Crystal Madrilejos

It seems that my illness has abated somewhat after a couple days rest. Despite my lingering illness, last night Andrew took me to see The Nutcracker at the New York State Theater. He knows how much I love dance and my slight obsession with ballet, so he bought us tickets for my birthday back in October. It was so much fun and beautiful and amazing! I recommend everyone try to see it at least once.

Enough with the excuses. Since I’m here I guess I should post about something. Christmastime is coming and I had mentioned before that a couple years ago I made presents for family and friends. So as not to overload you with everything all at once, I’ll do it in parts.

Today is Christmas Present #1 given to my dear friend Angela: Apple Crisp Basket!

Angela and I both love Apple Crisp and we have this romantic notion that it must be made every year on the first snowfall. If you’re looking for a really simple, but very personal gift you should think about giving someone a shared experience or memory. This can usually be created through a combination of simple elements that are special to the both of you. For the Apple Crisp basket all you need are: apples, jars, and ingredients to make the crisp part.

And! Don’t forget your very own special Apple Crisp recipe! Enjoy!

Fondly,
Crystal

My sister, Maria, used to own a tailoring shop located in the Goodyear headquarters in Akron, Ohio. It was this amazing little storefront and it was stocked with all these vintage sewing notions. Some of the thread was so old, it wasn’t even usable anymore. One of the tailors that worked there was this 80 year old man who would sew on an antique Singer sewing machine and put his sewing needles in the side of his chair! I thought it had a lot of charm and was inspired to take some photos. Recently, I had 8″ X 10″ prints made and was really happy with how they turned out. So now, you can purchase copies of your own from our etsy store.

Fondly,
Crystal

Since I didn’t get to doing a full post on Christmas presents like I had planned, I figure I’d at least show you a couple photos to get you in the spirit. A couple years ago, I got really into these colored ribbons. Half the photos I took were just of the wrapping, I was so smitten. So here are the wrappings, you’ll have to check back later to see the innards. A little Christmas anticipation already!

Fondly,
Crystal

Okay, I know I said I was going to post about other things, but I was just browsing the internet here at the office and I came upon this amazing artist/illustrator that I felt compelled to share. Fuki Ueda is a Japanese artist who paints very surreal, dream-like images, mostly of young girls and nature with a sinister twist. Check out more of her work here. Hope you enjoy them as much as I do!!

Fondly,
Crystal

1. Christmas presents. I am going to make a concerted effort to make all my presents this year. It’s only been a few years that I’ve actually been able to afford to buy presents, but it seems to get more and more difficult to think of new things to buy for my friends and loved ones. I’ve made some gifts in the past that I was going to post about, which hopefully I’ll get to tomorrow.

2. Apartment photos. I’ve been meaning to do this one forever. The evolution of our apartment has been something that I take much pride in. One of these days… As for now, I’m totally beat and heading off to bed.

Fondly,
Crystal

oh! and P.S. The Golden Compass!! Love it! Everyone should go to the movie site and find out what their dæmon is too!

We put a few new things up on Etsy. They are things that we’ve been holding onto for awhile, but I’m not sure why. A few small felt pouches (I have one of my own that I use for my Metrocard), a duffle that Andrew made awhile back, and a set of vintage salt and pepper shakers. Random, I know. But you should check them all out! We’re working on more duffles, some new dolls, and possibly some photography prints in the near future.

I visited a friend of mine today that I haven’t seen in a really long time. She has two amazing kids that were born a couple years ago. Last time I saw her, she was pregnant with them! I made a doll for each of them along the same lines as the bear from the Japanese craft book (see a couple posts down) but with more dog heads than bear. I am really happy with how they turned out, but unfortunately I forgot to take photos of them!

Fondly,
Crystal

My Auntie Vita taught me how to crochet a few years ago, and I am eternally grateful. She has been crocheting since she was in grade school and she is now 70+ years old which has resulted in the most beautiful and even stitches I’ve ever seen! It is truly amazing and I aspire to be that good someday.

Recently, I started a new project which is the first I’ve crocheted in a really really long time. Pictured above is my progress, but man, has it been frustrating. I seem to have briefly forgotten how to end rows which resulted in crazy uneven edges. Luckily, the project i’m working will require that the ends be folded over and sewn. I even undid the stitching more than once to attempt to fix my errors. It got to the point where every time Andrew would see me undoing all my work, he would have to look away because it frustrated him. Finally, I think I’m on the right track. I just don’t have it in me to start over again, but i think it will still turn out ok. If anyone was wondering, the yarn I’m using is Bernat Handicrafter Cotton Naturals.