Pink Velvet Bird

Time Out!

2011-12-22T13:05:00.001-05:00

Boy howdy am I excited! I'm taking a few weeks off of (office) work and heading home for some R&R, craftin', cookin' (including vegan doggie cookies!) , photography snappin' and cello playin' :)

I'm hoping to work on a artsy sketch book a la Alisa Burke and start a quilt for our king sized bed. I'm meeting with a model to take some portraits up near Rochester and will make time to stop at the Public Market.

And of course I'll give the herd lots of love and attention!

So many ideas for things I want to do. Oh, and I start school again mid-January. Blech. On the other hand I have a rock-n-roll gig to get ready for, fun!

Excited to get home and get crackin' on all this excitement!

Great Going in Rochester!

2011-12-07T11:34:00.001-05:00

Had a blast at the East Side YMCA in/near Rochester this past weekend! Met great artists and my new cello teacher, the super talented Ms. Pamela Frame. In fact I have to say this is the BEST show I've vended. Great volunteers walking around helping the artists all day, beautiful space and super organized. Momma like!

Sweet Thomas was my partner in craft all day, running to the Owl House for vegan mozzy sticks, bless him!

Bought a couple of pieces (can't show them yet, Santa's bringing one to my pal JM) from Aaron Humbly of Awesome Art. His pieces make me happy!

Can you believe I did not sell one mustache? Hmmmm...I guess the hipsters were sleeping in HAHAHA. I did sell some of my brandy-new jewelry. It's such a tug on my heart when a favorite piece gets adopted. :)

Autumn Ruka!

2011-11-29T15:14:00.000-05:00

...and for some Spring Time Ruka check out Vegan Cabin Adventure :)

Lovely Rochester Wedding

2011-11-16T15:46:00.000-05:00

I shot a wedding at the Inn on Broadway in Rochester this weekend. It was such a lovely event and the happy couple were super sweet and quite in love.

The bride carried a bouquet of paper flowers. Each flower was crafted from an old book. Divine! She added a photo of her pooch and a dazzling "something blue" to the boquet. Loved it!

There was a lot of laughter and I'm thrilled I captured this moment during the couple's first dance.

I send off their copies next week. I hope they like them :)

BIG Crafty Weekend!

2011-10-26T16:55:00.001-04:00

It's been almost 11 days since I've been home. Long story, but let's just say I CAN'T WAIT to see my hubby, dog, cats, birds, rabbits and crafty cabin (aka "The Wee Cabin). It was built over the summer to house my crafty supplies and vending items and as a place to take naps. I have fantasies of nieces and nephews learning to sew with me...and tea parties. It overlooks our pond (my favorite spot) and is so sweet your teeth might fall out! I've been traveling so much that I haven't had a chance to completely organize it. I have a couple of art events coming up so I really need to get in gear.

THIS IS MY WEEKEND!

Eventually I want to build a deck and a birdy flight area. And add landscaping. And a hammock...

There are more picts over at one of my other blogs Vegan Cabin Adventure. Stop by and have a look around :)

Boo! (Still) Free Project!

2011-10-20T12:52:00.003-04:00

Remember how cute these were?
(click for tutorial)

Vending Once More!

2011-10-18T10:41:00.001-04:00

Yippeee! I've been accepted as a vendor in my first juried arts/craft show in my new hood (moved recently to the Rochester area). I'm super psyched to get back into the art show circuit. Feels like I've been away from my sewing machine for way too long.

I'll be participating in the

Crafts for a Cause

event to benefit the

Eastside Family YMCA

Saturday December 3

1835 Fairport Nine-Mile Point Road
Penfield, NY

9AM-4PM

I'm going to be debuting my new jewelry pieces too!

New Posts!

2011-10-13T16:34:00.000-04:00

Wonderin' what's up? Check out some of the new "happenings" over at my other blogs...

FotoMena Gallery

and

Vegan Cabin Adventure

Squeeee....New Camera!

2011-09-22T14:03:00.001-04:00

My loverly friends J&B are getting married next month in exotic Key Largo. Guess who's helping with some of the photography? Ha! Me! They are a super lovely couple and the wedding is going to be the first real vacation the hubster and I have had since OUR honeymoon. (that's 11 years ago, for those playing at home).

I am lucky to have a pretty swell digital (DSLR) but the flash is in need of help. My off-board flash doesn't work on this body because of whatever internal trouble is happening. We brought it into the shop and they were happy to fix it for (drum roll...)$372. What the what!?!

So instead I'm buying another camera (you really should have at least 2 camera bodies to be taken "seriously" anyway). Joy! Rapture! More lenses! Clickity clickity!

You Might Be Portlandia If...

2011-09-16T14:44:00.002-04:00

My dear friend CM turned me onto Portlandia. Have you seen it? Did you hear about this? I think it is F/ING HY-STERICAL.

photo from show, but that could TOTALLY be me. In that dress. With that bag. And that smirky face.

...and it's kinda of about me and the Mr.

Crafty? Check!

Granola-y? Check!

Puttin a bird on it? Check
Tattooed? Check

..duh, this blog HAS A BIRD ON IT! :) and so do I (two actually)

Vegan? Check!

Muscian? Check!

NPR? Check!

Shall I go on?

Rabbit vs. Rabbit

2011-09-06T13:26:00.002-04:00

There have been lots of changes for the herd recently. We've moved the gang up to the country with GRASS! TREES! FLOWERS! and I thought now would be a good time to try to get them to hang out together. Alas, the bonding is not to be. So sad. I am giddy (and jealous) when I see other peoples' buns getting along, snorgling, grooming and hanging out. Oh well...a will have to snorgle, groom and hangout with them as usual. Now you should be jealous of me =:<)

Oh, but there were lots of !BINKIES! and rolls and flops in the grass. Better than chocolate!

OMFoodzie!

2011-09-01T08:31:00.002-04:00

My dear sweet friend Michael turned me on to this new-to-me site: Foodzie

First stop: typed in "vegan" into the search bar and Blammo! super amazing food items, just a click away!

I know I am late to the buffet, but that's all right...happy to have found Foodzie!

I also recently found: Finding Vegan
Food and a bit of fashion and other related articles. Gor-gee-ous photos and great recipes (mostly, sometimes the links are bad, boooo!

Currently Reading: A Place of My Own

2011-08-26T09:45:00.001-04:00

Found this today at B&N. Instantly spoke to me as I've been building a place of my own this year. To see more about my little bit o'paradise check out Vegan Cabin Adventure.

Any other suggestions for good "clear your head" books? Send them my way :)

Updates at the Cabin

2011-08-17T09:21:00.001-04:00

Check out, follow, enjoy: Vegan Cabin Adventure!

Flower Alert!

2011-07-27T14:49:00.001-04:00

Have you seen the flowers over at Vegan Cabin Adventure?

Out Antiquing...

2011-07-15T10:05:00.001-04:00

Found this lovely vintage veggie label and just HAD to have it!

Check out my other find over at Vegan Cabin Adventure

Re-Cycling: New Used Bike

2011-07-06T11:34:00.001-04:00

Look out country roads...here I come!

Wouldn't this be a delightful addition?

and this bell...

Best Blog Around...

2011-06-24T09:53:00.001-04:00

I love love love the blog Dude Craft . Great art and craft chat, perfect for dudes and dudettes alike! Paul Overton the blog's author (and super cutey) also keeps another blog:

Every Day is Awesome

The name says it all. The blog's tag line is "Because Cynicism is EXHAUSTING". Really the best thing on the interwebs if you ask me. (well, maybe it's tied with the Hen Cam...but you get the point, I HEART IT!)

Thanks Paul for your awesome blogs! Keep up the good, positive works!

*photo of Paul from his blog*

So many flowers....

2011-06-21T09:59:00.001-04:00

over at Vegan Cabin Adventure :) Check 'em out!

Cinnamon Rabbit will be Missed

2011-06-15T12:48:00.001-04:00

One of my favorite all time blogs is Disapproving Rabbits. Their sweet and disapproving mascot, Cinnamon, has passed. I shed a tear for this bunny I only knew via electronical computery transmission. I will hug my fellas and kiss their heads even more tonight.

Thank you Cinnamon for all the disapproving. And thanks for sharing your blog with my buns. Here was Chowder's big day == : <)

Springy Pretties

2011-06-05T12:13:00.000-04:00

Some new pretties planted at the cabin...check out

Vegan Cabin Adventure for more gardening fun :)

Best Web Cam Ever!

2011-06-03T11:40:00.001-04:00

Check out this Hen Cam! Prepare for all your daily chores to fall by the wayside. This is Terry Golson's website/blog and it's amazing. She has so much to share about back yard chickens and other friends. Sigh...some day my flock will come.

I'll also be blogging about this at Vegan Cabin Adventure...with commentary by Chowder Rabbit.

'Nother New Post!

2011-05-31T09:54:00.001-04:00

Check out what's going on at Vegan Cabin Adventure :)

New Post about our New Blog

2011-05-26T11:41:00.001-04:00

Life has been pulling us nearer to the cabin and nature and right livelihood. So many questions:
Move to the cabin? Stay in NJ? Adopt a dog? Work for a non-profit?

We're working on these questions and more and trying to find the correct path through the trees.

I've started a new blog to document this journey. If you'd like, join us! Comment, visit, click and what have you...

Vegan Cabin Adventure

Hope to see y'all there :)

Sunflowers...this MY YEAR!

2011-05-19T09:54:00.001-04:00

Going to plant sunflowers AGAIN this year at the cabin...I'm hoping for the best! This lovely lady was growing at a friend's place not too far away...glad I could visit but I want my own :) Keep your green thumbs crossed!

Sewing Classes at the Jersey City Art School!

2011-04-07T14:46:00.001-04:00

I'm going to be teaching a sewing class starting on May 14 @ the Jersey City Art School. Join me!

Sewing 101 (aka: Take your machine out and use it!)

In this 2 day / 6 hour class you will learn basic hand sewing techniques, quilting techniques, and to use your sewing machine successfully!

Topics covered:

Threading your machine top and bottom (bobbin)
Adjusting tension
Experimenting with stitch types/lengths
Installing zippers
Making a small purse/bag
Creating a quilted checkerboard pillow (day 2)
Hand sewing buttons and closures
Fabric and thread properties
And SEW much more!

Sewing machine & sewing supplies required.

A detailed supply list will be supplied once you register.

Space is limited so please register early!

2 days: Saturday May 14 & Sunday May 15 (time TBA)

$85 plus supplies

Great for ages 10 to 110!

Jersey City Art School

732-877-9116

jcartschool@gmail.com

326 Fifth St. Jersey City, NJ

Hope to see you there! :)

Currently Creating...

2011-03-25T10:46:00.001-04:00

Necklaces! (yesh, the photo is reversed and yesh, I mean "yesh")

I've been Photoshopping (new verb!) vintage imagery and pages from a wicked old dictionary.

I'm giggling as I make these and get ready for upcoming artsy/craftsy shows.

Busy Busy and a Freebie

2011-03-24T10:26:00.001-04:00

Just like everyone else...I've been super busy....

Illin' cat!
Craftin' for art shows!
New day job!
Teaching sewing!
Upcoming trip to CA!
Music! Music! Music!

Here are some free inchies I put together a while back...feel free to print and make as you wish :)

Cheers dears!

Pink Velvet Bird

RINGS! From my Photos! Go me!

2011-03-12T18:34:00.001-05:00

Here's a picture I took up at Farm Sanctuary this summer....

And here's a (poor) photo of the ring I made from my picture of a cow at Farm Sanctuary.

I can't stop making these! I'm giggling...could be the glue fumes...or just the joy I get out of these wonderful animals :)

SHEEPS! In NYC!

2011-03-04T12:23:00.000-05:00

Saw this herd on my way to work this A.M. Totally made my morning! :)

This reminds me to remind you...wool ain't vegan...though there are some great small scale farmers out there making humane wool products. Do some research before you buy :)

Snowday "Painting" #6

2011-02-21T10:26:00.000-05:00

Happy Anniversary Dear Cello!

2011-02-15T07:42:00.000-05:00

Last year for VD (val's day) my honey bought me a cello. It's been a year since I've started playing again (I played in school) and I am so very happy for it! I clearly do not practice as much as I should but still feel like I've made a lot of progress over this year. I've joined a band, made some great, talented friends and feel pretty bad-ass carrying the thing around town. I look forward to what this year brings!

Thank you sweet husband! You're a great gifter/partner/best friend :)

Thread Storage Idea

2011-02-07T07:35:00.000-05:00

I used to own A LOT of thread. Look at your collection of thread and then double or triple that. I've since downsized and have found that a plastic storage bin intended to house 12x12 scrap paper is the perfect fit for my thread (obsession). And of course, I like it in ROY-G-BIV order.

The clear plastic makes it super easy to see what's what when I'm trying to match up something for a project. It's easy to store and keeps the threads dust free :)

Word of caution for machine sewers: Be very careful to never use WAXED or coated thread in your machines! The wax melts and gunks up the works. SEW SAD...

Cheers!
PVB

Chowder Spillith Over

2011-01-25T19:57:00.000-05:00

Check out the bunny flub spilling out of the rabbit gate. I can't take it! :)

My boy Chowder was adopted from Hug-A-Bunny rabbit rescue.

Check them out! Foster homes are always needed!

Someday Sunflower

2011-01-24T17:31:00.000-05:00

It's wicked cold here in the Northeast. Here's a bright big reminder that someday we shall have sunflowers again!

Moo Cow Love @ Farm Sanctuary

2011-01-23T10:01:00.001-05:00

The hotty hubby shot this at Farm Sanctuary this summer. I miss the warmth, the grass, the animals...luckily I have my own "herd" to care for and that makes me happy too :)

These amazing cows have survived some horrible conditions and situations. Luckily they've all found homes at Farm Sanctuary and welcome visits for a nice scratch on the head or rub on the (HUGE!) tummy. More picts of some of the animals can be found at my other blog: FotoMenaGallery

Volunteering Tonight @ Art House Productions!

2011-01-22T09:53:00.000-05:00

I'm tres excited to be helping out with Art House Productions' fund raiser tonight! These super cool peeps housed the Jersey City Artist's Studio tour I was in a few months back and I'm honored to be in their company.

I think I'm going to bust out the dress from the convalidation topped with the handmade shawl I made for Farm Sanctuary's gala last year at Tavern on the Green.

(bad haircut, great shawl!)

I'm on "food duty"...hope there are lots of veggies to dish out :)
Stay tuned for picts and such!

PVB

The Decemberists - "The Mariner's Revenge Song"

2011-01-18T11:28:00.001-05:00

Upstate Winter Wonderland

2010-12-30T16:49:00.000-05:00

The handsome hubby took this picture of our town square
("town" being about 12 miles down the road a-piece!). Ahhhh.

Wishing you all a happy, compassionate, healthy new year!

Looking forward to the biggest & brightest new excitements in 2011

Photos With Santa

2010-12-19T09:11:00.000-05:00

Guess who I had a chance to talk with....Santa "the Man!" Claus!

I asked him what he wished for...boy was I surprised! Turns out Santa and Mrs. C are vegans!

Who knew?

He'd like folks to set out VEGAN COOKIES for him to snack upon as he makes his rounds.

I asked him to bring good will to each of your doorsteps and to do all that he could to help the needy creatures in our world.

Ho ho ho!
PVB

This Sunday! Vending with BUST and the Jersey City Craft Mafia!

2010-12-18T08:39:00.000-05:00

We'll be at the Grace Van Vorst Church

39 Erie St. Downtown Jersey City

Sunday Dec. 19 from Noon til 5ish.

Screw the mall! Buy handmade!

Come Shop with Santa at Maxwell's! Sunday!

2010-12-07T18:22:00.002-05:00

Howdy! I've been stitchin' up new goodies and will be vending this Sunday at Maxwell's in Hoboken :)

Check out the info:

FREE TO ENTER

11AM to 3PM

1039 Washington Street Hoboken, NJ

*pictures with Santa* (taken by the amazing Jackie Post)

-$10 for 3 HI-REZZ JPEGS DELIVERED WITHIN 48 HOURS TO YOUR CYBER-MAIL DOORSTEP with 20% of ALL PROCEEDS DONATED to the NEW JERSEY CHAPTER of the MAKE-A-WISH FOUNDATION! ALL AGES WELCOME!

handmade gifts for sale by:

-Pinkvelvet Bird

-Curly Hair Conspiracy
-Red Delicious Things
-pigdog
-Baby Got Bibs
-Cake and Torture
-Little Punk People
-the art of Bryan D'Angelo

*free holiday cookies* (I'll have vegan ones of course!)
*xmas music*
*cocktails* (served by Hoboken's one & only Indian bartender)

Pomplamoose + Zoe Keating....sigh

2010-12-05T13:39:00.000-05:00

Stale Bread + OK Go!

2010-11-20T08:00:00.000-05:00

Love this band and all of their artistic videos. Plus, I totally love toast.

Currently Reading: My Cat Spit McGee

2010-11-16T20:20:00.000-05:00

I've been spending a lot of time on a bus as of late...this book is keeping my company.

I heart stories about pets!

Pumpkin Paws

2010-11-14T20:58:00.000-05:00

Hope for Spring!

2010-11-05T07:04:00.002-04:00

We planted (and watched squirrels eat) bulbs a few weeks ago up at the cabin...I have "grand" plans for a one or two garden areas...for now a few bits of color will make us happy (hopefully!) come spring :)

We planted lilies, bearded iris and daffodils. Fingers crossed!

Currently Reading: "Every Inch of Her" by Peter Sheridan

2010-11-03T07:14:00.005-04:00

This isn't the type of book I'd normally pick up...it was laying (or lying) in a pile of discarded books at the office and I liked the colors on the cover. So I started reading it out of boredom at lunch time (trying to give the crochet/knitting a rest to make my wrists feel a bit better) and guess what the first word of the book is:
"Philo"

Hmmmm....now I'm intrigued.

Philo as in Philomena. Neat! I've never read a book with a main character named (almost) the same as me (I'm an "F"ilomena)

Ok, so I'm getting into the story and lo and behold! Her husband's nickname: Tommo.
Ok...That stands for Thomas...wait a minute! That's MY hubby's name. Weird.

Then! They have a son...they name him Jack. Like, OMyGoodness...those who know us will know why that's odd...

Super duper weird, no?

Anyways...the book thus far (I'm more than 1/2 done) is more engaging than I first thought it would be and I'm looking forward to (hopefully) a happy ending.

I swear, if they end up with 3 pet birds, 3 cats and 2 rabbits I'm calling a laywer LOL

(Incidentally, in one of Frank McCourt's books, he mentions his Aunt Philomena & Uncle Thomas....it must be a hot combo)

Bring on the Cranberry Chuntey! A How-To for You!

2010-11-01T07:00:00.002-04:00

Venture Bros, How I Love Thee

2010-10-28T09:43:00.001-04:00

My wonderful, perfect and thoughtful husband brought home the gift of gifts last night:

VENTURE BROS. Season 4!!!

You see we've happily given up paying for TV and rely on my other bestest friend, Netflix, and our amazing, "save them in a fire", collection of cartoon & Jason Bourne DVDs. We've had to wait a while to see the new season and it's like Christmas, Halloween and my b-day wrapped in one to finally have it in our possession! This is just Vol. 1 of this season so I get to get all happy when Vol. 2 arrives...

Start to Love Love Love the Venture Bros. cartoon (via Adult Swim) today! You're life will magically become more enriched and fulfilling...promise!
Thanks ST!

Baby Porcupine

2010-10-27T11:07:00.000-04:00

Someone sent me this super cute set of pictures...thought I'd share :) I have no idea where the pictures originate from, but I thank the photographer and wee porcupine for creating this set of images. I think I just got a cavity, these are so sweet!!

The Creepiest Halloween Decoration I've Ever Seen

2010-10-25T10:48:00.000-04:00

Ack! Super Ack!
I saw this picture on the ever so awesome (wish it were vegan friendly) Bakerella web site.
I am SOOO grossed out by this. This picture was taken at one of the wonderful Bakerella's book signings (I didn't take this photo, nor was I at the signing). So this woman with the creepy hand must be "into" baking. It takes 2 things I adore (Halloween and Baking) and turns it into something super terrifying!

I bet there's icing caked under those nails....ack! I'm gagging!

Cruddy Photo of Super Cute Bunny & Cow

2010-10-19T09:36:00.000-04:00

There's a theory that states: "The best camera in the world is the one that you have." That's my justification for this cruddy camera phone picture of my boy Chowder making friends with Ms. Cowerlla (she is wearing a tu-tu and ballet slippers).
Chowder was adopted from the ever so fabu Hug-A-Bunny Rabbit Rescue. They have a ton of buns looking for their fur-ever home...stop by the site today :)

'Tis Our Birthday! Shakin' Our Booties!

2010-10-14T06:25:00.001-04:00

Free How-To Re-Run: Fear Not the Ruler!

2010-10-13T10:11:00.000-04:00

Here's a repost of an image I've been asked a lot about...how to read a ruler.

I created this a while back when I was teaching a lot of sewing/fabric classes.

Feel free to print and share with your friends & students!
I just ask that you please refer back to Pink Velvet Bird :)

You can do it!

Our Ghosties on One Pretty Thing!

2010-10-12T06:35:00.001-04:00

Wooo Hooooo Booooo! How super nice for One Pretty Thing to feature our ghostie project!

Check out our original posting here

Cello Recordings

2010-10-11T08:23:00.001-04:00

My band recorded another scratch track this weekend. Our singer took some picts (thanks L!). Can you pick out all the things I'm doing wrong?

Wrist position: WRONG!

Left hand position: WRONG!

My cello teacher will be so disappointed LOL

How-To Re-Run: Anniversary Soup!

2010-10-07T11:01:00.002-04:00

I posted this 2 years ago...and it's rainy today here in NJ...and my anniversary is coming up next week...so I thought I'd post it again. Back when I first posted we were a vegetarian household...we've grown up since and now are proud to say we are a vegan household. I've amended the recipe accordingly :)

I can hear you all now..."where will I find VEGAN! tortellini?" Well, I'm assuming (bad habit) that wholefoods, trader joe's or some other super market or on-line shop will have them...or you could use another type o'pasta. I've found vegan ravioli at both of the above markets in the past. The important thing is that you make it with a song in your heart and wear your best undergarments...this soup will put you in the mood for love! Promise!
PVegan!B

Picts and Links from the Jersey City Studio Tour

2010-10-06T08:41:00.000-04:00

Wow! What an amazing time I had participating in the Jersey City Studio Tour this past weekend!

We were guests of Art House Productions…a nicer group of people will never be found! The other artists truly inspired me and the various craft demos have my mind whirling! I hope my demos on burned fabric and twisted roses kept the crowd happy too. I feel so blessed to have been in such good company!

Check out these sassy girls from “O My Lucky Stars” rockin’ my handmade lavender infused Mustaches! Aren’t they foxy! (girls AND mustaches!)

Speaking of foxy…the hubby stopped by, he’s always my favorite visitor! And he took some of these swell picts!

Here’s the dashing Kiva demonstrating why glass is so F&C*ing awesome! Find out more about his delicate glass lovelies at Kiva.com and his Etsy shop, KivaFord. He let us break glass rods. Sooooo cool! Burned Fabric! Broken Glass! This is my type of party!

Extra special thanks to Luca of Lollibomb and The Jersey City Craft Mafia for putting together such a great show! I have some of her vegan body products….you could just eat them (but don’t!).

2 Rabbits 2 Cups

2010-10-05T08:26:00.001-04:00

Did you know:

rabbits are the 3rd most abandoned pet in the U.S.?

Think about fostering or adopting a rabbit!

Check out: Hug-A-Bunny Rabbit Rescue

We share our home with 2 amazing rabbits and can't imagine not having them in our family.
(Thanks to Jules for sending this super cute video my way!)

Autumn Quilt, Ancient History

2010-10-01T09:47:00.000-04:00

I made this a few years ago...pretty, no? It was for a client (back when I owned a quilt shop) and I'm hoping they're still taking happy naps under it! It seems like a life time ago that I owned the shop and had days filled with fabrics and such.

Today I'm still making and passionate about fiber...but at least now I can pay my mortgage LOL :) Speaking of which...

Please do come find me at
the Jersey City Artist Studio Tour this weekend :)

PVB!

Visit me at the Jersey City Studio Tour

2010-09-26T09:15:00.003-04:00

I'll be vending my !vegan! hand sewn accessories :) along with the Jersey City Craft Mafia. I'm super psyched to be involved in this event :)

Sat Oct 2 and Sun Oct 3 from noon to about six pm

Hamilton Square, 1 McWilliams Place, 6th Floor
(SE Corner of Hamilton Park, near Erie/8th St) Jersey City, NJ

Check it!

JERSEY CITY CRAFT MAFIA w/artwork by...

To-Do before the Next B-Day

2010-09-23T14:37:00.000-04:00

Aaaaautumn

2010-09-19T16:03:00.000-04:00

Stopped by a local garden center. Ahhhhhhhh....

Creepy...in the best way...Old Tooth Samples

2010-09-19T07:00:00.001-04:00

These are just too cool... check them out at my etsy shoppe.

How Much is Too Much?

2010-09-18T07:00:00.002-04:00

I'd like to open this up for discussion:

How much of kids' personal information is too much on a blog or other public space?

This comes up as I've recently been discussing a similar topic with friends and just happened upon a blog posting where the blogger (we'll call her Mom) posted a picture of her son (we'll call him Kid) sitting on the toilet, pant less, asleep. I posted a comment stating that maybe she (Mom) should rethink the picture of her son (Kid). How would this make him feel having a "private moment" shared with the world. I wasn't hostile or rude, but boy oh boy did it get a hot reaction from someone (Friend) who apparently knows Mom & Kid. Friend was "appalled" that I'd have anything negative to say. Yikes! Welcome to America.

I was invited to Martha Stewart's Bloggers' Night Out last month and asked this of a few "Mommy Bloggers". It seemed that the lovely ladies I talked with had all sorts of differing opinions...some thought that they wanted to keep their kids out of the "spot light" while others said that it's sort of all fair game. Interesting.

Now I'm not a mom (to anyone human) but I am an aunt, friend, former nanny, after school teacher and intelligent person. Kid on thrown, unaware of photo being taken doesn't deserve to have this image posted for the world to see. He has to go to school (I assume) with other kids, some of them will see this photo. Yikes. I'm glad it's not me or my nephew or my friend's kid. I mean did Mom ask Kid "Hey, Kid, do you mind if I show this photo of you pooping to the entire world?"

Please, tell me what you think...

Like, Oh My Gawd! A Blog Make Over!

2010-09-17T09:32:00.000-04:00

I was home from work sick yesterday and I started to play around on the 'puter. You know how that goes...7 hours later I came up with the new look to PVB. What do y'all think? Miss the pink? Lovin' the wood? I like the earthy quality...makes me feel a bit closer to our cabin in the woods.

I also: made a huge pot o'soup; baked (from scratch!) vegan corn cake and started watching Cowboy Bebop (I know, 12 years late, whatever).

This was one of those sick days where I was actually sick...imagine what I'd accomplish on a "mental health" sick day!

Lemme know what you think of the new blog layout...I probably won't really change anything, but I do love reading your suggestions LOL

I Want to be Zoe Keating When I Grow Up

2010-09-15T21:55:00.001-04:00

Watch the full episode. See more Performance.

Great Dane Rescue + Monarch Tattoo = Great Charity Event!

2010-09-13T12:02:00.000-04:00

Join us SUNDAY September 19 @
Monarch Tattoo

for a fund raiser for the Mid Atlantic Great Dane Rescue

12-6pm

2915 State Rt. 23 South, Newfoundland NJ 07422
973-697-0032

Tattoo appointments are first come, first served and proceeds will benefit the Mid Atlantic Great Dane Rescue. Please have your tatt art ready when you arrive.

I'll be shooting some picts (these here are from my shoot at the event last year) and chatting with the fine artists at Monarch Tattoo.

Stop on by! Get some ink! Help some doggies!

Pantry Party this FRIDAY

2010-09-07T17:06:00.000-04:00

I'm going to be vending my vegan accessories at a charity event called

The Pantry Party

This Friday, Sept. 10th

7:30-11pm

Wayne Firehouse, 97 Parish Drive, Wayne NJ 07470

$10 donation at the door or
for every can of food you donate you'll get $1 off admission...ten cans o'food = free admission!
Super cool!

Art! Music! Good deeds!

C'mon b(u)y!

Princess Di + Undies + Cello

2010-09-02T08:14:00.000-04:00

Strange but true ad from China....I see another halloween costume forming...
Also, I love the servant boy music stand!

Amp Class...Part 1

2010-09-01T12:00:00.000-04:00

I took the "build a practice amp" class at the Supreme Sound Studio last night. It was a blast! The instructors super knowledgeable and patient. I'm not finished with the wood working (I opted for a heavy duty vintage DMC thread box as my housing) portion of the project, but I'm done soldiering all the components and I've tested it out.

Battery? Check! Cello? Check! It works!

There were A LOT of teeny-tiny parts...and all sorts of new terms to learn...I wanted to yell out: "Flux Capacitor!" all night long!

It's fun to play "Spot the only chick in the class"

(thanks Brian for this pict!)

Stay tuned for a post about the finished-finished project :)
Pink Electric Bird

Birdy Ha Ha

2010-08-30T08:39:00.002-04:00

First Gig Since 1991

2010-08-26T08:17:00.000-04:00

I've been working with a couple of musical projects (playing rock 'n roll cello) and last night I played with the most excellent viola player this side of the Missasip....Ron (you can see his red shirt hiding out in the vampire pict below). Our project is called Dorkestra and we're currently working on Sonic Youth and Smog songs.

Look Mom! I'm actually a vampire! A vegan one...it's a tough life...

We were only able to squeak out 2 of the 3 songs we had prepared, as the "Jam Band" dude running the show was a bit hostile towards us...HA! I think he was just intimadated by our fretless instruments (you see stringed instruments such as the cello and viola don't have handy dandy frets that indicate where one is to place one's fingers to make each note. Nope, frets are for the weak LOL).

Anywho, I'm feeling super proud and so grateful for the support from friends and of course the Hottie Hubby (thanks for the picts!) and super-duper grateful to Ron for his patience and humor. I am definately the weak link in our duo (but not for long!). I'm thinking of trying to fit an Interpol song into our set list...The future's so bright/loud, I gotta wear earplugs!

Any suggestions for indy/punky/rocky songs we should take on?

Doppelganger?

2010-08-24T19:40:00.001-04:00

I've heard that I have a doppelganger and that she's an alien...At least I have an easy Halloween ahead of me!

What do you think?

Party Rabbit

2010-08-23T13:39:00.000-04:00

Here's Chowder taking a snooze during a recent vegan pot luck party. Sooo many great snacks! You can see some of the great eats in the back ground. Thanks for the photo, Cheryl! OMRabbit! Look at them feet!

Post Bunny Bath Bonanza

2010-08-19T19:37:00.000-04:00

Vegan Face Scrub or a Nice Pie Filling

2010-08-16T09:07:00.000-04:00

Learning to Make an Amp!

2010-08-11T10:15:00.000-04:00

Hokey Smokes! I just signed up for a class on how to make my own practice amp (for my cello) at the Supreme Sound Studio.
I don't know nothing about (birthin' babies) amps/electronics, but am *amped* to meld my love of craft with my love of music.

Any suggestions for what to use as a container? They suggest using a cigar box, but I'd like to use something that's not linked to lung cancer. What do you think? Maybe something attached to a tip jar LOL!

Solar Powered Kitties

2010-08-09T09:43:00.000-04:00

Pumpkin and Pretty kitties recharge after a long night of sleeping.

Vegan Mac n Cheese n Basil

2010-08-07T09:00:00.001-04:00

Start with this Road's End Organics Mac n Cheese...

...and add some fresh basil (& daiya cheddar)...

...and enjoy this!

Super yummy & cruelty free, sooooooo good!

Martha Martha Martha

2010-08-06T08:20:00.000-04:00

Ok, this is just a teaser post...I haven't processed the images from last night's Martha Stewart Bloggers' Night Out yet (I have tons)...

I decided to showcase the tattooed folks (there were about 6)

I met some fun peeps (Liesl from Oliver & S, Matt & Adam (my newest bestest friends & superb photo dudes), etc.)

Stay tuned! I have LOTS to dish about.
xoxox
Pink Velvet newly tattooed Bird

and for your pleasure...Luke the Duke

I Wonder If She'll Like My Tattoos?

2010-08-03T09:02:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow I'm having more work done on the tattoo on my right arm.
Exciting! Ouchy!

Then on Thursday I'm going to the Martha Stewart "Blogger's Night Out" event in NYC. Word on the street is that Ms. M. won't actually be there, but her daughter will. I wonder if there will be any vegan snacks...I'll bring some just in case :)
Exciting! (hopefully not) Ouchy!

And, just to be random, here's a pict of one of the earrings I made a while back (modeled by my super lovely cousin Ginella).
Exciting! Only ouchy if I make like 100 of them in a single day.

Because I'm 12

2010-07-29T13:32:00.000-04:00

Wanted a backpack for my weekend up at Farm Sanctuary and found this one in the the "Enchantment" design at Borders ($20). Well, this is a pict of the matching lunch tote, but you get the idea. Now I want to go to a carnival with one of those "Guess Your Age" carnies...there's no way in heck he'd guess I'm over 12 years old HAHAHA! There's even a spot for me to pull yarn through a hole...I think it's meant for your earbuds, but that seems silly to me...you could be protecting your yarn! :)

Plus, it's vegan :)

Vegan Ha Ha

2010-07-28T07:55:00.000-04:00

From this week's New Yorker mag:

Caption says:

"All the entrees are vegan, but they taste as good as endangered species."

Hoe Down @ Farm Sanctuary!

2010-07-27T08:00:00.004-04:00

I'm leaving Friday for this year's Hoe Down at Farm Sanctuary! I had a blast last year and this year's sure to be super good as well! I'm traveling with some of my vegan buddies from meetup. The HH has to work (boooooooooo hissssssssss). I so wanted to dance with him in the barn! I met a bunch of new friends last year and am looking forward to hugging the sheep, pet the cows and laugh at the ducks and pigs again this year!

Last year I found time to sew before the barn dance...

....and knit during a seminar....

...and chill after a huge vegan meal...

(these picts by Derek Goodwin)

Weekend Update

2010-07-26T10:03:00.001-04:00

Stay tuned for picts of some of the following from this weekends mis/adventures!

1) new tattoos for me and hubby
2) tried a recipe for vegan lime/blueberry pie
c) hung with the awesome wee nephew and family @ a not so awesome dead fish restaurant. ack!
4) used the new cello pickup for the first time, it's TOO good!
5) rocked out with my pal Ron, worked on 100% by Sonic Youth
f) ga-ga for a "new to me" vegan mac and cheese from a box...

and so much more...

Stop with the Xmas in July Stuff

2010-07-20T10:31:00.000-04:00

Pet peeve #123: Christmas in July.

Ech! I'm seeing a lot of crafty stuff out there with this theme. "Start making your gifts now!" Knock it off already...go relax, have a margarita and stop making me think about sweaters and scarves and stockings for God's sake!

Pink Sweaty Bird

Happy Jane Day!

2010-07-14T08:11:00.003-04:00

Oh! Shiny!

2010-07-12T18:43:00.001-04:00

The HH (hottie hubby) bought some new cheapo sunglasses at a townie fair. Ain't he cute!?

Meet Claire

2010-07-11T13:13:00.000-04:00

Here's our "upstate" resident raccoon, Claire. She's better than watching TV! (She's named after St. Claire, the patron saint of TV, don't ya know!) She even helps the chipmunks by spreading the "raccoon" food all over the ground for them to snack on. She's an ambassador to all forest creatures :)

Into the Woods

2010-07-09T10:15:00.000-04:00

What does your driveway look like? Here's a snap of ours "upstate"...Just looking at it makes my muscles relax. You can also see my hottie hubby's shadow. So good.

So, what do YOU do?

2010-06-30T11:24:00.000-04:00

I was cruising around overstock looking around their section called "career shirts". I'm in the market for some long-sleeved (read: tattoo covering) shirts and I came across this gem. I sort of like the shirt...but please, some tell me what sort of career do you have that is in your "work attire" area of your closet? Oh, I know! It's for "let's change all the printer toner day"!?! Help me out on this one!

Please, no photos!

2010-06-29T17:15:00.000-04:00

Pumpkin cat prefers not to be photographed.

10K!

2010-06-24T09:10:00.004-04:00

WOW! As of today we've hit 10,000+ hits on this humble blog. Thanks SO much for checkin' us out and please do come again soon now!

xoxoxoxoxo
Pink Velvet Bird

Vegan BEAD soup PARTY!

2010-06-21T13:46:00.003-04:00

I was so lucky to be paired up with Boot~C from Momma's Gotta Doodle . I sent her a bunch of bluey/turquoisey/ beads ('cause they're my favorite and I wanted to see them go to a good home!) and some fiber pieces including one of my hand made pins. Boot~C did an AMAZING job! I'm so impressed!

I asked Boot~C to only send me vegan items (no silk, leather or pearl components). I love my new cruelty free neck art!

I received a yummy package of blues! and greens! and purples! and glowy white! and a fabu goddess focal bead, I added the glass rabbit head. Strange and fun plus it opens the door to talk to people about rabbit well fare and adoption possibilities! Along with this Boot~C included ribbon (swoon!) and a super cute moon toggle.

How did she know to send all of my favorites?!?
I decided to go "old school" and crochet the beads with gold metallic thread. I added a few from my stash in the color ways of the beads I received. I think it's lovely! Makes me think of a water color painting. I've already received a bunch of compliments. Thanks Boot~C!
What do you think?

Musical Updates and Such

2010-06-17T09:40:00.003-04:00

1) purchased a new 5 string cello...awaiting it's delivery! Waiting is so stupid.

2) met the coolest viola player ever via meetup and can't wait to play together with him...we're working on Sonic Youth songs! Jealous? You should be :)

c) *may have* joined a rock n roll band...think Alice in Chains avec cello.

4) looking for a bridge pickup

V) looking for a lightweight hard case for the new cello

Once again I am so incredibly grateful for the hot hubby gifting me a cello. I can't believe how much I've missed playing.

Free Inchies by Me to You!

2010-06-14T11:37:00.003-04:00

Click, print and enjoy!
x0x0x
PVB

Creative Overload?

2010-06-10T10:02:00.003-04:00

I read a lot of blogs and websites about craft/design/food/homemaking/farm creatures/cartoons/vegan stuff. I mean A LOT. Mostly I am left with a smile on my face but every so often I am left feeling just SO LAME. I wanna do/try/make/taste/pet & hug all the things/creatures I read about but alas there are only so many hours in the day.

Here's what a typical week day looks like for me right now:

7a-7:10a: love up the cats while still in bed

7:10-7:45: shower & dress me/feed & tidy pets

8a-5:30p: desk job. not a fun/creative/exciting one either. pays for the rabbit chow.

12p-1p: lunch. walk to Indian grocer or go home to pet & tidy animals and play a bit of cello or read. Sometimes a "secret" lunch with the hubby @ wholefoods! Swoon!

3:30-4:30: some Wednesdays, leave work early to teach fiber arts to kids in an after school program. (no lunch taken at work)

6-6:45 Wednesdays, cello lessons

6-9: 2 nights a week, school.

7-10: laundry (rarely), food shopping (occasionally), dinner, snuggle with hubby (as often as possible!)

10-doze off: watch Venture Brothers cartoons or (currently) The Wire.

The weekends are full of cabin trips (my fave!), vegan breakfasts (also my fave!), house work (NOT my fave!) and as much art/music/chilling as I can fit in.

I want more more more time for arts and art shows,foods and critter love!
I should be going to the gym. I need to return those books to the library.

Shrug.

I say we extend the weekend at least one more day and fire Mondays. What do you think?

I'll Say it Again...read: EATING ANIMALS

2010-06-08T17:17:00.001-04:00

Ok, so I already posted about this book by Jonathan Safran Foer...
But really, really, we need to all read this information.

If you're not going to stop eating animals and their by-products (but ya should), ok, I'm not going to harp, but you DO NEED TO KNOW what's going on on factory farms.

Really.

It's not just about animals' rights and their suffering, it's about HUMANS too.

You! Me! Your nieces and nephews!
I shutter to think of my sweet and nutso wee nephew putting trash and shit (literally) in his mouth every time he has a chicken mc crappy crap nugget. (by weight, chicken is sold with 11% tainted liquid (i.e., shit and other contaminates) to plump it up). Go ahead...Check into it.

What's going on is a gross miss-use of our land, resources, hard working family farmers and low wage factory workers.

Please, look into the foods you're putting on your family's table. We all can vote for what is produced and sold in our markets...everytime you put something in your cart you're voting.

Make INFORMED choices.