24 Hour Zine Thing: 2011 Edition

So, every year, I always resolve to participate in these insane, timed “creativity events” like 24-Hour Comics Day or National Novel Writing Month, but I can never make time for that sort of thing. I attempted 24-Hour Comics Day in 2010, but got distracted towards the end of the day by friends (which, ultimately turned out to be more important).

This year, I’m making a commitment: I’m participating in 24-Hour Zine Thing– even if it messed up my sleep schedule for a good 3-4 days. What else am I doing except painting my nails and lounging around until the end of the month? This is happening.

Instead of over-thinking it, I’m starting tomorrow morning, as soon as I wake up– say 6 or 7 am -ish. All I have to do tonight is ready my supplies and get some solid rest. I’ve even make a rough action plan for tomorrow (which I’ll be posting about later).

You can follow my semi-hourly updates on Twitter or join me in this project any time in the month of July.

I’m also bidding on zine/life related items online…which I will share with you only IF I win them. (I’m cutting out the competition! Mehehehheh.) I have zines on the brain this month and we gotta keep this party rolling.

Happenings and Recaps: Handmade Arcade

The Red Raven Studios Table

One of my favorite indie craft fairs in Pittsburgh is Handmade Arcade. It’s been about a week and a half since the Handmade Arcade 2011 happened, but I am still ready to extol the virtues of this annual craft show behemoth. This year, I had the good fortune of being invited by Amy, of Red Raven Studios, to help table for her.

If you live in Pittsburgh and don’t know Amy Lumsden, you probably should. Her handmade ceramic jewelry is brilliant and she’s a great cook to boot. I was excited to help her by guarding her table during bathroom breaks and talking up her wares with people who passed by. (Read Amy’s recap here!)

Handmade Arcade is always a wonderland of things you didn’t know you wanted or needed. It’s a showcase of amazing talent both local and from around the country. I always treat myself to a few nice things and this year was no exception.

Look at this cute clutch from Miss Allison! I loved it so much, I went back and got two more! They other ones are smaller and perfect for a wallet or roller derby emergency tool kit (one of them is a present for a friend, so you can guess what’s going to happen with that one).

The t-shirt version of my sweatshirt

One of my favorite scores was a super comfy sweatshirt from Garbella. Amy Garbarak’s designs are straightforward and versatile (just check out her Esty Shop). Every time I see her work, I just want to nuzzle all of the soft jersey t-shirts with my face. I’ve been wearing my bicycle cog sweatshirt everywhere, including at work, and I’ve gotten so many complements on it! I’m also coveting the “Dear Pittsburgh, I love you” shirt– hard– since I saw it at HA. I want to get one for DZR, but I also want one for me…I don’t know if it’s too soon for us to do the matchy-matchy thing.

Updates: Bruised Knees and Egos

Things have been hectic! I got a dog (pictures and introductions coming soon) and I have been spending a lot of time training him and watching It’s Me or the Dog. He’s a fast little sucker, thus the title of this update (now, almost a week after I fell while walking him, my knees and elbows are still black and blue).

I’m behind on some personal things I’m doing as I work on fact-checking some information for a book project I’m helping out with. This is sort of top-priority now, after the dog.

Roller Derby Tryouts came and went this past Sunday. Good news! I made the league’s “Fresh Meat” group. Many of the girls I’ve been skating with also got in, however, there were a few I was bummed for who didn’t make it. I’m excited to move forward with this!

 I’ve been having a difficult time managing my priorties, as so many things in my life are changing (while many others are staying the same), but I’m pushing foward, like always. Many good things coming up here in the future, so stay tuned!

Roller Derby: SCDD Public Scrimmage

 

Steel City Derby Demons have a Public Scimmage tonight! I’m bringing my pillow because the track-side seating is awesome but hardwood floors on my butt are the suck.

More information located here!

ADVANCE WARNING: Sunday, March 27, 2011 - SCDD Spring Skating Party Fundraiser.  3:30 pm – 6:30 pm Romp n Roll. Bring your friends and family and skate with the derby girls!