Ta-Da! Bows and ribbon and plaid and lace, Oh My!!

So, here’s a pic of a couple pieces I’ve created for my Etsy store and beyond.  I’m finally getting more comfortable with my concept, allowing me to just actually enjoy my work.  It’s not work, but play!  Woo-hoo!  Now…to get paid to play…how grand would that be?

These bracelet/cuffs are not-quite-finished.  I need to add the clasps, but that’s it.

Check out my “products” photo album for a little insight behind my creative process

For my Tweeples.

Update on week of Tweets:

Short and sweet this will be, for needeth I to finisheth making the jewelry-eth that I doth maketh.  Yeah, I’m sure that made no sense, but the gist of things is that I’m making product.  It’s a scary thing, creating, because when there are no hard and fast rules, there’s every chance for failure and no one to blame except yourself.  I guess that same idea could go for a lot of things…or even for life in general.  But, I don’t think I’m going to get too deep this post.

I will point at a few things that have brightened my week: 

#1. Francine Rivers, author of the book, The Last Sin Eater. This book was amazing.  It drew me in from the beginning and it also answered a few basic questions asked by many who believe in the message of Jesus Christ and who do not.  Like, “If Jesus is the only way to heaven, what happens to people who never heard about him?”  Good question…fair.  And, I think this book addresses this and other issues in a very practical manner that offers good food for thought, but also acknowledges the fact that we are only human, not God.

#2.  My little sis is wise and understanding.  I’m so jealous.  And, I hope she only grows better.  She inspires me…what a blessing that is.  Her ability to still retain her childlike innocence and wonder at a time where preteens are as word-savvy as most adults.  And, yet, she’s observant and quick and down-right wise.  I like her.  I’m glad we’re fam.

#3.  There’s this teacher in L.A. starting an unheard of idea involving trusting his students with free IPODS.  You gotta read about his idea….how cool is this, really?  Oy.  As you may know from one of my past tweets, a while ago I found an IPOD.  I don’t need it…I’ve got music running in my head pretty constantly.  Maybe you have some way of helping him out, too!  Check out the story either way, just to be inspired:   http://arts.wrecked.org/index.asp?filename=a-tale-of-two-ipodscreative-ideas

And, of course, I’m getting ready for a little get-together on Sunday which I believe will be fun and profitable for everyone that joins us.  I’m actually feeling pretty calm about that…go figure.  Let’s see how I feel during…hah.  I’m thinking my heart will beat out my chest…I better include that on the schedule of events, then…hah.

Well, that’s it for me.  It’s been an odd week.  But, good.  It’s good to realize that everything we go through and experience can actually be used to make us better people for other people.  And, it can also help free us to be who we were meant to be.  The girly fun art accessories pictured above are so not like the girl I was three years ago.  I wore hiking boots…oh, wait, I still do…but now I also wear pumps, heels, lace, ribbon and lots and lots of lovely color.  Mmmm….color…me like.  I can only say what I’ve said time and time again, you gotta be willing to take the journey.  It ain’t fun half the time, but on down the line you do see the by-products of it.  And, it’s really our own choice whether or not we’re gonna let those by-products be a blessing, an excuse to grow  bitter or an excuse to move backwards.  Sometimes I rather enjoy indulging the latter choices…but then that makes life suck, so I’m praying (every day and even now) to recognize and submit to the higher and more narrow road, for my good and everyone else’s, as well.

If you’re stuck on your journey of being freed to be who you were created to be, take it up with the Manuacturer.  He probably knows a thing or two about what makes you tick and how to get you started again. 

If you’re not sure how to go about getting that conversation started, a prayer to God is a simple thing.  No fancy words…it’s communicaton.  It’s talking.  And, there’s no txting fee or Anytime Minutes lost.  If you haven’t done it in a while, or done it at all, to begin the conversation is easy…open your mouth, say that you believe Jesus Christ is Lord and that you, yourself, are not. And then, believe that God not only has the power to raise him from the dead, but that he did raise Jesus from the dead because of the Lord’s love for us. You find this verse in the Bible in the book of Romans, chapter 10, verse 9 (aka. Romans 10:9). Next, find yourself a good church community and Bible Study to learn in. Don’t be afraid of questions. Don’t think you have to be perfect. Don’t think that any Christian you ever encounter will be perfect. We’re all trying, but instead of trying it on our own, those that truly love Christ are regularly made aware that we have to rely on God’s help to be better than what we are.

Til next post and next Thursday’s detailed update,

Q.

Create a pin cushion/button jar from baby jar and booty.

Just super duper cute and practical.  My favorite combination.

Referred by: whipup.net

Idea and Instructions courtesy of:  Craftpudding.com

A Magnetic Personality: DIY Magnetic Poetry Kit (to-go!)

Cool idea for a long drive.  But, just make sure to keep your eyes on the road, too. (hah.)

Idea (and complete instructions) courtesty of Replayground.com.

I almost became a vegetarion (or, Evite.com, the bane of my existence)

I call this photo: Best Buds 4 Life. 

(I am now actually giggling at my own joke…) 

So, it was I that cooked Thanksgiving din-din…for the first time.  Oh yeah.

I started out with these cornish hens.  Much of the time that I prepped them I couldn’t  help seeing them with feathers, a head and running around completely unaware of their fate on some fenced in farm somewhere.  I very seriously considered becoming a vegetarian.  And then, after I seasoned them, they looked good.  And, then playing with them helped, too.  So, there you go.  By the way, the seasoning you see is an experiement with oatmeal to create a unique rub.  The idea was just dropped into my mind (thank you, Jesus!) and though I was hesitant to go for it…I did.  And it was delicious.  The oats brown nicely and get all crispy.  Yum.

Okay, so how was your Turkey Day?  Hope your thanksgiving was a good reminder of whatever you have to be grateful for (whether great or small).

As for me, here’s something for my Tweeples:

Update on the week of Tweets…

Hmmm, I guess I need to get on my J-O-B with the Tweets.  But, I will say this, I’m having such a ball creating these accessories now.  Playing with color, texture and finding different ways to showcase the fabrics I have on  hand.  Oh…man, that’s just fun stuff.  And, it looks good too (says the designer, eh?)  Come see for yourself.

I’m holding an Art Showcase/Networking event on Sunday Dec. 6th.  It’ll only be about two and a half hours long, but is gonna be packed with info and great opportunities to advertise yourself as well as find out ways for us to help meet each other’s immediate needs and that of those in our community.  It will showcase my unique accessories using apparel combinations that display my feminine, contemporaray classic and funky sense of style.  And, will feature a presentation from the founder of Artists Helping the Homeless (http://artistshelpingthehomeless.org/). Check out their site…there’s so many ways (even as an artist) to help out this unique not-for-profit organization.

I’ve sent out invites to everyone on my mailing list and to any facebook fans that are living in-town.  For details, email me at quoleshna.facebook [at] gmail.com to be added to my mailing list or just “fan” my page http://facebook.com/quoleshnazenean (also at the top right corner of this blog).

Yeah, so I mentioned before how I’m learning how to balance my priorities.  I’m thinking it’s a process I’ll be undergoing for a while.  Because, it’s hard sometime figuring out the boundaries that should be placed on our relationships, whether with people or obligations (such as work/business).  But, I saw this book written by the founder of Hobby Lobby called, More than a Hobby.  And, man I really liked what he said on the back.  How he set his priorites…the main being to put God and family first.  Have you guys seen a hobby lobby lately?  They’re huge, everywhere and a fun place to shop!  I was in a store earlier today that was a fun place to shop, had the most incredible deals ever and was unabashed (but not obnoxious) about the Christian belief system that it was founded on.

I actually don’t know where I’m going with this as I write, but I do know that for me, the reason and purpose behind me pursuing this road I’m on is to glorify Jesus Christ.  And, when I see examples like the above that are heads above others in their field, I see the fruits of really loving God, not only on Sundays, but letting him shape and form every part of our lives.  Perhaps we will not be so bold as to wear a Jesus t-shirt, but the source of our creations is nothing to be ashamed of.  He is to be celebrated at any and every time of the year.

So, anyways, if you’ve found yourself battling with how to live out God’s calling for your life, perhaps it’s time to renew that relationship with him.  Talk with him.  And, then do what I find so hard to do with God…listen.  That’s a scary thing, because he’ll likely lead you in ways that are not in line with the wisdom of this world.  But, remember, God sees farther than we do.  His view is a lot different than our own.  It says in the Bible, “Do not deceive yourselves. If any one of you thinks he is wise by the standards of this age, he should become a ‘fool’ so that he may become wise.  For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight.”

If you’re looking for a little direction and a lot of growth, and just tired of the rest of this world’s confusion and fickleness when it comes to what is right, true, good and healthy…if you’re ready to admit that you’re just as dazed and confused as the rest of us humans, then maybe you’re ready to believe in the God that loves us, is not distant but actually wants to partner with us in this life we’re living.  And, that has feelings and emotions similar to those he’s given to us, and because of that desires to be acknowledged by the one’s he loves.

If you want to know the three-dimensional, rich and very living God that is always present, but always the gentleman…he’s waiting…invite him into your life.  How? It’s so easy…open your mouth, say that you believe Jesus Christ is Lord and that you, yourself, are not. And then, believe that God not only has the power to raise him from the dead, but that he did raise Jesus from the dead because of the Lord’s love for us. You find this verse in the Bible in the book of Romans, chapter 10, verse 9 (aka. Romans 10:9). Next, find yourself a good church community and Bible Study to learn in. Don’t be afraid of questions. Don’t think you have to be perfect. Don’t think that any Christian you ever encounter will be perfect. We’re all trying, but instead of trying it on our own, those that truly love Christ are regularly made aware that we have to rely on God’s help to be better than what we are.

Til next post and next Thursday’s detailed update,

Q.

Taking Turkey Day off. See ya Friday :)

I am Quoleshna, and I approve this pre-scheduled message:

I’m taking Thanksgiving off.  Will post detailed updates 2mrw, though!

*Have a satisfying and warm holiday, everyone. *

Q.

Dispense with the Formalities: Turning CDs and Holder into a Dispenser!

Rock-And-Roll!!

Oh man, this is making me go way back with the corny slang. Does anyone recall, “Tubular?” I think we can thank the Ninja Mutant Ninja Turtles for popularizing that one.

I think it’s obvious that I’m liking this idea, lots. My ribbon and string finally will have a safe place to find rest, until I cut them with my scissors. Hmmm…

Original YouTube vid found here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3t2QtU8EYz0

Franken-Soap: Turning Soap Scraps into a New Bar of Soap.

Okay, I know this is Martha Stewart-ish. But, I can’t be the only one wondering how to use up those little slivers. Well, there’s a vid about it, so obviously not. Yay, YouTube!

One tip I’ll mention in addition to this vid is something I read online: to grate the soap beforehand. I believe it ensures a smoother end product.

Find the original YouTube vid here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0m69EiNy77s

Bagpipes sighing on the winds of fall…

So, I started this thing called: “Poetweet”.  Basically a complete poem that fits within the size of a Twitter post.  I was walking around the Plaza library a while ago and heard these bagpipes in the not too far off distance.  It was an ideallic fall day.  Here’s the poetweet that came from it:

Bagpipes sighing on the winds of fall. Rackets echoin a tennis ball. Young sk8ers videotapin skills. Girls laffin as dey watch their spills.

Anyway, a few days ago was driving by in time to catch the headlining musician in action (he was on break from his bus route).  Here’s the quick vid I made:

To my Tweeples:

Update on the week of Tweets.

Well, there haven’t been that many tweets, huh?  I’m kinda reorganizing my time around endeavoring to get more disciplined with how I allot the time I have in the day.  So far this week it’s been good!  The stuff of daily life that seems to slip through my fingers like cleaning, spending time with family, getting product made, meetings and all that…well, it seems to be getting done!  Actually, it seems that the most important things are getting done and it’s leaving room for me to do the less important things.  Basically, this schedule has helped me better define priorities and basic needs and I find once those are satisfied I and everyone I touch feels a lot better.

Good stuff.  I got some good motivation.  And, just when I needed it.  Lord, I thank you for knowing our hearts and our desires (better than we do) so that you can send us the encouragement we specifically need to grow better.

Now, the challenge is to keep this routine up!!!  Any bets?

On the fashion front, I may just be talking stuff right now, but call me on it if so.  But, I’m going to see about creating product specifically for an Etsy online store of my own.  These will be designs that I’m comfortable sharing with the public…but my signature pieces will be available in-person only through me or at RAGZ Design House (Crown Center, 3rd level).

In the meantime, here’s the bracelet from a one-of-a-kind set of beaded pearl jewelry that I finished yesterday.  You can see the necklace on my facebook photo album entitled simply, “Product”.  If it doesn’t sell before I open a store on Etsy, it’ll be available there as well.  But, if interested, email me! quoleshna dot facebook at gmail.com   (quoleshna.facebook) .

I’m putting together a small event, as well.  I could use a mannequin or two of you have it to spare…you know, like maybe you have one lying around that you forgot about until I mentioned it…?  Hah. But, seriously…I’ll take it if you have it.

And, for anyone interested, there’s a fashion show tonight at RAGZ Design House starting at 6:30pm. I’ll be there for a bit around 7ish. So, if you’re looking for me, ask for me around that time and like MJ says, “I’ll be theeeerrre”. Just look over your shoulder…

That’s about it for me this week.  Some things about myself have been made more clear and solidified a lot more.  And, it feels good to know what you want, no matter what you’re looking for.  I remember when I was looking for an apartment in L.A. so I could finally live on my own.  (woot! woot!) I lived with other people for the first couple years I was there and was ready to have my own peace and quiet and personal portion of heaven.  But, what was funny is that through all that I learned exactly what I wanted in my own apartment.  And, man, when I found the spot…I knew it was meant for me.  My legs just rooted themselves to the carpet.  It was a nice apartment, true enough.  But, what made me content with it despite any negatives that came up as I lived there…is the fact that I knew what I was looking for in the place in which I lived.  And, this place had that…it had the essential characteristics of what I truly desired in a home.  That made that nice apartment into the absolute “bombest” apartment in the history of mankind…at least to me.

So, it’s been a long journey learning about what makes me tick, what makes me soar, what makes me stumble, what makes me crumble.  But, it’s so worth it to finally have some sense of settlement…understanding of what makes this little chica up.  I’ve learned about likes and desires that I never ever would have imagined being important to me as of a couple years ago.  And, I’ve learned about weak spots, fears and gained perspectives that were at one time foreign to me, but dag-gone it…they resonate so much with me that it’s scary.

I could not have discovered all of the bits of me if I wasn’t seeking to know the One Who made me…(and there’s still lots more to discover in both of us, I’m sure!).  Praise you, Jesus Christ, for holding me and guiding me and showing me what and who I am.  You rock, Lord.  Seriously.  If you want to begin or jumpstart your journey into discovering and accepting the unique person that God ordained you to be…

If you’re looking to really impact people, you gotta be uniquely you, uniquely who God called you to be…no one else.  Duplicates are not required.  If you want to delve into the manuscript of God’s original design and plan for you, it’s so easy…open your mouth, say that you believe Jesus Christ is Lord and that you, yourself, are not. And then, believe that God not only has the power to raise him from the dead, but that he did raise Jesus from the dead because of the Lord’s love for us. You find this verse in the Bible in the book of Romans, chapter 10, verse 9 (aka. Romans 10:9). Next, find yourself a good church community and Bible Study to learn in. Don’t be afraid of questions. Don’t think you have to be perfect. Don’t think that any Christian you ever encounter will be perfect. We’re all trying, but instead of trying it on our own, those that truly love Christ are regularly made aware that we have to rely on God’s help to be better than what we are.

Til next post and next Thursday’s detailed update,

Q.

Don’t bow down to convention…create your oWn gift bow using old magazines!

I like this one…lots!  What a way to add some pizazz (yes, I said pizazz…no, I do not know how to spell it. ;p )

Take a magazine cover, cut it up and make a bow.  So, maybe this project would have to be for a very special someone or when you have a little extra time on your hands.  But, could be a great way to create unique accents for events/parties and stuffesess.

Idea (and instructions) found at  Curbly.com

From the bathrm 2 the living rm: turning old towels into “beefy” cushions.

Thought this was fab-ooh-lous   requires some sewing, but you get a product all your own and practically free.  Yum.  Me like.

First it’s a towel…then it’s a bolster.  How?  By following detailed instructions…oooooooh, aaaaaaaaaaaahhhh.

Idea (and instructions) found at  Curbly.com