Art, Art I Want You ...

The girls have been inside most of the week because of the rain. I love it! We've done our lessons, some cleaning, playing, eating and a whole lot of creating. This picture reflects a bit of the girls' creativity from the past week. The girl on the left is by Natalie, and the girl with puppies on the right is by Stefani. I envy what they can do with a pencil and paper. I didn't have a drawing for Emily, she's mostly be writing and doing video and photography stuff. But here's a link to the video Emily made for a contest with her new Pullip Doll. Some fun stuff happening at the Hall place these days.

I also wanted to share with you a fun little video that might inspire you to make some art of your own on this wonderful rainy day. Enjoy!

ps. If you are reading this on Facebook, you'll need to go to my blog at; www.sophiacarolina.blogspot.com to watch the video

Holiday Trunk Show 2009

Finally, a moment to sit and write ... what a busy and great weekend!

The girls of the Handmade Revolution really had it going on yesterday. I'm so inspired after hanging out with these wonderful & talented women. It was also a great way to get to know my neighbors and local community. I can't wait until we get to do it again.

In case you are wondering, this first photo is of some mistletoe coffee cup warmers (which were purchased by a super fashionable girl who wore them right out the door as wrist warmers - wish I had thought of that!) And then with the leftover sweater scraps, Natalie and I made "Christmas Buddies", I think they came out cute. We have a couple left at $10 each, so let me know if you need a buddy =)

And in case you were not able to make it to the show, Jon's put together a great slide show of the day. Take a peek and if you'd like to check out our upcoming Valentine's Show click on over to our site at www.thehandmaderevolution, there's a link at the top right with a super easy way to sign up for notifications so that you can be the first to know what The Handmade Revolution is doing in our little corner of San Diego.

I hope you are enjoying and sharing the holiday cheer!

Yikes! Almost 30 days ...

I can't believe how many days have passed since I've lasted blogged. Life's been a little busy, but it's been full of great things and time spent with family and friends. One of the things that has kept me busy is partnering with a local business, Citizen Video in South Park. Citizen Video carries an amazing selection of foreign & independent films and is NOT your typical video shop. So when the opportunity came up to join forces, Rebecca, Colleen & I (we were already friends and members in The Handmade Revolution) were totally ready to give the retail world a shot. We've now have about 50% of the floorspace to sell our handmade jewelery, accessories and gently used clothing. Part of the arrangement requires us to each work in the Citizen shop 9 hours a week, and so far I'm learning a lot about movies and making quite a few friends in the neighborhood. Here's a picture of me with the girls on our opening night on November 1st, it was on Dia De Los Muertos so we totally went with the theme, it was a really fun night!



The other things that have happened since we launched the shop, were that The Handmade Revolution participated in a fundraiser at McKinley School, and now this weekend on Saturday night we'll be working during the South Park Walk-A-Bout, a huge neighborhood event where the local shops serve drinks, snacks and have great sales, if you are in the area you might want to check it out. Additionally, my home is open to the public for our Second Annual Handmade Revolution Holiday Trunk Show. It's on Sunday Dec 6th from 11am to 5 pm, hope you can stop by and see all the unique handmade items made right here in our little corner of SD.

So, that's me this past month. Hopefully, I'll have more time to check in but if I don't, now you'll know why. Happy almost December!

Dia De Los Muertos ...

The Hall family has been making lots of cool stuff for this upcoming weekend's festivities. I've been really fascinated with this holiday ever since moving to San Diego. I suppose the closeness to the border and the cultural immersion I've experienced since moving here has inspired me to understand more about my heritage and the "Day of The Dead" celebration.

In case you don't know what the holiday is about, I'll give you a quick little history lesson;

The observance of El Dia de los Muertos (the Day of the Dead) dates from Pre-Columbian times. It is believed by many that this is the time when those who have passed away are allowed to return to earth to visit with their families and friends. This occasion, on November 1 and 2, ceremonially honors those who have died.

El Dia de los Muertos is celebrated in Mexico by decorating shop windows, cleaning and decorating the cemetery, creating special flower wreaths, making small and large toys and figurines featuring the calaveras (skulls and skeletons). Zempasuchitl, a type of marigold, is the traditional flower of the occasion and altars are often covered with the bright orange petals. It's no wonder that the baker, cook, florist and artist are essential to the celebration of Los Dias De Los Muertos.

The objects and symbols used in the rememberance of loved ones during the Day of the Dead are usually hand made and sold in local markets by individual vendors. The items are typically made of natural products, which makes so much sense to me.

And, if you know me well, you've probably seen me in a skull shirt more than once. I've always loved them. So it's probably no surprise that this holiday is fast becoming one of my favorites!

I also wanted to share this great quote by Bobbi Salinas-Norman that sums up my feelings on the holiday;

"What is the difference between Halloween and the Day of the Dead? Halloween is based on a medieval European concept of death, and is populated by demons, witches (usually women) and other images of terror -- all of them negative. The Day of the Dead, in contrast, is distinctly different. It is a uniquely Indo-Hispanic custom that demonstrates strong sense of love and respect for one’s ancestors; celebrates the continuance of life, family relationships, community solidarity and even finds humor after death -- all positive concepts!"

And in related news, I've been in a crafty mood getting stuff made for my new little boutique shop that I'll be sharing with my friends. It's located inside Citizen Video in South Park. I hope you can stop by this Sunday, anytime between 4 - 9 pm. We'll be serving Sangria and Pan Dulce .... and having too much fun with a Day of The Dead Theme. Hope you can stop on by!

Speaking The Truth ...

I just read a great blog post by my husband, Jon. Sometimes he makes me so proud! It's great to see how he's listening and learning about something near and dear to both our hearts. Great job Jon!

You can check it out yourself by clicking here.

Pretty cool teacher tip ...

Stefani loves tracing and practicing letters and I found this great site that allows you to write a short phrase and generate a practice worksheet instantly. Enjoy!

Love Someone ...

This is a pretty cool beat box video by Dub FX performing "Love Someone" on the streets of Bristol, UK back in the fall of '08.

The whole song is created live using just his voice with a Roland Effects & loop pedal. The main song starts in at about 2 minute mark but if you watch it from the beginning you’ll see him gradually build the layers.

Here's some of my favorite lyrics in the song; ENJOY!



Partial Lyrics for "Love Someone" by Dub FX

“It’s possible to change this world
revolutionize the boys and girls ...

…creating a world for the open minded
a unique perception a truth decided
I know we can find it
its a matter of where and when we collectively decide it

the world is not a vicious place
its just the way we’ve been raised
discovering time and space
I know we that could make a change
rearrange the way that we appreciate the world today…

… we’re here, we don’t come equipped with it all
half the fun is learning, I’m having a ball

the world keeps turning
my road is small but I make a change
I hope you’re feeling the same way
I’ll be sayin’ what I say”

It’s possible to love someone
And not treat them in the way that you want

*** IF you are watching this via Facebook, click here to watch the video on my blog ***