A d v i c e T o L i v e B y

About 2 years ago, I had a mid college crisis. At the time, I wasn't happy with what I was studying and the direction those studies would point me.  I had several chats with my ever supportive parents about changing my major and one evening my dad handed me these words of wisdom which he had written down on a post-it note. Not only did those words inspire this painting, they inspired me to make a decision for myself and my future that has given me a great sense of purpose and hope for the future. Now I am studying a subject I love, which has provided me with countless rewarding experiences and self-confidence,  I will be graduating in a few months and I am applying to graduate schools to continue my studies. Here's to the next step!

T u e s d a y T u n e s : S u f j a n S t e v e n s

Sufjan Stevens!

C r a f t B r e a k : S a l t S c r u b

Here is a quick and easy homemade gift.  I made about a dozen jars of this salt scrub to give as little gifts at Christmas, but it would be great to give all year round.  I used this "recipe".  For my first batch I chose grape seed oil and for the second batch I used safflower oil.  Not sure which one I liked better. The pros of grape seed oil is that it is a tad more viscous, but it also has a stronger smell than safflower oil.  The essential oils and scents I used are easy to find at stores that sell soap making products, like Hobby Lobby.  To really finish off the gift attach a small spoon that can be used to scoop out the scrub.  I enjoy using salt scrub on my hands in the winter because it exfoliates and moisturizes so well.

W e e k l y G e e k y : W e l d i n g

My Dad finally convinced me to try welding - not sure if it's really something I have a knack for, but it was fun to try!

F o o d i e : B l a c k F o r e s t C h e r r y C a k e

Mmmm my mom's famous Black Forest Cherry Cake. I usually get to indulge in one on my birthday, but as a ridiculously severe case of Strep kept me off solids for the week surrounding my birthday, I sadly missed out this year.  Mom promised to make me one the next time I get a chance to come home from school. 

Cant. Wait. 

Nom nom nom....

W e e k l y G e e k y : L E D T h i n g

I really have no idea what this thing is called, but it was my first ever soldering project!

The rotation of the color in the LED can actually be altered by holding your hand above the "thing."

Made this shortly after getting my geek on with my dad at "Maker Faire"in Detroit, MI in 2010. 

C r a f t B r e a k : M i c r o T a x i d e r m y

Competed another project inspired by the lovely book Microcrafts. Meet my little taxidermy bear "stuffed" with polymer clay. I also gave him some festive tiny balloons, featured in the book as well.