Inspiration and getting your craft on...

I love when inspiration hits at odd moments, it is like its own special cousin of deja vu. It could be a bizarre feeling that leads to a memory that leads to sensing something in the present that you can't figure out why...it never struck you before? I get a little crazy with the self conversation when this happenes and ask my self "why didn't you think of this before, huh?. " My answer is, uninterestingly enough the same every time I get into a personal semantics kinda thing: "well, you just did!" hmmmmm, self discoveries are way to deep to every make sense anyway - right? At least, to anyone you might try and explain them too. Take for instance my little project last night. I need more stock for cuffs to take to craft shows. I was tooling around the studio and had an odd remembrance ( now this will strike anyone who knows me as funny, cause I am renowned for having a terrible memory!) of being in elementary school and being in the art supply closet. ( yes, alone) It was in the hall, out of the classroom, and I just loved going in there! The odd thing I was reminiscing about was all the bits of Chinese newspaper that things came wrapped in in there, or were in there for some reason. I was so fascinated by it. I have no idea why, but I think it was an early clue to my aesthetics.
Anyway, all of a sudden I remembered that I had bought a vintage ( 40's!) dictionary and encyclopedia ( I may not cut this up, cause it's a hoot to peruse!!) ...and the pictures are so awesome! Tiny little drawings, prints really - mini artwork when you think about it. Someones job was to draw out various animals,machine parts, plant life and such for the world at large. The kicker is that was graphic designing int he 40's. You probably had a cool job? Ugh, digressing again....You have guessed already that I ripped and glued and fruitcaked them to make new Domino cuffs, eh? Did you? I had a good time, and that's all that really matters here. I think they are pretty cool and they stay true to my vintage inspired vision.
I especially liked Mr. Chimp. Ta-da! All done.

Time to go back to the studio and string the rest.

New project...Sniffle in Style!

Aaaaaacchoooo! These will NOT be added to my Etsy site, but taken to craft shows and for little giftys instead. I am using up all sorts of bits of vinatge fabrics and trims to make these cute little tissue holders. My first thought was that they were a bit silly, but they are sooooo fun to make. ( uh, cause thier easy, I may be crafty gal extrroidinare,but I am kinda lazy at heart,ha!)
I am trying to make lots of color combos and keep thier price to a nice low little item. I intend to get tissues all ready to go with them.
Bonus! yay!

I am going to run a little Happy Holidays Contest. Email me your name, ( fruitcakedesigns@ charter.net) and on December 8th, I will pick a name ( out of ye old traditional hat) to send one to.( I will email the winner for thier address) A small piece of happy fruitcakey goodness to get in the mail. Joy!

Holiday ARTS At The Station ‘06

2006 marks the return of an arts event at Union Station: Holiday ARTS At The Station, showcasing over 60 New England artists and crafters selling their handmade items with local musical performances from jazz to holiday favorites. Consider HAATS the alternative to shopping at the Mall for your holiday gifts! Items for sale include handmade ceramics, jewelry, wood items, books and paper goods, apparel, accessories, home décor, traditional artwork, photography AND MUCH MORE!

Join us at the beautifully restored Union Station in Worcester, MA
Sunday December 17th from noon – 5pm. Come and visit me! If you mention you saw this on my Blog I will give you $5.00 off anything you like!

http://www.startonthestreet.com/haats/

This is Fruitcakey: # 2 (baking is crafty!)

Want to make the best Pumpkin Bread EVER?
This recipie makes 2 loaves at a time and only uses on can of pumpkin! It's very much like cake!
...and even if you have never thought of adding the chocolate chips - DO IT!!!! Its sooo Fabulous, you'll make it for Thanksgiving, and Christmas, and just beacuse. I promise. Fruitcake's honor.

Hints: also add 1tsp Cinnamon and use Dark Chocolate chips - they taste better with the pumpkin! ( no really, and if your chicken, you have 2 breads, so give one some and the other none, geeesh!)

Emmy's Pumpkin Bread
2/3 cup shortening or 1 cup vegetable oil

2 2/3 cups sugar
4 large eggs
2 cups (or one can) pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
2/3 cup water
3 1/3 cups King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
1 1/2 cups chocolate chips

In a large bowl, cream together the shortening or oil and the sugar. Beat in the eggs, pumpkin and water. Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and vanilla, stirring to blend, then mix in the chips and nuts.

Spoon the batter into two lightly greased 9 x 5-inch loaf pans. Bake the bread in a preheated 350°F oven for 1 hour, or until a cake tester inserted in the center of the loaf comes out clean. Remove the bread from the oven, and cool it on a wire rack. When it's completely cool, wrap it well in plastic wrap, and store it overnight before serving.

If desired, just before serving, drizzle with an icing made of 1 cup confectioners' or glazing sugar, 2 tablespoons melted butter, and 1 tablespoon milk. ( I have not done this, i don't think it needs more sugar!)

Got Banannas?

The Monkeys are commin' back, one at a time. oook oook
Tonight at midnight ETSY goes to sleep and will be born anew
on Monday with Version 2. We are all excited, as there will be lots of
new features to update and play with - like store categories. This will make shopping your fave shop even more addictive. Please visit other sellers, there are some extremely talented people there!

A few places I want a shopping spree at:
blacklilypie.etsy.com
sweetestpea.etsy.com
Carnivalia.etsy.com
mamadelic.etsy.com
mirrorgirl.etsy.com

Show your Fruity Love with Pink and Black.
I am experimenting with buttons on the cuffs.
Buy this super cool one of a kind right now
on Etsy. SOLD!!

I will be here, selling Fruitcake wares and stars* I made. Mine is last one on this flyer! (* they are being sold for a charity donation!)

This is Fruitcakey: # 1

I'd like to share things that I think embody the spirit, essence, and spunk of being fruitcakey.
This wine was shared( and enjoyed!) with a friend over good conversation about art,life and why work sucks. :)

New Hairpins!

mmmm...Vintagey Goodness!

I have been saving these adorable little old embroidered buttons forever.I have used some for baby socks, some for small decor projects and then I just put them away and saved them some more. They need to be used and loved.
I just posted them on Etsy for $7.00 a pair. I have 8 sets of each pair available,but hopefully not for long! I think they would make great stocking stuffers or to tie on a present with a bow.
They look cool sticking out of your up do, like hair jewelry!