duckndam

PR - All Stars Ep 6 - "FashionMania"

2012-02-11T10:48:00.000-08:00

Who doesn't love Rami? He is and always will be a class act. I didn't love his aufed outfit (auf-fit?), but I adore his warm personality, mad sewing skillz and facility with a candy wrapper. Speaking of which, I learned on his website that, along with designing the Roman togas for Madonna's Super Bowl show, he's been working on a paper dress project for Papyrus. The dresses are really stunning and could even give Isabelle de Borchgrave a run for her money.

This is what I love about Project Runway: when a challenge brings out a special talent (like working with paper) and leads to other projects. Rami really does excel when it comes to unconventional materials as shown by his All Stars win.

And congratulations Jerell! I thought the whole coat controversy (coatraversy? Okay, I really need to stop) was interesting because it sort of illustrated the major difference between Jerell and Michael and why I will defend something Jerell makes (like last week's Lion King costume) over pretty much anything Michael makes. Michael has always been derivative - something Isaac has brought up on a number of occasions - which is fine. We are all influenced by things we see and like. What Michael doesn't have, though, is a strong point of view. He can drape and sew super fast and make women look thin and beautiful, but he doesn't really have a signature style. Jerell was wise to sit back and let the judges see this.

Other garments of note: I loved Mila's outfit and thought it was the most fashion forward, while still being wearable. The cape had a weird shoulder lump, but the lines were sleek and the red really popped.

Then there was Kenley: I've been a strong supporter of Kenley this season. She's wisely used this opportunity to clean up her public image and she definitely does not lack a strong point of view. I just canNOT see anyone over the age of seven wearing a polka dot romper, no matter how cute her model looks. I still can't believe Mondo got called out for being junior and Kenley's garment wasn't. I think the critiques could have flipped if Mondo hadn't requested a 50's do for his model's hair. I was fine with all the accumulative references with his accessories, but the retro hair was too specific.

So next week: Broadway! Austin does jazz hands! Jerell can create another Lion King outfit!

Gallery of Multiples

2012-02-07T04:50:00.000-08:00

I can't sleep and feel like looking at pretty things. Counter clockwise from the top:
Louise van Terjeijden
lucy snowe photography
Gillian

PR All Stars Ep 5 - Taking It To the Streets

2012-02-04T10:41:00.000-08:00

Anthony once again earned his title as Miss Congeniality (or is it Miss Antoinetta?) by going out with grace and poise. It's actually kind of refreshing to see someone not get all emotional. His final outfit was sort of all over the place, and seemed to have nothing to do with his muse, Maeve, who looked more like a garden nymph or woodland sprite than a turban-wearing socialite. Do socialites wear turbans? I have no idea...

Anyway, I'm sure Anthony was missed by his fellow All Stars (with the possible exception of Mila), as he clearly provided a lot of comic relief and was just completely lovable and adorable.

Hooray for Mondo! I let out a big cheer when Mondo won. I can't think of a challenge that is more in his wheelhouse. Patching different fabrics together is not as easy as it looks. To borrow a term from Tim Gunn, it can look a little too, "happy hands at home." Of course, it didn't hurt that he found the perfect muse wearing a dress that looked like something Mondo had already designed. I thought his muse was adorable and loved that she asked for more money. Hey, Lifetime can afford it.

Getting back to the idea of mixing fabrics and patterns for a minute: While I know, of course, that Mondo didn't invent this style - he's just known for it because he has a particular knack for combining patterns - I can't help but think some of his fellow designers were either influenced by his style or following his lead in some way. At least that's how it looks to me when I see Kenley and Jerell's looks next to Mondo's. Kenley even has the over-sized houndstooth on the side panels.

And I know I will be in the minority for liking Jerell's garment. I can't help liking it the more I look at it - even though I thought it was beyond slutty when I first saw it. His girl just looks so confident and the shoulder piece is so interesting and powerful. But, overall, I loved Mondo's look the most and I totally want that jacket. Fun episode!

I Love...

2012-02-02T09:42:00.000-08:00

More pretty to look at today. Counter clockwise from the top:

I'm obsessed with this druzy (drusy?) by JenniJewel. Love the combination of gray and gold. The gold gives the gray warmth. The gray gives the gold just a bit of an edge.

Another pretty druzy - this time in peach and silver - by Melanie Garton of Someplace Elsewhere. I love that there are all these talented designers on Etsy doing fine metal work. I also love the hand-etched leaves. Nice touch.

I love a pair of gold hoops that I can wear with anything. These are by Elisabeth Rosas Jewelry, and I have been an admirer of her work for a long time. I believe she studied silver work in Mexico. I can't think of a better place to learn the art. I love the organic yet modern feel of this natural design combined with the classic look.

Too Early For Spring?

2012-02-01T10:59:00.000-08:00

Just something pretty to look at this morning. I'm not a fan of black laces and sheers, so I'm really loving these natural/taupe shades.

Etsy Front Page

2012-01-30T12:43:00.000-08:00

Nice. Melanie of Someplace Elsewhere kindly sent me a screen shot. Her shop is full of lovely jewelry that is sleek and modern with subtle, natural elements. I think the peach drusy necklace is my favorite.

PR - All Stars Ep 4 - Flavor of the Week

2012-01-29T00:01:00.000-08:00

I've always loved the dichotomy that is April. Such a tough, dark exterior yet so soft and vulnerable. Back in season 8, she designed her HP fabric based on being split in two during her parents' divorce. I thought it was some of her best work.

When given a reasonable amount of time, these qualities yield results that really show her unique and powerful voice. Unfortunately, this challenge was just too short and ridiculous to yield really excellent results from anyone.

April, good for you for staying true to your aesthetic! Sorry you didn't have more time, but I'm sooo very happy that you are designing fabrics for JoAnn fabric. Yay! It's so wonderful to have some interesting, decent options in JoAnn fabric besides the usual matronly, quilty lot there.

Congratulations, Michael. It really was draped beautifully and moved like liquid behind the model.

Honestly, I was pretty disappointed with most everyone because it was a ridiculously short challenge. I get that it's a good way to ramp up drama, but I don't see how the pressure to be creative works with not having any time to experiment.

I really liked Mila's dress, but I think Isaac Mizrahi and I are the only people who feel this way. The STRANGEST critique definitely came from Georgina Chapman who said something about how the sheer red through white "conjures up a strange color." You mean, like, pink? I loved how Mila's dress reminded me of melted ice cream swirls with the overlapping sheer panels. I hated her heavy styling, though.

I didn't think Kara's dress was so bad. The waist just need to be lowered a couple of inches. No big deal. However, TLo DID point out that Kara was recycling an old design. Can't say I blame her.

And, Mondo! LOVE, Love, love Mondo! The color combination was fantastic, but I really hated the belt. Anthony seemed to think it was all about being the fastest seamstress, but the top looks were all pretty simple. The creativity showed in the color/pattern choices.

Dear Project Runway All Stars, no more super fast challenges please. Thank You.

I'm Intrigued

2012-01-25T09:23:00.000-08:00

I saw this on a really lovely blog called lobster and swan. It's called fairy bread and is, apparently, commonplace atr children's birthday parties in Australia. How cute! But....white bread with butter and sprinkles? Could that really taste good? Maybe you need a five year old's palette.

I think I'm going to have to see for myself...

Happy Lunar New Year: Enter the Dragon

2012-01-23T16:52:00.000-08:00

This print is by Chelleline Cards of Montreal, Quebec. Cute, right? And such a great way to remember the order. It's a print of an original collage and may be purchased on Etsy and through her website.

I'm a monkey, but my husband is a dragon. I'm happy to ride his coattails if it means a successful year for us.

PR - All Stars Ep 3 - "A Present For Kermie"

2012-01-20T19:46:00.000-08:00

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I have always had a soft spot for Gordana. She got a raw deal on her season, which actually inspired me to write this rant in 2009. (I was going through a pretty stressful period in my life and was maybe taking the show just a wee bit too seriously. ;) ) Anyway, so I felt bad because, though Gordana's wasn't my favorite dress, I felt that Mila was the one to go since she pretty much ignored the challenge and made something for her collection. I didn't love Gordana's baby doll nightie, but I really love her attitude, creativity and experimentation with fabrics. Also, even though she didn't grow up with Miss Piggy (shouldn't it be Ms.? Isn't she a little old to be a Miss?) as she reminds us in her BPR interview, at least she gave the challenge some thought.

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And congrats to Michael. I was really surprised because Rami seemed to be getting all the love. Maybe it was more impressive in person, or I need a bigger tv, or something... Rami's was fun, and I thought he was clever to pick up on her movement with the fluttery sleeves, but I really loved Kenley's and that adorable giraffe print. I don't know if a poufy retro skirt was the way to go, though. Some of the critiques were a little weird. Yes, the neckline was plunging, but I was scratching my head when Georgina mentioned the danger of falling out of her top. What's Miss Piggy got to fall out? It's sort of like Gordana being concerned about a puppet's comfort. One of my favorite moments was watching a poker-faced Joanna Coles advise her not to focus too much on comfort. Yep, things got a little strange.

By the way, does anybody else think that Kenley is way sweeter this time around? She just looks like she's having fun with the whole experience. Actually, they all do.

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I love how Mondo always takes such a thoughtful approach to challenges, but I feel like he lost his way a bit. The styling, which didn't help, was severe and, oddly, reminded me of Joan Allen in Pleasantville. And Austin... Miss Piggy said it best, "and those bows!"

Looking forward to Diane Von Furstenberg, who happens to be inspiiired by nature, next week.

PR - All Stars Episode 2 - "Off the Kahoonies"

2012-01-13T17:42:00.000-08:00

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Farewell, Sweet P. There's a reason you have always been a fan favorite. You really do come off as very down to earth, your color choices are often really gorgeous, and you design accessible clothing for women of many sizes. I actually think the accessibility of your work made this challenge a little more difficult for you. A night at the opera seems so far removed from your girl. Once again, the judges made astute observations and offered really helpful critiques. Georgina Chapman was absolutely right when she suggested bringing the pattern from the skirt into the top part of the dress. The halter top made it look like separates, which automatically makes it feel more casual. And Badgley (or was it Mischka?) hit the nail on the head when he said the skirt was more dirndl than ball gown.

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But you do make really fun, colorful maxi dresses. As seen here and at Forever 21 and on your blog. So I'm glad someone like you is out there designing for rest of us who don't always make it to the opera on opening night.

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And congratulations, Austin Scarlett! To be honest, after last week's dress I was kind of worried that you were going to choke, but you pulled it off spectacularly. I loved the shimmer and the smoke, the glamor and elegance. What a gratifying victory.

Speaking of choking, I was also concerned for Kara - especially when they showed her clutching her dress form with a look of sheer terror on her face. Actually, I really hope they keep her around for a while because she is so funny. What was she saying about having a "pabu" moment? (paboom? South African for kaboom? ) I don't know if it's South African slang or just her own lexicon, but I plan to use the phrase, "off the kahoonies" every chance I get.

But my favorite moment of the night (and a slight double-take) was seeing Rami and Anthony cozied up on the couch while Rami casually played with Anthony's hair. Aw! I think there are a lot of gentlemen out there that would like to have been sitting where Anthony was.

So who will make it to the finals? Mondo, Austin and Rami is my guess, but I'd love to be surprised. Will Kara have the emotional strength to make it through another challenge? Can't wait for next week!

I Like Her Even More Now

2012-01-09T16:04:00.000-08:00

So I just finished reading Blogging Project Runway's (BPR) interview with Elisa Jimenez and not only does she sound kooky and adorable, but she also offered some insight into her process which I really enjoyed learning about. She talked a lot about a character named Fancy, created by her mother, who is returning to a garden full of flowers. The artwork above conveys her imaginative garden idea maybe more successfully than her All Stars challenge, but I really do enjoy the story and the direction. Also, it helps make some sense out of her challenge sketch.

Click here to read BPR's interview with Elisa. Speaking of BPR, I was very excited that they posted my recap on the Looza. So cool!

Pretty Reds

2012-01-09T13:31:00.000-08:00

I made a little Valentine's themed treasury the other day. I think it's really pretty. Plus, it includes the work of my dear and talented friend, Nikki, of Fused Glass Originals and Fusing Fun Art. Not only does Nikki make really bright, cheerful and unique pieces, but she also teaches fused glass workshops for children and adults at her lovely home in San Rafael. What a great idea for a kid's birthday party or craft get-together with friends.

Just For Fun - Project Runway All Stars

2012-01-06T16:38:00.000-08:00

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Just for fun, I'm going to blog about Project Runway All Stars. I don't really do snarky humor, and I don't see the point in straightforward recapping (If you're that big a fan, you watch the show. Why would you need someone to tell you what happened?). So my recaps will just be my opinions, observations, a moodboard and maybe some lesser known facts.

So let's start the show. Wasn't it great seeing all those familiar faces and right away knowing everyone instead of the usual PR first episodes of trying to remember everyone? Also, like Top Chef Masters and Next Iron Chef, the contestants are a lot more secure so there's more of a collegial vibe which I really enjoy. And how adorable was Michael Costello and Mondo's reunion? Or seeing Rami arm in arm with Sweet P. .. Aww!

Speaking of Rami, congrats! I can't believe what he did with laundry bags. (Actually, I always think of them as refugee bags because I used to work with refugees and they would carry whatever possessions they had left in those bags.) What was remarkable is that the dress was so puffy and maybe not wearable for the average woman, but so stunning on the model. I thought Isaac made an excellent point when he said that Rami "made the materials his bitch." There wasn't a single wrinkle or rough edge in the entire garment. Lovely Rami. I will never forget his candy wrapper dress. Amazing.

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And farewell to sweet, kooky Elisa. Sure, she was there more as a character than a competitor, but I thought her outfit was rather unique and reminiscent of the original. At least her design was creative. The fine artists always seem to leave early because their ideas don't always match their execution. I think they're used to working in a studio and mulling ideas over for weeks, months, years. Speaking of fine artists, I remember reading somewhere that she was an artist's assistant to Cindy Sherman. That's actually very impressive.

So, farewell Elisa. It probably should have been Sweet P, but, hey, somebody's gotta be the first.

Next week: Looks like there's going to be some major drama between April and Michael. Hmmm. I hope Lifetime doesn't jerk us around this season with misleading previews like it has the past few seasons. Okay, so this was fun. I'm definitely on board.

You Gotta Have a Plan

2012-01-03T09:38:00.000-08:00

I made a little Ikea wish list for myself. I suppose there's nothing on this list that's expensive or wish-worthy, but they are things that I've been wanting. Also, Ikea overwhelms me. Whenever I go I feel dazed, feeling the need to look at everything. I lose my sense of purpose. Maybe the act of making this mood board will cement my actual needs versus wants. Nah, that'll never happen.

The faux pelt is for my office chair - to protect it and provide warmth. The kitchen unit - I already have one but I need a second one. The lamp intrigues me. You can fill the glass part with different things - sea glass, sand, toys, etc. The throw is just pretty and made of a soft wool. I would love to replace our old coffee-stained throw with it.

Those Rascally Kids!

2012-01-02T08:58:00.000-08:00

This made me smile as I was walking to work on New Year's morning.

Update: My husband submitted my pic to local blog, SFist, and they used it. Cool!

Fresh Start and Fresh Dishes

2012-01-01T09:42:00.000-08:00

It's been a long, difficult yet interesting and illuminating year, and I, for one, am really looking forward to starting fresh. Speaking of fresh, this is what I had for lunch yesterday - a kale and cous cous salad with cranberries and almonds. Delicious! I saw the recipe on Poppytalk and had to try it. The only change I made was sauteeing the onions before cooking them into the cous cous because I'm not crazy about raw onions in salad. Great recipe, though. Happy New Year!

Nina Was Robbed

2011-12-29T12:00:00.000-08:00

So it seems Nina took losing Project Accessory to Brian much better than I did. What a gracious and talented young woman. But....come on...the above piece is hers and she lost to this piece below...

Yes, I know that they were judging on more pieces than just these, but I feel like this pretty much sums up the main difference. I understand wanting to award risk-taking and innovation; I just don't think his work was aesthetically pleasing. Experimenting with resin is interesting, but only if it yields interesting results - not this hideous rock necklace.

New Year's Eve Glitz and Glam

2011-12-28T12:12:00.000-08:00

Look at all the pretty! I am in LOVE with the Gray Diamond Druzy. I don't even know what a druzy is, but I love it!

Happy Day

2011-12-26T10:04:00.000-08:00

I remember as a kid that the day after Christmas was always kind of a let down. Seems silly when you think about it. We had all those new toys to play with and plenty of delicious leftovers. I guess that's one of the nice aspects of getting older - true appreciation. Today, I'm grateful that Christmas fell on a Sunday, so my husband gets Monday off. The day after Christmas is awesome!

I created this sweet treasury a few days ago. I would love to own anything on this list, which is why they are all on my treasury, but I'm especially smitten by the aquamarine triple ring by beadycats in Istanbul. I also think owning pretty much any of Paula McGurdy's illustrations would be special.

Hope everyone is having a lovely Boxing Day. Cheers!

A Christmas Miracle

2011-12-23T16:20:00.000-08:00

What a random ride life is. And what an amazing thing the internet (and by association, Etsy) is. So the other day I talked about taking risks and being rewarded in really interesting ways: A few months ago an editor of craft books (Lark Craft) contacted me via Etsy because they're doing a craft project book that features shrink plastic. I believe the book is tentatively called SHRINK, Shrank, shrunk. Much to my amazement, they purchased two of my designs (shown above), which will be featured, along with an "about the artist" byline in a craft book next year. If I had never put myself out there, this remarkable opportunity would have never come my way. Amazing!

The Christmas miracle part: I am completely broke (it's been a tough month) and was planning on closing my savings account to make rent. The check from the publishers arrived in my mailbox today! Again, amazing!

To anyone and everyone out there in the void, have a joyful holiday. And if you don't celebrate, have a terrific weekend. Wishing everyone a positive New Year full of growth and prosperity. :)

Go, Nina, Go!

2011-12-22T17:13:00.000-08:00

Tonight is the finale to Project Accessory. Obviously, I'm rooting for Nina. I also like Rich, but this piece instantly turned me into a Nina fan. I am in LOVE with how she was able to make a stuffy, Elizabethan style look fresh and young. She did a good job using something natural and something traditional and came up with something new.

Sea Urchin Patterned Pendants Available In My Shop

2011-12-21T10:01:00.000-08:00

I finally started listing my pendants in my Etsy shop. This is the sea urchin pattern in purple and white. I think one of my new year's resolutions is to seriously work on my photography skills. Actually, I have a lot of things I need to work on and improve. But overall, it's been a pretty great year. I feel like I stepped off the sidelines a bit this year and joined the rest of the human race. I took some chances and was rewarded in some really interesting ways. More details on that to come. Have a lovely holiday!

Super Cute Stuff

2011-12-20T07:47:00.000-08:00

I made another treasury that made it to the front page. I feel like a proud mama.

Beautiful Music

2011-12-18T14:38:00.000-08:00

I'd love to see this architectural instrument in person, but in the meantime I can admire the pretty pictures. Love the paint job! I bet it looks AND sounds pretty on a rainy afternoon.

Exercises

2011-12-13T15:02:00.000-08:00

The Holiday Bazaar was not super busy. Between the cold weather and the tough economy, I think it's just really hard for a lot of people to find the time and the money for holiday shopping this year. Overall, though, I'm still really happy that I had this opportunity. I met a lot of nice people, got some valuable experience, and put myself out there. It was an exercise in bravery for me.

I've made a lot of new pieces, which I will be listing in my Etsy shop next week. Unfortunately, I won't have a lot of computer access this week because my hard drive is being replaced. And, no, I didn't back up my work. I will definitely be purchasing an external hard drive for the future. That will be an exercise in preparation and common sense for me.

Doing My Own Thing

2011-12-07T16:03:00.001-08:00

     I'm working on lots of new items for the trunk show (at 1767 Waller @ Stanyan) this weekend. Earlier this week, I had a bit of inspiration overload - you know where you have too many ideas and see too many things you like - but I'm finally feeling like it's all coming together in that it looks like the same person made all this stuff.
     It's funny because while it's great to have the internet and get to see all of amazing things that talented people are making, it can also slow you down. Even paralyze you. And the worst...you can start to emulate (read: copy) what others are making because it's just so lovely and you think, I can make that. Tempting as it is, it's SO much more satisfying to do your own thing. So here's a sneak peak at a few new things I've been working on:
     Remember the wooden beads I dyed? I was going to use them to make a garland or wreath, but I just really loved how rich and velvety they looked. The charm is part of a design I created that wasn't working. I played around with it by cutting it into pieces and now I'm liking it much better.
     I've been really into creating patterns lately, and this one is definitely my favorite. I love how it kind of looks like a granny floral from a distance, but then when you get close up you (hopefully) see my sea urchin inspiration.
     Anyway, these are just a few little things that I've been working on. I'm trying to stay true to myself and make fun, colorful inexpensive things that aren't too serious. After all, it's just plastic and wood.

The Duckndam Factory

2011-12-01T11:29:00.001-08:00

I'm really enjoying the flurry of activity. Making cards, printing, making jewelry, creating patterns and designs. Makes me wish I had more events like this to motivate me to produce.

Making Monday...on Tuesday

2011-11-29T11:26:00.001-08:00

I spent most of yesterday morning experimenting with different types of glue and not achieving the desired results. My morning wasn't a complete waste, however, as I did manage to dye these wooden beads, which look a little like food to me. I was thinking about using them to make a garland for my booth at the holiday bazaar. I am getting SO excited about this upcoming show. It's actually affecting my sleep; not because I'm worried, but because I have so many ideas for things I want to make. Unfortunately, inspiration only seems to hit in the middle of the night!

By the way, how do you like my cool, Lobster font? It was a freebie I picked up via one of my favorite blogs for freebies, tutorials, humor and pretty pics - How About Orange.

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T11:17:00.001-08:00

I made this treasury for Thanksgiving the other day. I've been making a lot of treasuries - both for inspiration and, admittedly, as a way to procrastinate. I love all the items posted, but I'm especially enamored with the beautiful paper cuttings by Hiroko Matsushita.
I think these birds are actually cards, but wouldn't they make great place cards? If you have a moment, I highly recommend checking out this artist's blog. So cool!

Save the Date

2011-11-22T07:13:00.001-08:00

I made this save the date card the other day for a holiday bazaar I've been invited to participate in. I'm so excited! I've always wanted to do one of these trunk shows. How fun to meet a bunch of other makers!

New Colorway

2011-11-20T09:23:00.001-08:00

I created a couple of different color combos. Here's just one of them. It reminds me of desert mountains - the painted desert. I seriously need to work on my photography skills, though. It's difficult because the plastic has a rough, pebbly texture, which I don't mind, but when photographing in Macro light hits the bumps and makes them look dusty. Practice and experimentation, I'm thinking. More pictures this week as I make more pieces. This pair can be found in my Etsy shop (right margin). Yay for color!

Happy Friday!

2011-11-18T10:50:00.001-08:00

I listed these new earrings in my etsy shop. It's similar to the original Tahoe design, but there's a cool, overlapping effect happening with these. I think I'm going to experiment with some other colors today because I really like the effect and the shape.

The Word Of the Day Is Impasto

2011-11-17T08:59:00.001-08:00

Funny how things overlap in a day. Lonny posted about Frank Auerbach today and his lush, impasto technique. Two minutes later, I was reading the paper and a piece on Jupiter's frozen moon, Europa. Doesn't it look like it was painted with a palette knife, rather than photographed by the Galileo spacecraft in 1997?

Making Monday (Yesterday)

2011-11-15T09:49:00.001-08:00

Is it odd that I post about Mondays on Tuesday? I'm trying to focus on working with my hands on Mondays - work that doesn't involve a keyboard or a mouse.

Etsy Front Page

2011-11-13T11:20:00.001-08:00

I'm so delighted that one of my treasuries FINALLY made it to the front page.

Free Shipping For the Rest Of the Year!

2011-11-12T10:46:00.001-08:00

I'm offering free shipping for the rest of the year for the cute little Thank You cards listed in my Etsy Shop. I'm really in the mood to make more cards and am preparing for a holiday fair, so this seems like a good time to have a sale. The coupon code for the cards is FREEP. Also, free shipping is ALWAYS offered on the earrings, so no need to enter a coupon code if purchasing those. Unfortunately, I'm only able to offer free shipping on orders within the continental U.S. :(

Making Monday With Something To Show

2011-11-07T17:36:00.000-08:00

I finished making the jacket I wrote about back in September. Yay! I made a lot of mistakes along the way, but I learned a lot too. By far, my favorite element is the hood. I lined it with an M. C. Escher silk scarf that I received in my work's holiday party swag bag. I used a combination of patterns from Built By Wendy Coats and Jackets. I love all the Built By Wendy books - so helpful for the self-taught sewer. The fabric is a wool/silk blend in cranberry. Like I said, I made a ton of mistakes but overall it was a lot of fun. After all of the time and work - much of it with a seam ripper - I feel pretty satisfied with my cute, unique jacket.

Threads

2011-11-03T10:17:00.000-07:00

I'm continuing with my obsession with beautifully colored thread. (Meanwhile, I'm still struggling with the buttonholes on my jacket. One day I will master my sewing machine.) Above and below are photo montages using pictures from Anthropologie's fall window display. I love the use of the natural gourds with the brightly colored threads and yarns. So pretty!I'm also quite smitten by the work of Takashi Iwasaki who uses embroidery thread.Finally, I really loved the beautiful colored thread on China Chow's dress on the Bravo show, Work of Art. Actually, I pretty much love everything she wears.

Only a Little Halloweenish...

2011-10-31T10:32:00.000-07:00

I finally tested out my new EZ screenprinting system, and I have to say I am loving how fast and easy is to expose your screen. Here I am rinsing out the screen in the shower:I need to tinker with the actual printing set up, as I much prefer the old-school wooden frame set up with the kickstand. The thing about screenprinting is that it can be SO messy, so the wooden frame set up just helps to streamline things in my humble opinion. But exposing the screen, omigosh that too less than a minute. Just took it outside and held it up to the sun. Awesome.Here's a photo of the back of my pillow. I cut without really measuring or planning, which is a terrible habit, I know, but I kind of like the little tie backs for the back of the pillow. Overall, the EZ system is totally fun and easy, and I'm looking forward to more projects with this system. Oh, before I forget, Happy Halloween!

Fashion Is Smashin'

2011-10-27T09:41:00.000-07:00

It's the season finale of Project Runway tonight, followed by the new show Project Accessory. In the spirit of fashion and creativity, I think I'll spend this gorgeous day working with thread. I need to work on the coat I started cutting several weeks ago, and I also want to continue to experiment with the fabulous embroidery thread my mother-in-law gave me. The image above was scanned from the October issue of Elle Decor and shows an illustration by Christian Lacroix - inspirations taken from the theater that translate to his new furniture line. Love.P.S. Go, Victor, go!

Making Monday But Not Much To Show

2011-10-25T15:50:00.000-07:00

I have been busy making these last few weeks, but I've been experimenting a lot, so I don't really have any fine, finished things to show to the world. Many of my efforts failed to produce the results I envisioned while laying in bed at night dreaming about all the pretty things I would like to make. It's funny because here in San Francisco there was a conference called Failcon for entrepreneurs to learn and talk about failure. In fact, Rena Tom wrote a great post about the conference and the importance of failure over at one of my all-time favorite blogs, poppytalk.

While I like to define working out the practical applications of ideas as experimenting rather than failure, it did make me think about living in a results-oriented and product-focused world. When an endeavor doesn't turn out the way we would like, why do we so often define it as failure or easily give up? Often, one idea leads to another, which can eventually lead to that one really great idea. Why not follow the trail and see what you learn along the way?

Want To Know a Secret?

2011-10-18T18:54:00.000-07:00

I actually love Mondays. I know I'm supposed to hate them, but it's one of the few days I almost never work. Also, Design Sponge posts their Sneak Peeks, and there's nothing I like better than drooling over beautiful interiors.

The above lamp was made by Kimi Weart of A Printable Press, and I absolutely can't get it out of my head. I need to try this to soften the light in our kitchen. It would look so cool with the trees outside our window. You can find more pics of this lovely apartment here.

I was also interested to see Gretchen Jones' (from Project Runway) Brooklyn apartment. Her apartment has an easy, effortless, style that I really like. It's also got a nice combination of objects with personal meaning, high end art/furniture and thrift shop finds. Love!

Oh, speaking of Project Runway, I saw Olivier the other day at my work. Not much to say about that, but I was pretty excited as I'm a huge PR fan.

Reciprocal Love for Hippie Kingdom

2011-10-14T10:58:00.000-07:00

Gotta love the spirit of reciprocity that is the blogosphere, Etsy, the craft/handmade world. I included Etsy artist Devi Chand of hippiekingdom in a treasury, and she in turn created a treasury which included my work. Awesome.

Looking at her overall work, I am totally loving her creative and original ideas for repurposing paper. She creates striking and tasteful pieces that are bold yet totally wearable.

No To Do List Today

2011-10-13T10:54:00.000-07:00

Getting off the to-do list hamster wheel for a day.

The Golden Light That Is Autumn

2011-10-13T09:46:00.000-07:00

Made a pretty treasury yesterday.

Finally!

2011-10-12T10:51:00.000-07:00

So I finally got around to making thank you and all occasion cards based on my mother's day cards. I have four sets of four cards which can be found in my etsy shop.

Now that I can check that off my to-do list, it's time to start working on holiday cards!

Can't Wait!

2011-10-10T09:18:00.000-07:00

I hope the movie is as good as the costumes!

It's All About the Cornstarch Slurry

2011-09-29T10:50:00.000-07:00

I don't know if this picture is food-porny enough to convey the deliciousness of this chocolate-peanut butter ice cream. I wish I had waited a moment or so for it to soften. But trust me, it is SO good!

I've been LOVING our new Cusinart ice cream maker. So much fun! So far I've made coconut cherry ice cream from an excellent recipe at Apartment Therapy's Kitchen, strawberry ice cream, peach frozen yogurt and chocolate ice cream. They were all delicious, but the chocolate ice cream, which required a special technique, was A-MAZING.

Based on an article in the August issue of Saveur Magazine, this method deters ice crystals for maximum creaminess. Here's a quick rundown of what I did:

In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup milk and 4 tsp. cornstarch to make a slurry. Set aside.

In a large saucepan, whisk 1 and 3/4 milk (I used 2%) with 1 cup of sugar, 1 cup of heavy cream, 1/4 tsp. of salt and 2 tbsp. of light corn syrup. Boil for 4 minutes. Lower heat and add the slurry. Bring back to a boil for a minute or so until it thickens up.

Gradually add the mixture to 2 tbsp. of softened cream cheese and whisk until smooth. At this point, you have your ice cream base, and you can add whatever flavorings you like. For example, I boiled 1 cup coffee, 1/2 cup cocoa powder and 1/2 cup sugar. Off the boil, I added 3.5 ounces of bittersweet Scharffen berger chocolate.

Finally, mix your flavorings with your base and cool in an ice bath until it's well chilled.

I can't wait to use this base for other flavorings - blackberry, pumpkin spice, coffee with candied pecans. So many possibilities!

Try, Try Again...

2011-09-20T14:22:00.000-07:00

This is the sketch for a coat I'm making for myself this winter. I attempted a coat last year, and it didn't work out so well. This year I vow to measure twice and cut once, and most importantly....make a muslin!!!

Color Story

2011-09-05T09:24:00.000-07:00

There's nothing like a change in scenery to get the creative juices flowing. This was the view from our deck when we were up in Tahoe the last week of August. The gorgeous alpine colors inspired me to pick up my much neglected sketchbook, and I made the following sketches.

I'm always been envious of people who have beautiful sketchbooks, but lately I've been trying to get over having a perfect looking sketchbook and accept it for what it is - a place to work out ideas.
So I ended up with a new jewelry design based on the colors of Tahoe. I think I love them!

Another Treasury Devoted to Shrink Plastic...Yay!

2011-08-31T10:44:00.000-07:00

It makes me SO happy when people include me in their treasuries. This one was created by Trisha of the shop Lines and Shapes. I really love the colors and the geometric shapes in her shop.

Looking at all of these creations makes me so ancy to finish my new designs. Hope to unveil my new work very soon.

Weathered Beauty

2011-08-14T09:41:00.000-07:00

I made this treasury yesterday while daydreaming about pretty patinas, sea glass and distressed wood and leather.

London

2011-08-11T09:52:00.000-07:00

I just received an email from one my best friends who happens to live in London. She described the area she grew up, and where her mom still lives, as "smashed to bits." She also proudly mentioned that it is the same area where the community came out with brooms to help with the clean up. This kind of mayhem is always so frustrating; it's nice to see a story about community coming together amidst thuggery.

Incidentally, the illustrator's name is Emmeline Pidgen. I found the image on print and pattern. You can find Emmeline Pidgen's twitter page right here.

No Dog Days Here

2011-08-10T10:06:00.000-07:00

While the rest of the country cooks, I sit in the fog. I'm not complaining, though. But the incessant fog does make me long for long, lazy days of summer filled with a little too much sun, swimming, reading under a shade tree, summer camp and summer crafts. It's more of an idealized vision than the summers I actually grew up with, but I sure do miss having so much leisure time.

My Husband, Some Hotshot

2011-08-03T10:37:00.000-07:00

...and quite possibly the only person who reads my blog.

I was analyzing an arrangement of objects on my new dresser, thinking about triangles and pairs, and I made the mistake of mentioning it aloud. Sometimes it's best not to over-think design, but what the hey I was bored. So I told him that I wanted pairs for the design - like the intertwined elephants and the russian icons. But I also would like to include something from his comic book/cartoon aesthetic, so our apartment reflects both of us and doesn't feel too girly. When I asked for a contribution to the design from him, this is what I got.

To be fair, I did say I wanted pairs.
P.S. Does anyone remember the commercial I referenced in the title?

Making Monday #3

2011-08-02T10:21:00.000-07:00

I'm really digging these Making Mondays. Yesterday, I made a terrarium and apricot-almond granola. I wonder if the terrarium will live or not. But since the whole thing only cost thirteen dollars to make, I'm willing to take the chance. I followed these instructions at Sweet Paul.

I used to follow recipes for granola, but now I just throw whatever I've got in and it seems to turn out the same.

More Sergey Prokudin-Gorsky

2011-07-30T10:00:00.000-07:00

I wrote about this fascinating photographer a while back. He developed a special technique for color photography in the early 20th century, which makes it such a rare treat to look at his work - like stepping back in time.

Second Official Making Monday

2011-07-27T09:45:00.000-07:00

The progress so far on my first ever quilt.

A mock-up I created in Illustrator.

So far I like quilting. The patchworking was super fun. I was intimidated at the thought of quilting since I was afraid my sewing machine would just chew up all my work, but it's handling the extra thickness pretty well. I just lengthened the stitch a bit, and it's all good. The hardest part is handling the rolled up quilt, as it's a bit unwieldy. I'm using a natural shade of organic flannel which makes it incredibly soft. I can't WAIT to curl up on the couch with this.

SF artists on Etsy

2011-07-26T12:25:00.000-07:00

I was going to post pictures of my second official Making Monday, but I got called into work. Money calls. Instead, here's a treasury I made of local SF artists/sellers on Etsy. There are so many talented people in the Bay Area. I'm thinking about doing a weekly feature on local artists as a way for me to discover other makers in my community. Plus, it's just so fun to look at all the pretty.

R.I.P. Amy

2011-07-24T18:04:00.000-07:00

An unbelievably soulful voice. So young. Not a surprise but still sad nonetheless. I hope you found some peace, Amy.

P.S. I wish I could remember the origin of this photo. I think it's a British pop artist. I did look but couldn't find the name of this particular artist. Wonderful image, though.

Little Things That Make Me Happy

2011-07-23T09:36:00.000-07:00

Like painting an old dresser that a friend gave me to hold my ever-growing cache of art supplies and control clutter. And finding super-cute ceramic knobs on sale at Anthropologie.

And best of all, finally checking this off my to-do list.

Making Monday

2011-07-18T19:30:00.000-07:00

A little while ago I got overwhelmed and fell into a funk and stopped working on my projects. It was only when I started getting back into them that I realized the connection between making (learning new things, crafting) and happiness...at least for me. So in order to add a little structure to my life and make time for making, I've designated Monday (a day off work for me) as Making Monday. I'm going to try to work on laundry, errands, etc., on other days, so I can really focus on learning a new technique, craft, etc. on Mondays.

So to kick off my new commitment to making, I started with something fairly easy - a wrap bracelet. I found a tutorial on the aptly titled blog Making Bracelets Blog. It never ceases to amaze me how generous bloggers, particularly makers/crafters, are with their knowledge and expertise.

So it was loads of fun to relax and learn how to make something. I used the recommended waxed Irish linen, which is a very satisfying material to work with. Not only is it inexpensive and comes in a variety of colors (I spent 75 cents on materials because I had everything else at home), but it's super malleable (kind of like dental floss) and ties, beads and knots easily. The elephant button was a poor choice because the loop needs to follow a smooth edge, but it's so cute I couldn't resist. It just requires a bit more patience when I put it on.

Monogrammed Napkins

2011-07-15T09:40:00.000-07:00

I was playing around with some scraps of fabric and made a couple of monogrammed napkins for my husband and I. I'm not too sure about the stars or the cool palette, but I'll definitely make some more in a different color scheme with just a simple "B" and "D." I'm trying to get rid of some of my fabric stash...so I can buy some more.

P.S. I could definitely use some more practice styling my photos. Because there's nothing I like more to snack on than a bowl of limes. ;)

Makes Me Smile

2011-07-12T13:08:00.000-07:00

This mural on a nearby school always makes me smile.

They've included lots of local spots of interest - like the Conservatory of Flowers and Claude, the albino alligator, who resides at the California Academy of Sciences.

They've captured the ballpark quite nicely. Along with the tourist sites, the parking police car is a pretty hilarious addition. Anyone who has ever had to park a car in San Francisco can certainly relate.

And look who's pitching? Fear the beard!

Another Good Reason For Creating Treasuries...

2011-07-06T04:40:00.000-07:00

It gives people hints for great presents. I made this treasury because I was thinking about pretty shades of green combined with brass and sharp angles.

A few weeks later, look what my sweet husband ordered for me from Smile Sophie!

Nice Package!

2011-07-05T10:17:00.000-07:00

I ordered this adorable tea towel from Patapri a while back, and when I received it I was so delighted by the packaging. From the customized wrapping paper and tidy presentation to the cute invoice, it's really making me think about how I can present my own handmade things so it's just a little more special.

Jewelry Artist Laurel Hill

2011-06-03T09:38:00.000-07:00

I am in love with this necklace and pretty much everything else made by jewelry designer Laurel Hill. I discovered her work through the fabulous blog Down and Out Chic, which happens to be having a contest give-away right now. Yay!

This beautiful, etched silver bombycidae moth even inspired a new treasury with shades of indigo and cobalt.

Poppytalk June Lookbook

2011-06-02T14:50:00.000-07:00

June Lookbook from Poppytalk - one of the best blogs around.

Another Pretty Treasury - Yay!

2011-05-31T12:00:00.000-07:00

I love being included in treasuries. It's just that little bit of extra encouragement that makes my day. This treasury involves one my favorite color combinations - pink and orange.

Hey, I Won Something!

2011-05-27T15:06:00.000-07:00

A while back I entered a contest on the lovely blog Mayamade. I won a $25 gift certificate to Green Rainbow Shop - a shop entirely devoted to eco friendly, organic products. I have to say that Eva was so helpful and generous in processing my order, and I can't wait to buy more pretty things from this shop. I received my adorable little teapot last week and have really been enjoying having something that is both pretty and functional - my favorite combination.

Nice!

2011-05-25T09:19:00.000-07:00

Etsy artist LaurelArt included my earrings (second row, last pic on the right) in her treasury of shrinky dink creations. I was hoping someone would put my work in a treasury. She's created a mood board for an upcoming craft party that, one would assume, involves shrinky plastic. Great idea!

Quilting Line and Color

2011-05-24T08:04:00.000-07:00

I've been looking at Yoshiko Jinzenji's Quilting Line and Color for both technical information and inspiration while I attempt my first quilt. I love the minimalist, modern look of her quilts and projects. So so pretty!
P.S. Full disclosure: Since I wanted to blog about Jinsenji's pretty book anyway, I went ahead and set up the Amazon Associates feature which monetizes any traffic the book gets at Amazon through this blog.

A Happy Cacophony

2011-05-23T09:55:00.000-07:00

Working on my first quilt. I really love piecing together patterns and colors and have been thinking for a while now that a lot of my illustrations, etc. have quilt-like qualities. I started collecting and dyeing old pieces of fabric over a year ago to create a range of greens, yellows and blues. Now I'm finally putting them together.

Now I just need to make the cacophony of loud colors and patterns on my bed look like the layout I created below:

Disco Treasury

2011-05-15T16:59:00.000-07:00

So I'm still listening to cheesy music and making treasuries.

Geeking out to 80's music

2011-05-13T10:47:00.000-07:00

The other day I was listening to the song "These Dreams" by the 80's band Heart. Guess I was feeling nostalgic for giant hair and shoulder pads. I love their version AND the parody. With so much imagery in the lyrics, I thought it would be fun to make an Etsy treasury. And it was! I'm such a geek...

Cards, Cards, Cards

2011-05-13T10:18:00.000-07:00

I made mother's day cards for my mom and my mother-in-law. They were so much fun to make that I made a BUNCH more. I couldn't stop myself. Patterns and colors started jumping out at me every time I looked at a piece of junk mail.

I wound up selling most of them. Now I'm thinking about making a couple of smaller sets of Thank You cards to sell on Etsy. Has anyone had experience selling paper goods? I would appreciate any tips.

More Isabelle de Borchgrave

2011-04-27T14:13:00.000-07:00

I blogged about this exuberantly creative artist back in February based on a current exhibit at the Legion of Honor. Here are a couple of her lovely paintings. They are not part of the exhibit. You can see more of her work on her website. Just something lovely to look at on a Wednesday.

The Girl In the Pink and Gold Sari

2011-04-21T08:54:00.000-07:00

I created another treasury yesterday. I recently started making treasuries because it's just a really fun and relaxing break from the day. It was only yesterday that I realized what an excellent creative tool it is. Picking a subject related to my own project lets me create a virtual moodboard without having to break out the scissors and glue. I know, duh, right? What can I say? I'm a newbie.

Wednesday

2011-04-20T17:29:00.000-07:00

Middle of the week. Hump day. My Saturday. Here's something I'm working on in progress. The scarf is my source of inspiration. We'll see how it turns out. You've gotta keep experimenting, right?

Barry's Jellies

2011-04-19T18:45:00.001-07:00

My husband took this picture when he and I went for a little walk on the beach Saturday. We saw several moon jellyfish, and even though it's sad because the tide is not likely to bring all those jellies back into the ocean, I really love this picture. I guess it sort of fit my melancholy mood on Saturday. You can check out his blog post here.

My New Favorite Blog

2011-04-16T09:47:00.000-07:00

I spend way too much time looking at way too many blogs, but here's a site that never fails to refresh me creatively: Studio Sweet Studio. At first I thought it was only tours of various artists' creative spaces, which in and of itself is still super cool, but if you spend a little time you find that there are all sorts of features. Besides interesting interviews with illustrators and designers, there are also some cool features like a section where artists share their process and sections called "tutorials" and "ideas."

It's easy for me to zone out after looking at too many blogs/sites because I'm spending too much time being a passive observer. I love how this site seems to encourage a little more thought and action.

Cherry Blossom Festival in SF

2011-04-15T13:07:00.000-07:00

I think it's this weekend. I'm working pretty much all weekend, but I may try to get over because it's always so so pretty.

Spring Blooms

2011-04-14T18:28:00.000-07:00

I needed a little downtime yesterday, and I found the most relaxing way to spend it - Treasury Lists on Etsy. It's just so fun to pick a theme or color combo and start exploring! Here's the link if you want to check any of these artists out.

Current Distraction

2011-04-13T14:40:00.000-07:00

Admittedly, it doesn't take much to distract me. But lately I've been sort of obsessed with these leather bags and pouches by rennes on Etsy.
The leather looks really soft, and I love the contrast with the ticking fabric. The only problem is that if I buy one, I will be compelled to get a leather pouch to go with it. But which to choose? Pink?

Or pewter?

Very pretty and they look to be very well crafted. I'm not allowing myself to make any purchases for a couple of months because I'm saving for a plane ticket. I just hope there are some bags left in her shop in June!

Fused Glass Originals by Nikki Contini

2011-04-11T13:11:00.000-07:00

Last week I finished making my wonderfully talented friend Nikki Contini's Etsy banner and I have to say I'm really happy with how it turned out. Her work, much like her, is vibrant and colorful and full of whimsy and heart. Love the happy orange she chose! She is planning on adding a number of new pieces to her shop. Can't wait to see what she comes up with.

Have a Lovely Weekend.

2011-04-08T16:47:00.001-07:00

7:365, a photo by vi.llette on Flickr.

Just needed something serene to look at. I'm feeling a little overwhelmed today, like every thing I do is an uphill trip - both ways. I found myself hitting the reload/explore page on Flickr. It's so satisfying to find such lovely images.
(click on the photo to take you to the artist's flickr.)

And the Winner Is...

2011-04-05T09:54:00.000-07:00

We drew a name out of a hat last night. And the winner is... Nikki! Nikki, since you requested a more petite pair, feel free to choose one of the smaller pairs in my shop.

Well, this was fun... Thanks so much to my friends for the sweet comments. And thank you to my friends who have been checking out my blog and shop lately. Supportive feedback is always so helpful in creative endeavors.

xoxo!

A Contest!

2011-03-25T10:11:00.000-07:00

I was just reading a post about procrastination (yes, by doing so I was putting off some research I needed to do) and had light bulb moment. It was a Top Ten Tips post and number seven was, "Figure out what motivates you." At first I thought it was kind of a useless tip, but then it made me think, "What exactly is it that motivates me?" The first thing that came to mind was, surprisingly, not money. It was positive feedback.

Last weekend I received a lovely compliment from a stranger on some earrings that I've been obsessively making for the last few weeks. Even though I had been planning to set up an Etsy shop, that little bit of positive feedback caused me to spring into action and work at a much quicker pace (making, photographing, researching, etc.) than I had been working at before. In fact, that one little compliment gave me the courage to walk into an indie crafts shop on my lunch hour and inquire about meeting with the manager to look at my earrings - to get even more feedback!

I've never held a contest before, so I'm kind of winging it here. First prize is the earrings shown above. I'll use a random number generator to pick the winner. All you have to do is leave a comment with any of the following:
a.) Your best tip for combating procrastination.
b.) What motivates you?
c.) Some constructive feedback on my jewelry. If you really hate it, it's probably not going to help motivate me to put myself out there. Moreover, if you hate my stuff than why would you bother entering a contest where the first prize is a pair of my earrings? (Just hit the link on the sidebar to go to my Etsy shop.

The contest will go from today until Friday (4/1) at 1:00 p.m. Please leave your email or some sort of contact, so I can notify the winner. Or if you prefer, you can email me privately at duckndam@gmail.com Good luck!
(Yay! This is so exciting!)
Addendum: Due to popular demand (har har), I'm extending the contest through the weekend. I'll draw a winner on Monday. Thanks to Karen and Nikki for their sweet comments.

The Making of a Model

2011-03-23T17:15:00.000-07:00

I did some research before launching my Etsy shop, and one helpful piece of advice involved using props and models for photography. They recommended against actual models wearing earring, as that could be off-putting and unhygienic. (To be honest, I never thought of that. Although once it was mentioned, it made perfect sense.) Anyway, to give myself a break from photographing earrings in bowls, dangling from fabric and plants and overhead views on textured paper, I decided to create my own model. I thought it would make for an interesting prop while also providing a sense of scale. It turns out, making a cardboard model could not be easier. Just find a photo of one of your prettiest friends (Ask his or her permission, of course.) and blow it up to life-size, crop it and mod podge onto cardboard. I painted mine in a nice, neutral palette so that my colorful earrings would stand out. Finally, pierce the ear with an awl, and you have yourself a free model who always has the time to feature your earrings.

A few tips:
-Let the glue dry over night.
-Extract the background to make it less overwhelming to paint.
-A three quarter view looks nice.
-Make a pretty large hole in the ear (larger than normal), so that you don't stretch the earwires to get it in.
-Keep it simple. I really didn't want to spend a lot of time fussing over the paint job. Especially since I was going to poke a hole in it.
-Use your imagination. Maybe you could use a public domain image of a celebrity. Or an iconic face in art like the Mona Lisa.

Finally, if you don't like to paint, you can use a free program online to give a photograph a painterly look. Coincidentally, How About Orange (I heart this blog so much and so appreciate all the free fonts and tutorials she posts.) just posted about a free site that lets you do exactly that. It's called Psykopaint, and it looks like a lot of fun!

I'm Finally On Etsy

2011-03-22T18:06:00.000-07:00

Talk about being tardy for the party! I have been shopping and hearting Etsy sellers for so many years now... and I sort of knew it was just a matter of time before I started selling. For me it was a matter of making something that came only from me, and wasn't me emulating other makers/artists. It was also a matter of finding something I could make and sell at an affordable price, yet I wouldn't be working sweatshop hours to make it. Let's face it: so many of us love our cheap goods. And I'm no different. I have been known to shop the big box stores sometimes. However, I really do try to support handmade. I've decided I will continue to order my supplies from other individual Etsy sellers. I'm also going to feature more Etsy artists. There are so many talented and interesting people out there making things. It's pretty amazing when you think about it.

One Piece At A Time

2011-03-17T15:47:00.000-07:00

I bought ten of these drawer knobs for a dresser that I'm refinishing. Apparently, a lot of people swooped on the great sale at Anthropologie, and now they're back-ordered. I'm not really bothered by the delay since I haven't even started sanding yet. It just makes me laugh to get one knob in the mail. I received my first knob today. Woohoo.

I'm thinking of painting the dresser a creamy vanilla to offset the bright colors. Any other color suggestions?

Artists in Japan

2011-03-13T09:24:00.000-07:00

I was happy to learn that Yuko Uemura of PataPri, a printmaker based out of Japan, and her family are doing well. Like everyone else, I'm sure, I have been watching the devastation on tv with a sick, helpless feeling.

But here's one small thing I can do: I can pass along Yuko Uemura's Etsy shop and blog. She is very generously donating $5 for every towel sold at her shop.

Insect Imagery

2011-03-12T11:50:00.001-08:00

I love the Anthropologie print above. Insects are so varied and intricate and beautiful to me. The 2010 Fall Rodarte design (I'm so behind the times) really captures the intricate webbing quality of some insects (yet with a very simple graphic) in this very loose weave knit. Love it!

Gretchen Jones

2011-03-08T08:34:00.000-08:00

Even though I was definitely Team Mondo during Season 8 of Project Runway, I liked a lot of Gretchen's work. Why are there so many talented artists out of Portland? Anyway, I dig this blue dress from her most recent collection (I think) and what has now become her signature jewelry.

Lotta Jansdotter Blog

2011-03-05T09:05:00.000-08:00

I'm a huge fan of Lotta Jansdotter's simple, clean aesthetic, so I was very excited to learn via dalhaus (Heather Dahl's lovely blog) that Lotta Jansdotter started a new blog in January.

Makes me want to break out the fabric paint and make something new!

(Photo Credit: This photo is from Lotta's blog. I think it's from a class she taught, so I do not know who designed the fabric in the picture. You can see it for yourself at her blog.

My Favorite Oscar Gowns

2011-03-02T09:08:00.000-08:00

There was a lot of pretty to look at on Sunday. Here are my favorites. Dresses that I just had a visceral response to. Not surprisingly (to me), most of my favorites were hated by the people who create the best dressed lists.

Love the simplicity. Love the hair. Love everything.

I love how the skirt gradually gets deeper yellow, and how that bookends with her bright red hair. I also love how she stands out from everyone else.

Speaking of standing out...Interesting texture and shape. Wholly original.

I love this color so much and I'm usually not big on pastels. It's just so pretty on her.

It's a little princessy, but so pretty. She also looks so elegant for someone wearing so many sequins -- NOT like an ice skater at all.

I love blue and green together. It reminds me of peacock feathers and precious jewels. Speaking of jewels, I guess a lot of people didn't like her necklace, but I thought it was cool and made the whole outfit less standard.

Anybody out there have an Oscar favorite they want to share?

Isabelle de Borchgrave

2011-02-25T17:10:00.000-08:00

I saw the Pulp Fashion exhibit at the Legion of Honor the other day and was blown away. Looking at Isabelle de Borchgrave's paper garments is satisfying on so many levels. First, there is the simple pleasure of looking at something so beautiful. Simple as that. This is followed by a an admiration of her masterful knowledge of art history, garment making, painting and manipulating paper. Finally, there is something just so unapologetic and free about her work. It's not weighed down by a lot of heavy concepts. I suppose if her pieces had a utilitarian purpose, they would be considered craft. I've always felt that craft should have a place in the fine art world, and I suppose there are many examples where it does. I guess, for me, it was just nice to see such an elegant reminder of mastery and beauty for beauty's sake.

Check out her website if you want to look at a lot of pretty. Even the pictures of her giant studio with tons of books and paper are inspiring.

Two Very Clever Men

2011-02-23T09:08:00.001-08:00

I always love looking at house tours. My favorites are never the lavish homes filled with beautiful, expensive things. Instead, I'm much more interested in seeing how people work with what they have, working around the challenges of renting and elevating a humble space through ingenuity and DIY skills.
I saw this post of Jeremy and Ralph's incredible Spanish Harlem apartment over at Apartment Therapy and felt compelled to share. I am in love with the gold origami wall piece made from a $5 piece of poster board. So cool.

duckndam

PR - All Stars Ep 6 - "FashionMania"

Gallery of Multiples

PR All Stars Ep 5 - Taking It To the Streets

I Love...

Too Early For Spring?

Etsy Front Page

PR - All Stars Ep 4 - Flavor of the Week

I'm Intrigued

Happy Lunar New Year: Enter the Dragon

PR - All Stars Ep 3 - "A Present For Kermie"

PR - All Stars Episode 2 - "Off the Kahoonies"

I Like Her Even More Now

Pretty Reds

Just For Fun - Project Runway All Stars

You Gotta Have a Plan

Those Rascally Kids!

Fresh Start and Fresh Dishes

Nina Was Robbed

New Year's Eve Glitz and Glam

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A Christmas Miracle

Go, Nina, Go!

Sea Urchin Patterned Pendants Available In My Shop

Super Cute Stuff

Meta

Beautiful Music

Exercises

Doing My Own Thing

The Duckndam Factory

Making Monday...on Tuesday

Happy Thanksgiving

Save the Date

New Colorway

Happy Friday!

The Word Of the Day Is Impasto

Making Monday (Yesterday)

Etsy Front Page

Free Shipping For the Rest Of the Year!

Making Monday With Something To Show

Threads

Only a Little Halloweenish...

Fashion Is Smashin'

Making Monday But Not Much To Show

Want To Know a Secret?

Reciprocal Love for Hippie Kingdom

No To Do List Today

The Golden Light That Is Autumn

Finally!

Can't Wait!

It's All About the Cornstarch Slurry

Try, Try Again...

Color Story

Another Treasury Devoted to Shrink Plastic...Yay!

Weathered Beauty

London

No Dog Days Here

My Husband, Some Hotshot

Making Monday #3

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Second Official Making Monday

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R.I.P. Amy

Little Things That Make Me Happy

Making Monday

Monogrammed Napkins

Makes Me Smile

Another Good Reason For Creating Treasuries...

Nice Package!

Jewelry Artist Laurel Hill

Poppytalk June Lookbook

Another Pretty Treasury - Yay!

Hey, I Won Something!

Nice!

Quilting Line and Color

A Happy Cacophony

Disco Treasury

Geeking out to 80's music

Cards, Cards, Cards

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