ftortega

For the last six months I have been working most often on crochet projects. Something about the feel of the yarn and the focus required. I also love experimenting with wire, carving stamps, embroidery, beading, sewing, sketching and working with leather.

From others I like any type of handmade. Especially thoughtful well made things that come from the heart.

I love Frank Sinatra. My father listened to him when I was a child, now I can't get enough of ol' blue eyes.

I also like Louis Armstrong, Patsy Kline, Bing Crosby as well as 80's and 90's classics.

I read a wide cross section of books. My city has an online public library and I have checked out most of the Crafts section;). I love books about historical figures, my current favorite is Benjamin Franklin. I count The Once and Future King by T H White as a definite favorite. I also love photo books, current favorite: The French Dog by Rachael Hale. Current favorite craft books: Making an Impression by Genine Zlatkis and Embroider Everything by Diana Rupp. I also love Perfect Day for Banana Fish by JD Salinger and On Writing by Steven King.

Favorite TV:

Bones, Grimm, Elementary, Shark Tank, Once Upon a Time, Survivor, Monk, Psych, Warehouse 13, Star Trek (Voyager then Next Generation), Love Boat, Fantasy Island

I love movies in general, but my favorites are mostly from the 80s and 90s.

Stand By Me, Lady Hawke, Fifth Element, The Princess Bride, Enemy Mine, Coming to America, The Color Purple, Star Wars, Joe Versus The Volcano, Galaxy Quest

I live in Arizona and love the fall and winter here. I have been married for 20 years and have a son, Sebastian 19 and a daughter, Isabel who is 13. I also have a wonderful Lab/Boxer mix named Luci. I have a health situation that keeps me inside most of the time and I keep my hands and mind busy with crafting.

Things I do NOT like:

Religious/Political things-My dad says never talk about religion or politics, even with friends (solid advise)

Strong Smells-Please no perfume

Dirty/Sexual-Let's keep it rated G

Thoughtlessness-I plan to be thoughtful and creative with the swaps I participate in, I ask the same in return

My favorite themes are nature and animals. I love leaves, Trees, rocks and feathers. I have a small crystal collection. I also collect unique fish figurines, several are koi fish. Right now bears are my favorite animal; black, brown and polar are the best (I don't care much for pandas or koalas). I also love Lions, Elephants and Rhinos.

I like historical materials and using steampunk themes in some of my work. I am attracted to the Tim Holtz materials at the craft store. I like industrial styles and art deco.

I prefer realistic drawings and pictures to cartoons.

I am not so girly, so I love things like old keys, pirate ships. octopus and anchors. I like brass or metal locks and fittings.

My favorite colors are: blue (navy & sky), olive green, cranberry red, burnt orange, graphite grey and bronze.