I wanted to write today about how spring came and everyone I met (when wearing a palm tree printed sun dress, no tights - yes it's that warm outside) looked as if they too were celebrating life - a woman with a very colourful scarf, a man in a pinkish suit, big purple hat sky high and long locks almost rooted to the ground...

But, anyway, as I wanted to present the two T-shirts I made for Mum & Baby ordered all the way from Lithuania (did you know they have a woman president?) the weather changed and the waited Sun is here. I know. it's just weather - water and dust and clouds and the Earth spinning and revolving, and a bunch of electrons whirling around in immense space - but boy I waited for this spring... So, welcome spring, I bow and abandon myself to you!



That being said, I sent all my positive intentions out there to the Universe, or God, or Consciousness or call it how you feel, took a deep breath, tried to stay present and let thing happen. And because what I'm saying is real just like my good intentions, things happened.

And without realizing, I swear, I found myself in the Hairdresser's downstairs, holding a pile of T-shirts, slings and other items I created. What in the world was I doing there? And I was even speaking to an audience, showcasing my work! I would never go in here, said that tiny shadowy doubtful voice in my head. But wait, perhaps you don't know what's so funny. Have you seen the movie Barbershop? Well, imagine this specific Hairdresser's the same. Oh, wait, even upgraded, cause the audience was entirely made of women. While I was looking for the slightest trace of smile, a blink of an eye, anything, nothing moved. Everything stood still. No, they were just watching me.

Looking back, I think I was so nervous that I stepped out of time and everything felt as if it passed in one second. I talked about how I paint and sew and the good intentions I put there, about my vision of living in a world where we could make it work without money, at least in a small community for starters, about how we're all connected. How we're all One. (Was I really saying all these things... or was it all a dream?)

If you're waiting to hear I made the sales of my life or something, I didn't. That's not why I was there. I even didn't plan it. But I probably made friends and helped stitching the great heart of this Planet that beats in all of our broken hearts. I hope the talks at this Hairdresser's will change a bit, along with the sunshine. We're able to change everything, when we start changing on the inside. Just by sending a good intention out there. Experiencing things from another point of view. Abandon ourselves free of egos.

As for the Mum & Baby T-shirts duo, I wish they open heartedly continued this adventure called life. Have a magic spring people, just take that step!

DIY Homewear Slippers

I guess this little project could fit in quite well with the Ikea hacks of the world. It's about personalizing slippers. You see, here in Germany (as well as in Romania, my home country) it is customary to wear slippers while inside the home. And it is almost a requirement for each host to have some extra shoes for guests. Enter Ikea. They have this cheap ones, that come in all colors and sizes and are quite ideal for their purpose. But they are also kind of plain. Hence, today's project.

I like the Tidny fabric because it is very versatile. And for this project I used it in a decoupage-like fashion. You'll need: slippers, some pretty fabric, glue suitable for fabrics and scissors. 

I started by cutting out the shapes I wanted to use: flowers for the pink slippers and space related designs for the navy ones. It helps to use small sharp scissors.

Next, I simply glued on the shapes. It's best to use some kind of glue suitable for fabrics, and preferably, a transparent one so there will be no unwanted white stains when the glue dries.

And it's all done! Now you have these personalized slippers for guests to get comfy and cozy in your home. Keep on getting cozy! Hugs, Anca  

I can draw

I've been in love with drawing all of my life.

I started out with girls silhouettes - at first they were more like a circle and two squares connected by some lines and then they took different shape over the years. I gradually added details, and by details I mean clothes. Coats, skirts, scarves, dresses, you name it. My aunt used to draw a lot and she was so good I used to sit for hours just looking at her books and feel the trace of the pencil with my fingertips. I don't have any of those creations anymore, I just always kept them in my heart.

Later on I expressed the desire to attend an art college, but other members of my family opposed it saying I would end up a starving artist. That image didn't bother me, but in the end I agreed and I chose not to study art. Yeah, I know, life as a series of decisions... And so I kept that in my heart too, but I still want to learn.

I realize my relationship with art hasn't been kind at all, it actually was a fearful one most of the times. I doubt everything, I run away, I hide behind other people or things. It's like, what am I afraid of? There is no competition in feeling, imagining and living. Cause that's what art is to me.

And then, there's the elation of actually doing it. Then, time stops. I feel light and happy. It comes so natural. But it's just for moments. How can I extend these moments? Is that even possible?

And am I writing a self-therapy page or a blog post? :)

Well, I keep on practising drawing again after three years of absence now and all of this time I've been saying to myself to get a grown-up job. Well, I didn't manage to convince myself into it hence the present text and for what is worth, I want to show you some recent drawings.

Thanks for reading, feels good to be here in this journey.

Babywearing illustrations meant for slings (but didn't make it there yet)

Woodland creatures for a Baby play mat, soon to show you

Another play mat, this time for a Supergirl, will post soon

Cuib - a handmade sling & an introduction in Babywearing and love

OK, raise your hand if you have a baby! Yeah! Or if you're ever thinking about having one... Or, wait,  if one of your friends has one... or if you ever held a baby... or if you are just a positive person who wants to see the world a better lovelier wiser place in a most humanely way possible?

If I kind of lost you, no worries, here's what I'm talking about. Baby carriers, other known as slings or pouches.

Carrying a baby is the most natural thing to do - but your arms will hurt after a while and you won't be able to do much else. Using a baby carrier or sling you will be hands-free and can do a lot of things while fulfilling your baby's need for being close to you. There are lots of benefits in babywearing, both for babies and parents. Some are more practical, some are emotional. When you carry your baby: you are more mobile (getting around by public transport, shops, sightseeing, travelling, festivals, and so much more), you can involve the baby in your normal life, you can make the transition from the womb in this world much easier, a feeling of safety is created, you help increase the baby's trust and self confidence, stimulate all of her senses and you can bond better.

Of course, there are parents and kids who were being brought up with the sole help of a pram, and they are happy and healthy, but believe me, a sling makes it so much easier at times, if not all of the time. But as everyone's experience is different I say just give it a try, you won't regret it. Even if it's a present for your friend, I guarantee they will be a friend for life.

There is a lot to say about Babywearing, benefits (including ideal anatomical support for baby's growth), common concerns, how to choose a sling, healthy carriers and even long talks about historical background (the first baby slings can be dated back 15,000 years and probably humans have used slings for much longer before that. In contrast prams and pushchairs are not even 200 years old.) There are plenty of types to choose from, just make sure it's an ergonomic one that fits you and the baby best. Our very talented, dedicated designer and mum, Emiliana Veres invented a sling called Cuib (that's nest in Romanian) which has all the advantages plus, and best of all, it's entirely handmade.

And, yes ladies and gentlemen, I actually painted the ones pictured here. Thank you, thank you. A five years experience of making and wearing guides Emiliana toward an ever improving search for the best fabrics, quality and care she adds to every item. Like magic, The Nests are filled up with good energy, just like every baby deserves.

They even come with their own practical but fancy case and can be personalized. For the first painted themes I thought of rainy and sunny days. how they all alternate and that one cannot exist without the other, of living at a slower speed in a cleaner environment and of Superstars, Light and Life, what we are and where we come from...

For all I know the last three years of my life (closely carrying a baby, then a toddler) showed me there is love in everything if you want to practice it. And that I don't need to discover life's mysteries, I'm just glad to be a part of them.

So raise your hands again for love? And wave, and wave...

You can read here more information about Babywearing.

Ten reasons to wear your baby.

See video instructions about the Nest sling.

Browse through more available designs.

A fully detailed description, personalization options and buy here.

DIY recycled pasta containers

The idea of recycling/reusing sounds really appealing to me. Turning around something from it's journey to the waste bin and into your everyday life gives me a sense of superhero-like status. Well, at least for the item concerned if not for anything else. Either way, I don't get to do it as often as I like. Sure, I recycle paper, plastic, glass containers, and I even own a few pre-loved furniture pieces and lots of flea market finds. But I get really excited when I get to re-purpose something that I already have. This is why I want to share with you how I turned these cereal boxes into pasta containers. Not only do they now look prettier, but I love that I got the pasta out of its plastic wrappers and into these functional boxes. Here we go!

You'll need:

• Cereal boxes (whiskey or Pringles boxes will do, too). Clean them and prepare them for their new mission in life - to help you store the pasta as pretty and functional as possible. 
• Wrapping paper. Choose something you like; maybe it's something that makes you smile or maybe it goes well with your kitchen design. Just make it fun. I got my heart set on this wrapping paper that is double sided (I just love double sided wrapping paper!)
• Chalkboard tape (yay!)
• The little helpers: scissors, glue, scotch tape, chalk.

The whole thing is easier than pie. Really! I cut the wrapping paper according to the height of the boxes and long enough to wrap around two times. I fixed it in place with a little bit of glue and transparent scotch tape at the end. Then I trimmed the edges and put on the chalk label.

Use your favorite chalk colors to write on the labels all the information you may need, such as type of pasta and cooking time. I tried to position the labels not to high on the box, but also away from where I would normally grab it. The chalk has the pesky habit of erasing easily. Until now, it holds just fine! Sure, you could just put on the boxes pretty traditional labels, but I choose the chalk tape because I get to erase it easily and add new types of pasta in the boxes.

Now, go on and find a new purpose for something you would normally throw away. But make it pretty and functional so you'll love it and keep using it! Craft on darlings! - Anca, recycling superhero of the day!