tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63767289308752717632012-01-31T19:09:08.294-06:00Craftressing is an art and design blog of my life. I hope to inspire while cataloging my projects.the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.comBlogger841100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-7900658682501286102012-01-30T15:04:00.005-06:002012-01-31T19:09:08.311-06:00

Onyx Sparrow~ my new kitty love. And some pillows I made with tie-dyed crushed velvet!  I have decided to move out of Kevin's apartment so he gets to keep this lovely sofa I found on craigslist. The kitty will surely come with me when I visit (Kevin's is only a block away from my new place). I am so excited to be settled in and living with my new roomie, Leonor Jurado Laspina. She is an amazing

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-53168662812394056482012-01-20T16:02:00.000-06:002012-01-20T16:02:26.793-06:00

The way I work with perfume is different than I work with other mediums. I imagine the scent I want to create first, and then I make it happen. A lot of the time I am inspired by the complex bouquet of a place or object in my memory, and often I become excited by hearing friends and customers tell me the scent they have always wanted to capture. This is why I do custom perfumes- some people just

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-62692728063000510492012-01-15T10:38:00.004-06:002012-01-24T22:31:01.643-06:00

The fashion world is full of knock offs, but my mind was blown this week when Laura Kathleen Planck (a recent Project Runway contestant) launched her new line and career as a jewelry designer. Laura Kathleen (from St. Louis, MO) contacted Katie and Garnet of Scarlett Garnet, a St.Louis/Kansas City-based jewelry design duo, at the beginning of last year's Project Runway season. She approached

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-89926380787367522922012-01-14T13:56:00.000-06:002012-01-14T13:56:58.041-06:00

Did you know it is legal to have exotic animals as pets in Missouri? Isn't that insane? We went to Cedar Cove a few weeks ago, where a variety of large cats reside- most are surrendered "pets" of individuals that were so brilliant to finally realize that they are unable to take care of their cat. I was a little worried on the way there but as we arrived (at feeding time) I approved. Yes, these

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-32484720828202319992012-01-11T15:24:00.002-06:002012-01-11T19:49:29.617-06:00

My college years were awesome- it was like the Renaissance Festival without the festival. Somehow I became friends with a strange group of locals instead of other students. Although I had little interest in the "old world" before knowing them, I will always be influenced by each of their unique views of the world and their refusal to accept anything else. Chain maille, sword fighting, gypsy music

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-52261849881450110572011-12-15T14:25:00.000-06:002011-12-15T14:25:57.699-06:00

I designed this antique-style set of herb and spice labels a couple years ago to use on vintage spice jars or new recycled glass bottles. They include the botanical (latin) name and common name of each plant. These are lovely decor to enhance your kitchen during cooking or witchcraft or making medicine, although I find these all to be one in the same :) Free to download and print for personal

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-91576947397508707082011-10-27T11:38:00.001-05:002011-11-12T14:36:11.685-06:00

If you follow me on Pinterest, you might have noticed I am obsessed with Oushak rugs. This Turkish region created these hand knotted designs with wool colored with natural dyes. I love Jayson's collection, especially this one~ It is killing me that I can't justify spending this much money on a rug. But sometimes it is fine to appreciate something without owning it. Okay... Most of the time.

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-76017996688041969022011-10-01T13:04:00.003-05:002011-10-01T14:11:42.046-05:00

To celebrate my favorite month of the year, all orders over $50 from my shop will receive a free mini bag of my Witch Mix. It is a potpourri I hand-blended with spices, barks, and foliage, and then mixed in a warming blend of essential oils and plant extracts, including cedar, allspice, nutmeg, clove, spruce, oakmoss, amber, and anything else that struck me a few days ago when I was suddenly

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-62503495028969612082011-09-29T20:25:00.000-05:002011-09-29T20:25:19.036-05:00

This movie came out when I was five years old and I'm pretty sure I have seen it a hundred times since then. When I was younger I really identified with Lydia Deetz (and looked a lot like her too) but now I am starting to realize how much I am like Delia too (only not so high strung) This is me when I was 16: I realize now that in college my sculptures were reminiscent of Delia's sculptures. I

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-67444598342405755742011-09-27T18:50:00.006-05:002011-09-29T18:58:11.086-05:00

For the last 10 years or so I have been exploring herbal medicine. I have just had bad luck with conventional doctors, prescription meds, and over the counter fixes for common ailments. And I happen to love science experiments and textbook reading material. It feels really good to know there are natural and inexpensive (free, even) ways to balance my body and take care of my health- many of

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-27074539107015020052011-08-07T12:45:00.004-05:002011-08-07T15:59:57.420-05:00

A few weeks ago a group of us crafty vixens in Kansas City got together for fashion purposes. Liz Connor makes these romsies (romper/onesies) out of recycled clothing. (also on Etsy) The tops and bottoms are sewn together. I would never dream of wearing these funky, bold, quirky pieces on my own but they are actually really nice to wear and Liz has an awesome style. It was a fun photo shoot, the

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-90020766518197232542011-08-01T17:24:00.004-05:002011-08-07T16:03:10.375-05:00

I chose these three animals for their diversity, mysterious nature, beauty, neutral gender associations, and emotional connotations. There are many animals that have been attributed to men in the past (and women), from the Native American spirit animals, to the Pink Floyd album, to commonly used metaphors. I wanted to contribute to this concept in a new way with three animals that remind me of

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-35297977423124785762011-07-15T18:36:00.002-05:002011-07-16T11:41:17.382-05:00

I am horribly introverted. Not shy, just internalized. It's pretty stressful for me to participate in small talk, or to talk to someone with an energy level that does not match mine. My life experience has led me to a much different path than most people- and sometimes I figure chances are, walking out into the general public, people are just not going to "get" me. I do like people, but my

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-72924465349151255982011-07-13T20:39:00.000-05:002011-07-13T20:39:57.565-05:00

Annnnnd the new ceilings are finished! (ok, they have been for like a month now hahaa). I don't have a before picture, but I can guarantee you they were falling down and crumbling like the 100 year old plaster that they were ;) oooh I am just DESTROYING this bachelor pad! sorry boys

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-81400530885280411422011-07-13T20:25:00.003-05:002011-07-15T17:42:56.792-05:00

If you ever find yourself in Kansas City, you should visit me and you should also go to the River Market Antique Mall- the best place to spend 3+ hours of your life finding treasures. I'm on a green glass kick~ look at my Alice in Wonderland decanter (it came with tiny green goblets too) and the blown glass swan bowl! 

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-86649254843305749282011-06-29T12:38:00.003-05:002011-06-29T12:45:06.245-05:00

I went to the Beats Antique show a couple months ago in Lawrence- finally got to see an Indigo tribe belly dancer~ Zoe Jakes is a freaking goddess! I wanted so badly to be a tribal fusion dancer about 5 years ago but after a few classes I realized this was really different from any other type of dancing I have learned, and that my torso is not nearly long enough to make it look good. You don't

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-19574795944419132222011-06-26T13:22:00.005-05:002012-01-11T15:43:31.087-06:00

  I still have a little of the gothic teenager Jill in me, who wore nothing but black and listened to Smashing Pumpkins for about 7 years. When I hear voices inside my head it is usually from 16-year-old-me. She was pretty fierce so I try to appease her ;)Rene Arnez makes ONLY black dresses.. this one's pretty classy, and even more so with the f-holes belt, also handmade, from Contrived to Charm

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-32901399660384980792011-05-23T08:05:00.000-05:002011-05-23T08:05:59.096-05:00

  Now I'm one step closer to being PIZAZZ

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-64212433922610733722011-05-23T07:56:00.002-05:002011-07-16T11:46:56.541-05:00

I love photo shoot days. But not as much as the cat does. It has been a long month- and although I love change, there are so many changes going on right now that it's wearing me out. We are moving everything in the house to renovate the apartment upstairs, as all the ceilings are cracked, torn, crumbling, and caving. century-old homes are like that. Among the changes in my shop, a lot of new

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-68580372764538298102011-05-14T22:35:00.002-05:002011-05-14T23:16:15.779-05:00

He has millions of photos on his hard drive, and no one else has seen them but me. He sees light perfectly. He stops in the middle of a chaotic moment to pull out his camera and capture a haphazard composition in the middle of what I see as an everyday mess, and as it turns out, it was beautiful. He sees the artistic perfection in everyday scenes that I overlook, and I love that. (photos by Kevin

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-57114179403259516762011-05-14T21:49:00.000-05:002011-05-14T21:49:47.438-05:00

We went to the Monterrey aquarium last year and Kevin and I stared at sea anemone for like, hours. I love how everything in the ocean is so alien. And that salty, fishy, seaweed-y, sandy scent is so HARD to capture. Part of it is that when you smell the ocean you are actually tasting the salt that has evaporated into the air also. trick-yyyy~ but I worked hard and I came close. Essences from

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-20641959686737542472011-04-29T14:28:00.013-05:002011-05-18T22:11:50.078-05:00

I have had several people on Etsy ask if I have tried doTERRA's line of essential oils, and one person even sent me samples. And each time I say "no, this company is a pyramid scheme," they don't seem to believe I could not love this company.  I have been working with natural plant oils for years - both that are distilled specifically for perfumery and for aromatherapy. The doTERRA oils that I

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-40183370395884512862011-03-12T17:12:00.005-06:002011-03-15T20:08:27.751-05:00

I have found the majority of my home furnishings on Craigslist (Kansas City). I have come to realize that a lot of people do not know how to properly use Craigslist, so here is how to find treasures for cheap: 1- Get google chrome as your browser 2- Install Craigslist Preview extension to chrome 3- Visualize a clear image of what you want to find or print out a photo of something that is the

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-46511436199399625022011-03-10T09:31:00.002-06:002011-09-30T18:44:05.690-05:00

I love making perfume but everything that goes into a new one is pretty time consuming. Writing copy, setting up photo shoots, designing packaging and sourcing materials are all challenging things that I love to do, but creating the perfume itself is the heart of my artistic expression. I often spend a few weeks coming back to the same blend I am working on, making several different versions

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-32101561906181783562011-03-09T20:18:00.000-06:002011-03-09T20:18:34.733-06:00

Michelle hand-prints and cuts my packaging design with her crazy machinery from the industrial revolution... remember when Mr.Rogers would go on trips like this?

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-3323555115331771152011-02-08T10:13:00.008-06:002011-11-07T21:03:02.797-06:00

p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica} p.p2 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px} I began my handmade perfume brand, For Strange Women,  2 years ago. Since then I have had over 6000 Etsy  and dozens of wholesale orders. A lot of people have been asking me for advice about selling on Etsy and how to transition from a "real" job

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-61295290575308998632011-01-04T11:36:00.001-06:002011-01-04T11:51:09.858-06:00

New moon is here and I just barely made the deadline. OH I worked so hard on this perfume, and I hope it is loved. I have a friend named Cameo so I especially hope she likes it ;) I wanted to take the classic rose and dramatically enhance the thickness, the muskiness, the mysterious darkness~ and here it is, as a solid, a massage oil, and a tea light~ in time for Valentines Day.

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-63387646083266202142010-12-12T18:18:00.001-06:002010-12-12T18:18:39.053-06:00

Last week was the holiday Honeypot shop show and I actually left my house and set up a booth for myself elsewhere (see I get out of the house sometimes). I met some other lovely craftresses while I was there. Here are some adornments from Recrudescence and Scarlett Garnett ---

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-68548216953360783432010-11-26T10:45:00.000-06:002010-11-26T10:45:15.664-06:00

I love my studio space and am so lucky to have an entire apartment to use for making things because this time of year I use every square inch of it. Here's some pics of my room pre-Christmas rush... I will have to take some chaos shots of what it looks like now for my next post...

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-56011793856164631032010-11-13T12:01:00.002-06:002010-11-18T10:39:02.522-06:00

I'm pretty proud of this one. $10 macrame hanger table. I had to not act excited when I found this so that when I asked how much it cost they wouldn't say $300 cause I think I would have paid it.

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-84272708558603368522010-11-13T11:54:00.001-06:002010-11-13T11:56:16.372-06:00

Its getting cold and the fireplace is not up to code. no fire allowed. the next best thing I could think of was to make a garden out of it ;D  Kev installed a big grow light in the chimney and I have seedlings started (all food) that I am going to try to grow in containers this winter.  ok so it looks a little like Pultergeist.... I'm cool with that.

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-85910330325628066332010-10-16T21:33:00.005-05:002011-05-15T21:28:07.014-05:00

I am sooo happy with these new solid perfumes. Victorian-inspired Satin Corset, Violin in the Attic, and Antique Settee, three of my favorite things. They are not just clever names, either- these scents are all very close to me, and I am confident that I captured them with precision! And yes, I listen to a lot of Rasputina, why do you ask?

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-87096508224054883252010-10-16T16:14:00.003-05:002010-11-13T12:13:01.563-06:00

I'm taking the packaging up a notch. Michelle at Two Tone Press just finished letterpressing the packaging for my single note solid perfumes last week to add an extra special handmade with freakin love element to them. And they look fabulous! I am also switching my lockets soon from raw brass to finished brass so that you will not ever have to polish them. These are one of my favorite items in

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-74684147045071108502010-10-16T15:57:00.002-05:002011-05-15T21:16:04.744-05:00

I got this baby on craigslist last week-I get all my furniture from craigslist. And the top needed to be refinished so Kev sanded it and I put my new favorite thing on it - non toxic polyurethane varnish.  I was able to brush it on, each of the 3 coats dried in 15 minutes, and there were no fumes. I did this indoors with the windows closed! At first I was worried I was tricked into using mod

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-34481651686742095762010-10-03T21:27:00.001-05:002010-10-03T21:31:58.141-05:00

ahh almost forgot to post the Oregon pics! I went with my brother this time and left the fabulous photographer boyfriend with his 5DmarkII at home. But Oregon is so pretty the pics came out good anyway. Thanks Jessica and Dave for taking us hiking, surfing, exploring, dining, gelato-ing, shopping, and drinking. Here's to driftwood, vegan food, bicycles, co-ops, diversity of panhandlers, strangers

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-5187310124372920352010-10-03T21:04:00.000-05:002010-10-03T21:04:01.579-05:00

Last year I bought some really awesome plant hangers from plantelady on Etsy. I still need to take better photos but the light in this room is hard to work with!  I'm trying to learn more about houseplants and these philodendrums will supposedly put up with anything, including no direct sunlight from this window (yes exposure can be deceiving, can't it?) While Greg and Dave were surfing on the

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-7491533066952058782010-10-03T19:26:00.001-05:002010-11-13T12:24:58.180-06:00

Within this blog i think i have remodeled a bathroom (in a house i no longer live in) and posted several others from my place now. A good bathroom is a luxury and I don't take it for granted. Kevin actually did all the work on the bathrooms here long before i moved in but heres some girlyness i added to the one downstairs by my studio.  I made a candle inside a vintage glass bowl. Fancy huh?

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-6178621218814080532010-09-09T21:01:00.002-05:002010-10-03T23:16:55.223-05:00

So if you want to make some of my Poison Ivy lip embellishment of your own, I published the recipe in this book, Witch Craft. Lots of cute projects in here if you are into Halloween crafts. Not dark enough for me, but I still like that I'm in it ;)  I also have 10 extra copies so I will be doing a Facebook giveaway of them next month to get you all in the Halloween spirit.

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-64777518641736598442010-09-08T17:47:00.002-05:002010-09-08T17:50:35.271-05:00

A friend from the KC Etsy team asked me to design some book covers and the collaboration turned out lovely. Diane's (SouthHouseBoutique) idea was to sell these dust covers as "costumes" for books that would make great Halloween decor with some other creative elements mixed in. Since my house looks like Halloween every day I'm not sure they would make my place look much different, but if you are

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-45565533742096810542010-08-09T16:12:00.012-05:002011-05-15T21:29:48.212-05:00

Believe it or not it took me the better part of the last year to conjure these. But it was worth all the research and development and mathematics (I was never good at math but I've always tried hard and that's what matters) and finally have a collection of seven single essences that can each hold their own. I know a lot of people who don't want a blend. They know what they want, and it is just

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-90504490743583703782010-07-08T16:48:00.000-05:002010-07-08T16:48:36.559-05:00

Another vacation, another photo adventure. The funny part was that we went all the way to California and most of our hike looked like Kansas! ha. But the Monterey aquarium was lovely as always... and the ocean. Kev isn't a light packer- he brought the vintage lens attachment, which made me happy. Enjoy

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-83802818225198469262010-06-20T10:40:00.000-05:002010-06-20T10:40:15.811-05:00

I have been making so many candles. Its harder than i thought, especially since I am experimenting with all kinds of different wicks and waxes and using things to fragrance them that no one else uses... I'm not just putting lavender oil in them as a natural fragrance, I'm putting in truffle oil and oakmoss and jasmine wax and benzoin and juniper tar.... endless possibilities of strangeness and I

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-12882209466582349312010-06-05T09:59:00.002-05:002011-05-15T21:33:58.477-05:00

I am always so relieved when I have been thinking about putting things in my shop for so long and it finally happens. A month or two feels like forever to me... I guess thats what happens when you work 60+ hours a week. I love what I do but I need a vacation! aka another photographic adventure...

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-60699352148370063702010-06-03T07:31:00.003-05:002010-06-03T07:35:48.553-05:00

Some pics from upstairs now that it is not a full on bachelor pad anymore...

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-87331980961429296352010-05-14T12:51:00.002-05:002010-05-14T18:57:11.296-05:00

I have begun to expand my custom services and wholesale accounts for my products, so I conjured up another website plastered with vintage wallpaper and ornamental photo frames. My brother helped me with the Flash functionality- I'm just hoping Apple doesn't have its way with its efforts to eliminate flash from the internet! annnyywaaay its done (almost) and its fabulous. can you tell i freakin

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-56331157025729062192010-05-13T19:24:00.007-05:002010-07-08T16:56:55.828-05:00

Ever since I met Jessica in college I knew she was a kindred spirit, but our paths never crossed much until a while after. Then I learned what an eye she has for capturing spirits! That witch! I'm glad she is carving her path in the world of photography and it was good to have Kevin's camera and the vintage lens attachment he made at my request when we had first met about 3 years ago. I always

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-64734975608979714632010-05-09T17:49:00.010-05:002011-05-15T21:19:42.658-05:00

ahh, haven't posted anything here in a long while. don't worry, I am still craftressing. every day. I just haven't had the energy to finish the process and photograph. I got the downstairs duplex exactly to my liking, posted on air bnb, and within a day had some friends who needed temporary living space move in... which forced me to organize my studio cause I can't spread out my workspace

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-83440068360237370252010-02-19T09:25:00.007-06:002011-05-15T21:37:52.679-05:00

I asked Tara (Polkadot Papoose) if she could make me a kitty papoose with faux fur that matched jaqk. She did, and it's awesome. I feel kind of bad because fur is so hard to sew through... I was hoping she could make a new store for kitty papooses but I'm not sure if she thinks that sounds like fun... but I guess not every cat would like this as much as Jaqk does, either. He loved our walk

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-57340642614406092122010-02-12T09:27:00.006-06:002010-02-12T10:03:44.783-06:00

I finally had a chance to make jewelry again. One of a kind pieces are so hard to put in the shop because I want to keep them all for myself!

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-14346809036482230182010-01-24T22:28:00.004-06:002010-01-24T22:51:35.347-06:00

Dances of Vice is an extravagant costume ball in NYC, with themes ranging from Victorian and Rococo to Jazz age. Awesome. So when Shien, the director asked to feature my products at their events and on their shop, I couldn't help myself, I had to make a custom perfume ;)I went all out in my love for immortelle absolute and tobacco leaf. Very mysterious- this one really takes a while to unfold,

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-91744276472686477212009-12-20T21:49:00.006-06:002011-05-15T21:39:25.078-05:00

In honor of the solstice, Winter Kitty is finally here. I have been working on this blend for sooo long! It is a perfect winter time scent, and yes, quite strange. Kitty will be slightly confused that you smell so much like him but thats ok ;) (yes it is vegan, thanks for asking)

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-79307129443975013642009-12-07T18:06:00.006-06:002009-12-07T18:13:42.102-06:00

we accidentally burned the christmas tree with giant magnifying lenses and sunlight... so we made a shrine to baby Jesus. you could say we pimped his manger

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-30926303595044247112009-11-30T20:26:00.004-06:002009-11-30T20:32:05.703-06:00

Tree Resin, Evergreen, Lichen.... I mix and match these in the bathwater to get the full effect.

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-6423569506002489302009-11-26T21:05:00.007-06:002009-11-26T22:10:35.324-06:00

I'm going to stop being self absorbed for once and post about some handmade creations I have acquired from others- I have a LOT more I want to post about but I like taking my own photos of them first and I have been slow at this...this leather journal from Renaissance Art has awesome detail and yes, For Strange Women tooled onto the cover. I write product sketches, recipes, and descriptions in it

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-17742901505332161112009-11-09T20:19:00.007-06:002009-11-09T20:30:18.825-06:00

Here's my products at Skyline salon in the Crossroads. It was awesome to walk in after unloading this stuff the day before and it was all set up. This place is classy.

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-3258265259152673512009-09-28T19:09:00.003-05:002009-09-28T19:18:23.277-05:00

Josh wanted these made for him a few months back... I don't think he ever used my labels after all the time I spent making them, so I made some for myself! And now I'm offering them in my shop too, because they're fabulous. And yes, I told Kevin we need to get those spice racks away from the window. He is so function-oriented that he can't stand the thought of having to reach any further to get

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-28550879061382258052009-09-26T21:54:00.004-05:002009-10-14T09:13:22.665-05:00

Okay so it has been a year since the formation of www.catvoices.com and now the stars have aligned in such a way that my English to Catspeak translations are available as an iPhone App! My uncle is a programming guru so when he called me one day about making apps I realized this would actually be a possibility! This was so much fun to do but I am relieved that it's finally done. ;)Enjoy

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-18180082048755850602009-09-25T21:56:00.001-05:002009-09-26T19:07:32.964-05:00

About 6 weeks ago I quit my job, rented out my house, and moved in with Kevin, all in the same day. I'm finally feeling settled, and have an art & craft studio for the first time ever. (basements don't count!) I love this room and I love working for myself! It's about time.

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-8926516677102710252009-09-23T14:26:00.005-05:002009-09-26T19:11:36.642-05:00

how hot was Cleopatra? seriously. And why doesn't anyone name their kids Cleopatra? With all the awesome names out there... okay that's it. If I ever get knocked up and it's a girl- better bet she's going to be Cleopatra. See, I'm a trendsetter. that's just what I do- you wait and see.Anyway, this is a blend of historically accurate plant oils that the Ancient Egyptians used. I left out the Elemi

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-53567150386197951222009-09-23T14:16:00.004-05:002009-09-26T19:12:21.921-05:00

some more 100% natural lip balms inspired by nature's beautiful strangeness! I had several other flavors on the list but it got narrowed down to these 3. The Rosewood is my favorite simply because of the photo I took of it on my violin- I remember years of being in violin classes, I would be sitting, holding my violin while waiting- and smelling the wood of the scroll at the end- I don't really

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-73107766468591683892009-07-20T15:48:00.005-05:002009-09-06T10:11:48.604-05:00

Kevin, Simon, and I went on another lovely vacation- this time in Colorado. Here are some photos from our hiking adventures.

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-153354907020824122009-07-16T16:07:00.001-05:002009-07-16T16:07:20.812-05:00

d43xf6ebht

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-67719176952426438812009-06-16T16:36:00.002-05:002009-06-16T16:46:20.619-05:00

When I was 9 years old, my goal in life was to design sugar packet labels. I have still not achieved this dream, but I have been making packaging for my perfume and jewelry items in the meantime. Here is the finished box for Ava's Sacred Vial Pendant.

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-9579476739637458632009-06-05T14:10:00.003-05:002009-06-05T14:13:57.542-05:00

Simon did the photo styling for the product in the last post, while Kev took the photos. Afterwards, Simon took the camera and continued taking photos, like this one. yes. AN 8 YEAR OLD TOOK THIS.

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-2544066090061224822009-06-05T13:30:00.005-05:002011-05-15T21:46:48.968-05:00

My new lip embellishment- Poison Ivy. Not actually poisonous, and its flavored with herbs. I just wanted to make a conversation piece for every time someone puts it on...

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-16711364288056355322009-05-19T09:11:00.020-05:002011-05-15T21:51:08.268-05:00

I have been making adornments lately- not quite the same as the metalworking classes I took in college with the blow torches and acid etches and such, but I find assemblage jewelry to be a lot safer. I miss the hard work of sawing and filing and soldering and polishing metal, but my hands don't. I'm really drawn to creating jewelry pieces with specific meanings to me that I can share- nothing too

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-59277106734990576682009-05-18T09:55:00.002-05:002009-05-18T11:19:28.693-05:00

Simon's rat, Rita passed away this weekend. Yes, I made a coffin. The funeral is today- the rat has been kept in Simon's mom's freezer since Friday...Goodbye, Rita.

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-3010676199090551932009-04-28T18:26:00.000-05:002009-04-29T09:46:23.004-05:00

I remodeled my bathroom earlier this year (see earlier post) and made the sink. Now almost 5 months later, the sink is still in excellent shape. So now that I have proven its stability to a certain extent, here is a tutorial so you can make one for your own DIY remodel.1. Get a bowl like this one, ($20 at World Market). Don't pick anything out that is too shallow (less than 6'' deep) or that is

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-77668219357245646042009-04-28T18:22:00.001-05:002011-05-15T21:53:41.041-05:00

I know it's nothing really groundbreaking, but I like lavender (in case you haven't noticed) so I made some soap! Lavender is an inexpensive essential oil and so versatile. I think I could write a book... 101 things to do with lavender. That would be awesome.

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-51322038097104977892009-04-28T18:19:00.001-05:002010-01-24T23:02:30.060-06:00

I just finished creating 2 more perfume oils for strange women. Available at my etsy shop.photos by Kevin

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-47247624965240630512009-04-28T18:16:00.000-05:002009-04-29T08:44:59.848-05:00

Not that I was there... well, maybe in spirit. This is my favorite photo I have ever found while going through old family photos. It is of my aunt and possibly uncle. And, of course, a turkey cake. I have to do something cool with this... but what? any ideas?Here's the background info of this picture from aunt Kaye:"That is an ice cream cake. Cousin-in-law Phil Mannino owned a baskin robbins and

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-23720792568592400542009-04-28T18:14:00.001-05:002011-05-15T21:57:38.833-05:00

My newfound obsession with moss continues, this time as a meditation/perfume oil. This blend smells  like an entire forest in a little glass bottle.

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-22054444488564936042009-04-28T18:04:00.000-05:002009-04-29T10:46:06.455-05:00

photos by Kevin McKinneyAfter going to Ireland, I have become obsessed with moss! and sheep! So I made some terrariums in honor of the wonderful Irish roadside attractions. I will make some succulent ones this summer to commemorate the Albuquerque trip as well. These make me happy.Here is my recipe for a moss terrarium:Inside a clear glass container with a lid, include the following:layer 1- 1/4'

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-6007747320706681262009-04-28T17:59:00.001-05:002011-05-15T21:55:59.258-05:00

For my first For Strange Women product I made "Absinthe Lips." It's full of anise essential oil and shea butter and strangeness. It's naturally sweetened to taste like absinthe prepared with sugar, and I'm just warning you, it is addictive.

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-2608295729530604252009-04-28T17:51:00.001-05:002011-05-15T22:01:43.487-05:00

This is an etsy shop that I have opened. I have made strange products and perfumes for a long time for myself,  I finally decided it would be good to share! Although I am happy that there are a lot of cosmetics out there that are going natural, organic, earth friendly, a lot of what I find (especially from large companies) is very deceiving. Because there are so many loopholes in federal law now

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-53627171938999833552009-04-28T17:47:00.001-05:002011-05-15T22:03:17.951-05:00

Kev & I trudged across Ireland this winter, and took some fabulous photos while we were at it. Here's some that I photoshopped to look as if I used chemicals to process them. See, photoshop is going to save the world. Click for more photos from our trip.

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-69404896258818916322009-04-28T16:42:00.000-05:002009-04-28T17:56:45.149-05:00

I came up with a lavender cookie recipe last year and this christmas I decided to make some packaging and give them as gifts. I hope you all liked them. Photo by Jessica Brothers

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-60979950018135606022009-04-28T15:50:00.000-05:002009-04-28T17:57:34.752-05:00

BeforeI moved into my house last November (2007) and I've done a lot of work on it (so has Kevin). This bathroom was covered (walls and floor) with black vinyl tiles adhered everywhere, black gloss enamel and a classy TV built into the wall. It was funny at first but the novelty wore off after a year. So I decided to do one of those low-budget-under-$1000 DIY renovations which led me to more

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-70555081107651600692009-04-28T15:39:00.000-05:002009-04-29T10:15:32.048-05:00

So here is a website I joked about doing, and then Kevin bought me the domain address for my birthday. Then I had to do it, for real. Check out the articles that were in Ink Magazine (#2)Intro text to website:"All meows on this site are produced by the human voice. I'm a domestic feline voice emulator, sharing these meows for your education, sound design accuracy, and entertainment. I can

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-58601733499258960072009-04-28T15:38:00.002-05:002009-05-18T11:21:24.391-05:00

I went to the southwest with Kev and Simon. Here are some photos.

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-91022075902667194712009-04-28T15:34:00.000-05:002009-04-29T09:41:14.326-05:00

I finally made a personal portfolio website for myself. The theme for the site was inspired by my grandmother's old house, with that dark, late 60's feel, the wood paneling, the wallpaper, the tiffany chandeliers... I love it! It's funny because since I made this I have noticed some design in advertising and other places that have some of the same elements, I guess its that collective

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-43999900680305393742009-04-28T15:31:00.002-05:002011-05-15T22:13:10.924-05:00

Year 2 of camping in the desert and spending 3 days at a music festival. It was amazing! Again! Kraftwerk, Portishead, and Roger Waters, all 3 in a row one night- thank you W. Bush for pissing the rest of the world off so much that all my favorite bands are traveling over here to blow my mind with amazingness and afterwards telling the audience to vote for Obama! We got a little out of control

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-14584028950704814392009-04-28T15:28:00.000-05:002009-04-29T09:44:19.451-05:00

Kevin took this photo of my precious little darling. It is so cool. I had a large canvas print of it made and it hangs in my living room now.

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6376728930875271763.post-57932276543156091992009-04-28T15:03:00.003-05:002011-05-15T22:18:19.090-05:00

Kevin took this photo of his son, Simon for his Christmas cards. Simon looks like he's in the Adams family, which makes me like the photo even more. I did some photoshopping on it and used corel paint for the first time (on the left is the photo and on the right is my "digital painting"), and had it printed as a 2' x 3' canvas. It looks like a baroque oil painting. original photo ...............

the craftresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07000270242272801799noreply@blogger.com0