Category Archives: she’s crafty

So what’s life outside of the internet like?

It’s surprisingly busy. Well, in a non running around like a chicken with its head cut off *as my Mom would say* sort of way. We spent the night at Antz Mom’s house and his sister made us waffles for breakfeast. Liv was telling us she wanted 2 of them!

 

Our favorite spot is Jamba Juice!

 

I adore this photo by Antz

 

I slept in really late on Sunday and even took a second nap after breakfast. I must have needed the sleep because when we went home I was full of energy and I managed to start reading one of my Book Club novels and I did two crafting projects that have been on my To-Do list for ages.
We bought this metal B from the Rose Bowl Flea Market way back in March and it needed some pizazz so I dressed it up in some yarn and Martha Stewart floral stickers.

 

The wrapping was a little harder than I thought on the curves and corners but I’m happy with the end result. I just may buy some more letters and pop them into our Esty shop *what a sellout I’ve become*

 

 

I was so inspired by my craftiness that I finally made Liv’s pillowcase dress *ahh, it feels so good to cross #9 off my list* Because I was computer disabled I couldn’t look online so I just used her store bought pillowcase dress as a template and finagled my way through it.

 

 

I made mine a bit larger since she’s growing like a weed

 

 

 

 

 

 

I couldn’t get her to stand still to get a shot of the back so this is one of her running away. I’m still considering adding rickrack to the bottom but I only have blue and I want to use pink. I LOVE this fabric. I must go back to Common Thread Studio for something for me *that place is mega rad*

 

She’s going to wear it tomorrow at World Citizen Class so I am keeping my fingers crossed it won’t fall off of her. It took me under an hour to make it and Antz is very proud of me. I’m not saying I have a new career as a seamstress *I never measure or use a pattern plus I’m much too lazy* but for now Liv is happy to wear Mommy’s handicrafts.

Taa Tah!

BFF Birthday/Housewarming Party Countdown

I would like to take this opportunity to pat myself on the back for being an awesome BFF. Even though I am extremely tired and burnt out on crafting, I made Aimee’s birthday present *a stellar Fascinator that I’ll post after the party* and these party decorations. Her party is Saturday and we spent most of today shopping for booze and snackies. I will be making a watermelon basket for the first time so I am hoping it turns out like this.

Antz painted that lovely frame orange *which will soon house one of Liv’s headshots*, another one of his FABulous finds at a thrift shop for $3!! It’s almost identical to the ones I paid $68 for *whammp whammp!*
Tuesday I was too exhausted from our adventures at the Hollywood Bowl to post. Excuse my angry whore face.

The acoustics were like butter! Now I know what all the fuss was about.


I can’t wait to return but for a band I really want to see. Our neighbors told us they saw Belle & Sebastian there and I am super jealous. I have a few more decorations to make. Liv has a playdate at a place I’ve been wanting to go to for months tomorrow. Before I hit the sack, let’s take a look at my updated Summer Fun List and see how I’m doing, shall we?
Summer Days List 2011

1. BEACH DAYS!! *and get a sweet tan* *DONE*
2. Take Olivia to at least one summer outdoor concert *Hollywood Bowl Classic Nights*
3. Use Liv’s blow up pool in the backyard *DONE*
4. Engage in a water balloon fight
5. Sleep in the hammock
6. Make homemade peach cobbler
7. Add 10 new farmers markets to my list *#27*
8. Take Olivia to a petting zoo *DONE*
9. Host a Games Night/Playdate
10. 4th of July BBQ *DONE*
11. Take a road trip up the Pacific Coast Highway *maybe go to the seal sanctuary or San Francisco for our anniversary in August*
12. Co-host Aimee’s Housewarming party *decorate/make cocktails/playlist*
13. See the Tim Burton exhibit at LACMA *DONE*
14. Go bike riding *and finally make up my mind on a trailer for Liv*
15. Finish at least 3 of my Book Club list *Bonus points if I read in the hammock*

Welcome to my new 2 lovelies, I hope you are enjoying yourselves!!
Nighty Nights

Tim Fucking Burton at LACMA

Sorry, I’m still trying to catch up from last week. Monday was Aimee’s birthday. I already had bought tickets to see the Tim Burton exhibition so Antz took the day off. After my last acupuncture appt.*Gilli is due with boy #3 any day now* we went to LACMA *Los Angeles County Museum of Modern Art* Since the show began in May there has been lines around the block. Surprisingly *well, it was Monday* there weren’t many people there, yay I detest crowds! The show was AH-MAZING!!

Practically a ghost town

Inside the exhibit, there was a strict no photos policy but you know I had to snap away. Sorry if a bunch are not in focus, I was using my iphone and pretending I was texting. Oh and Liv slept through most of the museum, she only woke up when we were leaving.

 How lovely would these numbered prints be in a nursery?

The music in this room was rad. I’m sure it was Danny Elfman.

Thanks to this random nice guy who offered to take a pic of the 3 of us. Nice people RULE!!
Since our tickets included the rest of the museum, we swung by the Kid’s painting room and tried out some Japanese brush painting.

I am pretty sure Olivia is going to be left-handed! *like Aimee*

Mom and Dad’s crazy Tim Burton inspired art

Some of these pieces are really incredible

A phenomenon happened, I did a jump picture and Antz got it on the first try!!

Total radness!! It was so fun and inspiring. Antz is all excited to start painting and sculpting again. I got a Tim Burton book of his work. We went to Aimee’s apartment and while we waited for her to come home from having her sleeve worked on, we put a few things in her place. Antz framed a poster for her. I made this banner *which is available for sale in my etsy shoppe.

Antz painted these adorable guys for Aimee’s bathroom
I got her this shower curtain from Urban Outfitters

Aimee freaked out when she saw her terrarium. I bought her one from the Renegade Craft Fair but we had an accident and it broke so we made a new one. I think we did pretty well, you can’t tell the difference at all.

Speaking of terrariums, I couldn’t post any pictures of the booth I bought them from so I wouldn’t ruin Aimee’s surprise but here it is. Love it!!

Here’s my little one

So we took her and Holden out for dinner at Kabuki *super yummy*
Yep, we are both 12!

She was in major pain on her arm but it is turning out pretty stellar.

We are throwing a huge birthday/apartmentwarming soiree this Saturday. I am making a fascinator for Aimee to wear. I hope it turns out cute cause she’s wearing it, like it or not!!
HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY BEST FRIEND FOREVER!!

Renegade Craft Fair 2011

I can not put into words how rad the fair was. I walked around like a zombie but instead of moaning Brains, brains I was screaming Cute, super cute! Let me say that Olivia Lily was the Craft Fair queen. I am not exaggerating when I say everyone commented on how cute Liv’s wings were. The most popular questions were: “Did you buy those here?” Where did you get them?” and once I told them I made them…”Why don’t you sell them?” Ummm, okay? Even though I swore I’d never make them again as I stayed up all night cutting out the scallops with my cramped hands, I just may be on to something. I handed out my Mommy cards to a few folks who were really interested in buying them. Next year I’ll either go halfsies on a booth or just pass out my cards. I put Liv’s wings in our etsy shop. Olivia is such an awesome spokesperson. *Bleep/Bleep* talent agency…don’t you wanna sign her now?? We took the Metro train and it was only 3 stops to the Chinatown stop and a short walk to the park. I’ll let the photos speak for themselves…I’ve got to get sewing now!

The metro rail is close to our house. It’s a pretty eclectic station *has a Parisian feel*

Love this mini!

We walked around several times before Antz said I could shop, I really wanted to buy everything. The choices were overwhelming!

Friendship bracelet making booth, cuuute!
YAY! Female DJs rule!!

We bumped into my friend Melvy and her boyfriend, Joshua.

Love these frames, they look like ours!

I had to buy this rad Steve Zissou cameo

I wish I brought this little guy home for Liv’s menagerie but Antz and I both agree, she is maxxed out on stuffed animal storage *AKA her crib!*

OMG! I have to make these mega cute pom pom banners!! I love pom poms

I really, really wanted this jersey necklace but I’d already spent double my budget

What did I blow my budget on you ask? Well, one of the items I’m keeping under wraps *always with the secrets, right?* but when I saw this booth I spazzed out!!
Crochet ear headband/headphones in every color of the rainbow

At first I was sold on the Hello Kitty style headband/headphones but then I saw this guy….
Had to have it!! The chick who makes them was super cute
I really love it and Olivia is kind enough to share it with me
On the train ride home Liv fell right to sleep

Sleepyface, classic!

Smell ya later, alligators!

Summer Rules

I think I’m the minority that finds summer to be their fave season. Everyone complains about the heat, but I’d take hot over cold anyday. That’s why we live in the desert, right? I love the sun, I love getting tan and going to the beach and I super love the reduced traffic because 40% of the children of this overpopulated metropolis are sitting at home bored for the summer. Speaking of school…I’m parly-vousing my ass off in the French class with my friends Connie & Leslie. So far I can spell my name, introduce someone and tell people I do NOT speak French. Ahhh, I cannot wait to take Olivia to Paris. I swear I will not speak a word of English once I step off the plane.

Today I met Aimee at a tattoo parlor for our date. She is gifting herself a half-sleeve tattoo for her birthday. I have been working hard on a top secret birthday project for her but I know she reads this so nah, nah, nosey!! The girl doing her tattoo is amazing *and has awesome taste in music*. She finished about a third of it today. It’s gonna be wicked rad when it’s done.

This was her painful face. She is fearless, bad-ass and so lovely for adding a French dedication to her Goddaughter….”Mon joli petit bijoux, Olivia Lily” *makes me want a tat but Antz is not having it*
When I got home, Antz and me went to the South Pasadena farmers market. It’s been about 4 months since we’ve been there and I suppose it’s the late sunny days or me being in a super happy mood but it felt like everyone we encountered was mega nice. We seriously got like stopped by strangers to say how adorable Olivia is. Now why can’t these silly talent agencies see what the rest of the world sees in her?? *still no word from any of the ones I submitted last month, FML*

Run Liv Run!!

Chicks with accordians are pretty rad!!

Anyway, we really enjoyed walking around, noshing, bought some fruits and veggies and I somehow resisted kettle korn for the first time ever.
We stopped by this incredible shop and inturrupted a sewing class taking place. Everyone was really nice and the owner was adorable. I fell in love with the fabric in her shop *I was too chicken to take pics cause the class was watching me* but I promise to get some next time I go back.
Common Thread is my new fave shop, check out the lovely fabric I bought for Liv’s pillowcase dress.

The lighter print sooo reminds me of my Mommy’s bedding in the early 80s. It has a vintage feel to it and it’s lightweight like a pillowcase. The second print is bright and fun and looks like a mod little girl’s jumper *which I hope to make with my Mommy-in-law’s help* I asked the owner how I should venture into making her pillowcase dress as a novice and she gave me great advice, use the pillowcase dress I already own as my template…duh!
Aimee bought this guy for Liv’s birthday and it has the identical style that the pillowcase dress has. I am hoping to work on it this weekend. Oh, before I forget, whilst leaving the farmers market we saw the coolest car ever *and it’s a VW!!* I was pretty much drooling over the car but not for me…for Liv. I wanted to wait for the owners so I could make them an offer *in 15 years* for Liv’s first car.

So freaking cute!! I imagine curtains in the back and her surfboard on top. Sooo much cooler than my first car!

We did Mrs. Roper proud!!

Today my crafting buddy, Kim and I channeled our inner 70’s hippie and went to a macramé class at the Little Knittery. The guy teaching the class was so adorable. He said his mother taught him how to macramé when he was younger. At first I was standing there was a giant question mark on my head but after watching him demonstrate it several times I somehow picked it up. The class was scheduled to be 2 hours but we left after 4. After a few stumbles, I found my niche and got into a rhythm.

Me and our teacher, Kenny!! Isn’t he cute?

Once I got the hang of it, I did pretty well
Kim was really feeling her Mrs Roper vibe…all she’s missing is a sweet ass fro.

My finished product…I LOVE our plant’s new outfit.

It was a Macra-Magical afternoon!!

Red Radio Flyer Wagon

Antz cleaned up and put the canopy on Olivia’s Radio Flyer wagon. Two words….LOVE IT!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I would love to take it to San Diego but my trunk isn’t having it.

 

This is just my everyday junk in the trunk, now add my suitcase, Liv and Antz bags, our beach gear, all her birthday swag and my laptop bag. Sigh, I suppose we’ll figure something out.
Story and Chris stopped by to pick up our house keys *they are housesitting for us* and I made yummy Mai Tais with fresh squeezed orange juice from our backyard.
We are both pretty tired but we have to pack. We have an early wake up call tomorrow since we are picking up our Moms to come to Liv’s World Citizen class pre birthday party.

The Wings made their big debut

Last night I slaved in my home “sweatshop” and the toils of my labor produced these guys.

Once we put them on Liv, she literally flew off. She wouldn’t sit still for a photo.
 

 

I can’t help but be proud of my craftsmanship!
Liv wore them to Evelyn & Dion’s Bittersweet Going Away party today. Why bittersweet you ask? I am completely sads they will be away for 27 months, however, seems like more reason to travel to Paraguay to visit, right? It just so happens 2 of the Wonders of the World happen to be in the vicinity of South America *#14 & #24* The good news is they have Skype, a local phone number and they will keep us updated via their blog.
It was incredible to see so many friends and family that came out to support D & E. We filled up on pizza and hung out for a few hours.

I really want to make some wings for me *although Antz won’t be seen in public with me if I wore them*
Isn’t it ironic that they took this pic in front of the Exit sign at their going away party…spooky!

Uhh, hello double chins!

I love this photo!

Liv’s cousin Justin held Liv!! Normally you couldn’t pry him away from his beloved video games…boys!

LOVE Liv’s Bratface!!! She was having a brat attack because we wouldn’t give her any pizza.

Antz showed Liv his Bratface
Tons of people

Her wings stayed put the entire time *YAY*

Thanks for the rad times, the bebesitting, the laughs, the amazing memories. We love you both and wish you an incredible journey. These guys are such an inspiration!! *tears*
After the party we went to register Liv for swimming lessons and luckily we got the last spot for Saturdays *sweet* I worked on another crafty project for Liv’s 1st but it’s top secret.
Love & Junk,
Lizzie

I’m pretty much winging it

Pun Intended!! I was giving myself a migraine for the past week trying to create a template to cut the tons of fabric for these darn wings.

I drew out each individual wing and cut them out

The process took over 4 hours, tedious to say the least. 14 layers, my hands are killing me!

I folded them in half and just cut down the middle for each side

Zipped it through the ole sewing machine and VOILA!!

Tomorrow, I’ll measure the ribbon on Liv and sew it to the wings and all done! I should have gone to bed an hour ago but I was too excited to stop.
Tomorrow we’re registering Liv for swim lessons and then going to Dion & Evelyn‘s going away party. They requested everyone give them recipes to take to Paraguay so I wrote one for Asparagus Penne *cause they eat all healthy and junk*
Hope they aren’t reading this…ahem D & E, disregard the above! Or try to look surprised mañana. Loves ❤

Happy May Day!!

So after throwing my hands up trying to upload photos to make our Shutterfly photobook we ran a bunch of errands. Stop one was CVS to print out some pictures for Liz’s bebe book. They don’t sell Sunday papers so we went to a local grocery store and I scored my coupons!! Nearly everything on my Target list now has a coupon so I am super happy. Next we grabbed pizza from our favorite place in Silverlake. We stopped by an Open House at a new store called Atwater Village Farm. They were giving out yummy samples and I signed up for events. We had to hurry over downtown since everything closes early on Sunday and at first I was worried all the fabric district was closed but we found a ton places that were still open. At first I was discouraged because I wanted to buy less than a yard since I won’t need that much material for the wings but every place said I had to buy a minimum of 1 yard and most of the fabric was $4.99 per yard. I wanted at least 12 different colors like the photos

She has 13 layers on hers and I wanted to stay as close to her color palette as possible. So after a few lame stores, a guy helping us whispered for us to go around the corner and we’ll find a much more affordable spot. Ummm, yesh please!

Now I’ve always had my doubts when shopping on the Eastside of downtown. There is a clear line between camp and tacky and I was worried I would find shitty prints and gross fabric but I found the most adorable fabrics at the giant store. They were closing when we got there so they had to push us out the door but everything was looking FABulous. I could see going there to buy fabric to reupholster chairs and couches for our next house. I also LOVE the colors I bought *a steal at $1.99 per yard* I bought 12 different colors and I’m keeping it a secret until I finish the project *in case it turns out lame*
So we came home and vegged out but by nightfall Antz felt like taking an evening stroll so we tried a new route in Los Feliz Village and came upon this treasure

Spitfire Girl

It was total happenstance that we were walking by this shop and we saw it was the only place open. We popped in when my jaw hit the floor. It was basically a miniature Anthropologie meshed with Oscura from Oddities. Translation: REALLY FUCKING COOL! I literally wanted to buy everything I saw. They had the Owl umbrella stand I’ve had on my wishlist forever, really lovely Victorian pieces and artwork. I want it ALL!! These were the only pictures I was able to snap because I was so busy drooling over everything. Wouldn’t fate have it that I left my wallet in the car…Aimee & I will have to go next week!!

Aimee has been wanting a terrarium for her new place…

The shop owner *I’m guessing, not quite sure* is in this pic, is mega rad, they had taxidermy pieces that were both creepy in a Hitchcock way and also interesting in a nerdy way. Okay, I got to go…David Gerken *my CNN crush*  is on.
I leave you with Obamapimp!!