Happy Long Weekend!

I don't always celebrate Easter, but when I do...

Oh yes, everything is going swimmingly!

We've all heard it before. It's not easy being an entrepreneur. You know, you have to be able to wear all kinds of different "hats". Nicholas Tart counted 23 figurative hats here. But really, I just want to wear a pretty, literal one like this.

While it's probably not a smart idea to admit this, I will say that there are days when I think about giving it all up. First, I would think about going back to work as an engineer. The ease that comes with financial stability is very desirable. Then I would daydream about going back to school. Perhaps an architecture degree? All the new knowledge and skills will surely inspire me to come up with amazing designs, right? Anyway. For me, the most difficult hat may be the marketing one. Sometimes I find it hard to blog and self-promote while knowing that doubt and insecurity often cross my mind. Can you be convinced to buy into a brand that doesn't always seem sunny and successful?

On second thought, forget what I just wrote. I love everything about my job, and everything is super! Now, please go visit my online store and shop. Thanks a bunch!

Bubble Engineering, Continued

I have been taking woodworking class at a local community center. Four weeks in, and I am 2/3 way to finishing my first ever (tiny) bench. This class makes me realize just how heavy "real" wood feels, and to NEVER again complain about how IKEA furniture is difficult to assemble. I thank you, IKEA! But most importantly, I love all the different, handmade jigs available to help you perform specific tasks more efficiently and accurately on the machines. Totally inspired: with simple material from Home Depot, I devised and hand made a jig to help me score crease lines. Oh, and I also laser-cut a special scoring guide for my Bubbles. Mmm... Laser! High tech meets low tech.

Something Sweet

It's almost that time of year again. Yup, you feel it everywhere you go:  chocolates in pink, heart-shaped boxes and red roses are out in full force. And everyone is Googling to find the most memorable and creative gifts. We'd like to help! How about making a mini cake for your favorite crafty/artistic person? Tip: you can hide small presents underneath for extra surprise!

Fiber Lab mini cake / gift box DIY

Ingredients: 

1 used packaging tape core (recycle!)

1 small sheet of cardboard / chipboard

1 scissor

1 pencil

1 white glue

1 double-sided tape

1 leftover tissue paper 

Serving: one special someone

Directions:

(1) Put used packaging tape core on cardboard and trace the outer diameter with pencil. Cut out the cardboard circle. Create a "lid" by gluing the cardboard circle on top of the packaging tape core. Wait until the glue dries. (2) Cut out tissue paper strips. It's easier if you cut along the short end while the tissue paper is still folded. (3) Use double-sided tape to attach the strips while creating a ruffled effect. Cover the entire surface. You can decorate your mini cake however you like! I've created a mini cake stand by putting a larger piece of circle on top of an inverted Anthropologie bowl. 

Now, go ahead and create something sweet!

HOW TO: add a pop of color

A red Bubble will do the trick! PS I purchased this stock photo.