Accessories And Fashion: March 2010

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Love This Designer

You know when you look at a designer's portfolio and you wish you could live there? That's how I felt about Ashley Whittaker's work. I could move in to any one of the homes she decorated and not change a thing. Well, maybe the sheets.

Ashley Whittaker Design

little bunnies

I saw this little tutorial in my Google Reader and
thought it was such a cute way to recycle little socks.

quickbunny

What sort of recycled crafts are you making this spring?

Monday, March 29, 2010

Bright Star

This weekend I watched "Bright Star" and fell in love. The costumes, the set decoration, the scenery, the script. Everything about it was beautiful and romantic and made me swoon. I think I'll watch it again. Design*Sponge did a post on it a while back. I love their "Living In..." series. Go read the post and then watch the movie. You're welcome, in advance.

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Interview with Susan Eastman

1. What is your shop address?

susaneastman.etsy.com

2. What draws you to using trashion materials?

I've been using found materials in my paintings for quite a while, so when I began making clothing & accessories it seemed natural to continue my interest in reclaiming used elements. there's such an energy to some things, as though they are asking you to participate in a conversation. I can't resist.

3. What trashion materials do you use?

I find all sorts of fabrics and used, high-quality clothing of mostly natural or highly interesting material that I 'continue'...cut-up, restructure, piece, pucker, embellish, paint...whatever seems to be needed. Sometimes I'll start with new fabric, but always add found materials or vintage buttons to give the new piece 'warmth'.

4. Do you remember the first thing you made using the trashion concept?

My first 'trashion' piece was a very complicated pullover sweater that took me three full days to complete. I still have it. I even discharged some of the fabric using hand cut shapes from old mouse pads.

5. Where do you find your inspiration?

I find my inspiration in peeling billboards, rust, wrinkles, mold, the deteriorating, the ignored, the overgrown. My favorite visual Artists are antoni tapies, sigmar polke, julian schnabel, magdalena abakanowicz, arnulf rainer, joseph beuys, lee bontecou, lee krasner, pollock, raushenberg, etc. favorite designers are comme des garcons, vivienne westwood, yamomoto, & rodarte.

6. What kind of impression do you intend for your work to leave with the viewer/wearer?

Saturation.

7. What are your current projects and what is on the horizon?

I go back and forth between making Art and making Art wear. Currently, I'm busy filling orders for boutiques, scheduling shows, and posting new photos on my etsy shop. I'm working on a collection of spring summer designs now, also thinking about adding some mixed media collages to my etsy shop, starting a blog, and approaching galleries.

Images © Susan Eastman
http://www.susaneastman.etsy.com/

Friday, March 26, 2010

Spring Break!!!!

This past week was our Spring Break. Not a very eventful Spring Break but a relaxing time for sure. I was able to take a day off and we had a wonderful, fun-packed family day. We had a great lunch, including a pizza with almonds on top, sooo yummy! Finally went to the new Hobby Lobby. (The kids weren't sure this was on the "fun" list but I assured them it was. They loved it! :) Had a great time at Zoo Boise, one of our favorite places. Visited Grandma & Grandpa, who are serving a mission for our Church. Ate way too much ice cream. And ended the day (by then it was night) with a trip to our favorite thrifting spot, Saver's. It was a fun, fun day with my 4 beautiful, amazing children.

Hope you all have a great Spring Break, or just Spring!

Windmill

I really want a windmill now. Look how beautiful it is...

Photo from here

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Like Buttah

Yellow was always my "go-to" color. I have branched out a bit more but I still am drawn to it's buttery goodness.

Photo from here

Buy prints here and here

Photo from here

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

How To Mix and Match Patterns

An easy way to add interest to any room is to add accessories in a variety of fabrics. I know many people are afraid to mix and match patterns, however, it is really quite simple. Begin with a pattern that is already in the room. If there are no patterned fabrics in the room then find a print that has the colors from the room and a pattern that you love. Remember, decorating is emotional....you want to surround yourself with things that make you feel good.

Follow these 3 tips and you can't go wrong:

1. Have only one of each type of pattern....one large overall print like the floral above, one stripe fabric, one geometric like the diamond and one texture like the tweed.

2. Each of the fabrics you are introducing to the room should include one or more of the colors from the rooms' color scheme.

3. If the ambiance is extremely formal or very casual then the texture of the fabrics should reflect the feeling of the room. Silky fabrics or fabrics with a sheen like silk and velvet tend to be formal, while nubby textures with a dull finish are more casual. If the room is neither extreme, then you can add a combination of both textures.

Remember, your homes' decor should reflect your personal style.

MOO and super eco friendly paper

If you are not inclined to DIY your business cards, what about MOO?
Moo announced yesterday, " on the 22nd March we will be replacing
our current green stock with our new ’super eco friendly paper’."

"Made from 100% Post Consumer Waste and FSC certified, the eco credentials for this are even more amazing than our previous paper. It’s made with electricity generated by renewable, non polluting wind power from Green-e. (Green-e is the nation’s leading independent certification and verification program for renewable energy products, they ensure strict environmental and consumer protection standards.) Process chlorine and acid free, the paper has been manufactured in compliance with the standards set for alkaline papers by the American National Standards Institute."

Only thing is, they're kind of expensive
50 cards – £14.99/$24.99/€17.99
200 cards – £47.99/$79.99/€57.49

What are some more green business card options?
I found this post The 2 Best Green Business Card Options
Where do you get your green business cards?

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

So You Think You Can Decorate?

I found this decorating contest yesterday and I love all their ideas. Very inspiring. Now I'm all antsy to
go to my local thrift stores and get busy!

Click on the link so you can vote. So You Think You Can Decorate

Monday, March 22, 2010

Mixtape Monday.

The Anniversary- Your Majesty

I've been listening to this album all week.. so good.Great memories. Check them out if you never heard of them.. and if you haven't..uh, have you been living under a rock?

Since Spring is here I started making my spring bows! ^_^

They're girly, feminine, sweet, small, large,lace, vintage, and a fresh of breathe air. I love em' so far. Perfect for every age! Prices will rage from $8-$12... not too shabby.

Spring Bows Available soon!

Speaking of Spring... that could only mean one thing.. Weddings!! Oh, and Prom..!(which isn't for a couple of months, but still)

I've just received a request to do a wedding, which I love to do! I'll be working on the Brides hair piece and all of her bridesmaids! Super fun! And can you guess her theme...? Old Hollywood Glam. Right up my alley! I'm so excited to get busy on this one. I'll post pix when I'm done!

Oh this just it....

Sara Prado rocking her custom Gold & Pale blue feather earrings at the Peoples Revolution Fashion Show made by yours truly. Holla. Free publicity. Love herrr.

ok.. i'm out.

How to Welcome In Spring

You Begin with this...

Then it becomes this...

Add a little water to get this...

Lovely!

Check out the Postcarden website to see their other amazing designs. So fun. I want to send one!

Friday, March 19, 2010

Spring!

Easter Bunny & Eggs, hand-carved stamps by tresijas

We Trashionistas have been busy

upcycling all winter long

and eagerly anticipate

the good weather and all of the

fairs, festivals, and flea markets!

Hop by our shops and take a look!

Images © tresijas

www.etsytrashion.etsy.com

UYU Design

I have to introduce you to one of my favorite buys of the last year, Uyu Wristlet Key Fobs. I love mine. I never lose my keys in my purse, the strap is super comfy, and it is beautiful fabric. Check out my friend Judi's Etsy shop, Uyu Design. They are amazing and I know you'll love yours as much as I love mine. And buy one for your friend, you know she wants one too.