Restless Winter Legs.

Is it just me or is this a restless time of year? I'm so tired of being stuck indoors.  Our house needs a serious spring cleaning. I'm so tired of bundling up every time I go outside and I can't wait to put the winter coats and ice scrapers away for good. I feel so deflated every time there's another call for snow, ice or freezing temperatures. I am sooooo ready for Spring and everything that comes with it and after it. So many wonderful things happening in my life and lives of my friends and family this year, so I'm feeling extra restless for it all to really start. 

I'm particularly looking forward to busting out my new rollerskates! Did I tell you Tom got me skates for Christmas? Riedell Rogue's with neon green wheels like my favorite monster truck - Gravedigger. Yes!  I can't wait for the snow to melt so I can get my skate on outside! 

     I've been working mega-overtime at work the past 2 months. It's been a little ridiculous - like I'm living in a Dilbert comic strip. I won't go into the gritty details but it's been all consuming mentally and emotionally.  We also just got back from our 2011 strategic planning retreat for the Columbus Music Co-op.  That took some time to prepare for, but I'm so excited for this year's projects, programming and events! Especially my upcoming workshop for local youth who want to start playing music locally. If you or someone you know is interested, you should sign-up and come!! March 13 at the Jazz Academy at Lincoln Theater. OK, enough business talk. Now let's talk wedding!!

So, I've been feeling behind in wedding-related stuff, without really knowing why. Maybe it's the endless websites of checklists and things I'm supposedly behind on. Maybe it's been the work-heavy schedule lately or maybe the weather. I can't believe I've accomplished ANYTHING towards wedding planning with the holidays, work and CMC stuff, but I actually have! I swear! Lots of big things. Just nothing too crafty to share.


Since December, I've purchased my dress (message me if you want a link to see it), confirmed my caterer, photographer, florist and have been shopping for bridesmaid dresses and talking about showers and bachelorette party plans with my girls a lot. I sent out save the dates to family and bridal party, bandmates with holiday cards. I've started working on our wedding website for our guests  just a little bit too. I handed off seed packets to my mom (the master gardener) to help me beef up my reception flowers abit.


I met up with my gal-pal, Amy D and got some fabric remnants from her past projects for my pennant/bunting ideas and some burlap sacks too and got to see her work space, which was too cool! I want a craftin' space like that some day! She also gave me some good contacts for other things I need and offered to help me with dress alterations which I'm looking forward to, if only to spend some more quality time with her. And she gave me an indecisive-bride pep-talk too, which I needed at the moment.

I saved myself from one project too many -- met up with a knottie who had the cutest table numbers 1-20 made and framed and she wanted $20 total for them. What a steal! And she was very nice and flexible too. Thanks Myra! One less thing I need to make or buy.

And then I went and totally un-did my progress by purchasing this amazing book and I want to do most of the projects in it now too. There will never be enough time for it all!

And I've made approximately 40 origami cranes while catching up on Twin Peaks.  I missed the boat in the 90's. But I am in love with Special Agent Dale Cooper! I love him, but I don't LOVE him, like this lady does:

I'm getting back to the crafting this weekend. I have an unusually free weekend, crappy weather and all the supplies I could need.  Have a super weekend too!

Holiday. Celebrate.

Wow, it's been almost a month since my last post.  I've been super busy to say the least, but even I can't believe it's been that long!! I'm trying not let myself think of this blog as an obligation, but rather a way to reflect on the things I've accomplished periodically. I don't ever want it to feel like a chore or that I've been neglectful.  I've been taking some mediocre photos along the way to document my projects, but please don't judge based on the photos! I really don't know what I'm doing at all with photography. Another learning project for this winter or later.


With Christmas around the corner, I get sentimental as I get out my box of decorations and ornaments.

This is my Dad's family.  Take a moment to really soak it all in.  My Dad's the one with the red rider bb gun.  my Uncle Lee is the baby boy in the back who looks like he just got away with something.  my Aunt Sandy is the one with crazy eyes in the front. Grandma's got her eyes closed and Grandpa obviously rolled in after setting the tripod timer and is just happy to be taking it all in. Isn't that what the holidays are all about? It makes me laugh every time I open the holiday boxes in the first weeks of December.


Last week I made a slow cooker pot roast with veggies to fill the house with delicious smells while we put up the Christmas tree. 

I took a photo before putting the lid on, but forgot to take one after of how it turned out! oops! It was a no-fail combo to ease the soul and gut for a few hours, while decorating and ornament-hanging.

And the tree! tada! I love the warm glow of a Christmas tree in the corner.  

I haven't been slacking on projects, I promise you. I decided to re-visit knitting for Christmas presents this year. Scarves for everyone! I don't know what I was thinking. While I've thoroughly mastered the knit stitch, I've committed myself to another expensive, time-consuming, callus producing 'homemade' Christmas gift that I'm not sure is really all that special. Only a few more to go. I swear I'll try a hat or sock or sweater once I get a satisfying break from these knit sticks, post-holidaze. 

Today, I woke up to this in Columbus... awww hell snow! 

Can you see how white it is out there? I love the snow, as long as I don't have to go out and drive in it. I saw this snow coming and got most of my errands done yesterday, thank goodness. Several gatherings and holiday parties to prepare for and never enough time it seems in these last weeks before Christmas. Not enough time to get the last gifts, wrap, bake, send cards or actually enjoy the incoming holidays until we land at our parents' homes, drop everything and can finally un-wind. But even traveling north comes early this year with how Christmas falls, so less time to prepare than usual. I swear I'm not feeling like a grinch this year, just a little overwhelmed with the to-do list I have created for myself. again. I need to stop thinking all these things NEED to happen to have a supposedly great Christmas. Always a work in progress, this personal-growth thing...


I was actually feeling really good this morning with the progress I made Saturday and was looking forward to making some pizzelles (snowflake cookies). My grandma (same one as above in the photo) made these cookies regularly through my childhood, the anise kind, and though I like them with anise (that black licorice flavoring), I know most don't. They are delightful, light and flaky cookies that go great with a cup of coffee. It's a very simple cookie to mix up, and my mom got me my own pizzelle maker two years ago for Christmas, so I whip up a batch every year now. Perhaps my own continuing family tradition in the making. I just did vanilla cookies this year (with powdered sugar sprinkled on top) and I also tried it with gluten-free flour substitution this year, and I couldn't tell a bit of difference in taste or consistency at all. Very happy with how they turned out! 

So it began. 100+ pizzelles made and frozen today. It took a long time, with only being able to make 4 cookies at a time. I've not frozen them before, so I really hope they survive. Still have a few other cookies to make before we leave for the holidays up in northern Ohio.  I have a full week of work and then holiday (and birthday) celebrating ahead and I'm looking forward to it, but also looking forward to some time away with family, eating good food, playing board games and true relaxing with all the holiday prep behind me!! 

Here's to making joyous memories with the ones you love that will carry you into a peacefully blessed new year.

Happy Holidays!! xoxo

Jimmy Thunder

Here's a sneak peek at a Christmas present I'm working on for Tom's best friend and best man, Jimmy.  


It will be a reversible felt bunting banner to hang off his drums or over his kitchen sink when I'm done with it.

To remind him where he came from (high school star QB), and where he's going (local drummer for The Lindsay and solo artist, Jimmy Thunder)...

This was really a test project to see how easy felt bunting and stitching is, and it's SO easy and so inexpensive. I love it. 

And it's extra fun with a dollop of complete absurdity, like a 'douche bag' banner.  I know this isn't probably to the taste level of many crafters, but I enjoyed the process as much as the end result, so no complaints here. It was a test run and solemnly swear to up the ante when i try to do felt bouquets or wedding-decor felt projects.

I still need to stitch the two sides together, do some trimming and finishing of the edges, and sew it all together with some ribbon as the tying top stitch, but it made me laugh more with every letter I completed, and I think it's right up Jimmy's alley, humor-wise.

Merry Christmas, ding-dong. xo

Where the Craftin' Happens

Just thought I'd share where my crafty, DIY projects happen.  It's a little cramped and cozy, but it does the job and Tom doesn't mind me spreading out to take over the guest bedroom when I need to get my craft on.  I just realized how wedding-y it's starting to look in here as I collect things from garage sales, antique stores and Etsy shops! I've started to put up some inspirational things on my bulletin board and have just made a trip to Joann's for supplies, so I see many projects to attack in these photos. I'm go excited to dig in over the winter!

 Have a great weekend!

Fun goodies from Hindsight Bride and Flora Design I won! 

Mom and Dad cutting their cake - February 12, 1976

A favorite image from a Real Simple magazine that reminds
me of my mom's backyard and a button that says, "I'd rather be at Pemberley." I'm a die-hard Jane Austen fan.

My mom on her wedding day. So beautiful. I love her dress so much!

Cute bird feeder / decoration from future sister-in-law, Jen, given at 
our engagement party. So cute. She knows how I love birds! Not ready to put 
this outside yet. Maybe next Spring.Also can see my finished oilcloth 
chalkboard fabric banner from my Wholly Craft class.

Grandma Dot's Kenmore sewing machine I love and my new glue gun!
Comfest mug (filled with coins for the craftin' budget) and some felt 
and paper for some of my possible wedding decor projects!

Garage sale found canning jars and cigar box, engagement cards from friends 
and family, sand dollar from childhood, and another favorite Berkley Illustration 
print.  Also engagement ring box and Paloma's Nest bouquet adornment 
I can't wait to add to a beautiful bouquet of dahlias!

Can't have too many tea lights or glue gun sticks! I got 'em on sale.
Another thrift store candy bowl find.  Amazing nested tea tins I got
for $10 total. A bunch of stamps and some other childhood finds. 

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