carahgus

My name is Carah and I live in Orange, CA with my partner, Ralph. I'm a massage therapist by trade, but currently working as a Chiropractic Assistant. I just recently finished my Bachelors in Healthcare Administration, so I'm hoping to use my education from both sides of the desk and one day become an office manager in the Chiropractic realm. My fur-kid is a pug named Louie, whom I've had since puppyhood. I grew up on the north coast of Oregon and miss it every time I move away, which has been a few times now. Haystack Rock is one of my favorite coastal scenes. We've recently spent a year in Poland and had some wonderful life changing experiences there. I think everyone should take the chance to spend time abroad (not including vacations) and learn more about our "neighbors". I get inspired by the sea, organic shapes, local landscapes, bright colors, and different cultures. Asian/Japanese/Indian (from India), Polish and Mexican are a few of the cultures that stand out most for me artistically. I think my art definitely reflects all that is around me. I'm also a flamingo fanatic! I'm a tea drinker (caffeine makes me crazy, yerba mate is as high as I can go). My favorite colors reside on the warm end of the spectrum, especially autumn colors: yellows, oranges, fuschias, and purples (I don't like these colors on their own, but when combined, they're great!), coral, and even teal (not warm, I know :)

I enjoy a myriad of arts and crafts. The list includes, but is not limited to: quilting, painting (acrylic, oil, watercolor), photography, weaving (rugs, inkle, baskets), decoupage (paper and fabric), lino block printing, etc. I always look forward to learning something new and trying a new trick, which is why I enjoy making ATC's! I most recently added jewelry making/beading and crochet to my list of craftiness. I figured I should attempt to make something before purchasing it, thus making it even more special (and saving me some cash :) .

My favorite types of art are: Batik, Orthodox religious icons, Watercolors, Impressionism, Sugar skulls, Abstract, Rosemaling, traditional Eastern European, Bohemian, Art Deco, Mixed media, Vintage nudes from the 20's & 30's...

When I make an ATC, my mediums of choice are: watercolors, pigma pen, colored pencils, acrylic, modge podge, fabric, and paper. Most of my ATC's are hand drawn. I make the bases of the cards out of watercolor paper, but I love Strathmore pre-made cards, especially the art board ones...nice and thick.

Fiction, fiction, fiction...My number one fav is the Fifth Element. I love the use of bright colors and it's still pretty out there even after over a decade. I also love Pride and Prejudice, but the old A&E version that's six episodes long. So anything Adventure/SciFi (like Serenity) or with extravagant old world costumes (like Marie Antoinette), I'm gonna love.

I don't normally make an effort to watch TV. It usually just plays in the background to occupy the silence of a sometimes empty house (spooky) or while I'm quilting/crafting/studying. After moving back to the US from Poland, we didn't bother to buy a TV for some time (which I highly recommend!). We recently bought a smart TV that accesses the internet, but cable or dish have not entered the scene. Sometimes when I sneak a peek at Hulu or Netflix, I'll watch the Travel Channel, Three Sheets, Firefly, Eureka or Farscape. Battle Star Galactica and Parks and Rec have become new favs.

I like to listen to lots of music. If it's not Country Western or Rap (crap), I dig it. Usually the best songs are the ones without lyrics. This includes Jazz, Techno/Ambient, Chill, etc. Sometimes the lyrics mess up a really good tune, especially if it conjures up conflicting emotions.

Please don't send these items because I most likely won't use them:

x Glitter

x Pieces of yarn/thread

x Stickers

On the other hand, when crafting, I like to use:

*Small pieces of hand made paper

*Buttons (metal, shell, glass)

*Small metallic pieces/shapes

*Bus tickets

*Diagrams from an old book

*Distressed/old book pages

*Batik fabric scraps