Been sewing and peach thinning.

It has barely been a week since the last week of school and the summer blues have set in…the only way I know to combat them is to get busy.

So this week I learned how to thin peaches- it’s not hard, you just make sure all the peaches are spaced about 6 inches. I had know idea they grew so THICK! The job is not hard, but it is tedious. And well, I had to wear socks for 3 days and that is never fun.

Me and the sis

My view!!!!!

I have also been sewing. Here are a few of the latest creations- they are for sale and more to come at http://maddiesminions.com

I am a teacher….

I am a high school level art teacher. It is the end of the school year which is an exciting time at a high school. Graduation is around the corner and we’ll, everything and everyone is a little nuts .

My room and after wearing this shirt- students brought me tacos.

This year, amongst the cheerful chaos, there is sadness, fear and a feeling of uncertainty. The recent school shooting in Texas has brought worry to, not only the teachers, but the students. One of my sophomores asked me “Lucas do you have a plan, for you know….” Yes, I know. I think about it often. Though they are in high school, their fear is real. I talked with the student and told them of the schools plan and my plan. I told them I would do my best to protect all of my students. After hearing this she looked at me and said “Wow! You’ve really thought about this. I feel a little better in your classroom now.” The truth is I don’t feel any better. I worry and I am scared that I won’t be able to do enough to protect my students and myself.

All I know is that something needs to be done. I don’t know the answers but schools MUST be a place where students (and teachers) feel emotionally and physically safe.

No matter what, I’ll still teach. I’ve been teaching 13 years and the last 3 have been the hardest, but I know things will get better. When I hear a student tell me thank you for teaching me, while beaming with pride holding a drawing they just finished, or a senior, who I’ve known for 3 years, is going graduate after major struggles with mental health issues, thanks me for always being there, believing in them and listening- I know it’s worth it.

New adventures-

I have been thinking about things I love and things I want to do more. I love the desserts of Utah, nature and traveling. One thing I love doing while out and about is sketching and adding some color to my sketches. I have a small travel Koi watercolor set- but for me it was spendy.

So I thought- why not make my own and and that is what I’m doing. This are filled with some of my favorite brands of water color (though I am a very amateur watercolorist) Van Gogh, Windsor Newton, Daniel Smith and Aquarell. And the nice thing is that the little quarter pans won’t fall out and can be replaced with another pan or refilled. I added a water brush and a sponge to complete it. After a test run, of sharing these little travel watercolor tins at a reasonable price through my Etsy shop! Then everyone can enjoy easily making art on the go! Keep an eye on my shop at http://maddiesminions.com

Back at it…..

Years ago- I stopped. Why? One bad review. I had taken a break from Etsy after a busy Christmas season. I relaunched my store and thought all my notifications were set. NOPE. I missed an order and it was not sent on time. I apologized and refunded, but the customer was so upset. I felt bad I had ruined a special occasion. After 128 great reviews, I got a one star.

I’m not letting that get to me- though it stares at me when I look at my Etsy shop. I’m back with plush, dolls, original art, stickers designed by me and more.

So, go take a look. There’s not much there but that will change. Also- I’m still not wearing socks.

Kitties don’t like green yarn- sticker in my shop soon

3 Cute Monster Minion Stickers- up now for purchase on Etsy.

Pig Monster Pig

Pig Monster Pig

NEW Monsters

Sometimes I find myself getting a little bored making the usual sock creations.  I have ventured into hand painting ceramic creations, fleece animals and some furry plushies.  Now there are rag dolls.  I love making them.  Each one has been a unique experience.  They tend to develop personalities all their own, and I never know exactly what the finished product will look like.  Here they are.  More to come soon I hope. See them in my etsy shop Maddies Minions!

Taking care of Minions is hard work.

Taking care of minions is hard work.  The stuffed ones well, those are easy.  You hug them every once in a while, tell them that someone will adopt them soon and put them to bed.  They really take care of themselves.  Its the other minions that are hard.  They are the real minions.

Minion Maddie, is 10 years old, cute as any stuffed minion and a daily inspiration.  Minion J is well older (almost x 5!!!)  He is a bit more difficult.  His socks and white tee shirts require special care.  He is a meat eater (Maddie and I are more Herbivors) and has his own interesting and unique way of doing things.

While taking care of all my Minions, (because they do help in return), I like to think of ways to save money.  The latest money saving tactic has been to make cleaning supplies.  Minions Maddie is a bit of an environmentalist, and thinks this is a great idea.  Minions J is supportive, though sometimes he gives me that strange “what are you doing?” look.

First was the laundry.  Detergent is so expensive, so I did a little research to see what was out there in the land of DIY.  Two recipes were prominent and I have tried both.  The first was the liquid soap.  It works great, but makes a gooey gel.  (Links to recipes are below)  For this post I will be focusing on the powdered form.  It is much easier to store and I feel it works better.

Here it is the recipe:

• 1 cup Borax
• 1 cup Washing Soda
• 1 bar grated Fels Naptha Laundry Soap

I then put it it the food processor and it was done. If you grated the soap finely enough you could skip this step.

 

 

I tried this on cold because I was a little skeptical about it disolving, but it did!!!!! I think that this works better then the liquid version.

Cost for 1 batch powder (64 loads)  $2.75                  This comes to  about .04 cents  a load

Tide (64 loads Liquid)   Cost $12.02   about  .18 cents a load

Tide (Powdered 40 loads) Cost 10.00  about  .25 cents a load

Check out Tipnut for others Laundry Soap recipes!!!  http://tipnut.com/10-homemade-laundry-soap-detergent-recipes/

New Items….and a new favorite glue!!!!!

Well, I have been in the dull drums since Christmas.  But now I am back.  It all started with hot glue…then E6000.  What a wonderful glue!!!  I love it.  Well, I am now making monster coasters and mugs.  Also introducing Monster Dog!!!!  (his adventures to come shortly).

Take a look and let me know what you think.

Last Minute Christmas Gift ideas……Minions of course.

I’ve been busy making monkeys, cats and monsters.  Also went back to the microwavable pocket minions that started it all.  They have been getting bigger though and now are heat packs too.  Take a look and if you are interested in any just visit my etsy shop.  If ordered by December 15th,  they should make it to you in time for gift giving.  You can always contact me for priority shipping details if you need it.

How to Make a Sock Monster

With all those socks that have disappeared, it is a great idea to turn those miss matched lonely pairs into something great. Monster-munch has created this great poster you can view here. Click image to visit their great site!!!

How to Make a Sock Monster by Nicky