Patchwork Wristlet Cuff Experiment

I absolutely adore these patchwork wristcuffs from Etsy. Some of them are 30+ dollars, so of course I want to make one myself!

I love these two from GreavesDesign: Arn't they amazing? I would love to own any of her work. But each of her creations are 85$. My bank account currently does not allow me to...indulge...in this specific form of art.

So I tried to make one myself, of course.

(Warning, below picture is not nearly as dainty or charming as above inspiration)

Alright...maybe I must study this art more? I tried plaid. Plaid is easy, right? Plus I had a lot of it. But something isn't quite "right" with the cuff! However, it was fun to make and I want to get better! Second times the charm?

Watercolor

Some of my work =) Still learning!

I think I need to focus on simplicity. The first two I used a lot of colors--and I think I need to just try to learn one or two shades before moving onto more complex subjects.

I really want to get better.

Bracelets

Finished two bracelets.

I'm trying to find new and creative ways to take pictures of my creations. I think thats a big part of selling your item on etsy. What do you think of this way?

I like the first two, but not the last two. Any ideas on how to make my pictures better?

Cream and Blue

So, I had the audacious goal to make 10 purses this weekend. Yeah...that didn't happen! Between studying for the GRE, cleaning, and other various activities I had only a short time to sew. But I did make two purses! And three wrist cuffs.

Purse 1

Purse 2

And then I made three fabric wristlets. The first wristlet closes with buttons, and the second two use thin magnets. I am still waiting on the magnets to arrive in the mail (I bought them from here) so I couldn't add them yet.

So...7 more purses to go! I need to raise 200-300 dollars for the month I won't be working in December in order to pay bills. (they lay everyone off at the college in food service, of course, because the college isn't open) I have the money in my savings, but of course want to save it, not spend it! =)

So, what do you think?

Asymmetrical Ruffle skirt

Made out of a men's button down shirt! Added a flowing red ruffle.

(ignore the mess <_<)

And here is the back:

As you can see, my dress form came in to day! Yay.

I am also having a frustrating case of "sewing" block. Meh!

6 month recap of my 50 in 1001...2 years to go!

I wanted to get caught up on my 50 in 1001...I've been working on it...a little!
I started this here...And I've been very slow on keeping up with it!

50 things I want to do in 2 and a half years (1001 days) I have until November 13, 2012.
Thats only two years left!

1) Write a Book
2) Make a photography portfolio (its here)
3) Take sewing lessons (took a week class in july from here)
4) Sew 5 items for friends
5) Sew 5 items for my etsy shop

6) Learn to watercolor
7) Watercolor 5 things for family
8) watercolor 5 things for my etsy shop
9) frame 3 watercolors
10) buy more watercolors and brushes (bought two flat wash brushes, a tilted clipboard and some transparent watercolors with my overtime paycheck!!)

11) Find a new job (one that is not at night) (my job hrs changed to 10am-630pm! Monday-Thurs!)
12) save 3000 dollars in my savings account for my wedding (800/3000 as of now)
13) take yoga
14) exercise every day for a week straight
15) avoid fast food or eating out for a month

16) buy black boots (I bought a pair of scrunchy boots just days ago! Here is a silly pic of me wearing them)

17) buy more nail polish
18) read the bible every day for a month
19) pray every day for a month
20) go to church without missing a sunday for a month

21) take a vitamin every day
22) eat three balanced meals a day for a week
23) go to bed before 11pm every night
24) wake up at 6am or 7am every day
25) take the GRE (I am scheduled for this on Nov 11th!!)

26) make 5 cards for my mom ( one )
27) make 5 cards for my etsy shop
28) read crazy love
29) read passion and purity
30) read something by cs lewis

31) Make 5 fabric accessories
32) Make 5 sewing tutorials  (one two three four five)
33) Cook 5 new things for my boyfriend
34) Own a dress form
35) Own a serger

36) Do 5 Non-selfish things for people I don't know (this is harder then it sounds!)
37) Do 5 Non-selfish things for people I do know
38) Volunteer for something in my neighborhood/town
39) Write 5 poems
40) Write 5 love letters to my boyfriend

41) get married
42) switch to natural deodorant, aluminum-free
43) switch to natural shampoo and conditioner
44) don't use a microwave for a week
45) bake 5 pies for my boyfriend from scratch (pumpkin on 11/21/10)

46) ride my bike to work for a week straight
47) tell a stranger about Jesus
48) tithe for a whole month
49) memorize 15 bible verses
50) do my devotions for a week straight without missing!

10 Things that Make Me Happy

I had a bad day. It happens to everyone. But its weird how alone a bad day can make you feel, even when you are not. So, I've decided to make a post about my favorite things and then to cheer up, move on, and study for the GRE. I stole borrowed this from Katie.

10 Things that Make Me Happy

1) God! He is always there for me, and will never leave or forsake me. I always try to put him first and mostly fail. He is my friend, my father, my creative muse, my everything.

2) My family. I couldn't find a picture of us all together, so these will have to do. We are a crazy bunch but we all love each other!

3) My boyfriend =P He's crazy, doesn't get enough sleep, and is very intelligent and sexy. Need I say more? =) Plus, he tells me my art is amazing.

4) Trees. I love them and think they are magical. Really. Sometimes the beauty of a tree makes me teary. I'm serious.

5) Bubble Tea. Taro milk tea, with bubble, no ice.

6) My hair. It's really long. I love it and I thank my mommy for it!

7)  Reading. Anywhere. Anytime.

8) A blank piece of notebook paper. A blank, white, pale sheet of thick watercolor paper. Canvass. An empty word document. I don't know why, but I love unused, crisp notebooks and mysterious-looking journals...

(this is from Kreativlink on etsy. I L-O-V-E her handmade journals. She watercolors every page.)

9) Sewing, of course. This is my favorite dress I've made so far.

 10) My friends.

My 10 things aren't in any particular order, by the way =) Well, besides the first one (God should come first =P).

What are 10 things that make you happy?