Spot Removal: Think Outside The Cage

Krissi has returned from the successful Help Hank project and is posting on Modern Rosies again!  Today she has one of those great "off label" uses for a product every house should have - especially if you have children or pets.  Or husbands...  ;)

I keep a product in my house that is nothing short of magic.  A little birdie told me about this product.  OK, he wasn't little.  And, to tell you the truth, there were two of them:

Oscar (Military Macaw) and Charlie (Blue & Gold Macaw)
Macaw parrots I met during my days as Development Coordinator
for a  parrot rescue and education organization.

The magical product is called "Poop-Off" and is a biodegradable product intended as a completely non-toxic way to clean bird cages.  Anyone who has tried to remove dried bird poop from their car will know it isn't easy to clean up.  What you may not know is that birds have very different respiratory systems than other vertebrates and are, as a result, susceptible to poisoning from airborne particulate matter and toxins that you and I wouldn't even notice.

by "I Have No Shirt"
on SKREENED.com

You see, that's why coal-miners carried canaries with them. When Mr. Canary went feeties-up in his cage, the miners knew it was time to leave the mines lickety-split and get some fresh air.  Of course, by then, it was too late for the canary, but that's not what we're here to talk about.  I've only mentioned Mr. Canary so you know that if a product is safe enough to spray around birds, then it is safe to use around humans! Yep, even around babies or if you have allergies, asthma or chemical sensitivities - I know.  Cool, huh?

So now that we've got the safety aspects covered on this, let's get on to what truly makes Poop-Off so magical.  IT REMOVES EVERYTHING.  Well, most everything.  It doesn't work on mothers-in-law, but it really is miraculous.  We always keep a couple of spray bottles and a gallon of Poop-Off in our house.  So far we and our friends in the know have used this to remove:

• Outdoors
• Bird poop from cars, lawn furniture, etc. (duh)
• Carpet Spot Removal (includes upholstered furniture and your car interior!)
• Cat pee smell   <--- this alone should tell you how magic this is
• Cat and dog pee stains
• Barf stains (Kid, cat and dog in origin)
• Kitty/doggy poop
• "Who spilled something?" mystery stains
• Kool Aid  and wine spills
• Laundry Pre-Treatment
• Grass stains
• Berry stains (blueberries, strawberries, etc.)
• Protein drink stains
• Chocolate
• Blood
• Poop (new Moms will appreciate this)
• "What did you spill on this?" mystery stains

How to use this magical product.

• Blot up as much of the offending spillage as possible (DO NOT RUB)
• Saturate area with Poop-Off
• Allow it to sit for a few minutes
• Blot up Poop-Off (DO NOT RUB)
• Repeat as necessary

• For laundry treatments, I saturate the spot as soon as I discover it, and once again before putting it in the washing machine.

Poop-Off is relatively easy to find online.  It can be ordered from Drs. Foster and Smith and if you have a local PetCo, you can find Poop-Off in the bird section.  But don't be fooled into thinking that you can get whatever enzymatic cleaner your local pet shop has on the shelf.  I've tried them ALL and this is the only one the actually works.  It's the only one that is magical.  

Go get some before the holiday spilling really gets going!

Krissi Sandvik is a mixed-media artist, DIY group Corporate Rejects member and the owner of Krissi's Art Studio, home of Skelekitty and Friends. She was recently named "best tutorialer on the web" by her friend Rachelle Rose and she publishes a tutorial or "Ask Krissi's Art Studio" feature on Fridays here at Modern Rosies.

Spa Therapy Works- A Treat for Your Skin

Since the holiday season has been kind to all of the Union Riveters, we all have been slacking on posts over here. Most of us are also shop owners, and are getting overwhelmed by the holiday season, which is good for us, but not so good for Modern Rosies. We will soon be back to a regular posting schedule, have no fear!!

I am going to start off this post by saying this: Not ONE single person I have suggested this shop, has ever NOT loved it, and become addicted. And when I say "addicted" I mean it. I have over 10 deodorant bars from Spa Therapy on my dresser at this very second.
The journey that brought me to Spa Therapy, and it's beautiful owner Jussara, is not a pleasant one. When I was 5 months pregnant with my now-toddler, I had a very large lump removed from my right breast. Being pregnant, they could not perform actual surgery on me, but they needed to remove the mass, so they took SO MANY biopsy slices, that they eventually eliminated the lump, and a bunch of tissue around it as well. Nothing I want to go through again.
Well, the doctor I have for breast health is renowned for her care, and sat down and explained to me how the good old mammary glands SHOULD function. She then went on to tell me that there are situations that can cause lumps to form, even ones that are not-cancerous (mine ended up being suspicious, so we keep track of them). She then went on to start talking about my pits, and deodorant. I was confused, how does my pit-stick have anything to do with my boobs? Well, in regular "deodorant" the cosmetic people put in aluminum which essentially CLOGS the pores of your skin. It plugs up those pores like a cork, not allowing any moisture to escape. That is what makes a deodorant an "anti-antiperspirant". This eventually can lead to lumps, and cysts, and all sorts of fun stuff. Plus, there are MAMMARY GLANDS IN YOUR PITS! Should I be breastfeeding, I most CERTAINLY would not want traces of any of that crap being "fed" to my child!!!
I dunno about you all, but I am a firm believer in letting the body do what it needs to survive. Your skin is MEANT to sweat, and perspire, that is it's function. If you plug those ducts, you are trapping bacteria, and all the impurities that the skin would normally sweat out IN your body.
So enter Spa Therapy Works. On the suggestion of my doctor, I started researching alternatives to regular over-the-counter deodorant. Two words sum up why I first tried Jussara's deodorant: PINK CUPCAKE. Yep, if I was going to dive directly into the realm of non-traditional pit-stick, might as well do it smelling like a CUPCAKE!!!! Since then, I have not gone a day without wearing some Spa Therapy Deodorant. My current go-to scent is the Bourbon Vanilla (which to me smells like Vanilla Bean).

When I tell people about my deodorant, the first reaction is "OH! I have tried that, I smell after about 20 minutes, that crap doesn't work!" Well, first off, here is my testimony. Remember when I said that I was 5 months pregnant when I had my biopsy done? Well folks, Spa Therapy deodorant carried me through EIGHT HOURS OF LABOR. EIGHT! I only have to re-apply after my son was born.
One thing to remember, is when switching over, you need to allow your body to "cleanse" the pores in your pits. It may take a week or two to get rid of all the junk that is up in there, clogging up the works. I found that after about 3 weeks, I only have to apply in the morning, and I still smelled wonderful by bedtime. On hot summer days, it can be a LITTLE different, but I usually carry a stick in my bag, and re-apply if needed. I WOULD RATHER DO THIS THEN RISK MY HEALTH! Also..... MY ARMPITS SMELL LIKE A CANDY STORE!!

I have been reviewing DIY cosmetics and bath products for quite some time. Heck, I have even tried other handmade deodorants (which I would not suggest, it turned out AWFUL........). Spa Therapy Works is hands down the best deodorant on the market. I use it, my husband now uses it, and I even have my pre-teen son using it. Have you ever smelled a teen's armpits? THIS WORKS!!!!  The best part about Spa Therapy, is that she NOW offers deodorant samples! This is a perfect way to try out her product, smell different scents, and not buy the whole stick. I also use these little guys in my back-up bag, in case I have an emergency. (Like the other day when I had to hold my 40 pound toddler still during a one hour presentation... ICK!!)

You can find Spa Therapy on Etsy, and you can also follow her on Facebook, where she announces new products, and sales. And while you are there, try our a shaving soap, or facial bar. There is not a single product she makes that is not amazing!!


UPDATE!!!  THE ENTIRE SPA THERAPY WORKS LINE HAS BEEN ACQUIRED BY RACHEL RENE BATH AND BODY!  YOU CAN STILL FIND THESE AWESOME DEODORANTS ON ETSY AND FACEBOOK!

All I Want For Christmas Is Handmade, Too

UN-occupy Black Friday!!!!  The handmade community hopes that, if you purchase gifts this holiday season, you will support your fellow artists and local economies by purchasing from from small shops and handmade artisans.  From whom?  Well, Krissi's Art Studio is here to tell you what she loves.


If I had ALL the money in the world, I'd live in a palace of handmade goods.  As it is, I, like most, have to budget.  Here are a few of the items at the top of my handmade-holiday wish list!

The first thing on my OMG-I-LOVE-THIS list are these salt & pepper shakers by Sara Lynch (you can find Sara on Etsy, Facebook and Google+).

Super cute snail and hedgehog ceramic salt n pepper shakers
by Sara Lynch.  I love hedgehogs.  A LOT. 

What I REALLY wanted from Sara were her zombie pie birds.  I wanted them so much, that I didn't bother dropping hints to my hubby - I just bought two of them.  Tell her you want more.  I know a few people who want their own too!  I mean, come ON!  ZOMBIE PIE BIRDS!  I will have the coolest Thanksgiving and Christmas pies EVER.



Next, ANYTHING by Aaron Tyndall of FeralDesigns, but especially this amazing pink pearl, crystal and glass wire wrapped set.

Aaron has a wicked sense of humor, an incredible talent and an Irish Brogue
 -- and seriously, who needs more than that?

Since I started interacting with Aaron online, I wonder how I ever lived without him in my news feed!  His work is fun and creative, and his customs really keep the customer in mind - look at this piece he made for our own Brooke!

Oh, the things I want from MT Coffinz...  Let me count the ways!  First, this:

and this: 

...both from MTSpaces on Etsy, Jinx's newest shop featuring awesome household items. 

Also, these fingerless gloves are also from Jinx in her MTCoffinz shop, and they are an absolute necessity for those of us who work in chilly studios, but need our hands free.  I may be a Scrooge about turning on the heat, but I don't have to look like Bob Cratchit!  

From Brazen Cosmetics (on both ArtFire and Etsy), I would want a full pot of "Submission.

Sandi, the makeup artist behind Brazen, is AMAZING with her 'near black' colors and, while I have a sample of this one, it's not going to last much longer (hint, hint).  

Finally, I want a Baby Buttshark sculpture from Scott Krichau.  Like I REALLY REALLY want one.  

They're not listed in his shop at the moment, but if you see one come up for sale, please message me, m'kay?  I'm kinda liking a blue one.  Or green.  Or pink.  Or whatever.  I just want one.

Oh yeah.  And peace on Earth.  That would be nice too.  If the handmade community was in charge of that, we'd have it solved by now.

Whatever you believe or celebrate, I hope your winter holidays are awesome.  Lotsa love!

Krissi Sandvik is a mixed-media artist and the owner of Krissi's Art Studio, home of Skelekitty and Friends. She was recently named "best tutorialer on the web" by her friend Rachelle Rose and she publishes a tutorial or "Ask Krissi's Art Studio" feature on Fridays here at Modern Rosies.

Hot Rivets: Ad Love

Remember when you were a kid, and you had that ONE tee shirt that you wanted your mom to wash ALL.THE.TIME, because you wanted to wear it every single day? It fit so well, it was like a second skin, and the fabric was so nice and worn-in? perfect, right? Now that I am a mom, and my body fluctuates with every meal I eat, I have issues with tees sitting right AT ALL. Not to mention I have a long torso, so unless I want to make people ill in public by flashing my stretch marks because me tee is too short, it makes for a stressful situation finding a comfy tee.

Until now.

Enter Ad Love, a company run by Angel D'Amico-Bauer here in Chicago. I first met Angel back over 3 years ago when I did a fashion show called Masquerade with now defunct Sin For Charity. Her screen designs were edgy, and the clothing she printed on was really durable, and fit the models wonderfully. After the show, I kept seeing my girlfriend wearing one of the tees she had gotten from Ad Love, and it FIT REALLY WELL. Not to mention there were calaveras skulls all over the front.

So I liked her on Facebook, and a few weeks later, she had a sale code posted. SO I jumped, and grabbed a deep v-neck tee with the skulls on it. Now, here is where the best part comes in. This tee......oh this tee. I now have TWO of them (I totally want MORE!!!) because this tee shirt is the most amazing tee in my wardrobe. They are not only awesome, in bright colors with eye catching designs on them, but the fit is amazing. The fabric is light and airy, and the torso is nice and long. The sides of the tee actually FLARE OUT, so there is no snugness around my midsection. Which really can be an issue with any woman!

If you go check out the Ad Love shop, she has a lot of amazing screen designs. She also prints on totes, leggings, tunics, and a bunch of other really cutting-edge apparel. She even had some trapeze dresses over the summer that were TO.DIE.FOR! You can find Ad Love's Etsy shop here, or like her on Facebook for the heads up on coupon codes, sales, and new items!

Every once in a while, there is a shop that one of the Union Riveters needs to share with the whole world. We want to shout our love from the rooftops! So we will do it here, in the form of a "Hot Rivet". These are amazing products and shops that we feel you all need to know about. All of these posts will be available just by clicking on the tab at the top of the blog that says "Hot Rivets".

Shop Spotlight: Enchanted Dandelions

Here at Modern Rosies, our goal is not only to empower you to DO, but also to KNOW. In this case, know about cool shops, and items that we love. Please click on the "Hot Rivets" tab on the top, to check out stuff we love, and want to tell the whole world about.

Enchanted Dandelions is a shop run by an amazing mama named April. April lives in a cute little house in rural Virginia with her three little sprouts. Everything about April is whimsical. I am really a firm believer in not only trying to purchase as MUCH as I can handmade, but also buying and supporting people that are, for lack of a better term, extraordinary. And April is one of those people. She is tenacious, loves her kids with the fierceness of a mama bear, and has a really good balance between her business, and her family. The latter is very hard to do, believe me. April does it, and she does it well.

The Enchanted Dandelions shop is just like April, whimsical and colorful. All of her eco-friendly items are well made, sturdy, and useful. Most of her items are based on imaginative play, but she also has teethers, fleece diaper covers, boo boo bags, and embellished prefolds. My first purchase was from April, and that skull fleece cover made the rounds with a few cloth diaper friends, because not only was it REALLY well made, and able to stand up to a few toddlers using it, but it was SO darn cute.

Enchanted Dandelions is the perfect place to shop for birthday parties, baby showers, and the holidays also! What toddler do you know WOULDN'T be overjoyed to find a beanbag set like this one under their tree this year?

In the Doll and Pretend play section of the shop, there are some really cute doll blanket/pillow sets, bibs for dolly, and even some cloth diapers for your doll friend. I think this is such a cute idea, and it really sparks imagination in little ones, and encourages imaginitive play. And what better way to spark creativity, and support an amazing mama at the same time!

The newest item to Enchanted Dandelion's shop is one that is making a pretty big buzz in the mommy world. April has started making reusable placemats, that are PERFECT for travel. All you do is just roll them up, toss it into your diaper bag, and GO! No worries about your little one eating off gross, unsanitary tables. you always have a clean eating surface for them to munch over! They wipe clean, and come in many cute patterns!
Head on over to the Enchanted Dandelion Etsy shop, as new items are listed throughout the week. You can also keep with April on the Fanpage, where she runs sales pretty often. Oh, and let her know that Modern Rosies sent ya. ;)

Brooke is mommy two two, and lives in Chicago. She is the owner of Brooke Van Gory Designs, and is slightly bonkers. But then again, all the best people are.

Hot Rivet: Ant Farm Studios

Ant Farm Studios is run by a dear friend of all of the Union Riveters, Kim Mayhew. You all might remember her from the Teal Ribbon Fundraiser that the Glitter Bitches was running earlier this year. Her shop is chalk full of amazing artistic items, not just limited to paintings, but also painted babies, and art instillation pieces (She currently is working on an ART CAR!)

When Kim came to the rest of the Glitter Bitches, with the idea of doing some paintings for kid's rooms, we all gave her the BIG thumbs up! Kim herself is so whimsical, and such a free spirit, that this is the perfect avenue for her to explore. In the past, she released a children's coloring book featuring her ant illustrations (Rumor has it there may be a second book available in the near future, as well).

Once Kim started to paint, there was no holding back. The Ant Farm Studios "Kid Critters" section full of so many whimsical paintings, all of which would be PERFECT to hang in a child's bedroom, or in a nursery! Brooke's 2 year old son has 2 of them adorning his bedroom walls, and they are a wonderful conversation piece for everyone that comes to visit!

Purchasing a painting like this is also unique in the fact that this is an original piece of artwork, never to be exactly duplicated. The price is amazing (Around 20$ per painting) and since they are paintings, and not prints, they instantly become heirloom items. Brooke's hope is that one day the Ant Farm paintings that are currently in her little guy's room will one day hang in the nurseries of her grandchildren.

You can find all of Kim's items in her Artfire shop. And be sure to also follow her Facebook page, as she sometimes has sales, and will announce them there.

Every once in a while, there is a shop that one of the Union Riveters needs to share with the whole world. We want to shout our love from the rooftops! So we will do it here, in the form of a "Hot Rivet". These are amazing products and shops that we feel you all need to know about. All of these posts will be available just by clicking on the tab at the top of the blog that says "Hot Rivets".

A Man's Perspective: Wallets

With the winter holiday gift-giving season approaching, many of us who have taken the buy-handmade pledge are left wondering, "what CAN I get for my male friends & family that will be handmade AND that they won't hate?" Well the Rosies called in our resident expert on the subject, Aaron Tyndall, who just happens to be a handmade artisan and male! (Give him a warm welcome, 'cause we'd like him to come back and tell us more handmade manly gift buying secrets!

I was asked to talk a little bit about something that would be selected by a man to buy himself or would make a good present for someone to buy for him. I was thinking about a couple of things that I might buy for myself and I'm currently nearing the time when I'll need a new wallet so I went with that!

There are a few simple criteria that a man (well, me, anyway) uses when choosing a wallet:

1. I personally always go for something plain and dark colored. I would say most men would be the same on this, though some men will want colors (a flag, motorsport team decal, etc.) however they will be personal choices and you DON'T want to buy the wrong one now do you?
2. It HAS to be tough, we want to buy one that does the job and keep it for years! Leather or Cordura (a heavy-weight nylon luggage fabric) are tough materials!
3. It HAS to fit properly in a jeans front pocket, so not too big and rounded corners are good.
4. It should have about 8 compartments for cards (Driving license, credit cards, workplace parking access card, library, etc)
5. Strong zip closing compartments are better than velcro, again, we want to keep this for years and velcro gets stuff stuck to it quickly!
6. I find a zip closing change compartment very handy to stop it all rattling around in my pocket!

See? I said "compartment" not "purse"!

Hmm, think that kinda covers what we mostly look for in a wallet!
No really, quite straight forward isn't it?

I was looking around and found an example that covers these criteria well! The wallet can be purchased here.

Picture Size:

It's got a zipped (ahem)"compartment", it's made of leather with sewing AND rivets so seems tough enough, rounded corners for in the pocket comfort, separate credit card slots to protect them, not too expensive...none too shabby over all!!

Aaron lives in Ireland, and is the owner and designer of Ferald Designs. You can also find his fan page on Facebook.

Cupcake Jesus AKA Salvation in a Canning Jar

Brooke here! (One of your trusty Union Riveters.) I love finding awesome products on the internet, and it is even better if they are handmade! What I love even MORE then an amazing product, is sharing them with my friends, customers, and fans! This is the first of many finds, remember to subscribe over on the right side, so as not to miss out on ONE Modern Rosies post!

The simple fact that I am a DIY designer, and shop owner, means that I have hands-down the most awesome friends. Ever. On the face of this planet. It is like being able to network with all of the most awesome people on this earth, just because you belong to the DIY community. One of these amazing friends is a gal named Brooke Harlan, who runs a shop called Brookiellen Designs. We both have toddlers with a mohawk, we both sling a sewing needle like it no one's business, and we even collaborate on the Brooke² project.

A few days ago, Brooke told me to expect a package from her in the mail. Immediately, I panicked, thinking that I had ordered a diaper cover or snack bag set from her in a sleep-deprivation stupor, has forgotten about it, and would need to stalk the mail as to not let the hubby see that I had bought more STUFF. She said no, not MADE by her, just a surprise. Well, yesterday, I had a priority box waiting patiently on my doorstep, with a return address that simply said "Cupcakes In Jars".

**cue music overlay of a choir of angels singing**

This little box was inside the larger Priority box. I was getting pretty excited at this point....  There was also a note (that Gory, my 2 year old declared was his, from his friend Ramone.) that said this random act of CUPCAKE was from Brooke, cause she is pretty much the most awesome person ever, and she thinks I am the bee's knees. ;)

This, my friends, is cupcake salvation in a jar. A little slice of pure heaven, all crammed into a small canning jar. This flavor is "Dough Yeah". It is a marriage of cookie cough, and cupcakes. I am pretty sure it was baked by angels up in heaven. Then sprinkled with crack cocaine, cause after I ate the whole thing, I would have shanked someone for another bite. ;) This cupcake was really moist, but not soggy, and the "frosting" tasted like real cookie dough! (They do not add in egg, though, so it stays fresh, and edible.) No joke, if I was pregnant, I would have cravings for NOTHING but this cupcake. Who would THINK that a cake frosted with cookie dough would be AMAZING!?!?!?!?!

If you go to the Cupcake in Jar web hop, you will not only find a huge array of deliciousness that can be baked into a jar, but they ALSO have some vegan choices, a well as some options to get cupcake sample packs! SIGN ME UP FOR THOSE!!! They have a carrot cake that I really want to try, and also a red velvet! Also, if you do not want a WHOLE cupcake in a jar, they also have these nifty little cupcake bonbons, which look to me like cake pops, without the stick! BRILLIANT!!!!! And a dozen of them for 12$ is really sensible.


I really feel this shop is an amazing way to send cupcakes, and goodies to friends and family, as a really reasonable price. All the cupcakes in jars are 6$, and that is pretty inexpensive, especially for the quality! They really are very delicious cupcakes! I should know, I am a CONNOISSEUR!So go ahead, order one (or twelve). And when you open your boy, make sure to listen carefully. Betcha you will hear angels singing when you rip into that box! ;)


Brooke is owner/designer of Brooke Van Gory Designs. She also is wife to an aspiring rock star, mommy to two rocking boys, and it currently planning to take over the world. Be on the lookout.

Ask Krissi's Art Studio: Painting On Fabric #1

Welcome to my very first post on Modern Rosies!  I'm so excited about this blog and think that everyone will find someone awesome here.  I have a LOT planned for you in the next several months, all in the true "Rosie" spirit including some recipes, indie business tips, home repair, gardening, auto maintenance and maybe even some life tips.  But today, it's arts & crafts!

Over the years as a crafter, quilter, fiber artist, mixed-media artist and now, painter (acrylics), I've gotten to know quite a few techniques and products.  Some I learned from others and some I learned by trial and error (oh, so very much error!).  That's why I will always share whatever I know (if I know it) with my fans and colleagues.  If you have a question for Krissi's Art Studio, just drop me an e-mail and I'll see if I can come up with an answer!


Krissi,

What do you use to seal the paint to fabric you paint on? You know, like on...say... THESE! 


Lost In Fabric-Land

hand-painted sugar skull on a BVG Expedient bag!

'Tree of Life' on a custom-ordered Krissi-Van-Gory bag.
Brandi wanted a diaper bag to match her nursery theme
and couldn't find a fabric that worked.  The answer?
CUSTOM PAINTED FABRIC!  Woo hoo!

Dear Land of the Lost,

Good question! Well, since I started out as a quilter, I have a collection of Jacquard Textile Colors, which are acrylic paints developed specifically for use on fabrics.  The colors are are heat set after they are fully dry.


If you already have paints and don't want to invest in the Jacquards, you don't have to.  I also use the artist acrylics you see in my paintings (Golden Fluid Acrylics) mixed with a little fabric medium.  There are a few choices out there for mixing mediums, but I've had great success with Jaquard's 'colorless' (#100) paint, and Golden's fabric mixative, GAC 900.




While we're on the topic of painting and coloring on fabric, let me share my favorite fabric markers, Fabrico by Tsukineko.  These pens bleed and fade much less than Sharpies and stay put once they have been properly heat set.  Trust me - I have done a LOT of outlining with markers on fabric!


Happy fabric customization to you!

Krissi

click  on "Welcome Home,"
 quilt to see just how much outlining
I'm talking about!  *whew!*

Thanks for joining all of us here on Modern Rosies!  I'll be back next week and every Thursday thereafter to share more tips, answer more questions and ... well, let's face it, make stuff up where I need to.  In the meantime, I hope you'll come back tomorrow for a great new post by another contributor!



Krissi Sandvik is a mixed-media artist and the owner of Krissi's Art Studio, home of Skelekitty and Friends.  She was recently named "best tutorialer on the web" by her friend Rachelle Rose.