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Archive: Interviews
October 22, 2009
Shoe Repair Tips + Interview with Vince Pacheo
Shoes. We all love them and covet more of them. Am I right or am I right? But in this economy, shoe repair shops have flourished as many choose to get their worn or broken shoes repaired, rather than shelling out dough for a new pair. No one is busier than Vince Pacheo, owner of Vinny's A-1 Shoe Repair in Sonoma, CA. Trained by his father in the craft of being a cobbler, I talked to Vince about his work and he graciously shares with us tips on how to fix our old shoes.
Vinny's A-1 Shoe Repair
500 West Napa St Ste. 516
Sonoma, CA 95476
(707) 996-6877
vinnytheshoe.blogspot.com
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Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
Oct 22, 2009 04:00 PM
Interviews, Mending |
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October 6, 2009
Book Review + Interview: AwareKnits by Vickie Howell & Adrienne Armstrong
AwareKnits: Knit & Crochet Projects for the Eco-Conscious Stitcher by Vickie Howell and Adrienne Armstrong
Our favorite knitter and crocheter Vickie Howell teams up with fellow knitter and environmentalist Adrienne Armstrong to create a unique book for us stitchers. (Adrienne also a sustainable living shop in Oakland, CA called The Atomic Garden and is wife of Green Day's Billie Joe.) AwareKnits: Knit & Crochet Projects for the Eco-Conscious Stitcher incorporates important facts and tidbits on sustainable living among a showcase of 31 eco-friendly patterns you can make. Their style is fun and conversational; it's not about pushing their ideas on you. It's a way for all of us busy crafters (and moms) to become more informed on the choices we make each day. I actually read this book cover to cover when I received it just to soak up all the informative tidbits! Learn everything about sustainable yarns to the carcinogenic dangers of dry cleaning. The two authors together bring a wonderful perspective on how we can become more green through our love of knitting and crochet.
I got a chance to talk to Vickie and Adrienne about AwareKnits and other fun stuff. Today is also Adrienne's birthday so Happy Birthday! Read on after the jump!
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Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
Oct 6, 2009 11:00 AM
Books and Magazines, Interviews, Reviews |
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September 24, 2009
Talking Yarn With Kim Werker
Kim Werker is a master of crochet, an advocate for community-building, and an accomplished author. Her new book, Crocheted Gifts: Irresitable Projects to Make and Give, was released last month. I recently caught up with Kim to talk about her favorite craft medium: yarn.
When did you start working with yarn, and what was the first yarn project that you completed?
I first started working with yarn when I was in my third year of university and my dorm director's wife taught me how to crochet (for the second time - I'd learned the first time when I was in high school, but that was for a thread project, so not as cozy). I picked up a giant batch of this hideous variegated acrylic yarn and started in on a huge blanket. I didn't get very far. I think the first yarn project I actually completed was a felted knitted bag I made in the class I took to learn how to knit when I was in my mid-20s.
Why did you gravitate to yarn as opposed to other craft materials?
You know, I've never even thought about this. It's just the way it is. When a friend mentioned that knitting class when I was 26 and had just moved to Vancouver, my ears pricked up and I nearly pounced on her (literally) for more info. Now that crafting is such an important part of my life, I do find I'm drawn to other types of materials, too. I'm digging embroidering, and I learned how to make beaded earrings a couple of weeks ago. I was surprised by how meditative and fun that was (and gratifying! I had a pair done in just one evening).
I enjoy the practical side to yarn crafts - I like that I can make clothes and blankets and toques and scarves. And I think it's the practicality of it that leads to my love of doll-making. Dolls - at least the kinds I make - are totally absurd and impractical. Their only purpose is to make me happy, and hopefully they make other people happy too.
What is your family's history with yarn (mom, grandmother, etc.)?
After I started knitting avidly, my mom took an interest in it. One day when she was visiting us with my grandmother, we sat down and quickly realized she already knew how to knit (a clue: after I made her cast on, pull it out and cast on again about a hundred times, she started knitting continental style, and I knit English. After that, it was the quickest lesson ever). Turns out she'd learned when she was in high school. That wee reminder all she needed; she's spent the last few years knitting her heart out. My grandmother used to crochet a lot. Arthritis prevents her from working much with her hands now, but for a while after that visit she got back into it, too. So amongst the women in my family, it's been a reverse of the expected generational passing-down of yarn craft; with us it's sort of passed up.
How do you feel when you are working with yarn?
I feel like I'm home, you know? Like no matter where I am, I'm grounded. Like I not only have something to keep myself busy, and something to create, but also something that's useful - and specifically something useful (well, or not that useful) that can be used to create great whimsy and therefore great fun and joy.
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Posted by Rachel Hobson |
Sep 24, 2009 08:00 AM
Cozy Up to Yarn, Interviews, Yarn |
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September 10, 2009
Tiny Tangerines' Crochet Baby Hats
Head on over to the Etsy shop Tiny Tangerines and you'll be in cute heaven. Crafter Kelly Burghardt designs and crochets the most adorable baby hats shaped like owls, cupcakes, cows, and more. I got a chance to catch up with this busy designer and mom to find out more about her new crafy biz.
Please tell us what you make.
Custom crochet hats sold at tinytangerines.etsy.com.
How long have you been crocheting and how did you get started?
I've been crocheting for about a year now. A friend of mine taught me the basic stitch needed to make straight lines, but you can only make so many scarfs before it's time to learn something new. About two months ago I taught myself how to crochet hats by watching youtube videos and I fell in love!
Your crochet hats for babies are adorable. What was your inspiration for creating them?
My daughter (born via emergency c-section) was blessed with a rather large head. All of the cute little baby headbands and hats we would buy for her looked too tight and seemed rather uncomfortable, so I decided to start making my own. When I posted pictures of them on my livejournal all of my mommy friends wanted some for their little ones too, some even suggested I open and etsy shop. I had no idea my hats would be so popular. I am so lucky to have found a way to help with the bills, while staying home with my daughter and doing something I really love.
How do you come up with your patterns?
It started with the owls and cupcakes, two of my favorite things! Now whenever I see something that makes me "awwww" my next thought is "how can I translate this into a hat?"
Do you have a crochet tip you can share?
Play with your stitches! Some of my favorite tricks have come from what I thought was a mistake.
Are there any other crafts you like to do?
I try to put a crafty spin on everything I do. I'm known for bringing theme cupcakes to every event I'm invited to. I reconstruct all of my clothes, paint silly patterns on my nails, and I've had my hair every color of the rainbow! I also love sketching, painting, sculpting, and any art project I can get my hands on. It feels so good to create something you can be proud of.
Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
Sep 10, 2009 08:00 AM
Babies, Cozy Up to Yarn, Craft Business, Crochet, Interviews |
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September 4, 2009
The Little Friends of Printmaking Interview
Grain Edit features a nice interview with Melissa and JW Buchanan of The Little Friends Printmaking. It's a great look into how the couple met, set up shop and work together every day. One of my favorite parts of the interview is an example of the process the pair goes through when designing a poster. They also discuss the importance of research when starting a project. Says Melissa:
Research is so important. You can't operate in a vacuum. And that extra time you put into researching something pays off tenfold in nuance and smart little details that people remember.
It's these nuances and smart details that help give such depth and great character to their work. Enjoy!
Posted by Rachel Hobson |
Sep 4, 2009 07:00 AM
Design, Interviews, Printing |
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August 14, 2009
Top 5 Home Decor Picks by Victoria Smith, sfgirlbybay
Victoria Smith's blog, sfgirlbybay is near to my heart since I'm an SF girl too. Her bohemian modern style can be seen in the beautiful photographs of her home and the inspiring photographs she takes all over the Bay Area. You can also take a visit to her Etsy shop where she sells our favorite print, "Keep Calm and Carry On".
Top 5 Home Decor Picks by Victoria Smith, sfgirlbybay
I love my Eames Rocker. Most of what's in my apartment in second-hand, found at the flea market, or on craigslist, but my Eames RAR Rocker I bought new at Velocity Art & Design, and I love it. It's really comfortable, and I love the modern touch it adds to the vintage-inspired, eclectic mix I have going on in my living room. And it comes in so many amazing colors.
It's not really a 'thing' but I adore the flea market for all things home decor related. The big one here in the bay area is the Alameda Flea Market in the east bay, and I am usually found wandering around there the first Sunday of the month when it's held. It's definitely where I find most of my favorite 'things'!
I love Amy Butler fabrics, and just her website in general. She's got amazing an inspirational lifestyle photography section on the site, with wonderful ideas for home decor and mixing up vintage pieces with bright, modern fabrics. Amy's design books, Found Style and MidWest Modern are great sources of design inspiration, as well.
I love Poppytalk Handmade for great crafted home wares. Jan of the blog Poppytalk, does all the hard work for us, curating the best of the best from Etsy and her Poppytalk Handmade shop features some wonderful craft artists.
I love Paumes books. I head over to the Kinokuniya Bookstore in San Francisco's Japantown and stock up every few months. I just love all the different Paumes titles, from London Ateliers, to San Francisco Kitchens. They're amazing books for inspiring a new look.
Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
Aug 14, 2009 10:00 AM
Home Decor, Home Sweet Home, Interviews |
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August 13, 2009
Book Interview & Giveaway: Crochet Adorned by Linda Permann
Crochet Adorned:Reinvent Your Wardrobe with Crocheted Accents, Embellishments, and Trims by Linda Permann
Web Site: LindaMade
We are so excited to be a part of Linda Perman's blog tour for her new book Crochet Adorned! I'd like to call myself a natural born knitter but in the last few years while working at CRAFT, I've been hit with the crochet bug. So when I got my copy of Crochet Adorned, let's just say I did my own happy dance in my head. As a fashion lover, I can't resist all the projects in the book because opening it is like reading the Anthropologie catalog. And here's the great part, you can use these patterns in the book to update your wardrobe at a budget! We all have old cardigans, shirts, and dresses that could use a bit more love, don't we? As a bonus, the Stitch Dictionary in the back is really like it's own little book. In there you'll find 100 stitches for trims, flowers, geometric shapes, as well as basic and popular crochet stitches. It's such a handy reference to have that I'll know I'll be able to refer to the pages in this book again and again.
(photo via CraftyPod)
My dream project from Crochet Adorned is this Breezy Tunic above. I love how the crochet trim that embellishes the sleeve is in perfect harmony with flowered print of the shirt.
Book Giveaway Time!
One lucky CRAFT winner will win a copy of Crochet Adorned! Just leave a comment to this post and tell us why you want this book. Make sure you enter in your email address in the form field (won't be published). All comments will be closed on Monday, August 17 at Noon PST. The winner will be announced next week on CRAFT. Good luck!
Read on for my interview with Linda Permann and find out more about Crochet Adorned and her tips for crochet and fashion.
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Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
Aug 13, 2009 08:00 AM
Books and Magazines, Crochet, Fashion, Interviews, Reviews |
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August 11, 2009
Top 5 Home Decor Picks by Jessica Jones, How About Orange
Jessica Jones of How About Orange doesn't hide her love of the color orange which inspires many of the posts on her blog. Whether she's designing her own fabric or writing up her crafty DIY tutorials, Jessica always has the eye for finding colorful pieces with bold designs.
1. Reboot and Escape Coasters for computer geeks.
2. This recycled plastic Juice Clock is recycled and cool.
3. Graphic and fabulous dinner pillow.
4. I proudly own this Year of the Ox print.
5. I wish I owned this Jonathan Adler stripes cup and saucer in blue.
Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
Aug 11, 2009 12:00 PM
Home Decor, Home Sweet Home, Interviews |
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August 10, 2009
Creative Kid: Interview with Holden Lee
Check out this great interview with 7-year-old Holden Lee over at Build/Make/Craft/Bake. Holden draws these fantastic creatures that his mom silkscreens onto shirts and sells on Etsy. The bios he writes for each creature are hilarious, and he has a great take on why making art is cool ("I like to draw because whenever I'm bored I have something to do, I can draw whatever I want").
As a new mom, it's really awesome for me to see how many people are crafting with their kids, for their kids, or inspired by their kids. What do you think? Do your kids affect what you craft?
Posted by Arwen O'Reilly Griffith |
Aug 10, 2009 12:30 PM
Arts & Design, Interviews, Kids |
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Top 5 Home Decor Picks from Jen Wallace, Indie Fixx
Indie Fixx is a haven for featuring goods made by indie artists and crafters. The blog covers a unique mix of art, jewelry, design, crafts, food, decor and more on the site. Today Indie Fixx creator Jen Wallace shares with us where she finds inspiration for the home and kitchen.
1. I love Latin American crafts, especially Molas made by the Kuna Indians of Panama. I have about 1/2 dozen in my living room. I love the colors, the themes & motifs (often nature, abstracts or even references to modern culture) and the texture of the reverse appliquè technique.
2. I check out the blog, Resurrection Fern for a reminder to be inspired by nature in my home decor and for other crafty projects.
3. Maya*Made is a good resource for crafty projects to decorate the home with simple materials you probably already have on hand.
4. I love the Lime & Coconut blog for good food inspiration. I regularly find recipes to share with my family & friends, like these Red Velvet Beet Cupcakes I made for my hubby for his birthday and shared on Indie Fixx.
5. Art is very important to me and I have prints all over my home from indie artists including: Pencil Shavings, The Black Apple, Stephanie Fizer, Brainstorm Print & Design, Jill Bliss, Michele Maule, Creative Thursday, INK + WIT, Jen Oaks, Yellena and more.
Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
Aug 10, 2009 12:00 PM
Home Decor, Home Sweet Home, Interviews |
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August 7, 2009
Top 5 Home Decor Picks from Elka Karl, CasaSugar
There's no mistake how addictive the Sugar sites are and CasaSugar is at its sugary best when it comes to showing off the latest beauties in home and garden. This is due in no small part to the seasoned-eye of editor Elka Karl who often brings her fantastic gardening and DIY projects to the site.
Top 5 Home Decor Picks from Elka Karl, CasaSugar
1. Alameda Flea Market
A massive mountain of trash and treasure (mostly the latter). So much inspiration can be found here!
2. Plover Organic
I'm so thrilled that there's more variety now in organic fabrics, thanks in large part to these ladies.
3. Gardener's Supply Company
Technically, yes, this is a gardening company, but I consider my outdoor space just as integral as my indoor. Plus, Gardener's sells great items you can use indoors, like this Field Bouquet Tealight Holder, which I actually have at home. It also has a great community resource section of its website, with tons of gardening advice.
4. Hygge & West
Started by friends Aimee and Christiana, this online shop offers exclusive artisan-made objects including ceramics, candles, wallpaper, and art. Plus, the website is so ridiculously adorable it's worth a visit just to drink in the cuteness.
5. Handmade Home by Amanda Soule
Crafty, thoughtful mama Amanda Soule of SouleMama.com has a new book out this month, and it's chock full of great sewing projects for the home. I love Amanda's aesthetic and parenting style, and am so excited to read her new book!
Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
Aug 7, 2009 11:00 AM
Home Decor, Home Sweet Home, Interviews |
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August 6, 2009
Top 5 Home Decor Picks from Joy Cho, Oh Joy!
Joy Cho never ceases with the eye candy on her blog, Oh Joy! I always love the mix of inspirational photos, fashion, and home decor in her daily finds. I'm also smitten with her Oh Joy! paper line and can't get enough of her sweet notebooks.
Top 5 Home Decor Picks from Joy Cho, Oh Joy!
1. Recycled Stadium Bulbs from Anthropologie
2. Knot Wood Wallpaper by Flavor Paper
3. Paperclip Side Table by CB2
4. Tag Cup by Kanae Tsukamoto
5. Pillow by Lena Corwin
Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
Aug 6, 2009 10:00 AM
Home Decor, Home Sweet Home, Interviews |
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August 5, 2009
Top 5 Home Decor Picks from Grace Bonney, design*sponge
With Home Sweet Home this month, we'll be talking with the design mavens from our favorite sites to find out what their top 5 home decor picks are. Kicking off the series today is Grace Bonney who is the founder and editor of one of our daily must-read sites, design*sponge.
Top 5 Home Decor Picks from Grace Bonney, design*sponge
1. Bright red Mexican Otomi fabric
Large Otomi fabric from Jacaranda
2. Re-purposed Industrial Furniture
French Industrial Coffee Table from Wisteria
3. Vintage wire shelving and baskets
wire shelf from Anthropologie
4. Striped accessories
file folders from Kate's Paperie and Baggu bags
5. Glass jug lamps made with vintage glass jugs
vintage wine bottle jug and antique demijohn bottle from Jayson Home & Garden
Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
Aug 5, 2009 12:00 PM
Home Decor, Home Sweet Home, Interviews |
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July 31, 2009
Pet Spotlight: Lee Meredith's Shelter Kitty, Garbanzo
Crafter Lee Meredith of leethal.net likes to shake things up at home with her furry kitty and crafty assistant, Banzo.
Name of Pet: Garbanzo (we call her Banzo or Foofer...)
Pet Type: Shelter kitty.
Favorite activity: Chasing the mysterious red light that comes out of the laser pointer.
Favorite food: Natural Purrz Tender Chicken "healthy moist cat treats"
What does your pet do when you are crafting? Usually finds a place to flop down near me and watch but pretends she doesn't care at all and it's just a coincidence that she's there. Once in awhile she'll think my knitting yarn is a toy, or try to help by batting at buttons. One time she really did help me unravel a recycled sweater by pulling at the other end so I could rip it out faster and easier -- I want to train her to do that all the time!
Best thing about your pet: If she does something bad (like fish out a ball of handspun yarn and drag it across the room) and I yell at her, she goes off to sulk for a couple hours. Then she apologizes by being extra cute and purrs like crazy when I forgive her and scratch her head.
If your pet could talk, what do you think she would say? "I don't care about you at all, whatever..." then 10 minutes later "Wait, where are you going? What are you doing? Is it fun? Can I come?"
Can you share a pet tip you've learned since having your pet? In super crazy heat, wet the cat comb with cold water and brush her. The water cools her and helps shed lots of excess fur.
Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
Jul 31, 2009 04:00 PM
Interviews, Pets |
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Pet Spotlight: Jamie Chan's Amazon Parrot, Mary Jane
Crafter Jamie Chan loves her Amazon Parrot so much, she named her indie business after her! Mary Jane's Attic was her online store for years to the point that when I first met Jamie, I thought her name was Mary Jane. Mary Jane's Attic eventually lead to her her brick and mortar fiber store, Urban Fauna Studio, located in San Francisco (1311 16th Avenue). We always knew about the great fiber, now we can find out more about Mary Jane herself!
Name of Pet: Mary Jane
Pet Type: Yellow Fronted Amazon Parrot
Favorite activity: Hanging upside down from her cage, trying to finagle peanuts from her parrot kong toy, grooming (lots of it), getting her head scratched, morning showers, and long walks on the living room carpet.
Favorite food: Chili Peppers, Strawberries and Peanuts
What does your pet do when you are crafting? Mary Jane serves as quality control officer on all Mary Jane's Attic fibers and yarns. Each piece is strictly "beak tested". She likes to unravel yarn and construct a nest from wool scraps.
Best thing about your pet: She is incredibly cheerful. Of all our pets, she is always in a good mood. Eager to greet us when we enter the room and she enjoys a good joke....even if she doesn't quite get it all.
If your pet could talk, what do you think he/she would say? Our pet can talk! Most of the time I hear her say "Hi, Hello!", "Love you baby", "Woo, woo honey" and "What?" I imagine what she would say if you had more practice is "Stop playing so much NPR....puleeaze!" since we leave talk radio on all day for her when we go to work!
Can you share a pet tip you've learned since having your pet? Well, first off watch what you say around parrots. Many can mimic you, from dirty words to bodily noises. The Amazon parrot's lifespan is 40-80 years (I've met an 85 year old Amazon) so plan to change their cage arrangement (who doesn't like to remodel?) and toys on a regular basis. Be sure to feed them lots of fresh veggies and fruits but avoid foods with caffeine, coffee, kidney beans, lima beans and avocados. These foods are dangerous for parrots. And bathe your Amazon parrot on a regular basis, it does wonders for her mood and her skin!
In Jamie's crafty news, her store Urban Fauna Studio is turning one year old soon! There will be a fun party and giveaway at the end of August. Subscribe to the mailing list or check out the Urban Fauna Studio blog for more details.
Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
Jul 31, 2009 10:00 AM
Interviews, Pets |
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July 30, 2009
Pet Spotlight: Crafty Chica's Chihuahuas
We all know and love Crafty Chica's Kathy Cano-Murillo for her amazing craft projects and sparkling personality. But did you know this star crafter has not one but five chihuahuas at home to give her love?
Name of Pets: We have five! Ozzy, Bianca, ChaCha, Bootsie and Captain Kirk (she is a girl, go figure!)
Pet Type: Chihuahuas
Favorite activity: Barking and/or howling in unison, sleeping, having their picture taken, following me around the house, car rides, dips in the pool, snacking.
Favorite food: They love the Rachael Ray dog food. We tried it one time and now they won't eat anything else. They like to pick up a few pieces in their mouths, carry them around and then play with them before eating them. Our dog, Bootsie, he likes to lie on his back, and swat a piece of food back and forth in the air with his paws. He'll play with it for several minutes before he finally chomps it!
What do your pets do when you are crafting? They sleep under me. They like to fight over who gets to rest their heads on my feet.
Best thing about your pets: They are so loyal and lovable! They are very entertaining to watch.
Ozzy (tan with pointy ears), our oldest, is finicky like a cat. He inspects anything before he dare eats it. He loves chew toys and puts them in a pile in front of him and covers them with his paws. Of course, this only entices the other dogs to steal them away! Ozzy is calculating. He waits until bedtime and sneaks behind the curtain until everyone is asleep and then he curls up by my side.
Bootsie (black) is like a little bandit. He loves to run up and swipe Ozzy's toys away, right from out of his mouth! He snags anything and everythign and dives under the bed. We recently moved the bed and found bras, socks, papers, stickers, even Ozzy's collar!
Bianca (tan with floppy ears) is the ultimate mama dog. She spends all day cleaning everyone's ears and bodies. If we hold her close, she attempt to clean our ears too! She does have a maldita side (bad girl). She likes to steal Ozzy's toys when he isn't looking, she trots away with a toy in her mouth and hide it outside, on the side of the house.Poor Ozzy!
ChaCha (furry white) thinks she is a movie star. She always sits on the highest pillow or the highest couch cushion. She is half Maltese and half Chihuahua. She has weird, wiry fur. People see her for the first time and gasp in horror because she is 'ugly-cute'. We have a running joke that she thinks it is her beauty that stops them in their tracks. When she sees herself in a mirror or in a window she growls - as if she is saying, "Who is that ugly dog staring at me?"
Captain Kirk (small white) is our puppy. We have to put pillows on the floor by the couch and bed so she can jump up. She barks to demand things and then whimpers when she doesn't get them. Bark and whimper. Bark and whimper. So cute. The other morning I woke up to a Captain Kirk necklace! She was curled up under my chin! Bootsie is teaching her how to steal Ozzy's toys!
If your pets could talk, what do you think they would say? "Who are these crazy humans, and how did we end up here?"
Can you share a pet tip you've learned since having your pet? Give them equal love, take them on family adventures, play games with them to keep their minds stimulated. They love it!
Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
Jul 30, 2009 10:00 AM
Interviews, Pets |
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July 28, 2009
Pet Spotlight: Susie Ghahremani and her Pets
Susie Ghahremani of boygirlparty is well-known for her beautiful art and illustrations in our crafty world. When she's not painting, drawing, crafting or tweeting, this crafty gal also loves her sweet fine feathered friends and her cuddly cat.
Names of Pets + Pet Type:
Peechee - Domestic Shorthair Cat, Orange
Tom - Society Finch
Dot - Society Finch
Peter - Society Finch
Xander - Blue Capped Waxbill
Favorite Activities:
Peechee: sleeping, eating, following me around and looking for the perfect sunbeam. Occasionally, sneaking outside to eat grass.
Tom: Eating wheatgrass.
Dot: Taking baths, smiling (which basically is just opening her beak, and looking around like she's surprised).
Peter: Singing in a very quiet voice, preening (grooming) other finches.
Xander: Singing call and response with anything that answers, and flying around at the speed of light.
Favorite Foods:
Peechee: Orijen pet food & Feline Greenies
Tom: Wheatgrass & Millet
Dot, Peter & Xander: Millet
What do your pets do when you are crafting?
Peechee: follows me around, sits wherever I'm sitting and dozes off, or occasionally tries to walk over my project so he can harness whatever attention I'm giving to what I'm working on.
Dot, Peter, Xander and Tom all sing & hop around & sound very finchy.
Best thing about you pets: Every day they give me a reason to be happy, the finches are so simple and so cheerful - always doing something tender and sweet like preening each other or singing softly. Peechee is a gentle, sweet cat who is very affectionate and keeps me company during my otherwise lonely / solitary days.
If your pets could talk: Peechee: "Take me with you"
Can you share a pet tip you've learned since having your pets? I learned the hard way, but tap water -- even filtered water as we have used in the past for our pets to drink (which our vet mistakingly told us was safe & fine) -- has protozoa (aka trich) which can cause a fatal infection in animals, particularly small ones like finches. We only give our pets bottled water ever since & believe they have lived longer, happier & healthier lives because of it.
Also, a little drop of apple cider vinegar in water can soothe a stressed digestive tract, help with bad pet breath and even prevent kidney stones! Not every day, but once in awhile - preventatively!
Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
Jul 28, 2009 10:00 AM
Interviews, Pets |
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July 24, 2009
Pet Spotlight: Julie Jackson's Siamese Cat Boone
Today we are featuring a feline celeb if you will. He's taken the internet and TV by storm, and soon will hit a book store near you. Pictured above is Boone, the Lilac-point Siamese cat of Subversive Cross Stitch and Kitty Wigs founder, Julie Jackson. He's the supermodel for Julie's new book, Glamourpuss: The Enchanting World of Kitty Wigs published by Chronicle Books and due out on book stores in October. You can follow Boone on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.
Name of Pet: Boone Jackson
Pet Type: Lilac-point Siamese cat
Favorite activity: Sleeping/complaining. Or going for a walk on his leash.
Favorite food: Kitty treats, any kind.
What does your pet do when you are crafting? Anything to get my attention (which he doesn't want once he has it).
Best thing about your pet: Blase attitude -- he'll wear a Kitty Wig and pose all day.
If your pet could talk, what do you think he/she would say? "HEY! WHAT ABOUT ME?"
Can you share a pet tip you've learned since having your pet? Siamese cats are for suckers (but we already knew that).
A can of cat food goes a long way toward making your pet more cooperative in a photo shoot.
Boone in the final Glamourpuss book cover. Author Julie Jackson and photographer Jill Johnson strike a pose with their own version of Kitty Wigs.
Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
Jul 24, 2009 11:00 AM
Interviews, Pets |
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July 23, 2009
Pet Spotlight: Diane Gilleland's Cat Pushkin
We talked with CraftyPod's Diane Gilleland on Monday about her new book, Kanzashi in Bloom (please check out her great Weaving eBook too!). Today, we talk to her about her feline BFF, Pushkin who frequently makes appearances in her tweets.
Name of Pet: Pushkin
Pet Type: Maine Coon Cat
Favorite activity: Sleeping, playing, and watching out windows
Favorite food: Fancy Feast. He must have watched that TV commercial with the Persian cat and the Lauren Hutton voiceover.
What does your pet do when you are crafting? Pushkin likes to be in the middle of the action. He jumps on the table and sprawls out on whatever I'm working on. Then he gives me his "Isn't this great?" look.
Best thing about your pet: Pushkin is a very brave kitty. His previous owner passed away, and when he came to us, he was pretty traumatized. But he's slowly come out of his shell, and every day he does something new that surprises us.
If your pet could talk, what do you think he/she would say? "Please go get that feathered mouse toy and dangle it in front of me. I require entertainment."
Can you share a pet tip you've learned since having your pet? If your cat doesn't like to be groomed, try talking softly to him while you gently brush his fur. He'll relax in time.
Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
Jul 23, 2009 10:00 AM
Interviews, Pets |
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July 21, 2009
Book Review and Giveaway: Kanzashi In Bloom by Diane Gilleland
Kanzashi In Bloom: 20 Simple Fold-and-Sew Projects to Wear and Give by Diane Gilleland
Book Site: kanzashi-in-bloom.com
Diane's Site: craftypod.com
I'm so excited that we are the first stop in Diane Gilleland's blog tour for her new book, Kanzashi In Bloom: 20 Simple Fold-and-Sew Projects to Wear and Give. Diane is well-known for her mulit-craft talents and for her podcast/blog, Crafty Pod. In true Diane form, this book does not disappoint! I didn't know much about Kanzashi before this book and Diane gives you the perfect 101 to this beautiful art form before you dive into specific projects. Learn the history of Kanzashi in Japan and then dive into the core techniques of how to make and design a flower. Once you have the essentials down, Diane gives you 20 projects you can make from hair ornaments, jewelry, brooches, embellishments to clothing, home decor, and more. A few of my favorite projects are pictured above: Fuzzy-Flower Scarf, Flower Garland, and Butterfly Jar toppers. The step-by-step photos (taken by Diane's mom, Pam) are fantastic and help showcase the intricate details of what to do. I'm looking forward to making projects from the book for friends and family. I'm even thinking I can get a jump start on the process of making holiday gifts with this book!
Book Giveaway
Guess what dear readers? Three lucky people will win a copy of this book! Just leave a comment to this post telling us why you want this book! (Make sure to include your email address in the form field so we can contact you. Won't be published.) Deadline for comments is Thursday, July 23rd at Noon PST. Good luck!
Read on for my interview with Diane and find out more about Kanzashi In Bloom and her tips for crafting.
Read full story
Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
Jul 21, 2009 10:00 AM
Books and Magazines, Interviews, Reviews |
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