a.c.k.m.e.

intentionally mussed

2009-04-06T22:33:00.000-07:00

Since moving out I have been going through my "inspiration files" for ideas for my new place. It is coming together, although I was hoping to have it all done by this time around. On my search for more ideas I came across two book titles that I pounced on as soon as I flipped their pages:

Flea Market Style by Emily Chalmers

Interior Alchemy by Rebecca Purcell

recap, or a boring, pictureless post

2009-04-06T22:10:00.000-07:00

I was inspired by Briggs' comeback, so here goes-
Since last fall I have:

*gone back to school. I love it! I am a much better student now that it is a choice instead of an expectation. Of course I started out as a Art major and have now switched to Spanish because for once in my life, I chose to be practical. I miss drawing though.

*started a great new job. I also love it! I get to work with such a great crew and I have the opportunity to support local artisans. Great overall!

*survived a rare-to-Portland-snowstorm. It was pretty for two seconds and then everyone forgot how to drive! It reminded me of how Angelenos act when it rains.

*had Mama visit and visited her, along with Golden.

*moved into my own place. I am now surrounded by boxes. I have lots of ideas and hope to share them soon, but most likely later.

*let my social life go altogether. I do not have a "day off"- I'm either at school or at work. I do both full time. Crazy? yes, but the only way I can afford to do it.

*had the pleasure of hosting Cali friends who had not visited me since I moved up here. I used it as an excuse to gain ten pounds, okay maybe I exaggerate- just five!

*found myself in a very positive place. You know, sometimes this one thing could be going well, but another aspect of your life is so-so, maybe just wah-wah... but overall I'm very fortunate to find myself where I'm at now.

Wow! was that TMI? I just felt bad about neglecting this space and wanted to record it all.
-K

Nudie Party!

2008-10-29T20:43:00.000-07:00

toe jam new stuff by Norman Cook, a.k.a Fat Boy Slim. I saw him live a long, long time ago. Miss those days.

Admitting the Challange

2008-09-21T08:54:00.000-07:00

This is my last week of "freedom" before classes start. As I had mentioned before, I'm going back to school and I will be making lots of adjustments and changes. This new schedule does seem a bit daunting and I'm nervous about so many little things. For example: I will only be able to have dinner with Golden two evenings a week and I won't have an entire day off until winter break. I will have at least three 14-hour days per week! I do realize this might be lots of people's normal schedule but I have spoiled myself for the last several years and because of this I am now bored and unchallenged.

I am excited about meeting peers with similar interests, improving my Spanish (I decided to minor in it since I'm only 12 credits away), and learning so many new things!
This is a very long winding way to say that I am unsure of this blog. I had so much fun this summer and at times I felt a sense of guilt because I was not posting as regularly as I would have liked to. I know I wont have time to sew and create as often as I would like these next couple of years (!!) and so, dear readers, I say till later. When will that later be? I have no idea, maybe when I finally catch up with myself.
Wish me luck and perseverance- I'll need 'em both.

berry picking

2008-08-28T07:41:00.000-07:00

This is Izzy and I fully enjoying the novelty that is berry picking. And then, with the help from Golden, preparing a pie with the fruits of her labor (pun intended; I have no shame). We couldn't wait till the pie cooled off to eat it and it was still so, so good. I miss them so much already, no matter how much my patience was tested those four days.

Summer 08 (part 1)

2008-08-27T14:58:00.000-07:00

just a few of the moments this past summer. more to follow.

I'm Back

2008-08-18T11:29:00.000-07:00

So let's do this the efficient way , shall we? This is what has been happening in my neck of the woods:

-Wrapping up my first month at my new job. Total whirlwind.

-Seeing all of Golden's friends go off and get "real" jobs with "real" paychecks.

-Mama and Izzy visiting for not enough time.

-Sleeping away the balmy nights in the cabana.

-Lots of berry picking.

-Lots of reading.

Pictures documenting the above will be soon to follow.

P.S. Feliz Cumpleanos, Mami!

Condon, OR.

2008-07-10T12:51:00.000-07:00

The "cabin" is about twenty miles outside of the sleepy little town of Condon. The Golden Man and I spent a few hours cruising the main drag and stopping in at the local watering hole, The Roundup before the fireworks show on Friday. While at one of the two yard sales I hit up, a gentleman remarked "wow, that musta' been some culture shock coming from Portland to Condon!" I smiled and felt a little silly trying to explain that I looked forward to doing much of nothing with the exception of reading and cooking. Here's a look around town:

It also has amazing slow sunsets.

so much summer fun...

2008-07-09T11:14:00.000-07:00

not so much posting- sorry little blog.
Anywho, lots to show and not too many words. These are pictures from this past holiday weekend at the "cabin"; no electricity, outdoor showers, outhouse instead of a bathroom, and very few people but lots of deer, porcupines and owls:

A view of the valley

Hay rolls

G & Ts in the sun

A deer bed in the field behind the cabin.

More pictures soon.

Summer Solstice

2008-06-23T09:11:00.000-07:00

Surrounded by lots of fun people and tons of great food, our solstice celebration was a success. I completely forgot to charge my camera, so all of these pics are courtesy of the Swedish Amazon, a.k.a. Ms. Anna Brones.

Soy un perdedor...

2008-06-19T19:53:00.000-07:00

I got so excited when I spotted this in my inbox. It is such a great design.

I cannot wait to see this film. Beautiful indeed, I'm not so sure about the loser part.

Fruit Porn

2008-06-17T11:23:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers,

I do hope you are not easily offended. I have tried to prepare you with the title of this post. Let's not delay the inevitable, I present to you, a pear butt:

I noticed this pear's *ahem* figure just in time, right before I took a bite.

I'm not even sure I can eat it. It's just a little too disturbing and silly at the same time.

I won't even describe the peculiar form of our squash last fall, but I will admit that it came home only because of its shape.

If it could all be so simple...

2008-06-10T08:55:00.000-07:00

These pictures were scanned from the book Currier & Ives, Printmakers to the American People by Harry T. Peters. It is full of black and white, with a few color plates depicting historical events and scenes from everyday life. Many of them are unintentionally hillarious.

The one below is one of my favorites because of how absurd it seems now, and all those smooshed hats. Here is a link to more information on Currier & Ives.

Cut Paper

2008-06-06T12:36:00.000-07:00

I found these gorgeous papercuts at this Etsy shop. The detail in these is mind blowing.

It reminds me of Mexican "papel picado". I hung a banner for some festivities a while back and decided to keep it up because I liked it so much.

sticks and branches

2008-06-05T11:25:00.000-07:00

Patrick Dougherty's sculptures are breathtaking. So stunning, majestic and organic in form.

The softest cotton ever...

2008-06-05T08:28:00.000-07:00

Liberty of London Tana Lawns are my favorite cotton prints. A while back, I made some lounge shorts out of a dainty floral print. They are so soft and comfortable, they are the perfect thing on balmy summer nights.
Purl Soho has a great selection.

Oh! Portland.

2008-06-04T17:37:00.000-07:00

Just came across this article.

(via stuff white people like)

pages from the past

2008-06-04T13:15:00.000-07:00

Many years ago I was lucky enough to find a victorian scrapbook at a flea market. I can't ever think of letting it go.

It is chock full of great imagery and history. Whenever I flip through its pages, I try to imagine who it originally belonged to and how they decided what was "scrapbook-worthy".

I believe it came from the state of Ohio because many of the cards have addresses within the state. I wish I knew more.

Whoever it belonged to was extremely popular judging from all the calling cards.

The Cabana Project -Part 1

2008-06-02T21:05:00.001-07:00

It is finally looking like what I had imagined.

How awesome is this? I cannot get over how well it turned out. Yes I'm patting myself on the back. It is so rare, at least for me, to have an idea develop into that original picture in my head.

A view from inside looking at the front panels.

Did I mention how ideal it is for napping out on a sunny afternoon?

G&Ts on hand of course. I'm trying to get The Man to document the logistics of propping this little cabana up. I made it as far as the PVC pipes and he took it from there. Stay tuned for part 2.

corners of my home

2008-06-02T07:34:00.000-07:00

How many dishes do two people need anyway?

The very limited counter space during the dinner chaos:
Notice the honey bear? - my idea of being efficient.

American Boy

2008-05-29T13:23:00.000-07:00

Estelle, featuring Kanye.
Cannot get this song out of my head, luvit!

Cozy

2008-05-23T13:30:00.000-07:00

I've been under the weather for the past week and I really wish I could get a huge, soft sweater to wrap around me. Sort of like this tree:

(via)

Guilty Pleasures

2008-05-23T08:31:00.000-07:00

As much as I try, I can't stay away from Forever 21. To be fair, I can attest to their clothes surviving at least three washings. These two outfits are under $35 bucks each! How can I turn away?!

(found here and here)

On a walk

2008-05-22T16:23:00.001-07:00

I am lucky enough to live nearby lots of trails and I often take advantage of them. These are just two things that caught my eye on the latest walk.

Spring mushrooms are popping up.

Abandoned spider web.

A nest big enough for the both of us

2008-05-21T12:35:00.000-07:00

Artist Benjamin Verdonk is living in a nest he constructed on the side of a multi story building for a few days. Out-Of-Control!

(via)

2008-05-20T16:24:00.000-07:00

All of these baubles are from Alex Monroe. Their collections are so whimsical and sweet and not too loud.

Something about birds lately!

Evening light

2008-05-20T14:40:00.000-07:00

Yesterday's evening light as seen out my window.

Boxes, prints and kits! Oh my!

2008-05-19T13:46:00.000-07:00

If you are reading this, please feel free to visit Mr. John Dilnot and get me anything in his shop. I am smitten. I just love the colors he uses in his prints and don't get me started on his boxes. Wow.

Awe-worthy weekend

2008-05-19T08:49:00.000-07:00

On my way back from the rally, I stopped at Sticks, Stones and Bones. Amazing place. Taxidermy, crystals, porcupine quills, monarch butterflies in vellum envelopes, hallow quail eggs, driftwood...

I then went home to get ready for a performance of Carmina Burana by the Oregon Symphony. Quite a busy and fulfilling weekend.

too cute to eat

2008-05-17T14:47:00.000-07:00

Marzipan treats at Eugene and Louise Bakery.

before & after

2008-05-14T19:54:00.000-07:00

I did it! I am free from several inches of hair that I just left behind on my hairdresser's floor! Also this is my hair after it has just been released from braids- it is A LOT curlier than this. I was just trying to make Jen's life a little easier. First the before:
That's a mound of hair.
Now the glorious after:

If there was a thought bubble over my head in the photo below, it would read "Take the *bleeped* picture already!"

So no cute afro, but who knows. I haven't played with it yet.

How-to: Tile-able designs

2008-05-14T08:30:00.000-07:00

I just came across one of Julia Rothman's post over at Design Sponge. It's very simple step-by-step instructions on how to make a repeat pattern or a tile design. Amazing! and soooo easy.

Go there now!!

On replay

2008-05-12T17:40:00.000-07:00

There are two bands that, for the moment, I can't get enough of.
One of them being Dragonette:

Their video for "Take it Like a Man" is pretty racy and yet hilarious!

The other being MGMT, formerly know as Management. The "white man overbite" makes an appearance anytime they come up on random play. They have an interactive music video you can download here. This is what it looks like:

W I P

2008-05-12T15:38:00.000-07:00

This is what I have to show for myself:
a new batch of adult headbands, finally!
And a draft of a potential contact card-

Dreaming of shorter hair

2008-05-10T08:56:00.000-07:00

I wish for this hair:

with this outfit:

The hair part needs to happen soon!
pictures from the Sartorialist

Doors like skittles

2008-05-09T09:04:00.000-07:00

On a recent walk around my neighborhood I noticed some colorful front doors:

I think it says so much about home owner/dweller's personality.

Spring layers

2008-05-08T08:21:00.000-07:00

picture from here.
I want this outfit, maybe with some leather sandals. I'm not sure I could pull off the boots.
I feel like I really need to clear out my closet - so many of my clothes have shrunk;) Ha! Reminds me of Amanda's magic shrinking closet. Lately I've been adding ruffles, bits of lace and buttons to some previously basic (boring) pieces and wha-la! I have new-to-me clothes.

basic Target tank redux

Buggie's 6th

2008-05-07T10:34:00.000-07:00

My niece's 6th birthday was a couple of weeks ago. My sister's request was "she does NOT need any more toys but none of her shorts fit anymore". Say no more. I drafted my own pattern using the measurements I was given and selected the fabrics based on Buggie's favorite colors at the moment- pink & green! The nickname was decided around the time when she was four or five months. She had this cute toy ladybug and I decided, somehow, that they bared a resemblance. Six years later, I'm the only one that calls her by the name Buggie and I like to think we both like it that way. On to the shorts:

I also filled one of those sweet paper lunch boxes with goodies for her to put together herself, maybe with a little help from "Gramma". Buttons, elastic and ribbon for some button bracelets and already-cut headband pieces to mix and match. Oh and a green numeral six candle of course:

Ikea has its own language

2008-05-07T08:00:00.000-07:00

A month or two ago I accompanied my friend Anna to a recording studio in the Southwest part of town. She was interviewed for The World. She's famous!!! And here's why. Her interview is at the last quarter of the podcast. All those wacky Ikea names actually have a rhyme and reason to them.

The White Salmon River

2008-05-06T17:07:00.000-07:00

Ever since moving to Portland I have mellowed out a bit. I'm not as anxious, impatient, or overly assertive. Some might argue that last point. I'm not sure I would ever have been thrilled at finding several robin's egg shells:

Golden and I went to the White Salmon River this weekend. He's a raft guide there in the summers. We went out on a walk early Sunday morning and I was so happy with the small, almost quiet treasures we came across:

It appears we were technically in Husum.

A window opening up to a barn's attic.

This barn housed about five different tractors- wait, what's that sign say:

Oh, and then we came across some evidence that someone was having waaaay too much fun. So much that they didn't see the stop sign:

I was soooo happy on this walk, I can't even describe it. Someone once accused me of being a city girl- I'm just not so sure. No one is as surprised as I am.

the one where she steals my spot

2008-05-05T14:48:00.000-07:00

The feline was feeling quite entitled to her spot on the porch this weekend. I had brought out my lay-out/picnic blanket that I made last summer along with some pillows and my stack of vintage bed sheets that I've been hoarding for some time. Minding my own and undoing seams was I when the sudden craving for a margarita struck me. "Why should I deprive myself of such a refreshing concoction on this warm and sunny afternoon?" I wondered. "I shall go prepare it now!" I decided and so I marched right into the kitchen for what might have been five minutes and when I came back-
There she was- back turned against me.
I imagine this was the sequence of events:

"Mmmm, oh this feels so goood".

"But what is this?"

"Oh, yeah. Just right."

"If I just avert all eye contact, the human might not notice."

Needless to say, this situation was corrected as soon as I put my glass down. Yes, of course she ended up on my lap about 30 seconds later. It was a splendid afternoon spent catching occasional whiffs of the lilacs and watching the last of the magnolias fall off their leafy branches. The sheets are for The Cabana Project. Oh yes, I will have a cabana this summer- details to come.

Over the Moon

2008-04-29T09:22:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm not over the moons, I'm just really into them. My only tattoo is the image of a crescent moon- the result of a silly teenage impulse, but I still like it and glad I've never come to regret it. Anywho, for as long as I can remember, I have been drawn to any imagery of moons. Random, yes. I got really excited when I found this posting at Anonymous Works about paper moon photos.

This then led me to remember my "stairway to heaven" that I got in Florida. Where did I store it? and why is it not displayed prominently on one of our walls? A friend there had a collection of them and displayed them all on one wall. I did a google search and this is all I could find.

Mine look just like these but without the matching star shelf and the figurines.
That first one is on the auction block, so maybe...

Update: I just found this great Flickr set of paper moon photos!

My Mind Playin' Tricks On Me

2008-04-24T21:06:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I feel like the insides of my brain might look like this:

Fo'reals.

Photo from here.

Food Obsession

2008-04-24T07:52:00.000-07:00

It seems like we, as a society, are becoming more and more aware of where our food comes from and the impact this has on our own health and the planet's. Industrial crops, food distribution, local vs. organic - these are all terms we are well acquainted with. I, personally dislike being hit over the head again and again with the reasons this and that is better, and the ifs and the whys that go along with various arguments. Nevertheless, I am eager to start reading Michael Pollan's new book. I believe his approach is slightly different after listening to his interview on an NPR show a few weeks back. And I love his motto: "Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants."

In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto is Pollan's latest after The Omnivore's Dilemma.

if we took a holiday...

2008-04-23T16:36:00.000-07:00

I have fantasized about vacationing here for some time now. Just look at those Airstream trailers! So shiny outside and cozy inside. It just seems like it would be so fun to hang out on a working farm and have a beach town so close by.

The outside of a 1962 Airstream Safari

I can see myself having some fish n' chips and a cold pale ale while sitting here

I love the sparkling red fridge.

Oh! to dream!

All pictures via Vintage Vacations website.

ch-ch-ch-changes

2008-04-23T11:59:00.000-07:00

BIG changes are to come. I have decided to go back to school and finish my arts degree. I earned a Associates in Apparel Design and did three semesters of journalism a while back. Not finishing has always haunted me and I have been seriously considering it for about six months now. I initially thought I was afraid of committing all that time (2 1/2 years really isn't that long) but slowly I had to come to terms with the fact that I would gain a significant amount of debt during the process. It is all very exciting and nerve wrecking. I really need to do this for myself. I think back to how much I enjoyed all those art lab classes and I get giddy. Of course, if memory serves me right, the nutritional content value of my diet will take a dive and I will have to become very well acquainted with Mr. Budget.
I have been busy filling out financial aid forms and studying for my math placement exam- I cannot fathom the possibility of having to take a college level math class- can you guess my feelings towards the subject? Anyhow, I just wanted to put it out there because it makes it all the more real.

This third decade- it's going to be a good one. BTW, I don't think I had any air left in my lungs after blowing out 30 candles- which explains that look.

cut, sew, snip, thread, and tie

2008-04-22T07:47:00.000-07:00

Those five words sum up what I've been doing lately, over and over. Tedious but fun.

Headbands...
more headbands...
and then some more.

These were all photographed with the help of my new lightbox. I made it myself using the instructions I found here and here. It only cost $7 bucks to make!

en Spanglish para que Mami lo entienda

2008-04-21T12:40:00.000-07:00

I've been meaning to post about Ana Laan. I just bought her Chocolate and Roses album and it's on constant replay. Her gentle and sweet voice combined with witty and sometimes feisty lyrics are making me smile. She was born in Madrid and grew up in Sweden and she's trilingual, Spanish, English and Swedish.
Have a listen, or a looksie-

a handful of saltwater taffy...

2008-04-21T10:26:00.000-07:00

would go very well with these outfits. Looking at these images makes me want that tousled-salty-beach hair and warm-sunny weather. Whoever is in charge of seasonal changes has officially slept in- it snowed yesterday and more is expected today!

photos by Patrick Demarchelier/model Jessica Stam for BRITISH VOGUE May 2008

You win some and then you lose some

2008-04-20T18:35:00.000-07:00

I am so bummed I missed out on these bird pouches:

Wren Bird Pouches

But I did get this print from the Black Apple:

Illustration by Emily Martin

Now, where to hang it?

Why I blog

2008-04-18T13:05:00.000-07:00

I have, in the past, and recently come across a few discussions on the reasons certain people blog. Some bloggers don't like the idea of posting about anything personal; they prefers to keep it about their work and use it as an online portfolio of sorts. While others are comfortable posting pictures of their families and opening up a little more. I initially set out to create a blog to keep track of my work, inspirations and share some of the things I find motivating.
Joining a public and creative community of bloggers was very appealing. For the last few years, I have been inspired to no end by artists, crafters, photographers and ordinary people sharing a little, or a lot, of themselves. Some posts leave me thinking an envious "how do they do it?" but most of the time I am so appreciative of all the information and inspiration available to me through these people. I do think that this becomes an expectation from their readers after some time. Most bloggers build a organic rapport with their readers and I really admire this. But there is the flip side - how much is too much? The fine line makes for quite the balancing act.
I am a gal of modest means, with a not-so-great camera, and with almost no editing skills. Nevertheless, I want to maintain this journal because I believe it will allow me to see myself as I haven't before. Inside looking in doesn't always work- it can be a little distorted. I would like for my natural personality to show through my writing, to become confident of my work and to connect with others that might have similar outlooks and interests.
So there you have it peeps, my long self-indulgent rambling! I would love to hear how you feel about this topic, so don't be shy.

not the most flattering picture, but I'm keeping it real y'all!

1st taste of summer

2008-04-14T15:30:00.000-07:00

It's back to mild winter weather around these parts but only after a random summer-y weekend with 75 degree days! The Havaianas were christened on Saturday and are being much appreciated. The farmer's market was insanely crowded and I wasn't able to find the Two Tarts gals. Love those cookies!
We were feeling quite ambitious Sunday morning, so out to the Gorge we went. Triple Falls is amazing! This was the second time I've done this hike and I feel I got so much more out of yesterday's excursion. You can click on the images to view all the details...truly breathtaking!

Sorry about the original size of these, still working things out.

want? no, I neeeeed!

2008-04-10T12:27:00.000-07:00

No really, I neeeed new shoes. I just came across these choices on good ol' ebay:

Of course the the most impractical, the black and blue, ones up there are making my heart pitter-patter. But the inevitable logic slowly creeps in..."where would I wear these?" I'm not sure when this practical part of me started calling the shots around here but she makes a good point. Anyhow, these eco-conscious and comfortable ones are pretty much a done deal:

bursts of color

2008-04-09T12:03:00.000-07:00

This is just one of the colorful vignettes around here:

Wood spools of silk and cotton thread

I used to work at a fabric store that resembled a textile museum. Nothing ever went on sale and inventory was kept track on paper tags attached to the bolts. They had a huge assortment of these spools and I never appreciated them. Now I snatch these up as soon as I spot them across the room. I recently made a necklace by stringing several spools on a finished leather cord.

Behold! Spools on leather cord

Finally, I have been making a dent in my button stash. I have been a busy bee making button bracelets. A picture will have to wait till better lighting appears in the form of some sun, but the raw materials sprawled out on the piano bench will have to do for now:

button porn!

i'm ready

2008-04-08T12:13:00.000-07:00

This summer, I'm going to wear flip flops. There, I have made the declaration. I have, in the past, given away flip flops that were purchased with every intention of wearing them myself.

But not these:

These are all mine. And it is going to stay that way. They are so fun and bright- I couldn't resist.
Maybe it has to do with the really long spring this year, but I am so ready for summer to get here. Farmer's markets have just gotten started around here. I'm already looking forward to berry-picking, square-dancing, wave-splashing, Gin & Tonics, and maybe some rafting.

That, above, was my first rafting trip. This was taken minutes before a 10 foot drop down a waterfall. I was so afraid, but I had committed to doing the whole shebang. And I did it. I can't remember what went on for several seconds after the waterfall but I do remember coming to the realization that I was still alive. I wanted to pat down my body to make sure all of my limbs were intact and attached to the rest of me. I looked around and everyone was still in the raft. Our guide, Golden in the green helmet, must have taken pity on our group; he easily could have manipulated us into a much more compromising landing. There were loud shrieks coming from all that adrenaline. Wow, and I really do want to do this a few times this summer. And maybe some kayaking. Yeah, now we're talkin'!

2008-03-27T13:43:00.000-07:00

Hello. Welcome to my little space. I hope this will, over time, become my online inspiration board. And if I keep my word, I might be able to show off some of my creations, scribbles, and what-nots. See you soon!