The Match Factory is inspired by an old family story about an individual leaving the North ready to set the world on fire but always being drawn back, “Looking for more matches.”
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Give Away Bonanza
The amount of fabulous giveaways going on right now on people's blogs really is incredible. I can't win them all so I guess I'll share. Don't say I never did nuthin' for you!
This post is inspired by Mary Lou's Art [AD]Venture. She's giving away the beautiful bracelet shown at the top of this post. Head over and enter, you have until December 12th.
Satin Doll is giving a way a cute little cell phone charm here.
Joyful Spirit Photography is giving away prints through facebook.
Daniel Montoya Studio is giving away digital Collage Sheets here.
Last but certainly not least is an amazing giveaway of an heirloom blanket over on Irish Rose Creations. I know how long it takes to make a blanket like that and I'm amazed that anyone would give that away to a stranger. Go give her some love!
After all that... I'm going to go and give some love to A Cup of Jo. She does these linky type posts all the time and I had no idea how much work it was!
Sunday, December 6, 2009
What Have I Been Up to You Ask?
Why Christmas knitting of course. Which means I can't show you any of it as it is all top secret for another few weeks.
One thing I can tell you about is Anne Hanson's effort to help get people out knitting scarves for the Red Scarf Project. The idea of this is that orphans who have aged out of the foster care system have very little support. The Red Scarf Project make up a care package, delivered near Valentine's Day to show these people that they are not alone or forgotten.
As an added carrot Anne has put together a thread on Ravelry. Anyone who posts a picture of a finished scarf ready to be mailed out for the December 15th deadline is entered in a draw for an amazing prize donated by many different wool vendors.
There's still time. It took me two days to knit up my scarf. Pics tomorrow as right now it's wet and blocking (not to mention really to dark for pictures.)
Friday, November 27, 2009
Flowers Flowers Everywhere
It is so grey and blah outside. I've been working to make my little flower projects into something useful AND pretty. Enter Flower Pins. These are broaches that you can use to decorate anything, your coat, purse, hat, dog. Whatever you can put a safety pin on you can put Flower Pins on. Check em out.
A little shameless self promotion here folks. ;o) If these don't interest you, do take the time to support the indie artist that does catch your eye. Shop local, shop indy.
A little shameless self promotion here folks. ;o) If these don't interest you, do take the time to support the indie artist that does catch your eye. Shop local, shop indy.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Revival
Well, Matt has been at it again. Check out the fantastic new Creepy Puppet Project, Revival.
I have to thank Matt for all the props he gave me on this project. It was tonnes of fun to work on. I'll try and post some 'making of' stuff soon.
I have to thank Matt for all the props he gave me on this project. It was tonnes of fun to work on. I'll try and post some 'making of' stuff soon.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Four Mondays....
There are four more mondays until Christmas. That's serious knitting and shopping time folks. What's your plan this year? Can I suggest this year that you think about where your shopping money is going? Check out these stats from 350.org
Stop by and check out what other people are doing on Buy Handmade. Take the pledge.
Or check out Etsy. I have a shop there but don't stick to just that. There are SO many cool things, I'm sure you can find something.
Stop by and check out what other people are doing on Buy Handmade. Take the pledge.
Or check out Etsy. I have a shop there but don't stick to just that. There are SO many cool things, I'm sure you can find something.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Christmas scarf wall
Check out the fab pic of my friend Matt wearing the Doctor Who scarf I made for him last year in this article. Matt is totally responsible for the great picture. His website link is to the right.
Christmas scarf wall
Posted using ShareThis
Christmas scarf wall
Posted using ShareThis
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Seriously
The world needs more beauty, more acts of rebellion, more acts of fun.... what have you done today to make your neighbours wonder?
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Halloween is Always Busy
And I love it! Seriously, what a perfect holiday. There's no pressure, no feelings of gotta or I should. Just what do I want to do for the night that's fun? I threw things together to make myself a vampire. Very trendy. When it all came together I felt a little like a lion tamer. ;o) Whatever, I made it out for the night, had a great time.
The picture above is me minus the rockin' leather jacket, trying on a friend's Darth Vadar helmet. Bea Vader.... that rocks.
So it was a quiet year despite feeling so busy. I made: a flapper, a Max outfit, a super hero cape (best cape EVAR, I should get permission to post those pics) a kid vampire as well as my vampire and a Bat Girl outfit. Much fun.
Happy Hallowe'en everyone!
Saturday, October 17, 2009
A Happy Place
The Place of Wild Things
When despair for the world grows in me
and I wake in the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,
I go down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
I come into the place of wild things
who do not tax their lives with forethought
of grief. I come into the presence of still water.
And I feel above me the day-blind stars
waiting with their light. For a time
I rest in the grace of the world and am free.
I don't know who to credit this poem to but it's worth reading for sure.
When despair for the world grows in me
and I wake in the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,
I go down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
I come into the place of wild things
who do not tax their lives with forethought
of grief. I come into the presence of still water.
And I feel above me the day-blind stars
waiting with their light. For a time
I rest in the grace of the world and am free.
I don't know who to credit this poem to but it's worth reading for sure.
Friday, October 16, 2009
An Entire Week!
Wow, time flies. I have been working away on listing things on my Etsy shop, starting a couple of halloween costumes and generally being busy. Not sure why I don't have much to show for it?! Blame the short week I suppose.
What are you going to be for halloween? I think I'm resurecting a pirate costume from times gone by. I can't seem to find the tutorial I read on making pirate boot spats but it's here someplace I'm sure. That way I can wear my sensible shoes, actually stay out past 11 and not be horrible uncomfortable! Stay posted for pics.
What are you going to be for halloween? I think I'm resurecting a pirate costume from times gone by. I can't seem to find the tutorial I read on making pirate boot spats but it's here someplace I'm sure. That way I can wear my sensible shoes, actually stay out past 11 and not be horrible uncomfortable! Stay posted for pics.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Cleaning House
I have too much stuff. What is getting to me right now is the clothing variety. Vintage, prototypes, experiments that weren't just right. So many one of a kind garments around here that have never been worn. Saving all of it is not an option at this point so I'm going to use my Etsy shop as a clearing house. There's a link on the right hand bar of my blog or for those of you in a reader, click HERE. My goal is to list one thing everyday. I'm cleaning out so things are going cheap... all sorts of sizes and flavours! Keep an eye, something might be just what you are looking for.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Flowers, Flowers Everywhere
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
I Have a Farm
Jump over and read Sharon Astyk's post "Is it a farm yet?" So true, why do we minimize what we do and the food we grow?
While I'm talking about Sharon, her new book Independence Days is coming out soon. I've enjoyed Sharon's other books as they are well balanced between the hard reality of the future and the positive attitude that what we do makes a difference. Buy a copy, I'm sure you won't regret it.
While I'm talking about Sharon, her new book Independence Days is coming out soon. I've enjoyed Sharon's other books as they are well balanced between the hard reality of the future and the positive attitude that what we do makes a difference. Buy a copy, I'm sure you won't regret it.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Some Subtle Bling
This is a pretty little thing I made from a clients hem left overs! She now has a broach that matches 3 of her pairs of pants. I'm not sure it's entirely original, I've seen things like this around the blog-o-sphere but I think what it is a nice little touch to give back to a great client. What would you think if something like this is included in with your garments?
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Wow....
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Not Scary At All
**Warning**
This post contains gratuitous photos of a pretty soft knitted item. Peruse at your own risk. No zombies were harmed in the creating of this blog post.
This lovely piece of pretty has been done for a while, in fact since July. Of course I didn't block it until two days before the fair because apparently I don't get much done without a deadline. This is Anne Hanson's Boxleaf wrap(rav link), knit up in Dream in Colour, Starry which actually has real silver threads in it. It's very pretty and smooshy, the silver isn't apparent at all to the touch. The sparkle is subtle and pretty.
Overall, a hit. Also, considering much of it was knit under the influence a large quantity of pain killers I'm happy it's even a rectangle!
This post contains gratuitous photos of a pretty soft knitted item. Peruse at your own risk. No zombies were harmed in the creating of this blog post.
This lovely piece of pretty has been done for a while, in fact since July. Of course I didn't block it until two days before the fair because apparently I don't get much done without a deadline. This is Anne Hanson's Boxleaf wrap(rav link), knit up in Dream in Colour, Starry which actually has real silver threads in it. It's very pretty and smooshy, the silver isn't apparent at all to the touch. The sparkle is subtle and pretty.
Overall, a hit. Also, considering much of it was knit under the influence a large quantity of pain killers I'm happy it's even a rectangle!
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Chat Noir Hijinks
You should all go over to Chat Noir's blog, A Voice in the Wilderness. Check out their great blog posts on the fun window they put together for the Jane Austin take off books Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters as well as Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. That's what the zombie hand was about last week.
In fact, they have also been featured on Raincoast Book's blog.
Well done guys. We really have to do stuff like this more often. Made my week.
In fact, they have also been featured on Raincoast Book's blog.
Well done guys. We really have to do stuff like this more often. Made my week.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
5, 4, 3, 2 ...1
50 scarecrows
4 friends
3 trucks
2 dogs
1 beautiful day
caveat: there was a jeep, more friends and family showed up to play, not to mention two beautiful little girls... We all had a load of fun. All the scarecrows were hung in down town New Liskeard today so I'll be sure and try and get some photos tomorrow.
4 friends
3 trucks
2 dogs
1 beautiful day
caveat: there was a jeep, more friends and family showed up to play, not to mention two beautiful little girls... We all had a load of fun. All the scarecrows were hung in down town New Liskeard today so I'll be sure and try and get some photos tomorrow.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Yup....
Once again, life got away on me there. I've been all over the province, in the garden, working hard (even in someone else's garden) and in general trying to get back to some semblance of what I see as 'normal'.
I have a job to make 50 of these guys. This is 10. Where am I going to put them all!?
This is what was left of the herb patch after we ripped it out of it's back yard garden in Toronto. I wish I had taken a pic of where the herbs got moved to. Gorgeous.
and I got to make some new friends....
Yup, I've been busy. ;o)
I have a job to make 50 of these guys. This is 10. Where am I going to put them all!?
This is what was left of the herb patch after we ripped it out of it's back yard garden in Toronto. I wish I had taken a pic of where the herbs got moved to. Gorgeous.
and I got to make some new friends....
Yup, I've been busy. ;o)
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Canoeing...
What a fab week away. We lucked out and managed to park ourselves right in the sunny bubble that the storms (mostly) went around. I am tanned, relaxed and motivated to get back to work.
The Match Factory is open again and ready for business. Bring it on!
Independance Days
Plant Something: nuthin'
Harvest Something: eggs, PYO strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, beet greens, radishes
Preserve Something: frozen strawberries, zuchinni chips
Reduce Waste: scraps to the chickens
Preparations and Storage: does saving two chicks and raising them in the kitchen count?
Build Community Food Systems: Showed my neighbours around the chicken pen, mostly to entertain their little girl but maybe they will be a little more understanding of Charlie crowing "every hour, on the hour." ;o)
Eat the Food: mmmmm... lots of lovely fruit. I must get back out and see if I can get enough raspberries for over the winter.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Thursday, July 23, 2009
More late night Adventures
Please, someone tell me that having chickens is worth this kind of stress. Both of the chickens in the below pic are gone. Victims of racoons. I have now the adorable (and loud) little guy in the above pic hanging out in a box in the kitchen. One other chick hatched and didn't make it. The other 12 eggs have heat on them but I'm not feeling hopeful there. It's 2 am and I really should be sleeping. Damn. I was hours, hours away from happy healthy hatch. The damn rooster wouldn't go back to his roost so I left the door open for him. Damn.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Independence Days
I didn't post my Independence Days last week. It really didn't feel like I did much around here but the weeks seemed to whiz by.
I did get some help and nabbed the non-broody chickens one evening moving them into the chicken tractor. This has solved the problem of them dumping more eggs on the sitting hen. However, everyone is incredibly unhappy with the the set up, with the exception of the one broody hen who never notices anything! The two hens are laying a lot less in the tractor and squawking like mad, Charlie, the rooster is unhappy to be no able to get to the two hens. When they squawk, he gets stressed. It's a lot more work for me as well. They are a lot less self-sufficient in the tractor with a smaller water reservoir, smaller food and having to move the tractor every couple of days. I'm on chick watch this week though so maybe this will end soon.
In other chicken news, I lost the Chantecler to a predator last week. Fox? Coyote? I'd gotten lazy not closing everyone in for the night and the culprit got right into the coop. Completely my fault. This is the other reason Charlie is unhappy, he's shut in at night and kept in the run when I'm not around.
Plant Something: nothing new, I'm afraid I've over planted the front bed. The squash seeds I gave up on and planted over sprouted. Now, do I just pull them out as it's too late in the season or just let them go and see what happens?
Harvest Something: eggs, grass clippings for bedding and mulch
Preserve Something: I got nothing...
Reduce Waste: I've started being the crazy lady that gets sent home from the cottage with all the iffy leftovers for the chickens. Free food for the girls, who can complain?
Preparations and Storage: did some chicken tractor renos and upkeep
Build Community Food Systems: share, share, share
Eat the Food: The usual eggs, meat, jellies.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
A Little Something
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Independence Days
Well, I'm working on a new computer and using some new software. Typing that title took two options changes and a help check. It's not a big deal really but sometimes it's just a little easier to stall than work on something.
What a crazy week. I started back to work Monday after narrowing avoiding having to call in sick for my first day back! I was hit by a nasty but short lived flu Saturday. I recovered fast enough to lay around in the sun a bit Sunday while it lasted.
Things did get done in the garden as well. On top of that I have two broody hens sitting on clutches right now. Does anyone have any idea of how to stop the other hens from sitting on top of them and adding to the clutch short of isolating the broody hens?
Also, does anyone have any ideas about what could be happening to my apricot tree? Second year running the fruit looks like it's coming along well and then all molds off and shrivels up to nothing before it even begins to ripen. Damn disappointing. I'm thinking this is why no one realized it was a fruit tree, a harvest is a freak occurrence.
Plant something: beets, carrots and bush beans. The planting happened in compost that I spread thickly in rows on top of the composting chicken bedding that is composting. I think it's generating some heat so we'll see if things will grow there.
Harvest something: basil
Preserve something: basil
Waste not: nothing out of the ordinary I think. Right now I'm cooking dinner completely from stuff around the house.
Prep/want not: Finally got the crab apples all pruned. I know, it's out of season but I didn't do it this winter and there was quite a bit of dead stuff to come out. One small one was mostly under the snow line and the mice had a winter feast. I may have to prune it more but the branches that appear to be girdled have some great little apples on them so for now they stay. The big crab I'm a bit concerned about. I should look back in my grandparent's records and see if I can see how old it is. It had lots of blooms but the foliage seems awfully sparse. I also draped some vapour barrier over the tomato cages. It's been so cool I got inspired to create a bit of a micro climate for them. It's open at both ends so it won't get hot but should help a bit.
Have a great week everyone. Hopefully the sun will peek out a while this week and I can get some pictures.
What a crazy week. I started back to work Monday after narrowing avoiding having to call in sick for my first day back! I was hit by a nasty but short lived flu Saturday. I recovered fast enough to lay around in the sun a bit Sunday while it lasted.
Things did get done in the garden as well. On top of that I have two broody hens sitting on clutches right now. Does anyone have any idea of how to stop the other hens from sitting on top of them and adding to the clutch short of isolating the broody hens?
Also, does anyone have any ideas about what could be happening to my apricot tree? Second year running the fruit looks like it's coming along well and then all molds off and shrivels up to nothing before it even begins to ripen. Damn disappointing. I'm thinking this is why no one realized it was a fruit tree, a harvest is a freak occurrence.
Plant something: beets, carrots and bush beans. The planting happened in compost that I spread thickly in rows on top of the composting chicken bedding that is composting. I think it's generating some heat so we'll see if things will grow there.
Harvest something: basil
Preserve something: basil
Waste not: nothing out of the ordinary I think. Right now I'm cooking dinner completely from stuff around the house.
Prep/want not: Finally got the crab apples all pruned. I know, it's out of season but I didn't do it this winter and there was quite a bit of dead stuff to come out. One small one was mostly under the snow line and the mice had a winter feast. I may have to prune it more but the branches that appear to be girdled have some great little apples on them so for now they stay. The big crab I'm a bit concerned about. I should look back in my grandparent's records and see if I can see how old it is. It had lots of blooms but the foliage seems awfully sparse. I also draped some vapour barrier over the tomato cages. It's been so cool I got inspired to create a bit of a micro climate for them. It's open at both ends so it won't get hot but should help a bit.
Have a great week everyone. Hopefully the sun will peek out a while this week and I can get some pictures.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Independence Days
This week’s post is a little sparse as was the week. I spent three days on the road to Ottawa for a specialist appointment. The good news is that my leg is looking good and unless I have any problems I’m good to go. I’ll get a hold of him in a year or so to get the plate taken out. YAY! Less road trips for me. I’m still not 100%, this is the first trip down by my self and wow, it took it out of me. I’m happy to be home and playing in the garden.
I do have a question. There are loads of mushrooms appearing in the composting bedding from the chicken coop. They appear overnight and are gone in the sunshine. Today is rainy and cool so I actually saw them while they still had caps. Any ideas what these guys are?
So on to the weekly update:
Plant Something: Yarrow, Thyme
Harvest Something: Rhubarb, eggs
Preserve Something: Rhubarb Marmalade
Reduce Waste: Fed some neglected fridge leftovers to the chickens.
Preparations and Storage: Does thinking about it count? I did use some of my water storage for ice packs from the freezer and replaced them with fresh water.
Build Community Food Systems: Not so much.
Eat the Food: Moose burgers….mmmm…
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Solar Oven
I found these instructions for a cheap and cheerful set up that I had to try. The windshield shade cost me $12 at Canadian Tire. A little more that what was mentioned in the article but hardly prohibitive. My pot is brown (with some funky 60's white detailing), hopefully dark enough to soak up the rays. While I was setting it up I had my hand on it contemplating the wind issue and immediately noticed how hot my hand and wrist got. This should work!
0900
The oven is set up and hopefully starting to work.
I soak some chick peas overnight. They are in there with lots of water, a dash of salt and a bay leaf to keep it interesting.
1000
Well, I don't know that the thermometer is going to work. It's a meat thermometer and may not work for ambient temperatures. Everything is heating up for sure though, the pot lid is too hot to hold and the water is pretty warm.
1100
Not much has changed. The thermometer wasn't working so it's inside the pot now.
1300
The temperature is sitting just over 40 degrees. It may cook those beans by this afternoon at this rate, maybe not. I don't think this is the solution for world hunger!?
Well, 1700 and I give up. The temps inside never made it above 50 C. That's not even boiling.Today was quite warm reaching at least 25 outside. I wonder if I need another layer? The article talked about a 'cooking bag' but I'm not comfortable with the idea of plastic reaching those sorts of temperatures. More research is needed.
I finished up the chick peas inside on the stove. Later tonight, hummous. Yay!
0900
The oven is set up and hopefully starting to work.
I soak some chick peas overnight. They are in there with lots of water, a dash of salt and a bay leaf to keep it interesting.
1000
Well, I don't know that the thermometer is going to work. It's a meat thermometer and may not work for ambient temperatures. Everything is heating up for sure though, the pot lid is too hot to hold and the water is pretty warm.
1100
Not much has changed. The thermometer wasn't working so it's inside the pot now.
1300
The temperature is sitting just over 40 degrees. It may cook those beans by this afternoon at this rate, maybe not. I don't think this is the solution for world hunger!?
Well, 1700 and I give up. The temps inside never made it above 50 C. That's not even boiling.Today was quite warm reaching at least 25 outside. I wonder if I need another layer? The article talked about a 'cooking bag' but I'm not comfortable with the idea of plastic reaching those sorts of temperatures. More research is needed.
I finished up the chick peas inside on the stove. Later tonight, hummous. Yay!
Monday, June 22, 2009
Independance Days
Independence Days is a call to action I read about on Sharon Astyk’s blog and is an effort to get people thinking about their food sources and working towards independence from the (more and more) unreliable factory food system. You should read her thoughts on the subject. She is far more eloquent than I.
A major factor for me was the car accident I was in late February. I didn’t live at home for almost three months. Currently I’m home and thrilled to be here. I’m getting around with a cane (except when I stubbornly leave it behind to try and carry more stuff!) So things are behind, getting things done takes way longer to do that it used to and I’m trying to be ok with that.
So on to the weekly update:
Plant Something: I potted up the basil and rosemary (purchased), put some pumpkin and squash seeds in the newly mulched bed (not hopeful there, the chicken manure hasn’t mellowed enough), expanded the asparagus bed by 18 plants.
Harvest Something: Rhubarb, asparagus, eggs
Preserve Something: Rhubarb pickles
Reduce Waste: This is a day to day thing for me, can’t think of anything extraordinary.
Preparations and Storage: Does expanding the front veg garden count? I had to finish cleaning out the chicken coop from the winter’s deep litter system and had way more ‘stuff’ to deal with than compost space. So I sheet mulched with newpaper and dumped the straw/manure there. I did throw some seeds in it but it’s too fresh to grow anything this year I would think. Tried out an idea for a solar oven. Not a huge success there but I learned things and I will try again there. Also I taught myself to spin! That's worthy of an entire post on it's own.
Build Community Food Systems: gave away the excess eggs, shared the pickles so others could try the recipe. Seriously, what to do with all of this rhubarb is a community issue?!
Eat the Food: Finished off another jar of Apricot Jam from two seasons ago, had lots of eggs. Snacked on the last of the asparagus. Made rhubarb crisp. Baked and ate lots of bread.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
It's Finally Looking Like Summer Here
I don't want this to turn into a 'follow my injury progress' blog but it's honestly hard not to. My world has been broken apart into bits, before the accident and after the accident. Days revolve around physio therapy, massage therapy, chiropractic treatments, acupuncture, aquafit, blood tests, prescription refills... the list seems endless and really not very much fun. Right now this is my job, getting better. I've been told that I can expect 100% back from my leg but I need to make that happen. Making that happen is a whole lot o' work and not very entertaining. Hopefully I'm breaking some sort of silence here by acknowledging this and putting it out there.
Little bits of my life before the accident are gleaming through. It's getting there and I'll keep you up to date.
Now where did I leave that knitting?....
Little bits of my life before the accident are gleaming through. It's getting there and I'll keep you up to date.
Now where did I leave that knitting?....
Monday, April 27, 2009
You gotta see this....
Oh yes, it's a musical. Check it out.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Radio Silence
I was in a serious car accident at the end of February so I've been pretty much out of the loop. The Sound of Music went ahead without me. By all accounts the show was fantastic. Go check out this review, it's fantasic!
Personally I really haven't been making much at all. A bit of sock knitting is about all I've been able to handle. Check em out....
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Personally I really haven't been making much at all. A bit of sock knitting is about all I've been able to handle. Check em out....
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Saturday, February 21, 2009
Still busy
So I'm taking a page from the Yarn Harlot's book. I'll throw a little eye candy out there for you all. If you aren't into this sort of thing, well, admire the athleticism of this and well, if you swing that way just sit and enjoy. I have no idea if he knits, but honestly, I don't give a damn!
Thanks Tom!
Thanks Tom!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Workin' Workin' Workin'
I swear, there is tonnes of interesting stuff to write about. I really just don't have the time to sit and compose anything intelligent. KEEP SEWING!! I have the major fittings all Sunday.
Go and check out my friend Matt's interview at Horror Reanimated. They are always up to cool stuff. Thanks so much for the shout out Matt!
Go and check out my friend Matt's interview at Horror Reanimated. They are always up to cool stuff. Thanks so much for the shout out Matt!
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
An Interesting Link
Check out this article on 'Slow Fashion'. I know the Christian Science Monitor is probably an odd link for me but the really touches on a subject that is close to my heart. There is no way I can ever compete with $4 t-shirt from Walmart but I'm also pretty sure that the shirts I've made have had a long happy life keeping someone looking pretty damn snazzy!
Take a second and think about who made the next shirt you pick up to purchase.
Take a second and think about who made the next shirt you pick up to purchase.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
The Life Cycle of a Show
Any show, any gig or contract seems to have a recognizable life cycle. I'm trying to keep an eye on this and use it to help manage the highs and lows of the energy levels.
1. The Spark or Catalyst. This is pretty varied but usually starts with someone, somewhere saying, "I have this idea." or, "What if we?" Then a bunch of people jump on board withe craziest, most far out brain storming session that can be generated. "Yeah, we'll green screen it and replicate the zombies so there's actually an entire HORDE!" Any one at this point who has the audacity to point out that we only have two zombie puppets ready and no budget for more gets lynched or booed. This is when this is going to be the biggest, bestest most marvelous thing EVAR, of all time that anyone has ever worked on and someone points out that even the Lord of the Rings trilogy was some one's crazy idea at some point and they had hordes. Yep... this is the crazy.
2. Some people get pulled in at this point, the phone rings and someone you may or not know (or trust!?) says they have this idea going and could you... Number two either jumps you straight back to number one and the crazy brainstorming continues or you respond with a hesitant OK.... and....
3. The Buts Begin. A common quote right about now is, that's great but... insert budget limitations, time limitations, tech issues, availability. Frequently reference the time we did a set on $50 or declared the new set colour the colour "free". Lots of navel gazing is going on, one time I.... but.... then.... This is where we start being the person dialing the phone at Number 2.
4. People start to pull their shit together. Real budgets are put together, designs that might actually happen are created. People flake out, run screaming or commit. (Or the entire thing falls apart, do not pass go, do not collect $200, go back to Number One, The Spark.)
5. Production begins. Now at this point there is still a kind of high. Everyone is happy to start something new, the time line seems realistic (HA!)
6. Somewhere in here every tech starts to run out of money, time, energy, vision, patience or just general will power. Panic, depression and sheer desperation all seem like a healthy response.
Now, it's important to note that not everyone on a project (the same project) are at the same point at the same time. Not to mention who has the luxury of one project at a time? So the lighting tech gets drug in at Number two (Can you help?) while the set designer is pulling their hair out at Number Six (Hair pulling panic) and the wardrobe designer is happily wallowing in the high of Number Five (Starting Production). Hopefully you are surrounded by a team of seasoned professionals that know when to ply the other members of their team with caffeine or alcohol (whenever each is appropriate, together is a personal fav) and try and pull everyone back to .... Number Four, Pulling Your Shit Together.
7. Things start to fall in place. Fatigue is a major factor here, who seriously has time for abject terror or stress at this point. "Good Enough" becomes the refrain of most of the team. Usually at this point finding a sober coherent director or producer becomes impossible and everyone starts to just make their own bloody decisions.
8. Curtain, shoot or production happens. Really, except for the 16 year old ingenue who thinks she looks fat in purple, NO ONE CARES.
9. Rehashing the Production. This usually starts in the tech booth or the green room while the show is still happening, proceeds to an after party (if you are all still speaking to each other) and continues for ... ever? Really, the length or time you can rehash a show for is directly related to the disasters available to rehash. The show the power went out on, when the 15' foot flat fell on the 85 year old who fell and tore the lead's bodice off... that's one we're going to be talking about on our death bed.
10. You think you are finally over it, you can sleep through the night, the work room isn't curtained off with black crepe and there is a faint niggling in the back of your brain. Next thing you know you run into someone who like working with and the next thing out of your mouth is, "I have this idea..."
ARGH!!! Where are you all at with the current projects?
1. The Spark or Catalyst. This is pretty varied but usually starts with someone, somewhere saying, "I have this idea." or, "What if we?" Then a bunch of people jump on board withe craziest, most far out brain storming session that can be generated. "Yeah, we'll green screen it and replicate the zombies so there's actually an entire HORDE!" Any one at this point who has the audacity to point out that we only have two zombie puppets ready and no budget for more gets lynched or booed. This is when this is going to be the biggest, bestest most marvelous thing EVAR, of all time that anyone has ever worked on and someone points out that even the Lord of the Rings trilogy was some one's crazy idea at some point and they had hordes. Yep... this is the crazy.
2. Some people get pulled in at this point, the phone rings and someone you may or not know (or trust!?) says they have this idea going and could you... Number two either jumps you straight back to number one and the crazy brainstorming continues or you respond with a hesitant OK.... and....
3. The Buts Begin. A common quote right about now is, that's great but... insert budget limitations, time limitations, tech issues, availability. Frequently reference the time we did a set on $50 or declared the new set colour the colour "free". Lots of navel gazing is going on, one time I.... but.... then.... This is where we start being the person dialing the phone at Number 2.
4. People start to pull their shit together. Real budgets are put together, designs that might actually happen are created. People flake out, run screaming or commit. (Or the entire thing falls apart, do not pass go, do not collect $200, go back to Number One, The Spark.)
5. Production begins. Now at this point there is still a kind of high. Everyone is happy to start something new, the time line seems realistic (HA!)
6. Somewhere in here every tech starts to run out of money, time, energy, vision, patience or just general will power. Panic, depression and sheer desperation all seem like a healthy response.
Now, it's important to note that not everyone on a project (the same project) are at the same point at the same time. Not to mention who has the luxury of one project at a time? So the lighting tech gets drug in at Number two (Can you help?) while the set designer is pulling their hair out at Number Six (Hair pulling panic) and the wardrobe designer is happily wallowing in the high of Number Five (Starting Production). Hopefully you are surrounded by a team of seasoned professionals that know when to ply the other members of their team with caffeine or alcohol (whenever each is appropriate, together is a personal fav) and try and pull everyone back to .... Number Four, Pulling Your Shit Together.
7. Things start to fall in place. Fatigue is a major factor here, who seriously has time for abject terror or stress at this point. "Good Enough" becomes the refrain of most of the team. Usually at this point finding a sober coherent director or producer becomes impossible and everyone starts to just make their own bloody decisions.
8. Curtain, shoot or production happens. Really, except for the 16 year old ingenue who thinks she looks fat in purple, NO ONE CARES.
9. Rehashing the Production. This usually starts in the tech booth or the green room while the show is still happening, proceeds to an after party (if you are all still speaking to each other) and continues for ... ever? Really, the length or time you can rehash a show for is directly related to the disasters available to rehash. The show the power went out on, when the 15' foot flat fell on the 85 year old who fell and tore the lead's bodice off... that's one we're going to be talking about on our death bed.
10. You think you are finally over it, you can sleep through the night, the work room isn't curtained off with black crepe and there is a faint niggling in the back of your brain. Next thing you know you run into someone who like working with and the next thing out of your mouth is, "I have this idea..."
ARGH!!! Where are you all at with the current projects?
Thursday, February 5, 2009
A Little Bit of Stress
I don't know what the rest of the world does when there's too much to get done in a day. I try to slow down, breath and take dance break to something like this. So... shake what your momma gave ya boys and girls. I'll be over here groovin'!
Friday, January 30, 2009
Boom Town Adventures
I wish I had some snazzy links to send you to about this new project I got to help out on. Boom Town Adventures is a 'choose your own adventure' style documentary that is being done about Cobalt, ON.
Cobalt declared their entire town a historical site some years ago and really is working hard and breaking new ground on historical tourism.
I was called in to help dress the characters for the shoot. This is Bert Dewsbury, the intrepid real estate agent turned prospector. He's looking rather dapper if I do say myself.
So the concept is that you will be able to access this documentary online and make decisions for the people as you did in those great 'choose your own adventure' books of the 80's. I can't wait to see how the final project comes together.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Puppet Stuff
Hey all... you'll be happy to know that oatmeal cookies are safe to eat again, they weren't the culprit. I ended up with a nasty run of the flu. I'm back on the mend though and while recovering with lots of couch time I've been checking things out online.
My friend Matt Ficner has been up to some fun stuff. He recently was featured on a podcast called Muppet Cast. You can find it here for a listen.
I was pulling up Matt's youtube page to link to his stuff on this post and found a video someone put up in December of Matt explaining his puppet build process. Check it out, it's interesting. I've got to say though, the studio is never that clean when I'm around!
My friend Matt Ficner has been up to some fun stuff. He recently was featured on a podcast called Muppet Cast. You can find it here for a listen.
I was pulling up Matt's youtube page to link to his stuff on this post and found a video someone put up in December of Matt explaining his puppet build process. Check it out, it's interesting. I've got to say though, the studio is never that clean when I'm around!
Saturday, January 24, 2009
News Flash
Supper = oatmeal cookies
Bad idea.
Bad idea.
Friday, January 23, 2009
A New Addiction
I didn't realize the boys managed to upload this video. This was my first day out ice climbing and I'm totally hooked. Check out Ryan making it look easy. For those of you who don't know me, I'm the one on the belay in black and Mark is videographer extraordinaire.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Game On....
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Sunday, January 4, 2009
New Again
A friend of a friend retired from her full time retail based costume shop this year. She's going to continue working from home but she's scaling back and clearing things out. I was a lucky beneficiary.
One of the things I got was an oversized paste board box (totally cool on it's own), full of silk flowers that seem to have been destined for hats back in the their day.
Well, their day came again. This is the first thing I used them on. I think you are going to be seeing quite a few of these flowers in the next while. Check it out at my Etsy shop.
One of the things I got was an oversized paste board box (totally cool on it's own), full of silk flowers that seem to have been destined for hats back in the their day.
Well, their day came again. This is the first thing I used them on. I think you are going to be seeing quite a few of these flowers in the next while. Check it out at my Etsy shop.
Friday, January 2, 2009
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