2011 photo yearbook project day #30

Since I've started my knitting supplies collection, I needed something to hold all of my loose needles, both straight and double pointed needles.  I found this cute sewn fabric needle organizer from an Etsy seller and after it arrived yesterday, I organized my needles today.  Some of the needles are a little loose right now but I think that's because my organizer isn't more full.  See how cute this whale print is?

I liked how it closes with a strap and adjustable buckle.  I can't wait until the Bar is over and I can work on learning how to become a better knitter.  I'm such a yarn addict, haha.

2011 photo yearbook project day #24

Cool things in the mail today:

Feb. 2011 edition of SD Zoo's ZOONOOZ, that, as Zoo members, we get a free subscription for the year.  The magazine is monthly and always includes fun news and info about things happening at the Zoo, with the animals, and at the SD Zoo Safari Park.  I love receiving it every month!  I'm always learning new things about what's happening at the park and interesting information about the animals, from their background stories to seeing zoo babies, aww.

This month's edition included the above article, about changes to Panda Canyon.  It's a long letter but the snippet I found most interesting was this:

Construction begins this spring to create a Chinese wildlife walk, with authentic elements along a trail that leads to the existing panda viewing areas. along the way visitors will encounter new exhibits for Sichuan takins, red pandas, and the Mangshan pit viper, which is found in the mountains of China. Stands of bamboo, stone bridges, and a small village with a panda field research camp provide interactive opportunities for guests and a glimpse into the life of a giant panda researcher. Visitors will also discover more about pandas, including spotting the signs of pandas that researchers look for, what a mother giant panda seeks out as a den to raise her cub, the many types of bamboo that pandas rely on, and how important forests are to pandas,both ecologically and behaviorally. these elements will all be a part of phase one of this project, which will be completed this summer.  Phase two, which we hope to build by 2012, will add an exhibit for red-crowned cranes and a treehouse climbing structure for kids to explore, among other discoveries.

How cool is that??  The pandas will still be on display during the construction, but access to the area will vary depending on the building and equipment needs.  All of this will be built to the left of the current entrance to the exhibit and I think it's going to look awesome in the summer when it's done.  Can't wait!

There was also this page:

Look at that trip to China, and to see/interact with pandas (May 15-28, 2011)!

If you've ever dreamed of cuddling a giant panda cub, this grand tour of china is the ideal adventure! You will have ample opportunities to encounter these endearing black-and-white bears at giant panda breeding centers in Chengdu, as well as at Wolong's satellite panda base, Bi Feng Xia, which celebrated 16 panda births last year. In addition, you will visit mystical Tibet and one of the world's most beautiful national parks, Juizhaigou.

Too bad the cost is $6,530 plus airfare, plus $1,990 for the Shanghai extension and $2,290 for the Zian extension.  What an awesome experience, though.

This also arrived today:

I had a super crummy day last week and cheered myself up with this purchase.  It's from my lovely Etsy friend Lauren of jerseymaids.  It's an extra long necklace (30") with a real working pocketwatch and a polaroid image that Lauren photographed and placed into a silver bezel.  I already own a different pocketwatch pendant in brass and I love it so much, and this one in silver with its unique photo bezel was equally adorable!  Can't wait to wear it soon :)

2011 photo yearbook project day #15

Tasty treats from Matt's road trip - cheese and caramel corn, YUM.  He walked all the way to Terminal 1 for me just so I could have my favorite Chicago snack :)

Then I was surprised with this little plush from twistyfishes on Etsy (visit Kristie's shop at twistyfishies.etsy.com).  I had this winking pirate apple slice in my favorites for a while now and had noticed it had been sold, but I had no idea Matt bought her.  Isn't she so cute?  She's small, too, and basically fits in the palm of my hand and is sewn well.

And while he was poking around twistyfishes' shop, he found this alien crochet that he liked so he got him, too.  Cute stuff!

See, we always love plush :)

2011 photo yearbook project day #12

Received my happy storm pendant from Malarie of itsastitch on Etsy today - isn't he cute?  The happy storm cloud is actually a print on some vintage fabric and is displayed so cutely in a silver frame.  Malarie was one of the first friends I made through Etsy about a year ago, so it was a pleasure being her first customer to kick off 2011!  Check out that cute packaging, too...I'm a sucker for cute animals :)  Thanks Malarie!

etsy shop is finally open!

I finally jumped in on Wednesday and made my first Etsy listings!  I figured it was the start of the month and I needed to just go for it.

My pictures even turned out better than I thought.  I decided to use some scarves to lay my items on.  I think the all white background before made my camera go a little crazy but now, the textures and colors helped to make them look more interesting.  The hardest part of the listing was probably coming up with creative listing names and descriptions.  I tried to have fun with it and hopefully it worked.  You can check out what's currently for sale on the Etsy box I added to the right of my blog.  I can't believe I finally did it!  It's pretty cool.

Much to my surprise, as I was still listing, a dear friend of mine purchased two items immediately!  I was (and am) thrilled!!  It was so fun to put together my first order and take it to the post office - I felt like a pro.  I hope I get to do it more soon :)

I still have a couple of ornaments to photograph and list, as well as some jewelry pieces.  I'm waiting for a supply of fabric to come in (I think it's *finally* going to deliver today) and I'm looking forward to doing some embroidery on them for cards, maybe wall hangings (placed on homemade frames).  Tonight, I also thought about making crochet cushions featuring felt/fleece appliques of some of my doodled creations.  And I'd like to make some hair accessories - not sure exactly how or what they'd look like yet, but hopefully they'll be a combination of crochet, embroidery, felt, or organza.  Haha.  One day (soon?) I'd love to make my own crochet patterns as well so I can sell cute crochet things in the shop.  I love amigurumi and crochet scarves so we'll see what magic I can do!  I'm not sure where I ever was before I knew how to crochet...so glad I stuck with it and made myself learn.  It's so relaxing to crochet while watching TV.  Knitting will come one day, too, maybe next year?  So many ideas to dabble in and I never know where to start :)

I definitely feel more motivated now that the shop is open!  Doing listings is fun and I'd like to offer different items at different price points so the shop will be more accessible to people.  I know how I'm feeling the money crunch and I know a lot of my friends are, too.  I hope I can wake up somewhat early and get the photos/listings out of the way and then actually do some creative stuff in the afternoon.  Yay!

But to commemorate my shop opening, I thought it'd be nice to show the 8 items I listed as my first ever listings (I'm so happy the process wasn't so painful after all).  Here they are!  If you love any of them, 6 are still currently available in my shop ;)

it's the most wonderful time of the year!

Yesterday I took a trip to Michaels, which is always oh-so fun but oh-so deadly!  I was feeling down in the dumps but once I got there and saw all of the Christmas decorations up, I was psyched!

There's something therapeutic for me to go to Michaels (or any craft store) and just wander the aisles, lost in my thoughts and looking at all the crafty items surrounding me.  Christmas is my favorite time of year and I love the decorations, the magical feeling...yes!  There was so much to look at, I was in major crafty and idea overload.

I did go into Michaels with some specific ideas in mind (and a coupon, woohoo).  I've been thinking about ornaments a lot lately (fueled probably by the purchase of some super cute alpaca yarn sock monkeys, a wire reindeer, and a polar bear from Crate & Barrel) and have been wanting to make some of my own.  I collected pom poms, jingle bells, felt...and I was thrilled to see a ton of Christmas ribbons at 50% off!  I probably spent 20 minutes just combing those spools, looking for some fabulous finds.  Needless to say, I went a little crazy but I got a lot for what I spent.

I started making ornaments tonight and it's been so much fun!  I love reindeers a lot (I think they're my favorite motif for Christmas), so I sketched out this interpretation of Rudolph and cut him out of felt, accenting him with a red pom pom nose and a jingle bell.  It took a while to make him because of all the little pieces and the hand sewing, but I love him to pieces!  He's a little lopsided because I put the ribbon in the wrong place, so I think I might use that as an excuse to keep him for myself :P  Onto the tree he goes, hehe.  I can't wait to make more ornament friends!

I really need to finish up some ornaments and then take a bunch of photos so I can make my first Etsy listings.  I'm a little nervous to open shop, but also excited.  Gotta get a move on it!

need to focus

Tomorrow morning, I'm taking this ridiculous ethics exam for the *third* time.  I need to pass this exam as part of my requirements for the CA State Bar and it's super annoying that I haven't passed it yet.  I mean really, how hard is it to think ethically?  And it's just a 60 question multiple choice exam (10 questions don't even count)...Apparently, it's hard for me!  

I haven't been able to focus as much as I would've liked.  I'd like to blame it on the 90+ degree weather the past few days in November of all things, but I think I've been unfocused about a lot of things over the past few weeks.  Apartment is as disorganized as ever, my shop still isn't open, I haven't reviewed a single law-related thing (to the point now that even studying this ONE subject feels like I'm reading and trying to learn a foreign language)...What the heck happened?  I really haven't been good about keeping a schedule and with so many ideas and thoughts swimming around in my head, I should've known better.  And with Bar results coming out in 2 weeks, I'll need to get myself back on track ASAP once I know my fate.  Besides that, I should be on track as it is now!

Having to study and ignore crafting has made me sad and I know I really need to find a happy medium between studying and crafting, if I have to re-study for the Bar again.  I need to be organized about my life!

Tomorrow will be dedicated to taking this exam in the morning and yet another USC football home game at night.  But Sunday, I'm planning on building my handmade light box so I can take better photos for my shop listings (jewelry is a butt to photograph, lemme tell you) and going through all of my crafting supplies to check out everything I've accumulated, organize things into bins, and plan out some ideas and get cracking.  Lately, I've had some ideas for some smaller plush, hair accessories, and ornaments - like for a holiday tree or even just for decorating.  Jewelry and bigger plush have higher price points for the cost of materials and the time it can take to make them, but I think offering some smaller things at lower price points will be fun for me to make and sell.  Easier, too!  I'm not planning on selling anything that's not already ready to ship - it'd be too stressful to list something and say it'll take me (x) time to fabricate and what if it doesn't end up looking like the photos?  I think it'd be better to say, this is what I have and I can ship it right out.  Especially since I'm anticipating a bunch of stuff being one of a kind, since I want to shake things up and have a nice variety.  I bought some fun supplies this week that I'm waiting to arrive and I can't wait to play around and experiment.

But for now, I need to prepare for this exam and leave the craft dreaming for tomorrow after the exam is over.  I am having serious craft withdrawal and maybe I needed this break to re-focus and be overflowing with ideas and motivation.  However, I will leave you with this, which usually brings a smile to my face and you know, on some days, you just really want to yell or scream at the top of your lungs for no reason, maybe just out of frustration with the world or yourself - don't you ever feel this way, too?

ring a ding ding

I love Etsy.  I love rings.  What better way to feed my addiction than with handmade beauties?

I've been so fortunate to meet some awesome and talented Etsians as I prepare to open my shop soon.  Love them all and love the fabulous finds I'm so happy to call my own!  Want to take a peek into my jewelry box?

From the lovely Jane of littlebugjewelry (littlebugjewelry.etsy.com).  Rings featuring rock crystal, pink amethyst, labradorite, citrine, rainbow moonstone and garnet.  All on hammered bands.  Sparkly, shiny, gorgeous.

From the lovely Monica of Moon Over Maize (moonovermaize.etsy.com).  Beautiful rainbow moonstone...look at that flash!

From the lovely Amy of ThirtySixTen (thirtysixten.etsy.com).  Love the flash in the labradorite, the double twisted bands and crown bezel.

From the lovely Madelynn of Garnet Girl Designs (onegarnetgirl.etsy.com).  This Rock Fetist ring is massive (3-4 carats)!  A beautiful emerald cut green amethyst.  Surprisingly lightweight but a gorgeous statement piece.

From the lovely Lara of Lara Lewis (laralewis.etsy.com and www.laralewis.net).  I've never seen Goshenite before but this 2 carat gem has a gorgeous sparkle, very silvery white.  Dainty yet sparkly!

Love them all, no?  I was trying to take pictures of my lovely necklace collection, too, but my camera battery died before I could do much.  I'll get to them soon!  Gotta show some love to my other obsession... :)  Stay tuned!

macro setting, where have you been all my life?

Today, I finally decided that it'd be a great idea to take some photos of the items I've made so I could put them into an album titled 'coming soon' on the Facebook page I made for my Etsy shop.  (Are you a fan yet?  You should be!)

I rushed to get everything set up before the sunlight disappeared and spent an hour just snapping random pics, figuring that something would look good.  I uploaded them later...and they were a mess!!  I was so disappointed and upset that I didn't have a better camera.

So, I did some research online and was really kicking myself for not having read my camera's manual way back when - now I'm not sure where I put it and the versions I found online only remind me that my model is already outdated.  But after playing around a little...I discovered...MACRO.  How did I not know about this all my life??  Granted, all the pics I ever take are random ones of me, my family, friends, animals at the zoo...but I always wondered why the pics of my crafts never looked great.  I just assumed it was that everyone must be using awesome and expensive cameras when really, it was my own fault for not exploring all the features my camera has to offer!  Go figure.

Now I'm actually excited to try taking some pics again with my newfound *magic* and hopefully, they'll come out looking great.  I'm not sure if the sunlight is doing it for me and I've noticed that the overhead lighting I have in the kitchen is pure white and true to natural light, so I might try snapping some pics under both conditions as an experiment and see which I like better.  I saw some instructions online on building your own light box using foam board, tissue paper, and lamps, but we'll see if I need to get so 'high tech.'  I just can't wait to take some pictures that are actually clear, sharp, and show off the lovelies I've created.  So even if I'm slow to arrive at the macro party that everyone's probably known about forever, I'm happy to be in the know FINALLY.

I am bummed, though, that I've taken so many blah customer appreciation photos for the lovely sellers I've purchased from and uploaded as part of my feedback for them.  If I had known about macro sooner, those pictures would've been a LOT better, plus I would've used webresizer to scale them down so they'd look awesome.  Etsy doesn't allow me to update those photos (which I wished it did because a few failed to upload properly and now my feedback has a blank photo attached to it, ugh).  I'm sorry fellow Etsians!  I truly love those items I purchased from you, even if I couldn't show you properly.  Good intentions, failed execution.  Total operator error - never jump to the conclusion to blame the machines, right?  It's usually the operator's fault.  I guess I've learned my lesson and I still owe some people customer appreciation photos for my newest purchases, so they will be awesome.

Here's a pic of my first attempt using macro tonight on a purchase I received in the mail today.  You have no idea just how excited I was that it came out so well.  I received this ring from the lovely Amy of ThirtySixTen on Etsy - double twisted band, crown setting, oxidized, 10mm high dome labradorite with a TON of flash...that I actually managed to capture with my little camera!

Gorgeous!  I can't wait to take pictures of my newest purchases from my lovely Etsy friends...and even go back and re-do some of the failed customer appreciation photos from before.  Even if I can't fix them on Etsy, at least I can pay proper thanks here, right?  Stay tuned! :)

lightning!

This is Lightning, isn't she so sweet?  She's a little kitty that started showing up at my bf's parents' house a few weeks ago.  His dad swore that the 2 cats they already have would be their last pets, but then this angelic face showed up and he was smitten.  Can you blame him? 

My bf and I tried to figure it out but we're pretty sure she's a girl.  She's super shy so no one has been able to get too close to her without her hiding around a corner or ducking out of the way, but she's really inquisitive and loves to eat - a girl after my own heart!  So we've been feeding her all sorts of goodies and she's getting bigger and bigger.  We aren't really sure where she goes sometimes but I think she's starting to feel more at home as she's chosen 'her spot' under a tree in front of the house to lie in and stay cool.  I still remember when she was so little and scared.  She's a lot friendlier now, and is willing to come closer to you, especially when it's feeding time!  Hee hee.  I often find her at night just waiting on the doorstep, staring at me with her big green eyes.  She's still a bit too shy to come into the house, but I got her to at least sit in the doorway.  I snuck in a little petting when I fed her last weekend when we were there, but she wasn't too pleased, oops.  Maybe one day!

I loved Lightning so much that I just had to re-create her into plushie form, complete with her big green eyes and the little patch of white fur on her chest.

I thought she came out great!  After I made her, it happened to be close to my bf's dad's birthday so I made another one to gift to him since he loves this little kitten so much.  It was great to give a handmade gift that went over so well! :)

And yes, I'm planning to offer Lightning in my shop so you can have your own Lightning plushie, too!  I have a LOT of plushies to work on - my goal is still to try to open by mid-month.  Lots of work to do but I appreciate everyone's patience and I know I'm excited.  I hope you are, too :D

gone bananas

Last night, I finished my monkey plushie.  What do you think?  I rushed through the pattern and had some construction problems (my own error) so he's a lil lopsided and puckering at the sides.  But he's still wonderfully soft and cuddly.  I need to cut him a little larger to account for the seaming and I need to be more careful with the sewing machine to keep his nice rounded shape.  But it's ok, I'll be more careful for next time and then he'll be ready for the shop!  My bf says the 'messed up' parts are what he likes best but they still bother me.

I got in a bit of a funk last night about my crafting.  Although I've made a few plushies, the perfectionist in me keeps focusing on the bad parts than just allowing myself to love all the great things - I mean, I made these things with my own two hands!  That's pretty amazing.  I need to stop comparing myself to other sellers and just do what I do.  My friends are always amazed and love my stuff and I can only try to make stuff and put it out there for other people to enjoy.  Being imperfect makes it homemade anyway and adds to the charm and character of my work.  I'll chalk it up to a small disheartened setback last night but I'm ready to forge ahead today.

I'm planning on working on and re-working some jewelry pieces this afternoon/night.  I'm still rusty on my wire work which is frustrating because I find myself wasting supplies doing things over and over again.  The wire just won't cooperate sometimes!  But once I get some more practice, it should be better.  And I need to stop overthinking my designs.  If I just let the wire and beads lead the way, I think the pieces will become more fluid and come together nicely.  I've been thinking of ways to simplify and improve what I've done and what I'm planning to do so I think that'll help me focus and get down to business.  I also got some small ziploc-style bags to store each of the pieces so I can finally protect them from tarnishing and getting dirty since I lack any way of storing everything up.  I'll choose some nice heavier stock scrapbook paper to use as a holder and then place each piece in its own bag.  Every piece will still be gift boxed and packaged nicely when bought so no worries!  This is just a way I can store them nicely now and protect them so they won't get damaged or tangled.

I hope I stay inspired and focused today!  Lots to do and I think I need a break from plushies anyway :)

a whale of a tale

Isn't he just adorable?  I'll be creating another one to sell in the shop, so look out for him if you want to get your hands on one, too!  He's super soft and cuddly and looks adorable as a pillow/cushion on my bed.  Have I mentioned lately that I love my sewing machine??  But my poor jewelry has been neglected so I need to get back to that, too.  I haven't forgotten about my lovely sparklies!

I also worked on a monkey plush yesterday but I went a bit too fast and messed up a part of him.  We'll be headed to the craft store tonight so I can get some much-needed sewing supplies.  Hope to be able to fix him by tomorrow, then a new picture will come!  I'm loving having this week to experiment with plushies and my sewing machine.  But next week it's down to business.  Going to be working on the inventory now that I have some confidence and created some working patterns.  I really think I might be able to reach my goal of opening shop by the end of this month.  Yay!

a hammie plushie is born

After working on my pattern yesterday and carefully hand stitching all of the facial details and working on the little hands, feet, and ears, today I sewed up the body of my hammie plush by hand and with a little help from my sewing machine.  She was stuffed with polyfil and lots of love and then she was born!  What do you think?

Look, and she even has a little tail nub, hehe :)

She needs a little work but I still love her anyway.  I'll need to work on one for the shop! :)  For now, she looks super cute as my new Etsy avatar and she's soft to cuddle, hehe.  I'm excited I actually made something and that I've figured out how to use my sewing machine.  Yay!

saturday night fun

Tonight is my first night at home in such a long time.  While enjoying the peaceful night, I randomly decided to make this lil fried egg for fun:

Cute, huh?  The free pattern is from the lovely blog of Ana Paula Rimoli (find it here: http://amigurumipatterns.blogspot.com/).

I've been stuck working on a crochet lamb for a friend.  I bought the pattern from a fellow Etsian and it has definitely been a challenge!  There are some unusual stitches within the pattern and although it's been frustrating at times (and resulted in me unraveling precious work I thought I completed or having to start completely over), I think it's been good practice and has helped me work through some unfamiliar crochet territory.  I hope it'll look great when it's finally done!  I finished the main body parts and am just working on the arms, legs, and ears at this point.  Then I get to assemble it!  *fingers crossed*

Because of the lamb, and my general laziness, I haven't made progress on my Etsy shop at all.  The weeklong road trip to Portland and Seattle last week really took its toll on me and I've been sluggish and dragging my feet all week.  I really need to get on track next week!  I'm still aiming for a September shop opening and hope that will be true.  I was convinced before that I wanted so much stuff to be perfect before I opened, but now that just seems silly.  I can't promote any work without anything posted!  Duh. I want to work on a small inventory to have on hand and I'll post those things, then gradually work on new items and add those every few days or so.  I can always work on other things once I have items posted - like improving my overall shop look, getting business cards, etc.  I'm not sure why I keep holding back.  I really just need to make items to sell, take good pictures, and create my shop policies.  It doesn't have to be perfect right away but I have to have at least *something* in the shop to promote.

The goals for next week are to make some jewelry (some designs which I've had in my head for a while) and figure out how to work my sewing machine.  Once I get that working, then I can work on plushies, bags, etc.  It's always slow to get going each day but I think once I start the process on Monday, I'll be motivated to keep going!  My desk (aka work area) needs a major cleaning anyway.

post-bar aspirations

Despite the Bar being next week, the MPRE in 2 weeks, and even a busy August full of plans to enjoy the remaining bits of summer, I'm already thinking about things I want to do and accomplish once September hits.  So much has been sucked out of me this summer that I'm really looking forward to getting my life back on track.

Here are some aspirations for the remainder of this year:

~ I need to hit the gym.  I have a 3-year gym membership that's collecting dust and this Bar stuff hasn't helped with the weight I needed to lose before I started the summer.  Ideally, I'd like to lose 30 pounds.  Realistically, I'd like to lose 10-15.  I miss my cardio machine and rocking out to my iPod.  Really.

~ Earlier this year, I bought a sewing machine.  And with it's god-awful instructions and our inexperience, neither me nor my sister could figure out how the hell to use it.  It, too, is now collecting dust and that is surely a shame for two crafty people like us!  Somehow, I must learn how to use it so that we can make amazing clothes, pillowcases, plushies, bags, clutches....so many awesome things!  (By the way, if you have a favorite sewing book that helps beginners with such things, please feel free to share!)

~ I really failed myself this summer with studying.  I didn't do enough, got distracted too often and couldn't stay focused.  It's something about summer...it just feels like summer break.  I'm not sure how next week will go (and I'm going to try my best despite the circumstances), but I don't want to go through this feeling again (that is, kicking myself).  That's why, starting in September, I'm going to begin studying on my own again, one subject every week.  I won't know my results until November (just in time to ruin Thanksgiving and Christmas), but I figure even if I don't pass, I'll already have 2 1/2 months of review and practice under my belt, and re-taking the exam in February 2011 won't be as daunting or painful (considering that .  Even if I did pass (which, truthfully, would be something of a miracle), studying a bit each day wouldn't have been a waste since it's information that's relatively helpful anyway.  The Bar is never fun or easy, but as comfortable as I can make it by re-taking it, the happier I'll be.  I've really felt like I didn't have enough time to absorb, memorize and understand all of the rules I needed to, and the extra time commitment, balanced with doing things I love, might make the whole process easier. At least I'll be able to retain something!

~ Of course, I must start my Etsy shop!  Which actually involves so much.  First, I need to work on my designs and create a small inventory so I have items to list and items to list over time.  The first types of items I want to create are, of course, silver wire and gemstone jewelry, and plushies.  Other items will come as I develop ideas.  I still need to write my formal shop policies and work on my packaging materials.  I also need to photograph everything I make - I'm a bit of an amateur when it comes to such things so it should be interesting.  After that, I'll have to select some photos to feature on my mini Moo cards (essentially, my business cards) and have those made as well.  I'll use these cards in my packaging and to have on hand in case I get any inquiries in person.  Once all that's in place and items are listed, I'll need to market my shop!  This might be the hardest part - I'll need to do enough things to get enough exposure for the shop and I'll need to be creative about it, too.  I've never had aspirations to own my own business before but I'm sorta excited about this prospect.  I'm worried that I won't be able to get it off the ground or have any sales, but I hope with enough hard work, it'll all pay off.  Wish me luck!

~ I must make a work schedule and stick with it.  That means, I'll have to treat every day as if I had a full-time job.  Part of my day will be spent working on Etsy (new designs, new creations, marketing, and hopefully sales to pack and ship) and part of the day will be spent on studying.  No more laziness or lying around!  Time flies by so quickly every day, every week, and I really want to maximize it the best I can.

~ Along the lines of photography, I'd love to work on my photography skills (of which I have none).  I probably don't have the fanciest camera but I think I could still do a lot on my lil Canon.  Do you ever look at people's photos on Facebook, etc., and wish you could take awesome and unique pics, too?  Yeah, my sister and I do.  So, I want to learn and figure it out.  Why not?  So Cal is full of such beautiful places, I really don't take advantage of that as much as I could or should.

~ I must learn how to use Photoshop.  Not just the basics, but it would be nice to learn some cool skills, too.  I bought a drawing tablet earlier this year that's really begging to be used.  This is all unfamiliar technology to me, much like the aforementioned sewing machine, but I plan on conquering it!

~ I'd also like to work on new crafts - that is, learn new skills.  I've always wanted to learn how to draw and sketch better; to paint; to work on paper crafts (and cards); to make ribbon and paper flowers; to learn to knit and work on my crochet skills.  So many crafts...so little time.  I think the Internet and may craft books will be my friend.  My apartment is full of fabric, buttons, feathers, ribbon, beads, yarn, cardstock, and they're all begging to be made into something awesome!

~ I must find chocolate covered gummy bears.  Rumor has it they're sold in bulk at Bristol Farms.  I intend to find out.

~ I must save money to pay off some of my debts.  I can't really afford to spend any money especially if I'm not making any while I do all of these things.  If I'm lucky, I'll be successful enough being crafty that it'll help to pay some of it off.

~ I need to stop dressing like a bum and wear make-up more often.  I'm in my late 20's and own so many awesome clothes (some still with tags on them), shoes, make-up, handbags and I make my own jewelry - you'd think I'd put that all to good use!

~ I need to hem my designer jeans.  I have gorgeous pairs of jeans and they are ridiculously long, but I just haven't had the time to hem them.  Therefore, they sit in my jean pile, begging to be worn.  And I've refused to wear them because despite the fact that I usually feel like wearing heels in order to wear them, they tend to still be too long with heels!  I recently found an easy way to hem them (thank you, Google), but I need to put needle and thread in hand (or sewing machine to use) and take care of them!

~ I must go to many sporting events.  I've missed out on a whole summer (almost) of minor league baseball with the bf, and I need to catch up.  We'll catch some games in August, including some in Seattle and Portland on our week-long trip.  We also may catch a pro game or two in Sept.  And I can't wait for basketball season to begin in Nov.  I *MUST* catch a Bulls game in person somehow, somewhere.  I <3 me some Bulls and had a blast last year going to a game at the United Center.  (I'm not a homer - they're my hometown team!)  The best part about sporting games?  The mascots.  Oh yes.

~ I want to spend more time at the beach and looking through tide pools.  I want to go to Disneyland a LOT.  I want to visit my animal friends at the SD Zoo often.

~ I will go with the bf to many restaurants, including all of the ones he's been wanting to go to for FOREVER.  For months, I've been telling him 'no' every time he's asked, but I should really be more open to his ideas and accept his invitations to enjoy date nights.

~ I want to be less stubborn and more even tempered.  Sometimes I let my emotions get the better of me, and I'd like to work on not losing my cool over stuff that doesn't even matter all that much.

~ I want to enjoy all of the little things in life that I take for granted.

And throughout all of this, I plan to share my adventures, successes and failures.  You'll get to peek into my life of crafting and all of my crazy adventures.  I've really enjoyed blogging in the short time I've done it, but I'd like to refine my posts and make them more interesting. I've always enjoyed writing and I miss doing it (in a non-legal fashion), but I'd like to add more of a spark and humor.  I'll blame it right now on being stuck in law school and this Bar crap, but it'll be over soon and then I'll be able to live my life!  (Well, even if I have to re-take the Bar, I refuse to let it take over my life and will be less procrastinator and more organized and studious studier and all will be well.)

dreaming about august

I like drawing.  I don't really do it enough.  And when thinking about my Etsy shop, I was so tired of looking at my junky Etsy banner that I was inspired to create this new one.  I'm not sure if it's officially finished, but I wanted a change to represent me and the cute things I'm planning on selling in my shop.  Who could resist clicking on my shop to check it out after seeing a cute drawing of my hammie girls?

In case you're wondering, that's Zippy on the left and Bella on the right.  I'm planning on making a variety of things for my Etsy shop, most notably silver jewelry featuring hand-formed and hammered wire shapes, semi-precious and precious gemstones (you should see my stash waiting to be turned into something great), and sea glass; hand-sewn plushies featuring the hammie girls first and then more inspirations to come; and paper crafts such as cards, etc. (I have 9 pounds of colored scrapbook paper, various colored cardstock, and all sorts of fun stuff like buttons, ribbon, sequins, feathers...all waiting to be played with).

Along with these creations, I'll need to make some business cards featuring images of my work, work on promoting the shop, gather packaging supplies, blogging more and taking/editing photos.  Lots of busy but fun work ahead!  I'm not sure how things will go on the job front, but I'll keep my eyes open while I dive fully into working on this stuff.  Hopefully the bf and I can figure something out.  I've been feeling really overwhelmed lately about my finances, but I think I'll feel better once the Bar and MPRE are over and I can focus on actually DOING something rather than just worrying about it.  It'd be nice to make some sales to earn some extra money to help pay the bills as my loan money is almost running out.  Money always has a way of going out easily but sure has a hard time coming back in.  Fingers crossed the bf's job situation is stable for a while.  He says not to worry so I guess I'll try not to at the moment.

For now, the Bar exam awaits in a week and I am far from being ready.  But I know I'll get there, as long as I apply myself.  The bf says I shouldn't worry too much about counting down the days and stressing but rather, I should focus on making the most out of each day and just working hard on that.  He's so wise, haha.  The Bar exam is about minimum competency, but it's just a lot of information to store and dump onto the exam pages in a limited amount of time and a whole lot of pressure.  CA has one of the hardest exams, too.  But, at this point, I just have to try to learn as much as I can and know what I know well rather than trying to memorize everything under the sun, which is completely impossible.  The CA Bar is a 3-day exam consisting of 6 hours each day and will encompass 6 one-hour essays on any of 13 subjects (testing both Federal and CA law, where applicable), 200 MBEs (multi-state multiple choice that everyone in the country will take on Wednesday at the same time, covering 6 subjects solely on Federal and common law), and 2 three-hour performance tests.  The Exam will run over next Tuesday through Thursday.  Yeah, fun stuff, right?

It's all definitely a test of endurance - mental, physical, and emotional.  I'm at the point where I'm not sure what's going to happen but I think it's important that I work hard and try my best (as that's all I can ask of myself) and see what happens when results come out in November.  I think I'll know afterwards if I thought it went well or not.  I've felt that I didn't have enough time to prepare and take in all this material in just 2 months and I haven't been that pleased with my Bar prep course, so after I take a break in August, I'm planning on studying on my own again starting in September in case I have to re-take the exam in February 2011.  It's really impossible to spend only a day or two learning each of these subjects, so I really want to take the time and learn them one at a time each week.  That way, I'll know each subject thoroughly and I can layer it on, rather than feeling like I'm just cramming.  It'll all work better for a well-rounded schedule, too.  I can study and also balance errands around the house, going to the gym, and working on my Etsy shop!

I'll know the results right before Thanksgiving (cruel, I know), and I don't want to wait until the last minute (especially with holidays falling in the middle of the prep time) if I have to re-take it.  Ideally, of course, I want to pass on the first try but the odds do greatly increase that you'll pass by the second time at least.  I've known people who passed the first time, and people who've passed the second so I'm confident that it'll happen eventually one way or another.  If I don't pass, then I'll already have a few months under my belt of preparation, and I'll be ready and comfortable for February!  If nothing else, this has provided me with a great learning experience and motivation to forge ahead and succeed.  Law school was a struggle from the start, and although bruised and badly beaten at times, I still survived.  So I will survive again!  I'll try my best, of course, but this may prove to be a bit like a practice run and if I pass, it'll be a pleasant surprise.  If not, then the real deal is February 2011!  It's a relief to feel this way now so there's less pressure and no expectations.  I can only try my best and work hard, and everything will fall into place and be ok.

August is already shaping up to be a busy month.  My sister will return home to LA within the first week, and I'll be re-taking the MPRE a week after the Bar.  Crazy, I know, but I figured I might as well afford myself another chance to pass it before it's administered again in November.  That weekend, the bf and I will help her move into her brand new apartment - which, hopefully, will go smoothly as the management has been nothing but a pain in the you-know-what to her all summer as far as apartment and roommate assignments have gone.  The following week will be spent working on Etsy, looking for jobs...and getting ready for a vacation!  I've been told by a great law school prof that it's a good idea to just get away and clear your head after the Bar.  The bf has decided that he wants to take a trip up the coast to both Portland and Seattle for a week or so.  It might turn out to be a road trip since airfare is expensive and there isn't a direct flight from here, but we'll see.  It'll be good to have the freedom to do things again - I feel like I've missed out on a lot of things this summer.  The trip will include lots of baseball (minor league teams, of course, since those are the bf's favs), zoos, bead shops, food...just fun stuff.  And at the end of the month, one of our couple friends may be coming down to spend a weekend hanging out and going to baseball games (similar to what we did last summer).  At that point, it'll be almost Labor Day weekend, jeez!  And even then, the bf has a family reunion to go to up north...that should be interesting.

I just want everything to work out ok, from the Bar to the MPRE to my finances.  One step at a time, I guess.  For now, it's time to hit the Bar studying grind on this home stretch...Wish me luck!  And see you on the other side :)  xoxo

my first amigurumi

My one non-school related goal for spring break was to learn how to crochet and specifically, to make amigurumi. I own so many books and have so many cute patterns...I wanted to learn how to create these crazy cute creatures. But something about crochet and all those weird instructions really scared me off.

But not anymore!! I spent Sunday afternoon practicing and trying and thanks to a little help from the Internet, I made my first ami! I haven't been so excited about something so simple in so long. My lil turtle is a lil bit crooked and not perfect, but he's perfect to me. He just needs a name...any ideas?

Now I've decided that I'm OBSESSED with ami. I really wish I had more time for ami, jewelry making (to utilize my bead obsession), and drawing. I'm really going to try to set aside some time each week to do some crafty things, just to give my mind a rest from plain vanilla studying and find a way to channel my creativity. My trainer says it's good to work out and tone all the different parts of your body so you're well-rounded, and I think that holds true for your mind, too. It'll be important going into finals and also when studying for the Bar to stay fresh mentally and physically.

Hopefully I can create enough items to get an Etsy shop going, too. I want to share my work with the world, but I'm happy that I finally started a photo album in Facebook to share what I have made already. I love each and every one of my creations, and I hope others will, too :)