spacer spacer spacer spacer
spacer

February 10, 2012

Cut & Paste // Volumes 3-4

spacer
spacer
spacer

This week I used a catalog page, masking tape, kindle packaging, vintage lace and primary paper to explore little loves and admit how terrified I am to teach (is that ok?). I was struggling a bit to work with the tiny journal size, but it feels good to be out of my comfort zone. And I kept smudging my pen ink. Pretend that's on purpose. 

 I love using packaging (go team recycling), and when I saw the inside of the Kindle box, I knew I was going to use it in my new art journal. It seemed a fitting pattern for trying to express the anxiety I sometimes feel about having a classroom of my own oh so soon. 

I resisted purchasing an e-reader for a very long time, and I still can't decide if the literary side of me is in awe or in mourning. But last week I downloaded a ton of free classics, and it kind of won me over. It's so light and portable; I can't wait to travel with it. I'm always the one going over the luggage weight limit at the airport, because I'm packing the entire literary canon. 

I'm feeling so thankful to Suzanne for being such a great friend and inspiring this blog feature. She's coming to visit Spokane again in the Spring, and we can't wait! Head over to her blog to see her responses to these prompts. 

Cheers, 
Ashley

Note: Cut & Paste is a bimonthly blog feature that shares art journal pages created while taking the Art Journal All Year E-Course
2 thoughts spacer

February 7, 2012

Around the WWW // Volume 2

I love the internet. This is probably assumed considering I blog, but I have to say it again - I love the internet. I really believe it is 21st century magic. But sometimes, I fear...I will turn into internet mush. Do you know what I mean? The type whose whole life is the internet? I don't want that; I want the internet to be a tool to inspire and think about real life. I want it to be just the beginning. So here is my online inspiration for the month. I hope it inspires you too, not in the internet mush kind of way, but in the real life kind of way. 


Think about the "Things You Will Never Get Back" 

Send someone a telegram 

Count the days until this movie comes out

Alter a cardigan like this or maybe like this

Support the Love Ever After Kickstarter Project

Dream about a trip to Chicago by train 

Laugh about this sign from the town I grew up in

Consider these thoughts on teaching that educational reformers don't seem to get

Listen to this song by our friend's new band


Cheers,
Ashley
1 thoughts spacer

February 3, 2012

DIY Pegboard Jewelry Display

spacer

Brad is such a dear. He made this for me for my birthday, but it could also be a swell Valentine's Day gift too. I personally love it. I've always had a "thing" for pegboard, like the weirdo I really am.

Supplies // Thrifted frame, Pegboard, S-Hooks (found at local hardware stores), Paint (optional)

Step 1 // Measure your frame and cut your pegboard to size. Brad does this using a saw. I have personally never used a saw - I spook easy. If you don't have a saw, maybe you have a sweet friend or family member with one. Or maybe you could ask Lowes to cut the pegboard for you? You know, in the lumber section. I hear they sometimes do that when you buy it if you're really nice.

Step 2 // Paint the pegboard in whatever color or design you please. Brad chose one of my favorite colors and added a framing technique to add a little visual interest.

Step 3 // Use a staple gun to secure the pegboard to the frame.

Step 4 // Add your S-Hooks

Step 5 // Wrap it up, and give it to someone who has a "thing" for pegboard. You know the type. Or maybe you have a "thing" for pegboard. If this is the case, just keep it. I won't tell anyone.


Cheers,
Ashley
8 thoughts spacer

February 1, 2012

Valentine Card Round-Up

spacer

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9

spacer

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9

I have a feeling that buying my husband eighteen different Valentine cards might be a little excessive. How am I ever going to decide on just one? Even though I know Valentine's Day is a bit ridiculous and cheesy, I kind of dig it. But only in the "I'm so in love and want to shout it from the top of a mountain" kind of way, which I typically try to stuff down in public. That way people don't throw up on me or secretly hate me. I'm paranoid about that sort of thing, but be warned - all bets are off in February. 

Cheers, 
Ashley 
4 thoughts spacer

January 30, 2012

Thrifting Tips for Looking Like a Productive Member of Society

spacer
Shirt: American Cancer Society Thrift Store, Skirt: Goodwill, Clogs: Union Gospel Mission Thrift Store, Belt and Brooch: Salvation Army, Earrings: Moorea Seal, Bracelet: Local Boutique in Seattle

Rule 1 // Make the tailor your new best friend

When I find a quality, designer piece that looks brand new, I consider buying the piece even if it's too big.  With the thrift store price plus hiring a tailor, it still ends up being a fraction of the original cost. I mostly do this for my teaching wardrobe. That way, not only do I have quality workwear, but it fits flawlessly. The above pencil skirt is originally from J.Crew, but it was too big; I purchased it anyways for $3.99 and paid a tailor $15 to take in the waist.

Rule 2 // Learn a few basic tricks on your sewing machine

Even though my sewing machine is basically my arch nemesis, I have to admit it's been handy for shortening sleeves and hemming. If you can practice those little tricks, it's super easy to modernize vintage pieces. It took me about 3 tries, but I can now hem a skirt in 15 minutes and it'll actually be straight - gasp! I recommend this book as a place to start. 

Rule 3 // Avoid pieces that are stained or torn 

If you're positive you can get the stain out of repair it, it might be OK, but typically I pass on clothes that aren't in good shape. However, these pieces could make great scrap fabric for DIY projects. 


Rule 4 // Know your brands


I know that a piece originally from Wal-Mart (White Stag, anyone?) will probably fall apart after a few wears. However, if I find a piece by a fancy mall store like Banana Republic, I'm more apt to pick it up. The fabric quality will be a lot nicer, and it will probably last longer.

Rule 5 // Wash everything before wearing

You know that thrift store smell? Musty and weird? It's just not as pleasant as that whole clean smell. I always wash everything I buy before wearing it. You can also go have nice shoes properly cleaned by your local shoe repair shop; I usually do this, because I'm kind of OCD. And they look all shiny and new afterwards, and I love to support local mom & pop shops. I took the above vintage clogs into a shop and had them shined and cleaned. 


Rule 6 // Accessorize like a pro


When you're aiming to wear mostly thrifted head to toe, don't forget to think about accessories. For me, this outfit would feel pretty humdrum if it wasn't for the thrifted braided belt and the penny-farthing bicycle brooch. I also added two pieces of modern jewelry purchased from Etsy and a local boutique to let people know, "yeah, I'm with the times, I got this," which I'm sure is the exact vibe you were getting. 

I also hear holding a bag instead of a cardboard sign does wonders. Who would have thought?


Oh, and PS, this might help too.



Cheers,
Ashley
3 thoughts
gipoco.com is neither affiliated with the authors of this page nor responsible for its contents. This is a safe-cache copy of the original web site.