Thursday, August 11, 2016

Too Darn Hot

Blah, I do not like heat waves! I have enough energy problems, without the weather making even a smallest chore a huge effort. I haven't even been wearing fun clothes, because it's too hot to get dressed up (and most of my time has been spent at home in the air conditioning!). 

This outfit is actually from a couple weeks ago. It was still hot then, but slightly more bearable. I was supposed to attend an explorer themed escape room with some friends, but in the end the room was unavailable when we needed it. However, I still dressed up even though we just went for lunch instead. I decided on a 1930's style dress and a scarab necklace, and set my hair with some 1930s wave clips. Sorry if the photos are a bit washed out, but there has just been too much sun! 
 Still loving the henna! My hair has darkened a bit from the original shade, but I love it more and more each time I have it coloured.

In other news: while I haven't been up to a whole lot lately due to my health, I have managed to get a few projects done between naps:
My cousin and his wife just had a new baby boy, so I made him this cute little bunny. I love sewing stuffed animals so it's great to have an excuse to make one! He's not my best work (the woven fabric buckled awkwardly along a few of the seams when stuffed), but I thought he turned out alright and the baby isn't likely to know the difference,

I painted my nails with polka dots (which just happens to match some new fabric I bought for the shop):

Speaking of the shop, tutoring has slowed down for the summer, so I've been trying to spend my precious few hours of energy getting a few new garments ready. I've already brought back the spiderweb garments from last year, and have started on a couple other "halloween" items. Here is a sneak peak at one of the dresses (you can also see my new giant spiderweb shawl on the hanger, also coming soon). 

Aggie hasn't been allowed outside due to the heat, which means she has been bouncing off the walls. Luckily by afternoon she settles down for a nap. She only goes outside on a leash, but it's just waaayyyy too hot for her to go for her usual walks at the moment. Hopefully the weather breaks soon so she can wear off some of that energy!
I did a quick sketch of her while she was in the window (so I could actually see her facial features which are almost invisible without direct light!) using ink and watercolour pencils. It's not my best work, since I was racing to get it done before she moved (start-to-finish in under 10 minutes!), but I still quite like it. 

Between the heat and my lack of energy, I've been feeling rather cranky lately. To cheer myself up, I treated myself to some new art supplies. While drawing Aggie, I realised I didn't have a proper set of regular watercolours anymore so I bought this cute stackable set. I also treated myself to some new inks (black, gold, and silver). I am dying to try drawing an Edward Gorey-style flapper with the inks (maybe using the gold/silver on her dress). It's been a long time since I played with inks, so I'm excited to give it a go!


Also, an update on my Skillshare class: I have created 20 free spots in my class available to my blog followers. I didn't actually know how to do that before, but once I figured it out I saved 20 spots just for all of you! Click here to sign up. As I mentioned in my last post, my class goes into detail about how to use a serger/overlocker to make scarves (the same ones I sell in my shop). With the link you can watch my premium class for free, plus when you sign up there are a bunch of great free lessons/tutorials you can access by other creators. There are only a limited number of spots, so if you are interested please sign up! 

I hope everyone is having a great week!

That's All.

Saturday, August 6, 2016

Scarves


I love adding scarves to an outfit. I came across this great article from 1924 which gives a few different ways to tie a scarf: 
 (open image in a new tab to view larger)


In other related news, I have just published my first class on Skillshare! Skillshare is a video-based learning website where you can learn new skills in a variety of categories (illustration, design, crafts, cooking, photography, writing, etc). Each video lesson is usually between about 10 and 35 minutes, and teaches you how to create a project or apply a new skill. Some videos are available to watch for free and the some require a premium membership.
My first video for the site teaches you how to make a scarf using a serger/overlock machine, and goes into a fair bit of detail on how to do each step. I had a heck of a time editing it (I'm so used to only making silent films!), but even if a few of the edits aren't perfectly smooth, the lesson has a lot of useful information in it for anyone wanting to create a scarf. My scarf tutorial is only open to premium members, but you can view the intro without subscribing. 

If you do want to sign up or watch the intro, here is my referral link to my class: http://skl.sh/2amYg0M
Normally premium memberships are $10 a month, but you can get your first 3 months for only $0.99 if you use the link, so it's very inexpensive way to give it a try. (For full disclosure:  I do get a small referral bonus from anyone that signs up via my link). It's honestly a great website and these are so many great videos on there that I hope you check it out! (Or you could always watch my intro video if you just want to hear what my voice sounds like. Am I the only one with an odd fascination with how other bloggers sound in "real life"?)

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

That's All.