Creative Collaboration

At the right you'll see a slideshow from my recent collaboration with Rebekah Schott Photography, Angie Rogers (hair and makeup) and Judith Lovingfoss, model.

Photo shoot with Rebekah Schott Photography

It was a beautiful day yesterday. The sky was clear and blue...the sun bright and warm- perfect for a photo shoot.  My most recent designs include tops, tunics and dresses designed from vintage Vera silk scarves...lots of geometrics and mixed prints.  And, of course, color.  I had the privilege of having my Spring/Summer 2012 collection photographed by Rebekah Schott who had just returned from NYC's Fashion Week.  Rebekah and I met at the Red Dirt Festival in Redlands last fall when she suggested we collaborate on a lookbook project.  She arranged for a professional model and hair and makeup.  I loved seeing Rebekah's interpretation of not only my designs but our home and outdoor space.  The alley has never received so much attention! Great perspective.  And our friendly neighbor, Barry, invited us to use his wonderful rose covered arbor, as well.  It's not every day you can have a gorgeous six foot model posing in your backyard. (Well played, Mr. Michaels. )  While I anxiously await Rebekah's photographs, here are a few snaps of the three of them at work. (You'll recognize Rebekah...she's the one with the camera.)

Angie Rogers, hair and makeup.  Judith Lovingfoss, model.

Angie Rogers, hair and makeup.  Judith Lovingfoss, model.

Angie Rogers, hair and makeup.  Judith Lovingfoss, model.

Angie Rogers, hair and makeup.  Judith Lovingfoss, model.

Angie Rogers, hair and makeup.  Judith Lovingfoss, model.

Angie Rogers, hair and makeup.  Judith Lovingfoss, model.

Angie Rogers, hair and makeup.  Judith Lovingfoss, model.

Angie Rogers, hair and makeup.  Judith Lovingfoss, model.Add caption

You've been served!

I've been collecting vintage game boxes for years. Most of them housed incomplete games that I've salvaged parts and pieces from for various projects. I love box graphics and couldn't part with them. So I recently decided to do something with them.  We had a large serving tray that served as a sort of coffee table on top of our double ottoman. It was your basic brown with a rattan base. The rattan base was a refuge for crumbs and that always bugged me. So I decided to cover it with the cardboard box graphics.

I started with my collection of cardboard and trimmed off any cracked or damaged areas.

Because the bottom of my tray wasn't flat, I asked my husband to cut a piece of plywood to fit into the tray. (If you have a flat bottomed tray or surface, this step won't be necessary.)

Then I created a border around the edges by trimming the cardboard pieces in varying lengths but the same width.  I glued them down with white glue then used a brayer to flatten them down.

The next step was like creating a puzzle in the interior with varying sizes of box pieces.  I used a heavy duty paper cutter to trim the cardboard but you can also use an Xacto blade to make your cuts.

After gluing down all of the pieces, I applied three coats of Mod Podge to seal the paper. I let each coat dry at least an hour.

I then applied three coats of gloss sealer.  Again, I let each coat dry at least an hour.

I painted and sealed the wooden tray and inserted the wood panel. Since the tray was cut at an angle and the sides of the plywood were straight up and down, there was a slight gap between the two.  To close the gap, I inserted a fringed paper trim.  (I had purchased a roll of this fun paper ribbon at the New Stone Age Gallery last year without a clue as to what I'd use it for.)

The completed project- a fun, colorful transformation!

Turn a favorite photo into a photo mosaic!

Cruising through the internet this morning I found this free software to create those beautiful mosaic images- the ones that look like a photo of something until you get up close and see that it's made up of hundreds of small images that create a rendering of the original photo.  This is the first one I made (surprisingly easy) and I plan on making many more!  The software AndreaMosaic can be downloaded here.  I think it's pretty cool that these software designers offer their products at no charge.  You can upgrade to a more enhanced version for a price or make a donation through Paypal.

Buenos Aires

We spent a week in Buenos Aires earlier this month and thought I'd share some photos.  We loved the city.  The people were open and friendly and the city's variety of neighborhoods, public art and museums were easily accessible via the subway or good old fashioned walking.  The city loves its dogs- they're everywhere.  If only they would clean up after them, it would make walking a little less hazardous. We didn't let it get us down...but we did tend to keep our heads down a little more than usual. My favorite activity was Foto Ruta- a photographic tour of Buenos Aires. We met in a small cafe in the San Telmo district where we met the other participants.  Then we were given a set of 10 "clues" or prompts for photos. We went out and explored the neighborhood, took our photos, and met back with the group to share them. Loved it! The cuisine is centered around grilled meat and the local artisans follow up with fabulous designs in leather and horn.  Their philosophy is "todo vaca"- the whole cow.

Join me at Redland's Red Dirt Festival

I have a new spring collection featuring tops, tunics and dresses in stunning geometric prints- all designed from vintage scarves and textiles.  I'll also be showing jewelry and accessories.  Smiley Park is a quaint little spot next to the police station complete with paved sidewalks and lovely sculptures.  The show's organizer, Vickie Bruce, has assembled an exciting variety of potters, textile artists, jewelers, and metal workers from the local area.  This is a fun little show...so why not plan an afternoon in Redlands? You can walk across Cajon street to Citrus and State streets and visit some great local shops and restaurants while you're here!

Saturday, April 28, 2012

10am to 5:30 pm

Smiley Park (Corner of Cajon and Vine) in Redlands

Never be afraid to try something new

... Remember, amateurs built the ark, professionals built the Titanic.     Unknown

For the past few months, I've felt the need to stretch myself in my design work.  Since I started sewing clothes a few years ago, I've always recycled existing garments or used a base piece to design from.  Over the last several weeks, I've been putting together a collection of vintage silk scarves- bright geometric prints. 

Today I decided to try to create my own textiles by sewing the scarves together, combining prints and colors in unexpected ways.  By "making" my own fabric, I feel like I'm adding an additional creative element to my work.  The next big step was designing a dress from the yardage I created.  When I first started, I'll admit I was very nervous. As I was cutting up the beautiful scarves,  I wondered whether I would regret it. But then I began to enjoy the process of mixing the prints and once I had a couple yards completed, I was ready for the next step.  

The draping process was the next challenge. It was intuitive and surprisingly, fun.  I actually realized I was smiling while I was working.  Then the doubts set in.  Would there be enough room in the sleeve to lift my arm? How would the bias drape fit across my back? Through a back and forth process of dressform design and trying the dress on my own body, I created a fit that was just right.  Trying on the completed garment, I realized how good it feels to wear clothing that is custom designed.

As it turned out,  the process wasn't nearly as scary as I expected it to be. Yes, there were moments of self-doubt, but the sense of accomplishment in completing the challenge more than made up for the fleeting negative thoughts.  

So what are you waiting for?  What is that you're afraid to try? I encourage you to do that thing that you think you cannot do.  Take the leap! And be prepared to be surprised what you're capable of.