2012

 

Print by theloveshop 

With only three days to end this crazy year, I feel I must say something about everything that has been going on lately and what I expect for the coming year.

The print above tells it all. After a somehow dark and light 2011, with bad things and amazing things happening, I wish that next year is calmer. Not so many ups and downs, you know what I mean?

I didn't create a lot this past year, but I intend to do so next year. Amazing, beautiful things.

I want to thank you all that still stayed here with me, even if I don't bring a lot of new things to the table.

I hope we'll be seeing more next year. With...

More smiles

More laughter

More knitting

More fun

More happiness :)

And less change, ok?

Happy New Year!

Pause Button

It has been a long Summer, between today and my last post.

I hardly can't believe how much has changed since I last wrote, or how much everything has been the same.

I need a break. Do you know what I mean?
I have a lot of going on, and I need to clear my mind. I miss knitting with yarn, making booties and hats for newborns, mittens and scarves for myself...
I'm going to pause for a little while.

Hopefully I'll be back soon! If you need me, I'm still here, from this side of the computer, just send me an e-mail or an etsy convo.

Love,
Ana

The importance of being nice

This is very important, what I'm about to say. And you may know this, and sometimes forget about it.

Every time you wear your company or brand's logo, you are representing that brand or company.

So today I went to the supermarket because I was hungry. It's cheaper to buy a croissant at the supermarket instead of buying it at a pastry shop.

I had one item and the correct change on my hand.

A lady, wearing an apron with a pastry shop's logo, pass right in front of me, towards the cashier, with about 20 items.

We stood there about 5 minutes and she didn't offer me to pass with my one item and correct change.

She was rude enough to almost run at the cashier and even after she noticed I would take 30 seconds, she did nothing.

I always offer people to pass in these situations, but never ask myself. I don't mind the waiting. But it feels nice to be polite, don't you think?

Well, what I wanted to say about this is that I will never go to the pastry shop she owns (I figured she was the boss because of a conversation she had with the cashier guy).

And the shop is near the place I work, so i could have gone there someday, but now I wont.

So remember this, if you are going to be rude, make sure you're not wearing your company's logo. You may lose a costumer for ever.

So, I lied, but you love me anyway.

A week ago I told you I was going to show you the next day *ahem* my little bow rings, a brand new item at my shop.

I had them made, but no photos.

So, I lied. 

But I have the photos now, so don't hate me.

 

 

I made two, one in chartreuse (lime green) and the other in orange/copperish/goldish color.
I love them.
The orange is available at my etsy shop already, I'll list the green one later today. 
I actually decided the colors I'm going to use as a base for my Fall Collection!

Bottle Green, gold/orange and lime green! I love these three together and I wonder if they're trendy this fall..

I may add purple to this combination!

Oh and I wish there was opaque grey copper wire... Grey and purple with these three.. it seems so right to me.

Well, ARE YOU READY? 

I have a photo of another new item, the first of my Fall Collection!

A long brooch, perfect for cardigans and winter coats:

So now you can stop being mad to me for not showing you anything new lately.

But I'm not done, no I'm not.

I have finished another brooch this morning, on the bus. But That one I'm saving for later :)

Also, I remind you about the challenge I gave you, what can you catch with a net? You can still participate!

Have a nice weekend everyone!

No photos if you want to leave, leave now

I told you a couple of days ago I had this amazing idea when coming to work, for a project.

I tried it yesterday and it didn't work.

Well, it was a nice try even so.

No pictures because it was night time and as you know, I'm a little lazy lizard.

But after my fail, I tried another thing I was thinking about, little knitted wire bows to use as rings.

Oh my they look so cute! I have yet to attach them to the ring bases, photograph those cuties and list them. Unfortunately I didn't take any pictures to the work in process, so sorry about that.

Come back tomorrow and I'll show you!

Challenge&Inspiration

Hello fluffy people!

This has been a better week. Ironically, now there are true black clouds over my head, but that's just because the weather has been crazy and it's raining in July. Go figure.

I'm posting on my blog and still nothing new to show you. But today, on the bus on my way to work, I had this amazing idea. I'm so excited. Can't wait to go home and work on that! Hopefully I'll have something to show you soon!

Speaking of which (inspiration), I was brainstorming with a jeweler friend of mine and we spoke about a collection we could make together. I'm not sure if we're going to do it (sometimes life gets in the way) but I sure hope so!!

That gets me to the challenge I want to talk to you about.

Tell me (on facebook or just leave here in the comments):

what can you catch with a net? 

The Butterfly Catcher, by Estherfromthesticks $15

 The most creative(s) response(s) will get a ring, a pair of earrings or a brooch, whatever you choose.

Exciting? YES! Show me your creative juices!

Today's finds and a dark cloud

Hello everyone! Hello dark cloud that floats over my head!

I've been having a bad month. Let me rephrase it, everybody is having a bad month, since most of the bad things that happened this month, weren't even to me. But to people I love.

I was sick last week, so bare with my silence.

Today I want to share with you some beautiful pieces of Summer clothing and accessories. You can click on the items to go directly to the shop.

And this is it for today!

Lazy as a Lizard

Hi fluffy people!

I'm not dead or M.I.A., I'm not even extra super busy!

I'm just lazy! Yes, lazy as a lizard. Summer is not good for me, makes me soft and sleepy.

I haven't been working on new pieces or anything. Probably will make something new this weekend. Won't promise though.

I have been reading like a mad person. 

And I'm feeling zen, happy and airy lately.

Know that feeling that everything will be OK?

:)

 

Tree Lovers Illustration by KikiMood, $13

Still not happy

So Summer is here for almost 24 hours and I'm still not happy.
Someone told me that temperatures are going to be high this weekend, reaching 40ºC.
I hope I'm at the beach when that happens or I'll melt!

I made a treasury today just because I'm in denial. This one smells like Spring, and I want to share it with you.




AAhhh my dear Spring, you'll be missed!

Summer is Here, boo hoo

So by 5:16 p.m (Portuguese hour) the Summer Solstice takes place.

God damn it. That means Spring is over. I really like Spring. Another thing I don't like about this, is that today is the longest day of the year, so that means that after today days are getting shorter.

But I'll stop bitching. Summer also means barbecues, laying around at the beach reading and relaxing, and drinking beer and eating tremoços (lupin beans, go google them) and quite important, drinking caipirinhas.

I'll leave you with fricdementol's art print, so cute and so true. Let's go to the beach girl!

Let's go to the beach girl - art print, by fricdementol

3 things | 3 coisas

And because I'm still lazy I'm going to leave you with just 3 things.

E porque ainda estou preguiçosa, vou deixar-vos com apenas 3 coisas.

A though

I've been coming to work by foot these couple of days and Lisbon is actually a beautiful city if you look closely. 

Um pensamento

Tenho vindo a pé para o trabalho estes últimos dias, e Lisboa até é uma cidade bem bonita, se olharmos com atenção.

Uma música | One song

A new item in my shop | Uma nova peça na minha loja

My mind is...

Past 6 o'clock.
I don't feel like working anymore.
You know what I wish I was doing?
This:

Imperial e tremoços (do you need a translation?)

No one to keep me company though.

So hey, have you been peeking my new Summer collection?

I listed a necklace today. I wish I had someone to model for me. At lunch I couldn't stop looking at my friend's cleavages. They all seemed to go to work today with no skin showing.

Maybe tomorrow :)

I ended up taking photos to myself (not good, but it could be worse I guess):

Once again, I really really wanted to translate this one to Portuguese, but I'm still lazy. To all you Portuguese speakers out there, look at this as an opportunity to practice your English.

Welcome back!

Yes, I'm welcoming myself back.

My first real true vacations since.. well.. a long time ago.
I had fun. Extra extra super fun. Not fun at all? To come back to work :)
I'll get used to it I guess.

In the meantime.. I told you I would have my new shiny Summer Collection 2011 up and running by June 13th.
I lied.
I'm getting to it, slowly.... Sorry, but I guess I'm still on vacations mode :)

You can go and take a peek at the shop, there's a facebook album too. There're a couple of new things listed and I'll be listing more in the next few days.

I was actually going to post a photo or two. Even write this in Portuguese. But I'm too lazy.

See you soon, oh fluffy ones!

Vacation Mode | Modo Férias

photo by Mário Francisco Santos

I'm on vacations.
Well deserved ones, I really need this!
I'll be back on June 13th with my new Summer Collection!
Until then, no cell phone, no e-mail, no nothing. If you need me, I'm not here.

See you soon!

Estou de férias.
E bem merecidas, estou mesmo a precisar de desligar!
Estou de volta a 13 de Junho, com a minha nova colecção de Verão!
Até lá, nada de telemóveis, nada de e-mails, nada de nada. Se precisarem de mim, não estou cá.


Até breve!

Wounded

 

Hurt - Mini Feeling, by ArtMind, $36

I have been reading a Paul Auster book, Sunset Park. I have heard about Auster for some time now, but although I was curious, I'm a second hand book kind of girl, and I never saw Paul Auster's books on book fairs.

A friend lend it to me and what a good thing she did. I am loving it. It is touching me profoundly and I'm almost done with it and find myself searching for second hand Auster in the usual sites I search for old books.

Last night, before I went to sleep, I read this:

" wounds are an essential part of life, and until you are wounded in some way, you cannot become a man."

Made me think about ArtMind's mini-feeling you see above.
As I told you, she gave me one, when we first met almost two years ago. It has a very special meaning to me.
I like to look at it and remember all the hurt and pain that I had in my life that are part of what I am today.
Time heals. You almost never forget. But you forgive (others and yourself). And I like to remind myself of that.

That's why I also like to look at this one (that I also own):

Courage - Mini art feeling, by ArtMind, $54

The scars are there to remind me how far I come.

Today Finds | Achados do Dia

Olá! Bom dia! 

Apesar da turbulência profissional dos últimos dias, hoje consegui arranjar uns minutinhos para partilhar convosco uma lista de coisas que me encheram o olho hoje.

E aviso desde já que as minhas tendências geek vêm hoje ao de cima!

Hello! Good morning!

In spite of the professional turbulence of the last few days, I manage to find a couple of minutes to share with you amazing things I found today.

I must warn you, my geek vein had a lot to do with today's list!

Jurassic Amber Soap, with insect | Sabonete de Âmbar Jurássico, com insecto

amandalouise, $6 

É feito de glicerina, e não de âmbar, e o insecto é de plástico, mas é tão realista!

This is actually glicerine, not amber ;) And it's a plastic insect, not a real one. But it's so cool! Looks like the real thing!

Baby Yoda Coverall | Gorro Yoda para Bebés

NYrika, $30

 Confesso que me dá vontade de ter bebés só para lhes colocar isto na cabeça (pobres crianças..)

I have to say, this makes me want to have babies just so I can make them wear this hat. Poor babies. I just love Yoda!

Por último, uma "piada". Não sei se conhecem este video (ou todos os outros do mesmo autor, são tão tolinhos mas eu adoro). Quando vi esta pregadeira Narval (o google diz que é esta a tradução para Narwhal) apeteceu-me muito comprá-la! :D

This last one is a joke. I don't know if you seen this video (or all the other from the same author, it's just silly but I love them). When I saw this Narwhal brooch I just felt I really need it! :D

Secret Order of the Narwhal Brooch | Pregadeira Narval

touchthedutch, $44

Até à proxima!
Until next time... Live well and prosper! ;)

Smart Cookie

I just have a few minutes to spare because I'm super busy with work today.

I just wanted to share something with you.

I worked at bars, restaurants and coffee shops, and I tell you, that's not an easy job. It's tiring and you have to be friendly and kind even to very stupid people.

I worked very hard those days.

Now I just sit at the computer most of the days, but this is not an easy job either. It's less tiring physically, but it can be mentally exhausting.

I have a pile of problems to solve between today and tomorrow.

It's hard and stressful, but I love it.

Everytime I solve one, I feel so smart!

Same feeling I have when finishing something handmade. "Look, I made this!"

It's like having super powers.

 

Smart Cookie Cross Stitch pattern, from andwabisabi, $3.50 

Summer Colection | Colecção Verão 2011

Although I'm still working on it (slowly, since these new pieces take longer), I created an album at my facebook page.

Ainda que esteja em fase de execução (devagarinho, que estas peças demoram muito mais tempo), criei um albúm na minha página do facebook.


This is the last one I completed, a pendant in turquoise.
I'm working on a pair of earrings quite similar to this piece. I hope to show them soon.

Este pendente azul turquesa é a minha última criação. Estou a trabalhar nuns brincos bastante parecidos, espero poder mostrá-los em breve.

This line will be available at my shop probably in the end of June.
I'm having lots of fun working on it!

Esta nova colecção deverá estar disponível na minha loja em breve, provavelmente para fins de Junho.
Estou a adorar trabalhar nela!

Complete Look With Nanouke

This time, I was inspired by a May wedding!
Desta vez inspirei-me num casamento de Maio.

Da esquerda para a direita e de cima para baixo:
From left to right, bottom down:
1 - Adeline Wedding Dress, by andiemcguire, $850
2 - Gold Vermeil Circles Earrings, by juliegarland, $20
3 - Starry White with Gold Headband, by nanouke, $22
4 - Vintage Little Bow peep-toe shoes, by 1stlove, $30

Have a nice week!
Uma boa semana para todos!

Just a tiny tease...

... because I can't help it.

I'm so excited with my new pieces I just can't wait to show you!

Two pair of earrings, perfect for Summer :)

I'll be listing them on my etsy shop in a while. Until then, have you heard I'm having 30% off?

No title

Today I'm getting a little bit personal, if you don't mind (getting that a lot lately, haven't you?). I promise you that in the end, it all relates to crafting.

I have been having bad days (again). We all have bad days, but I like it better when most of the days are good, and the bad ones just sneak behind good days back's.
I had a rough year last year, that actually ended very well, with a finished brand new college degree and a good job.

Last couple of months I've been feeling sad again.

But this week, I started to work harder, picked up some things that I left out (like a list of movies I wanted to see, one per week, yesterday I saw Ladri di Bicicletti from de Sica), and decided to start the new line of my jewelry I've been thinking about for some time now.

I feel so much better! Sometimes you just have to poke the Universe a little to get things going!

So, as I promised you, it all related to crafting.

Since I'm working on a new line, I want to give you a special offer until the new line is up: 30% off at my shop! Yay!

What about pictures? Can't post without a picture, right?

I'll leave you with a necklace I'm working on (WIP):

Shoes Shoes Shoes

Just spotted these at Lillyela's blog

(click on the shoe to go to the shop)

Just added these here because they're pretty. And I like to look at them. I'd love to look at my feet inside of them. But that has to wait because I'm saving for a trip that is coming really quite soon :))))))))


Shhhhhhh I'll tell you all about it when it gets closer, don't want to jinx it.
And I wont be needing these kind of shoes to where I'm going :)))))))))

Organic *

I've been creating new things lately.
I start to notice that I'm going trough a clean, organic phase with my work.
It must be because I feel so peaceful.


* Orgânico

Ultimamente tenho andado a criar novas peças.
Comecei a reparar que ultimamente tenho andado numa fase mais leve, limpa e orgânica.
Deve ser por me andar a sentir tão em paz ultimamente.

Mãe *

* Mother

Yesterday was Mother's day in Portugal.
I bought this book: Knitted Wired Jewellery some weeks ago (not my favorite wire knitting book so far, but it has some simple and modern pieces) and decided to make this pendant for my super mum.

Instead of turquoise, as the pattern requested, I used dark blue sand stone, that has some glitter.


I like the result. It's simple, pretty and best of all, my Mum loves it.

Busy Geologist

I've been silent, sorry!

I've been super extra busy... But I'm doing cool things. Not craft related... but they pay my bills.

Like this:

Happy Weekend

Hello everyone, hope you had a happy weekend!
Mine was rainy. But I did have a few rays of sunshine!

One of them was to get home to the watercolor I won on a giveaway that Elsita was having on her blog. Elsita was one of the first etsy shops I found. I love her work, and I read her blog almost everyday. She's an amazing person and she inspires me to be good and positive.
So winning this giveaway was really a happy moment for me!

I got this amazing watercolor! It's so beautiful and special! I love it!


I had some tea with two friends at an amazing tea room called Casa Avó Gama (where I actually used to work 5 years ago) and took the pictures there.


I'm so lucky! Thank you Elsa!

And please, also, if you have the time, check our Etsy PTTeam (Portuguese team) blog, fricdementol is showing off her favorite Portuguese handmade possession!

Complete Look With Nanouke

It has been a long time since the last post from this series!

For today's complete look, I picked these earrings from my shop. I love this wire color, my all time favorite!


Já passou algum tempo desde a última vez que partilhei o look completo! Desta vez escolhi estes brincos da minha loja, adoro esta cor, é o meu arame preferido de todos os tempos!

Da esquerda para a direita e de cima para baixo:
From left to right, bottom down:

1 - Fleur's Sweetheart Dress, from Nadinoo, $205
2 - Ladybird's Bracelet, from sisicata, $50
3 - Vintage Golden Leaf Barrete, from sproutstudio, $11
4 - Soft Gold Circle Earrings, from nanouke, $17

Hope you like it! | Espero que gostem!

Reading

Last year I had trouble thinking about anything that wasn't thesis. I'm quite an anxious person, I have to admit it, and I started panicking on September.
So I began to read on every free tiny bit of spare time I had: before sleeping, on the bus, on the subway, everywhere.
I read 12 books on one month.

I have learn that reading really clears my mind from the things that worry me.
So now that I start feeling a little bit stressed again, I picked up reading.

This is the book I'm reading now. In the English version, a friend lend it to me. I have to say I'm absolutely loving it.

It has 728 pages (that should take me a while) and I'm still on chapter 12, but it ends like this (I'm the kind of person that reads the last sentence of a book before starting it).

"Let everyone know, I lived a very happy life"

What are you reading?

And since this blog, lately, is about everything except crafting (lol), I have to share with you that this weekend another one of my treasuries ended up on Etsy FP. Yay!
Happy week everyone!

Once a Year...

amigurumi fat little rabbit, from sabahnur

Every year, on the first day of Spring, I send an email to a very particular list I have on my Gmail account, wishing everyone a Happy Spring.
I call it the "Anual Mail".
I don't like Christmas very much, not a religious person, I hate when it's my birthday, so I have Spring to celebrate.
I've been sending this email for a long long time. Even when the list had about 10 people, because almost anyone had email.

Once you get on that list, you'll get the email every year.
Two years ago I removed a person from that list, because we're not friends anymore.
Last year I removed another because she passed away.
This year... I had to remove another one.
But you know what?
I always add at least 5 or 6 more to that list every year.
Some go, but a lot of new friends come in.
And that's a good thing.

So, Happy Spring! I hope you enjoy it, I know I will :)

And the Winner is.... | E o vencedor é...

Happy Spring everyone!
As I promised you, I wanted to celebrate this day (my favorite day) with a giveaway! $20 gift check on my shop plus free shipping!

Thank you all that answered the survey, I'll be giving you the results soon!
Also, I'm offering a 20% discount to all of you that took the time participating! You'll be getting an email soon.

Well, let's get to the winner, shall we?
I added your emails to a list, with a number.
Then I went to random numbers generator and got one.


Congrats turmalina2! (I actually know her personally, so congrats Raquel!)



Feliz Primavera a todos!
Como vos prometi, queria celebrar este dia com uma prendinha: um cheque prenda na minha loja, no valor de 20 dólares, com portes grátis!

Obrigada a todas que responderam ao inquérito, vou mostrar-vos os resultados do mesmo em breve!
E vou oferecer-vos 20% de desconto na minha loja como recompensa pelo tempo perdido! Vão receber um email em breve :)

Bom, passemos ao vencedor, sim?
Adicionei os vossos emails a uma tabela, e atribui-vos um número.
Depois, fui ao Random Nunbers Generator e gerei um número aleatório.

Parabéns turmalina2! Por acaso até é uma conhecida, por isso.. Parabéns Raquel!!

ChaChaChanges

This song reminds me of Kerrin!

And her kiddies too.

I went to find it on youtube since last night I started to think a lot about changes.




Spring Cleaning.

I have the need to change a lot of things in my life.
But since this is a blog about crafting and knitting with wire, I feel my shop needs a new face.
Don't know what yet. Maybe new items, maybe new materials.
I have to think about that.

Things to be grateful for

Good Company, print by lorandherworld

After all the fun, excitement, no sleeping and dancing all night from Carnaval, I find myself loving silence for just a little while.
I found out that I have a lot of things to be grateful for.
Friendship, love, work.
Spring that is coming.
I feel that things are going to be OK.
And I'm grateful.

Have a great day, have a great life. It's too short to be unhappy. Remember that.

Primavera!!!!

(Scroll down to read in English)

Está aí a chegar a minha altura favorita do ano! A Primavera!
E para a celebrar, decidi fazer um giveaway!!!!

Estou a oferecer um cheque prenda, no valor de 20 dólares (USA), que podem usar para comprar o que quiserem da minha loja Etsy! E com portes gratuitos incluidos! *confetis*

Tudo o que têm de fazer é responder a 6 perguntinhas que estão neste questionário :)



Clicar aqui para o Questionário em Português!


GIVEAWAY ESTÁ AGORA FECHADO!

Photo from JKphotography (click on the image buy this print)

Soon enough my favorite season of all times is going to begin! SPRING!!!

This year, to celebrate Spring, I decided to have a giveaway! *throws confetis*

A $20 (US) gift code to my etsy shop, so you can buy whatever you want with it, with... FREE WORLWIDE SHIPPING! Hurray!

All you have to do is answer 6 questions on this survey I created:



Click here to take the Survey in English


THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED!

Window

It has been like this the whole week.

(view from my office)

Just sayin'

Silêncio*

*silence (in Portuguese)

I am with a very bad mood today. No point on ranting, because nothing serious is going on, but I'm just upset (you know those days you just hate people?).

I came back from lunch and eating did help a bit, but not enough. My head hurts, I have something I have to finish today (so I'm going back to it after I finish writing this post), and I selected a very special playlist I like to call "silêncio". Mostly classical music. It relaxes me. Right now I'm hearing Adagio G minor, that according to the guy that uploaded it in youtube: "The Adagio in G minor for violin, strings and organ continuo, is a neo-Baroque composition popularly attributed to the 18th century Venetian master Tomaso Albinoni, but in fact composed almost entirely by the 20th century musicologist and Albinoni biographer Remo Giazotto."
This music makes me want to cry, it's so beautiful.

I also took pictures from a necklace I made a while ago.
It's white.
And silent.

Dress Me Up Scotty

This *clever* title just reminds me, I'm all finished with Battlestar Galactica. Yup, watched the entire 4 seasons in 2 months. Maybe that's were my time has been...

This was just a quick geek note.

I really wanted to tell you about dresses. Today I woke up to another glorious sunny day! I can feel the Spring coming and I'm so excited by it, I even though of buying peep toe shoes today (I spotted an amazing pair on a window while getting to work).
It's still cold, no way 'm going to wear peep toe shoes until maybe May. But a girl dreams!

I'm really interested on dresses lately. I realized that now that I don't work at a factory, I actually can come to work in a dress!

I've been lurking on these lately:

This one looks so light and feminine!
Dress or Tunic in Linen, by isabelamyo, $135

Two dresses from Nadinoo, they have this vintage look on them. I love both!
The pink one is $205 and the blue one is $220.

Another etsy seller that has been taunting me is Cristina Pires.

Love these two casual dresses from her:
True Colors Dress - Grey, Yellow and White, €100
Eva Dress, €90

But this one is just stunning:

A Cygnus dress! How clever! €100

I'm not a big fan of long dresses, but this one I'd wear:

Wishful Organic Cotton Maxi Dress, by GinaMicheleEco, $89

Now I just wished my bank account would follow my dress needs. *sigh*