Handmade – The Ocelots' Den

Handmade

What’s a Multiclava

By Julia on 15 July, 2020

Inspiration

I spend a fair amount of time in my garden using my chipper/ shredder. There are so many leaves, branches, twigs, and trimmings to process every year. This spring, I needed a solution to protect my hair. As other curly girls know, washing our hair every day, or multiple times a day isn’t always the best choice for our curls. Unfortunately, if my hair is getting yard debris, leaves, twigs, dirt, and mold-blown in tiny particles from the chipper, I have no other choice than to wash as soon as I come inside.

I searched and searched for various ideas for how to make a hair scarf that would work like my Hair Kerchiefs of the late 90s 😂, but completely covered my hair. Surely something already existed that could solve my problem.

I kept coming up with blanks. I didn’t want a bandanna or a headband (even though they look cute). Then FB’s algorithm figured it out for me. (SMH). They showed me an ad for a knit tube scarf/ face shield. They had fun patterns, silly faces, patriotic choices, bright colors. I thought I was all set…

Unfortunately, all the colors and patterns I was interested in that they advertised weren’t available. They had some high visibility Yellow which 1. would look terrible on me, and 2. reminds me of a PT belt (any other vets out there? you know what I’m talking about. Not cute, but a little funny).

So I went back to the drawing board. Everything seemed to be out of stock because the tube scarves made good* face masks. They are multipurpose and functional. I tried to search for some name brands, which I was able to find (Buff has some great options). Nothing was in stock. I needed to be out in my garden. Buffs were also a little on the pricey side for buying something I hadn’t seen in person and didn’t know if I was going to enjoy them. ($20-35 depending on the style, print, supply vs. demand. Additionally, some of the higher-priced choices include mosquito repellent).

After looking at the specs, I decided to make myself some. I just needed some stretchy fabric. So I went online and looked at Jo-Ann Fabrics. I was able to place a curbside order and bring home a few options to see what would work. (First time in my life buying fabric without seeing it in person or touching it. It was a risky choice, but I felt it was a safer bet to buy 5 separate yards of some things and see what I could come up with).

*My definition of good is in regards to fit, style, and function. These are not medical grade and cannot guarantee 100% anti-virus protection*

What is a Multiclava?

A multiclava can go by many other names. Neck gaitor/ gator, tube scarf, face shield, etc.

It’s a stretchy tube scarf that can be worn multiple ways.

Slouched around your neck as a neckerchief.
Pulled up on your neck as a Scarf
Pulled up over your mouth like a Gaitor
Pulled up over your nose (doubled) as a FaceMask
Pulled over your head as a Hood
A Headband
A Diadem (Hairband)
A Balaclava
A Hair tie
A Blindfold/ Sleep Mask
Accessorize your Dog
Wrap around your wrist as a Wristband
A Sarhaine
A Beanie/Hat
A Beanie/Hat with a pull-through for your Ponytail!
Buccaneer
Hair Scarf

Why Multiclavas?

I have fallen in love with my multiclavas. They work great for keeping the debris out of my hair while I’m gardening and the sweat off of my face too!

Through the height of the pandemic, March – June, I worked remotely. As things began to open back up, those telecommuting were required to come back into the office. There are lots of elevator trips and I wasn’t sure how I was going to navigate the new normal.

The easiest thing for me was to make myself a collection of fun multiclavas that I could wear as cute neckerchiefs to coordinate with my business attire. (I work in an environment of suits and being dressed up, which I enjoy). That level of vanity is at the forefront of my mind. When I have to be in close proximity to others and anytime I’m on the elevator; I pull up my mask. I sanitize my hands if I touch anything, and relax it back down when I am isolated again. I’m probably considered overly cautious to many, and I can accept that. I’m very asthmatic, and I’ve taken a trip to the hospital in the last year for my breathing, so it’s easier for me to go about my life this way.

Now Available for Purchase!!!

https://www.theocelotsden.com/product-category/multiclava/

Updates

Now Taking Orders!

By Julia on 29 January, 2020

I am bubbling over with joy to announce I am officially taking local orders! If you are interested, I have created a “Custom Orders” page on the menu bar! It is complicated to include every option available, so if you are in doubt, include any thoughts or ideas in the notes section of the form.

A couple of weeks ago, I got super official and set up my business as an LLC and created all the appropriate filings to pay taxes. (I still need to get with my county. I am hoping to accomplish that in the next week or so. I want to be a good citizen and check all the blocks. I couldn’t submit that form online, and their office is 20 miles from my day job). I know that may not seem exhilarating, and paying taxes isn’t exactly on my top-10 list of exciting things, but it makes everything more “real!”

If, for some reason, the form doesn’t work (still learning about building websites), or it’s just more comfortable for you, feel free to email me your order requests! (I plan to respond to all requests within three business days).

I’m looking forward to a beautifully sweet 2020!

Sweet Arctic Wonderland

By Julia on 29 December, 2019

A little over a month ago, my SIL asked me if I could bake some (5-dozen) Christmas Cookies for a school event. She gave me full creative licensing, and I was off to the races. I had recently acquired some hexagon cookie cutters and knew I HAD to use them for this project. I’ve seen a lot of creative holiday themes on squares and rectangles, so I knew I could make something work on a hexagon too.

I spent an afternoon looking around for various ideas. I saw penguins and snowmen that were adorable. I even sketched them out. But then I became besotted with a precious polar bear. The polar bear led me to think about other arctic creatures. So, of course, I HAD to make a narwhal (or two) because the narwhal is my favorite real sea creature. (Otherwise, it’s mermaids).

I thought a little longer and remembered that I have an adorable yeti that sings “Winter Wonderland.” I felt my set was complete! A half dozen creatures and I could make ten of each. As I was looking at the color scheme of my sketches though I realized it was far better if I narrowed my scope. So I whittled it down to Polar Bear, Narwhal (x2), and Yeti.

I shared my sketches with my SIL, and she was just as in love as me. Her oldest (6 going on 13) then requested a cat in a Santa hat. So I knew I’d make him a couple of special ones. (Snow Ocelot-A fictional cat).

I wanted to try to use the fewest colors I could for the simplicity of design and execution. So I wanted half on a teal background and the other half on a gray background. I had initially intended to have several plain cookies in solid teal and gray. I thought some people might not want to eat the cute cookies, plus I knew it would also help keep the cost down for my SIL.

About two weeks before the cookie order was due, my SIL found out they were going to do a cookie decorating contest, and parents were asked not to bring dessert, so she reduced her order to one and a half dozen for a Christmas party she was throwing. Since it was a smaller order, I opted to do all creatures.

I piped the different animals one color at a time and in layers in places to create some depth. I was giddy once they were all decorated. Patience is a requirement with cookie decorating, I was ready to add faces and eyes, but the frosting takes time to set. I arranged them around in alternating patterns for fun before I headed to bed.

The next morning I got up bright and early to add all the fine details with my handy dandy edible markers.

I freehanded the snow ocelot by looking at my original logo sketch by only focusing on the darkest parts. I was happy to only have two ocelots in the bunch, but it was entertaining to draw in such detail on a cookie!

With all the fine details added, I painted over the yellow horns with some edible gold paint, and they were all finished!

Baked Goods | Christmas | Cookies | Holiday | Winter

Chillin’ With My Gnomies

By Julia on 24 December, 2019

When ordering the elf cookie cutters around Thanksgiving, I looked around at other offerings (because I like to qualify for free shipping or spread shipping costs across a few things when I can). I stumbled upon these adorable Gnome and Snowflake cookie-cutters! I couldn’t resist, so I added them to my cart and offered to make them for the same party as the Spiked Cocoa Cupcakes. Little did I know, my girlfriend adores Gnomes! It was kismet.

I loved taking the time to create different designs on the hats of the gnomes. (Side note, does anyone remember David, the Gnome?) I also wanted to make a couple of designs for the snowflakes because snowflakes are all different.

One of my favorite frosting piping tips is the leaf piping tips. Piping all the leaves on the wreath was a blast. Then I got to add tiny red bead sprinkles and some slightly larger silver balls.

Then the next day, when my creations were dry, I dusted everything with various shades of luster dust (aka Christmas magic), and the cookie platter was ready for delivery!

Baked Goods | Christmas | Cookies | Winter

March of the Toy Soldiers

By Julia on 18 December, 2019

One of my coworkers has been looking for a giant Toy Soldier for several years to complement our drummer tree. In honor of that, I found a Toy Soldier cookie cutter as a surprise for her.

I also love making Gingerbread. I love it when it is soft, full of flavor, and has just a little bit of snap when you bite into it. I had to dive deep into my mind (and Pinterest) thinking of how I would decorate the Soldiers. I found myself a little stumped. Nothing seemed quite right.

Toy Soldier Standing Guard at The Jefferson Hotel
Richmond, VA

Then, by a stroke of luck, I attended our annual Holiday party at The Jefferson Hotel, where the perfect Soldier greeted me.

When I got home, I compared him to my adorable cutter, and I realized I had a small problem. My Soldier cutter has very short legs. I was going to have to choose boots or pants. I thought about drafting some renderings on my computer or sketching them, but I was eager to start icing the cookies.

I decided to try to make medium height boots and have a glimpse of the pants showing. First, I piped on some faces, and then I piped my hats and boots!

Before the hats had a chance to set, I added a flourish of holly berries. I prepped early in the season and made a couple hundred, so I could use them as often as I liked. (I LOVE feeling prepared).

I added the red jackets, blue pants, and some blue cuffs on the sleeves of the jackets. I thought there needed to be a touch more blue in the uniform (making up for the very short legs).

With the soldiers fully dressed, it was time to add details and embellishments. I tried a few different designs before finalizing. Gold cords around the cuffs, buttons, and shoulder tassels for the win! The other elements were a little too delicate for the amount of replication required.

I am also an Army veteran, so I got a kick out of lining up my soldiers in formation, boxing them in along with their squads, and deploying them. When they were dry the next day, I was able to draw on their faces (with a fine edible marker). A lot of Toy Soldiers have a mustache, but I’m not fond of it. So I kept a crisp, clean-shaven look.

Baked Goods | Christmas | Cookies | Holiday

North Pole Pizza Delivery

By Julia on 17 December, 2019

Earlier this Advent season, I made a few elves to welcome back my nephews’ scout elf, Truck. The cookies were a hit! The boys loved them. The youngest even exclaimed, “they looked like Truck!” I genuinely love bringing joy to their little faces. Seeing them full of joy, wonder, and excitement is one of my favorite things about being an auntie.

To keep going with the elves, I knew that sometimes the elves get into mischief, and sometimes they bring treats. I also know that sometimes parents are up so late doing the dishes that the elves don’t have enough time to make their trip back to the North Pole. I thought an Elf Pizza delivery would be a great way to help them out and a fun way for me to secretly contribute to the fun!

I’ve seen a lot of “pizza” cookies on Pinterest and Instagram made with royal icing. I prepared to do this but then really liked the idea of building the pizza with actual flavorful toppings.

The dough base is a gingerbread cookie, which I topped with deep red royal icing “sauce.” I shaved some white chocolate for the cheese and placed it on the wet icing so it would stick. Finally, it was time to make my crowning jewel, the pepperoni. To make the pepperoni, I used the backside of an icing tip and cut circles out of Fruit-by-the-Foot. When my cookies were dry, I used edible markers (black and brown) to put the spices on the pepperoni.

My final touch on the cookies was using my kitchen torch to melt the “cheese” and crisp a little of the pepperoni. I wasn’t sure how noticeable it would be, but it was fun!

To make the pizza’s official, I created a pizza box with my Christmas logo and cut small squares of checkerboard wax paper to line the tiny pizza boxes. (Love, love, love)!

Baked Goods | Christmas | Cookies | Holiday

Return of the Elves

By Julia on 30 November, 2019

I don’t personally have an Elf on the shelf. (Probably since I ~~think it’s creepy~~ don’t have children). I do enjoy all the fun things elves “do.” I also enjoy the magic and the fun in the season. Two of my nephews are local and love their elf named Truck. To welcome Truck back and kick-off Advent, I wanted to surprise the boys and make them some elf cookies.

*It’s a total secret. The boys don’t know that Auntie Julia is the one who made the treats.

Freshly Baked Elves Cooled and Ready to be Iced!

I lovingly whipped up my royal icing and methodically portioned it into four containers. And then as I mixed the red, then brown, and elf skin tones. I thought to myself, why do I have an extra container? What color is this supposed to be? And I promptly colored it yellow because I planned to pipe names on them and paint them with gold luster dust.

Immediate facepalm. I needed that white royal icing. I needed it to be white. I wanted a white collar and white accents on the hat. So, instead, I improvised. I piped the shape I was intending in red and covered them with silver sprinkles! Festive and fun. (If you are going to make a mistake, make it sparkle!)

It was also a new technique I hadn’t used. It was a HUGE sigh of relief that it worked. Once the elves had hats and collars, I added various “boy” and “girl” hairstyles.

It was time for the elves to get some skin and ears. I finally understood my best flooding consistency for my icing at this point. (Always learning lessons). The thicker red icing set too fast and left a texture.

While my ears were still wet, I added some coordinating gray “pearl” earrings to showcase the “girl” elves. I probably need to get some tweezers that are made for baking to place these with ease, but I threw caution to the wind and dropped them into place and hoped for the best. (Success!)

I added adorable button noses and some little accents to their pointy ears, but at this point, it was time to let my tiny masterpieces dry. I needed them to be smooth and hard so that I could draw the faces! Overnight usually works in my experience, but it is always best not to rush it.

These little elves fill my heart with so much joy! I used edible ink (fine tip) markers to sketch the faces, and I added a little luster dust to add the rosy chill from the North Pole.

Handmade

Mad for Plaid: How to Turn Stripes into Plaid

By Julia on 21 November, 2018

I’m a little obsessed with plaid. I wanted to make a sweet baby blanket in a plaid pattern for one of my colleagues. I started by knitting some block stripes in garter stitch. It knit up pretty quickly and I finished the blanket as a whole in 6 days. I started it in February!

Next, I began to weave on the bias through the purl loops. This was a tedious process, but the effect of weaving made my heart pitter-patter. I used an embroidery needle to do it.

Amid my weaving, I sliced my poor pinky finger and needed some stitches. The stitches kept getting caught on the fiber, so I knew it was time to take a break. I had to wait for my injury to heal before I continued.

One month and one week passed, and I FINALLY finished weaving the plaid on March 25th.

Next, I had a little bit of a hitch. Weaving the blanket on the bias stretched the fabric into a weird diamond shape. I assumed blocking it would resolve my issues. Alas, I wasn’t correct. I wanted it blocked and a pretty rectangle before I wove in my ends and knit the border. It took months of pulling the project out and trying again and again to fix the problem.

The baby had been born, and It seemed too late to give a new baby gift. So, I held onto the blanket embarrassed by my little catastrophe. One evening, a couple of weeks ago, we were having a team cocktail hour at a local brewery, and one of my colleague’s wives and I were chatting and she mentioned how much she loves knitting. I told her my silly story about this blanket that I just couldn’t get to turn into a rectangle. We had a laugh about it, but she was also about 7 months pregnant. I knew immediately, this blanket was meant for her and her little girl. 🥰 As a knitter, I knew she would find beauty in the imperfection, and I wouldn’t be ashamed of the beautiful gift. I knew the knit and woven plaid would be in a home that understood the knitting and crafting process.