Calamity Kim

Giant Rooster Attacks in Tallahassee!!!!

Driving for 5 hours and 11 minutes in a north western direction leads me to my Son.  Sometimes, I feel that this is such a short distance , that I should be driving it far more often than I do to see his smiling face.  It's worth the  stiff legs and sore tail bone. It's worth the compulsive stopping at Krystal burgers and  competitive  speed racing that I engage in. I start passing people and then the hemi kicks in and I am off!  Road Runner style, with hair flying and Sadie sitting up and smiling! She rode up front  all but  30 minutes or so when I put her in the back. She stood the entire 30 minutes looking out the back window and so I had to stop and put her back in the front  passenger side where she could see out in the direction we were traveling and lay down and sleep.   

I gave her tiny bites of Krystal burger and stopped 3 times on the way up and back for her to walk around and go potty. She turned out to be a great traveling companion- she tolerates my singing, cussing and farting without a single complaint. She never barks and she doesn't get sick. She loves to GO, Dog! GO!!!!!

I got there Friday evening around 6:30, maybe 7 and we talked and laughed and after letting Sadie sniff around I went to sleep pretty early 9 maybe 9 thirty. On Sat Troy had to work a bit and I explored Tallahassee by myself after Map Questing several stores. I found the Scrapbook Market and was in heaven! So many cool products and the rows and rows of clear acrylic stamps made me want to take out a loan! Have you tried them yet? These are made by Technique Tuesday and I have a set of Calamity Jane Style large letters and I bought a small set of sewing notions that have sewing stitches, buttons, a zipper, button holes, pins, ruler edge and several more designs. The cool part about this new style of stamps is that you can peel them off the package and apply them to your acrylic block and make up your own stamp. Then you can remove them after cleaning and make something else. Maybe these have been around awhile, I don't know! They are certainly new to me- I have a large collection of wooden stamps with the red rubber images. They are going to be obsolete and will become sought after vintage after 20 years. You wait and see. These new acrylic stamps are clear and can be placed perfectly where you want to stamp. They also take up less room.That means you can buy more! Check out the website where they have tips and techniques and a gallery of images using the stamps.

I found a Tuesday Morning store next door and ironically enough found several sets of wooden stamps to add to my collection for only 2.99 each! Yeah! More Alphabets!!

Tallahassee has a lot more stores than Sarasota. I think you could put 3 of our scrapbook stores into this one. I didn't take pictures, but I sure should have! I then peeked in to JoAnn's and saw all the same stuff we have. I did buy two black china markers and a stamp with eyes on it. I then reversed the Map Quest Directions to get home to Troy and we made a trip with a carload of stuff to his new apartment. I then made him go find a quilt shop that I had Googled earlier. We got there with 5 minutes to spare before they were closing and I quickly spotted some Martha Negley Fabric and got some cut and spied some flying geese foundation and some half square triangles printed on paper that was 60% off.  I was thrilled  with those finds and hope to work on my Flying geese borders for a quilt I have started. We ate some great food over the weekend and laughed and talked and had fun. We got some big stuff moved, like his bookcases and some bins of stuff. The new apartment is on the third floor, so my calves are a bit sore today. It was a great workout! It wouldn't have been so bad except for the sweltering heat! It was hitting us like a wall! 104 degrees. Only 99 in the shade. Ugh! Gotta love Florida. I got home last night and had several packages waiting for me. The lovely paper crow by Jennifer Conway and some Freezer paper cut into 8 1/2 x 11 " sheets I had ordered from The Electric Quilt Company before I left. I am going to iron my mordanted fabric to it and run it through the printer. {They also have the inkjet fabric sheets in the largest quantities that I have found so far-50 for $115.95. 100% cotton. That's what I am spending my PayPal cash on!!! They also have cotton lawn and cotton satin but at $129.95. It's probably worth it for the finer fabric to print on. } They have some interesting Design Software for quilting and I would love to have the Stash program that gives you 4-5 thousand pictures of the newest fabric designs with Spring and Fall editions. That would be an awesome way to catalog and keep up with my own fabric stash!
Anyway, I am doing some laundry and settling back in to my nest. It was wonderful to visit with Troy and his Sassy girlfriend and I hope to get back up there soon. Now I need to pick back up where I left off and find a place for my new crow...Thank you for all the nice comments on my doll quilt- I hope she likes it- I am glad you guys do! That takes some of the pressure off! Happy Sewing! Happy Summer! Maybe we'll get a nice shower to cool things down here. They are starting to call it: "Sahara-sota"

Did you get 300 or Hot Fuzz yet? They are both out today! Oh, and it's Sadie's Birthday! She is 2!!! Happy Happy Birthday! yeehaw!!!Gotta go make her some meatloaf and dog bone cookies!

Doll Quilt Swap II Finally Finished!

I just wanted to give you a peek at my finally finished Doll Quilt Swap II quiltie before it gets mailed. It turned out 21 1/2" x 17 1/2" and I washed and dried it and the edges frayed nicely and it is so textural!! I am in love with it! The lime green isn't really my favorite color but it is shocking and speaks of new growth in the garden. I still need to make the label and attach my coke tab hangers and then it's off!

The name of it is: "Through the Picket Fence". I hope she likes it. My swap person is a real quilter- very traditional. She lives in a house built in 1890 and loves words on her quilts. I use symbolism a lot and leave you to read your own words into it. Hopefully she will enjoy this bit of bright flowered sunshine! I always worry about swaps- that my poor offerings will end up in the back of the closet. There are more pictures over at Flickr. I need to get going! Hopefully it won't be crazy on hwy 75!! Y'all have a nice weekend! That's the back. The label will go next to the Frog. I will reveal all after she gets it!

The New Obsession- Paper Doll Party Hats

In preparation for creating the paper doll party hat project or PDPHP as I like to call it, I had to wrangle a few craft items curently not in stock at Casa de Calamity. For several days I had been on the lookout for large party hats. I assumed that the party stores would have a better selection. After driving all over town I found the largest ones at the Party Store and also picked up some cool paper party picks with umbrellas and flamingos. In the picture here you can see my big old chunk of beeswax sitting on the mini Crockpot.  Lisa from oceandreamer was nice enough to send me an email about melting the wax and I used my  Walnut Hollow  heat iron thingie to melt and drip the wax on her torso and face and arms and then smooth it out with the iron attachment. It melted into the Crockpot which was good. Not on the counter top like I would have normally done. 

This is the first time I have used my heat tool, I had bought it last year on clearance from Walmart and some attachments too- thinking I would burn some designs into fabric or whatever. It worked great by the way and I recommend it to anyone who wants to cut mylar stencils or burn the edges of tulle or silk flowers. I normally use the bar-b-que lighter and then there is a bit of smoke and sometimes I set off the smoke alarm. Then of course chaos ensues. So this was much better.

I also scouted about for some ink jet transparencies to print on. I had some laser transparencies but not for my color printer. I went to Staples and when the guy asked if he could help me I said sure- is this where they are and he said yes. I asked if they were always so expensive and he started telling me that they were because the art teachers who refuse to go digital/computer presentation wise still use the "old fashioned" over head projectors  and so because the market dropped now they don't make them as much. I said well I use them in Art. He assumed I was a teacher and said well- there ya go! I said no, in Art Dolls- Paper dolls and Mixed Media. He said, Oh, wow, that's really cool! So I paid my 29.99 for 25 sheets and when I got home and printed the first one on the wrong side I almost cried. Calamity! But wait, I then turned it face down on to a sheet of some scrap book paper and used my brayer to transfer the image to the paper.

The image on green paper is the rubbed on transfered transparency and the one above on top of the pink flowered paper is on a ink jet clear transparency sheet. I had read in Cloth Paper Scissors Magazine about how to use acrylic gel medium to transfer the inked image to fabric or other surfaces and never tried it. I like the ghostly affect of the green girl. She looks like she was printed at the damn factory! Haha! Anyway, trying to find the girl image is probably the most difficult part of this whole hat business.

I have several copyright free image books and used several in these exercises. I print them on to the scrapbook papers and on to cloth and will try some different things. The image on the bird paper is just a test. I found some 59 cent place mats at Goodwill and cut them open- you know the old kind with the paper inside the plastic? The paper is white and fresh even though the graphics were printed in 1972. The ink jet ink ran a bit and the image is more ghostly than detailed but I wanted to see what would happen. I had 3 more so I wasn't wasting them all. Sometimes you have to stop being afraid that you'll ruin it and just give it a whirl!

When I took Sadie out I grabbed a handful of flowers out back and threw them between the transparency and the bird place mat paper and got the image on the right. Just playing around. I knew that the girls were too large in perspective to the party hat skirt so I was just goofing around. These will probably languish in the craft room until the Eureka Moment when I need just that certain thing and there it is! It never hurts to stretch your boundaries with new projects and methods of design.  Once you ask yourself what  are you afraid of and let that go then you are free to explore the  possibilities.  Art is Messy.  So is Life. Take that chance. Go make a mess!  

My first paper doll party hat isn't quite finished. She needs a hat or something on her head.

Here's how I made her:  I took the party hat and opened it up to make it lie flat. They are just closed with tabs- no tape even on the ones I had bought. Then I traced around it on to the scrap book paper. after cutting it out and gluing it down to the hat I used the brayer to flatten it and then let it rest a few minutes under a heavy book while I decided what to do next. I didn't want to get bubbles but I was anxious to start so I didn't wait long. The next thing I did was use a stencil with a swirl pattern to apply chalk from a cat's eye stamp pad. The chalk was really wet so I next added embossing powder to the wet chalk. I endured a phone call from my Mom while I spent the next hour searching for my heat gun and explaining stamping and embossing to her. I finally found it and got busy setting the embossing and then added blue German glass glitter next to the copper embossing. I stamped butterflies and then embossed the edges of the leaf skeletons with moss colored transparent embossing powder. Then out came the hot glue gun! I put the hat back together so that it would stand up and glued the edge. Then I started adding the leaves, the tinsel garland, the silk flower petals. [At this point the Mister came home and saw that the craft Bomb had indeed been exploded all over the kitchen and he said he needed a nap and went to bed. (!) Oh, no! Fearing for the worst ( a migraine) I asked are ya ok? and he said yes, just had a bad day. Aww, and me, just here playing!] So, anyway, then I had another 2 hours to finish her up while he rested. I went with it and worked some more. I got out the Walnut Hollow Heat Tool and put in the iron attachment and started melting the wax on top of the doll half. I used the iron to smooth and melt the wax to get a thin layer.

I forgot to mention cutting out the butterfly and stamping another butterfly and chalking the edges before gluing that to her back. I had some tiny fern garland in my silk flower drawer so I added it around her waist. I like the way the wax coats the paper, giving it strength and a nice finish. I think she needs a bonnet. Maybe a big flower on her head. Something. She isn't finished but I wanted to share the process so here we are.

Thankfully the deadline has been changed for mailing this off- I have a bit more time! I am going to go clean it all up so that I can drive up to Tallahassee tomorrow to visit Troy. Yeah! I am taking Sadie and it will be her longest car trip ever! I am keeping my fingers crossed that all goes well. I'll be back on Sunday with pictures of the state capitol and all it's splendor! I love the farms and the trees and the campus is beautiful. So, have a happy weekend and have fun, whatever you do.

Party Hat Artdoll

Party Hat Artdoll, originally uploaded by JenniferConway.

I love this so much! This and the next few pictures are from the Party Hat Doll Swap Flickr Group

art doll hat

art doll hat, originally uploaded by Karla's Cottage.

Just a few party hats from the Flickr Group.

nightgoddess

nightgoddess, originally uploaded by maenad25.

the party is getting started over at the Flickr Group for Paper Doll Party Hat swappers!

Rose petal party dress~

Rose petal party dress~, originally uploaded by Artsy Fartsy~.

Thought you'd like a peek at the Party Hat Dolls getting posted in the Flickr Group. I am still working on mine!

art doll hat and yorkies

art doll hat and yorkies, originally uploaded by Karla's Cottage.

This photo is from the Paper Doll Party Hat Group on Flickr. I hope when I finish mine that Sadie will be willing to model. Perhaps for a treat.
Or two.

Picture Book, don't read, just skip to the pictures.

Working on so many things at once makes me feel scattered and incomplete.
I have to stop and set things in order.
Clean the house. Do laundry.
When collaging, I can't let everything be chaos or my mind reels and Fred's stomach turns. Sadie just watches,  quietly.<>
Yesterday I ended up giving in to her big brown eyes and taking her to the beach.
Well to the bay area across from Bird Key, where Lucille Ball used to live.
It is rocky and rough so I keep my trusty Columbia sandals on.
They are really for hiking with the Velcro and the tire tread bottoms but are also great at the beach.
Sadie loves to swim out and get the fabric floating Frisbee and does the funky dog paddle back to shore. She is fierce in her determination.
It's really something to see! Carol made the Market Bag that Sadie is modeling. Check out her Etsy site called The Rick Rack Queen- she has the sweetest vintage embroidered tote bags. I borrowed a picture of her newest one: the Meat Market. How funny is that? Her embroidery is exquisite and I love, love, love my bag! I traded her the Calamity Kim book cover for it!  I read over at Carol's WIP Blog where the Furminator was her #1 Best thing, so I went and got one per her recommendation.  $39.99 worth of shed proofing.
It pulled out a ton of her hair.
I keep thinking that one time I will rake it across her fur and it will be empty but it hasn't happened yet!
Shedding is a big problemo here at Casa de Calamity.
The Golden Retriever that I love so well leaves enough fluff laying around to make several  small Chihuahua's.
If I were that kind of girl I'd be making some felt or something with it.
But we all know I have enough to do without starting any of that Crazy!!!
So.
Speaking of what's been keeping me busy I will show you a few things.
Cause I know you only come visit for the pictures.
Just breeze on by and never a how-do-ya-do?
That's all OK. It's the Summertime.
I am surprised anyone is indoors reading this anyway!
Unless you've just stalled the mower, like me, and are waiting for it to decide to respond to the pulling of the cord thing.
So if you mosey on over to Casa de Pollo you'll see sweet Natalie and her beautiful daughter Maria modeling some Calamity Kim reversible apron love. How happy are those faces?

That's why I enjoy swapping/giving! It's in the sparkle of the eyes.

I fell in love with her blog and her family through her beautiful pictures and her great little shares about her life in California. Her dreams. Her Joys. She is like another long lost Sister.

My Dad sure got around!

I can't believe she has been blogging for 5 years and is so consistent and cheerful about it!

I get snarfy and disgruntled and over it fairly often these days.
I am beginning to think that those summer vacationers were right!
Maybe that's what I need too.
A break.
I am seeing more and more Autumn decorations in the stores.  I miss the mountains. I miss Troy. I miss the grand babies. I miss my Mom and Dad. I will be visitng them all next month, so not much longer.

I went to Michael's Arts N Crafts and sure enough, the haunted village was in full swing!
I was so happy to stop by a new scrap-booking store today too!
It's called Made for Memories and she had all kinds of cool stuff I hadn't seen before.
I got some glorious new paper and some Calamity Jane acrylic stamps and some distress inks and some chalk-pads and some of that new Adirondack Alcohol Ink and Alcohol Blending Soultion.
I got some gelly roll glaze pens and some resist ink pads.

I am going to get started in the morning making some paper doll party hats and then I am going to let my swap partner choose hers and then put the rest in my Etsy shop.  I need to get something to melt my beeswax in.
I just fell in love with this chicks ( Jenifer Conway) work and can't wait to get my new bird in the mail! She makes the coolest birds and coats them in beeswax. I want to try it with some paper dolls. I love the old haze it gives objects. So, now it's dark and I'll have to finish mowing tomorrow. Is that going to be before I work on the paper doll hat or after I finish the doll quilt and the one last thing to the smoochie apron and monkey mania apron? Not enough hours in my days.   

Forgive my Flight of the Conchords, For they Cracketh Me Up

Every Sunday night we wait for this new show- Flight of the Conchords... I think these guys are so funny! Last night the show had a David Bowie bit, and after checking You Tube, I found this from their act. It's on at 10:30 on HBO if you think this is funny then watch their show...if not then forgive me...I really think they are very funny...

Sounds of music

Sounds of music, originally uploaded by MioPupazzo.

MioPupazzo brings joy with her dolls of fabric and paperclay. I really enjoy her work. Click on the picture to see more in her Flickr site

kad-b-6

kad-b-6, originally uploaded by mnogominoga.

sometimes I am so inspired by the Folks on Flickr...This made me giggle out loud!

sad_sadie

sad_sadie, originally uploaded by calamity kim.

How can I resist that beautiful face. No matter how much I am enjoying making this little quilt with it's over due mailing date- I have to give it a rest and go play with her. I hope my swap partner will understand

doll_quilt_swap_wip

doll_quilt_swap_wip, originally uploaded by calamity kim.

I have been trying to finish this for the last few days and have been too busy to blog. Right? No, I just haven't had the time- No, I haven't made the time. Too busy sewing, embroidering, stuffing, wrapping, mailing, playing frisbee, shopping for new coffee maker, watching the rain and finally stopped to take some pictures. Before someone puts out an APB on the Kim that is a Calamity. (remember in Cold Mountain- K tastrophe!!!!!!)

chickens & monkeys oh, my!

This is how I feel right now. Finishing up Chicken and Monkey themed aprons. There are more monkey shines here  I really love this artist's work. Simple,  folk art monkeys. Ya gotta love it. Natalie- yours is in the mail. Monkey Girl- not quite, but almost done. Smoochie...trailing in 3rd position....back to the sewing room...

Black, Louise Black... Elizabethian Deco Garments decorate the Gloaming

Sometimes, when the blue moon comes to dress up the night there is a sudden shift in the wind.
The scent of roses, lilacs and lavender fills your mind and sleep is impossible as you roll and twist about in the sweat soaked sheets.
Thunder splits the sky.
Change is coming.
Some new and slightly dangerous, dark change.
The small hairs on the back of your neck and arms tingle and dance.
The gypsies are coming!
Do you hear the bells and chimes?
The horses draw the caravans and trailers to the empty field at the edge of town.
This time it’s Dallas, Texas.
Another time it may be closer to your town.
From here I can see a tall, thin woman stepping down from her burgundy and black painted caravan.
Reaching out to brush the shells, stones and bird bones tied to driftwood, it jangles with her touch like an old sparrow’s song.
I move closer, drawn in with the last cat’s curiosity and read: Louise Black, Victorian & Elizabethan Deco Seamstress Extraordinaire! Corsets! Baubles! Jewelry for Gypsies! Love Charms! Potions & Spells!  Inquire within.
My feet continued walking as I was drawn toward the cottage on wheels and I began to feel more alive with each step.
Excitement soon caused my pulse to race and my heart to pound like the beat of bat wings breaking out of their caves at the gloaming.
As I reached the lovely lady I see that she has set a table for tea and as I stutter and stammer she invites me to sit and wait as she pours a golden liquid into my cup.
I start to introduce myself and she is miles ahead of me.
She knows why I have come and what my heart’s desire is.
I shake as I take her cool hand in mine.
She smiles with wicked intent and says:” You may call me Louise Black”.
Suddenly the air around us is filled with dresses and corsets and blouses and all manner of clothing!
Floating by on unseen wires, the clothes dance and sway.
Magic suspends them and as each moves by it is like a fashion runway filled with the most heavenly creations.
Only in dreams have I seen such fabulous clothing.
Garments that make you want to dance and sing and recite poetry and smoke cigarettes in impossibly long holders and drink sparkling concoctions from long stemmed glasses. Part Victorian, part Marie Antoinette and a dash of Gothic  Anatomy Illustrations and Can Can dancers...

Allow me to introduce Louise Black to you. Here is a link to her lovely Etsy Shop and here are the 13 questions she delightfully agreed to answer:

  1. Where do you live?       Dallas, Texas at the moment. I have a tendency to pick up, pack away and move to a new place every couple of years, so in another year I'll be in a new city, possibly a new part of the country.

2. Who is/was your creative/sewing inspiration/teacher/mentor?       I'm truly inspired by so many things that it's difficult to pin anything down and declare it queen muse. As is evidenced in my work, I love Victorian and 20s styles, but I draw creative energies from antiques, old buildings, nature...I really don't immerse myself so much in modern fashion trends (whether that's a blessing or a curse, I'm not sure).

3. Who is Louise Black? If not your name then why did you choose this as the name of your clothing company?              Louise Black is, indeed, a pseudonym I chose to better present myself to the world. Louise is my middle name, and Black was pulled from the ether, but with a purpose. Louise is a somewhat more delicate word, whereas Black is bold and more stark. I like this juxtaposition, and find it reflects my vision well. I like my chai sweetened - sweet, but with a noticeable bite.

4. Is your merchandise available anywhere else besides Etsy?       I've been selling my designs online since 2000, having started on Ebay and soon after opening the shutters on a series of my own websites. Just as I tend to uproot and move my work and home to new locations, I also redo my web-based homes often (possibly a little too often). At the moment, louiseblack.com is closed while I work on the next incarnation of it, but for now I'm making ends meet at Etsy, which I find to be a wonderful site and community.       I also have pieces selling around the country as well as overseas in online boutiques and brick and mortar shops.

5. List any publications (paper or cyber) you have appeared in.       I've been mentioned in so many articles, some print, mostly online, either featuring pieces, featuring me as a designer or mentioning me as part of a fashion show. Really, I should have it all collected, but I stay so busy with my sewing and designing that other aspects sometimes get the shorter ends. http://www.papierdoll.net/content.php?ID=294 (that 1st pic is one of mine) http://www.naughtysecretaryclub.com/images/about/pressandtestimonials/downtownplanetpictur e.jpg http://media.www.dailytexanonline.com/media/storage/paper410/news/2006/11/13/LifeArts/Stit ching.Together.New.Trends-2454861.shtml?norewrite200611131037&sourcedomain=www.dailyte xanonline.com
Austin Fit Magazine (print and online magazine):  http://www.austinfitmagazine.com/archive/2007February/ (see the Valentine's Feature) Texas Monthly Feb 2007 (more Valentines Day fun)
Gothic Beauty Spring 2005 (physical magazine)         and loads of others floating around online and presently just out of memory

6. What makes you laugh?       Rowan Atkinson, chickens, and George W. Bush attempting to test the waters of polysyllabic words.

7. Is black your favorite color? Describe your style.        Tricky...I'd have to say burgundy. My style, that's even trickier to put into words. Can I get away with saying "Elizabethan Deco"?

8. What is your favorite thing to make?               I truly enjoy creating one-off accessories like my wrist cuffs and chokers. I love being inspired by the elements at hand and creating organically. Zen and the art of accessory-making.

9. Do you wear your creations? Did you start making them because you wanted to wear super cool stuff but couldn't find it anywhere?         I wear my pieces every chance I get, probably because (and this may be another failing of mine) I really design for myself, creating the pieces I want to see and be seen in. Customers liking my pieces is quite flattering, but it's icing on a somewhat selfishly designed cake - I'm truly doing what I love.  

10. Are you interested in writing/selling patterns?        Honestly, I feel I better express myself with my hands than I do with words. I haven't given much thought to creating patterns for others to use, but I've recently begun entertaining the notion of creating walk-throughs of some sort on how to create some of my older pieces. I love that more people are realizing that they can make things, too. Everyone can make something beautiful or functional, I think the Internet has really helped to foster this communal and empowering feel. It's brilliant.

11. Do you do art shows? Galleries?        I've been in a number of fashion shows. I've been involved with Stitch Austin's shows and vending bazaar's the last couple of years. It's amazing having 1,000 plus people react to fashion in unison.

12. I am self taught so I don't usually ask about Education but it's important to some types of people- so school info here        I am self-taught, having inherited my grandmother's sewing machine and threading through the learning process myself. Sewing daily at something not far from 60 hours a week for 7+ years, I've learned a good deal on my own, but my reason for making Dallas my home for a stretch is to take classes and learn some of the tricks I couldn't learn myself.

13. And the final 13Th question if you could be anyone besides yourself, who would you be?(Kim Novack unavailable-that's my pick!)        Bond, James Bond. Or maybe Jane Bond... 

I hope you enjoyed this as much as I did and please give Louise Black a standing ovation for her gorgeous collection ( all pictures used courtesy of Miz Black)  and originality of designs.
Be careful not to lose your heart as you fall under her spell.
I love the heart and skelly corsets- rather like wearing a soul X-Ray.
The dresses and blouses are dreamy and flutter with the rustle of silk and lace.
The arm corsets will gather the admiring glances like dew on roses as you snap your fingers and gentlemen bend on knobby knees to kiss your hand and grant your every wish.
Sit a spell. Drink your tea. But don't dally too long for these one of a kind gorgeous garments will be gone on the next breeze and will be only an echoing dream in your mind if you don't get one for yourself now.
The caravan will be gone with the dawn and only a few bits of drying rose petals will remain as they travel to the next town on their journey.

Mortimer Mouse, Booties & Mail Love

I fell in love with Mortimer Mouse over at Karen's Etsy site and in a flash he was bought and packed and arrived in my mailbox with a charming if not down right mischievous grin on his tiny embroidered face!
The red & Aqua color scheme will match my sewing room in a delightful way!
Then I also received a lovely and sweet package from Natalie- from the Chicken Blog.

I absolutely have been drooling over the Trader Joe Tote Bags- but now I am delighted to have my own!
I can go to market in style!
With a collaged waterproof work of art!
The woodland fabric is so sweet and I love it so much- I can't believe how nice and sweet she is! Well, I can, I just can't believe that she gave it to me!

I usually spend a few hours each week searching on eBay without success for this kind of fabric. So thank you Natalie! i don't know what I'll use it all for, but I will think of something, I hope!She also gave me bits of this and that to add to my trove of treasures.

 

I can't wait to bite into the dark chocolate bar...mmmm....it is going in the cupboard until I can make some s'more cupcakes with it.

 

I also won a contest for the very first held by Wendy at Wee Toes & Noggins and got these adorable crocheted converse sneakers! They are so beautiful and the workmanship  is very exquisite and professional.  It's the first thing I have ever won! I have tried several  times to take pictures but finally got the camera setting right! YeeHaw!!!! Thank you Wendy!   Thank you Natalie!!!! Thank you Karen!!!! You chicks rock!!! 

photo session

photo session, originally uploaded by calamity kim.

The disappearing 9 patch with some bright and happy fabric collage.
I used the blues and browns and greens to represent the earth and a walk in the woods with some Moda rock/pebbles and Martha Negley twigs and those mysterious dark bare trees- I have had that fabric for at least 8 years.
Sometimes I buy fabric for the feeling that it gives me.

Poor Red, alone with only a wolf for company. She wants to trust him but she knows better. After all, he is a wolf.
She stops to pick flowers and listens to the sudden quiet in the forest.
The birds try to warn her.
She knows the wolf wants more than the tasty cakes in her basket for Grandmama.

She is ready to run...

hanging_out_with_red

hanging_out_with_red, originally uploaded by calamity kim.

Trying to get a decent photo...the wind blows...the light setting is wrong...the batteries die... Give me patience, please!

Hollyhocks in Tiverton...8/7/7 2 photos

Hollyhocks in Tiverton...8/7/7 2 photos, originally uploaded by bevcraigwhite.

Allow me to introduce you to Bev Craig White. She inspires me with her beautiful photographs and takes me on spectacular journeys to mystical places I would other wise never see. I think this would be a wonderful quilt. The color and clarity is amazing!

Dog Day Afternoon

Sadie will be 2 on July 31. That is also the day that 300 comes out. We are having a Greek themed birthday party to celebrate the two events! We used to have Movie Night regularly with my Brother and his wife. We seem to do it more frequently in the summer when our regular scheduled programming is on hiatus.  The Mister and I saw 300 at the theater and loved it. It made $210,609,234 in the US. That's a lot of tickets and popcorn! Hot Fuzz also is being released on the same day. By comparison it only made $23,472,882. It will probably make more once its on DVD, like Shaun of the Dead. Our menu is going to be Gyros, Greek salad and spanakopita . My Brother said what about moussaka? I said you get what you get!

Sadie will get some homemade dog biscuits.

Last year I bought several Three Dog Bakery Cookbooks and found dog bone cookie cutters  to make bones for her party. They were so tasty that I considered starting a dog bone company!( Sadie Snacks).  We have several Gourmet Dog Treat Shops here in Sarasota and one of them is even a health food type store! Spoil em if ya got em , I say!!

Here's a recipe for Birthday Bones from The Three Dog Bakery Cookbook by Dan Dye and Mark Beckloff.

2 Cups Whole Wheat Flour
1 Tablespoon baking powder
1 cup natural peanut butter
1 cup skim milk

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees

In a bowl,  combine  flour, and baking powder. In another bowl, mix peanut butter and milk.
Add wet mixture to dry, and mix well.

Turn out dough on a lightly floured surface and knead. Roll out to 1/4 inch thick and cut out shapes.

Place on greased baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes or until lightly brown. Cool on a rack then store in an airtight container.
Simple and tasty with no chemicals or preservatives.

The Three Dog Bakery has several Cookbooks and I highly recommend them. Making dog bones is a fun way to spend a rainy afternoon and if the kids want to taste one it won't hurt them a bit! I used to love doggie donuts when I was about 5 and didn't know any better! One for the dog, one for me!( never got caught by Mom !)

Maybe I can convince the boys to wear some party hats! I seriously doubt it, but it's worth a try!

I think they would be adorable!

Maybe I will make some T- shirts with her picture on them instead!

They probably will just laugh at me, but I don't care!

This girl deserves a Party!! The movie is really a lure, otherwise he wouldn't come over for a dog party! Boys! They are so serious sometimes!

Between chores and dog bathing and sanding the bookcase I spent a little bit of time binding this beauty yesterday:

  I will work on it later when it gets too hot to sand and paint the bookcase and cupboard. Mister says I have to get them off the carport! I will post pictures when I am finished- it's so hot that the camera lense fogs up when I take it outside and I worry that it may cause some sort of condensation inside it? I don't know if it would or not BUT if it did- Oh, The Calamity!!!!!!!

Paper Doll Party Hat Swap!!! A Cool Way To Play

These pictures are from Art Chix where they have posted a tutorial about how to make Paper Doll Party Hats! Well!!! Makes me wanna yell a big YEE HAWW!!!!!!! Tiaras and party hats, oh my!!

Elizabeth Holcombe is hostessing a Swap and the sign up closes on July 16th.  Hang on- it's Amy hosting-
(Elizabeth is just a swapper- I misread-) Crafting By Candlelight is her Blog! Go visit her Blog and get the sign up info- Just email her your info- and then go read the tut at Art Chix and Get Busy!!!

Beth also just started a new Etsy Shop with the most gorgeous barkcloth Bags and pincushions with vintage china & porcelain figurines on them.
These hats shouldn't take long- an hour or two at the most- and what a Hootenanny!!!! That's a Hoot n' a Hollar for you city folk. Oops, sorry, my NC apron strings were showing!
Anyway, What do you think?
This the kind of swap y'all wanna jump on?
I am digging it!
I think it's a cool way to play!
Goodness knows we need to play and cool off! I declare I am near about to faint in this heat! Mercy, I may need another sweet tea to discontinue the sweat running down my sweet fair bodice. Land's a goshin! Let me get these gloves off- and this dang corsett! It's way too tight on the barrel!! teehee! Anyway- I can't decide whether to garden, thanks to Lallee or go shopping for party decorations because of a purple gypsy.

Maybe I will go find a belly dancing class like Amanda or start this new Paper Doll Hat...or wait- I know, I will put some finishing touches on( Go check out her new Mushroom's! they are so cool!) Miss Smoochie's aprons and finally get them ready to mail....so much to do!!

I love me some Blogs and I hope that there will always be time to visit! Actually, I make the time.

I am neglecting the garden, laundry and other chores to do this, but I have taken to sleeping less in order to fit it ALL in!! Who needs to sleep when there are Blogs to love?
Y'all have a great day!!
Get going- sign up for the Paper Doll Hat Swap!

Here's the button for your Blog if you decide to do it- On Elizabeth's blog it's near the top on the right. Click it to go to that post. You know that, right?

New Do

When the weather is hot and I want to cut off all my hair, I have to remember that summer won't last forever.

Haircuts last longer.

I want to feel lighter.

Get it buzzed.

I used to have a pixie bob when I was a kid and then a Dorothy Hamill.

I worshiped her and her shiny hair flying in the breeze.

Maybe one of these glamorous styles?

Yeah, Baby! At least it's up off the neck- it might still be hot and heavy though!

When my jaw bones re-appear I'll be getting this bob. Excuse her for slumping on the sofa- she's faint with hunger, poor thing!

Rockin Round the Clock

Deb Silva posted a new MeMe- it's really a YouYou. 7 Things That Rock. Cheryl got tagged and so Did Lia. I did one on Cheryl's comments, but I will do another. Just because So Much Rocks!!!
My Son Troy (same as before) Grandkids and Daughter Lexi and her husband Beau ( serving in Iraq) and my Printer all go without saying- I used them before- well, the kids, not the printer.
I have sung my love song for the HP8250 before. I kiss him goodnight and he is the only thing that gets dusted on a regular basis. That's love. Dusting. Whew!

1. Free Spirit Fabrics- especially AMH & HB & JS. I love the quality. The hand is smooth and the color clear.Below is Anna Marie Horner's Chocolate Lollipop and Jane Sassaman (below that) has awesome designs that remind me of being lost in an Enchanted Woods.

2.The Jennifer's of Polka Dot Pixie, Every Day is a Holiday, and Nimbleknots

3. Stephanie's Fairies  They are so sweet

4. Monica and MiMi, the Happiest Zombies that I know.

5. Starting a new project and that feeling of flow- when everything is falling into place perfectly- that Rocks for sure!

6. This show on HBO called Flight of the Conchords. 10:30 Sunday nights. These guys break into song and crack me up!

7. Vincent Price and his movies in my Queue

8. Making your own stamps that are approved by the USPS

Oh, look, I ran over again. It's too difficult to pick 7. There are too many things and people and choices to limit it to just 7. C'mon Deb!!! Why didn't ya go for 10?

You kids play nice and go make something. OK?

Fabulous Fifi has started a Blog!!! oh la la !!

I had to post again tonight because the Fabulous FiFi has started a blog and I want all of you to go visit her and add her to your sidebar so that she will get the huge readership that she deserves. Here is the link: http://fabulousfifi.typepad.com/chez_fifi/ She is a writer and style artist for many magazines including Coastal Living and Romantic Homes and Mary Engelbreit.
I am a down the street neighbor- and have often walked Sadie by and admired her lovely cottage. Walking into her garden and home is like walking into a dream. A Shabby Dabby Doosie Dream.
You immediately know that she is a kind, sweet, sentimental, romantic soul.
I felt that only a truly wonderful fairy tale princess could create surroundings such as those.
The small touches define her.
The stamping on the swinging doors and the faux wood painted floors. Sea shells and mermaids and french toile.
It is every woman's dream- I have blogged about it before and have a collection of pictures when she was featured in several mags in my Flickr.
I will post a link to the slideshow here so that you can visit her virtually.
She has a wonderful sense of humor and style and her eyes sparkle with intelligence and joy.
I am going to create a Fifi style apron one day and get her to model!
You will all keel over from jealousy!!! Sorry, but it's true!
Well- now, you can get your own FiFi Fix!!
Three cheers and a big Huzzah!!!!

Little Miss Goodie Two Shoes

Did your parents ever call you that? Mine did.
Especially if I had a smile on my face. They'd ask: "Why are  you smiling" and after dragging it out of me, they'd then say the "Little miss goodie 2-shoes line".
Now, I have to admit that I wasn't always the brightest child- I didn't always get the jokes.
If my Brother was telling it -then I was usually the punchline.
The butt of the joke.
They did make fun of me a lot.
I was silly. I giggled all the time.

I had skinny stick legs and later braces and glasses.
Thank goodness the acne wasn't too bad or I truly would have had to put the bag on my head like my Brother suggested every time Mom came home from the store and we were "helping" put away the groceries. Or if he farted and I asked what's that smell- well, it was always my upper lip.
Thank goodness he has almost stopped that nonsense. Brothers!
I love him very much, but I can't look at any of our childhood pictures without remembering how much of a dork I was. 
So I can't  let the Illustration Friday theme of Geeky go by without throwing in my own version. Just started this today- and yes, That's me with my very,very, very Good Shoes. I think this matching outfit was made by sewing circus clowns.

So this is the paper image collaged on canvas. The picture above I printed out twice- once on fabric and then once on paper and applied it here. Layers of paint, acrylic gel medium and ephemera are added. Now I am letting it dry before I do more details on her face and shoes and then do the ransom note wording. The one printed on fabric will retain its charming smile and shiny shoes. Just an exercise to see where it takes me. A similar tecnique was used in this months Cloth, Paper, Scissors magazine. Written by Misty Mawn, she uses the same image 3 different times with different results. It's interesting and fun. There is a triptych challenge in there with a deadline of August 20, 2007.  I am trying it out. Maybe  I can combine some elements of this process with fabric and timtex to stiffen it and see what happens.  Go check out  clothpaperscissors.com and tell em Calamity Kim sent ya! 

A Bird in the Hand

This is my GrandMother Hattie Mae with her pet bird. It was injured but healed and thrived under her care. It would fly down and land on her shoulder and sing to her. This was before I was even born. She might even have been younger than I am now.
There are no dates. During my last visit with my Mom she surprised me by giving me some of the old pictures.
That was a moment of time stopping JOY.
I couldn't believe it. What JOY. I miss her so much. But I have my memories. She was so patient. Kind and sweet. She dipped snuff and sometimes swore- just to shock me! She was my patron Saint of Sewing and Quilting. I will never forget my sweet Hattie Mae.

craftroomchaos

craftroomchaos, originally uploaded by calamity kim.

Back to work. No movie. My Brother bailed. He had to make a grown-up decision. That's what he calls it. A grown-up decision. Umph! I guess (stomps feet!) I will wait until next weekend to see Transformers again. I have work to do also.

The Thrill of the Thrift

As I drink my coffee and think about my week I wish I could show off some accomplishments but,  I can't. Turn back now if you were wanting to see any sewing progress...

I will show some sweet stuff that I found while scouting (records) for my Brother yesterday.

I had a huge adrenalin rush when I spotted a chenille bedspread and as I took it off the hanger, I knew it was meant for me.

It will make gorgeous robes, purse, blankie projects and I lovingly threw it in the cart and sped on, sure that I wouldn't find any more treasure!

Then I found a small package of trims- binding and lace hem tape. After wandering around the store I left with my chenille joy and went to the next Goodwill in Nokomis.

Searching the record rack produced a couple of really great Sinatra albums and a Cats, Tom Jones and a cover that will make a swell paper doll.

I moseyed around some more and found a dress form that was delightful and wicker and will be perfect for child/doll aprons.

I spotted an old coke box that had been painted yellow but will be great for some storage in the sewing room.

When I first walked in I saw a dress form that unfortunately is not for sale- one of those old canvas, stamped with NY and the dressmaking co.

It had the metal cage at the bottom.

Man, I felt my joy start to dwindle. I would so love to have one of those...maybe someday. That is the fun of the Thrift though.

The thrill of discovery.

Lost objects.

Found Treasures.

Old, rusty, dented, cast off. Oh, I'll take it!!!

Queen of the broken and forlorn.

Chipped paint?

Ahh, better than shiny bright!

How can I grunge it up?

I have a bookcase that was just given to me by the new neighbor.

The old neighbor man had built it from wood and it's painted white.

I am going to shabby dabby doo it up and will try to work on that when finished with a few other things. It's sitting on the carport like Sanford & Son.

If you drive by please don't tisk-tisk me! Anyway! Have a happy weekend! There are more pictures in Flickr- I have to run!!

We are going to see Transformers again- from further back this time. Nice cool, dark theater...it's wicked hot out there...

It's what I do

Jude has given me an idea.
I love crayons and she suggests using them to make rubbing's on fabric over ornamental metal objects here on her other Blog, called What If?
Her first Blog, Spirit Cloth is about the quilt she is making for her Brother.

I have blogged about her awesome quilt before and hope one day that she will show a picture featuring the whole thing.
Each tiny bit is like a piece of a puzzle that is missing it's box.
I am trying to put the puzzle together but I have no idea what it will look like when finished!
I am intrigued beyond words.
I am patient but this is a stretch.
Actually it is probably a great lesson for me.
To practice patience in the grocery store line is different from the patience I allow myself to feel when hand quilting.
I have to mentally prepare myself by taking a deep breath and letting go of the clock. Telling myself that the time is not wasted.
It is being put to good use.
In todays fast paced society where everything is about time and money, handiwork is the opposite of that.
When I pick up a needle and join it with cloth I am nurturing that creativity dwelling deep in my soul.

The difference between me and the random stranger in line behind me at Best Buy, who compliments me on my quilted bag.
Her eyes  open a bit wider (shock? disbelief?) when I say thank you, I made it.
She doesn't sew.
She has always wanted to, but she works too much.
"You should sell those", she sweetly suggests.
"I try to. It's what I do".
That's my feeble retort.
It's what I do.
  I woke intermittently last night sleep-dreaming-wake visions of projects fill my head.
I have an assignment that I am working on and I am getting there.
The deadline is approaching and the juice is notching up. Ratchet. Crank. Strain. Click.
I have other projects, once again pushed back, until this is done.

They run and caper around the perimeter of my brain- flash-lights- flickering an SOS. Work on me! Don't forget me! maybe you can do this: [idea} when you GET TO ME!!!!! I am taking part in Bitter Betty's Fat Quarter Swap- where you take some fabric and put your own designs to it.
Stamping, painting, printing...now Jude has made me remember a gorgeous piece of brass, etched with a design I found at a thrift shop.
It looks like a door plate- some kind of decorative metal thing that had no purpose for me until now. I had to rescue it though. 1.99

I can put the fabric down on it and do a rubbing with crayon. Genius!
When I get all these projects wrapped up I will show you folks.
But for now, let it be a lesson in patience for you as well.
Take a deep breath.
Shut your eyes.
Breath again.

Give yourself this one moment, in your busy day to allow yourself to calm. ahhhh....smell those crayons.....remember...now color with abandon.
Sort of like the movie I forced Fred to experience last night. The Curse of The Golden Flower. Not sure what it all meant, but it sure was "purty" as my Dad would say.

Summer Fun with Paper Bag Puppets

Which Fandango Character would you be? Remember making these paper bag puppets with the kids? Ours were never this good! Fandango emailed me to rate the movie and I had to harvest some of these cute guys to share. I am especially fond of Sophia- That's my favorite, I think. Maybe Lorraine- she has chicks and pompoms for hair.  So, get out some macaroni and the bags and glue and give it a whirl- it might be fun! You could make Uncle Sam inspired ones  or lady liberty....to celebrate today...Happy 4th of July! Let Freedom Ring!!!

More Than Meets The Eye

We went to see Transformers and it was awesome! We saw it in Digital and it was so crystal clear and beautiful! I really want to go back and see it again. It was that good! Amazing CGI. Good story. It was funny and exciting and just a great movie!

Fabric Postcards 1

Fabric Postcards 1, originally uploaded by Alpha Stamps.

I was just flicking through Flickr and I came across this. I then went to the Profile page and found this:  http://www.alphastamps.com/
and then I was in heaven. Loads of stamps, foils, ephemera, links!!!

The coolest links.

I know. I don't get out much.

I am sewing up a storm...with breaks for dish washing and laundry folding!

Y'all come back later for pictures- the pink bromeliad is blooming again this is from last year

squirrel

squirrel, originally uploaded by onebyjude.

Jude posted this and I just had to show you guys- I love squirrels! This guy is too stinkin cute!

Set Your Spirit Free

That's me after opening my mailbox and finding some new fabric from Sew, Mama, Sew.
They had some Heather Bailey, Empress Woo and Sis Boom and Paint by Numbers by Erin Michael on sale!!
Now, I have been getting small amounts of Heather's fabrics and can't wait to see the next line.
I love the feel of it and the crisp colors and the blend of hues.
It is beautiful.
I am not sure what I will make with it, for now I am just trying to keep the drool off. The pictures below are the fabric that I bought, just so ya know, because I am probably switching subjects to discuss my email basket that I just emptied.

Over 400 emails saved by this pack rat for no particular reason.
I never go back and read them. Well, sometimes, I do.
I can never find what I am looking for.

Searching for.
I was filing the apron info ( from a couple of you who are still so patiently waiting for their apron love) and I realized that I just would be lighter without all of them.
Usually Fred takes care of cleaning and maintaining the computer.
I am trying to keep the desktop tidy but some days it looks like the sewing room after a project! Whew! Meeeesssyyy!
So it feels better.

I am more organized lately and it helps.
I have some super secret projects going that I wish I could spill the beans on but it will have to wait!
I am really considering not sleeping but that just won't help.
That Craftbot Clone would sure come in handy, wouldn't it?
I sold some stuff in the shop yesterday and have been wrapping and boxing this morning and will be off to the friendly neighborhood Post Office just as soon as I warm up some of last nights General Tso ( only medium hot to limit the fire shooting out of my ass later) and then back to the sewing room where I am so close to finishing some projects that I will be totally jumping for joy when I get them boxed and in the mail!

I am happy with them (and will show you after the chicken, monkey, smoochie, doll quiltie,and polkadotpixie) girls all get their love. Then I am getting busy with the Doll Quilt Swap II and then I am going to the beach!( Or to Tally to see my boy and his sassy half! ) any who- y'all have a happy Monday....

Shop Update*** Etsy*****New Goods***

What do you need, an Invitation? Y'all git on over to Etsy and see what's new!!!

Image from Vintage Workshop Cards

Printing on fabric

I had a question about printing on fabric from Susan so I thought I would do a bit of show N tell before I get busy listing some stuff over at my Etsy shop.
First and foremost you need a good printer.
I have an HP 8250 that we bought several years ago. I always say to Fred- "have I told you that I love you today"? He often replies- "Yes, but not as much as you love the printer".
Funny. He knows me so well.
Then you can get many different kinds of premade fabric sheets on which to print.
I only use the sew in kind.
NOT the iron on kind.
I think that the ink jet direct to fabric is more permanent and stable.
I iron directly over it while working and you can't do that with the other kind.
It can be washed and is much better than iron on. 
They can be found at Walmart and Jo Ann'sCraft stores and Hancock's and on line. Put "Sew In Ink Jet Fabric Sheets" in a search and see what you get.
There is also a line of products called Bubble Jet Set which is a liquid that you soak the fabric in then dry and iron on to freezer paper and run through the printer like paper ( after you cut it to 8 1/2 x 11).

There are many books out there on this subject.
Go to the bookstore or library.
Investigate.
Learn.
It is so easy with a computer.
When people first started doing this ( 10 years ago?) I was in love with the look but didn't have the proper tools to do it.
I was making teddy bears then anyway.
I did go to kinko's a lot.
I did fool around with printing vintage postcard images on muslin ironed to freezer paper. Then I sewed them in layers to batting and muslin backing (after stamping it with a postcard stamp).
Then I tea dyed them and baked them in the oven to dry.
A wire hanger and a bit of glitter finished them off.
I decorated a Christmas tree with these using postcards of Grove Park Inn and Vintage Holiday messages.
I also printed images on transparencies and sewed them to fabric .
I have spent a lot of time learning different techniques.  Flower Pounding and flowers on fabric with acrylic gel medium to name a few.
I love the fact that I can create a collage and then scan it and print it and then go to the sewing machine and quilt it together with other fabrics and I have made something utterly unique in all the world.

Try it.
You'll like it.
So, Susan, does that answer your question?
To make my collage I used pictures of a certain singer and after drawing on her face I layered her with a printed scrap booking transparency and some poppy and crown images and then printed them on fabric. Then I used some Amy Butler Lotus flowers and leaves to adorn the crown. A moon here and a crow there. Tea cup, spoon, spider...it tells a story...The queen of the Gypsies sees your future... she knows your past...She reminded me that it has been more than a month since I updated the shop...I better get busy....