Ok, Millie is back with new focus!

Or I'm still focusing the same really - just more intent.

I took a long look at how I was working on my art, my Etsy, my creative plans. If you see my work space, my supplies, you would see what I consider my creative chaos. And it was beginning to feel chaotic. What is Ok, Millie? What is my purpose, my focus, my mission statement for what I create? I make so many different things, and that's how I like it!

So, how do I combine all these ideas into one plan and focus?

Then it clicked. My purpose is re-purposing! Every item I create has at least one piece that has been re-purposed or contains a recycled material. I don't want all these wonderful things to end up in a landfill or worse, just littering the ground somewhere. Sure, I buy basics at craft stores and online - but my main source of materials are second hand stores like Goodwill, art surplus stores and gifts of art supplies from friends even!

This motivation goes back to my grandparents. From the generation who lived through the Great Depression - saving everything was essential to them. As I grew up, I saw that they never wasted anything. I still remember stacks of magazines in their homes; and I am ever thankful because those stacks gave me some amazing school projects. (National Geographic is a wonderful resource for rich pictures for a fifth grader, just for the record).

Now that stack of magazines is surrounded by old board game pieces, half full bottles of paint and glitter from art surplus stores, and a myriad of other reclaimed items waiting to be re-purposed into art, jewelry and other gifts!

Going forward, here is what I will be focusing on in the blog:

• What's new in the Etsy shop, and what I'm working on
• Creative ideas I'm trying out from other websites - things you can make too!
• Shopping adventures to re-claim more materials!
• Other cool ideas - including my favorite - meals that are easy and healthy (and some that can cook while you get to spend more time in the studio- or meals that turn into works of art)

I really hope you will join me on this adventure! Saving the planet and making really cool stuff along the way! 

Pack Rat 365 Day 9

Yes, after a very very long break - I have picked up where I left off with Pack Rat 365.  Here we go with Day 9!

Take a five minute walk and make something with whatever materials are available - and leave it there.

Wait...what?  This means I can't use my pack rat skills! Still, challenge accepted.
I decided to walk to the local library, since it's about five minutes from my house and make something as I left.

There were plenty of things I could use to create with - but I didn't want to wreck any plants in gardens, or take things that weren't mine.  I'm sure that the author didn't have that in mind with this challenge.

But there were rocks....lots of rocks.  And I actually collect stones, minerals and rocks.  Hey..that works!

So I picked up a handful of stones and created this....

It actually took me some time to configure the stones so it resembled a heart shape and not some crazy blob.  I hope whoever saw this after I created it got a smile from it.  

Side-note - yes that's rain you see.  That's dedication I tell you.  Even after I walked home, the rain didn't get too bad.  It's springtime and I love the rain. And the library. And rocks!  It's all about the love. 

Pack Rat 365 - Day 8!

Today was definitely a challenge....make something out of my breakfast.  For those that know me well, breakfast really isn't part of the norm for me.  I do, however, have a lot of super early morning snacks when I'm working late on crafting.

Today's inspiration (and also a couple snacks I definitely hoard)

Celery and peanut butter! I can't go a couple days without eating this stuff! So, in theory I pack rat these snacks....with the exception that I do eat them before the shelf life expiration...don't worry.

I used the celery and peanut butter as kind of a structure with mortar in this little experiment.  The almonds were more of added embellishment....of what kind, I'm not too sure. So I got to building....and here's what I ended up with:

I think it's a house..of some sort.  The almonds are the hedges, with one at the top for.....the weather vane! Yep, that's it.  And that's about it for this creation...as I finish this blog, I am consuming the remainders of the celery structure. 

Back to Pack Rat 365 - Day 7!

So I had a lot of catching up to do and a long week full of busy.  I made the executive decision to re-start today.  Day 7!

Today's challenge was to transform an old book.  Since I have an overwhelming amount of composition notebooks that I use for various journaling purposes - I decided to transform one into something more fun - and also so I won't have to look inside each one to figure out the one I'm looking for in a sea of black and white marble.

Before:

My tools: scissors, paper trimmer, paper, ribbons, stickers, mod podge and the plain looking notebook just screaming for a makeover.  I cut some paper to fit the front cover, added some accents, and also some ribbon attached to the back so I could tie the book together. 

The finished product:

I love this book now!  

And what did I use that was a pack-rat item?  Well I've had the scrapbook items for about six months now...so I'm glad I started actually using them.  That ribbon you see?  I salvaged it last year from an Ann Taylor shopping bag (that wasn't even mine either...free ribbon is some of the best ribbon!) Again - let's not talk about how many composition notebooks I have floating around the house.  Perhaps I can get them all customized so I can distinguish them from one another and put them to use more often! 

See you tomorrow!

Pack Rat 365 Catch Up - Day 5 & 6!

Days 5 and 6 both done, just took some getting around to post them!

Day 5 - Make something from a collection.
Hah! What don't I collect - this is a pack rat project after all!  I looked all around for one certain collection to inspire something creative, but nothing that would be super easy to create from.   I wanted to challenge myself a little.  Tucked in a little dish on a desk is part of my collection of old coins.  I have all sorts of old change - like wheat pennies and such.  I took up a handful and decided to make something with them.

The old coin rainbow! Why look to the end of it, when the treasure is right there?

Next up - Friday - Day 6.

Make something from a stencil. 

First I had to make myself a stencil.  I have some, but I thought about carving out my own. 

I sketched out a star and carved it out with my x-acto (and managed not to hurt myself in the process - yay!)

But what to do with the stencil?  My mission was clear....

I used my "Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist" to spray through the stencil at random spots on the card. I let the ink fall wherever, and didn't really try to be too precise with it.  Overall, the card came out beautiful I think.  I kind of like the randomness of it.

So that's it for those two days.  Days 7 & 8 will be posted later tonight!

Enjoy!

Pack Rat 365 - Day 4!

I switched the routine a little bit today.  Today's goal or challenge was to walk into the kitchen and use the first fruit or vegetable I saw as a medium or inspiration.

That's it. Good old butternut squash sitting on the counter.  But how would I incorporate my pack rat tendencies and make something out of it?  What collection could I go to?

I chose the ribbon and button collections I have sitting in the studio. Sure, I've used them in lots of projects, but I still so much that hasn't been used!

I'm not sure what to call her.  She's somewhere between classic burlesque squash and tutu-sporting roller derby squash.  

Now that I made this, I have come to the realization that her destruction is imminent.  I haven't eaten butternut squash in a while - but her memory will live on in my blog! Back tomorrow with more!

Pack Rat 365 - Day 3!

I'll admit - so far this hasn't been too tough.  The guidelines have been easy enough to follow...until today.

Make something from paper - no glue, scissors or writing anything on it.  Part one - easy! I love all sorts of paper crafts....but what?? No glue! No scissors! No writing!

I picked out a small piece of handmade paper first to think of something creative I could make with it.  But what about the pack rat part? Then a little idea crept in.

I collect pens.  Not the nice pens you buy as a souvenir (well I have those too).  I somehow carry pens off from everywhere - work, stores, you name it!  I chose to spruce one up a little bit with this piece of paper.

First I rolled up the paper and put it inside the top end of the pen.  I left about two inches of paper sticking out and ripped strips of the paper down to the end of the pen.  After that process was finished, I curled a few by rolling them around a pencil.  

Now there's a less boring looking pen in my collection!  Just imagine what I could do with some glue and scissors! More on the way tomorrow! 

Pack Rat 365 - Day 2!

Day Two!

Today's project - transform yet another collected item into something that I will actually use!

The goal for this project was to make something inspired by my favorite animal.  Anyone will tell you that I really have no favorite animal.  Too many to mention.  But there is one that I have a certain liking to, enough to even use it in my roller derby moniker.  I chose to make a spider-y project!

But what did I have sitting around to re-purpose? My goal was clear. In fact, it has been sitting on the side of my craft desk since this summer at the mercy of my cats.

A cork board that has definitely seen better days.  Scratches abound on this item I snagged at a garage sale for a mere twenty-five cents.  I had to save it!  Enter some tacky glue, a foam brush and some spider print fabric that has also been sitting around for a while. 

I liberally applied glue all over the board, especially in spots where the scratches were deep. Then I placed the fabric on the board, smoothed it out and trimmed the sides with fabric scissors.  To add a little pop, I brushed some silver glitter glue around the wood frame! 

Voila! Brand new bulletin board, ready to hang up in my craft studio! I'll be back tomorrow!

Treasure of the Week!

Resuming with the Treasure of the Week, I go back to the first time I ever bought something on Etsy.

 I had heard of the website, but never felt the need to check it out - let alone buy something.  I always found what I needed in (gasp) retail stores and rarely bought anything from crafters or even small businesses.  Sure there were a few places I frequented, but I often opted for the cheaper places in lieu of buying local and/or handmade.

Fast forward to when I decided to buy an e-reader tablet.  I prefer the standard paper version of books, but I figured this would be fun for travel and taking as many books as I wanted on a trip.  I bought one as a gift to myself and loved it. But then the problem hit....I needed a cover.

Not just any cover mind you, I had to have one that looked neat and kept the e-reader safe - as I have a nasty habit of dropping things that are easily broken.  I looked in all kinds of stores.  Most covers either didn't catch my eye or carried a price tag too close to that of the e-reader. Yikes!

I looked around on Etsy.  There were tons! All handmade, with reasonable prices that didn't make me regret buying the e-reader in the first place! Then, I found it!

I love anything with owls. I messaged the seller to ask if it could be customized for the e-reader I had bought - no problem! I clicked on buy and couldn't wait to get the cover! The package arrived soon and I couldn't be happier! And, yes, I have dropped it on more than one occasion - the e-reader lives!

So, need an e-reader cover? Or perhaps something else? I suggest you check out Arelel Designs on Etsy!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ArelelDesigns

And please give a like on Facebook here! 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/ArelelDesigns

Enjoy! See you next week!

New Project!

Today at Ok, Millie - actually this weekend - I decided to start the 365 Project.  Sometimes, and lately more than not, I've been in a creative rut.  Here's hoping this challenge pulls me out of it and perhaps you will try it too!

For information on the "Make Something 365" Project - check out this blog.
http://makesomething365.blogspot.com/

The premise is to make something every day for a year, using a consistent medium or subject.
In the grand tradition of my grandparents and how I inherited this tendency - I am going to call my project....
"Pack Rat 365".

I, like my grandparents, like to collect things.  The things that you would say "oh someday this might be useful" or "I could use this in a craft....someday....".  The sad thing is that they never seem to get used.  So, I decided that my medium would be the things I collect that would otherwise be thrown out in the trash (or recycled).

Today begins the project.  Day one.....

Today I picked out an old Kat Von D eyeshadow box I had saved.  I really liked the designs on the front and figured I could use them as an embellishment in my crafting at some point. I already had the glass cabochon.

I punched a circle out of the box, and glued it to the cabochon using some Diamond Glaze.  I cut and sanded around the edges so there wasn't any cardboard poking out.  Super easy.  To finish up, I used some E-6000 to glue a bail on the back to make a pendant.  Here's the finished product! 

Day One - complete.  Pack Rat pendant! 

Treasure of the Week!

Let's talk about roller derby today.  I have played roller derby for a combined total of about three years now and I love it.  The hits, the camaraderie and of course, who doesn't love a stockpile of knee socks.   This year I wanted to invest in a really neat pair of derby shorts.  I went to Etsy in search of such a pair, and believe me there is no shortage of these.  My derby name is Spooky SpiteHer, so of course I wanted something a little Halloween-ish and spidery.  I found exactly what I needed, and they are beyond awesome looking!  This week we highlight ScutiePie Hot Pants as the Ok, Millie Treasure of the Week!

ScutiePie has the most amazing variety of derby hot pants.  Custom orders are available, and the patterns are crazy awesome!  Check out the pair I bought!  

These shorts are probably my favorite that I own! I can't wait to wear them in a bout! Thanks ScutiePie!

Please check out ScutiePie for your derby (or heck, fun to work out in) short needs!
At Etsy - http://www.etsy.com/shop/ScutiePie
And Give a like on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ScutiePie

Tell them Spooky sent you! Enjoy!

Treasure of the Week

I will admit, I really try to eat healthy. Really I do.  But sometimes a late night crafty session calls for something sweet. Chocolate, candy, fruit slices, what have you... and there is one place where I love to shop for these...necessities.

Candy Corner is owned and operated by some of my favorite people - the Orilio's.  I can't really stop in the New Hartford area without a trip.  Besides, it's a small local business - which I love to support - so the candy helps fuel my little business too! Win!

They have more than just candy here too! Popcorn, Slush Puppies, and all sorts of goodies (did I mention chocolate and fruit slices?)

Candy Corner is located in the New Hartford Shopping Center, right near Center Court.  Be sure to check them out whenever there is an event happening here - they have been known to serve up hot dogs, chips and all sorts of other fun things!  Please stop by and tell them Jenn sent you!

P.S. Valentine's Day is fast approaching... I'm sure they can help you out.

Check out their website here:
http://www.candycornernh.com/

And.....like them on Facebook here - you will get all sorts of updates on new items and events!
https://www.facebook.com/candy.corner

Now that I've written this post...I need to stop by myself and stock up.  Lots of crafting to be done! Enjoy!

Ok, Millie Treasure of the Week!

Treasure of the Week is back!

A belated Happy New Year to all!  It's already busy here at Ok, Millie.  Creating, cleaning, and new goals across the board!

There will be many new Treasures of the Week to be featured here - and to begin the new year, I want to start with a treasure that has been indispensable!

Starting in December, I began a new workout routine to help with my performance in roller derby (you read that right...I'm a derby girl).  Within the first week my arm muscles were hating me, but I already had an appointment scheduled as a reward at Balance!
                                                           
Balance is a massage therapy studio owned by my good friend Maeve.  The environment was so peaceful and relaxing, and you can choose to add on aromatherapy (which I did).  Those magic hands worked out the pain in my shoulders and arms from that first week of working muscles.  I made a return appointment before I left the studio, and couldn't wait to get back!

Please like Maeve's  Balance Facebook page here:
https://www.facebook.com/balanceyinyang

or on the Internet:
http://www.balanceyinyang.com/

I highly recommend Balance for massage! And yes, my next appointment is quickly approaching!

Welcome Back - Treasure of the Week!

Hi Everyone!
Welcome back to the Ok, Millie Treasure of the Week feature!
I have been going crazy for quite some time- but never fear - I am back to tell you the latest and greatest Ok, Millie finds!

Today's feature is a great Etsy seller who made a wonderful "Ok, Millie" stamp for the shop.  Actually, she makes quite a bunch of amazing stamps and does custom orders as well!

Here is the Etsy shop for you to check out!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/BlossomStamps

Be sure to follow her on Facebook too!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Blossom-Stamps/

And as for the "Ok, Millie" stamp?  Here it is for you to check out!
Thank you Blossom Stamps!

Reorganize and Recharge!

I won't lie - I've been in a bit of a crafty slump lately.  I'm going to say for multiple reasons, mainly because I can't put my finger on one specific reason for my lack of ambition.
There is, however, one thing that stuck in the back of my mind.  Something that always breaks up the creative process no matter what.  Yes, it's the dreaded unorganized studio.
So...last weekend I hauled EVERYTHING out.  Well, except the desk and the table. I have all of my supplies divided by type in my reusable grocery bags (which worked quite well, I have to add).  They are slowly making their way back into the room.  There will be a lot more reorganizing today - interspersed with writing ideas or sketching possible projects (because a fresh look at some supplies gives me all new perspective).  I anticipate that the room will be semi-functional in a couple of days.  Within the next two weeks, I expect perfection.  (Read: I need to buy more organizational supplies next payday, but until then I can make do.)  Keep an eye out, and soon you will see the new, reorganized, Ok Millie studio!!!

Treasure of the Week!

We're back! I was on vacation for a couple weeks there- and I am back; recharged and refocused! Look to see new items coming to the Etsy site soon.  But now for the Treasure of the Week!

Today, in honor of their latest performance at Phoenix Comicon, I proudly feature....
The Dread Fleet!

This amazing group of pirates are just that (although they probably have more pirate-y descriptive words) - Amazing!
Please learn more about them at their website - http://thedreadfleet.com/

I have known one of these pirates for a long time, and yes I trust her.  (I don't always recommend trusting pirates all the time...)

Check out her page - and send some love to her and the rest of the gang!
https://www.facebook.com/BlackstrapGennie

Treasure of the Week!

Welcome to another edition of the Treasure of the Week! Here comes another performer favorite of mine who has an amazing voice!  Please welcome to the Ok, Millie stage.....Divalicious Candi!

http://www.reverbnation.com/divaliciouscandi

Here is one of my personal favorite songs performed by her! Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEnS291jtWs&feature=plcp

Love the music?  Well she also has an app for that! (yes, it was on my iPhone the day it came out!)

I am always on the lookout for great musical talent (that's what drives my crafty work time), and Divalicious Candi delivers! (this is where I admit to "duets" with her as I jam out in the art studio).  Maybe I will make a video of that one day.....maybe.

So enjoy this artist treasure of the week, and jam out to a song or two!

Ok, Millie Treasure of the Week!

Today I decided to highlight another artist friend that has been giving me advice along the way!  I have to give all the credit of meeting this artist to my sister Mo, because if she didn't marry Dan - I may never have met Jenny!
Jenny Harada is an amazing creator of some adorable monsters! They go by the collective name of Pomly, but there is more - paintings, create-your-own kits and even books on how to make monsters!   Check out these links!
http://jennyharada.com/index.shtml
http://www.etsy.com/p.eople/pomly

http://www.amazon.com/Me-Make-Monster-Mish-Mash-Monstercraft/dp/B005FOIA3K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1335837012&sr=8-1

monster model!

Are you an aspiring crafter who wants to work on the business end of things too?  Look no more!
Jenny has been featured in a book that gives advice on how to get going on your own crafty biz! (and yes, mine is on it's way).
http://www.amazon.com/Crafty-Superstar-Crafts-Extra-Basically/dp/1600613209/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1335837012&sr=8-5

So please enjoy these wonderful creations, and get (or make) yourself a monster friend!

Treasure(s) of the Week!

Readers, I deliver you a most excellent set of treasures this week. I started by trying one of the products made by Alaffia, and was so impressed I soon started trying more.

Long story short: I had read so many reviews of their "Everyday Shea" lotion that I decided to try it out when I saw it on sale at my local natural foods store. (Note; I have a TON of lotions, but this was so worth it and replaces most of them now!)

Fast forward. A couple weeks later I am visiting the Boston, MA area and I stopped at a Whole Foods market in hopes of finding a newer, better facial moisturizer. And I find one made by Alaffia! I test a little, like it and buy it. This is one

of the best moisturizers I have found!

The following week (yesterday to be exact), I attended the Natur-Tyme Wellness Expo in Syracuse, NY. The co-founder of Alaffia, Olowo-n'

djo Tchala was presenting in the afternoon.....and he was at the Alaffia booth during the day!!!!!! I was so excited to thank him for the wonderful pr

oducts, the fair-trade standards and wonderful co

mmunity projects Alaffia has done!

I was then introduced to some new products- like the African Black Soap. The citrus scent was amazing and I decided to buy some at the expo. It can be used as shampoo and I tried it out this morning. Most natural, minimal ingredient shampoos leave my super-fine hair looking plastered to my head. Not so here! I am a total convert!

So, to Alaffia, thank you again for your amazing products and company philosophies. I am happy to recommend your products!

And to my readers....try this stuff out - seriously!

For more information... http://www.alaffia.com/

Takin' care of business! (Working overtime)

Just a random post - I work best under pressure.

First craft fair coming up this weekend! Am I 100% prepared? Heck no! Now before you go and get all worried - I seem to work well under this kind of pressure. Most of my best college papers have been written about a week before the due date (although I did usually research and gather resources much earlier).

That's kind of how I craft sometimes with a deadline. Gather lots of supplies - make things a week or two before. It's fun, kind of scary (in a good way), and I find my best inspiration sometimes with a little pressure.

I worked on a bunch of pendants tonight, gathered some more ideas and prepped a little more. Now to work on some craft show paperwork (order forms, gift certificates and the like). Thanks for reading and I will post after the craft show this weekend!