Excuse my brief hiatus. You probably thought I was buried alive under a heap of clothing all this time. I’ve been in recuperation mode after the hubbub of Swap-O-Rama-Rama, which went off without a hitch last Sunday (to my extreme delight). Event planning takes a lot out of a person. Think I’ve finally got my mojo back. Let’s ask it.
Me: Mojo, are you back?
Mojo: (crawls out from under large rock and emits a long groan) Five more minutes.
We got a perfect day weather-wise and arrived at Bigby Place to find some clothing donations already waiting for us. Thanks to all you anonymous donors out there – you know who you are! Art Director got us set-up and managed our Feng Shui. Our volunteers arrived on-time and smiling. We put them to fast work sorting clothes. Before I knew it, it was eleven am and our swappers were coming in droves! We had a steady stream through the early afternoon, followed by a slight lull (when I suspect people were getting more sustenance so they could come back for Round Two) and then another wave. Not to mention the cluster of people who stayed all day! In total, we had over 100 people in attendance. Pretty awesome if you ask me.
Swappers, I salute you. You got in there and weren’t afraid to dig through the piles. You were finding clothes and silkscreening, many of you for the first time. Enjoying the rush that comes when you lift the screen and WHAMMO! there’s your image. So easy! Some of you worked with our talented seamstresses and made dresses, altered skirts, t-shirts and the list goes on. That’s truly what Swap-O-Rama-Rama’s all about.
Now I’m going to be the gushing ingenue here for a minute with my big list of thank yous. Volunteers, I love you! You’re amazing. Thanks for being reliable, enthusiastic and pitching in where needed. Without you, it would have been a sea of bags and mayhem. Olivia, Beth and Hannah, thanks for a rockin’ sewing circle! It was great to see so many people working on projects with you throughout the entire day. Way to teach and inspire!
More thanks to Bigby Place, for sharing their great venue. Thanks to our silkscreen sponsor, Yudu, and our coffee supplier, Oso Negro. Thanks also to the local media for their coverage in the press.
You think I’d be done but no! Even more people to thank. All my peeps and friends who helped with the event: Shaun at the door, Devlin on cookies and Ryan (aka My Sweetie), the silkscreen master. Ready for the big plot reveal? Ever notice how Ryan and Art Director are never in the room at the same time? We have a Clark Kent/Superman situation on our hands. Art Director, thanks for being patient, helpful and thoroughly invested in the project from the getgo. I owe you BIGTIME!
And the biggest thank you goes out to all you Swappers who came out for Nelson’s first Swap-O-Rama-Rama. I hope you had a great time. I’d love to hear your thoughts, comments and ideas for future Swap-O-Rama-Ramas. (Yes, we will definitely have music for the next one!) We’re still busy sorting all the leftover clothes here at Swap-O-Rama-Rama HQ, preparing them for their next charitable stops. Clothes have a lot of life in them and even more so when we think of creative ways to extend that life. No date set yet for the next Swap-O-Rama-Rama but look for us in the Fall. This event can be even bigger and better with your help! To volunteer or join the mailing list for future info, email Andie: sprinkledonut@hotmail.com.
☆ Thanks for making Nelson Swap-O-Rama-Rama a huge success! You guys rock! ☆
Mr. Mojo Risin’ June 21, 2010
Those Aren’t Pillows June 13, 2010
Remember when you were a kid and you used to pilfer through your parents closet or poke around in your mom or grandmother’s jewellery box? That feeling that you were a pirate, sizing up riches? Or struck by the glamour of these little, sparkly delicate things which were held so dear. I hope Swap-O-Rama-Rama feels a bit like that. Treasure hunting at it’s best. Mmm, what I wouldn’t give for a soft, fluffy white pillow right now. Still burning the midnight oil to finish some last minute swap preparations. Stuff that I probably should have done long before now. Funny how that goes. Thought I better try to squeak in a blogpost before the witching hour strikes since I promised to reveal our ⒼⓄⓁⒹⒺⓃ ⓉⒽⒾⓂⒷⓁⒺ ⒸⓄⓃⓉⒺⓈⓉ winner.
Congratulations to Olivia for her stunning grad dress creation, pictured on the left. Here’s the story behind her reconstruction project.
“I made it from a jacket and skirt set that I recovered from a woman’s attic. This woman was an eccentric lady who opened her attic to any interested sewers since she wanted to clean out all of her old fabrics. It was a treasure trove of bolts and bolts of fabric that was about to be thrown out, and in among those piles I discovered this suit jacket and skirt set. I was immediately in love with the iridescence of the fabric and the teal color which I had only previously seen before on peacock feathers. But I wasnt so fond of the shoulderpads and tight pencil skirt so I knew I would redesign it. It sat in my closet for a while until I used it to create my grad dress, which I wore just this past weekend.”
Not only is it an amazing dress made with reclaimed fabric but I love that somebody opened up her attic to people and wanted to see her stash of materials put to good use. Great idea! We’re lucky enough to have Olivia with us at the swap tomorrow, set up with her sewing machines and helping you transform and create one of a kind pieces. She is also one of the talented people involved with Children of the Seams. Check them out!
Uh oh. Energy is fading. Time to refill the ol’ coffee cup and go back to sumo wrestling the To Do list. The coffee’s cold but that won’t stop me. In fact, it might even help. I’m going to say goodnight and leave you with this beautiful song by one of my style icons…Hedwig. See you all tomorrow at Swap-O-Rama-Rama! Doors open at 11 am. The most important thing to remember? Have fun.
We Don’t Have a Button for That June 11, 2010
Just two more sleeps ’til Swap-O-Rama-Rama. Oh boy oh boy oh boy! Woke up and the world was on my side until I ran into one of those Kafkaesque roadblocks with a certain shipping company that will remain nameless. Our burned silk screen images got held up at customs. It’s a loooooong story that I won’t bore you with. After two hours on the phone, and three courier companies later the good news is that we should have them in time for the swap. If not, there shall be expletives…lots of them! No, I’m kidding. We’ll figure out some way to screen print by hook or by crook. In the meantime, I’d like a large Mai Tai please and waiter, keep ’em coming.
We’ve got our key for the venue and our coffee supplies from Oso Negro. Postering is a fait-accompli. A few things left to do here at Swap-O-Rama-Rama HQ but we are ready to go. I almost wish it was Sunday already. Got all this nervous energy and nowhere to funnel it. Yahtzee anyone? Maybe I should chill out with my Mai Tais and watch the spelling bee documentary Spellbound. Sounds like a capital plan if you ask me. I’m also open to your relaxation suggestions, as long as they don’t involve goats or Oprah.
Final reminder! Our ⒼⓄⓁⒹⒺⓃ ⓉⒽⒾⓂⒷⓁⒺ ⒸⓄⓃⓉⒺⓈⓉ closes at 5pm today. It’s not too late for a chance to win a gift certificate for The Preserved Seed and free admission to Swap-O-Rama-Rama. Email your entry to Andie: sprinkledonut@hotmail.com. Good luck everyone. Winner to be announced on the blog tomorrow. Stay tuned!
☆ Swap Tip: Take advantage of our DIY crafting workshops! Don’t be shy. Get in there and make something. Screen print a design or add a funky patch to your new shirt. The workshops are there for you. ☆
I’m pretty stoked about our Graffiti Wall at the swap. Think of it as a guest book but more gritty and urban. Grab a marker and share your comments and ideas. Draw, doodle, go nuts! We’ll also have a mailing list you can join to be notified about the next Swap-O-Rama-Rama. Let us know if you’re interested in volunteering! Okay, I’m going to confess a couple of things here. One: this next video has nothing to do with craft but it made me giggle this morning…not to mention the savage Taco Bell craving that followed. Two: (and I hope you can forgive me for this one) sometimes I don’t watch the videos that I post all the way through. I know! It’s terrible and I’m not proud. If there’s a twelve step program for that, sign me up. I did make it all the way through this one, such is my love for tacos. Friday update over and out.
Shame: Your mother wore Army shoes.
Batman: Yes, she did. As I recall, she found them quite comfortable.
See Ruby Falls June 8, 2010
Today I’ve got roadtripping on the brain. I’m remembering those long drives my family used to take to go to Florida each year. My dad refusing to relinquish the wheel, insisting that driving straight through for 24 hours was no problem. My grandma raving about the cheesy scrambled eggs at Waffle House. My mom looking at the scenery. Me in the backseat with my knock-off Sony walkman, listening to The Police over and over. That first time we went, expecting to see groves of orange trees as soon as we crossed the Florida state line. The few times that we did stay in motel, eating grits in Georgia, trying to figure out what HBO stood for and whether it was a good thing our room had it. Weird sightseeing attractions like Gator Farms and endless billboards that urged us to “See Ruby Falls”. (We never did.) More fireworks stands than I could comprehend. Were people really that fond of shooting stuff into the air? This was usually Christmas time. Let’s celebrate Baby Jesus with a Bottle Rocket? Ah, those were fun trips. I’m sure you have your own memories and variations, thereof. This must be where my love of roadtripping came from. I think a post-Swap-O-Rama-Rama roadtrip is definitely going to be in order. World’s Largest Ball of Twine, I’m coming for ya!
Not counting today, Swap-O-Rama-Rama is a mere four days away. I am so psyched! Can’t wait to see everybody tearing through the piles and customizing their new stuff. We’ve got coffee and cookies for y’all but you might want to load up on Red Bull and power bars for breakfast. Just sayin’. It’s like a marathon. Go easy, pace yourself. Keep hydrated! We don’t want any pulled hamstrings. Did I mention my knowledge of First Aid begins and ends with Hello Kitty bandaids? Some people have been asking whether they can come by simply to donate a bag of clothes to the swap. Yes, absolutely! Please bring them near the beginning of the swap if possible.
☆ Swap Tip: Wear your spandex, leopard print unitard. Okay, maybe not that but do wear clothes that allow you to try stuff on quickly and easily. We don’t do mirrors or change rooms. Turn to the person beside you and ask for their opinion. ☆
Tailors, crafters and artisans, if you’re reading this and you’ve got a skill to share it’s not too late to take part. We would love to have you as an addition to the event. We want Swap-O-Rama-Rama to be buzzing with creative energy, knowhow and ideas! It doesn’t require a huge time commitment, anything you can offer is an extraordinary gift to the community. Plus, it comes with my undying love and gratitude. Email Andie: sprinkledonut@hotmail.com
Well, time to bust out the bike and go for a mini-roadtrip. I can hear the barbecue calling and it’s whispering for veggie burgers. It’s all seductive like that. Take care, swappers! Here’s a Fashion Enemy tutorial for you because goshdarnit, this day has good vibes all over it. Is it just me?
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Enter to win! Our ⒼⓄⓁⒹⒺⓃ ⓉⒽⒾⓂⒷⓁⒺ ⒸⓄⓃⓉⒺⓈⓉ closes Friday, June 11th at 5 pm. See sidebar for details.
Grease Monkey June 6, 2010
You know those little old Italian ladies whose husbands have passed away and god bless ’em, they wear a black dress everyday henceforth? Maybe this is a Toronto thing. I used to see them in 100 degree heat watering their rosebushes. Anyway, that’s me at the moment, mourning the death of Dennis Hopper. What a funny, smart, talented and sexy guy. He seems like the kind of guy that would share his salty nuts with you on the plane, you know? So I’ve been thinking this for years but I just want to put it out there formally for Hollywood. Tinseltown, are you listening? If you make a movie about Dennis Hopper, which I hope you will, you gotta cast Owen Wilson in the lead. I think he could do the man proud. This is just one person’s opinion, of course. Maybe you’re still smarting after “You, Me and Dupree” and I can’t say I entirely blame you.
I changed my first washer today. That was kind of a big deal. Hooray for wiki instructions! Total girl power. I came back to the cabin and blasted some Spice Girls to celebrate. I’m kidding about that last part. Think I managed to fix the leak but while I was getting my plumber butt on, I broke the screwdriver. As Hugh Grant would say, oopsy daisies. I won’t deny that there were some dark moments and quiet contemplation. Still, I feel good about getting ‘er done. So if you need something fixed (or broken) gimme a call!
One week today! The Swap-O-Rama-Rama countdown is on. I woke up this morning with To Do lists on my brain. Final organizing and trying to think of all the little necessities that need attention. Is there anything better than making a good, solid list? Possibly chocolate or finding some really spectacular trash but that’s about it. David Letterman and Nick Hornby will back me up on that, I’m sure. Suffice to say, it’s going to be a list-filled week here at Swap-O-Rama-Rama HQ.
Turns out we’re getting more press, too. We’ll be appearing in tomorrow’s edition of Nelson Daily News. Media blitzkrieg nearly complete! Time for the final push. Bring on the No-Doze. Look for me at Swap-O-Rama-Rama. I’ll be the one with matching Samsonite Luggage under her eyes. Perfect segue!
☆ Swap Tip: Bring along an extra reusable bag. You’ll probably leave with more than you came with. Trust me. I’ve seen it happen. ☆
Before I sign off, I should mention that our ⒼⓄⓁⒹⒺⓃ ⓉⒽⒾⓂⒷⓁⒺ ⒸⓄⓃⓉⒺⓈⓉ has been extended. If you haven’t entered yet, this is your chance. Send in a photo of your favourite project, as handmade by you! The new deadline is 5 pm on Friday, June 11th. The winner will be announced on the blog Saturday, June 12th and they’ll be able to collect their prize at Swap-O-Rama-Rama. Check the sidebar for further contest details. Hope you’re successfully fighting the Rainy Sunday Blues. Here’s a little t-shirt DIY lesson for the road.
I Ate the Sandbox June 4, 2010
There are two kinds of people in this world: those that love knee socks and those that wouldn’t be caught dead in them. Guess which camp I fall in? Ha, that’s not much of a skill testing question. I am firmly pro-knee sock. True, usually all of mine have serious ventilation going on in the heel and toe area. Darning circle, anyone? And why am I even talking about socks when I have so much to tell you today? Good grief. Let’s DO THIS!
We’re in the paper! Nay, we’re in two papers. An article in The Nelson Star and a mention in The Nelson Express. This makes me happier than a dog playing poker. Seems like it’s already generating more interest in the swap and I’ve already had more people contact me about volunteering. Can I get a w00t w00t? I think that deserves a video clip, don’t you? Threadbangers is a great series of online DIY videos. I kid you not…there’s a million of them!
So not only do we have a terrific crew of volunteers but more crafters and clothing designers are entering the mix! That means…MORE WORKSHOPS. Booya! I’m so excited that we now have the talented Children of the Seams joining us, hot off the success of their Upcycled Fashion Show. (You can watch the video on their site.) They’ll be on hand to show you how to modify garments and share info about the environmental impact of the fashion industry and the importance of recycling. Can I tell you how amazing it is to feel this kind of response and see people who are enthusiastic about getting involved? Yep…amazing! I’m proud of you, Nelson. ☺ Let’s celebrate that enthusiasm with another video. I think it was the title of this one that definitely caught my interest.
It’s Friday again. So weird how that happens. I hope you all have exquisitely fun plans for the weekend. I’ll be learning dance moves (not Night Moves because I already have those) for a choreographed sequence. That should be interesting. My dance experience is limited to watching a lot of “Fame” and one pair of leg warmers. Liza Minnelli, eat your heart out! Okay, time to make a badass curry before Art Director tells me I’m chopping too slow. One more vid. Can you handle it?
This Day Could Use a Cupcake June 2, 2010
Seriously…anybody got an extra cupcake? Preferably chocolate and vegan. Sugar doesn’t cure all but it helps. Swap-O-Rama-Rama is right on track. No worries there. Well, one small glitch. I’m in the middle of screen printing our posters and can’t find our emulsion sheet. I don’t get it…this place is tiny. There aren’t that many places where it could be hiding. Can’t ask Art Director cuz he’s sawing logs right now. Gotta say though, layer number one is done and the posters are looking awesome. Maybe if I try some ‘here kitty kitty’ and shake a box of food?
Some of you may have noticed that my blogroll over there on the right is – how shall I say this – a wee bit out of control. Yes, it’s long. Yes, I do list a lot of blogs but I promise they are all pure gold. Or have morsels of gold. Or gold spray-painted sneakers. Explore! I had fun finding them and no doubt once you start meandering, you too will have a blogroll as long as a blue whale’s manhood. If you find any gems that I don’t have listed, by golly, send me links! I love links almost as much as I love cupcakes.
Know what makes me sad? Win thrift store is closing at the end of June. I love that place! No, no, no! I hope they are able to re-open in the future. Fooey on high costs of rent and evil tax hikes. Dawn at Win has been great about donating clothes for Swap-O-Rama-Rama, so we’ll have some seed clothes to get us started on June 13th before everyone starts coming with their overflowing bags! She’s been so supportive of the event and manages to keep smiling even through the chaos as they prepare to close the store. If you can, stop by the store soon. They have some great deals on. Fill a bag and show ’em some love. I wish all the staff there luck and strength in the days ahead. Job hunting in this climate, not so fun.
I’m trying to get out of today’s grumpy slump. Did some meditation. That helped a little. Next I’m going to try some peanut butter and grape jelly paired with Law & Order (that show is something of a religion to me). I’m going to bid you goodnight with Boinga Bob, his interesting abode and his fascination with the mystery of life.
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Swap-O-Rama-Rama is still seeking crafters to help with workshops. Know how to knit or sew? We need you! ☺ Email Andie: sprinkledonut@hotmail.com
The Ice Cream Truck’s A-Comin’ May 28, 2010
There you go. A mini-gallery of my recent online hauntings. Enjoy the links and where they take you. Get inspired!
A friend once pointed out that back in my previous Twitter incarnation, I often alluded to food in my 140 character poems. And did I realize this? Nope, not ’til they mentioned it. I took stock of my last three titles here and seems like I’m at it again! Candy, breakfast, ice cream. Food on the brain, I guess. Which would be great – if this was a food blog! If you find yourself getting hungry, at least we know why. Grab a Snickers and keep reading. ☺
There’s some beautiful blue and white stuff up there in the sky today. It made me remember this song from more than a few years back. I don’t know what the original video looks like but stumbled upon this claymation version instead. (As a general rule, never trust anyone who doesn’t like claymation, puppies or ice cream.) Or maybe I like this because it reminds me of Michel Gondry’s crafty wackiness in “The Science of Sleep.”
Holy flaming Oreos, Batman! Swap-O-Rama-Rama is fast approaching. If you haven’t gone through your wardrobe yet, get a bag and get in there! Show no mercy. Got a pair of Hammer pants that you just can’t part with? Now’s the time.
Here at Nelson Swap-O-Rama-Rama headquarters (aka our tiny cabin with no plumbing, lest you have visions of real estate grandeur) we had a good week. An unexpected shipment of additional inks and supplies from our silk screen sponsor, Yudu. Whoo hoo! Thanks, Yudu. We also had confirmation that Nelson’s local Katimavik group will be helping us out at the event. Yay for volunteers! Not to worry because we still have openings if you’re interested in volunteering. Email Andie: sprinkledonut@hotmail.com
Well, time to skeedaddle and put my head outside under those fluffy white things. I’ll leave you with this for some final inspiration. Lots of awesome stuff to admire but especially watch for the flower dress (made from coat hangers and pantyhose). Hey, that reminds me! Don’t forget to send us your contest entries! What contest, you ask? Check out our Golden Thimble contest details on the sidebar. Until next time, dearies.
Denny’s Breakfast: an Interview with Tom Waits May 26, 2010
(Let me just stipulate this is in no way real and only exists in my imagination. No lawsuits please and thanks.)
Me: [to the waitress] Have you seen kind of a scruffy guy, in wrinkled clothes…five o’clock shadow?
Waitress: Look around, kid. You just described half the people in here.
Me: M’kay. Thanks.
She fills my mug quickly, right to the brim but without spilling. Career waitress. I try not to look at my watch and instead start to doodle a still life of the condiments and napkin dispenser. I give the salt and pepper shakers cartoon faces. Salt is happy and pepper is very, very grumpy. Pepper has been waiting for her interview subject for over an hour now. Rock star or no rock star, it is simply rude.
Another half hour and now I have to go to the bathroom. I mean, my teeth are just floating but I don’t want to risk it. I wait. The table behind me is full of three oncologists from the hospital across the street. I doubt the medical skill of any doctor who frequents Denny’s. That’s just me. Oddly, they are in a heated discussion about the show ‘So You Think You Can Dance’. I debate cutting up my Health Card. And suddenly, here is Mr. Waits looking a shambles but contrite.
TW: [voice like a gravel driveway] I’m so sorry. I got trapped in the car wash.
He doesn’t elaborate. I sense that he is the type of guy that calls his car ‘Betsy’. I don’t ask. That could be a whole other interview. This one is about crafts and Swap-O-Rama-Rama, believe it or not.
Me: Oh, no problem. Thanks for meeting me. I have to admit I was a bit surprised when you contacted me. I had no idea you were a crafter. A swapper, sure. That makes sense.
Our waitress is back. My subjects orders coffee, an o.j. and a tomato juice but no food. I order dry toast and a side of tomatoes. She doesn’t blink and walks away on her comfort soles.
TW: So, Swap-O-Rama-Rama…tell me about that. I bring my wife and then, we mingle around with other couples? Is that how it works?
Me: Uh, no. Maybe I gave you the wrong impression. This is a used clothing swap. You bring a bag of previously loved clothes and then you trade them.
TW: I’m just messin’ with ya. Besides my wife and I are separated. [He starts to look a little teary and gazes out the window. I realize I gotta bring it back to crafting or we’re gonna need a lot more napkins.]
Me: So, what’s your favourite craft? When did you start?
TW: Probably embroidery, if I had to pick just one. [Our waitress comes by and drops off our orders. He reaches in his jacket pocket for a bottle of Tabasco. Shakes a heap of pepper and a dash of the Tabasco in the tomato juice and then downs it in a single gulp. He immediately looks revived.] Couldn’t ever really get into knitting. That was a real blow to my Gran. I wrote a song about, actually – “When You Let Down Dear Old Grandma”.
Me: Hey, it’s okay. I’m sure she was really proud that you did embroidery.
TW: I only took that up after she passed away. I find it really relaxes me when I’m touring.
Me: I hate to do this, Mr. Waits…[he interrupts]
TW: Please, call me Tom.
Me: …Tom, but I have to cut our interview short. Bill Murray’s coming by to discuss rug-hooking.
TW: Well that’s just fine, darlin’. I need to go see about a free bandsaw I saw on craigslist. I’ll see you on June 13th at the Swap!
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Top Five Swap Tips
Courtesy of Tom Waits
1. Less free coffee, more bourbon.
2. You can never have too many pinstripe suits.
3. If it smells like a dead guy wore it, he probably did.
4. You never know when you might need a pink tutu.
5. Style is a state of mind.
I, Candy May 23, 2010
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Can we all agree that eye candy is good for the soul? I miss rainy Sunday afternoons in Vancouver with my coffee mate, Kristen, when we would linger for hours, drool over glossy art magazines and in the end, be positively buzzing with fervor to go home and make something! (Come to think of it, maybe the buzz was partly due to the double Americanos.)
I don’t know about you guys but I’m most inspired when I’m around a hub of creative people and energy. Doesn’t really matter whether it’s writing, sewing, painting, composing, building, dancing or any ‘ing’. It’s the passion that’s the contagious factor. Enthusiasm, exposure and learning. Ideas feeding new ideas. I love that! Find inspiration in strange places.
I’ve been glued to the e-webs these days looking for fun stuff to share. Here’s a weird fact I just discovered in the course of my research. Velcro was patented in 1958. Who knew? Guess what inspired its invention? The humble burr.
Note to self: Must remember to go outside, bury my head in a flower or two. Don’t become a web-addicted recluse! “Not that there’s anything wrong with that.”
So my little darlings, what or who inspires you?
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Interested in volunteering or teaching a workshop? Email Andie: sprinkledonut@hotmail.com
