Current computer background:

Who knew these little bushes had flowers?! (Probably everyone but me.)

Yesterday resulted in the first sunburn of the year. All I wanted to do was read outside, but the sun had other plans. I still seem to have some extra sun resistance in my face, arms, upper back, upper chest, shins, and feet. However, I was lying on my stomach. Now I have burns down the backs of my thighs, knees, and calves.

It’s not as bad as last summer’s discovery: there is a very definitive line on my back where the sun resistance stops. I had a burn on that line that lasted for two weeks. Ow!!

To be completely random…

Last week’s book list:

The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay – Michael Chabon

The Final Solution: A Story of Detection – Michael Chabon

The Sirens of Titan – Kurt Vonnegut

Delicate Edible Birds: And Other Stories – Lauren Groff

Still Life with Woodpecker – Tom Robbins

Current list:

What is the What – Dave Eggers

The Name of the Wind – Patrick Rothfuss

Custom elephant listings on etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/mousenest

More colors to come.

A whole herd of elephants has sprung up from my house, gobbled every tasty thing in the vicinity, then stampeded North to hang out with small children.

First, there was the herd of eight, affectionately known as “The Herd”.

They’re pretty cute as a huddle, and also as a line:

Of course, families and holidays always bring surprises. So, an additional family unit was added to the herd:

What does that make me? Uhm, a very sleepy little elephant-maker. As people keep asking, no I am not sick of making elephants. I am slightly tired of making *nothing but* elephants, but Ill take it.

Elephant production will continue at a slightly slower pace, allowing me to (finally!!) start work on the long-promised aardvarks. They’re going to be cute; I can feel it.

I’m also starting on a somewhat larger venture, beginning with this:

More photos as progress unfolds, and in the meantime? Keep checking etsy!! I’ll list elephants etc. as I complete them.

I feel that’s become my default title for the inevitable “I finished another show and that’s why I haven’t been posting and really I’ll get better but now I’m catching up on all the stuff I didn’t do before when I should have because of the show and I PROMISE I’LL POST!!” post.

Before I started the “blog”, I didn’t realize how difficult it would actually be to keep up with it. I have the same reservations people always talk about, where I’m not sure how much and/or what parts of my life I feel are appropriate writing material. Sometimes I just don’t want to talk about my situation.

Whatever it is, it’s almost equally difficult to always post about projects. Either I have little to say about the process and tons of photos, or too much to say and no photos.

I still haven’t figured out exactly what I get back from doing this. Partly its a way to organize thoughts, except I’ve never been great with keeping journals. At some times I feel like it’s a really nice way to record what I’m doing, and at others I’m at a loss and simply don’t feel like it.

That all brings me to the current point, which is that I don’t have a lot of evidence of my latest show. In fact, all I really have to show are my costumes. I think they came out pretty nicely. I was in charge of costuming myself for this show; although I did not make any of the pieces, I did spend a sizeable chunk of time scouring the thrift stores.

I should remind you of the show…it was Beyond Therapy by Christopher Durang. (Yes, he’s the guy who wrote Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All For You. I guess I’m just built for Durang?)

Before we get to the dresses, we’ll start with the 80s hair…

I know, I know.

Moving on. First dress:

Sparkly shawl and purse courtesy of Moom’s closet…

Second dress:

This was a lucky, lucky find. Size 0 polyester with horrendous shoulderpads? Yes please!! We’re going for *ACK!!* here…

Third dress:

Please note that my facial expression has, by this photo, progressed from “argh photos” to “hurry up kid, or I’m going to start thwacking you with my shiny silver purse”. (Thanks to Jeremy for taking all the photos…) Anyhow, YES that is purple paisley. Yes, I’ll be wearing this one again.

Fourth dress:

That dress was mine to start. (Okay, since you asked so nicely, so were the tights!!) This was probably my favorite outfit in many ways, although the final dress was appropriate in its own right. Bringing me to…

Fifth dress:

That dress was preexisting as well. Flashy gold belt and purse are (once again) courtesy of Moom. Oh! As are the earrings and necklace! The sweater-thing? Wow. I can’t imagine where it came from? But thank you to whoever left it at the Salvation Army!!

I think what amazed me the most about this process was how lucky I was for sizing. I’m not large, so pickings are usually slim. The second dress was an especially lucky find; not only that, but it was the first thing I chose!!

Okay, now I’m exhausted. Soon I’ll have evidence of the herd. “The WHAT?!?”, you say? Yes, I’m making a whole herd of elephants. Just imagine the cutosity, and come back in about a week.

Geronimo

Crustacean

Akbar

Three elephants who have bravely made giant, flying leaps into the etsy pool! All sold to (admittedly) friends and relations, but I feel pretty good about that. I am now creating Sophia. Look out world…

I’m posting on Etsy.

Go have a look!

While I’m at it, my latest show opens this weekend.

I promise a “real” update soon!!

After all this talk, I’m finally trying to kick myself into action on this etsy thing. I made my account nearly four years ago, and I’ve never listed anything. As a student there was no time for starting a “business”, but now I’m hoping I can work something out.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/mousenest

Original patterns, high quality materials, totally handmade.

The problem with selling handknits is that no one will ever pay accurately for the time and materials, and I’m pretty unwilling to sell sub-par pieces. So, under-priced items it is until I find a working system. Hopefully I can be affordable/accessible without sacrificing fair compensation for my work.

Fortunately, it’s a little easier to charge accurately for sewing. Next up? I’ll be listing handmade elephants. Other creatures to come!!

Who’s this?

Oh, hello! I am an elephant prototype. My pattern is really cute, but I need some small adjustments to the trunk, ears, and belly piece.

Still, I am very very cute. Do you think I need tusks?

Amanda taunted me for weeks leading up to my eighteenth birthday, insisting that she had the most appropriate gift for me. She was also terrified that I’d hate her for it, which made everything more frightening and suspicious. And it was…wait for it…a rocking chair. Because I am an old woman.

It’s a wonderful chair, but the time has come for re-upholstery.

Yes, that would be giant purple paisley. I’m content. Originally I was planning to simply cover the old cushions, but in removing the old fabric I discovered two things:

First, the cushions had been hand-covered twice already. Second, when I ripped open the seams there was a dust cloud large enough to engulf me completely. Uhm…As cute as iit was…new cushions.

I realize that the two pieces on the right are not identical; because of the pattern I was afraid of running out of material. I’ll just keep the less centered side on the back, and no one will ever know. In retrospect, I could have used a complimentary canvas for the cushion backs. The pillow fillings are made from bamboo/rayon batting. Finished photos soon!

Live on, little chair.

Emily says hello!!

See, see? Sometimes things actually get finished.

Made from my own pattern, as designed three years ago for Kelsey.

No, those aren’t all of them. Yes, I’m still having fun. Hooray!!