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I am a sentimental type, so I love reflecting back on all of the events of the previous year. Weddings, successes, trials and failures – you name it! There’s nothing like getting all sappy about the twists and turns of life.
But what I honestly enjoy more is the fresh start that the New Year brings. It’s a chance to look forward, to hope, to dream. It allows me to shove aside distraction and really contemplate next steps, both personal and those for my business. Read the rest of this entry »
Pumpkins pumpkins pumpkins everywhere! Whether they’re green heirlooms or the traditional bright orange globes we’re most familiar with, this glorious gourd is the icon of the season.
Whether you were raised in a first generation home like myself, or have deep American roots that go back to your great great grandmama, everyone gets on the pumpkin train this time of year!
But how can you take your squash-loving obsession to the next level? So glad you asked!
Whether for decor or dinner – there’s endless ways to make the most of this lovely gourd. I recently wrote up an article for Eco Etsy touting its many creative uses. And I’d love to gather more!
If you have a fun and unique way to use pumpkins – share them below!
One of my favorite design challenges is finding frumpy vintage clothing and re-imagining them into modern user-friendly pieces. What’s so satisfying about the process is that it’s completely spontaneous. I don’t pre-plan and go out to find fabric. The fabric finds me.
As I’m hunting down t-shirts, sweaters, lace, and other materials for my classic Pierogi Picnic designs I sometimes happen upon a 60s dress or 70s skirt that has an interesting shape or print. I immediately size it up, looking at the quality of the garment, and envision it in a new form.
Friends who have come along for my fabric hunting adventures always smirk in disbelief when I grab a pleated, floor length, shoulder pad-filled frock and pop it in my cart. Weeks later when they see the outcome they are amazed!
“How did you know?” – they ask
“It’s just me following my intuition” – I reply
Any indie handmade business owner knows that there’s only so many reproductions we can pump out before we become fatigued by our craft. That’s why having an outlet to let spontaneous creativity shine is so important! All of us need to take a step back, experiment, and enjoy the stream-of-consciousness process of just letting go and having fun with a creation.
So next time you’re in a creative rut and looking for a way out – grab some raw materials and start to enjoy your craft once more. Who knows – maybe you’ll find your own token eighties frock.
Mateo Ilasco's Site
When one of my friends decided to uproot to Morocco, one of her first ‘to-dos’ was unloading her plethora of books, crafts, and kitchen gadgets upon her eager friends. Besides the fantastic glass jars, stamps, and dehydrator, Irena saved me a read that she knew I would put to good use – Craft Inc. Entering into Pierogi Picnic’s third year, I hate to admit, I was a little cocky about the book’s premise at first. But then I needed a quick read for the el, and began to pour through the pages when I realized that I was totally wrong! Read the rest of this entry »
