Mehndi Monday Fail

Much like any art, or really anything in life, sometimes you have a major fail.
I love to show off my work when I like it, but I thought it would be good to share some pics of when things go wrong too. This dsign came together quickly and smoothly...until the quickest and slightest of movements smuggled the whole thing.

I have been working on my henna and mehndi designs for several years; and to me, this work is a true reflection of not necessarily artistic talent, but of practice, practice, practice. Because the truth is when I first started working with henna, I was bad. I mean realllly not good. In fact I appreciate those friends that let me tag them in the early days, and who were all gracious enough to only be encouraging....despite some pretty abstract designs. But I learned from my mistakes, and didn't give up.

Now I mostly am proud of what I can produce. But every so often things get wrecked.

Ironically when the henna dried and the stain was reviled, the smudges were not even noticeable!

I think it is hard sometimes when on the surface things seem a complete disaster, to be patient and see the beauty that is revealed underneath. 

Happy Mehndi Monday Everyone!

Captured Moments

A Friday ritual. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment to pause, savor, and remember.

If you are inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

So I got a ukulele. I can't play the ukulele, per se.....

A moment to remember nonetheless. Have a great weekend All.

(This segment inspired by soulemama.com)

Casting On

In the spirit of new things in a new year I have decided to make myself a sweater! This is very exciting for several reasons. Number one I have never followed a knitting pattern...aaaannnd to knit most anything other than a scarf or a pot holder, you kinda need to be able to read a pattern. So after much searching the interweb I found Stefani Japel's Boyfriend Sweater pattern.

So far everything is going smoothly. I have some circular bamboo knitting needles that are by far my favorite to use, they are much easier on my hands and wrists than straight ones. Although I am knitting a cardigan, and not a pull over, I am still using the circular needles making the weight much easier to control as it grows.

I have just taken off the stitches that will eventually make the sleeves, and am working on the back/body. I still am not quite sure how I am going to knit the sleeves...I understand the "magic loop" method in theory, but have never had cause to do it! After that I anticipate my next challenges being the knit ribbing and button holes, both skills also brand new to me.
I do love the purple color of the wool yarn that I chose, and no matter how this looks when I am done, I am gonna have me a warm cuddly sweater.

Today feels like: Purple

We have had the most lovely west coast sunsets recently. I don't know what kind of cold, cloudy, wintery weather we need to get the sky to be those colors...but I certainly couldn't resist snapping some shots.

Photography and documenting have been an increasing interest to me over the last few years. I talked a little about that in this post, and am excited to be finally printing some of my pics and working on a collage wall in our stairway. It still amazes me regularly what wonderful pictures can be taken with a simple point and shoot  camera or a cellphone (not really news, I know..)...but still very cool. 

So here's to foggy mornings, warm coffees and purple filled days.

Mehndi Monday

I love doing my mehndi on ceramic or wooden surfaces. Here are two plane white 4"x4" ceramic tiles that I have added my original henna design.

Getting back into the swing of things in this new year, and excited for some new projects I have in the works! Including some henna inspirations, knitting challenges and sewing adventures. Looking forward to a project filled, handmade year. Have a great Monday everyone.

Instagramin

I have finally joined the world and started instagraming! Check out my pics here. So far it has been super fun, the app is really simple to use on my new Nokia Lumia phone, aaaanndd it takes awesome pictures. I must admit that the camera has been my favorite part of my new toy.

I don't use many filters on photos I post on the blog, so playing with all the vintage and hipstimatic colors has been a blast. Be sure to follow along with my progress, and I want to see all your pics too. Happy photo taking!