tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21260437873064848862024-02-19T04:21:12.884-05:00swimming in brinemusings of a thoroughly modern pickel.pickel.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05623536412475826933noreply@blogger.comBlogger160125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126043787306484886.post-53946002029189570352015-07-24T01:12:00.000-04:002015-07-24T01:12:10.510-04:00a funny thing happened on the way to summer.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
once upon a time my little family of three was chugging merrily along through april looking forward to celebrating bubs' fourth birthday and eight glorious weeks of summer break. and then i got an email that flipped our world upside down. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uDs7uz0NHdw/VbHBMCrpOWI/AAAAAAAAH6s/I9uZPKvqNFo/s1600/summer01.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uDs7uz0NHdw/VbHBMCrpOWI/AAAAAAAAH6s/I9uZPKvqNFo/s320/summer01.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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okay, a few background facts about our life: </div>
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a) we share a one bedroom apartment with a feral four year old</div>
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b) we like trees </div>
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c) we need a change</div>
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back to that email. it was an invitation to interview for an art teacher position with an elementary school.</div>
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in colorado.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZouQT23dcQM/VbHBL9adDNI/AAAAAAAAH6c/XZypxUEivxY/s1600/summer03.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZouQT23dcQM/VbHBL9adDNI/AAAAAAAAH6c/XZypxUEivxY/s320/summer03.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the end of an era.</td></tr>
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for years, the mister and i have been dreaming of moving west but our focus has always been california. since that locale is completely out of our reach, we never pondered an actual move. enter <a href="http://myyearstartedtuesdaynight.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">keri</a>, who should earn a commission for her relentless marketing of the glories of colorado. she planted the seed, even assisted in the job hunt, and suddenly moving across the country seemed like an option.</div>
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and then i landed that art teaching gig and the decision was made.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SGhGAg98cPY/VbHBMP1UwrI/AAAAAAAAH6U/DHG_3EhrvZw/s1600/summer02.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SGhGAg98cPY/VbHBMP1UwrI/AAAAAAAAH6U/DHG_3EhrvZw/s320/summer02.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sayonara miami.</td></tr>
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with that decision, our entire world was drop kicked into total chaos, since the timeline has been nothing short of nutty. the job offer arrived on may 29th and the bubs and i left for an already planned visit to california on june 9th. in between i finished the school year in miami, threw a 4th birthday party for the bubs, and packed up our entire house.</div>
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while i was in cali, the mister drove to colorado and found a house for us to rent, while i hired movers and rearranged travel plans. and then i left bubs in california with my parents. his first time being away from both of us. ouch. i headed to colorado for a week to join the mister working on the details of moving in and then off i went to miami for ten days to do all the moving out. alone. just me and the movers. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QcYovdSQ0_k/VbHBMwv2qTI/AAAAAAAAH6k/SjKXyRGHi3c/s1600/summer04a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QcYovdSQ0_k/VbHBMwv2qTI/AAAAAAAAH6k/SjKXyRGHi3c/s320/summer04a.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the movers used 13 rolls of tape to wrap our furniture with blankies.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivdhEKqcbYDk78SUmQlwKs52ue1uBiVLPoE2o0U0l10TRiIzPTh5HLL9jivdHPvknDc7f4BTQpdFqxXZu8dKAc13uXQtCLlCD5u6_H8LuuIA41kN7V5kYRqTZwdfMVWzWhwWrSTLUtlqo/s1600/summer04.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivdhEKqcbYDk78SUmQlwKs52ue1uBiVLPoE2o0U0l10TRiIzPTh5HLL9jivdHPvknDc7f4BTQpdFqxXZu8dKAc13uXQtCLlCD5u6_H8LuuIA41kN7V5kYRqTZwdfMVWzWhwWrSTLUtlqo/s320/summer04.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">fingers crossed that the contents find their way to denver.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJVBljjgbnsov_8LwWYpshaVB0hqrlHEl-FP9heUA2dU2phVHIqigFfBA2GyjhWdizbmaEn-wVSgvS3Di9INqK0yYekmUBjkOsr51dF43b4JVXwn-vHYRWdcrF-1eBvan_lbFBvNPHQOw/s1600/summer05.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJVBljjgbnsov_8LwWYpshaVB0hqrlHEl-FP9heUA2dU2phVHIqigFfBA2GyjhWdizbmaEn-wVSgvS3Di9INqK0yYekmUBjkOsr51dF43b4JVXwn-vHYRWdcrF-1eBvan_lbFBvNPHQOw/s320/summer05.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my mom's 1970s luggage wheels still going strong.</td></tr>
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and now the mister and i are in colorado stuck in that special hell known only to those in the midst of long-distance moves -- all of your possessions are on a truck somewhere between your old city and your new one and you are living in a state of suspense in a mostly unfurnished house trying to subsist on frozen lasagna from costco. don't get me wrong, that lasagna is good stuff, but well, you know. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nb7N2GJ4GoU/VbHBNlwvWbI/AAAAAAAAH7M/XkvSchK6e90/s1600/summer06.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nb7N2GJ4GoU/VbHBNlwvWbI/AAAAAAAAH7M/XkvSchK6e90/s320/summer06.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">our new home.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S8EUj8yngro/VbHBN7O3SVI/AAAAAAAAH7A/aeg_LOn6A5A/s1600/summer07.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S8EUj8yngro/VbHBN7O3SVI/AAAAAAAAH7A/aeg_LOn6A5A/s320/summer07.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">meet pearl. my new ride.</td></tr>
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needless to say, the last eight weeks have been overwhelming, but we are excited for this new beginning for our little family. bubs is still in california missing us like crazy, but soon he will be with us. we cannot wait to explore our new city with him and to see him frolicking in his very own backyard. this has been a big step for us, but we think it will be a good one. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdfjp_aL0IYl0d3FzLmTZFKRsP363Ji131Q95BiHW8uFY3VC776ypxRtRsILxkObAycrSzt_4ckbj6qDil6jbXE4pmKE0nwBT-Kx_K-99qTY-DjymqPqCmDy9tk_TMXl592yx7ZTEchuI/s1600/summer08.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdfjp_aL0IYl0d3FzLmTZFKRsP363Ji131Q95BiHW8uFY3VC776ypxRtRsILxkObAycrSzt_4ckbj6qDil6jbXE4pmKE0nwBT-Kx_K-99qTY-DjymqPqCmDy9tk_TMXl592yx7ZTEchuI/s320/summer08.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">missing my bubs.</td></tr>
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pickel.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05623536412475826933noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126043787306484886.post-65869059961584787172014-07-29T21:10:00.000-04:002014-07-30T00:14:51.327-04:00pattern weights tutorial.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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i have been sewing up a storm this month, which means i have been all over pinterest looking for tutorials and patterns. of course, it is impossible to search for something on pinterest and avoid pinning completely unrelated projects. hence, i discovered the wonderful world of pattern weights. i have been grudgingly pinning my patterns to my fabric for as long as i have been sewing. sometimes i throw caution to the wind and cut without pinning, but this is ill-advised. suddenly, having a set of pattern weights seemed imperative. cue the pinterest search. there are a gazillion pictures of pattern weights, but 93% of them are washers or nuts wrapped in ribbon. totally not my cup of tea. then there are the pyramids. cute, but too bulky for my taste, which leaves us with the flat beanbags. yum. but maybe i am the only one who thinks so, because there is a dearth of inspiration in this department. there is a nice <a href="http://www.positivelysplendid.com/2013/07/diy-pattern-weights.html#_a5y_p=740426" target="_blank">tutorial from positively splendid</a>, but that is about it. i figure i should add my two cents.</div>
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<b>materials:</b></div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">fabric - i recommend a thicker fabric. you could either use a heavier weight fabric such as canvas or you can interface a regular fabric. the amount of fabric depends on how many weights you intend on making. this is a good time to use up scraps - no reason all of your weights have to be identical. </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">filling - you need something that is small, but heavy. i ruled out the traditional rice and beans, because i was not keen on putting food with my fabric stash. i planned to buy BBs, but they were more money than i wanted to spend. looking for a free solution, i pondered beach sand, but i was concerned that it would squeeze out of the seams and make a mess. luckily, the mister remembered the miniature gravel at his school's kayak launching ramp. perfecto!</li>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ux7zaBpZPIw/U9hDOCOzBKI/AAAAAAAAHv8/2l3EvAW_qjc/s1600/pattern+weights+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ux7zaBpZPIw/U9hDOCOzBKI/AAAAAAAAHv8/2l3EvAW_qjc/s1600/pattern+weights+02.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>directions:</b></div>
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step one. decide on a shape and size for your pattern weights. i made my weights triangular, because i think they will work better if i am trying to cut out smaller pieces and/or need to put a weight near a corner that is less than ninety degrees. not to mention, triangles are awesome. <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bxv18TTDMoj_VlE4QUhrRXhsWVE/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">my triangle pattern.</a></div>
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step two. decide how many pattern weights you want and cut two triangles for each weight. most folks seem to make sets of six or eight. i made nineteen. yep, nineteen. i wanted a lot, because sometimes you need to lay out all of your pattern pieces simultaneously and six weights will not cut it.</div>
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step three. put two triangles right sides together. sew around with a 1/4" seam allowance leaving a 1" gap at the bottom. snip the threads and clip the seam allowance around the corners. turn the triangle right side out through the little gap.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwbSdvjn8U8aIDIIlxKCXmGEegk40AdbllwNlCBR5HtKhiRITHsxQ2SuzxBn1NfDGX82Zff-PX8WWmLcUOr8JTgteDUBH50PjT7h6Ql64sdY3rbRTeRMuihOOxu2Ojwz8hWbrTIsdfy7Q/s1600/pattern+weights+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwbSdvjn8U8aIDIIlxKCXmGEegk40AdbllwNlCBR5HtKhiRITHsxQ2SuzxBn1NfDGX82Zff-PX8WWmLcUOr8JTgteDUBH50PjT7h6Ql64sdY3rbRTeRMuihOOxu2Ojwz8hWbrTIsdfy7Q/s1600/pattern+weights+03.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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step four. use a boning tool or chopstick to push out the corners. then repeat step three for all of your triangles. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLQrShYru9MraqbCrLlpNowesmu9E1UpN-pl8o_OuCe-gYUy1pls1z-4XS4iL5hIru3TaD-FVVbBT4-6IpqR1z2lhC08MNQ8vuWW4FZ3fsBXGpOmCbZYc9hEXt3pAeTFqfU426iMHmG6c/s1600/pattern+weights+04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLQrShYru9MraqbCrLlpNowesmu9E1UpN-pl8o_OuCe-gYUy1pls1z-4XS4iL5hIru3TaD-FVVbBT4-6IpqR1z2lhC08MNQ8vuWW4FZ3fsBXGpOmCbZYc9hEXt3pAeTFqfU426iMHmG6c/s1600/pattern+weights+04.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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step five. realize that the process of snipping threads and clipping corners is going to make a mess, so pause pattern weight production to create a cute thread catcher. feel free to use your prototype or unfinished pattern weights to hold down the pattern for the thread catcher. <a href="http://jillianinitaly.com/2012/02/12/tutorial-small-fabric-basket/" target="_blank">adorable fabric bucket tutorial.</a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NxSqB8-2gIA/U9hDPBLgnUI/AAAAAAAAHwM/6skGV1elS4A/s1600/pattern+weights+05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NxSqB8-2gIA/U9hDPBLgnUI/AAAAAAAAHwM/6skGV1elS4A/s1600/pattern+weights+05.jpg" height="162" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YChOwFpKqfA/U9hDPnicNdI/AAAAAAAAHwQ/63JxaG4K-Yg/s1600/pattern+weights+06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YChOwFpKqfA/U9hDPnicNdI/AAAAAAAAHwQ/63JxaG4K-Yg/s1600/pattern+weights+06.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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step six. fill each of the triangles through the little gap at the bottom. leave some room to breathe in each of the triangles. i left about 1/4" empty along the bottom of each triangle. this leaves the weight malleable enough to pick up easily. pin the gap closed and add it to the stack of ready-to-be-finished weights.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-46nz4l7Peoo/U9hDQSodX8I/AAAAAAAAHwg/pU4IrsHDgYQ/s1600/pattern+weights+08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-46nz4l7Peoo/U9hDQSodX8I/AAAAAAAAHwg/pU4IrsHDgYQ/s1600/pattern+weights+08.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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step seven. the finish. all that is left is to close the gap at the bottom of your triangles. you can use your machine to top stitch along the bottom or even top stitch around the entire triangle. i top stitched the bottom of my prototype, but i did not like the appearance. instead, i went against every fiber of my being and opted for hand-sewing the gap with a blind stitch. this was an unusual step for me, because anytime a pattern requires hand-stitching, i always (and i mean ALWAYS) ignore it and machine stitch. but these little gems just look so perfect when they are hand-sewed, it was totally worth the trouble (nope, i did not take the requisite picture of myself hand sewing. you will have to use your imagination). if you do not know how to do this type of hand-sewing, check out this <a href="http://www.positivelysplendid.com/2013/02/sew-a-pillow-closed-by-hand-blind-ladder-stitch.html#_a5y_p=2017137" target="_blank">tutorial</a>. it is easy.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7hRho9c4cnQ/U9hDP3nD5XI/AAAAAAAAHwY/DNYUDWReNlc/s1600/pattern+weights+07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7hRho9c4cnQ/U9hDP3nD5XI/AAAAAAAAHwY/DNYUDWReNlc/s1600/pattern+weights+07.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">top-stitched triangle. no, thank you.</td></tr>
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step eight. find or create some sort of receptacle to hold your new darlings. enjoy your pattern weights!</div>
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<br />pickel.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05623536412475826933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126043787306484886.post-49290214155102966272013-09-16T01:29:00.001-04:002013-09-16T01:29:30.997-04:00leggy. humph.i have been noticing that despite sunshine, rain, and tender loving care, my swiss chard seedlings are floppy. today, i asked my gardening guru, doc, if she thought i had something to worry about. <div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-KhJ35We8Yxs/UjaXOHALOXI/AAAAAAAAHqI/nlbilJRKYgE/s640/blogger-image-90673459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-KhJ35We8Yxs/UjaXOHALOXI/AAAAAAAAHqI/nlbilJRKYgE/s640/blogger-image-90673459.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="#555555" face=".Helvetica NeueUI"><span style="font-size: 14px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);">legs a mile long. sayonara floppsies. </span></font></div><div><br></div><div>her diagnosis? yes. apparently my seedlings are leggy. do what? yes, they are leggy. this means they are growing up up up in a desperate attempt to get closer to the light. oh. and here i thought that they were getting taller taller taller, because of my magical gift of gardening. since i have a second not-yet-leggy pot of chard seedlings, we determined the best course of action for this pot, was to tear out the leggy seedlings and start anew. sad, but true. new seeds were started, pot was relocated, and this time around we are hoping for sturdy seedlings. grow chard grow!</div>pickel.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05623536412475826933noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126043787306484886.post-10632966039264243502013-09-08T21:47:00.000-04:002013-09-08T21:48:08.378-04:00sprouts galore.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qcz1Vvd5osc/Ui0naD2JRJI/AAAAAAAAHpo/3VsQso7_RZw/s1600/the+garden+02-5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2YCTh18IpMJLAyiXgPtee2R2zagstFDzYF_UX6i7uogUVZlz1dh1wp8opQ-arWbBLCim_vzKBomLtvlu-xP-73p7JhKOhkCAAeI0DWyl4UgfmT3VRv19_-UvcY-ire77cMddZ8zudhfg/s1600/the+garden+02-5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2YCTh18IpMJLAyiXgPtee2R2zagstFDzYF_UX6i7uogUVZlz1dh1wp8opQ-arWbBLCim_vzKBomLtvlu-xP-73p7JhKOhkCAAeI0DWyl4UgfmT3VRv19_-UvcY-ire77cMddZ8zudhfg/s320/the+garden+02-5.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cucumber sprouts.</td></tr>
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holy sproutville. okay, this gardening thing is happening. i planted the seeds, gave them water and sunshine, and shockingly, they grew. this might not be shocking to you, but it was to me. i was gung-ho about this project, but realistically, i was well aware that i am not known for my gardening skills and there was a significant chance that this project would be a total fail. but, the sprouts are growing like crazy. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kqk3Jlg82v4/Ui0nYF41W-I/AAAAAAAAHpY/k9RowEkg0oo/s1600/the+garden+02-4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kqk3Jlg82v4/Ui0nYF41W-I/AAAAAAAAHpY/k9RowEkg0oo/s320/the+garden+02-4.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">garden bean sprouts. these guys were slow starters, but now they are taller than everyone else.</td></tr>
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when i dropped the seeds into the dirt, i was super generous. my methodology was something along the lines of, throw in a thousand and hope that one sprouts. well, one sprouted. and so did all of the others. so the pots were thick with sprouts.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vGu9e99uEUs/Ui0nWmepxMI/AAAAAAAAHpM/IdZNNtsRWmI/s1600/the+garden+02-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vGu9e99uEUs/Ui0nWmepxMI/AAAAAAAAHpM/IdZNNtsRWmI/s320/the+garden+02-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">kale sprouts gone wild.</td></tr>
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my gardening gurus advised me that i needed to do some thinning. ummm...WHAT?!! i took some microscopic little dots of nothing and brought them to life and now you want me to lop them off and throw them away? gaaaah. but, both of my gurus have seriously awesome gardens, so i trust that they know what they are talking about.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a forest of kale.</td></tr>
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today i bit the bullet and thinned my sprouts. it was depressing. i had to chop chop chop the darling little sprouts. sad. but the goal is for the ones that remain to grow like gangbusters. one can only hope. i also planted some more seeds. this time i tried to be a confident gardener and i only put a few extra seeds. they better do me a solid and sprout!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W4qsPxwQSzw/Ui0nY0RpfoI/AAAAAAAAHpc/_1j9RRp26ZI/s1600/the+garden+02-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W4qsPxwQSzw/Ui0nY0RpfoI/AAAAAAAAHpc/_1j9RRp26ZI/s320/the+garden+02-3.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">kale, post-thinning. looking kind of bleak, but i have high hopes.</td></tr>
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pickel.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05623536412475826933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126043787306484886.post-32233505796882291952013-09-02T00:18:00.000-04:002013-09-08T21:48:22.874-04:00what does my garden grow? <div style="text-align: justify;">
our balcony used to be this lovely place where we could relax with a beverage to enjoy some fresh air and people watching, but then we had a kid and the balcony turned into a cluttered mess. the mister and i have been increasingly disgusted by the craziness and started discussing affordable ways to organize the chaos.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dQfeYfFTm7M/UiQQFZePPcI/AAAAAAAAHoM/R3yvw5qYaSU/s1600/the+garden+02.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dQfeYfFTm7M/UiQQFZePPcI/AAAAAAAAHoM/R3yvw5qYaSU/s320/the+garden+02.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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and then two weeks ago, i had a pre-mid-life crisis. this self-described non-gardener suddenly decided that i needed to have a vegetable garden. the notion is a bit ridiculous, because our balcony is only about forty square feet, but i figured our garden could grow vertical. i blame all of this on <a href="http://myyearstartedtuesdaynight.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">keri</a>. she has a ridiculously prolific vegetable garden and regularly posts photos that made me green with envy. so green that i became delusional enough to think that maybe i have a green thumb. right.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wv1PTY3Iu10/UiQQF_IfD-I/AAAAAAAAHoU/YRMpdJFvSA8/s1600/the+garden+03.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wv1PTY3Iu10/UiQQF_IfD-I/AAAAAAAAHoU/YRMpdJFvSA8/s320/the+garden+03.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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i instantly started researching container vegetable gardens and found gads and gads of information. plus keri, and the doc, and mrs. nipper knapp jumped right in to provide guidance and encouragement. since i was completely unable to wait even seven minutes to get my hands dirty, i immediately hunted down a baker's rack on craigslist. found some pots on clearance. bought dirt and seeds. and got to planting three pots. miraculously, a few days later, i woke up to find that some of the little guys had sprouted. it was an exciting moment. i can't stop hovering over my little sprouts...they make me super happy!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2ZoBlOd9z08/UiQQG9nMtcI/AAAAAAAAHos/ejh1JXxTtNI/s1600/the+garden+14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2ZoBlOd9z08/UiQQG9nMtcI/AAAAAAAAHos/ejh1JXxTtNI/s320/the+garden+14.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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unfortunately, i also realized that the dirt in those first three pots was packed waaaaaaay too tight. tonight i scooped up the sprouts, dumped out the dirt, and repotted the sprouts. hopefully they will not be in shock. but, if they are, i will just start over with new seeds. i also finished planting the rest of the seeds and the tomato and pepper plants we bought. the garden is perfect. i cannot wait to teach big-E how to be my helper.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CTVWdp1RPIw/UiQQFt9ffzI/AAAAAAAAHoQ/7xyUblXKhNg/s1600/the+garden+06.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CTVWdp1RPIw/UiQQFt9ffzI/AAAAAAAAHoQ/7xyUblXKhNg/s320/the+garden+06.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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we are growing basil, chives, parsley, mint, cucumbers, green beans, tomatoes, red bell peppers, kale, swiss chard, lettuce, radishes, and beets. i am still looking for some more seeds to fill my remaining three pots, and then the garden will be full. next step, reorganizing the other side of the balcony. ugh.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqaXvJ67jacvdXTny7W_oiQYne9QaKaWMC8QRnrcJgTsoWbYS-Amjomh-MhmAjEL3dPY4MhnYSjnejz3iSXr0OOlpIYNm1E774SCUvP8YiZL1idq2lUGMhWTRb2OzMWhDEu3cTkrZfujA/s1600/the+garden+12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqaXvJ67jacvdXTny7W_oiQYne9QaKaWMC8QRnrcJgTsoWbYS-Amjomh-MhmAjEL3dPY4MhnYSjnejz3iSXr0OOlpIYNm1E774SCUvP8YiZL1idq2lUGMhWTRb2OzMWhDEu3cTkrZfujA/s320/the+garden+12.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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p.s. any and all gardening advice is welcome. especially from those folks who have attempted to grow veggies in containers.<br />
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pickel.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05623536412475826933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126043787306484886.post-38203887019233794182013-07-24T16:16:00.000-04:002013-07-24T22:01:28.386-04:00wanted: poodle skirt. a dining table makeover.<div style="text-align: justify;">
in the sixth grade, i met blondie. i spent lots of time at her house and always marveled at the fact that no matter what, her family ate dinner at five o'clock. every day. for reals. so perfectly 1950's. so perfectly awesome. despite my mom's best efforts, our family drifted to the opposite extreme. occasionally we all ate dinner together, but more often then not, my mom had to catch us between our comings and goings to gymnastics, volleyball, hockey, etc. we ate at the kitchen table, kitchen counter, or sitting on the couch. at some point along the way, i decided that when i had a family, i was aiming for the 1950's version of dinner time. right.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vF49EvtmO4c/UfAbRwmrsnI/AAAAAAAAHd4/Xk_qEk9lacI/s1600/poodle+skirt+06.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vF49EvtmO4c/UfAbRwmrsnI/AAAAAAAAHd4/Xk_qEk9lacI/s320/poodle+skirt+06.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my DIY assistant.</td></tr>
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when the mister and i got married we had no table. we ate sitting on the couch or at the kitchen counter. but i wanted us to be able to gaze adoringly into each other's eyes over our plate of macaroni and cheese, so the day our ikea opened, we went and bought a little table and chairs. it was great for a few minutes, until our life swallowed it. and then big-E rolled in and that was the end of even thinking of dining at that table.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3-UdlVcWYN0/UfAbOyj3UHI/AAAAAAAAHdQ/KMyPhJGc2Do/s1600/poodle+skirt+01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3-UdlVcWYN0/UfAbOyj3UHI/AAAAAAAAHdQ/KMyPhJGc2Do/s320/poodle+skirt+01.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">our starter dining set.</td></tr>
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we ate all of our meals on the coffee table, sitting on the couch. we even bought the little guy his own chair, perfectly sized for him to join us at the coffee table. and when people came over, they joined us, on the couch. oy vey.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b6K8pNEhX44/UfAbPLmzinI/AAAAAAAAHdU/WMmxdvEoV40/s1600/poodle+skirt+02.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b6K8pNEhX44/UfAbPLmzinI/AAAAAAAAHdU/WMmxdvEoV40/s320/poodle+skirt+02.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">literally 1950's. no, thank you.</td></tr>
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we have a lot of furniture. a lot. we had a full house of furniture and then a few years ago my grandmother passed away and we acquired more. the arrival of big-E exasperated the problem, but last week, as i was sewing at our "dining" table, i had an epiphany. get rid of all the little bits of unnecessary furniture cluttering up our two rooms and buy one big dining set. oh, and did i mention that we had no money for this? seriously, zero cents.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TsQQLBwfAgE/UfAbQLCYl8I/AAAAAAAAHdk/4B6e_Hj40DY/s1600/poodle+skirt+04.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TsQQLBwfAgE/UfAbQLCYl8I/AAAAAAAAHdk/4B6e_Hj40DY/s320/poodle+skirt+04.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the mister painting the base coat under close supervision.</td></tr>
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enter craigslist. i posted some of our excess furniture for sale and voila! moolah!! we even spontaneously sold our coffee table. exciting, although it was a rash move, because our living area is now devoid of all tables. oops. anyhow, we took our greenbacks and went shopping. we found an old queen anne-ish style dining set. probably built in the 1950's. $50. yes, please. SOLD.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xe9Ug9cXIyg/UfAbRXepeMI/AAAAAAAAHdw/wSAphVNznG8/s1600/poodle+skirt+05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xe9Ug9cXIyg/UfAbRXepeMI/AAAAAAAAHdw/wSAphVNznG8/s400/poodle+skirt+05.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">transformation.</td></tr>
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we bought it. dismantled it. recovered the seats. repaired it. and painted it. now, it is so delectable. and we can all eat together at a proper table. we can even invite friends! and we can teach big-E some proper table manners. happy mama. now i just need a poodle skirt.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tnD-huwAf4A/UfAbRksUyvI/AAAAAAAAHd8/X729QLdTsiA/s1600/poodle+skirt+07.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tnD-huwAf4A/UfAbRksUyvI/AAAAAAAAHd8/X729QLdTsiA/s400/poodle+skirt+07.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">swoon.<br />
(ignore the lack of any other decor. we have a toddler.)</td></tr>
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pickel.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05623536412475826933noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126043787306484886.post-61761886366918522692013-07-13T19:23:00.000-04:002013-07-13T19:47:33.397-04:00embroidered quilt label tutorial.<div style="text-align: justify;">
i believe every quilt should have a label. why? because, by nature, quilts are family treasures that are passed down through the generations. one hundred years from now, the owner of your quilt will be wondering about its history. some folks think there are different ways to make a quilt label, but in my world, there is only <u>one</u> right way. hand embroidered. </div>
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when i made my first quilt, i searched the internet for some clues on how to make a quilt label, but i did not find any information on creating embroidered labels. hence, a few years later, here is my step-by-step guide to making a hand-embroidered quilt label. note: the pictures for this tutorial were taken when i was making a label for a newborn baby's
good wishes quilt - all names have been obscured to protect the
innocent.</div>
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materials:</div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>piece of fabric about 12"x12": you can use fabric from the quilt or a solid color. i like to use unbleached cotton muslin</li>
<li>piece of fusible interfacing that is 1/4" wider and longer than your desired label: if you are planning a 4"x4" label, you need a piece of interfacing that is 4.25"x4.25"</li>
<li>iron </li>
<li>label plan: see step 1.</li>
<li>disappearing ink pen - you can use the washable ink, fine point markers available in sewing stores, or you can use the pilot frixion erasable gel pen (<a href="http://mythreesonsknit.blogspot.com/2012/05/pilot-frixion-pen-sewers-warning.html" target="_blank">fair warning</a>-this one is not made for fabric, but i love it) </li>
<li>hand-sewing needle</li>
<li>embroidery floss/thread</li>
<li>embroidery hoop</li>
<li>scissors</li>
<li>a little piece of cardboard (i used the cardboard from a cheerios box) </li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bNwzZ_EtOWk/UeG_ESUAxII/AAAAAAAAHaA/ZEVIenXR7bI/s1600/quilt+label+01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bNwzZ_EtOWk/UeG_ESUAxII/AAAAAAAAHaA/ZEVIenXR7bI/s320/quilt+label+01.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikzluzXxmMUgHGx7od4J38FnzHJbRqhraODZ36VrCxLlvYnXusK0J81M3M_CCaSk09tZoDc2lPeb0El5GpvkV9sPp7eekcxhHc8tmSpqV_-BrDUQgh3HH_KnwfzlsxR6AE0QurzmXL70U/s1600/quilt+label+02.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikzluzXxmMUgHGx7od4J38FnzHJbRqhraODZ36VrCxLlvYnXusK0J81M3M_CCaSk09tZoDc2lPeb0El5GpvkV9sPp7eekcxhHc8tmSpqV_-BrDUQgh3HH_KnwfzlsxR6AE0QurzmXL70U/s320/quilt+label+02.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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step 1. plan your label. on paper. you can hand write it, but i am a perfectionist, so i create my plan on the computer and print it out. if you choose this
method, be sure to use a simple, easy-to-read, sans serif font. i like
to use handwriting fonts. if you want to add any designs, like chickens with ears, you should include them on your label plan. borders are optional. you can include any information you want, but at the very least, you should put your name and the date you made the quilt. you can also give your quilt a name, or if it is a gift, you can include the name of the recipient and the occasion. the sample below is my standard format for newborn baby quilts.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DB_0SXVudFQ/UeHlVta7H_I/AAAAAAAAHcU/e8gWlBTiUxQ/s1600/sample+label.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1CaEql2O3XA/UeHlYBO9CQI/AAAAAAAAHcc/-5RIwcV3Hak/s1600/sample+label.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1CaEql2O3XA/UeHlYBO9CQI/AAAAAAAAHcc/-5RIwcV3Hak/s320/sample+label.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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step 1. iron the fusible interfacing onto the back of the fabric. it should be in the center of the fabric.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y36FIHs15LU/UeG_E50FzlI/AAAAAAAAHaM/HitqQwKjoxA/s1600/quilt+label+03.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y36FIHs15LU/UeG_E50FzlI/AAAAAAAAHaM/HitqQwKjoxA/s320/quilt+label+03.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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step 2. tape your label plan on your light table. my light table is my sliding glass door. fancy, eh? please ignore the mess that is outside.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dQFAcg7FsH0/UeG_Fl1wpyI/AAAAAAAAHaU/1zsxJDY7gR0/s1600/quilt+label+04.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dQFAcg7FsH0/UeG_Fl1wpyI/AAAAAAAAHaU/1zsxJDY7gR0/s320/quilt+label+04.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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step 3. tape your fabric over the label plan, interfacing side down.
make sure your label is centered directly under the interfacing. <br />
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step 4. use your disappearing ink pen to carefully trace all letters and designs. if you have straight lines to trace, use a ruler. seriously. you can thank me later.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W5SJ9FC6eBY/UeG_H06oMWI/AAAAAAAAHak/6twUhA7HHeM/s1600/quilt+label+06.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W5SJ9FC6eBY/UeG_H06oMWI/AAAAAAAAHak/6twUhA7HHeM/s320/quilt+label+06.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">trace the letters and designs.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq4vl5YF0xq9KM1HLHkel_i3qh6BiHp2uiFRplmeHNvj-sWMaDZkSjbh8GQNeZ88tInBORduJmsokXMbahrto2RYLqrUt2tyHG2lB80GtDKp-as4FgRUY08EcuTnSQRM4BQgabQyudg1U/s1600/quilt+label+07.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq4vl5YF0xq9KM1HLHkel_i3qh6BiHp2uiFRplmeHNvj-sWMaDZkSjbh8GQNeZ88tInBORduJmsokXMbahrto2RYLqrUt2tyHG2lB80GtDKp-as4FgRUY08EcuTnSQRM4BQgabQyudg1U/s320/quilt+label+07.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">use a ruler to trace any straight lines.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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step 5. put your fabric into an embroidery hoop. make sure the fabric is tight.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkkPW8fNx_QiP-n5C_Gw6Naly1zu3i78WjIvfN7wVejDcVdVnu7SGnfNG8P3d8LiXPHwUkss45V5Cb6wSLuGyXukGavJgDNSxXnRwtnK8UrqGyFFJOu40v8mdd7CMiLVVnkqzWBSMs1yg/s1600/quilt+label+08.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkkPW8fNx_QiP-n5C_Gw6Naly1zu3i78WjIvfN7wVejDcVdVnu7SGnfNG8P3d8LiXPHwUkss45V5Cb6wSLuGyXukGavJgDNSxXnRwtnK8UrqGyFFJOu40v8mdd7CMiLVVnkqzWBSMs1yg/s320/quilt+label+08.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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step 6. cut a length of embroidery thread. you want to cut it long enough that you do not have to constantly take new thread, but not so long that it is constantly tripping all over itself. i typically cut about 36". now that you have your chunk of thread, check it out. notice it has 6 strands? great. separate it so you have three sets of 2 strands. find your little chunk of cardboard and cut a little (1/4") slit on each side. wrap two of the 2-strand chunks around the cardboard, securing the ends in the little slits. pick a needle with which you want to sew (make sure the eye is large enough to fit your thread, but not much larger) and thread it with the third strand. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t6S9E2aNFwU/UeG_I380DuI/AAAAAAAAHa8/6Nxy9W3Ol7E/s1600/quilt+label+09.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t6S9E2aNFwU/UeG_I380DuI/AAAAAAAAHa8/6Nxy9W3Ol7E/s320/quilt+label+09.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">6 strands.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zqX1eQz0TEw/UeG_JEHwlvI/AAAAAAAAHbE/bT4CJ4R8Kkg/s1600/quilt+label+10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zqX1eQz0TEw/UeG_JEHwlvI/AAAAAAAAHbE/bT4CJ4R8Kkg/s320/quilt+label+10.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2 strands.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S53A3_3-O5Q/UeG_JsD8mYI/AAAAAAAAHbM/DD5vQ4u4SFg/s1600/quilt+label+11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S53A3_3-O5Q/UeG_JsD8mYI/AAAAAAAAHbM/DD5vQ4u4SFg/s320/quilt+label+11.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1 chunk on the needle and 2 chunks waiting on the cardboard.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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step 7. use a basic back stitch (instructions <a href="http://www.holiday-crafts-and-creations.com/backstitch.html" target="_blank">here</a>) to carefully stitch the letters, designs, and border. use as few stitches as necessary to make each letter. now, i am not saying to be frugal, but also, do not use thirty-seven stitches to make one letter. if your fabric starts to get slack, stretch it over the hoop again. when you stretch the fabric over the hoop, it could make your straight lines look wonky. make sure your stitches follow the line, no matter how wonky. trust me. when you take it out of the hoop, the fabric will no longer be stretched and everything will once again look straight.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU4HmvmxzasV_FjvjHYcAMaO7G00WJ6SR12BwSHATsM_t0rxCjz-ZB_vVVArPgEsqizI8jI541Eu1x1Ds-QBBTyIfGPN0MiP-xRCDCxqafhifgiJN6Pv3LFi3-rm73WYywLjlNXY3mZWw/s1600/quilt+label+12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU4HmvmxzasV_FjvjHYcAMaO7G00WJ6SR12BwSHATsM_t0rxCjz-ZB_vVVArPgEsqizI8jI541Eu1x1Ds-QBBTyIfGPN0MiP-xRCDCxqafhifgiJN6Pv3LFi3-rm73WYywLjlNXY3mZWw/s320/quilt+label+12.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the requisite mid-sew picture.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bnZRXX8kkp4/UeG_K3TXYbI/AAAAAAAAHbY/ebX_IyoX53Y/s1600/quilt+label+13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bnZRXX8kkp4/UeG_K3TXYbI/AAAAAAAAHbY/ebX_IyoX53Y/s320/quilt+label+13.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">wiggly lines, because the fabric is stretched in the hoop.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UZIINKWpNd8/UeG_MCrXOjI/AAAAAAAAHbk/qdNUf7ea07I/s1600/quilt+label+14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UZIINKWpNd8/UeG_MCrXOjI/AAAAAAAAHbk/qdNUf7ea07I/s320/quilt+label+14.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">finished!</td></tr>
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step 8. trim the fabric, leaving about 1/2" around the label. fold the edges to the back and iron. (my apologies, i forgot to take a picture of that step.) finally, sew the label onto the quilt. i attach the label to the back of my quilt, after my quilt is completed. you can also attach it before you make your quilt sandwich; however, if you do this, keep in mind that your quilting stitches will go across the label. i like to use my machine to top stitch around the the edge of the label. yes, the stitches show through on the other side of the quilt. if you do not want the stitches to show through, then you either need to attach the label before making the quilt sandwich, or you can hand stitch it onto the back of the quilt making sure your stitches only go through the first layer of the quilt. congratulations, you have a beautiful handmade quilt label!</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0z_2Hu7OfhE/UeG_MOLtDOI/AAAAAAAAHbo/Pmr7OaEM06s/s1600/quilt+label+15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0z_2Hu7OfhE/UeG_MOLtDOI/AAAAAAAAHbo/Pmr7OaEM06s/s320/quilt+label+15.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the label attached to the back of the quilt. notice all the lines that were wiggly in the hoop are now straight.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GqQvk2Wp9Vc/UeG_MtkzqdI/AAAAAAAAHb0/R-yoqCooOPk/s1600/quilt+label+16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GqQvk2Wp9Vc/UeG_MtkzqdI/AAAAAAAAHb0/R-yoqCooOPk/s320/quilt+label+16.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the quilt folded up and tied with a ribbon. i like to fold it, so that i can fold back the edge to display the label.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />pickel.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05623536412475826933noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126043787306484886.post-32538830072177547732013-06-17T14:09:00.001-04:002013-06-17T19:30:25.335-04:00go waters?<div style="text-align: justify;">
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big-E constantly asks to "go waters." (he made it plural, don't ask me why.) the kid is obsessed with water. obsessed.</div>
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puddle, lake, river, bath, bay, sink, canal, pond, ocean, you name it, the kid wants to see it.<br />
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our favorite place to see water is the state park near our house. we go there everyday, sometimes twice a day. it is not a gigantic park, but it is a small chunk of wild jutting out into the bay. we go to the shoreline where big-E throws rocks in the water, splashes in the water, and talks to the water. i sit on a bench in the shade, throw the rocks big-E occasionally brings me, ooh and aah at his "big splash," and relax. yes, relax. it is the only place on earth where my energetic, active, bundle of boy turns into a calm, stay-in-one-place, happy camper. </div>
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on this big-E and i can agree...our state park is a slice of heaven.</div>
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pickel.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05623536412475826933noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126043787306484886.post-34561428826957620582013-03-18T23:50:00.000-04:002013-03-18T23:53:17.848-04:00dear mr. president, thanks.<div style="text-align: justify;">
thanks for forcing me to cancel my gym membership.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hey, you're welcome.</td></tr>
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it all started at the beginning of the year when my little family of three fell off the fiscal cliff. i know, i know, the government agreed on a plan to avoid that. yup, we all drank the kool-aid and breathed a sigh of relief that our income taxes would not increase.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xAKsx1--VrY/UUfV_M992PI/AAAAAAAAHEE/peE0v1Asnr4/s1600/thanks+prez+03.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xAKsx1--VrY/UUfV_M992PI/AAAAAAAAHEE/peE0v1Asnr4/s320/thanks+prez+03.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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and then we were blindsided by the 2% increase in social security taxes. ouch. and our health insurance costs went up. ugh. and the cost-of-living is redonkulous. boo. bottom. of. the. cliff. i popped open my trusty laptop and created a family budget, but after chopping the luxuries and dropping the necessities down to the bare bones, we were still not in the black. it was time for slash and burn tactics. thus, i cancelled my gym membership. budget success. fitness fail.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM-_WQ6YogLAP-7Vhbv77OONY-f2zbWCZjgEwbo9nzswxZobT5jUyPL-uf_nos60pvwuvWtsfwAOjISXIM_JwwxX-PKp5dB5Tnel8VVb0Es_vwROTtpgrk4W_MP2ebg1n8WFP-4XbfXc0/s1600/thanks+prez+04.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM-_WQ6YogLAP-7Vhbv77OONY-f2zbWCZjgEwbo9nzswxZobT5jUyPL-uf_nos60pvwuvWtsfwAOjISXIM_JwwxX-PKp5dB5Tnel8VVb0Es_vwROTtpgrk4W_MP2ebg1n8WFP-4XbfXc0/s320/thanks+prez+04.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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what?! yes. i cancelled my gym membership. after fourteen months of diligently dragging myself to spin class four days a week, i was suddenly going to be on my own. luckily, i had recently discovered the joy of walking to the state park near our house. i stomped along to my music and big-E watched the world go by. awesome for both of us and four miles round trip. plus, big-E got to run around and explore the park. golden. i got off to a great start. every day i came home from work, changed, packed big-E into the stroller and off we went. </div>
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and then one day, i got a bug up my bum wondering what would happen if i tried to run part of the way. i started slow, alternating between jogging and walking. each day i would jog a little further. and one day i jogged half of the way home. and the next day i jogged all the way home. and then i jogged both ways. and next thing you know, i was jogging 4 miles a day, 6 days a week. pushing a stroller.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y0o28S38Ey4/UUfV_3GA44I/AAAAAAAAHD8/KN1IUtBeZMc/s1600/thanks+prez+06.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y0o28S38Ey4/UUfV_3GA44I/AAAAAAAAHD8/KN1IUtBeZMc/s320/thanks+prez+06.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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what?! yes. this kid, a self-proclaimed NON-RUNNER, suddenly turned into a runner. okay, fine, 15-minute miles probably only qualify me to be called a jogger. same effing difference people!! and i am addicted. fo' reals, yo. i jog four days a week and walk two days a week. since the first of the year, i have jogged/walked 150 miles. mind blowing.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hZ0vn2eqdh4/UUfWAORvSxI/AAAAAAAAHEI/SEEHVrycP3I/s1600/thanks+prez+07.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hZ0vn2eqdh4/UUfWAORvSxI/AAAAAAAAHEI/SEEHVrycP3I/s320/thanks+prez+07.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">mama runs faaast!!</td></tr>
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but wait, there is more. more? yes, more. recently, while en route to the park, just for fun i sped up for the second mile. and after doing this a few times, i clocked it at 10 minutes. a ten-minute mile! in the grand scheme of things, i am aware that i am not exactly burning up the pavement. i am sure i know plenty of people who can run a 10-minute mile going backwards, but seriously y'all, that is by far, the fastest my two feets have carried me since middle school.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LiEfNbAFIyA/UUfZqKMNGZI/AAAAAAAAHE4/OZ2wO0hgx7E/s1600/thanks+prez+08.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LiEfNbAFIyA/UUfZqKMNGZI/AAAAAAAAHE4/OZ2wO0hgx7E/s320/thanks+prez+08.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">go mama!!</td></tr>
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so, mr. president, thanks to you (and the members of congress), i find myself fitter and faster than i have been in over twenty years. and my pants fit better. i have been tightening the belt figuratively and literally. congratulations to me. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U1sslPE4hes/UUfZpom9wpI/AAAAAAAAHE0/yFmMj5hKfyA/s1600/thanks+prez+09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="253" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U1sslPE4hes/UUfZpom9wpI/AAAAAAAAHE0/yFmMj5hKfyA/s320/thanks+prez+09.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hey, you're welcome.</td></tr>
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pickel.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05623536412475826933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126043787306484886.post-54948252941682757972013-02-27T00:28:00.000-05:002013-02-27T09:28:05.080-05:00what gift to get the teacher when an apple simply won't do.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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got school-aged children? then at some point during the year, you will be scratching your head trying to determine the perfect gift for your children's teacher. if this never happens to you, then you are probably part of the reason that the profession is oft considered a "thankless job."</div>
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back to the awesome parent who is stuck in the muddle of trying to show their appreciation. surely you have heard the idiom, "it is the thought that counts." seriously, this is true, so STOP stressing. thank you cards written by you and your child are awesome. if you can afford to do more, of course the teachers will be thrilled, but please do not put yourself into financial stress buying teach a gift. handmade gifts are amazeballs, so capitalize on your creativity. why am i telling you all of this? because i am a teacher. and mrs. nipper knapp asked. and if you google "best gifts for teachers" there are gads of lists that are hogwash, so i am going to put you on the path towards awesome gift-giving. full disclosure, i work in an inner-city school, so gifts are the exception, not the norm. i guess that is why i have a wish list....a girl can dream.</div>
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as you already know, it is a challenge to buy a gift for this person who is sort of a stranger and simultaneously is practically a member of the family. after all, they spend seven or eight hours a day with your child. teaching, mentoring, guiding, soothing, molding, and loving your baby. the best advice i can give is to buy or make something that YOU would like. why's that? well, your child's teacher is just like you and me. we teachers have a life outside of teaching and most likely, we like lots of things that you like. but first, you need to do a little reconnaissance. check out the
teacher's style. focus on accessories, because these are easy to
purchase and affordable. ask your child about their teacher - i think
you would be surprised how observant your kids are...don't forget, most
children looooove their teacher and notice everything about them. and teachers loooooove to talk, so they have probably told their class everything you need to know, i.e. favorite color, hobbies, etc. </div>
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but let us get to the advice part of this post. i am a lass, so these suggestions are focused on female teachers, but of course some ideas can be adapted to men. beyond that i cannot help you with the gents. male teachers are just as mysterious as every other man i know. i have no idea what gifts to give my husband, brother, and dad; i certainly do not know what to get a male teacher. if you have this figured out, please enlighten the rest of us.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">dead. horse.</td></tr>
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first of all, things to avoid.</div>
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<li>kitsch and knick-knacks. there are only so many random bits of teachery nonsense we can fit on our desks, windowsills, and bookshelves.</li>
<li>little plastic organizers with paperclips, push pins, staples, and officey junk. we already have one. or five. </li>
<li>anything with the word "teacher." i.e. world's best teacher mugs, #1 teacher picture frames, etc. </li>
<li>apple and/or bookworm themed gifts. i have no idea why apples are associated with teachers, but seriously, unless it is an electronic apple (see cartoon above), do not beat that dead horse.</li>
<li>classroom supplies. i know, i know, teachers spend lots of money on school supplies and you want to help them out, but dudes, donate supplies to the classroom, do not give them as a GIFT to the teacher. that is like someone giving your baby diapers for YOUR birthday. practical, NOT dreamy. </li>
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the best gifts are thoughtful and personalized. if you can make any of these things yourself, DO IT! if you can get your kids involved, even better.</div>
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<li>accessories. does the teacher wear scarves? get her a <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/tasha-undone-scarf/3388362?origin=category&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=Red&resultback=0" target="_blank">scarf</a>. does she wear little silver earrings/long-beaded necklaces/bracelets/sparkly hair clips? get her <a href="http://jewelry.novica.com/earrings/sterling-silver/sterling-silver-dangle-earrings-ornate-lace/200703" target="_blank">little silver earrings</a>/<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/119617294/long-beaded-necklace?ref=sr_gallery_25&ga_search_query=long+bead+necklace&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_min=10&ga_max=15&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=all" target="_blank">long-beaded necklaces</a>/<a href="http://www.target.com/p/3-row-bracelet-blue-gold/-/A-14379794#?lnk=sc_qi_detailbutton" target="_blank">bracelets</a>/sparkly hair clips. you see where this is going? observe the teacher - everyone wears accessories...what is her niche?</li>
<li>fun and fabulous lunch bags. lunch breaks are short and teachers are not rolling in money, so we tend to bring our lunches. you know that <a href="http://www.target.com/p/wildkin-big-dots-pink-keep-it-cooler-lunch-box/-/A-14142071?reco=Rec|pdp|14142071|ClickCP|item_page.vertical_1&lnk=Rec|pdp|ClickCP|item_page.vertical_1" target="_blank">super cute pink polka-dotted</a> one you saw at the store? yup, teach would love that.</li>
<li>tote bags. teachers cart the world to school every day, so a good strong tote bag is always handy. and if it is <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/104101715/reversible-black-and-white-chevron-tote?ref=sr_gallery_23&ga_search_query=tote+bag&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_min=10&ga_max=20&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=all" target="_blank">cute</a>, well then it might just become the go-to bag.</li>
<li>sturdy and good travel mug. does she have a mug of coffee/tea every day? she probably sips on it throughout
the morning and would love it if her beverage was still warm at 10am.
but chances are, she is not going to splurge to buy herself that awesome
double-insulated mug that will keep her drink warm for hours. </li>
<li>non-traveling mugs. that are cute. would you want the mug in your cupboard? then it could be a winner. avoid messages, cheesy pictures, and jokes. look for <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/home-glassware/073837.jsp" target="_blank">pretty</a>. or <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/home-glassware/26450411.jsp" target="_blank">cute</a>. or <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/home-glassware/073732.jsp" target="_blank">fun</a>. want to get your kid involved? head to one of those places where you paint your own pottery and have your child paint a mug or any other practical item. but please, guide them through this process, especially if they are young. scribbles are cute, but make sure the scribble is not something that only a parent will love. </li>
<li><a href="http://www.target.com/p/threshold-153-black-houndstooth-throw/-/A-14263765#prodSlot=large_1_8" target="_blank">throw blanket</a>. this can be bought, sewn, knit, or crocheted. worried it will not fit with the color scheme of her house? who cares?! we all have throw blankets that have nothing to do with our house decor...does that stop us from using them? nope. live in a warm climate? who cares?! everyone curls up on the couch with a blanket. even in miami. our air conditioners sometimes run a little cold.</li>
<li>beauty supplies. nail polish. body sprays. fragrant lotions. this one requires surveillance. are her nails always painted? get her the good stuff in the latest colors. body sprays and smelly lotion - everyone likes to play with these yummies. avoid makeup, unless you either a) know exactly what she loves and/or b) are super confident that the makeup is something everyone would love and can wear (mrs. n.k., think <a href="http://mymomsanerd.blogspot.com/2009/11/smitten-kitten.html" target="_blank">stila's smitten kitten</a>).</li>
<li>find out her interests. if you are a good investigator, you can probably dig up some dirt. does she like to cook? get her a fun ruffly apron. or those gorgeous melamine mixing bowls you have been ogling. is she a baker? muffin pans. or cookie sheets. is she an artist? new sketchbook and colored pencils.</li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HAxAo9g8Pzo/US2O1mW85ZI/AAAAAAAAHAw/FsU_NzF-QTw/s1600/teachers+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HAxAo9g8Pzo/US2O1mW85ZI/AAAAAAAAHAw/FsU_NzF-QTw/s320/teachers+01.jpg" width="313" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">yum.</td></tr>
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generic gifts for the times when you are just totally stuck.</div>
<ol style="text-align: justify;">
<li>gift card to starbucks. unless the teacher is anti-establishment or does not drink coffee or tea. then you will want to move on to #2.</li>
<li>candy and/or chocolate. teachers are human and just like you, we love to indulge.</li>
<li>flowers. or a potted plant. you could have your kid paint the pot - that would be super fun.</li>
</ol>
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holy banarama, this post is waaaay longer than i intended, but, i love people who want to do something special for their child's teacher and if i can help simplify that process, well then...i will. good luck and happy shopping/creating.</div>
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note: all images are from the internets.</div>
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pickel.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05623536412475826933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126043787306484886.post-14388293419540993782013-02-12T23:02:00.001-05:002013-02-12T23:09:04.754-05:00when all else fails...plan.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqi-2XiQqRftA2616rIIC2aUp7z62nEbP2OaN5L-1L3zszPtTcb7EQBQEnNNCXI5LBk9brZ5Pj4pQNN5sc2cKbULrYzZTpp2rY8bd7ZoYsU0MyI71rB9maw1lz9jk-2i2a0KLIF7L07Tw/s1600/MY+quilt+01.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqi-2XiQqRftA2616rIIC2aUp7z62nEbP2OaN5L-1L3zszPtTcb7EQBQEnNNCXI5LBk9brZ5Pj4pQNN5sc2cKbULrYzZTpp2rY8bd7ZoYsU0MyI71rB9maw1lz9jk-2i2a0KLIF7L07Tw/s320/MY+quilt+01.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">20 piles of color planning.</td></tr>
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i missed the president's state of the union address. oops. total fail. i could watch a recording of the speech, but i think i will opt for getting the NPR recap and reading the relevant new york times articles. my apologies mr. president. it is not that i do not care, it is just that i can barely find time to feed myself, so there is little chance of me having 1.5 hours to listen to and/or watch your speech.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iq92JtwP7Vc/URsMsVUuy6I/AAAAAAAAG2k/0sts9Upd4t8/s1600/MY+quilt+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iq92JtwP7Vc/URsMsVUuy6I/AAAAAAAAG2k/0sts9Upd4t8/s320/MY+quilt+03.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">planning the quilt blocks.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DRxq3t-NgF4/URsMpc67-KI/AAAAAAAAG2c/NgAug1FcWCk/s320/MY+quilt+02.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">yippee.</td></tr>
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the good news is that in the midst of completely and totally forgetting to change the channel to the state of the union, i was busy working on my quilt. making progress people, making progress.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcD1YTby3-ztmEOSJST9zB0AH7TIQJ-n-8EdZ0n4oh2KjFA-vO7Z_N-AhO7REFFGWDvho2ja4V2XWpVaYavkf_c0kut7RPqFcDad_Ed9nOC2CCSCQAqANHYGtBY9T5pcgNBBpjb4PCwws/s1600/MY+quilt+04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcD1YTby3-ztmEOSJST9zB0AH7TIQJ-n-8EdZ0n4oh2KjFA-vO7Z_N-AhO7REFFGWDvho2ja4V2XWpVaYavkf_c0kut7RPqFcDad_Ed9nOC2CCSCQAqANHYGtBY9T5pcgNBBpjb4PCwws/s400/MY+quilt+04.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">skippee.</td></tr>
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this past weekend i dug through all of <a href="http://swimminginbrine.blogspot.com/2009/08/over-moon.html" target="_blank">my scrap and fabric boxes</a> and pulled out bits of every lovely fabric i own. each chunk was meticulously starched, ironed, and then sliced and diced into 2.5" squares. about three <i>hundred</i> squares. yes, you read that correctly. thank goodness for rotary cutters. seriously, i cannot comprehend how people created multiple quilts without these heavenly slicers. just thinking about it is enough to send my brain into a tailspin.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r_dDHpfa788/URsMsknowhI/AAAAAAAAG2o/vis6MRlLcfM/s1600/MY+quilt+05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r_dDHpfa788/URsMsknowhI/AAAAAAAAG2o/vis6MRlLcfM/s320/MY+quilt+05.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">dandy.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uF9paM2f4WI/URsMumJm-6I/AAAAAAAAG3E/0rfbm-zJJUE/s1600/MY+quilt+06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uF9paM2f4WI/URsMumJm-6I/AAAAAAAAG3E/0rfbm-zJJUE/s320/MY+quilt+06.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">eye candy.</td></tr>
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anyhow, after hours of sorting, ironing, and cutting, i had to do some color planning. the result is twenty quilt blocks arranged and readied for sewing. i sewed one just to see how the blocks will look. scrumptious, eh?</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WOdqBgCtyeM/URsMt7GmGeI/AAAAAAAAG28/LLeCteXL6Vw/s1600/MY+quilt+07.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WOdqBgCtyeM/URsMt7GmGeI/AAAAAAAAG28/LLeCteXL6Vw/s320/MY+quilt+07.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the first finished quilt block.</td></tr>
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now i just have to sew 19 more. good golly, miss molly. and just in case the quilt was not enough, i also had to make a birthday present for one of big-E's buddies. i made what i have dubbed a super blankie. suitable for sleeping, picnicking, superhero capes, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EYgaEEDThfY/URsO23jCPsI/AAAAAAAAG3g/XKC89uF2FD8/s1600/MY+quilt+00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="201" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EYgaEEDThfY/URsO23jCPsI/AAAAAAAAG3g/XKC89uF2FD8/s400/MY+quilt+00.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">super blankie.</td></tr>
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pickel.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05623536412475826933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126043787306484886.post-79338814654589874922013-02-06T23:08:00.000-05:002013-02-06T23:08:28.864-05:00scrap me silly.<div style="text-align: justify;">
oh my, where does the time go? the looooong pauses between posts are unintentional, but it seems that they are here to stay. luckily for all of us, <a href="http://myyearstartedtuesdaynight.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">keri</a> is determined that this is not the year our blogs will die, so here we are. so happy together.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM9Nepz6HDZSlwWgbNirnyVbEgbf1R4vBncNc4sZOvoA4h1C9Tx7hV0i2u8ncsQdCUF3x2hvkz9YzwsbZ_AcumeMhG7LpWyHaXUb8fFHbHD49_kOdu3QpUgsyr5JguE-ie4S2VdPTX3D4/s1600/scrap+quilt+06.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM9Nepz6HDZSlwWgbNirnyVbEgbf1R4vBncNc4sZOvoA4h1C9Tx7hV0i2u8ncsQdCUF3x2hvkz9YzwsbZ_AcumeMhG7LpWyHaXUb8fFHbHD49_kOdu3QpUgsyr5JguE-ie4S2VdPTX3D4/s320/scrap+quilt+06.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this little fella sucks up all of my time.</td></tr>
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the days are all running together, so it seems like just yesterday that <a href="http://mymomsanerd.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">mrs. nipper knapp</a> and i decided that we should make quilts for ourselves. just for fun. just because we are awesome. just because. yup, that is it. we have no other reason. but considering that my scrap box is now three boxes, yes three, it seemed like a good idea. of course i do not undertake projects like this without a plan, so i started pondering what pattern i would use. i wandered through internet land. lots of scrap quilts. and then i jumped onto pinterest. whoa nelly, loads of scrappy quilts. and now i am completely overwhelmed. while i have dithered back and forth between patterns, the missus n.p. has been sewing and sewing and sewing. and trying her hardest to get me motivated to jump in while the quilting is warm.</div>
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the problem, of course, is that i have about as much time for sewing as i do for everything else. ummm, none. oh and my sewing machine lives in the bedroom. where big-E sleeps. but, i dragged my machine into the living room and mrs. n.p. gave me another kick in the pants and now i am seriously determined to start before the end of this week. so i picked a pattern. i think. oh my god, there are sooo many. and they are so lovely. and i want to make them all. but i think i have made my decision. final answer? yes. i think. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ds9PcM-0mTA/URMfLjC5yFI/AAAAAAAAG0M/R4LXKjZA4ik/s1600/scrap+quilt+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ds9PcM-0mTA/URMfLjC5yFI/AAAAAAAAG0M/R4LXKjZA4ik/s320/scrap+quilt+02.jpg" width="269" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">granny squares from <a href="http://blueelephantstitches.blogspot.ca/2012/01/granny-square-quilt-block-tutorial.html" target="_blank">blue elephant stitches</a>.</td></tr>
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i am ridiculously enamored of quilts that have bits of color in a sea of white. this pattern definitely fits that bill. but then i started thinking that it is not going to relieve me of my humongous stack of scraps. plus, i am still struggling to settle on just one pattern. sooooo... i am going to make a double-sided quilt. i mean, why not? it is a quilt for me. so i can do whatever i want. might as well make it so complicated that i can work on it until big-E is twenty-three. wheeeeeeeee!! </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BNv-q7PuCLU/URMlQAeGi6I/AAAAAAAAG0k/B2BPy8I0cCc/s1600/scrap+quilt+05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BNv-q7PuCLU/URMlQAeGi6I/AAAAAAAAG0k/B2BPy8I0cCc/s320/scrap+quilt+05.jpg" width="249" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">string quilt by <a href="http://themodernquiltguild.com/2012/04/05/100-days-week-of-quilting-featured-quilt-4/" target="_blank">leesa</a>. oooh la la.</td></tr>
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the back (or is it the front) will be a string quilt, which is sort of a patternless pattern. delectable. so with no further ado, here goes nothing. uhh, i mean, here goes the quilting.</div>
<br />pickel.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05623536412475826933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126043787306484886.post-35756353666583724362012-11-14T23:01:00.000-05:002012-11-14T23:07:16.041-05:00scraptastic.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GjiH24qWwQo/UKRlWXmuvRI/AAAAAAAAGh8/Y984uci0UMM/s1600/ART+-+scrap+paper+03.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GjiH24qWwQo/UKRlWXmuvRI/AAAAAAAAGh8/Y984uci0UMM/s400/ART+-+scrap+paper+03.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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i think it is safe to say that i am fanatical about organization. and i adore efficiency. when it comes to organization and efficiency, my art classroom is a work of art. it is also a work in progress. since day one, the scrap paper boxes have been one of the most vexing corners of my room. i try to save as much paper as possible, for use in future projects, but storing it is a constant struggle.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-je4nFvICci4/UKRlVHI4iDI/AAAAAAAAGh0/vEl3RPr8d8Q/s1600/ART+-+scrap+paper+02.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="255" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-je4nFvICci4/UKRlVHI4iDI/AAAAAAAAGh0/vEl3RPr8d8Q/s400/ART+-+scrap+paper+02.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">before. blech.</td></tr>
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a lot of projects require semi-specific sizes of paper, so i thought it would be perfect to categorize the scraps by size. but then reality hit. do i put the smallish large scrap in the medium or large bin? what about the large small piece? oy yoy yoy.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hNcZYTKlwYk/UKRlTgnFeUI/AAAAAAAAGhs/6bLJ6fun6Cs/s1600/ART+-+scrap+paper+01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hNcZYTKlwYk/UKRlTgnFeUI/AAAAAAAAGhs/6bLJ6fun6Cs/s400/ART+-+scrap+paper+01.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">glum. glum. glum.</td></tr>
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and then i saw this.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmeazPyZZKL7J-uJoM79yjfwiC6qBUhYGT9k1HO2DtzxJKq37pRAvFEhwuplAWAq9UzFP07QmAEmt6NpQvCPIlDrM0QN2yU7VKP15uP02RFm8vvZyHBrTdZyEIdy8cn2wleorzASlmv28/s1600/ART+-+scrap+paper+08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmeazPyZZKL7J-uJoM79yjfwiC6qBUhYGT9k1HO2DtzxJKq37pRAvFEhwuplAWAq9UzFP07QmAEmt6NpQvCPIlDrM0QN2yU7VKP15uP02RFm8vvZyHBrTdZyEIdy8cn2wleorzASlmv28/s400/ART+-+scrap+paper+08.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://orangebeautiful.com/blog/post.php?post_id=1482" target="_blank">ms. naples' scrap boxes. (picture from orange beautiful blog.)</a></td></tr>
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oh my mama llama. after i picked myself up off the floor i got straight to work sorting. and sorting. and sorting. i scrounged up some extra boxes, made a label for each color, and dropped the paper into the new boxes. and then i fainted. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n9K1saAs32A/UKRlXZFj_XI/AAAAAAAAGiE/V92n-nGYC-8/s1600/ART+-+scrap+paper+04.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n9K1saAs32A/UKRlXZFj_XI/AAAAAAAAGiE/V92n-nGYC-8/s400/ART+-+scrap+paper+04.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">gloriousness.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ApW6TQ7lJgs/UKRlYefu5-I/AAAAAAAAGiM/PI9C3VQ3uEo/s1600/ART+-+scrap+paper+05.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="145" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ApW6TQ7lJgs/UKRlYefu5-I/AAAAAAAAGiM/PI9C3VQ3uEo/s400/ART+-+scrap+paper+05.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">victory.</td></tr>
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<br />
the corner still seemed a bit blah, so i figured i should follow the lead of my inspiration, ms. naples, and make a sign. i am not usually one to toot my own horn, but seriously people, this sign? it is awesomeness. for reals.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RF87fLGQtsk/UKRlZng2xUI/AAAAAAAAGiU/oX4gMtbvjKc/s1600/ART+-+scrap+paper+06.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RF87fLGQtsk/UKRlZng2xUI/AAAAAAAAGiU/oX4gMtbvjKc/s400/ART+-+scrap+paper+06.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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love. bring on the scraps.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqHrf1AtgJnJjGFBOBvNBisUG4iTnTDUISB2w7LUq9tZpx5wABDxYYKUbkIrrg8JwPji1ERYcDraXRwe-XW2z8Dcnl7_JPmiviVSYICijeFTpHZdnDF7w1oGFUyyeMRab3rY0ezkgGhQA/s1600/ART+-+scrap+paper+07.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqHrf1AtgJnJjGFBOBvNBisUG4iTnTDUISB2w7LUq9tZpx5wABDxYYKUbkIrrg8JwPji1ERYcDraXRwe-XW2z8Dcnl7_JPmiviVSYICijeFTpHZdnDF7w1oGFUyyeMRab3rY0ezkgGhQA/s400/ART+-+scrap+paper+07.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">can i get a hallelujah?</td></tr>
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pickel.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05623536412475826933noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126043787306484886.post-2325957460117368492012-10-08T23:55:00.000-04:002012-10-08T23:55:12.213-04:00my girl tess.<div style="text-align: justify;">
for the last 5 years, our oven has gone on vacation for about three weeks every august. seriously. sometime in the beginning of august it would post an error message and refuse to operate for about three weeks. and then just as suddenly, it would start working again. annoying, but we just chuckled and waited it out. about two years ago, the broiler went on permanent vacation. last year the broiler was joined by the large burner. and then came the new year. apparently the arrival of 2012 was the last straw for the oven. for six months we were at its mercy. sometimes it would work, sometimes it would not. we never knew. in june it gave up. threw in the towel. so yes, we have been living for three solid months with no oven. no baking. none. sad. and to add insult to injury, the oven could not just sit idle. nope, it had to beep. hysterically, constantly, unpredictably, and psychotically, all day and all night. </div>
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this past weekend we realized we could not put this off any longer. the old girl had to leave. we went on a "quick" let's-just-check-out-the-options browsing expedition. you know where this is going right? exactly. we found the perfect oven. way more oven than we could afford at a super duper clearance price that fit our budget. we visited a couple other stores, but ended up back where we started. so, despite having no intention of purchasing an oven, we did. six hours after we began our perusing adventure, we bought an oven. i was giddy.</div>
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never ever in my imagination would i have expected to feel such a wonderful thrill after buying something as rudimentary as a kitchen appliance. but there you have it. i think i am officially domesticated. </div>
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here she is, our new girl. her name is tess. ain't she purty? </div>
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she is a lady, so she has her heating coil tucked away somewhere, out of sight and out of range of drippings. dreamy.</div>
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she was eager to start baking, so we made some bread pudding. yummy.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yIVNPpmdGRw/UHOelQOBN3I/AAAAAAAAGWE/WclzOPPi-_s/s1600/tess+03.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yIVNPpmdGRw/UHOelQOBN3I/AAAAAAAAGWE/WclzOPPi-_s/s320/tess+03.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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welcome to the family, tess!!</div>
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<br />pickel.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05623536412475826933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126043787306484886.post-35588428441871491112012-09-25T22:55:00.000-04:002012-09-25T22:57:53.449-04:00día de los muertos.<div style="text-align: justify;">
day of the dead. paint. sugar skulls. art. eleven year-olds. glitter. awesomeness.</div>
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for the record, i had nothing to do with the yellow paper and blue borders. standard issue school decor. my classroom is waaaay cooler.</div>
pickel.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05623536412475826933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126043787306484886.post-4118410710619345292012-09-16T20:52:00.001-04:002012-09-16T21:50:51.305-04:00that hat.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">big-E.</td></tr>
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once again, it has been forever since my last post. ever since big-E (the baby formerly known as pringle) stopped sleeping 22 hours a day and then became mobile, i never seem to have time to sit down to breathe, let alone keep up with my blog. plus, in the last year, my world has completely shifted. i am now an art teacher and mama to a toddler. not sure what direction that will take my blog, but i am rather certain there will be a lot more posting about children and art.</div>
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nothing earth-shattering to share today, i just decided it was high time to stop the blog silence. and i simply have to tell you about my latest sewing project. YES, sewing! it does still happen on a rare occasion. i have a gadzillion projects piled up on my sewing table and i finally determined it was time to tackle the mountain. first up, a hat for big-E. we have misplaced his adorable sun hat and life in florida demands that the kiddo have a sunhat. we cant wait until we unearth the old one and i refuse to pay the big bucks required to procure a cute hate, so i made a new one. </div>
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i found this fabulous <a href="http://oliverands.com/free-patterns/reversible-bucket-hat/" target="_blank">tutorial by oliver+S</a>. dug up some lovely plaid material and set to work. first thing, i affirmed that my kid has a giant head. he needs a medium, which is sized for 3-5 year olds. right. i had to add a chin strap, because despite the size of his noggin, the kid is too young for reasoning and simply wont listen to me when i tell him to stop yanking off his hat. i also refused to hand sew the last step, so i machine stitched it. worked like a charm. end result is a totally fantastic hat. and i can definitively recommend this pattern & tutorial. total awesomeness.</div>
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pickel.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05623536412475826933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126043787306484886.post-30403687113932740292012-06-22T15:07:00.001-04:002012-06-22T15:17:29.988-04:00the big ONE.<div style="text-align: justify;">
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hard to believe, but little pringle is one year old. it has been a crazy wonderful year. and of course the big question was, to have a party or not? we all know he ain't going to remember any of it, nor will he understand what is happening, but we will. so we had a party. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the beginnings of a banner</td></tr>
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we wanted to keep it small and simple, but i am me and simple is NOT in my dna. simple design, yes. simple projects, nope. my brain went into overdrive figuring out exactly how to transform our building's blah blah blah community room into the perfect spot for a first birthday party. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the community room. oy vey.</td></tr>
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i painted some lovely banners, the mister created gads and gads of strings with colorful squares, we sewed some monster party favors, and we made paper stars and paper chains. we happily, the end result was dreamy.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the mister and his helper making wall coverings.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the food corner.</td></tr>
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and then there was the cake. naturally i consulted the internet, but what i found was ridiculously intimidating. there are some seriously overachieving parents out there!!! i am not, nor have i ever been, known for my baking, so trying to make a dump truck sculpture with cake was definitely beyond my skill level. but i still wanted it to be special. i had it in my head that i would make the entire thing from scratch...cake AND frosting. of course, my kitchen is not equipped with any type of electrified mixer and apparently these gadgets make the process a whole lot easier. right. oh well. i decided to make a "trial" cake for our little family-of-three celebration that we had on the little guy's actual birthday. the cake was bright green. delicious, but seriously crumbly. the frosting took three tries. the final version was chocolately goodness, but hard. of course, pringle was delighted with the result. in fact, he got upset when we took it away. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--AZ-ubblKfY/T-P6by1snEI/AAAAAAAAFx0/rbSy-IqX3j8/s1600/00+family+bday+0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="368" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--AZ-ubblKfY/T-P6by1snEI/AAAAAAAAFx0/rbSy-IqX3j8/s400/00+family+bday+0.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">numero uno.</td></tr>
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even though it was yummy, the mister and i decided that the cake for the party needed some improvements. enter betty crocker. in the end i made a four-layer cake, with blue and green layers. and white frosting with orange decorations. the design was simple, simple, simple, and it turned out sooooooooooooo pretty. so so pretty. i kept opening the fridge to look at it, because i was so surprised that it turned out so glorious. and the taste..well, betty crocker did a fabulous job, so the cake was scrumptious. and did i mention it was pretty? it was.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dOOSeNDJxIs/T-P6mpSBwJI/AAAAAAAAFy4/GdBF28ExjoE/s1600/05+cake+0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dOOSeNDJxIs/T-P6mpSBwJI/AAAAAAAAFy4/GdBF28ExjoE/s400/05+cake+0.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">i adore this cake. it makes me giddy.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SUs2Mn2pK60/T-P6o5QqGAI/AAAAAAAAFzE/pjvNC-UE6SQ/s1600/06+eating+cake+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SUs2Mn2pK60/T-P6o5QqGAI/AAAAAAAAFzE/pjvNC-UE6SQ/s400/06+eating+cake+1.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">staring down the cake.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PiB9jAEZ2Hk/T-P6rkiVJAI/AAAAAAAAFzU/Jrg3Vo2pUL0/s1600/08+party+favors+0.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PiB9jAEZ2Hk/T-P6rkiVJAI/AAAAAAAAFzU/Jrg3Vo2pUL0/s400/08+party+favors+0.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">monster party favors!!
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all in all, it was a delightful party. and pringle had super much fun.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2zjEQEpKpWKYL3ADLEeB08yknyT3VNTViWvMeBL7S7DaJePDTQerHMVRWkmRNQVEiOAkHKZtslxbp35MMx8tBrwCA9_8ej3k4Hs4OgDRG-VI0nXRxjoBEvtpDB2yV5sIS-rnppdXOTiU/s1600/07+FUN+.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2zjEQEpKpWKYL3ADLEeB08yknyT3VNTViWvMeBL7S7DaJePDTQerHMVRWkmRNQVEiOAkHKZtslxbp35MMx8tBrwCA9_8ej3k4Hs4OgDRG-VI0nXRxjoBEvtpDB2yV5sIS-rnppdXOTiU/s320/07+FUN+.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the birthday boy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>pickel.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05623536412475826933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126043787306484886.post-67550756120647631962012-04-20T20:54:00.000-04:002012-04-20T20:54:29.920-04:00art. not the garfunkel kind.<div style="text-align: justify;">
okay, i know i am a little gung-ho with the student artwork these days, but i cannot help it. i adore kids art AND i love my job. yes, i said it again. i love my job. for reals people. for five years, i worked my tuches to the bone, slogging through reading, 'riting, and 'rithmetic, so let me bask in this joy for a few months. fear not, i have no intention of turning this blog into a parade of all of my students' projects, but there will definitely be some glimpses into the amazingness that is elementary school art. </div>
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abstract faces. inspired by <a href="http://www.globalgallery.com/enlarge/21294/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">paul klee's "senecio."</a></div>
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one black dot. (incorporate a black dot into a drawing of your choice.)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT7Y35tsRXCefmE3fnZlEctBMQviJqpLj9Bp5Xx2K91jif5G2dgxMpMJdLtQy41tZCXGAzrRU5mXlxdpKMY8zHAeVfVzZOYutoQwPdgu4pn97CF3eyNgd1k8MZR_aV5_eiKMeBIsuo7u8/s1600/art+-+black+dot+01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT7Y35tsRXCefmE3fnZlEctBMQviJqpLj9Bp5Xx2K91jif5G2dgxMpMJdLtQy41tZCXGAzrRU5mXlxdpKMY8zHAeVfVzZOYutoQwPdgu4pn97CF3eyNgd1k8MZR_aV5_eiKMeBIsuo7u8/s320/art+-+black+dot+01.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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concentric circles. inspired by <a href="http://www.globalgallery.com/enlarge/12106/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">wassily kandinsky's "farbstudie quadrate."</a></div>
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quilts.</div>
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self-portrait collage quilt. inspired by <a href="http://www.faithringgold.com/ringgold/d06.htm" target="_blank">faith ringgold's "tar beach."</a> </div>
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<a href="http://www.faithringgold.com/ringgold/d06.htm" target="_blank"></a></div>pickel.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05623536412475826933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126043787306484886.post-73254300216653710632012-04-18T00:00:00.000-04:002012-04-20T20:51:41.176-04:00fauve fauve fauve.<div style="text-align: justify;">
when selecting projects to do with my students, i have been avoiding painting. why? because the reality of painting with large groups of young children and limited time is daunting. but a few weeks ago, i braved the craziness and took out the watercolors. love. the kids behaved. love. the cleanup was easy. love. the pictures turned out awesome. love.<br />
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we made fauve portraits. [fauve: characterized by the use of bright colors and simplified forms.]<br />
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seriously people, i love my job.</div>
</div>pickel.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05623536412475826933noreply@blogger.com0Miami, FL, USA25.7889689 -80.226439325.6745919 -80.384367799999993 25.9033459 -80.0685108tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126043787306484886.post-5437602718160227152012-04-01T20:35:00.003-04:002012-04-01T20:51:23.249-04:00mr. lorenzo, if you please.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nTO5cXT1xEk/T3jtCDk20mI/AAAAAAAAFXw/biX-yck8j-A/s1600/lorenzos_06.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nTO5cXT1xEk/T3jtCDk20mI/AAAAAAAAFXw/biX-yck8j-A/s320/lorenzos_06.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">sometime in january, i was driving down the road with my boys and i saw a billboard for the yellow green farmers market. i convinced the mister that our life is not complete without a weekly visit to a farmers market, so the following saturday we checked out the place. i tried hard to see this place as the market of my dreams, but reality won...it is a flea market with a few farmers and a pretty name. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">fresh herbs. would you like conventional or organic? exactly.</td></tr>
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;">now i have always dreamed of living in a small town - you know, the kind with a main street actually named "main street", home to a butcher, a baker, and a candlestick maker, where everybody knows my name - so, no surprise that i was itching to include a farmer's market in my weekly grocery shop.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">maybe it is the palm tree, but this picture disguises the dinginess of the building.</td></tr>
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;">enter lorenzo's farmers market. a squalid peach-colored building next to the railroad tracks. not exactly the open-air stalls of beautifully laid out produce from my dreams, but i am willing to sacrifice decor for the amazingness that is lorenzo's. a time warp that takes you back thirty years to the days before computerized inventory. here the prices are hand-written on signs and the cashiers have them all memorized to type them into the register. want to change a price? walk to the front of the store and tell the cashiers the new price. wow.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">baskets and baskets of deliciousness.</td></tr>
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;">on one side of the parking lot is lorenzo's farmers market. a tiny market bursting with every fruit and vegetable you can imagine and some you cannot. i have found things in that place that i have never heard of and it seems that every trip, there is something new at which to look. golden beets? check. fresh bay leaves? check. fresh garbanzo beans? check. black radishes? check. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dvNFk6xVkpY/T3jtJfZDSmI/AAAAAAAAFYI/GoLa297xMeM/s1600/lorenzos_16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dvNFk6xVkpY/T3jtJfZDSmI/AAAAAAAAFYI/GoLa297xMeM/s320/lorenzos_16.JPG" width="194" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">love.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">and the prices. oh my god, the prices. 99¢ for a pint of grape tomatoes?!? what? 79¢ for an avocado? who are these people? $1.19 for a bag of basil? puh-lease. last saturday i walked out with my three reusable grocery bags bursting at the seams, for a mere $23. heaven. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-usuJGDnAfDI/T3jtAPnZRuI/AAAAAAAAFXo/3Ladt2k68-s/s1600/lorenzos_05.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="189" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-usuJGDnAfDI/T3jtAPnZRuI/AAAAAAAAFXo/3Ladt2k68-s/s320/lorenzos_05.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">such an unassuming little place.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">across the parking lot is the big daddy market, lorenzo's italian market and restaurant. looks like a whole lot of nothing from the outside. inside it is dreamy. upon entering, the first thing to greet you are two cases of homemade pasta. yum.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d_u9X7x6Jw8/T3js-wxZYeI/AAAAAAAAFXg/Whzm7dibfo0/s1600/lorenzos_04.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="201" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d_u9X7x6Jw8/T3js-wxZYeI/AAAAAAAAFXg/Whzm7dibfo0/s320/lorenzos_04.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">fresh, hand-made pasta. oooh la la.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">wander around the little store and you will find a restaurant/café alongside several aisles of groceries. wrapped around this is the bakery, deli, butcher, and seafood counter. that is right kids, i found the little market from main street, usa, plopped in the middle of bustling miami. amazeballs.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-27vrn5svzKM/T3js5p5U6dI/AAAAAAAAFXI/vX7Cnqb_1PE/s1600/lorenzos_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-27vrn5svzKM/T3js5p5U6dI/AAAAAAAAFXI/vX7Cnqb_1PE/s320/lorenzos_01.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">an aisle devoted to pasta. both sides. dreamy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">and like its little farmers market cousin, it is bursting at the seams with yummy goodness. lots of things i know and a whole lotta craziness of which i had heard, but had never seen and certainly would not know where to buy. 20 pound bags of couscous? check. grape leaves? which brand would you like? pasta? there is an entire aisle!!! tomatoes in every form you can imagine? got it. cardamom pods you could not find anywhere else? check. and while the prices at the italian market are not jaw-droppingly low, they are no higher than the regular grocery store. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mLwG0qxPxeg/T3js9egJrQI/AAAAAAAAFXU/HhpRSiw-M8o/s1600/lorenzos_03.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mLwG0qxPxeg/T3js9egJrQI/AAAAAAAAFXU/HhpRSiw-M8o/s320/lorenzos_03.JPG" width="178" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">grape leaves, if you please.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f6TjleO7eeA/T3js7ig7pBI/AAAAAAAAFXQ/AWNdI91Ai2E/s1600/lorenzos_02.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f6TjleO7eeA/T3js7ig7pBI/AAAAAAAAFXQ/AWNdI91Ai2E/s320/lorenzos_02.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">whoa, olive oil. no joke, somewhere in that collection is a $58 bottle.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">it only took me five and a half years of yearning for a farmers market, to discover that all this time, the little shop of my dreams has been 0.8 miles from my house.<br />
<br />
p.s. yes, i plan to blatantly ignore the fact that we missed the entire month of march. details. </div>pickel.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05623536412475826933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126043787306484886.post-22025795445546909422012-02-12T23:26:00.000-05:002012-02-12T23:26:54.968-05:00wonky windows #25.<div style="text-align: justify;">this installment of wonky windows is brought to you by paper. as an art teacher, paper is essential. unfortunately, i took over a classroom with a shockingly limited supply of paper, but i was so delighted to be teaching art that i was not about to be fazed by a little thing like no paper. and then a colleague suggested i cross my fingers and submit an order to the principal. lo and behold, my principal approved it and the order was promptly placed. so a couple of weeks ago a stack of boxes appeared in my classroom. super exciting. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-09jytKw-hcM/TyjCO3Cs62I/AAAAAAAAFDk/j6barN9_4yY/s1600/WW_art+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-09jytKw-hcM/TyjCO3Cs62I/AAAAAAAAFDk/j6barN9_4yY/s320/WW_art+2.JPG" width="188" /></a></div>what is behind curtain number one?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmPQ_rDFsi3k_o9v8F4RNVkwLZe6NAv8HtASyoMOESljIiAIidJzLx3NIllH44hPRIRspmwz1eI_w4xIKMq4z0wCgncQOcB3sHZAuAOxWhKsK0R0EjtQMimRM1Q6IvpiPnpZrTz88Nu40/s1600/WW_art+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmPQ_rDFsi3k_o9v8F4RNVkwLZe6NAv8HtASyoMOESljIiAIidJzLx3NIllH44hPRIRspmwz1eI_w4xIKMq4z0wCgncQOcB3sHZAuAOxWhKsK0R0EjtQMimRM1Q6IvpiPnpZrTz88Nu40/s320/WW_art+4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-igBOdAP0H7U/TyjCQ2OT4gI/AAAAAAAAFD8/ja66ZktIYhs/s1600/WW_art+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-igBOdAP0H7U/TyjCQ2OT4gI/AAAAAAAAFD8/ja66ZktIYhs/s320/WW_art+5.JPG" width="254" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiknZSIpZQdxk3wWJxvemEAEZXoWSXMCo9MH8SIv85Y_WYjo3X2zJZJQcaSwh2UihIVL2st7fYi6Tpq6JNwHPhjlpqa6-0ZY4K-TNVL7pjstn-j7QvJQT57kleku2FyiVSpGmGlMBY1dHQ/s1600/WW_art+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiknZSIpZQdxk3wWJxvemEAEZXoWSXMCo9MH8SIv85Y_WYjo3X2zJZJQcaSwh2UihIVL2st7fYi6Tpq6JNwHPhjlpqa6-0ZY4K-TNVL7pjstn-j7QvJQT57kleku2FyiVSpGmGlMBY1dHQ/s400/WW_art+1.JPG" width="242" /></a></div>paaaaaaaaaaaaper!! this sight makes my heart go pitter patter.pickel.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05623536412475826933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126043787306484886.post-78390153953297176702012-02-02T20:47:00.000-05:002012-02-02T20:47:12.145-05:00wonky windows #24.these are my travel windows...a few tidbits that made me giggle during our christmas trip to los angeles.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w_yjmtp03QE/Tyi2bziGhbI/AAAAAAAAFC8/74CO2_BxPug/s1600/WW_travel+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w_yjmtp03QE/Tyi2bziGhbI/AAAAAAAAFC8/74CO2_BxPug/s320/WW_travel+1.JPG" width="264" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">pringle on the plane. checking out the view from 35,000 feet. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfMLmnKBb-Jz7N7E00_GXA9YwpvBlF4uEK-xvNH51wQxU61O0eIlv4DXwLQr39BCCQ03GyDVJuBhqW0zgaFld9QE-ljbdupswMAwXly7YZlCV_L1jvn3ua2ABqM64wr4sabP0wRtkdaEs/s1600/WW_travel+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfMLmnKBb-Jz7N7E00_GXA9YwpvBlF4uEK-xvNH51wQxU61O0eIlv4DXwLQr39BCCQ03GyDVJuBhqW0zgaFld9QE-ljbdupswMAwXly7YZlCV_L1jvn3ua2ABqM64wr4sabP0wRtkdaEs/s320/WW_travel+2.JPG" width="268" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">have you ever looked closely at the lock on a public bathroom stall? me neither. or maybe i have and there was never anything to see. either way, when i saw the logo on this lock, it made me giggle. hiny hiders!! and check out the logo's picture...soo awesome.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4F9XQVjzRo-Mg53WTISxW9A4yVhqIQqdm2Qg-oK_9r-SeTC575Gtr1oLCkHnsbQyBaWU06vPEGXazuORD4ITR4QuClLrSJxCGIVx1rMjAHM715iizED4tziMRbFmpPtZ2QSNTQ3sxzmo/s1600/WW_travel+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4F9XQVjzRo-Mg53WTISxW9A4yVhqIQqdm2Qg-oK_9r-SeTC575Gtr1oLCkHnsbQyBaWU06vPEGXazuORD4ITR4QuClLrSJxCGIVx1rMjAHM715iizED4tziMRbFmpPtZ2QSNTQ3sxzmo/s320/WW_travel+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">upon returning to fort lauderdale, we saw this dude sitting in a room. whatevs. but then i started feeling a little creepy. we looked a little closer...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwxG7b2Ds5oxJ3BbwE2nuhmOPS_lOqtObdYWhyhUATX38SC53LNnoUcTAfphca6j_kb2vQgg1TYZD_8MJj3520p08SEkDZwb5HKuyjjVGL1t1RpLjJgcIMxdiFd7sHtDFONfjBGBmx0_U/s1600/WW_travel+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwxG7b2Ds5oxJ3BbwE2nuhmOPS_lOqtObdYWhyhUATX38SC53LNnoUcTAfphca6j_kb2vQgg1TYZD_8MJj3520p08SEkDZwb5HKuyjjVGL1t1RpLjJgcIMxdiFd7sHtDFONfjBGBmx0_U/s320/WW_travel+5.JPG" width="192" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">he is made of wax. art installation. right then. welcome back to florida.</div>pickel.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05623536412475826933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126043787306484886.post-72494691384660342882012-01-30T22:09:00.006-05:002012-01-30T22:14:18.252-05:00wonky windows #23.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">never a dull moment in miami. here are some windows into my day-to-day encounters with my city.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNgb6sWkA9rJvEQz_7T65c1y8q1lGlKpq5PyyENzyPipXCFWGEq3sgMTXAoK4QWEWlygEQ8P3OR6V4VCOAGu499-q9GCnKhHhpEZfTz8v3nmS026xU7usMijmE7t1C0ChugWgm7cr1rYQ/s1600/WW_miami+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNgb6sWkA9rJvEQz_7T65c1y8q1lGlKpq5PyyENzyPipXCFWGEq3sgMTXAoK4QWEWlygEQ8P3OR6V4VCOAGu499-q9GCnKhHhpEZfTz8v3nmS026xU7usMijmE7t1C0ChugWgm7cr1rYQ/s320/WW_miami+2.JPG" width="158" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">i was in line behind this lady and i was kind of mesmerized. and that's all i am going to say about that.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OCUegyaqDRs/TydYKKZePKI/AAAAAAAAFC0/4iSZTgoyJ98/s1600/WW_miami+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OCUegyaqDRs/TydYKKZePKI/AAAAAAAAFC0/4iSZTgoyJ98/s320/WW_miami+3.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">i see this bumper sticker semi-regularly. no comprende. i mean if you want to share with the world that you love and/or hate jesus, that is fine by me. but to be honest, with this bumper sticker, i am not sure whose side you are on.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EnhveRzT7H8/TydYIRsiVPI/AAAAAAAAFCk/eK8kMMSV58s/s1600/WW_miami+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EnhveRzT7H8/TydYIRsiVPI/AAAAAAAAFCk/eK8kMMSV58s/s400/WW_miami+1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span id="goog_255552942"></span>a little old lady, who needs a walker, jaywalking across a six lane road. during rush hour. the epitome of a florida grandma.pickel.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05623536412475826933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126043787306484886.post-38105239310112489562012-01-29T23:12:00.002-05:002012-01-29T23:14:09.745-05:00wonky windows #22.a window into my working world.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UIyxZ3d87WE/TyYU28h7aJI/AAAAAAAAFCU/SPS5ztGO_7o/s1600/WW_22_artwork+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UIyxZ3d87WE/TyYU28h7aJI/AAAAAAAAFCU/SPS5ztGO_7o/s400/WW_22_artwork+5.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">cut paper faces. this was the second project i did as an art teacher. i gave every student the same materials and then sat back and watched their personalities emerge.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--ASbb5beWwk/TyYU1ENoiqI/AAAAAAAAFCE/cNzbZH1KhZo/s1600/WW_22_artwork+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--ASbb5beWwk/TyYU1ENoiqI/AAAAAAAAFCE/cNzbZH1KhZo/s400/WW_22_artwork+3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">as the sign says, these are collages. magazines, novels, textbooks, wallpaper, construction paper, glue, and scissors... a lot of the students did not grasp the concept, but these students took to it like ducks in water.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l9SWCLeUP2A/TyYU0BPYsEI/AAAAAAAAFB8/79pKEIJt3pA/s1600/WW_22_artwork+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l9SWCLeUP2A/TyYU0BPYsEI/AAAAAAAAFB8/79pKEIJt3pA/s400/WW_22_artwork+2.JPG" width="397" /></a></div>some more awesome collages.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BfpZ2XL-eQI/TyYUzbSEDyI/AAAAAAAAFB0/TzrT3lZwm3o/s1600/WW_22_artwork+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BfpZ2XL-eQI/TyYUzbSEDyI/AAAAAAAAFB0/TzrT3lZwm3o/s400/WW_22_artwork+1.JPG" width="296" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">one of my sample collages. i was showing the students that collages can be designed around color instead of objects. fun times at work!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_MAXRr7O0c/TyYU1xQb9BI/AAAAAAAAFCM/bNuKu3Q_cvs/s1600/WW_22_artwork+4.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="376" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_MAXRr7O0c/TyYU1xQb9BI/AAAAAAAAFCM/bNuKu3Q_cvs/s400/WW_22_artwork+4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">this student finished her work early, so i asked her to draw a self-portrait and this is what she came up with. i adore the hair style and hat. </div>pickel.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05623536412475826933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126043787306484886.post-46211226519140900212012-01-15T19:35:00.001-05:002012-01-16T16:23:03.639-05:00wonky windows #21.<div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">i am always snapping pictures of things i want to share...of course i never seem to find the time to do my sharing. but here are just a few things i have seen recently that made me chuckle.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJxBEaeU4rVtN-H26vVOY5mEUPd0BEBlwn3onwFIuxI1zt5hr6oDw7_Lgm-ZV1v9o-tPTYxfEoduQldCV6bIHF7tu2r2rPXBqrXG0yX8T0d8fwyTT6HybG-TJ4hjnUjYFJEBYfDUNtxPg/s1600/WW_21-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJxBEaeU4rVtN-H26vVOY5mEUPd0BEBlwn3onwFIuxI1zt5hr6oDw7_Lgm-ZV1v9o-tPTYxfEoduQldCV6bIHF7tu2r2rPXBqrXG0yX8T0d8fwyTT6HybG-TJ4hjnUjYFJEBYfDUNtxPg/s320/WW_21-1.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">i took this picture at a cvs pharmacy. in my opinion they need to do a little work on their signage... when i want a soda pop, i have never before thought to myself "let me go and buy a warm beverage."</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpXKlDLoAdG43qgKC2BaYcV-tdQITv3Pch4_aMsyy_nMcnrPpNDmqUuLbfRVODRZ1wv5Oh8tvFOWW9ucsd8-TVVGgb7jWejisGLXUGt-UBLlf2p41rBpsBBixi1eDsR60YEdn28eOBM6Y/s1600/WW_21-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpXKlDLoAdG43qgKC2BaYcV-tdQITv3Pch4_aMsyy_nMcnrPpNDmqUuLbfRVODRZ1wv5Oh8tvFOWW9ucsd8-TVVGgb7jWejisGLXUGt-UBLlf2p41rBpsBBixi1eDsR60YEdn28eOBM6Y/s320/WW_21-2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">on wednesdays i work at a different school, which takes me on a different path than usual. i drive by this plaza that hosts the sexy shop and cuban cafe. i will never understand how these two businesses ended up sharing a parking lot. i am equally baffled by the shopping center two blocks further down the road, which houses a bagel store and a gun shop. strange bedfellows.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQRiCkHMTDmRvqfU2n9tliKHCuQKjFz4EH_YGmKqTlYj8oEXG6UaKra-btxB-KyVNvIzbQPmi5lKh5cSn0XC0DEVCLRTEqZcBZvbbqo3rnhMcuLplycCfCSl6MDcdMKekrpzIMEJpDu8g/s1600/WW_21-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQRiCkHMTDmRvqfU2n9tliKHCuQKjFz4EH_YGmKqTlYj8oEXG6UaKra-btxB-KyVNvIzbQPmi5lKh5cSn0XC0DEVCLRTEqZcBZvbbqo3rnhMcuLplycCfCSl6MDcdMKekrpzIMEJpDu8g/s320/WW_21-3.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">saw this sweatshirt at a tjmaxx. i immediately recognized that something was strange, but it took me a second glance to see what was amiss. apparently we live in miaim.</div>pickel.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05623536412475826933noreply@blogger.com1