M. Patrizio - Illustrations, Crochet Creatures & Cute Stuff

Pimp my paintbox- Part 1: Razor Blade Paint Scraper

2012-01-29T15:24:00.000-05:00

I am going to try to document all the different accessories and components used to create a compact studio for quick studies and outdoor paintings on my painting + sketch blog. Today I posted about paint scrapers.

ready for spring in the middle of winter

2012-01-28T22:46:00.003-05:00

I purchased these striped springy ~ summery Keds tonight because they were 50% off and the only pair they had left was a size 10 (my size) so I took it as sign from the heavens to buy season inappropriate footwear.

OMG Tutus!

2012-01-28T22:08:00.002-05:00

still need to make a bow and then Timmette will be ready to dance dance dance!

Ikea shelves & a bigfoot sighting

2012-01-25T17:39:00.003-05:00

Two things I need to address today:

1. Super inexpensive studio shelving at Ikea for $14.99!

2. I saw a Bigfoot appear in one of my paintings! A Bigfoot with a bouffant apparently.

Let's discuss :D

The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore

2012-01-25T16:39:00.002-05:00

The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore from Moonbot Studios on Vimeo.

A beautiful short film about the love of books that was created using miniatures, computer animation,and 2D animation. The animated Humpty Dumpty book is so adorable!

Small paintbox made out of cigar box and recycled picture frame glass

2012-01-24T13:52:00.002-05:00

I made this yesterday. I used grey toned paper under the glass. This box will probably turn into a big ol' mess after the first use, but i still think it is a good palette for on-the-go painting. The glass was from an old 5x7" frame and the box was from my uncle's cigar box stash.

The years of dancing school really paid off.

2012-01-22T16:23:00.002-05:00

Handmade Christmas Gifts ~ better late than never :D

2012-01-15T14:09:00.011-05:00

Here is Sal modeling the hat and the backpack I made him. This hat was my third attempt. The first one was more suited for an old Russian lady from my neighborhood, the second came out too small so I am using it as a travel beverage carrier, and then I made this one out of a fine weight wool. I tried some texturing at the base of this one, but nothing exciting. The backpack I made out fabric remnants I had in my studio. I wish I had thought it through a little more and not mixed all these colors and kept it super simple. Next time, next time...

Sale starts this Saturday!

2012-01-13T01:26:00.002-05:00

20% off everything in my So Softies Etsy shop with coupon code LOVE2012, January 14 - 28.

creamer

2012-01-12T13:10:00.004-05:00

I purchased this white creamer with a cork base from the tea shop as well. It is made in Portugal.

Update: Sophia from Portugal just let me know it is made by the company Alma Geméa. Thanks!

Super quick dip tip.

2012-01-10T11:08:00.000-05:00

Simple recipe I blogged on Kung Foodies

Here's how the hat turned out

2012-01-08T15:30:00.002-05:00

I decided to keep it simple and not add the third green shade.

New stitches for the new year

2012-01-06T14:34:00.021-05:00

going to incorporate this muted green into the hat ~ beret

Started a hat to try to learn some new stitches. Here is my first attempt at a V-shaped stitch. I don't think it is right just yet. I did a combo of both stitches from this guide here. I was inspired to do a textured green hat because I saw this cutie from The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe movie:

(click photos to enlarge)

I love the color and pebble texture of this mossy green hat she is wearing and the jacket is super adorable too. Rounded collars, piped plaids, and mossy green wool yarn added to my 2012 wish list.

like this one from here.

First good find of 2012!

2012-01-06T12:07:00.004-05:00

Happy New Year! Good riddance to 2011, a year of turmoil and fear. Sincerely hoping for peace within countries and in nature this year. I plan to focus even more on shopping local and with businesses that care about our environment.

I found this gorgeous double walled glass travel carafe and tea at David's Tea, a company originating in Montreal, Canada, now on Bleeker St. in NYC. I've tried two teas so far, Glitter & Gold black tea and Midsummer Night's Dream, a super yummy citrusy herbal blend. I have one more sample at home to try, Read My Lips, a chocolate and mint tea. I am saving this one as an after dinner treat.

p.s. I did a little searching and found out that the carafe was made by Aquaovo. I looove this design!

Happy Holidays!!

2011-12-24T12:11:00.002-05:00

New paintings and sketches added

2011-12-22T18:51:00.000-05:00

I added some new paintings and my entry to this week's Illustration Friday theme "Sink" to my painting + sketch blog here.

First attempt at needle felting

2011-12-09T11:18:00.001-05:00

I've never thought about doing needle felting before until I bought some wool yarn and the description said,"great for needle felting". The light bulb finally went on to start using my yarn scraps for something useful.

The first project ~ Unintentionally Creepy Oven Mitt!

I used the wool from the shrunken pillowcase debacle, which I first mentioned in this post from last year and scrap yarn that I had been saving in a glass jar for a few years. [insert happy recycling dance]

I have no idea if I did *it* right, but I guess time will tell during usage.

Re-dyeing jeans

2011-12-07T12:51:00.008-05:00

Rit Denim Blue + Black = Dark Purple

Our jeans faded back into the 90's. Mine had some paint and glue stains for extra pizzazz. The paint stains that looked like blood and stuck on glue bits that looked like boogers were fantastic for keeping people away from you on the subway, but not so good to wear to a restaurant.

Here are the jeans after the second dyeing hanging on the line. I dyed them again with the rest of the dye left in the bottles for a darker look. So far I was really pleased. Untillll... the clothesline broke and I had to put these in a dryer. They came out of the dryer an intense shade of dark purple.

I *think* I can get away with wearing my new purple pants in public, but unforch Sal has a new pair of purple house pants. I did some research about the best Rit dye jean dyeing combo and people say to use 1 part each of Navy Blue, Black, and Indigo. Okay, maybe next time.

Some stripey sweaters to wear to holiday parties

2011-12-05T13:27:00.003-05:00

mushroom card boxed set

2011-12-01T14:47:00.002-05:00

12 blank cards with a free mushroom pen/ pencil holder now in the shop!

A song for your custom pizza party

2011-11-30T16:27:00.001-05:00

Here's a song from The Muppets Movie, if you are looking for a sweet, optimistic movie go check it out. I went to see it on Sunday night because Sal is a really big Muppets fan. I felt like I could really relate to this song the most. I told Sal I sing like this everyday around lunchtime while Timmie and the other softies look on. Ok, maybe no singing, just some twirling.

TJ's lavash flatbread

2011-11-30T16:06:00.002-05:00

another Trader Joe's favorite. Custom pizza party, woot woot. This one has D.O.C. Roma tomatoes, fontina cheese, red onions, garlic powder, basil & a little bit of olive oil.

Plaid 3 toggle duffel coat

2011-11-30T12:29:00.003-05:00

3 toggle duffel coat in plaid wool, available here.

Illustration Friday "round"

2011-11-25T20:39:00.002-05:00

Timmie is feeling pretty round after last night's Thanksgiving dinner.

After Thanksgiving Sale!

2011-11-24T01:41:00.004-05:00

C.W. is feeling the holiday stress

2011-11-22T14:27:00.004-05:00

This is my latest softie, Crazy Whiskers a.k.a. C.W.. By request I made another rat, one that can fit into the Timmie clothing. So this little guy can go clothes shopping with Timmie and then they can do each others hair and then nails... OMG. :D

You will be able to tell from the description of this guy on Etsy that I'm starting to lose my mind due to premature holiday stressin'. aaaaahhh...

Hunting (for cute) Jacket

2011-11-21T15:29:00.002-05:00

penguin jacket

2011-11-18T12:50:00.003-05:00

Yay separating zipper action!

Available here

mini adventurer bag / pouch

2011-11-17T14:15:00.002-05:00

Antiqued cotton and leather

teal and navy sweater

2011-11-15T08:27:00.003-05:00

wax on

2011-11-11T13:30:00.001-05:00

wax on, originally uploaded by m patrizio.

candle, thread, and shoe burnishing wax

The final sweater of the week!

2011-11-11T10:47:00.003-05:00

Orange and gray with a mustard snap. Available here.

Next week I may work on straight up sewn jackets and give my wrist a rest. I bought small separating zippers a few months ago that I still haven't tested out.

Super cute wood buttons

2011-11-10T14:20:00.003-05:00

saw these on Ebay, listing ending soon!

and the matching sisters on Etsy-

here

and these!

here

The vintage ones are sooo charming!

chunky cotton sweater jacket

2011-11-10T11:43:00.007-05:00

I *think* this is the first collared sweater I've made. I might try to make a human sized version for myself one day but with the buttons going all the way up the neck. This olive cotton yarn that I bought is too bulky for miniatures. I want to figure out exactly how much yarn I will need to make human sized items, this chart estimates 1170-1690 yards for a crocheted adult sweater with chunky/bulky yarn...hmmm... maybe I should just aim for a vest :) Yeaaah...maybe a vest with a big collar, so it acts like a scarf as well, like the sweater dress I just made for Blythe. This might be a good idea because it will fit easier under my winter coat.

Timmie sweater jacket added to the shop today + yellow and gray love

2011-11-09T12:06:00.003-05:00

available here

I'm loving this color combo. The last few years I've definitely become a fan of grays with saturated color mixes.

Like yellow and gray.

fabric here

fabric here

felt slippers seen on Etsy.

#occupy my belly

2011-11-07T14:35:00.003-05:00

Homemade banana ice cream with just your blender! I got the recipe from this sweet fella on youtube. Great way to use up bananas that are starting to go bad! Yumzzers! After I give my waistline a chance to recover I want to try ginger!

jumbo jars

2011-11-07T13:24:00.007-05:00

What I like as much as string and things is having a nice place to neatly store them in. My favorite type of storage is glass jars, the bigger the better. This simple 2.5 gallon Montana Jar by Anchor Hocking is readily available online and in stores. Also, it is made in the US, so that makes me feel good too. [insert U-S-A chant]

I found this type in person at Target and at Bed, Bath & Beyond (bet, bad, and behind as my Dad pronounces it) for $19.99. They also have one with a black cap that I see is available online here and here.

String addiction still going strong

2011-11-04T15:37:00.006-04:00

(click image to enlarge)

String (thread, yarn...) is just so attractive and practical, I love it so much. Some new lace-weight silk, cotton, and linen in the studio to play with. Last night I waxed up the linen on the right and used it for some tags. ♥ These are made by Habu Textiles. They are based in New York, I wonder if they are open to the public? *Ding Dong*

purplicious

2011-11-03T15:42:00.002-04:00

wild blueberries from Trader Joe's + bananas + milk = lovely (and yummy) shade of purple.

a complete handmade outfit

2011-11-03T15:01:00.003-04:00

sadly the tights don't match, need to make more in other colors! A stretchy fabric shopping trip is in order.

If anyone is interested, I added this wool sweater dress for Blythe to the shop today. Miniatures really make my heart go pitter patter.

wormy apple hat

2011-11-02T19:29:00.003-04:00

Adult-size apple cap available here.

wool striped hoodie

2011-11-01T16:54:00.002-04:00

new sweater hoodie for Timmie T. in the shop! I am going to try to upload one new item a day in November.

Homemade marshmallows

2011-10-30T15:14:00.012-04:00

(click image to enlarge)

Seeing snow on jack-o-lanterns yesterday had me reaching for some hot cocoa. I decided to try making homemade marshmallows for the first time from this recipe. Whenever I see them at fancy sweet shops and bakeries I adore the way they look piled up like captured clouds in big glass jars.

Results: They came out o-k, they taste exactly like marshmallow fluff to me. Also, the batter became so dense that my stand mixer looked like it was about to explode. Poor sweetie mixer... Next time I will use PURE vanilla extract and more confectioners sugar for the dusting instead of the cornstarch mix.

Now, who wants a marshmallow?

debranding promo items

2011-10-28T17:57:00.005-04:00

removed Dr. info and most of logo with a 1-2 punch of 91% by vol. isopropyl alcohol and orange essential oil with some aggressive q-tip swiping.

Warning: I don't know how safe this is, but I do know that both of these liquids are flammable, so use in a ventilated area away from open flames, smokers, flame throwers and circus clowns (they are creepy).

Other things that I've been up to:

2011-10-27T15:31:00.011-04:00

Not reading product descriptions carefully online. I thought this was a pocket saw. I guess, technically, it could be a pocket saw if I had really giant pockets. I know you may be asking yourself, "Why would a woman in NYC need a a pocket SAW?" Hey, you never know when you need to cut some limbs...um, tree limbs that is. < -- seeeeeeee I am getting into the Halloween spirit even though I mucho dislike (er, hate) Halloween.

Why I hate Halloween:

1. Opening the door to strangers begging for things that are bad for them. Would you give crack to a crackhead just because they said, "Trick or treat"?

2. I don't find the need to make believe I am someone/ something else for a day. I can be someone else every day. This is a medical condition that people need to take drugs for.

3. Also, I don't find the need to pay money to be scared or buy scary things to scare other people, this is NYC, walk the streets late at night and you can be scared for free. Just looking at the amount of litter on the streets scares me enough, I don't need to buy a skull for my window, thank you.

bar stool makeover

2011-10-27T15:02:00.007-04:00

Another trash to treasure! My dad saved this bar stool for me that he had gotten out of the neighbor's trash. The varnish was worn off on the top but it looked perfectly fine otherwise. Everything is free on this project except the wheels! The cream colored paint was left over paint that I borrowed from my parents after they painted their garage and the yellow is artist acrylic that someone gave me years ago after they had given up on painting and decided to focus solely on drawing. Two cheers for free paint. Hip, hip, hooray! I've been obsessed with adding casters to every new home furniture project lately, so I had these wood wheels in my stock pile that I purchased last year (or was it 2 years ago?). I'm very excited about my new kitchen seating! Salvaging and stool shortening credits go to my papa, Mr. P! The vintage table btw was um, "borrowed" from my grandma's house when I moved into my apartment about 8 years ago.

p.s. If you use artist paint, make sure to seal the surface with a clear varnish after it completely dries for durability.

So Softies Facebook page

2011-10-25T16:55:00.002-04:00

Become a fan of So Softies on Facebook for news on updates, sales and coupon codes! I posted a new coupon code today, weeewooo....

Coming soon to the shop

2011-10-15T14:49:00.001-04:00

Coming soon, originally uploaded by m patrizio.

wool sweater dress for Blythe.

My not-so-mysterious medical mysteries

2011-10-14T15:07:00.006-04:00

Well, mysterious until I looked it up online.

Last year I had this itchy chin rash that would not go away. After some research I pinpointed the problem, homemade laundry detergent that I purchased online ahem, Etsy, ahem. It was coming in contact with my chin via my sheets and comforter. After a double rinse on the bedding and a few days later, no more chin rash! I might have been using too much powder or the ingredients inside were just too harsh for my skin OR it could also have been a reaction to the essential oils in the product. So if you have an itchy chin rash that won't go away, this might be a cause for you as well.

This other one is a new affliction, the inside of my mouth peeling off. It all started with a new toothpaste - Crest Pro-Health, not only did it make my teeth achy, after prolonged use it started to make the inside of my mouth peel. Gross. So then I switched to Sensodyne, because I thought it is for sensitive-toothed-people like myself, but no, still peeling. Then I started using the Indian tooth powder that I purchased a while back and guess what, no more mouth peel! So the culprit may be the harsh whiteners or in general all the chemicals inside the products that toothpaste companies are slowly trying to kill us with. The tooth powder is kinda hard to stick with because it is messy and you don't receive any whitening benefits, but at least it doesn't burn my face off. The online peeps recommend Tom's of Maine.

This week's color obsession:

2011-10-14T13:43:00.004-04:00

Mustard ~ Bubble envelope yellow :D

How it happened-

I saw this knit scarf project on marthastewart.com and instantly wanted knit mustard things in my wardrobe.

(L) Madewell (R) @ Nordstrom

I think I could put my mind at ease with a mustard cardigan with some pocket action and maybe a little scarflette like the one in the pic?

My new friend Fredrique

2011-10-11T11:02:00.004-04:00

I've enlisted my new friend, Freddi the wig stand, fresh from the garment district to help me make some hats for humans! So far, so good, even though I think I'm using it backwards, it seems cuter this way with the bump in the front. I need to save up some $$ for a wooden hat block, the ones I saw online are pretty pricey.

R.I.P. Steve Jobs

2011-10-06T13:04:00.002-04:00

another reminder to work harder to be the best artist and designer I can be.

More views from the ledge

2011-10-05T17:54:00.003-04:00

I'm finding plenty of stuff to tuck into the tiny ledge :D

kitchen ledge

2011-10-04T14:49:00.008-04:00

A new addition to my kitchen provided by my dad, papa P. Unforch a little too shallow (1.25") to fit anything other than trays inside, but beggars can't be choosers right? I needed a sturdy surface for the white bottle opener on the far left so he made me this. I'm still able to lean the spice jars on it okay though.

These would be great if they were a tiny bit smaller. So now I'm on the lookout for 1.25" rectangular glass spice jars. I think it is time to take a glass blowing class :)

Here is a close-up of my grandfather's canteen from the Italian army. The tin lid above it reads, "The person who says it cannot be done should not interrupt the person doing it." Chinese Proverb

Look what I found in the trash yesterday!

2011-10-03T12:15:00.003-04:00

A super awesome, large, heavy duty wire basket! I love it!!! I just posted about this type of basket not too long ago. I guess if you think about something all the time it will really show up! (squeals like a piglet who just found a free wire basket)

recycled milk jug storage

2011-09-27T11:00:00.004-04:00

(click image to enlarge)

I got this craft idea in my inbox yesterday from Curbly via this site. After a nice hot cocoa I was able to finish up a half gallon plastic jug and test it out! Wow, so fun and easy! I want to make a whole collection now in different sizes. I opted for a snap instead of hook and loop (Velcro) from the original instructions. Because snaps are at least 10% classier. Maybe even 12% classier. I used Dritz snap pliers to attach the snap and to poke the holes on the flaps and Tim Holtz Scissors to cut out the plastic. I highly recommend those scissors, cuts through plastic and leather like butter I tell you.

Cord Clutter Update

2011-09-26T18:25:00.009-04:00

Not perfect, but definitely better than what was there 3 years ago.

The end solution:

undershelf basket from the container store to hold my power strip and modem.

and

Cute leaf zip ties from Lufdesign. You can't tell from the picture, but I used these to bundle the wires. I first saw this awesome product design on BloodyBunny's photostream. She has the good stuff :) and she makes nice things too, like this reflective ankle cuff that I purchased from her Dawanda shop not too long ago:

(photo by BloodyBunny)

sweetie face case®

2011-09-24T13:23:00.002-04:00

I made this case to try out the Timmie Hook-Up pattern fabric. The red printed more orange than the original design but overall I'm happy with it. I need to remember to make sure that the colors I choose are more easily reproducible next time.

Timmie themed fabric in da house!

2011-09-20T13:08:00.002-04:00

I am going to use it for a cocoon lining first to see how it looks! Whee!

New items added to the shop...

2011-09-17T13:40:00.001-04:00

New items added to the shop..., originally uploaded by m patrizio.

Carrying cases and cocoons! For the next update I will try to catch up with some of the goodies I've been promising people, mainly Timmie jackets, funky knit hats for humans, and boots for Blythe!

Playing with patterns again.

2011-09-09T07:26:00.002-04:00

I call this one Timmie Hook-up. I'm thinking about using this design for a Timmie jacket lining.

new kitchen member

2011-08-30T16:47:00.002-04:00

Spongy is not too thrilled about it.

Saucemaking in grandma's backyard

2011-08-30T12:10:00.003-04:00

About 300 jars by the end of the day! I was in charge of the second pass of tomato washing.

Preparing for hurricane Irene!

2011-08-26T13:30:00.002-04:00

orange oil is serious business

2011-08-23T12:09:00.004-04:00

Using orange oil on a q-tip I was able to bring back this oil paint splattered timer back to its former glory. Orange essential oil is so effective I think if you don't wipe it off quickly it will burn right through plastics and varnishes. So if you try this, make sure to wipe it down after with a slightly damp cloth. Definitely smells better and less toxic than turpentine/ turpenoid.

The Art of Brooklyn Festival opens tonight!

2011-08-20T12:48:00.000-04:00

I have 10 paintings on exhibit at the Art of Brooklyn Festival in downtown Brooklyn. The festival celebrates the art, music, and films of Brooklyn's creative community. The opening is tonight , August 20th, and runs until August 27th at the St. Francis College Theater at 180 Remsen St., Brooklyn, NY 11201

From the website:
"THE ART OF BROOKLYN is the first festival to bring “old” and “new” Brooklyn together to celebrate the creative energy that makes our borough one of the most exciting places in the world. We embrace artists from all over New York City; helping them gain exposure for their work while giving audiences the chance to experience points of view that might not otherwise get seen. Because to us, all Brooklyns are created equal."

Ticket and schedule info can be found on the website. As a special offer, all artists can purchase $5 tickets online at http://www. brownpapertickets.com/event/ 181514 and enter password: ARTIST

Soccer player Brek Shea...a Unicorn?

2011-08-17T15:02:00.003-04:00

I was at a NY Red Bulls game with my hunnie and noticed that one of the opposing players looked very similar to a mythical creature. He got a kick out of the idea, so I drew this for him.

serendipitous grain organization

2011-08-12T09:10:00.002-04:00

(wire) Basket Case

2011-07-29T13:19:00.011-04:00

I've been obsessing over wire baskets lately. I can't stop thinking about them, it is like a disease.

It all started with this red-rimmed one from Wisteria:

My Sparrow

Restoration Hardware

The loosely woven Marche Baskets from the container store with matching waste basket

I didn't see it online, but at the store on 6th Avenue I saw they have a large chrome one for laundry that would be perfect for holding bolts of fabric. It was very tempting, but I imagined all of the dirty looks I would have gotten carrying that thing on the subway, also $50 still seemed pretty steep to me. I am hoping for a sale.

I also researched wire bins on wheels for another couple months like this one-
R and B Wire Commercial Laundry Carts

I'm wondering if it is possible to buy wire cloth/mesh from the hardware store to try to make one, maybe a wood base with wire body? hmmmm...

Hopefully posting these will get the thoughts out of my system for a while.

Silvertone Cuffs on Ebay

2011-07-29T01:06:00.001-04:00

Selling off some of my jewelry that I haven't been using. You can find these here.

last minute promo cards for the group show

2011-07-15T11:20:00.001-04:00

last minute promo cards for the group show, originally uploaded by m patrizio.

Thank you Walgreens! :D If the paper was thicker it would be even better! But for a 40 min. turnaround, I shouldn't be complaining.

Contemporary Currents Exhibit at the Pen & Brush Gallery

2011-07-06T11:48:00.003-04:00

(painting on flier by Lois LeBlanc)

I'm in a group show next week! I will have about 8 paintings on display. Come check it out if you are in the NYC area.

The reception is Saturday, July 16th from 4-7pm.

The gallery will be open:
Thurs. July 14, 4-7
Fri, July 15, 4-7
Sat. July 16, 1-9
Sunday July 17, 1-5

The Pen & Brush is located at:
16 East 10th Street
New York, NY 10003
between 5th Ave. and University Place
Subways: L,N,Q,R,W,4,5,6 (Union Square)
Buses: M1, M3, M6

Been cat sitting this past week, didn't get any work done...

2011-07-01T13:36:00.009-04:00

My attempt to entertain Smokey the cat (not to be confused with Smokey the Bear, I don't think this Smokey thinks about forest fire prevention as much, just a little). Unforch, no music, just my neighbor saying, "See ya later alligator!" to his son, which I thought was sweet.

The closure

2011-06-25T14:26:00.003-04:00

(click photo to enlarge)

Here is how the closure turned out. I drilled 4 tiny holes on the top with a Dremel and stitched on the top strap. I used a rivet to attach the bottom strap and a Sam Browne button stud for the closure.

Cigar box project progress. kinda.

2011-06-24T14:38:00.006-04:00

I spent the whole morning yesterday trying to attach leather straps to the side of the box with brass rivets (pictured) that were just a tad too short. After thinning down the leather and sanding down the box I gave up on the straps and just glued in a brass grommet (C.S. Osborne size 00) with the strongest glue that I had (Barge Cement) and added a thin leather cord for the strap that knots in the inside. I actually ended up really liking how the grommet looks on top of the golden label. What's also good about this simple solution is that I can easily adjust the strap length if I need to.

Today I am taking the leather straps that I originally intended for the sides and using them as a closure. This is definitely one of those design-as-I-go projects. Tomorrow I will post a pic of how that turns out.

cigar boxes

2011-06-21T10:16:00.004-04:00

A donation from my uncle. Something new to play with! I want to try to make a couple paint boxes and a satchel. I've already designated the first box on the top for Pippa C.'s (my new Blythe) upcoming wardrobe and pattern storage.

I am going to use the individual cigar tubes to store my pencils/pens. I might spray paint them a fun color or try to scrape off the decoration with a metal scrubber...or scrape off the decoration and then spray paint them... or just leave them the way they are.

recycled tea box

2011-06-21T10:03:00.003-04:00

One of Sal's co-workers was getting rid of this tea box, so he saved it for me. It fit my whole collection of Washi tapes plus room to spare! This particular box had removable dividers, so it was so easy to fill it up with tape. I saved the dividers in case I want to arrange the tapes in a different way later on.

mini leather booties & tights

2011-06-17T12:56:00.003-04:00

first attempt at making leather booties for my Blythe.

I originally bought this polka-dot fabric to attempt to make myself a cardigan, but it is perfect for tights!

My first Blythe!

2011-06-15T10:06:00.003-04:00

She looks a little sweaty from her trip across the ocean. I'm wondering what is the safest way to remove some of the shine? Make-up?

Even though she is shinier than I expected, I'm excited to have her here and to make some new clothes for her. I've been itching to make some shoesies. Maybe some leather Blythe booties coming up...

kitchen additions

2011-06-14T12:40:00.005-04:00

My Perch Design cups (left) that I bought about 4-5 years ago are happy to announce some new family to the kitchen, a mug and salt shaker (also from P D, purchased at Renegade Craft Fair this past weekend) and some bacon salt from the Filling Station at the Chelsea Market. The kitchen cabinet is doing well and has welcomed the little ones with open doors.

Illustration Friday- "swept"

2011-06-13T13:47:00.003-04:00

Timmette is swept away by Timmie love.

More experiments with a limited palette. I'm definitely a fan of simple vintage style.

2011-06-10T15:07:00.002-04:00

Cleared out some wall space in my studio for some new paintings! I will be posting all the new paintings I will be working on this Summer on my painting and sketch blog.

Illustration Friday - "Shadows"

2011-06-08T15:08:00.005-04:00

What's lurking in the shadows of your kitchenette?? This kitty cat got his hands, um, paws on some Haagen-Dazs Dulce De Leche ice cream (highly recommended btw).

Around the homestead

2011-06-08T08:14:00.003-04:00

I just realized after taking this picture that all my pillows are woodland themed, (l-r) hedgehogs, bear, log, and mushrooms!

First attempt at a Timmie style hat for humans

2011-06-03T11:33:00.001-04:00

Came out much too big. I will keep it for myself and wear it when I go open the door for delivery men. I'm sure it will be a hit.

tired Timmie

2011-06-01T12:07:00.004-04:00

Timmie and I are feeling sluggish. It is already so hot over here! Where is Spring? It doesn't help that my back is hurting from (semi) aggressive bike riding I've done this week (ok, ok, not so aggressive) to make up for the it's-the-end-of-the-world-must-eat-as-much-ice cream-as-I-possibly-can-binge. So no ice cream this week. Also I've been keeping track of my calorie intake with the free app "lose it!". Have you used it? Kind of fun. It makes calorie counting like a game. Supposedly crocheting and internet surfing burns about 100 calories/ hr...craft and surf away :D

off to the Navy?

2011-05-31T20:00:00.002-04:00

my babies

2011-05-27T15:00:00.004-04:00

Here are all the mini bags that I currently have in stock photographed together. These were so much fun to make. I'm going to let the sewing machine and hand stitching needles rest for today while I spend the next 24 hrs. photographing each of them individually and writing some enticing (hopefully :D ) descriptions on Etsy.

feeling mousy

2011-05-25T13:56:00.001-04:00

feeling mousy, originally uploaded by m patrizio.

May sampling

2011-05-24T13:04:00.001-04:00

may sampling, originally uploaded by m patrizio.

Here's a sample of some of the items I've been working on for the May update.

MAY shop update

2011-05-23T16:47:00.002-04:00

The next shop update is this Saturday the 28th at 2PM Eastern Standard Time. I will be uploading about 20 items, mostly mini bags and backpacks. Hopefully the sun will shine again so I can take some pictures in natural light by the window. NYC is so dreary right now.

a post-doomsday post

2011-05-22T18:25:00.006-04:00

Yay! We get some more time to try to make the most of our lives! I spent the day yesterday strolling and window shopping on sunny Smith st. in Brooklyn, eating as much ice cream as possible (some pistachio from Van Leeuwen and some spumoni ices from L&B) and stuffing my face with half a sandwich from Stinky Bklyn, a hot dog from Ikea, and a doughy pizza from L&B . I wanted to make sure I was well fed before the Rapture, ya know, no one wants to be judged on an empty stomach.

I finally purchased a dining table while I was at Ikea, a simple wooden one:
I feel 10% more dignified now that I can use place mats, woohoo. I have a couple sets of linen ones from Lotta Jansdotter that I had stored away. The brush on top of the table is from the Home Depot, someone I know dragged me there in a paranoid frenzy. I don't think the flashlights and extra batteries are going to save us from the END OF DAYS, dude. I'm proud, though, that everything we purchased at the Home Depot that night was made in the U.S. of A.. One of my hopes is that manufacturing will return here someday.

pre-doomsday shopping

2011-05-20T19:11:00.003-04:00

bought some adorable thread on wooden spools from Steinlauf and Stoller in the garment district and Japanese magazines from Kinokuniya to keep me occupied till the end of days.

5th time is a charm? Hopefully.

2011-05-16T13:04:00.004-04:00

Here are all my attempts so far at making a mini duffel bag.

1. Total bomb because I used thick fabric (Happy Bears Take Note) that I had vinylized and interfaced. I struggled to turn it inside out and the vinyl became all wrinkled and disgusting.

2. Ok, let's try some nylon fabric now. At first I was trying to eyeball the diameters of the sides and length of straps. I miscalculated.

3. I then realized to get the right size of the side circles I need to divide the length of the body by π ... 3.14159265 and account for seam allowances. I should have paid more attention in math class for sure!!! This one is almost good but I don't like that I can see the inside seam stitching.

4. Pretty good, but some visible fabric puckering, tsk..tsk.., but from this one I learned I want to use the thick top stitching thread with matching aqua blue zipper.

I will try one more time for the perfect mini duffel bag and then it is time to move onto something new.

2011-05-12T14:17:00.000-04:00

still need to work on it. That hat needs a matching accessory, maybe a jacket? But then he might look like a postman. Sadly the blues don't match. I've been playing around with custom coloring fabrics around here.

khaki satchel

2011-05-12T12:04:00.000-04:00

This bag is made with organic cotton canvas and leather straps. I will be updating the shop with the bag-stravaganza soonish. Right now I have 6 in stock. I want to attempt a duffel bag, and make 3 more out of some organic cotton canvas I just bought. Do you think it is better for customers to do shop updates on the weekends or a night during the week?

The blues

2011-05-11T10:26:00.001-04:00

The blues, originally uploaded by m patrizio.

Rattus Petite V.1

2011-05-05T14:05:00.007-04:00

(click image to enlarge)

Here is my first attempt at making a mini Rattus. The goal is to have him be able to share the Timmie gear I've been making. Right now he can fit into the sweaters, but not the hoodies. I plan on working on another version with a smaller head and small aqua blue eyes (swoon).

Also, I want to thank Carrie for featuring my Stitch Wars Luke and Yoda and Timmie T. on her blog - Old Soul Handmade!

Messenger bag with leather strap

2011-04-29T13:13:00.002-04:00

This is the last item for April's shop update. More bags coming in May and by request I will attempt to make a human size version of the Timmie hats.

Here is the link to this bag.

Diamond pattern hat for Timmie

2011-04-28T10:39:00.003-04:00

After 3 attempts with this pattern and colorway I finally made one that fit Timmie perfectly.

Available here.