Dignity to the Clip-on

Two weeks ago, I was very suddenly  invited to a birthday get together for my wonderful pal, Randy. Suddenly meaning, like, less than 12 hours. Randy’s sense of style is pretty impeccable and brother knows how to wear a bow tie like no one else in town. Considering that I had 4 hours between getting out of work and party time, what better time than to develop a new pattern that I had been mulling through my brain in a Nikola Tesla-type fashion; I had drafted and redrafted clip-on bow tie patterns until I knew I had a winner yet no physical proof of it existed. Luckily, I am a genius and I churned out 4 prototype bow ties and still had enough time to pin my hair up.

Also, I’ve been working on a thing that resembles a personal portfolio-type site:
http://enovak.otherpeoplespixels.com/home.html

I’d consider it a “soft opening” except I’m kinda grossed out by that phrase.
Yuk.

Factory Tour

It’s been a pretty unproductive week so far. I dyed my hair black for the first time since I was 20. I watched “Wordplay” with Dave and Jess and Mike. I peeped former high school classmates on Facebook. I got a little tipsy and fell down in the icy driveway, twice.

Tonight was a modest exception as I was able glue up a small handful of goodies using the spoils of today’s supply shop trip. I finally made some Liz Novak merit badges! All threats come true, friends!

Half merit badge, half man-brooch. I was reading something on the rising popularity of dandyism among our young men and decided to buy-in. Some samples:

(for your favorite ABC fan!)

(I’ve got nowhere to go
Just hang out on the street
My folks say I’ve got no ambition
At least I give a shit
About the stuff I eat
Yeah! I care about nutrition)

(Boner jokes welcomed.)

(oh boy! horse sandwiches!)

The charms came from a great lot of unused 4 H merit pins that I found today. Oh god, I love merit pins but I REALLY love these merit pins. I love them. I love them. I love them.

Then I decided to take some photos around the studio:

The plastic tube of trees are from Dr. dam Sorrow as a 26th birthday gift. They stay in the tube. Woe be to he who removes them. Also visible is one of my most priziest possessions. Guess what it is!

Teeny Beehouse tea pot, a 24th birthday gift from Dave.

My 26th birthday present from Dave, an old-school steel filing cabinet left behind in one of the warehouses down the street. Also, a great display unit for my travel-related magnet collection. Check that sick “Kennywood” magnet!

I didn’t realize what a mess I had on my hands until I saw it all digitized and flattened!

with fun posters by Dan, Meg, and Xander!

my new bratty hobby is scribbling power-lines into bucolic scenes.

dave’s show posters of yore, my old sewing notion collection, rad pac-man sticker from Jake. find the two dudes pissin’ on each other!

my new Kalakala post card!

When I first saw the Kalakala, she was in Lake Washington in Seattle, looking like this:

but way worse and surrounded by overgrown underbrush from the shore. My imagination fell in love, el you vee!

my “Bestie” award keeps me company through all those long nights of ironing.

“Butt” “Jesus” and  photo pin of my dad when he was but a teenage marine. Pretty much sez it all.

A Hard Drive’s Gonna Fail

Friends, Investors, Dylan fans,

Last week, without prior indication of any trouble, my hard drive passed out in the middle of it’s virtual bathroom floor and quickly passed on to the great MacBook hereafter. It was a trying time, particularly since I had to brave going to the Providence Place Mall to have the old gal serviced.

I had intended to make a post discussing my “New Year’s Intention” to try, when possible to buy any new clothing and shoes from companies that manufacture in the US. Bottom line, I am trying to cut out the purchase of cheap, shitty, China-made goods. This is, obviously, difficult and expensive. But, as an American garment worker, I do owe it to all other US garment workers. To give my dollar otherwise is unjustifiable and undermines my own hard work. I was slowly compiling a reference list, but all that has been blipped into oblivion and I’m too busy hunting don’t cherished digital momentos to recompile. If you are interested, there are many good and not-so-good lists to help you, A Continuous Lean’s The American List being a very particular but well-made example.

I did make good on a 2006 desire: polar bear swimming! That is, when you and the guys pull up your swim trunks with the intended result of wading around in the January waters of the Northeastern US Atlantic. Or, any where it is pretty cold. It’s also a good excuse to drink a flask of whiskey or bourbon in public and to act as if you have accomplished something pretty profound.

So.
Here I am warming up by jogging in place for a few minutes:

And here’s Mike warming up by smoking another cigarette:

Here we are, running into the water on January 10th:

Here we are, immediately running out of the water:

And here I am, running up the beach to the car. Note the snow in the background:

Productivity!

Bear in mind

Dear Reader-

While you read, bear in mind that I always, without fail, look like this:

Right down to the ethereal, lightly pulsing glow.

And when I sit down to write a post, it looks much like this:
.

Always. Without fail.
Obviously.

Two Thousand and…when?

I spent New Year’s 1999 to 2000 on a bridge in the middle of town with y best friend. I spent New Year’s 2009 to 2010 in a “secret” bar. Like we didn’t see that evolution coming.

The holidays, when not busy being irritating and stressful, are a pretty wonderful time for me. Particularly, they come accompanied by a nice one to two week vacation and the older I get, the more the idea of gainful employ seems like it’s for suckers. While sleeping in until 2pm every day might not be the way to lead anything resembling a life, I just can’t help but give in. But! Dave and the pup seem content to laze for as long as they can, so who am I to upset their comfort?

One of the highlights of home-time in New Jersey was getting to go to wonderful old Cape-May-by-the-Sea and hanging out on the beach. Here I am, total bag-lady, beach-bum style: (the sun sets over the water because CM is a peninsula separating the Atlantic from the Delaware Bay. Very nice.)

Came home with some really nice whelk pieces; black and blue and gold crazy delicate and beautiful. Seashells were the first thing that I really “collected” as a kidling. Maybe they were second to toy dinosaurs. I can’t recall, but it does provide proof that I have always been interested in “things”.

Beyond family and friends and drinking scotch, I am happy to return to the Isle Rhode and march forth into a new year, hopefully one as challenging yet fruitful as the one left behind. So far I have A). made two (count ‘em: 2!) etsy sales AND B). I’ve worked on packaging.

A). I’m not sure where or why I have gone necklace crazy. Maybe it’s because stringing stuff around your neck is pretty universal and a good way to showcase small ideas while having them remain a wonderful and personal item. Maybe it’s because in college, I would fill my pockets with all sorts of found gee-gaws and now I need a way to usefully purge them. Because, without function, I am nothing. Transition! I’ve put together 3 new necklaces that I call “bowerbird”ly but secretly, Lola has influenced me to think of them as post-apocalyptic assemblages; trinkets found and horded from a past culture, hastily strung around the neck for safekeeping and admired for their vernacular beauty, both individually and together. But that’s a heckofan artist statement and a little more melodramatic than I am comfortable with being in a way more public and judgmental forum. Hey! Photos!

Not all are listed, some might end up going to the Kafe. I also whipped up a new money clip before break. I’m not sure how none of these have sold yet. Clearly, you are all stupid and don’t appreciate the spirit of mischief and adventure. Or you’re poor and a money clip would be of no use to you.

B). The idea of packaging presents me with some problems. As much as I love clever packaging and am easily swayed by it (duh. I am American.) I do realize that it’s pretty dumb and wasteful. And I hate how the unspoken, ultimate goal for handmade goods is to be a spitting replica of something factory made or commercially available. Point: RI’s own Craftland, which don’t get me wrong, has some nice stuff from some talented artists, some of whom are my very own friends. But for them, packaging is a big sell. They’ll even tell you that.
I can make you a pin. Or a set of pins. Or some coasters. And that’s really nice and hopefully you will appreciate the thought I put into this gift for you. But then I’ll put it in a little celo wrapper and add a tag. Oh! How cute! It’s like a little take on a real, live item! Maybe I’ll slap a little price tag and some copy on it! Like in a store! OMG IRONY! DIY OR DIE! TAKE THE HANDMADE CHALLENGE! Consumerism sucks. Buy this thing.

I hate this.
This is one of the many reasons that I hate the modern crafting/ “craftivism” culture at large.
And I can never articulate it well enough but boy will I try.
Why the same, old, tired paradigm? When you can re-invent everything? What a chance to squander!

Anyhow, I’m a capitalist, not an activist. Here’s my dumb packaging:

I think that this is an old-fashioned but simple and low-impact solution. My guilty, gnawing soul is calmed by idea that the majority of my paper products are recycled scraps and that even the printer was plucked from the garbage at Brown U (with 2 full inks inside!) All appropriate info can be added to the card on a need-to basis and after it’s served its purpose of brand identity, it can be recycled or composted or turned into a bookmark or shopping list. When I send stuff, I can write a small message of thanks on it. Then I usually wrap it in some of my nicer scrap, paper or fabric, tie it up with some scrap yarn or ribbon or what, and shove that puppy into a pre-used bubble mailer. A brown paper shopping bag makes for a good front label to cover over the vital info from the mailer’s last trip through the USPS. I don’t trust that the recipient will use the mailer again, but the wrapping may be saved and hopefully will then take up residence in the family craft drawer… or “gift wrapping room”.

Oh. And the unmentioned C). Making good on a drunken new years deal to do some polar swimming with a friend. Much like the time I declared that I would move to Rhode Island, USA after having downed maybe a few too many, I intend to see this one through just as well.
Adventure!
Mischief!

Selling things to people I don’t know

it’s pretty much the best feeling in the world. Not that monies should be a ultimate tool for validation, but it does feel so nice when someone you don’t know wants to pay you for something you made. That being said, I sold at least 2 items at Kafe Lila this week, but I have not yet found out what they are. I’d love to run over there and replenish before the holidays, but this snowstorm is telling me, “No chance.” I’m still pretty jazzed on the locket set from a few weeks ago so I’ll probably rally up some of those. This one is my favorite:

I titled it, “Jesus’ Dad Built His Hot Rod”, a play on Ministry’s “Jesus Built My Hot Rod”. I’d like to think that at least one nerdy goth/industrial fan thought that was hilarious. But I digress.

What I’m really amp’d about right now, besides watching MTV’s Jersey Shore, are these sweeter than sweet pocket knife/nail file/money clips.

Well, shoot. I think we can all agree that concealed weapons are the best weapons, yeah? And super-tiny-sized is way better that normal-sized. And I combined it with a great “lucky penny” pressed metal charm. Chintzy lucky trinkets are some of my favorite items so I snatched up a couple handfuls of these is silver and gold. Yes.

Extraneously, my new jam is A Contrived Whimsy. Endlessly amusing with only a tinge of shame. Certainly less given towards shaming than Stuff White People Like. Once, I saw a girl sitting in front of a charming coffee shop, typing on a typewriter. That’s like some sort of mean-blog double-header.

What’s new, Liz Novak?

Gosh! First and foremost is that I am currently dragging my feet about writing a measly 8- 10 page paper. Truly, I am hardier stock than to be taken down by a few sheaves but sometimes I’m just really resistant to the easy things. Particularly when I can show you the new comics that I bought over the weekend!

“Will You Still Love Me If I Wet the Bed?” by New England local (And fellow Liz) Liz Prince, “Tales of Woodsman Pete” by Lilli Carre, and issue 16 of “Mineshaft!” featuring the outstanding photography of Orrin J. Heller and R. Crumb and Kim Deitch and other perennial faves. I’d recommend any of them, of course, but Prince’s does come very close to being a little to sweet for my cold, atrophied heart. In her defense, it’s more of a cane sugar sweetness than a saccharin sweetness, if you dig.

Keeping in theme, I was showing off my favorite ‘zines to my roommate and best budnick, Jess, the other afternoon.

One is another issue of “Mineshaft!” featuring more OJ Heller muscle beach hotties. The other is “Hey! Four-Eyes!” #2, a zine purchased so many years ago from J. Berendes when he was occupied with nouveau-dadist/junk shoppe Happy Birthday Mike Leslie. Anyhow, it’s all about glasses and wearing glasses. And you may not realize this, particularly if you knew me during ye olde undergraduate years, but I am totally nearsighted. So, I do have some interest and experience in the field. But man, what a great zine. Seems to be in conjunction with the Center for Cartoon Studies of White River Junction, VT. According to my most recent research of a minute ago, issue # 3 is now out. Anyhow, this zine features Liz Prince, too. And a bunch of other things. And is one of my favorite possessions.

Other new, and less lengthy things of note include making lots of rice in the new rice cooker that Dave bought (yes!) and watching “Twilight” (ugh!) which was like a movie filled with a cast of vampire Keanu Reeveses, each emoting less than the last followed by freaking out and emoting too much.

More significantly, I have 8 pieces of jewelery up for sale at Kafe Lila. All reasonably priced and only mildly kind-spirited. Sadly, I do not have a picture of the display to entice any local readers to go check it out, but trust me, it’s pretty sweet looking.

Similarly, I mined my Catholic ephemera collection and emblazoned some of my favorites onto vintage lockets. I’m pretty into it, even if it is different of a lot of other stuff I’ve been thinking about . And even if folks start thinking that I am some uptight, Jesus-loving weirdo. Which I am, just usually not all at the same time.

This one is my fave and I listed it on etsy with a title riffing on a Ministry song. Say what you will, friend. Say what you will.

Anyhows, all thems and some others are posted up at the Official Liz Novak Store, if you’re into capitalism. Or charity cases.

Colette Patterns

Oh singular reader, allow me to diverge for a moment from talking about myself and all the great stuff I do and focus on the great stuff I like. Right now, I like nothing more than the new line of patterns from Colette Patterns. It is infrequently that I so thoroughly lose my shit over things in the realm of the “independent crafter industry”* but, c’mon:

This dress is killing, killing me!

but also worth mentioning is that the patterns themselves are a work of art. Seriously, Sarai Mitnick: designer and proprietress is quite a talent. Her designs, unlike pretty much any piece of manufactured clothing (even my own for-profit handiwork) are meant to look good in 3-d, not just on the hanger!

This is the illustration on the cover of a pattern that I purchased earlier in the year. I’m partial to it not just because the girl in the drawing looks vaguely like me, but because damn! that dress looks nice on girl with some baaaaaa-zooooooomin’ curves (also an apt description of me). What you don’t get to see is that packaging is a little booklet, roughly a half-sized zine, printed not just with clear instructions and diagrams, but also suggestions and a fine glossary of sewing terms and techniques. Having taught hung-over college students what sewing is all about, I would grade this pattern as a great first “real” pattern; a testament to Ms. Mitnick’s skill of explaining concepts without sacrificing her stellar design.

To avoid being overly happy and positive, I will note that paper the patterns are printed on seems especially flimsy. I prefer a more robust paper weight but, what can you do? (Answer: stop complaining, get some butcher paper and start tracing.)

* I could grouse forever about this but let’s sum it up by saying that I find most of it frivolous and really, how many damn zippered pouches and bowls made out of melted records could you possibly need?

Hustlin’

For good or for not, I’m now a featured artist over at Waste Not, Want Not, a young, PVD-based non-profit that advocates creative reuse of materials and supports artists who feature a reuse/recycle/etc component or slant to their work. In the past, they have also run a thrift store, an art gallery, and a classroom/studio space so that those interested can learn how to do basic textile tasks with their own two. I also appreciated the open as a place for those to access equipment that not everyone is fortunate enough to have: “straight” sewing machines and overlocks, dress forms, and implements of all intentions.

So please, feel free to check it out and poke fun at my official “sensitive artist photo” accompanied by herky-jerky statement. I am a creature of vast ability*.

The “not” part is that, now that I have a chance to open myself up to the public and am being encouraged to create work to actually be consumed, I’m stumped. Oh. I have ideas. Lots of ideas. Good ones, of course! But now, as I work, I can’t shake the little dollar sign hiding behind my ear. $$$$

I love the method, the process, the work. It’s particularly hard to think that, at the end of it, I’m going to have to distill all that input into a monetary amount. No longer are these things made for pure enjoyment. No dice, baby! It’s sell sell sell!!! And, pardon my french, ladies and gents, but that’s really fucking with me. Putting things on etsy was never to end in a profit, just a place to see all my work together at once and if something sells, all the better. Finding out that someone you don’t know likes what you have done is awesome! In that way, I am glad to be expanding my wares (and wheres).

Here’s the transition. Don’t worry, there will be pictures.

For Waste Not, Want Not, I’ll be hustlin’ hand-pieced, hand-tied quilts. In addition to that, I’m working ways to interpret my Weekender dress so that those who are into the garment but not-so-into the price can take home something more affordable in the same vein. If granted the wish of being able to achieve all my goals and make my wildest dreams come true, there will be other quality stuff listed, too. Here’s a really bland spoiler picture of the first quilt to come down the line:

Don’t be fooled! This little quilt is seriously jonesin’ to have a picnic spread a-top of it! The fabric is 100% second hand goods and the batting is made from bamboo, the ultimate wonder fabric.

Here’s a slightly more exciting preview of another quilt that will be for sale:
Really labor intensive, but I’m so into it.

And secondly, I have invited to create some small pieces for the Kafe Lila holiday sale, in strange and wonderful Pawtucket, RI. It took a few failures before I was able to come up with a small and relevant collection of goods that I also felt good about. I think these turned out pretty nicely and not far out of my range of creative comfort. Embroidery, small frames, prayer medals and the color red. No departures here! If only I felt so strongly in my photo-editing skillz.

This one can also be found on my etsy.

What’s really getting me pumped is seeing these little things all carded and ready to go. As an adventure in branding myself, I renamed my etsy site “With Care”. You can draw as you will from that but the couplet was taken from these amazing address labels I found this summer in a book store in Kilarney, Ireland (the Dungeon Bookstore, to be precise). I loved everything about the labels so much that I’m trying to visually unite myself under them. Here’s the goods laid out on my ironing board:

*Tonight, my friend Jean and I were discussing just how big Lars von Trier’s balls must be, culminating this proof with his claim of being the best director in the world. This led to idea ego is pretty much the mother of creation, otherwise it would be feasible to sit back and let someone else create. You need some self-confidence (or mysterious other) to decided not only should something be done but that you will do it and you will do it, hopefully, well. This really just leads to me thinking about how this blog should and has to serve as a central point for what I’m doing and that it is totally valid and worthwhile to update it more often than I do. I realize that I’m speaking to an audience of one, tops, but that should not effect the way that I present myself. So, for all intents and solely my purposes, I shall act as if I am your most favoritest artist. Hello, friend!

God Save the Queen

The good news is that I was mentioned in the Providence Phoenix’s review of the current show at AS220.

The bad news is that they misinterpreted the title, printing it as “God Save the Queen” instead of “God Shave the Queen”. So that pretty much killed the whole thing since it was a pun and probably makes me look even dumber than I already am. So it goes.