July 27, 2012

The Popular Sharpie Mug


Yesterday, I had to make a birthday gift quickly. It was one of my co-workers, Mr. Furtado, birthday the next day and I had just been informed the day before by another co-worker. I didn’t have time to go shopping or have staff fill out a birthday card, but I had many black Sharpies and a new white ceramic mug. It was the perfect time to finally try the popular Sharpie mug tutorial I first saw here. As I goggled “sharpie mug” I read many tutorials and found one with simple and detailed directions by Scribbles from Emily blog, which I really liked. I didn’t follow her directions exactly; I just freehand the collar, tie, bird, and music notes on the mug with two regular permanent Sharpies, thin tip and regular size. I did however follow her baking directions. Next time, I plan to make my next Sharpie mug dishwasher safe though.

I purchased a Starbucks gift card and tucked it in the mug and gave it to Mr. Furtado at work this morning for his birthday. I hope he liked it and remembers to only hand wash his mug.

July 16, 2012

The Princess Sleeps Here


One of my old co-workers, Josh, who joined the Navy, had a beautiful baby girl named Rileigh. His wife, baby Rileigh, and him came home to visit family and friends, from South Carolina where he is stationed. I got to see Rileigh last week for the first time at a get together the Buetows planned at Red Robin for friends. Not only was I excited to see their beautiful baby girl that looks just like her daddy, I was able to give Rileigh her belated baby shower gift.

The Buetows had mentioned they would visit in July so I had decided not to mail their baby gift, which I knew would take me a long time to complete, especially since I had just started my Phlebotomy class. I also wanted to see their reaction when they opened Rileigh’s gift. While shopping for cross stitch kits last year on eBay, I saw numerous adorable cross stitch kits for babies and said to myself, "I want one to display in my futures baby room one day." While trying to decide on what to get the Buetow for their baby shower, I realized a personalize cross stitch would be perfect. No store bought gift they might get two of, but something made from the heart with love, and lots of patience.


I found a cute cross stitch kit by Dimensions on eBay that says, “The Princess Sleeps Here” with a banner at the bottom to embroider Rileigh’s name. I’ve never done a cross stitch this big, 5” x 7”, and this time consuming. I love the way the words change color like a rainbow, which is what took so much time. All in all, all the time put into the cross stitch was well worth it. I know it will be displayed in Rileigh’s room for many years. I found the crochet flower doll at an antique store called Carriage House. Once I saw the doll, I knew I was meant to find it for Rileigh. The doll’s pedals match the cross stitch perfectly. Embroidering Rileigh’s name on the doll was a given. I love embroidery people’s names on stuffed toys I get for them. When Brettany, Josh’s wife, opened Rileigh’s gift she asked me if Rileigh’s name was already embroidered on it. Her comment made me feel good. Of course, I told her I did it. I’m glad my embroidery skills are decent for her to think it was store bought. The Buetows were very thankful for Rileigh’s homemade gifts. I can’t wait to see pictures of Rileigh when she's big enough to hold her little flower doll.

When it’s my turn to have a little one, I hope someone too makes something as special as I did for Rileigh for my little boy or girl.

July 14, 2012

My Inner Nerdiness

Yesterday, I wore a fun outfit to express my inner nerdiness. I wore my stripped Hello Kitty t-shirt, it said “I Love Nerds,” black shorts, and suspenders. If I had only worn my glasses the outfit would be complete. I wore the outfit to one of my favorite Mexican restaurants “La Casita” to get a gift certificate for my friend’s birthday party I was heading to. While waiting in line to get the certificate, I felt like people were staring at me and imagined they would laugh and comment on how foolish I looked once I left. Then again, it might have been all in my head. I think we’re sometimes too scared to be ourselves around strangers because of what they might think. When we shouldn’t really care because we are not hurting anyone and we should wear and do what makes us happy. My outfit choice was out of my element though. These past months I’ve realized I’ve become more adventurous in my outfit choices. As I walked out of La Casita, I catch a glimpse of myself in the restaurant’s window and I realized I looked fine for me. My outfit is fun, silly, and outgoing; it’s me! One of my friends reassured me on my outfit choice when she told me I looked cute. The way I see it I’m might as well enjoy I can pull this outfit off at thirty. I’m glad I decided to wear my inner nerd outfit and I will wear it again, proudly!

July 9, 2012

Artist Swap: What I Received and Thank You

My partner for the Artist Swap, Emily, took on two partners for the swap since we were an uneven number, if you recall me saying. Chris, Emily’s other partner, received his swap gift before me and as he praised Emily’s craftsmanship it only made the anticipation of what I might be getting even greater.
Well, I was not disappointed. I received this beautiful mosaic frame inspired by Emily’s and my favorite artist Frida Kahlo. I opened it when I arrived from work and it was the perfect ending to a long tiring day. I am blown away on how beautiful this frame is. When I opened the large bubble envelope the frame came in I immediately showed it to my husband and said, “Look what I got from my swap partner! Isn’t it amazing?” He agreed. I walked around the house with it trying to decide where I would like to hang it. I’m not sure where yet but when I have my Frida Kahlo party, which I really want to through, a group picture of my guests and me dressed up as Frida will be going in the frame.

Emily also has an Etsy shop, click here to see her other wonderfully made ceramic pieces.

I want to thank everyone who participated in this small but mighty Artist Swap. The artwork created  inspired by other people’s favorite artists was unique, exciting, and wonderful to see. Also a BIG thanks you to Emily. We, Emily and I, put this Artist Swap together. Though we have never met in person we both made this swap possible through numerous emails. Thanks Emily for letting me put this great swap together with you.

July 3, 2012

Artist Swap: Inspired by Patssi Valdez

Brandon Gradillas made this beautiful landscape painting for Maria Romero inspired by Los Angeles artist Patssi Valdez. In Patssi’s paintings you’ll see individual paintbrush strokes making up objects, for example the sea, the floor, and walls. Brandon said he used Patssi’s usage of lines in Maria’s painting as well as adding his own personal touch. Brandon took pictures of his progress while working on the painting.
Maria loved her Patssi Valdez inspired painting. See what Brandon received from Maria here.
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