Hola Internet Amigas,
I have ventured far from home in preparation for Maker Faire Bay Area. Check out my tweets @henonthetown to see the magical alchemy of science and craftology.
Smooches,
Henny Penny
Maker Faire Bay Area
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Framing Myself
Wowza!
The hen house has been a hotbed of activity of late good readers. First off there was the Ravioli Festivalo! Mr. McCluckin’ and a few of our semi-famous friends made 270 cheese raviolis all in one night. Then over the course of a week the mister and I made 158 pork-lamb-beef-and-love meatballs, 3+ gallons of marinara, 47 turkey-not-dry-at-all meaballs, and 38 vegan raviolis filled with marshmallow peeps. It was hectic and meaty, not to mention sticky as all get out. Luckily the Festivalo was a hit with just a wee bit of the in-laws showing off their crazy eyes. No one was hurt in the making and no dogs escaped the house, so I call it a success. Oh and there was a cake! A red velvet number from Saveur, it was simply divine and I am quite sad to not have a photo.
Since then I have been on a tear to get ready for the upcoming trip to San Francisco. Plus I have had this insatiable desire to read. It started in March when I waded through that Olympic sized pool of illness, the downtime that ensued really encouraged page turning. Then my obsession careened into April and it would seem May is holding the same promise. Since March 1st I have read 16 books and several magazines, not to mention the nutritional panels on all my cleaning products.
It’s a wonder I’ve found time for any crafting, but you see I did make time for a little something this week. For a year of more I have been considering all the necklaces that love jumbling into one giant mess on my dresser. This week I put a stop to the tyranny of knots with a handy-dandy jewelry organizer. Basically I took an old frame that I swiped from Grimace’s love lair. Then I sanitized it, painted it plum, installed a wire backing, and laced pretty buttons onto the front.
There were a few tricks I learned as I went along. First off I thought a staple gun would hold all the mesh in place, nope, it took about a pint of hot glue and a final addition of masking tape to cover the rough edges and really firm the screen up. Secondly I first tried a heavy floral wire to attach the buttons but all that did was mess up the mesh and cause droopy button syndrome. Through a bit of trial and error I found that regular jewelry wire tied in knots with a crimp bead tossed into the mix held steady and didn’t ask too much of the screen it gripped. Lastly, if you want to paint the frame, by all means pain it BEFORE installing the screen, it will save you a mess and a great deal of time.
Now all my beloved jewels hang proudly in the corner of my boudoir. Come admire them sometime if you like, I’m sure we’re bound to host some form of Festivalo again.
I’m off to play tiddlywinks with the pooches. Do have a lovely day, I simply insist.
Cheers,
Henny Penny
Spinning yarns and such…
Salutations lonely internet ghosts,
I just got back from a night drive across the dam with the sunroof open. Of course I was blasting some sweet Tom Jones as I cruised along the nearby reservoir. Also, I saw 3 weredolphins.
Then I realized I should tell you about my recent craft outing! I heard a rumor from a tiny bird inside the mouth of a hippopotamus that the Denver County Fair had teamed up with Fancy Tiger to offer a few craft workshops. Last week I registered for the Spinning 101 class thinking it might be a great way to meet single men. As it turns out I’m married, also no men attended the class. That said I learned quite a bit and I was lucky enough to have Jaime, one of the owners of Fancy Tiger, as my teacher.
She busted out a few drop spindles and we went to town on some nearby roving. Now why would you want to learn to spin? Well you can make your own yarn of course! I know you have tons of yarn at home hiding in your stash waiting to be used, but those yarns won’t be imperfect and riddled with your love. Also, Jaime informed us it would be very meditative. Not to mention you can work your way up the spinning corporate ladder to making art yarn with bits of twigs, Lilliputians, and candy hidden inside it.
I highly enjoyed giving this skill a go. I learned a few things about myself:
A) I can’t remember which direction I started spinning something and therefore am good at unspinning yarn.
B) I do not want to make thin yarns…ever
C) I may never detach my new “yarn” from it’s spindle, it looks so nice right now, like a hairball on a stick. 
Maybe spinning isn’t for me, but it was an affordable class and I enjoyed learning more about yarn. At a minimum I didn’t have to pay for parking and I sniffed some waffle cones on my way home. Then of course I changed form into my werewaffle shape and hunted the syrupy goodness I so often crave.
Whelp I’m off to darn some trash bags.
Have a lovely mid-evening!
Henny Penny
Thinkin’ Shed Strikes Again
Happy Spring Chums and Strangers,
After rousing my lazy spirits up off the couch of illness I finally fell into the swing of making again this week. Not only did I cobble something but I worked hard to better my crafting style. You see, I am consistently working in the mode of crafting for someone specific. As of late last year I decided to stop promising things to people. This was an all around excellent decision for the following three reasons: I never delivered on time and tended to give people IOUs as gifts, ideas I had for bizarre projects were tossed to the wayside, and lastly I had run out of pom poms. Due to this practice everything I made had to become a final product. I rarely practiced making something and flaws were rampant despite my best efforts.
Then April came sauntering up and I hopped to the sewing machine with an idea. My glorious rooster Mr. McCluckin’ has a man crush on the business productivity physicist Merlin Mann, and fell head over heels for the concept of the Hipster PDA. According to Mr. McCluckin’ this product, will simplify his thought process, de-clutter his pocket universe, and give him the needed virility to deflower the best random concepts. Essentially it’s a binder clip holding together some 3×5 index cards with a pen tossed in next to it. Mr. McCluckin’ loves keeping a notebook for jotting down ideas as they strike and realized that being able to reorganize his notes at any time would revolutionize his world. He excitedly informed me of his plans to create his own Hipster PDA as soon as he was finished with his current notebook. I thought that this seemed a grand idea, but that there had to be a better way to keep things than just a binder clip. So I ran to my thinkin’ shed and took a seat on my craftiverse inflatable sofa.
Next thing I knew the index card wallet was born. It has two compartments for cards and a pen loop, all held securely in a stylish fabric of your choice.
I realized making the pockets perfectly sized was the true trick of this invention. Thanking my lucky stars that I wasn’t in a rush to make this little bitty, I decided to start with a practice run at it. I measured out what I thought was best and sewed it up just to see if the cards fit and it would fold right. In walked Mr.McCluckin’ with his schemes and plots and suggested I call it my prototype and that he was happy to act as a beta tester.
Not 24 hours have passed and already he says he loves it and wants me to attach a patch I made for him last year. Though I think that should wait until I’ve fixed many of the flaws. Nonetheless I am happy to accept the imperfect as a step on the road to index card wallet nirvana. I’m off to the thinkin’ shed to lay about on the home projects settee.
May you find your lost sock in no time at all! Have you checked the refrigerator?
Sincerestly,
Henny Penny
Craft-tastic!
Merry St. Smithens Eve!
I am celebrating in style this year by laying on my couch and cursing the illness gods. It would seem that I managed to come down with a case of pneumonia after my last post leading me to believe the internet is contagious. After sleeping and moping around for a week I finally started to feel normal. So I decided to bust out my St. Smithens decorations and prep for a festival of Gregorian hymns and taxi rides!
With all the holiday prep I didn’t manage to finish a project for you this week but thought I would share some things that are inspiring me. First up this lovely project from Purl Bee, a fabric swatch decoration. It’s so simple and perfect I can’t wait to adorn a wall with all of my favorite fabrics.
Next up I was lamenting missing the sign up period on Craftster.org for the Grimm swap. I watched the posts to see what the participants came up with and was most impressed by Craftster patron Flower’s gift of an embroidered lap top sleeve. It has such a rustic homemade feel to it. Perhaps I can convince my fingers to get to stitching something fun like this soon:
Lastly, I bring you a St. Smithens day special! It’s a Dalek painted egg! This little beauty was put up on Flickr by PugnoM. She has an amazing talent for decorating easily breakable things. I wish there wasn’t an egg shortage in my neck of the woods. Then I might consider attempting this or at a minimum painting an egg with something equally neat like lobsters fighting polka dancers or just Mike Tyson’s head.
Well toodles for now, I’m off to light the 16 sided candle to represent St. Smithens favorite walking path in Saskatoon.
As St. Smithens would proudly proclaim to his nearby fish hatchery: Vonlandi Po Dobolo!
Henny Penny
What Else?
Salutations Lovely Readers,
Where on Earth have I been? Mostly I have been sulking in bed with a nasty sinus infection. I was convinced my superior immune system could fight it off without the aid of medicine. Alas, I was wrong and a week and a half later I submitted to a good old fashioned doctoring and came home with drugs. Piles and piles of drugs. Huzzah!
Needless to say the craftiverse and I haven’t been hanging out much during my infirmary period, but I thought you might like to know what I have been up to otherwise. Ooh and this week I tried to make all the pictures roughly 7% lovelier, do enjoy.
First off Mr. McCluckin’ really proved his title of Exceedingly Generous Ultimate Husband by buying me a car. The short version of this story goes like this: we have a bit of pillow chat about how I am sad roughly 2 weeks ago, the next day he buys me a car to make me happy!* And what a car, I am the proud owner of a Mini Cooper S. It’s used but who cares? I promptly named my fine little lady Jujubee the Honey Badger or Jujubadger for short. I am so content. Clearly he is due some crafty goodness as thanks.
Next up on the roster, I went to the zoo with several neighborhood scamps, including the Wee Vs and Mrs. Ryan. I refused to take pictures of anything caged, so in other words all I have to show for it is a picture of a peacock. Mysteriously I received my infection a day or so after the zoo, so what does that mean? You can never trust a caged gorilla. Yes I made out with a gorilla, what’s it to you?
Then there’s the discovery of the exciting and thoroughly delicious Gnome’s Nook, a small shoppe of candy and gnomes here in Denver. As best as I can tell the gnomes are afraid of the internet as their website doesn’t offer too much, meaning you will need to pop in to learn why it’s so magnificent. The entry level is painted as the forest floor and the second story is the forest canopy, also that’s where they keep the candy. All they sell are gnomes and candy, but soon they plan to offer craft classes. I intend to visit them again quite soon.
The only crafty business I have been up to is winding two skeins of yarn into balls. I bought the skeins on holiday and neglected to ask the wool mistress to use her ball winder at the time. I have been kicking myself ever since. I simply can’t understand how to make a nice even round ball. What ever did we do without ball winders?
Oh and in other news, I have decided to become an expert in something. I am open to suggestions. So far I was tossing around learning all about the steam engine or the theoretical concept of crepe making (no actual making of crepes). Then again perhaps I should trust my instincts and work on ingesting all there is to learn about some form of craftiness. The history of wool carding might be a fine start.
Well I am off to enjoy the meatloaf!
Cheerios,
Henny Penny
*The long version of the story goes like this: the hen house has been living the good life with only 1 vehicle and 2 commuters for the past 2 or so years. At the dawn of 2012 the ever-so-wise-and-not-ridiculous-in-any-way-transit-system canceled the bus that dropped Mr. McCluckin’ off at the salt mines. Not only did they cancel it they failed to offer any alternative to get him within a mile and a half of his bossman. Then I came down with a case of the blues and we started talking about all the changes I would like to make. Not once did I say “let’s get a mini cooper because everything little is delightful.” But his magic rooster ears heard my secret pining (so secret I wasn’t even aware it was present) and went out to fulfill dreams. Presto! Jujubadger arrived with a pretty red bow! The End
Brushstrokes and Boozehounds
Salutations Chums and Secret Crushes,
Isn’t it odd how when you least expect something fuzzy and wonderful you manage to stumble upon a puppy in a top hat? You see I was bemoaning the loss of crafty friends to Mr. McCluckin’ on Wednesday evening, then like magic Friday arrived and my lady pals suggested an impromptu painting party. I checked with the mister and apparently he didn’t set it up at all. Just kismet!
Now you may have had a similar situation to ours here in Denver wherein a cavalcade of painting and boozing it up shoppes have opened in the past 2 years. We have Canvas and Cocktails, Acrylics and Vodka, Canvas and Corkscrews, Brushstrokes and Boozehounds, Sip ‘n Paint, and many more. So when the ladies I was to meet up with randomly decided they longed for an evening of apron wearing, Riesling swilling, and acrylic paint using; I was amazed to realize every spot was booked. I however suggested we just purchase canvasses (or is that canvasi?) and use up some of my many paints.
WARNING: The following contains poorly taken photos that are on occasion blurry, not centered, and sort of a hot mess. Sorry, but there was wine and you aren’t reading a photography blog. Smooches! HP
My pals for the evening were an even mix of new people I had yet to meet and classy lasses I had luckily known prior. We ate some Asian food, bought some oven baked turnovers and lactose free ice cream, and ran away to paint. Penelope Cruz* had attended no less than 4 painting and drinking classes and offered to host so she acted as instructor. Everyone took up brushes and away we went to Artistic Town!
The delightful Macy Gray* had not painted prior but turned in for her project a lovely flower scene.
Selma Hayek* took to painting like a fish takes to parading (which is to say well as we all know fish make the best drum leaders) and produced an insatiable dinosaur portrait, soundly taking second place in the competition of creativity.
Our leader, Ms. Cruz* also chose a flower scene; it had an abstractness to it that truly defined her aesthetic style.
I offered up a bird wearing a dunce cap that is still not quite finished. The poor fellow has no eye!
Our first place winner was Miss Halle Berry* with her stirring fat unicorn chasing the winged ice cream cone creation.
It was a very delightful evening and we all went home late and a little punch/wine drunk! Now the girls are even considering a stitch-n-bitch. Can you believe the luck?
Cheerios friends, and good luck out there in internetopia.
Henny Penny
*Some names may have been changed to protect the innocent ladies with whom I am known to mingle. Also, I forgot to ask if I could use their names so enjoy these names instead!
What Else?
Dearest Readers,
I am sure you have been wondering what’s been crackin’ here at the hen house. Well I would never leave you in the dark. I am up to my elbows in fabric for a quilt I promised far too many months ago to one of the loveliest ladies I know. Additionally I made yet another elasticized item to strap to your face, an eye patch for a youngin’ living up in Canada. Then there’s the baking!
As best as I can tell Colorado has decided to remind me why I have been dying to move away and that reason is snow. I love a fluffy storm about once a year to roll around in and participate in a few shenanigans, but you’ll note I said once per year. Alas, 2012 has been the year of the never leaving snowdrift. Just as the snow has nearly melted to smithereens and all we have left are the huge drifts and piles created from shoveling, we get another crappy storm. Sure it’s personified calmness as it falls, and yes it’s nice to look out on a scene of snow covered meadows. But let’s be honest, I live in a town home complex the only meadow I can see from my house is the weird abandoned field between me and yet another town home complex. Even the word field is not appropriate for this space it’s really more of a plot that the developers on the other side of the fence dumped a bunch of dirt on, so now it has become a hill that the coyotes apparently love. Regardless though, snow makes me want to do 3 things: drink cocoa, bake, and crochet.
That second one has really been consuming more time than it should. As I have a bit of a problem with sweets, I try not to bring too many into the house. Instead of cookies, cakes, and brownies, I am prone to baking bread of all forms. Lately I’ve discovered a quick recipe for pita bread that’s easy and sublime! It’s from the book Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes a Day. I have a weird relationship with this book. It introduced me to bread baking 2 years ago and I haven’t gone back to store bought bread since, but sometimes I feel like the bread isn’t terribly complex. In those moments I turn to Peter Reinhart and spend weeks trying to make a starter. Either way the bread turns out delicious!
Now you might be asking yourself why on Earth would I spend so much time talking about baking when this is clearly a crafty blog. Well baking is a good deal like crafting, and I am pretending that making a sandwich is just as important as making a softie. Granted this could all just be due to the damn snow that has been distracting me from the handicraft projects lurking in the shadows.
Bundle up pals, Punxsutawney Phil says we’re in for the long haul!
Henny Penny
Meet Kotomi!
Well hello there Internet pals!
Today I bring you the good news that I happen to be acquainted with a very charming artist known as Kotomi Yoshida. She’s skilled in ways I can only imagine as she has a knack for creating fanciful clothes for hip folks. I am lucky enough to work with her at the museum.
We were in between moments of ticket duties when I noticed she was stitching away on the most delightful little felt food. She warns it is still in progress but allowed me to take a photo.
Here in the Mile High City Kotomi is easily one of the up and coming fashion stars. She has participated in several shows and as best I can tell she does most of the sewing by hand. Her specialty is recycling old garments into new futuristic items with the addition of all sorts of exciting bits and baubles. Check out her Etsy shop to get a feel for her style and you’ll see she has a distinctive flavor.
As I am not a member of the high fashion world, unless you are speaking of the pajama high fashion world that is, I am continuously impressed by her work. She was born in Japan and I feel many of her pieces are inspired by Japanese themes. Furthermore she’s simply a lovely person. Nonetheless we (meaning me) here at Hen On The Town salute you Kotomi! May you find fortune, unicorns, and all of your lost socks!
Cheers,
Henny Penny
For All the Lovers Out There
Aloha Readers and Accidental Clickers,
As yesterday was Valentine’s day my fingers were up to love inspired things. I tore the craft room apart fashioning an outfit that was alluring and domestic. Nothing says “I love you sugar daddy” like a see through chefs hat made out of the finest crocheted mesh my fingers could muster. Alas that little gem was torn to shreds during the evening’s festivities. As for the other item I made, I had to wait for Mr. McCluckin’ to complete his Valentine’s day treasure hunt before I could post this exciting blog entry. Hope your holiday was filled with whatever form of love you prefer. Maybe you’re into tropical fishes, or celery popsicles, or you just can’t get enough fake grass in your life, whatever your love might be, let’s celebrate it!
I happen to especially heart the number one rooster in my life, Mr. McCluckin’. He’s really a swell fellow and this Valentine’s day he gifted me with something quite astonishing, a trip to Maker’s Faire San Francisco! Can you believe it? I’ve not spent any extensive time in San Francisco and to be honest this trip will mostly involve sleeping, eating, and visiting the faire, but either way the city by the bay and I will be sure to cozy up this May.
I had no idea he was planning something so grand. I made him a tiny little diorama using ash we brought back from Iceland in 2010. You may recall the giant angry volcano that was causing so much European air traffic trouble? Well we happened to be in Iceland during that same time and of course we went out to take a peek at the eruption. All we could see was an ash cloud and hear it’s angry bellowing. Though while traipsing about the exploding countryside we collected a sandwich baggie of freshly minted ash before departing to safer distances.
The skewed look is so divine!
I used an IKEA glass jar I’ve had for a few years and a golf tee to base the little people upon. I like that they look like they’re just taking a walk in a sea of ash. What sort of desperate world are these people from? Maybe they have exciting hobbies like hunting fish with their bare hands or postage stamp collecting.
The treasure hunt for Mr. McCluckin’ was a huge success. I took several photos of things around our house and altered them using the Camera+ app on my iPhone. He was truly tricked on several occasions. Here are a few of the photos:
Well keep up the good work chums, I’m off to a magical land of hot springs that make human soup and breweries you can sleep atop, known as Glenwood Springs. I will see you next week!
Tally ho!
Henny Penny