Etsy Weekly Wants #3: Back To School

Well, it's my last weekend of freedom before I get back to work on Tuesday, so, naturally I'm thinking about back-to-school supplies for adults!

Up first, a new lanyard for my ID, perhaps?  I have a beaded one, but it tends to pinch, so something softer is on my list.  I like these by Heart2Handbags.  They use really great fabrics and have breakaway velcro behind the neck.  I think the fall colors chevron might be just right.

Next, a backpack.  I don't usually carry purses to work, but need something to put my daily supplies in.  I love love love this colorful backpack by Ottobags.

I carry a lunch bag so I can bring my food in reusable containers.  I really like this one, made from vintage fabric by  MontclairMade.

Travel mugs for my daily coffee.  Enough said.  This one by yevgenia has great painted daisy details.

And up last, a storage basket for my teacher-ish stuff.  For journals, supplies, and anything else I need to keep organized so it doesn't just pile up on a shelf.  Here's one by BaffinBags with an elephant print:

Have a great weekend and maybe I'll be posting, but mostly just relaxing and going to the MN State Fair!

A big change!

I got a new job!

And yes, this is an old picture, and I'm in the bathroom. 
But I look like I accomplished something, and that's how I feel today.












Over the summer, after my AmeriCorps gig was over, I had some free time to move, go on vacation, settle into my new place, listen to some music, make a craft room, and be awesome, but it was getting old.  I was also on a job hunt: applying for jobs, going to interviews, not going to interviews, being offered jobs, turning down jobs, not getting jobs.  And when I wasn't on the job hunt or cleaning/unpacking/cooking , I felt super guilty being unproductive- like I wasn't deserving of downtime until I was gainfully employed. 

Well, last week I got a few messages from sort-of-bosses from my time in AmeriCorps.  They were hiring new teaching assistants, thanks to a grant, and wanted me to apply.  Long story short: applied, interviewed, got it! 

I'm pretty excited.  Last night I was laying in bed, thinking about how to write this post as someone still looking for a job, trying to remain optimistic.  I didn't expect today to be the day I got a job.  But it was, and now I feel like I deserve that downtime.  I only have a little summer vacation left, but it's going to be awesome.  I'm going to sleep in, craft like mad, cuddle with kitties, and blog whenever I want. 

Then, in September, it's time to shape the lives of twenty-something kindergarteners.  It's going to be an epic school year!

ABCs

Another final project this semester- this is for my Illustrator class. I wanted a "mature" alphabet instead of what I'm used to seeing at work every day. I wish I had something more creative, but I seriously stepped out of my comfort zone and typical drawing style for this picture. I created 26 separate repeating patterns for each letter. It was time-consuming at first, but once I got a rhythm going and realized I didn't need to stress about the little details of each pattern, it went really quickly: maybe around 9 hours all together. I think it turned out well and hope my teacher appreciates it.

Minnesota!

A project for part of my Computer Graphics final. Minnesota and trees. Partially based off a sketch for a potential tattoo I did this summer. I like the greens in the Illustrator file, but I think if I do ever immortalize the state on my body, it will be with a sunset. Perhaps the tree from the green version with the bright sunset from the sketch. We shall see. No need to worry about it now. No $$= no tattoos.

Work & play

I'm working on a website for a friend for summer class. I think I have the basic CSS down, now just have to edit page content! Also, making a page for myself and intending to purchase a domain for it.

Here's a sneak peak at the banner image I made for dianapantz:




Not up on a server yet, but check her out on Etsy!