I knit, I bake, I craft, I read a lot of books, I love antiques and "vintage" things, old maps make me smile, and I love photography. What does this make me? Not a hipster.
The recent development of the term "hipster" and the culture that follows it seems to be no more than the latest fad. It's now cool to like things before they became popular, things that are old, and overall being creative. Funny how when I did all of that a few years ago, the only thing I could claim was being an "old soul" (hence the name of the blog). I wasn't cool, I wasn't a pioneer in a new wave of culture. I was geeky. I was the weird girl who knitted in class. I was the girl who read the strange fantasy and sci-fi books. I was the nerd and I was different.
Imagine my surprise when I come to college and all of a sudden what made me an outcast is now widely considered cool. I get amazed looks when I pull out my knitting. I get asked my opinion on the once-strange books I read and have read. People actually like the crafts I make and I've even been able to sell a few. It seems that the traits that simply make up who I am are now a widely accepted and sought after way of life.
Widely being dubbed "hipster", this "lifestyle" covers a lot of ground. It encompasses anyone that may have a bit of an old soul and/or a creative knack. The overall concept was to have liked something or have been doing something "before it was cool". Well, it seems that being a hipster is now cool and, with so many people trying to jump on the wagon, it is loosing its value and overall becoming quite an annoying phenomenon.
I now can't stand the term "vintage", Instagram photos make me cringe at their wide misuse (though every once in a while, a rare gem can be found), people speed-read through books and horribly misunderstand them, and the internet is now over-saturated with people trying to be something they are not and shoving it into peoples' faces. Honestly, if I hear one more person say something along the lines of "I liked that before it was cool" or "you can't have an opinion on this because you didn't like it before it was cool", I may lose it.
So, I will take my knitting and books and back away from this mess of a fad. I don't want to be a part of it. I never did. I just happened to be doing the right nerdy things at the right nerdy time. I am not cool. I am not a hipster. I am just me.
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
DIY: Twig and Mason Jar Vase/Candle Holder
We recently have had some intense storms in Blacksburg (a "land hurricane). One result of this was broken twigs everywhere. So, naturally, we found a use for the debris! My good friend is having her wedding soon and it is very nature themed. With our knitting club together, along with the bride-to-be, we found an excellent craft that is absolutely perfect for her theme.
May I present the Twig and Mason Jar Vase!
The materials for this were simple: A mason jar (though we will need about 20!), yarn (of course), and A LOT of twigs, which were easily procurable. After fiddling with various weaving techniques, we found one that was strong, easy, and pretty, resulting in a simple craft that will be perfect for table decor.
Here is how you can make one:
What you will need:
-A mason jar (chose a size that will suit your needs)
-Yarn, hemp, embroidery thread, or any strong string of your choice (thin works best)
-Twigs cut to size, just above the lip of the jar (cut at varying heights for a more natural feel)
1) Lay your twigs out in a line side by side.
2) Cut four lengths of string. Each length should be about twice the length of your row of sticks.
3) Using two strings, place one under your first twig and the other over it near the top edge of the twig. Repeat on the bottom edge.
4) Tie a loose knot on the right side of the first twig (both top and bottom), leaving tails.
5). One pair of string at a time, grab the loose ends (to the left) and cross them so the the first twig is now wrapped in a closed loop.
6) With strings still crossed in pairs, place a second stick next the the first one in between the two pairs of string. The "X" of the crossed strings should now lie in between the two sticks.
7) Cross the strings again to form a closed loop around the second string.
8) Continue in this way until you have enough twigs to cover the mason jar. The structure should be sturdy enough for you to gently lift it from one end to wrap it.
9) Tie off the loose end and double knot both ends to keep the structure tight.
10) Wrap the twigs around the mason jar. At this point, you can bow or simply tie the tails of the strings together at the top and bottom.
Voila! Your very own nature-inspired vase. I can also see this being a very pretty candle holder as well!
I really enjoy this project. It allowed us to re-purpose a lot of items that would other with be thrown away. The twigs are now being recycled, scraps of yarn make good binding, and mason jars are always everywhere (I am certain that they are in everyone's house). If you are really bent on using new jars and yarn, this still is about $1.05 per project. Pretty thrifty if you ask me!
I hope that you enjoy making these as much as I do. If you have any questions or suggestions for this tutorial, please leave a message below.
Happy crafting! :)
May I present the Twig and Mason Jar Vase!
The materials for this were simple: A mason jar (though we will need about 20!), yarn (of course), and A LOT of twigs, which were easily procurable. After fiddling with various weaving techniques, we found one that was strong, easy, and pretty, resulting in a simple craft that will be perfect for table decor.
Here is how you can make one:
What you will need:
-A mason jar (chose a size that will suit your needs)
-Yarn, hemp, embroidery thread, or any strong string of your choice (thin works best)
-Twigs cut to size, just above the lip of the jar (cut at varying heights for a more natural feel)
1) Lay your twigs out in a line side by side.
2) Cut four lengths of string. Each length should be about twice the length of your row of sticks.
3) Using two strings, place one under your first twig and the other over it near the top edge of the twig. Repeat on the bottom edge.
4) Tie a loose knot on the right side of the first twig (both top and bottom), leaving tails.
5). One pair of string at a time, grab the loose ends (to the left) and cross them so the the first twig is now wrapped in a closed loop.
6) With strings still crossed in pairs, place a second stick next the the first one in between the two pairs of string. The "X" of the crossed strings should now lie in between the two sticks.
7) Cross the strings again to form a closed loop around the second string.
8) Continue in this way until you have enough twigs to cover the mason jar. The structure should be sturdy enough for you to gently lift it from one end to wrap it.
9) Tie off the loose end and double knot both ends to keep the structure tight.
10) Wrap the twigs around the mason jar. At this point, you can bow or simply tie the tails of the strings together at the top and bottom.
Voila! Your very own nature-inspired vase. I can also see this being a very pretty candle holder as well!
I really enjoy this project. It allowed us to re-purpose a lot of items that would other with be thrown away. The twigs are now being recycled, scraps of yarn make good binding, and mason jars are always everywhere (I am certain that they are in everyone's house). If you are really bent on using new jars and yarn, this still is about $1.05 per project. Pretty thrifty if you ask me!
I hope that you enjoy making these as much as I do. If you have any questions or suggestions for this tutorial, please leave a message below.
Happy crafting! :)
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