disCARDS Cut(e) n' Paste

Closing up shop

2011-10-26T11:39:00.003-04:00

After five (six? I've lost count...) years, my heart just isn't in crafting 100% anymore. As the indie craft world has changed, I haven't been able to keep up the pace to change with it. I still love making things and will always dabble, but actively producing with the end result of selling (and the marketing that goes with it) just doesn't fit into my life anymore. My day job is more demanding -- and more fulfilling -- than the one I had when I started disCARDS. I'm involved with crafting in a different capacity now, as an organizer and volunteer coordinator for Handmade Arcade. My house has become an endless source of frustration and joy as I've begun to re-focus the creative energy I once dedicated to crafts on decorating and renovating.

I just don't have the time or motivation anymore to be as creative as the new crafters who pop up every day, and though I realize there's not a limit on how many people can be part of the crafting community, I feel like it's time for me to step aside to symbolically to "make room" for some up-and-comers who have a lot more passion and "can do spirit" than I do.

I've taken breaks before, and made statements like the one above many times, but I feel like I need to do something more definitive this time. There just isn't room -- literally and figuratively, in my home and in my life -- for this anymore. Closets and miscellaneous boxes in the attic store an absurd amount of craft supplies and unsold inventory and they're starting to be an energy-suck. I'm struggling with this because I truly love what I've made and don't want to give it away for nothing, but I also need to be practical and MAKE ROOM.

So... what am I making room for? Writing, for one thing. I've started blogging for Teal Cat Project, which I'm really liking. I had missed writing outside of work, and for a while, crafting had filled the creative space that writing once did. I'm also in the brainstorming stages of a new blog about living spaces in TV and movies, where I hope to explore everything from decor to architecture to class signifiers and ways that homes on screen capture the zeitgeist of the time they represent.

I'm also just becoming more mindful of my own personal space, and I'm beginning to feel that my collection of crafting materials is encroaching on that space. I will always love art supplies, ephemera, vintage things, and quirky things. But now, even when I have the cash to spend, I'm choosier on my thrifting excursions, because I think of where the things will ultimately end up. I'm beginning to follow the "one-in/one-out" rule more than I have in the past (not 100%, but I'm getting better at it). It's much easier to "edit" when your house has only four, tiny closets built in 1925. Particularly when you realize that eventually, the attic where you've been dumping everything that doesn't fit in those closets will need to become a functioning room of the house.

That said, I will be appearing at Handmade Arcade for the Holidays on Saturday, November 12 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Downtown Pittsburgh. It may be my last show -- but who knows? In a year, I may feel differently. I'll be selling my usual products, but will be phasing out some items (jewelry, button flowers) once they're gone. I'll also be selling most of my supplies (in the form of "bricolage kits"). After Handmade Arcade, I will be selling most of my remaining supplies. My goal is to only keep the supplies -- mostly card-making materials -- that fit in two or three medium storage bins in my (tiny) home office. If you're interested in any of these materials -- vintage book pages and covers, beads, buttons galore, ribbon, fabric, and more -- please let me know!

I hope to see you at Handmade Arcade! Of course, I'd love to sell out of all my items and see some familiar faces as a proper send-off, but more importantly, I want to see Handmade Arcade packed and full of energy! That's what made me get into crafting in the first place, and no matter what happens to disCARDS, I still want to be part of that and see it thrive.

Thanks for buying my items and reading my blog these past five (or six!) years. It's been fun and I've met some great people along the way! I hope you'll follow me to my next adventure (once I figure out what it is!)

Skating update + Handmade Arcade

2011-04-08T11:06:00.012-04:00

In my last post, I spent a lot of time analyzing my goals for skating. As often turns out to be the case when I overthink things, the situation resolved itself, though not in the most favorable way. It may have been skating, or it may just be my lifelong crappy posture, but not long after the roller derby bootcamp, my initial soreness went away and constant back spasms took its place. My neck, shoulder blades, and upper back were in non-stop pain; TMJ symptoms (another chronic issue) came back with a vengeance, and I got daily headaches that felt like a burning sensation at the back of my head. After the pain caused a full week of insomnia, I saw my doctor. Turns out, I'd injured my trapezius, a huge muscle that -- you guessed it! -- runs across the shoulder blades and from the base of the skull to the mid-back. All my problems could be traced to this issue. I was prescribed a heavy-duty anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxers, which knocked me out for the majority of a weekend -- the very weekend of roller derby tryouts.

You know where this is headed, right? I didn't try out. And I don't feel any regrets. A month later, I'm still dealing with the repurcussions of this strained muscle, going to PT twice a week, and still not feeling up to much physical activity. There's no way I could've tried out and made it -- and if I had, I would be in such excruciating pain, it's doubtful I would've stuck with it for long. But still... I feel a void. I really miss skating. I even dream about it occasionally (last night's dream involved tracking down someone who stole my wheels -- and trying on replacement teeth?!) I'm hoping I make enough progress with my therapy to get in a couple outdoor skating sessions this summer, at the very least.

I felt like an update on the skating was due, since I left everything hanging last time (I'm big on closure.) But I really wanted to write today about how I've been passing the time without skating -- namely, promoting & preparing for Handmade Arcade.

Since 2006, I've been a vendor at HA, and since 2009, I've been an organizer of the event. The spring show will be the biggest and best Handmade Arcade yet! 120+ vendors will fill Hall D at the David L Lawrence Convention Center in downtown Pittsburgh. The show runs from 11 am to 7 pm. An Early Birdie Pass (available for $15) grants you access to a less-crowded shopping experience. Early Birdies get first dibs on amazing handmade items from 10 - 11 am; only 200 Early Birdie passes will be sold, so get yours today! This year we also have an impressive roster of live craft demonstrations and make-and-take activities in the Hands On Handmade area. And of course, disCARDS will be there, selling the usual (cards, stickers, jewelry), plus a few surprises. Hope to see you there!

My roller-skating identity crisis

2011-02-28T13:12:00.009-05:00

I need to write about skating more often. I'm hoping that writing it down will help me figure out just what I want out of it, because I change my mind a dozen times a day, and it's starting to drive me crazy. In the past month and a half, I've gone skating maybe four or five times. After my first fall, I lost a lot of confidence. One puzzling thing about my falls is that when they happen, I can pick myself up and push through, but the next session always gets me: I start out shaky and obsess over obstacles, worried about how my next fall will happen. I keep my head down and my eyes fixed on the floor. My shins throb. My body goes stiff. I try everything I know to self-soothe and give myself mental pep talks, but I usually just let my nerves get the best of me and creep along till the last half hour of a session, when I can usually squeeze out a couple decent laps out of sheer desperation.

I've fallen, on average, once a session since that first fall. That first fall opened the floodgates. It also triggered something in me that I really don't like, and can't seem to work around. When I try to think about it rationally, I realize I'm not scared of falling -- it's happened (obviously) and I always come out of it OK. I've gotten bruises, sure, but nothing major. But those falls have had a symbolic impact that runs deeper than their physical effects. I'm more hesitant to try new things. I'm much more cautious. I'm overthinking it, and I know it, but I don't know how to not think about it. And then I think about not thinking. I stiffen up. And then I fall. Rinse. Repeat.

It's frustrating, but I'm trying to work through it. I'm just not sure why.

At one point after I started skating, a friend got it in my head that I should try out for roller derby. I've felt conflicted about it ever since. I love the idea of having a built-in community and the potential to build new relationships through a shared interest. I love the idea of friends, family, and co-workers coming out to cheer me on. I love that it's the complete opposite of what people -- including myself -- expect from me. But that's just it: I feel like I'm in love with the idea of it. I think I latched onto it so quickly because it gave me direction and purpose. Instead of just skating aimlessly around an oval for a few hours on the weekends, I'd be skating towards a goal.

But working towards roller derby as a goal is starting to feel like just that: work. I loved the stress relief of skating, but ever since the (however abstract) goal of roller derby came into the picture, I've started to feel like it's becoming a cause of my stress. I don't want to quit. I want to keep skating as long as I'm physically able. And I want to learn and improve (I still can't do a proper crossover, and I'll be damned if I quit before I do!) I just don't know that I want to take it to the next level with hours and hours of intense weekly practice, dues, endless equipment upgrades, and an even higher risk of injury.

I attended a roller derby bootcamp this past Saturday. I'm still sore. Sore to the point that I waddle when I walk and have to pick up my ankle with my hands to sit cross-legged. I'm proud of myself for making it this far, but keep wondering: is this far enough? Am I letting others down if this is as far as I take it? And why do I care so much about letting other people down? If I don't go beyond casual skating, is it because of a character flaw, or a re-evaluation of my priorities? I often feel the same about crafts, which makes me wonder if I'm just lazy.

Sometimes, I worry about trying out and not making it. Lately, I'm just as worried about trying out and making it -- because that would mean commitment. So... am I a flake, or just someone who knows her limits?

Blood on the Rink Floor

2011-01-10T10:25:00.001-05:00

Yesterday was my first time back at the skating rink since late November -- and my last time skating on my "Franken-skates" (13-year-old Chicago artistic boots, one size too large, modified with Radar Cayman wheels -- a set-up I've since learned is not only an odd combination, but also very poor quality.)

Crappy as they may be, these skates have served me well. Any issues I've had have come from my own lack of coordination or skill. Until yesterday. That was pure karma.

After the public session yesterday, there was to be a roller derby bootcamp for our local league. I noticed two girls come in about an hour after I got to the rink for the public session, decked out head to toe in derby gear, including cutesy knee socks, tights, running shorts, and slick low-boot skates, and I knew they must have been practicing for the bootcamp. I was a bit intimidated at first, but I quickly realized neither of them could skate their way out of a paper bag. I started to get cocky and a few petty thoughts entered my mind: thoughts about these girls being spoiled, privileged posers. And then, before I knew it: BOOM! I had my first fall. I'm not sure what hit first -- or how I fell -- but somehow I managed to hit my knees, wrists/forearms, and chin in one fell swoop. I felt like Ralphie in A Christmas Story when he broke his glasses and thought he shot his eye out -- I was convinced I'd knocked out a tooth, so my first move before pulling myself up was to run my tongue over my teeth and make sure they were all there and intact. My lip felt a little sore, so I poked at it with my finger -- and my finger came back bloody. This was a pivotal moment. I've never played a contact sport (or any sport, for that matter) in my life. Never learned all those cliche lessons of toughening up and learning from the pain. But in that one moment, all those lessons flooded to me and I felt a zen-like calm. I also felt empowered. A little girl asked me if I was OK; I said yes and smiled through my puffy, split lip, then skated off to clean the blood. Any other time, the second someone asked me if I was OK, I would instantly realize I wasn't and start to cry. But not yesterday. Injuring myself made me realize I'd been through what I'd been fearing most and I came out the other side stronger. My bloody lip was proof I'd been through something -- and ya know what, it wasn't so bad.

Today, I'm typing this through two wrist braces. My knees are sore and my lip is still swollen. But I can't wait to go home to my new Sure-Grip Rebel Fugitives on my doorstep tonight, and I'm even more excited to try them out at a new rink on Wednesday evening.

New year, new __________.

2011-01-04T13:03:00.004-05:00

I'm always scared to announce my New Year's Resolutions in a public forum (or even out loud, for that matter). I feel like I'll jinx them. When you come from a family in which everyone goes out the same doors they came in, and when you grew up with your grandmother saying "hot bread and butter!" every time an obstacle came between the two of you, it's hard not to be superstitious about ANNOUNCING ALL THE WAYS YOU ARE GOING TO TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE. On the INTERNET, no less.

Anyway. I will say this much: I think 2011 is going to be a great year. Of course, I'm still awash in the early-new-year glow. I've flossed for three days straight. I re-started a food diary. I've cooked two new, healthy recipes. I ordered new skates. And I've added events to my calendar, hoping that writing them in ink will give me the motivation to go to a gallery opening instead of staying home to watch Arrested Development on DVD for the 1,007th time, or to go to a roller derby bout on a Tuesday instead of hunkering down on the couch after dinner. (At age 30, I still have the mentality that weeknights are "school nights" and rarely venture out to do anything more than go out to eat -- and I don't even do that unless it's a Thursday. So going out on a Tuesday night is momentous.)

I'm sure that soon I'll tire of the slushy roads, the dark mornings, and the bitter cold and not feel a lick of motivation to do much of anything this winter. But at least right now I have some hope. If I can make myself floss, I can make myself do anything.

Why'd It Take Me So Long?

2010-11-19T12:13:00.003-05:00

I've just had a realization: Although I love to write (and in some form, have been doing it for a living for close to seven years), I don't enjoy writing this blog. I see it as a chore, a means to an end. Why?

When I started this blog, it was one of several vehicles to promote disCARDS, my craft business. I know that writing about personal subject matter is more appealing and interesting than writing about crafts day in and day out, but I wasn't so sure I wanted to get personal.

This blog has chugged along in fits and starts while I tried to decide what my focus is, and if this blog even needs a focus. My life has changed, but I struggled against it, trying to keep this a constant. It's named after disCARDS after all -- how much other stuff can I write about? And more importantly: Who cares?

Earlier this month, I turned 30. Though this age feels no different than 29 (or 28, or 27, or 26...) in a lot of ways, in some ways it feels like a turning point. I feel like I'm at a pivotal stage where my life could go so many ways, and it's just up to me to flip to the next page, like a Choose Your Own Adventure book. I'm struggling to balance what People (capital P intentional) expect of me and what I expect of myself -- do I throw myself into my career and climb the ever-looming ladder of "success" (eh, probably not), focus more intently on crafting, find a new hobby (roller derby, perhaps?), start a family? And how do I reconcile what I choose with who I've been to this point and what society, family, and friends expect of a (relatively) smart, mature, responsible 30-year-old woman?

This is the stuff that's on my mind these days. And this is a hell of a lot more interesting to me than once-in-a-blue-moon updates about what's stocked in my Etsy shop. Finally, I want to write again. Yes, I'll write about crafts once in a while -- they are part of my life. But so are my relationships with friends, family, and my husband; my rediscovered love of roller-skating (and my wishy-washy, on-again/off-again desire to try out for roller derby); my interest in home design/decorating, cooking, thrift-shopping, and good beer. As I move forward in "adult" life, I wrestle with what I should be and what I want to be, and though I'll continue being a responsible woman who goes to work and gets things done, I'll always love other stuff -- and I'll always want to share that with likeminded people. Ever since I was a teenager, I've been interested in identity (of course, everyone is as a teenager!) and even though I've always known that a person is so much more than a patchwork of interests, I've always held a fascination with the ways the things we like define us in some way -- and connect us to the people who are like us.

So that's what this blog will be about.

Whoa, I have an Etsy shop again!

2010-10-01T13:33:00.002-04:00

Reopened the shop after a 10-month hiatus this week.

There's a mix of old and new items, including an amazing sale section of older inventory that I'm itching to clear out to make room for newer items. Sale items are half the original price!

I'm also offering grab bags of cards. So far, I have a mystery grab bag of 3 cards listed, but I hope to offer them in varying quantities and themes soon!

I've been toying around with the idea of starting a Card of the Month Club in my shop, since, no matter how many other crafts I dabble in, I always return to cards, and I have tons of supplies just waiting to be transformed. I hope to set it up in time for the holidays -- a 12-month subscription would make a great gift!

Just not feeling it anymore

2010-04-23T10:57:00.004-04:00

For all of you (are there enough of "you" to refer to that way?) who may wonder where I've been... I've been working. Fixing up my house. Relaxing. And not crafting (or taking pictures, or listing on Etsy, or posting about what I've made.) For a while I felt a lot of guilt about this. I've come to several crossroads, where I considered quitting for good or making some kind of tangible break from craft-as-business. Then I realized it doesn't have to be that black and white. I'm not closing the door on disCARDS. I plan to add to my Etsy shop now and then and continue consigning at Wildcard and vending at the occasional local show. But I'm not letting something that was once about joy and creativity become a major stressor in my life. It's just not worth it. I started doing it because it was fun. When it becomes about profit margins and marketing and competition... it's just not fun anymore.

I've felt this way for a while (and felt guilty about it, of course!) But I couldn't really articulate it until I read this. It sounds silly that an article (ironically, a blog posting) could be so freeing, but reading it really did make me feel relieved.

Just two more days...

2009-12-10T15:42:00.002-05:00

Handmade Arcade, Pittsburgh's premier indie craft fair is almost here! I haven't been blogging much lately because I've been spending more and more time promoting disCARDS on Facebook & Twitter. But Handmade Arcade merits a blog entry, don't you think?

Here are the details:

6th Annual Handmade Arcade
Saturday, December 12 (one day only this year!!)
11 am to 8 pm
Hunt Armory - 324 Emerson Street - Pittsburgh, PA (off 5th Avenue in Shadyside)
FREE admission! Crafts from far & wide! Food! Festivities!
Early Birdie Shopping Passes are still available for $15. Get an extra shopping hour from 10 am to 11 am and beat the crowds!

Take the bus! EBA, 64A, 71D, 500, and 71C are all routes that pass nearby!

Be sure to pick up a program when you walk in the door and pull out the trusty vendor map to find yours truly! The place gets packed (last year's event had over 8,000 shoppers!) so the map comes in handy, believe me. My table will be well-stocked with tried and true disCARDS faves, plus some newer items, like wearable button bouquets! As always, disCARDS items make fantastic gifts for the holidays: top off a holiday package with an artful arrangement of button flowers; stuff stockings to the brim with vintage-inspired jewelry, sticker packs, and bottlecap magnets; and be sure to give all your gifts with a one-of-a-kind card made from repurposed vintage images!

Here's a sneak peek at what I'll be bringing to the show (you'll have to be a Facebook member to see that album).

And, lest I forget, check out all the press that the event has been getting! See ya Saturday!

New in the Shop!

2009-10-09T13:43:00.006-04:00

What do you get when you mix a hard-boiled egg, raisins, pimiento, pasta, lettuce, celery and oranges with anthropomorphism? This, apparently.

Library Card Collages

2009-10-07T16:48:00.006-04:00

Remember the library card collages I mentioned a while back? I finally got them scanned.

Cheerleader Massacre

Pink Lady

The first one is a vintage (circa '63) yearbook photo layered over a piece of an old map and some botanical drawings, on library circulation card from the '30s. The second collage was pieced together from various small papers from Glean Creative Reuse, on a vintage library circulation card.

I'm thinking I'll package these little cuties in library card pockets. Look for them soon in my shop!

Decisions, decisions!

2009-09-22T19:26:00.004-04:00

After years of inconsistently labeling the backs of my cards with library stamps, individual letter stamps and, in a pinch, my own handwritten "logo", I finally wised up and decided to invest in a custom stamp.

I've been chatting with Tickled Pink Paper + Ink on Etsy (who comes highly recommended by my crafty doppleganger* Andrea over at Space Oddities) and after some conversation & proofing, I've narrowed my favorites down to two.

The designs are identical; the only difference is that one version includes the "cut(e) n' paste" tagline. I think it's pretty clever, and I've been making an effort to use it more consistently. But I also like the simplicity of only including the disCARDS name on my cards. So... what to do?

Let me know your favorite - and why - in the comments!

*Andrea is one of the first people I "met" through crafting outside of the local scene. We sometimes joke & marvel at the similarities in our lives - from the style of crafts we make right down to the fact that we both bought our first houses - in two separate states - within weeks of each other, in towns called Verona.

Upcoming Shows

2009-09-19T13:31:00.003-04:00

Sunday, September 20 (yep, that's tomorrow!):
The Fourth Annual Art Harvest
East End Food Co-op
7516 Meade Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15208
12 pm - 5 pm
More info, including a vendor list, right here.

Saturday, December 12:
Handmade Arcade
The Armory
324 Emerson Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15232
10 am - 8 pm
Application & more info here!

Short & Sweet

2009-09-08T14:22:00.004-04:00

Here's a guest post I did over at Handmade in PA about cause marketing, the arts, and non-profits. Thanks, Tara, for letting me contribute! I'll be doing more guest posts on HiP in the very near future, publishing segments of my research on the indie craft movement later this fall. Details soon!

New Season, New Ideas

2009-09-03T11:39:00.004-04:00

It's finally (almost) fall - my favorite time of year! The weather has been gorgeous here in Pittsburgh all week, with clear blue skies and that perfect balance of a brisk chill and sunshine.

With the changing season, I've been experimenting with some new disCARDS items. With any luck, I'll be debuting one of them at Art Harvest on September 20. The other idea will take shape when WildCard finally opens in October!

The first new product is miniature collages. I hesitate to call them ACEOs or ATCs, because the dimensions aren't quite right. They're the exact size of an old-fashioend library circulation card - because that's what they are! Inspired by the work of artists like Vivienne Strauss (I can't get over how much I love her painting and collage!), I've been experimenting with collage more and more lately. Since I'm a bit out of practice with the technique, I wanted to start small. And now that I've made a few, I'm loving the results! (Which, due to my scanner going missing after our move, will have to be a surprise! Sorry!) Using the backdrop of the library cards adds another dimension to the pieces - many of the collages have check-out signatures, titles and Dewey Decimal codes still exposed, which add some upcycled, retro charm.

So, a few questions to you:

Would you collect mini, one-of-a-kind artworks if they were not specifically ACEOs or ATCs?
How would you put them to use?
How much would you pay for this kind of item?

The second product isn't really new - it's more like a new twist on an old favorite! I've been selling my button flowers and bouquets for a few years now, on Etsy and at shows. On Etsy, I make each bouquet to order, following the buyers specifications for colors and special touches. At shows, I provide the option for buyers to purchase a single stem, or a mixed bouquet of their choice in varying sizes, with discounts for larger purchases. Since I'll be selling my items at WildCard on consignment, selling individual stems doesn't make much sense. Customers could mix and match, but without me there, I'd miss the interactive element of helping a customer design a custom bouquet! I'd like to pre-assemble bouquets of 5, 10 or 15 stems each, in coordinating color schemes, but I'm dying to know: what colors would you buy? I have a pretty good idea for color and know the combinations that appeal to me, but I'd love to get a sense of what would catch your eye!

Leave your comments here, or post them on the wall at my newly revamped disCARDS Cut(e) n' Paste Facebook page!

In Which I Play Catch-Up and Apologize for My Extended Absence

2009-09-01T11:00:00.016-04:00

As you may have noticed, the date stamp on my last entry was a month and a half ago. You may be asking, "What gives, Emily?" Well, lots of things, actually!

Here's what's been happening in the world of disCARDS, in Emily's life, and in the space where both worlds collide.

disCARDS has been accepted to this year's Art Harvest. I've been trying to get organized and replenish my stock for the show (my first one since April!)

I'm helping out with this year's Handmade Arcade from the other side - working on the event planning committee. I also plan to vend again this year and will post details as they come!

I'll be meeting with the owner of Wildcard soon to discuss consignment. This will be my first time selling in a brick & mortar store. Exciting! (But also scary!)
I'm helping to coordinate an event to launch the latest design from Pittsburgh-based PLATES WITH PURPOSE(TM) proceeds of which benefit POWER, the agency where I work.
Did you see my old Mead notebook diary on Jezebel?

Oh, and the house. Always the house.

Speaking of our house, I've been snagging some vintage & handmade goodies on Etsy to make it feel like home!

Our visitors are greeted by twinkling Ball jar lanterns hanging from our porch roof, courtesy of Midwest Finds:

This mid-century modern shelf from Elizabeth Wren Vintage is the perfect place to show off my kitschy salt & pepper shakers and planters:

I finally have a place to display my dried wedding bouquet, thanks to this lace-textured wall vase from Lynn Cardwell Pottery!

This print by Viv Strauss is hanging in my living room. It was so hard to choose a single piece (I picked this one because it reminds me of my husband and me - and our living room is green!) Her work is mesmerizing - I want to build a collection for the whole house!

We're having our housewarming party this Saturday, so I'll hopefully have more pictures of our home to share soon!

My Research

2009-07-17T14:39:00.001-04:00

Remember the thesis I was working on back in the spring? It's finally in an online-publishing friendly format. Check it out here or scroll down to the bottom of my blog to view it.

Feedback is appreciated! Even more appreciated? Publication opportunities! Let me know if you know of any. And if you need to quote or paraphrase the essay for your own purposes, please contact me for permission/citation info, OK?

Easy, Tasty, Beery Zucchini Recipe

2009-07-16T11:55:00.003-04:00

As you've no doubt noticed from my last post, life has been pulling me in a lot of different directions lately -- and most of them have nothing to do with my crafts. I'm coming around to the idea that disCARDS doesn't have to be a full-fledged business to be a success and I've been relishing opportunities to be creative in other ways, knowing I can return to crafts any time. They're not going anywhere and I have other, more immediate, ways to use up that energy.

Lately, my creativity has been channeled into home projects: gardening, painting and decorating. I've also been trying my hardest to take advantage of the rare days that I actually have time to play in the kitchen.

I'm not much of a recipe follower, except when it comes to baking (where accurate measurements are pretty essential.) I'm pretty confident in the kitchen, so I'm open to experimentation. When I do use a recipe, I never follow it to the letter -- there's always some improvising. So last evening, when I had half a zucchini to cook up with dinner, I briefly referred to a cookbook which suggested sauteeing with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes and white wine, then took it in my own direction. I love garlic. I hate sun-dried tomatoes. And we rarely have wine in the house. But we did have beer.

Here's the super-easy, super-quick and super-tasty recipe I used. Enjoy!

Ingredients:
About half of a medium zucchini
A capful of vegetable oil (enough to coat a medium skillet)
1 clove of garlic
A generous splash or two of beer (I used the Church Brew Works Celestial Gold. Lighter beers would probably work best -- not "lite", but lighter-to-medium colored/bodied brews like pilsners, lagers and wheat beers.)

Slice the zucchini into fairly thin rounds. Coat the pan with oil and heat it on medium heat. Coarsely chop the garlic then add it to the pan. After the garlic begins to sautee, add the zucchini. Continue sauteeing until the zucchini starts to become translucent. Add a few splashes of beer, then cover the skillet with a lid and cook on low heat till the alcohol cooks down. Take off the lid. Serve. Eat.

If you've done it right, the beer will cook down just enough to keep the veggies from swimming in soupy liquid, but will still retain the flavor of the beer. The garlic will get soft and infuse the beery broth and zucchini with its flavor. Yum!

Hiatus

2009-06-11T13:18:00.003-04:00

In case you haven't noticed, I haven't been around for a couple months. Life got the best of me. Since I last posted at the end of March, I:

had my first show of 2009
completed and presented my thesis on community-building in the indie craft movement
bought a house
put together a stellar fundraising event (with tons of help from my co-workers!)
graduated with my Master's degree
lost a loved one (my grandfather)

Some of the best and worst moments of my life all blurred together this spring, so crafting and maintaining my Etsy shop have been pushed to the back-burner as I alternately celebrate and grieve. It's hard to say when I'll get back in the swing of things, but I do plan to return. Just be patient with me, OK? Thanks!

Just a reminder...

2009-03-30T15:16:00.003-04:00

This Saturday, April 4 is I the I Made It! Market at Union Project in Pittsburgh, PA.

The show runs from noon to 5 pm and will feature over 50 local vendors, selling handmade goodies like soap, clothing, jewelry and paper goods.

This is my first show of the year, so I want to make it a great one! Come out and see me, OK?

The Bittersweet History of Objects

2009-03-29T08:02:00.008-04:00

Last month, I made one of my semi-regular trips to Fleatique, an indoor flea market in Adamsburg, PA. While I was there, I picked up a couple yearbooks from the '60s. Hidden among the yearbooks in one booth was a leatherbound green photo album. Curious, I opened it, to discover it was someone's wedding album.

How does a wedding album make its way to a flea market? Divorce? Death? Or just a lack of sentimentality?

This got me thinking about the whole nature of antique, vintage and thrift shopping - I love it because the objects have history; musty smells, cracks and other imperfections all tell a story. But what if those stories don't have happy endings? As a crafter, can I repurpose an object to the point that I rewrite its history?

I don't have the answer. I'm just struck by how complicated our relationships with things can become. In the time since I've owned this album, I've felt such a mix of emotions about it - fascination, joy, sadness, curiosity...

These pictures have character. They're not just staid and stuffy formal wedding shots. They're candid glimpses into the life of a young couple and their loved ones, still waiting for their story to unfold.

Lots to be excited about!

2009-03-16T15:45:00.005-04:00

With the beginning of spring right around the corner, I've gotten to thinking about what the future holds for disCARDS - and for Emily!

Within the next two months, I'll be able to say goodbye to two stressful but fun projects that have been taking up a ton of time - grad school and the POWER PROMISES fundraiser! It will feel so good to have my Master's (though the student loan bills will, no doubt, hurt) and, as I've indicated here, my research is proving to be pretty useful in defining the indie craft wave of the past decade.

By the summer, if all goes as planned, my husband and I will hopefully be taking more serious steps to purchase our first home.

And in the short-term, I just bought some fantastic supplies - including a full set of my favorite vintage sex-ed books, the Life Cycle Library series, a 1983 yearbook and a whole mess of vintage library file cards. With the warmer weather comes garage sales and library sales, so I'm also looking forward to combing those for more undiscovered treasures!

To get into the spring mood, why don't you stop by my shop? I just listed these Lily Pad hairpins - pink and green is just such a springy color combo, don't ya think?

And don't forget to join me on April 4 for I Made It! Market at the Union Project.

Thank you!

2009-03-12T17:42:00.001-04:00

The response to my survey was wonderful! Thank you to all who participated - your answers werre thoughtful and thorough and will really enhance my research. I'll be sharing findings and some choice quotes in my blog as my research progresses, so stay tuned!

Unfortunately, a free Survey Monkey account has some limitations - one of which is being able to collect only 100 responses. I hit the 100 response mark today (yay!) but don't want to shut anyone out.

If you're interested in receiving a PDF or Word file of the survey, please email me and I'll send it your way!

The survey closes this Monday, March 16. On that date, I'll distribute a second survey to participants of the first to capture some demographic info for the project.

The Return of disCARDS Live! In Person!

2009-03-11T19:55:00.005-04:00

This year has been good so far for disCARDS with modest but steady sales in my Etsy shop. But this year's activity has all been online - I haven't participated in a show since December. So, I'm excited to announce my first show of 2009:

I Made It! Market
April 4, 2009
12 - 5 pm
Union Project (located at the corner of Stanton & Negley Avenues in the Highland Park neighborhood of Pittsburgh)

Calling All Crafters! (and Assorted Creative Folks)

2009-03-09T17:24:00.004-04:00

I've posted a survey online to help me gather data for my final project in grad school - a literature review/proposal for future research about the indie craft movement and the formation and evolution of DIY communities. I want to know why the folks I used to see at punk shows in college have traded in their guitars for knitting needles in their adult lives. I want to understand the creative impulse that causes people (myself included) to jump between and among a range of creative outlets, but always in pursuit of a common goal. Community and shared experience are part of it. Creative expression is another piece. Feminism, anti-consumerism and social activism also might intersect - but where? What values and social ideals lead people to join and form DIY communities? Those questions are at the core of my research.

Please help me out and complete the survey here! As someone who doesn't often conduct surveys, I chose the free/basic account on Survey Monkey, which means each survey can only include 10 questions and I can only gather 100 responses for each survey. If by some miracle I hit 100 responses and you're unable to submit your answers, please email me and I'll be glad to send you the survey.

I have way more than 10 questions about the resurgence of craft and the juxtaposition of technology - in the form of e-commerce sites, blogs, photo-sharing and social networking - with the back-to-our roots, simple-living philosophies that crafts are so firmly rooted in. If you have anything to say about that - particularly something I can quote or paraphrase while patching together my argument - I would so appreciate it!

Another list post because I'm lazy (or just too busy)

2009-03-06T14:31:00.002-05:00

1. My Jumping for Joy note card is featured in this Etsy treasury.

2. This weekend I'll be writing up a brief survey of questions about the indie craft movement and DIY communities for my lit review/research proposal. The final survey will be linked here, among other places. I hope you'll participate!

3. My creative impulses have shifted gears a bit lately. Rather than making new goodies and adding them to my shops, I'm gathering beautiful handmade treasures from others to be auctioned off to support POWER, the agency where I work. If you're interested in donating an item or gift certificate, download the donation form and send it back with you item by May 1!

(Handmade in) PA Proud!

2009-02-28T09:57:00.005-05:00

As part of this weekend's Blog Carnival, members of the Handmade in PA Etsy Team are musing on the topic of Pennsylvania pride. As a lifelong resident of Southwest PA, I enjoy a lot of things about the state. When it comes to this kind of subject, narrative writing feels a bit too fourth-grade-essay, so I'm going to list a few of my favorite things:

The Mutter Museum in Philly
Roadside farmers' markets and produce stands in Amish country
The neat old architecture throughout Pittsburgh
The Pittsburgh city skyline at night
The pockets of culture and fierce hometown pride that each Pittsburgh neighborhood evokes
The Carnegie Museums
Primanti's sandwiches and salads topped with french fries (it's a 'Burgh thing)
The unique mix of working class, blue collar values and cultural sophistication that don't negate each other, but enhance each other and make Pittsburgh such a vibrant city with close ties to its history as a steel town

To celebrate our PA Pride, members of the Handmade in PA Etsy Team are offering special deals in their shops through Monday, March 2. Check them out at the links below!

Another Quickie Post

2009-02-19T12:42:00.004-05:00

"Quickie posts" seem to be all I have time for these days!

Life is pretty crazy, as I'm hitting crunch time with my day job (planning our annual fundraiser) and grad school (researching the core values that link DIY communities and what make people self-identify as members of creative subcultures).

But there are updates to be made! First, I was featured in Geek Babies' Pennsylvania Etsy Shops series. She featured my Starry Night note card and Two Kittens at Play note card set and gave a very sweet shout-out to my button bouquets!

Secondly, as I mentioned above, I've been steeped in work for our annual fundraising event - a key aspect of which is gathering donations for our live and silent auctions. To all my fellow "craftivists": please visit POWER's web site and, if you're moved enough by our cause to donate, please get in touch and I'll send you the auction donation information. Donating items to charity auctions is really a win-win for all involved - you get brand exposure (often with an audience you wouldn't otherwise reach) and help a good cause at the same time!

And while I'm tossing around updates - have you taken a look at my Flickr badge lately? I've been uploading new photos regularly; the items will appear in my shop soon!

Friday Faves: Sixburgh

2009-02-06T08:38:00.013-05:00

As promised, this week's Friday Faves pays homage to the fair city of Pittsburgh - my hometown and the home of the Steelers, who won their sixth Super Bowl last Sunday!

There's really not much black and gold here, nor is there anything particularly "Pittsburgh-y" - no Iron City beer cozies. But everything selected for this week's Friday Faves is made in the Steel City by talented artists and crafters. And everything was found on Etsy using the Shop Local feature. I deliberately limited my choices to six because nowadays, they're calling our city "Sixburgh".

So, without further ado... here we go!

I'm a huge Curb Your Enthusiasm fan, so I was pretty excited to find this Larry David print in Chris Miller's shop:

Larry must be a popular guy in the 'Burgh - Autumn&Eve also have a Larry David print in their shop. I think this print of Riot Grrl queen Kathleen Hanna is my favorite, though - I would've loved to have this on the wall in my college dorm room back in the day:

I adore the subdued colors and symmetry of this '60s-inspired print, Sisters, by Elizabeth Sanchez:

I love the bold colors and upcycled fabric in Vintage Hotcakes' bag - In a Bold New Neon World:

This card by iconocraft features an original watercolor and ink illustration that makes housework seem - dare I say it? - fun:

I love the kitschy pink flamingos in this Flamingo Window photo by The Infinite Lens. (Full disclosure: The Infinite Lens is the project of my cousin-in-law, Renee):

Love ya, Black & Gold

2009-02-02T17:08:00.008-05:00

In honor of the Steelers' Super Bowl win yesterday, I'm planning a Friday Faves this week that is dedicated to my fabulous hometown of Pittsburgh, PA. I started my "research" using Shop Local on Etsy and am pretty darn tickled with what I'm finding so far.

I already knew some folks from shows around town - like the now-legendary Handmade Arcade - but plenty of new (or new-to-me) crafters are making really great stuff in the Steel City!

So, brush up on yer Pittsburghese, grab an Ahrn and crank up some Donnie Iris and meet me back here on Friday to see what I've picked!

Take five

2009-01-28T20:45:00.008-05:00

Apologies for the lapse in posts. Here are 5 quickie updates to hold you over!

1. Based on your votes in my blog poll, combined with Flickr views and comments, I chose these cards to send to Fred Flare for the Snail Mail Valentines for Charity project.

2. All the valentines go on sale this Friday!!!

3. I also submitted a set of four Gocco-printed valentines to Etsy's Special Delivery project to beneft Citymeals-on-Wheels in NYC. This is a bit different from the Fred Flare project - the valentines aren't for sale. Instead, they're distributed directly to the people Citymeals-on-Wheels serves, along with a hot meal and companionship.

4. While we're on the subject of valentines, did I mention that my X Means Kisses valentine was featured in the Handmade in PA Valentine's Day Gift Guide?

5. I updated my shop tonight with a set of cards made from the 1984 edition of Color Me Beautiful. They. Are. Awesome.

I owe you some updates!

2009-01-15T22:46:00.005-05:00

There's a lot going on with disCARDS, including new items in the Etsy and ArtFire shops and updates on Fred Flare's Snail Mail Valentines for Charity! But there's also a lot going on with Emily - I've had a busy and exhausting week, moving in to my new office (in the past four days, I've worked out of four separate makeshift "offices"!)

So, no Friday Faves this week.

But I do plan to return this weekend. And I've got some ideas going for a new feature - stay tuned!

Fred Flare Snail Mail Valentines for Charity

2009-01-11T18:25:00.015-05:00

I mentioned a few posts ago that I am submitting some valentines to Fred Flare's "Snail Mail Valentines for Charity" project. I spent most of the day Sunday making valentines to submit - I plan to send 5 and keep 5 to stock up my shops for the holiday. Now the question is: which ones should go where?

Rank you favorites in my poll and share your comments on my Flickr page! I'll tally up all the votes, plus my Flickr comments and views to choose the 5 most popular cards. Cast your vote today!

Thanks! ♥

Shop updates

2009-01-11T13:04:00.004-05:00

Just a quick note to let you know that I added hairpin sets to my Etsy shop and my ArtFire studio and I'll be updating my Etsy shop with more goodies at 8 pm EST! I'm really excited about this latest update - the cuteness factor is through the roof! I hope you'll stop by.

Friday Faves: Sweet Supplies

2009-01-09T10:08:00.008-05:00

Anyone who knows me knows I love cupcakes - heck, I even had cupcakes for my wedding cake! Cupcakes are the perfect size - not too big, like a hefty slice of cake, but substantial enough to satisfy. They're also an ideal surface for decorating, whether it's through neatly piped icing, a sprinkling of coarse sugar, a smattering of sprinkles or something special on top. The Etsy shops showcased in this week's Friday Faves are great sources for that "something special" to top your cupcakes - from vintage plastic toppers and handmade picks to dainty paper baking cups and carefully curated kits.

First up is Layer Cake Shop, whose 85-piece Pirate Cupcake Kit would be great for entertaining... for a Talk Like a Pirate Day party, perhaps? The kit includes a variety of pirate-themed cupcake toppers, like cannons, treasure chests, palm trees, pirate flags, hatchets, beer mugs and gold coins; cupcake liners; black sprinkles; candy rocks; bakery labels and red-and-white candy-striped baker's twine. Arrrrrr!

Learn everything you need to know about cupcake decorating with this Cupcakes 101 Kit from Bake it Pretty (formerly A. Bel Emporium - one of Etsy's first baking supply shops!) This kit also offers a mix of vintage-inspired cupcake toppers - like garden gnomes, fruit, flowers and deer), an assortment of baking cups and rainbow sprinkles, all packaged in a colorful polka-dotted mini suitcase:Plain birthday candles can be so boring. Why not dress up your cake (or cupcakes) with some make-up? These candles from Hey Yo Yo would beautify any dessert:

Make your cupcakes sweet and sassy with this set of 12 "Swear Like a Sailor Bake Like Yer Mom" handmade cupcake picks from The Peach: As is often the case with Friday Faves, I had a difficult time choosing a single item to showcase from each of these shops. Their selections of cupcake toppers, candles, baking cups, bakery twine and packaging are staggering - in the toppers alone, you'll find everything from beer cans to babies, record players to reclining semi-nudes. The next time you're craving something sweet, visit one of these shops - they always have something to satisfy your sweet tooth!

Briefly stated

2009-01-08T14:30:00.011-05:00

1. I just added a new bracelet to my Etsy shop!

2. If you haven't already, please vote to bring the issue of amending the CPSIA to the forefront on Change.org (see my last entry for details).

3. I just got word via Flickr about Fred Flare Snail Mail Valentines for Charity. Fred Flare will be selling handmade valentines (solicited from folks like you and me in the crafty community) online and in their Brooklyn-based shop at $4 a piece, with all proceeds benefitting Elder Craftsmen, a NYC-based non-profit that offers craft workshops to seniors. Submissions - in any media - are due by January 15. I'm a huge fan of craftivism and social enterprise, so I'm pretty thrilled with this idea - I'm can't wait to see what I can whip up over the next few days!

4. Friday Faves returns tomorrow! I won't divulge the theme but I will give you a hint: It's gonna be sweet!

See you then!

Save Small Business from the CPSIA

2009-01-07T21:36:00.001-05:00

A Happy... and a HEALTHY!

2009-01-07T14:58:00.009-05:00

Happy New Year, everyone! I hope you rang in 2009 with more vim and vigor than I (my husband and I, both sick, planned an all-night movie marathon with pizza and barbecue wings. After about 2/3 of a movie, we both conked out. I set my alarm for 11:55 p.m. so I could be awake for the last 5 minutes of 2008... we watched the countdown, gave each other a kiss and went right back to bed.)

After a bout with a nasty flu that had me out of commission for the past three weeks, I'm finally getting my energy back and returning to my usual routine. Though my shop relaunch was delayed a bit, I've been playing catch-up and I'm proud to report that I'm (slowly) restocking my Etsy shop and building my ArtFire studio. Here's the latest:

"All Heart" note card, in my Etsy shop:"Primary Colors" bracelet, available in my ArtFire studio. With Valentine's Day around the corner, I'm focusing on getting more cards in both shops. Vintage sex-ed books continue to inspire, with their tableaux of awkward teen dates and sordid relationship drama. Here's a sneak peek:

Still ill

2008-12-29T12:21:00.002-05:00

Isn't that a Smiths song? (Or is it Morrissey...) In any case, the sickness I came down with a couple weeks ago just won't seem to let go. Though I'm no longer feverish or achy, I still can't shake the hacking cough or general feeling of malaise. So... I'm taking it easy until further notice. I had great plans for a relaunch of my Etsy shop and a grand opening of my Artfire shop in January and I still plan to follow through on those updates - but they may come in a matter of weeks, rather than days.

I'm really bummed about this turn of events, but I know in the long run, my health is the most important thing and pushing myself too much, too soon will just undo all my healing. (I learned this the hard way after traveling to visit my in-laws, staying up late and eating too much of the wrong foods over the holidays - that really wiped me out and set my recovery back!)

Send me your best wishes, good vibes and virtual Vitamin C and I'll return the favor with new, awesome disCARDS items sometime in January!

Tabula rasa

2008-12-14T15:57:00.007-05:00

Like so many other folks, I'm busy getting ready for the holidays. Unlike many others, I'm using the time to retreat a bit from my business. I have just a few items in my Etsy shop at the moment, but I'm not scrambling for holiday sales - my focus is on the year ahead. In between school and work, I've been dreaming and scheming, creating strategies to make disCARDS bigger and better in 2009. The mistakes I've made thus far can be chalked up to putting the cart before the horse and running myself ragged, rather than working at my own pace. Starting over in the new year is not only the best way for me to maintain my sanity right now, it's also symbolic: with the new year comes resolutions and a clean slate; opportunities to make a fresh start.

I'm not starting over from scratch - but I'm growing, learning and approaching disCARDS with more thoughtful planning than I had in the past. It's taken two years of testing the waters to realize I really do love this and it has a lot of potential - and with the end of grad school finally (!) on the horizon, I'll have a larger pocket of time to dedicate to my craft.

I crammed my Christmas list with craft business how-to books. I'll be writing my thesis on the indie craft community and its intersections with other DIY communities. I joined ArtFire. I just had a photo shoot with my cousin-in-law, a budding photographer. I've finally reached a stage where I can synthesize my other interest with my crafts, rather than pulling myself in a million different directions. This gives me hope that the new year will be the best ever for disCARDS!

As disCARDS grows and improves, so will this blog. I hope to publish segments of my thesis here for feedback and will use this as an information-collecting tool as well. My hope is that everything - my blog, my shops and my items - will grow in tandem and that my readers will stick around to watch it unfold!

Happy holidays & see you in 2009!

Things are finally lookin' up for ol' Liz Lemon

2008-11-24T14:39:00.007-05:00

...and for disCARDS too! (I couldn't resist throwing in a 30 Rock reference - it's my favorite show at the moment!)

With the extra pocket of time my day off afforded me on Friday, I managed to restore Friday Faves and make myself more visible on Etsy. Soon after, I made my largest sale yet - two custom button bouquets - which I completed this weekend. My camera has been all wonky these days, so visualize this: Christmas-themed button flowers in shades from lime to forest green, cherry to bugundy red, white and metallic gold. Each stem is a mix of old and new - plenty of vintage buttons with interesting details, topped with contemporary decorative shank buttons in shapes like snowflakes, holly leaves and mittens. Very cute! That order is all packed up and ready to go - I'm hoping to hit the post office on my lunch break tomorrow.

Still riding high on that sale, I got my acceptance letter (er, e-mail) for this year's Edgewood Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair. I've participated in this show the last couple years, but this year it was juried for the first time. This year's show is the first sponsored by the Pittsburgh Craft Collective and, as always, it benefits the CC Mellor Library in Edgewood. Vendors are asked to contribute an item to a silent auction for the library and I'm tossing around some ideas that incorporate the vintage library circulation cards and pockets I just got... I plan to make plenty, so you're sure to see them here and in my Etsy shop as well within the next few weeks!

Friday Faves: Just My Type

2008-11-21T10:38:00.034-05:00

I have a thing for old-school office (and library... and school...) supplies - particularly typewriters. Next month, I'll be getting a new office, so I've been searching for typewriter-themed art to adorn my walls. I found a whole slew of items with typewriter motifs to decorate my office - and myself!

If you ask me, the interrobang is way underused. Is there a more perfect punctuation mark to succinctly capture the nuance of statements that are both questions and exclamations?! Keys and Memories must agree, because she's paid homage to my favorite form of punctuation in these vintage typewriter key earrings:

If you prefer goldtone jewelry - or wearing an entire typewriter instead of typewriter keys - then you're sure to love this typewriter necklace by crumpet cake. Who could resist the detail of the typewriter charm - including a tiny typewritten page? Not me, that's for sure!

nowvember has perfectly captured the sexy lines of a vintage typewriter - in thread! - on this hand-embroidered Moleskine journal. It gets bonus points from me for its postmodern take on archaic communication modes - don't you just love the idea of jotting notes by hand in a book with another writing device on its cover? M Kendall Photography has an entire series of typewriter photographs. According to her bio, she layers images over each other in PhotoShop - hence the hazy, dreamlike quality, exemplified by her "into the woods" print:

Did I mention that my new office walls will be aqua? Well, now you know. They're a robin's egg blue shade called "raindrop" that would look so great as a backdrop against the next couple of photos.

The first is a fine art photograph by Alicia Bock called "loveletters" I'm infatuated by the contrast of peachy pink flowers against the minty green typewriter:

The second is a through-the-viewfinder (TtV) print called "I heart Lettera" by LifeLovePaper. I love how the lone red key just pops in this photo!
Black and white photos look good against any color. This macro shot by Feaverish Photography is simply called "Typewriter" and it's no exception. The crisp contrast would be stunning in any setting:

My Handmade Wedding

2008-11-17T14:26:00.032-05:00

It's too bad Etsy's Handmade Weddings feature ended months before my nuptials, because my wedding would have certainly been stamped with the Handmade Seal of Approval! Just one day short of a month after my wedding (wow, that went fast!) I finally have a whole mess of photos to share, including several shots of our DIY touches.

Immediately after Nate and I got engaged, I knew there were some elements of the wedding I wanted to make myself, some I wanted to be handmade (but lacked the skill, motivation or time to make myself) and others that I could accept being more traditional. (For instance, my dress was not handmade - and I loved it anyway!)

So... what was handmade about our wedding? Plenty!

We made our own invitations using Martha Stewart Crafts ombre ribbon and backings, stock and envelopes from Paper-Source. The final detail: a dainty acorn stamp in the lower corner of each invite:

Around the time we made our invites, I stumbled across an amazing jewelry designer using Etsy's Shop Local feature. eLmTree worked with me every step of the way to create unique jewelry pieces for me and my bridesmaids. I chose the beads and we consulted on designs over pizza and beer. Each bridesmaid's earrings and necklaces featured beads in shades of red, orange, pink and burgundy, but each one was slightly different. The jewelry was my gift to my bridesmaids and they really loved it!

Here's a close-up of one of the necklaces from her Flickr page:She made my jewelry to coordinate with my bridesmaids' styles, using pressed glass bell flower beads, Swarovski crystals and repurposed pearls from broken, vintage strands, that I gave her to incorporate:

And here are the finished pieces, on all of us:About a month before the wedding, we paid a visit to Nate's dad and spent a weekend with him making and canning homemade apple butter for our favors. To decorate the tops of the jars, we used an image I scanned from these vintage playing cards (which I acquired through a trade with Studio Lyon):We adjusted the colors and created a watermark effect. The results looked like this:We also used the motif in the programs we designed:

Rather than having a traditional wedding cake, we chose a tiered display of cupcakes from Dozen, a local cupcakes-only bakery. We'd just assumed we'd feed each other cupcakes rather than cutting a cake, until I found Mosey's Etsy shop. I commissioned a custom nest cake topper from Mosey... and then I realized we'd need a cake to go with it! That was no problem, as Dozen added a miniature cake to the top of our cupcake display:My friend Amanda recently opened an Etsy shop called Manda*Lin Designs. She also made me a custom guestbook with paper that incorporated our color scheme of reds and oranges:

At the last minute, I decided that, although I was firm in my commitment to NO VEIL, I wanted something more than a $3 Forever 21 headband to adorn my wedding updo. Luckily, I found a set of "pearl" hairpins from Kalyn Designs that worked beautifully and created the effect of a single piece:And finally, we made another last-minute decision to honor our love of good beer and toast with an imperial pumpkin ale, rather than the traditional champagne. I ordered these hand-etched pint glasses from Bread and Badger, who really does beautiful work:
To all the fellow Etsians who made a special day even more special: thank you!

Tons more photos, right here!

Shop Update - Tonight!

2008-11-12T20:24:00.002-05:00

It's been a long time coming, but I finally found some time to post new items to my Etsy shop. Check them out here! I'll be adding more all evening, to Etsy and for sneak peeks over at my Flickr page.

A rare political post

2008-11-05T14:22:00.004-05:00

I wear my politics on my sleeve. There's no way around it. Everyone I know personally knows exactly how I feel and I like the opportunity to share who I am as a person -- even with those who may only know me as a brand. So, that said, I voted for Obama. And I'm very happy -- and proud -- today.

I'm proud for all the usual reasons about race in America and rallying behind grassroots change, but I'm also proud for more selfish reasons. This is the first time I ever voted for someone who won. And I've only had one Democratic president in my lifetime. I think it's time for that to change. And change it has!

I don't want disCARDS to become a soapbox (though if people pay much attention to the imagery I choose and the fact that my materials are re-purposed, my beliefs would be pretty easy to decode). But I can't divorce who I am and what I believe from the art I make -- my beliefs and my creations are both extensions of me. So, I'm sharing my joy, but rest assured, I'll save the political posts for very special occasions (like this one!)

I'm looking forward to what is yet to come over the next four years. Last night, my husband jokingly said, "It's our wedding. It made good things happen." I realize my wedding was not the catalyst for a massive political shift in our nation, but I do feel extra-hopeful about what is in store for my husband, me and our future kidlings. It makes me all the more excited to start our life -- and family -- together.

Martha Stewart Weddings Creative Wedding Favors Contest

2008-11-03T14:05:00.004-05:00

I recently entered a "creative wedding favors" photo contest on the Martha Stewart Weddings web site. If you're a member of the Martha Stewart online community (or wouldn't mind registering so you can rate the entries), please stop by and give me a rating! My entry is homemade apple butter, listed under the username EmStimmel. (Though the pictures can't really convey this, the apple butter was delicious! I had such a fun time canning it with Nate and his dad...)

Inspiration + Handmade Arcade

2008-11-03T13:50:00.004-05:00

Handmade Arcade is less than a week away! It's two days once again this year (Saturday, November 8 and Sunday, November 9) but the location has changed -- it's now at the Hunt Armory in Shadyside.

I'm excited, as always, but this year my excitement is a little more subdued. My creative energy was redirected towards wedding projects for so long that I almost forget how to make the things I love to make! Yesterday afternoon, my friend Amanda of Manda*Lin Designs came over so we could get ready for the show together (she and I are sharing a table). When Amanda left and our living room was in a shambles, Nate said, "I like seeing you make things again. I missed the big mess on the floor."

Though I did manage to make a big mess, I wasn't as prolific as I once was. In a few hours, I only made three cards, a ring and a button flower. This "dry spell" has been going on for a while and I just can't seem to shake it. I think part of it had to do with the demands of wedding-planning and school but I think there's more to it. A year ago at this time, I was stuck in a miserable job that didn't challenge me; I needed an outlet for my ideas. Now, I'm in a job that keeps me incredibly busy, is challenging and that allows me to be creative -- so by the time I get home, all my lofty ideas are tapped out. I wouldn't trade what I have now for the way my life was then, but I have to wonder: why can't I have a job I love and an active, engaging hobby to match?

Anyone have advice for re-stoking the creative spark and reviving disCARDS?

Married!

2008-10-29T14:41:00.003-04:00

After 14 months of planning and anticipation, the wedding is over... It's bittersweet - just like everyone says, the day went way too fast - but I'm quite happy to return to normal life (including crafts!)

I'll have much more to say later. I just wanted to let you all know I still exist!

(And [non-blurry] pictures!)

Reminder!

2008-08-18T12:37:00.003-04:00

I finally got it together and bought a Flickr Pro Account. I still have lots of uploading to do, but now you can see the full archive of disCARDS items, plus pictures of me, the person behind it all! You know you're curious... Go check it out!

short + sweet

2008-08-15T15:01:00.004-04:00

My wedding is just 64 days away! Pardon me while I disappear for a couple months. I'll return -- married! -- with much more energy for craftiness, I swear!

In the meantime, the shop is still open. Pay it a visit!

Stickers!

2008-07-30T21:01:00.003-04:00

These sticker packs will be in the shop soon -- hopefully by the weekend...

I just couldn't wait to show them off!

A Quickie...

2008-07-30T10:20:00.005-04:00

Work is pretty crazy right now -- I'm putting the finishing touches on a grant proposal and on my way out the door to to a networking lunch about social enterprise (I always have such lofty goals for networking events, but typically end up huddled in a corner with my head down, too shy to approach anyone. And I work in communications and fundraising, so you'd think I might have overcome my shyness by now!)

Before I go, I wanted to let you all know that I just added another new card to my shop! Here's a sneak peek:

To see the rest, you've gotta visit my shop!

Progress is slow but steady; I'll be making updates in my Etsy shop all week and if all goes as planned, will even be posting a Friday Faves here for old times' sake.

Long Overdue

2008-07-29T07:33:00.009-04:00

At the end of last year, I was interviewed by a writer at Pittsburgh Magazine. Well, the piece was published in February and now, nearly six months later, here it is! Just click on the picture to read the article. (My featured card is in the upper left):

Shop Update!

2008-07-28T22:37:00.003-04:00

I renewed some listings and even added a couple new ones! Check 'em out here. More to come throughout the week!

Time for bed... That's all for now!

The Good, the Bad... But No Ugly

2008-07-27T16:13:00.008-04:00

The show yesterday was a bit disappointing. I take comfort in the knowledge that I wasn't alone -- the schaudenfraude (did I even come close to spelling that right?) of low sales among crafters is a powerful bond.

I've noticed that when something isn't billed specifically as a craft event, sales tend to be disappointing. The crowds at these events just aren't buyers -- they're there for the other activities and the crafts are a pleasant diversion for them. I got asked "Are these all free?" about my items on more than one occasion yesterday -- mostly by children, yes, but still...

On the bright side, buzz was generated. A slightly new look -- complete with artfully arranged stacks of children's books (the very same ones that many of my cards come for) was eye-catching. I got several compliments on my set-up. A handful of people took my card. I had some good conversations with buyers -- and browsers -- who were really impressed by my upcycling and the general cleverness of it all. And apparently 10-year-old boys are the biggest fans of my bottlecap magnets -- five or six of them stopped by and chatted up my fiance about his bottlecap collection and really seemed to like the magnets. Ha!

After the show, I was utterly exhausted. We rented a couple movies and I conked out on the couch about halfway through the first one -- at like, 9:30 or something. But when we went to the video store, I found that they now have a very small book section -- the kinds of obscure books you find in tiny mom n' pop comic book stores and the like. In it, they had Fast Times at Ridgemont High -- which sells on eBay for anywhere from $30 to $400 -- for $3. Sweet! As I've been reading it, I've found that each chapter opens with a small illustration. I would love to make a themed set of stickers out of it, but knowing the value and rarity of the book is making it difficult. I'm thinking I might photocopy them -- simple black and white line drawings -- and make Gocco screens instead. I just know they can't go to waste!

Tabula rasa

2008-07-25T09:52:00.005-04:00

In the past six months a lot has changed in my life. Adjusting to a new -- and busy! -- job has taken up a lot of time. My priorities shifted -- the urgency of keeping my Etsy shop afloat dissipated as I found more satisfaction from my day job.

But now I want both. I want engaging, fulfilling work that pays the bills and for disCARDS to be more than just a hobby. This goal is both exciting and terrifying. It means I need to take action on all the things I've been putting off.

Here are 10 goals for the next six months to a year. A tall order with a wedding and graduation on the horizon, but doable if I take it on in manageable chunks:

1. Restock my Etsy shop on a regular basis
2. Take more (and better) pictures of my work
3. Scan all cards, tags and stickers to have a record of them
4. Pay for an upgraded Flickr account to post more pictures
5. Update the blog daily -- or at least weekly
6. Apply for more shows
7. Take advantage of non-local show opportunities
8. Focus on button flowers, cards, stickers, rings, bottlecap magnets and hairpins -- and faze out less popular items
9. Improve my show set-up with levels of elevation and more eye-catching display pieces
10. Pass along unused supplies to others through Bricolage Kits

I also want to refine my prices -- getting a more accurate picture of shipping and packing costs and pricing my items competitively. And keep better track of my items -- my disorganization has gotten the best of me. I'm going to take advantage of the new inventory tracking sheet on Etsy for this.

These goals have become more real to me because tomorrow is my first show in five months! I'm so excited to start over with a clean slate. I'm leaving work early to prepare... Wish me luck!

I stole this (from my other blog)

2008-07-24T13:09:00.017-04:00

With just under three months to go till my wedding, I'm thinking about it. A lot. One thing I'm thinking about -- and feeling more and more excited about -- is the way everything is going to come together. That's the fun part for me: pulling all these disparate elements into a cohesive whole.

So, I thought it would be appropriate to repost this fun, photo-heavy blog entry from my wedding web page -- it shows how everything is coming together and sets my mind at ease when I go into mini-panic mode over all the little details.

Eventually when I can get my camera batteries to stay charged for more than five minutes at a time (seriously, what's up with that?) and have the time and inclination, I'll replace the idea photos with the "this is the real thing" photos. But for now, inspiration will have to do.

We found a great local mom n' pop flower shop that is incredibly affordable -- and incredibly flexible! They're fine with me bringing in vintage jars and vases as containers, supplying dress material scraps to wrap the bouquets and inserting my button flowers into the real flowers.

Here are the kinds of flowers we're using (found on The Knot):

My button flowers will include these gorgeous vintage buttons, all from Elizabeth Wren Vintage on Etsy:

Our invitations will be on cream stock from Paper-Source, with red backing, a poppy reply postcard and a poppy envelope (they're not heart-shaped though):

They'll be embellished with this ribbon, from Martha Stewart Crafts:

And typed in this wonderul typerwriter-cursive font (Eminenz):

Finally, each will be stamped with a cute little pair of acorns. I love how they're in the position of the traditional wedding bells motif!

Favors will be homemade apple butter, made by Nate's dad with our help. The jars will be labeled with guests' names and table numbers. I'll probably use my sticker maker -- and maybe even the ol' Gocco -- for that!

More pictures soon, I promise! Our custom cake-topper (er, cupcake tree-topper) will be coming any day now...

A brief note about the mailing list

2008-07-24T11:02:00.002-04:00

Some time ago, I announced that I'm building an email list and posted my gmail address for you to contact me. Well, the fact is, I never check my Gmail account, so I'm re-starting the e-mail list back at my Yahoo! address: dis.cards[at]yahoo.com.

Drop me a line if you want to be added!

Joining my mailing list will get you occasional messages (I won't be flooding your inbox!) about upcoming shows, Etsy shop updates, new projects and special discount codes to use in my shop.

New Goodies!

2008-07-23T09:24:00.009-04:00

As I've mentioned before in this blog, I'm working with a fellow Etsian on the jewelry for my wedding. What I haven't mentioned is that I found eLmTree, the artist I'm working with, through Etsy's new(ish) feature, Shop Local.

eLmTree is the work of Eryn, who lives within walking distance of me. We've had a few meet-ups over beer and pizza in which we discussed beads and design. Yesterday I paid her a visit for a different reason -- to pick up these treasures, recent purchases from her shop:

I love her aesthetics -- vintage components, bright color combinations, asymmetrical placement.

When I picked up my purchases, I also got a chance to take a sneak peek at a necklace and pair of earrings she had begun for my bridesmaids. They're really gorgeous -- I can't wait to see all three finished sets! Here's how much I can say right now: they've got deep red bell flowers and Swarovski crystals in reds, pinks and oranges (including Padparadscha -- a color I love with a name I like to say!)

It's really an interesting process to commission a piece of someone else's work -- though it's not the same as making it yourself, it still engages plenty of creativity. It's a very cool feeling to see something that once only existed in your head in 3D, created by someone else who "gets it".

Oh yeah, and...

2008-07-22T12:17:00.003-04:00

... I got turned on to this FLYLady business via Princess Lasertron's blog. My apartment and work cube are in dire need of "redding up" so I eat up any organizational tips I can find with a spoon (a spoon that I'll probably leave in the sink too long, in my current slovenly state.)

I plan to go home and do the first "baby step" tonight (polishing my kitchen sink). I've already got sort of a head start. Last night, I took a baby step of my own, taking all the shoes scattered about the apartment and putting them in their designated compartment in the closet. Pathetic as it sounds to all you neatniks out there, I was quite proud and satisfied with that teensy accomplishment!

What I Did on My Summer (Not a) Vacation

2008-07-22T11:57:00.006-04:00

Nate and I have developed a couple new interests that aren't exactly related to each other, but do reflect a similar sensibility in their focus on nature, localization and simplicity. One of those is letterboxing -- a hobby that's part craft, part hike, part scavenger hunt. The other is joining a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture).

We've only been letterboxing once, but as soon as this hot, humid stormy streak passes, we'd love to go out and do it again! Nate made us a custom stamp (a chunky ampersand) for it and purchased a nice little recycled blank book at Paper-Source. Here's how it works: first, you visit this website and search for the region where you'd like to go letterboxing. Then, you can further narrow your search by county, city and park. Once you decide where you'd like to explore, you can find clues leading you to a specific letterbox in your chosen park. The directions leave a lot to interpretation, like, "walk four paces from the tall tree with knotty roots and turn left" but that's part of the fun! Once you've come to your destination, you will find the box -- usually a sealed plastic container buried under a light layer of dirt or leaves. Inside the box is a stamp (typically handcarved), an ink pad, and a booklet. You stamp the book with your own custom stamp (you can also leave your name, date or a little note if you'd like) and add the stamp from the box to your own book, creating a passport of sorts. So. Much. Fun. I'm telling you. You really should try it!

We also joined a CSA this summer. It runs for 20 weeks total (through late October). Each week, we pick up a box of fresh veggies, fruit, eggs and herbs. There have been some repeats from week to week (lots of sugar snap peas, beets and leafy greens) but each week there's something new and interesting. It's because of the CSA that I finally got to try rhubarb -- and learned that I like it. It also gave me the chance to try patty pan squash, tiny Pennsylvania strawberries and delicious fresh herbs that I could never grow at home (because of Stuart's destructive/curious streak). This past week we got a wonderful Italian herb mix -- basil, oregano and thyme -- that has been so delicious on top of pasta and in homemade salad dressing! The one downside is that I'm running out of ideas for some of the foods, so I need to get a bit more resourceful. I'm not a huge beet fan, so every time we get them, I add in some carrots, potatoes and onions for roasted root veggies. The rhubarb has been mixed with strawberries or used alone in a compote for waffles and ice cream. But there's got to be more I can do with them. Perhaps I'll bake a rhubarb pie and pickle and can the beets... I'm certainly open to suggestions!

So, there it is. The highlights of my summer so far! Throw in a trip to the amusement park and a few more days at the pool and I can say I'm truly satisfied with how my summer has gone -- I just wish it wouldn't pass so quickly!

How funny is it...

2008-07-21T17:11:00.002-04:00

... that I disappear for six months at a time, but when I'm back, I"m back with a vengeance?!?

I found a mysterious letterpressed card inviting me to a Pittsburgh Zine Party, to be held on August 30 at a location TBA. I put it up on my fridge a couple weeks ago to goad me into actually, ya know, making a zine but had been shirking my duty as a would-be zinester.

Today I casually brought this up to a friend at work and Boom! Pow! We're makin' a zine! We're a couple of late-twenties/early-thirties administrative types with a delightfully obscure shared hobby -- it kinda reminds me of how Shonen Knife were all secretaries by day and had to keep their band a secret. (I just read that somewhere. Doesn't that sound like part of some elaborate alt rock mythology as opposed to something, well, real?)

Whatevs. I'm making button flowers, making stickers, making cards, making a zine. Emily + her creativity: reunited and it feels so good! :-) Now, if only Nate would learn to make a good batch of beer -- and then teach me -- we could start a little apartment brewery and make labels with the Gocco and have F-U-N! Woot!

In Brief

2008-07-21T11:45:00.003-04:00

Coming this week, I'll tell you all about my adventures with...

Letterboxing
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)
Summer yard sale finds

A busy summer, but a fun one, indeed!

Back in Action

2008-07-21T10:15:00.010-04:00

Here we are at mid-July... My, how time flies! I never expected to be away for so long. But with school, work and wedding planning... well, you know the rest. But! Things have finally begun to settle down. I'm getting more accustomed to my job, which I started back in January. I just finished the summer semester, which means I have about five blissful weeks sans schoolwork. I have just six credits to go -- my fall class (Yes! Just one class!) is a stress-management course and my spring semester will be devoted to writing my thesis -- a mere 35 pages, same as undergrad -- that I plan to use to explore the growing trend of social enterprise, with a focus on partnerships between nonprofit organizations and arts communities.

Enough about academia though... I have a show this Saturday (Celebration in the Park, Allegheny Commons Park, North Side, Pittsburgh, 12 to 5 p.m. Representin' with other Handmade Arcade folks) and it's just what I needed to snap out of my craft-free malaise and get going again!

Yesterday I purchased a $20 Xyron sticker-maker. I used up the entire 20 feet of sticker backing in a single afternoon! It's the perfect way to use up the illustrations that are just a bit too small for cards and... it's a sticker-maker! What could be more fun than that?

If I get the time (or inclination) I'll scan some stickers to show off the results.

In other crafty news, I've been making button flowers like a freakin' machine these days, with the dual goals of having a wide selection of bouquets for my upcoming shows and having a few bunches in a palette of red, orange, peachy-pink, burgundy and rust, to mix in with my wedding flowers. I've also been commissioning work from various Etsians for other wedding details. A cake-topper nest from Mosey. A hair embellishment from Twigs & Honey. Jewelry from Elm Tree. It's all coming together... Just three months to go!

My apologies for such a scattered entry. Continuity is not my forte these days. And neither is brevity. There is still much to say -- I've barely scratched the surface of all the things that have been happening in my life these days -- but it'll have to wait... Isn't the suspense just killing you?

four months

2008-04-30T20:50:00.001-04:00

...is too long. I shall return. Look for new blog entries - and a newly restocked Etsy shop - this summer!

Sweet, indeed

2008-01-25T16:31:00.000-05:00

I've been out of commission in the blogosphere and woefully under-crafted these days, but for good reason: as I've mentioned before, ad nauseum, I'm planning my wedding!

I'm currently working with a fellow Etsian on custom jewelry designs for myself and my bridesmaids, and though I haven't received the pieces yet (they're not even made!), I still want to give a shout-out to Kristin Friesen of {sweeter than me} designs, who has been incredibly helpful, responsive and filled to the brim with great ideas! I'm really enjoying the collaborative process; what makes it even more enjoyable is knowing that, though I'm too pressed for time to make the jewelry myself, I'm still putting my stamp on it by being so involved. The jewelry that will result will be truly one-of-a-kind and customized and that's exactly what I want in my own wedding jewelry as well as in gifts to my bridesmaids. Though I may be able to find something I like at a place like David's Bridal, what's personal about identical, standard-issue, mass-produced pieces of jewelry? No thanks, I'll stick to the Etsy community and the crafters I know and love for my wedding goodies whenever possible.

Geez Louise

2007-11-30T18:09:00.000-05:00

Forgive me, please. I haven't fallen off the face of the earth. I've just been up to my eyeballs in school-work, work-work, wedding planning and the occasional craft show or custom order. I'm hoping to have things back in order within the next few weeks, which means adding to my Etsy shop, sharing new projects and actually writing relevant entries in this blog. Stick around. You won't be disappointed!

Handmade Arcade on the Tee Vee

2007-11-08T15:15:00.000-05:00

Our local news has a little magazine-style show in the mornings called Pittsburgh Today Live and they ran a 6-minute segment on Handmade Arcade! Check it out here.

I'm getting really nervous...

2007-11-07T12:48:00.000-05:00

Handmade Arcade is just three days away! I feel woefully under-prepared (as I always do before a big show.) How's everyone keep their sanity with shows, Etsy shops and "real lives"? I'd love to get some tips on how to keep it all balanced...

This makes me feel all warm n' fuzzy...

2007-10-31T14:57:00.000-04:00

Have you heard of Buy Handmade yet? If not, I suggest you click that link immediately! It's a great resource for talking points about the handmade lifestyle and even includes a pledge for folks to take, declaring that they will buy handmade this holiday and will ask others to do the same for them. I took the pledge. Will you?

I love to see the handmade movement gaining momentum. It's positive in so many ways--from decreasing a negative impact on the environment, to stimulating local economies and directly supporting artisans. It makes me feel all warm n' fuzzy--which is what the holidays are all about!

Of course, the warm n' fuzzy feeling quickly gives way to a complete panic attack about all the items I need to make to stock up my shop for the holidays! Better get busy!

File under: random

2007-10-29T12:43:00.000-04:00

Lately, I've been having a hard time creating a cohesive theme for my posts but have felt the desire to write blog entries nonetheless. I'm still chugging away with disCARDS projects, but recently, they've taken the backseat to life itself (or should it be Life with a capital L?).

And what has been going on in Life? Lots! We finally chose our wedding venue, and from there, a ton of other minute wedding details naturally fell into place. Our ceremony and reception will both be held at the Union Project, a community space housed in a former church. Through space rental, a cafe, stained glass restoration and ceramics, the Union Project generates revenue to support the growth of the local community. It's an amazing place with an amazing mission and we're proud to be getting married there. Our date is October 18, 2008.

Outside of wedding planning, I've been doing craft shows here and there, working a ton at my day job and going to school part time. My last show was I Made It! this past Saturday. It wasn't terribly lucrative, but I networked, shared tips and made some great crafty friends! For the social aspects alone, the show was great.

I'm consistently impressed--even touched--by the kind and helpful nature of the indie craft community. Locally, I've encountered fellow crafters who openly share advice and want to help others succeed; these folks don't treat me as competition, but view crafting as a collaborative learning experience. On Etsy and through the blogosphere, I've found more of the same: people with a strong desire to meet the needs of their customers and to help fellow crafters. I know I've said it before, but it bears repeating: the warm and fuzzy feelings generated by being part of this community are a huge part of why I stay involved.

These next couple weeks will be spent preparing for Handmade Arcade. If past years are any indication, it will be huge. That both excites me and scares the hell out of me... Wish me luck!

A quickie

2007-10-26T19:02:00.000-04:00

Just a quick post to let you all know I'll be at I Made It! Scary from noon to 5:00 p.m. tomorrow. Pittsburghers, come see me!

Custom-made, baby

2007-10-10T10:00:00.000-04:00

Since I began disCARDS, I've offered the option of customization. In the early days, I made custom card sets for friends and family which they loved. But they were my friends and family--how could I tell if they really meant it?

Well, I finally had an opportunity to test my true merit making customized items. A buyer on Etsy approached me to make a custom felt brooch of her darling dog. She also gave me some specs to create a nautical-themed brooch. (Basically, she showed me a picture of the coat she would wear it on and asked me to run with it.)

Here's what I came up with:

The buyer loved both items and gave me the sweetest little comments. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy to make real connections with my customers and know that what I'm making is giving someone happiness.

Tag! I'm it!

2007-09-26T12:30:00.000-04:00

I just got tagged by Space Oddities to list 6 random things about myself... I think I've done this before in this very blog, so I apologize if any of my random facts are redundant. Here goes...

1. I despise raw tomatoes. Despise. But ketchup, tomato sauce, tomato soup and salsa are all A-OK.
2. I'm getting married next fall.
3. I have a deep and abiding obsession with researching unusual topics on Wikipedia. Because of this, I know more than anyone needs to about medical anomalies, folklore, maternal impressions, cult psychology, moral panics and other fun topics that never come up in stanard conversation.
4. As a child, I loved to wear non-hat objects on my head. A whole slew of childhood pictures feature me wearing underpants and Country Crock Shedd Spread tubs on my head, incongrous with my somber facial expression.
5. When I was about 4, I saw some other kids in my Music for Munchkins class eating some tasty looking candy. I explored the YMCA and found an open cupboard containing a few boxes of fruit snacks. My teacher caught me, and told my parents I should be severely punished for stealing. My mom still talks about what a crazy bitch that lady was.
6. I love cold pizza. Maybe even more than hot pizza. Second-day cold pizza is the best.

I'm tagging... um, no one. For now. Will some horrible fate befall me? I hope not.

Sunday! Sunday! Sunday!

2007-09-21T10:09:00.000-04:00

Save the date!

2007-09-18T11:39:00.000-04:00

Since I barely have time for, you know, content anymore, here's a quick show update. Nothing more, nothing less.

disCARDS will be doing Handmade Arcade this year! Since the event grows by leaps and bounds each year, I always wait anxiously to receive my acceptance and spend a lot of the waiting period preparing myself for rejection. But this year, once again, I'm in!!! It'll be a two-day event this year, so hopefully shoppers won't be so darn overwhelmed. (There was just so much stuff last year it was impossible to see it all!)

Here's the info:

Handmade Arcade Day 1
Saturday, November 10
11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Construction Junction
214 N Lexington St, Point Breeze

Handmade Arcade Day 2
Sunday, November 11
11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Construction Junction
214 N Lexington St, Point Breeze

Free admission (both days), craft fair, make & take projects, demos, food, drink, DJs, bike valet and more, more, more!

My dear friend Amanda will be sharing a table with me and hawking some of her wares (which are not available online--yet!--or I'd link to them.) Come see us, please!

Sparkle sparkle pretty princess

2007-09-07T09:42:00.000-04:00

It was inevitable: I'm getting sucked into this wedding planning thing. I've added a links section with some of my favorite wedding-related blogs (including my own wedding webpage!)

Not to fear though: I'm not going the "sparkle sparkle pretty princess" route (that's my shorthand for all the ridiculous wedding industry lingo of "making dreams come true" and letting a bride be a "princess" on "her day".) The blogs I've linked to are decidedly snarky and uncover just how ridiculous the wedding marketing phenomenon is.

I'll be sharing my ideas and updates throughout the planning process. There will still be a crafty edge, because I plan to DIY a lot (both to save money and to put our own stamp on things.) The Gocco'd invitations? I'll post 'em here. The favors? I'll post 'em here. I'll also indulge my inner sparkly princess a bit, posting dress ideas and such. It'll be fun, I promise!

What's next? Well, we're doing a tasting here next week! Yum!

Updates

2007-09-05T10:00:00.000-04:00

We adopted a new kitty last night from a local shelter. She's such a sweetie--in fact, that was her name! She's also stunning; for some reason she reminds me of a '50s pin-up girl, so we named her Bettie Mae as an homage to Bettie Page and Betty Grable. Here's her shelter glamour shot from Petfinder:

Because I want to be home this weekend to help her adjust to her new surroundings (and because of a couple other things that came up in the 'Burgh), I won't be at Rambo Faire on Sunday. But if you're in or around Harrisburg, please do check it out! Hobocamp Crafts makes some awesome stuff and is comprised of the two friendliest people you'd want to meet, and there are guaranteed to be lots of other fantastic vendors as well!

Midge Doreen O'Pootertoot: ? - 8/31/07

2007-09-02T09:25:00.000-04:00

As many of you know, my cat Midge passed away on Friday. It came as a total shock to my fiance and me, and we're still working through our grief.

Midge was a "special needs" kitty. Just as one medical issue was clearing up, a new one would take its place. She had one cloudy eye and a bum leg, but she was one of the most beautiful cats I've ever seen. Her eyes had such soul. Everyone who met her immediately fell in love with the loudmouth fat kitty with the big, owlish eyes.

As I come to terms with the pain of losing my baby, I also take comfort in the kindness of strangers--particularly the Etsy community, which has collectively expressed such understanding and sympathy that I get choked up all over again just thinking about it.
Therefore, it seems a fitting tribute to create a belated Friday Faves of sorts, with the items that Midge would have enjoyed, or that remind me of her.

Midge loved nothing more than to take a nap on our comfy recliner. She also loved music--especially when Nate serenaded her with his toy accordion. This "Cat Nap" print by leiaka reminds me so much of her:

This pin from The Dog Coat Lady speaks the truth:

These "Midge" earrings from Starlite Trinkets are just as pretty and dainty as Midge herself:

If there's one thing Midge loved more than chillaxin', it would be food. She would have adored these "Swiss cake" catnip toys by Jake and Micah (although she probably would have preferred real cake!):

In Midge's honor, I donated to the Ugly Kitty Fund to help raise money for the no-kill shelter where Quasi (the original "ugly kitty") was adopted.

Rambo Faire

2007-08-29T11:01:00.000-04:00

Rambo Faire
Sunday, September 9

11 am to 7 pm
The Mantis Collective
202 North Street

Harrisburg, PA 17101

This event is essentially Odd Ones Part II and is part of the Harrisburg Gallery Walk. Many of the original Odd Ones vendors will be returning, including Hobocamp Crafts!

Odd Ones was hella fun, so I know this is gonna be another great time. If you're in the Harrisburg area, please check it out!

I Made It! Market

2007-08-27T10:24:00.000-04:00

I'm in!

A quick meta-post

2007-08-26T21:00:00.000-04:00

School starts tomorrow. That + several shows coming up + work + planning a wedding = less action at the disCARDS blog. I'll try to check in now and then for Friday Faves, show schedules and shop updates, but for a while, this blog is bound to be kinda boring and empty. Please be patient. Thanks everyone!

Yay for antiques!

2007-08-20T11:10:00.000-04:00

On Saturday afternoon, I ventured back to my hometown and stopped by the local antique shop. I lived in this tiny town for 24 years and there was never a thing to do. Then I move and *poof* awesome antique shop comes to town.

In the past, I've bought metal trays with an autumn leaf motif, handpainted enamel bowls, a typewriter (circa 1930s) and a vintage children's health and safety book. When my cousin got married, she went there to buy my Maid of Honor gifts: vintage ceramic salt and pepper shakers for my collection (fawns and kissing chickens) and a beautiful beaded handbag. This weekend, I bought 3 yards of patchwork-printed fabric with plaid, paisley and tiny floral prints in mustard yellow, olive green, red and navy blue that will yield tons of projects; a two-strand vintage white enamel chain that I plan to reconstruct into several pieces of jewelry; brown gloves from the 1940s with embroidered white polka dots and an antique blue Mason jar filled to the brim with vintage buttons and assorted beads and findings. The entire haul cost me $18.02!

I'm in!

2007-08-19T13:04:00.000-04:00

To everyone in Pittsburgh and its surrounding areas: mark your calendars!

Second Annual East End Food Co-Op Art Harvest
Sunday, September 23, 2007
12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
East End Food Co-op, 7516 Meade Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15208

disCARDS is one of 30 vendors in a range of artistic media. Music, food and children's activities will also be part of the day.

For more info, visit the Co-op's web page.

One more gushy engagement entry...

2007-08-15T14:13:00.000-04:00

...and then this blog will be all business all the time!

The Proposal Story

On Sunday morning we had a nice late breakfast of blueberry-banana pancakes and were just lazing about, wondering what to do with the day. Nate suggested going out somewhere--maybe taking a walk--and we finally settled on taking a picnic (I'd bought a picnic basket last summer and still hadn't had a chance to use it!)

We drove to the co-op and picked up some lunch, then headed off to a local park for our picnic. As we were looking for a place to set up, I found the most perfectly shaped, bright green acorn.

After spreading out our blanket in the grass, we ate our lunch. When we finished eating, Nate asked if I'd like to take a picture. I said, "Sure" and posed behind our empty plates, gripping my belly as if to say, "I can't believe I ate the whole thing!"

He unzipped his camera case and said, "Damn, I forgot my camera!" I saw a flash of gold. He pulled out a wrapped box and said, "Here, this is for you." At this point, I can't even describe it--I knew, but I didn't know.

I unwrapped the box and saw the jewelry store logo peeking out. When I opened the ring box he leaned over and said, "It's an engagement ring!" By this point, I definitely knew.

We kissed, we hugged, we talked about our future and kids and growing old together. We talked about setting a date. Then we packed up our picnic and left to go tell our families and friends.

And the acorn? I'd tucked it into my bag when I found it, because it was so perfect. Now, I'm keeping it forever. It's my engagement acorn!

How strange...

2007-08-13T08:11:00.000-04:00

...that I posted a wedding-themed Friday Faves on Friday, with no clue that my boyfriend had bought me a ring the day before!

Got engaged yesterday! Story to come.

For now, a picture of the ring, taken in the car as it moved en route to the jewelry store for sizing:

Friday Faves - Weddings, Etsy style

2007-08-10T14:11:00.000-04:00

This summer, it seems that every free moment I've had has been devoted to wedings in some way: buying a gift, attending a shower, buying a dress, en route to a wedding or at a wedding. After each one, I come away with ideas that I'd like to use in my own wedding (and just as many details I don't want!)

I keep a secret file of pictures, color schemes and other ideas that I've collected, so that when the time comes, I'll have ideas at the ready.

Etsy has lots to offer for folks like me who want a non-traditional, simple wedding with a handmade touch.

In my quest for diamond alternatives, I've taken a real liking to sapphires. I love this simplicity of this twisted wire ring with a sapphire center stone by Alphabetti Spaghetti Design:

Also in that shop, I found this stunning rough diamond ring. Best of all, the stone is certified conflict-free!

Powder Mill Studio caught my eye months ago with this Natures Promise ring, cast from a real tree branch:

I'm not a big fan of the bouquet/garter toss tradition, but I may need to bend the rules for this powder blue and orange rose garter by piper ewan:

I'd love to carry a bouquet of button flowers by Princess Lasertron or stuff bunches of them in mismatched vases, jars and glass bottles as centerpieces and favors:

heather jeany makes tons of Gocco-printed goodies, including actual custom wedding invitations, but I love this design best. I think these mix tape note cards would make wonderful invites for a music-obsessed couple (like my boyfriend and me!):

Finally, this set of photographs from Swirling Thoughts would make a great wedding or shower gift (for a couple with a sense of humor, anyway!):

Indie Public

2007-08-08T13:18:00.000-04:00

You may have noticed a badge on my blog proclaiming my membership at IndiePublic. IndiePublic is yet another social networking site, a la MySpace and Facebook, but the community is specificially tailored to artists, designers and crafty types. I almost regret finding it, because it will inevitably lead to me spending even more time online!

Seriously, though, it includes a lot of great features, and even allows users to link Flickr slideshows rather than uploading photos separately. (Another plus: it's compatible with the ever-so-awesome Etsy Mini!)

Finally! Good news (and some rambling)!

2007-08-08T12:39:00.000-04:00

Another post that is only tangentially related to crafting...

After a couple weeks of letdowns and disappointment, things finally seem to be looking up. Last night, my boyfriend and I went in to our old neighborhood for a block party. We went hoping we may run into some of the other former tenants of our building. (Back story: a fire last September forced us all to vacate immediately, so we ended up scattered all over Pittsburgh with little opportunity to say a proper "goodbye." Our building was small and friendly; everyone invited each other over for parties and the like. I miss that.) We did get to speak to a couple folks and it was really nice. It was also really comforting to see how people from the old neighborhood reached out to us and tried to make us still feel part of it. I feel more of a connection to that community than where I currently live, for sure. It was a bit strange though... The block party was set up on the street directly outside our old building, which is still standing. Nate and I had lived on the first floor and our apartment was primarily water-damaged. The curtains and blinds are still hanging in the windows, and the apartment looked completely intact from outside. I got the sense I could just walk in and everything would be restored--like waking up from a particularly bad dream. Unfortunately, that's not the case. But the building has been bought by a new landlord who will have it ready for new tenants in a few months. We entertained the possibility of moving back in--if the price was right. Nate thinks it's too much of a pain to move again, and though I agree, I miss the place desperately, and the kindness the neighbors expressed last night underscored just what our new neighborhood is missing. It's just not a unified community. Everything about living there feels unsettled and temporary, even after 11 months...

Onto other good news! At work, I finally got acknowledged for something. When I told my boss about the props I received from our parent organization for the work I did on our new web site, she actually squealed out loud and gave me a hug. That felt good, seeing as a lot of my work accomplishments have been flying under the radar lately.

Also at work, I got compliments on my dress (a flowy, hippie-ish number) and my earrings (etched metal tags with a cat image from Danielle Maveal Jewelry.)

On my lunch break, I stopped by our local food co-op to drop off an application for their upcoming craft fair. I did the same show last year, and the girl who took my application remembered me and said she needed to replenish her supply of disCARDS' cards so she was excited to see me there! (This bodes well for me getting in to the show, I suppose.)

So, all in all, a good day. Hopefully the good vibes will keep coming my way!

My love-hate relationship with marketing

2007-08-07T12:42:00.000-04:00

DISCLAIMER: This post has nothing to do with disCARDS, but has plenty to do with Emily.

In my undergrad years, I strongly considered majoring in Marketing. It did end up almost being my minor, but the Econ prerequisites dragged down my GPA. So I studied Communication with a healthy smattering of Media Arts, Cultural Studies, Women's Studies and Psychology.

Since graduating four years ago, I've set out on a rocky career path of low-paid jobs in totally disparate fields (I made the jump from a design job at a beer distributor to a PR position at a non-profit adoption agency as smoothly as anyone could expect to.) As I've put my Communication degree into practice, I've realized that what I enjoy about the subject is the academic side: analyzing the psychology behind consumer behavior and sharpening my media literacy skills. I feel dirty using those tricks on other people (more so when I'm shilling for beer companies that when I'm finding homes for children, of course!)

With my interest in media literacy, a general disdain for corporate marketing tactics and a concern for child welfare, I was saddened--and a bit disgusted--to read this.

If you haven't clicked the link (and why haven't you?) here's the gist: Preschoolers preferred the taste of foods wrapped in McDonald's-branded packaging over other foods--even when the food's relationship to McDonald's was only perceived. This is really troubling to me for so many reasons, I won't even go into them here. But it does give me a smidgen of hope: If marketing can be so effective in creating brand loyalty in children, what good can it do? It's clearly powerful, so it needs to be used to disseminate positive messages.

Summer summer summer's gonna turn into fall...

2007-08-02T12:06:00.000-04:00

I'm still wrapping my brain around the fact that it's already August! This summer went by so fast... With fall on the horizon, the start of a new school year looms ahead, so it's as good a time as any to gush about my obsession with vintage textbooks!

Yesterday, I went thrift shopping and found an amazing score--the third in my growing collection of Ginn & Company elementary school readers, called How it is Nowadays (I also have Seven is Magic and With Skies and Wings). Like the others, it's hardback, in great condition and packed with amazing illusrations in a range of distinct styles. Now that I've amassed a few different books from the Ginn Reading 360 series, I've begun to get a feel for the styles and see patterns emerging.

There's the blocky, construction paper cut-out look:

The colorful, stylized drawings:

This quintessentially late-'60s/early-'70s style:

And these sketchy, selectively watercolored drawings:

(All images displayed in this post, with the exception of the Seven is Magic cover, are disCARDS creations archived at my Flickr page.)

New stuff!

2007-07-31T13:25:00.000-04:00

I've been gearing up for show season and taking advantage of rare pockets of free time, which means I've been making new things faster than I can photograph them! Tons more items are waiting in the wings, but here are a few goodies I've recently added to my Etsy shop:

My vintage Brownie Handbook keeps yielding new treasures! The latest:

I've been making tons of hygiene-related cards lately. This one is my favorite (so far):

I've scored some beautiful vintage cabochons from Etsy shops like Eames and Lola. I've been making them into rings and hairpins. Earrings and bracelets will hit the shop soon!

It's the little things

2007-07-27T18:58:00.000-04:00

The last couple days, I've been walking a new buyer through the process of paying with a credit card without a PayPal account. Everything was new to me as well, so I asked around the Etsy forums and got lots of helpful responses.

Because of my fellow Etsians' help, I learned something new, and the buyer's first experience on the site was a good one.

She sent me a message saying, "Emily - Thanks for all the 'hand-holding' help! You made me smarter and more likely to shop Etsy again!"

That made my day!

As promised... Friday Faves: Trashion pt 2

2007-07-27T17:32:00.000-04:00

After an insane week at work, I'm finally home, parked in front of my teeny window A/C with my laptop, ready to deliver you this special edition, all-Trashion Friday Faves!

The first one comes from Hey Lady, one of my favorite recycled card sellers on Etsy (tying for first place with Space Oddities and--ahem--myself). I gave up beer for a few weeks recently and it was rough. This "I Love Beer" card reminds me of the important things in life:

This "Meet me at the Peach Pit" purse by Enderby in the Trashion Team shop makes a functional carry-all out of 90210 sheets and an old necktie:

Duct tape roses by Beadniks never die and they'd make a smashing centerpiece at a special event:

I'm not sure I agree with the sentiment (although it's promoting zero population growth--a great eco-conscious stance!) but I still love this "Evil Babies" recycled fabric cuff from Miggipyn:

OK, folks. That's it! Now I'm off to join the trunk show festivities in the Etsy workshop!

Today has been totally insane

2007-07-27T16:28:00.000-04:00

I'm a bit late getting Friday Faves ready. I promise I'll be posting a list this evening!

♥

2007-07-26T11:59:00.000-04:00

This morning I awoke at 6 am to Stuart gnawing at a plastic bag. I read for a bit to lull myself back to sleep (big mistake--I ended up oversleeping), but Nate took it as an opportunity to get up. He mumbled something about working on a CD.

When I finally did wake up and begin my morning computer routine, I found a list beside the laptop, featuring songs like the Ghostbusters theme and "Hakuna Matata." "Wha'?!?" I thought.
And then I remembered: my boyfriend is parting ways with a client of his after 5 years ( a long time in his field. He works with autistic children and kids with a range of other behavioral disorders.) He made a CD as a gift for this child to remember him by.

That (and about a million other things) is why I love him.

Now's the time to start freaking out

2007-07-25T16:05:00.000-04:00

There's just too much going on these days! Bridal showers, weddings and their attendant gift-buying and travel. Birthdays. School. (It's just a month and a few days away!)

This probably sounds like the lead-up to a sales pitch about my note cards, and surprisingly enough, that's not what it is--mostly because all the activities listed above are happening in my life, preventing me from making the things that make your life easier (or more fun!)

On top of everything else, the Trashion Trunk Show is this Friday, and craft show season is just around the corner. If all goes as planned, I'll be doing an average of one show every weekend in September--just what I need to tie up my time when I should be studying! Of course, this means I need to apply to the craft shows, pay the fees, take photos of my work ...All while buidling up stock in my Etsy shop for my August 15 showcase.

Whew!

Did I mention I'm just a teeny bit stressed?

Front page, baby!

2007-07-24T16:29:00.000-04:00

Treasury Trove

2007-07-23T13:41:00.000-04:00

disCARDS is featured in two Etsy Treasuries today!
trashion trove:

Smile! It's a beautiful day.

A beautiful day, indeed. Check these out and leave your comments! Maybe we can bump one up to the front page!

Good enough to eat (but please, don't eat 'em!)

2007-07-19T11:07:00.000-04:00

I finally got all the supplies together to create the perfect packaging for my pie magnets. The magnets were already pretty freaking adorable, but the packaging is just the icing on the cake (apologies for mixed metaphors!)

Without further ado...

I'm not usually one to toot my own horn, but I've got to say I'm pretty in love with these magnets and their bakery-style packaging. They would make such a perfect gift!

I just added them to my shop at an introductory Trashion sale price, so check 'em out!

Also make sure to visit A. Bel Emporium, where I purchased those fantastic metallic bakery labels!