Eda Doreen

::Changing of the Guard::

“Forgiveness is the key to action and freedom. “Hannah Arendt

Last week I found myself glued to the television watching the final moments for Queen Katherine Howard, and her lover Master Culpepper on 'The Tudors'. It was both disturbing and gut wrenching. Here is a video of one of the producers Micheal Hurst discussing the solemn, but most memorable aspect of the history and execution of the downfall of one of the last of King Henry VIII’s, wives.

LINK IS HERE : THE TUDORS :GREAT SYMPATHY

It took both the breath from me watching this torturous episode, as did it take a week or so to forget its visuals. During the Reformation, life for all of its citizens of England, Scotland, and Wales proved to be both enlightening, and historically eye opening. There were no fair trials without torture, nor were there any trials without religious persecution. And as we all would somehow agree, this still exists in some cultures around the world even today

So, while I am glued to the final episodes in one of the most satisfying historical series I have ever seen, I am yet to realize how important the reformation set the gateway for personal freedoms, and life in the days as we now live them.

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So, enough of that.. I actually finalised some cigar boxes yesterday that were long overdue for completion and listing.

 

I opted for the pastel spring/summer look and hopefully they will sell  at some point.

ecochipmunk

 

Have a wonderful morning, afternoon, or evening whereever you may be in this wonderfully colorful world. Eat healthy, heaps, and of course dream.... for dreams are the renditions of hope.

Sammi :)

 

two threads short of an oven mitt

tutorial

friday!

 

“A sense of humor... is needed armor. Joy in one's heart and some laughter on one's lips is a sign that the person down deep has a pretty good grasp of life. “-Hugh Sidey

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I have a habitual downfall, I must admit. And, they say that if you admit to one's faults then at least it’s the start to overcoming them. Yeah right!

Ok. So here’s the deal. I have fallen head over in femme heals love with fabrics. Organic fabrics, Japanese fabrics, designer fabrics, cotton fabrics, polyester fabrics, felts, woolens, oh my list goes on. The mail man I am quite sure knows of my obsession of fabrics, there’s a package in my mail box every week or so. But let’s not go there. Let’s rather look at what can be made with an abundance of glorious fibers.  

Today I am linking back to two fantastic, easy going patterns to make out of a yard of fabric, found on the longthread.com. The first tutorial shows one how to sew a pair of oven mitts, and the second, a purse to take out and about in this glorious sunshine.

Both patterns have photo’s to guide one through the meanders of threads, and both patterns pack a punch in the ‘Wow I did it’ category.

 

Sooz's Slack Arse Oven Mitts

 

Soozs blog is somewhat outdated, however Im positive she won't mind a bit in using her tutorial to sew up these little beauties. 

 

Bamboo Beach Purse

Notice this beach purse has bamboo handles, for those of us who wouldn't know where to get a hold of them, they can be purchased as a two pack, or single pack from Joann's.com, or any other fabric/Haberdashery store. And of course, Heather Bailey fabrics, and Amy Butler fabrics suit this purse to a tee. Oh, and I will tell all about a two gal team who prints their own fabrics in Australia, named InkandSpindle. This Aussie combo, sure know how to produce some awesome fabrics on unique fabrics. They ship internationally, and are super friendly. Their wholesale list can be obtained easily as well. Below is a collage of some of their eco-friendly fabrics that they hand printed.

 

So that's it for this week!

I hope you all have something fun filled, relaxing, and life full of happiness planned for the weekend. I do .. work ha!

I do look forward to my monday and tuesdays though : ) Keep safe, smile, and hug someone today, I am sure they need it.

 

Best,

Sam

 

  

 

Mother of an Earth Day

Earth Day April 22, 2010

“When all the trees have been cut down, when all the animals have been hunted, when all the waters are polluted, when the air is unsafe to breathe, only then will you discover you cannot eat money.”

-Indian Cree.

 

Earth Day

I have always been an environmentalist. I wouldn’t call myself a tree hugger, but if I had to hug a tree in order to make it better in sickness I certainly would. Have you heard about individuals who talk to their vegetables and tomato plants when they are growing? Well that is me too.  

I have a t-shirt that I purchased a few years ago made from organic cotton, and on the front it says “Earth Day 24/7/365”. In reality, that is exactly how we should celebrate the home that provides us with sustenance, life, food, shelter, and happiness. Not just today, but every day. It is so easy to change just one habit that is considered bad on the environment and in doing so it can make a huge impact on the world we live in. HUGE. Yet, unfortunately, many of us live in a world set up for convenience. We have readymade meals; we eat out and produce massive amounts of carbon dioxide simply from eating the simple cheeseburger. I find it amusing that there are individuals who actually think it humorous the impact a cows excretion has on the atmosphere.

 

 Food Inc.

I recently watched a fantastic documentary called FOOD INC. It actually portrayed the way in which the United States Citizens are being told exactly what to eat, and who to buy it from. The worse thing is, it’s a subliminal message you would never realize, unless you watch this movie and find out for yourself. The world we live in today is not like the world we lived in 20 years ago. Please, if you do get a chance watch FOOD INC. when you can. I promise, you will thank the producer, and yourself for taking the time out to consider your family, your earth, and your community.

Support local farmers Markets!

 

 

A.U.A.C.
 

On a final note, I found a fantastic website this morning that allows you to adopt a piece of land and in sponsoring that land, which is native, wild, and in need of conservation management, you will be doing your bit in the fight against the earth’s degradation. I have decided to adopt a piece of Western Australia, my original Island Home.

Adopt an Acre

Today, go out and spend some time in the community. Look around you. What do you see? Do you see individuals who care for the earth, or do you see mere neglect, ignorance, or laziness?

Best,

Sam

Clever Betty

Clever Betty

The etsy forums are a place that buyers, sellers, and outside online browsers can learn a thing or two from. Needless to say however, I have learnt so much from the forums. Some postings are so helpful; you stand there scratching your head thinking ‘why didn’t I think of that?’Other postings are downright hilarious, and very much remind me of the local pubs, back home in Australia.

The forums have also become a place of solace to some. There are some days where you may not have sold anything in your shop, or a transaction went back of the woods, or like me, you end up browsing the forums for a great laugh. Either way eventually one finds exactly what they came there for. And, that’s exactly how I met Clever Betty. And, after having a chit chat, I asked artist and etsy seller Lauren Zelazek owner of Clever Betty if she would mind being my feature artist of the week on Eda Doreen.  

So, I asked Lauren a few questions or two, which would help the indie artist out a little.

Welcome Lauren!

First things first, where did you begin in this chosen career?

I'm one of those "art was always my favorite subject in school" kinds. Hands-on activities have always kept my attention for much longer than working math problems or typing up a book report. I started sewing sometime in middle school when I found out I was going to have to take a FACS class and sewing was involved, so I wanted to be ahead of the game. I got hooked, and spent weekends in high school with my best friend and her grandma in their sewing room, learning the "right way" to sew. I tend to do things my own way now.

I earned a bachelor of fine arts in art with an emphasis in graphic design (to "make some money," ha!.) I worked for Mary Engelbreit's Home Companion magazine straight out of college, and was constantly surrounded by people and images of the things that I could see myself doing for a living. The magazine, unfortunately, was shut down by its publishing company, so I took that as a sign I should get to researching how I was going to go about starting a business. I spent well over a year (back to that attention span thing- numbers and writing...) doing so, and finally opened up shop this January.

 

Lauren Zelazek 0wner- Clever Betty

What inspires you to keep creating and selling in the indie art business?

Probably thousands and thousands of other sellers- on Etsy, people I've seen locally at craft shows, those that have "quit their day jobs" and are living the dream by creating for others' enjoyment. In particular, I'm kind of a fabric fanatic and wouldn't mind being a fabric designer someday, so Anna Maria Horner and Amy Butler are both women whose work I admire. (Not to mention their gorgeous families and homes!) My family is very encouraging of my work so they're definitely also part of my inspiration.

 

Grocery Bag Set

Where do you want to go with your craft Lauren?

I would love to be one of those quit-your-day-jobbers featured on the Etsy Storque! But first things first- I know it's going to take a while to get there. I'm working on getting the word out that Clever Betty exists right now, and hope to do some local craft shows this year to start.

 

Corduroy foldover clutch

Do you have any Tips for other new sellers?

Research! You definitely don't have to spend as much time as I did doing so, but definitely check out the market for what you want to sell. Why should anyone buy your product in particular and not someone else's? Also, make sure you stay legal. You'll have to check out what the laws are where you live- but make sure you register to pay taxes, have a retail sales license, are compliant with city and county laws and anything else that might apply to your state/country. It's a lot of work, but it's a lot more work to have to come back and do all of this later once your business is successful- the IRS in the US will definitely make sure they get every penny that they're owed, and then some, if you're not careful. Finally, always remember why it is that you started crafting. Cranking out products to make a quick buck is one thing, but making products that you put your heart and soul into and are proud that someone would want to purchase is what it's all about.

 

Awesome tips and a very inspiring story thank you Lauren!

Lauren Zelazek
Owner, Clever Betty
www.cleverbetty.etsy.com