infinite monster: January 2013

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Family Portrait

Taking a family portrait is part of our new traditions. We just got around to taking the photo. Infinite tried several times. Then Monster put the camera on the table, set the timer, and this is the only picture she had to take. We both like it quite a bit.

Monday, January 28, 2013

Making Monday: Pie Crust Cookies

Use cookie cutters on remaining pie dough. Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar. Place next to the pie in the oven until golden brown (around 8 minutes).

Friday, January 25, 2013

Juxtaposition

Infinite and Monster's brother were searching for something at a market on Lake Street when they came across this display. Over-emphasized screen printed portraits of Jesus and Mary above cleverly hung underwear and rows upon rows of colorful push-up bras. Clearly garments encouraged by the two idols above.

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Engagement: Field Trips

Infinite was lucky enough to attend a 1st grade field trip through work. We went to the fire stations, library, and recreation center. It was glorious. These four boys could not look away from that giant fire hose. It is the only time I have seen all of them engaged. Lesson learned: fire hoses in every classroom? Twas great regardless.

Monday, January 21, 2013

Making Monday: Vegan Chocolate Pudding

In blender place one package of firm tofu, one tablespoon vanilla extract, 1/4 cup milk product (Infinite used almond milk), and 1 1/2 cups melted semi-sweet chocolate chips. Blend until tasty. Let chill in fridge for at least one hour. Eat it all up. Add vegan chocolate and creme sandwich cookies if desired.

Friday, January 18, 2013

Flamingo

Infinite is taking pictures during 2013 for Powderhorn 365. For this, I take a photograph in the Powderhorn Neighborhood every Friday and it is posted on a blog and put into a book at the end of the year. Quite an exciting adventure it has been and will be. Last week we went to Flamingo Divine Finds to take a photograph. The place and people were wonderful with great things to see and low prices. Check it out. They are open 5 days each month. We were fond of the oldish furniture and framed archives.

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Pizza!

We went out to eat at Galactic Pizza, with Monster's mom and brother and Infinite's nephew. Good times were had by all and delicious pizza was eaten. It is super fun to look at the menu through 3-D glasses, and look at the spaceman costumes on display.

Monday, January 14, 2013

Making Monday: The Cabled Hat

I love knit cables, but have always been too afraid to try and to knit my own. I finally pushed aside my worry and knit this amazing hat, with my first cables! I used the Wedding Hat pattern out of "The Yarn Girl's Guide to Beyond the Basics". It was super simple and a quick knit. I have been using it and it is so warm, and comfy, along with being super fun to brag about!

Friday, January 11, 2013

Tiny Tunnel

Our nephew loves tunnels. Simply turn two, three, or four chair backs together and throw a blanket over the top. Hours of entertainment for you and the little ones.

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Traditions: Our Day

We have decided to create a set of traditions for Winter Break or the end of the year. One of which is making a list of negatives from the past year. These do not have to be regrets. Some of ours focused on good local shops closing. One of ours was "moving other people's stuff", which is something we tend to do often. Another was "stress" because we are working on alleviating some of the stress in our lives. Four of us roommates participated this year. Each of us wrote down several negatives, each on their own slip of paper, and put them in a bowl. Then we each lit a match and set it in the bowl at the same time. Not only does it symbolize relinquishing our own negatives, but also helping others do the same.

Another piece of our new tradition is saying thank you and sorry to each other for three different things during the past year. We both found it to be an excellent exercise.

Monday, January 7, 2013

Making Monday: Freezer Paper Magic

1. Take a piece of paper. Draw a design. We would suggest something not as complicated as our first one, shown here.

2. Trace your design in ink or colored pencil so you will be able to trace the design onto the freezer paper clearly.

3. Cut a piece of freezer paper slightly larger than your design. Trace the design onto the matte side of the freezer paper by placing your drawing underneath the freezer paper shiny side down.

4. Tape the freezer paper to a cutting surface and use a crafting knife to cut out the parts of the design you would like to be inked.

5. Choose a fabric item to affix the design to.
6. Using an iron on medium-high heat attach the design, shiny side down, to the fabric. Hold the iron even and flat to press down across the design a few times first so that none of the edges get folded over by the iron. Then move the iron back and forth a few times to stick the design completely to the fabric. We also found placing a piece of paper between the iron and design can help keep the corners from folding over. This process does not take long at all. Be sure to keep the iron moving and not burn the fabric.
7. Attach another piece of freezer paper the size of the design on the other side of the fabric to avoid bleed through. You can do this before or after you attach the design to the fabric. We did it before the design because we had to turn the t-shirt inside out in order to attach the protective sheet to the inside.
8. Use fabric paint to paint within the stencil using a brush by dabbing up and down or pulling the paint from the freezer paper to the fabric to avoid getting paint underneath the edges of the stencil.

9. Wait for the paint to dry. Add another coat or two if necessary. Then peel off the freezer paper using a tweezers for any tough spots. Peel off the back piece as well.

10. Use a small brush or toothpick to touch up any problem spots.
11. Heat set with an iron, wash, and use.