Rediscovering the Spark

I've been struggling for two months now to find my creativity.

Working on all the Christmas presents just felt like obligations. Stuff I had to do and not necessarily projects I was super excited about.

But I did them, distributed them, and then found myself left with the overwhelming sense of panic of needing to do something. My brain was slow to catch up on the fact that we currently didn't have any obligations shouting in our face. I was free to work on whatever I liked.

So, I cast on Orchid Thief, which I showed a little preview of last post, to try and calm my brain.

I've been burning right through it. I'm almost through the 3rd color of the body with 2 more to go.

But I decided to take a break from it for a couple days to get an idea out of my head.

I found this really cool film at Pat Catan's that looked like copper metal.

It was just begging to be made into a Steampunk style journal.

So, that's what I did.

I combined leather with the film and used a nice, thick kraft paper for the text block.

A burgundy velvet ribbon bookmark, some fanciful gears, and other copper decorations finished it off.

And you better believe this baby is staying with me.

After I finished this one, I figured "eh, got the stuff out already. Might as well make another!"

And that's where this one came from.

I've been wanting to do embroidery on a cover for quite a while, but figured it would be a ginormous pain in the ass.

I was right.

And that's why the back isn't embroidered as well.

But I still love the results.

And yes, I'm keeping this one, too. I bled for it.

I'm especially happy with the bookmark. I used the same twisting technique that I made the ties on Jamie's hat with.

I don't think I'll be making anymore embroidered ones anytime soon, but damnit, if my brain hasn't already come up with a million more designs that would look awesome.

I think it's time to pick Orchid Thief back up, though, and see if my Wooly Demon patron is back from vacation. I might just finish it before the weekend is over. Which means I'll only have a week's worth of time in it.

Ah, welcome back, old me. I've missed you.

Presently Presenting Presents

Everything has been distributed, everyone has been made happy, and I can finally sit and take a breath.

This year's theme seemed to be watercolor paintings. I'm finding that it's becoming my Other Craft now. Which is great, until you realize that everyone in your vicinity doesn't need 13 paintings each. So, must think on what to do with these things.

Anywho, here we are! My 2016 Christmas Creation Extravaganza!

For John, a small painting of Deep Space 9.

For Jamie, a mini cactus and a Bulbasaur with a cactus on its back.

For Emmy, a landscape of just outside Solitude from Skyrim.

A small seascape for my aunt and uncle.

One for my mom, as well.

A portrait of my grandparents' house for my grandpa. I'll have to talk about the story involving this painting later. Let's just say that it was a disaster.

And a sweater for my grandma, which I don't actually have finished pictures of yet. So, here's one of it being blocked.

All in all, a significantly less stressful time of it compared to last year.

And now I feel recharged and ready for a change. I think this is the time to branch out with my knitting skills. Try new things! Explore new techniques!

Just kidding.

Totes already cast on a new shawl.

I am nothing if not predictable.

The happiest of holiday seasons to you all, my friends.

Hang In There

Hello?

Anyone still reading this thing?

*coughs from all the dust gathered around here*

I promise I haven't abandoned you! It's just that literally EVERYTHING I've been working on has been Christmas related.

But that changes tomorrow! Everyones gifts will be distributed and I'll FINALLY be able to post all about them!

I'll make up for lost time with the sheer number of things that I crafted this year.

So, hang in there with me, folks. I promise this will be a *knitting* blog again soon. I've got some grand ambitions for this coming year.

Until then, have this picture of our new birb baby, Cas.

+3 Armor of Color

So, the Christmas season is here.

Which means that I have to attend family events with Certain Individuals.

These Individuals tend to make my life a living hell whenever I am around them. They trigger my anxiety, make me feel unsure about myself, and can sometimes send me into a downwards spiral that can last for a few days.

It's uncomfortable to say the least. And when I was younger, I had no protection against this. I would go into these events with my heart all over my sleeves, completely vulnerable and open for the comments and remarks. Passive aggressive at best, downright cruel at the worst.

Now, as the jaded, bitter person that I am, I'm fighting back.

Okay, I'm not exactly jaded and bitter. But I am fighting back in my own fashion.

With fashion.

You know the saying, "clothes make the person?" Well, it's true.

For me, what I put on is like slipping on another persona entirely.

Do I need to appear quiet and meek for an event where I don't want to talk to a lot of people? I'll dress in lighter, muted colors with long, flowing lines.

A free spirited, Bohemian artisan for a creative gathering? Earth tones, plenty of jewelry, and fun, bright makeup.

Elegant and poised for a more formal affair? Dark neutrals, old Hollywood makeup, and pearls.

How about needing to give myself some confidence? Dark colors paired with a single bright pop of an accent color, wild makeup, and shoes that say "I can kick your ass in these."

And when it comes to dealing with Certain Individuals, well let's just say I'm a vindictive sort of person. I gleeful design and execute an outfit that I know will annoy them.

They're constantly cold? Short sleeves and above the knee skirts, even in winter.

They hate the "alternative" looks? You better believe I'm looking bold and out there.

They're conservative and anti-science? Hello, "Made of Stardust" t-shirt and FSM pendant.

Doing this sounds petty, but the confidence it gives me is like putting on personality armor. When they start giving me shit about anything and everything, I just think of the fact that everything about my appearance is aggravating them and plaster a giant grin on my face.

I become untouchable.

And for a certain holiday party this year, I'm going to don my +3 Armor of Color to horrify one Person in particular.

I won't give it all away yet, but I *did* come up with my makeup look for it. I used pretty much the full palette in Urban Decay's Electric.

And Ho Ho Holy Shit, it's bright. Especially for someone like me who, as Jamie says, wears nothing but "dirt, moss, and night sky."

Add in the fact that I just re-dyed my hair red-violet again, and you got the beginnings of a look certain to displease the Traditional Assholes at your family gatherings! 

So, let's bring on the Christmas spite *spirit.*

We'll drink, pretend to be merry, and Certain Individuals can kiss my arse right under the mistletoe.

Because this year, I'm saving myself from tears and recognizing that I'm someone special.