My heart belongs to...

I stole this idea from Peaches by Plums. I had a collection of buttons from local bands and other random events and people from over the years that I wasn't doing anything with.  Then I saw what she did for someone for a birthday, and thought this was a great use for my buttons and a fun little project!

You need: 

-1 shadowbox frame

-planter's foam or styrofoam

-crafting glue

-1 black t-shirt or fabric (I got mine from goodwill) to cover the foam

-collection of buttons

1. cut planter's foam /styrofoam thinly (1/2 inch or less) and into a square shape (glue pieces together if you need to)

2. cover styrofoam with black fabric and glue on the back side

3. stick button pins into foam in heart-shape (or any you want)

4. place in shadowbox frame. done and done!

My Love Letter to AmyD

So, my first intro to Columbus craftin' was through Amy D of Made by AmyD.  I hope she she knows this, but I love her dearly.

Here she is, looking as adorable as ever, showing off some of her wares at the North Market:

She was so enthusiastic about the CMC when we first met and also about local music and I loved that about her! Did I mention, she's HILARIOUS too? I had a girl crush on her instantly. We would often chat at Earwig shows about all kinds of crafty ideas, our love of all things Ohio and other juicy local topics. A girl after my own heart.

Amy D made me 2 amazing custom skirts to wear while rockin' out (when I was broke as hell). I told people about her amazing skills and wore her skirts while rockin' out to help cross-promote. That's how we do. And she also made some CMC coffee coozies (here's an image of one of her awesome Ohio State ones):

Through her, I found out about Wholly Craft, Craftin' Outlaws (one of my favorite events of the year), Ohio Rollergirls, crafty classes and lots of other fun events and awesome people. I'm not sure she realizes the impact she's had on me and the CMC.

One of my favorites of her new collection, which was shown off at the Wholly Craft 5th Anniversary Party / Made by AmyD fashion show is... wait for it... CAPES!! I love these!

Pic by Aaron/ Tsururadio!

It's the perfect weather for a cape. Too warm for a coat, too chilly for just a t-shirt. I think everyone should add one of these to their fall wardrobe this year. Support your local crafters and check out Amy D at her website and on Etsy!

Hello World!

Yesterday, I decided that I was going to start a blog to capture many of the DIY projects I'm thinking about tackling for my upcoming wedding, also the holidays, birthdays and whatever else may inspire me along the way.

My name is Jess and I live in Columbus, Ohio. I have a regular 9-5 job and I also run a non-profit organization for local musicians (Columbus Music Co-op) with my best bud Erin and I'm a local musician myself (Bush League All-Stars, The Celebrity Pilots). 

I like to grow veggies and flowers and dig in my garden, bake gluten-free goodies, watch movies, take naps with our two cats (Squiggy and Neil Patrick Harris), go bird-watching and hiking, and do all kinds of DIY crafty projects. I'm a DIY dabbler, if you will.  I like taking classes at Wholly Craft, our local resource for crafty individuals who want to sell their wares on commission or learn new techniques.  I knit a little, do felt projects and origami, make my own vodka infusions from time to time, make lots of holiday gifts for friends and family, sew on the 'ol Kenmore sewing machine, draw a little, scrapbook and decoupage abit, re-hab old furniture and just generally enjoy DIY projects and good design.

I'm engaged to my soulmate - an insanely caring and supportive, smart and witty guitar-wielding bad-ass electrical engineer - Tom, or T-bone as we call him sometimes. He does his own DIY projects - building effects pedals, synths, sequencers and amplifiers and modifying his arsensal of guitars. Anything having to do with LOST, baseball, Tron, Daft Punk, builiding things, Nikola Tesla or Stephen Malkmus' gear makes him happy.

I hope you'll follow along if you find something that interests or humors you here!

Wishing you all the best in your own journeys...

-Jess

Testing, Testing, 1, 2, 3....

Is this thing on? Check...check..check...

Great print from BluLima