Catch up time on unfinished projects

One of my favorite reasons for carfting is the therpauetic effects. It gets you present and focused on creating something unique, expressive and in the moment. Today, I was reading an e-mail and was reminded of this, as I have not been spending as much time crafting over the last week after being home sick watching Weeds, drinking tea and taking a lot of Chinese Herbs. FYI Weeds is very funny and great for a day whe dont feel like leaving couch, reading email etc....

Tonight, went for finally checking out house, and checking out my stash of almost completed items. Finished three neck warmers, and have some items ready to list later this week. Also, am working on anew line of upcycled accessories which is pretty fun and enjoying the simple and laid back therapy of working on a new project and completing some of those ones that never quite get finished and end up in a nice neat pile somewhere.



Banana Silk scarf in Aqua Laguna - available soon at http://www.designknitfun.etsy.com

special and unique handmade and upcycled jewlery

As a big fan of eco-friendly anything, as well as handmade items, I wanted to share a group of items from another Southern California etsy seller. Kim at Circles are Forever features unique and handpainted pins, buttons, earrings, ornaments, rings and pendants in her etsy store.http://www.circlesareforeever.etsy.com . Panda pirate one of my faves, can be worn as a pin or pendant (Im actually making an upcycled felted bag he is going to be part of) and when I can decide which to give and which to keep, the rings are an early start on my Christmas gifts. They are shiny, adjustable and amazing in detail in the painting. Plus, it is keeping bottlecaps out of landfills and channeling creativity and unique design and expression. She has many great styles in her shop and even her packaging is repurposed. Check out the box everything arrived in.Custom made out of cereal boxes for a fun and colorful treat. That itself is a great gift box and specially sized for her products.

About to read a book - mixed feelings already

Ok, so this has nothing to do with knitting, or etsy. I work a few blocks away from the public library, and go in to check out what new dvd's they have and books on breaks. Today, while getting some movies to throw in while working on some knitting, I walked by a book related to Chinese Medicine in the sustainability section.

The book is "Tiger Bone & Rhino Horn" two substances used in ancient medicine for herbal properties. It addresses the black market trading of endangered animals / species which unfortunately exists - even though the substances are actually illegal both to prescribe and purchase.

Anyways, the cause for venting is on the back of teh book, several comments brought up the attention getting things like the traditional uses are not known to be effective, etc..... and some of the stuff that counteracts the steps forward alternative and traditional medicines are making in acceptance in medical community. I am curious enough about how they perceive and discuss the use of acupuncture and herbs that I will be starting to read tonight - since seems like the type of thing patients and potential patients could ask about. However, I was not exactly looking for a serious book to read since also have several knitting relates projects that I am working on, as well as going through my recipe collection.

blogspot vs typepad

Okay, so I admit it. I have two different blogs for different businesses. That is common these days. However, I am finding pluses and minuses of each account. I would love to hear others experiences with different blog hosting services and fees. Because, although I love the way my other blog is formatted, and how great it looks for what I am doing with it (promoting a pilates business and using it as platform for website), I am also looking at places to cut expenses and seeing that I get traffic, but have not gotten any business from it in the year it has been up. Here is the link http://www.pilatesformindandbody.com

plus have lots of content ready to add, and realizing concernef about taking the time, and not actually promoting business. hmmmm

Summer in Santa Monica - a little late this year

(A view North of the pier towards the beach clubs homes on the sand)

OK, so after a summer of fog, a cooler then usual temperatures and one week of heat, a heat wave has taken over Southern California. While I was starting on fall and winter knitting, it is so hot and without a/c (especially since rarely needed) seems a little weird to be getting ready for fall on etsy. so, as summer winds down, here are a couple pics from a bike ride a few weeks ago around the Santa Monica Pier. Class was out for an afternoon, and my patella had moved back into place from being dislocated so I celebrated with a bike ride.

Best of all, as passing under the pier, a sound check for the Twilight Dance series was under way (free concerts - featuring a variety of music and performers that happen weekly for about 2 months). Enjoy.



Biking back south - looking towards the pier

Inexpensive and Eco Girls Night Clothing Swap

With recycling, decluttering, and saving money all the rage, why not spend an evening with the girls, clean out your closet, and get new clothes and accessories to bring home?

I've been a fan of reselling my clothes since undergrad - especially when going through a vintage and thrift store phase at some point in 1993-1995. When I moved to LA, I mostly brought clothes, even after selling and donating at least a car full of items. While attending Pepperdine, I got introduced to sample sales, and some of the best boutique and high end sales for unique and designer pieces, and also how to sell on ebay.

Last month, friends from school hosted and organized a super fun clothing swap, which was also very much a Girl's Night since, the one male crasher left quickly, and there were plenty of laughs and drinks. Beyond having a blast, it also served a purpose - and was a great way to clean out the closet, and get new and wanted or needed items without being as wasteful, stay fashionable, recycle, and save money. Plus the items that didn't go home with someone, got donated to charity. Here is a picture of the bag I took and a few of the lovely new items I brought home. It was a great event, and could probably write many entries on all the benefits, and everyone who went had a great time and already talking about the next one....

wow catching up

Ok, so I have photos taken for two posts, and a third one planned. However, due to a midterm last week, a final tomorrow, and my odd summer quarter schedule, I am really just grateful that my browser is working again - also was acting weird for a few days.
Anyways,my next blog post will be about a great and fun idea for a Girls Night that helps clean out your closet, tons of laughs, and some great finds to bring home.

I am also working on creating a tulle petticoat skirt to layer into a dress for next weekend. it is fun although my creative energy is getting redirected from knitting and splitting it with school. I have been meeting some amazing Etsy shop owners and trying out some wonderful products, and looking forward to next week and having a little more time to blog.