Altoids Clocks and Toothpaste Squeezers

Don't ask me why, but I love how-to articles. I just do. And you know what I love even more? How-to websites. I love learning how to do new things, from managing you finances to achieving a high-fashion ponytail, to baking pumpkin pie, to learning to sew your own clothes and learning to fulfill your goals... the possibilities of the things you can learn are endless.

When I discovered Wiki-how, I went crazy. I learned to put on eye shadow (that's some tricky stuff) and then I learned how to mix and match clothes, and how to make cool computer pranks. After a while, my sister's boyfriend showed me instructables. It changed my life. Not that I have a lot of time to do all the crafts and projects, but I enjoy reading them and just knowing that they are there: thousands of recipes for cool projects, instructions for amazing technological gadgets....

Anyway, I don't think I'll ever fully understand my obsession with how-tos. I just think they are plain awesome. I highly recommed Wiki-how for self improvement: make-up, clothes, learning to overcome shyness or realize your full potential. But, if you're into crafts and gadgets, Instructables is for you. Man! I love it. And, let's face it, some of these things are really lame, like this one that shows you how to make a toothpaste squeezer. I mean, who really needs a toothpaste squeezer? or an Altoids Can Clock?

I know I don't need them but they are fun. I mean, an Altoids Clock is pretty cool, unnecessary but fun. Good old fashion fun! I loved kits when I was little. You know, those kits that teach you how to turn on a light bulb with a potato or an apple. Guess I haven't changed much.

Well for those of you out there, who love how-tos and projects. This post is for you.

love out,

Isabel

How to draw... when you have no skills whatsoever

If you grew up with a sister like mine, who was more artistic than it should be allowed, you were probably very aware of your lack of artistic skills. However, I loved to draw and paint and craft, even if my projects were never really neat.

A few months ago, I found the solution to my problems: Drawing Coach. This is a webpage with step by step tutorials and that teach you things as simple as drawing a flower, to learning how to draw perspective.

First I learned to draw this beautiful lotus flower, then I started working with cartoons, people, houses, scenery. It's a lot of fun, but I still have a long way to go before I can call myself an artist. I still have to look at the step by step pics to draw them, but I'm getting there. I'll try to post some of my creations, though it might take a while. I'm still trying to figure out how this thing (blogger) works.

Anyway, I hope you get a chance to enjoy it and learn a thing or two about drawing.

love out,

Isabel

Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein

There is a place where the sidewalk ends
And before the street begins,
And there the grass grows soft and white,
And there the sun burns crimson bright,
And there the moon-bird rests from his flight
To cool in the peppermint wind.

Let us leave this place where the smoke blows black
And the dark street winds and bends.
Past the pits where the asphalt flowers grow
We shall walk with a walk that is measured and slow,
And watch where the chalk-white arrows go
To the place where the sidewalk ends.

Yes we'll walk with a walk that is measured and slow,
And we'll go where the chalk-white arrows go,
For the children, they mark, and the children, they know
The place where the sidewalk ends.