Cord Clutter Update

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®

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!

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

New items added to the shop...

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.

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

new kitchen member

Spongy is not too thrilled about it.

Saucemaking in grandma's backyard

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

Preparing for hurricane Irene!

orange oil is serious business

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!

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?

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

:D

(wire) Basket Case

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

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

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

(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...

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

(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.

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

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

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

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!

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

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"

Timmette is swept away by Timmie love.

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

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"

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

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

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

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