tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22082390649069163962024-03-13T07:33:49.536-04:00Artistically SpeakingAmanda Mayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06921928619655882405noreply@blogger.comBlogger337125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208239064906916396.post-72940402082669754212013-01-14T21:04:00.000-04:002013-01-14T21:04:02.447-04:00I have moved...Please visit me in my new location, <a href="http://www.wrightarts.com/notes">www.wrightarts.com/notes</a>!
Amanda Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13078481161365865252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208239064906916396.post-7876708344934701962012-04-01T22:57:00.004-04:002012-04-01T23:09:06.137-04:00Spring in the SouthWe have had Spring all winter here in Charlottesville it seems, there were cherry trees blooming in November! But now it is really truly spring and everything has burst - the trees outside our house were white dreams until a rain storm took down the last petals, now they wear the vibrant green new leaves.<br /><br />I am appreciating the new sights and smells of spring here - there are maybe more variations of flowering trees than we had in Vermont? I don't know, but they are certainly different. And somewhat more lush, more tropical almost. The magnolia in particular.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/amandawright/6891325440/" title="flowering trees by amanda_may, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6034/6891325440_a37c2a5054.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="flowering trees"></a><br /><br />And of course there are the dogwood, the state flower of Virginia, blooming now in the woods with their delicate flowers stained with a spot of red.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/amandawright/6891325712/" title="Dogwood by amanda_may, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6037/6891325712_c9baaef572.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="Dogwood"></a><br /><br />I am ready to burst this spring as well. Baby will be here in about a month. Is there any better time of year to be born?!<br /><br><br>Amanda Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13078481161365865252noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208239064906916396.post-53864557082648471742012-02-21T16:35:00.004-04:002012-02-21T16:50:57.786-04:00Our Front DoorIt's about time to take down our holiday wreath. All through February, until this past Sunday afternoon, I was this close to putting up something spring-y and fresh. And then we had a snowstorm! Our very first real snow this year and pretty much the only winter we've experienced. It was lovely and cozy and gave me a good opportunity to snicker about how Southerners don't know how to drive in the snow (meanwhile, my own foray out into the blizzard was no more than 25mph the entire way, white knuckled on the steering wheel... ahem). Now, though, that excitement is over and it really is time to move on, door decoration-wise. <br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/amandawright/6918059715/" title="Holiday Wreath by amanda_may, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7047/6918059715_b728ac9353.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="Holiday Wreath"></a></center><br />First though, allow me to share.<br /><br />I made this wreath using a foam form and cutout paper flower-ish shapes. The vintage Christmas sheet music is from <a href="http://graphicsfairy.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">the Graphics Fairy</a> website and printed on cardstock. Then they were put through the <a href="http://silhouetteamerica.com/" target="_blank">silhouette cutter</a> to make the shapes. <br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/amandawright/6918060431/" title="Holiday Wreath by amanda_may, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7177/6918060431_d810d6a29b.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="Holiday Wreath"></a></center><br />Each flower was crumpled/folded a bit so the "petals" sort of bent up, and then they were all hot-glued to the foam. Only one finger was burned in the process. Great success.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/amandawright/6918061023/" title="Holiday Wreath by amanda_may, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7185/6918061023_11eb6e6b8e.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="Holiday Wreath"></a></center><br />I really like this wreath. It makes me happy whenever I walk in the door. Who knows if it will last until next year, but at least we got a good long season from it this time around!Amanda Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13078481161365865252noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208239064906916396.post-33127574092860877042012-02-04T13:57:00.003-04:002012-02-04T14:31:03.373-04:00Baby HatsAt 26 weeks I am getting in the making mood... so far we have a growing collection of very small hats.<br /><center><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/amandawright/6817963579/" title="Baby hats by amanda_may, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7170/6817963579_94a03231ea.jpg" width="500" height="304" alt="Baby hats"></a></center><br />The two crocheted ones were actually made during the Christmas holidays. The brimmed one was following a pattern of sorts (<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/baby-hat-14" target="_blank">this one from ravelry</a>) though I think I used the wrong yarn size/hook size combo because my results look very different from the adorable pictures. And I think I made it shorter because it just seemed to want to go on and on... It may be that I am just a bad pattern-follower. Actually, we can just consider that a fact.<br /><br />The other crocheted one was from <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/shell-stitch-baby-hat" target="_blank">this pattern</a>, most likely with some adjustments as well. And I added the little flower.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/amandawright/6817963197/" title="Mini hats by amanda_may, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7174/6817963197_8743818a40.jpg" width="500" height="335" alt="Mini hats"></a></center><br />These two were made from two old knit shirts of mine. The stripes was an Eddie Bauer long sleeve t - so soft! I actually made three of these from that shirt, two using the bottom hem and one from the sleeves. Pattern is <a href="http://www.soulemama.com/mama_to_mama/2008/11/the-pdf-downloa.html" target="_blank">here</a> from SouleMama. <br /><br />The ruffle cap was from <a href="http://taoofcraft.typepad.com/taoofcraft/2010/09/my-entry.html" target="_blank">this tutorial</a> on Tao of Craft. I just eyeballed the cut, and for the ruffle I just cut a strip straight across the t-shirt - so it was a big loop - and ruffled that. Then I matched the side seams to the side seams on the hat and sewed it on using a small zigzag stitch so the bottom of the hat would still be stretchy. I have the pieces for another one, a tiny bit bigger, that will have lots of ruffles. Too cute.Amanda Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13078481161365865252noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208239064906916396.post-87896297288970145402011-11-13T23:50:00.002-04:002011-11-13T23:59:13.576-04:00Love<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/amandawright/6342336947/" title="Love mixed-media by amanda_may, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6047/6342336947_862d705b4f.jpg" width="400" height="500" alt="Love mixed-media"></a></center><br /><br />Another little print I did a few days ago, using handmade recycled paper and a small hand carved heart stamp. This evening I machine-stitched "Love" in black thread.<br /><br />I like how these little pieces on the handmade paper look when they are framed in a sort of shadow-box - they are naturally warped so neat shadows appear, and the rough texture looks so nice set against a crisp background and a simple frame.<br /><br />This one is also <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/86088324/love-mixed-media-original-on-handmade" target="_blank">listed for sale</a>.<br /><br /><br><br>Amanda Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13078481161365865252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208239064906916396.post-43520281716507338252011-11-13T01:22:00.001-04:002011-11-13T01:22:51.748-04:00AEDM #9Just a little sketch.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/amandawright/6332882853/" title="Tree Gnome by amanda_may, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6059/6332882853_91a6cd7df8.jpg" width="236" height="500" alt="Tree Gnome"></a>Amanda Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13078481161365865252noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208239064906916396.post-54811246992434534062011-11-13T01:12:00.004-04:002011-11-13T01:24:07.378-04:00AEDM #10Prints! I (finally) cleaned up my desk enough to bring out the printing ink.<br /><br />I have a good supply of handmade recycled paper remaining from our wedding invitation preparation; the pink paper in particular had been waiting for a suitable project. I made some prints using vintage Indian wooden blocks (possibly used originally for fabric printing?), but neglected to take photos.<br /><br />These diamond pattern prints were made with a small carved stamp. I like the repeating pattern and the variations of the ink on the handmade paper. <br /><center><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/amandawright/6338832157/" title="Print on handmade recycled paper by amanda_may, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6240/6338832157_da80cd1e05.jpg" width="400" height="500" alt="Print on handmade recycled paper"></a><br /> -- This print (above) is <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/86006963/geometric-diamonds-original-print-on" target="_blank">available for sale</a>, others will be listed soon --<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/amandawright/6338832031/" title="Print on handmade recycled paper by amanda_may, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6225/6338832031_44205af194.jpg" width="400" height="500" alt="Print on handmade recycled paper"></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/amandawright/6338831913/" title="Print on handmade recycled paper by amanda_may, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6221/6338831913_f9698f472f.jpg" width="400" height="500" alt="Print on handmade recycled paper"></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/amandawright/6339583160/" title="Print on handmade recycled paper by amanda_may, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6223/6339583160_feefe00b03.jpg" width="400" height="500" alt="Print on handmade recycled paper"></a><br /></center><br />No two are alike! Printmaking is so much fun.<br /><br><br>Amanda Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13078481161365865252noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208239064906916396.post-62259156436889707522011-11-09T17:51:00.004-04:002011-11-09T18:07:18.973-04:00AEDM #6, 7, 8Oh dear, behind already.<br /><br />Day 6 I did some sketching that was not worthy of anyone's time. Completely uninteresting doodles.<br /><br />Day 7 was a total washout. Getting semi-dressed-up to go to the VA Film Festival volunteer/wrap party in the evening was my major accomplishment. Maybe putting together an outfit from my increasingly limited wardrobe counts as an artistic endeavor?<br /><br />Day 8 I took a walk in the woods with Ramona the Dog and took some photos. Autumn is lasting a deliciously long time here, it seems the colours have been here for weeks and they are still so bright and gorgeous. It has also been particularly warm the last few days, just the perfect being outdoors type of weather. <br /><center><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/amandawright/6328318258/" title="November woods by amanda_may, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6039/6328318258_871e46d231.jpg" alt="November woods" height="500" width="334" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/amandawright/6327531695/" title="November woods by amanda_may, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6227/6327531695_45fe521a86.jpg" alt="November woods" height="500" width="334" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/amandawright/6328257360/" title="November woods by amanda_may, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6050/6328257360_1d0f06cef6.jpg" alt="November woods" height="334" width="500" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/amandawright/6328213484/" title="November woods by amanda_may, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6214/6328213484_ab9698bcfd.jpg" alt="November woods" height="500" width="334" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/amandawright/6328332314/" title="November woods by amanda_may, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6050/6328332314_762fbab557.jpg" alt="November woods" height="500" width="334" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/amandawright/6327476879/" title="November woods by amanda_may, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6219/6327476879_d40eed6733.jpg" alt="November woods" height="334" width="500" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/amandawright/6328228596/" title="November woods by amanda_may, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6220/6328228596_cb1a07e9e7.jpg" alt="November woods" height="333" width="500" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/amandawright/6328222824/" title="November woods by amanda_may, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6222/6328222824_761a9b479c.jpg" alt="November woods" height="334" width="500" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/amandawright/6328226694/" title="November woods by amanda_may, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6233/6328226694_2229c756e6.jpg" alt="November woods" height="334" width="500" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/amandawright/6327467577/" title="November woods by amanda_may, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6223/6327467577_e4694752f2.jpg" alt="November woods" height="334" width="500" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/amandawright/6327464609/" title="November woods by amanda_may, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6039/6327464609_c2e58450a8.jpg" alt="November woods" height="500" width="334" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/amandawright/6328208078/" title="November woods by amanda_may, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6057/6328208078_4fd4cf1735.jpg" alt="November woods" height="334" width="500" /></a><br /></center><br />I like taking photos of the details, I think they help me to appreciate the individual aspects that make up the whole of the forest and I see each vignette with a new appreciation.<br /><br><br>Amanda Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13078481161365865252noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208239064906916396.post-14924355170249734682011-11-06T23:47:00.002-04:002011-11-06T23:52:47.508-04:00AEDM #5Yesterday I slept quite a lot. Its to be expected when one is expecting, but it does make a day disappear.<br /><br />In the evening I made this card, a last minute project for a guest at <a href="http://www.400westhigh.com" target="_blank">the Inn</a> who celebrated her birthday today. Apparently she likes dolphins. I like the card, it has me inspired to try more simple graphic silhouette-type cutting designs.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/amandawright/6321149160/" title="Dolphin Card by amanda_may, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6236/6321149160_44687da998.jpg" width="500" height="427" alt="Dolphin Card"></a></center><br />I used two colors of plain cardstock. I would like to get something a little fancier though, maybe a slightly shimmery paper.<br /><br><br>Amanda Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13078481161365865252noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208239064906916396.post-46701002765581658272011-11-05T14:41:00.002-04:002011-11-05T14:44:42.904-04:00AEDM #4Yesterday evening my art project was working on some embroidery projects. I built a fire in the fireplace, stretched out on the couch and stitched away... until my eyes started drooping shut and a short nap happened. It was rather blissful, but not too much progress was made on the embroidery. And no photos were taken. So it goes, better luck today!Amanda Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13078481161365865252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208239064906916396.post-5011970263060522882011-11-04T00:01:00.002-04:002011-11-04T00:10:04.737-04:00November is Art Every Day Month!I am taking a stab at it. It's good to have a push to set everything else aside for a little while each day and just make something, otherwise I get sucked into work projects and the days go by and soon I feel as though my creativity has dried up to a sad little pit somewhere deep inside. And that's bad. So this month I have a reason to be guilty if I don't make some art. <br /><br />To start out, I'm working on a new paper clay doll. She is a travelin' gal, getting all set to make a long trip to visit friends in a foreign land. But first she really needs some clothes!<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/amandawright/6311291702/" target="_blank" title="Travelin' Gal by amanda_may, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6223/6311291702_bb0f63dfc0.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="Travelin' Gal"></a></center><br />Her body parts were sculpted a couple days ago. I am still new to the jointed doll creation and I did not get the joint points quite right, so she's a little awkward. And she has very skinny arms and legs, but we really shouldn't judge. Yesterday I painted them all pink and strung her together with thin elastic cord.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/amandawright/6311292370/" title="Travelin' Gal by amanda_may, on Flickr" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6215/6311292370_c2595ef189.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="Travelin' Gal"></a></center><br />This evening she got a face. The mouth is the hardest, since I did not model her lips into the clay. I like the smile she ended up with though, she looks cheerful. She also got some bright orange hair, needle-felted out of wool and glued to her head. And a heart.<br /><br />Next up, clothes!Amanda Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13078481161365865252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208239064906916396.post-25591199141984557962011-09-02T14:31:00.002-04:002011-09-02T14:55:31.747-04:00And then we moved...Life has sped to an irrationally fast pace over the last few weeks - last couple months maybe? - while at the same time slowing so that it feels the days might never end. We moved, packed all our belongings into a 16 foot budget truck and hauled them to Virginia, where we unpacked them in our new house. We have not been able to live there, however, due to an ongoing lack of water. But life doesn't quit, so we are making do.
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<br />Actually, we are very lucky to have Cam's family all here so we have a wonderful place to stay while we wait for our own home. And we've been able to get in and do some unpacking, some painting, some planning. The office is partially set up so Cam can work there. I stay out at the farm and think of all the other things we need to do and try to work.
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<br />I was at the new house when the <a href="http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Quakes/se082311a.php" target="_blank">earthquake</a> happened and holy crap, I had never felt anything like that before: it was terrifying. Then there was a tornado just down the road (the tops are snapped of all the pine trees - crazy), and the news of the coming hurricane. Irene mainly swept around us, though <a href="http://joshua-lambert.blogspot.com/2011/09/hurricane-irene-hits-vermont.html" target="_blank">friends back in Vermont were not so lucky</a>.
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<br /><a href="http://www.redcrossvtnhuv.org/index.asp?IDCapitulo=44W8UXGL8L" target="_blank">Vermont Red Cross</a><br>
<br /><a href="http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/blogs/the_angle/2011/08/vermonts_unsung.html" target="_blank">Boston.com article about Vermont and Irene</a><br>
<br /><a href="http://www.7dvt.com/2011irene-vermont-flooding" target="_blank">7 Days, Vermont's alternative paper</a>Amanda Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13078481161365865252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208239064906916396.post-75784706963366513232011-08-16T20:02:00.004-04:002011-08-16T20:26:46.477-04:00We Had a Photo Booth<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cameronandamanda/6051385676/" title="Photobooth Mosaic by Cameron and Amanda's Wedding, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6183/6051385676_af3e76f796_z.jpg" width="534" height="640" alt="Photobooth Mosaic"></a></center>
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<br />Everyone was impressed that we came up with such a fun idea. Just goes to show most people don't spend too much time reading wedding blogs; I was worried everyone would roll their eyes at <i>another</i> wedding photo booth.
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<br />We all sort of forgot about doing this until a little late (I actually forgot about it completely and never got a picture at all, oops), so we didn't get too many pictures, but the ones we did get were marvelous and totally worth it. I want to have more parties now, just so we can have a photo booth.
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<br />In case anyone else is planning on doing this on the cheap, here's what we did:
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<br />I had a large empty canvas frame, so we stretched some cotton fabric on it and set it on my easel for a back drop.* I gathered hats from around the house and purchased a few random props (the sparkly octopus hat is my favorite, gotta say) to encourage silliness. It really doesn't take much.
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<br />I have a dslr camera, for which I bought a little remote (we taped it to a paintbrush so it wouldn't get lost). Most people had difficulty with the remote and apparently the general practice was to get someone else to click the shutter, so I guess that wasn't worth the twenty bucks. A better investment would be to buy lots of good batteries and make them visible. I had a large pack there, but either they got lost or they were all crap because apparently we lost camera power. And a regular point and shoot camera would be absolutely fine and possibly simpler overall.
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<br />The camera was set up on a tripod, focused and framed on the canvas. This looked really nice. At some point the zoom got messed with and the rest of the pictures have a lot of extra backdrop, but that's hardly an issue.
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<br />I knew people would want to look at their photos and it seemed easiest to let them, so we made a little sign with instructions how to view and then how to reset for taking more. I have no idea how that worked.
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<br />Final conclusion? This is fun. My only regret are that we don't have more pictures.
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<br /><span style="font-size:85%;">*Most people probably don't have an empty canvas frame lying around, I guess. Buying a large canvas is not really cheap - 3x4 is probably about $60 - but what if you did and then had a big jar of markers and everyone wrote notes and drew on it while they were doing their photos? I think it would be fun, anyway.</span>
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<br />Amanda Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13078481161365865252noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208239064906916396.post-67293245700657939702011-08-01T21:25:00.005-04:002011-08-02T00:48:10.599-04:00100% Married<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cameronandamanda/5988985997/" title="IMG00061-20110716-1630.jpg by Cameron and Amanda's Wedding, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6027/5988985997_7e353856d2.jpg" width="373" height="500" alt="IMG00061-20110716-1630.jpg"></a></center><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O4C0-VvRmkI/TjdY73pGqNI/AAAAAAAAADc/ZRVzdSgFkG8/s1600/ceremony.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O4C0-VvRmkI/TjdY73pGqNI/AAAAAAAAADc/ZRVzdSgFkG8/s400/ceremony.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636071244249344210" /></a><br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cameronandamanda/5947401389/" title="3 from Mel by Cameron and Amanda's Wedding, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6134/5947401389_56e42ba333.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="3 from Mel"></a></center><br /><br />I'm not saying it was the best day of my life, because I've been a lucky gal, but it ranks right up there. I can definitely say it was the most fun I have ever had at a party and the whole night - the whole day - was magical and wonderful and pretty darn close to perfect.<br /><br />And I can also say that my friends are incredible and I now owe them my first born child. Which might be awkward, because how do you split custody so many ways? Also, not sure they would want that probably screaming baby anyway, and actually how is that supposed to be any indication of my gratitude? Point is, we have incredible friends and our wedding was awesome in great part because they are all so absolutely amazing. <br /><br />Ahh, I get a little teary just thinking about it!<br /><br /><br><br>Amanda Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13078481161365865252noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208239064906916396.post-60995642547543921942011-07-07T15:11:00.003-04:002011-07-07T15:28:53.679-04:00The Universe wants PinkI have nothing against pink. But its been cropping up in unexpected places as we craft our little wedding what-nots, and its starting to drive me batty!<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/amandawright/5913210472/" title="Pink paper by amanda_may, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5034/5913210472_963b3a9976.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="Pink paper"></a></center><br />This paper was supposed to be gray. It actually <i>was</i> gray when we left it sitting out to dry overnight. Imagine our surprise to wake the next morning and discover it had all turned pink!<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/amandawright/5913209246/" title="Hydrangeas by amanda_may, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6023/5913209246_e2cf0cef7e.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="Hydrangeas"></a></center><br />The hydrangeas I planted for bridesmaid flowers are the kind that change color depending on the ph levels of the soil. Apparently I have spotty soil because one side of the bushes are the desired blue, while the others are a fetching pink. A man actually stopped at my house the other day to ask how we had accomplished this lovely fading effect: "Nothing to it, just hope for blue!"<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/amandawright/5913208142/" title="Pink programs by amanda_may, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5031/5913208142_d849321d6d.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="Pink programs"></a></center><br />Today the printer is joining in the fun. My pages start out proper and by the end, pink. Especially strange because I am trying to print black and white. When I start a new print run, same story.<br /><br />I'm not picky, we're just going to go with it. We don't seem to actually have a choice!<br /><br><br><br>Amanda Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13078481161365865252noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208239064906916396.post-27216760087627275412011-07-05T15:02:00.003-04:002011-07-05T15:10:26.744-04:002/3 Married!As of today, we are 2/3 married! The visit to City Hall was extremely confusing due to the absolute simplicity of getting married in Vermont.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/LocationPhotos-g57201-Burlington_Vermont.html"><img alt="Burlington Photos" src="http://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/01/28/16/aa/burlington-city-hall.jpg"/></a><br/><span style="font-size:9px">This photo of <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g57201-Burlington_Vermont-Vacations.html">Burlington</a> is courtesy of TripAdvisor</span></center><br /><br />We filled out our form, the clerk typed it up, we raised our right hands and swore the information was true, I worried that we were jumping the gun and were about to be pronounced married right there, especially after we signed the paper, said clerk assured us that this was not the case and gave us our certificate to be signed by our officiant, and we paid our fee. Tada! <br /><br />Then I asked about name-changing. Apparently it just happens automatically? Whatever we choose to call ourselves after we are married is a go? I am suspicious. Cam assures me all will become clear...<br /><br><br><br>Amanda Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13078481161365865252noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208239064906916396.post-23355407274155184922011-07-01T22:03:00.004-04:002011-07-01T22:24:54.355-04:00From LuckettsWe took a day trip to Lucketts (in Virginia), my mother-in-law-to-be and I, looking for treasures.<br /><center><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/amandawright/5891518825/" title="Crystals by amanda_may, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5240/5891518825_06cdff100c.jpg" alt="Crystals" height="500" width="334" /></a><br /></center><br /><a href="http://www.luckettstore.com" target="_blank">One shop</a> had an attic right out of a dream - creamy, sparkle-y, soft. If it had not been nearly 100 degrees we may have stayed there forever.<br /><center><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/amandawright/5892084170/" title="Crystals by amanda_may, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5231/5892084170_c9644facee.jpg" alt="Crystals" height="500" width="334" /></a><br /></center><br />There were definitely treasures to be found in Lucketts, but none that came home with me that day. We are moving to Virginia in August, and somehow all the <i>stuff</i> that is filling up our Vermont bungalow must be condensed to fit into the Virginia condo.<br /><center><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/amandawright/5891524035/" title="Sparkly by amanda_may, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5192/5891524035_73582171fe.jpg" alt="Sparkly" height="334" width="500" /></a><br /></center><br />Sparkly letters would be such pretty wedding decor, wouldn't they? When my own wedding is over, I would love to plan one for someone else and just go crazy on the details. At our wedding, for a variety of reasons, those pretty details just don't fit. I am ok with that, but for someone else? It would be a crafty dream-come-true! (Especially someone with an unlimited budget, oh the things we could do!)<br /><center><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/amandawright/5892088924/" title="Tea by amanda_may, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5066/5892088924_8f469b2155.jpg" alt="Tea" height="335" width="500" /></a><br /></center><br />But so it goes. We are two weeks out now. From the wedding. About one month from the move. Still no closer to finding a new job. Stress is mounting.<br /><center><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/amandawright/5891527219/" title="Voulez vous couchez avec moi? by amanda_may, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5308/5891527219_905261e2d6.jpg" alt="Voulez vous couchez avec moi?" height="334" width="500" /></a><br /></center><br />That looks just about right.Amanda Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13078481161365865252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208239064906916396.post-20007169337429205462011-05-03T11:07:00.004-04:002011-05-03T11:43:40.022-04:00About a GownI fully intended to make my own wedding dress. I chose some incredible <a href="http://www.dharmatrading.com/html/eng/3584-AA.shtml?lnav=fabric.html">hemp/silk fabric</a> and couldn't wait to see and feel the yards of shimmery material and turn them into something magical. I've made loads of clothes, including fairly elaborate costumes, so how would this be any different? <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/amandawright/5684097366/" title="Sewing by amanda_may, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5141/5684097366_850580a614.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="Sewing"></a><br />There was some delay. I had the muslin, but more important matters kept me busy all the time. My sister bought her bridesmaid dress. We joked about how I had better get going, wouldn't want a naked bride! My sewing kit traveled with me across the country to Arizona, where I reasoned I would have all the time necessary to devote to wedding dress sewing.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/amandawright/5684095652/" title="Wedding dress supplies by amanda_may, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5190/5684095652_50c43239c8.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="Wedding dress supplies"></a><br />I got as far as a heavily boned muslin bodice. I kept sewing seams backwards, and trying to figure out how to make elegant lacing loops nearly drove me to tears. My mom and I made a <a href="http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/3659/clone-yourself-a-fitting-assistant">duct tape dummy</a>, which in my confusion I considered absolutely necessary to the getting started process, but which ended up being more of an additional procrastination (albeit a very funny one, and also a good objective way to self-analyze - no denying the potbelly when its right there as a duct-tape bubble). The last straw was accidentally buying quilting thread, which the sewing machine I was using refused to work with, making a single straight seam something to celebrate. I packed my supplies away and decided to attack again when I returned home.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/amandawright/5684096612/" title="Wedding dress mockup by amanda_may, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5024/5684096612_04af462b1c.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="Wedding dress mockup"></a><br />During our trip back we made a stop with C's family. My future mother in law suggested checking out a <a href="http://www.churchstreetbridal.com/index2.php?v=v1#/home/">very cool bridal store</a>. "Oh, no," I said, "I'm making my dress."<br /><br />Then I started to think. I called my mom and she reminded me how little I had been enjoying this process. "Maybe just go look?" she suggested.<br /><br />We went and I very nearly walked out with the first dress I tried. In the end we chose a different one, but I went home with a dress. Now I keep telling everyone how inexpensive it was in order to justify changing my mind; I am turning into the definition of tacky. I feel like I've let myself down, like I gave up my creative ideas as I have done in many other areas around this wedding as costs and general practicality* have set in.<br /><br />But in actuality, I love my dress. It is absolutely gorgeous, it makes me feel gorgeous and I feel good knowing where it came from. I was not enjoying the sewing process at all and trying on fabulous dresses while people tell you how pretty you look is a terrific way to spend an afternoon. Also, did I mention I got a great deal?!<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">* in all honesty, sewing my dress was also sort of a cost based decision, as there is no way I thought I could ever afford a dress of the quality fabrics I love. Seriously, if you are anywhere near VA check out <a href="http://www.churchstreetbridal.com/index2.php?v=v1#/home/">Church St Bridal</a>!</span>Amanda Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13078481161365865252noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208239064906916396.post-19735062971198277222011-04-04T17:12:00.004-04:002011-04-14T14:28:16.589-04:00And home again!We're home! Back in (stinkin' cold) Vermont! Absolutely missing the families, but enjoying being in our own space again.<br /><br />Of course, this morning it actually snowed, and I for one was ready to leap back in the car and head south. But that's not happening, so instead I bought potting soil and planted what will hopefully be our wedding flowers. Spring in the north is good too.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/amandawright/5590148678/" title="Arizona by amanda_may, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5092/5590148678_c4bfd8b4ac.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="Arizona"></a></center><br />This is Mt Picachu (excuse me, Picacho is the real name - Picachu is what I always accidentally call it, oops! Thanks Sarah!), between Tucson and Phoenix. Those jagged southwestern mountains are endlessly fascinating.Amanda Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13078481161365865252noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208239064906916396.post-1480378827485830502011-02-20T17:33:00.004-04:002011-02-20T18:49:52.747-04:00Tucson Gem and Mineral ShowMy parents have told me about the Tucson Gem and Mineral show, and I have witnessed my mother's growing collection of turquoise, pearls, and other shiny and wonderful beads and stones (not to mention dad's <a href="http://www.africa-alive.com/balafon.htm" target="_blank">balafon</a>, the growing drum collection, the recycled African and Indian fabric stamps), but we were able to go to the show ourselves this year and wow! I was blown away. There is just so <em>much</em>. Miles and miles. Tents the size of football fields. Conference room-sized booths with tables piled 2-3 feet deep with strands of pearls. Acres of ammonite fossils, crates of prehistoric bones still buried in sand and dirt, amethyst geodes 10 feet tall, shelves of crystal balls in all sizes... It was overwhelming, actually. <br /><br />I didn't take all that many photos, partly because my mom took enough and together we just felt like gemstone paparazzi. But here are a smattering:<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/amandawright/5462321397/" title="Tucson Gem and Mineral Show by amanda_may, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5171/5462321397_3bfae82af3.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="Tucson Gem and Mineral Show" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/amandawright/5462316583/" title="Tucson Gem and Mineral Show by amanda_may, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5015/5462316583_510f6f7930.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="Tucson Gem and Mineral Show" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/amandawright/5462308789/" title="Geode by amanda_may, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5180/5462308789_1af2118f27.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="Geode" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:smaller">The first thing I thought upon seeing these baskets: what fabulous wedding favours! oh wedding-brain.</span><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/amandawright/5462312573/" title="Baskets of geodes by amanda_may, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5180/5462312573_d76b3f5299.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="Baskets of geodes" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/amandawright/5462906026/" title="African beads by amanda_may, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5060/5462906026_fa4f26fd6d.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="African beads" /></a></center>Amanda Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13078481161365865252noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208239064906916396.post-4783676073268801702011-02-05T03:24:00.000-04:002011-02-05T03:25:16.594-04:00A Bad Case of Save the DatesI love our Save the Dates. They are very simple, basic postcards, but seeing them stuck on other people's refrigerators makes me so happy.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/amandawright/5417301655/" title="Save the Date! by amanda_may, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5051/5417301655_c5d050b7e9.jpg" alt="Save the Date!" height="500" width="334" /></a></center><br /><br />We went through several designs before ending up with this one. Since the wedding will be on the lake, I started out with strong inclinations toward fish imagery. I actually wanted Swedish Fish, which I was imagining as simple clean lined, colorful creatures swimming with stylized bubbles and line-waves (I know, but I grew up in an organic family. We ate <a href="http://www.licoriceinternational.com/licorice/pc/Panda-Raspberry-Bar-32g-1-1-8-oz-5p152.htm" target="_blank">natural raspberry liquorice</a>). I even spent a lovely afternoon painting poster-board tempera fish. It was a <em>theme</em>*!<br /><br />But then C. complained that they looked childish. And it was true. And then I was <a href="http://www.thethirtysomethingbride.com/" target="_blank">directed</a> to the <a href="http://graphicsfairy.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Graphics Fairy</a>, which is a fabulous site, and I found this great illustration from something-or-other, and it has <span style="font-style: italic;">musicians</span>! and <span style="font-style: italic;">art supplies</span>! and something else along the left that might be leather-work tools(?) which who knows, I will probably be interested in at some point!<br /><br />Anyway, as with so many who have gone before, I am infatuated with our postcards. And the one currently hanging on my parents fridge is a great daily reminder to get going on the dress!<br /><br /><br />*I wanted to link to one of those ridiculous sites that promotes the absolute need to start with a theme unless you want your wedding to be an ultimate <em>failure</em>, but I just found a whole bunch of things that I now want (<a href="http://www.wrapwithus.com/Products/Pewter-coach-place-card-holder__4005-V.aspx">fairytale coach placecard holders</a>! registering at the <a href="http://www.momastore.org/museum/moma/MoMAGiftRegistryHomeView?langId=-1&storeId=10001&catalogId=10451">MOMA Giftshop</a>?)Amanda Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13078481161365865252noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208239064906916396.post-13781493927577833632011-01-19T04:26:00.005-04:002011-01-19T05:14:49.289-04:00Westward ho!We stayed at crappy cheap motels and ate fantastic food. We listened to our 10 or so cds (that was poor planning) until we couldn't stand them anymore and restocked at a truck stop. We sang the first lines to country songs about the places we were driving through and then had to call our parents to get the rest of the lyrics. We froze our asses off in south Virginia, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Oklahoma and watched the dashboard thermometer slowly rise when we reached Texas. <br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/amandawright/5367683299/" title="Sunset over the Mississippi, Memphis TN by amanda_may, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5163/5367683299_86161fdfb1.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="Sunset over the Mississippi, Memphis TN" /></a></center><br />We apologized profusely to <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/amandawright/5368274282/">Ramona</a> at each turn in the road (she gets carsick) and considered sending a postcard to the Amish farm where she was born. She was excited to explore at all our stops - I can't possibly imagine the barrage of new smells she was experiencing - but seemed fairly certain we were intending to abandon her somewhere along the road (we wouldn't dream of it).<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/amandawright/5367707183/" title="Eiffel Tower of Paris (Texas) by amanda_may, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5083/5367707183_a38abe0529.jpg" alt="Eiffel Tower of Paris (Texas)" height="500" width="334" /></a></center><br />We took our time, stopping to see the sights (the Eiffel Tower of Paris, Texas) and taking detours when necessary (to see Oklahoma, neither of us had been to that state before). We followed my inferior map skills down a mud road along the Arkansas/Oklahoma border and I did not mention the lack of cell phone service. <br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/amandawright/5368299374/" title="Beale St, Memphis TN by amanda_may, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5002/5368299374_00cf0a88e0.jpg" alt="Beale St, Memphis TN" height="334" width="500" /></a></center><br />We had bbq in Nashville and then again that night for dinner in Memphis because, well, do I really need to elaborate on that one? We laughed ourselves silly over jokes I can't recall, marveled at the changing landscapes, and decided we wouldn't choose to live in rural Arkansas. We made friends at a dog park in Dallas and walked in a meteor crater near Odessa.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/amandawright/5367716283/" title="Odessa Meteor crater by amanda_may, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5082/5367716283_711a2646dd.jpg" alt="Odessa Meteor crater" height="334" width="500" /></a></center><br />We discussed "issues" and movies and music. Cam read his book and I tried not to fall asleep. We detoured to take a picture at <a href="http://s0.ilike.com/play#Marty+Robbins:El+Paso:34805:s93206.8694.13079723.1.1.76%2Cstd_be532787810b009a1be7aa2a64abc6c5">Rosa's Cantina</a> and ate green chile burritos while ladies in impossibly high stiletto boots played pool.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/amandawright/5368353624/" title="Down in the West Texas town of El Paso... by amanda_may, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5081/5368353624_9444e3be2a.jpg" alt="Down in the West Texas town of El Paso..." height="334" width="500" /></a></center><br />We arrived in Tucson after four (I think... they sort of blend together after a while) days on the road. Now we are settling in at my parents guesthouse, moving furniture and making plans. Absolutely thrilled that we actually pulled this off. I feel like making this crazy scheme come true set a good precedence for a life full of possibilities.Amanda Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13078481161365865252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208239064906916396.post-10418642950572141312011-01-04T17:40:00.003-04:002011-01-05T15:28:04.500-04:002011: Hello!2011 is going to be a big year for me. C and I will be getting married in July. We will probably be moving - the place has yet to be decided. I took the GRE right before Christmas and am considering the options for grad school.<br /><br />The excitement has actually already begun, as I quit my job as of the end of December and have embarked with C. on a cross-country journey to live for a couple months in Arizona. We are in Virginia at the moment, having spent the holidays with his family here.<br /><br />This was my first Christmas away from my family and I expected awkwardness, homesickness, and general feelings of woe; but C's family is so affectionate and have taken me in so warmly that I didn't feel out of place at all. I think that's a good sign as we will most likely be celebrating many more holidays together in the future!<br /><br />As always whilst on vacation - and even more so with the New Year and all the attending expectations of change and resolve - my mind turns toward possibilities and plans for the future. Right now this potential is magnified by the very real need to replace my forsaken income (what was I thinking! - is what I ask my self quite frequently) and my own internal insistence on figuring out just what the hell I want to do with my life. I am still adjusting to a suspicion that growing up does not mean acquiring an automatic knowledge of grown up information (how to decide on an insurance plan, for instance, or what exactly <i>is</i> a realistic savings goal for two basically unemployed twenty-somethings).<br /><br />After my first euphoria at being on the road - literally as well as figuratively - the worries began to creep in. Or to be honest, they hit me square on the head as I attempted to fall asleep. What are we doing? What am <i>I</i> doing? I had a fantastic job in a time when so many are searching without luck for any type of employment. My accessible savings are quite limited and I have no game plan for the immediate future as far as paying bills. The relaxation of the holidays has now passed and I am beginning to feel that I am just being lazy. Sleeping late and watching <a href="http://www.nbc.com/parks-and-recreation/" target="_blank">Parks and Recreation</a> until mid-afternoon is great and all, but doesn't help my pocketbook. I am loaded with ideas on what I want to do next, but there is a necessary waiting period involved with our travel plans. I am starting to get antsy. <br /><br />However. Right now, I am sitting in an incredibly comfortable chair with a mug of delicious coffee, next to a cozy fire in my future-mother-in-law's lovely home. I have so many people - my family and C's family and our amazing friends - in my life. I have a head brimming with creativity and a drive to make something of myself and my world in some way. I have a lot to figure out this year, but ever so much to look forward to.Amanda Mayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06921928619655882405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208239064906916396.post-77332946011838284122010-12-05T01:31:00.004-04:002010-12-05T01:41:20.567-04:00Thanksgiving, a little later<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/amandawright/5233682856/" title="Thanksgiving 2010 by amanda_may, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5050/5233682856_1c3f7256ca.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="Thanksgiving 2010" /></a></center><br />All my Thanksgiving photos came out blurry. Vermont is pretty dark come November, with the sun setting around 4:30 or so and the light fading quickly. In a way though, I feel like this picture sort of captures the essence of the holiday and this year's celebration for me - warm and fuzzy, pretty without being fussy, and just incredibly comfortable. Childhood friends came to visit, and it was amazing to me how smoothly we all can rejoin each others lives - the 4 of us cooked together so unawkwardly in our little kitchen and then we hung out the rest of the time and chatted and watched movies. It was utterly relaxing, and absolutely heartwarming. I am so thankful for these friends (and super excited that they are living on the east coast now! though C. and I are actually going to be spending some time in the southwest over the winter so so much for that).<br /><br />I was gifted a fabulous art clock at one of our arts festivals in the fall, and it turns out to have only hour and second hands. So one fun part of Thanksgiving weekend was when someone queried the hour, the response would be "oh, somewhere between 5 and 6..." Just a little more comfortable blurriness.Amanda Mayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06921928619655882405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208239064906916396.post-83102669677002284462010-11-18T23:26:00.003-04:002010-11-18T23:31:30.342-04:00LenkaThis is Lenka. <br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/amandawright/5162796195/" title="Lenka by amanda_may, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4067/5162796195_d974303de2.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="Lenka" /></a></center><br />Lenka sits on my printer, perched on a small green cushion, and peers at me over the top of my computer screen. Her hair is my very favorite part.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/amandawright/5162795997/" title="Lenka by amanda_may, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4016/5162795997_e61c066777.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="Lenka" /></a><br />Lenka is made of paper clay, her arms and legs are jointed using a very shoddy method of pipe cleaner hooks (oops, better next time). She was sanded until I got bored sanding (very quickly) and then painted with acrylic paints.<br /><br />There are a lot of aspects to doll making that I need to slow down and do properly. But Lenka has character and that is one of the most important parts, I think.Amanda Mayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06921928619655882405noreply@blogger.com1