Recycled Notebook Project, Pt 3

Generally, I don't give myself too much credit when it comes to crafting. I do it mostly for the fun and adventure of it, to see what I can get away with and to keep my hands busy. As mentioned a thousand times before, I am not good with perfection, planning, measuring, exacting, tidiness, etc. I'm The Tornado! Crafts for me are generally experiments, hidden once completed (or half completed). 

But look! I kind of successfully made something kind of neat!

Side view...ooooh, the colors.

Back, crooked and Mod Podge-y...

Yes, it's still plenty sloppy. For my ego's sake, we'll call it "folksy." My general strategy is "slap it together and cross my fingers." Form isn't everything, because this baby is totally functional.

Front and pages glamour shot

Materials:

• Map of Iowa, laminated with acetate adhered with Mod Podge
• Tons 'o blank sheets of notebook paper salvaged from old notebooks and cut to size (with minimal waste/scraps, I promise!)
• Mod Podge, Mod Podge, Mod Podge to bind the pages and the cover
• Portion of a hardcover children's book for a sturdy back
• Embroidery floss for color, cutesies, and to ensure it all stays together

So, anyone want a little notebook? I have plenty more materials and an itch to crank 'em out...Whoa, I am riding high today with project success. On another high notes, my sewing machine came back from the sewing machine hospital and is ready to get down to business. I'm hoping to bring as few unfinished projects as possible to Chicago--time to get 'em done or get rid of 'em!

I gave this handsome guy this handsome guy haircut.

Post-ending cat photo: Bill and Emme discuss who should wear the infant overalls first.

Tonight, I'll be wearing green for some stand-up comedy at the Mill in Iowa City. Buddies and I will be supporting Ramona's Boone County Comedy Troupe while they open for Lipstick Homicide and Bitch.

Sushi Saturday

Vaclav made us the most spectacular sushi feast on his home-owning anniversary. Vaclav is the real deal--talented maker of all things delicious, creative, attractive, and home-y. I suggest you check out his blog to see how impressive his paintings are.

The food was excellent. The company was amazing. Carissa looked stunning against the green kitchen wall. She made the dress for Project Restyle and made her earrings as well. I spent most of the last couple hours taking her picture--I couldn't stop! Ramona wore the best thigh-high purple socks from White Rabbit.

Follow the break for a little photo tour of the evening...

Winter Slap

Winter got me. Those doldrums are here. Hopefully I can kick them tomorrow with a healthy dose of positive attitude and lots of greens and almonds. 

I'm working on a legit, relevant post full of substance. But until that happens, here are some photos. Blogging for the sake of blogging. Or at least, for the sake of not not-blogging. Get it?

Disclaimer: living alone without a tripod or camera remote makes taking photos of yourself reaaallll awkward. Evidence as follows:

Monday, Takin' a lean in the kitchen.

Top: Thrifted, $1.50

Dress: Thrifted and cropped shorter, $2.50

Belt: Thrifted, $.50

Earrings: Handmade by Rusty La Rue, $7.00 (available at White Rabbit!)

Leggings: Target, years ago, $5.00

Boots: Second-hand, FREE DOLLARS

Approximate Cost: $16.50

What did I do? I made delicious chili verde from scratch! One secret ingredient: a can of Hamm's beer. The rest are secret secret ingredients.

Tuesday, Muschi Cat pictured in the chair.

Top: Reconstructed out of two thrifted shirts and some elbow grease, $1.00 (two shirts for 50cents each)

Skirt: Thrifted, a longer skirt that is comfy enough to roll if I choose to wear it "mini"--an excellent way to get more use out of it, $2.00

Tights: Years old, $2.00ish

Socks: Target, $2.00

Boots: Thrifted cowboys as usual, FREE

Bow: A gift from Carissa at the peak of my bow days, years ago

Approximate Cost: $7.00

What did I do? Sang karaoke stone-cold-sober and altered 2 skirts to wear this week.

Bow & junk pile.

more bang trimming

SATURDAY DATE NIGHT. Note Jake's "before" hair, and his ability to align himself exactly in the two right squares.

Skee-ball! One of our favorite date night activities. And so cheap!

After. More to note: his wide stance and the denim shirt to match my own.

More date night. Jake prefers colored pencils (top), I prefer crayons (bottom).

Erin and I brought identical snacks to work. Nothing gives me an energy punch like a handful of almonds and an orange. $6.00 worth of natural almonds has lasted me nearly two weeks at a handful a day.

Our espresso machine leaked (where the dial is), so we hired Macgyver to rig up half a paper cup and some cardboard. Busted and beautiful!

PS: Happy day-late birthday to my loveliest, lovely Jessica. A birthday post will follow, featuring lots 'o ladies in jumpsuits.

The Tornado, an Introduction

Non sequitur: a wallet-sized photo we found beneath the glass at the Maid Rite last night. You gotta wonder: Are these people serious? Or hilarious?

Back in college, my buddies had a nickname for me. The Tornado.

Admittedly, it's pretty appropriate. As an only child, I've learned to live quietly within my own mind and am pretty disconnected with my surroundings. I don't notice slippery puddles or that giant thing in my way until it is too late and I am bruised or something is broken.

Oh well.

Workin' today, dressin' cute: blue v-neck, green vintage skirt that I restructured and appliqued (an aztec printed pocket), some tights and my Justins. WHOOPS, the Tornado was loose and I spilled an entire 16 ounces of steamed soy milk onto the skirt and boots.

Luckily boyfriend swooped in and brought me a pair of jeans and dry socks. This, THIS! is why white and fancy shoes are not allowed!

So instead of an outfit post, I'll share with you the earrings I wore today. These are leather, handcrafted by one of those Tornado-era college buddies. I love them so much I bought two pairs, and get at least 3 compliments every time I wear them. A round of applause for Emily at Rusty La Rue! You can find them for yourself at White Rabbit in Iowa City.



Dinner tonight was a belated birthday celebration with my dad at a classic-style supper club outside of Cedar Rapids, The Ced-Rel. Check out their website to see their old-timey motel aesthetics. I had mussels, tons of red wine, and a steak...boy, am I full'a meat! Time to cut back on the beef and wind down with a little Rack-O with the guy, a generous birthday gift from my amazing dad.