Thanksgiving

                                        

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)

Happy Givingthanks!!!!!

 Happy Creating from 2ufromus

Love It or Hate It we have a Black President! (Shawty "What You're Thinking")

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.

 

Please visit us @ tdj69

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 you enjoy 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!

Making a pillow for Veterans Day... Introducing Ceazar!

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. 

To all who has, is, and will...

Check out our rhinestone buckeye

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!

Calling All Fans!

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!

If you would like to read more click here.

Words of Encouragement... B dotCroc "I Want More"

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.

Take a look at more crafting ideas

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. 

Women and their Music! B. Steadwell & TE "Keeng:

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.

                                                      B. Steady: Anything for You

Click here for more videos

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... Woman to Woman Complete Love

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 or negation it causes a emotional reaction. We either retract or extend based off of 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 feeling towards that result!

Sometimes you 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 soul if 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!

Update- Please visit us @ CraftHer

and our Facebook page to see more crafting ideas.

Now I can't leave without giving you one of my favorite videos and one of our tracks. Hope you enjoy, like comment, subscribe, and follow!

Click to listen to our track Fast. I hope you enjoy listening! 

For all you sport fans check out our fan jewelry they're fun and easy to make!

Honoring our Vets from Columbus Ohio

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

click pic for purchasing details

 [buhk-ahy]

(any of various trees or shrubs of the genus Aesculus, as A. glabra (Ohio buckeye) having palmate leaves, gray, scaly bark, and bell-shaped greenish-yellow flowers in upright clusters)

information source: ohio history central, dictionary.com, ohio nature.com, ODNR