Nerd Dream Project

So, I have been spending a lot of time contemplating seriously awesome writers, actors, inventors and all around fantastic people who would be considered part of the "nerd experience".

With modern media, I can follow them on twitter, read their G+ feed, see their current projects on Facebook. And it begs me to wonder if folk had any one "Nerd or Geek wish" they could ask from someone still living, what it would be.

I've received several so far on FB and G+. But I wonder, if you could have a wish come true involving someone in an industry that could be construed as "nerdy or geeky" what would it be?

Photoshoots - Last Summer

So last summer, I had this idea, to get a bunch of friends and have them model for me.

I wanted three shoots, one with no makeup, jewelry etc, one with day to day vestments makeup, accoutrements and the third as crazy and wild as they wanted to be.

These are the compilations I made last summer.


(Model: Tracie H.)


(Model: Jen R.)

Thanks again to last year's fantastic models.

Now, who is in for this year?!?

More strange hearts

In case any of you recall, I did a painting a while back called "My Metal Heart".

Well it now has a sister.


"My Frozen Heart"

Nudes

I have been trying to paint them. I've learned that I'm not extremely fantastic at them, so I went ahead and gave it another shot.

I have it linked instead of posted here, because it's not particularly safe for work.

I'm interested in hearing opinions though.

Tutorial: Handmade Envelopes

It has been a while since I've done a tutorial or craft project here, so I figured I'd try something relatively simple but really cute.

I wanted to make my own envelope to send as part of my ATC swap. So I looked at the USPS size charts to see what sizes are legal for mailing. The smallest size was 3 1/2 inches by 5 1/2 inches.

So, I got to work, painting a full sheet of watercolor paper.

To be fair, you can paint, draw, or use decorator paper, but I really wanted to paint yesterday!

Then I got to my pattern on a piece of cardstock. I started with a 3 1/2" by 5 1/2" rectangle. I made the bottom flap by drawing 2 3/4ths" lines and making a new rectangle. The top flap was 2" tall and then made another rectangle. The side flaps are 1" long.

Cut out your template.

Trace the template onto your fancy paper!

Then cut that out!

Fold the flaps. (fancy folk have bone folders, but I had a mail opener handy!)

I also angled the edges a bit to make it look "fancier".

And there you go!!! Your own handmade envelope!

Prioritizing

Is one of my biggest personal flaws. I over schedule, under-rest and in the few spare moments I do find, I sit with a laptop and space out with Facebook.

I have been so busy lately that my personal life and faith have taken a back seat. That makes me very sad. This summer has been more packed than most. With weddings, baby showers, travel and reunions and just trying to get back into the swing of life after our own wedding...I have had little down time. To make matters worse, I don't often know what to do with my free time when I have a little of it. So I usually end up wasting time looking at arts sites or Facebook when I could be making art and spending time with friends.

There is a lot to be said for slowing down. And I have no idea HOW to. I'm willing to take suggestions!!!

Also, I've been gaming a lot. A LOT a lot. And I really need to cut back. I think today I'll try to work on a Rhea Day poem to break back into the liturgical mindset.

I'll happily take recommendations on how people unwind.