Chore Day - Today

Hello there!

I am catching you later in the day today because I have been so wrapped up in mundane tasks that "grown-up" law says I have to do.  Wouldn't it be nice if bills just paid themselves, laundry washed and folded itself, or doing the dishes was done by the magic like in Disney's The Sword In The Stone?!? FYI, that is one of my favorite Disney movies ;) Anyhow, I am successfully getting all this done without magic so that Kevin can get an early birthday surprise for his birthday tomorrow.  Finger's crossed I get everything done before he arrives home today!

We loosely mapped out a day of fun for his birthday tomorrow - He just found out he is approved for the day off today, so we couldn't make any concrete plans.  If I had my way dinner would involve a place where we can watch the debate while we eat. That sounds very unromantic for sure, however we were the couple who spent our honeymoon inside with room service watching the Sarah Palin Show unfold so I don't think the debate on a birthday is so bad. 

On a sorta political but not so much front, we saw Argo this past weekend and it was incredible! If you are like me and you were born in the Reagan Administration or later, you may not quite have the same feelings about Iran and what makes it such a hot-button topic in these debates. I am glad that A) Ben Affleck is amazing at both directing and acting as he is, but (on a more serious note) that B) That this movie is out now because it has some insight into the drama felt by the USA and Iran in 1979-81 during the hostage crisis. The movie does a good job portraying the era and while some portions may be embellished for drama it still has a tone that brings importance to the situations portrayed. Overall I liked it very much and would strongly recommend seeing the film.       

Well, that is enough politics for me to share today... what I am here for is the crafts :)

Creatively I am not up to much today.  I did bottle up some "vintage" citrus vinegar that we posted the tutorial earlier this summer here. I am calling it a "vintage" because I tended to it for 2 days shy of four months seeing what would come of the extra time. the verdict: The extra time gave it a fuller body and opacity white leaving less vinegar-y and packed way more of the citrus scent.  Overall I would say if you can rotate your jars so that the vinegar and citrus scraps can sit for ~3 months time the overall product will make for a superior green cleaning staple.

Well, off to fold some more laundry! Hope you have a super evening!!!

XOXO, KC

Jumping into July

Hi Guys!!! We had such a wonderful second weekend at CRAFTED. We met Ana from When Creativity Knocks. Spent some time working on some new projects: some new selections of pin cushion rings and mini D.I.Y. kits. Met a ton of new friends who actually live in our neighborhood here in Culver City.  PLUS each day I ate yummy food truck food from different trucks!! It was a great weekend.

Now that the celebration of our Nation's Independence has passed I feel myself being sucked into summer full force. Last week flew by. Switching up my schedule and all the time I was spending down at the Port definitely sped things up.  I feel like things are finally starting to feel natural in my routine going to San Pedro Friday, Saturday and Sunday which is pretty exciting.  Now if I can manage to get myself in good shape this week by catching up on inventory that needs to be made as well as finishing up neglected tasks I put off to open our store, things will be perfect.

Yesterday was such a gorgeous day and today looks like it should be another great day out here in Los Angeles :) I hope everyone enjoyed their holiday and had a nice weekend!

XOXO, KC

Pictures from CRAFTED at the Port Of Los Angeles

Hi Everyone!!! I promised pictures of what we have been up to at CRAFTED today and here you have it!

Here is what we started with:

After 2 weeks of all day hard work:

It all came together!!!

There are 259 pictures uploaded to our Facebook page, so if you still haven't gotten your fix - find all the pictures here.

Here are blog posts with behind the scenes-

CRAFTED - Move in Begins 
How-To's Day: CRAFTED Upcycled Stitched Stationery 
CRAFTED - Update on Wall Treatments (Day 2) 
What I Wore: Friday 6/22/12 Painting Gear 
CRAFTED - Countdown to Launch: 5 DAYS! 
CRAFTED - Update on Market Stall (Day 9) 
What A Difference Some Paint Makes 
My Big CRAFTED Debut On Los Angeles Local News

Plus, I still have a TON more pictures if you can believe it, and a video in-progress which Kevin and I will be working on. Right now, my house is an absolute mess and I totally need to make more inventory for next weekend. We sold out of a whole bunch of items that I need to replenish before Friday! What a good predicament to be in, however it doesn't leave much time for all the R&R I had hoped to enjoy after the Grand Opening push. Oh well. That's fine by me :)

Enjoy the rest of your night!

XOXO, KC

Weekend Wrap-Up EASTER

Hi Everyone!!! We all hope you had a stellar weekend and enjoyed Easter Sunday without blowing a button off your pants ;) I know just from looking at the spread at the party we brunched at I must have gained 10lbs.! Check out the mouth watering food here.

I learned from my pal Jen how you can take off the top of the 

champagne bottle with a kitchen knife!!! 

NOTE: This is really a Show & Tell- so don't go off trying it and hurting yourself!

It is too crazy to explain/ too dangerous to give you a full how-to: 

Please- just enjoy me figuring out this crazy trick until you can learn from a master!

XOXO, KC

What I Wore- Friday 3/30/12 Mini Maker Faire

I scored an amazing shirt for CRAFTED at the Port of Los Angeles while at the Craftcation Conference a few weeks back. For more of my thoughts and highlights of Craftcation check out my post here.

Here is a sweet shot of the back:

Here is my pal Ashley from the conference modeling her shirt .

Friday was the Mini Maker Faire in Pasadena and CRAFTED had a booth for the marketplace.  We did demos and projects with the attendees to show some of the fun that is coming to the port this summer!

Rachel had her sewing machine out Saturday and we all collaborated on some upcycled stitched stationery.

Look at some of the amazing cards Rachel got together-

Using adhesive backed foam we cut out various shapes and attached them to jar lids to make upcycled stamps.  Here is an example we made of a Unicorn for Charlie the Unicorn Bike and his Lady counterpart.

It was pretty awesome all the cards we were able to get together for everyone to enjoy at our Make-n-take. We had the stitched cards/tags to choose from, upcycled stamps using can lids and wine corks, misc. paper pieces and adornments, and a sticker maker.  It was all kinds of fun making the cards and seeing what everyone came up with!

To see what people were making and more pictures of the event check out the full set of pictures from the Mini Maker Faire on our Facebook Page.

XOXO, KC

2nd Weekend in March Recap (PHOTOS)

My Modern Librarian Outfit for This is Your Library

Hi Y'all! I am all powered up from my biscuits and cheese grits this AM... 

Haha! Not. Yes, indeed I am a proud Southerner- but I do not indulge myself with Southern Stereotypes but every so often. If you wanna talk apple butter however--I'm there!

But seriously, I had no idea that somehow I would be poking fun at the GOP southern strategy, but hey- that's where my head is at today...

Back on topic. This weekend (and yesterday) was jammed packed and I wanted to highlight some of the fun to share with everyone. Did you have a stellar weekend yourself? I sure hope so!

Saturday night Sharon and I headed out to This is Your Library featuring John Salley, Colin Hanks, Mark Z. Danielewski AND design maven and creator of Unique LA Sonja Rasula!!! It was a super cool evening and I highly recommend grabbing some tickets to the next This is Your Library event. (FYI, this one sold out so nabbing them early is key!) 

One thing on the horizon the library is promoting that I found out about Saturday is The Stay Home and Read a Book Ball.  It is a pretty cool upcoming event that is a fantastic way to promote reading and support the Library. Wanna find out more? Go here.

This Sunday was the second Sunday of the month which means- Epic Flea Market at The Rose Bowl!!! With the time change and the late night the evening before, getting up to the flea market as an early bird wasn't an option... But nevertheless we were in perfect time to grab a beer and enjoy chasing down some fun finds.  We met up with our pals Klara and Tyson who just had their birthdays and were celebrating at the market. It was great trotting and weaving around the customers who bought furniture. It felt like everyone was toting wagons with their hauls for the day.

Speaking of Birthdays, when the vendors started tearing down their stalls at the Rose Bowl it was time for us to move on to higher ground for Sonja and Jon's Birthday Party Picnic at this fabulous hidden park. (Right by Dodger Stadium & the Police Academy) 

When we got up on Sunday it was FREEZING! It was cold again by around 4PM when we were hanging out at the park, but this black and red ensemble was a pretty heat retaining dress that ended up being perfect for the busy day of fun :)

Culminating all the fun was March's Monthly Monday Movie Night- CLUELESS! When fashion is just as pivotal to the plot as the funny catch phrases you have to dress up for all the fun.  Mad Props to Sonja and Hilda for their AH-Mazing Clueless Outfits! Bonus, for throwing such a fun way to celebrate Los Angeles and the Cinema that highlights its awesome-ness :) I haven't gotten a chance to sit down and watch the movie (Not on cable where is is edited more that I thought) since living in LA and the film blossomed into so much more for me last night. I think I could watch it daily and still not get tired of it! I was instantly transported back to the days when Clueless first came out and I think it was seriously one of the first movies that made me think "Where have you been all my life movies???" Shame on my dad for not being a bigger cinephile- but I can't see him sitting down to watch it with me either, lol.

AS IF (hehehe) there wasn't enough Birthday Cake eating this weekend, I definitely indulged in some Cake Bar treats and had this hella tasty Cake Pop sweetening my night into pure nirvana :)

Well, Guess its back to "normalcy" or as close to normal routine as possible. I have a BIG wedding in May that I need to get back to making bows for. Off to the grind!

Hope you enjoy! XOXO, KC

Happy MLK Day Everyone!

 I hope everyone had a stellar day this MLK day!

This weekend I traveled down to San Pedro for a CRAFTED vision session on Saturday and I got a chance to see the Aquarium with my gals afterwards. I really, really was inspired by how beautiful all the colors of the touch tanks. I don't think I have seen such great purples and oranges in a touch tank before!!!  For more info on the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium here's a link.

Big day today- I jogged for the first time in forever today. I am super excited that it just got an inkling to go and forced myself to go out and run. It was GREAT! I thinking going on a hike yesterday afternoon was the kick in the butt I needed to finally get my physique on. I have really let myself slip since I gave myself the lazy pass after my shoulder accident- before my surgery my doctor said I shouldn't jog b/c my hand would go numb. This time it definitely didn't go numb so that is pretty exciting :) I am so glad to finally be feeling better and pushing myself past laziness.  I want to look back on the photos from Ale's wedding and feel smokin' hot!!! Let's hope the exercise will start giving me the added energy I need to get everything done soon. (That happens right? LOL)

(With this little thing around how am I ever supposed to work!)

I have been horrible at avoiding the things I have to do versus I am enjoying doing.  One of the pitfalls of working for yourself is you can allow yourself to do "helpful things" that still aren't helpful- Like my favorites: Organizing the house, pinning to Pinterest, reading blogs and helpful books.  Such great helpful things to fill my time with that still isn't what I "should" be doing.  Honestly, why can't I have explained to the teenage me that finding time to read is harder than you think. I would have been happy to sit home and read back then if I had known. 

I have a TON of Craft books I got over the Holidays that I can't wait to dive in and make some projects :) I will make sure to show off some reviews and my favorite books soon.  We are almost done rearranging the house and both Kev and I's studios are so much easier to navigate in now that we have gotten supplies stored nicely.

  

Have you gotten your New Year, New organizing done? Or are you a Spring Cleaning type of person? I'd love to hear what works for you!

XOXO, KC

Weekend Wrap-Up TEASER

 Thanks for everyone who came out to UNIQUE LA this weekend!!! 

We had the most wonderful weekend and really enjoyed this year's show. I am going to post my first "haul video" of items I purchased so stay tuned for videos and more details.

I have been uploading pictures Kevin took with the slr onto our Flickr Page and I have to dump my point and shoot/ cell phone tomorrow. I had an exhausting day of regrouping, moving and organizing today and I still have some things hidden from myself :/  I can't hardly keep my eyes open which isn't helpful when I so badly want to add all kinds of updates. Things are swimming today! But if I walk downstairs one more time I don't think I am coming back up. So sleepy!

I have had a ton of inquires about the PBR Reinbeers so it looks like I need to make another batch of those suckers before its too late to ship for Christmas, but that is honestly the tip of the iceberg...

I must go to bed before I work myself up-

XOXO, KC

Weekend Wrap-Up & Coming Up Nov. 21th- Nov. 30th

 (Kevin took this picture at Patchwork Culver City)

This weekend I was able to break away long enough to  get an update to my hair cut and watch the Twilight Saga Breaking Dawn Part 1, twice- lol.  It was so good! But seriously, going to bed late and waking up early to squeeze in everything is starting to take it's toll.  I could really use some R&R :)

 

I still have to pack for Thanksgiving, and I have some pictures that I took today that need to be re sized for Etsy and posted before heading back East.  I am very excited to see my family and Kevin hasn't seen them in forever so  everyone is really looking forward to seeing us.  My mother's sister is coming down to visit from VA which will be nice and we finally get to see my other aunts family- we weren't able to attend her and my uncles wedding so I haven't had the pleasure of meeting her family yet.  I am looking forward to food galore and amazing company this week- See everyone soon!

I will hopefully be able to keep on the same posting schedule but worst case scenario I will for sure be tweeting updates and finds over Thanksgiving.  Wanna know something even better though? You can get on our Newsletter which will have gift ideas and inspiration for you to make yourself, PLUS Holiday Discounts! Sign up here-

 

See all the hard work that's kept us so busy- mark your calendar for UNIQUE LA Dec. 3rd and 4th Downtown, LA. 

We are available 24/7 online in Our Etsy Shop- we have tons of new items that got listed over the weekend.

I hate to run, but I am so sleepy. More to come-

XOXO, KC (& Kevin)

Weekend Wrap-Up: Patchwork Culver City

We were able to take our time setting up Saturday  AND our booth was in a location where we could paint the wall- double bonus. :) 

Patchwork Culver City was rad yesterday! When we applied we certainly thought it would be cool, but I had no idea they were going to crank it to 11 the first time at the Helms Bakery.  Not only was this the 1st time the show came to Culver City, but it was also the first time indoors. Usually Patchwork is held outdoors under tents and thankfully with the possibility of bad weather Delilah & Nicole the co-creators/producers of the Patchwork Show were able to secure us indoors!

Here are some pictures of our booth set-up:

Even thought the space was a bit tighter than a 10'x 10' the set up was quite easy to walk around this time. I actually kinda like the indoor without walls vibe--nice and airy. We were located in the building closest to Venice Blvd. and there was three, count'em 3 buildings worth of shopping and indie vendors and fabulous finds!!!

These little hand made pillow boxes were last weeks tutorial. Wanna make them? Go here.

Note on the Fashion/ What I Wore: Kristin is wearing one of her own creations & my outfit is a vintage find.

I like to check out the other vendors and One of my all time favorites is Enchanted Leaves. I love husband and wife teams and Nedda and Aaron are an inspiring duo. They are  one of my favorite places to get presents from at the shows! I really like their concept and all of their products really make me feel like I am transported to my fantasy spot in nature where all my favorite animals and creatures come and then are displayed using fun accessories. I wanted to share a picture of their booth/ website info because their range of products could fit just about anyone on your holiday list and keep your budget intact too. 

A must to check out: The line of wooden butterflies and moths pretty, graphic and inspired by vintage entomology illustrations- they are in the bottom right bellow:

Our friends Annette and Zach stopped by which was perfect. Annette could fill in at the booth with me so that Kevin and Zach could sneak off to Father's Office for a minute. Man I wish I could have gone and gotten a Maudite at the bar since its hard to find it is totally my favorite beer. Thank goodness we live close, I'll get one another time...  

 annette

 kevin

 me (kc)

We had such a fun time at the show! Best day ever filled with decorating our booth, meeting wonderful customers, seeing  friends, great shopping, topped off with some silly portraits--Yay!

Thanks again for everyone who came out and said hi! 

Best Wishes,

KC & Kevin