30 May 2009

Weekly Wrap-up!

I have begun the official countdown to my move to Baltimore, and when this blog changes over to being a record of my graduate school experience. I move in 5 days. I like moving, but this move is a bit daunting. Baltimore is a large city. And, once I'm there, school starts 5 days later and I will be expected to be here, there, and everywhere. So, I have to learn the ropes, and quickly.

There is a lot of rope-learning that needs to happen before now and then . . . Luckily, this past week provided me with some much-needed down time and solitary activity.





On Memorial Day, we plucked the first cherry tomatoes off of our tomato plant and ate them on top of pizza. Sadly, I don't think our tomato plant is doing so well. I'm going to play with different containers for it, because I don't think it's current pot is draining properly. But, I will solve this dilemma before heading to Baltimore! Any ideas, let me know!



My students at San Juan Diego Catholic High School graduate this coming weekend--hooray!! So, most of the week was spent cleaning out their classroom and handing back finished artwork. I also had to turn in my grades, which is the hardest part of teaching art . . .

Additionally I spent time doing a massive pre-Baltimore clean on my studio space (pictured above), at East 6th street and Navasota (across from Rio Rita). While some of the items are being donated to San Juan Diego, a lot is being recycled or thrown out. I can't wait to start making work again in a new, fresh space when I finish graduate school! Aaaaah, the joys of purging!!


To initiate summer (and because I've been obsessed with all things berry recently), I made a blackberry pie. Suffice to say, it hit the spot. The Nitz is particularly fond of pie, so happiness was all around.

I bought two new books this week. One is for school, the other for research & fun. Once I am through packing up items for the big move, I can relax for a bit and dig into them. Can't wait!! Of course, I still haven't finished my plight to read all of the Harry Potter's. But, owning the books is half the battle, right?

26 May 2009

Remembering Italy, Part 2 . . .

Most of our studio assignments were completed or at least attempted outside of the studio. So, we would take walking field trips. One of the first trips we went on was to the top of this hill in the town where we were staying.

Just look at all of those olive trees!!


That's my buddy, Hayden . . .


This is Castiglion Fiorentino from afar . . .
See the bell tower to the left of this image?
That's about where Santa Chiara is . . .



Santa Chiara keeps and takes care of an endangered species of turtles.
These turtles are the best and so fun to feed!

I spent a lot of time feeding the turtles in the morning hours. Chomp, chomp!



Someone in our group took this picture when we were visiting a winery
just outside of where we lived.

Hilarious, no?



Working on my final project for the Art History portion of the program.
Thanks, Megan, for making me look tough!!


Remembering Italy, Part 1 . . .


Last year at this very moment, I was living in Italy.

I participated in the study abroad program with the University of Texas called Learning Tuscany.



Above, Florence. Below, Venice.


It was surreal, almost like a dream. I lived there for 6 weeks. But, it felt like an out-of-body experience. I didn't know any of the people I studied with before going to Italy, and I haven't seen any of them since I have been back.

But, the times we shared in Europe are unforgettable.



Sienna, above. Assisi, below.


Our Learning Tuscany group, 2008.

22 May 2009

Past Project Highlight: Summer 2008


Last summer, Doug built us two beautiful
Adirondack chairs for our backyard.



Using all reclaimed wood and a bucket of Oops
paint from Home Depot, the project cost just under $5.


What a steal!!


We love sitting in the back yard year-round in these chairs:
goes well with bird-watching, cocktails, and grilling!

Everyone who has seen them really likes them!
We ended up making one for my mother as a Christmas present.

And, as you can see here, our cat Carmel Macchiato is a big fan . . .

20 May 2009

Why it's nice to live in the country . . .



Batman Pillowcase Reversible Tote . . .


I made something on my sewing machine this week. I received the machine on Christmas morning from
my dad and his wife, but had no clue how to use it.

Well, I had some clue, but was feeling a bit timid and insecure.




So, I took a fabulous little Sewing 101 crash course.

And, I made a reversible batman tote out of an old pillow case belonging to the Nitz.




My thought was to give it to my nephew Oliver for taking snacks to the park. However, the Nitz thinks it's too girly. Oliver's only three. Do we really still live in
that kind of society? What if I filled it with sticks and rocks, would that be better? I mean, it's Batman for crying out loud . . .

Regardless, I was quite happy with the finished product.
And, had a blast making it, too!

12 May 2009

Summer friends . . .

While watering the garden the other day, I caught a glimpse of this little guy munching on a weed. Check out that major spike on his posterior!! I'd hate to be on the receiving end of that . . .

Can't wait to see what he transforms into!


Summer projects!

Doug (aka, the Nitz) has started on various projects around our house . . . It's very exciting!



We have a bright yellow entryway and a new teal lamp.


Next up: the bedroom, complete with a total makeover on our closet!
Hello storage!

Banana Bread.

Still the best after all these years!

Banana Bread Recipe:
1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
2/3 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup mashed ripe banana (I use 3 large bananas!!)
1/3 cup butter
2 tablespoons milk
2 eggs
1/4 cup chopped nuts (I use pecans!)

In a large mixer bowl combine 1 cup of the flour, the sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add mashed banana, butter, and milk. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed till blended, then on high speed for 2 minutes. Add eggs and remaining flour; beat till blended. Stir in nuts.

Pour batter into a greased 8x4x2 inch loaf pan. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 55 to 60 minutes.

Eat, yum!

(I like to toast the slices and spread with a small about of butter--super good pick me up in the morning!!)


Courtesy:
Better Homes & Gardens
New Cook Book,
Copyright 1989

05 May 2009

Welcome baby Cole!!


My best friend (for close to 28 years) just had a baby boy . . . Cole Daniel was born on May 1st. Cole's big brother Shane is super-excited!! Congratulations to the Corpus family.

If you're in Chicago, this is for you!

Socialize, create, eat food!


Wouldn't it be fun to meet other creative girls, enjoy some dessert, and spend an evening whipping up a nifty project to take home?


This is a great idea: craftsocial.blogspot.com

01 May 2009

Interesting site to check out . . .

www.losingyourself.com

"LOSINGYOURSELF.COM is a virtual platform and blogspace for U.S. based women (and women-identified) artists, curators and art professionals exploring issues of identity and subjectivity in the 21st century. We invite postings that engage the title’s theme of a “loss of self” from any perspective, but are especially interested in projects that address the intersection of new media technologies and gendered subjectivity."

Show of Awesome at Miss Pixie's . . .

In the DC/Baltimore area? CHECK THIS OUT: On Saturday, May 2nd from 8pm-11pm, Hello Craft will host a Show of Awesome in the back room at Miss Pixies (1626 14th St, NW, Washington, DC 20009). Come party with the craftiest folks in DC! There will be music by Jason Hutto and Shelby Cinca, late night vintage shopping at Miss Pixie’s, a free wine tasting hosted by Dixie Liquors and yummy Cakelove treats.

Shop for crafty goods from these awesome Summit speakers:

Plus get info from the organizers of these great indie craft markets:

The Show of Awesome is free and open to the public and it is the perfect opportunity to scout out that Mother’s Day present you’ve been worrying about.