I spend a lot of time online trying to find fresh content that will engage my readers, watchers, and listeners. As a staff of one it's hard to update to my chosen three and I find myself looking for a solution to update all of my accounts at once. I've tried hootsuite but they're only compatible with two, so it defeats the purpose of using them because I want to update all three. Really there's nothing available, that's free, that will handle this task, so I thought?
The one thing I've learned surfing is I can count on learning something I didn't know... sometimes it can be enlightening or annoying, fortunately, this time it was enlightening and I'm glad I engaged in my amateur research (even when I give up I try again) because I found this article. It connects your facebook to your twitter. At the present moment the only issue is my pictures don't come through even though I have photos and so on selected to be included. After I do some more research I hope it will all be good and I can tweet and update statuses simultaneously. Wish me luck...
Update: Everything works good and my text and pics go through perfectly.
Now way before I found this article I learned that my Pinterest actual posted to my other two media sites thus solving my issue of updating simultaneous. I just have to do everything from Pinterest, even though I don't post directly from Pinterest most of the time by choice and truthfully I would rather not. Now this convenience has a big BUT because it only works on a desktop. Trust there's no obstacle shortage.
It would be nice if there was an app that took your (chosen) sites and allowed you to connect, update, tweet, and pin correctly from one place. I'm not complaining because a PC is still a effective tool when I have a nice size of content that I want to share and not to mention (why do we say that but still mention), I always find content in the content so an hour turns into three or more hrs. and to be honest tablets or notes aren't really built to do all that!
Honestly, sharing can be consuming but I love discovering and learning, so I don't mind. I just wish it was easier for the one women staff, trying to get more traffic and some customers to update!
We've come to the point where I share a favorite video and one of our tracks! As always Happy Creating from 2ufromus and support your local artist. Enjoy...
Let's Assume...Is a track that represents the strength of this women! Until next time!
It's the last month of the year and most people around the world are putting up christmas trees and decorations. Like most people we also participate in the christmas ritual of christmas balls, mistletoe, nativity scenes, and cards. We put our tree in front of the window so our tree can be seen from the street. This is something we've done every year so this year is no exception, except we will be adding a personalized item to our christmas decorations.
As some will know I enjoy creating so this photo tree topper is right up my crafting tree, pun intended. In this post I will be showing you how you can add this wonderful idea to your tree and enjoy it for years to come.
For this project you will need: *Scissors *Card stock *Printer *Ink *Photos *Laminator(sheets) *Glue *Rhinestones *Silver Leaf *Adhesive spray *Sponge applicator *Crafting software *Cardboard *Scotch tape (clear)
When I was creating my topper I decided to use the star shape tool and combine 2 of them together. After I gathered my photos my first choice was to use the punch tool but my photos didn't show in the star good. Below is what my first attempt look like?
So I decided to print the entire collage with the star placed on top of the photos that were manipulated exactly how I wanted them to appear. This is what it looked like after I printed it.
Once you have the photos arranged it's time to place your card stock in a laminating sheet and run it through your laminator, I use scotch 3M thermal laminator. My laminator has a blue indicator light when it's hot and ready to use.
It takes about 10 secs to run a 8x11 sheet through the laminator, that is when were ready to cut the tree topper out and get it prepared to silver leaf. I used craft bond adhesive spray and placed my topper on a piece of cardboard so the adhesive wouldn't get on anything else. I placed about 3 pieces of silver leaf and used my sponge applicator to smooth it out over the back of the topper. Now I'm not good at leafing so some of the leaf didn't apply but I just let it be and it ended up giving it a vintage look.
After you allow the adhesive and leaf to bond I proceeded to put my rhinestones on each point of the star on the picture side of our topper. In this project I used various sizes of rhinestones but of course you can choose any style you like and that includes leafing the back. Have fun and make it your own!
After your finished decorating and all your embellishments have dried its time to attach a holder so your topper can be placed atop your tree. We just used a piece of card stock and some clear scotch tape.
(Update- we had to use glue (e6000) to adhere the paper tube on the back)
I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and your family is in "aww" of their new christmas addition. If your so inclined please leave some examples in the comments. We would love to see how yours turned out and I'll pin it on my Pinterest board.
Happy Holidays
As always, I must leave you with a video and one of our songs. Make sure to celebrate safe and around people who love and respect you. Have fun and enjoy our track Throw it Up! Happy Creating from 2ufromus!
I'm not sure what type of person you are (no duh) but if your like me, you have a hard time posting content because your not sure if you should stick with tutorials and/or offering products you've made. I just can't seem to stay in one area. Even though I visit quite a few different blogs and come across the type of blogs I would consider professional and would love to have the same organization. I can't seem to stay focus on one thing and I find myself going back and forth, but let me tell it, believing I know what it takes to blog (just write) but executing those beliefs fall somewhere between coming up with something to make, actually having the supplies to complete, and documenting the steps it took.
When I have an idea I just dive in and figure out the show and tell afterwards. Sometimes when I think about it, I believe I put to much thought into it, even though, I know it requires several different hats to manifest a cluster of concepts. Wearing all the hats makes it difficult but If I could give someone out there who has difficulties getting started my advice it would be to write, write something and then come back and re-read what you wrote. This helps me to see what thoughts I left out or what sentences need more. Now I'm not good at grammar (at all) and I'm far from a English teacher but I do understand the English language and what makes sense when I read it. Even if I don't have the pronunciation marks included or in the right place. I'm a work in progress!
Just like this post I will come back and edit what I wrote here. The most important thing is to get something wrote so you will have a rough draft of a potential post. Ultimately, I want my blog to be relatable and down to earth, I want a blog that has reliable and honest information. The truth is I'm far from being a successful blogger but I do love making handmade products, listening to and creating music so, hopefully as I dedicate myself, I will be able to successfully combine my love for music and crafts, together in perfect harmony! My goal is to bring what I enjoy to the blogging table and having the ability to tell my story where in return I inspire, enlighten, and motivate my readers.
Now for those who are visiting for the first time, I want to share my motto: "I'm a creative soul and if you didn't know now you do", I have a love for creating and my blog will have a little bit of everything (lboe pronounced (elbow)) so expect the unexpected. Just in case your wondering, that will not be last time I write that, lol!
Overall, I want to create, craft, and document.. in such a way that I sustain my needs as well as my wants. As I type towards my dream of blogging success! If you do crafting as a hobby or a job, this post will point you in the right direction when you decide to improve or add to your crafting equipment and supplies. This is a basic list that will aid you so you can brainstorm and rough draft your projects because you will use a lot of your supplies trying to build and perfect your project, so keep these supplies plentiful.
Now lets get to this list: (Some of the links are affiliate, thnx for using them!)
* markers-Sharpie, I don't really use any other kind.
* copy paper- I go to Walmart for my printer paper because it's cheaper.
* t-shirt heat vinyl- Visit here they answer a lot of vinyl questions and here is a place I've shopped at.
* decals- USCutter has a good deal on removable vinyl but make sure you research your needs.
* glitter-Fine Glitter is good to have because I believe it covers more but if you want to learn the types, go here but as always HL, Dollar store or Wlm have great prices.
* pillow stuffing- This is the stuffing I use. I usually get my stuffing from Wlm or Jo-ann Fabric.
* molds- Now you can buy or make your own. I do both, hobby lobby and copy flex are my options. Now there's so much more but I believe this will get you off to a good start, if nothing else it will get the creative thinking train to moving. I hope this list will help you to think about what you need and assist you in searching for the supplies you will eventually have in your craft room (I truly hope this helps). It's better to have more then less and no matter what you invest, you will always be investing. It's a never ending cycle in the craft world! As always I must leave you with a video from one of my favorite lesbian artist and one of our tracks, plz enjoy and Happy Creating from 2ufromus!
This track represents how we feel when people ask us why we love each other...Who I Love (explicit). I hope you enjoy!
I just learned that my photos were accidently deleted off of my other post so they will be reverted until I can get the issue resolved. Thanks for reading and know I'm working to fix this problem! Learning can be painful, sometimes!!!!!
I was just wondering if anyone feels the same way I do about Thanksgiving. I've always asked, why is it a holiday we celebrate. I mean, I'm not native American (not that they would celebrate) nor am I a pilgrim. But I've become accustomed to saying happy thanksgiving, because that's all I've known growing up.
Thanksgiving to me means family togetherness. I mean, we really never celebrate Thanksgiving per say, for us it is a day that majority of our family gets together and eat, kind of like a mini family reunion. I remember being young and going to grandma's to eat, I always wondered how granny prepared and cooked so much food. I love all the hugs and kisses and joy that fills the room when we all get together.
My granny has passed god rest her soul and it seems as if our family tradition has left with her.Our gatherings are getting fewer by the year. Has this happened in your family? Well, I'm going to try to bring it all back to the way it was! You know what I think is great about Thanksgiving? It comes in the time of year when we are cozy and cuddling with our boo's, chillin under blankets and watching movies with the kids, warming up the house and just laying around enjoying family. I don't know what you and your family does after eating Thanksgiving dinner, but we indulge in the things I've mentioned above.
I'm a traditional type when it comes to my food, so I'm pretty much uniform with the menu. Check me out, I prepare:
Whole roasted turkey
Honey glazed ham
Baked cornish hen
Collard greens
Brown sugared yams, topped with marshmallows
Home made baked macaroni and cheese
Turkey Dressing
Deviled eggs
Buttered dinner rolls
Cranberry sauce
Doesn't that sound delicious, got your mouth watering huh? You best better believe it taste just as good as it sounds too! I'm stingy with my kitchen on thanksgiving, I like to do everything myself. I love to cook for my fam and watch them enjoy every bite, it brings me pleasure, LOL! This year I might let my kids help, you know teach them a thing or two about cooking up some of that goodness.
Now, I know the origins of Thanksgiving has a horrific back story, involving the wrongdoings of Native Americans, and some have been tricked into believing that it was just this fabulous gathering amongst pilgrims and Indians(research the history, you've been dooped). So how about saying a prayer for Native Americans this year on Thanksgivings and remember their loved ones and lost ancestors, and let's actually start giving thanks for what we have and where we are in our lives today. I love the sound of Givingthanks!
No one should ever go hungry except (phedopihiles, people who murder for sport and rapists)
I'm always trying to create if I'm not thinking about what to create, I'm thinking about how can I create. It's an ongoing function in my brain (I don't want to try to find something to write about but sometimes I do). The purpose for my blog is to share my love for crafting and living life as a black lesbian. There are times when a post is like writing an English essay on grammar, hard, but I will continue to write until my thoughts come through my fingers so in this post I will be sharing my new t-shirt that I've named 44.
I made it to honor our 44th president, Barack Obama. Now, I know a lot of people don't care for this man but I don't care equally that they don't like him! It is my pleasure to have a decent man who genuinely cares for our world and it's a perk that he's black. In a lot of ways I feel connected to this man because I can relate to the discrimination he goes through on a daily.
Being black and a lesbian I'm a triple threat, I know I only mentioned two labels but most separate my sexuality and gender, so watching and listening to what he has to face everyday I can completely empathize. But, before this turns into some equality plea I want to stay upbeat and move forward.
Today (and I'm excited) I'm sharing the love I have for my President of the United States, Barack Obama and the entire Obama family! No criticism, no nagging and whining about what he hasn't done, just the respect the leader of the free world deserves, some true "Appreciation"! No matter his do's and dont's he's our president and I wanted to share what inspired me to make this t-shirt but for the life of a charge against a guilty cop, I can't remember exactly what helped me come up with the fabulous idea to make P.O.T.U.S (44) but I know (fo' sho) it has something to do with crafting and the internet. I just know it popped in my head and I started building it in my craft artist two editing software.
Click photo for purchasing details
please indicate size in available field
For this project you will need, of course, a t-shirt, some heat vinyl, a heat press, weeding tools, a cutter, computer, editing software and plenty imagination. I've included pictures and a tutorial, so please visit our Youtube channel here to watch, comment, and subscribe!
Now, you know I can't leave without a video and one of our tracks so without further ado, this video is one of my many favorites and I hope youenjoy it.
As I venture towards earning my place amongst this world wide web I'm reminded how hurtful things can be (Family Hurts) at times but regardless of my achievements and how painful the journey can be I'm grateful for the opportunities that God has allowed, so please enjoy the track and as always "Happy Creating from 2ufromus"!
Some of the links on our post are affiliated, thanks for supporting us!
How do you get your creative laser beaming? OK, I know your confused but I was trying to use a different intro, hoped it worked and no I'm not promoting star trek, even though star trek is cool! When I sit down in front of my computer to write a post I'm always a little intimidated. Not because I'm nervous but more that I'm not sure how I should start off. Has that ever happened to you? Well , I guess I can assume it happens to the best of us! With that said Lets proceed... We now return to the regular post broadcast, hope your smiling, anyway I was asking how do you get your creative laser beaming, (I Know...) is it from your job, your family, where you shop, TV. How do you come up with your ideas? Mine come from surfing the internet, using my cameras, my tablet or just thinking! I'm always thinking of ways to create, how I can practice my craft and manifest some fabulous masterpiece that will be admired by trillions! Honestly, I never quite go that far with the "admired by trillions" but maybe I'll start but I do look forward to my next piece and what it will look like outside of my mind. When I started crafting it wasn't for some of the typical reasons like, relaxation, hobbyist or boredom. It was for excitement and the urge to see how well I could accomplish it! I knew I could create something that someone would "AWWW" at! At first, I assumed all I needed was a computer, printer, and fabric and from those three items I would be wowing the world or at least the few people I knew and become a creating guru, but unknowing to me it was a lot more complicated than that. Fast forward 15 years, I have a broader understanding in what it takes; patience, discipline, and determination will serve you great in the crafting world! Because if I don't know anything I know that an idea is different from the process that it requires to manifest. Heck, the idea is the easy part... sometimes! I've used quite a few programs in my crafting (CAREER?) moments in life and like all things in life they have a learning curve, some easier than others. I've had the pleasure of working on both mac and PC so, I'm going to share what I currently use and what I've used.
In my opinion, they're all good software but it's all according to how personal you want to be in the creative process to which editing program you will aspire to. Now I hope you don't think I have this extensive list of editing software I've used because I don't. I've used two photo editing softwares personally so with no further ado here's the list:
Currently I use: CraftArtist 2 Professional [Download],
HP Pavilion, Presto HIX heating press and Epson all in one. My past equipment was the macbook pro, adobe illustrator, power point and 2010 iWork.
I told you it wasn't a long list but info is info. I hope it helps? As always, I'm going to share a video I enjoy, and give you a song from our album Midwest Royalty to listen to. I believe music heals like craft mends so why not combine the two, besides I'm a music lovin', family-oriented, black lesbian who's proud of it!
Below is a pillow I made for our Veterans because they deserve appreciation 365 days of the year, if you would like to make one you will need: 1. A laptop 2. A printer 3. Fabric (your choice), 4. Some editing software (click craft artist 2 link above) 5. Heat vinyl 6. A weeding tool 7. A heating press.
Appreciation is one of the greatest gifts in life, make it a mission to give! To hear more of the videos I listen to click here.
The song I'm sharing is called Love Letters it is the perfect song to dedicate to your special someone. The video below is another one of my favorites called "Digits"! Hope you like it!
As always...Happy Creating from 2ufromus!!!!!!
I have no claims to the videos I upload it's strictly for sharing purposes only!
I enjoy making things here and there, and sometimes I like to share my creations with others. crafting has always been a little niche that I've had thanks to my grandma (may she rest in peace). She always had me sew, glue and cut whatever it was she was making, so naturally I picked up some skill. For all you fans out there, here is something I think you'd enjoy! I know every city has big university football game that comes around when the rivalries play, and some of us like to rep our teams verbally and visually. Well, I decided to make earrings and a ring to rep our university visually. This project was very easy to do, and you can do it as well with the following items:
alphabet beads
silver linked chain (small)
wire cutters (small)
jewelry findings-fish hook wire (short)
hot glue gun and sticks
colored crystals or gem stones
This is a FAN-tastic gift for any and all occasions. These can be made for any state, any sport and in a variety of different colors. Just in case you're not into to crafting, but would love to own your own set, we would be delighted to make it happen for you! 2ufromus loves sharing our crafts with others, we craft from the heart and through our hands we spread smiles, joy and lots of love.
click picture for purchasing details
(Be sure to add city, state, and color under special instructions tab)
Crafting is fun and relaxing, so give it a try! What ever you create it will be great!
Even when I don't have everything I need and some of those
items don't work anymore or are gone, I move forward and think how can I utilize what I have so that I continue towards success. I practice to never give up especially when it seems like it's not possible.
Now my story isn't one where I can tell you I made it and I'm this "BIG" Success but I can tell you how I persevere and keep working towards my dreams. How through the pain and frustration I still create and learn how to move on when I'm met with cold concrete.
I have so many wants but it's my haves that are invasive and not in reach. This story, this blog isn't to gain sympathy or charity but to build confidence and acquire skill. I create, music, graphics, crafts, food, games, etc..
The picture below is a tshirt I made about 4 or 5 years ago. I no longer have the machine to cut but I have reminders of my love and what work lies ahead. I will print and cut again but in the meantime, I will share so that my determination may inspire someone who feels like it's not possible. Don't quit just find a way to calm down. Walk away so you can gain your composure. This is important and it works for me.
If your equipment or platform is gone, this is important, let it be. If you don't have the means to fix it spend your time thinking of alternatives. Other ways to accomplish your goal. I mean think about plan b, c, d, etc. Once you begin to move forward other avenues (doors) will begin to open up in your mind. Sometimes things take days, weeks, months even years to complete so don't let an obstacle keep you from crossing that finish line. Just do what you have to so you can do what you want to (easier said then done) but it's true.
As always I have to leave with a video and a song. I'm a creative soul and if you didn't know now you do. If I could rule the world it would be through craft and music. Until next time, Happy Creating from 2ufromus! B dotCroc- I want more
Click the link to listen Very (Without family none of it matters anyway). Support your indie artist by listening, commenting, sharing, and buying.
I wanted to combine my love for music with my love for crafting but I don't want to include those who don't want to be included. Even though I don't understand anyone who doesn't want recognition for what they do. In my life, the love I have for women never mixed for my love of music until recent. It wasn't until I started searching for women like me who lived, loved, and died with a women that I started hearing music that spoke of my joys and pains. I knew then I wanted to support these women and myself any way I could. Some how giving us the recognition we deserve. Rather it was music or some other form of creative art. I wanted to be part of that success. I realized that becoming stable was more than making something and asking someone to buy it, it required a community of people who held different positions that all had the same goal in mind. That from our specific role everyone involved would earn recognition and resources to financial freedom. Rather directly or indirectly.
Now I'm aware that not everyone will see eye to eye but hopefully with respect and hard work we can reach the intended goal and that is taking care of what we cherish. I realize that I have to spend time recognizing what level my skills are on before I expect anyone else to.
TE- Golden Era
I believe that I must have confidence to stand in judgement because opinions don't cater to facts but instead feelings that fuel the statements that describe what one sees, hears, or touches. Even through the obstacles I begin to understand my position and where I want to play it. I love family and have no friends because with time they become family. I have the opportunity to combine the two in perfect harmony and I will express them with no hesitation. To read more of my post click here!
Gotta Go Get: My Family...support your Indie Artist! Enjoy and Happy Creating from 2ufromus!
I love creating so much that sometimes it's hard for me to commit to one thing. From jewelry, music, fabric,paper, etc... I'm always thinking how can I gain recognition from my creations. Now, some people wouldn't agree because they feel as if you should create for self gratification but satisfaction comes from loving an idea that someone will eventually appreciate what you took the time to make.What's the point of creating if your not willing to share it with the world. Validation comes from feedback and without feedback our abilities just sit and start to become stagnate like unkempt pond water.
When someone gives you their opinion on what you created whether with affirmation ornegationit causes a emotional reaction. We either retract orextendbasedoffof the value we put on who or how the opinion was expressed.
In my opinion, if you create handmade items don't be ashamed to gain recognition but if your a private sort then don't allow anyone to coerce you into sharing. Be honest about what you seek and follow those feelingtowardsthat result!
Sometimesyou have to start somewhere to figure out where you really want to be. You may ask "who is this person" and I just like to refer to myself as a humble women who spends more time unrecognized then most, so I understand the struggles in wanting to gain acceptance and respect amongst people who have never heard anything about you.
My goal, create awesome and share big! My slogan, "I'm a creative soulif you didn't know now you do."
As I stated in the beginning of my post I love to create and keepsakes, in my opinion, is my specialty. Like I always do when I'm thinking, I wondered how I could cause the "WOW" factor that would turn all the lights on in the house. This power surge of creativity came in the form of a deck of Personalized edge to edge photo playing cards. Now, I know plenty of people have made playing cards (I'm not saying anything is new under the sun) but to construct the size of the card, all 4 suits, compile, print, and cut your own deck is a factor all by itself (WOW).
Not to mention the reaction when someone sees them for the first time (light bulb) and you don't just see these type of cards everyday!
All you will need to make your own, is a link to where you could buy them from us...( I had to try, LOL), is a printer, some card stock, a software editor (I use craft artist 2), laminating sheets, a thermal laminator, and a guillotine to cut your sheets.
This is a fabulous gift for any occasion... weddings, births, vintage, memorials, anniversaries or family reunions. You will impress anyone with this wonderful token of appreciation.
Click photo for purchasing details
The deck includes a box
This is my first deck and I learned a lot of do's and don'ts that I will be applying to my future decks. That is another reason why I share because the opportunity for learning is present and it teaches me what I like as well as what I don't. I hope you enjoy the photos and will comment and share this with your family.
Until the next time "Happy Creating" from 2ufromus!
It's rare if you meet someone who doesn't know what a buckeye is thanks to Ohio State, our famous football team, and mascot but some may not know the facts behind the buckeye tree and where it originates from?
There're two types of buckeye:
Ohio and Yellow Buckeye
[A deciduous tree from the Horsechestnut Family (Hippocastanaceae)]
You may ask how did a state become associated with a nut-bearing tree?
One of the stories is that it originated from the presidential campaign of
General William Henry Harrison n 1840.
A log cabin decorated with raccoon skins and
a string of buckeyes became the symbol of Harrison's campaign. The following became his campaign song:
“Oh where, tell me where was your buckeye
cabin made?
Twas built among the merry boys who wield
the plough and spade,
Where the log cabins stand, in the bonnie
buckeye shade.
Oh what, tell me what is to be your
cabin’s fate?
We’ll wheel it to the capital and place it
there elate,
for a token and a sign of the bonnie Buckeye
state.”
As a result, citizens of Ohio became known as “Buckeyes.”
Additionally, In 1953, the Ohio legislature designated the Ohio Buckeye, Aesculus glabra,
as Ohio's official state tree. The tree is called the buckeye because
its nuts resemble the shape and color of a deer's eye. The buckeye is
relatively common in Ohio, growing especially well along rivers and
streams and in floodplains.
In honor of our vets 2ufromus created a crystaled buckeye to show our appreciation to the soldiers who fought for the freedoms we are able to express in ohio and the world. Take a look at our veteran pillow. These are the tools and items you will need: Twizzers Necklace Chain Link Rhinestones G-S Hypo Cement E6000 Adhesive Barrel Clasps and Buckeyes
The one thing I've learned surfing is I can count on learning something I didn't know... sometimes it can be enlightening or annoying, fortunately, this time it was enlightening and I'm glad I engaged in my amateur research (even when I give up I try again) because I found this article. It connects your facebook to your twitter. At the present moment the only issue is my pictures don't come through even though I have photos and so on selected to be included. After I do some more research I hope it will all be good and I can tweet and update statuses simultaneously. Wish me luck...
, I don't really use any other kind.
, 
, 
some prefer metal but plastic is good but visit your local craft store or Walmart to learn more.
is good to have because I believe it covers more but if you want to learn the types, go 
HP Pavilion, Presto HIX heating press and Epson all in one. 
