Goodbye

Hello,

This blog has been so neglected I almost felt it was unnecessary to even post anything before I close it. Nevertheless, it’s always good to have some sort of closure with moments in life.

I am still crocheting (quite obsessively) and still trying new food recipes — the “me” from months ago never went away. I do, however, feel as if I am evolving — refining, if you will, what I like, what I don’t like and essentially who I am. In the past I’ve discovered that chronicling such an evolution somewhat destroys its genuine-ness. The contrived self always tends to peak its head when one is given a platform and a potential audience, I think. I don’t want anything contrived this time around, so need a bit of time to create a few self-identity ground rules. I do intend on blogging in the future, hopefully this year, but will most likely start fresh, with a new website and new name.

Thank you, dear readers, for joining my past, documented journey. I hope it was of some benefit to you, and I hope that your internet wanderings will somehow lead you to join my next one, whenever that may be.

This blog is officially closed, and is scheduled to be deleted Thursday, July 30th 2011.

Love,

David

On Hiatus…

Hey Guys,

It’s been a really long time since I’ve written a post, so I thought I’d explain why. Back in June, I decided it was high time I return to school. I applied to Columbia University’s School of General Studies and got accepted, so now am in school working toward completing my Bachelor’s Degree. I haven’t formally declared a major yet, but I’m thinking English Literature or Creative Writing (maybe both?).

Consequently, this means that I’m taking a break from blog writing for a while. I really want to immerse myself in the Columbia culture and milk it for all its worth. Hopefully, this experience will provide more inspiration for future posts. I’m honestly not sure when I’ll begin blog-writing again, but hopefully soon.

Thank you all sooo much for reading my posts, and I certainly hope you will continue to enjoy all of the content found in my past entries.

Wish Me Luck!

David

The Prince and The Frog

Yesterday’s work outfit :)

My coworkers surprised me with this adorable, handmade frog brooch the other day. Isn’t it cuuute!

I found this simple bag at my neighborhood discount store for about 2 dollars. I love it, and have been wearing it nearly everyday.

I love colored and patterned socks:) I’m thinking of starting a big collection.

From top to bottom:

Shirt – Thrifted
Brooch – Gifted and Handmade
Bag – Discount Store
Pants – H&M
Socks – Uniqlo
Shoes – Thrifted

How-To Make Jeff Koons-esque Bulb Sculptures

I’ve held onto an unopened box of Christmas bulbs for the past three years. Each year, I promise myself that I’m going to open them up and usher in yuletide cheer by stringing them throughout the apartment, or that I will most definitely purchase a Christmas tree for the sole purpose of decorating it with them. Of course, each year rolls by and they remain unopened.

While it is still months away from Christmas, my ongoing effort to de-clutter forced me to confront these bulbs head on. The final options: either they would be used now or donated. Instead of the latter, I decided to make a few cool table-top sculptures for my room. This is a really easy project that can be completed in less than an hour. One can also easily undo the sculpture and separate the bulbs when the holiday season rolls around.

I found that it was easier to do this project if I detached the metal prong (the part that hooks onto the tree) from the bulb. Most bulbs (especially the cheap ones) have these separated.

Once separated, I then used a size 4.00 mm crochet hook and a bit of butcher’s twine (found at meat markets and some bodegas), and crocheted a maximum of ten of the metal pieces together using a slip stitch. This step is simple:

1. Create a slip knot on your hook, then insert the hook into the metal ring.
2. Yarn over, then pull the twine (or yarn) through both the metal ring and loop on your hook.
3. Insert the hook into the next metal ring, then repeat step 2.

Once finished, cut and tie off your twine, leaving about 6 inches at the end. Then, reattach the bulbs to the metal prongs. This step took a bit of time, since the metal pieces are so closely packed together. To finish, I just formed a knot using the remaining two ends of the butchers twine, then cut off the excess portions.

I made three of these mini-sculptures with the set I had. They make a great addition to my dresser :)

They remind me of the exciting stainless steel balloon sculptures of artist Jeff Koons, such as this one:

"Tulips" by Jeff Koons.

Try them out for yourself! What are some other crafty ways to use holiday bulbs before (or after) the holiday season? I’d love to know :)

The New New

I’ve been feeling especially crafty the past few weeks. This was due in part to a recent craft show I participated in (my second one here in New York), but also to the resolution I’ve made with myself to use up all the materials I have, in an ongoing effort to de-clutter my life.

Everything is available in my Etsy shop, and is long, colorful and perfect for layering :)