Annigurumi

Adv. Multimedia - Get It Together

2010-04-14T16:59:00.001-04:00

IMAG 4570 - Project 03 - Animation Camera: Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ20 Editing Software: Adobe Premiere Pro CS4 First attempt at stop-animation. Time Spent: Crocheting - 3hrs Filming - 3 hrs Production/editing/rendering - 4hrs

Little Known: Infographic Love

2010-03-15T12:10:00.000-04:00

I have a secret love for infographics:

More graphics:
A Peek Into Netflix Queues (via NYTimes) -see also: making of
Depth of Knowledge (provided by Google Docs)

A couple sites on the subject:
http://www.informationisbeautiful.net/
http://flowingdata.com/ - they have tutorials here!

Books on the topic I wish I owned:
Wall Street Journal - Guide to Information Graphics (amazon)
The Visual Miscellaneum (Barnes and Noble)

Anyone else out there share in the infographic love? Got a good site? I'm always looking for more!

Is it spring yet?

2010-02-18T12:50:00.000-05:00

I'm ready for a little color outside on my walks.

A beer is bottled

2010-01-30T01:40:00.001-05:00

I'm not a Mac person...

2010-01-28T14:46:00.001-05:00

...but I think I've decided I want one. iTouch is too small. eBook readers are too much of a niche machine. Laptop is unweildy and I often haul it just to access/view files. I think this would be a good solution for transferring files between workhorse machines and for document viewing.

Who wants to bet next year's model has built-in camera and mic?

Shabby paper-maiche ships

2010-01-25T16:51:00.000-05:00

I was searching for Advanced Multimedia project inspiration when I came across a tutorial for making these whimsical little boats.

Ann Wood - paper mache boat pattern

Wouldn't a little Cirrus SR20 be adorable too? Can't find a paper model for one anywhere..can you?

Offset Lithography - AB Dick overview

2010-01-21T19:02:00.001-05:00

Spring semester has started and the flow of ideas, and the flow of obligations are ready to burst the pipes. I'm excited to have a press class I can design my own projects for!

First lab was an introduction to using the AB Dick duplicator:

Thanksgiving: Roommates

2009-11-19T11:03:00.003-05:00

I am thankful for my roommates: the adventures we've had and the memories we've made together. Thank you, S and P.

Musette Bracelet GUEST GIVEAWAY!

2009-07-11T19:52:00.003-04:00

I don't think I'll ever stop trying to win stuff. It's better than gambling, right?
Grosgrain giveaway: Musette Bracelet

I already knew it was hot out...

2009-06-24T10:30:00.003-04:00

Ok, I understand that it's going to be in the 90s today. The number 90 is high, it's understood. Did I really need a steaming thermometer icon to drive the point home? Oh great... the forecast increased another 2 degrees to 94 while I was writing this post.

Weekend Visits: Father's Day

2009-06-21T17:18:00.007-04:00

Like a good daughter, I went visited my parents for Father's Day weekend. With the Summer Solstice coinciding, and the 4th of July not far off, the whole house was abuzz with chores and preparations.
Working ahead, cranberry orange biscotti get sliced up...
and laid out for their second baking. July 4th guests will get a treat usually reserved for Christmas Cookie tins!
The huge pile of mulch in the driveway became home to a few unexpected guests. Mother unearthed two toads while spreading mulch around the garden.
I quickly chased after them with my bucket and released them into the hostas (kindly donated by Aunt B and uncle T) below the deck.

Patio Garden Pt. 3

2009-06-20T16:42:00.003-04:00

I'm glad we got the tomatoes some growing room, they're already sporting blooms!

The maintenance man strongly suggested we paint our homemade planter the same color as the post. We'll see about that... "I'll even get ya the paint and paintbrush", he politely offers.

I don't know what he's talking about, I think hot pink would really provide some character. Should give in?

Mourning the Weekend Warrior

2009-06-16T13:32:00.004-04:00

I've got new photos of the patio ready, and a cute tutorial on the way.

Patio Garden Project: Pt. 2

2009-06-11T21:04:00.002-04:00

Peter came out to help, but we sent him back into the kitchen to fix dinner.

Sara manages the measurements and cutting, yells at me every time I take another photo.

I put the camera down for a while and help with assembly. Remember kids, to avoid neighbors complaining about noise, always use pilot holes!

Check out our awesome college-kid, folding-chair sawhorse!

Our sawhorse serves us well and we the whole project comes together as the sun goes down. We get dirt into our new planter and call it a night. Final pictures soon to come.

Patio Garden Pt. 1

2009-06-09T08:10:00.000-04:00

Marseilles Dress SHABBY APPLE GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-06-06T19:42:00.002-04:00

If I don't win this dress, I might have to break down and buy something from the Manhattan line.
Shabby Apple, why must you be so beautiful?
Marseilles Dress SHABBY APPLE GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

How does Your Garden Grow?

2009-06-06T17:18:00.002-04:00

I've been blaming work for my not posting, but writing to my readers is what I think about when the worst of life hits me. A recent post over at The Little Red Hen reminded me that I couldn't ignore posting any longer. (I don't have pictures because my camera charger went missing until just yesterday, and I'm loathe to fork over $20 bucks for a cable to pull them from my phone.) Last weekend my roomies came with to house-sit for my parents.
The garden is starting to produce beautifully. Spinach and lettuce were waiting for another harvest, and the strawberry plants have not only doubled in size, they're sporting blooms! Maybe we'll be lucky enough to have some to share with the family on the July 4th weekend. Peas are climbing their trellis, and tomatoes are starting to establish.
Soon I'll have a garden of my own at the apartment: only a small hanging basket and a pot of basil sat on the patio then, but while I was home in Chelsea I picked up two beautiful purple Delphinium to make a statement and begin building the outdoor "room". Mom lovingly set aside an additional basil plant to make sure there's a big enough harvest for pesto later on.

Thanks for getting me out of my funk!

Cubicle Swag: Team Fortress 2

2009-05-22T20:28:00.003-04:00

Now that I have a desk, I need to own it. I need... swag! The work is grueling, the deadlines are tight, and the intelligence has to be retrieved from the enemy base. But not until I've had my coffee.In celebration of the new Sniper vs. Spy update, new TF2 merchandise is available. Get yours at http://store.valvesoftware.com/

Note: I'm working my way back into the blogosphere: I've successfully gotten through my spring classes, moved into my first apartment, and started full-time at my summer internship. Now that the dust is starting to settle, I'm ready to give some attention back to my readers. I've got lots to share with you.

Home energy usage

2009-02-23T11:13:00.002-05:00

As someone about to lease an apartment for the first time, Google's Power Meter caught my eye. It's a new piece of software developed by Google to give users a near real-time view of your energy usage.

If you can't measure it, You can't improve it. - Lord Kelvin

The catch is, that your home requires one of the new smart meters in order to use the software. 40 million homes that don't currently have smart meters are slated to receive them, as mentioned in President Obama's stimulus plan. Regardless, the ability to personally monitor your energy usage is invaluable. Thank you, Google.

You can measure it, you can improve it - Google

So, who has, and who gets these new smart meters?

Valentine's Cookies

2009-02-10T19:52:00.004-05:00

Spring is in the air, here in the midwest and Valentine's is only a few days away. Outside the snow was quickly melting while dough was rolled, cut, and slipped into the oven inside. I gave my mom a set of mini cookie cutters for Christmas, but I had to use them myself to make these:
They're not quite linzertorte; they're essentially sandwiched sugar cookies with raspberry jam. Simple? Yes. Simply delicious.

A collegiate flock

2009-02-05T13:15:00.001-05:00

The rolling hills of the grounds at Western Michigan University are home to an unmistakably collegiate flock. Here, residents are studious and mindful of their neighbors.Observe: the Canadian Goose. Migratory avian, courteous pedestrian.
A protected species protecting itself.

WIP: Boyfriend Sweater

2009-02-03T07:57:00.001-05:00

No, I'm not dead. I'm just in a Calculus-coma, so updates will be infrequent for a while.
On the other hand, I've finally casted off the back panel of the boyfriend sweater!

WIP - Boyfriend sweater part one, part two
Pattern: Berroco - Dan (free pattern)
Yarn: Bernat DenimStyle

Anni's got a Brand New Stash

2009-02-01T17:23:00.001-05:00

I should have posted this ages ago. This pile of wonderful, soft and colorful yarns was a generous gift from my aunt this Christmas. My New Year's resolution is to get all my homework done quickly so I can sink my hooks and needles into my stash!

Spring 2009

2009-01-06T19:46:00.003-05:00

It's a whole new semester, with a whole new pile of textbooks to pay for.

Happy New Year

2009-01-01T14:27:00.001-05:00

How To - Recycled Magazine Christmas Tree

2008-12-21T16:05:00.006-05:00

While baking cookies, I whipped up these to decorate the front hall table, near the Christmas tree. Got a few old magazines or holiday catalogs laying around? Whip up a few of these for last-minute decoration before they hit the recycle bin; nothing else needed! I think they are perfect next to the Christmas card basket.

A Recycled Christmas Tree at Just Like Martha, found via Moogsmum.

Call Mr. Plow, that's my name!

2008-12-19T13:04:00.004-05:00

Overnight: got snowed in.
1:00pm: got plowed out.
1:30pm: got snowed in.

...I haven't even bothered with the driveway.

Winter Break

2008-12-17T11:20:00.004-05:00

I made it out of the fall semester alive, and I've got the next three weeks to vegetate as I see fit. I'm nowhere near done with Christmas shopping...and I'm starting to panic. Endless snow is in the forecast through the end of the week.C'mon pup, let's go sit by the fire.

Tutorial: How to make paper

2008-12-08T14:00:00.003-05:00

Intro to Paper Manufacturing: isn't college exciting?

I think so...

Lake Effect Snow

2008-12-07T13:39:00.000-05:00

Fellow GAS member and I drove back from printing T-shirts in the thick of the storm, coming home to this:Good thing I remember where I parked...Right there. Hey wait... what are they doing up the hill?A roadblock?! ...and is that a laundry cart on the sidewalk? Whose crazy idea was this?

Whoops, the culprits are caught and forced to take apart their hard work. Props for using a laundry cart, but you should have waited until the middle of the night to build it, when the authorities were not looking. They should be studying for their exams, anyways.

Kalamazoo Gospel Mission

2008-12-04T20:38:00.004-05:00

I don't think I've smiled this much in a while. And with the stress of exams coming up, there was no better time for it. Let me explain...Every year, Graphic Arts Society holds a Christmas party at the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission. It was my first year helping out, and it was a huge success. All the kids, and even their parents lined up to have their picture taken while sitting on Santa's lap, and receive their presents. There were paper ornaments to color, cookies to decorate, face painting, and goodie bags for everyone. I'm going through all the photos and can't help but smile at each one. We're sending back copies of the photos for everyone staying there to enjoy. Here are just a few:Happy Holiday Season to everyone! What are you doing to celebrate?

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T13:25:00.003-05:00

A Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

May your gut extend with pleasure and your travels be safe on "Black Friday".

Grosgrain [guest] Giveaway: Camera Strap

2008-11-19T00:19:00.003-05:00

I've been following the Grosgrain blog, but I don't have any wee little ones to try to win costumes for, so I haven't participated in her "Create a Link" giveaways. I love the idea though, and love the awesome things she sews up every week. The current giveaway is a camera strap cover.

I think it would make a great holiday gift. Check it out, you could "create a link" and try to win it too! Even if you aren't a photographer, check out her blog.

Custom Camera Strap GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Grosgrain Blog

WIP - Boyfriend Sweater

2008-11-17T16:34:00.003-05:00

It's started snowing... I better pick up the pace! Back panel, almost ready to shape the arms.

Part One: WIP - Boyfriend Sweater
Pattern: Berroco - Dan (free pattern)
Yarn: Bernat DenimStyle

Christmas Cactus

2008-11-09T16:15:00.004-05:00

Yesterday, I adopted yet another plant for the room. I think they designed Meijer so that I have to pass the plant section on my way from the groceries to the pharmacy. I'm pretending it's a present celebrating the first day of my (paid) internship.

Today grants no rest; I've finished up work obligations, only to have schoolwork left on my plate. Hopefully I'll have some time after Engineering Statistics to work on the boyfriend's sweater.

Rock the Vote!

2008-11-04T13:25:00.004-05:00

“To make democracy work, we must be a notion of participants, not simply observers. One who does not vote has no right to complain.”

Louis L'Amour

No matter who you support, make sure you vote today.

Poll closing times (map included) via Swing State Project
Electoral College Coloring Map via Flickr

WIP - Boyfriend Sweater

2008-10-27T13:57:00.000-04:00

It's getting colder, the wind is blustery, and I need a new project. I think I've finally mustered up the courage to knit a sweater.

Pattern: Berroco - Dan (free pattern)

The new Queen Pothos in town

2008-10-26T14:16:00.006-04:00

My roommate I went visited my parents last weekend ago to get away from the rigors of school, and enjoy the comforts of home. Sipping a cup of hot coffee, breaking fast with a plate of waffles ala mode topped with strawberries and sided with bacon while watching the finches and titmice chirping busily at the feeder is a far cry from my normal college morning. The usual is a groggy roll-out of bed, a banana and travel mug of tea while trekking uphill to the bus before the sun is even peeking over the horizon.I watered the plants and pulled some weeds in the garden, and we all went into town to scout the nursery for fall plantings. Mom came home with three huge purple asters, and I found a beautiful Marble Queen pothos that I couldn't leave the store without. I've been wanting more foliage in the room to improve the atmosphere. White, painted cinderblock and white asbestos ceiling tiles don't really say "homey".

Gordon Freeman Costume Resources

2008-10-10T22:00:00.001-04:00

Last year's Gordon Freeman Costume seems to be getting some attention as we near the Halloween season this year. So, I thought I would make life easier for you guys by sharing my images and providing a few tips for construction.

The Labcoat: there are plenty of medical supply stores online. If you're a college kid, ask someone in pre-med where they got their scrubs. You're looking at like $20.

The ID badge: This one is trickier... I suggest checking an office supply store like Office Max, Staples, or even Meijer. A multi-pack wouldn't be more than $5, I imagine.

You could go all-out and paint a crowbar, but I don't think the neighbors will appreciate you brandishing a "bloodied" crowbar at their kids. Set it on the table near the candy for effect.

Iron Transfer sheets: Key for this project. These are available at any Hobby Lobby or similar craft store. Make sure you get the right type for your printer and fabric (dark, light, inkjet, toner).

Downloadable resources:
BlackMesa Logo - blackmesa_logo.jpg
BlackMesa ID Badge - blackmesa_ID.jpg

Tips: When transferring the logo onto the labcoat, cut out the interior white space so that you don't have to iron the design for as long. Otherwise, just follow the directions and you should be ready to go!

Fabric Pumpkin Pattern

2008-09-30T13:18:00.000-04:00

It's (nearly) October, and that means Halloween is right around the corner! My roommate loves to decorate for the holidays, and I want to lend a hand, so I'm sewing up some fabric pumpkins.

This pumpkin is about 7" around, but you could blow up or shrink the pattern to whatever size you want. I'm working on several different sizes to scatter around the room. It is a quick project with maximum satisfaction. I recommend very springy stuffing and stuffing lightly to keep the crinkly effect.

Pattern provided by Schlosser Designs: link

Elephant in the Basil Forest

2008-09-26T13:42:00.003-04:00

In the forest of basil where leaves perch atop tall woody branches or neglect, a lone elephant lurks among the trees.

The only thing better than being crafty...

2008-09-22T11:03:00.004-04:00

...is going home to family, gardens, and delicious food. It's absolutely delicious (healthiness is an added bonus). A great way to showcase fresh (esp. homegrown) veggies. Lettuce/Garden greens and red onion dressed with balsamic vinaigrette, topped with tuna steak and surrounded by garden green beans, baby potatoes, fresh-picked tomato, and sliced hard-boiled egg.

Nicoise Salad:
Tuna
Lettuce/Greens
Red onion
Green beans
Baby potatoes
Eggs
Sliced tomato

It might look complicated to cook all those veggies for one meal, but you only need one pot of boiling water. Blanche the beans first and remove, then drop the potatoes and eggs (gently) into the same pot. Place dressed greens in the center, and veggies/eggs around. If you've got an extra pair of hands, get one to prep the salad while the tuna cooks. The tuna could be seared, grilled, or even pan-fried; just rub on a little olive oil, salt and pepper before throwing it on the heat. Or get creative and use a dry seafood rub. Anything goes! Make it yours and make it delicious. Finally, place the tuna on top and enjoy!

Paper Embroidery is my Zen

2008-09-17T08:00:00.000-04:00

My latest WIP. Paper embriodery requires a little pre-planning, but it takes the work out of placing each stitch precisely when you've got thread on the needle. This is how I unwind after day of classes/labs, homework, and mediocre dorm food.

...yes, I know my thread box is a mess.

Tutorial on paper embriodery at craftystylish.
doe*c*doe blog (weekly embroidery patterns)

Shiny new things

2008-09-15T19:10:00.005-04:00

Picked up this pillow at Bed Bath and Beyond. It's extra firm; perfect floorpad, backrest, or concussive weapon. $20
...and Lappy finally came! No more long breaks at, or bus rides from Parkview with nothing to do. I'm looking forward to impromptu blog posting and weekend LANs, mostly.

Swag-market Sweep

2008-09-07T11:30:00.006-04:00

Friday marked the end of the first week of class, and was celebrated by thousands of people gathering for the annual mass chaos known as Bronco Bash. I didn't even bother taking my camera; there wasn't enough room to take a photo. You do your best to weave through the mob of people finding booths with vendor giveaways, student organizations, clubs, and local businesses while listening to local bands play at the stage.

Every year, over 400 student organizations, university departments, community members, local businesses and area restaurants participate in Bronco Bash. This is a great opportunity to showcase your organization to over 25,000 participants.

That 25,000 number is very real but I managed to find a few choice bits:The haul is meager, even paltry compared to most, but I wasn't grabbing every pamphlet, piece of candy, or signing my name away for t-shirts (and credit cards).

Props of the day goes to The League of Women Voters for stocking absentee ballot applications in addition to voter registration. I can't wait to get my ballot in the mail. Michigan needs a good student-voter turnout.

Lions and tigers and staghorn ferns... Oh my!

2008-08-31T12:43:00.003-04:00

It was a beautiful day last week at the Lincoln Park Zoo...The lions were surveying the patrons...
the tiger was lamenting the heat...
and the staghorn ferns looked like giant alien pods.

The cable scarf: improved

2008-08-24T18:43:00.004-04:00

Found my next knitting project today. Boring blue was completed despite being an acrylic-yarn, curled-up bust and needs to be forgotten about. Pattern for this double-sided cable scarf available (free!) here via Sweater Surgery.

Playtime with kitty

2008-08-18T09:30:00.000-04:00

My boyfriend and I visited Tim's new apartment, and got to meet the lovely little kitten that lives there too. She's a rascally little thing with almost uncontrollable energy. There were several LoL moments....
And a few calm moments of cuteness.

Extended urban vacation

2008-08-05T21:00:00.002-04:00

After some deliberation, I've decided to stay on vacation in the Chicago area.

The Great Escape

2008-07-27T17:09:00.002-04:00

Sorry to leave you high and dry with no updates. I've escaped to Chicago for the week, but I'll have a new post ready on Friday! Until then, I'll be catching up with friends, and soaking up rays at the beach in my new swimsuit.

Picture Perfect

2008-07-21T15:00:00.002-04:00

Food: Spinach Panini

2008-07-17T17:21:00.007-04:00

I'm definately not a vegetarian, but that doesn't mean I don't like or eat plenty of vegetables. Plus, when you're a college kid, it's hard to find any served in the dining hall with any taste, let alone any of their nutrients still intact. So let me introduce to you: The spinach panini!

Spinach Panini:
2 slices bread of choice
handful of fresh spinach
tomato, sliced
2 slices provolone cheese
onion, sliced
couple leaves of fresh basil optional

Place a slice of cheese on each side of the sandwich. On one side- pile onion, spinach, tomato. Drizzle a little olive oil on each side, then put on the panini grill, or toast in a pan until the cheese is melted, spinach begins to wilt, and the bread is nice and golden.

All that's left is to eat it! I'm in love with basil and have started growing my own so I like to throw a few leaves in to spice it up (and recommend it) but it's up to you to take this sandwich and make it your own. Experimentation is encouraged!

In the Garden: Cucumber blossoms, and foreign invaders

2008-07-14T14:15:00.005-04:00

OK, so let's start with the good news...cucumber blossoms! These little golden heralds appeared in the garden this very morning. Soon I'll finally have cuke slices to go with my overflowing supply of lettuce.

And the bad news... japanese beetles. They've been spotted all around the vegetable garden, the trees, and the flowers. They've damaged some of the peas and lettuce already, but I'm not sure when I can spray for them; a number of bees and are sure to get axed in the process too. Will the blossoms still get pollinated?I don't even know what these crazy beetles are doing... mating? battling? circus act?

Craftiness: Boring blue

2008-07-12T13:12:00.005-04:00

We'll see how well this "craftiness" segment goes, seeing as my crafty adventures are sporadic in nature. Nonetheless, I'm surprised I've been so quick on this project (and the image taken with similar haste). I started the Aran Cable Scarf free on the LionBrand site just two days ago.
I have to admit I don't really like this color, so I won't be sporting this scarf in my own wardrobe, but it was the only yarn I had enough of to complete a scarf. I always thought that cables were some sort of scary juggling act of knitting, but after a little surfing found out that you don't even need a cable needle. So, the LionBrand pattern became a base for a few of my own tweaks. I used only the first cable pattern throughout the whole scarf, and I've done a left-cross cable instead of a right-cross.

Should be finished tonight, aside from sizing; only one foot left to go!

In the Garden: Indoors

2008-07-10T20:52:00.000-04:00

Ok, so it's not -outside- in the garden, but I would hate my dear new friend to feel neglected. Currently undergoing light therapy to revive it's white and green variegation, this plant is an exciting new addition to my home (the basement, until I'm back in the dorm).

Marble Queen Pothos:
This Marble Queen Pothos was propagated from my mother's plant. She has owned it for several years, and I've always admired it. One day, I was bored and decided that everything outside was in order, and turned my attention indoors. Mom's pothos was long and overgrown, and after I pruned it there was a shamefully large pile of plant on the ground at my feet. I've been trying to excercise my green thumb this year, and couldn't bear to just toss the vines out. So, I quickly read up and tossed a few into water to grow roots. A few weeks later I had a glass full of new roots. I couldn't wait to pot the plant but was at a loss for what to use until I again, read up and discovered how to transplant into water. It was perfect! I had a lonely spaghetti jar with no use, bags of pea gravel laying around in the basement, and larger stones littered in the soil waiting to be dug up.
Hydroculture:
I thought I was conducting an experiment in pothos growing, and was excited when I saw the roots branching off in strong numbers in it's new container. The Indoor Garden Book said most plants can be grown using hydroculture, so why not a plant that readily roots in water(without the help of a rhizome powder)? Several articles online warned against it because of root rot and having still water, but I did find one little corner of the web that also has had success growing pothos with hydroculture, here. I think those shunners just didn't know what hydroculture really is. This article is good for identification, and basic tips.

No more Lollygagging

2008-07-08T12:48:00.002-04:00

Hope that everyone had a wonderful 4th... and aren't going crazy back in the office.

In the Garden: First pea harvest

2008-07-02T15:55:00.003-04:00

The over-abundance of lettuce is almost eaten up, with more leaves growing in the meantime. But the first peapods have finally fattened up to ripe status. There's only a handful of the crop here, and more waiting on the vine. It's such a delight to hear the pods snap open and reveal their tasty little morsels.

But back to work; There's much more to be done before the relatives arrive!

At the Feeder...

2008-06-19T17:41:00.004-04:00

House finches visit this feeder in flocks, and the blackbirds rarely bother them, now that I've found out about safflower seeds. Safflower seeds are more bitter, and it seems that the Red-winged blackbirds only like the sweet sunflower.
The American Goldfinch is another regular I'm glad to see back. This one came by himself a few times, but now often brings his lady-friend. Hopefully more will catch on and come in huge flocks now the that the bullies are gone.
Hummingbirds are something newly attracted this year, and to my surprise there are at least four humming around the house regularly. They're cheeky and brave little things too... they don't mind people watering plants near the feeder, and one often sits on the perch for minutes on end, like this one, and chase off the others that come by!

In the Garden...

2008-06-12T13:14:00.005-04:00

The storms and power outages have passed and the crops have all survived the beating winds. In fact, the first lettuce harvest went into last night's salad.

Soon there will be peas too. I spotted a few blossoms on the climbing stalks this morning. This year two boxes were planted with peas, but I think there are never enough peas. Thankfully, there are lots of pollinators flying around the garden (this hummingbird sits still longer than a bee).

And the hot-weather loving cucumbers have finally sprouted!

TF2 - Adorable

2008-03-31T15:09:00.005-04:00

Found the fantastically adorable Team Fortress 2 - related comic Nerf NOW!! while hopping around the internet today. The site has a few bugs,(edit: but they've been fixed!) the comics are all well thought out and drawn; definately worth reading.
Maybe it's just me; I play the pyro and have done my fair share of rocket dodging, uber fire-sweeps, and enemy lifetime countdowns. I can't wait (and hope) for more!
(accessible/assumed) Begining of comic here: Nerf NOW!!

Plush Teacups

2008-03-21T14:08:00.003-04:00

I found these plush teacups through the CRAFT blog, but fell in love with the rest of what I found at SewingStars too! I'm dieing to figure out how to make some of this stuff for myself. The squid is most awesome.

Happy St. Patty's Day

2008-03-15T17:43:00.000-04:00

For those of you who don't know, the pope moved the date. However, that just allowed everyone to seize the benefits of the weekend. The weather was a little cooler than the day before, but the snow melted and it's finally starting to look like spring is on the way. So we gathered, drunk and sober alike and played three hours of volleyball.

Half-Life and Portal memopads

2008-03-12T20:24:00.004-04:00

Ok, I've moved from Gordon Freeman lab coat to Black Mesa and Aperture Laboratories memopads. I was thinking up ideas for this offset-printing assignment and thought to myself: The world is missing geeky stationary. I designed, printed, cut and glued these memopads together myself. They feature various colors and texture of paper (featured behind each pad).

For more images of the process and more technical info see my flickr set.
Disclaimer: Half-Life2, Portal and all associated names and slogans are copyright Valve (don't worry Valve, there aren't very many of these and I'm not selling them, don't sue me, I'm a poor college student).

Howl's Moving Castle

2008-03-11T19:41:00.006-04:00

I'm on the paper-craft boat too, and knew I had to make this model the moment I found it. I don't exactly have the time for it, but that won't stop me. So in between the classes, lab work, homework, Hall council meetings and rounds of Team Fortress 2 I'm slowly putting together Howl's Moving Castle piece by piece.

If you're not familiar with Howl's Moving Castle, it's a Japanese animated film by Hayao Miyazaki. Within it there are witches and wizards, wars between kingdoms, and a self-conscious lady under a spell she can't tell anyone about. To top it off, the wizard Howl (who steals and devours the hearts of pretty women) has a magical amalgamated scrap-heap of a castle that wanders through the mists.
See Ben Miller's completed model.
Read about it on Wikipedia.

Felt Heart Tutorial

2008-02-13T14:41:00.012-05:00

Here is a simple, last-minute craft project for Valentines Day. Easy enough for anyone to do, I included several pictures just to prove it.

You will need:
a heart template (I just searched Google)
1 sheet pink felt
1 sheet cream/white felt
red embroidery floss
embroidery needle
fiberfill

Step 1:
cut out two large hearts from white/cream felt, one smaller heart from pink felt.

Step 2:
Pin the smaller pink heart to one of the larger white hearts. Prepare/thread your needle with three strands of red embroidery floss.

Step 3:
With a running stitch, stitch the two pieces together, just inside the edge of the smaller pink heart. Stop with a small gap left to allow for stuffing.

Step 4:
Stuff and stitch closed; tie off thread. We're halfway there!

Step 5:
Pin the second large white heart to the back of the first. Again, with three strands of red embroidery floss, stitch the two pieces together with a running stitch just inside the edge of the large white heart. Remember to leave a gap for stuffing!

Step 6:
Stuff and stitch up the remaining gap. I tend to stuff these rather dense, but it depends on the type of fiberfill you buy, some is springier than others. Hide your thread by pulling the last stitch through only one layer. Tie off your thread and you're done!

Tie off your thread and you're done!

Be sure to leave a comment and show off your own felt hearts! Happy Valentine's Everybody!

Ten degrees, blowing snow advisory

2008-01-30T15:41:00.000-05:00

So I decided to be a shutterbug (I had to go to class).

In the name of love...

2008-01-30T11:20:00.000-05:00

3.5" across. Felt, embroidery floss, polyfill. A super easy, quick project just in time for Valentine's. More to come.

Paper Star tutorial

2008-01-12T14:00:00.000-05:00

While browsing for decoration ideas, I came across this video tutorial on Metacafe. I didn't like the look of staples, so I used tape (what I had on hand as a poor college student). I think gluing the parts together would take a bit more time, but yield better results. Or better yet scrapbooking squares (double-sided tape)!
I think with a few more stars, with some colored paper, this place will spruce right up.

Family Traditions

2007-12-23T18:35:00.000-05:00

It's closing in on Christmas and time for my favorite family activity: cookie decorating. We always bake several kinds of cookie when the holidays come around, and we always try out at least one new recipe; but every year we decorate Christmas-themed sugar cookie cutouts.

Instead of a traditional sugar cookie, I use a butter cookie for the "canvas" in a sampling of shapes from the mountain of cookie cutters stored in the pantry. Then we pull out the confectioner's sugar, and dyes to make the royal icing "paint". I use gel icing color because it doesn't thin out the icing. If you're not familiar with gel icing color, I believe you can find it hiding among the baked goods at most stores. Soon as the cookies are cool and there's icing, we all grab paintbrushes and go to town!

Every year, I pack up tins of cookies to give my close friends when I visit back home. It's the perfect personal thing to share with those you love.
This year I've also made a eye-pillows using Amy Butler's pattern available at the Sew, Mama, Sew! blog, and wrapped both up with their holiday gift-tags.

A Res-Life Christmas

2007-12-11T16:35:00.000-05:00

Christmas comes early in the Residence halls, when Resident Assistants come with individualized tidings on slips of paper and random mini-tubs of Play-Doh.

Last-minute studying

2007-12-10T23:46:00.001-05:00

Companion cube hearts you too...That's not Sandy Claws (Santa Claus)...
Little Santa-bunny...

Legend of Madness

2007-12-04T15:51:00.000-05:00

The semester is coming to a close and I've taken an unannounced hiatus from the blog to accommodate my workload. I have made a few updates to the project lists: I've completed my pincushion, and am now in a felt and sewing sewing mood. Once exams are finished, I think I may finally have time to work on a wild and crazy idea I've had floating around my head for at least a year. Any Legend of Mana fans out there?

Study Break

2007-11-12T13:46:00.000-05:00

This is where I want to be......This is where I have to be.But I need a break to stay sane, so let's visit the nicer side of the room.My "hex hat" was too big and bulky for my little head, so these granny hexagons will happily become the start of a new afghan. It's only big enough for little Anni right now, but it will grow...once I buy more yarn. Last time I was at HobbyLobby however, my friends and I picked these up:I know it doesn't look like much, and it is an experiment into the world of sewing, but I'm excited to take this project on. For now I'll just say that it will be weighted, cube-like, and a plush companion...as if that didn't give it away. Maybe I'll make a tutorial if it turns out OK. The hour is late, but it will be long-spent before I have earned my retreat to slumber. Because of this, I must return to the bleaker, code-filled side of the room.

A Teacup Oasis

2007-11-06T21:00:00.000-05:00

The sun hides behind the clouds and the cold settles in. Leaves crunch beneath the soles of shoes as feet carry students to class. The professor is sick, defining infinite series while the students harmonize with her every cough. The dorm room is a spartan retreat, but all it takes is a hot cup of tea and a skein of yarn to whisk me away to my mind's garden. Every tea takes you someplace new; Earl Grey to an old scholar's library with plush leather armchairs and walls of book-stuffed shelves, green Matcha tea to the clean lines and decor of a Japanese tea room graced with caligraphic artwork, flowers, and the sound of tabi socks striding over tatami. Or more exotic, blend the African Rooibos bush with the cocoa bean and throw in the leaves of Yerba Mate and almond pieces for a real earthy retreat. Ahh... Teavana, you taste so good.

I need a breather from schoolwork this weekend and will be setting aside time to work on a few projects I've been eager to start. I've added a project list on the right-hand side for anyone who is keeping track, or wondering when the heck I'll finish something. Your comments are welcomed and encouraged, as always.

~Halloween~ Half-Life style

2007-10-31T01:48:00.002-04:00

I'm working on many crafty things, but the most instantly satisfying has to be the Black Mesa symbol and ID I created for my friend's Halloween costume. His ID tag reads:
Black Mesa
ID 300588293
Gordon Freeman
Anomalous Materials

If only the head-crab plushie was in stock! Valve, you disappointed me. Swinging around a bloody crowbar (not pictured) just isn't the same without a head-crab to chase after. The ID tag was whipped up in Illustrator along with the Black Mesa symbol. ID was then inserted into the name tag, and the Black Mesa symbol printed on heat-transfer paper and ironed onto the lab coat.

Note: This post has been updated. For downloads and tips to make this costume, please see my Gordon Freeman Costume Resources post.

Quietly Working (on a mouse and scarf)

2007-10-11T17:55:00.000-04:00

Juggling paid work and college coursework is difficult, but I always make time for crafting. My little mouse friend here is about half done: she needs limbs, a coat, and a new set of whiskers to finish her off. The weather has turned for the cold finally, so I've pulled out the knitting needles and am working on a waffle patterned scarf with/for my dorm-neighbor. I'm using a simple scarf pattern I've used before and still love from Bernat yarns. The scarf pattern can be found here.
With Halloween just around the corner I'm hoping to get something festive crafted too, but I'm still tossing around ideas.

College Crafts

2007-09-13T11:05:00.000-04:00

How do you keep your door open? Paint a rock! I was feeling inspired so I jumped on the dorm-activities bandwagon and crafted a doorstop featuring a totoro (painted from memory, mind you). It's a simple project that anyone can do; just grab some paint, brushes, some rocks, and some friends!
All my yarn is still sitting around waiting so be loved. I promise I'll get to you soon (once I figure out my Calc homework)!

Farewell Chicago; Hello Kalamazoo

2007-09-03T14:51:00.000-04:00

A lot has been going on the past two weeks. My last day of work was on the 23rd. I said goodbye to my coworkers and made my way to the 'L' one last time. I wasn't ready to leave the big city with all it's splendor and my good friends, but it had to be done.

After packing all my things up in the car, I spent my last evening out at the lakefront and soaked it all in. I will have more pictures of home up on flickr shortly.

I had no internet access at my parents house (dial-up doesn't count), but I was too busy unpacking, shopping and repacking to to anything crafty or update. My new University is proving a great place so far; hanging out with my roommate, making friends and being social with my other hallmates too. I'm all moved and settled in here in my new dorm room. Classes start tomorrow, so I'm having fun while I still can this weekend.

I did do something crafty before I left, but busy as I was, I forgot to take a picture of it completed. Here's the kitty in-progress, pattern care of Hillary Lang at Wee Wonderfuls.

How house sparrows got their name...

2007-08-19T15:40:00.000-04:00

"Annie, how good are your animal removal skills?"
"Um... relentless?"

This little house sparrow decided to come into Ann's bedroom through the air conditioner in the window... and then cowered in the corner trapped by the ferocious Mickey. After flying once around the room, and stirring up several dormant dust bunnies we captured the little bird with a trashcan and pink towel, and took her out to the back yard to set her free. After a few moments of shock, she shook the dust bunny off her head and flew away into the nearest tree.

Shopping spree!

2007-08-18T18:55:00.000-04:00

Today I stocked up on yarn so I'm not lamenting about being poor in my dorm room instead of being crafty. I saw the new "Vanna's Choice" colour palette and was instantly in love; I had to have them! It's 100% acrylic, but nice and soft. Hopefully I'll have a new project to show this yarn off soon, but I'll be moving and settling into my new dorm room over the next two weeks, so we'll see.

Dangerous places for plants

2007-08-11T15:45:00.000-04:00

I'm not sure who invented the bed-level windowsill, but indeed, this is a dangerous place to set one's precious things. Yesterday evening, as my beau napped and I crushed the Aztecs in Black & White 2, he inadvertently kicked my orchid from the sill in attempt to get comfortable. Luckily, the precious thing survived with a few battle scars for character.

Faun - WIP

2007-08-07T23:44:00.000-04:00

This little faun has been waiting patiently for months for another arm, and I intend to grant his wish very shortly.

Lakeshore Arts Festival

2007-08-04T19:51:00.000-04:00

Circus arts, another of my passions. Little sister to my dear friend (pictured), performed a beautiful act on the silk knot and just as well in other acts with the rest of the Teen Ensemble created by the Actors Gymnasium at the Lakeshore Arts Festival today.

The festival itself was far less impressive than the Teen Ensemble performance. A lot of art vendors, a fair number with good works, but very few with terribly great innovation. Nothing jumped out at me and screamed "Take me home!".

Delays, delays, and more delays

2007-07-23T16:47:00.000-04:00

Yes, I realize it's been more than a month, but things like making money (a.k.a. work) get in the way. Frankly, I'm not sure how long it'll be before I have any real progress to show. I still need to finish up a few of my amigurumi and shoot photos of them. But in the event of something new, I will release an update.

Launch

2007-06-13T14:28:00.000-04:00

While we all eagerly await the launch of my website, here I launch a blog to keep everyone informed of my progress pre and post-launch. Annigurumi is my home for my personally designed crocheted creations.

Site progress:
Layout: 100%
Design: 25%
Publish: 5%