My Georgiaversary

20th August marked my 1st year in Georgia.

My friends threw a Georgiaversary Party for me to celebrate what I'd accomplished & survived in these 365days.

1st October 2008 I move from Italy to US / California
10th December 2008 I move to North Carolina
25th December 2009 I get engaged
23rd June 2010 Ex cheats & breaks up with me
20th August 2010 I move to Georgia / Columbus
16th October 2010 I get my Driving license
18th October 2010 I start working at McDonalds
7th November 2010 I get my car (with financial help from parents)
12th November 2010 I move to Greenville
25th January 2011 I start working at M....lle
12th February 2011 I’m “adopted” by a cat (still debatable)
3rd April 2011 I meet the first of 4 wonderful people
1st August 2011 I’m officially hired at my current workplace.

Last Saturday I suddenly realized~ I had friends, people who actually care about me!

One friend even gifted me with a $100 HobbyLobby gift card!

On 26th August feeling a bit down, I decided to stop by the store after work.

I hadn't been able to splurge on myself for a while being very money conscious so having someone treat me for no other reason that friendship really touched me.

I spent a full hour looking through every isle, picking crafting supplies for my next projects, randomly grabbing things that struck my fancy.

When I got back I realized I'd unconsciously purchased pieces that combined turned into this lovely centerpiece!

PS I still have nearly half the amount left on the gift card!

Caricature of Parents

These dolls are handmade in felt using modified version of my "Happy Berry".

They are caricatures of my parents (in their younger years).

They are my Mother's Day & Father's Day gifts to them.

My Little Pony

Huge Update!

I recently realized I haven't updated in ages~ and yet have continued crafting while slowly improving on my Life.

I'm happy to say I've been an office lady since the end of January and, while my car is still a lemon draining my finances, I now have a social Life and am in Atlanta every other weekend.

In fact I've been thinking of setting my next goal towards Atlanta which as a metropolis has more to offer in way of employment, salary, social, education, entertainment, ect.
Let's face it, I really do live in the middle of nowwhere and even the town I work at has nothing to offer. I don't want to "make due" like certain people; at least this isn't my version of "making due". What I have now, I won't progress~ I'll just stay where I'm at. I know Atlanta has more to offer. And I know I can do better~ I think I've proven that already.
So I'm going be updating my resume, hand it to friends and toss it online ect. I know it'll take some time to find a job but I'm in no hurry. I'm not setting ETA because it wouldn't be realistic. But I just can't just sit around waiting for something to happen if I don't start it first, right?

Anyway please enjoy what I've created the past few months:

Happy Holidays!

I apologize for not having kept my blog updated since October.

Although I have crafted, though not as intensively. I even took some of my creations to a certain type of Con but only sold three.

On 13th November I moved in with a couple of friends after having been kicked out by The Harpy.

I got a job transfer to a McD closer to my new home (obviously will start searching for a better job after the holidays). I have a car to get there and occasionally give co-workers rides. Yes, I like doing good deeds. And I wouldn't be where I'm living now if it weren't for others' good deed.

I lost a friend and am the better for it as I find out more and more what type of person she really is.

I have a couple of Mentors helping me in the Lifestyle.

I have good people looking out for me.

I'm still unsure where my Life is heading. I try to make the most of the positives and live through the negatives with hopes of a better Future.

And am naive enough to wish for True Love (no more cheap imitations for me!) starting 2011 but am wise enough to not actively search for it- I have too much on my plate as is trying to work on myself to go out Hunting. Besides, They say Love comes when you least expect it, right?

I want to experience and explore as much as possible while trying to sort through my Life and keeping the promises I made myself when I moved to Georgia. So far I've kept two out of three main ones, one of which thanks to my parents.

I am hopeful..!

Life is (slowly) improving

No new crafting update because I've been trying to get my life on track; I got my driving license and found a temporary job at McDonald's (which isn't half as bad as expected, probably because I'm at the cash register and not in the kitchen).

I'm planning on getting a car within the next month or so thanks to my parents and move closer to Atlanta since I'm told being a metropolis there are more and better job opportunities.

I would like to take the time to THANK my awesome friends without whom I wouldn't be able to make it, or at least keep my sanity. They give me the strength to go on in spite of what Life (and others) have been throwing me. Love you guys!

Gothic Girl

This gothic girl was handmade in felt with cloth details + hand sewn yarn hair using modified version of my "Happy Berry".

Nothing much to report:

- weekly hanging out with my BFF & our group of friends;

- no job yet but still trying very hard- hopefully all this time and effort will pay off soon!

Thinking of making a couple of dolls to sell on Ebay.

What do you think?

Life is (finally!) improving

No new crafting update because I've been pleasantly busy working on my social life.

I'm very pleased to inform I now have a great fun best friend who not only brings happiness + fun to my Life but also helps me be more level minded instead of allowing my feelings to rule me. In fact I'd go so far as to credit her or at least her positive influence for the now quite improved relationship with The Harpy.

I've also had a chance to meet an outgoing, relaxed, fun, and dynamic group whose welcomed me right away. Can't wait for the next meetup!

As far as employment goes, I had an interview on Friday and have another tomorrow and although neither is very promising I still consider it a good sign. It's only a matter of time before I find something decent considering all the application forms I've filled out and the many employment agencies I've joined.

And if push comes to shove I'll take a holiday job if even to keep busy and replenish my very diminished funds.

I've accomplished so much in such short time, some of which The Ex promised but didn't keep his word.
- moved to another State and slowly getting my Life together
- bought new glasses+ slippers
- went to munches and party with friends
- made good honest dependable friends
- had many meaningful conversations with different people
- ate out often
- enjoyed the surrounding area (Pine Hills, Callaway Gardens, ect)
- have experienced new things and explored new places
- got "Work Ready" certified

I wonder what else I'll be able to do and experience next month, I can't wait to find out!

African American Baby

This African American baby was handmade in felt with cloth & yarn details by me using a modified version of pattern found in Baby London Star's blog.

Note: socks purchased at Wal-mart

I had to craft this plush for my host's coworker's baby shower.

Nothing much to report. Filled out more application forms, visited a few employment agencies, received the "Work Ready" certificate (paper version). I'm hoping all my efforts pay off soon, especially considering I'm having a very hard time in GA with my hosts, specifically the female one who Friday went on a half hour rant listing imagined faults she attributes to me, including me being the cause of the tension in the house when I'm only reacting to her vibes (I'm a tad empathic).

It's pretty obvious in spite of the other subjects brought up during The Rant the real reason behind it and her attitude toward me is, she feels threatened by me but is not honest enough to admit it. I've never given her any real substantial reason to feel this animosity toward me.

It's clear she's made me her new target (her husband must be so relieved) and will blame me for just about anything. I've never in my life been accused of so many wrongdoings, not even as a child. My own parents never complained so much about me and I lived with them for 30yrs. I've been in GA barely a month and The Harpy has a whole laundry-list of fictional faults she attributes to me.
I honestly don't know what to do. I'm so upset and worried about the situation I was feeling physically ill this evening and had to take an aspirin.
And I can't help blaming The Ex; if I hadn't met him and moved in with him to NC who knows where I'd be and with whom right now.

Until this Rant I was actually in a better place, realized recently that I've slowly started feeling better even if my Life is still on hold and I don't have a job yet. I felt somewhat more optimistic. I think The Ex is finally behind me (it's been 4 months after all, 1 of which in GA).

Now I honestly don't know how to react or what to do with the hosts. I'm in such an awkward disadvantaged position. It feels like I'm damned if I do and damned if I don't whatever I choose.

Please, if anyone has advice or suggestions send them my way...

Jack Skeleton

Jack Skeleton was handmade in felt with foam details by me using a modified version of pattern found in Baby London Star's blog.

I know it's still early for Halloween but my female host apparently loves decorating for the holidays and I thought this plush would make a good (birthday) addition to her collection.

I've been in Columbus (GA) for nearly a month now and don't have much to show for it, except most of my belongings in boxes in the attic and a constant heart-ache with deep loneliness.

I've filled out many online job application forms, passed the written test for driving license (road test is in October), got my "Work Ready" certificate, opened an account at the local credit union, have new phone + number, am waiting for my new glasses + contacts, got my GA Id card.

I've searched online for local (hobbies & singles) clubs and volunteer work so I can do something with my free time and socialize.

I joined a few dating sites.

So far I haven't found a job or club nor have a made a friend. It's rather depressing, really. Even though I'm told it will take time, I'm ready for Life to start NOW and it's so frustrating to be held back by circumstances.

But I really am trying very hard (more than I ever have in my life) on all fronts so nobody can claim I've failed for lack of motivation.

Surely Karma will turn around in my favor soon?

It's not good-bye for this blog!

In July I gave Melanie a new faceup, coolcats eyechips & eye lashes.

I'm hoping to get her an obitsu body some time soon, her original body is too floppy.

A SecondLife acquaintance suggested to ask my readers if they would be interested in buying my creations (on Ebay instead of Etsy), maybe offer commissions as well- like the one I did in July for an online friend.

What do you think? Would you be interested?

Please let me know!

Tomorrow morning I leave for Columbus (GA).

I'm really looking forward to actually LIVING and enjoying Life to the fullest once I'm there!

I'm hoping the people treat me better than NC and will accept me for myself.

Regardless, I will make the most of what Life has to offer me!

Obviously considering the move and its consequences I honestly don't know when I'll be posting again, let alone craft but I'll try to continue. I've come a long way in my hobby and would hate to neglect it.

Btw I'd love to meet folks in the crafting & dollie hobbies so please let me know who's out there in Columbus (GA)!

Pon & Zi

Pon & Zi are handmade in felt by me.

Original characters by Azuzephre

On 29th July I finally found the proof I needed that showed he'd been lying & cheating on me before the official breakup dated 23rd June, possibly as long as 2-3 months.

He didn't even mourn the end of our relationship before jumping into a new one. That itself shows how little I meant to him.

Don't worry, I'm not hurt anymore. I'm just disgusted by his overall conduct (+ trying to go back on his word to provide some funds, transportation & shipping my belongings, he's also been slandering me, of course).

You can be sure once I'm in Georgia I'll cut all contacts from him. What a sorry excuse of a guy!

I'm just very relieved I didn't find out in even worse circumstances.

Now I'm ready to start my brand new drama-free life in Columbus (GA)- just one week to go!

Happy Berry

Happy Berry was handmade in felt by me using a modified version of pattern found in Baby London Star's blog.

Oh how circumstances & feelings change as the Truth surfaces!

So many things have happened since I last posted but the most important is, I now know The Truth and have decided to move on- specifically to Columbus (GA) where I'll be staying with family friends until I'm able to stand on my own.

I'm learning many Life lessons in just these few weeks...

I already learnt that I shouldn't trust someone completely, to be financially and car independent before hooking up with anyone, not depend on anyone, don't take rings or meeting his/her parents as a guarantee to a future together, always have my own "contingency plan" for the unexpected, don't pause your life for anyone, don't believe in promises...

I will try very hard not to fail or disappoint the Trust everyone has on me, including my online friends who have stuck by me when everyone else in RL hadn't.

Many have pointed out I have a lightness, naiveness and trust in the World and its people that is enviable and allows me to see everything around me in a positive Light.

I am myself and don't want to be influenced negatively by the experiences Life has in store for me.

So I will try to face everything with head held high and trust in my eyes, believing there is a reason for everything and the Gods have Someone Special awaiting around the corner.

I'm not sure when I'll be posting, my life is currently chaotic and my creative mode hiccups randomly as I slowly pack my belongings while struggling to keep up my school grades.

Creamy Mami's Kitties

Posi & Nega are handmade in felt by me using a modified version of pattern found in Baby London Star's blog.

I apologize for the delay in posting but I've been going through the worse days of my life...

He broke up with me on 23rd June 2010 because he's going through a depression phase that is causing him to go emotionally numb toward everyone, he's obviously not reasoning soundly yet states firmly he feels deep down even when he gets out of this phase he knows things won't go back to the way they were. Yet he so badly want to be friends because "I DO care about u and what happens to u".

I pretty much left my country to be with him; true, I made the choice a few months before meeting him online but it was through him that I had the courage to board that plane and later risk my family's disapproval to move in with him.

We'd made plans, set a wedding date, even chose our future children's names.

And now 2yrs into the relationship with 6 months of engagement later... I find myself dumped into another crossroads of Life with only two options to choose from: either I try to make the best of things here, wait until we have a car (ours died the day he broke up with me), get a job, try to build my own life then he leaves me everything (rented house, contents and cats) or I go back to Italy. In either case I have to start from scratch.

Oh but there's another more final alternative to end this whole mess and especially the pain...

Right now I'm trying to make sense of this mess that is currently my life while my heart breaks each second and my soul screams in pain... so please forgive me if there are long delays in blog update...

FF's Moogle

Moogle from the Final Fantasy series is handmade in felt using pattern found in Baby London Star's blog slightly modified by me by adding wings and red pompom.

Needless to say, my fiance was enthusiastic about it, lol!

I apologize for the delay in posting, especially considering this plush was finished at the end of May, my bad :P

I've been busy with homework and in high crafting mode; in fact just yesterday I finished the first part of a project based on an 80s anime by Studio Pierrot. Curious, aren't you? I'll try to post pics soon (*wink*)

Lately I've been reminiscing while watching old anime themes (in Italian) from my childhood which have inspired me with new ideas. I'm in a crafting frenzy which also leaves me drained by the end of the day but oh what satisfaction!

Can't wait to start on new projects, need more materials & time!

Duckies!

The first ducky is handmade in foam using pattern found in Quilt Maker slightly modified by me; The second wacky ducky is handmade in fabric & felt using pattern found in My Soft Toys Corner

Mom's visit went very well, in fact better than we expected and we were really sorry to see her go. Summer Semester started last week. We're still rather broke but fortunately I've enough material for the next projects such as giving my Pullip a make-over and creating game related plushies for my fiance and his nephew.

Btw did anyone else notice the plush patterns now sold in Walmart? I was drooling! I want to try to get ahold of some when we have the extra cash.

Note: I learnt a new type of stitching called BlanketStitching thanks to the Wacky Ducky pattern; to be honest I think it would stand out more in a single colored fabric especially when using a thread color which is different from the fabric color. Ah well, learn from your mistakes and all that...

Mother's Day with Fruit

This is the present I made my mom for Mother's Day.

Click here if you want to view a picture of the fruit in baskets made using pattern found on Paper Glitter's & Nabiki's blogs.

Make sure to visit their blogs for a cute strawberry party set dedicated to this holiday!

I used patterns found online for apple & pear by Paola + strawberry & kaki by Ku +pomegranate by Coconut-Lane.

As promised, here are my personal patterns for cherries (tutorial by Melissa Rambles On), banana (tutorial by Just stuff), apple, and slices of watermelon, orange & kiwi (tutorial by ThinkingMama).

Note: My mom will be visiting us from 10th to 19th May so I doubt I'll get any crafting done this week.

I wanted to wish "HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!" to all the mommies out there!

Penguin blues

This adorable penguin is made using the same slightly-modified pattern as the round plush birdie collection.

He was made in felt as a present for a friend who'll be moving to another town soon.

The past week I've been rather busy with homework and crafting a present for Mother's Day.

Fortunately as of today I'm two subjects away from the end of this Semester and am ready to deliver my present.

What did I make, you want to know? Three cute baskets of felt fruit!

I figured it'd be a good gift that'll last throughout the year without worrying about the fruit rotting. My fiance reassures me mom will love it, I honestly hope so, I spent so much time and effort on it!

Btw I'm thinking about posting my own fruit patterns for my followers to enjoy (*wink*)

In the meantime, here are patterns for apple & pear by Paola + strawberry & kaki by Ku + pomegranate by Coconut-Lane.

Mother's Day is only a week away!

Make sure to visit Paper Glitter's & Nabiki's blogs for a cute strawberry party set dedicated to this holiday!

Funky Turtle

This funky turtle is handmade in felt and fabric.

It's a present for a friend's birthday, I think she liked it :)

Fortunately I've completely recovered from the flu & stomach virus.

Too bad the weather's been moody lately but then again it IS April and as the saying goes "April showers bring May flowers".

Yesterday my fiance started planting in our future vegetable garden.

Today I planted Morning Glory (pink & blue), Alyssum, Forget-me-not, Columbine & Marigold seeds. Here's hoping some of them sprout!

Two weeks left to the end of the school semester.

Unfortunately the summer semester starts right after which means no respite and last night I was told summer semester is usually crammed with homework, sigh.

I hope I survive it and still be able to enjoy Summer!

Musical Sunny Kitty

Ginger is wearing a dress I made using a pattern found at www.puchicollective.com

She's holding a felt bag made by me.

Long time no see!

As mentioned previously, I was busy making Easter/Spring treats for my fiance's family while working on homework and battling against a bad flu accompanied by stomach virus.

Not one of my best months but at least I managed to survive it in spite of some personal issues.

Two changes I want to mention are:

1) my Etsy Shop is no more- I decided to close it for lack of sells. I realized there are way too many crafters attempting to sell their merchandise and rather than try to compete with them I'll just proceed at my own pace. If you're interested in something, please feel free to contact me;

2) you will not be reading or seeing anything to do with RainbowProject anymore- we've had a bad falling out due to her lack of consistency. My being physically sick + fed up with her prevented me from continuing to be patiently diplomatic.

To be honest, I get lonely when I'm home alone and am on the pc most of the time (crafting or homework) but I'm tired of these crazies... 3 out of 3... I'm giving up on finding someone sane to relate to online.

Why is it so hard to find "sanity" online?

At least I was lucky to find my fiance' thanks to the Internet...