Lately I've been working on a lot of crafty projects as well as going on the continuous/never ending job search. I've been trying to keep myself busy, but nothing has been completed for me to share. So I thought this would be a good time to share the recipe for my daily morning smoothie. It's the most delicious smoothie ever and the easiest to make.

The best thing I could have bought moving to a new home was the Farberware Rocket Blender. It's sort of like the NutriBullet, but cheaper. It's just as effective and it works great. Using the Bullet back home, I was accustomed to a certain amount of ingredients to put in and had to adjust to the Rocket since the cup sizes are smaller. But it's still effective, and I've mastered my perfect smoothie.

I usually gauge by visually figuring out what seems appropriate. For the Rocket, I've concluded that
• 1/3 of the cup gets filled with milk (I'm all about almond milk)
• 1 teaspoon of cocoa
• 1 tablespoon of peanut butter
• 1 full banana
• 2 ice cubes
seem to be a perfect blend of ingredients. Specifically in this order too. This obviously has been experimented with from the many times I have made this smoothie.

It's the perfect simple protein energy boosting liquid to start your day.

This is something I've been thinking about doing for over a year now, and I finally just did it.
I started a new Tumblr blog revolving around all things handmade up for sale. I come across so much cool stuff all the time on Etsy, Storenvy, Society6, as well as Tumblr, and I wanted to put it all together onto one blog with source links to the shops they come from.
It's split up into two categories - shop & get inspired. Aside from items up for sale, I want to add inspiration photos to encourage DIY projects.

It only felt appropriate to call it Handmade Era.

I searched high and low for the perfect Tumblr theme filling it with so much content the past few days. If you're interested, follow the blog at http://handmadeera.tumblr.com!

For the most part, I always ignore all of those links and quizzes about "what character are you most like from the cast of Friends" that people post all over Facebook and other social networking sites. BUT, my friend posted a personality quiz that I did end up clicking on. Yea, who hasn't taken a personality quiz. Everyone has. And I've taken plenty. But I was curious to see if my personality type shifted since the last time I had taken one.

Of course I got INTJ again.
Nothing has changed. I imagine if anything, I locked a little deeper into that type over the years.

Some parts of the description really popped out at me that I can so relate to for sure:
People with the INTJ personality type are imaginative yet decisive, ambitious yet private, amazingly curious, but they do not squander their energy.
INTJs are simultaneously the most starry-eyed idealists and the bitterest of cynics, a seemingly impossible conflict. But this is because INTJ types tend to believe that with effort, intelligence and consideration, nothing is impossible, while at the same time they believe that people are too lazy, short-sighted or self-serving to actually achieve those fantastic results. Yet that cynical view of reality is unlikely to stop an interested INTJ from achieving a result they believe to be relevant.

I've always believed that nothing is impossible and I appreciate reading that knowing it can be a thought that actually exists in some peoples' heads.
I've been having difficulty escaping from my own head lately, so I'm sure this whole personality type reading will be lingering for a while.
If you're curious to recheck yourself, this test was one of the better ones I've taken with a thorough explanation of each type.

I'm sad to see that 'creative' wasn't a term used because the arts have played a super large important role in my life, but 'imaginative' will suffice. I'll continue to be my 'imaginative' self and keep up with things that make me happy. My arts.

The past two weeks have been slow, but filled with job interviews, freelance jobs, crafty days.
I've also been here for over a month now, and a month from now I'll be flying home for the holidays. I have to say I'm definitely excited for that.

01. Two weeks ago I went to go see Slowdive on their reunion tour. I've listened to them since high school never thinking I'd see them as an active band and it was so amazing that I was able to see them. This is definitely a good time to be around; so many classic bands are reforming and I love being able to see these revivals.
02. What was supposed to be a resume drop-off for a job opening turned into a freelance gig to make a new logo for a local shop. I'm past the sketch/approval stage and am excited to take on this assignment, especially since I really support local.
03. What I find wild is that in the same week, I got offered another freelance job to do an invitation card. Not really sure if I'm able to talk about it too much currently, but I feel so many doors opening that I can't help but share little sneak peaks.
04. I haven't had too much spare time the past two weeks but during downtime I've been making paper mache canvases, and these are a little different from how I usually do. I've been all about palmistry art lately and thought it'd be fun to make some canvas hands art. It's a work in progress for sure.

I've also been trying to get into more somewhat upbeat music. I found this gem on Pandora. Asteroids Galaxy Tour is the band.

Another week, another list of things I have discovered that I want.

01. ASOS Utility Backpack - I'm still on the quest to find useful things that have great function with some sort of fashion sense. I like this backpack because of all the pockets, and looks sleek with the black pleather.
02. Here's Johnny Sweater - I love the architecture and design in The Shining, and to see the carpet pattern knitted as a shirt is the most awesome thing ever. Plus, I'm cold and I need more sweaters.
03. Blaster 3.0 or anything like this by Jungle Tribe is fine by me. I've been having difficulty figuring out what I like. I don't have a decent backpack, I was never fond of purses, clutches are just dumb, my pockets are never big enough, and fanny packs are weird. I like this because it's sort of a fanny pack but cool. I was always into this style and wearing something like Alice would wear in Resident Evil would make me feel like a little bit of a bad ass. This 'leg pouch' seems like the perfect size for things I carry daily and I would buy this in a heartbeat. Christmas present anyone?
04. Totes Amaze: 25 Bags to Make for Every Occasion - I want to dive into making tote bags because I feel like that would be a lot of fun. This book seems to be useful with that.
05. Sacred Heart Basketball Shorts - I know cold weather is on its way (today remained in the 30s, and I'm currently sitting with a space heater on full blast right next to me). But I can dream of warm weather if I feel like it. Basketball shorts are my favorite and I love this design.

Cold weather is creeping up on us. And I'm excited, but I'm not a big fan of my selection of scarves.
I never know how to wear scarves while looking good, which is why I've been all about infinity scarves lately. I've only obtained a few recently that my grandmother knitted for me.

I dug through all my scarves and grabbed two that I wanted to turn into infinities. These two are fabric scarves, not yarn knitted, so it would make it easy to sew them without a problem.

I took one scarf, my favorite one, and pinned them up evenly. After, I just sewed them together. Super easy.

I grabbed the second scarf and cut them straight because they didn't meet up perfectly. I pinned and then sewed them.

Can't really think of an easier DIY project than this, but it makes a whole lot of a difference. I now won't look so derpy wearing scarves. I promise I won't go out looking like this because then I'll be back to square one looking derpy.

I can't believe it but todays marks three years that I've had this blog! (Note: those Chips Ahoy cookies are delish!)
I remember in my first post how I shared that I've taken up blogging once before but never followed through. This was a test for myself to see if I would keep up with something, and so three years later, here I am.

I wanted to point out some of my accomplishments while I've had this blog. Things could have been completely different if I didn't have another platform to share and keep up with the things that I do and make. Life is still going and 2014 definitely feels like the year in which things are only getting started.

Early this summer, I was invited by my friend to participate in Kawaiiland. This was my first time participating in an event in which I had things I made available for sale in person. It opened my eyes to an area of the crafting and selling world that makes me want to participate in more. It was great exposure and I'm not afraid to do it again.

Speaking of crafting and selling, this year I took the step to expand. So not only do I have one of a kind clothing and accessories up on Etsy, but now clothing and artwork is available on Storenvy. Separating these two is the best thing I could have done because it gives me a chance to expand instead of figuring out a way to tie everything together if I was to only stay on Etsy.

I know this should be in my 'end of the year' post, but why wait till then? Moving across country is playing such a large role in what I'm up to these days. Just taking that step changed everything for me. New things are occurring, more projects are coming my way, and just everyday life and experiences are happening. Life is starting to feel endless and I'm excited to share things that are coming about.

Aside from all that, I've even noticed my posts having more substance. I don't really stray too far from what I intended my blog to be about, and I've been doing great at documenting my process for a lot of the projects I take on. I've gotten accustomed to keeping track of the things I do and I now know to stop and photograph as I go. Along with posts, I see a huge difference in the photos I take. Huge improvement for sure. Photos play a huge role in blogs, and I've become in tune with how much is needed for each post I make. I've figured out what kind of editing in Photoshop makes me happy and I've become consistent. If anything, my photos get better everyday.

I'm still shocked I've been able to keep up with a blog as social media or anything of the sort is not really my thing, but I'm happy this is something I've stuck with. Keeping track of the things I make has become important to me; it's given me a way to reference projects I've done and document important life points. Aside from that, I hope that it gives others inspiration or at least the idea that so many things are possible in the crafting world. I want everyone to feel as though they can partake in DIY, as there's no limit to projects, and if you see something you like, make it yourself, and make it even better.
Thanks for reading!

If you wanna get technical, black is the absence of color and white is all the colors. But looking at 'color' blocks, these items drew me in because they work real well together. The stark contrast is cool.

Once again, covering fashion, accessories, and literature.
A few months back I bought David Byrne's How Music Works. It's next up on my reading list after I finish my current book. I love David Byrne and his awkward quirky work, so I'm real excited to read it soon.
Before moving I decided I wanted to buy a new iPhone case, as I was on a kick with new. Something as trivial as a new phone case can really give a fresh feeling. I bought it from Gypsy Warrior.
As for accessories, I created the black and white chevron bead bracelet for myself a few years ago. Being that I don't wear many bracelets/wristbands anymore, I put it up for sale in my Etsy shop.

My last week at my old job, I made up a shirt for myself with a pattern I made. I used a plain black shirt and cut everything out in white vinyl. Took quite a bit of time being that it was an all over pattern, but the end result came out real cool. It's sparking new ideas for future projects.

Back in September I also treated myself to a new pair of Vans. I'm all about finally having a plain black pair of sneakers, although they haven't been the best in the rain (not only because they're canvas) because they tend to squeak real bad. I've been told that goes away eventually.

So that's this color block for black and white. The shirt also made an appearance on Halloween, so some of these items are somewhat magical/witchy.

Months back, I took a sewing job for a client.
I was asked to take a white t-shirt and replace the sleeves with black velvet as well as sewing half a logo with the same black velvet. I knew it'd be a challenge but I wanted to give it a try.

He sent me a file, in which I printed true to size (I was running out of ink as you can see), and cut the outside and letters on the inside with an X-acto knife. Pinned it to the fabric and cut out the fabric the same way.
Took a while to figure out the exact placement being that this piece had to stay off center. Eventually felt confident and pinned it down.

Sewing it down was tough because velvet frays. I can't tell you how messy my work area was. It was real bad.
I found a stitch that worked with what I needed to cover up the edges, but unfortunately the fabric kinda shifted a bit, so it isn't as perfect as I hoped it'd be.

I sewed the sleeves on as well, and took the shirt to work to print the rest of the logo in vinyl, as it would have been real rough to sew the thin pieces out of velvet.
As rough as it was to sew the velvet on, the end result looks cool. Velvet is awesome.

I've been becoming such a color nerd. I've always been a fan of color since I was able to pick up colored pencils. It's my thing. If you were to ask what my thing is, that's my thing. I love colors.

I've been having fun with finding scraps that form cool gradients. I have so much scrap fabric that I never know what to do with. It's becoming a fun project I started up, making shirts with gradient scraps.

In September, I posted about color blocks with this shirt I made. Before my last day at my old job, I grabbed two seafoam green shirts.
I came up with this gang name to express how awesome colors can be and to gather others who feel the same.

I used a simple font and wrote on both shirts with black fabric paint.

Both shirts are pretty much the same but obviously due to me being a human, they're not 100% exact, but I officially posted them in my Storenvy shop which I'm excited to share.

This makes me excited to expand on project ideas. I started making some patches, something I've never done before. Gradient patches, I'm excited.

Anyone wanna start a color club?

Back in July, I experimented with screenprinting. Working at a screenprinting shop, seeing clients make their designs come to life, I wanted to dive into that feeling too. But being a pretty strict DIY kinda person, I wanted to figure out how to screenprint at home on my own terms.
I successfully made a whole stack of prints after days and days of researching and Youtube watching. I didn't only want to make prints though. I really wanted to make some shirts.

After some shopping at H&M, I grabbed a handful of shirts to play with. And I had enough fabric ink to use.

I'm not a pro, and I usually never do things the right way. Mostly because I don't care if things come out perfect. That's what makes it fun.
So quite a few are wonky, but coloring in the cherry blossoms and fixing up some important bits with pink fabric paint was a good idea.

I made quite a bit in a few different shirt colors. Mostly sticking to a teal/seafoam green theme though. You can check them out here, and buy some if you like!

I couldn't help but keep one for myself. I like the heather seafoam the most.

I'm happy to finally be sharing this!
I've been trying different ways to branch out but still do what I do but with a new twist. Super vague, I know.

During my last semester of college, I experimented with making patterns and I especially enjoyed making this teeth pattern. Since I love Spoonflower so much, I got the pattern printed through them. I thought about what I can use it for and browsed through shirts that I had.

I found a small batch of plain grey shirts, which I thought would work color-wise. Everything matches with grey.
I bounced a lot of ideas in my head on how to incorporate the two. I was just afraid to overdo it. I eventually settled on splitting the front of the shirts in half and replace the cut piece with the printed fabric. I basically took a chance and winged it.

I took that cut front piece, traced it over the printed fabric, pinned it to the shirt, and sewed it. Attached it on three sides, and fixed the hemming. Didn't take too long to figure out if it would work or not, and it worked well!

Even though half the shirt had a fun printed pattern, it still felt empty. I decided on adding a cute little pocket to them all. It feels complete.

I only made six - two v-necks and four crew necks. I finally added them to my Storenvy shop. So they're currently available for sale. I would love to make more but will figure that out if there's demand.

So there you go. Fun stuff, and I'm happy to have finally finish and post them up.

This week has been an exploration continued week. My neighbors have been taking me out and about. Explored good food, cool crafty places, late night trips to bars, etc.

01. This move has me wanting to work on minimizing. I no longer like my wardrobe and my shoes. I took out all my shoes I brought with me and made a pile of shoes I could live without. I took them to a local thrift shop and exchanged for other things.
02. So with that exchanging, I hit the jackpot with new old thread at that same shop! I'm so psyched about finding so much goodness. I needed more thread and so there you go.
03. I spent my Halloween at home with the company of my housemate and neighbors. It was the perfect evening with people I like spending time with along with the perfect amount of food, sweets, and alcohol.
04. Later that night I took a break from the courtyard hangout and went to a house party with my neighbor. It was Star Wars VS Star Trek themed and we took a fun Polaroid at the party. I didn't dress up but I put on devil horns just to add something to make it seem like I thought about Halloween.

I also took a selfie, which I never ever do, to celebrate the fact that I went food shopping.

As I said, I took quite a number of trips to crafty stores, so I really plan on getting my craft on this week while job searching. I've slacked ever since I got here and need to get some motivation back. I guess I may have passed the honeymoon phase? I've adjusted though. I've accepted the fact that I'm here and I have to be productive. So I'm trying to gain back my mojo.
I'm getting there.