Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Weekend Without Oil - Take The Pledge!

On one of my favorite sites, someone posted this pledge in the forums. As I'm reading it, I realize that I already do most of it on a daily basis.  Read the pledge, then scroll down to where I comment on each item. See what it is that I do to lessen my impact on the oil craze. I was pleasantly surprised that I do what I do without realizing too much that I am doing it.  (wait, does that make sense?  hmmm...)



Weekend Without Oil - Take The Pledge!
Call to Action

On August 21st and 22nd, commit to these 11 actions!

   1. Walk or ride your bike: Avoid using cars and if you must, always try to carpool. Transportation accounts for 40 percent of our petroleum consumption and is easily one of the biggest areas we need to improve upon.
   2. Enjoy the outdoors: Avoid buying new sporting equipment, since oil makes up nearly 25% of rubber. Footballs or basketballs, for example, can last for many years and used equipment is often just as good and will reduce demand for oil needed to make new rubber.
   3. Use reusable bags: Avoid disposable plastic. Plastic bags are a huge waste for very little benefit. Nearly 10 percent of U.S. oil consumption, approximately 2 million barrels a day, is used to make plastic products alone.
   4. Be conscious about what you eat that weekend: You can reduce oil demand by changing your diet to eat less meat, more local foods that require less transportation and organic food, which doesn't use petro-based fertilizers.
   5. Don't buy new make-up that weekend: The majority of cosmetics are petroleum-based, including lip gloss, face powder, nail polish, and more. So avoid buying new make-up products this weekend and research the brands when you purchase in the future.
   6. Drink tap water: Avoid beverages bottled in disposable plastic, they make up nearly 1.5 million tons of plastic waste per year, so get a reusable bottle and fill it up.
   7. Make your electronic gadgets last: Avoid buying new electronics. Electronics take a lot of oil to produce and the gadgets you already have can last much longer than the rate at which new ones are released.
   8. Go to the movies or stream them on Hulu: Avoid buying new DVDs/Blu-Rays, as oil is a key ingredient in their production, packaging and shipping.
   9. Skip buying new clothes that weekend: Swap clothes with friends or check out the local vintage store. The less new clothes you buy the less oil is used in the manufacturing process and transportation.
  10. Head to your local library or read online: Avoid using a printer and buying printed material including daily newspapers. Printing doesn't just waste paper, nearly 100,000 gallons of ink each day is used on daily newspapers alone.
  11. Spread the word! Get 3 friends to sign the pledge and help raise awareness on ways they can help reduce their dependence on oil-related products.


1. Its kind of hard to get around Houston without a car and it is really too hot to try to get around via bicycle. I mean, I wasn't made to sweat. And then there's the simple fact that I don't own a bike. However, I try to only drive to work and back home during the week. I live about 7 miles from work. so I'm really not putting many miles on my vehicle, and I can go two weeks on a tank of gas... so in a way, I have been doing ok in this respect. The exception to that is my having to retrieve my son from the dark streets at night when he's missed his curfew. oh, yeah... and when I get a hankering to go play bingo (its a new obsession). On the weekends, I try to make sure I get all my errands done in one trip. I really do prefer to stay indoors the whole weekend.  Its always my goal, anyway.  


2. Enjoy the outdoors? haha, No, I do not. However, you can be certain that I will not purchase any new sporting equipment anytime soon.. (Confession: I have been thinking about getting a bike, but that won't be until it gets less hot... which is almost never here in Houston.)

3. Yes. My favorite of the list. I USE CLOTH BAGS! I make them too and give to whoever wants one, or two or three or...  PLASTIC STINKS!  Have you read my zine? want a copy?


4. Two months ago, Barry and I became more conscious of what we put into our mouths. We shop at the farmer's market, at the sides and back of the supermarket where all the good stuff is, and we are gradually adding more organic foods to our basket.  We've made a *lifestyle* change. and we're enjoying it. I've lost 15lbs since we began. He's lost about 20 lbs. That is with no real exercise. so imagine if I wasn't so afraid of sweat, the progress I could make? 

5. I buy make-up as needed and I use the mineral kind of make-up. My make up lasts quite a while. So I rarely buy new make-up.

6. Drink tap water? ick! I can't do that. However, I do own a huge Brita dispenser. We use filtered tap water for almost everything we need for drinking and eating. Also, I bought a set of reusable water bottles to refill. They are plastic :( but they're a lot better than the throw aways.

7. Electronic gadgets? I think I have all that I need. If anything I may have to purchase batteries. but if I do, I get the rechargables. 

8. I am not too into going to the movies. I have a rant from long ago on my *myspace* page about how the cinema disgusts me. I'd rather wait for the DVD and rent it via Netflix. Speaking of Netflix... I love them! been a customer of theirs since 2001. This year they made me an even more loyal fan... by allowing us to stream via the Wii!!! Love. It. We also get cable. So we're not buying any DVDs to add to a collection.

9. Skip buying new clothes. I do this already. Since losing weight, I'm not buying any new clothes until I get to where I want to be - it will be a while.  So I won't be purchasing any new or used clothing. (I do shop at the thrift stores for clothes, too.).  OH, wait... I may have to skip on this one.  School starts on the 23rd. My son needs new school clothes. I don't get paid again until that weekend, so... I will have to go out and buy new clothes for my 15 year old fashion victim.  sorry. I thought I was doing good. oh, to make up for it, I'll clean out my closet of the clothes I no longer wear and freecycle them. Will that a good compromise??

10. Library. Yes. I love it. I picked up 3 books yesterday, 7 books today, and I have two more that are still *In-Transit*.  I also downloaded 4 audio books to listen to while I work. Most of the are craft/sewing books, I plan to learn more about sewing and fabric choices, etc.  Newspaper? No, we do not take the paper. We get news and sports online, television, and from the radio. I try my best not to print anything. I did buy a new printer a few months back. I rarely use it though. Its mainly to print stuff for my crafts.

11. I am hoping with this post, I can encourage three people to take the pledge, not for the weekend, but for a lifetime.

So, who's with me?


I am all about: REDUCE * REUSE * RECYCLE and DIY(ODS).

Friday, July 16, 2010

My Messy Creative Craft Space

I joined a swap on Swap-bot. An email swap. Usually, if I join an email swap its because its an easy one and most times involves taking photos... This swap is called Your Creative Space. It was featured in Rachel's Blog a couple of weeks ago. If she had not featured it, I probably would have never seen it. I don't usually search for swaps. And to be honest, I don't really get on Swap-bot too much either.  (shhh... don't tell)... I came across Rachel's link by way of Facebook.

What caught my attention about this one was it involved peeking into other crafty people's creative spaces.  I love that... wait... not in a stalker kind of way... I like to get ideas on how I can make my space more... cozy? cos it ain't getting any more organized than it is which is what I wanted to say is my reason for wanting to peek at everyone's space.   OK, OK, OK... maybe I am a stalker... oooh, be afraid...

Ok, so, lemme tell you about my space.
First off, I have to say that it took me so long to complete this swap (which is due today) because I didn't want to photograph my space all messy. I wanted to put everything in its place and then take photos... but... I got lazy. then I realized... hey, that's just how it looks. I can't be creative in a clean, well organized space... and the fact that everything doesn't exactly have its own space... so, there you have it... my messy creative craft space. Enjoy!

First photo:
Its a sort of full view of my craft corner. You see I have a ton of the plastic storage drawers. In the drawers you will find all sorts of stuff to sew, crochet, knit, stuff stuffies, quilt quilts, make jewelry, play with polymer clay... There are all sorts of paper cutting stuff, rubber stamps, ink pads, scrapbook papers, markers, all sorts of adhesives... lots of good junk. I have 4 wide drawers, 5 slimmer ones, three single drawers, and then a couple of bins and baskets.  As you can see, I need more space... or I just need to de-stash.  I should probably de-stash... but i don't wanna!

Second Photo:

Its my newest sewing machine. I have some issues with it... but not about the way it handles... mostly about the way that I am used to the other one and I grab for knobs and levers that aren't there.

Third:
A view of my table and wall. Oh yeah... a peek at my new... I don't know what you'd call it... but the bar with the hanging baskets... I got that last week at Ikea. Really inexpensive. I believe all the pieces together were under $10. There is a better photo of it down below.   Also in this photo (and another view down below) is a bulletin board.  I got the board through freecycle. it was freaking ugly but I needed something for the wall, so I found - what I think is - cute fabric and covered it. me likes.

The Fourth Photo is a photo of my kid at 3 weeks old.  hahaha... yeah, that's true, but that has nothing to do with my craft space.  :D (gah, I'm so funny, I crack myself up...) Anyway, it is a bookshelf. Another Ikea find ($24.99 and easy to assemble). My plan for this was to store all of my bins and boxes... but I never really got around to it. On the top shelf, the boxes hold all sorts of patterns. I put some of my craft books here as well. I have another shelf in another room with some my other craft books.  Next to the books are boxes filled with embroidery floss, ribbons, seed beads, beads, and scrabble tiles. Next shelf has shoe boxes. one full of vintage buttons (the sack on the top is also vintage buttons!!), the next box has my supplies for making scrabble tiles. On top of that, a box with jewelry findings, and then on top of that, jewelry making tools. In the bag there are more findings and beads in cute containers. Under that... Paper/Photo Paper/Labels (printables cos I also *craft* on my computer using illustrator and photoshop). There is mailing crap like envelopes and a couple of boxes - cos I do recycle! And there is just stuff that I have no idea why I keep hanging on to.

Look at all that juicy thread!


My bulletin board. It holds... well you can see what I put on it.


The rail/bar with buckets.

There is a table ironing board under that fabric.

Friday, February 12, 2010

I've been slacking... again

I've kinda been MIA. Sorry.

I got my butt in gear last night and worked on more produce bags and some book thongs that I'm giving to a coworker as a valentine's day gift... I want her to be my valentine. haha jk.

For the produce bags, I used some happy veggie graphics that I printed on fusible, printable fabric paper? (I know what it is, just not what its called and I'm too lazy to look up the name).  I'm using fabric scraps that I've accumulated over the years.   Finally, huh? I never thought I'd use those funky prints on anything that I thought would be cool.  (in my head kind of cool)



 

Book Thongs or better know as book markers.

I used waxed linen and butterfly and heart charms and glass beads. No big deal. Really easy and quick to make.

 



 


Now, for the weekend...
I plan on setting up my craft area with a new craft table and more shelves!

Thursday, February 4, 2010

BTW, Here's a mug for today

Me. Today. at work. like always.
2-3-10


2-3 Unofficial Thing A Day


IMAG0451.jpg
Originally uploaded by fleasha_
Here is my submission for the Unofficial Thing A Day for Day 3.

It is valentines day cards inside hand made envies.
I am in a swap on Swap-bot called Old School Valentines.  The deal is to send valentines cards like we sent in grade school.  We have 5 partners.

Easy swap. So I go to Walgreen's to buy a box of valentines cards.  I was a bit put-off by the selection.  They had a decent variety but they were not like they were when we were kids.  They were all commercialized. I can't even tell you which characters there were, all I know is that I didn't like them.  I finally ended up with some farm animal related cards. They're cute, but I still wanted something more generic, or plain.

 

The next thing that irked me was that there were no envelopes! I already knew I was going to have to mail them in a larger envelope but I had expected to be able to put them in their own envelope!  I got a bright idea to make my own.  So that is what you see up there... handmade envelopes.  I used a template for a small square rectangle envelope.  In doing this project I realized that I'm not too good with paper, glue and scissors. well, I don't really care to use them together like this.  I'll use them again, I just won't like it.  :P 

So there you have it, my Unofficial-Thing-a-Day.








Wednesday, February 3, 2010

My UTAD #2


Yesterday, I was looking at someone's etsy faves and noticed a pair of simple earrings. Simple looking but really pretty.  I thought to myself, I could do that...

I've been playing around with jewelry making stuff for a while now, but haven't really gotten into it.  When I was making dotees I bought a lot of beads and charms, and received as swap extras.  But then I grew bored with dotees and still had a butt load of beads. So I figured I'd buy a set of the basic tools and some findings and a couple of books and try to teach myself something new.  When I get urge, I go into my beads and try to make stuff.  But I haven't actually sat down and studied the books to really get it.  I've picked up some tips here and there and learned some really basic steps.  I think I do ok with what I have learned.

So, back to today... I went to Hobby Lobby at my lunch break in search of some similar looking beads as the ones in whats-her-name's faves... (I'm not telling who, cos when I get it right, she's getting a pair.) anyway, I went to Hobby Lobby in search of some cool beads. I spent the majority of my time in the wall decor section.  I want something different for my wall! I didn't find anything I liked for the wall or the beads like I wanted... but I did find some tiger eye and pottery beads (I've been on a brown and blue kick lately)...  I also wanted to try a different finish (or whatever its called) for the findings.  I chose what I think is called antique ...



So, yeah, I made these.  Simple. and I like the finish but I don't have much else in that finish so this is pretty much all I can do for now.

On Another Note...

OK. so if you know me, you know I'm sorta a freecycle freak.  I have scored some bad ass shit through my local freecycle group.  once, I got about 4 huge boxes of sewing notions... all vintage!  I'm still giving away the stuff -- buttons, anyone?  Well, today, after my two-hour long lunch (I swear, Hobby Lobby, held me hostage- I swear!!), I'm at work and I get an email from the freecycle group...
OFFER: Beads
Lots of beads! Mostly seed beads. Also includes a bead loom, a beading book and a random  assortment of other types of beads. Porch pick up only.

I hurried and replied. Gah, could I be so lucky to get picked?


I had planned to come home after work and make these earrings (along with dinner and cleaning the kitchen afterwards and doing laundry...) I really didn't have time to go anywhere else. So by the time I got home (I also stopped at the art supply after work looking for a bone folder - no luck) I still hadn't heard from her.  I had already went through the drive thru for dinner cos I was spent and my toes hurt. No cooking for me tonight... We get home, eat, then I go to sort the clothes to wash when I hear a ding on my phone letting me know I had an email.  It was about 7:30. It was her!!

She gave me her address and said I could pick up anytime as she was leaving it on the porch.  She said that tomorrow would be fine with her.  (sometimes some freecyclers are anal when they tell you to pick up at a certain time or its going to the next taker...)  It didn't bother me none that it was late in the evening already. She said, anytime.  So I went and picked up my new beads and stuff.  This is what I got...



I dunno about that loom, though.  It looks complicated.  But I'll give it a shot.

Friday, January 29, 2010

for Lauren


for Lauren
Originally uploaded by fleasha_
I made these earrings for Lauren for her birthday. I forgot to photograph them before packaging. oops.

So here's my something crafty for last night.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Me today.


Me today.
Originally uploaded by fleasha_
umm.... my mug for today.

I know. I've been slacking. sorry.

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Bye bye part of my boobie


Bye bye
Originally uploaded by fleasha_
I picnicked my pic.
Here is my right boobie. The one that's gonna get sliced up on Thursday. So here's a shot of the poor girlie. The ribbon is placed at 6 o'clock (well somewhat) which is the location of the lump.

Friday, January 15, 2010

I wear a star


I wear a star.
Originally uploaded by fleasha_

I wear a star because in my world I am a star. The star, in fact. The star of my own little world... Its my world and I can be anything. Even John Cusack's soulmate. In my world, the one in which I am the star, John is my soulmate. No. Wait.  I'm his soulmate.





















Edited to add:
After reading, DeElla made me think of this song, so I posted the lyrics...
C'mon now, everybody, sing it!

Hey, look me over
Tell me do u like what u see?
Hey, I ain't got no money
But honey I'm rich on personality
Hey, check it all out
Baby I know what it's all about
Before the night is through
U will see my point of view
Even if I have 2 scream and shout

Baby I'm a (star)
Might not know it now
Baby but I r, I'm a (star)
I don't want to stop, 'til I reach the top
Sing it (We are all a star!)

Hey, take a listen
Tell me do u like what u hear?
If it don't turn u on
Just say the word and I'm gone
But honey I know, ain't nothing
Wrong with your ears
Hey, check it all out
Better look now or it just might be 2 late (just might be 2 late)
My lucks gonna change tonight
There's gotta be a better life
Take a picture sweetie
I ain't got time 2 waste

Oh baby I'm a (star)
Might not know it now
Baby but I r, I'm a (star)
I don't want to stop, 'til I reach the top
Sing it! (We are all a star!)

Everybody say, nothing come 2 easy
But when u got it baby, nothing come 2 hard
You'll see what I'm all about (see what I'm all about)
If I gotta scream and shout (if I gotta scream and shout)
Baby baby (baby) baby (baby) baby (baby)
yeah
yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah (star)

Might not know it now
Baby but I r, I'm a (star)
I don't want to stop, 'til I reach the top
Sing it! (star)

Baby baby baby
oh baby I'm a (star)
baby baby baby
somebody
(We are all a star)

(Baby I'm a star)
We are all a star

We are all a star

Doctor!
Baby, baby, baby, baby,
baby, baby, baby, baby
We are all a star

{Backwards talking in the background}
"Like what the fuck do they know
All their taste is in their mouth
Really. What the fuck do they know?
Come on baby. Let's go... crazy"

Monday, January 11, 2010

I've been slacking...

My girls are not keeping me in check!  Sandy!!! this means you.
(Figured, I'd call her Sandy so she'd get real mad and do something about it. :P)


Instead of a crafty something, I'm gonna post my mugshot for today. (I'm not even keeping up with the mug a day).  OH SANDY!!! HELP ME. I'M A SLACKER!


Mug 1/11/10

Here's what I'm drinking today.

Coffee. I stirred in a packet of cocoa, cos I'm crafty like that.
Earl Grey tea.  Hot and iced.  yes. iced.
Diet Coke. its for later.


Today's drinks.


Also, in the drinks photo, you can see three items from swaps that I've received.
a Frida Matchbox Shrine. A matchbox stuffie (kitty) and a so ugly its cute felt stuffie.

If you want, go to the flickr page for this photo. I made notes for these items.

Thursday, January 7, 2010

What makes you laugh?





I got this new deodorant today.  
The instructions said remove cap and push up bottom. 
I can barely walk, but whenever I fart the room smells awesome.

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Won't You Help My Bro's Band, please?

They're looking to get their third album out. Click the link and help them out, I did.  

Congrats! You are now backing The Absynth Quintet's Third Album Project for $25.00.



Ahhh... I'm awake now

After I got home from work last night, I slid under the covers for a nap... ahhh... a 10-hour nap works wonders!

I woke up really hungry... and totally bummed that I didn't do anything crafty yesterday. I was starving and craving pancakes. so I made pancakes. at 5 am. on a Tuesday morning. A work day at that.

Lookie here, lookie here.

Barry thought I was weird cos I'd actually use real potatoes to make stuff with (as in mashed potatoes - my fave). I didn't think it was weird at all. I love potatoes.
CONFESSION: Sometimes I take short cuts and use frozen fries, but they don't like when I do that. But sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do.

Barry gave me this griddle for Christmas the second year we were together.
He was unsure how I would take it, but I LOVED it. I had been hinting I wanted one for the longest. He spent more than I would have spent.  And he got it on sale.  I think it was about $50.
I use it all the time.



I was doing pretty good.  I usually burn stuff when I've got a lot on the burners... and in the oven.

oops... well, I've already accepted the fact that I burn stuff. Every meal. it doesn't matter.



I did pretty good with the bacon this time... Thats usually the stuff that gets burned because I leave it in the oven too long.



So, here's my finished meal.
Yes, since I burn it, I usually go ahead and eat it.
but damn, it was goooooooood.





So. My question to you now is...


ARE YOU HUNGRY?

Monday, January 4, 2010

1 hour of sleep


1 hour of sleep
Originally uploaded by fleasha_
My mug for today.

This me at work on one hour of *sleep.*

My SCAD for January 3rd


More ice pack holders
Originally uploaded by fleasha_
I am calling it Jan. 3 because I slept all day Sunday and didn't wake up until 6pm. So, my third day of the new year started at 6 pm and ended at 6 am. (I can only claim 12 hours because I couldn't sleep all day today... work happens). I got this *crafty* thing done by 5:30AM.

I ended up making two more ice pack pouches because over the weekend my boss broke a bone (or more) in her foot. We won't know anything until she goes to the doctor today because she's like me, we hate the emergency room and refuse to go unless absolutely necessary.

So here you have it, my day 3 SCAD.

Check out the fabric. I think its cute. I bought it as a remnant from Walmart a LONG time ago. It had to have been a huge piece because I've made a couple other things with it and I have even sent some it to a swap partner. What makes it cute and perfect for this ice pack is that it is covered with anthropomorphic first-aid related items.



IMAG0323.jpg
I want to be an ice road trucker when I grow up.

Sunday, January 3, 2010

Day Two of Something Crafty A Day

Here are my three items for today.

This afternoon, I spent a bit of time at the park with Deb and her three babies, Sofia, Emma and Jonas. Jonas is a sweet, sweet, sweet little baby. Such sweetness. I love him. Anyway, Jonas had a hat but it was too small for his head. Deb said she has a hard time finding one that will fit his head (I'm not saying it, but SHE says its big). She pulled at the seams to make it a bit bigger. it worked. I guess. Well it gave me my idea for today's something crafty for today.

I had some fabric scraps left over from CJ's snuggie that I made for him, so I told Deb that I'd try to make a hat using that. Deb and I kinda have a thing for skulls. This fabric has skulls.

anyway, here is the beanie that I made.
Jonas' beanie
Don't laugh. Unless I absolutely have to, I don't have the patience for patterns so my stuff is always wonky. Its cool cos none of the people I make stuff for are sewers so they either don't notice or they won't say anything. Good for them cos then I'd have to x them off my list of *people I like to make stuff for*. Usually, though, my receivers seem to love what I make for them.

Well, since I didn't really measure his head - I used the hands-around-head-measurement-system, I didn't really get a good *measurement* so I decided I'd make an adjustable head wrap for him.
For Jonas

I figure if the hat isn't snug enough, then she can use the wrap and then put the hat over.
we'll see.


Another thing I made today is this little waterproof pouch. I put in it a DIY ice pack. It is currently in use. I made the pouch small enough to fit in my bra. Yes, my bra. I've been having some shooting pains in my boobie. The same boobie that currently has *issues*. I'll show you the pics of the pouch. and the DIY ice pack... but I will spare you from a pic of the pouch in my bra.

its my new boobie ice pack holder

the diy ice pack


Recipe for making the ice pack...

1 part alcohol*
2 parts water
food coloring of your choice
2 zip lock baggies

Mix the alcohol and water with the food coloring then pour into baggie #1. Take out as much air as you can then place into baggie #2. Freeze.
It won't get completely frozen. It will be slushy, but it will stay cold quite a while.

*rubbing alcohol works, some even use vodka... but who'd waste vodka on an ice pack?

Saturday, January 2, 2010

Friday, January 1, 2010

Finished!

Day 1 Thing-a-day is complete!

January 1, 2010

Thanks to Janice, and a little competition with Kiki, and a *I figured you'd alredy been doing this* from my beloved, Cherries, I decided to do a sorta Thing-A-Day blog.

I am hoping to make it a crafty thing-a-day with a mugshot-a-day thrown in. and I may ramble on about stuff, cos I do that. oh, I love to bake, so I may include a baked goodie as a thing-a-day. It's my blog. I can do what I want. Hah!

For now, I'm gonna tell you about my crafty TAD for today...

A crocheted throw.


A couple of weeks ago, Barry and I were at one of our favorite Thrift Stores. (Family Thrift Centers, 920 N. Durham, 77008). I love thrifting. So I'm always looking for sweet finds. I found these beautiful crocheted squares. There were several. I wanted them but I really didn't want to spend the $3.93 price that they were marked. So I left them.

I tell Barry, that if I really want something but don't really need it, and its there when I go back, then it was meant to be. Not that I go and seek out the items. I usually forget about them. But if I come across it, its happiness all over again.. and you know... it was meant to be. These squares fall in that category.

On my first visit, it seems like there were at least 6. I remember thinking that it would be too expensive to pay $24 for something that I would have to finish myself. I mean... well... maybe I'm just that cheap. Whatever. the wait was worth it. I got four squares at $1.91 each. there were five. I left one behind.

So, there you have it. The reason for my big push to start this blog and my first thing a day.