thecrafthack

UPDATED Nov 2022.

My name is Susan I've been off the platform for a few years now and based on my previous "About me" it must be at least 4-5 years!

My youngest went off to college 3 years ago but then I moved my elderly mother in so I just became a different kind of busy. But my creative itch is coming back.

In my free time, I like to be out with my friends enjoying drinks, dinner or just being social. I've upped my travel game now that I'm empty nest. I started to navigate my art to the iPad but I miss the tactile satisfaction I get from glue and paint.

Although I've lived in California for the last 23 years, I am and will always be a Minnesota girl. Go Gophers!

I like almost all music. Still have that puck rock kid under my corporate/mom exterior. I'm a fan of French music (Carla Bruni, Francoiz Breut, Karpatt)even though I don't speak French....yet, "lounge music" (Nicola Conte, Jet Society) and heavy Bossa Nova sounds. Current favrote station is Sirius XM Chill

Jane Austen is my go-to author. I can pick up anytime and anywhere. I love classic literature and non-fiction. Lately, most of the non-fiction books I've read have been about Economics or the origin of humans.

I've narrowed down my crafting over the years. I like to paint, make greeting cards as needed, crafting with Altoid mint tins, gift tags.

I like tiny things like vintage game pieces, bubble gum machine charms, glitter and other sparkly things, mini wooden toys, Japanese miniatures, ephemera, unusual buttons (as in button and button holes), random small scrapbooking pieces that can be used on a greeting card or as decoration on an Altoid box.

Travel, travel, travel! I've downsized a lot of life so I can travel more now that my kids are older.

I love to shop flea markets and thrift stores. I like to find fun and interesting things I can alter into my own art. I also like going to an out-of-the-way charity thrift store and the joy of finding a high-end label that only costs a few dollars.

I love museums and historic buildings. I can stare at paintings or beautiful architecture for hours. I always buy myself postcards of my favorite works of art.

I have a small collection of Japanese toy collectibles. Most of them I buy at a local shops in Japantown or a store called KidRobot. I love the Be@rbrick, To-fu and Peecol figures. I also love the mini-food sets by Re-ment.

I love postcards. I especially like ones retro in appearance, are from your hometown area, are homemade, or contain one of my favorite things. I enjoy a sense of humor but prefer not to get them if the humor is off-color or are too adult in nature (think of the tacky beach postcards with partially nude bathers). I don't mind if you write me a small note on them.

I love good old fashion mail. I love when there is a fun collection inside such as magazine clippings, stickers, little toys, charms, pieces of left over scrapbook paper (6"x6") or anything else I can use to create a collage or collection.

I think little trinkets, metal pieces, charms, mini toys, game pieces (esp from old games). Basically anything shinny or little.

I like pretty much anything made out of paper even bits of paper that can be used as a tag, in a collage. Good thick cardstock pieces that I can use to make postcards or journals. Faces, Plain, textured, colored...I like it all.

I can always find a use for old Altoid type tins or empty matchboxes (I could really use matchboxes of any size).

Airplane/airport related things. Especially if vintage. Northwest was my favorite airline. Travel themed in general, luggage, airplanes, passports.

Chanel...not that it's wise to give away anything real Chanel but I'll put it out there for a spare ribbon or button that no one wants.

Of the travels I've done so far in my life these are the memories that are rooted deeply.

Amsterdam Flea Markets and the constant sound of the beautiful bike chain.

Taking the train, by myself, through the Swiss Alps and viewing the beautiful countryside.

The echo of the Italian language as I walk through the narrow streets of Rome.

Standing on the Aventine Hill and thinking about the billions of people that walked that same hill before me.

The little shops of St. Paul de Vence.

Cook. These days I prefer to cook over going out.

I have a huge sweet tooth so I do like candies, chocolates and caramels. I love trying international candies and sweets.

I kind of hate making this list because in reality no gift is a bad gift... However, here are a few things that would likely end up re-swapped.

Yarn...I can't knit or crochet. I have my own supply but have yet to do anything with it.

Disney...it was fun while my kids were little but I've kind of grown out of it with them

Country or cute animal-themed unless it's weird...like a moose in military uniform or cats in victorian hats.

Floral scents...I'm more of a citrus kind of a girl.

Food (not including candy). Like the Swiss Colony box I used to get every year from Grandma, it will end up going to the dog.

Typical "quilt" fabric. I prefer interesting textures or unique prints (think IKEA or Marimekko).

Large chip board pieces. I don't scrapbook but I can use smaller pieces on my homemade greeting cards.

Touchy feely Expressions. Like "heart and home" or "beauty of family and home." Not that I don't love my family....it's just to Hallmark card for my tastes. I prefer something with more wit and or humor without being crude.