Lark Studio

Trying something new

2006-08-15T13:35:00.000-04:00

I've decieded to try a little something new with blogging. I've moved this blog to here.

Come on over and check it out!

Thrifting Thursday: Vintage loom

2006-08-10T08:15:00.000-04:00

I'm finally admitting it aloud... I love thrifting! I'm really lucky, because that's the only type of "shopping" that my husband enjoys. He enjoys more of the "bargain" aspect (with a successful eBay business) and I enjoy more of the "recycling/crafting" aspect. I use it as a way to keep those creative thought process juices flowing on a regular basis (cool metal thingy...what could this become?)

During "yard sale" season, our Saturday mornings consist of getting up early (between 7 and 8 am), grabbing breakfast, the paper or the laptop and mapping out our thrifting route for the day. We hit the yard sales in our larger neighborhood either on foot, by bike or in the car. Usually, we end up with the car to go back and pick-up buys from earlier in the day, then hit 1 or 2 salvage or second hand stores along with other errands for the day. The routine of it is nice, we meet lots of interesting people, I get to practice my bartering skills, and we end of with cool stuff!

I really doing well to curb my craft supplies addiction (see previous posts for explanations). At least I know my "eye" is still sharp though...this weeks find - a 1930's vintage Weave It double loom set with instructions!

I spotted this little gem last weekend, randomly thrown on a table with lots of non-related stuff at a front yard sale. Handheld looms like these were essential for textile making through the early 1900's. Now, any serious textile artist or needlecraft enthusiast has at least one...and not just for the nostalgia. These looms are practical for small or quick projects, they travel well and are space friendly for those of us who are forced to or trying to live on smaller environmental footprints.

And while I'd love to keep it and maybe whip out a quick little set of kitchen items...I'm being good and passing it along to the crafting world...okay, my husband snatched it up from me and has it on eBay. He claims its his way of helping my addiction. :)

Blueberry Blitz 2006 has begun!

2006-08-02T21:20:00.000-04:00

Last year, my friends John and Megan and I began our annual blueberry pickin' excursion at a local blueberry farm. We went last Saturday. We went insanely early (I was up at 7:30 am on a Saturday!) to try to beat the heat, but I swear it was already hitting 90 degrees by 9:30 am.

Anyway, I picked a ton (well, about 4 lbs.) in preparation for my week long baking frenzy to try all the wonderful blueberry recipes I've collected over the years. These suckers are nice and huge!

First up, a standard for me - Blueberry Brunch Cake. This is one of my favorite recipes from Cooking Light Magazine...it's cake and it's good for you!

Here's the whole cake:

Here's the presentation with sour cream, yogurt, vanilla sauce (okay, this was my second piece hence the "dirty" plate for all you presentation junkies out there):

Tomorrow, tropical heaven - Coconut Macadamia Blueberry Muffins!

An embarrassment of riches...

2006-07-23T19:49:00.000-04:00

I have a Japanese co-worker who has only been in America since September. Needless to say, she is still learning all things 'America'. She left in June for a month long trip back to Japan. She was nice enough to bring back a few wonderful things. And not only trinkets, but things the recipients actually would want and could use.

I received this wonderful little package...

and it was lovely fabric!

mmm...what to do with it...

You don't have to scrapbook

2006-07-12T23:10:00.000-04:00

Up next in the clear-out sale...greeting card/scrapbook embellishments.

Beyond Postmarks, Making Memories, Jolee's...it's all there. Lots of baby themed items and general inspirational items. If you are interested, please contact me and I'll let you know what's available.

Boy...have I binged

2006-06-30T21:53:00.000-04:00

Now, I must purge. I've finally decided to sell off my "future project" craft supplies. These are all the things that I've seen the fabulous finish product in my mind, rushed out to buy/find/acquire the pieces parts, and that have sat in my crafting stash for too long. Plus, I'm just ready for a change in my life, so stuff must go.

First up...all of my diaper cake making supplies. Here's a quick peak:

If you have ever wanted to make a cool baby shower gift or are just in the market for baby items at a steal, check out my Etsy.com listing. Also included but not listed are cardboard cake rounds (for the "cakes" to sit on) and clear cellophane with white polka-dots for wrapping the finished items.

Stay tuned for more on this purging process.

Fabric junkies/craft newbies...this is pay dirt!

2006-06-13T23:05:00.000-04:00

In every other aspect of my life, I'm a firm believer in purging. If I don't use it or wear it in a year (sometimes closer to 6 months) it's outta here. Passed on to someone who will utilize whatever it is. This has been my mantra except for my crafting. I literally have some fabric that is going on 13 years old. It's all in wonderful condition and I still see in my mind the lovely finished project I purchased the fabric for. Well, the time has come to let them go. If I haven't made that project yet, I have now realized that it very well may not happen. So, I am selling just about my entire fabric stash so these wonderful fabrics can have a life...not just sitting in bins in my studio.

Fabric Sale

Please check back often. This is just a mere fraction of what I plan on putting up on the site for sale. I am very willing to barter on the price if you are interested in multiple pieces. The prices listed do not include shipping. Shipping will be calculated based on what you purchase and where it's going. Please pass this info along to all the fabric junkies you know!

Where does the time go?

2006-06-08T10:19:00.000-04:00

I can't believe it has been almost 3 weeks since I last posted! My friend Crystal has thrown down the challenge for keeping our blogs updated. She is the regining blogging queen right now, but I'm going to try to keep up!

To update the last post - I won 2nd place in the chili contest at my job! Woo-hoo for a kick-a@@ vegetarian chili! The winner has won for the past gazillion years, but he's finally retiring this year.

Last night I hosted the first Craft Lounge here in Richmond. Mad thanks to Nicole, Sarah, and Kelly for coming out to play.

I'm working feverishly to get some new items for the store...in particular for Animalia - The Pet Fete this weekend at the 17th Street Farmers' Market.

I know this is waaay late, but Worldwide Knit in Public Day is this Saturday, June 10th. I'm taking up the cause for Richmond! Bring your knitting projects and a comfy chair and join me at the 17th Street Farmers' Market from 9:00 am - until at least 3:00 pm! This event was started by Danille Landes in 2005, as a way to bring knitters together and to encourage knitters to knit in public. Help break down barriers, meet new local knitters, and have fun!

Weekend projects

2006-05-14T21:55:00.000-04:00

So, I've realized that I spend entirely too much time on the internet and in books learning about projects and not enough time doing them. As of this weekend, that is changed.

I took on a couple of projects this weekend... crafting and otherwise. I started a button picture frame. I've had this stash of buttons that I got from Beth and the plain frame I got from Maryellen at our last Craft Supply Swap that have been crying "put me together". So I started...it's a work in progress as there are several layers of buttons that still need to get added. This will be my quickie craft project for this week, when I only have 5 minutes to spare to work on something.

I also finished working with these plastic raffia flowers I got on a steal a few weeks ago. I had two sets of six flowers. One set I made into trusty magnets (who can ever have enough!) The other set I split and made half flower pins (with 1 inch pin backs and felt) and the other half flower hair pins (with bobby pins or hair clips and matching foam). I really enjoyed the ease of working with the foam. Yes - the silly fun foam that comes in a gazillion colors from Ben Franklin Crafts that I only thought was for kids projects. I'll definitely have to find something else to do with what I have left over.

On the home front, I finally put together these wonderful night stands I got from IKEA. I live in a post WWII bungalow or "cottage" as my girl Kirsten likes to call it. Whatever you call it, it's small. So I needed some narrow night stands for the bedroom to offset the huge king size bed that we crammed into the room. And as always, IKEA fit the bill. I like them because they don't "look" like they were put together furniture.

And finally, you are looking at the winning chili recipe for my day job's chili cook-off that is on this upcoming Thursday. The Spring Soiree is an annual event that includes a volleyball tournament and chili contest and is lots of fun. My teams normal "Chili Master" is out of the country on business so I got drafted. Since most of the team is athletic or at least health conscious, I went for an organic vegetarian chili recipe I dug up on the internet (okay some good comes from researching projects on the net, but hey at some point you got to make them, right?!). Sweet and Spicy Vegetarian Chili....yum!

Warm and fuzzy

2006-05-14T00:47:00.000-04:00

For those who don't know, I have a 9 to 5 gig as a Scientist in Sensory Research. With this said, I'm sure you will believe me when I tell you not many of my co-workers are creative types. There are a few and I really cherish being around them during my work week.

One of my co-workers, who is also a talker like me is Bonnie. Bonnie is definitely a creative type. I tease her because she just got a personal computer in her home over the past year. A few weeks ago, there was a baby shower at work for her. She was leaving for China to adopt a wonderful baby girl. Slacker here of course forgot her gift at home that day. So, as a last minute gift, I decided to start a blog for her. Did I tell you that she just got a computer? I only had two days or so to show Bonnie how blogs work. She seemed to get it, but didn't do any "homework" that I could see. I was convinced that in all she was doing to prepare for her trip, she didn't get it and wouldn't blog.

Well... I just happened over to her blog on one of my "I totally don't want to do any housework, so I will find the end of the internet" bouts on the computer. And she is totally blogging! I just spent the past 10 minutes or so reading about her wonderful trip to China, the moment she got her child, and the fun they have been having since then! She's made several comments of how grateful she is to have the outlet (blog) and how it's a wonderful way to document this precious time in her and her new daughters life. Her family here in VA and the US are reading and enjoying as well.

Wow... life is good! :)

Kirsten rocks!

2006-05-10T23:03:00.000-04:00

It's always nice when your friends feed your addictions! My friend Kirsten of Baa Baa Yarn attended the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival this past weekend, and bought me some stash... rovings in yummy shades of purple for my Pincushion Challenge entry, and other summery shades as well. Now I have no excuse but to get crackin' on my new Babylock Embellisher machine!

Thanks K!

No fear

2006-04-30T22:21:00.000-04:00

While I doubt this will count as an official Whiplash competition entry...this week's title still applies.

I've gotten over my fears and finally published the podcast I've been talking about for months!

off the record... is the newest podcast in the crafty sphere. I hope this to be a bi-weekly podcast sharing the artistic, crafting and business wisdom that I and the other members of the Richmond Craft Mafia have.

The first installment is an introduction to the group and an update on the events we have planned for the next couple of months. I'm still very nervous about this venture, and hope I can find an audience. Please take a listen and let me know what you think!

Life is full of challenges

2006-04-26T20:20:00.000-04:00

I'm almost finished recuperating from the Spring Bada-bing! Craft show I helped put on last week. It was a success despite the rain, having about 400 people come out in the thunder and lightning. Here's my good friend Jaye holding court in my booth - not exactly the set-up I had planned, since I had to move everything in and put up the tent walls...:

I have to say that the day produced some surprise "challenges" for me to deal with. But, it's those challenges in life that make us step-up and become more of who we are supposed to be, right?

Since I am trying to cultivate my crafty side and want to live a more creative life, I figured it might help me if I took on some crafty challenges. Here are a few challenges and craft alongs I have found:

Whipup.net is offering a 6 week challenge, with a different competition each week. They also have the bestest prizes.

I love fruit and definitely plan on participating in the first Pincushion Challenge hosted by Booga J from Stitch-Cast fame. Mmm... grapes sound interesting...

I'm really looking forward to next months theme at Tie one on. My friend Kirsten was wanting a cool apron to wear at her booth at the craft show.. this could be my excuse to make her one!

And last but not least, there's Craftster.org. Craftster hosts a monthly craft challenge that will totally keep you guessing!

Do you know of more crafty challenges? If so, please drop me a comment and let me know!

Spring Bada-bing: The BOSS of all Craft Shows

2006-04-11T23:37:00.000-04:00

Well, as you can see... it's been a minute. I've been very busy along with the other memebers of Richmond Craft Mafia preparing for our first big craft show - the Spring Bada-bing! We are hosting 47 of the hottest independent designers and DIY crafters. We have folks coming in from Ohio, Pennsylvania, DC, North Carolina and of course from all over VA. I already know I'll be broke after the show... so much good stuff to buy! If you are in the area, please come check us out and support indie business in Richmond. We will be giving out awsome Swag Bags full of great stuff! Parking and admission are free! Feel free to pass along to ALL that you know!

Illustration Friday

2006-04-01T22:21:00.000-05:00

In my quest to see if there is truly an "inner artist", I've decided to give some new things a try and challenge myself. I stumbled across this site called Illustration Friday. It's a site that gives everyone a chance to experiment and explore and play with visual art. This weeks topic... "Spring".

This is the first thing I've drawn, I mean really drawn since my high school art class (we'll just say the late 80's). Stay tuned every Friday for my attempt at illustrating the topic!

Getting Started with Credit Cards

2006-03-24T22:14:00.000-05:00

Want to take your craft business to a new level? Thinking about taking credit cards? I found a great article on indiecraftshows.com about how to get started.

Getting Started with Credit Cards

Wow...this is hard!

2006-03-12T21:58:00.000-05:00

Okay. I'm trying. I've been thinking about coming here and writing something... that counts, right? Well, since I just gave my girls from Richmond Craft Mafia a hard time about their blogs, I definately need to update.

I'm also participating in the Veggie Challenge in an effort to improve my overall health. Coupled with that, I'm also giving up all dairy. Did I mention that I've always felt cheese really should be its own food group? It's been a challenge, but I'm 1 week in and haven't killed anyone. The challenge is based in Toronto... but you can still enter to win some cool prizes! Wish me luck... I'm off to have some fruit!

A place just for us

2006-03-02T22:15:00.000-05:00

I'd check one site and find one. Check another, find a few more. More often than not, I'd stumble across the information 1-2 days after the deadline. So I said to myself "self... wouldn't it be nice to go to one site that would list all the cool, hip, alternative DIY/Indie craft shows all across the country? Even better, if that site had a place to discuss the shows, and get feedback before I paid my entrance fee?" The result? indiecraftshows.com

This site a collective venture of the Richmond Craft Mafia. I have to give a mad big ups to Kelly... who basically did the entire site over a 2 week period. Did I mention she is not a web designer but a awsome metalsmithing student?

I appreciate all of the support we've received thus far. Please, let me know what you think of the site.

~Dawn

My attempt to truly blog

2006-02-28T12:49:00.000-05:00

I've been recently facinated by a few blogs out there in the world. First, for the excellent content, and second by the fact that they really do blog. They put their true selves out there for the world to see AND they do it on a regular basis. I've always wanted to become a better writer (did I mention I'd rather be beat by a stick than write?), so I've made a committment to use this format to try and do so. My goal is to blog everyday.... maybe even come up with a schedule like my friend John over at Oak Barrel News. We'll see...

Here are a few of my new favorites:

Udandi & the craft of money. A wonderful "finance meets crafting" blog about everything!

Baa Baa Blog. A great knitting and spinning blog by my friend Kirsten. Her next career really should be in writing...

Whip Up. An interesting wealth of creative ideas. I think it's a collective blog, but still trying to figure it out.

New look...Great deals

2006-02-22T21:28:00.000-05:00

I hope you like the slightly more colorful and revamped site. Ordering for certain items has become more streamlined and we no longer use Paypal to process payments. We have our own secure server to process credit card payments. I hope this works well... I know a lot of you do not like to use Paypal.

Lark Studio is also having a blowout clearance sale! If you've been eyeing something... now is the time to buy because it's probably on sale!

If you look closely, you will see several new items and new item catagories. I'm working hard to produce new items for our Spring Anniversay Sale (hint, hint)...

Congratulations to Jennifer Ross of Renton, WA! Jennifer was the winner of the Lark Studio item from the first SeekIndie.com contest.

~Dawn

Win big at seekindie.com!

2006-01-13T00:03:00.000-05:00

Love our handcrafted cards? Want some for free? Enter to win these and other fabulous prizes in the Valentine's giveaway at seekindie.com!

There's no cost to enter. Just locate at least 5 of the 14 "i love indie" hearts scattered across the participating websites, and enter for your chance at great prizes! Hurry...the contest ends February 6th. Contest rules and the entry form can be found at seekindie.com.

Good luck!

Love is in the air!

2005-12-28T21:03:00.000-05:00

I love this time of year...food, family & friends, and free time! Speaking of love, here's a sneek peak at what's coming to Lark Studio for Valentine's Day 2006. Check the website for these and other gifts to give as tokens of affection this year.

Happy Chrismahanukwanzakah!

2005-12-11T16:42:00.000-05:00

Here's hoping that whatever you celebrate this season is joyous!

The Handmade Holiday Trunk Show was a huge success... the perfect way to end the year! Lark Studio and it's subsidiary businesses (not the mama! and Reclaimed:Style) will be undergoing full transformations during the first quarter of 2006. From January through early March, larkstudioart.com will have clearance merchandise and specials to make sure we are ready for the Spring 2006 launch on March 31. I promise to keep this blog updated as the transformation unfolds.

Thanks to everyone who helped make this year a success for Lark Studio! We look forward to many more!

~Dawn

Handmade Holiday Trunk Show

2005-11-29T23:51:00.000-05:00

We will be participating in the Richmond Craft Mafia's first ever trunk show! Come check out GREAT deals on handcrafted accessories, baby items, jewelry and more! Meet and greet all of the members of the Richmond Craft Mafia and enjoy festive music and refreshments. Directions to the Bainbridge Art Center can be found here.

For more information on the Richmond Craft Mafia or the event, check out the RCM website.

It's been awhile!

2005-10-07T22:36:00.000-04:00

But we are still around! The day job has seriously been competing with Lark Studio... and winning lately! Not to fear, I'm slowly updating the site with new items. Our latest from designer Reclaimed Style - recycled paint chip notepads! With wonderful color names such as Brass Mesh, Aged Wine and Fragrant Cloves... who could resists!

I'm in a serious production mode in the studio. I've realized I have more supplies for projects than completed projects themselves. So, look for constant updates of all types of items to the website over the next two months.

~Dawn

Yikes... I've been tagged!

2005-09-02T19:15:00.000-04:00

Here's some fun escapism! I've been tagged by Leila of Mamie Originals .

10 years ago today: September 2, 1995
I was experiencing the world! I was a member of a NGO from VCU in Bejing, China at the UN's Conference on Women. Not sure, but probably standing on the Great Wall!

5 years ago today: September 2, 2000
mmm... I had only been married to my husband for about 4 weeks. Since we had only been in our house for the same amount of time, I'm sure some painting, unpacking, organizing was going on.

1 year ago today: September 2, 2004
Strange... I really don't know. Just living life, I guess. I was gearing up for a major project at the day job. Just FYI that 6 month project is just finishing on the 12th! (go figure...)

yesterday: September 1, 2005
Spent the day at work, doing two days worth of work since we were closed today. Came home, went for dinner at the new Chic-fil-A on Forest Hill with my hubby, and spent the rest of the night doing housework. (Glamorous, I know...)

tomorrow: September 3, 2005
Hit Joann's first thing in the am to catch some good Labor Day sales. Mail two diaper cakes that sold this week. Get some additional cakes made for sale. Go to dinner with one set of parents and hubby.

5 snacks I enjoy:
1) hummus with pita chips
2) microwave natural popcorn with melted butter and hot sauce (don't knock it before you try it!)
3) granola and yogurt
4) Morning Star Farms mini veggie corndogs
5) fruit smoothies (my style - no ice or other fillers)

5 bands that I know most of their lyrics:
1) Earth, Wind & Fire
2) Jill Scott
3) Nikka Costa
4) Terence Trent D'Arby
5) Jamie Cullum (okay, I know he only has two albums out, and he covers a lot of standards, but believe me it's sick how I know the ENTIRE 2nd album, scats and all)

5 things I'd do with a million $$:
1) pay off college loans
2) invest in short and long term health care plans for my husband and I so I could quit my day job
3) pay off school loans for my sisters
4) take a trip to one of the places listed below
5) use it to live

5 places I'd run away:
1) Turks and Caicos
2) Barbados
3) Trinidad and Tabego
4) Cuba
5) South Africa

5 bad habits I have:
1) procrastination
2) not enough follow through
3) not having enough patience
4) speaking before I think sometimes
5) not exercising

5 things I like doing:
1) sewing
2) traveling
3) meeting new, interesting people and getting to know them
4) baking
5) listening to good music

5 things I wouldn't wear:
1) spandex
2) any type of crop/short top
3) bikini
4) booty shorts
5) arm warmers

5 TV shows I love:
1) 4400
2) Alias (pre the craziness/crapiness that has been the last season)
3) Barefoot Contessa
4) Good Eats
5) Everyday Italian

5 movies I love:
1) Sister Act (1 & 2)
2) Mad Hot Ballroom
3) The Sound of Music
4) any of the Harry Potter movies
5) The Gram

5 famous people I'd like to meet:
1) Angela Bassett
2) Spike Lee
3) Gloria Steinem
4) Sidney Poitier
5) Janette Garafolo

5 biggest joys at the moment:
1) waking up with my husband
2) designing and making something that someone enjoys
3) baking a new recipe that turns out
4) eating said recipe
5) hanging out with good friends

5 favorite toys:
1) eMac
2) my studio space and all the gagets in it
3) tv (for Food Network)
4) new 1GB jumpdrive
5) digital camera

5 people to tag: (sad, I know, but I don't know that many folks with blogs! :)
1) Kirsten
2) ??
3) ??
4) ??
5) ??

We're back!

2005-08-23T22:49:00.000-04:00

Lark Studio's buzzing with exciting ideas for our Fall 2005 collection..fabulous fur, felt and all sorts of fun! Look for our fall items to start showing up in the next two weeks.

I've joined forces with 4 other creative and talented crafty business owners here in Richmond - the Richmond Craft Mafia is official! Learn more at http://www.richmondcraftmafia.com .

~Dawn

Vacation!

2005-08-01T11:01:00.000-04:00

I'm on vacation from my day job (Sensory Research Scientist) this week! I get to create in my studio all week and am looking forward to it! I'm getting started on wet felting for fall and winter items.

It's official - Lark Studio has created two new divisions. Reclaimed Style (www.reclaimedstyle.com) will carry products that are made from reclaimed or recycled materials. This will include handbags, housewares and clothing. For our diaper cakes and other baby related products, not the mama! (www.not-the-mama.com) will be the brand (who doesn't remember Baby Sinclair, right?).

Website development is happening this week for both new brands as well as an update at [url]www.larkstudioart.com[/url].

Fall...

2005-07-25T23:08:00.000-04:00

On the hottest day of the year thus far, I'm working on new projects for Fall. There's something weird about that. :)

Wow! I think I may have done it...creating a blog that is!

2005-07-25T02:34:00.000-04:00

This goes to show you how small the world really is. I chose this template because the photo in the very top right corner looks like it was taken right on Monument Avenue facing downtown in Richmond, VA. Who knows where it was actually taken! I hope you find my two cents interesting... happy reading!