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    diy holidays & upcycled crafts: can art, garlands, etc.

    Hey!!! I missed you ♡ hi again ♡

    My last post wasn’t a typical update, but instead a small tribute to the La Mesa Chuck E cheese location ( if you’re interested c: )

    Aside from that , I did work on some clothes too

    I spent plenty of time adding to the stay a while page too ! It just keeps getting fuller and I love it. I added a craft tutorial for tall can roses to the page if that sounds fun :-) I really like to try and share unique upcycling crafts, and this one is super doable with stuff I just had around the house. 

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    On the subject of upcyling, I also got a chance to just touch the surface and brainstorm some fun holiday DIYs for myself <3 I want to make a few cute garlands for the apartment and decided to use some materials I’ve had sitting around. 

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    I plan to make a few from fabric scraps, felt, and thread and the others with chip/cardboard and oil pastels. I don’t want to go overboard and overwhelm myself with a little season side project, but thinking up different themes was pretty fun. They shouldn’t take too long, so I’ll probably finish at least the cardboard ones in the next few days or so. Of course, once I do, you’ll be seeing them. :)

    I didn’t do any painting last week, and haven’t for the past few weeks. I don’t think I’ll force it. It’s not even that I don’t want to, I just feel a little frozen in place when thinking of putting work into a canvas. I hope I thaw out soon. Other stuff ‘til then.

    ᴺᵉˣᵗ ʷᵉᵉᵏ: ᴴᵒˡⁱᵈᵃʸ ᴰᴵʸ & ˢᵗᵃᵐᵖ ᵃᵖᵖᵃʳᵉˡ & ʷʰᵃᵗᵉᵛᵉʳ ᵉˡˢᵉ ᴵ ʰᵃᵛᵉ ᵗⁱᵐᵉ ᶠᵒʳ

    I’ll be doing more holiday stuff this upcoming week J Working on the garlands, and maybe looking into other holiday DIY ideas? I hope to get inspired for new stuff to try, and will probably put together a short little list to add to the stay a while page. I hope you decide to give a few a try this holiday season if you need heartfelt gift ideas <3 or if you decide to take a look at some of the small businesses I have linked there too!

    Additionally, I did lots of drawing on apparel projects, but would like to stamp a small pile of personal pieces when I get the chance.


    As far as personal projects, I also hope to make a trip to the library this week and will see what it would take for me to borrow/ have access to a sewing machine! I think that’d be a really cool resource, and will get back on that. If you don’t already, I highly recommend getting a library card at your public library for a myriad of reasons. As if free access physical media wasn’t enough, a lot offer tools and resources that are also available for free. I’d check the website for yours to see what they have to offer. Library bookstores are also pretty much my go-to for purchasing my books when I decide I’d like to own. With paperbacks starting at 50c, you really can’t beat it. support your local library.

     

    Thank you for stopping by and I hope you have a lovely thanksgiving however you plan to celebrate.


    I’m thankful for my loving partner, Pina (happy 18th birthday!!!!), the roof over my head, and the car I drive. If you are reading this, I am thankful for you too. If you're not, I'm most likely thankful for you anyway, because other people probably are too. I’m a lucky lady. I’m also thankful I have a working body and eyes and the ears I need to hear this holiday classic. 

    Happy days

    Til next time

    X o x o x o

    -       Beanzie greenzie potatenzie tomatenzie 

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    Saying my goodbyes to the La Mesa Chuck E Cheese </3

    𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘱 𝘰𝘯 𝘝𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘦'𝘴 𝘥𝘢𝘺 2024 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘓𝘢 𝘔𝘦𝘴𝘢, 𝘊𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘢 𝘭𝘰𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘊𝘩𝘶𝘤𝘬 𝘌 𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘦𝘴𝘦.

    

    My sweet partner and I visited in the evening and shared a beautiful stuffed-crust cheese pizza together in the presence of the long-standing, iconic animatronics of Munch's Make-Believe band. At the time they did not function or play, but it was cool that the curtains remained open regardless. Seeing the animatronics in all their glory alongside so much the old art and props used around the location gave such a lovely feeling of nostalgia and felt almost like a return to form for the chain. There was so much color and creativity in its presentation- the place was meant for entertainment. Even the outside of the location was adorned with the old chuck logo, font, and sunshade. It was a sight to behold seeing it all lit up in the night when we arrived.


    I’m so happy I got to visit before it was gone. I had such an amazing time and won’t soon forget the excitement from such a lively location. Please, eat a slice of pizza in honor of Munch's Make - Believe band.

    


    The link to this locations page on Cheeseepedia – it’s a bit sparing, but wanted to include it anyway for posterity. 

    * this was the video we just happened to see days before our already planned day-trip for valentines, hence inspiring us to make the second stop (great creator btw) *

    ℝ𝕀ℙ 𝕃𝕒 𝕄𝕖𝕤𝕒 ℂ𝕙𝕦𝕔𝕜 𝔼 𝕔𝕙𝕖𝕖𝕤𝕖 (𝟙𝟡𝟡𝟛-𝟚𝟘𝟚𝟜)

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    new clothes and I finished some collages!

    Happy Mondaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyy

    Here’s a look at last week’s project progress c:


     I finally wrapped up a few pieces of clothing I’ve been wanting to finish for a while. The list of personal projects always feels bottomless because there are no deadlines :,) Although, it’s always fun to work on bringing a vision to life that’s meant for yourself. For the first time in a while too, I’m altering some jeans I want to draw on and stamp! I plan to test the bleach payoff and see if I like the results. I’ve also got some shirts I’ve really wants to alter by means of sewing, but wasn’t sure how to go about it initially. I don’t mind sewing by hand but think it also may be time to test my hand at using a sewing machine. I don’t have one personally, but I think some libraries offer one to borrow/use so I may try that as an option. Hoping to make some strides in my apparel process that carry past just my personal projects.

    I also revisited the collages I was working on some months ago. I recently inherited some cute new beads and put some to good use in finishing some of these <3 (present in the first collage :-)

    Outside of my own personal creative projects I also visited the very talented Yako's photography exhibition on Friday at Open Gallery Long Beach. The theme of the night was fleeting memories. I saw so many inspiring pieces honoring the memories that make us who we are. So happy I got to go. Check our this guy's work

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    Next week: another week of everything

    Last week I also spent some time going through projects I used to have listed to my online shop. It made me want to put them out there again (I may have mentioned this previously). Maybe the new year will bring me to new markets and such. In the past, putting focus on the social, monetary, and planning side of things deflated my creativity in a big way, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss it a little. I think in the coming weeks I’ll revisit/refine some existing wearable die laughing projects <3


    I do wanna work on a little of everything this week though. In particular, I’m struggling with an old pair of peeling pleather shoes I’d like to give another chance at life. I’ve tried in the past to adhere the peeling with a layer of top coat and paint, but I don’t think it’s enough- my plan now is to just peel them entirely and go from there? So that’s one thing I’d like to get to the bottom of. 

    I also want to pick up the Niphetos (falling snow) painting again? I’m disappointed that my progress on it has been so lacking. I pick it up, just to put it down again. I feel like I do that with a lot of pieces I find to be a little more ambitious, or involve techniques I haven’t really used yet. I’m simultaneously so excited and overwhelmed I just don’t start. Maybe I’ll re-watch the twilight zone episode that inspired its conception and the motivation will come to me.


    I feel like my creative endeavors are a non-stop flow of interchanging projects. The week after this one I think I’ll embrace the holiday spirit and start on some DIY holiday décor <3 I already plan to make a little star garland with some old fabric scraps and probably some buttons/beads. Another project in rotation I’ll be sure to share with you ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡

    thank you for stopping by - you know i appreciate you

    xoxo

    kenzie <3

    p.s... . . I've been listening to Barbara Dane and the Chambers brothers lately and have been learning a lot about Barbara and her life. She was a passionate musician and activist and my life is better off having known about her dedication.

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    Halloween celebration !!!!

    Hello again!!!

    I hope you had such a great Halloween. I can’t believe it myself but not only did we finish all of the DIY costumes in time, but also got lots of pictures :-)

    In this order: Chuck E Cheese & Munch, Gloomy bear & Pity, King Kong & Godzilla, Kenny & Spenny, Jan& Wayne Skylar, Bonny & Foxy

    The amazing edited photos are courtesy of my sweet liam (my better half in this duo)

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    (reference for the photo of me as chuck)

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    Along with the costume pictures, we also watched Invasion of the body snatchers (1978) via projector which was fun <3 A must-watch in my opinion.

    ₙₑₓₜ wₑₑₖ: Wᵢₚ ₚᵢₗₑ/ ₚₐᵢₙₜᵢₙgₛ

    I didn't get a chance to pick up any paintings last week so I'll probably do so this week. I'll probably visit the WIP pile too so I can shake things up c:

    I made good progress on the Chuck E cheese project, but think I'll share more next week <3


    I hope your week was so great

    as always, thank you for stopping by ♡

    XOXOXOXOXOXO


    -Benzie BOO!!!!!

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    new clothes and costume brainstorm

    h a p p y n e w w e e k ! ! ! !

    I worked on a lot of apparel this week! Some stamping and some doodles. There’s always so much more that I’d like to get done. I’ve been hoping to spray paint some pieces too and just haven’t had the chance. I’m happy with what I managed though J I also altered a few pairs of pants to size and will hopefully work on those too? Not sure yet

    I also altered this red beanie I’ve had forever. I don’t wear it a lot but like the new little ears c:

    mind the blue water soluble markings that will disappear with the garments first wash after curing ofc but I love how everything is turning out <3 I can’t wait to give these a wash after they cure so I can wear them out at last. 

    I finished the costume pieces as well! I can’t believe Halloween is just around the corner- I totally lost track of time this month. My initial plan was to take pictures of my costumes throughout the month and upload accordingly but that didn’t go as planned. :’O I'll probably just take the pictures and upload them all together.

    I want to figure this out by next Halloween!! I’ve had a taste of putting costumes together myself and now I have so many ideas I want to execute. I may just do some throughout the year as side projects and by the time it’s October again I’ll have an arsenal of niche DIY costumes. You’ll see them if I do. 

    One I really really wanted to do but couldn’t figure out in time would be of my cat, Pina. I'd probably just add color to a white morph suit and add ears and a tail. She turns 18 next month so maybe I can surprise her on her birthday by sharing her likeness. This is pina

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    I also, I made time sat on the porch and drew some pictures. I'll just share one. It's the administration eating a biblically accurate angel. Doodling is therapeutic. I wish i could draw and paint and make everything i want to all the time.

    lastly, i made cinnamon roll intestines for a picnic with my friends Not really a creative endeavor of mine, but will share anyway <3 It's halloweentime, get into it.

    Next week: more apparel more time doodling and painting??

    I've been feeling a little stagnant lately, Thinking I'll work on a few projects here and there and maybe try to conceptualize something new. With the new year approaching I've had a lot on my mind. I've been considering the possibility of selling at markets again or even opening up the site shop again? I feel like the thought presents itself more and more lately. Time will tell


    Please celebrate the rest of the spooky week however makes you happy!!


    be safe have fun :-)

    thank you for stopping by!! i appreciate you more all the time

    xoxoxooxooxoxoxoxoxooxoxoxoxoxooxxoxooxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxooxxxxxxxooxoxooooooxoxoxoxoxooooooooooooooooooooooooxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxoooooxo


    -kenzie benzie pudding pie

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    hey I'm back from Michigan

    ᴴᵉʸ!!!!!

    𖹭 happy Monday 𖹭

    My flights to and from were nonstop and went smoothly- I read “The Metamorphosis”, “Shooting an Elephant”, and “Jemina, The Mountain Girl”, doodled in my sketchbook, and did 5 word search puzzles. <3 Last time i traveled I bought a little book full of them and I highly recommend.

    Also- here are some moments from my trip!!

    It is so picturesque in Michigan this time of year. I enjoyed the change of pace, and am ready to get back into projects at home

    (˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶) ‹𝟹

    Next week: ᵖᵉʳˢᵒⁿᵃˡ ᵖʳᵒʲᵉᶜᵗˢ, ᵖᵃⁱⁿᵗⁱⁿᵍˢ ᵃⁿᵈ ⁱᶠ ᵗⁱᵐᵉ ᶜʰᵘᶜᵏ ᵉ ᶜʰᵉᵉˢᵉ ᵖʳᵒʲᵉᶜᵗ.

    I came back inspired to customize some of my personal apparel so I’ll spend my time on that. I think I want to bleach paint a headband and draw on a pair of pants. I also want to finish more of what’s in the WIP painting pile.


    I also so badly need to work on and finish that Chuck project!! I know I’m gonna love the outcome. It’s just a messy process so I think I default to whatever else I planned instead. Let's change that this week.

    Also I haven't forgotten the the costumes i just completely fell behind :,O Will share ASAP


    Thank you for stopping by!!

    X O X O X OOOOOOOOOOOO


    -- jumbo jet Benzie

    ^^ (was stuck in my head the whole trip)