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LavenderLizard

LavenderLizard
Date Joined: April 10, 2008
Last Online: November 7, 2009
Birthday: May 28
Country: USA

About Me

I'm an artsy-craftsy youth services librarian from down South who has finally developed the guts to call herself an artist, even though she isn't "ready."

Favorite Crafts

I enjoy making jewelry (beading, wire wrapping, etc.), and sometimes make my own beads and pendants from polymer clay, shrink plastic, spices, PMC (when I can afford it, which hasn't been for months now!), Friendly Plastic (tempermental stuff that I mess up most of the time), cloth, paper, and anything else I can get my hands on. Since so many people know how to bead these days, I've shifted more into altered jewelry and making my own components. I've started altering things like scrabble tiles, dominoes, and bottle caps to make charms and magnets. I've also started soldering microscope slide pendants, and have the burn scars to prove it! (Any advice about microscopes, scrabble tiles, and bottle caps is welcome!) I just started knotting hemp, and wonder why I didn't try it before, as it is very fun.

I also make ATCs--I do a lot of hand-embroidered cards, very multi-layered collage, carve my own rubber stamps, and have started suminagashi (ink marbling) and cyanotype (from kits--I'll learn to make my own solutions someday). I don't swap the ATCs here as much as other crafts, though, as I am active on another site as well.

I like making tiny felt, cloth, or clay spirit dolls, monsters, and softies. I make dotees and icicle dolls, but I absolutely adore quirky, handmade dolls and softies in general as well as goddess dolls. My felt softies tend to have blanket stitched edges, as I find that it adds a nice finish and is very meditative to sew.

I also sew other things, though nothing too complex, play with ceramics, and make paper, herbal items, and more. I just started amigurumi (made five so far) and crochet dishcloths, but have to be careful of my touchy wrists.

I love collage art--I use antique book pages with my carved stamps, etc, to create all sorts of things with many, many layers. Gel medium is my friend...

I love recycled art, like tins, bottle caps, scrabble tiles, t-shirt purses, etc. A lot of my softies and sewn projects incorporate repurposed fibers, and I use a lot of ecofelt (recycled craft felt--a good way to make something bright and beautiful out of all those plastic bottles).

And if you find it in the Stampington magazines, I'll probably think it's quite cool...I have a "thing" for those folks! Very creative bunch.

As you can tell, I like to keep my arts and crafts varied...I can't yet draw, though. Aside from stick figures. Crooked ones.

Preferences

I'll start with the boring allergy stuff... I'm VERY allergic to mold and non-carbon paper (like dressmaker's carbon and the yellow paper in receipts) and somewhat allergic to wool and strong scents. Essential oils are fine, though, and I love lavender and rosemary. I don't have pierced ears, and have to follow a strict diet for health reasons, so can't eat much of anything that could be sent through the mail except green tea and peppermints.

My favorite colors are jewel-toned red, green, blue and purple. I also like black and white things and nature tones. Frankly, though, I like most colors when they seem appropriate to their use. For wearables, it's safest to stick to those jewel tones or black, though, or I start to look sickly. I love nature themes, trees, fairies, lizards, owls, oriental style, daffodils, fantasy, goddesses, cave art, vintage, and anything that begins with "Once upon a time..." I like vintage and handmade aprons, too, and have an embarrasing addiction to antique crocheted or tatted lace edging and handkerchiefs.

I especially love getting handmade items in swaps, including (but not limited to!) handmade beads and jewelry (no pierced ears, though), stuffies and art dolls, bags, magnets, aprons, and knitted/crocheted items. I love mixed media jewelry! I really like seeing what others love to make, as well--it can be so inspirational. You don't have to be perfect at something for me to love it--as long as it's made with heart, it's great to me!

I'd love to get materials I can use to make things, too. For recycled crafts, I collect game pieces (especially scrabble tiles and dominoes), t-shirts with cool designs, other interesting fabrics, old books or book pages (especially dictionaries, foreign languages, and books with line drawings--for those of you who gasp at that, don't worry--I don't destroy anything unique or rare), antique photos, broken jewelry, altoid and other small tins, CDs, ephemera in general, and bottle caps. I can't handle mold, though--makes my nose and head very angry with me!

I also like rubber stamps (more the artsy ones), ink pads (especially ones that can be used on shrink plastic or fabric like Staz-on), papers, fabric, stone, ceramic, large glass (with big enough holes to use with hemp) and metal beads (I only rarely use plastic, unless it is polymer clay or quirky vintage).

For my overall taste, I would have to say I prefer things that have a bit of an edge, are magical in feeling, or whimsical without being overly sentimental (for example, I love Brian Froud, but am not a fan of Anne Geddes). I collect cast iron trivets, vintage lace, hand-embroidered hankies (antique and new), aprons, old marbles, and carved wooden or gourd stamps used to print fabric. I actually kiss people's feet for those stamps, to be honest. My collection only numbers four, and I hope to grow it much larger!

I'm listing lots of "likes" so that people have guidance, but don't feel constrained by them. I like surprises, too!

And just so you know, extras are always lovely and appreciated, but you don't have to include them to get a heart from me. I give those for the actual swap items, so there's no pressure to add more if you don't want to!

Favorite Movies

Movies:

My three favorite movies of all time are Labyrinth, Amelie, and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead. Analyze that, if you dare! I just saw Where the Wild Things Are, and was THRILLED with the screen adaptation for so many reasons. I also love the original three Star Wars (the newer ones do not exist in my world), Bull Durham, Stardust, the Witches of Eastwick, Pride and Prejudice (the one with Colin Firth, naturally), Mirrormask, Howl's Moving Castle (the book is excellent too), Juno, Lord of the Rings, Serenity (best sci fi flick since Bladerunner, I think, though a friend made a good case for the first of the Matrix trilogy the other day), Benny and Joon, the first half of Lady in the Water (the second half is unfortunate, I admit, or at the very least seems to run away from narrative control), kung fu flicks in general (recently saw the Tai Chi Master, and boy was that one fun), Spirited Away, Lost Boys (gotta love the '80s action!), and for some reason, stuff like Resident Evil and Planet Terror. Love love love old black and white horror of the Vincent Price variety, and I just saw Suspiria, and find it very artistically inspiring.

Television (not all current):

Star Trek, any and all Joss Whedon but especially Firefly, Bones (I was an anthropology undergrad who came within inches of going into forensics), Monk, Psych, Numbers (before it started following the Law and Order tone too much), X-Files, Northern Exposure, Get Smart (not the movie, the 60's tv show--I know it's not PC, but it is so funny!), Supernatural, Dark Angel, Burn Notice, Chuck, and the Jeremy Brett Sherlock Holmes series. I currently get no TV channels, though, so anything I can't rent is lost to me now! (I'd rather mail swaps than pay for cable tv, as I am sure you guys would understand!)

I love quirky characters and fairy tales.

Favorite Books

I'm a LIBRARIAN! 'Course I have these!

I love fairy tales, as said before, but I am not talking about Disney--though I own and love Enchanted!--more the folk tale tradition (a great modern fairy tale I read is the Book of Lost Things, and I consider Charles de Lint's mythical themes to fall into this arena too). I love art and craft books, and collect them somewhat obsessively. I stalk the magazine racks for my favorite magazines. I love urban fantasy as well--fairy tales are not just for the past! I love Wise Child by Monica Furlong, the poetry of Hafiz and Rumi, Charles De Lint, Susan Cooper, Diana Wynne Jones, The Folk Keeper, David Shannon's picture books (talk about quirky!), The Wishing of Biddy Malone, The Ordinary Princess, Savvy (a book I love that was just named a Newbery Honor! Whaddaya know...I'm thrilled about this year's winner, too!), Shakespeare (yeah, I know I'm a geek), the Safe Keeper's Secret, Shannon Hale, Brian Froud, and let's see, how long can my list be?...

I am addicted to books about the crafts I make...things like jewelry making (especially the fancy art jewelry), polymer clay, sewing, amigurumi, collage, and on and on...

I promise!

I will rate everyone when I receive your package, I promise! If I somehow forget, I won't be offended if you remind me. I never, ever mark my swaps sent until after I have actually given them to the folks at the post office. I don't mail from my door.

I also send out a message to let you know if I haven't gotten something...so you'll know if something you send me goes missing. And of course let me know if you don't get something from me--I have never yet flaked on a swap, and barring death, it is my intention never to do so! If you are ever disappointed with my swap package, let me know so that I can make it right.

I've had a lot of flaking since I started trading here, but the cool packages from you honest swappers make it worth the effort!

Swaps I never received: NFS - Dotee Doll for Beginners, Towel Day Swap (http://www.swap-bot.com/swap/show/36213), Felt Minnie Monster Swap (http://www.swap-bot.com/swap/show/34847), Owl Stuffie Swap (http://www.swap-bot.com/swap/show/30562), Coraline Mini Stuffie Swap (http://www.swap-bot.com/swap/show/30797), Goddess Inspired Fridge Magnet (http://www.swap-bot.com/swap/show/26614), another Owl Stuffie Swap (angeled by hostess yarnigras!), Handmade Button Swap (http://www.swap-bot.com/swap/show/26113) from two of three partners, Anything You Want to Make Swap (http://www.swap-bot.com/swap/show/19876), runes ~ handmade ~ USA (http://www.swap-bot.com/swap/show/19628), Favorite Fairy Tale Character Dotee (angeled!), Smashed Cents #2 (angeled!), Newbie Swap #11 (angeled!)

One of my swaps was recently returned from South Africa unclaimed, but I messaged that person to let them know about it and haven't received a response. I'll gladly re-mail!

I love doing private swaps, too.

I have two cats, but they are not allowed in my craft room, so should not affect my swap items at all. I am also extra careful if someone's profile says they are allergic! Mine is also a smoke-free home.

Special request

I have not bought new music for AGES, and don't have the ability to download it either. I'm interested in trading for mix cds to update my collection. My tastes are quite eclectic. I love "chick" singers like Ani Difranco, Dar Williams, Alanis Morissette. I love classic rock and jazz from Ella Fitzgerald to the Beatles to Blue Oyster Cult--lots of moods). I've loved the music they use in Supernatural on TV--what a great mix! I also like celtic and folk music and some harder rock and punk (like Flogging Molly). I am not a rap fan, though, and I find vocal styles like John Mayer's grating (no offense to the fans!). If you think you can put together a collection for me, please let me know!

Ratings

VJP rated for Shrinky Buttons - the Sequel - INTL on Nov 8, 2009
5
rating
Comment: Thank you so much for the beautiful buttons. They are absolutely precious and there are so many of them. You really did a fabulous job on them..and I am curious if you printed them or drew them by hand. Absolutely stunning...
5
rating
Comment: I absolutely LOVED your journal! It was beautifully crafted. I could hardly believe it was your first made for someone else journal. It was unbelievable how terrific it was. Thank you so much for sharing everything with me. -Hugs-
Ethaina rated for Stitch Me A Witch for Samhain on Oct 31, 2009
5
rating
Comment: Thanks so much for the adorable little felt witch, she's too cute!
Pegster527 rated for Profile suprises USA/CANADA on Oct 30, 2009
5
rating
Comment: Thanks so much. I loved it all. Can't wait to make my owl pal.
missxpistol rated for 13 Days of Halloween EDITED on Oct 23, 2009
5
rating
Comment: you know we loved it all!!
5
rating
Comment: We got impatient and opened 'em all thanks so much! <3
ManitoulinGirl rated for Prim Stitch Christmas on Oct 23, 2009
5
rating
Comment: Thanks so much for the lovely embroidery and the cute buttons!
beadeful rated for Altered Switchplate Swap - US only on Oct 19, 2009
5
rating
Comment: Wow Sarah, I have so many switches I can use this altered plate on. It is beautiful! Thank you so much for making it perfect and sending the perfect xtras to boot.
5
rating
Comment: Your package was so well thought out. It really did include something for every one of the five senses. I liked that you took the extra time to stitch on the symbols. The planning you put into this package really shows. Thanks Sarah! <3
kimpe rated for Profile Surprises! on Oct 14, 2009
5
rating
Comment: Oh my gosh what a wonderful pkg. I loved each and every piece of this. Thank you for sharing such wonderful items. Rest assured they will be loved in this house also!!
TangleCrafts rated for Micro Kit in a Matchbox on Oct 14, 2009
5
rating
Comment: Gorgeous kit - thank you! And thanks for sending on the instructions - the tiny booklet is possibly my favourite part :-). I feel dotee dolls may be on the agenda as extra Christmas gifts for my family, this year!
CozetteAsahi rated for Teeny Tiny stuffie swap #6 on Oct 8, 2009
5
rating
Comment: Yes I do have a hording for your lovelies huh? Pinky loves the other members of my owl flock and seems to be becoming a fan Mizaki films, though she won't share her ice cream!
michellew rated for Teeny tiny stuffie swap #5 on Oct 7, 2009
5
rating
Comment: Thankyou for the cute little candy corn! I wish we celebrated halloween here, it always seems so exciting to me! I have made a number of pumpkin lanterns over the years, but I think my neighbours would think I was really strange if I went trick or treating!!!! Thankyou also for the lovely flowers!
Response: It's my favorite holiday, so I love to spread some Halloween cheer even where it isn't celebrated. Glad you like your stuffie!!!
pahasiga rated for Micro Kit in a Matchbox on Oct 6, 2009
5
rating
Comment: Thank you! I love the face!
5
rating
Comment: This was a great swap. I love the images and can't wait to get going on some bottlecaps!!
HeideC rated for Micro Kit in a Matchbox on Oct 2, 2009
5
rating
Comment: Thank you for the art doll kit. I love the face!
5
rating
Comment: Thank you so much for the assortment of bottle cap images and the ribbon is awesome.
justingrid rated for Halloween Fake Food Stuffie on Sep 28, 2009
5
rating
Comment: Thanx for the bag of candy corn. I was curious when you asked to make little instead of big. They are SWEET ;0)
Response: Glad you liked them! I got the idea of making a treat bag instead of one stuffie, and thought Halloween was the perfect theme!
wytch6 rated for Shrinky Lovers' Swap - International on Sep 19, 2009
5
rating
Comment: Thanks so much for my cute shrinkys. I so love them all especially the teeny tiny one. The hints and tips are going to come in handy too.
Response: I'm so glad that the second package made it! Hopefully the other found a good home in postal limbo. Enjoy everything, and I look forward to trading again!
CozetteAsahi rated for NFS: Dotee Doll - For Beginners on Sep 16, 2009
5
rating
Comment: Love the beading, And with the constant drizzle the past weekend I cant keep Nina inside.
Response: Tee hee...she does love the rain! Glad you like her...

Rating Overview

Overall Hearts Stars  
5.0000 266 30  
Completed Fives Threes Ones
244 279 0 0
View all

Comments

KitschyKewpie on Nov 2, 2009:

Thank you for being my angel for the Teeny Tiny Stuffie Swap #6! The owl is adorable!!!

myrrhmaid on Oct 17, 2009:

I haven't forgot your kind offer to trade ATC's. I just got a new batch of black walnuts & will be making up some new ink very soon! SQUEEE! Enjoy the new season! Laura

mystmaiden on Oct 16, 2009:

Thanks for joining the Autumn Haiku Swap!

kimpe on Oct 3, 2009:

I nearly forgot. Thank you for sharing your coveted vintage sewing items. It is a wonderful addition to my colletion! Kim

kimpe on Oct 3, 2009:

Oh my!!! I have never ever recv'd such a fun package to go through! You so made my day! Elli and I went through each piece one at a time and admired them and talked about what we could do with them. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Hugs, Kim xoxoxoxo

Justmeth81 on Sep 23, 2009:

Thanks for the Ty Beanie Babies from McDonald's! My kids really loved them!!! Your swap will go out on Friday! Thanks Bunches!!

rockyhorrorgerri on Jul 3, 2009:

Do I spy a Rocky Horror Fan??

choke on May 26, 2009:

I received the state map of SC postcard today!! Thank you so much for helping me with my collection, it was a very sweet RAK!!

YooperHill on Apr 3, 2009:

LOVE the earrings! Thank youf or angeling the tiny HM profile suprise swap for me. I really love them!

craftygirl on Mar 23, 2009:

Thanks so much for angeling the Tiny Homemade Profile Gift. What a cute little monster!

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