have many very interesting projects in the fire. What are you anticipating this year?


The holidays lent itself to a bit of thrifting, my mom gave me a round paperweight with flowers in it and I found this one to match. I also found a big honeybee necklace for the shop, a bow and arrow pin, a brass parrot for the shop, and a set of some swanky glasses that I haven't decided whether I will keep them or sell. Maybe I will enjoy them for a little while. Look below for a few other items in The Furnace Room! And speaking of shops, check out my good friend and cousin's new blog 2014things.blogspot.com she is getting rid of 2,014 things this year to declutter her house and her life :)

Art Deco Paste stone ring

1890s Victorian Rose Gold Ring

1960s candle holders