Moonrise Kingdom Digital Painting

"Why do you always use binoculars? It helps me see things closer. Even if they're not very far away. I pretend it's my magic power."

You may have noticed my absence this last week, well...this is why. For one of my illustration classes projects we illustrated a scene from a book or movie. Obviously I chose Moonrise Kingdom (although I toyed with Royal Tenenbaums) because of my love affair with Wes Anderson and those color palettes. I altered the scene from the meadow, attempting to give it an "American Gothic" vibe. 

This was my first time digital painting, but I'm pretty pleased with the result. It originally started out as a hand drawn sketch, with the digital painting done on top all in Photoshop. I also tried to incorporate a more pop surrealist style, attempting to channel come Mark Ryden in my own style. 

Pumpkin Spice Syrup

Even though it was one of the warmest days we've had in a while, I couldn't resist making some of this pumpkin spice syrup for my coffee. It was also a good excuse for using up some of the massive can of pumpkin puree making a home in my fridge.

The recipe can be found at Katrina's Kitchen

The recipe all calls for pumpkin pie spice, which like me, you might not have on hand. Good news though, you can make your own with this recipe. 

I changed the spice proportions to my liking, and because the syrup only calls for 1/2 a teaspoon.

Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon allspice

Now I won't have to buy any spices when I make a pumpkin pie (soon!).

Striped Crochet Blanket

I finally have a chance to share this handmade blanket, that I absolutely adore. It's actually quite the story of how it came to be. It started as a scarf project a few years ago, to teach myself to crochet. Just a basic straight single crochet stitch. It consisted of 3 colors just blocked next to one another. After finishing, it was HIDEOUS. The blocks of colors looked odd, it wouldn't lay right because it was too thick, and it didn't go with anything I wore. I could of just abandoned it right then and there, but instead I went insane. 

I started cutting apart this scarf so that I had 3 sections. I was going to make a blanket, even if it killed me. Soon after I went to the store and picked out the other colors. Yet, I didn't get enough, thinking I would only need 7 stripes...whoops! Getting the second skein of each color was easier said than done. My local stores didn't carry the original colors, forcing me to wait till I went to the Adirondacks (original place of purchase) to get the others. Once I had it though, it was time to tackle this monster. 

Each strip is 120 rows of single crochet, made from one skein of 100% cotton yarn. It's basically 14 individual stripes of color, with thin white individual stripes in between. To some, this might seem like an odd way to make a blanket, with so many sections. Yet, this allowed me to throw a single skein in my bag and crochet during my lecture classes at school. 

Art History = Crochet Time

The final construction included sewing each color strip by hand to a white strip. Then, I took to the outside with a double crochet to widen the sides and give it a border. 

I absolutely love it though, despite how much work it was. For me, blankets have to have substance and weight, none of that fuzzy, flimsy, crap. With this begin made of all cotton...lets just say it's pretty heavy. It's already gotten me through some late night A&P study sessions and I'm sure it'll be my best friend during the long Rochester winter. 

Its resting place is folded in half at the end of my bed. It adds just the right amount of color to my overall grey bedding. Also Geronimo the sock monkey says hello! 

Anyway, this just goes to show that sometimes great projects come out of bouts of insanity. 

Dreaming of Mustard Yellow

As the days seem to grow shorter and colder, I'm finding myself dreaming of the color mustard yellow. It's the color of dry September grass, turmeric, and the falling leaves. Sometimes I think it gets regarded as an "old lady color" but, if this beauty is mean't for old ladies, then I guess I just lost 60 years of my life. For the next few weeks I'll be channeling my inner Moonrise Kingdom and the warmth of this color on the chilly days.

Cabled Sweater from H&M

Pyrex Bowls from Ebay

Honey Yarn from KnitPicks

Flower Earrings from Etsy Seller Willow Handmade

Screenshot from Moonrise Kingdom

Mustard Tights from Modcloth

Here's to a Fresh Start

I've had this blog for quite a while starting back when I was in high school. I didn't do much with it for a period of time, and it basically got lost on the back burner. However, despite that fact, I am getting a fresh start. All of my old posts (except one) have been deleted, leaving a clean slate for my new blog. I'll be posting projects, tutorials, my personal work, and the things that inspire me. There is also a link above to my Etsy store (also Dapper Deer), which is in renovation. There should be new items for sale soon (hopefully!). Best wishes for this new experience!