No comment. Just.... no comment. Following Thumper's rule.
Check back on May 3. Hopefully there will be a comment (and I might ignore Thumper's rule then).
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
The Wedding Party Totes
I have yet to really sing the praises for these...but I received the tote bags I ordered for my Bridal Party. They are gorgeous. AND was it ever fast! Seriously, fast. I ordered them on April 5 (a Sunday) and I had the totes in hand on April 11 (a Saturday). It took less than a week.
Here are the gorgeous totes!
and a close up
The lighting is kinda bad, but the totes are really really nice!
I got my totes at http://www.justembroideredtotes.com/page/page/4619797.htm
And I really can't wait to give them to my Peeps! I'm sure they are going to love them (Particularly those with names that just do not appear on things...or if they do, they aren't spelled right!)
Here are the gorgeous totes!
and a close up
The lighting is kinda bad, but the totes are really really nice!
I got my totes at http://www.justembroideredtotes.com/page/page/4619797.htm
And I really can't wait to give them to my Peeps! I'm sure they are going to love them (Particularly those with names that just do not appear on things...or if they do, they aren't spelled right!)
Soap Opera
I really enjoyed making the soaps for the wedding, so much so that I'd like to continue it as a for-profit craft project. This weekend, I'm planning on going down to our Farmer's Market and finding out how much a spot there costs....I would not need a big one. And once I know that, I'll probably invest some more in it -- plus there is also always Etsy.com.
Right now, I've pretty much got three molds -- one of which is rather wedding specific, so not much commercial use. John's planning on making me another claddagh one that is more general. I want to get a couple basic bar soap molds (oval and rectangle), and probably a soap loaf. I prefer to work with silicone, as demolding is SO much easier. (Other molds tend to require a trip to the freezer.)
But I do have several scents/looks figured out for the soaps.
1. Rosemary and Goats Milk: Very natural soap. Goat's Milk Soap (Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Stearate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Coconut oil, Sodium Laurate, Sodium Myristate, Triethanolamine, Sodium Cocoate, Purified Water, Goat's Milk, Titanium Dioxide, DMDM Hydantoin), Rosemary.
That is fresh rosemary there... it really gives off a nice aroma. Rosemary seems to carry more strongly than other scents do. I intend to put this soap in oval bar format. It will probably be about 4 to 5 ounces.
2. White Tea and Ginger. This one has the same Goat's Milk base as the Rosemary, but has two fragrances added into it: White Tea and Ginger. The ginger scent is: Fresh ginger notes enhanced by notes of nutmeg, lime, lemon, and black currants. Middle notes of jasmine, base notes of white musk. The White tea scent is: White tea is the principal ingredient. Notes include: Artemisia Leaves, Ambrette, White Pepper, White Tea, Musk, Woody Amber. Phthalate-Free. It's a very unisex scent. This one also has some natural loofah included in it.
This will be another oval bar. I'd leave it like this, except the soap doesn't look very unisex.
3. Butterfly Wings: Another Goat's Milk based product. This one also has fresh lavendar in it. The added fragrance is a very light floral with notes of apple blossom, lily of the valley and rose petals. In addition to Goat's Milk, it has Aloe Vera soap blend added. (Bleached deodorized coconut oil, sodium cocoate, sodium myristate, sodium laurate, sodium stearate, sodium laureth sulfate, glycerin, propylene glycol, sucrose, triethanolamine, aloe vera leaf extracts, water.)
Butterfly wings might end up in the hummingbird mold seen above. That mold produces a 5.5 ounce soap.
4. Ambrosia: Ambrosia is a clear glycerin product. The fragrance is lightly fruity with top notes of tart kiwi, middle notes of lilac and tiger lily, with fresh based notes of pineapples and pears. The soap itself is made up of Coconut oil, sodium cocoate, sodium palmitate, sodium laurate, sodium stearate, glycerin, sodium laureth sulfate, propylene glycol, sucrose, triethanolamine, water. A touch of purple coloring was added to give the soap a fun feel.
I like this one in this mold. It is approximately 3.5 ounces.
5. Monkey Farts: Yes... I know. Crazy name! But the smell is amazingly nice. It would be a great soap for kids. It would either be a regular bar soap, or a more boy friendly bar than is presently seen. It is also glycerine based. The fragrance has top notes of fresh bananas and juicy grapefruit, middle notes of kiwi, juicy bubblegum, and strawberries, and a hint of vanilla as a base note
The color... ah, now THAT is my secret.
6. Tootie Frootie: This will be the same scent as Monkey Farts, only in a Goat's Milk base, and placed in the oval bar mold. (No picture yet.)
7. Goat's Milk & Honey. No pictures of this one. It will be in the rectangular bar mold. Milk and Honey is just that ... with a dash of nutmeg, to give it a little bit of spice
8. Clover-Mint: Goat's Milk soap base. The Clover-Mint is seen in the wedding DIY area. It will be in the rectangular bar mold.
I really like the ones that have a little bit of something added, whether it is an herb or a flower or some loofah.
Right now, I've pretty much got three molds -- one of which is rather wedding specific, so not much commercial use. John's planning on making me another claddagh one that is more general. I want to get a couple basic bar soap molds (oval and rectangle), and probably a soap loaf. I prefer to work with silicone, as demolding is SO much easier. (Other molds tend to require a trip to the freezer.)
But I do have several scents/looks figured out for the soaps.
1. Rosemary and Goats Milk: Very natural soap. Goat's Milk Soap (Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Stearate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Coconut oil, Sodium Laurate, Sodium Myristate, Triethanolamine, Sodium Cocoate, Purified Water, Goat's Milk, Titanium Dioxide, DMDM Hydantoin), Rosemary.
That is fresh rosemary there... it really gives off a nice aroma. Rosemary seems to carry more strongly than other scents do. I intend to put this soap in oval bar format. It will probably be about 4 to 5 ounces.
2. White Tea and Ginger. This one has the same Goat's Milk base as the Rosemary, but has two fragrances added into it: White Tea and Ginger. The ginger scent is: Fresh ginger notes enhanced by notes of nutmeg, lime, lemon, and black currants. Middle notes of jasmine, base notes of white musk. The White tea scent is: White tea is the principal ingredient. Notes include: Artemisia Leaves, Ambrette, White Pepper, White Tea, Musk, Woody Amber. Phthalate-Free. It's a very unisex scent. This one also has some natural loofah included in it.
This will be another oval bar. I'd leave it like this, except the soap doesn't look very unisex.
3. Butterfly Wings: Another Goat's Milk based product. This one also has fresh lavendar in it. The added fragrance is a very light floral with notes of apple blossom, lily of the valley and rose petals. In addition to Goat's Milk, it has Aloe Vera soap blend added. (Bleached deodorized coconut oil, sodium cocoate, sodium myristate, sodium laurate, sodium stearate, sodium laureth sulfate, glycerin, propylene glycol, sucrose, triethanolamine, aloe vera leaf extracts, water.)
Butterfly wings might end up in the hummingbird mold seen above. That mold produces a 5.5 ounce soap.
4. Ambrosia: Ambrosia is a clear glycerin product. The fragrance is lightly fruity with top notes of tart kiwi, middle notes of lilac and tiger lily, with fresh based notes of pineapples and pears. The soap itself is made up of Coconut oil, sodium cocoate, sodium palmitate, sodium laurate, sodium stearate, glycerin, sodium laureth sulfate, propylene glycol, sucrose, triethanolamine, water. A touch of purple coloring was added to give the soap a fun feel.
I like this one in this mold. It is approximately 3.5 ounces.
5. Monkey Farts: Yes... I know. Crazy name! But the smell is amazingly nice. It would be a great soap for kids. It would either be a regular bar soap, or a more boy friendly bar than is presently seen. It is also glycerine based. The fragrance has top notes of fresh bananas and juicy grapefruit, middle notes of kiwi, juicy bubblegum, and strawberries, and a hint of vanilla as a base note
The color... ah, now THAT is my secret.
6. Tootie Frootie: This will be the same scent as Monkey Farts, only in a Goat's Milk base, and placed in the oval bar mold. (No picture yet.)
7. Goat's Milk & Honey. No pictures of this one. It will be in the rectangular bar mold. Milk and Honey is just that ... with a dash of nutmeg, to give it a little bit of spice
8. Clover-Mint: Goat's Milk soap base. The Clover-Mint is seen in the wedding DIY area. It will be in the rectangular bar mold.
I really like the ones that have a little bit of something added, whether it is an herb or a flower or some loofah.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
letting down
I've been a member of several RPGs for many years. Just to break that down -- it's role playing games, and ours are writing groups--specifically for The Magnificent Seven, a television show that went off the air in 1999. One of the groups has literally been around for eight years. That's a really long time. However, I have not watched an episode of this show in at least three years, and I really do not feel inspired to write for it anymore. I'd like to move on to writing original fiction, rather than serial fanfiction with a soap operatic twist.
The problem? There are other people in these groups who will be disappointed. My characters are so immersed that removing them would drastically alter anything that they might choose to do. It's a bit like I'm still there, not because I want to be, but because I do not want to upset the other writers.
But, I find myself drifting apart from the groups, and writing my parts is a chore. I don't enjoy it.
I'm going to have to bite the bullet and send in a "It's been great writing with you" note to all of them.
I would like to start writing an original piece, but I don't feel I can while doing this. At the same time, these groups have really helped me hone my story telling and character development skills. It's just time to move on. Sometimes, though, I think we feel the good bye well before we actually say it.
The problem? There are other people in these groups who will be disappointed. My characters are so immersed that removing them would drastically alter anything that they might choose to do. It's a bit like I'm still there, not because I want to be, but because I do not want to upset the other writers.
But, I find myself drifting apart from the groups, and writing my parts is a chore. I don't enjoy it.
I'm going to have to bite the bullet and send in a "It's been great writing with you" note to all of them.
I would like to start writing an original piece, but I don't feel I can while doing this. At the same time, these groups have really helped me hone my story telling and character development skills. It's just time to move on. Sometimes, though, I think we feel the good bye well before we actually say it.
Of Soaps and Songs and Sunlight
Today is going to be busy. Right now, I'm waiting on my laundry to finish drying, so that I can go to the grocery store before choir practice. And the soaps? Already made three today. I made a White Tea and Ginger -- very fragrant (see... that'll teach Bath and Body Works to discontinue my favorite scent!)...it's light, but also unisex. Basically White Tea and Ginger with loofah and goats milk. I really like the goats milk base. It's very creamy and lathers quite nicely.
The other soaps are done (yay!) and wrapped up. Now they get to sit for a while. I placed them each in a sort of cardboard soap dish, so our guests will have a place to sit them, if they choose to use them at the hotel.
And my first batch of Goat Milk & Honey soaps are finished. I just used one, and I really like it. Light, clean scent. Very sudsy.
Choir is having practice today because we have our Flower Communion tomorrow, and we're actually doing a LOT of music for that. Choir is going to be rather busy for the remainder actually. We have Flower Communion tomorrow, Earth Day next week, and then our Music Sunday is the first Sunday in May. Then we're done for the summer. But what is amazing is that we do not have a full time pianist, and our long time choir director quit (honestly, I don't blame him....it's a lot of work for a volunteer job). Unfortunately, his wife was our strong alto, and she's not been back either -- so we had to build an alto section. at the start, it looked insurmountable, but I'm really proud of what we've done over this season. We have built repertoire, taught new hymns, and had a consistent presence in the service. Not bad for a little choir of 9 and no piano.
After choir, John and I are going out to the park to ride our bikes -- and I'm picking up our picnic soon (come on dryer!). He insisted on helmets. Whatever -- anyway, I ended up buying a helmet designed for youth (8+) by Bell (It's black with pink and white flowers. Tres cute). We both got gloves. I expect to be sore again, but we'll get used to it.
Ta ta!
The other soaps are done (yay!) and wrapped up. Now they get to sit for a while. I placed them each in a sort of cardboard soap dish, so our guests will have a place to sit them, if they choose to use them at the hotel.
And my first batch of Goat Milk & Honey soaps are finished. I just used one, and I really like it. Light, clean scent. Very sudsy.
Choir is having practice today because we have our Flower Communion tomorrow, and we're actually doing a LOT of music for that. Choir is going to be rather busy for the remainder actually. We have Flower Communion tomorrow, Earth Day next week, and then our Music Sunday is the first Sunday in May. Then we're done for the summer. But what is amazing is that we do not have a full time pianist, and our long time choir director quit (honestly, I don't blame him....it's a lot of work for a volunteer job). Unfortunately, his wife was our strong alto, and she's not been back either -- so we had to build an alto section. at the start, it looked insurmountable, but I'm really proud of what we've done over this season. We have built repertoire, taught new hymns, and had a consistent presence in the service. Not bad for a little choir of 9 and no piano.
After choir, John and I are going out to the park to ride our bikes -- and I'm picking up our picnic soon (come on dryer!). He insisted on helmets. Whatever -- anyway, I ended up buying a helmet designed for youth (8+) by Bell (It's black with pink and white flowers. Tres cute). We both got gloves. I expect to be sore again, but we'll get used to it.
Ta ta!
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Yard Sailing
Today, I finally did the yard sale I started preparing for over a year ago. Yes, I am afraid I did procratinate that long. Did pretty well too! We earned $118 (yay!). Of course, while there, John spotted something he really wanted (EARLY too... I mean, at 7 am). What was it? Bicycles. One of the people there had two bikes, each at $35. He watched them all day. No one bought them...though I think they had a couple nibbles, but no actual takers. So, when they were packing up, he said "Wonder if they'll take $30 for both." So I handed him $30 from our proceeds. Actually, they dickered up to $40. So, for $40, we got TWO (count 'em) TWO bicycles. They have a little bit of maintenance issues -- his needed a new seat since it was a bit hard. Mine has a decent seat, but I'm getting a memory foam seat cover. Of course, I had to get a bike rack. You can see where this is going can't you? We pretty much spent the whole yard sale take on bike things.
But that is okay! It's healthy, it's something we can do together. We traded the pile of junk that has been living in my living room for a year for something he has really missed since moving here. Of course, it has been over 20 years since I rode a bicycle. We had briefly considered renting them while in Hawaii; however, for some reason, we decided against--probably how long it had been since I had ridden, since Gen, my Maid of Honor, definitively had lots of biking experience.
The most terrifying part of the day came when it was time to go home. Keep in mind, at a yard sale, you never sell everything. And I was not bringing that stuff back home. No, it was going to the Good Will. But my car was loaded. Granted, it was loaded significantly less than when we got there that morning. John's car is still pretty loaded. Getting the bikes in them....not an option. How to get the bikes home? You guessed it, we rode them....then walked back to the location of the yard sale, and took the cars. Fortunately, we live pretty close. Unfortunately, it is a hugely busy street, and we had a mega intersection to traverse. AND, as I said, I have not ridden a bike in 20 years. I was so worried I was going to fall and not only hurt myself with lots of scrapes....but also get tire treads on me. Normally, my street is busy. But this weekend was "Zoo Weekend" and the main shuttle pick up point is on my street. It was busy. But we managed to get home and back to the cars all safe and sound.
Then we actually decided to go to a park and ride our new toys. It was really nice and invigorating. Plus, I felt like I was getting some real exercise. I'm really looking forward to the muscles that will start complaining tomorrow. Right now, I think they are in shock. Of course, my legs have been hurting for no reason lately....at least they now have an excuse.
The bikes are both Roadmasters. Mine is pink and purple (very cute). John's is blue. I do want to get a handlebar bag...but we did already get our bottle holder -- they actually have a place built into the frame for that! Awesome.
And the bike rack was on sale! (Normally $60, on sale for $40. Good timing.) I have to say, the way we got the bikes loaded in the car worked, but was not exactly the best way to do it. Next time, it will be so much easier.
But that is okay! It's healthy, it's something we can do together. We traded the pile of junk that has been living in my living room for a year for something he has really missed since moving here. Of course, it has been over 20 years since I rode a bicycle. We had briefly considered renting them while in Hawaii; however, for some reason, we decided against--probably how long it had been since I had ridden, since Gen, my Maid of Honor, definitively had lots of biking experience.
The most terrifying part of the day came when it was time to go home. Keep in mind, at a yard sale, you never sell everything. And I was not bringing that stuff back home. No, it was going to the Good Will. But my car was loaded. Granted, it was loaded significantly less than when we got there that morning. John's car is still pretty loaded. Getting the bikes in them....not an option. How to get the bikes home? You guessed it, we rode them....then walked back to the location of the yard sale, and took the cars. Fortunately, we live pretty close. Unfortunately, it is a hugely busy street, and we had a mega intersection to traverse. AND, as I said, I have not ridden a bike in 20 years. I was so worried I was going to fall and not only hurt myself with lots of scrapes....but also get tire treads on me. Normally, my street is busy. But this weekend was "Zoo Weekend" and the main shuttle pick up point is on my street. It was busy. But we managed to get home and back to the cars all safe and sound.
Then we actually decided to go to a park and ride our new toys. It was really nice and invigorating. Plus, I felt like I was getting some real exercise. I'm really looking forward to the muscles that will start complaining tomorrow. Right now, I think they are in shock. Of course, my legs have been hurting for no reason lately....at least they now have an excuse.
The bikes are both Roadmasters. Mine is pink and purple (very cute). John's is blue. I do want to get a handlebar bag...but we did already get our bottle holder -- they actually have a place built into the frame for that! Awesome.
And the bike rack was on sale! (Normally $60, on sale for $40. Good timing.) I have to say, the way we got the bikes loaded in the car worked, but was not exactly the best way to do it. Next time, it will be so much easier.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
The Frames
A couple of days ago, I said I'd upload some images of the picture frames that John has been working on. These are completely made from scratch. He's really good! See, MY projects take something and enhance it somewhat -- his are absolutely 100% from scratch.
This image shows two frames -- one showing the front and one showing the back. The only thing not in them at the time of this picture was the piece of plastic to protect the picture itself. He's added those now.
This is a close up of the front of the frame. It is our wedding logo. He made this by literally carving the design and then casting a preliminary cut, which got a little bit of fine tuning. Then he created the final mold. These are resin frames which have been painted black with silver. The over under of the line for the heart knots took FOREVER, but the effect is so worth it.
The back of the frame. Cardboard covered with felt. There is a little door hatch. Frame doohickeys are really hard to find.
I'm really proud of how these came out. He did a phenomonal job. And he's about to create another claddagh mold that is different from ours, that he'll be selling. The overall effect of these frames is just amazing, and I know that had we had these commissioned, we'd have paid easily 5 times the actual monetary cost (and it would have been a steal at that). John has put SO much work into these.
It's kind of funny how they evolved. Hobby Lobby is the root of all evil, it really is. At Christmas time, we were looking at something and somehow came up with the idea of making these things. I'm not even sure whose idea the frames were. (A lot of our wedding stuff is like that. Suggestion, counter suggestion, image, evolution.... both of us had input on almost everything. But the actual work of this was *all* him. I would not have had a clue where to begin.) MANY different methods were tried before he came upon one that worked. But seeing them - concept realized - is just a thrill.
The funny thing: he's an artist, but he has not really ever given out his artwork before. He has not really done sculpture in about 20 years. And he's sculpting these amazing frames, and making molds for my soaps. He sculpted my soap mold too (see below). It's amazing how many standard things we're actively producing ourselves rather than buying. Candles, soaps, bags, veils, and frames.
And I am really proud of all of it. It doesn't look cheap or subpar. Well, HIS stuff. My stuff looks home crafted. His item looks like it was professionally produced. (And I'm good with that.)
This image shows two frames -- one showing the front and one showing the back. The only thing not in them at the time of this picture was the piece of plastic to protect the picture itself. He's added those now.
This is a close up of the front of the frame. It is our wedding logo. He made this by literally carving the design and then casting a preliminary cut, which got a little bit of fine tuning. Then he created the final mold. These are resin frames which have been painted black with silver. The over under of the line for the heart knots took FOREVER, but the effect is so worth it.
The back of the frame. Cardboard covered with felt. There is a little door hatch. Frame doohickeys are really hard to find.
I'm really proud of how these came out. He did a phenomonal job. And he's about to create another claddagh mold that is different from ours, that he'll be selling. The overall effect of these frames is just amazing, and I know that had we had these commissioned, we'd have paid easily 5 times the actual monetary cost (and it would have been a steal at that). John has put SO much work into these.
It's kind of funny how they evolved. Hobby Lobby is the root of all evil, it really is. At Christmas time, we were looking at something and somehow came up with the idea of making these things. I'm not even sure whose idea the frames were. (A lot of our wedding stuff is like that. Suggestion, counter suggestion, image, evolution.... both of us had input on almost everything. But the actual work of this was *all* him. I would not have had a clue where to begin.) MANY different methods were tried before he came upon one that worked. But seeing them - concept realized - is just a thrill.
The funny thing: he's an artist, but he has not really ever given out his artwork before. He has not really done sculpture in about 20 years. And he's sculpting these amazing frames, and making molds for my soaps. He sculpted my soap mold too (see below). It's amazing how many standard things we're actively producing ourselves rather than buying. Candles, soaps, bags, veils, and frames.
And I am really proud of all of it. It doesn't look cheap or subpar. Well, HIS stuff. My stuff looks home crafted. His item looks like it was professionally produced. (And I'm good with that.)
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