Weekly Blogger Interview - Craftaholics Anonymous
Welcome to this week's Weekly Blogger Interview. This week -- Linda of Craftaholics Anonymous (http://diaryofacraftaholic.blogspot.com/). Linda is a self-admitted crafthaholic, wife, and mother.
What got you started blogging?
too much time on my hands! haha i quit my full time job after little man was born to be a SAHM, i needed something to do during naps. i've always been a craft freak so starting a craft blog was the perfect outlet for me.
You are a self-admitted craftaholic. Do you have a dedicated room to house this obsession?
unofficially, yes. i have slowly worked on taking over the the hub's side of the study that we "share". what once started out as a small craft desk has now grown to take over almost the entire room. but shhh! i don't want him to catch on. :)
When you haven't crafted in awhile, do you gently rock in the fetal position in a dark corner while murmuring unintelligible nursery rhymes?
LOL no, but i do have nightmares about crafts going wrong and burlap shortages. ugh.
How do you self-medicate when you're stressed out?
simple: craft! creating something with my hands is very therapeutic and relaxing. i also enjoy running....even though in my current pregnant state, that's not very possible right now....so i've turned to cleaning. some people like to call this "nesting", but i prefer "prenatal stress relief". ha.
What do you consider as lamesauce?
no changing station at the DMV. soooo lamesauce. hello. babies have to pee, too! i don't think the FDA would approve of me changing my baby on their pedestal sinks..... eww.
What is the best time of year?
i love Fall! everything about it makes me giddy. the smells, the food and the crafts!
Books or movies?
movies. i like to craft while watching movies. seems like i always need to be doing 2 things at once or i get bored. same goes for tv. i have to be doing something with my hands when i watch tv.
Who would win a cage match between Oprah and Ellen?
Ellen for sure. i could see her being a scrappy fighter. plus, Oprah's just too nice to hurt anyone.
Why do you think Modern Bird Studios is so insanely awesome?
because they made one of my son's 1 year old photos look freakin awesome! turned a simple photo into a timeless treasure that i love! thanks guys!!
What bloggers do you love reading?
there are tons of fabulous bloggers out there! but my two favs would probably be Dana over at Made (http://www.dana-made-it.com/) and Kate at Centsational Girl (http://www.centsationalgirl.com/). both amazing women!
Linda, Fall IS the best time of year, and we cannot wait for it to start!! And, you're right--the DMV SHOULD have a changing station. Major FAIL on the part of the government!! You can learn more about Linda athttp://diaryofacraftaholic.blogspot.com/. Follow her on Twitter (http://twitter.com/Craftaholic22) and 'like' her on FB (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Craftaholics-Anonymous/176574355992?ref=ts).
Also, we have a giveaway contest going on at Craftaholics Anonymous, and you can enter to win here:http://diaryofacraftaholic.blogspot.com/2010/09/modern-bird-studios-review-and-giveaway.html.
If you or someone you know would be great for our Weekly Blogger Interview, please email info@modernbirdstudios.com, and tell us!
Weekly Blogger Interview - Focal Point
Welcome to this week's Weekly Blogger Interview. This week -- Lynda of Focal Point (http://nyclq-focalpoint.blogspot.com/). Lynda is a display stylist & visual director who loves objects, decoration, and display. Her spaces have rawked so much that have been featured on HGTV.COM, HOUZZ.COM, Design Stories.net, & Examiner.com.
What got you started blogging?
Wow - this is a deep and emotional subject to start with - but here it goes. I started blogging as a means of helping me not to focus on the loss of my job, but help me to focus on a new chapter of my life. Since I worked as a visual merchandising director-stylist, creating focal point to sell merchandise and I style our home with pleasing focal points to admire, FOCAL POINT the blog just felt like the right choice. The nudge to even begin came from Jill Stigz, who was a frequent visitor of my postings on HGTV's Rate My Space. When I first started last November, fellow blogger - Valerie Hart of Visual Vamp - was kind enough to offer some tips from her blogging experiences. Val said it would take me some time to "develop my voice" and create a following. Her best advice to me was no matter what - KEEP ON BLOGGING! and so I have.
Through visiting others blogs (because I never did until I started) I learned of styles I liked and didn't like. I even found and bought a book called Create Your Own Blog. The book helped me understand "the voice" is the tone. Many blogs out there are written in just how people speak. I was wanting to use the blog more as a means of 'putting myself out there', to showcase my skills and creativety and hopefully get discovered (for lack of better words) for a job.
Since beginning to blog, it has been an amazing and totally new way to be creative (after being in retail for twenty five years). I've able to learn so much from the Internet and other bloggers. I've also gotten to meet so many more creative and talented people that I would have never met had I still be in the same brick & mortar box. I've also been able to learn more and discover the place I'm at - Miami. I've enjoyed having the opportunity to "throw myself out into the universe" and I have also enjoyed being recognized as more than just a shop girl.
The ultimate goal, of utilizing the blog (and all other online network sources) to land a gig has even occurred just this past week. Because of a posting I did on our kitchen, the company I used was so thrilled with the post, they wrote to me and called to invite me to their showroom. Although it had started off as a photo publication opportunity, they offered me a position to work in their showroom.
You are originally from New Jersey. Are NJ residents at all like the Jersey Shore cast?
Here's the situation - HELL NO! For me, I lived further north - in Bergan County (off Route 80). And thankfully, most of my weekends were adventures into New York City with my beloved Godmother. She lived in Fort Lee's Mediterranean Towers, a stones throw away from the GW Bridge. She frequently brought me to the City for shopping and shows, and trips to see the tree and the skaters at Rockefeller Center at Christmas time. I went to church on Sundays, which ended with large family dinners at my grandparents house.
I grew up watching my father constantly creating, building and painting some project at the house while my mom cooked, baked and cleaned. My block was a caldasack of Italians: Big Gene, Little Gene, Pete, Sal, Tony (several of them) and a Marie with families like the Lovato's, Salvatore's and Santiago's. I can even remember losing my favorite purple sheets because my father used them to cover the run-over body of Marie (an actual saga of 'families' NOT getting along but the off-spring fell in love...) So I guess I lived in an area that was more "Soprano" than Jersey Shore skank - and ironically, my neighborhood was about four miles away from Bada Bing. Some Jersey residents are Soprano, some (sadly) are Jersey Shore... but some are table flippers like New Jersey Housewife Thereasa...
Describe your typical day..
COFFEE... about 2 or 3 cups while watching the news and doing morning stretches. Shift to a Coke and over the past nine months - hit the Internet - social networking on facebook, twitter, check & respond to emails, photo editing on flickr & picnik, blogging. Thn updating & reviewing profiles - AvaLiving, houzz.com, HGTV, DIYNetwork, Design Stories Network and occassionally writing an article for Examiner.com. That's usually the morning. (Prior to the past nine months - coffee - stretches - and worked nine to six Monday - Friday, and occasionally on weekends)
After noon has been partially spent reading (esp. articles about learning something new on the web), job searching, creating moodboards, sketching, home projects and setting out for errands, thrifting or discovering something new to me in Miami - like the Design District. And now going to work in it, who knows what the days will hold!
What was your most epic DIY project ever?
I'd have to say the most epic DIY I ever did was my Cash Cab wall art, which inspired a room transformation. When my husband and I were in a cab in a taxi-jam in NYC (on our way to Central Park to find "the" spot for a wedding the next day) he stuck his arm out and took an amazing photo of the taxi-jam - I believe in front of the Seagram's Building.
The wall art was (created a year later) made by simply printing a photo in poster mode - on home printer. It enlarged the photo to nine 8x10 portions. I picked up some simple 11x14 black frames (in pks. of 2 for $6) from the craft store, along with some white poster board. I cut the 22x28 poster board into quads (11x14) and mounted the 8x10 on the boards and in the frames. They were then hung in the living room as a grid by my husband - using a paint stick and small screw in the stick to mark the holes. It became my "claim to fame" on Rate My Space when I posted the room inspired by the photo, and was even featured as an inspiration space for another couple on the show - Rate My Space.
What is your dream design gig?
Living and working in New York City - just once in my life - preferably mentoring with an established designer or working as a stylist for a magazine or photographer. And for a less hectic dream - own a flower shop - filled with fixtures that would be salvaged thrift furnishings I'd refinish.
What do you consider as lamesauce?
Hmmm... To be completely honest with this one, I'd have to say... After devoting myself to working at an establishment for sixteen years, to be told "Your position no longer exists" was pretty lame. And to make matters worse, it happened right after I had assisted in the training of 200+ people to prepare for a "new organization", only that organization didn't include my position. It's all good though. It was all a part of the master plan to start moving me along to more & better opportunities...
Will you admit to ever wearing tapered pants?
Yep - Genie or harem pants in the 80's! (ya can't touch this - hammer time!) And I think they were this years past color of the year - turquoise. Gotta love the 80's!
Who would win a cage match between Nate Berkus and Vern Yip?
Prior to this season of Design Star, I may have said Nate - BUT - after seeing the claws and fangs come out of Vern during some of his judging comments... my money would be on Vern.
Why do you think Modern Bird Studios is so insanely awesome?
Modern Bird Studios is so insanely awesome because of its brilliant concept to merge technology, photography, and traditional painting to create an amazing personalized modern art piece. I'd love to try it out, but with either a NYC cityscape, a building, a horse photo, or maybe even the taxi-jam shot!. I can totally see using Modern Bird Studios to create an over-sized triptych for a focal point in a home.
What bloggers do you love reading?
SEVERAL - as with most people, but this is a round up of fifteen faves I frequent often (but in no particular order)
1. Visual Vamp: http://visualvamp.blogspot.com
2. Color Me Happy: http://colourmehappyblog.blogspot.com/
3. La Dolce Vita: http://paloma81.blogspot.com/
4. Eddie Ross: http://www.eddieross.com/
5. Between Naps On The Proch: http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/
6. Tobi Fairley: http://tobifairley.com/blog/
7. Habitually Chic: http://habituallychic.blogspot.com/
8. Department Of The Interior: http://deptoftheinteriordc.blogspot.com/
9. Plush Palate: http://plushpalate.blogspot.com/
10. Mead Design Group: http://meadedesigngroup.blogspot.com/
11. Apartment Therapy: http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/
12. The DIY Showoff: http://thediyshowoff.blogspot.com/
13. The Elegant Thrifter: http://elegantthrifter.blogspot.com/
14. Renovating a Brooklyn Limestone: http://www.brooklynlimestone.com/
15. Centsational Girl: http://www.centsationalgirl.com/
Lynda, I think it is best we all remain friends so you don't get all Tony Soprano on us, m'kay?! We also applaud you for your courage in coming forward about those harem pants! You can learn more about Lynda at http://nyclq-focalpoint.blogspot.com/. Follow her on Twitter (http://twitter.com/nyclq) and 'like' her on FB (http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1035304366).
If you or someone you know would be great for our Weekly Blogger Interview, please email info@modernbirdstudios.com, and tell us!
Monthly Photographer Interview - Katherine Klegin
Welcome to the Monthly Photographer Interview. This month -- Katherine Klegin (http://www.katherineklegin.com). Katherine is a super cool, DC area photographer that just so happens to be one of our Twitter pals!
Why photography?
I've always loved taking pictures. Time goes by so, SO fast. Taking photos allows me to feel like I can stop time in its tracks for at least a few brief moments.
You are a DC area photographer. Why does DC RAWK so much?
Dude. Everything is around us. There is a world of opportunity within a 30 minute drive! As a photographer, I have so many fantastic locations for photoshoots. Some of my favorites are the Alexandria waterfront, Cherry Blossoms on the tidal basin, National Harbor, and historic Middleburg.
What is your favorite subject to capture?
I love taking portraits of families and specifically kids. Kids are so much fun to work with and they change so fast. I especially enjoy being able to capture a memory at each stage of their life whether it be when they are an infant, toddler, whipper snapper, or teenager.
If you could photograph any celebrity, who would it be?
I would definitely want to take a photo of Reese Witherspoon. She is just so gorgeous and she seems very down to earth. I feel like we'd be BFF's.
Have you had any awkward photography moments you care to share?
Me? Awkward? Never...
What is the best tip you can give to us amateur, want-to-be photographers?
Take your camera everywhere with you. I mean EVERYWHERE. Take lots and lots of photos and think outside of the box. Yes, there will likely be lots of flubs to start out with, but every once in a while, you find a real gem (...and you might want to have it turned into art by Modern Bird Studios!)
Why do you think Modern Bird Studios is so insanely awesome?
Y'all are really unique. I've never really seen artwork quite like Modern Bird's before. You take a memory and turn it into a completely genius work of art. I also really respect that Modern Bird Studios is very personal to you. It's not just your job, it's what you were meant to do, and the pride you take in your work is very apparent in each piece.
What are your favorite photography blogs?
Ummm well, mine's pretty awesome. :) I LOVE to blog stalk other photographers. Here are a few of my favorites:
http://www.justineungaro.com/blog/
Thank you, Katherine! You are awesomesauce!! You can learn more about Katherine at http://www.katherineklegin.com, and follow her on Twitter (http://twitter.com/katherineklegin). If you are interested in hiring Katherine, she can be reached at katherineklegin@yahoo.com and 703.994.6284.
If you or anyone you know would make a great Monthly Photography Interview, please email info@modernbirdstudios.com, and tell us!
Philly LIVESTRONG Challenge - 2010
It's Monday. Yesterday I rode my bike 100 miles in the fight against Cancer. I will have a full report on TheLameSauce.com next week, but as a member of the Modern Bird team, Megan and I felt it would be necessary to at least post a short report.
It was my goal to take lots of pictures, and lots of video. The morning started with some serious thunderstorm warnings, so I had decided to leave the video camera and just bring the iTouch (actually a defunct iPhone). I got some photos at the staging area, and after. What happened in between you ask? Frightening torrential rain storms. The result was slick roads, scary decents, painful climbs, cold, shivering and straight up pain. I finished the entire ride in 6 hours. 30 minutes of that was spent stopping to eat some food, fill up on water and I even stopped 3 times to help folks with flat tires. So 5 and a half hours isn't so bad. There were a number of highlights to the trip, not the least of which that I paced behind Lance Armstrong for the first 25 miles, met some incredible people and had some serious 'come to jesus' time for myself. But lets just move to the photos, shall we?
The before shot at the staging area. What a smug jerk.
There were staging areas for each distance. 10 miles, 20 miles, 45 miles, 70 miles and 100 miles. Obviously this is the 100 miles staging area because that is where I was staged. What you see is correct. There were literally thousands of people staged for this event. It was amazing.
Lance was there. See the banner in the back? See the big 'R' on the banner. See the guy who's helmet is right below that? That's Lance. He's talking. There were some people who were going seriously nuts to get a shot of him. It was kind of funny in an annoying way.
This is the after shot. Not so smug anymore. That face is dead serious with a splash of pain. The last 10 miles was the hardest 10 miles I've ever ridden. I felt like death. no joke.
This is one of my favorite pictures. My socks started out stark white. The rain rendered them gray. My legs were so dirty, and there was so much water in my shoes. Misery.
Finishing it up with my number and my extra sign stating who I was riding for. I stopped to refill on food and water, and to help with flat tires. No matter how much pain I was in, or how steep the hill, I didn't stop. I kept telling myself that no matter how much pain I was in, Uncle Tony's Chemo was worse, Russ' treatments were worse. I was pretty proud of that.
Thank you so much for everyone who contributed and made this happen. It was worth it for the experience. I'm glad to have done it, and can honestly say that I'm making plans for next year. Thank you thank you!
Weekly Blogger Interview - Kelley's Break Room
Welcome to the Weekly Blogger Interview. This week is Kelley of Kelley's Break Room (http://www.kelleysbreakroom.blogspot.com/). Kelley is absolutely, positively out of her ever living mind. Her answers below will fully illustrate what we mean.
What got you started blogging?
Friends & family have often encouraged me to "write a book" or try "stand up". When a close friend of mine mentioned that I should seriously consider blogging, I thought it might be a good way to mix the two- my love of writing and my wacky sense of humor. In January 2010, "Kelley's Breakroom" was born. She weighed 16 pounds and 4 ounces. The day I held her for the first time was one of the happiest days of my life. The moment I saw her I knew I loved her! She is now 8 months old and is just talkin' up a storm, I tell ye!
Is it normal for you to test out deodorant before actually purchasing it?
Well, now, let's get real. How are you going to know if a deodorant is going to do the job unless you test it out? When I am running low on the stick fo' the b.o., I put my work-out clothes underneath my t-shirt and shorts and head fo' the local sto'. I also pack my gym back FULL of free weights, steps, jump ropes, sweat bands and a timer. (FYI, I enjoy going to CVS for my deodorant the most because their floors are carpeted and offer better protection for all of my very expensive and fancy work-out equipment.) Unfortunately, because I lugged such a HEAVY bag into the store, I enter CVS smelling like a hyena coming straight off the construction site in 100+ degree heat. After setting down my bags in the deodorant section, I make a quick trip to the CVS public restroom after asking the manager for the deadbolt key, code for the combination lock and removal of the burglar bars covering the restroom door. I do my best to take a bath inside the small sink and then make a beeline to the deodorant section once again. I swipe the deodorant on the top shelf on the far left under my left armpit and the deodorant next to that one in my right arm pit. I then pound the heck out of that carpeted concrete using my portable stair stepper, followed by 100 jumping jacks, mixed in with 500 jumps with my jumprope topped off with a lemon butter white wine sauce. Then, I stop every few moments to do the sniff test. If I catch a faint whiff of howler monkey breath, I immediately baby wipe the heck out of my armpit and apply the next brand in line. Do you mean to tell me you don't do this when buying deodorant?
You stated on Twitter that you absolutely adore the smell of a stale, dusty, dirty trailer. What other scents appeal to you?
The inside of my parent's house, my Aunt Lynda's perfume (and I don't even know the name of it), gasoline, Tide, Desitin, coffee and chocolate chip cookies.
What do you consider as lamesauce?
Angel food cake. I think it tastes just like a couch cushion. I know this because I used to be on the Couch Cushion Diet and didn't lose a stinkin' pound. There are other things I consider lamesauce, too, but...I don't want to take up all of your readers' time.
Give us a sentence with your best example of alliteration.
Lester, you listen here, you little lazy lizard, I don't care if want to lounge around on the La-Z-Boy in the living room all the live-long day, right now it's time to rake leaves! If you want to live here like the other lizards (Lola, Larry, linny, Lisa, Lionel, Lena & Lynn) you better start earnin' your stinkin' keep!
Modern Bird, are you sending the padded truck to my house right now?
What is your favorite 'you-should-be-ashamed-that-you-love-this-song' song?
Oh, I'm never ashamed I like a song. If I like a song, I will pump that mess up. But, let me try to think of one... Okay, some might be annoyed by Justin Bieber, but I LOVE turning "Baby, Baby" way up! "Baby, baby, baby oooooohhhh, it's like baby, baby, baby noooooo..."
Do you like Pepto-Bismol because of its bubble gum pink color of because of its sweet, chalky taste?
Oh, man. You got my mouth watering. I LOVE Pepto-Bismol because of it's taste. Here is an excerpt from my very first blog post about that pink stuff:
"I absolutely LOVE the taste of Pepto-Bismol, don't you? Couldn't you just take a few tablespoons of it, mix it with some Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla & be in heaven? Ahhh... The thought of it. That is the one reason I don't mind getting a stomachache here and there. Imagine my complete disgust when I went the Chris-road (my husband) and bought the generic brand at Target. I was trying to save $.03 for the betterment of my family I cherish so deeply and bought the generic brand. The generic brand will not steer you wrong when it comes to plastic bags for sandwiches, but it will dump you into a steamin' pile of dog poo when it comes to Pepto-Bismol. They probably called it Pooptoo-Bismoo. No, that's Walgreens that tries to match the brand closely on their generic products. Waldryl. BOY, you ain't foolin' me! This isn't Benadryl! Keep movin'! Walaminic. Walenol. Waldvil. Actually, the only one I've heard of is "Waldryl". But, back to Pepto-Bismol...the generic one just doesn't taste the same. The first taste of this just sent me into a spiral of despair...but, I'm back and will survive. We still have that bottle of pink liquid because I will take one for the team and finish it off...eventually. My plan is to alternate between pizza, McDonald's, chicken fried steaks and La Madeleine's Tomato Basil soup (don't be fooled!) over the next few days so I can finish that bottle off and get to the good stuff. Do I need an intervention?"
Who would win a cage match between Ron Burgundy of The Anchorman and Chazz Michael Michaels of Blades of Glory?
Most definitely, Ron Burgundy. He's got those strong friends, too. I love it when Ron is getting ready for his time on the air by repeating crazy sentences like "the human torch was denied a bank loan". If Ron could find that human torch guy, it'd be over for Chazz Michael Michaels.
Why do you think Modern Bird Studios is so insanely awesome?
Because you are so original! I love the beautiful art you create from pictures so special to your customer. I haven't seen it anywhere else. I also love your personality! If you had a gallery (which you might!), I could see myself wanting to walk around it all day gawking at the art while enjoying your company. You'd have to ask me to leave. You'd consider getting the human torch after me, but you wouldn't go that route for the fear of what it could do to your precious art.
What bloggers do you love reading?
My favorite blogs to read are humor blogs. I love reading Allie Brosh's "Hyperbole and a Half" - http://hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.com/, The Cheeseboy's "Blog of Cheese" http://theblogocheese.blogspot.com/, Gregg Deal's "The Lame Sauce" (of course!) - http://www.thelamesauce.com/, W.C.C.'s "The Pajama Monoblogs" - http://pjmonolog.blogspot.com/, Sarah with "Mommy Lite On-line"- http://www.mommyliteonline.com/, Fabuleslie with "Give Me Paws"- www.givemepaws.blogspot.com, Lori with "LexLociLori"- http://lexlocilori.blogspot.com/, Alicia with "It Ain't Easy Being Cheesy"- http://houseofcline.blogspot.com, S. Farrell with "My Perspective"- http://sfarrell27.blogspot.com/, Jess S. with "Mal-Diction"- http://www.mal-diction.blogspot.com. I feel bad not putting all of the funny blogs I love reading on here.
Kelley, I have no words to follow this up with...You can learn more about Kelley at http://www.kelleysbreakroom.blogspot.com/, and you can follow her on Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/KelleysBreakRm) and like her on FB (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelleys-Breakroom/130440796972339).
If you or someone you know would be great for our Weekly Blogger Interview, please email info@modernbirdstudios.com, and tell us!
Weekly Blogger Interview - Last Train To Pooksville
Welcome to the Weekly Blogger Interview. This week is Emily of Last Train To Pooksville (http://poppymilkface.wordpress.com/). Emily is an amazingly sweet, loving, kind-hearted, hot, rockin', cool pal and mom! And that doesn't even scratch the surface.
What got you started blogging?
i actually started keeping a blog several years ago via myspace - not a very "legitimate" blog by any means, but still fun. i wrote about the vintage store i used to own, and how ben gibbard from death cab for cutie came in to shop once and i peed my pants with excitement (true story). i chronicled my engagement & wedding to my husband, filled out silly surveys, and shared happy stories of my journey through pregnancy with my poppy girl. after giving birth, things were a little too hectic for blogging (even though p was the world's EASIEST newborn!) but when she turned 4 months old i decided to start up blogging again; since i wanted anyone to be able to read & enjoy i switched to wordpress. i now LOVE blogging and the built-in community that comes with it. although i've never personally tried to "build" my blog, i have made amazing friends along the way and since joining twitter i've built connections with even more lovely people! it's fantastic! i honestly think i'll always blog - it's a ton of fun and also serves as the best baby book EVER since my blog contains literally all of poppy's milestones & stories as she grows!
You are seriously the kindest, most positive, encouraging person we have met. What do you have to say for yourself?
um, you mean besides "holy smokes i'm blushing like crazy now!"? that is seriously such a sweet thing to say! reminds me of the time suzanne from bebehblog.com said i was "the best person on the internet." take THAT, justin bieber!
i do have to say that since becoming a mother 16 months ago, i've found myself shifting naturally into a much more patient, empathetic, and sensitive mindset in how i go about life in general, and especially towards how i treat others. i want my young daughter to be able to rely on me as a calm, optimistic presence, and i want to teach her through my actions to treat people with kindness. and considering what a delightful little ball of sunshine she's already proving to be, i have to say my efforts are paying off! (-;
Why is your daughter Poppy so insanely cute?
it's the power of 'korwegian', y'all! my husband is 1/2 korean and i am near-entirely norwegian: put the two together and you've got yourself one heckuva cute kiddo! after all, hybrid-ethnicity babes are notoriously pretty, don't you think? i mean, just look at this critter!:
What finally sent you over the edge to start your Etsy shop, uff da designs (http://www.etsy.com/shop/uffdadesigns)?
i had been crafting for around a year before finally starting up my etsy shop - most of the time i just kept my creations for my poppy girl, or give them away to friends as gifts! although i looked forward to the idea of 'someday' starting up an online shop, what really lit the fire was the story of the sartin family and their beautiful baby sam (http://alexandcassie.blogspot.com) little sam is currently battling neuroblastoma - cancer. SO INCREDIBLY UNFAIR for any precious child to be undergoing. i decided to host a fundraiser on my blog using my crafts as incentive for people to donate towards sam's family, and after a few friends won my handmade goods as prizes, it was made pretty clear to me that i had better offer up some crafts to buy OR ELSE! (; hence, uff da designs was born!
probably my favorite thing about once again having my own income (i was laid off from my part-time job of 5 years when my daughter was 6 months old) is being able to once again contribute to really awesome causes. since starting uff da 2 months back, i've donated money to the help sam foundation, the red cross, karing for keegan, and the live strong foundation - and i plan to contribute much more as business allows! lending a hand to those who need it, even in the smallest way, is such an amazing feeling. and to anyone reading this: i promise that skipping a latte one week out of the month so you can give to a worthy cause will fill your heart with happy rainbows of pink puffy love! seriously. it's like, a fact and junk.
What do you consider as lamesauce?
homophobia, and other equally-unacceptable forms of discrimination. bad drivers. weak coffee. people who ONLY get in touch with you when they need/want something. unsolicited parenting advice from people who don't have babies. unsolicited business from people who've never run a business. oh and seriously? people who put their own selfish needs & wants far far ahead of what's best for their children. babies are a true gift, and they should be cherished & protected & put first & oh shoot, look now you got me all huffy-like. ::steps down from soap box::
What is the best Burt Reynolds movie of all time?
boogie nights! excellent freaking movie. and of course, deliverance. also, let's talk about the time the middle-aged lady told my friend she loves burt reynolds because he has a, quote, "really fantastic womb-broom." omg. me = DEAD.
How do you respond to someone who just can't stop invading your personal space?
i freak out. i. FREAK. OUT. that's actually a big issue for me, and having a baby only made things worse because i developed an incredibly ferocious mamabear instinct and i'm VERY protective of my little one when around strangers. like, we probably *don't* need to talk about the time i lost my marbles & lashed out at a safeway clerk who grabbed onto my stroller and leaned far over poppy, blocking my view of her. yeah, i kinda sorta lost it, viciously scolded the (legitimately VERY RUDE TO BEGIN WITH) clerk, and proceeded to retreat to my car in a fit of frustrated tears. so yeah, if i know you & am reasonably certain you're trustworthy? you get bear-hugs. if i don't? stay the heck outta my space bubble, dangnabit!
Who would win a cage match between Gary Coleman and Willow (Warwick Davis) from the movie 'Willow'?
now, i'd venture to guess that a lot of people would give the win to gary coleman, cause he seems scrappy as all get-out and i'd imagine he has some pretty weird friends. but i have to say the clear answer is that willow would reign victorious. i mean, let's face it: he has madmartigan on his side. madmartigan is a friggin' WARRIOR, y'all. you can't really mess with val kilmer wielding a sword. plus willow is a great sorcerer who can conjure up all kinds of freaky stuff, or better yet he could just wave his magic stick and turn gary coleman into a tiny fluffy baby kitten. then i imagine he'd feel bad, and take baby kitten gary home and put him on a nice pillow by the window and feed him kitty treats. but he wouldn't change him back, for fear of revenge. so every night he'd be all, "sorry i can't turn you back into a human, tiny baby kitten gary coleman." and tiny baby kitten gary coleman would be all, "meow?"
oh, and if you guys don't know what i mean with all the willow references, i feel awfully sorry for you and recommend you rent that fine nugget of masterful cinema immediately, as it is quite possibly 1988's finest product. other than cell phones & prozac (who knew?)
Why do you think Modern Bird Studios is so insanely awesome?
modern bird is so insanely awesome because of the completely obvious LOVE surrounding not only the products they put out, but each and every interaction with their clients & fans. the art mb produces is totally unique and beautiful, and gregg and megan are a super charismatic duo. they truly seem to care about what they do AND how they treat people along the way. plus they are amazing parents to their two lovely kids, and that makes me love them just that much more! long live modern bird! HUZZUH!
What bloggers do you love reading?
this is a hard one to narrow down, because over the last couple of years since i started reading blogs, i've encountered so many wonderful people & new friends and AHHH where do i even begin? ok, a few i simply can't live without:
girls gone child (http://www.girlsgonechild.net) because it was the first blog i even became a fan of, probably the one i've been reading the longest. and because i totally want to play dress-up in rebecca's closet.
this is the first day of my life (http://www.emmiebee.com) because emily was my very first non-irl bloggy friend, and i luvs her ever so dearly.
it's a wonderful life (http://www.elevenyellowdandelions.blogspot.com) because allie is so intensely sweet, beautiful, stylish, creative and just plain awesomesauce and OH HOW I LOVE HER and her little henry.
my bottle's up (http://www.mybottlesup.com) because nic has become a true & wonderful friend, which i never expected back when i used to stalk her blog because i was to shy to say "hello".
dear baby (http://dearbaby.tumblr.com) because melissa & her family are unreasonably gorgeous - i swear they came straight out of an anthropologie catalog, but she's so wonderfully kind & charming i can't even hate her for it. ;D
grumbles & grunts (http://www.grumblesandgrunts.com) because jamie's blog is as awesome as her tweets, which regularly make me spit coffee onto my keyboard from lol'ing everywhere.
family sized fun (http://familysizedfun.blogspot.com) because babyzilla VS the kitten.
bebeh blog (http://bebehblog.com) because well, this was already covered earlier: suzanne once said i was the best person on the internet. so, DUH.
there are a thousand more. i swear. i'm sorry for all of those i left out, but i could and would go on forever. much love to ye! and many thanks to modern bird for the rad interview!
Emily, we never imagined Willow turning Gary Coleman into a kitty, but we are totally on board with the idea. You can learn more about Emily at http://poppymilkface.wordpress.com/ and follow her on Twitter (http://twitter.com/emilybilbrey).
If you or someone you know would be great for our Weekly Blogger Interview, please email info@modernbirdstudios.com, and tell us!
Monthly Interior Designer Interview - Jonathan Legate
It's Monthly Interior Designer Interview Time!! This month we had the opportunity to get to know Jonathan Legate.
Why interior design?
There simply wasn't another choice.
I've been passionate about houses from the time I was born and started buying design magazines and architectural plan books at age 8. Growing up all of my Lego sets, regardless of what they were meant to be (spaceships, fire trucks, boats) went into the construction of model houses. My very first drawings were always of houses inside and out. It's just in my blood, I eat, drink, and sleep design, my mind is always on my projects or projects that haven't even begun!
I am self taught with 20 years experience, 6 of them with a large firm. My official title is "interior consultant" as I do not hold a degree or diploma in interior design. Like many well known industry professionals without a degree I design all of my work including furniture (most of my jobs have custom furniture) while using engineers, draftspeople and architects when needed or required.
I believe it is very possible to be a great designer without formal training.
I also believe it is very possible to be an horrific designer with all the training in the world.
Bottom line, interior design is my life.
Which room is your favorite to design for?
I'd say it's the room my client is the most passionate about. They give you the energy to see what they want before they can see it themselves. I also love working with art collections.
Have you had any awkward design moments you care to share?
I find it really hard to tell someone that something they love is hideous because in their eyes it isn't.
For regular folk, where is the best place to get home accessories?
The clearance section of any good store. Most people won't have the nerve to buy the best(most unusual) pieces so they end up on sale, often drastically. The key is honing your eye. Often the ugly duckling in the store becomes the swan at home.
Frequent second hand stores, yard sales and flea markets. That's where you'll find real treasures.
If you like to up to the moment trend inspired items Homesense (Canada) and Z Gallerie (US).
Personally I prefer to buy things when I see them and collect rather than do a shop for specific items. I've been collecting my entire life and would rather do without until I find the right piece. I invest in things I'll keep, not dispose of on a whim. I also proudly display things I got for .25 cents.
Fashion trends seem to influence home decor. Do you think platform sneakers will ever make a come back, and how do you see them translated into home decor?
I didn't know they were out. (Not that I've ever worn them. OK, maybe once)
I do agree that fashion hugely influences a lot home decor but the economic and political temperatures are what really effect both.
Right now we are looking for comfort and memories of better times. This (my) generation of taste makers have fond memories of the 60's, 70's and pre recession 80's. These were eras that embraced the idea of the future, design was looking forward not back.
These eras also embraced the platform..... coincidence?
People shouldn't really follow trends too much. Fashion is meant to be fun even though it's a serious business.
Buy quality things you love, that you know will last and you'll be a leader not a follower.
What is your best quick/inexpensive fix idea for someone to redo a room?
Change your lampshades and de-clutter.
You stole my sink and put it into the bathroom in your home (http://jonathanlegate.tumblr.com/post/840416081/my-personal-bathroom-before-and-after). Do you have anything to say for yourself?
Obviously we both have fabulous taste.
Why do you think Modern Bird Studios is so insanely awesome?
Because you can take a picture of yourself, your pet, your kids, or anything else- send it to you and poof, its art!
I'd love a giant version of my dog Kitty's head, something like 6'x6'. I don't have a spot right now but I bet I could make one.
What are your must-read design blogs?
Since I know so many of the bloggers I follow I put 30 names in a hat and drew 12, then one more for a baker's dozen. Here's the bakers dozen in no particular order. (Anyone who knows me knows I really did this.)
Beautiful Soup: http://thebeautifulsoup.com/
Style at Home Style Sleuth: http://www.styleathome.com/blogs/stylesleuth/
Grain Edit: http://grainedit.com/
The Selby: http://www.theselby.com/
All the Best: http://www.allthebestblog.com/
The City Sage: http://www.annesage.com/blog/
ABCDDesigns: http://www.abcddesign.com/
Mead Design Group: http://meadedesigngroup.blogspot.com/
Sweet Home Style: http://sweethomestyle.tumblr.com/
This is Glamorous: http://www.thisisglamorous.com/
Apartment Therapy: http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/
Bright Bazaar: http://brightbazaar.blogspot.com/
Poppy Talk: http://www.poppytalk.blogspot.com/
You can learn more about Jonathan at http://www.jonathanlegate.com/ and follow him on Twitter @jonathanlegate. He's a great tweeter, so definitely follow him.
If you or someone you know would be great for our Monthly Interior Designer Interview, please emailinfo@modernbirdstudios.com, and tell us!
Weekly Blogger Interview -- Decor Chick
Welcome to the Weekly Blogger Interview. This week is Emily of Decor Chick (http://www.decorchick.com/). Emily is a newbie DIY home decor blogger who is tearing it up with amazing and cool projects who is gaining TONS of exposure and should probably have the 'Blogging Rookie of the Year Award'!
What got you started blogging?
Well, that is a great question. To this day I still can't believe I am. I discovered all of these home decor blogs in the Fall of last year, and just got really inspired and addicted to reading them. I started doing numerous projects around the house and even took before and after pictures as I was doing them. Why would I do that? I have no idea, but I really think it was a God thing because He knew I would have a blog one day.
My husband would casually say several times "you need to have a blog" and I would say "nahhh". But then one day I just woke up and said "Ok, I think I'll have a blog now." I'm just spontaneous like that. :) Then my husband was excited and he got to work on designing my site. This blogging world still blows me away and I love it!
Are you more of a spray paint samurai or a glue gun ronin?
Ha, definitely a spray paint samurai. I love spray paint and think it's the best invention ever. It makes me feel good when at the end of the day I have spray paint marks on my feet from my flip flops, and painted nose hairs. That is what I call a productive day of work.
Do you have a tough time relating to people who do not use the term 'ya'll' in their regular vocabulary?
I don't have a tough time relating to people who don't use the term y'all, but I do think it's very unfortunate if they don't.
Do you think Nate Berkus is more of a cupcake or a brownies type of guy?
Hmmm, I think Natey-Poo would definitely be a cupcake lover. I think he'd have fun decorating them too. Brownies can be so brown and dull.
What do you consider as lamesauce?
People who don't use "y'all" in their vocabulary of course! It's also lamesauce if you don't have a sense of humor. I love humor, especially in blogs. If you can't make fun of yourself and admit some of your past decorating mishaps, that's pretty LAME-O too. Keep it real y'all!
How do you think you'd do on American Idol?
Uhh, not so good considering I have stage fright. I have a fear of public speaking. I know your question wasn't on public speaking, but public singing, so it's the same thing. I would however love to be a background vocalist on American Idol. That I could do! I'm ok as long as I'm not the main attraction. :)
Who would win a cage match between The Nester and the Thrifty Decor Chick?
HA! Well, they are both champions in my mind, so instead of talking about WHO would win a cage match between them, lets talk about how they would decorate that cage shall we? I would envision Nester's portion of the cage painted a pretty robin's egg blue, with some lovely lamps from Homegoods inside, and a tassel hanging on the cage door. Oh my, and I almost forgot plates! There would definitely be plates hanging up...and probably framed out with some nice mistreatments.
Now for Thrifty, I think her portion of the cage would entail molding, and LOTS of it! There would be some beadboard up for sure that was painted a cool color, and some faux greenery to bring a little of nature inside their cage. She would also have a cool chandy hanging down, that she painted of course!
Wow, that would be a pretty fancy cage huh?
Why do you think Modern Bird Studios is so insanely awesome?
Well despite the fact that y'all are HILARIOUS, y'all make some of the most AWESOME creations I have ever seen. To be able to turn a treasured, boring, or even an ugly photo into a beautiful piece of art is truly remarkable. I have never seen anything like this before I came across Modern Bird. I think that what you create is very unique, timeless, and just beautiful. Someone will never grow tired of looking at their art from Modern Bird, and it will always be an original, handmade piece.
What bloggers do you love reading?
Oh man, there are SO many that I couldn't list them all, and I really don't want to hurt anyone's feelings if I don't mention them. So I am just going to say the obvious 2, The Nester (http://www.thenester.com/) and Thrifty Decor Chick (http://thriftydecorchick.com/), and also Allison from House of Hepworths (http://www.houseofhepworths.com/). She RULES and her posts crack me up. I literally laugh out loud when I'm reading and I love that. Again, there are SOOO many that I love and read every day so please don't hate me if I didn't mention you, mmkay? This post of Megan's would have been entirely too long if I did, and I am totally not that interesting enough to take up her blog space.
Well, there ya have it folks--the cage match would end up being a cage makeover. Ya'll can learn more about Emily at http://www.decorchick.com/, ya'll can follow her on Twitter (http://twitter.com/decor_chick), and ya'll can join her FB page (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Decorchick/100726803307826?v=wall&ref=ts).
If you or someone you know would be great for our Weekly Blogger Interview, please email info@modernbirdstudios.com, and tell us!
Weekly Blogger Interview - tout-est-des-roses
Welcome to the Weekly Blogger Interview. This week is Sara Sophia of tout-est-des-roses. (http://www.tout-est-des-roses.com/). Sara Sophia is an insanely sweet, natural parenting and green living advocate, and mom to three sons and one daughter.
What got you started blogging?
The birth of my daughter. I felt disconnected in a small town and wanted a way to reach out and find MY people. The people I could share my life with, and all those little every day excitements. The fairytale is that I DID find them---and through writing I actually feel like I'm making a bit of difference in the world. Encouraging others to live greener and be passionate about celebrating the day to day--what really was never mundane in the first place ;)
You had a fascinating upbringing. What was it like?
It was the coolest. My Mom drove us around in Volkswagon van and really let us be children. We camped, we made forts, and we snuck into fields to have covert picnics. We had "reading nights" where we spent the evening curled around a book with tiny plates of apples-cheese-and homemade bread. There were of course years it wasn't so idyllic but, it gave me something to strive for as a parent---that knowing of what the good stuff is. Helped me know my children may not remember every science lesson, but they will remember the super awesome cinnamon rolls I let them make all by themselves. They will remember that I made time for living life with them.
Do you own a TV now?
Yes. We own a TV. Does it play anything other than movies? No. I know if we had cable somehow several hours of the day would be stolen by my immense love of the Food Network. There, I said it.
What is your favorite book?
Steinbeck's East of Eden.
What do you consider as lamesauce?
Oil spills, hungry children, and a judgmental soul. Lack of love, and bugs that are anywhere near my physical person.
Where is your dream vacation?
Africa. In the "it fills my heart" sense.
Paris. In the "oh my word the pastries" sense.
Who would win a cage match between a hobbit and a gnome?
Hobbit. We all know gnome's drink to much.
Why do you think Modern Bird Studios is so insanely awesome?
Because you are taking a snapshot of life and transforming it into art. Allowing the eye to see past the familiar and into the soul of the moment. And that? THAT is insanely awesome.
What bloggers do you love reading?
Pacing the Panic room -- http://pacingthepanicroom.blogspot.com/
Tollipop -- http://www.tollipop.typepad.com/
SouleMama -- http://www.soulemama.com/
Barley & Birch -- http://barleyandbirch.com/
Oh Happy Day -- http://jordanferney.blogspot.com/
Okay, we were totally going to give the cage match to the gnome because aren't they mean?? We thought the hobbit might have a height advantage, but they seem nice, ya know? We totally forgot that gnomes are a bunch of drunks. You can learn more about Sara Sophia at http://www.tout-est-des-roses.com/, and you can follow her on Twitter (http://twitter.com/sarasophia).
If you or someone you know would be great for our Weekly Blogger Interview, please email info@modernbirdstudios.com, and tell us!
Popmatic, Part IV
For the better part of a month, we’ve been pimping out my personal work that made up my Popmatic solo art show at Sukio Design Co. The acrylic pieces, the Native American themed pieces, the diner series, and the love that goes into all of it. We thought we’d wrap this up and put a nice little bow on it.
This final posting of the Popmatic pieces all revolve around my graphic design background. Each piece has a definite graphic design feel to it, and many of them are less serious because, really, why does art have to be so darn serious and depressing??
Admittedly I love my own work. I love to create it, and make it, and I love the outcome. As my voice continues to evolve and change, it gets more exciting. My hope is that you can see this in my work.
