New Job!

On Thursday, October 27th, I began my new job at Alexian Village on Signal Mountain, Tennessee. Thus far, things are going pretty well. I'm a waitress who gets more than $2.19, thankfully! The drive up the mountain each morning is beautiful; it takes me about an hour to get there. The colors in the leaves are astonishing. If only I could video my drive! It's an incredible blur of reds, oranges, yellows, browns and greens. I love this time of year!

Below is a photo of the dining area in which I work full-time. It can be pretty hectic sometimes. Quite a beautiful setup though, I must admit.



Here's a photo of what I see from the dining room windows. It's much more beautiful in person. The forest behind the buildings looks as if it's untouched.



One of the cool things about my new job is that they let me dress up for Halloween this year. Apparently, it'll be an on-going thing for the coming years as well.

I definitely took advantage of the opportunity to sport a costume. I decided on being a steampunk elf.



I hope everyone had a fun, eventful Halloween. I spent mine giving out candy to about thirty children and playing board games with a couple of friends. We ate a nice dinner together and later dined on some candy... once we were sure the kids had stopped knocking on the door, of course!

I can't wait to see what lies ahead for next October!

Wishing you a wonderful November,
Casandra

October Features

On my Kawaii Kupkakez blog, I did an Etsy feature for some of the items I'd like to have in the apartment that I am moving into (hopefully) before Christmas. Of course, because of the fact that I love both cute things and vintage things equally, I thought it best to do a feature here for the latter.

Be sure to click on each photo for a link to the item's Etsy listing.










In addition to the wonderful things above that I would love to have, I wanted to share with you the shirt I recently bought on Etsy. I should be receiving at the post office tomorrow. I can't wait to wear it!



Praying blessings on your autumn season,
..:~*~:..Casandra..:~*~:..

September Creations

I've been pretty busy trying to make jewelry and accessories lately. Well, to be honest, I've been busy trying to do that whenever I have time free of work. I'm in the process of finding new employment. I've been at my current job for over a year... and it's overwhelming. If I could find a full-time office job, I'd be very happy.

Anyway, below are some photos (including links) of some of my latest creations. Making stuff like this really helps me concentrate on something other than my stresses. I'm glad I have these projects to keep me in a calm and peaceful mood when I'm at home.



I made this a few weeks back. I wear it pretty often. It helps promote my Etsy shop when I wear it and people ask me where I bought it from.
This ear cuff is not for sale, unfortunately. I like it too much! lol



These earrings were inspired by the magic of the autumn season. I call it the "Magical Evening" set. I'm beyond excited to see how the leaves are changing already in my town!



Steampunk style coincides well with the colors of fall. I used beads and metals in this set that are clearly influenced by the beauty of the season.




After using black teas to stain this bag, I drew a a few gears on the front and back, along with swirling designs. The drawings were done with metallic sharpies. I used a gold puffy paint to outline the gears on one side of the bag, leaving the other side plain and reversible. 

Pumpkin Muffin Recipe

I've found myself craving pumpkin muffins these past few weeks. It's non-stop. I'm determined to make a batch to silence my desire, haha. I found a great recipe on the Smitten Kitchen website. I'm sure it will come in handy as soon as I get a chance to go grocery shopping and pick up the necessary supplies.

Pumpkin Muffins
Adapted from the American club, in Kohler, Wisconsin via Gourmet Magazine

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup canned solid-pack pumpkin (from a 15 ounce can)
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pumpkin-pie spice
1 1/4 cups plus 1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Put oven in middle position and preheat oven to 350°F. Put liners in muffin cups.

Whisk together pumpkin, oil, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, 1 1/4 cups sugar, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl until smooth, then whisk in flour mixture until just combined.

Stir together cinnamon and remaining 1 tablespoon sugar in another bowl.

Divide batter among muffin cups (each should be about three-fourths full), then sprinkle tops with cinnamon-sugar mixture. Bake until puffed and golden brown and wooden pick or skewer inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes.

Cool in pan on a rack five minutes, then transfer muffins from pan to rack and cool to warm or room temperature.

Warm Mocha Morning

With my anticipation for autumn, I've decided to create jewelry that reflects the feeling of the season. Of course, coffee always reminds me of fall. It reminds me of festivals, early mornings and adventures that include campfires, hiking and photography of the brightly-colored leaves.

My "Warm Mocha Morning" earring set and bracelet were made to celebrate the fact that the autumn season begins soon. I can't wait!






..~..:*Casandra*:..~..

New Etsy Shop Items!

Within the past week, I've been busier than ever before making things to sell in my newly opened Etsy shop. Below are two of the newer items I've listed. Both items are $35 a piece (shipping prices excluded).

"Inspire - OOAK Steampunk/Nature Collage"




"The Faerie's Trophy - Fancy Goth Wall Art"

My First Collage

Well, I finally got around to doing my Steampunk collage. It actually turned out being more of a nature inspired thing. I added a few small gears to make it appear vintage and Victorian... but, of course, I had to throw in some natural elements as well.

I used scrapbook stickers, glitter, feathers, clothing tags and just about anything else I could find to fit the canvas. I'm really pleased with the result! 

Scars

We all endure tough times that leave painful scars, both on our bodies and on our hearts. Letting go of the past we despise is much harder than it should be. Learning our strengths and weaknesses is crucial to the process of moving on.

~~~

"Scars"

In my life, I've seen chaos and have experienced joy.
Through my heartache and through my happiness, I've also learned not to be a toy.

I've heard lies and I've told a few myself.
I've come a long ways with my feelings; never putting any of them on a shelf.

There will forever be a pain and a doubt that I cannot erase.
Regardless of what happens to my fragile dreams, I will always chase.

Looking forward is much harder than what I would hope.
The past smothers me to the point where it's difficult to cope.

My weary wings are too weak to fly very far.
Feeling alone in a crowd, I look at my many scars.

I remember too much and can't ever seem to forget the things I should.
If I could go back and redo some of what I regret in my life, I would.

People say you heal in time, but is it true?
The number of times I've recovered is too few.

Explaining the words my soul has to say...
It's not something that can be by the light of this day.


Copyright Casandra Camp 2011

Collage Inspirations

In preparation for the upcoming county fair, I've sworn to display my creativity, whether it be a collage, poetry, photography, jewelry or clothing. I must put aside my feelings of procrastination and get started before time runs out.

I've found a few things on Tumblr that have helped inspire me with ideas for my steampunk/vintage collage. I plan to begin my artistic journey in making my collage today.

More Etsy Finds

As usual, I feel the need to update you all on my Etsy finds. Just when I thought I couldn't find anything cooler than what's already in my favorites, I end up finding more to love. For example...





~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I bought a new camera this past week with the tip money I saved up from my job. The camera strap I featured on here is something I'd like to purchase whenever I buy a bigger camera for various vacations in the future.

Peace and Calm

After the horrifying storms that struck my home state, the surrounding states and the town I reside in, I decided to write this short poem of thanks to my Creator. I'm glad my friends and family are safe. 


~~~

"Peace and Calm"

Sitting in the blackness and hoping for some light,
You enter through the door and don't put up a fight.

With a calm voice and a caring hand,
You reach down and open my eyes, without anger and without demand.

I feel afraid only until I see Your face,
You pull me up to hold me in Your embrace.

Never before have I felt such peace,
I know Your love will never, ever cease.

With each new day I feel alive,
I look forward to the day when You, once more, arrive.

Thank You for all that you do,
I'll forever put my faith and trust in YOU.

Copyright Casandra Camp 2011

Wire Elf Ears

A few weeks back, I ordered a pair of wire-wrapped elf ears from the lovely Ayalanya on Etsy. I'm sooooo happy they arrived! I can't wait to wear them to the upcoming festivals that I plan to attend. Until then, I'm going to wear them wherever I please... including the grocery store. ;}

Beautiful Chimes

Since it's been a while since my last post, I wanted to liven things up a bit and share these beautiful chimes I found on etsy.com today. They're made by creationdesigns. Please give the shop a visit. You won't be disappointed by what you find!