Uncategorized – Page 7 – made by laura lee

Creating A Space

March 28, 2014December 6, 2022 lauraleeimhoff

When in the kitchen, to be prepared for cooking your meal or baking your dessert, the key to success is having your set up taken care of, your mise en place, meaning “everything in its place.” For me, being creative is no different. I need my space ready to go. Not just having my tools handy or at least within arms reach, but having a space that is inspiring and visually stimulating. I need to have bright colors, patterns, textures, unfinished art, art by others, etc. Anything and everything to get the juices flowing.

The towers have boxes have dwindled drastically in the last month, two to go in fact. Frames and posters are crawling up the walls like ants. My craft nook saw the first of that today. My last apartment didn’t have it’s own designated space for creativity which caused small projects to become a relatively clumsy task. The new Pad de Laura Lee has its own wall. My bulletin board, made by yours truly, tacked with items from my Mother, a handmade card by a fantastic artist, Nicole Donnelly, a postcard from my best friend sent during her worldly travels, and work from Megan King of MLK & toast. The work of others always helps me to feel motivated. Thank you, ladies!

Having unfinished projects out in sight is definitely a great motivator to get into gear and get making too! Now there are a couple of projects that always get pushed to the back burner by something new and exciting. Sometimes unfinished art can be just as pleasing to look at, like the handmade ornaments that I have piled in a basket. Also having rolls of fabric exploding out of wooden crates is another way I keep inspired. I am so eager to set up my sewing machine, stitch together new masterpieces, and more… Thank you for staying tuned to this episode of made by laura lee.

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Does It Make A Difference?

March 26, 2014March 26, 2014 lauraleeimhoff

I woke up this morning with the sense of being completely overwhelmed. Maybe it’s the grey sky or the hit over the head feeling of Austin’s allergies, but I had the strange urge to write and put my thoughts out there to the universe and in this case you, whoever you may be. Over the past week I have had the opportunity to discuss with several friends on different occasions: life, music, work, food, and the ever heavy, “What am I doing with my life?” It seems to be the generation before us had aspirations of being the President, or a doctor, or a vet (you get the picture?) but I wouldn’t want to touch any of those things with a ten foot pole. I think my friend, Frank, hit the nail right on the head when he said, “I just want to be happy.”

I just want to play music, I want to make art, cook up jams, but I the voice of reality chimes in, for whatever reason, it sounds remarkably like my parents, “Playing music won’t pay the bills. Embroidered towels won’t put food on the table. Jams and jellies won’t keep a roof over your head.” What if it could?” is my response. I quit my day job a year ago and picked up a restaurant job, in hopes to really focus my energy on pursuing what I love. I leave my job practically in tears on a daily basis and seem to be no further in my artistic pursuits.

In a town where musicians are a dime a dozen, sometimes less due to the inflation of SXSW, Pinterest and Etsy make it seem like the next girl is ten times more crafty than me, Facebook and social media makes it impossible to get an original thought through to just one friend out of 1,500. So my questions is… is it worth it? Does it make a difference? Or should I just cave to my parents ever nagging… you need to get a real job, which translates to give up on your dream. There is definitely a lot of internal conflict going on. How have my parents told me my whole life to never, ever give up and then turn around and tell me to “give up” and be realistic?

I apologize for the less than uplifting post, maybe I should’ve waited until after my first cup of coffee to start writing, but this is something I have been mulling over in my mind for a little while now. I had to write about it and get it out there, we’ll just have to see if it makes a difference.

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Getting Back in the Groove

March 21, 2014 lauraleeimhoff

Beautiful flowers from the market! A perfect house warming present from Brenna Peterson of The Commerce Supper Club.

It’s been quite a long time since my last blog post. An embarrassingly long time, that is. Sometimes life just gets in the way. I’ve house sat, couch surfed, travelled, and most recently (and finally, I might add) moved into a brand new apartment. There is something about nesting in a new home that is very much like a new beginning.

Looking back at the last year or so… I do have to pat myself on the back because I have completed everything on my 2013 To Do List (see “A Big To Do”) These were all big steps in the right direction. But what now? I’m not sure. Unpacking the mountains of boxes? Hanging pictures on the walls? Rearranging furniture? In short, making a home. A cozy, comfort place where I can nurture my creative juices so that I can say, “Why, yes… this is made by Laura Lee.”

Although, this may not be my most eloquent post or heart felt, I wanted to take a moment and thank you in advance for your support for those that maybe reading.

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2 Doors

March 19, 2014March 21, 2014 lauraleeimhoff

They say when one door closes another opens. We all know it to be true. That being said I would like to dedicate this post to Johnson’s Backyard Garden as a farewell. I was with JBG for three years and have closed the door so to speak. It saddens me quite a bit to move on, but the phrase, “My back hurts,” or “I’m getting too old for this,” seems to be flying out of my mouth on a a much more regular basis. No worries, you will still find me in their booth at the farmers market every week filling my bag with delicious organic vegetables! What can I say? I’m hooked! Wouldn’t you be with produce like this?

Below is a collection of photos that I have taken over the last year from various farmer’s markets I have worked! Enjoy!

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Embroidery At It’s Best

May 21, 2013May 21, 2013 lauraleeimhoff

A year ago, a couple girlfriends and I took an embroidery class at a small sewing shop, appropriately named Stitch Lab. Embroidering was something I always wanted to pick up, but the thought of needle and thread, or any needlework craft, seemed very intimidating. My Grandmother is incredible with a needle and thread. She could sew anything. Her embroidery and cross stitch work, all done by hand, looked as perfect as if it were done by a machine. I felt like I had a lot to live up to. I realize when you are learning something new you have to be very kind to yourself. Even thoughI know this, when I get in front of people, I immediately feel as if I have to get it right, and perfect, on the first try. I will say, it was a humbling experience. French knots and the stem stitch were the only things standing in my way from my first timer perfection.

Immediately after taking the class, I became an embroidery fool. Sitting and impatiently waiting at the Doctor’s office, I would bust out my needle and hoop. Every time I send off a gift basket of jams & jellies, I would throw in a towel. It is therapeutic and relaxing. It forces me to slow down in a wold that is constantly go, Go, GO! The best thing I have gotten out of embroidery is the bond that has been created between my Grandmother and I. Whenever I start a new towel, napkin, bag, etc. I always think of my Grandmother. Would this be something she would want in her kitchen? On her table? I have been completely in love with embroidering flour sack towels with herbs or produce. I have gotten the Nettie Stamp of Approval. Now, I’m not quite to her level of mastery, but I think I’m on my way!

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First You Take A Leek…

May 5, 2013May 17, 2013 lauraleeimhoff

Ok, I realize this is a little bit of an alarming title, but I am so excited leeks are back in season! As some of you know, I work at the farmers market for Johnson’s Backyard Garden. You can fully expect to see me every Saturday and Sunday morning hustling veggies. Nothing makes me happier! (ok, there are a few things…but as far as work goes, this is pretty awesome.) Anyway, leeks are back!

I have an odd love of leeks. It all started as a kid, when my Dad and I were in this tiny book store in Long Island. My Dad picked up this bright green cook book with the title, “First You Take A Leek” He and I were in stitches laughing so hard. We actually got asked to leave! Unfortunately, we didn’t end up getting the book, but to this day I still think about it every time I see leeks.

How do I cook my leeks? Well, I am so glad you asked!

– 1 bunch of JBG leeks
– 1 Tbs. butter
– 1 Tbs. sesame oil
– 1 Tbs. sesame seeds
Melt one tablespoon of butter in a saute pan. Add leeks. Let them cook down and soften. Add sesame oil. Keep cooking them down until they caramelize and then add sesame seeds.
*Note: I like to watch my sodium intake, but I recommend adding salt to taste. Great as a side dish!

Don’t believe me on the cook book, order it here: First You Take a Leek

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Better than Bread & Butter

April 16, 2013May 16, 2013 lauraleeimhoff

About few year ago, I discovered canning. I can hear it now… you are gasping! “How could you discover canning?!” or even, “It can’t be, no!” It is true, I truly discovered canning. I discovered how truly amazing it is. I had previously heard tales of canning from my grandmother or as an urban myth from Martha Stewart, not ever really believing that it ever really existed. A bit nieve. At the time, I thought it was something my grandmother and her sisters and mothers before did to preserve their hard-earned harvest and seasonal crops. In a time where technology was just evolving (picture horse and buggy, dirt roads, gas lanterns, etc.) Women were born already knowing how to sew, clean, butcher a chicken, and, yes, can.

Myself, I am not a grandmother and I certainly did not know how to can from birth, but I can tell you my grandmother is an inspiration. Nettie Imhoff. What a woman. Born and raised in Texas. Really… what a woman.

I was baffled the first time she came to the Paisley’s Farmstand and asked for all of their day old pickling cucumbers. What on earth was she going to do with 10 plus pounds of cucumbers?! “Make Bread & Butter Pickles,” she said so matter of factly, that I didn’t dare question her.

Weeks later when I was living in a tiny, second story apartment in the heart of downtown Boston I received a package from my Nana. Low and behold, I found what you can do with ten pounds of cucumbers. As a foodie, at the time and even now, I am ashamed to say I didn’t like pickles. Hated them. If you know my grandmother, you kn0w can’t turn down her food or else lightening will strike you where you stand. I remember squeamishly opened the jar, pop! Dipping my fingers in the vinegar, pinching a slice between my fingertips, closing my eyes, and throwing it into my mouth. I didn’t believe it! It was the most delectable thing I had ever had. I requested that I receive the packages as often as she could send them, if not sooner. I tried to make them last, but I couldn’t. I scowered every grocery and specialty store in the city to find a pickle that could keep me satisfied between batches and seasons. Nothing.

Years later of just settling with a store bought pickle, I still cringe at the thought, I finally asked my Nana for her secret recipe. An email later, I began my canning endeavors. Through trial and error, keeping my fingers crossed, a little bit more bread, and a little bit more butter and now I send my Nana her package of Nettie’s Bread & Butter Pickles.

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Back to the Nest

April 4, 2013May 21, 2013 lauraleeimhoff

It has only been a week since I have quit my day job and already I have played my guitar more in the last three days than I have in the last year. Although, a little rusty, it truly is like riding a bike. It takes time for calluses to strengthen and muscle memory to kick in, but the feeling I have from deep within my chest reassures me that this is right. I missed playing music.

I knew a trip back home would be what the doctor ordered to build my confidence and my creativity again. Now that the proverbial top is off, a part of me that I have held in for so long is coming out.

Stay tuned…

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Baby Steps with Baby’s Breath

March 6, 2013May 16, 2013 lauraleeimhoff

I have said it before and I will say it many more times… I want to have a farm when I grow up, but for now I am limited to the confines of apartment living. I grew up on a small homestead where my father bred day lilies. In my teens, he introduced me to the exquisiteness of Georgia O’keefe’s work, ever since I’ve been intrigued and captivated by the beauty of flowers.

I have always operated under the philosophy when living in an apartment: if a plant can live here, I can live here. In my apartment now, I struggle to keep plants alive. My living room has a large sliding glass door to lets some light in but my bedroom only has one window. The window faces the parking lot, so as you can imagine to avoid giving neighbors a show, the curtain is always drawn. I realize this begins to raise questions, should I even be living here? (Probably not. I fully intend to bust out like its Folsom Prison once my lease is up.) But until then, what can I do about my cave of a bedroom?!

My solution: dried flowers. Maybe it was an impulse buy at my local grocery store, reaching for babies breadth like I knew what to do with it. When I went home and tied the bouquet up with twine and hung it on a nail in my outdoor storage closet. I kept my fingers crossed for two weeks and… Viola! Dried flowers! I slid the baby’s breath in a tall decanter with a display of old jars,bottles, and tins and problem solved: Flowers in my bedroom!