Celebrity Endorsement

Oh, look at how much Audrey adores the vintage brocade collar with velvet lining! Obviously a fan of luxurious accessories and wine.

Jean Deconstruction

I had a pair of pants I loved for many years but began growing bored of their plain style. So I decided a makeover was in order.

Materials:

Pair of Jeans

Bleach

Scissors (sharp)

Optional Materials:

Spray bottle

Ink

Stamps

Leather Cord

Grommets

Although nature, over the course of years, had failed to yield some cool holes, the same effect was achieved by opening the scissors and scraping the fabric. I did this as opposed to just cutting the holes because I wanted the worn look that leaves the white threads covering the openings. I wanted those sections to feel soft and authentically worn. You have to be careful not to hurt your hand as you hold the other blade and although I can't recommend it, I found the best work surface to be my own leg. As I wore the jeans the fabric was stretched taunt over my leg and allowed for easier scraping.

Bleach will eat RIGHT THROUGH fabric when poured on straight in large amounts. And the effect grows over time to make sure you do several light applications as you can never go back. You may opt to mix a diluted solution in a spray bottle.

I used fabric paint and stamps to further the look and after creating a large hole in the thigh (doh! darn that bleach) I created a laced effect with red leather cord and some grommets.

Definitely a fave pair of jeans again!

A Thanksgiving Day recap of some fave meals

I'm going to post awesome things my husband has made until the USB cable I ordered comes in. It takes 5-15 business days to ship and it's only been 13 or so.

Within my photo library I've collected my favoritest of meals so he doesn't forget about them.

On this particular afternoon, we had quesadillas.

Ingredients:

Flour Tortillas, lightly buttered on each side

Cheddar and Monterey Jack Cheese

Sliced, canned Jalapeños

Diced Onion

Cooked Chorizo (Mexican Sausage)

Pinto Beans (cooked and mashed)

The key to making store-bought tortillas taste better than paper plates, is to:

a) heat them up on the open flame of a gas stove; giving each side about 15-20 seconds

or

b) putting butter or margarine on each side and heating it in a skillet, flipping halfway through.

The same methods also work for Corn Tortillas. And if making this meal, the sausage must come OUT of its casing! Chorizo comes in Mild and Hot varieties.

Delicious Salad

Ingredients:

Fresh Spinach

Goat Cheese

Canned Mandarin Oranges (drained)

Peanuts, Sesame Seeds, Assorted Nuts

Dried Fruit

I love this with a sweet, raspberry vinaigrette.

boo blankie

This is sure to scare the monsters in your closet away.

Dirty Still Life

When I was at the Tremont Farmer's Market a month or so ago, I commented to my girlfriend how this particular squash looked like a boob. It came to a funny tip in the midst of the green areola and I made sure to pass it around.

After I realized the vendor was listening to us and witnessing the molestation of his produce, I bought it. Of course, I was there for food, not to make fun of his boobie squash.

When it arrived home, it seemed to have fit well into the display of veggies when placed with the zucchini and limes that were on their way to death and sporting an unhealthy brown pallor.

Vegetables are super fun.

Wall Eye Gallery

Cleveland's Newest Gallery is a collaboration of local artists who work in many different mediums.

Wall Eye Gallery

5304 Detroit Ave

Cleveland OH

Friday, November 20, 2009 at 6:30pm until

Sunday, November 22, 2009 at 5:30pm

WALL EYE GALLERY PRESENTS

Amy Rodriguez
Linda Ayala
Dan Miller
Melissa Jolly
Dante Rodriguez
Rafael Valdivieso Troya
Jim Englemann
Stephanie Ayala
Joe Ayala
Stephanie Lipscomb


More artists in the Wall Eye Gallery Boutique in the lower level.

November 20th, 2009 - December 13th, 2009

Artists’ Reception
Friday, November 20th 6pm - 11pm

Hours
Saturday, November 21st 12pm - 6pm
Sunday, November 22nd 12pm - 5pm

And by Appointment

this will be a great addition to the growing art scene here in cleveland; please come out and support our local artists!

Day of the Dead part I

Waiting on a new USB cable so I only have these two camera phone pics from the Day of the Dead event at Parish Hall.

Everything is made by hand. The sketching on the candle holders took hours and was done with fine point pens. The quilt is largely pieced using fabrics that were donated to me.

Oh, those three sombreros were loaned.

More information on this annual event can be found:

diadelosmuertosohio.com

No-Cost Skirt

Skirt was salvaged from a "going to goodwill" bag and appliqued with a vintage panel of an informative bird sketch. The bird fabric was free from an old lady's garage sale leftovers.

Holiday Ornaments

Just made 8 empty pillows that will be stuffed after a trip to the thrift store for recycled filling; i'll find an ugly pillow.

The buttons are all vintage and the ornaments themselves could be used year round since there's no definitive holiday images. Birdies are good for every season.

Made the stencil last night while watching a movie. The loops can be made long enough to hang on a doorknob as well.