tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34999577580529143322024-03-14T03:27:15.371-07:00Assemble Shop and StudioAndie Powershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10566407096774005739noreply@blogger.comBlogger267125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3499957758052914332.post-73036479523205149062016-07-12T15:35:00.004-07:002016-07-12T15:35:48.239-07:00Print, Paint & Ink in our Hot Little HandsOh my, we are holding it in our hands! Our advance copies of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Print-Paint-Ink-Modern-Projects/dp/1631863134" target="_blank"><i>Print, Paint and Ink: Over 20 Modern Craft Projects for You and Your Home</i></a> are finally here and they look just stunning. Stay tuned here and on our blog for upcoming special events and book parties! #assemblebook #printpaintandink Thank you, Taunton Press! You can pre-order your copy <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Print-Paint-Ink-Modern-Projects/dp/1631863134" target="_blank">here</a>. <br />
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<br />Andie Powershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10566407096774005739noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3499957758052914332.post-86814048917145599552016-06-30T12:24:00.001-07:002016-06-30T12:24:51.433-07:00Crochet Basics!It's never too late to learn the basics! <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="338" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/58156632" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="600"></iframe><br />
<a href="https://vimeo.com/58156632">Crocheted Granny Square Kit Stitch Demonstrations</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/assembleshop">Assemble Shop and Studio</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.Andie Powershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10566407096774005739noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3499957758052914332.post-21781345908613593802016-06-28T05:00:00.000-07:002016-06-28T05:00:41.212-07:00Repost || Those Girls: If a Tree Falls In the Woods...This is a post that we wrote two years ago, but it still seems so relevant today. Art in photos is lovely and appreciated and important. But what does it mean when it becomes your identity? We'd love to hear from you. Tweet us or Instagram us with your responses:<br />
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If a tree falls in the woods, and no one is around to Instagram it, does it make a sound?<br />
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We started our <a href="http://www.assembleshop.blogspot.com/search/label/those%20girls#.U8M4rKi601B" target="_blank">Those Girls</a> series as a portal for reality, and it's been a while since we wrote a post--for good reason, of course. The reason being life! We've been working on a book project together; and separately, I've been working on my branding business and am in my nineteenth week of pregnancy, and Emily is busy renovating her house while chasing after two rambunctious toddlers. There are days that go by when we don't even touch social media, and I have to admit that this makes me particularly anxious. Will our friends and customers forget about us if we don't Twitter/Instagram/Blog/Facebook/Pinterest (TIBFP) every portion of our day? The truth: I don't really think so. Our readership numbers remain steady, even on quiet days. In that case, what exactly is the social media race for?<br />
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Lately (perhaps I can blame this on pregnancy hormones) I've been noticing that after I spend some time browsing TIBFP, I'm exhausted. I'm exhausted by the mirage of perfection. Before these platforms were made available, we were able to get our lifestyle inspiration in small doses: in a magazine, a craft book, on a TV show, in Martha Stewart's trashcan. The images and articles were pitched, styled, photographed and marketed directly to a customer that could consume at their leisure and discard at will. Today, however, these images of lifestyle glory are constant, and in our faces 24/7, mostly by our own allowance. I can't even turn on my phone without mindlessly pressing the "Instagram" app and browsing through photos almost first thing in the morning. A bright and early reminder that many talented people are doing life perfectly: a perfect meal, perfect floral arrangement, perfectly-styled pickling party that I wasn't invited to (but knew just who was, according to the tags), or perfect vacation. What kind of message is this to send oneself several times a day? Even the most secure, hard-working and cheerful person has days when "you're doing it wrong" is the main message being sent by these images. Why don't we feel this way when we look at magazines? Here's why--> because we accept that these magazines are put together by professionals, doing their jobs and being paid for them. Today, it's easy to dismiss an Instagram photo as part of a blogger or creative's perfect everyday life with no preparation or styling whatsoever. That's their life. PERIOD. Definitely not so...we forget what she's trying to sell us. This is her job. <br />
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Let's acknowledge the fact that social media isn't going anywhere, and that a person can choose to either acclimate to the current culture or completely reject it. Neither is the right or wrong answer, but I find the former easiest because let's face it:<br />
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1. I truly enjoy remaining connected with old friends.<br />
2. Deleting accounts leads to social ostracization merely by default, not by unkindness.<br />
3. It's kind of my job. <br />
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So where do we go from there? I find that the culture of popularity, and the inherent need for acceptance is at the root of this problem. We all want to be told that we're doing it right. That's what that trusty "like" button is for. It's almost ironic that these words are being posted via blogger. This is how we communicate, and how we understand each other. Our posts say a lot about how we view ourselves and how we want to view ourselves. Here are two completely possible scenarios:<br />
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1. "I made the most perfectly deliciously gorgeous birthday cake with perfect frosting and sprinkle 'scatterage' and I'm going to share it with everyone because it's awesome. I am a great chef and a fabulous hostess. SHARE. like. like. like."<br />
2. "My house looks like The Purge happened there and I am way too lazy to lift a finger, other than to put that Trader Joe's O into my mouth and then back to the box for more. I am a failing at making myself and my family perfect, organic, grassfed meals. This may ruin my <i>personal brand</i>. DO NOT SHARE."<br />
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My mother and I have always agreed that women would rule the world if we would just stop trying to one-up one another! I know what you're thinking. "Andie, that's just a picture of an adorable toddler's ice cream social catered by Target with a professional photographer, stylist, and product endorsements--it has nothing to do with shaming other women. Get a grip!" Don't get me wrong, I love a good ice cream social (just kidding, I can't eat ice cream), but the fact that lifestyle bloggers have cornered the market in lifestyle products and books makes me very wary, especially because we still insist on viewing them as "regular people." In reality, most of these very successful career bloggers have a lot of money and sponsors with which to style events, decorate rooms in their home and buy outfit-of-the-days. They are the modern-day celebrity, in a very sweet and "normal" disguise. There are so many campaigns out right now defending young girls and women from comparing themselves to models in magazines. Where are the same standards about comparing ourselves to lifestyle bloggers that are packed with sponsorships? These are lovely women who are making their careers work for them, but emulating their public personas is not the answer to originality or happiness. Not even for themselves! I feel fake when each photo we upload is carefully arranged, slapped onto Instagram, and tagged. There's a time and place for this, but I fear an oversimplification is becoming reality, and cheapening what life really offers. <br />
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A lot of the most interesting women in my life are not avid users of social media. They don't know how to use Twitter, or ignore Facebook, calling it "boring." These women support orphanages in the slums of India, or play in orchestras in Scandinavia, or create beautiful works of quilted art, or have wonderfully messy, happy lives right here in Seattle. When we get together we talk about everything: classic literature, science, politics, religion, sappy beach reads, crafts, our families, exercise, food, etc. Our tables are never pretty or photogenic when we're finished, with torn open sugar packets, dirty coffee spoons, and bags of sliced fruit in Ziploc bags that I bring to every meeting so I won't be tempted to eat bagels with cream cheese. We forget to take photos until everything is eaten and drunk, and at that point, our conversation seems too sacred to be shared with the world. <br />
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There's nothing wrong with styled photos and beautiful blog posts--in fact, we love them, it's part of what we love the most about our jobs. These pictures of perfection inspire us to make our world more beautiful, and see light in simple joys. These only become wrong when our identity or the identity of others is hinged on public likeability. Let's try to remember to be liked by the people we like, be loved by the people we love, including the whole unphotographable mess that goes along with us. <br />
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Andie Powershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10566407096774005739noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3499957758052914332.post-7050252144383692482016-06-14T05:00:00.000-07:002016-06-14T05:00:15.822-07:00Craft Crush: Tortus CopenhagenIf you're on <a href="http://www.instagram.com/assembleshop" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, chances are good that you have seen the videos and gorgeous photos by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tortus_copenhagen" target="_blank">Tortus Copenhagen</a>. If you haven't, you're in for a real treat. We have absolutely fallen in love with the gorgeous ceramic works and oh-so-talented artisan on the pottery wheel. Tortus Copenhagen's Instagram feed provides endless inspiration for finished product and the process of art making. <br />
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Plus, they have a shop. Click over to <a href="http://tortus-copenhagen.com/" target="_blank">Tortus Copenhagen</a> to see more. We are absolutely swooning over some of these pieces and ready to travel overseas to see some of them in person. They provide classes, as well, so we feel a kinship with other fellow workshoppers.<br />
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Brava, Tortus Copenhagen! <br />
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<small>Photos courtesy <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tortus_copenhagen" target="_blank">Tortus Copenhagen</a>.</small>Andie Powershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10566407096774005739noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3499957758052914332.post-46153652106396022412016-06-08T05:00:00.000-07:002016-06-08T05:00:18.961-07:00Back to Basics: A Stamper's ToolkitLast night, I finally caught up with a ton of <a href="http://assembleshop.blogspot.com/2013/01/simple-stamping-embossing-thank-you.html#.V1c-kNedgTR" target="_blank">thank you notes</a> that I have been forgetting to write for some time--that and paying all of the bills and dumping out the nineteen pounds of receipts and napkins I've been carrying around in my diaper bag. I used to be so on top of things like that but with a baby and a new house, things have been left on the back burner far past their boiling point.<br />
<a href="http://www.instagram.com/assembleshop" target="_blank"></a><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRBKRSf50bdJOy6JhDReYTsaib1I5wO0vJgCVMoJ2H8sKcBqfWNvHlbmjnIeYRaEFcSTJUwAf4H9CmWFz-c6c-b2-MwjBrhKx3Io_bwn8rN3frjPRDFV2qNDJODSINBltzi4WcnRf7CSep/s1600/image1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Stamps and Ink Basics List" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRBKRSf50bdJOy6JhDReYTsaib1I5wO0vJgCVMoJ2H8sKcBqfWNvHlbmjnIeYRaEFcSTJUwAf4H9CmWFz-c6c-b2-MwjBrhKx3Io_bwn8rN3frjPRDFV2qNDJODSINBltzi4WcnRf7CSep/s1600/image1.JPG" title="" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stamps above: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/164670013/on-the-table-rubber-stamp-set-cheese?ref=shop_home_active_2" target="_blank">Assemble On the Table Stamp Set</a>, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/164667995/mr-bradley-stemke-the-polar-bear-hand?ref=listing-shop-header-0" target="_blank">Assemble Mr. Bradley Stemke Polar Bear</a>, Exercising People from <a href="http://www.paper-source.com/" target="_blank">Paper Source</a>, Typewriter from <a href="http://blackinkboston.squarespace.com/black-ink-boston/" target="_blank">Black Ink Boston</a>, Winter Tree, Happy Whale, and Polka Dotted Grid from <a href="http://www.impresscardsandcrafts.com/" target="_blank">Impress Rubber Stamps</a>, Date Stamp from <a href="http://knockknockstuff.com/product/personal-library-kit/" target="_blank">Knock Knock</a>, and Calligraphed Return Address from <a href="http://kathrynmurray.com/" target="_blank">Kathryn Murray Calligraphy</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
That's no excuse, though, so last night I gathered <a href="http://assembleshop.blogspot.com/2014/01/thank-you-cards-to-get-you-writing.html#.V1dBKNedgTQ" target="_blank">a few cards</a> and got to work! I always like to do a little something cute or fun on any note that I send. When time is of the essence, I usually end up writing the return address on the back of the envelope, and in the usual area on the front upper left-hand corner, I like to use fun rubber stamp.<br />
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Oh my. This opened a can of worms that I wasn't actually prepared for. I use <a href="http://www.containerstore.com/s/storage/storage-boxes/stor-n-slide-underbed-boxes/12d?productId=10012690" target="_blank">plastic bins</a> for my stamps because they wipe down easily, and by the time I found the rubber stamp that I was looking for, my bin wouldn't even close. Any true crafter has trouble admitting when it's time to throw things away, right? I think I may have about 5 or 6 ink pads that are completely dry that are hanging on for dear life in that bin. Sorting that bin out is most definitely a project for another day, but we thought up a quick list for those of you who are in the mood to get back to basics when it comes to rubber stamping crafts. See below to create (or pare down) your stamper's toolkit.<br />
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• <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/Assembleshop?section_id=14301363" target="_blank">Your favorite wood, rubber, or acrylic stamps</a><br />
• Ink pads: dye or pigment (our favorites are <a href="https://heroarts.com/" target="_blank">Hero Arts</a> and <a href="https://www.clearsnap.com/colorbox-classic-pigment-ink" target="_blank">Colorbox</a>)<br />
• Baby wipes<br />
• Fabric or paper<br />
• Test sheets to blot on<br />
• Washi tape for masking<br />
• An iron, if you will be heat setting<br />
• A heat tool, to dry ink<br />
• Embossing powder<br />
• A lino block, pencil, precision knife and speedball cutter if you will be creating your own stamp <br />
• A solid surface and/or cutting mat for stability<br />
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What else do you keep in your kit? Andie Powershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10566407096774005739noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3499957758052914332.post-36399701227377381912016-03-25T13:56:00.000-07:002016-03-25T13:56:00.665-07:00Friday Fun: Print, Paint and Ink!It's been a long time coming, but our book is finally available for pre-sale. We've shrunk it down a bit from our original title, into a bite-sized fun pack of inky goodness. Included in the text are over twenty of our favorite printmaking, painting and stamping projects that you can do in your own home. <br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Print-Paint-Ink-Modern-projects/dp/1631863134/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1458939136&sr=1-1" target="_blank"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Print-Paint-Ink-Modern-projects/dp/1631863134/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1458939136&sr=1-1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Print, Paint and Ink: Over 21 Modern Craft Projects for You and Your Home" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNUtNW4BiY1hjkQ47J8eFau7L3zcH5PZ2-4TvNqTHybeLOo2-YbQMTfYvs2khgzweYhMJPyw5-gdGXIYPsOWz_XMWsTi6QzTqc62Zy388H1ZWobxSyUNrr-D3lv4q0fgX4feG-F-WSf7j-/s1600/A1ucs8uuJbL.jpg" title="" /></a></div>
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The 21 projects in <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Print-Paint-Ink-Modern-projects/dp/1631863134/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1458939136&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Print, Paint & Ink</a></i> are perfect for anyone interested in learning to make their own stamps, prints, and painted goods. From natural dyes and inks to linocut stamps, jewelry, ink transfers and more (plus a bit of embroidery and sewing thrown in!) there are tons of techniques and projects for crafters of all ages within these covers. <br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Print-Paint-Ink-Modern-projects/dp/1631863134/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1458939136&sr=1-1" target="_blank"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Print-Paint-Ink-Modern-projects/dp/1631863134/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1458939136&sr=1-1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Print, Paint and Ink: Over 21 Modern Craft Projects for You and Your Home" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVJ1Jjc1SWhVJVSTdsAxSFnXcpUQyzw0JXHSJuvcwbIQCsbT4pyhoOnNIPJyrKkrtw-rOPOvdu1D4LTTMeIO65kiFfosdIxi-lgPpKzS9xDsYVbXs8a1x988-IVs-AV0PDUBtzf0HmqmMl/s1600/printcollage.jpg" title="" /></a></div>
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Easy and adorable Teeny Tiny Eraser Stamps, stylish Furoshiki Wrap and so much more, there's something in here for every skill level. You might even get a sneak peek of one or two of our kiddos too! Click the link or on the photos above to check it out on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Print-Paint-Ink-Modern-projects/dp/1631863134/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1458939136&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, for pre-sale, available August 16th, 2016. <br />
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More to come! <br />
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<br />Andie Powershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10566407096774005739noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3499957758052914332.post-12273105241276143002015-09-25T11:40:00.000-07:002015-09-25T11:40:14.364-07:00On Real Life: Our Social Media BreakHey all--Andie here. Yes, we took a little unannounced social media break. There have been a lot of reasons for the quiet blog, <a href="http://www.instagram.com/assembleshop" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/assembleshop" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/assembleshopandstudio" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, but I'll just tell you about a few of them for now. It has been almost a year (!) since we've updated the blog and if you're still with us, I have to say, thank you.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXXzisnwvlFdD7nXiv5Q4fyG0_KbnKuPtWdf0UxK4MiW5UGoBIooznMARUQJkHqrM4hv8koxvykM_ETVJQDKsM8WUlnIst7q2U7rI0ab3uKd0EE2S_S4myU1FiKNzGkSdbSTBBSNH-L6aY/s1600/blackandwhite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXXzisnwvlFdD7nXiv5Q4fyG0_KbnKuPtWdf0UxK4MiW5UGoBIooznMARUQJkHqrM4hv8koxvykM_ETVJQDKsM8WUlnIst7q2U7rI0ab3uKd0EE2S_S4myU1FiKNzGkSdbSTBBSNH-L6aY/s1600/blackandwhite.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Throwback photo to Assemble circa 2009</td></tr>
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As quiet as we have been, we have been busy little bees. The <a href="http://assembleshop.blogspot.com/2014/10/our-big-announcement-assemble-book.html" target="_blank">last post from October of 2014 introduced our book</a>, which is still slated to be released in August of 2016. Our tiny team of worker bees--Michelle Beilner of <a href="http://www.sparkyandmarie.com/" target="_blank">Sparky & Marie</a> and Jaqui Shumate of<a href="http://www.jaquilynshumate.com/" target="_blank"> Jaquilyn Shumate Photography</a>--have been superstars in our eyes. It's such a blessing to be able to work with friends, but when those friends are absolutely stellar at their work, it's magical.<br />
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We are almost completely done with it, besides layout edits and a final cover shoot. That process is daunting and stressful, but we were so grateful to read <a href="http://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/blog/styled-the-real-book-cover" target="_blank">this post by Emily Henderson</a>. We are not stylists by any means (and have an immense amount of respect for them too!) so it was nice to read that even professionals go through the difficult task of representing their work on something so "quick-glance" as a book cover.<br />
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On the other side of the coin, Assemble has been quiet because of, well, <b>life</b>. Social media has always been my part of the game, and I came into this business as a single person. I wasn't married, nor did I have kids (unless you count Assemble mascot, Grady the chihuahua) and Assemble was my baby. I devoted every waking hour to building our brand and loved every second of it. As time went on, I got engaged, then married and eventually had our little baby Alice on December of 2014.<br />
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While I was pregnant, I was so worried about finding the time for a baby while working on a book, a side-business and day-to-day Assemble tasks. Now that I actually have a child, I am astonished at the amount of time, heart and grace that Emily is able to give to our mission with two....TWO! The reality of the situation--and something that no one can explain to you pre-baby--is that it's not about finding a way to fit a baby into your life. Something I found to be true for myself, is that every priority that I had in building our business and my dreams, was suddenly sub-par. The book took a back-seat. Our blog was literally an afterthought. Instagram? What's that? And I didn't care. Not <i>one bit</i>. My brain and heart was focused on playing with wooden tambourines on the floor and teaching Alice to roll over. "How boring!" single Andie would say. She would be right for her own life, but not for mine. <br />
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Now that things are beginning to be more scheduled, and the baby fog is parting a bit, I've begun to miss the social aspect of Assemble so much. <b>The thing about a regular career, is that a woman can have a baby, take a break and then go back to that career. When you own a business, and you take a break, your business can go on radio silence.</b> It's tough to not be able to return to things exactly as you left them. Regardless, here we are! We hope you'll take us back in (plus one!). <br />
<br />Andie Powershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10566407096774005739noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3499957758052914332.post-16982072393237827002014-10-16T06:00:00.000-07:002015-09-25T11:10:32.894-07:00Our Big Announcement: the Assemble BookThis has honestly been a long-time coming, and most of you are probably aware from our <a href="http://instagram.com/assembleshop" target="_blank">Instagram </a>or <a href="http://www.twitter.com/assembleshop" target="_blank">Twitter</a> that we have a book in the works (<b>#Assemblebook</b>)! However, we haven't wanted to give away too many details until things were headed on the official track. And...now they most definitely are!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPZLW_JioTTtPJTJPsDOW3ieaViArVPU8xOPuit-20OqFeuD0Of2HbxfhNk-utO6AkiZ0xl5tCLqIQ7_aT5ykziKj5FwSDkjWDfDwUbhrQFwlURhzJuMpS-J0D1czZ23xIXSMlG4I6v0oo/s1600/IMG_4770copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPZLW_JioTTtPJTJPsDOW3ieaViArVPU8xOPuit-20OqFeuD0Of2HbxfhNk-utO6AkiZ0xl5tCLqIQ7_aT5ykziKj5FwSDkjWDfDwUbhrQFwlURhzJuMpS-J0D1czZ23xIXSMlG4I6v0oo/s1600/IMG_4770copy.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An #Assemblebook mockup from 2013</td></tr>
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We are proud to announce that Assemble Shop & Studio will be releasing a crafting and lifestyle book in <b>Spring of 2016</b>, under the wonderful <a href="http://www.tauntonstore.com/sewing-crafts/crafts.html" target="_blank">Taunton Press</a>. Tentatively titled, <i>Assemble: 50 Projects for a Well-Crafted Life & Home</i>, our book will combine our love of sharp design, traditional crafting techniques and a modern home aesthetic. While we are rushing to finish the bulk of our work before Baby Powers arrives, we have a fabulous team to help us along the way and are loving every minute of the process.<br />
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We are so excited for this new journey and hope you will follow along with us!<br />
<br />Andie Powershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10566407096774005739noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3499957758052914332.post-35529239384137346562014-09-22T06:00:00.000-07:002014-09-24T11:51:44.643-07:00Giveaway! Beaded Bracelets: 25 Dazzling Handcrafted ProjectsYay for giveaways!<br />
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We were recently gifted a few copies of brand new beading craft book, <i><a href="http://www.runningpress.com/book/paperback/beaded-bracelets/9780762453160" target="_blank">Beaded Bracelets: 25 Dazzling Handcrafted Projects</a></i> by <a href="http://bellejewelrydesigns.blogspot.com/">Claudine McCormack Jalajas</a> (<a href="http://www.runningpress.com/" target="_blank">Running Press</a>, publishers of our good friend <a href="http://assembleshop.blogspot.com/2014/07/favorite-friend-blair-stocker-of-wise.html#.VB-R7Oe601A" target="_blank">Blair's book, <i>Wisecraft</i></a>). We love to foster creativity of all kinds and in celebration of Claudine's new book, we would like to <b>give a book and beading kit away to one lucky reader</b>! <span style="background: white;">We got to sneak a glimpse at the book, and our favorite project is most definitely the Aegis of Athena (pg 109)!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One reader will receive a copy of the book and bracelet making kit on the right!</td></tr>
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<b>A bit about the book</b>: <i>Beaded Bracelets</i><span style="background: white;"> <span style="color: black;">is a jewelry crafter’s guide to 25 original <span class="il">beaded</span> bracelet designs that are contemporary, beautiful, and can be worn comfortably. Fully illustrated with both technical diagrams and photos, the fresh and alluring designs will appeal to both novice and expert crafters.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background: white;"><span style="color: black;"><b>What you'll receive in the kit</b>: </span><br />
• Thread & needle<br />
• 3mm bugle beads, matte transparent<br />
• cobalt aurora borealis (AB)<br />
• 11/0 Toho round seed beads<br />
• wisteria-lined crystal<br />
• 5mm x 6mm baby bell Czech glass<br />
• flowers<br />
• 14mm x 10mm two-strand tube<br />
• slide clasp</span><br />
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<b>To enter the giveaway</b> for a copy of the book and beading kit, simply leave a comment below with your name and email and we will choose a recipient on Wednesday the 24th of September. Thanks so much to Claudine and Running Press!<br />
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<b> Update: This giveaway is now closed, congratulations, Lisette! </b><br />
<br />Andie Powershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10566407096774005739noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3499957758052914332.post-39658499511820128942014-09-02T13:08:00.002-07:002014-09-02T13:08:28.688-07:00Seattle's Child: Closet Nursery for One, PleaseSide job! When I'm not busy with new Assemble projects, I landed a sweet side-job as a contributing editor at <a href="http://www.seattleschild.com"target="_blank"><i>Seattle's Child</i></a> magazine, writing their brand new Making Home section! First order of business, to show off the closet nursery that my husband and I have put together for our brand new baby Powers, coming late this Fall. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSShK7Z0TyRYmN018QN0kEmKApC-A9ZcizS-De0EP_bh5fozSACV5sp1_ChtBVFTSREKMtQC_0ejBHkFdqZCFGAjCMXU9ZDrgRQYHYCRunANlfO62HQOjyLmFGhiZDxDeNxDKsSgW56RB6/s1600/SC_Sept2014_Page27_HOME.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSShK7Z0TyRYmN018QN0kEmKApC-A9ZcizS-De0EP_bh5fozSACV5sp1_ChtBVFTSREKMtQC_0ejBHkFdqZCFGAjCMXU9ZDrgRQYHYCRunANlfO62HQOjyLmFGhiZDxDeNxDKsSgW56RB6/s1600/SC_Sept2014_Page27_HOME.jpg" /></a></div><br />
If you have a chance, definitely grab an issue at a newsstand around town or skip over to their <a href="http://www.journalgraphicsdigitalpublications.com/epubs/bermanllc/Seattle%27sChildSeptember2014/"target="_blank">website to read the article online</a>. Bonus! Our friend <a href="http://assembleshop.blogspot.com/2014/07/favorite-friend-blair-stocker-of-wise.html#.VAYjOkhUHiM"target="_blank">Blair Stocker</a> also has a sweet write-up in this issue, about her new book, <i>Wise Craft</i>. Don't miss it! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwoP4nndjlzUCjpHDvrpoWcHkQCFMMOQmVeY89OVlwjnru8LKOPMCvuZ77oegnRsSOuAaBkZOx-guixLZ9JVJVX0ns2qkHdhET7K91ksuWo8QE4x3-174u5Y9ll3D-7jqFqoQzW17pYyfD/s1600/SC_Sept2014_Page01_COVER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwoP4nndjlzUCjpHDvrpoWcHkQCFMMOQmVeY89OVlwjnru8LKOPMCvuZ77oegnRsSOuAaBkZOx-guixLZ9JVJVX0ns2qkHdhET7K91ksuWo8QE4x3-174u5Y9ll3D-7jqFqoQzW17pYyfD/s1600/SC_Sept2014_Page01_COVER.jpg" /></a></div>Andie Powershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10566407096774005739noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3499957758052914332.post-53514462091171180862014-07-29T05:00:00.000-07:002014-07-29T05:00:02.398-07:00Favorite Friend: Blair Stocker of Wise Craft HandmadeHow is it possible that we haven't featured <a href="http://www.wisecrafthandmade.com/"target="_blank">Blair Stocker</a> on our <a href="http://assembleshop.blogspot.com/search/label/favorite%20friends#.UHd2ihimV3k"target="_blank">Favorite Friends</a> series?? Blair has been an Assemble role model and pal since the very beginning! A quilter and handmade guru by trade, Blair's blog and new book, <i><a href="http://www.wisecrafthandmade.com/my-book/"target="_blank">Wise Craft: Turning Thrift Store Finds, Fabric Scraps, and Natural Objects Into Stuff You Love</a></i> are a great source for projects that any level crafter can accomplish. Plus, she's one of the nicest ladies we know! We adore her and we know that you will too:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEins4D-B89oBNji9irr5D-EJQlDmiyEJm0IFbhgOn7Ni7Xb7rlkFMCSedPX_WMQ97nCu6RoWMn3mCdKAlc-VHPyQtgxP9EjGDMC8lzufdahU-yMyb3SAc0PQMLgeN29Oi88flw0jT-6vtIc/s1600/meinstudiolowres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEins4D-B89oBNji9irr5D-EJQlDmiyEJm0IFbhgOn7Ni7Xb7rlkFMCSedPX_WMQ97nCu6RoWMn3mCdKAlc-VHPyQtgxP9EjGDMC8lzufdahU-yMyb3SAc0PQMLgeN29Oi88flw0jT-6vtIc/s1600/meinstudiolowres.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<center>•••</center><br />
<b>You have been a craft blogger for quite a while and have recently added "author" to your resume! Tell us about your new book, <i><a href="http://www.wisecrafthandmade.com/my-book/"target="_blank">Wise Craft: Turning Thrift Store Finds, Fabric Scraps, and Natural Objects Into Stuff You Love</a></i>.</b><br />
Wise Craft is all about telling your family's story throughout your home with all kinds of handmade projects. There are 60 projects in the book, divided by four seasonal chapters, spanning hand crafts like quilting, crochet, knitting, and other unexpected ways to DIY your home. My hope in writing this book is that those who don't necessarily feel crafty, or aren't sure where to start will find color and project inspiration inside the pages. The book shows how I use repurposed, thrifted materials to make entirely new, beautiful things for the home.<br />
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<b>Was there anything about the publishing process that surprised you? Did you enjoy it?</b> <br />
I loved the publishing process. It was challenging, no doubt, and there was so much to learn along the way, but I had an agent and editor who were incredibly helpful and supportive. The timeline allowed me to keep focused in my studio (I can tend to wander creatively) and really dig deep into what I love to do, make things!<br />
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<b>What is your favorite project in the book?</b> <br />
There are so many favorites! I love the quilt projects at the end of each chapter. Quilt making is a passion of mine. But I also love the projects that peaked the interest of my husband, Peter, and son, Ian, like the leather-wrapped rocks. <br />
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Do you have any new projects coming up? </b><br />
I may have started a new book proposal, I am also teaching projects from my book in Seattle and Portland. I will be teaching a class at <a href="http://schoolhousecraft.com/event/turning-your-creative-ideas-into-a-book/"target="_blank">Schoolhouse Craft Conference</a> in September on writing a book proposal. I am also a regular contributor to the <a href="http://www.creativebug.com/"target="_blank">Creativebug</a> blog.<br />
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<b>What is your favorite aspect of the work that you do?</b><br />
I love the actual creating and sewing part of my job. There is really nothing more satisfying than having a whole work day ahead of me to sew, or create something new. <br />
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<b>What would you change if you could?</b><br />
As great as it is to be your own boss, it can be incredibly frustrating. I'd love to hire out all the business-related tasks.<br />
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<b>What is your dream job besides what you are doing now?</b><br />
Actually I think I'm doing my dream job! I truly love what I do, making things with my hands will always be a passion. Working from home, I have the flexibility to be with my kids often. I love the ability to do what I love, and be present with the people that I love, at the same time.<br />
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<b>If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?</b> <br />
Cake. Any kind. Every day.<br />
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<b>Dream vacation? </b><br />
Japan with my husband. He and I both love traveling there, but have never been there together.<br />
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<b>And finally, who are your role models in business? </b><br />
My business role model is <a href="http://dsquilts.com/"target="_blank">Denyse Schmidt</a>. She has a focused aesthetic, a wonderfully keen sense of color, and is well respected for what she does. She has made a living creating beautiful quilts and fabric. <br />
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<b>In life? </b><br />
I think my role model in life is more of a combination of important people I've known and the qualities they have. <br />
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<center>•••</center><br />
Thank you, Blair! Visit Blair's website, <a href="http://www.wisecrafthandmade.com/"target="_blank">Wise Craft Handmade</a>, and follow her on <a href="https://twitter.com/blairstocker"target="_blank">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/blairwisecraft"target="_blank">Facebook</a> or sign up for her <a href="http://wisecrafthandmade.us5.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=e38995bfcfa919b5315eb1ad1&id=f84f3e8d33"target="_blank">newsletter</a>. <br />
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<small>Photos courtesy Blair Stocker of <a href="http://www.wisecrafthandmade.com/"target="_blank">Wise Craft</a>.</small>Andie Powershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10566407096774005739noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3499957758052914332.post-82246665812852952512014-07-23T07:00:00.000-07:002014-07-23T10:33:06.839-07:00Crafty Project: Happy Cloud Felt Wall Mobile<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHYVv22wR_Jzu8dcpGdMrEc8X4qFPcowQoGPe0etWjfNAKuPM_e_EcOc7RdWGZ8CWwZIvLNwv84Xu1lAx_Dcy1EEgdR3oBSFT6XXzTsl0fxZVno77wFTAXjj4GlsDEzeZFGqIcmJr3fhWe/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHYVv22wR_Jzu8dcpGdMrEc8X4qFPcowQoGPe0etWjfNAKuPM_e_EcOc7RdWGZ8CWwZIvLNwv84Xu1lAx_Dcy1EEgdR3oBSFT6XXzTsl0fxZVno77wFTAXjj4GlsDEzeZFGqIcmJr3fhWe/s1600/1.jpg"alt="Happy Cloud Felt Wall Mobile DIY Tutorial" /></a></div><br />
I asked my husband what I should all this mobile project post, and he answered, "Cloudy with a Chance of Baby." Perfect! We've got a little one on the way this December, and after finding (and buying!) a few mobiles, I was never satisfied with any of them. Those awesome geometric mobiles? Yeah, they don't stay together. And even the cutest over-the-crib mobiles seem like they will get in the way with such a small crib. (We're using a mini). So, I went ahead and decided to make a wall mobile myself! See below for instructions for your own Happy Cloud Felt Wall Mobile.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhYl0VemevzegK9oOzb820ZjcVnwhmUEevb_3IxhZa8QSFGxRBsqMNJfoALFzF8EWAPt8HBsH-hQnf4HhYGlxRdb7ZY-SmlJObj0NThdaKyY57VqBoDj4YY4g3lBvPbUaBBiwtXcBc4mLF/s1600/2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhYl0VemevzegK9oOzb820ZjcVnwhmUEevb_3IxhZa8QSFGxRBsqMNJfoALFzF8EWAPt8HBsH-hQnf4HhYGlxRdb7ZY-SmlJObj0NThdaKyY57VqBoDj4YY4g3lBvPbUaBBiwtXcBc4mLF/s1600/2.JPG"alt="Happy Cloud Felt Wall Mobile DIY Tutorial" /></a></div><br />
<b>You will need</b>:<br />
• about 1/3 yard of felt for your cloud<br />
• several smaller sheets of felt in whatever colors you'd like for your droplets--one per color (don't forget to include black for your cloud's face)<br />
• invisible thread or fishing line<br />
• poly-fil or stuffing material<br />
• scissors<br />
• a needle<br />
• pins<br />
• a sewing machine<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9EdQkpBKzTf1Fs2zfAYBJlf1Pf8lYY-ch3ST1ROSpKneP1hR32zXI3F6AIu2govdlwrzf4qXC1u1mUUvM5mR5z515LIJXummXZQc6l6mD3OL70qbvvxAgrDT_6zAzyy1wE7CwaMAKFAQ3/s1600/3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9EdQkpBKzTf1Fs2zfAYBJlf1Pf8lYY-ch3ST1ROSpKneP1hR32zXI3F6AIu2govdlwrzf4qXC1u1mUUvM5mR5z515LIJXummXZQc6l6mD3OL70qbvvxAgrDT_6zAzyy1wE7CwaMAKFAQ3/s1600/3.JPG"alt="Happy Cloud Felt Wall Mobile DIY Tutorial" /></a></div><br />
Cut out your cloud shape, depending on the size of the wall space you'll be hanging. Mine is roughly 21"wide x 14" high.<br />
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Cut out your little face for your cloud. I went with simple happy, but we had a lot of fun testing all sorts of smiley/frowny shapes. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8mYXunPY8VcSjOI7E95ESJ0efrcxCnS5VqTWYsLV5QVORuS7OUiklwycG7NDyJDS0G43YfNkQucoZqo38p0pO_dApRyNgCeiVZ2Xg57uM-xsjL9essiIqH9le7z2rwuyc1p_AVu9JG0pJ/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8mYXunPY8VcSjOI7E95ESJ0efrcxCnS5VqTWYsLV5QVORuS7OUiklwycG7NDyJDS0G43YfNkQucoZqo38p0pO_dApRyNgCeiVZ2Xg57uM-xsjL9essiIqH9le7z2rwuyc1p_AVu9JG0pJ/s1600/4.jpg"alt="Happy Cloud Felt Wall Mobile DIY Tutorial" /></a></div><br />
Pin the face where you'd like it to stay, then stitch on your sewing machine or by hand with black thread to keep in place.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggp8hBR0ssfAzRTweZHsAIRUs7OP7kWi4irNPh5iZMjZfiiOgAGhhxo1ZO_bsvpzAuNqG0cSCF3C1NYdOdOBdmIZb1jsjXjU10_Xrmx4xv7oQkM6Uoq9dSpfnOF5nrgzJ0VkSJWEJi2gw8/s1600/5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggp8hBR0ssfAzRTweZHsAIRUs7OP7kWi4irNPh5iZMjZfiiOgAGhhxo1ZO_bsvpzAuNqG0cSCF3C1NYdOdOBdmIZb1jsjXjU10_Xrmx4xv7oQkM6Uoq9dSpfnOF5nrgzJ0VkSJWEJi2gw8/s1600/5.JPG"alt="Happy Cloud Felt Wall Mobile DIY Tutorial" /></a></div><br />
After your face is completely stitched, pin the cloud onto another piece of the same color felt. This will be the back of your fluffy cloud. Stitch carefully around all of the curves of the cloud with your sewing machine. Remember to leave enough space unstitched to fill the cloud with stuffing. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKLVqJE3FaY1g7f4gbI6iw__KYa7bvzifhJIwVulJLO9vNnSbPb2fhqPLv0OSFqjLeC0JYKrlphD8x-Iv0g8F5y-ERtrAxKYl8fas9U1w2rE2-pqu9js437tXIgZTNPk74TRGS8RWQ0vB2/s1600/6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKLVqJE3FaY1g7f4gbI6iw__KYa7bvzifhJIwVulJLO9vNnSbPb2fhqPLv0OSFqjLeC0JYKrlphD8x-Iv0g8F5y-ERtrAxKYl8fas9U1w2rE2-pqu9js437tXIgZTNPk74TRGS8RWQ0vB2/s1600/6.JPG"alt="Happy Cloud Felt Wall Mobile DIY Tutorial" /></a></div><br />
After sewing your cloud to it's backing (and left it's stuffing hole), cut completely flush around the cloud's curves for an even finish. Tip: around the stuffing hole, I like to leave a little extra for stitching, just in case the stuffing affects the amount you have to work with.<br />
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Stuff your cloud using poly-fil or a similar stuffing material. Don't over-fill your cloud. You'll want this to be a loose stuffing.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZhKS3rBR56G6rPrX7sgmJv8rGei4TpGwcw1u2gDiOsGLr6E8g9ImxyPfIaOKbY8n7cfq5z8Ikzcjb8vXCNgVtjeKcFzm4Am9mpdU7298JyixGGAgUCSPLCS-2Lc1DxVxuC77FDXLKNGiz/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZhKS3rBR56G6rPrX7sgmJv8rGei4TpGwcw1u2gDiOsGLr6E8g9ImxyPfIaOKbY8n7cfq5z8Ikzcjb8vXCNgVtjeKcFzm4Am9mpdU7298JyixGGAgUCSPLCS-2Lc1DxVxuC77FDXLKNGiz/s1600/8.jpg"alt="Happy Cloud Felt Wall Mobile DIY Tutorial" /></a></div><br />
To make your droplets, create a template that you can use on each color to cut around. Mine was roughly 2" x 4". Cut each felt sheet in half. Place one half to the side for the backing of the droplet. I got about 5-6 droplets out of each half sheet.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCMC5M56BQc3t3WewOC97jdgWzT5CaE_J67-KI_FkZWfP85IqAmoK3Rd9KN0dx-ELEduN7oAyAHE6wmo_1k2Q7bulF4xYBnxIgtS392LJHTlzdhF-htb7CVanVQYyjg7SsAIwzdJPVCvpt/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCMC5M56BQc3t3WewOC97jdgWzT5CaE_J67-KI_FkZWfP85IqAmoK3Rd9KN0dx-ELEduN7oAyAHE6wmo_1k2Q7bulF4xYBnxIgtS392LJHTlzdhF-htb7CVanVQYyjg7SsAIwzdJPVCvpt/s1600/9.jpg"alt="Happy Cloud Felt Wall Mobile DIY Tutorial" /></a></div><br />
Finish cutting all of your droplets. You will most likely have a lot more than you will use on your mobile, but it's always best to be prepared, especially if you want a very rainy cloud!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2UqVLZAG3rhWrjxR1jGjLvykARjMLKDSwoc4Kug8OMncZIqQXdadTuCLTy2a8oJj6Flw4cK6CSvKiLyZ7v7EpQbFbP61Fe1SHIYQfF0QzGKvXWQoNH5XfJDdp3rlnyIy6E8PwlAFDZMIG/s1600/10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2UqVLZAG3rhWrjxR1jGjLvykARjMLKDSwoc4Kug8OMncZIqQXdadTuCLTy2a8oJj6Flw4cK6CSvKiLyZ7v7EpQbFbP61Fe1SHIYQfF0QzGKvXWQoNH5XfJDdp3rlnyIy6E8PwlAFDZMIG/s1600/10.JPG"alt="Happy Cloud Felt Wall Mobile DIY Tutorial" /></a></div><br />
Pin all of your droplet's to the other half of the felted sheet that you set aside. Around 5-6 should fit comfortably with enough space for stitching.<br />
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Using the sewing machine, stitch all the way around each of the droplets. You can also use this time to stuff them with poly-fil if you'd like a puffier droplet, but I simply sewed them to a backing to add depth.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjby5tHWZ25apGKvBJ4IWKtwR2crNbC91zzrlsCZulm4VrLpvKfjdOLJFVQTGbUO4hwHi9FUMjhbNRRk9dI-C3VFm86UnDSj-wTjjaEhwS7rAyWCQki2aRyRkTY8JmLuPir1XG2zyfuJZNG/s1600/12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjby5tHWZ25apGKvBJ4IWKtwR2crNbC91zzrlsCZulm4VrLpvKfjdOLJFVQTGbUO4hwHi9FUMjhbNRRk9dI-C3VFm86UnDSj-wTjjaEhwS7rAyWCQki2aRyRkTY8JmLuPir1XG2zyfuJZNG/s1600/12.jpg"alt="Happy Cloud Felt Wall Mobile DIY Tutorial" /></a></div><br />
After sewing all of your droplets, cut flush around the edges of each droplet.<br />
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To tie your droplets together, cut a long piece of invisible thread, and knot the end. Thread this length into a needle and stitch into the pointy tip of a droplet. Pull the thread all the way out until the knot catches. Tie a knot at the top of that droplet to keep in place. Then with the same thread, thread a new droplet tip, and pull the thread all the way through until you are satisfied with the space between the droplets. Knot the thread at the tip to keep the second droplet in place. Continue this process until you have about four droplets on each thread (or however many you'd like). Then, stitch the end of the threaded/knotted droplets through the bottom of the cloud and tie a knot. Cut off any excess.<br />
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Repeat this process until you are satisfied with the amount of droplet strings you have hanging from your cloud.<br />
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To hang, simply thread a piece of invisible thread several times through the top point of the cloud and tie to a nail or hook next to the crib or changing table. Make sure it's tied super tight (I even put some tape on the thread over the hook). You don't want it falling onto your baby!<br />
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And there you have it! Enjoy!<br />
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Andie Powershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10566407096774005739noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3499957758052914332.post-78287134029853967242014-07-14T09:16:00.005-07:002014-07-14T09:16:57.020-07:00Those Girls: If a Tree Falls In the Woods...If a tree falls in the woods, and no one is around to Instagram it, does it make a sound?<br />
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We started our <a href="http://www.assembleshop.blogspot.com/search/label/those%20girls#.U8M4rKi601B" target="_blank">Those Girls</a> series as a portal for reality, and it's been a while since we wrote a post--for good reason, of course. The reason being life! We've been working on a book project together; and separately, I've been working on my branding business and am in my nineteenth week of pregnancy, and Emily is busy renovating her house while chasing after two rambunctious toddlers. There are days that go by when we don't even touch social media, and I have to admit that this makes me particularly anxious. Will our friends and customers forget about us if we don't Twitter/Instagram/Blog/Facebook/Pinterest (TIBFP) every portion of our day? The truth: I don't really think so. Our readership numbers remain steady, even on quiet days. In that case, what exactly is the social media race for?<br />
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Lately (perhaps I can blame this on pregnancy hormones) I've been noticing that after I spend some time browsing TIBFP, I'm exhausted. I'm exhausted by the mirage of perfection. Before these platforms were made available, we were able to get our lifestyle inspiration in small doses: in a magazine, a craft book, on a TV show, in Martha Stewart's trashcan. The images and articles were pitched, styled, photographed and marketed directly to a customer that could consume at their leisure and discard at will. Today, however, these images of lifestyle glory are constant, and in our faces 24/7, mostly by our own allowance. I can't even turn on my phone without mindlessly pressing the "Instagram" app and browsing through photos almost first thing in the morning. A bright and early reminder that many talented people are doing life perfectly: a perfect meal, perfect floral arrangement, perfectly-styled pickling party that I wasn't invited to (but knew just who was, according to the tags), or perfect vacation. What kind of message is this to send oneself several times a day? Even the most secure, hard-working and cheerful person has days when "you're doing it wrong" is the main message being sent by these images. Why don't we feel this way when we look at magazines? Here's why--> because we accept that these magazines are put together by professionals, doing their jobs and being paid for them. Today, it's easy to dismiss an Instagram photo as part of a blogger or creative's perfect everyday life with no preparation or styling whatsoever. That's their life. PERIOD. Definitely not so...we forget what she's trying to sell us. This is her job. <br />
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Let's acknowledge the fact that social media isn't going anywhere, and that a person can choose to either acclimate to the current culture or completely reject it. Neither is the right or wrong answer, but I find the former easiest because let's face it:<br />
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1. I truly enjoy remaining connected with old friends.<br />
2. Deleting accounts leads to social ostracization merely by default, not by unkindness.<br />
3. It's kind of my job. <br />
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So where do we go from there? I find that the culture of popularity, and the inherent need for acceptance is at the root of this problem. We all want to be told that we're doing it right. That's what that trusty "like" button is for. It's almost ironic that these words are being posted via blogger. This is how we communicate, and how we understand each other. Our posts say a lot about how we view ourselves and how we want to view ourselves. Here are two completely possible scenarios:<br />
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1. "I made the most perfectly deliciously gorgeous birthday cake with perfect frosting and sprinkle 'scatterage' and I'm going to share it with everyone because it's awesome. I am a great chef and a fabulous hostess. SHARE. like. like. like."<br />
2. "My house looks like The Purge happened there and I am way too lazy to lift a finger, other than to put that Trader Joe's O into my mouth and then back to the box for more. I am a failing at making myself and my family perfect, organic, grassfed meals. This may ruin my <i>personal brand</i>. DO NOT SHARE."<br />
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My mother and I have always agreed that women would rule the world if we would just stop trying to one-up one another! I know what you're thinking. "Andie, that's just a picture of an adorable toddler's ice cream social catered by Target with a professional photographer, stylist, and product endorsements--it has nothing to do with shaming other women. Get a grip!" Don't get me wrong, I love a good ice cream social (just kidding, I can't eat ice cream), but the fact that lifestyle bloggers have cornered the market in lifestyle products and books makes me very wary, especially because we still insist on viewing them as "regular people." In reality, most of these very successful career bloggers have a lot of money and sponsors with which to style events, decorate rooms in their home and buy outfit-of-the-days. They are the modern-day celebrity, in a very sweet and "normal" disguise. There are so many campaigns out right now defending young girls and women from comparing themselves to models in magazines. Where are the same standards about comparing ourselves to lifestyle bloggers that are packed with sponsorships? These are lovely women who are making their careers work for them, but emulating their public personas is not the answer to originality or happiness. Not even for themselves! I feel fake when each photo we upload is carefully arranged, slapped onto Instagram, and tagged. There's a time and place for this, but I fear an oversimplification is becoming reality, and cheapening what life really offers. <br />
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A lot of the most interesting women in my life are not avid users of social media. They don't know how to use Twitter, or ignore Facebook, calling it "boring." These women support orphanages in the slums of India, or play in orchestras in Scandinavia, or create beautiful works of quilted art, or have wonderfully messy, happy lives right here in Seattle. When we get together we talk about everything: classic literature, science, politics, religion, sappy beach reads, crafts, our families, exercise, food, etc. Our tables are never pretty or photogenic when we're finished, with torn open sugar packets, dirty coffee spoons, and bags of sliced fruit in Ziploc bags that I bring to every meeting so I won't be tempted to eat bagels with cream cheese. We forget to take photos until everything is eaten and drunk, and at that point, our conversation seems too sacred to be shared with the world. <br />
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There's nothing wrong with styled photos and beautiful blog posts--in fact, we love them, it's part of what we love the most about our jobs. These pictures of perfection inspire us to make our world more beautiful, and see light in simple joys. These only become wrong when our identity or the identity of others is hinged on public likeability. Let's try to remember to be liked by the people we like, be loved by the people we love, including the whole unphotographable mess that goes along with us. <br />
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<br />Andie Powershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10566407096774005739noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3499957758052914332.post-11678993938317353092014-07-02T10:18:00.001-07:002014-07-02T10:18:20.316-07:00Assemble on Great.ly! <a href="http://great.ly/">Great.ly</a>, the brain-child of our dear friend, <a href="http://www.sarahbrydenbrown.com/" target="_blank">Sarah Bryden-Brown</a> (formerly of Go Mighty) is a place where "tastemakers" and "makers" come together. (Which one are you??) And, if you had the pleasure of reading <a href="http://assembleshop.blogspot.com/2014/05/favorite-friend-danielle-krysa-aka.html" target="_blank">Danielle Krysa's interview</a>, you already know this wonderful, little gem's creative director!<br />
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Great.ly collects some of your favorite <b>tastemakers</b> like <a href="http://great.ly/t/uppercase" target="_blank">Uppercase</a>, <a href="http://great.ly/t/ohhappyday" target="_blank">Oh Happy Day</a> and <a href="http://great.ly/t/designmilk" target="_blank">Design Milk</a> in one online space, and displays brand new lovingly-curated online shops, utilizing handmade goods and designs by independent <b>makers</b>. We are so proud to be makers in this fabulous creative marketplace! Make sure to pop over to <a href="http://great.ly/">Great.ly</a> and check out all of the great shops, and freshen up for summer! <br />
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<small>Photos courtesy of <a href="http://great.ly/">Great.ly</a></small><br />
<br />Andie Powershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10566407096774005739noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3499957758052914332.post-86033057933399259012014-05-20T06:00:00.000-07:002014-05-20T06:00:03.605-07:00Favorite Friend: Danielle Krysa aka The Jealous CuratorWe have to admit that Danielle Krysa (aka <a href="http://www.thejealouscurator.com/" target="_blank">The Jealous Curator</a>) is not just one of our favorite friends--but one of our favorite <i>people</i>. We have gabbed about her in the past, both for her <a href="http://www.thejealouscurator.com/blog/2012/05/21/peachy-spiffy-and-not-at-all-pants/" target="_blank">Girl Crush</a> event that we helped host and her first art show in our gallery, <i>alleglory</i>. However, now she's throwing even more awesomeness our way, as her first book, <a href="http://www.thejealouscurator.com/blog/creative-block/" target="_blank"><i>Creative Block</i></a> has hit shelves and she's packed her suitcase and headed for Seattle and Portland this week! <br />
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This coming Saturday, May 24th, Danielle will be speaking, fielding questions and having a book signing for <i>Creative Block</i> at <a href="http://www.elliottbaybook.com/event/danielle-krysa" target="_blank">Elliott Bay Book Company from 7-9pm</a>. We'll be there--will you?? <br />
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PLUS--If you're a Portland reader, your event is a bit earlier--with Danielle hitting <a href="http://www.powells.com/events/5941/" target="_blank">Powell's Books</a> on May 21st (that's tomorrow!) at 7pm. You won't want to miss her!<br />
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<b>We were so excited to host Girl Crush: Seattle with you a while back--how did the series change you? Did you have a favorite moment throughout all of the events--other than hanging out with us, obviously!?</b></div>
HA! Well, yes, clearly that was the best part! It really was an amazing experience. I met so many exceptional women who I can now happily call my friends. And yes, it did change me. I didn't realize how emotional those workshops would be. Amazing to find out that so many of us share so many experiences... self doubt being a really big one!<br />
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<b>We're big fans of your series, "Real Art for a Fictitious World," on <a href="http://www.sfgirlbybay.com/?s=real+art+for+a+fictitious+world" target="_blank">SF Girl By Bay</a> --are there any lesser known characters that are special to you that you'd like to curate for that probably won't end up on the blog?</b><b> </b> </div>
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Oh thanks! I absolutely love writing that series. I really want to hit all my teenage faves (<i>Sixteen Candles</i>, <i>Dirty Dancing</i>, <i>Footloose</i>) but I'm afraid it will date me, and also make me look like I don't have fancy taste in "films" ... because I don't!</div>
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<b>When we first met, you were only just starting to delve deeper into your own art career--what have you learned about yourself as an artist? </b> </div>
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So much. Writing my blog, and then the book, was like art therapy for me! I actually allow myself to experiment now, and if something sucks, that's ok. I've realized that's just part of the process. I used to let that stop me, but now I just keep on going. I've also just had a major revelation... I was told a few weeks before I graduated with my BFA, by a horrible prof, that I should "never paint again." I was a painting major. And thinking about it, I literally have not painted since then (that was in 1995!!!). I do collage now (which I love), but I kinda wonder if I've been hiding out in collage so that I don't have to paint. So I'm buying new paint, and I'm going to do a bunch of the painting "unblocking projects" from the book and see how it goes...wish me luck!</div>
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<b>When and where is the most inspiring time/place for you to create?</b><b> </b> </div>
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I love my studio. It's in my house, for the first time in my life. It's messy and creative and lovely. I'm not very creative until about <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1687670672" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">4pm</span></span>, but then I could go until about <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1687670673" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">4am</span></span>!</div>
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<b>Your book, <a href="http://www.thejealouscurator.com/blog/creative-block/" target="_blank"><i>Creative Block</i></a>, has come out and is a smashing success! How did you feel when you received your first published copy?</b><b> </b></div>
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<b> </b>I cried. And felt a tiny bit sick. It was insane to hold it, considering that for the past two years it was just a word doc and whole bunch of spreadsheets. Seeing "KRYSA" down the spine was a totally surreal moment that I will never have again.</div>
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<b>What was your mission when writing <i>Creative Block</i>?</b><b> </b> </div>
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I had a really hard time after my BFA (see previous answer re: jerky prof who kinda broke me), and then felt blocked and insecure for about 15 years. 15 YEARS?! What a huge waste of time. Anyway, I just thought if I could help one person not go through that, then the book would be a success. I had no idea how ridiculously open and honest all of the artists would be in their interviews. They truly made this book special by sharing their doubts, insecurities, and then amazingly helpful advice. I am totally grateful to all 50 of them.</div>
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<b>Any inspiring or fun stories that have happened along the writing, publishing and touring path? </b> </div>
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Well this was kinda weird. One of the artists, <a href="http://www.kristimalakoff.com/" target="_blank">Kristi Malakoff</a>, is a paper artist based in Russia. I knew she was Canadian, but that was about it. Anyway, we went back and forth with the interview, getting her images etc.--probably about a 6 month process. Just before the book came out I sent an email to the artists to give them a status update and mentioned the name of my friend that took my bio photo for the inside cover... she knew him too. Long story short we ended up figuring out that we had grown up one town away from each other, and that we had actually been in a dance routine together when we were 12. She had the photo with her in Russia and was looking at us, in matching pink spandex, as she emailed me. Um, hello insanely small world!</div>
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<b>If you were stranded on a magical, monotonous desert island and could have only one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? </b><br />
Do potato chips count as a meal? If I add dill pickle dip, then I'm pretty sure that counts.<br />
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<b>If you could choose any celebrity to proudly display one of your art pieces in their home, who would it be? </b> </div>
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Oh boy. Hm. Probably Kristen Wiig or Tina Fey. I love both of them so much, and since my collages are kinda weird/funny, maybe they'd like 'em!</div>
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<b>What is your favorite color? ...Why?</b> <br />
<span style="color: #e63b7a;"><span style="color: black;">I love rosey/coral pink. It's adds joy to any piece you make. </span></span><br />
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<small><span style="color: #e63b7a;"><span style="color: black;">Images courtesy <a href="http://www.thejealouscurator.com/" target="_blank">Danielle Krysa</a>. </span></span></small>Andie Powershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10566407096774005739noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3499957758052914332.post-9806249211157186442014-04-03T05:24:00.000-07:002014-04-03T05:24:05.941-07:00New Stockist: Assembly Hall Hey gang! We're excited to share a new stockist with you--plus, they're right here in Seattle! Assemble Crafting Kits and Rubber Stamp Sets can now be found in James Beard Award winners, Tom Douglas and Eric Tanaka's new foodie paradise: <a href="http://assemblyhallseattle.com/" target="_blank">Assembly Hall</a>. Combining one part juice and coffee bar, one part curiosity shop, one part American/Asian cuisine at TanakaSan, plus a few sundries and charcuterie, Assembly Hall is a hodgepodge of culinary and visual delights. We were honored to see that we are in good shopping company, with cookbooks, vintage-looking adventure books and magazines like <i><a href="http://www.kinfolk.com/" target="_blank">Kinfolk</a></i> and <i><a href="http://modernfarmer.com/magazine/issue-01-spring-2013/" target="_blank">Modern Farmer</a></i>. Plus, check out that giant bull elk by the fireplace. Mmmm tasty (sorry vegetarians).<br />
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<i>To visit Assembly Hall: <br />
2121 6th Ave Seattle, Washington<br />
<a href="http://assemblyhallseattle.com/"target="_blank">assemblyhallseattle.com</a></i><br />
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Andie Powershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10566407096774005739noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3499957758052914332.post-72126594082838316642014-03-28T06:00:00.000-07:002014-03-28T06:00:09.450-07:00Favorite Friend Friday: Mickey Trescott of Autoimmune Paleo<i>Mickey Trescott is a personal hero of mine. Having suffered from severe dermographism and urticaria (autoimmune reactions) for nearly 25 years, I started a blog called The Itch Factor, which was about my journey with discovering the connection between food, my gut and my skin allergies to health. Mickey happened to stumble upon The Itch Factor and offer her recipes to help in my journey! Because of business and time-related constraints, I retired that blog and focused on Mickey's blog and ebook: <a href="http://www.autoimmune-paleo.com/" target="_blank"><b>Autoimmune Paleo</b></a>. </i><br />
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<i>Since starting the protocol, with Mickey's help, I have been able to reduce my medications from six allergy pills a day to <b>ONE</b>. Talk about a medical miracle, it honestly brings me to tears! And recently, Mickey released her brand, new hardcover cookbook, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0578135213/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0578135213&linkCode=as2&tag=autoipaleo-20" target="_blank"><b>The Autoimmune Paleo Cookbook</b></a> and I could not be more excited. We're delighted to have her here, as our Favorite Friend: </i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm1GxKJ79nVsF75Q3v1D6j2WbhXroWqLJ1n8DvUmZceqtPse8Le0pzvxw6cysmLanrWKwH16GWcJ2Et-eRCU1uX3K-TiBwXUjDNNA0JulZ4c2ewA07R-vVUSreyFTpxtni1fEweofY4Krt/s1600/ffmickey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm1GxKJ79nVsF75Q3v1D6j2WbhXroWqLJ1n8DvUmZceqtPse8Le0pzvxw6cysmLanrWKwH16GWcJ2Et-eRCU1uX3K-TiBwXUjDNNA0JulZ4c2ewA07R-vVUSreyFTpxtni1fEweofY4Krt/s1600/ffmickey.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<b> What exactly is the Autoimmune Protocol?</b><br />
The Autoimmune Protocol is an elimination diet where a person removes certain foods for a specified time period (usually at least 30 days), in order to pinpoint which foods they are sensitive to in addition to heal the lining of the small intestine, which is usually compromised in those with autoimmune disease (this is called “leaky gut”). In addition to removing certain foods, equally as important is adding in nutrient-dense foods that help heal the gut as well as nourish the body of someone facing chronic illness. Over time, a person is able to reintroduce foods to determine what diet is best for their particular healing journey.<br />
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<b>What is your story--how did you come into following the Autoimmune Protocol?</b><br />
I discovered the Autoimmune Protocol after being diagnosed with two autoimmune diseases: Hashimoto’s and Celiac. I was told that if I just removed gluten from my diet and took some thyroid hormone I would be back on my feet again, but that was not the case. I had a downward spiral that left me without the ability to work any longer, and I was desperate to find a solution. While I had been a strict Vegan for 10 years, even going as far to try cleanses and raw food diets, this time nothing was working to help me regain my health. I decided to switch to the autoimmune protocol in a last-ditch effort. To my surprise I found out that the nutrient deficiencies that I had gathered during my time as a Vegan were really holding me back from healing (and yes I tried supplements—they did not work!). Nothing seemed to turn it around until I discovered the potential of real, nourishing foods.<br />
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<b>The cookbook is absolutely gorgeous--and self published! What was the experience of writing/self-publishing like?</b><br />
Thank you! Writing was what I thought it would be, self-publishing was a whole different experience. I had a hard time finding a publisher who believed in my vision for the book, and early on I decided to do it myself so that I could retain control over the process. I think the big difference between working with a publisher and self-publishing is that it takes a LOT of money up front, and you get that final call working with the contractors when usually the publisher would do that for you (I’m a little OCD, so I liked this, what can I say?). What I did to make the financial piece happen was start a crowd-funding campaign on <a href="http://www.indiegogo.com/" target="_blank">Indiegogo</a> to help with production costs. In addition to that, my husband and I invested most of our savings in the first print run. Sometimes it was a little scary, but mostly it was really exciting. I was incredibly blessed to have worked with such amazing people who were experienced in how to put it all together and let me ask novice questions without making me feel ridiculous! <br />
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<b>I see you recently became certified as an NTP (Nutritional Therapy Practitioner), has that always been a goal or did it come along with the creation of this cookbook?</b><br />
When I came out of my illness and realized what an impact eating quality animal products was having on my health, I decided to pursue more education in the nutrition field just because I was still stuck in the Vegan mindset and didn’t understand how these foods could be good for me, so it was mostly personal. Then I thought it would be a good addition to my career as a personal chef, and decided I wanted to not just to cook for people, but learn why the foods I was cooking for them were able to nourish their bodies. Being an NTP has been a great foundation for all of the things I am doing now—writing, cooking, teaching, and consulting.<br />
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<b> Is this your only job--do you have a "day job" of sorts?</b><br />
I quit my cooking gig last September to work on the book and blog full-time, so yes, this is my “day job!” I also have a lot of help—there is no way I could be running all of this alone at this point! <br />
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<b>You seem to be bombarded with nutrition questions, especially on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/autoimmunepaleo" target="_blank">Facebook</a>. Do you have any especially poignant stories of people who you've been able to help along the way?</b><br />
Yes, my favorite story is about a dear friend’s mother. I had no idea she was suffering from autoimmunity, and one day I noticed her interacting with people on my Facebook page. I reached out to her to ask how she was doing and if she wanted any help, and she casually mentioned that she had lost nearly 50 pounds and was feeling amazing. Not only that, but she was really enjoying eating “real food” and thought her diet was really simple, colorful and fun. I had no idea she was even trying AIP, and It brought me to tears realizing that I had a role in helping my friend’s mom regain her health through the info and support I was providing. Pretty amazing!<br />
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<b>What is your favorite recipe in the book?</b><br />
The Orange-Rosemary Roasted Duck!<br />
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<b>What is the one non-AIP food that you miss the most? </b><br />
Cherry tomatoes fresh from my garden. I’m hoping I can bring them back someday!<br />
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</b> <b>What is your favorite restaurant in Seattle--and what do you order?</b><br />
I don’t eat out much in Seattle since there aren’t a lot of places with gluten-free kitchens. When in Portland, I always visit the <a href="http://culturedcavemanpdx.com/" target="_blank">Cultured Caveman Food Cart</a>, which is 100% gluten-free and Paleo. Since I tolerate eggs now I get the chicken tenders, but when I was on the elimination diet I got the mini “hidden liver” meat loves. Yum! <br />
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<b>What do you like to do in your free time?</b><br />
I don’t have much, but when I do I like to knit, shoot photos with my film camera, and make pottery. <br />
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<b>If you could travel to any country, where would you go and why?</b><br />
Argentina! I am hoping to do a big road trip down to Tierra Del Fuego and up through Patagonia. I grew up going there because my mom is from Buenos Aires. I think it would be a great place to visit since I have lots of family to catch up with, and there is a lot of great meat in Argentina!<br />
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</b> <b>Do you have future plans/goals for the <i>Autoimmune Paleo Cookbook</i> and site?</b><br />
Now that the book is done I am working on building up the site as a better resource for those on the Autoimmune Protocol. I love providing my readers with free recipes and resources of how to get started. I’ll also be doing more speaking and teaching, to hopefully bring some face-to-face instruction to those who like learning that way instead of reading online!<br />
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<i>Thank you so much, Mickey! Visit the <a href="http://autoimmune-paleo.com/" target="_blank">Autoimmune Paleo</a> website, or grab your copy of Mickey's new cookbook, <a href="http://autoimmune-paleo.com/my-cookbooks/" target="_blank">here</a>. </i><br />
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<small>Photos courtesy <a href="http://www.autoimmune-paleo.com"target="_blank">Autoimmune Paleo</a>.</small><br />
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Andie Powershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10566407096774005739noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3499957758052914332.post-71313641468864965502014-03-27T08:15:00.001-07:002014-03-27T08:15:43.968-07:00Those Girls Guest Post: Fresh, New Face, Jennifer Munson<i>I met <a href="http://www.jenniferlmunson.com/" target="_blank">Jennifer Munson</a> last month and got to chat with her about her aspirations in the creative world. Like Emily and I, Jennifer is interested in good design, branding, crafting and connection. I was interested in her perspective from a younger standpoint, as someone just starting out in this creative business world. What do <b><a href="http://www.assembleshop.blogspot.com/2012/11/a-new-series-those-girls.html#.UzQ9PMe62Ps" target="_blank">Those Girls</a></b> look like to someone who is ten years younger and beginning her creative career? Is this world daunting or inspiring? We asked Jennifer to write from her perspective as in “in-betweener” (post-college, pre-desired career) about navigating the creative world as a newcomer, and how she feels about breaking into a “Those Girls” club, and how she feels about the people behind the styled blogs and shiny businesses. Her answer remarkably spans all ages of creatives. </i><br />
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I think everyone likes to think the perfect answer is out there. This ‘answer’ is as varied as the questions, and the people asking them. The Internet and the vast social media networks at our disposal, along with a multitude of other informational websites have brought unprecedented amount of information to our fingertips. Not just technical, factual information, but the kind of subtle, detailed information that comes from the precious, small moments in everyday life. I think this is the appeal of blogs, largely. It’s not just the information or the ability to find something new, but the ability to peer into someone else’s universe at a strangely intimate angle.<br />
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However, there is a tiny, paradoxical caveat in this perspective, and that is that <b>it isn’t real. It’s constructed, a virtual reality, real enough in its own context, but not in the context of a life as it’s being lived</b>. Blogs can be incredibly inspirational, and yet they are untouchable. You cannot curl up and live inside of them. But, I think it might be this imperfect pursuit that makes the ability to connect in this way beautiful.<br />
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I’ve dabbled and tiptoed around the edges of creative work for my entire life. I battled with myself over this particularly in college, flip-flopping through five wildly different majors before graduating with a business degree. While I sometimes lament not committing to a more creative option, I think there is a lot of value in what I learned in this field of study. My most valuable lessons were learned while doing my honors thesis on branding. This topic, studied for many labor-intensive hours, is what’s stuck with me the most. Not just because of the time spent doing it, but because <b>branding bleeds into everything: people, businesses, artists, and their work</b>. The successes and failures of branding are everywhere. I cannot help but analyze how great a role it plays in each of our lives today, on a personal level as much as a corporate one. <br />
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As much as creativity has always been a part of my life, I’ve never quite given any one thing enough time to become masterfully engaged by it. I feel like I’m a Jane of all trades, master of none. This can be frustrating, but I’ve nonetheless continued in this fashion. In the nearly three years I’ve lived in Seattle I’ve written a variety of blog posts with varying intent. I’ve contributed to music projects (my own, and others’), acted as a studio engineer, songwriter, and vocalist, played bass at a neighborhood block party, filmed short pieces and live performances. I’ve taken classes to learn about live sound, and classes about herbs and wellness. I’ve felted hedgehogs, and knit 2.6 inches of a scarf. I’ve designed logos, banners for bands, and album covers. I’ve consulted with friends and family on their various small businesses, and given them advice and information on the importance of establishing their own brands. When I look back on this chaotic time, I have to acknowledge that I’ve managed to cover a lot of ground. But now I want to pull it all together. <br />
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Though my experiences have been scattered, they have brought me a diverse perspective and an appreciation of all creative processes, even those I may not excel in myself. <b>Looking out into a sea of beautiful creators, it can be difficult to feel like there’s a way to break in</b>. However, regardless of what stage they are at now, each successful creative’s path seems invariably the same on a few key points: consistent, diligent output, and there is no quitting. Like the sentiment of ‘<a href="http://www.assembleshop.blogspot.com/2013/02/those-girls-retrospective-on-failing-up.html#.UzQ-mce62Ps" target="_blank"><b>failing up</b></a>,’ there is no such thing as true failure. There is ‘that one thing you did,’ and ‘the thing you do next.’ I’ve learned that I need to prepare myself to persevere, not if, but when I embarrass myself in a creative ‘failure.’ I struggle to tame this fear, but I’ve realized that there is no success without these moments. I take comfort in the fact that pursuing a creative living is in many ways very simple, and fully within my control. No one beside myself can stop me from trying.<br />
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All the knowledge in the world is well and good, but nothing without making connections. Meeting people, and learning about them, what they do, and conveying ones own goals and passions is perhaps the greatest tool anyone has. As much as my life post-college has not gone the way I imagined it might have, all of the experiences I am most grateful for have been as a result of the people I’ve met. This is another super exciting aspect of blogs, there are so many more people to meet, and most of these creative individuals are in charge of their careers independently. People are able to connect almost instantly over topics they mutually love or are interested in. Bloggers tend to form strong communities. So, <b>you’re not just viewing a webpage, you’re actively engaging with another human</b>. Blogs are the ultimate form of people watching. If you look to any number of highly successful bloggers, people who seem to just draw people in, odds are you’ll notice they have branded themselves well. A good brand is a concise, accurate, an open representation of the person. When things start to feel too fabricated and glossed over, this connection becomes more feeble. Design and brand should help to connect people, and I think those who have had success in creating an online presence proves this.<br />
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There are lots of ways to create a professional and confident image, but it is less easy to inject the right amount of warmth into this manicured persona. This is where consistency and content really come into play. <b> It’s not just that you’ve put something together to showcase; it’s being present, showing that you care, being accessible</b>. I’d like to cultivate this kind of attitude and style with my own work, display myself in a way that is clean and professional, yet, much like the “Those Girls” series, I want it to be real and approachable too.<br />
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I think there will always be room for those who aspire to live and work creatively, but it requires a relentless work ethic, business sense, and a strong awareness of image. If any of these ingredients are lacking, the task becomes considerably more challenging. As someone just starting out, someone with a compass that seems to point in every direction, I’m starting to find comfort in the chaos. So far my observations of others’ success have emphasized less the creative processes itself, and more about the people doing them, they way they work as a whole, the fact that they produce an ever-growing body of work. I’m starting to appreciate how valuable it can be to embrace my own chaos, and take advantage of the fact that I’ve done so many varied things. <b>Doing is the real important part</b>. So I’m going to do- as much as I can with the tools at my disposal. <br />
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<i>Thank you, Jennifer! You can follow Jennifer at her <a href="http://www.jenniferlmunson.com/" target="_blank">website</a>, or on <a href="https://twitter.com/NautsAndRobots" target="_blank">Twitter</a> or <a href="http://instagram.com/nautsandrobots#" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. </i><br />
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<small>Photos courtesy <a href="http://www.jenniferlmunson.com/"target="_blank">Jennifer Munson</a>.</small><br />
Andie Powershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10566407096774005739noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3499957758052914332.post-90394063645671623492014-03-14T06:00:00.000-07:002014-03-14T06:00:03.019-07:00Tiny Worlds (Part 1) in Queen AnneHappy Friday! Remember when we talked about <a href="http://assembleshop.blogspot.com/2014/03/artist-spotlight-white-elephant-by.html"target="_blank">inspiration</a>? The sun in Seattle is (as silly as this sounds) a very inspiring source for creativity. On a walk yesterday, I couldn't help but notice tiny worlds developing in the smallest of places: a moss meadow, a valley of tiny foliage, a field of greens. I photographed a few of my old porcelain + plastic friends in some little environments around the neighborhood. I hope these <i>Tiny Worlds</i>--the start of a new series--will inspire you! <br />
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What worlds are in your backyard?<br />
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<small>Images by <a href="http://www.andiepowers.com"target="_blank">Andie Powers</a>.</small>Andie Powershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10566407096774005739noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3499957758052914332.post-59272874420423087692014-03-10T13:16:00.003-07:002014-03-10T13:16:49.080-07:00Artist Spotlight: White Elephant by Sipho Mabona Lately, I've been having a hard time becoming inspired to create. I don't know what it is--Deadlines? Winter? Lack of sleep? However, conceptual origami artist, <a href="http://www.mabonaorigami.com/" target="_blank">Sipho Mabona</a> of Mabona Origami has turned a light bulb on in my brain. What an inspiring and fresh, new artist. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC9PtVCJa8ekBgFOm7ViCgBYMpDZd-HnbQlwxGxO_bDT3I0FStrmvNcRI5UUZc03xD6_eiKCi6jmxPHDIolwoZDzzIrsXcxtz5eXAUpx9Tvs5eKXv1T4xysexmc9SoSVA8EJo6Ma87MP_1/s1600/10333906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC9PtVCJa8ekBgFOm7ViCgBYMpDZd-HnbQlwxGxO_bDT3I0FStrmvNcRI5UUZc03xD6_eiKCi6jmxPHDIolwoZDzzIrsXcxtz5eXAUpx9Tvs5eKXv1T4xysexmc9SoSVA8EJo6Ma87MP_1/s1600/10333906.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image via <a href="http://www.migrosmagazin.ch/menschen/portraet/artikel/origami-meister-sipho-mabona-vielf%C3%A4ltige-papierkunst" target="_blank">Migros Magazin</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJNGWpm24PCq8T69-_wugk8sGuTtbQ2gT-kz8mAu-xy-esIc9Kvh4bRoGmcXmcxsCGgY_V280se8QMFl2ZyxMHhKLbpjNuZDqxIzzSlSnK0Ym4gHe9fMz87QmUb4OZ0XNZqDsd_9k3_lCB/s1600/elephant002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJNGWpm24PCq8T69-_wugk8sGuTtbQ2gT-kz8mAu-xy-esIc9Kvh4bRoGmcXmcxsCGgY_V280se8QMFl2ZyxMHhKLbpjNuZDqxIzzSlSnK0Ym4gHe9fMz87QmUb4OZ0XNZqDsd_9k3_lCB/s1600/elephant002.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Images via <a href="http://www.mabonaorigami.com/" target="_blank">Sipho Mabona</a> by <a href="http://www.philippschmidli.com/?p=2785" target="_blank">Phillipp Schmidli</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Sipho's crowdfunding project (watch first video below) was successfully funded four months ago and, in what I can only imagine is record time, has produced his beautiful, life-size origami elephant--now on display in <a href="http://www.kklb.ch/index.php/aktuell.html" target="_blank">Art KKLB</a>, Beromunster, Switzerland. I'm so excited to see what Sipho creates next. His ideas for future life-size animal origami pieces are awe-inspiring. Love that bear! Watch the videos below to grab some inspiration for yourself. <br />
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<center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/_dlIUW7paWo" width="640"></iframe></center><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/HdMHI_umfsI" width="640"></iframe></center><br />
Andie Powershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10566407096774005739noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3499957758052914332.post-53336630559270413772014-03-07T09:34:00.001-08:002014-03-07T09:34:15.165-08:00Fun Event: Wise Craft Book Launch at Drygoods Design! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One of our very good friends, <a href="http://www.blairpeter.typepad.com/" targe="_blank">Blair Stocker</a>, is releasing her first book this weekend at <a href="http://drygoodsdesign.wordpress.com/2014/03/06/the-wise-craft-launch-party-at-drygoods-design/" target="_blank">Drygoods Design</a>! This <b>Saturday, the 8th of March, at 6pm</b>--meet Emily and I in the Drygoods Studio where we'll be grabbing a copy of the book, getting it signed by Blair, having treats and drinks, plus learning fun projects from the book! We hope to see you there!<br />
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<i>Drygoods Design</i><br />
5308 Ballard Avenue NW,<br />
Studio One Seattle, WA 98107 <br />
(through the Anchored Ship coffee shop and up the little flight of stairs to the left). Andie Powershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10566407096774005739noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3499957758052914332.post-37192471449493511412014-03-03T10:14:00.004-08:002014-03-03T10:14:38.999-08:00Crafty Project: Linoleum Block-Printed Geometric OnesieThe babies are coming--so many babies! Last week, we were given a few onesies that we were to decorate for a friend's brand new baby! He was coming soon (about two days after the shower!) so we needed a quick decor option and not a lot of fuss: linoleum blocks it is! We did <a href="http://assembleshop.blogspot.com/2013/05/crafty-project-linoleum-block-stamps.html#.UxTAs15kJi8" target="_blank">a full tutorial on linoleum block printing</a> last year, so definitely refer to those instructions if you are starting from scratch. <br />
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You will need:<br />
• a linoleum block<br />
• several onesies (in case you mess up)<br />
• an ink brayer<br />
• fabric ink (I used my old gocco fabric ink)<br />
• a surface to pull ink--I used an acrylic sheet<br />
• a pencil<br />
• linoleum cutter<br />
• not pictured--an iron and several sheets of paper to iron over<br />
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First, draw your design onto your linoleum block. It doesn't matter if you mess up (see my weird floating triangle in there?) the cutting is what really matters. <br />
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When you have your design exactly how you want it, use a "small V" cutting attachment to go around your design lines. Once you've cut your lines, use a larger "U" to dig out the areas that you do not want to stamp. I even used the knife portion of the cutting tool to remove full areas that I did not need, which is up to you! <br />
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After you are finished carving your stamp, pull some of the ink with the brayer until it is evenly spread onto the roller. Lightly roll over your stamp (or if you are using an ink pad, pat the stamp against the pad) in order to see any mistakes you might need to remove on the stamp.<br />
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After you're finished making sure your stamp is cut perfectly, stamp a few times on a sheet of paper or a loose piece of fabric to test. If the impression is to your liking, prepare your onesie by placing a thick piece of card stock or an acrylic sheet (as shown here) inside the onesie to protect the back from getting ink on it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUwdOpQHff0Vh-50USVzpI5KVEnkYtlj58QwfRnkbDVe41xcayQpnwadZiClGgKETUFxv0uOOd0EeMOUI5RDNAC_FLeVRk0oi9MSqMw7O3F2t05HeL_VpQj_nYpP2a35HaGj-pSEDPEkDi/s1600/IMG_5132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUwdOpQHff0Vh-50USVzpI5KVEnkYtlj58QwfRnkbDVe41xcayQpnwadZiClGgKETUFxv0uOOd0EeMOUI5RDNAC_FLeVRk0oi9MSqMw7O3F2t05HeL_VpQj_nYpP2a35HaGj-pSEDPEkDi/s1600/IMG_5132.JPG" /></a></div>
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(I also taped the sleeves and sides to the table in order to avoid any wrinkling.)</div>
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When you're ready to stamp, pull a thin layer of ink over your stamp and press it to your surface. Create your design and allow the fabric to dry. Once the impressions are dry, remove your acrylic sheet (if you used paper, you may leave it in there), and cover the design with a sheet of paper. Iron on high heat for about one minute to set the design. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG2hC7n8inErMVyywHgZ6wXA5db77rqCIZAFCTr8fFZK0uwVuYLqjpCcC4pce96VH9JWRoSILokK_72r7LAEl-IhUbGUyid1_V3imVMU8fnrhRJNqecV5np4a5LOkKJ8FpAxXBEhA5AWlH/s1600/IMG_5134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG2hC7n8inErMVyywHgZ6wXA5db77rqCIZAFCTr8fFZK0uwVuYLqjpCcC4pce96VH9JWRoSILokK_72r7LAEl-IhUbGUyid1_V3imVMU8fnrhRJNqecV5np4a5LOkKJ8FpAxXBEhA5AWlH/s1600/IMG_5134.JPG" /></a></div>
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Now you're all finished! Wrap that gift up (a onesie with a funsie for big sis) with some baker's twine and you're all set! Thanks to Madi and <a href="http://ladygolightlyvintage.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Sarah</a> for the onesies and lovely shower to <a href="http://www.jaquilynshumate.com/" target="_blank">Jaqui</a> (and baby Enzo). <br />
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<br />Andie Powershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10566407096774005739noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3499957758052914332.post-53988556146372254512014-02-17T06:00:00.000-08:002014-02-17T06:00:03.342-08:00Those Girls: Where, Oh Where, Are Andie & Emily??We know. We've been absent from this blog BIG TIME lately. We're not even sure that you are still out there reading this! But if you are, we oh-so-thank-you. Last year was a roller coaster for Assemble. There were high times, low times, and all of the in-between. We wanted to reach out to our faithful friends and customers and let you know what exactly has been keeping us silent for the past couple of months. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcyGnXmNA_myIl4rOye9bPkDSycryL_SFWZDrd340QjoON0NPHVVNGTk8Er6yh5_Hh0dNkxZWf8Bo0a74OgoBtQM2fqUmXEEA1gZiEbqBn00WUpEnqZzt0L7DpAsKIk4bQQY4Eemf3UAJp/s1600/coffeeandbooks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcyGnXmNA_myIl4rOye9bPkDSycryL_SFWZDrd340QjoON0NPHVVNGTk8Er6yh5_Hh0dNkxZWf8Bo0a74OgoBtQM2fqUmXEEA1gZiEbqBn00WUpEnqZzt0L7DpAsKIk4bQQY4Eemf3UAJp/s1600/coffeeandbooks.jpg" /></a><center><a href="http://www.instagram.com/assembleshop"target="_blank"><small>Brainstorming session at Top Pot Doughnuts, Queen Anne</center></a></small></div><br />
First, some "bad" news. We don't see this as bad news, and hope that you don't either, but if it has to be classified either way--then this is it! If you've been sticking around here lately, you might notice that we have been selling off all of our <a href="http://assembleshop.blogspot.com/2014/01/news-everything-must-go-sale-50-or-more.html#.UwFKgl662Ps"target="_blank">non-Assemble inventory at 50% (or more!) off</a>. Emily and I have to decided to focus our attention exclusively on the Assemble-made products. Our stamps and kits are now our main focus in the shop, and we won't be taking on any other outside designers. The designers and product lines that we have carried in our shop for the past four years make up some of the most special people we have ever come into contact with, and are so glad that we had the pleasure of working with them. But it's time--to focus directly on what's best for us. <br />
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Which leads us to the good news! (Drum roll...........) We are writing a book! We have acquired literary representation and are now putting the finishing touches on our first book summary and outline. This has, of course, put a lot of pressure on us to focus all of our writing talent toward the project at hand, so our blog has been set on the back-burner for that past few months. Sometimes we come back here and sigh a little sigh, knowing that all of our blogging energy has been turned toward the pages of our upcoming book. We'll have more announcements for that project in the future, so stay tuned. <br />
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It's one of my (Andie) personal goals to start visiting this blog a little more regularly, despite using our allotted "word count" in our book preparations. We miss you all, we miss our projects and recipes, interviews and Those Girls interactions. Don't worry--we haven't left, it's just a <a href="http://www.designformankind.com/2012/12/the-rebirth-of-slow-blogging-and-a-new-direction/"target="_blank"><i>slow-blogging</a></i> momentum at the moment. <br />
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Stay tuned. <br />
Love, Andie & Emily<br />
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<br><br>Andie Powershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10566407096774005739noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3499957758052914332.post-6876678347095874912014-01-13T17:35:00.000-08:002014-01-13T17:35:08.244-08:00News + Everything Must Go Sale! 50% or more off! <center><img src="http://distilleryimage11.ak.instagram.com/7e898200796c11e3a5e1120ffb6d0c0f_8.jpg"></center><br />
We've got some news and amazing deals, and we're so excited to share them with you! After operating our shop online for the past year, we've made a few changes regarding our future: mostly putting the importance of our little business first and foremost.<br />
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We've decided to bid farewell to all of our favorite designers and focus exclusively on in the shop. This is great for you--we've lowered all of our designer and wholesaled items 50% or MORE on the <a href="http://shop.assembleshop.com"target="_blank">website</a> now (no code needed, the prices are reduced already!). Hurry up and grab all these great deals while they are still there!<br />
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And lastly, we are going to focus the next year on an amazing project that has been a long time coming--we are writing a book! Most days, you'll be able to find us in our favorite Ballard coffee shop, Bauhaus, writing away at our laptops. We're so excited about this new adventure and can't wait to share more.<br />
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Check out 50% or more off <a href="http://shop.assembleshop.com"target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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Andie & Emily Andie Powershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10566407096774005739noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3499957758052914332.post-73999196727578016472014-01-02T08:54:00.001-08:002014-01-02T08:57:54.655-08:00Thank You Cards to Get You Writing!Have you sent out your holiday thank you cards yet? No?!? --neither have we. Which is why we've rounded up a few of our very favorites for you! Grab a few of these and get to writing, to all of those amazing friends and family who thought to bring you gifts. Write them a sweet note on one of these gems: <br />
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1. A favorite modern letterpress: Cactus Black Thank You card from <a href="http://www.ironcurtainpress.com/products/thanks/"target="_blank">Iron Curtain Press</a>.<br />
2. <a href="http://www.redcapcards.com/card/squirrel-thanks?ctx=category&arg=5"target="_blank">Red Cap Cards</a> sweet Squirrel Thanks illustrated greeting card by Meg Hunt. <br />
3. Little G! Cute Tank-You Little G Thank You card from local artist, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/161884252/little-g-beep-beep-thank-you">Cub Report Card</a>.<br />
4. Simple and sleek: <a href="http://shop.mrboddington.com/collections/greeting-cards/products/banner-thank-you-1">Mr. Boddington's Studio</a> Banner Thank You card. <br />
5. Little hedgehog says Thanks for the Mushy-room! Love this one, by <a href="http://eggpress.com/products/cards/thank-you"target="_blank">Egg Press</a>. <br />
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And a sweet thank you to all of you, plus an oldie but a goodie: <a href="http://assembleshop.blogspot.com/2013/02/a-project-for-day-handwritten-letters.html#.UsWaTvZR1NQ"target="_blank">writing a handwritten letter</a>. Happy New Year!Andie Powershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10566407096774005739noreply@blogger.com