Ghostface GOALS.

October 16, 2013October 16, 2013 ~ ghostfaceknitter ~ 5 Comments

What are your goals and dreams for the future? You can share to us your dream house, dream workplace, or even your bucketlist before you turn 25!

Well since I am over 25, I’ll just ignore that part of today’s October Challenge prompt. I can tell you some dreams for my future though. In no particular order:

1. Be the authentic me – always. Never compromise myself again – for anyone.

2. Get a little professional with GHOSTFACEKNITTER. Meaning gain 5x more followers by next year for example – that sounds like a challenge to me – CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!

3. Be tattooed by the greats – by as many well known and unknown artists around the world. Valerie Vargas, Dan Smith, Grime, Jher, Tim Lehi, Walter McDonald, DestroyTroy, Mario Desa, Alexander Grim, Liam Alvy, Jordan Teear, Danielle Rose…. Here are some photos of a few of these amazing artists.

By Jher (Mr. 451) If you live in Denver please go see him

Walter's Facemelting awesomeness. — Walter‘s Facemelting awesomeness.

Alexander Grim. It's just so epic I can't look away. I also tried to source it back this was the farthest. — Alexander Grim. It’s just so epic I can’t look away. I also tried to source it back this was the farthest.

In the books for 2013: Dusty Neal at Black Anvil, Alisha Rice at Th’ink Tank Tattoo, and Ajarn Bpom Monk in Thailand. (You can check out that link to see the actual Monk tattooing with bamboo shoots.)

4. Meet as many crafters/knitters as I can. I seriously love meeting other craft artists. I get along with them and I just have so much fun being able to seriously ask another person if I should hoard yarn now or risk waiting for a sale?

5. Here’s the one I just can’t let go of: Get my PhD. What’s that you say? Dr. Ghostfaceknitter has a nice ring? I know. It’s something I have always thought about whether jokingly or not. It would require the most time and dedication of anything I have ever pursued – but most things that are worth having require that don’t they?

6.Travel! On deck in 2013 alone: Des Moines for knitting at MIDWEST KNITFEST with Jen at MakeXdo. Thailand to visit my MINI ME. Denver for the holidays to celebrate OG style.

7. I just really can’t stress NEVER COMPROMISING AGAIN.

I’m excited I switched gears in my life – actually I got on an entirely different road – and am able to get the most out of me and in doing so, give back to others. I’m stoked to be a part of this blogging world, knitting/crafting communities, helping with the Elders, loving life, loving my family and friends, and for the first time in YEARS loving me.

xxxxx
future Dr. GFK.
*drop mic out*

My Favorite Word: DO.

October 15, 2013October 16, 2013 ~ ghostfaceknitter ~ 9 Comments

Okay let’s get one thing straight.… My days of false promises and polite agreements are OVER. Put up or shut up. As Royal Tenebaum said; “I’m not talking about dance lessons. I’m talking about putting a brick through the other guy’s windshield. I’m talking about taking it out and chopping it up.”

I’m talking about DO. Forget ‘I’m gonna.’ That phrase is bull. Anyone who says that to me without a plan wasted mine and their own time. Do I sound angry? I AM. There’s only one life that we are living. You have to DO.

Let’s look at some examples of DO.

You wanna dive into some new hobbies? Do it!

You wanna ask Santa for a new city and a new life? DO it!

You wanna have a fun weekend with your blood? Do it!

You wanna win friends and influence people? Do it!

You wanna put up photos of the people you miss? Do it! (Besides a false promiser never painted over those holes so cover eeet up!)

You wanna finally give up drinking and eat right? Do it! But first maybe wipe off last night’s makeup unlike me….

I know we all DO things on our own time/schedules. I know some times are hard, believe me. I spent YEARS saying ‘I wanna/I’m gonna/Someday/When this happens…..etc etc.’ Now that I’m finally a DO-er I’m only upset because I spent so much time FIDDLIN‘. We all walk our own paths, we make our own lives, but what I want you to know is that time is finite – what are you gonna see when you look over your life at some point? A list of DO’s checked off and the awesome memories behind them? Or a bunch of crusty old “I’m gonna’s” that are as stale as that paper you wrote them on? I’m not saying fill your life of tasks – hell if you wanna just put on your list of DO’s ‘relax’ – DO it.

Take it out and Chop it UP folks. Make yourself proud. DO.

FRIDAY FUNTIME

October 11, 2013 ~ ghostfaceknitter ~ 1 Comment

It’s Friday! Yay! That means crafting and fun events are upon us! Here’s a look at my Friday in pictures and music videos.

Confirmation of my Thai Bamboo Stick Tattoo in November in Bangkok

The Chicago River/Buildings on my weekly walk to Bloomingdales.

Bloomingdale's Bathroom Selfie. You know you love it. — Bloomingdale’s Bathroom Selfie. You know you love it.

Shoes at Nordstrom that I DID NOT buy. :( Tears. — Shoes at Nordstrom that I DID NOT buy. 😦 Tears.

Boris learned how to get on the fridge - there is no sacred space in my home now. — Boris learned how to get on the fridge – there is no sacred space in my home now.

Bought tickets for Pentagram a few days ago, but I’m really stoked.

I also got a ticket to see Orange Goblin… They are awesome live. My hearing has probably recovered since the last show I went to in 2011.

*it’s a long video but, skip around – they are great.

HAPPY FRIDAY! May your weekend be blessed with crafts/puppies/kittens/metal/love!

METAL PUMPKIN SEARCH WITH THE WITCHZARD PUG.

October 7, 2013October 7, 2013 ~ ghostfaceknitter ~ 1 Comment

‘Tis the time of year for ALL things pumpkin. Pumpkin coffee, pumpkin food, pumpkins to carve, and pumpkins to smell like. It also marks the annual METAL PUMPKIN legacy that I have tried to uphold for the past few years. Basically METAL PUMPKIN is the anti-stereotypical jack-o-lantern. *There’s also a small ceremony Leopold holds to summon the evil powers that create a METAL PUMPKIN. It’s no big deal and only involves a little blood and Satan.

Evidence 1: Grim Reaper Pumpkin is METAL PUMPKIN

Leopold has to become WITCHZARD PUG to summon the METAL PUMPKIN spirits.

But, I’m getting ahead of myself. I as the WITCHZARD PUG keeper had to go scope out potential METAL PUMPKINS. So I brought along my DH4L comrade – Sara and we went to the Goebbert’s Family Pumpkin Patch and Festival.

The Lovely Goebbert's Farm outside Woodstock, IL. — The Lovely Goebbert’s Farm outside Woodstock, IL.

In search of METAL PUMPKIN.... — In search of METAL PUMPKIN….

I was marked by the Patch, but my METAL SPIDER was still keeping me focused on my job for the WITCHZARD PUG.

I asked this Alpaca if he knew of the METAL PUMPKIN. Since he knows about some amazing yarn GFK uses on the regular.

I knew the power of the METAL PUMPKIN was strong when I stumbled upon bunnytown and they had such sadistic symbols.

Furs... so sadistic. — Furs… so sadistic.

The outing at first was peaceful, but then.... — The outing at first was peaceful, but then….

...the clouds began to roll in knowing I was doing work for the WITCHZARD PUG. — The clouds began to roll in knowing I was doing work for the WITCHZARD PUG.

I was skeptical this place held METAL PUMPKIN powers.

This one unleashed a small amount of evil METAL.

...but, alas - there were no METAL pumpkins here. At 39 cents a pound it was hard to summon METAL at this pumpkin patch. — …but, alas – there were no METAL pumpkins here. At 39 cents a pound it was hard to summon METAL at this pumpkin patch.

So METAL PUMPKIN was not at this patch – I have a feeling M.P. will show up at my local Dominick’s or Whole Foods – the SATANIC POWERS OF METAL DOOM are the strongest at Whole Foods on North Ave especially.

I bought apples and sauerkraut. Kind of METAL, but more just healthy.

If I had a…..

October 5, 2013October 16, 2013 ~ ghostfaceknitter ~ 3 Comments

Day 5 of the October Daily Blogger Challenge – This one is going to be fun…

Complete the sentence: If I had a _________, I would __________. You can make as many sentences as you’d like.

1. If I had a TIME MACHINE, I would GO BACK AND WARN TESLA ABOUT THAT M*****F***** EDISON.
2. If I had a WINNING LOTTERY TICKET, I would ONLY TELL THREE PEOPLE & HEAD TO PARIS FOR VACATION.
3. If I had TALKING CATS, I would RUN A BLOG JUST BASED ON THEIR RANTS.
4. If I had a JOB AT A CRAFT STORE, I would BE SO INSPIRED EVERYDAY/MAKE ALL THE CRAFTS!
5. If I had a PHD, I would TEACH ECON 101 AND TRY TO INSPIRE FUTURE ECONOMISTS LIKE I WAS INSPIRED.
6. If I had ANOTHER PUG, I would NAME HIM D’ARTAGNAN – but I will not get another pug so don’t worry Lois.
7. If I had ONE EXTRA DAY A WEEK, I would DO ABSOLUTELY NOTHING.
8. If I had a TELEPORTER, I would visit DENVER, FT. WORTH, SAN ANTONIO, NEW MEXICO, SEATLE, & FLORIDA DAILY.

These kinds of lists are fun, but it gets me thinking about the ‘what ifs’ in our lives. I recently have been FINALLY fulfilling a lot of my ‘what ifs’ and it is the best feeling in the world. Learning new hobbies, crafts – meeting new people, discovering new ways of life and lifestyles – it’s the ‘what ifs’ that make the goals and dreams in our lives. I’m happy do say my ‘what ifs’ get better and better as I continue to be the person I love being.

What are some of your ‘what ifs’? If you had more time in the day what would you do? Could you make it a reality now? Do you have some silly ‘what ifs’ to share? PLEASE DO!

in case you were wondering this is what a two-headed Boris would look like. FANCY!

xxxx

GFK

GHOSTFACEKNITTER REVEAL!

October 1, 2013October 1, 2013 ~ ghostfaceknitter ~ Leave a comment

Ahoy! Blog Friends!

After much thought and research I have decided to re-brand my blog as GHOSTFACEKNITTER. I think it suits the content and the personality behind this blog much more than the old name of tattoosandtarts. ALSO! You can now visit my blog directly from the http://www.ghostfaceknitter.com domain! Rejoice! I will also be changing my other accounts to reflect this so look for the changed names in my ABOUT section soon!

This new blog will still have the old things you love, but now it will focus more on crafts and my life! I hope you enjoy and please leave comments and/or suggestions for me. I LOVE FEEDBACK!

xxxxx

GFK

Your Stereotypical Fall Praising.

September 18, 2013October 1, 2013 ~ ghostfaceknitter ~ 5 Comments

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

We have had our first few days of fall-esque weather here in Chicago and I love it. Fall is my absolute favorite time of year. The holidays, the cinnamon smells, and of course the CRAFTS! make it really entertaining and fun for me. I also love the wardrobe change and all the knits that come out. Here are the things I’m wearing/doing/loving this fall! (That photo above is from last Fall in Denver and possibly the best photo I’ve ever taken of Leopold.)

My Fall Style

All Saints Char Boyfriend Sweater

(buy it here)

I really have been in love with Black Salt’s clothing too especially this dress:

(buy it here)

Pumpkin Spice Coffee – from An Edible Mosaic ; because I don’t eat sugar anymore or dairy.

(source)

Harry Potter Knitting – Yes, I bought this. Yes, I will make it all.

(source)

Off Limit Architectural Tour – Usually off limits areas are open to the public. I’m really excited about this now that I’m discovering Chicago fully.

(source)

Margaret Cho! I have tickets to see her in October and I cannot wait! I just love her and her comedy and I just love her (did I say that already?) BECAUSE I LOVE HER. Check out if she’s coming to your city here.

(source)

Then, Lois will be in town for Design Harvest. “This one of a kind fest features Chicago’s best local furniture and home accessory makers, vintage and antique collectors, and local retailers of home design.” I’m pretty excited I’m sure there will be some great finds here.

Opening the Vaults Wonders of the World’s Fair! I feel like I should shout this when I say it like an old timey announcer. This should be very interesting as this fair shaped so much of modern day Chicago.

(source)

Fall is FUN!

Renegade Craft Fair 2013

September 8, 2013October 1, 2013 ~ ghostfaceknitter ~ 6 Comments

Hello! I was finally able to attend this wonderful craft fair that I have been online stalking for over three years! The Renegade Craft Fair is held in summer/winter in half a dozen cities around the country and world. Obviously, living here in Chicago I was able to be a part of this giant event by simply taking the Blue Line from my house to Division Street! (So EASY!)

First off, let’s just take a moment to reveal in the fact we live in a world where we can use our credit/debit cards everywhere and don’t need to carry cash. But, let’s also curse this technology marvel because swipe my debit card I did today. (Please don’t remind me about my budget blog at the beginning of the summer!)

Here is the general map of the fair:

It took about an hour to walk all the vendors without stopping to buy/chat. On round two I had a general idea of the places and things I wanted so it only took thirty minutes to do $75 worth of damage.

Here is my loot. (Stole that from you Tannith! 🙂 )

This tea is amazing I sampled a few and the names alone were enough to get me to want them. Check out their other hilarious names and wonderful tea recipes at T-WE TEA.

Won’t these hairpins go great with my new red do? Acute Designs has beautiful jewelry and bridal accessories at their website.

The hilarious cards and Dolly Parton nail decals are from Atomic Spinster – What a great name. I wouldn’t mind being an atomic spinster!

I thought these ‘bon-bons’ were gorgeous and then I found out they are plant seeds and pods! What a wonderful gift and idea! Check out their website for details and ideas!

There were A LOT of screen printers at this fair (kind of overkill for me) BUT this one had the most unique and stand-out designs. Primarily (cover your eyes if you’re not an adult) the “Eat Shit” design. HA! Look at all their Milwaukee based designs here.

First, the name? Horrible Adorables? It’s like the story of my life! These felt 3-D designs were gorgeous. I could buy them all and have an entire wall in my home dedicated to them. Look at all these beautiful creatures here.

One of the hard parts of being a crafter an sew-ist is that I saw a lot of things I could create at home and am going to try. BUT these dolls are so adorable. I just love the creativity and designs on the ‘tattooed-folk.’ Look at more dolls and ideas here.

The girls at Atomic Spinster had this fun portrait cut-out. I couldn’t resist. I am the unofficial fifth member of the Golden Girls. My grandma would have definitely gotten a kick out of this one!

So in conclusion: RENEGADE CRAFT FAIR IS AMAZING.

The Tattooed Life

September 7, 2013October 1, 2013 ~ ghostfaceknitter ~ 6 Comments

I went to the Milwaukee Museum of Art two weekends ago and was able to see the Amund Dietzel Flash Tattoo Exhibit. It was stunning. Some of the designs he was drawing and tattooing in 1917 were something I know any tattoo inclined individual would love to have on their body today. Obviously, I love tattoos. I have a nice little collection started and many of my friends are tattoo enthusiasts if not tattooers themselves so ‘talking tattoos’ is something I’ve become familiar and comfortable with. While I was there I heard some pretty hilarious banter from ‘non-tattoo’ folks. I don’t think very many of the people I shared the exhibit with were there specifically for Amund like I was. I ended up spending about a solid hour combing over all the pieces of flash and personal photos and stories from Amund’s life while listening to passerbys say gems like ‘oh tattoos, this isn’t real art’ and ‘can you believe people used to get tattoos like this that said ‘mom’?’

Above is a tattoo flash from 1916! And also Amund’s tattoo ‘kit’ where he stored his guns and ink.

This got me thinking about how certain people – well I would comfortably say the majority of people look at tattoos as being limiting. Limiting in the sense that they prevent opportunities from arising or exclude the tattooed individual in a way that’s economically and socially negative. I could say in certain situations that tattoos are limiting. However, as I‘ve described before I’ve learned how to lead my double life and not feel like I’m betraying my identity in the process. Thus, for me, I really believe my tattoos have given me infinite opportunities and a life I would have never led being tattoo-free.

Without tattoos I can easily name the following things I would not have ever done. I first would have never met the Dude because I would have never been friends with the person who introduced us. Despite the Dude’s ever-changing role in my life, I would have never visited Chicago and realized I loved it here – therefore I would have never moved here or have gotten my dream job. I would not know any of the people who I call my closest friends. I would never have experienced a Game of Thrones party, gone to Durango for a weekend I’ll never forget, have picnics at Sloans Lake eating friend chicken, or spend a weekend in Baltimore sweating to the greatest doom metal bands around. I would have never been comfortable being different. I would have not gone to Aveda and pursued an interest that was completely foreign to my previous education and lifestyle. I would have never met/dated/loved/hated a majority of the people I know and that I would never want to know a world without.

The things I love most about myself have a lot to do with my lifestyle as a tattooed individual. The funny thing is that if you ask me if I feel limited the answer is a resounding ‘no’ because I get to operate in both cultures of tattooed/non-tattooed. I guess I feel I get to be part of both easily. In fact the only place I’ve ever felt ‘left out’ was the pool at the Ritz Carlton in Tokyo – their culture still isn’t on board with bathing and tattoos. I’m not trying to sound like I’m any sort of authority on being tattooed because I am definitely NOT. Believe me I could name five friends in two seconds who have more authority in their little pinky on the topic. But the point is, I think the only reason I have the life I have is because I’m tattooed.

I’m thankful I walked into the right shop over seven years ago and made the choice to be different in a way that allows me to experience more out of life. I couldn’t imagine my body or my life without any of these tattoos and I would not change a single dot anywhere. My life is truly blessed as a tattooed woman.

Work by: Alisha Rice Th’ink Tank Tattoo Denver, Colorado & Josh Howard Pioneer Tattoo Chicago, IL

Photo OVERLOAD

September 7, 2013October 1, 2013 ~ ghostfaceknitter ~ Leave a comment

I realized that A LOT of my photos that I share are only on Instagram and Flickr. So I’ve decided to provide you with those links to see all my photos!

FLICKR

Instagram

Pretty much if you want to know if I’m on a medium or social site just enter LEOVLAD into the user box.

Yay Photos! Here are a few from the past week to wet your whistle!