There's a Time & Place for DIY

As an avid crafter and Jack of All Trades type of girl, I'm usually the type to do it myself. However as most of my fellow crafters know, sometimes doing it yourself is more expensive and not worth the hassle and time. With a lot of preparation, planning and help, I fully believe that nearly anything is possible. But sometimes you just have to look DIY projects in the face and say, "Hells to the Nah" and let it go.

That was the route with our invitations. I fully intended to do it. I wanted to do it. We had ideas and sketched them out. But the more we thought about it, running into limited time with busy schedules, our hearts weren't into it. Also, I had an inkling that my vision and knowledge for what I wanted to do would not match up in this case.

I'm so glad we goccoed our Save the Dates, but I'm a busy lady, and found it was more affordable to order so we could focus on other avenues. What a relief case to find a great deal, agree on a design, and press a button to pay. As my pal Andrea sagely advised, I should not feel guilty, and perhaps can print thank you cards instead.

So, onto the DIY projects that we are going to take on. Decorations for the ceremony, the reception, and a few fun things here and there. We're not going crazy, and have a plan of attack. One thing I've learned over the years is how to be realistic. (Give or take a bit).

It always helps to get the ideas out of my head and onto paper. Brainstorming with pen and ink, and of course some fun color.



We're doing three main projects. The first is tissue paper pomanders (made with recycled paper so I don't feel too bad) in shades of creamsicle, marigold and vanilla. Mike and I make a great factory, and my cousin Cara visited this past weekend and helped out. We'll use these for putting on chairs down the aisle.



The second project will be making a simple structure for us to stand underneath. Like a chuppuh, but without a top and only 2-3 posts. I do want to keep it simple and create easy fabric flowers to hang. That way we can do it ahead of time, and not have to worry about fresh flowers or anything. Affordable, and we can keep the flower garlands afterwards! We'll make it so we can bring it outside or inside, depending on the weather in Florida.



We'll make some fan programs most likely. Perhaps some little banners and pennants for the entree table. Decisions, decisions!



Our goal is to keep things simple, have fun, and allow our personalities to come through. Our colors are slowly migrating from pinky-orange to orangy-yellow with accents of pink. We'll make it work though, you know I hate matchy matchy! As long as we get hitched, dance with loved ones and have fun, that's all that matters.

P.S. My heart nearly burst between laughing while watching Mike diligently creating tissue flowers while watching March Madness baseketball games.

Drawing Maps and Gettin' Hitched

Mike and I broke out the Gocco before the holidays, to work on Save the Date cards for our wedding guests. Since many people will be traveling, we wanted to get the word out as soon as possible. Making that list was damn hard. Especially when you have 70 people who count as family members...on the bride's side!



We're getting married this July, in Ft. Lauderdale. I know. Holy Rusty Hotness, Batman. But there are good reasons. Mike doesn't teach in the summer, we want to have it in my hometown, and many of our friends and family are in school or also teach. Air conditioning is aplenty, so nobody will melt.

We both love maps, and had been tinkering with the idea of making a map for our cards. Many of our friends will be flying or driving down, from as far as the Philippines, Sweden, France, New Jersey and Indiana! We're feeling very lucky.

The cards were a total collaboration and we had a good time doing this. He drew the front, I did the banner, the details, and an illustration in the back. Bickering was minor, but unavoidable.

I am mighty proud of that banner, people. Having us walk off a plank was vetoed though.



I love that everything does not line up exactly. Obviously, some were better than others, but I enjoy seeing that overlap. And here is my cute little anchor below.



The best part was that I was able to use all of my existing gocco and paper supplies for this project! I knew I'd been hoarding them for a reason. Mike learned to gocco, and we did not throw anything at each other.



It was a labor of love, but it's worth it, just to see that pile of cards stamped and addressed, ready to travel all over the world.



P.S. Please tell me I'm not the only person who gets immense satisfaction from a stack of letters ready for post? And did you like buying school supplies as a kid too?

P.P.S. We're having fun planning, but are definitely not going overboard. Ha ha ha! Pun totally intended!

Feeling Sluggish

I often find it hard to start talking once I stopped for longer than usual. (I know...me?! At a loss for verbage?!...) Well, I don't have to tell you everything all at once.



Here is some pink and purple yarn that I received from a holiday yarn swap at Rosie's in December. I tried not to become too attached, I knew someone would swipe it. But no, I guess more people hate purple than I thought possible! Thanks again to Kate who didn't want it. I'm only one of her many fans! (wink)



Yes. That is my third Lace Ribbon Scarf. It's for Mike's mom, and was meant for Christmas. It was not possible to finish, so I made her a card showing what was on the way, and hope to finish it very soon. I think she'll love the color, since she's another fan of flamingos like yours truly.



Perhaps I'll be more talkative after I finish all my thank you cards tonight! I just hate having things hanging over my shoulder. Don't you?

Jack Russell Terrier

This actually will count as my Make, Bake or Buy. Since I would love to have a dog, cool wallpaper, nice baseboards and hardwood floors in one of those things called a house. But instead, this is a thank you card to a really cool person who has a cute Jack Russell Terrier.



I did get to have fun and create a crazy pattern, and use grey and yellow, which are hard not to be in love with right now. I'm not going to lie, this is one of the cutest cards I've ever made. Although a black pug (my favorite dog) would make it a little cuter!



Cheers to little dogs, print and pattern, watercolor and fun people!

Practice...practice...practice

In order to make the capelet work, I've been practicing knitting elements of the design I want to bring together. I've decided to go with a simple stockinette stitch, but to create some interest using yarn overs for the increases.

These openings will create some shape to the garment, instead of just sitting atop my shoulders in a big heap. For practice, I used this my favorite sock yarn, Colinette Jitterbug. After seeing how pretty it is, I may not want to make socks out of it!



Here's where 1.75 skeins of alpaca have gotten me. The yardage is better than I had hoped for, and really only took a few hours to knit. I'm not saying much, as I don't want to jinx myself (wink).



In non-knitting news, an order arrived today from Paper Source! I'm designing bridal shower invitations for a friend and have some other ideas up my sleeve.



If you knew what a fiasco my mail produces, you'd understand my amazement...

Gocco Swap Loot

I wanted to share some of my loot from the Mid-Winter Gocco Swap. The prints I received were only from one of the groups, you can see more prints in the flickr group here.



I did a side swap with Kristen of Taylor Made Designs. Isn't everything she does great? I love the wine tags she added to my package. You can check out her etsy shop here.

She pays so much attention to detail in creating an entire package. Although, what do you expect from a talented graphic designer? (wink).



Thank you everyone!

Dia De Los Muertas

November 1st was Dia de los Muertas, or Day of the Dead. It's not supposed to be a morbid holiday, but a celebration and remembrance of your loved ones.

When we took some of Andrew's ashes to the family cemetery in Davao last year, my Tita Jean told me that the whole family would visit on All Saints' Day, as is the custom. I found that so reassuring--that he was being remembered.

I started thinking about the skulls or calveras, when I saw this fabric from Alexander Henry. I couldn't wait to paint my own interpretation. Coincidentally, it was around Dia de los Muertos, so I drew skulls in Andrew's memory.



I used some of his treasured belongings for inspiration. Old band shirts, his favorite stuffed animal, studded belt, and a rock he gave to my mom because it looked like a heart. What a mama's boy (wink).



I looked at a plastic skull of Mike's for reference, and just started drawing. I messed something up, and painted flowers in the skull's mouth to fix it. After that initial mistake, it was easy and somewhat cathartic to fill in the other parts with memories, words and symbols. It all spilled out, I hardly had to think at all.

Midway through the illustration, I realized that I was using the wrong damn ink! I couldn't paint over them with watercolor or everything would have bled. I decided to make prints with my gocco, and watercolor over some of them.


Click on the picture for notes on some of the symbols.

I was amazed at the details my gocco picked up. When you print, it's hard to stop. I want to print on every blank surface. Since that's toxic, I made extra prints for Drew's friends instead.

I made two versions of the painted illustration, and have a few more blank ones to paint. (Click here for the second version. Mom, pick which one you and Dad want).



When I paint or draw, I feel close to my brother, since he loved to draw. The fact that he's gone completely sucks, that's without question. However, the fact that I have an encyclopedia of (mostly hilarious) memories to choose from, makes it a little easier to bear.

What symbolizes your loved ones to you? I'll pick crossword puzzles for my mom, the board game Monopoly for my dad, Macri's Deli for Tracy, and the great state of Indiana for Mike!

Cookbook for Vic

Disclaimer: last bridal shower craft related post!

Olivia's idea was to create a cookbook for the bride, since she loves to bake. This was also a great way to include her friends and family who were not able to make it to the shower.



Everyone drew or painted pictures, and the results were gorgeous. Vic's dad even over-nighted his page to be included. Olivia did all the bookbinding. Amazing, right?! I've made books in the past, but do not have her patience...



The front of the book. Martha Stewa--er, Olivia, drilled holes into a wooden spoon after creating the cover. (Yes, she knows she needs a blog.) The book has a screw post binding, so pages can be added in easily.

This is my favorite recipe, my Grandma's recipe for Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake. It is the best cake ever, and I've never met anyone who didn't love it and want the recipe. Lucky for you, I've posted it here for you!



Carrot cupcakes with a cream cheese frosting from Martha Stewart, were found here.

Banana layer cake with either fudgy frosting or tangy vanilla frosting came from a book, The Weekend Baker, by Abby Dodge.

I made a collage in Picasa with other pages from guests. Who knew how useful that program was? I just realized I could email and send pictures to my blog. Sweet.

Did you notice that all of my recipes were dessert? Sweet tooth, anyone?

Bridal Shower Invites

As promised, here are the invitations I designed for my friend, Vic's bridal shower. I created the design, set up the gocco, and let Olivia print them up. (Hey, she wanted to learn!)

Here are conceptual sketches and practice, that did not make the final cut:

The final original design, and the finished invitation:

And a whole bunch of invites waiting to be mailed:

The whited out areas are to protect the innocent! We only made so many party favors. (wink!)

Baby Shower Thank You Cards

I've finally finished baby shower cards I designed for my friend, Nicole. She doesn't know what she's having, so I tried to make the colors unisex.

These were a lot of fun to make, and I think they're pretty adorable. I have about 15 extra cards, which I'm selling in my etsy shop here.



I learned to make a granny square finally, thanks to my friend, Clara. I always had a block against granny squares and crochet stitches, (besides the single crochet my grandma taught me at age six). Thanks to a lunch date and quick tutorial, I'm over the wall.



I must say, I'm usually not a granny square person, but have you seen the gorgeous hexagonal squares around? You should click this link, you'll be so inspired... I also checked out Simple Crochet by Erika Knight from the library. Her projects are very contemporary, simple and gorgeous.

For those who asked, I had a great time at my high school reunion. There were some people who I genuinely wanted to catch up with, and was pleased to hear about their lives. Here's one shot of Heather and myself, obviously not having any fun at all...



Enjoy the remaining hours of this beautiful weekend!

Yellow Icarus Wings

I added two sets of these cards to my etsy shop today here. I will be adding new cards soon, sold individually...



I have to get going now, two of our friends are coming over for dinner tonight. Mike is going to make enchiladas, so I'm going to attempt to make churros and a chocolate dipping sauce. (Or churros y chocolate, which was the name of my old Spanish book!).

Oh, and mojitos of course. I just made a simple syrup, and added a splash of vanilla extract. It made my kitchen smell delicious.

Enjoy your weekends!

mariss+drew: open for business...

This is officially my whole hearted attempt to rev up my etsy shop, mariss+drew. If I announce it to my crafty and blogger friends, then I must follow through! You guys are great for accountability.



I did the half-hearted attempt in December, to get the first sale out of the way and make myself figure some things out.

I hope to make paper goods and perhaps some prints in the future. I'm obsessed with correspondence and stationary, and books and bookplates, so we'll see what happens.



I came up with the name last year. My brother and I were always "Marissa and Andrew" or "Mariss and Drew". One of the phrases I miss most is our names together, since I'm now the only piece left.

Sometimes when people die, you end up talking about them a lot. I feel like I do alot on this blog, but it's just a part of my life now, not necessarily a morbid thing. You just want to talk about that person sometimes, since they're a part of you, and always will be. They're just as important to you in death as in life. But I don't want anyone to feel sorry for me or uncomfortable. That would never be my intention.

Andrew inspired me to finally put myself out there, and use the talents I posess. He was the one who drew all the time, and filled journals with an entire universe he created for a comic featuring an alter ego he created, Rydek. He even had labeled the weapons and parts and pieces for all of the aliens in their universe. It was amazing, as he was.
In his passing, I had to re-evaluate what I wanted to do in my life. One of the things was making things for people, like I had always said I wanted to.

Either way, I'm looking to have fun with this creative outlet, work some stuff out, and enjoy myself making some art.

I still have more items to finish and put in the shop. Please be patient with my while I get everything up to speed! And thank you for your encouragement and support, in all aspects of my life.

xoxo, Mariss

Domo Arigato, Mr. Roboto

It's official, the inevitable summer knitting hiatus is here. I may be inclined to break the hiatus in order to make one of these market bags from stash yarn, but I'm not making any promises.

Instead I've been spending time with Mr. Roboto, which seemed a fitting name for my new Gocco. (As I do want to learn his secrets!)

Experimenting with tangerine ink...first layer.



Layer two with a custom mixed color, and a wash of watercolor on top.



I love how the cards hanging to dry resemble Tibetan prayer flags.

Icarus' Wings

I blew off a date with my gocco to go on an impromptu beach adventure with 3 of my favorite Philly girlfriends. We went to Island Beach State Park, which I highly recommend. But don't tell everyone, it's delightfully un-crowded!



On Sunday, I drew some quick sketches, made copies of the original, and installed the required lightbulbs properly. With Mike standing by for moral support, I created my first master and it worked!

I decided to draw a sketchy version of Icarus' Wings. It's somewhat metaphorical of my own 'first flight' with this gocco. Of course, I hope not to fly too close to the sun and crash. I just want to make some art.

I created four designs on the one master screen, but was especially happy with one of the designs. So, I created some card sets with matching envelopes and am figuring out what to do with them. I created a set of cards with gold, then cleaned it off and mixed a custom cobalt teal color for a second set of cards.

This one is a little smudged. I had to work on the pressure.

It feels pretty amazing to sit in your kitchen full of work that you printed off like a little factory. I'll need to refrain from printing all surfaces in my house...

Alright, I'm off to knitting circle tonight, so may have a non-obsessive gocco post soon!

Print Gocco

I had never heard of a Gocco until Leya told me about hers. And of course the company decided to discontinue the machine in 2005, so that it's hard to find one. Until the Paper Source sent me this link. They have made some sort of agreement with the Japanese company, RISO to sell some at their store in the US.

The version below is a larger one, that can print up to 6.5"x9.3". It is almost $400. I just called the store and they said they will be receiving the smaller version around the end of this summer. It prints about 4"x6" and is about $150+. They said they will keep having them in stock, so I do not need to buy one immediately or forfeit my chance to ever own one.



I used to teach silkscreen or screenprinting in my highschool graphic arts class. From what I understand, print gocco seems much easier to use and everything is contained within the unit. I really want to buy one, and for the type of stuff that I love to do (cards, drawings, illustrations), I think this would be perfect. They're not cheap, but it's definitely an investment.

And lets face it, it's better for me to get a gocco than a letterpress someday. When will I have a house to put that in?!?

So my question for you is, if I do decide to purchase one, do you think I should spend the extra money and get the larger size, which will provide me with more options? Or if your name is Marissa's mom, do you give me permission to spend my hard earned money to get one--since it's not a dog or a baby? Just kidding mom!

I'm reading the websites and forums for gocco printing, but would love any first hand advice. Thanks!

Renegade Craft Fair

I can finally cross attending the Renegade Craft Fair off of my list.

I took a day trip to Brooklyn on Saturday, with my friends, Jennifer, Sarah and David. The weather was gorgeous, and I was very excited to see some of the work that I see online, or through blogs.

I had been looking forward to seeing Wren Handmade. I was not disappointed. She had the classiest and most sophisticated stuffed elephants I've ever seen. With my budget, and current sense of practicality, I could only let myself purchase one of her microscopic, adorable crocheted daffodil hair clips. Click here to see the entire collection.

My favorite artist was Lorena Barrezueta. I purchased the salmon color glazed porcelain dish from her above. It is cast from a Japanese cupcake tin. The item I was truly coveting is her 9" pie dish called 'Slice' in the turquoise glaze, from the Gourmet Collection.

(Photo from Lorena Barrezueta's site found here).

I really liked Caitlin Phillips' of Rebound Designs amazing purses made out of vintage books. If they had a purse out of a copy of James Joyce's Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, I may have been inclined to shell out the beau coup bucks. I've always had a little crush on Stephen Daedalus.

If I had remembered, I wanted to buy a wooden sewing needle case and a wooden pin doll from The Small Object. I completely forgot to go back, but I can find these items online. Cute na cute as they say in the Philippines.

(Pictures from The Small Object.)

I was very impressed with my friend, Aimee, who created a lovely display for her patterns out of ugly wood from our trip to Home Depot last week.

She also made some ingenious fans that kept yours truly cool on a somewhat sweltering day.

I hope your weekend was filled with fun too!