Garden Update....what a difference a month makes!

It is official yesterday we harvested the first crops from our garden. Ok, it was only a few heads of lettuce but it was exciting. All of our squashes and pumpkins have flowers and fruit and we have little green tomatoes everywhere. I took some pictures at the beginning of the month of the garden but never got around to posting them. I took a few more this week. Check out the difference a month makes. Here is a picture of the before and after of our squash patch (aka the pit): Here is a picture of our tomatoes and greens. We had to make our own tomato cages. They actually turned out pretty well considering we made them out of a huge piece of bamboo that we found and broke into pieces:

Money does not grow on trees....but food sure does!

I am so happy to report that the raspberry bushes around my house are starting to produce berries. One of the main reasons that I liked the idea of renting my house was all the berry bushes. (We also have blueberries.) I moved in last fall so I did not get to see the raspberries in their full glory. I am so excited to have some cooking adventures this year with all our berries. Does anyone know any recipes that I need to try?

What Should I Wear?

Well it is official, I might have to change my position on dresses. Generally, I would not call myself a dress person. I like skirts because they seem more versatile and casual. My feelings are changing because recently I have had some very lovely dresses come into my life. One was a gift, one was found at a clothing exchange and one was found in a free box. Look how amazing they are. These are all fabulous vintage dresses and I can not believe that anyone would want to give them away. I suppose their loss is my gain. You will not hear any complaints from me.

Crafternoon: The Armor Edition

Well it is summer time and that means that there are kids everywhere looking for something to do. As part of my effort to curb the boredom, I was participated in my first Crafternoon this week.
My friend, Anne, and I (with the help of Clay) planned to make armor. I found some vinyl that I cut into breast plates and then clay decorated the armor with a bunch of fixin's that I found at Scrap. He made a crest for the front incorporating some crayfish which should make his family in New Orleans proud. The placement of spikes on the back should make any foes shake in their boots. You do not want to mess with this man, he is one dangerous dude.

Finally, Clay added a fencing mask to his look. Personally, I like the addition because it just takes the whole outfit to the next level. Clay is a man who knows how to accessorize.
Our next Crafternoon plan is to redecorate Clay's bike helmet so that it reflects his current fierce style. No more little kid cutesy for him.

I challenge you to find a kid in your life and start your own crafternoon projects. The options are endless.

Interview for Try Handmade

I was very excited to be asked for an interview by the blog, Try Handmade. It is a really nice site that focuses on some of the cool stuff that crafters are doing.

Last time I was checking out the blog, I noticed that they had also featured my friend Britta's sister, Kirsten. They mentioned her company, Anabelfuzz, in an article featuring artisans from Maine. She makes super cute clothing and bonnets for children. Talk about a small world. If you have time check it out.

Crafty Wonderland

I am going to one of the vendors at Crafty Wonderland this Sunday at the Doug Fir from 11-4. This is my first time at Crafty Wonderland and I am totally excited. Currently, my life revolves around prepping for this event. If you have time, come out and see all the wares for sale. You can go to Crafty Wonderland's website to see all the other vendors who will be there. Come and shop till you drop.

Last Thursday....a few days later.

I thought I would post some of the photos I took of my Last Thursday adventure. For those of you who are not from Portland, Last Thursday is a monthly event with food, street performers, craft vendors and artists who set up all along Alberta Street. They close of the street for a night so everyone can roam and enjoy all the activities. I got some pictures of March Forth Marching Band playing on the street and some stilt walkers performing. I was lucky enough to be able to just sit back in my booth and watch all the different street performers as they went by me.

A bunch of my friends set up tables next to each other to sell our various wares. I had my normal felt food and pouches. Bece and Cory both had some of their creations near my table.

Kylie (Trilliumbrella) was selling some of her paintings. Check out the tall white painting behind her. It was totally amazing. I was totally tempted to buy that one myself. Angie was selling her jewelry and feather head pieces.Unfortunately this picture does not show off her jewerly very well so check out her stuff at her web page, ASA custom jewelry. This picture also captured one of the unusual moments when I am holding a cell phone. This only happens a few times a year so enjoy this rare sight.

Bece got to perform the saw on one of the main stages. The backdrop was this amazing old bus.