When should you keep a secret? Anniversary glasses! AzMarie- Morning Guarantee

If it's your anniversary or just a valentine occasion, we wish your relationship happiness and longevity. I made these wine glasses with removable adhesive vinyl to celebrate our 16th anniversary. I used our front window to give a realistic background.

Anniversary Glasses

This is a nice sentiment but the vinyl we used is not best for decorating drinking glasses you should use something with a stronger adhesive. This vinyl is good for walls and paper crafts but I figure as long as we don't wash them they should last a while!

As always I write to engage, learn from, teach, and gain readers, while combining my crafts with lesbian content, but sometimes I find issues with getting my thoughts across so they don't offend but at the same time not to cater because I agree or disagree.

Most of the time I find myself writing even though, I'm not sure where my place is in blogging because truthfully, I'm a vlogger sensation (LOA), I just have more to write about. I have the same difficulties with recording because I don't not know how to get my message out effectively.

When I brainstorm on topics and how to format, I think... Do I give advice? Speak of the unjust? or all that it could entail! Which means writing about what I feel when it occurs....hmmmm? I guess I would always have something to write about if I just stick with how I feel. 

Which brings me to my question: ₩hat if I (put yourself in this scenario) caught my married friend cheating would I tell their spouse? Or would I stay quiet. Now my wife says tell but how easy is that when you platonic-ally like them both and them together is how the friendship started. 

Besides, how shitty would I feel knowing I exposed the ugly truth and possibly started the break-up ball to rolling. What if they stayed together wouldn't I (you) be the odd wheel, even if everyone says its okay? Honestly, why is throwing a shoe so insulting? 

Is it possible to like a couple equally or is it just a form of being uninvolved? Am I relaying a lack of connection to them so my loyalty is questionable? Or could I genuinely be on the same page of friendship with this couple and telling would be hard?

Know I know there's more important issues going on in life but doesn't the lack of honesty, loyalty, respect, and concern play a strong role with our issues in life today. Now maybe your saying, "you just answered your own question" but I say doesn't honesty require loyalty and doesn't that mean respect which equals concern.

Could you tell your good friends devastating news without the worry (concern) of how your info will make them feel? In retrospect isn't that being honest, loyal, and respectful to the situation while having concern for your friends?

Please tell me, "The water or the rain" and what would you do in this situation amongst friends?

I sincerely hope you appreciate my post, music, and videos I share because my mission is to give and gain recognition for the black lesbian. I truly believe they deserve positive recognition. Enjoy and as always...

Happy Creating from 2ufromus!!!

What do you do to uphold MLK Jr.'s Dream! I decided to celebrate with a Pillow... "Peaches Accapella" Mariah Carey Cover

This post is not about statistics or a recap of the past but about the present and my role in it! I've provided links to some trusted links about his life if that is what you're looking for. 

Anybody who knows me knows that I love creating and this post is no exception but it's also about a man named Michael King Jr. who played a important role in making a difference in my existence. 

Time is up on us and my question forms as such, "Can we really expect "everyone" to be nice and care about the next persons life"? My answer would be "YES" but  reality tells me different because time after time we directly or indirectly experience hatred and violence. 

And through all that diversity that comes with life both good and bad, I practice honesty first, it gives me leisures that some have a difficult time having, now don't twist my words, I'm not saying I don't make mistakes or never lie, we all know that's BS! 

What I mean is... if my words will hurt for no reason I will avoid it like the plague and only break if cornered but if it will protect me I will stand against danger to defend it! If someone was to ask me what I thought about me I would say Phuckin EMOTIONAL!

To most this poster may seem aggressive but why, is it because the word hate is included? I agree with what Jasmine Sullivan sang, "I don't get mad for nothin" (Her video "10 seconds")!

But know I avoid that emotion like "HULK", Lol. Only those who have care and concern are welcomed in my life and if not you have no place around me or anything I love! That is how I consider my part in keeping MLK Jr.'s dream alive! I may not be in the fore front but I have one serious productive position in the back! I Love first, it just feels better! If I can't accept you I respect myself enough to leave the whole situation alone. 

One day this life I must depart and until then my journey will be where ever honesty dwells! In my opinion, if you do phucked up things ( I wanted to say shit) to people that's your honesty, if you only hurt people who hurt you that's your honesty, and if you never want to lay a hand on anyone guess what that's your honesty. My point is, How you react to life is your Honesty! You know if your a phucked up individual the difference is if you want to be DIFFERENT about your ways.

Blah Blah Blah... be good, okay you got it so lets move on. I had the opportunity to make a pillow in the honor of the Reverend Michael (Martin Luther) King, Jr. ,an adopted name (click the link to better understand) given to him by his father Michael King Sr., before his actual birthday which is January 15th, 1929 not the 19th like the minority rulers have chosen to use! 

Anyway, I'm so excited to share this with you. I did some research and came across American Rhetoric which not only has a video of his actual speech but is transcribed almost to the word (I believe there was a sentence left out). 

My quest was to find a quote from that speech that could grab the essence of the pain we continually experience and wish would die, (for those who would love to hold all accountable that violate for no justice) I think I did good choosing.

For this project I used: 

Fabric

Vinyl with adhesive and non adhesive backing

Heating Press

Polyester Fiberfil

Sewing machine and thread

Voila, you have a pillow, yaaaaaay! The hardest part was sewing the vinyl so the fabric wouldn't show through...

and some of the weeding but in the end I was holding a finished concept that I was proud to be the owner of.

If you look close you can see the decofilm super silver I decided to use in place of the white vinyl. My intentions was to make the letters red, white (silver), and blue.

Like we always do around this blog... I must leave you with one of my favorite youtube playlist videos and a track from our BandCamp Page- Midwest Royalty called "White Wings". Please support our music, thnx!

Happy Creating from 2ufromus and Happy Birthday Reverend Michael Martin Luther King Jr.!!!!!

  

Civil Rights Activist, Minister (January 15th, 1929–April 4th,1968)

"I could only pray to be so Brave" 

Happy New Year 2015... Wine Glass Pillow tutorial! Yani-Thumbs Up!

Happy New Year everyone, I pray your new year was surrounded by great friends and family! Today I wanted to write about the happy new year wine glass pillows I made, YaY!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was last minute (as usual) but nonetheless I finished them on time. Initially, I thought this would be easy as eating pie but it turned out being more like making one from scratch! Overall I think we ended up with a great handmade pillow that will grace our holiday decor for years to come.

For this project you will need:

a sewing machine

heating press

editing software(craft artist 2 pro)

vinyl cutter (craftrobo)

scissors

weeding tool

silver and gold vinyl

pillow stuffing

fabric

gold and or silver thread

ruler

First you want to create your design in your editing software, I use craft artist 2 professional on my PC. Now make sure to flip your design so the text is back words because if not you will be wasting a piece of material and we don't want that, ughhhh. 

 

Then you want to cut the vinyl with dull side up because this is the part that will be heated onto your fabric.

There's several parts to this project so bare with me while I try to break each one down and please excuse my lightening we're still working on getting better lights. Anyway, you want to prepare your fabric so the vinyl can be applied.

I gave my vinyl 2 inches around each side just so I would have enough to play with when it was time to start sewing. It took us several tries but we finally got it to where we were satisfied and proud of the end result.

With the first attempt (black and silver pillow) we tried sewing inside out, stuffing, and then outlining with the silver thread but that proved to be more difficult then we wanted to deal with so we just stitched and outlined the white and gold pillow and used white thread to close the edges. On the black and silver we sewed inside out and tried to outline with the silver before stuffing but we figured next time we would just use the same method on the black and silver that we did with the white and gold. The thread was really brittle and snapped a lot. The picture below shows our first attempt of the outlining, not bad but just not to our liking

After I removed the gold thread I decided to place it on the bottom of the glass and fray the edges. I think it turned out okay and went well at the new years gathering we attended!

When I do these again I know I will make the black and silver the same way we did the white and gold. I like the way they turned out but the cutting style on the white and gold in my opinion was easier and looks better. What do you think?

I wanted to show the vinyl up close. I hope you can see how bright the silver is and the depth of the gold. Next time I will use a shinier gold vinyl. I like the way the silver shines!

Well I hope you enjoyed the tutorial and it sparked some ideas in your head. As always I must leave you with one of my favorite youtube videos and a song from our  midwest royalty bandcamp site. Happy Creating and Happy New Year from 2ufromus! #2015

This track is called My Swag. I hope you like it... please support your indie artist!

Syncing your Pinterest, Facebook, and Twitter! Loyalty freestyle...Diiamond Royalty

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!

Shop Amazon - Save Up to 50% on Project Life Scrapbooking  

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!

Posted via Blogaway

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!

 

Making a Handmade Photo Tree Topper! (Temper "Success")

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!

Posted via Blogaway

A List of Supplies all Crafters should have! Jaydee Polo (bout my bizness)

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.

* scissors-Paper Edger, Fiskars

* rulers- walmart or any dollar store

* glue- E6000®,  G S Hypo

* printer- this is usually a personal choice but get a printer that has many paper options.

* ink- This is all according to your needs but this is where I've shopped.

* cutter-This is the cutter I use but they have plenty of newer options.

* sewing machine- this is the machine I use. I've had it for years!

* sewing supplies- thread, spools, etc...

* fabric- I get my fabric from hobby lobby and Walmart. They have the best prices.

* paint- I love getting my paints from hobby lobby and Walmart.

* glue gun- I've shopped at Jo-ann's for this item but again HL and Wlm have the best prices.

* glue sticks- Any dollar store will take care of this and some come with the gun.

* files-Needle File some prefer metal but plastic is good but visit your local craft store or Walmart to learn more.

* clay- Go here if you would like to learn more about the types of clay.

* exacto knives- Again HL or Walmart

* laminator- I use the Scotch 3M.

* 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!!!!!