Self portraits & a new tattoo.

I had a lot of crazy dreams last night that triggered something in me to wake up & play photo shoot. I brushed on my makeup skills and did nothing to my hair, only sleeping on it slightly damp last night. I made the dress a few months ago and I'm really pleased to how it came out. You can't really see all the fun details in the photos, but there's leather shoulder trim, vintage buttons, and a cool seam in the front. I should wear it way more often than I do.

You can sort of see the new cicada tattoo on my shoulder in some of these. I'm so, so, so stoked to have another new tattoo artist in Chicago. Allie Fischer from Tattoo Candy has a really great traditional (a mixture of old & new) style with the cutest add-on of her own decorations. I swear each of her illustrations were meant for me.

I'm spending the rest of my evening finishing up a batch of wallets & then prepping my brain to go back to work at the salon tomorrow. I've had three days off in a row - not to mention the holiday week before hand - and I need to get my weekday-game-face on.

xo
Alexz

Taco Love.

If you've known me, in real life, for a while,
then you know that I have a feel things I cherish deeply:

• Greasy steak tacos with cheese.
• Squirrels that come up to you when you make click noises with your mouth.
• Driving to Wisconsin for a random antiquing trip.

The only person I keep in touch with from my high school, Max, is apprenticing at The Alley in Chicago for tattoos. He texted me the day before my birthday, on the 14th, and said "Want a tattoo tomorrow? Something small and simple?" and I respond with "Like a taco?".

Alas, meet the taco on my ankle.


This tattoo is close to me, not only because it's a taco, but because Max once tattooed me in our friend's bedroom. We had a few drinks down and it was one of his first. Needless to say, I asked for snake bites on my wrist (literally two dots- they look like freckles) for mine and Eric's make-believe 80's hair metal band: Cobra Snake. The second tattoo Max did was a heart behind my ear... which was, honestly, wasn't as bad as I thought it was. Though, when it healed, the heart started looking more and more like a 5 year old sketch on a wall.
I had it taken care of. Kind of.
It's just so funny that we go from being 15 year old kids with green and pink hair, wearing studded jackets, thinking we're cooler than everything... to drinking in the forest preserve by our high school, drinking our parents beers in a friends bedroom... to being able to afford to tip your good friend for a kind service and an awesome birthday present. #Grownuptalk

Thanks Max! You guys might meet him soon. I want to do a collaboration of his awesome prints, make it into a pattern, print it on some fabric, and sew some cute little ALEXZ/MAX creations. We'll see.

xoxo,
Alexz

We had some work done

James and I are both very excited to have some new tattoos on our bodies.

I LOVE it. I'm so happy to show my love for sewing and to constantly be inspired by it.

Done right after my arm: Sobrevivir. I know the picture isn't a good one.
Just a friendly reminder to myself that I can get through anything, no matter how big or small.

Both were done by my friend, Billy Bumps, at A+ Tattoo in Chicago, IL. He also did my chest and my legs if you've seen those pictures.

James new tattoos are on the side of his hands.
Both are super meaningful to him. I think it's funny that we both got 'survive' on us. The funny thing is that he's wanted it for a long time and I've wanted my version since high school.

Other than that, I'm finally out of my funk. I think. I sewed 4 leather pouches yesterday and a bigger standing pouch with a leather base. I really love the new look I'm going for. I have big plans for the Bird Trouble shop that I'll let you in on in a few days after I do some more sewing and editing of pictures. A little hint: a HUGE sale.

But for now, I have to cook my pork tenderloin and rice. I'm hunting for recipes online to cook the pork but I'm not sure how I'm going to do it. Tonight is James' works little late holiday party. He works at a 5am bar. That being said, I'm going to be a very tired Alexz tomorrow. :)

I'M ALIVE!

HEY BLOG WORLD!
It's been forever. I've been getting comments saying "Where are you?!" and I'm loving it. I moved into the new apartment last week and it's super adorable. I absolutely love it. I haven't taken pictures yet because we don't have a couch yet. I also want to do a bit of rearranging. It's pretty hilarious though that all my knick-knacks from my old place was able to fit in one room and now they're spread around the whole new house and it's pretty much fully-accessorized-furnished. My roommate thinks I need to go on hoarders.

I'm making this a short update because I'm at the coffee shop with my friend. My landlord hasn't set up our FREE internet yet but once she does... which should be very soon... I will make a massive update and try to keep it to every other day.

Here's some little things:

• I got a new job at a hair salon at a receptionist. My hair is going to look awesome from now on.
• Bird Trouble was accepted to the 50/50 Show in Pilsen which is in early October... which I'm super excited about. I'm also on the wait-list with Teeny Robots for Renegade Craft Fair.
• I got a new tattoo on my legs. It says Moon Shiner. Compliments of Bob Dylan, of course. I also got 'Taco' on my inner lip... compliments of myself being Mexican and loving tacos.
  

• My street had a yard sale yesterday. I got 3 new suitcases and a vintage Eames chair that needs to be reupholstered. I also scored a bunch of real leather for $20 so pretty soon, there's going to be limited time only leather wallets, pouches, and such. Exciting!!!!
  
  [excuse the cellphone picture]
  
  I hope I get to post again soon! If you guys wanna check out what I've been doing... I try to tweet on my twitter @BirdTrouble every day with pictures from my iPhone. Find me and follow me!
  Thanks everyone for the comments in my last post about me moving. I like you guys. You make me happy. :)
  

Stay Put and Hold Tight

Done by Billy Bumps at Chi-Town Tattoo.
Like all my personal photos... please do not steal my pictures without my permission or without credit. Thanks!

I got my chest done yesterday and it is by far, my favorite tattoo I have. Bill did an amazing job and really made them my style. I had 'Stay Put' on me to remind me that my heart is in Chicago and if I want a successful and happy life, I need to stay here. 'Hold Tight' is a reminder for me not to forget what is important to me and to not be swayed away from my priorities.

One piece of advice though... don't get your chest done when you're sick. I was coughing every time he pulled away, haha. Good thing he's sick too! By the time we were finished, I felt like I had a fever (and I probably did).

Anyway, I'll working on some Bird Trouble items this weekend. I know, it's been forever but being a student is really cutting off my time. I can't wait for summer to really get cracking on the sewing. I have some new Russian stacking doll fabric and all the adorable fabric Becky gave me that I'm going to be using. I'll let everyone know when they're in the shop!

10 Things I Love

Okay... before you yell at me, I know I've been MIA, and I didn't post last week, but let me explain.

I had midterm exams last week (which was hectic! a test, a speech, a paper, and another paper!) and I've been working almost everyday at my day job. It's been a long and tiring week and this week will be the same even though it's SPRING BREAK! I'm not too excited about it because I work every day 'til Thursday! At least I'll have the weekend off. This Saturday I'm going to see my friend Eric, I hope... and I haven't seen him in such a long time! I can't wait.

Here's my 10 Things I Love Monday post...

1) Abandoned anything. I'm obsessed. Well, I used to be more obsessed, but now that I'm back in the midwest... I can't wait for it to warm up and visit some places I used to go to when I was in highschool.

2) This lovely photo! It reminds me of spring and spring is ALMOST here! It just snowed in Chicago AGAIN but it's very quickly melting away and it seems to be getting warmer... I hope. You never know here!

3) My pretty and colorful threads!

4) One day I'm going to have an entry door and a dining room like this...

5) This ridiculously adorable bow. Once I have some time, I'm going to make myself one. I'd love to wear bows all summer.

6) I don't think I posted this yet! Look at the adorable skull embroidery that Becky made me! I love him!

7) This feisty lady! I love her style. Sometimes I wish I were girly enough but I grew up a tomboy... and I still am one. ha

8) I haven't listed to new music in years. Honestly, it's horrible, I listen to the same punk rock and some other stuff that I listened to in high school. I recently became obsessed with She & Him through my Cat Power pandora station... so I purchased the album, and I'm in love.

9) I really like this idea. I think it'd be awesome if it was TV and TVs stacked on top of each other. I gotta remember that for my own place.

10) Saving the best for last... my new tattoo! (Done by Bill at Chi-Town Tattoo. Go see him if you're in the area! He's awesome.) It's on my middle finger on my left hand... this picture was taken the same day so the purple marking is the stencil. I'm hoping to get a bigger one within the next 2 weeks but we'll see if I can squeeze in time.

Thank you everyone for reading and for all the new followers. I really appreciate everyone who's interested in my blog! & yes... I'm still going to do the giveaway. Hopefully this week. I'll keep you updated! <3

Formspring answers!

Here's my Q&A the few Formspring questions I had received!

I love packaging, it is a great way to establish a personal connection in an electronic world. Even though the item is handmade, it is the first thing your customer sees that says, "Thanks for buying from me!" :)
I completely agree! I did a blog post on packaging in January because I think it's extremely important for the customer to know they're buying something that a lot of love went into.

Here's the blog post:
http://birdtrouble.blogspot.com/2009/10/my-idea-of-creative-packaging.html

Here's my forum post in the Etsy forums that was featured in the Etsy email list:
http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6322096

this is kind of personal... but how much money do you make from your etsy shop, per month? you have so much awesome stuff, i want to buy it all!!
The profit that I make from my shop really varies from month to month. I don't really want to give exact numbers but some months, I only make $500 and other months, I can make $700. Right before the holidays, it was crazy busy and really successful! This past month was slower but still successful with returning customers and custom orders. I only have my phone bill and my tuition to pay so I can squeeze by... but I hope it gets busy enough to where I can rent my own place soon.

I love your blog and shop! by kelsilove
Thank Kelsi! Congratulations on winning too! :)

I looooove your packaging, it's the cutest thing I ever received. Do you make your own stamps and labels? If so how?
Yay! I'm glad you loved your package! I love packaging my orders. The Bird Trouble stamp that I use was created by Modern Art Stamps on Etsy. I sometimes use a bird stamp, if I don't forget, and that's from Michaels Crafts. Other than that... I sometimes use a To: label that I designed on picnik, put it onto word, and printed it out on computer paper (that I buy from thrift stores!). I really love incorporating paper doilies in my packaging also.

Who designed your website?
If you're talking about www.birdtroublehandmade.weebly.com,
I made that myself with the help of weebly's templates. Weebly.com is free and is so easy to work with! I plan on getting a more professional website in the future, but that one is good for now.

What design program do you use on your computer to make your graphics, its so cute?
Well thank you! I just use www.picnik.com to add borders, add words to them, or stickers. I love picnik because it's free! You can pay to use some extra special tools but I like the basic tools good enough. :)

Pancakes or waffles?
Waffles all the way!! Waffles, french toast, then pancakes. Pancakes are just boring to me!

Delete Your Response

how many tattoos do you have? what are they?
I have a total of 5 tattoos. My whole upper right arm is covered so I'll consider that one but it wraps around under my arm too. The outside of my arm is of a Spanish lady on top of a rose. The inside is another rose and a sugar skull inspired by Dia De Los Muertos. Let's see... I have two dots on my wrist that represent snake bites (inside joke with a friend, I don't expect any of you to think that's cool hahah). I have my toes done that I got with my ex, so I need those either covered up or removed. My first tattoo, which is another cute skull with hearts on my lower hip. I also have a blue/red heart behind my left ear. I love tattoos! I plan on getting more work done as soon as I can save money aside from school.

You are so cute! Are you married? If so, how long have you been married? Do you like being married?
Thanks! No, I'm not married. Me and my boyfriend of 3 years just broke up this past New Years. I plan on staying single for a very long time! haha

when did you start sewing? what's your favorite thing to do while you sew? [as far as multi-tasking is concerned...]
I started sewing in 8th grade. So...when I was 13, I think. I had to make a pair of boxer shorts for class. I also took 4 years of Fashion Design in high school, 3 of those years being Independent Study (that's when I really started loving it because I was open to make what ever I wanted). Then off to Fashion Design in college... but I didn't go through with that and here I am! As for my favorite thing to do while I sew... I usually ALWAYS have a movie or a TV show playing off Netflix. I love Netflix. I swear, I'd go crazy without it! haha Lately, I've been just playing Pandora.com stations because it's less distracting.

That was a lot of fun answering those. Keep asking me questions! I gotta get to work on my Sociology paper and then I'm going to sew for the rest of the day and all day tomorrow! Yay!

DIY tutorial project & some new clothes!

Hi there my sweet little friends!
I'm feeling pretty good today. I think it's because I woke up early (9am, yikes!) instead of sleeping in until 1pm. It feels good and I haven't even had my green tea yet!

Yesterday I sewed and watched Heroes. I mean that's not a surprise! What else do I do now-a-days? haha! I love it though. I can't be at home and not sew. It's weird but it's also very relaxing to me. I'm on the 3rd season of Heroes right now. Does anyone else watch Heroes? I loved it until the 3rd season. It's starting to be very repetitive and boring... Oh well. It's just until Lost comes back on TV. hahaha

Here's a DIY project (& a short tutorial) I worked on the other night! It's really simple if you have a sewing machine. I'm going to try to do some DIY project & short tutorials every now and then to get some excitement.

Supplies:
~Fabric cut into two even rectangles.
~Vinyl.
~A sewing machine.
~A zipper.
~Dry erase marker.
~Small scissors.
~Stuffing.

How I did it:
1. I have a bunch of vintage fabric that I've collected for years so I cut out two even rectangles. You can use an old bed sheet if you don't have fabric or you can go to the nearest thrift store to find an old cute bed sheet.
2. For the vinyl letters, I took a dry-erase marker and wrote my quote, "Everything will be okay". The reason I used a dry-erase marker is because it comes off vinyl with a napkin.
3. I cut out the letters with a small pair (easier handling) of scissors. You can also use an exacto-knife but for some reason, I like scissors.
4. I placed the words in a good position on the side of the pillow that I wanted. This gave me an idea of how I wanted it before I started sewing.
5. I sewed along the edges of the letters making sure I kept the position I wanted. The good thing with vinyl is that it doesn't fray! The one I have is real affordable, too.
6. When I finished sewing the quote on... I placed the right sides of the fabric together, pinned the edges, and sewed a 1/4" seam along the edges but I left an 8" opening on the side.
7. I sewed a zipper in the 8" opening so for when I get stuffing, I can just easily stuff my pillow!
You're done! Yay! There's ways you can tweek this project. You can measure out a pillow case you already have & put in one of your pillows instead of stuffing or you can just make a pillow sleeve if you want (without the zipper).


The other day, I went to the mall to spend a little more of my Forever21 gift card. Here's what I decided on!


At first, I wanted to buy some cute dresses and tights but that's not what I wear everyday! I grew up as a big tomboy so as much as I'd love to wear a cute little dress and flats everyday... I'm more of a band shirt, black jeans, and converse type of gal. So, I really wanted to buy new shirts that I can wear everyday. I decided on these two shirts and a basic black tank top to wear underneath. I love the first top because of it's baggy fit and I fell for the striped shirt because of the zipper on the back, haha! Maybe one day I'll buy something girly... but while it's winter, I'll stick to my tomboy look, ha.

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! <3>