In the past week or so, I have been doubly honoured - first, by Cornflower with the Premio Dardos Award which "aims to acknowledge the values that every blogger shows in their effort to transmit cultural, ethical, literary, and personal values every day. These stamps were created with the intention of promoting fraternization between bloggers, a way of showing affection and gratitude for work that adds value to the Web. Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person that has granted the award and his or her blog link. Pass the award to 15 blogs that are worthy of this acknowledgment".
As if that wasn't exciting and special enough, Judy let me know that she has named me a Kreativ Blogger! These are simple little things, but so very meaningful to me - blogging is a funny thing. Even though I - of course - blog for my own benefit, the people I have (virtually) met, and conversations I have had have become so important to me. Like most bloggers out there, I love reading the comments left, and at times, wonder how many people are actually out there reading, or if I'm making any sort of impression at all. These awards remind me that you are all out there, and I am thankful to hear that you enjoy reading the things I have to say. I know both of these awards are meant to be passed on, but at the moment, I'm just going to bask... I hope that's okay!
Ironically, I've never thought of myself as particularly creative, and even the knitting is often more about therapy and stress relief and sanity than it is about creativity. The spark is there, though, and it's so nice to know you see it. I have struggled over the years to find my true voice, and authenticity is something I strive to project, (especially now that I'm, you know, imperfect and all...). In the spirit of full disclosure, I'm going to show you something.
I mentioned some time ago that I wanted to make myself a duct tape dress form. I got together with a girlfriend for a girl's night a while back, and had great fun being wrapped in shiny silver strips. We followed the instructions in Custom Knits; it was a very sculptural sort of experience, and after I brought it home had to try it on to show everyone here. (At that point, it felt a bit like one of those xray aprons you wear at the dentists' office, but somehow, it was still fun.) It took me a bit to get motivated and set aside time to finish it up, and then halfway through that process realized that I didn't have enough stuffing, and needed to wait for another trip to the store. Sigh. Anyway, on Sunday the kids all came downstairs with me to finish stuffing and taping it up. This morning, I got out my camera to show you, and what did I see?
Grrr. All the tape I had used to seal it up had come loose, and my seam had burst! How's that for authenticity?
This afternoon, I spent a little more time, and and used a bunch more duct tape, so that I can show you...
Ta Da! A real, not-live Duct Tape Dress-Makers Dummy, complete with built-in hanger. I've promised the kids that when I shrink so much that I need a new one, they can keep this one as a punching bag. Suddenly, the whole family is involved in my "lose weight, get healthy" plan for the year!
What a great idea! I need to check that book out ;)
Posted by: Hege | February 11, 2009 at 11:53 PM
That is a clever idea! Also you can make an after one to see how far you have come, with your healthy eating.
Posted by: Arianwen | February 12, 2009 at 12:00 AM
that looks great! good job.
I'm afraid I'd use too many rolls of duct tape and would be horrified with the result ;)
Posted by: colleen | February 12, 2009 at 05:08 AM
That's so cool that you made one, I have had duct tape on my shopping list for a while but haven't got around to doing this yet. It must be sort of strange to face your own torso!
Posted by: Rebecca | February 12, 2009 at 06:16 AM
What fun - I've always wanted to do one of those! Great motivator... my kids would be right into that too.
Posted by: Ruth | February 12, 2009 at 07:19 AM
YAY! Wasn't that Fun?!?!? My fave lys had an evening of doing these, last Summer, manOman, those things get steamy during the process!
Congrats on the awards, happy basking :^)
Posted by: marianne | February 12, 2009 at 08:06 AM
This sounds like a really good idea, Charity! I've longed for a dress form ever since I first saw Lene's constant use of hers (and the wonderful results it gave) but now that I'm facing frogging yet another vest because it's too large, I think the time has come to try Duct Tape Avenue!
Posted by: Jo at Celtic Memory Yarns | February 15, 2009 at 01:12 AM
I really must make one of those - I'll remember the plenty of duct tape tip! Love your challenge gloves from the previous post - hope they're going well? Congrats on your awards too
Posted by: Sarah | February 16, 2009 at 11:11 PM