Bisque ware demo pieces. I’m not totally sure what color I’ll glaze them, but I’m leaning towards white or transparent. If I can make at least 25 more, maybe they’ll be used as vases for the reception. We’ll see …
Hello, weekend! I love you!
strangely calming
B + C
For me, the best way to unwind after a long day is to work on patterns. I wouldn’t mind getting paid to do this all day. The same applies to other activities like cutting rubylith, paper, or split ends. I find the repetitive motions strangely calming (One time I spent two hours at the library looking at split ends instead of writing a paper. Kind of gross, I know.)
Most of the drawings are related to BJ and me—places we’ve been, themes we’re drawn to. The plans are to somehow incorporate it into our wedding, but the ampersand can be easily adapted to other combinations like these:
- peanut butter + chocolate
- strawberry + lemonade
- me + you
- snow days + sleeping in
The possibilities are endless!
our real wishes
I’ve been slowly making fabric flowers since the summer. Very slow. I tend to get too sentimental and attached to each object. They have a story, travelled with me to different cities, and/or were given to me by someone close. I was nervous to bring all the details together, but it all worked out in the end.
Lately, I’ve been reminded that it’s time to kick it into gear, to plan for The Big Day. And although there are too many ways to get overwhelmed, too many wedding related blogs to read, too many people to please, too many traditions to uphold, these are our real wishes: to show our friends and families how much we love and appreciate them, to craft a day that is meaningful and authentic to us, and to enjoy our day and our friends even if it means fewer DIY projects or less sleep.
And I am so happy that BJ and I have collaborated every step of the way. He is really the best.
Off I go. Om Om Om.
BJ Danced
Yesterday afternoon, we arrived home from our D.C. trip and started work the next day. Whew. I am exhausted. The weather was especially cold and windy, but we managed to do a good amount of walking and visiting during our time there. I wish we had a few more days to see friends, visit the National Gallery, and climb the steps to the Lincoln Memorial. Sounds like we’ll have to make another trip soon! (Oh if only our pockets were a little/lot deeper)
We rang in the New Year at a dive bar with fellow Domers, ate a delicious breakfast with Melissa, and enjoyed the breathtaking wedding with close friends. AND BJ danced. It was awesome.
1. Ben, me, and Ben relaxing after the rehearsal dinner, 2. Arriving at Dupont Circle 3. BJ getting fancy. more pictures here
make stuff besides lesson plans
Yes! Winter break! I finally have some time to make stuff besides lesson plans. This papercut will be part of  my parents’ Christmas gift. Although I really enjoyed making it, my back and neck are hating me so much right now. BJ and I decided we’re going to make it a tradition to give each other homemade cards. I finished his yesterday, but I’ll have to post it later. I’m not so great with surprises, but I’m working on it …
I’m slowly making flowers from recycled and remnant fabric. I’m not sure how they’ll be used this summer…
… but maybe I’ll pair them with some of these guys from the Rhode Island Recycling center? (Another thing I miss about Providence. You can buy scraps of silk and quality fabric for 15 cents a pound!)
Playing around with some ideas for the groomsmen.
making it official
So I thought I could sneak the engagement party into my sister’s graduation party this summer, but it never was meant to be. However, I am very happy we did have one this week because it gave me a chance to meet BJ’s dad, to see his mom and brother again, and to thank all our family members for their support. If only I had another week off, because this has not been a break at all! There has been a ton of cleaning, renovations, errand running, and late nights. Whew. Here are a few images I was able to capture.
I removed all the hideous vinyl wallpaper, painted, and hung some of my and my sister’s artwork.
Carrot mini cupcakes with cream cheese frosting
Serving tea with lots of whispered directions from the elders :) (pic by Quynh)
Still a little teary-eyed from my speech. Why am I so emotional!?
tick tock
(A 1950s wedding dress to the rescue! This bride found out a few weeks before the wedding that her original dress would not arrive on time. Luckily, she stumbled upon this vintage beauty  soon after.) via Snippet and Ink | Photos by Jonas Peterson
Shoot, I got an engagement party to plan. I was against roasted pig, but after BJ fell in love with the pork cheek and dandelion salad at Feast, I think it’s back on the menu. No pig head. I think we can do without it!
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Friday, we watched Zombieland after missing the showing for September Issue. I cringed, screamed, and jumped throughout the first half. BJ even offered to get up and leave with me, but I wanted to wait until the food came, of course. By then, the gore was not so bad and the movie- pretty enjoyable! Best cameo of all time. Of all time!
I’ve been experimenting with fabric for the boys’ boutonnieres. Not sure how they’ll look in the end, but I like them so far.
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I bought Musikraphics for my digital graphics kiddos, but I happily found tons of inspiration for my other classes. The cover was enough reason to buy the book, but the inside is just as sweet. Yay, for solid reference books!
Birdcages on sale at grocery stores!? So many possibilities for July.
papercut love
Papercut for Catherine & Trevor on handmade paper.