thirty-fifth bird

Make something using staples or your stapler.


I considered making my stapler into a monster, but I didn't just want to glue googly eyes on it and I didn't have time to get that messy (painty), so I decided to make staple jewelry.

This probably won't take off as a style because it is rather poky.

thirty-fourth bird

Take something old and make it look new.


This is a 1979 edition of The Elements of Style by Strunk and White.

The Elements of Style was originally written by a dude named William Strunk, Jr. in 1918 and was specifically written for students at Cornell University. 

William Strunk, Jr.

Strunk taught lots of folks, including a dude named E.B. White.

E.B. White

E.B. White, by the way, is the author of Charlotte's Web, Stuart Little, and The Trumpet of the Swan, all of which are tremendously lovely.


In 1959, MacMillan and Co. commissioned White to revise The Elements of Style. He modernized and expanded it, and today it is informally known as "Strunk & White."


Since the book is so old, and since it was on the freebie table at work, I decided to make it a brand new cover.


Which I did in about half an hour.

I really think it shows...

thirty-third bird

Make something that would not normal be considered cute and cuddly into something that is.


Rocks are not usually cute and cuddly, right?

My mom and I decorated rocks for Chris's happy graduation party. Because he is a geologist. Also, because rocks with googly eyes are tremendously charming. Also, cute. And potentially cuddly.

thirty-second bird

Create instructions that others can use to make something and then have someone try it.


I pondered a good bit about what sorts of instructions I could make. Activities at which I excel: making messes, making excuses, being busy. I thought about other crafts I've already made, but I've included instructions for a lot of those, and I didn't want to repeat myself. Because, that sort of feels like cheating. If I'm going to be lazy/excuse-y, I want to do it honestly.


After much pondering about what I'm good at, as well as some asking Chris for ideas ("Write instructions on how to run a library section." "That's a very long, involved, and slightly wibbly-wobbly process."), I settled on something very dear to my heart: relationships.


I want to challenge you all to try this (at your own risk).

And now you know...