Saturday Top 10: Crafting Essentials

Here's a list of 10 tools and supplies I use regularly for crafting and sewing. You probably have some of these things lying around your house already, and you don't even know that they are magical crafting tools that may one day save your life! (or at least help you make a cozy for your toaster)


10: A power drill

Not just for woodworkers! I use this all the time for making books, putting together costume-y type masks and such, or sometimes just to punch a hole in some paper (I'm addicted to the power)

9: Mod Podge

Ah Mod Podge, a crafter's best friend. It's the best thing ever to use for decoupage or papier machet! It comes in lots of different finishes and textures for any project. They just came out with a product called Dimensional Magic that is supposed to make kind of a resin finish on jewelry projects. I must try it!!

8: Sewing Pins

Okay, so this one seems kind of obvious but I put it in because when I first started sewing I never used pins. It was crazy! I was just kind of lazy and would just position things as I fed them through the sewing machine, and my seams would always come out awkward and lopsided. When I started using pins my projects began to look a lot more polished and usable. They can also be useful for non-sewing projects!

7: Glitter!

I have taken to carrying around a little vial of glitter with me, just in case of emergencies. Glitter is the best thing ever. Use it liberally (but be careful-it is very hard to clean up!).

6: E-6000 Glue

This glue is the mother of all super glues. It is so very strong, and it dries kind of like a rubber. Not only is it useful for crafting, it is also good for fixing broken craft-y things so you can continue to use them. I recently used it to fix my tripod and now it's working like a charm!

5:Hot Glue Gun

A hot glue gun is a staple in every crafter's tool box. It is useful for so many things! Use it to make a hat for a costume! Or make some sweet magnets out of buttons and vintage jewelry! Or this sweet mask! The possibilities are endless.

4: A Seam Ripper

A huge part of learning anything is making mistakes. Learning to sew is no exception! I use my seam ripper almost every time I make something. Going back and fixing a mistake or making something look better is the best way to learn!

3: Fabric Scissors

It's crazy what a difference a good pair of scissors makes in sewing. Lines look cleaner and straighter, and it's a lot easier to cut pieces from a pattern. These ones are spring-loaded, making cutting fabric easier and faster. Remember to use your sewing scissors on fabric only! They will get dull very quickly of you use them for paper or anything else.

2: Carpenter's Square

This is basically a ruler with a right angle in it. It is the most helpful thing, I tell you!  It has increments on every side, making it easy to measure at any angle. A carpenter's square is good for cutting paper to make cards, cutting fabric, or actually doing some carpentry! I would highly recommend investing in one if you don't have one already, but first check to see if you have one lying around at home! I found mine in my basement with a bunch of woodworking stuff and so I stole it. I have two sizes,  12" x 8" and 2' by 10". If you don't have one at home, you can find one at your local hardware store.

1: X-Acto Knife

I use my X-Acto knife for everything. Need to cut 100 2x3 cards? Or a stencil for a tee-shirt? Lost your seam ripper? Can't open that stupid headphone package? (seriously though-why are those things so hard to open?!?) An X-Acto knife is exactly what you need. I have two, one with a standard #11 blade and one with a #10 blade for cutting curves. I also have a #16 and a #17 for scraping paint or scoring, but I really only use them on occasion. I pretty much stick with the standard blade for most projects.

I didn't put my sewing machine in this list because it's kind of a gimmie, but if you wanted to know I have a Singer Scholastic model. It's the best working machine I've ever had, and I have no significant complaints! It doesn't have a lot of fancy stitches or embroidery options, but I wouldn't  really use those anyway. It's very simple to operate and holds up on heavier fabrics. It's relatively inexpensive, so I would recommend it for anyone looking to start sewing!

Stay tuned for some cool Haloween-related stuff coming up! If you have any requests for a post (like a specific costume DIY) let me know in a comment!

Saturday Top 10: TheFlyingOkapi School Supply List

Today we have a list of the required school supplies for TheFlyingOkapi class of 2014 (or whatever year you graduated or plan to graduate!)

Most of these things appear to be completely pointless, but they will be a big help in making this year not only bearable, but maybe even fun. So get some paper and a number 2 pencil and start taking notes!

My backpack is the Kelty "Tannen". I really like all of the fancy pockets it has. It easily fits everything I need!

Ipod and Panasonic RPHJE120R Earbuds

I have a 160 GB IPod Classic. It is so great! I never have to worry about not having enough memory, it's durable, and it's user friendly! Also, you don't have to be a technological genius to operate it.

My Ipod is definitely essential for making it thorough the school day. I like listening to it while I do work in math (it helps me concentrate) but not in Literature or Chemistry- It gets too distracting! I also listen to it while I'm walking to school. I usually listen to Stuff You Should Know on my way to class. It's a cool a podcast full of very interesting facts!

I love these Panasonic earbuds. I saw them ranked on CNET among a bunch of super expensive ones

(like $100-200!) And I figured I would give them a try, since they were only $6 on Amazon. I am not disappointed! They sound great and Maggie has had the same pair for over a year, so I think they'll last a while! I embroidery thread-ed them to keep them from tangling and to make them pretty!

Sketchbook

I find that during the school year, I'm not completely submerged in arts and creativity (instead of going out and sketching I have to calculate molar masses and such - blegh)
so it is important to keep a sketchbook around so I can jump on any chance to get some drawing in. This one is kind of boring (and slightly nibbled on by my dog) but it works!

Note-Always write your name and phone number on the inside cover of your sketchbook. If you lose it all the time like me, it really helps!



















Graphing Calculator

     This one is a little bit more like something you would actually find on a school supply list- but bear with me! It has been so helpful for me to have my own graphing calculator for my math and science classes. The school generally has enough for students to use in class, but it makes a difference when you can actually take it home to work on homework!
     I have a TI-84 Plus. It works well for me, but I know some of my friends like the Silver Edition better. I don't really know the difference. Mine is tricked out with a Lisa Frank kitten sticker, so...

"Everything Folder"

I've always found that it's really helpful to have a folder that you can throw random sheets in when you don't really know where to put them. It also means that you don't have to bring an entire binder home for an assignment. Just throw in the papers and notes you need and you know exactly where they are.























Colored Pens

Even if your teachers don't allow you to turn in work done in color, this is a great way to make your personal notes or work more interesting. It's just one of those things that brightens my day!

Homework/Life Planner

If you are anything like me, you have to write things down or you will automatically forget them. A planner is absolutely essential for me to keep my life together.
This one is just the basic, school-issued homework planner, but I decorated it with some scrap paper and a kitten sticker. (Have you noticed the kitten trend yet? I would highly recommend adding some kitten paraphernalia to your daily routine)





Write everything down! Homework, club meetings, test dates, deadlines, ideas for ice cream flavors, EVERYTHING! It will really help keep you organized an on the right track. I like to draw a circle next to each homework assignment and then check them off as they are completed. If I don't finish an assignment that night, I draw a little arrow in the circle, transferring it to the next day.

Kleenex

I think it's important to carry tissues around all the time, especially during cold season! Not only are they useful for blowing your nose and such, they are also essential for making paper flowers in government class during those long lectures about the legislative branch.

I found these cool skull patterned ones at the drugstore. Nobody will want to mess with you if you blow your nose with one of these babies.




















C.O. Bigelow Rose Salve

You might as well call this the magical goop of the heavens. It can be used for lips, cuticles, dry skin, or facial glitter adhesive. And it smells like roses. I have had this same tin of the stuff for 5 years, and I'm still not out. A little goes a long way! It's especially helpful in the winter months when your skin gets super dry. I take it skiing with me every weekend in the winter, hence the beaten up tin. You can find it at Bath and Body Works.

Water Bottle

Stay hydrated, people! It's important to drink lots of water during the day, and carrying a bottle around insures that you are getting enough water. If you aren't a huge water drinker, you can make flavored water with powdered flavorings, a splash of fruit juice, or some fresh berries.

As you can probably tell, I've had this bottle for a very long time. When it was brand-new, I made the mistake of taking it rock climbing and it hasn't been the same since. It leaks a little and I should probably get rid of it, but I'm attached! Would you be able to get rid of a bottle that looks like such a fighter- I mean just look at that inspiring message!













Lisa Frank Stickers

Does anyone else miss when you used to get a sticker on your paper for a job well done?
Now you can still give yourself a pat on the back with these amazing rainbow-glittery-kitten-unicorn-dolphin-holywood bear treasures. I found these on Amazon and they were a little pricey (like $15) but so worth it. I am so nostalgic about Lisa Frank stuff. It's like a visual representation of the inside of a little kid's brain, full of butterflies and clouds and completely saturated with happiness. I've been using these on my school supplies (as you may have noticed) and pretty much sticking them anywhere I can, including onto people that seem too grumpy. Just because we are forced to go to school and fill our heads with non-unicorn related knowledge doesn't mean we can't bring a little of it with us.

Bonus List Item: A Positive Attitude!
It sounds cheesy, but attitude really does make all the difference. Come into each day with the mindset that you are there to learn and make yourself into a well-rounded human being. Excessive stress is just that: excessive. Focus on what you can do to stay positive and remember, it gets better! (or so I've heard-and I believe it!)

Also-remember to be kind. Sometimes there's not enough kindness going around the school, so make a point to leave a little happiness behind wherever you go. Talk to a new student, help a someone in a younger grade, or smile at a stranger. It will make you happier too!

Top 10 Things I've Thrifted

     Today I thought I would do a little post about the top 10 things I have found at the thrift store/ garage sales. In no particular order, here they are!

Light cotton peacoat- $2

I love wearing this coat thingy in the fall when it's not quite cold enough for an actual jacket. It looks great layered with button up shirts and light sewaters.

Magical cosmic shoes- 25 Cents

I love these shoes so much! Unfortunately I can't wear them out any more because they are incredibly worn out, like, the soles have almost completely fallen off... But they are still near and dear to my heart because they were one of my first finds at my favorite thrift store.

Black brocade formal dress- $25

I think this might be my favorite dress ever. I found it at a garage sale/dress swap thing a week before prom in my Sophmore year. I love it so much, I'm definitely wearing it for another formal!

Acid wash duffle bag- $1

This little vintage 80s bag is perfect for overnight trips and such. It's pretty heavy-duty, with quality denim and leather details. It reminds me of the movie Fame!

Vintage Tommy Hilfiger denim jacket: $1

I love finding high-quality stuff for super cheap. I tricked out this jacket with some studs, iron-ons, and old Girl Scout badges. It definitely has a strong feminist vibe:

Studded lion purse- 50 cents

Some people find this bag to be too gaudy and kitschy, but I love it! I found the same one in white also, but it seems to have gotten lost in the abyss of my closet.

Porcelain unicorn collection- $7 total (?)

This is one of those things that some people will just never understand... I'm not sure I completely understand it either! I just love finding these little guys and giving them a good home.

My Fiddle! - $40

I was super excited when I found this at a garage sale- and only $40?!? It wasn't in perfect shape and it didn't have a bow, but a few repairs and it was good to go! I love its finish and I'm no expert, but I think it sounds pretty good! (at least when I have been practicing!)

Dooney and Bourke hard satchel- $20

You probably saw this in a previous post. It made the top 10 because I've been using it nonstop since I found it!

Gem Sweater collection- priceless

This is another one of those things that very few people on this planet will understand. About 5 years ago, Threadbanger posted a video that changed my life. I was introduced to the most interesting person I have found on the internet so far, Leslie Hall. Among other glorious things, Leslie is a proud collector of Gem Sweaters, possibly the most flashy and magnificent thing to come out of the 80s. She has over 400 gem sweaters, salvaged from thrift stores, garage sales, and dumpsters. They are all on display in her mobile museum, a trailer which I believe is not currently transportable. It is my dream to one day visit the museum and have a lengthy chat with Leslie about the deeper meaning behind these sequined treasures. For now, I can only build my own collection and wear these sweaters proudly (with my gold pants, of course).


I hope you enjoyed this post! Let me know how you like the top 10 format. I'm thinking o fmaking it a weekly thing.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Come Thrifting With Me!

 This weekend I decided it was time to empty out my change drawer and go on an adventure to the thrift store.

I ended up with $9.94 American, $5.12 Canadian, 1 Lewis and Clark bicentennial souvenir coin, 1 Kennedy half dollar, 5 Euro cents, 1 arcade token, 1 plastic dime, 2 buttons, and a handful of confetti. I'm rich!

Let's see what I can get with this...

 First stop: Butte Rescue mission bargain center. This isn't the most clean or well-organized shop, but there are always hidden gems. On Saturdays they have a bag sale day where you can get anything that fits into a shopping bag for $1! This is a great stop because all of the proceeds go to the Butte Rescue mission.

Jessica came along to help!

 This is my favorite time of year to thrift shop because the Halloween stuff is starting to come out. There's always interesting stuff to be found in the costume rack.

 Don't be limited to just your gender's section! There's tons of cool stuff in the Men's section and in stores like this things are often in the wrong spot.

Sometimes shoes at the thrift store are kinda gross, but sometimes they're like new! Use your own judgement.

 Don't overlook the non-clothing sections. I love finding music and home stuff for super cheap. My car only has a tape player, so I always look through the tapes. You'll be surprised by what you find!

Records are usually super cheap and fun to look through! If you don't want to listen to them, there are tons of DIY projects you can do with them. I might post some soon!

 Sometimes I find cool coffee mugs that make great containers. Or you could actually use them for coffee...

I love looking through the kitschy figurines. This is where my unicorn collection was born!

Next stop: Goodwill. Most Goodwills are well-organized and clean. The downside to this is that things are considerably more expensive ($3-5 for shirts, $10 for dresses...). Look for the color of the week: everything with that color tag is 50% off!

Again, I beelined for the Halloween stuff.

These frilly pink dresses are really cool- very Virgin Suicides-esque. Unfortunately, they weren't my size!

Stop number 3: Paula's Curiosity Shoppe. This one is more of an antique/vintage store in a cozy little uptown location. The prices are a little higher, but you can't beat the presentation!

It's such a cute little place!!

Unfortunately, one of my favorite shops was closed on Saturday. I will have to do something else about it later!

Here are my finds for the day:

There was a whole bunch of square dancing stuff at the first shop we went to. I got this lavender dress and a super foofy skirt (I think "foofy" is my adjective of the month)

This skirt is actually pretty huge on the waistband, but a little alteration will fix that! Emily and McKenzie, don't be too surprised if I show up to KLKP next year in full square dancing attire.

I also found this adorable little deer figurine:

Also, the CDs at Goodwill were all on sale, so I ended up getting six of them! Unfortunately my camera died before I could photograph them.

I got a dress, a skirt, a little deer, and 6 CDs all for under $8. I would say I made good use of my spare change!

So to recap, here's a list of 7 tips and tricks for successful thrifting:

1. Look for deals and sales: the goal is to get the best possible price for what you want. Keep an eye out for bag sales and half off days.

2. Shop for a cause: Lots of thrift stores are connected to charities. Frequent places that you support, like your local rescue mission or Salvation Army.

3. Explore other sections: don't miss out on cool stuff in the men's area or the home section.

4. Get the right fit: Try to find clothes as close to your size as possible, but remember that you can always alter items to fit you better.

5. Have fun! Thrifting is a way to find interesting new stuff that you wouldn't see otherwise. Don't stress out if you don't find something in particular. Sometimes there are dry days where you can't find anything, but maybe next week you'll find the best thing ever!

And remember, shopping at thrift stores doesn't only benefit the shopper. It's environmentally friendly and doesn't support sweat shops. In fact, I feel that it gives meaning to the work that people have put into making clothing without supporting huge corporations. Reuse as much as possible and always donate your old stuff.

Thanks to Jessica for joining me, and also to Emily for recommending this post. A new post coming Friday or Saturday!