anntorian

new website, new focus

2011-02-07T21:25:00.000-08:00

with great help, she has launched... anntorian.com

thank you.

scratchy wool- plush cotton

2010-10-05T18:03:00.000-07:00

trevor wins- he could wear a sheep around his neck - english blood

wool for the man - cotton for the lady

weaving wonderland

2010-09-25T18:35:00.000-07:00

spent a beautiful morning surrounded by sheep, llamas, wool, and delicious lamb with a splendid individual. (yeah, i ate lamb)

insane hand-loomed blankets and pillows. oh, some day.

pop o'color

my loot

great vintage spindles with the best wear from their forgotten days

super scratchy wool that i may regret, but i could not pass up.

scarf 2

2010-09-19T11:33:00.001-07:00

goal was to make this completely different than the first. it looks nearly the same. the colors didn't blend they way i planned. oh well, guess i need to start another one.

scarf attempt

2010-09-15T22:50:00.001-07:00

My third attempt at making a scarf. It took about 4 months to finish the first one for my kell bell. Next up, starting a scarf for my love 2.5 years ago. I had a horrible setup and I quit before I finished 6 inches. After last week's goodwill loom find, I was able to "get-ur-done" in 3 days.

As the rain starts, I am excited to spend my evenings weaving away.

Hopefully the first of many.

midwest lightning

2010-08-23T20:55:00.000-07:00

first trial. no judgements. music by trevor b. (click for bigger view)

bag time

2010-08-22T22:01:00.000-07:00

i needed to add a few options to the trusty book bag to make it a little more versatile.

before: painful straps and limited pockets (1).

supplies from oregon leather co.

after:the strap = satchel, plus there are more pockets for my keys to get lost.

food

2010-08-22T21:56:00.001-07:00

artichoke : fail

figs : success

opt 1: fig wrapped in bacon. opt 2: fig topped with blue cheese, honey and balsamic .

lost lake

2010-08-22T21:50:00.000-07:00

rat race in the city one day, surrounded by pines the next.

nyny

2010-08-22T21:36:00.001-07:00

i am like a raccoon

busy bee only a few images to share

i am alive

2010-08-22T16:26:00.000-07:00

this is for you dutton. shaking the dust off the good old blog.added a bit of glitz to a target find. oh sunday funday.

everything now!

2009-07-20T14:44:00.001-07:00

yeah this was may 15th.

le pigeon

2009-07-20T12:14:00.000-07:00

3 year dinner, posted 2 months later.

6.7.09

2009-05-07T20:50:00.000-07:00

3 years.

collecting

2009-05-06T21:22:00.000-07:00

greens

2009-05-06T21:08:00.000-07:00

blooms

2009-05-06T21:02:00.001-07:00

round the 'hood

2009-05-06T20:56:00.000-07:00

bike+trolleyrail=brokenfinger

2009-05-06T19:37:00.000-07:00

it took us 4 hrs. to realize my room was different than the other er rooms. no tv, no molding, no pillows and a camera in the corner. one of the doctors asked my nurse if i was supposed to be in the psych room.

drumroll..... portland

2009-05-06T19:27:00.001-07:00

1.shamu. 2. mt.hood 3.view from room 4.bike rest. 5 roommates 6. bikeathon

indiana departure

2009-05-06T14:44:00.000-07:00

quality never goes out of style

2009-05-06T14:40:00.000-07:00

indiana make

2009-05-06T14:35:00.000-07:00

anntorian.etsy.com

hopefully when my stuff isn't in boxes across the country i may post some goods for purchase.

indiana cat

2009-05-06T14:31:00.000-07:00

sabrina

papa jojo's shop cat

indiana pt. 2

2009-05-06T13:15:00.001-07:00

north american handmade bicycle show .indianapolis, in

indiana: a memoir pt. 1

2009-04-19T17:27:00.000-07:00

Ft. Wayne

bedside table

2009-01-29T20:39:00.000-08:00

leather and gasoline

2009-01-29T20:20:00.000-08:00

How is it possible to feel nostalgia for a world I never knew?

A little stop in Ohio at the American Motorcycle Museum. I now realize there are no full pictures of motorcycles to share, but I think the details of the craftmanship will suffice.

(these may be two of the individuals to thank, if not pretty sweet jackets.)

nye

2009-01-29T20:13:00.000-08:00

forgotten new year's eve party

ain't that america

2009-01-29T19:57:00.000-08:00

It was wonderful to be in a place surrounded by such positivity. I was fortunate enough to get through the gates of the purple section and possibly more important, stand next to a lady with a fur coat. It was a good day to be there and just take everything in.

accross america

2009-01-29T19:48:00.000-08:00

pass through so many little towns, i wish we had time to stop in each one.

yeah america.

back.

2009-01-18T19:27:00.000-08:00

back, and gone to d.c. for a few days to share the joy with those around me.

pictures to share when we get back.

(forgot where i found this beaut)

saturday in the melting pot

2008-08-05T06:55:00.000-07:00

crepes and dog treats, somehow they were both tempting.

rootbeer and frrreeeee corn

serb food and greek goods

only in america

2008-08-04T20:09:00.000-07:00

my parents are not being compared to wild boar heads.

a collection of animal heads and a chicago style pizza. we headed up north for the weekend and ate at this little jemstone friday night.

in the wink of a young girl's eye

2008-07-30T20:45:00.000-07:00

glory days

(passenger seat, pimms and bocce, floats, bowling alley marble, new space, muncie.)

so many changes. it is never too late to make life into what you want.

i am alive

2008-07-08T12:41:00.000-07:00

summer has been upon us for a few months, my blog looks as cold as winter.

more life to come, for now a plug.

summer goals

2008-04-21T11:54:00.001-07:00

the computer screen is pretty lame to stare at in the spring. so as i sit here waiting for the 5 o'clock bell to ring, why not post a video?

this summer: i will learn how to play an instrument. i present the jaymar. start small in a beautiful way.

HOTEL MOTEL

2008-04-10T13:41:00.000-07:00

Although this was the end of portland, it was the most rewarding. therefore it is show first.

I introduce you to the Ace Hotel.

Film strip to be shared later.

... is in the details

whisky board in clyde common

this place was a dream. i am sure most people say this. if i had to close my eyes and image a place to work and live, the aesthetic of ace is an uncanny copy of what i have always hoped to create. my soul gets connected to special places. i have a butterfly in my stomach every time i see these pictures. i hope you have the opportunity to visit portland and experience the aesthetic that the city and its people embody.

train

2008-03-25T15:11:00.001-07:00

to portland

seattle4

2008-03-19T10:54:00.001-07:00

spitfire little lady who refused to move for condo development.

seattle. end.

seattle3

2008-03-18T15:24:00.000-07:00

skills

kelly marie

A guy at a bar told me my camera was so old but he knew that there was a hack for it. If I tried to sell it on ebay, I could make profit over it's original price. nerd. any takers?

crow
trucks & crows

crow

buildings are for losers

2008-03-18T14:21:00.000-07:00

Before I get too deep into photomontage, I need to thank my cousin's Todd and Michelle for the kindness and warmth that Trevor and I received. They take the gray out of Seattle days. Kept our bellies warm with wonderful food, a roof to sleep under, as well as carting our behinds around the city. We can't thank the two of them enough.

Done with the emotions, lets talk about ugly things. Like frank gehry's experience music project. The exhibits were happening, just not the shell. If you want to see images, Google it. Here is something that was an experience.

Oh small sci-fi museum.

Then onto Seattle’s public library, designed by no one other than myself, or Rem Koolhaas. (Warning first image must be looked at from the side, although it is way to small to make anything out, thank you google’s blogger.)

aj aj concrete detail.

view from inside the red floor

the red floor/ meeting rooms.

Only a nerd gets excited about sprinkler details.

Only a nerd gets excited about ventilation systems and lighting fixtures.

vertigo.

in the beginning

2008-03-18T09:40:00.000-07:00

seattle: part 1

such a wonderfully refreshing trip, a teaser of our morning walks from my cousins' wonderful tudor abode. mountains, yes mountains across the puget sound.

portlandia

2008-03-17T08:14:00.000-07:00

oh so much to share, but now i have to make up some time and work work work.

pictures galore, till then. peace.

doors closed

2008-02-15T12:05:00.000-08:00

Although there are many more valuable causes, I ask for you to help save a little life.

Kodak, like most profit driven companies, has decided to shut down the production of poloroid film, focusing on flat-panel TVs and digital photography gear. Bankruptcy, lame.
http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2008/02/polaroid-ends-i.html
http://www.boston.com/business/technology/articles/2008/02/08/polaroid_shutting_2_mass_facilities_laying_off_150/

America’s downfall is the widespread cheapening aesthetic.

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/LicensePolaroidTechnology/

Mom, birthday list: polaroid film.

occupancy load

2008-02-15T11:36:00.001-08:00

space,space space

amigos

2008-02-15T11:28:00.001-08:00

p.s. i love you.

summertime on an island without cars.

2008-02-07T11:54:00.000-08:00

i was creeping on kelly (her photo), i long for summer. oh bikes bikes bikes.

money ain't no thang.

2008-02-06T13:18:00.000-08:00

if only this was true.

products of: http://www.baileyshomeandgarden.com/pages/products/ecohousehold.html

spotted by http://www.style-files.com/2008/02/06/baileys/

short and sweet

2008-02-05T09:15:00.000-08:00

summary of my weekend along with monday dinner.

glasses courtesy of cfp.

"now that's cool"

2008-02-04T06:28:00.001-08:00

In honor of Anton Jurgens Henning's citzenship I post this beaut. Congrats AJ, stay grounded.

peace

2008-02-01T14:14:00.001-08:00

I hope your weekend it full of adventure and productivity.

Nantes - BEIRUT

2008-01-31T08:07:00.001-08:00

creative people make the world go round

the cats are out of the bag

2008-01-31T07:49:00.000-08:00

No cats and no bag, but the move to Portland is becoming more and more realistic. Well I don't have a job, a place to live, money to move out, or exception into a particular grad school, but those are just the details. City guidebooks are my premature valentines gift to Trevor. Some may say nerdy; I think they are pretty cool. So the other night we sat over a pint and dog tagged, wait even dorkier, tagged with note making post-its of the must see or must visits.

Have I mentioned I have never even been to the northwest? I am placing all my faith in the good words of others, talent and lifestyle choice that have become obvious through research, as well as a lovely little grad school.

Midwest you still hold my heart.

pupperoni

2008-01-28T09:50:00.000-08:00

This weekend was exhausting; don't let the endearing puppy eyes fool you. 11 weeks of boundless energy these brothers are inseparable that was until Sunday when they discovered the freedom that a house would allow.

Not mine; I was one of three puppy-sitters for the Bennett’s. I thought I was ready for my own, but Pryor no fears.

Such sweet little loves, I do miss their warm little bodies.

winter chill & warm evenings

2008-01-22T10:00:00.001-08:00

cabbage soup, corn bread, boddingtons.
warp, weft, web

weekend love

2008-01-22T08:26:00.000-08:00

A hardboiled egg and horseradish with good rye bread and butter is a favorite breakfast food. The ease of making the meal along with the simplistic taste combination reminds me of quick holiday breakfasts that my Grandma Annie introduced to me.
Before the weekend hit I stumbled upon http://www.burdastyle.com/. The website deserves a visit that might help you get over a hump. I surely found inspiration out of it, and instead of accomplishing the obvious, cleaning and reformatting my computer, I have taken up a new hobby along with finding limitless pattern options. (I sound 30 years older than I am. I realize this.)

We borrowed the wood scraps for the frame from the university’s scrap yard. They throw anything outdated into massive piles that are then "recycled". We scored a great pencil sharpener that was still attached to the trim; it just needs a little shield to collect pencil shavings.

please forgive me.

2008-01-17T11:39:00.000-08:00

I am just going to say it, I am sick of silhouettes. Phew cleaning out my closet, I had to come clean. For some time I have liked all of it; in the past even getting my feet wet in the silhouette world.

But frankly, I see it from every design related source multiple times. It has just become so commonplace that it is boring. I still appreciate a good silhouette from time to time and I think it is a quite cleaver medium. Negative Nancy done. Ok, with that said, I would really love to flip though this book. Is that too hypocritical?

it is not a baby.

2008-01-14T13:15:00.000-08:00

There is a project in the works, collaboration between a lovely gent and me. A yearlong dedication that involves numbers and photos. That is all the information to share, abstract photos to come. Till then, a not so abstract photo of my spice line.

polo what

2008-01-12T18:10:00.000-08:00

Today sun, after a month of grays. I am not yet ready to pack away the scarves,

but the warm sun is quite tempting.

let them eat cake!

2008-01-10T17:24:00.000-08:00

Oh and we did. This past weekend cfp took me to a kosher gem.

A wonderful family owed deli with fresh rye bread. Cafeteria-style PLAZA and a whole quarter of poppy seed cake to ourselves. Thank you Christopher. Since I forgot my camera, all of these images are stolen from previous adventures.

I am looking forward to finding the forgotten spots with you.

4.3.2....

2008-01-10T17:01:00.000-08:00

New Years has come and gone (obviously). Now my amigos are all separated again. It was wonderful to be with them, although it was short, it was nice. (These pictures are not mine, Rachel is the owner. cvs ate my film therefore it is being replaced with a gift card. I love how our faces are grotesquely cartoon-ish in some.)

till then

2008-01-10T13:35:00.001-08:00

poor poster

2008-01-10T13:26:00.001-08:00

I really, really do care about this blog and intend to capture and write about things I encounter. It appears that my life is lame or that I am too busy to even visit anntorian. Neither of which are true.

Right now I am in the process of cleaning out my computer, getting closer and closer to installing wonderful software to give me limitless possibilities.
So I slowly work at deleting duplicates, which every single file on my computer seems to have. I will dedicate time tonight, till then.

hubs, rims and a cog, oh my!!!

2008-01-03T15:05:00.001-08:00

I have not even begun talking about my wonderful gifts.
A little taste of a wonderful toy that a little bird gave me.

with love i accept

tokens of love

2008-01-03T14:45:00.000-08:00

wrapped and handed out, finally the totes are complete.

Ten in all. To some, ten bags is just a busy weekend, I am motivated to gain a straighter stitch and a to quicken my bobbin threading. I am slow and am looking forward to improving on every project.
After it all I thought I would let my sewing machine collect dust, there would be no way I would want to even look at it after my little project.
Last night I had sewing withdrawals, so I started and finished a sweatshirt for trevor inspired (blatantly copied) from a built by wendy shirt. I will show photos later, and I take no credit for the idea, just the crooked stitch.

I promise more post to come, for now cold medicine, green tea, a few oranges and sleep.
Thank you loyal readers, I appreciate your attention and I promise to provide you with love.

happy new year to all.

2008-01-02T11:10:00.000-08:00

Apologies for my lackadaisical attitude this break, I have a multitude of pictures to share and stories for all ages. Till then, stay warm.

INDIANA LOVE

2007-12-21T12:58:00.001-08:00

I am off for the holiday. I hope to be back next friday with final photos of my "christmas tokens of love". I have finished 3 totes, completed the lining on 2 others, leaving 8 to finish. I have made final decisions on wrapping; if the purpose of my presents is to propose a simple step towards a more sustainable lifestyle, it would negate everything to wrap it all in paper. Therefore i have wrapped each presant around itself. (one time in first grade we had a spelling pre-test, the teacher said "wrap" i spelled rap. everytime i wrote wrap in this paragraph i laughed to myself. i have never been a good speller.)

we went to morton's last night and finished off a tasty dinner with a banana cupcake topped with dark chocolate icing. mmmmm....................

best wishes to all, hope santa treats you well, and that your family enjoys your smiling faces.

amen.

pickle surprise

2007-12-18T07:48:00.000-08:00

Well it is not a pickle, but an ipod case for a little lady first name C last name Bennett (I can't give everything away).When I went fabric shopping I tried to think of something that would be dependable and not soak up any Gatorade or green tea. This blue outdoor canvas was jumping off the shelf. At first we made fun of the color, but with further thought nothing else could be more perfect.

I needed a way to breakup the front panel (a forewarning my sewing skills are improving with every stitch) Surprise Joann's had this great houndstooth screenprinted fabric.

I made a few mistakes, but hopefully she will be forgiving.
Not finished yet, the inside as well as the top and bottom need to be completed.
Word to the wise: if you ever apply snaps check your markings 4 times, three isn't enough. The back bunches slightly, but who looks at the back.

tote straps tonight.

indiana weekend

2007-12-17T10:06:00.000-08:00

Minimal sewing, 7 inches of snow and cabbage soup.

wonderful end to any weekend.

white lies

2007-12-14T08:33:00.000-08:00

The snow has all melted.

Up to 6” of snow this weekend calls for a Christmas tree hunt with Trevor’s family. I wish home wasn't so far away so I could pick a tree where we all pile into my dad's truck, even though we are way past the age to fit four into that truck. We did it for about twelve years, but I can't make it again. One tree farm we would go to had a caboose in the middle of the lot and after we picked the tree we would go inside and drink warm cider. I believe the caboose is gone now, I am not even sure my brother experienced the caboose.
Not accomplishing as much as I wanted to get done this week, I must transport my projects to Trevor’s. I will lie to his family while I make their presents in front of their face. Ha haha. I will be sewing straps to weave a basket for my mom. Sorry mom you are not getting a basket, but I will work on my weaving skills and next year, who knows.

enjoy the weekend, stay warm.

worry nut

2007-12-12T13:43:00.000-08:00

Santa I feel your pain.

I am beginning to worry about my progress. I have a week to get everything done and I haven’t touched any work in the last 2 nights and don’t have a weekend of work to bank on. I am starting a new project tonight. Pictures will be posted when the sketches in my head become real. I really hope it works because I get excited about the amount of detail I can put into it. I will share the secret soon.

I did have a wonderful evening last night with Chelsea bear. I really miss having her around. Luckily we have the holidays and the Heorot.

clear the calender

2007-12-11T13:36:00.001-08:00

more info to come

(original photo borrowed)

blah

2007-12-11T06:35:00.000-08:00

No chicken sausages!!!! I love small towns, but sometimes. ahhh spread my wings.

At least we have well priced antique stores and amazingly stocked thrift stores. Eat it big town lovers.

tote my life away

2007-12-10T11:45:00.000-08:00

My weekend consisted of sewing, cutting, sipping union friendly champagne beer, and sewing. Not being an avid sewer, this was quite a marathon for me. I ended the week completing the lining and shells for 10 tote/grocery bags. I have all the prep work complete to cut the straps and finish up the bags this week. Fingers crossed.

leaking roof

2007-12-10T10:05:00.000-08:00

melting snow.

I love how color can trigger memory.

kelly.

winter wonder

2007-12-06T09:06:00.000-08:00

The first official snow fall about 3"; quite impressive if you ask me. Usually it seems like we get this sort of coverage in late February, when the winter is beyond enjoyment and the buds are tricked into thinking that spring is on its way. Every year I worry that trees are dead due to the shocking attack of late winter’s fury.

Trevor lives in an amazing house/apartment with this structure dumped near the ally. This shed/carport is sadly left in the back where the lower tenants just allow their dog out to shit everywhere. Walking back there is like entering a minefield. The shed has a wonderful green patina, which unfortunately these photos haven’t captured.

Occupying the second floor we are fortunate to use his room as a mutual work studio, music/ architecture, sewing, painting extravaganza. I have been taking the space over with my family Christmas creation emporium. My goal is to make 10 tote bags, a variety of desk calendars, as well as tins full of winter treats. Breath. I have taken a big bite for myself. One purpose of this blog is to post my progress to assure myself that I am moving forward; sort of a pep rally during my lunch break till I get home. So there it is, I have spilt the beans.

I want to create more, unfortunately this Christmas it seems that I only have enough focus and time for my family. I hope that I will be able to branch out from this point.
We are supposed to get 2-4 more inches tonight!!!!

fall sky

2007-12-03T13:22:00.000-08:00

Today after replacing a dead winter sky in Photoshop with a sun filled beauty; I realized truly how dreary winter gets. I love the somberness that winter has to offer, but sometimes it is nice to look back a couple of months to see what is in our future. In this case, photos from a camping trip last October.

table top tree

2007-12-02T10:21:00.000-08:00

I do have a guilty feeling in my soul when I see all the forgotten trees by everyone's trash the days following Christmas. But who could deny the wonderful smell of a fresh cut tree hanging around their apartment on cold windy nights? Not I.

Apologies for the darkness of the pictures, it was night and I still haven’t figured out the light meter on my Polaroid camera. The one I broke last week at Thanksgiving was not nearly as high-tech.

Jack was the gent who helped us with a fresh cut by hand. We walked the tree back to the apartment and I just kept hoping for snow, but the brisk breeze was enough of a reminder that it was nearly December. I have always dreamed of getting a tree in that atmosphere. It had such a wonderful feeling, like the photo of kids on the front of Christmas cards carrying the tree home on Christmas Eve.

Now I have to get back to my workshop to finish up some things on my massive list that I must get through before I call it a holiday. I will post on all of that when it feels like I have made progress.

2007-11-30T07:48:00.000-08:00

A forewarning, I am wordy with unorganized thoughts. I also lean toward the messy side, and 95% of the time I am late. All and all, I aspire to be a good person.

I love making lists, and I primarily make a list for the pure joy of crossing things off of it. Sometimes my list consists of the minutest detail. I never look at the quality of the tasks on my list, just the quantity. That black pen going through words and making those tasks indistinguishable, pure joy. This would be the one time in my life that I would agree with quantity over quality. I hope this is the only time that statement is every used.

I have wanted to start a blog for some time now, and after months of scanning through some amazingly talented work of individuals; I decided the time is now. I live two lives at the moment. One is from about 7 till 5, and the other obviously follows. Thus far in my adult realm, the job has seemed to control my mental state, and although I have been brainstorming and planning to expressively live my life, thus far I have just placed it on the backburner. Now I am turning up the heat!!!!!!!!!!!!

Like most, this blog is about what I see everyday and how it all influences the thing I do. I will attempt to post as often as I come across things that move me. We are surrounded by beauty. Here is the translation of the beauty that surrounds me. I pledge quality over quantity.

Welcome.

anntorian

new website, new focus

scratchy wool- plush cotton

weaving wonderland

scarf 2

scarf attempt

midwest lightning

bag time

food

lost lake

nyny

i am alive

everything now!

le pigeon

6.7.09

collecting

greens

blooms

round the 'hood

bike+trolleyrail=brokenfinger

drumroll..... portland

indiana departure

quality never goes out of style

indiana make

indiana cat

indiana pt. 2

indiana: a memoir pt. 1

bedside table

leather and gasoline

nye

ain't that america

accross america

back.

saturday in the melting pot

only in america

in the wink of a young girl's eye

i am alive

summer goals

HOTEL MOTEL

train

seattle4

seattle3

buildings are for losers

in the beginning

portlandia

doors closed

occupancy load

amigos

summertime on an island without cars.

money ain't no thang.

short and sweet

"now that's cool"

peace

Nantes - BEIRUT

the cats are out of the bag

pupperoni

winter chill & warm evenings

weekend love

please forgive me.

it is not a baby.

polo what

let them eat cake!

4.3.2....

till then

poor poster

hubs, rims and a cog, oh my!!!

tokens of love

happy new year to all.

INDIANA LOVE

pickle surprise

indiana weekend

white lies

worry nut

clear the calender

blah

tote my life away

tags

leaking roof

winter wonder

fall sky