Robin's Parafunalia

I'm a maker, thrifter, student of the Scriptures, life-long learner, and serial collector of tips, tricks, and techniques, often learned the hard way! Please click the hearts at the bottom of the posts to tell me which are your favorites. I hope we can bring each other joy, inspiration, and an appreciation of the gifts we've all been given. Search "for sale, thrifting tips, Bible studies, thrift style, what I made, vintage."

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Polymer Clay Heart Earrings

I got this technique from a tutorial by Elissa Powell. Since I wasn't confident about my ability to hang them symmetrically, I decided hanging at an angle would give it a my asymmetry an ¨I meant to do that” look. Then I added just a teensy bit of glitter around the edges (why not?) and hung them from a couple of ball studs left over from the previous project.

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Bible study: Your Spiritual Gym

From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised up on the third day. Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, "God forbid it, Lord! This shall never happen to you." But he turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; for you are not setting your mind on God's interests, but man's." (Matt 16:21-23)

I think Jesus was telling Peter that he needed to let go. He needed to not try to protect his friends and himself from hardship and even death. He needed to embrace change and not try to preserve what seemed good in the present. It's easy to see why, from Peter's perspective, exchanging the healing ministry of God's son on Earth for death on a cross was not a good trade. But the future God has for us is always a good trade, no matter how bleak the route might seem. Like everyone’s, Steve’s and my path to the present has been rocky, including health problems, multiple failed businesses, unemployment, anxiety, and depression. It wasn’t until about 20 years after I graduated college that life as an adult began to feel tolerable. Those were 20 awful years in many ways, but I wouldn't trade the lessons I learned for an easier time. God got us through, and I think our marriage is stronger for it. Plus, of course, I have a lot of lessons, mostly learned the hard way, that I can pass on to the people I love, including my students. So think twice before you try to save yourself or other people from difficulties. Don't cling to the present just because it seems like you have a good thing going. The hardships of life are like a spiritual gym, helping to build your love, joy, peace, and faith. If you don't work out, you won't get stronger.

...fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Heb 12:2)

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Amateur Translation: Death on the way

"We do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, about the hard trials that happened in Asia. We were exceedingly weighed down, beyond our power so that we were at a total loss for life. Indeed, in ourselves, we had the answer of death that we might not have confidence in ourselves but in God who raises the dead. He has brought us forth from so great a death, and he will continue bring us forth." (2 Cor 1:8-10) Obviously, the end result of feeling overwhelmed to the point of death is good. So why don't we feel more positive about it?

I have always thought that being totally overwhelmed was caused by a personal sin or weakness and tried to think, repent, or pray my way out of it. If I just had more faith, I wouldn't be feeling like the only answer was death, right? But, according to this scripture, the appropriate response is to not to fight being at a total loss for life, but to embrace it and turn to God for confidence. I’m trying to wrap my brain around this thought: 

“The more hopelessly overwhelmed I am, the more confidently I should look for God’s work.” 

But can I really be confident when I feel like things will fall apart at any moment?What about when I feel totally inadequate to tackle my job or when my heart is telling me that I will fail?

Because of my struggles with depression and anxiety, I feel overwhelmed to the point of death quite a lot. In the past, this has scared me because I have confused not feeling faithful with not being faithful. The scripture says, “...without faith, it is impossible to please God...” (Heb 11:6) It doesn't say “...without feeling positive, optimistic, eager...” or anything about feelings at all, actually.

So what does it mean to answer with death? I can only offer some initial thoughts because I'm still praying about this topic. In recent days, it has meant purposefully discounting my feelings. The last several months have been really hard due to personal and work circumstances, but I've come to believe that my emotional funk is actually a key to understanding God's love for me. When I lacked confidence because of my own negative feelings, was that really looking to God? I've been a lot happier since I've concentrated more on embracing feeling like I'm about to die and looking for God to work. I feel more optimistic that my relationship with God might start to develop the deep peace and sense of unconditional love that's always eluded me. 

Perhaps this is not for you, but if it is, what does it mean to you to embrace being overwhelmed until you despair of life? How do you give the answer of death? And how does God bring you forth from this death through your confidence in him?

“For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body." (2 Cor 4:11)

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Lesson from Jesus: The master builder

5 ‘Build houses and live in them; and plant gardens and eat their produce...multiply there and do not decrease. Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf; for in its welfare, you will have welfare.’ 8 (Jer 29:5-7, God’s commands to the Babylonian exiles)

Here are some thoughts on how Jesus built, planted, and worked for the welfare of his region.

1) Jesus picked a spot and concentrated there, putting in a lot of effort into the region around the Sea of Galilee. This created a significant impact, which then attracted notice in the wider region (Matt 4:23-24). Paul followed this model, spending months and years to plant a church in a single place before moving on . 

2) Jesus chose a place which he knew well and where he already had relationships. Especially helpful was his cousin, John the Baptist, a childhood friend and spiritual partner. Jesus himself was baptized by John the Baptist (Matt 3:13-17), and he was able to build on John’s foundation, recruiting Andrew, who was already one of John the Baptist’s disciples (John 1:35-40). 3) Jesus worked through other people’s relationships.. After spending time with Jesus, Andrew brought his brother Peter. After Jesus found Phillip, who had grown up with Andrew and Peter in Bethsaida, Phillip found Nathaniel, whom he brought  to Jesus. So Jesus didn't find everybody on its own. He leveraged the connections people already had. (John 1:40-50) 4) He invested a lot of time with a few individuals. Jesus invited Andrew and Phillip to spend the day with him (John 1:39).  He interacted with Peter at least four times before actually calling Peter to come and follow him. Andrew brought Peter to meet Jesus (John 2:40). Jesus healed Peter's mother-in-law of her fever (Luke 5:38-39). Then he borrowed Peter’s boat and worked a miracle for Peter - the miraculous catch of fish - before finally calling Peter to follow him (Luke 5:1-11). He kept building those relationships, working several other miracles for Peter like the Coin in the Fish’s Mouth (Matt 17:24-27). 5) Jesus concentrated on several areas of service. He taught people how to live a good life in the Sermon on the Mount (Matt 5:1-7:29). He proclaimed the news of the kingdom of God (Luke 5:42-44). He healed people physically (Luke 5:40-41). His listeners in Galilee were amazed that he had done many things well (Mark 7:37).   And he worked on them at the same time - notice how all of the events above are described in one chapter. So, to summarize: 1) Pick one place and put in a lot of effort there.

2) Use the relationships you already have to reach out to others.

3) Build on the connections of the people you are reaching out to. 

4) Invest a lot of time building relationships with a few receptive people, don't expect results right away. Even Jesus took a couple of years to build a good foundation.

5) Identify three or four areas where you could make an impact and work on all of them simultaneously.

Hope this helps. Please comment if you have some ideas about how to implement these in a more practical way. As always, please go back and read and study these scriptures on your own. Thanks, R

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Style Tip:  Mixing Patterns and Pictures

The classic pattern-mixing advice is to combine the same color scheme with different sizes (e.g. a small check with a large floral). Also true for mixing patterns and pictures. The Venice monument pattern and Fate Zero anime t-shirt are predominantly blue with yellow and green highlights. The shirt also has some light brown, which I picked up in the pants. Simple neon pink earrings add a tiny bit of contrast and fun. The bold belt buckle provides a focal point to balance all the pattern and color. Just right!

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Craft and Refashioning Tip: Changing Jewelry Colors 

Originally, these Goodwill guitar earrings were black, which disappeared against my dark hair. After sanding, I gave them an all white undercoat to make the pink brighter. Then I used a small brush to paint the formerly black parts with pink nail polish - more durable than paint, great for metal jewelry. I added a darker pink low light on the edges. I painted the frets with a high-gloss finish and washed them with watery pink paint, wiping off the high points to keep them white. Have vision for your jewelry. Don’t settle for things you won’t wear!

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Style Tip: Thematic Contrast (or “How girly can Pink Floyd be?”)

I paired a beat-up classic rock t-shirt with unexpectedly feminine items like the pink cardigan, white jeans, and floral belt. The pink guitar earrings bring it all together. For me, this is more intriguing than an obvious combination like a rock tee with a leather jacket or a cardigan with a pencil skirt. Mix it up! (Shirt/Pants/Cardi/Earrings from Goodwill, Belt from Value Village)

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Craft Tip: Painting the Low Spots

Originally, the flowers on this embossed Value Village belt were the same color as the background, which made it hard to see the beautiful detail. I thinned brown paint with water so it would sink into the leather and then painted it onto the low areas around the flowers to increase the contrast. I made some areas more dark and others less to add interest and avoid having to worry about getting it all the same. Now the beautiful flower forms stand out. Wearing it makes me feel very tropical!

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FOR SALE: $12 Upcycled Chain earrings

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Amateur Translation: Braided Hair, Gold Jewelry, Fine Clothes

“In the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and holy fear in how you act. This does not come from outward arrangements such as braided hair or gold adornments or clothes but instead from what is hidden in human heart, in the incorruptible gentle and calm spirit which is of great worth in God's eyes. (1 Pet 3:1-4)”

Many Bible translations read “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment such as braided hair and wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes....” This always made me feel bad because, frankly, I love gold jewelry - in fact all sorts of jewelry. Is it wrong to wear and enjoy it? I don't want to be worldly, so I was willing to give it up, but I decided to do a little digging first.

. Turns out, the original Greek doesn't even contain the word “beauty” - that was supplied by the translators. To me, the text isn’t about beauty. It’s about what wins people to God, that is that the purity and reverence of our lives. That appeal isn't something that comes from hairstyles, jewelry, or clothing. The Bible isn't saying that we shouldn't wear or enjoy those, just that’s not where the power comes from. So where does it come from? I love the Greek phrase here: “kruptos tes kardias anthropos” which is roughly translated as “hidden in the human heart.” It’s a lovely image of what God sees on the inside, valuing that “gentle and quiet spirit.” The Greek word “poluteles” means “precious, of great value, worth a great outlay.” So what we really need to cultivate is what is of the greatest value to God: a gentle and calm spirit hidden deep inside of ourselves. 

So enjoy wearing jewelry that you have not spent an inordinate sum on. But as you dip your hand into your jewelry box, ask yourself, “How does what I am putting on my body nourish what is hidden in my heart?” That is what God will value the most.

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Craft tip: Painting the High Spots

I was shocked to realize the light brown leather bracelet that had been in my craft jewelry stash for 20 hears was a souvenir from a high school trip! Why had I never worn it? Because it wasn't pink, of course! I lightly dabbed multiple thin coats of craft paint mixed with fabric medium, making sure to off-load almost all the paint on a paper towel before starting on the item (very important). I used the flat bottom of a makeup sponge to keep the paint on the surface and out of the the incised grooves. Then I highlighted the letters with pearlescent white and painted the dark snap with the same craft paint over a coat of metal primer. (Now I would use fingernail polish, which is good for metal.) Finish with a coat of flexible matte varnish - all craft materials from Michael’s.

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Lesson from Jesus: Keep It Cool

28All the people in the synagogue were furious. 29They got up, drove Jesus out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw him off the cliff. 30But Jesus walked right through the crowd and went on his way. (NIV Luke 4:28-30)

Jesus had just gotten finished giving the people in Nazareth some very bad news. Maybe you have been there.

They had grown up with him, and now he was saying that God would not be helping them because they would never believe. Just a few minutes earlier, they had been praising him, amazed at his gracious words. But the minute he gave them some bad news, they turned on him. He must have gone along with them for a little bit because they got him as far as the brow of the hill. But when he had enough, he simply turned around and walked away. Although those people had a lot of excess emotion, it was just anger in the moment. They don't appear to have had the determination to actually do anything. And there's no evidence that any of them came after him in some sort of vendetta. He saw their anger for what it was: all bark and no bite. I think we’ve all been there, too. It’s a good thing he doesn’t hold that against us. Jesus spent a lot of time giving people news that was not so positive. But he managed to hew to the truth of the message he had to deliver whether the reception was good or bad. I think he must have had a lot of confidence in the healing power of honesty and the importance of the truth even if hearing it isn't always pleasant. He's a good role model in persevering with people through their negative emotions in order to get them to where they need to be. To do that, we need to keep our cool just the way he did.

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Thrifting Tip: Don’t judge a jacket by its lining

Goodwill Find: 1960′s Mouton Jacket (Vintage Fur Only!)

"Mmmm,” I purred as I ran my hands over the lush pile. The jacket was obviously high quality, but could it be real fur? The cheap acetate lining suggested otherwise as did the jacket’s location on the regular rack instead of behind the counter. But I kept looking. Ooooh, the furrier label! Ah, the tanned hide underneath! It dawned on me that the lining was a late 80s replacement of the original chocolate silk satin. A treasure! Now I feel a lot better about all of those clothes I donated back to Goodwill after having bought them there in the first place. I owe them big-time for my $7.99 Mouton jacket!

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Thrifting Tip: Quick and Easy

When people ask me how they can find great things at thrift stores, I say "Go...a lot!” The most common responses are “I don't have enough time” and “I went last week and spent two hours and didn't find anything!” Not true, and wrong strategy! Here are my alternative suggestions: 

1. Find one or two thrift stores that support worthy causes and are convenient to places you already go - home, office, gym, child care, school. Go to one store once a week and spend 20 minutes. 2. Target a couple of things you love (for me, that’s cardigans and cashmere) and just look at those - don’t wander aimlessly and risk taking forever or getting overwhelmed.

3. If you are impatient or pressed for time, target things that do not require a dressing room (I recommend jackets, cardigans, belts, dress shoes, classical music recordings, books, lamps, housewares, prints, picture frames, cheap sunglasses, or costume jewelry.) Avoid thrift store deserts like vintage clothes, high-quality boots, or classic rock records.

4. Decide to not be discouraged if you go three or four times before finding anything. After all, you are enjoying yourself by taking a little stress-free time out of your day. You can bring your kids since it’s only 20 minutes. 5. As soon as you find a treasure, tell your friends how happy you are and how fortunate you feel that you were so lucky to find something wonderful picked out just for you!

(Vintage fur only! This seal and mink coat is from the 1960s and features 3/4-length sleeves and a Peter Pan collar. It was a 40th-birthday present to myself and is surprisingly practical when we leave the office in the winter at 9:30pm.)

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Pink Vader#2

I thought my last version didn't have quite enough contrast, and I couldn't resist the fun of pairing Darth Vader with pink ruffles. Poor Vader, the force can't save him now.... (shirt from JC Pennys; pants, belt, buckle, cardigan all from Goodwill)

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Amateur Translation: "uncertain but not totally clueless”

8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; uncertain but not totally clueless; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. (2 Cor 4:8-10)

The NIV translates the phrase as “perplexed but not in despair” but that doesn’t seem to quite capture it. The original Greek is “aporeo alla ou exaporeo.”  "Aporeo” means roughly “not knowing how to proceed.”  The prefix "ex” on “exaporeo” means “to the extreme.” So my translation of this phrase is “uncertain about what to do but not totally clueless.” 

The use of the same word twice - the second with “ex” on the front - reminds me of the great advice: ”Whoever fears God will avoid all extremes.” (Ecc 7:18b). It's okay to be an uncertain, just not totally clueless. It's okay to feel tired and discouraged, but with God you never have to be devastated. It's normal to have nervous anticipation, but you shouldn’t be full of fear. But the Bible goes a step farther. It suggests that we should actually feel good when we're uncertain about how to move forward. The context of our passage is 2 Cor 4:7 “We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that the all surpassing power is from God and not from ourselves.” We often view uncertainty as negative - that’s the world’s perspective. However, from a spiritual perspective, we can congratulate ourselves when we're uncertain about how to move forward. Then we are in just in the right spot for the power to come from God and not from us.   So you can rejoice and thank God the next time you are uncertain. That’s when you will see his power the most in your life.

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FOR SALE: $12 Bracelet Set, stone beads upcycled from three necklaces, African glass beads, for a small wrist