I always feel intimidated when it comes to making cards for men. I become overwhelmed by the idea and of thinking of what to make that will appeal to them. Friends have disagreed, and encouraged me to go for it. So here is my second male inspired card to date! (The first was for my dad.)
The card is for my brother-in-law who is a fan of Tottenham (an English football team). I drew the Tottenham logo in my sketch pad, adhered it to the card, and glued a balloon down so that it looks like the mascot is giving it to him. I'm quite pleased with my final product. I just wish Tottenham's colors were a bit more exciting, like yellow and red. I found some chants online that Tottenham fans use at games and managed to think of a witty way to include a few lines in my birthday note. Feeling pleased and productive!!
I was doing my daily blog-read, visiting the usual sites that I follow for that new idea or inspiration. As virtual reading goes, I went from one blog to another to a new one. I landed on one that will surely be added to my personal blogroll. Like this blog, acozykitchen and pinkBASIL began as a collaboration between two friends who have a common interest in food. I don't have the innate skill of knowing what herbs, fruits and meats contribute to an easy and delicious meal. I was touring these new blogs when I found words of inspiration for the day.
I love this quote. I believe this quote. I am this quote. I dabble in all kinds of creative art outlets, not because I think I'm the next Vincent van Gogh or Frida Kahlo (ha!), but because it is exciting to try new things, to give a personal and sentimental gift and because no matter how many tries it takes or how good or bad the final product may be; I enjoyed the process, it rejuvenated my soul and I created* something that day.
Need an example??
Alice down the rabbit hole in England. Big Ben is in the rabbit hole!!
Alice snoozing after pastries and tea in front of a Japanese bathhouse.
Alice in a snow dune in Russia. Brrrr!!
These are original pieces I did for my admission Design Test to FIT. I wasn't accepted in the end, and I don't blame them, really (competition is fierce). But I am beyond happy with my final product and put so much effort into this project that I am thrilled to know that something still gives me excitement and ignites my passion. I chose to do a window display and my concept was Alice in Wonderland/Down the Rabbit Hole (to England, Japan and Russia). The test and process was proof that sometimes things have to happen for a reason, even if you're unsure of why they did or in that order. For me it became evident that crafting and art is a passion not a career. At least not in the degree seeking kind of way, and at least not for now anyway.
*Create is a broad word that can and should be interpreted differently depending on the person. I createcards, boxes and trinkets of sorts because I flourish on the idea of giving something from the heart. By definition, to create means to cause to come into being, as something unique that would not naturally evolve or that is not made by ordinary processes. The possibilities of what you can create are endlessssss!
Live*Love*Laugh and *Create something everyday.
xo! Chris
Today I spent the day with 19 funny/giggly/adorable/incredibly
smart 6-7 year olds.
In my eleven years working with kids, I have never had a
dull moment and today was no different.
While enjoying a picnic on this beautiful day, the kids and
I engaged in conversation about random things. Each eager to share their “this
one time” story or their discontent for the lunch mommy packed, when I hear one
of them mention Facebook. Completely instigating what is promised to be a VERY
interesting conversation… “Wait guys, What’s Facebook?”
“WHAT?!” “You don’t know what FACEBOOK is?!” “How OLD are
you?!”
The outrage and clamor was so strong that I almost broke my facade out in laughter.
ME: “What do you mean? I don’t get it… What is it?”
Fighting over loud expressions of hopelessness towards me
and hand raised “Oh-Oh”’s, my smallest boy breaks through and confidently says"It's a BOOK... with FACES!!"
{Teeth being sucked} “No, it’s not!” "Nuh-uh" “That’s not what it is”
{Soft voice breaking through the chatter} “It’s in your
computer!”
“Yeah!” “Yeah” {they've reached a consensus}
ME: Okay, so it’s a BOOK… with faces… that’s in my computer?
{Very opinionated boy} ::Sighs:: Okay Lexia, {as he puts his hand on my knee
and speaks to me patiently} It’s LIKE a book, and it’s in your computer…
{Other excited boy, in between biting his sandwich, loudly
interrupting} “You have to have videos!”
{Girl from a distance} “AND PICTURES!!”
{Very opinionated boy again} “Yeah, it’s like if you wanted
to know how Squidward was doing or what he is up to…even Justin Beiber, because
you’re a girl… you go there.”
{They all pretty much nod and exclaim in agreement}
{the know-it-all girl} “But you have to be a grown-up”
{Her friend..} Yeah, you have to be 18 and up
ME: Wait, Wait.. If you have to be a grown up to have
Facebook, How do you all know about it?!
Easter bunny sack treats for my co-workers (Easter 2011)
Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday which unofficially marks the beginning of Lent. Although I haven't been to mass or received an ash on my forehead since college, I still honor the tradition of Lent to the best of my ability. It has become more of a spiritual journey for me, sacrificing something for myself, to test my will-power and determination. Kind of like an emotional cleansing.
One year I gave up chocolate, which was no easy feat. One year I considered giving up Facebook and chose something else instead. Today, giving up that same thing wouldn't be much of a challenge at all.
Last year's Easter card and treats for my padres
Maybe instead of giving something (tangible) up, I will focus on giving myself more of something I so desperately need like more water, a better sleep schedule, more time reading/studying, more creative projects, more time to get ready in the morning or more prep time for school work (aka procrastination), in an effort to give up bad habits.
As the 40 days and nights pass, we get closer to Easter. And the joyous side of Easter is dying eggs, chocolate bunnies and plenty of treats and cool crafts.
I finished the last few chapters of The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins last night. I love books that are page-turners, it had a great pace to it with just the right amount of anticipation, and boy did it deliver! Turning the last page brought a sense of bitter-sweetness; I found myself reading paragraphs and pages over to prolong the journey.
I'm so eager to start the second book of the heart-pounding trilogy that I put it on reserve at Barnes & Noble. My goal is to finish all three books before The Hunger Games hits theaters March 23, 2012.
If you're already a fan of The Hunger Games trilogy, the artwork on deviantART is worth a glimpse. It is interesting to see how different readers portray scenes of the book through different mediums. This photo of innocent and sweet Rue is one of my favorite illustrations.
One of the reasons I love crafts is because it puts my thoughts, concerns, impending To Do list and essentially life on hold. Card-making is a hobby and passion that has evolved over time and now one of the things I look forward to most when I feel inspired. Because one card can take anywhere from one to three hours I don't always have time to indulge leaving me with a growing craft To Do list.
Here is one of my most recent cards that I made for a dear friend for Valentine's Day. It is one of the only cards I have ever made mostly with stamps and just a few embellishments.
One thing on my craft To Do list: experiment with stamp embossing. Craft on!
I came across this animated Google Doodle and loved it instantaneously!! I have always been a fan of Google Doodles to the point that I wish I had majored in graphic design in college. They are always so creative and contemporary in their ideas. I am so keen on this video because of the message it sends (or at least how I interpret it): the boy is trying so hard to woo the girl but she doesn't acknowledge his attempts until he really pays attention to her and her interests.
(I've never been allured much by red roses and big, white, fluffy stuffed animals but I'd be much courted by simple and personal romantic innovations like Gerber daisies, a peanut butter cupcake or him showing up with my favorite movie ready to watch although he is uninterested in vampires.)
Upon hearing the song featured in this video I couldn't resist looking up the rest of the lyrics and had the thought that Drake's Take Care featuring Rihanna is the 2012 version of Cold, Cold Heart by Tony Bennett. Let me explain: Lyrics in italics are Take Care by Drake featuring Rihanna.
I tried so hard, my dear to show
That you're my every dream
This heart shaped donut from a friend made my day and quenched my chocolate craving.
Yet, you're afraid each thing I do
Is just some evil scheme
A memory from your lonesome past I know you've been hurt by someone else
Keeps us so far apart If you let me, here's what I'll do
Why can't I free your doubtful mind I'll take care of you
And melt your cold, cold heart. I've loved and I've lost.
Another love before my time and you can't sleep thinking he still lies
Made your heart sad and blue so you cry still, tears all in the pillow case
And so my heart is paying now pushing me away so I give her space
For things I didn't do dealing with a heart that I didn't break
In anger unkind words are said
That make the teardrops start
Why can't I free your doubtful mind You won't ever have to worry, You won't ever have to hide, You've seen all my mistakes,
And melt your cold, cold heart So look me in my eyes.
There was a time when I believed Can't deny that I want you, but I'll lie if I have to
That you belonged to me cause you don't say you love me
But now I know your heart is shackled to a memory even though we both know that you do
The more I learn to care for you all so convinced that you're following your heart
The more we drift apart cause your mind don't control what it does sometimes.
Why can't I free your doubtful mind You hate being alone
And melt your cold, cold heart You ain't the only one
My mind just couldn't resist the temptation to compare lyrics. The Virgo in me just had to get it on "paper". Cold, Cold Heart is now one of my new favorite songs; and so appropriate for the Google Doodle animation.
Happy Valentine's Day!
You are loved, even if you don't believe it.
If you need some words of inspiration on this Hallmark holiday refer to my blog-mate's post below.
Today, as the Hallmark designated day to
"show" how much one cares... I could go into the history of the day,
or the mockery that many have made of it, the mythology behind Cupid, the cynicism associated with it or the
buffoonery grieving hearts and tactless fools make of it… but I prefer not to.
Instead I’m going to embrace the day; and delight
myself in the smiles behind the sweet private thoughts, the anxiousness of
expectant souls, the innocence behind the classroom cards exchange, the thought
behind the love letter, the choice between the arrangements, the desire to
please a loved one, the courage behind the questions, the pleasure of a
reciprocal answer, the meditation behind the itinerary, the way they look at
each other, or simply put: The Love.
And today, I CHOOSE to be greedy... not having
one of my own, I'm declaring you ALL
...MY dear sweet Valentines!
There are some things I wish all my loved ones
knew and on account of our recent bond, Dear Sweet Valentines, I'm want to share with you all as well. Besides, I think we’d be surprise to learn how many can relate to such things:
We will never fully understand the impact we
make in the lives of others...you'd do well to remember this.
Many can't communicate exactly how much they
appreciate you {and it’s not for my lack
of trying}..
..doesn't mean they don't.
Those lingering looks, smiles, touches say
more than a thousand words might be able to... indulge in those.
Everyone {especially
me} Loves in their own way...bask in the diversity.
Distance and time CANNOT and WILL NOT make me
care for you less... MY mind {and heart} is a powerful thing ;-)
My sweet-smile-provoking memories are a
silent, secret tribute to you and our time together..
.. thank you for that.
I’ve realized these things about myself and/or
discovered them in others, and with every acknowledgement and every discovery
there is an underlining sweetness and a deeper fondness formed with the people
in your lives.
Treat each other well, Love ‘with both hands’
and enjoy the day.
I came into some bitter news early last week,
and then was quickly faced with the acrid reality of it. Add being invaded with a
hindering cold to the mix and I'm left with one LOOOOONG week.
A week {and a half} during which every passing
hour felt like an eternity and the days seemed to have blurred together. For
having had so much time in my hands, it was a very unproductive week.
All of this left me thinking about MY time and
how I {mis}use so much of it.
We struggle to gain control over so many
things, our emotions, the paths we take, the decisions we make, the remote
control and what to watch; it’s all relative.
The point is we struggle to have control over
our lives and then there is this one thing that literally ticks away the years off
of it... And so many of us barely use it to its full potential:
We pick meaningless fights with loved ones,
forgetting our time together is limited.
We indulge in nothingness, depriving ourselves
of all the greatness awaiting our discovery and participation.
We skip class and procrastinate on
assignments, taking for granted the opportunity at knowledge that many only get to dream about.
We deprive ourselves of experiences and a
youth knowing that we walk on a path where tomorrows aren't guaranteed and
headed towards bills, responsibilities and a family of our own.
We let too many days pass us by without
showing the people in our lives how much they mean to us and how much we care.
::SIGHS::
A month and half into 2012 and almost six
months away from my next birthday,
and I haven't gotten any closer to many of
the things I said I wanted to accomplish.
Sticking to my philosophy, there's no sense in
dwelling with shortcomings, so I won’t.
Instead, I'm revamping those lists and
starting from NOW.
It’s simple really,
"I don't want to forget the present is a gift,
And I don't want to take
for granted the time..."
Tomorrow is promised to be another day in that
acrid reality, but its another day nonetheless and a day closer to putting this behind me. But when {and if} my eyes open tomorrow, I’m
on a self-assigned mission...
The TIME on MY hands.
I'll let you know how that goes. ;-)
Lex {<3}
References:
Lyrics from song by Alicia Keys, “Like
You’ll Never See Me Again.”
I have literally hit the half way point in The Hunger Games and it has rapidly become a can't-put-down-can't-wait-to-pick-up page turner. As you may know it is told from the point of view of the sullen but genuine protagonist, Katniss Everdeen, whom is slowly becoming one of my favorite literary characters.
More about Hunger Games another time; this is a Valentine's Day post. Whether you have read the book or not here are some Valentine's Day cards and catch phrases that are sure to inspire you to spread the love or affection for another. Some of my favorite ones are: The only thing I like more than you is lamb stew with plums/Will you be my boy with the bread?/There are two things I want for Valentine's Day, you and cheese buns/We could run off and live in the woods. Or we could just be Valentines!
You can get these cool, creative Valentine's Day graphics at Etsy.com. $9.00 gets you a sheet of 27 to print out or maybe just get your creative juices flowing for cool catch phrases of your own.
Disclaimer: I have read the Twilight series and seen every movie thus far.
Whether you are a die-hard Twilight fan, professing your love for Jacob or Edward, quoting dialogue from the movies, imagining yourself being saved numerous times from your imminent death by a hot blooded, muscular, shape shifter werewolf or consummating your marriage as the newly Mrs. Cullen on a tropical island named after your mother-in-law (how lucky!)...OR if you despise the Saga all together and refuse to partake in any of the Twi-hard shenanigans that take place...
..I'm sure by now you have heard the overall synopsis of the trials and tribulations that the supernatural love story (occasionally triangle) entails. Either way I find you will be hard pressed not to find this light-hearted parody anything short of entertaining.
At the very least you have to give the cast, crew and creative noggins behind this musical reenactment big kudos for direction, wardrobe, makeup, lip syncing, dance, music score, comedic interjections and chemistry (between leading actors, Hilly Hindi and Austin Clay).
If you found this mini movie as blog-worthy as I did, lucky for you there are more where it came from. You can find them all on YouTube or check out http://www.thehillywoodshow.com to find out more about Hilly Hindi and her other projects.
It is just that simple. Of course we can not wander the streets and subways of New York with a perpetual smile molded onto our faces. Or take it literally when strangers tell us to do so in passing. But when the day is done, after you have thought, analysed, processed, thought some more, maybe cried or even yelled....then smile. I find this is my life's philosophy without even knowing it. The proof being that I have been told on many occasions that I laugh a lot. I will let you in on a secret: I laugh a lot because it feels good, is an emotional armor and just what comes naturally to me for different feelings. I tend to laugh even when something is not at all funny, maybe even awkward or sad. Most people find it strange or alarming but it is a coping mechanism as well. So in an effort to break my patch of ice here are a few things that make me smile (even if it's only mentally):
Buying a new book and folding back the cover as I read the first page.
Arranging things that are aesthetically soothing.
Making and completing greeting cards for loved ones.
Capturing a Kodak moment from mundane objects or city-scapes.
Catching the beginning of a song I'm currently craving to hear on the radio.
Lying in bed, watching shows I have DVR'd and skipping commercials.
The warmth of my blanket straight out of the washer then dryer.
Meeting friends and engaging in an easy flowing but in depth conversation.
The first cup of tea, coffee or Chai of the day.
Dancing while envisioning choreography unfold in my mind.
So whatever has put your smile on pause today, work, school, friends, family or a significant other, think of ten things that make you smile and if you can try to make it happen right now!
The card is for my brother-in-law who is a fan of Tottenham (an English football team). I drew the Tottenham logo in my sketch pad, adhered it to the card, and glued a balloon down so that it looks like the mascot is giving it to him. I'm quite pleased with my final product. I just wish Tottenham's colors were a bit more exciting, like yellow and red. I found some chants online that Tottenham fans use at games and managed to think of a witty way to include a few lines in my birthday note. Feeling pleased and productive!!
