it almost makes my heart burst!
This wedding ring actually projects pictures of the couple onto a wall. *Sigh*
Found here
Friday, July 30, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Feature Me Friday: Candy Calamity
This week for Feature Me Friday, we have Emily of
Candy Calamity from St. Louis, Missouri.
Who is Candy Calamity?
I make jewelry and other accessories from recycled materials,
sometimes including candy wrappers like Starbursts, Dum
Dums, and chocolate bars, but always including what I call a
‘candy aesthetic.' I love bright splashy colors and fun modern
shapes.
Why work with recycled materials?
I love the challenge of working with a limited material set. It
inspires me to think of new solutions & techniques when I can
only work with the materials I’ve collected or had donated.
Where do you work?
My studio is in the front room of my apartment. It’s nice to
have a space to keep everything contained, or else I’d be finding
craft supplies sprinkled all over the place. I like to keep the
blinds on all 4 windows wide open to take advantage of daylight
hours, plus the birds outside keep the cat entertained.
What music do you listen to while you’re working?
I’m devoted to a local radio station, The Arch 106.5. I keep a
radio on that station all the time when I’m working. Today they
just played some Bonnie Tyler, Kenny Loggins, Green Day, Bon
Jovi and Soft Cell, so I’m rocking out.
What are the five best things you've purchased on etsy
and where did you find them?
Five handmade goodies that get almost daily use at my house
include:
A carnival photo set by bomobob framed in my dining room
A shine colander pin cushion from fellow trashionista Loneweever
2 corkboards by The Crafty Wino are keeping my office organized
Handmade mandarin bergamot soap and grapefruit
sugar scrub cubes from Bella Luna are the BEST
And my first every Etsy purchase:
some chocolate and lime arm warmers by Dyno
Read any good books lately?
I just finished A Series of Unfortunate Events, by Lemony
Snicket, which was a huge downer, and then I picked up
Love in the Time of Cholera, by Gabriel García Márquez,
which is also on the sad side – only cheerful books for me
from now on.
Who inspires you?
I have had the pleasure to meet so many awesome crafty ladies
(too many to name) through my two street teams: the St. Louis
team Show Me Etsy and the Trashion Team.
Being surrounded by all this talent gives me a huge boost to be
able to do what I do, without my two street teams I probably
would have quit long ago.
What do you do for fun?
I have a major sweet tooth and love baking and cake decorating.
I also live close enough to the Missouri Botanical Garden to go
visit the flowers and I walk around there all the time.
It’s a beautiful place.
Besides Etsy, where can we find your work?
I do a lot of shows in the St. Louis area. My next show is
the Tower Grove Farmers Market on August 21st.
This fall I’ll be at the Green Homes Show, September 25th,
Show Me Etsy’s Artropy show on December 2nd, and
the Every Artist Market, December 11th.
I’m still working on the full schedule, but I always keep an
updated list on my blog for anyone who’s looking for me.
How do you promote your work?
You can find Candy Calamity on Facebook
and I’m 2/3 of the way done with Craft 365 on Flickr.
I’m posting a picture of one crafty thing I do each day.
Have any words of wisdom?
Even if an idea seems totally crazy go with it!
You never know how things are going to turn out.
What's in your future?
I don’t know! That’s what makes it so exciting
"Now you can eat your candy, and wear it too!"
www.candycalamity.com
Candy Calamity from St. Louis, Missouri.
Who is Candy Calamity?
I make jewelry and other accessories from recycled materials,
sometimes including candy wrappers like Starbursts, Dum
Dums, and chocolate bars, but always including what I call a
‘candy aesthetic.' I love bright splashy colors and fun modern
shapes.
Why work with recycled materials?
I love the challenge of working with a limited material set. It
inspires me to think of new solutions & techniques when I can
only work with the materials I’ve collected or had donated.
Where do you work?
My studio is in the front room of my apartment. It’s nice to
have a space to keep everything contained, or else I’d be finding
craft supplies sprinkled all over the place. I like to keep the
blinds on all 4 windows wide open to take advantage of daylight
hours, plus the birds outside keep the cat entertained.
What music do you listen to while you’re working?
I’m devoted to a local radio station, The Arch 106.5. I keep a
radio on that station all the time when I’m working. Today they
just played some Bonnie Tyler, Kenny Loggins, Green Day, Bon
Jovi and Soft Cell, so I’m rocking out.
What are the five best things you've purchased on etsy
and where did you find them?
Five handmade goodies that get almost daily use at my house
include:
A carnival photo set by bomobob framed in my dining room
A shine colander pin cushion from fellow trashionista Loneweever
2 corkboards by The Crafty Wino are keeping my office organized
Handmade mandarin bergamot soap and grapefruit
sugar scrub cubes from Bella Luna are the BEST
And my first every Etsy purchase:
some chocolate and lime arm warmers by Dyno
Read any good books lately?
I just finished A Series of Unfortunate Events, by Lemony
Snicket, which was a huge downer, and then I picked up
Love in the Time of Cholera, by Gabriel García Márquez,
which is also on the sad side – only cheerful books for me
from now on.
Who inspires you?
I have had the pleasure to meet so many awesome crafty ladies
(too many to name) through my two street teams: the St. Louis
team Show Me Etsy and the Trashion Team.
Being surrounded by all this talent gives me a huge boost to be
able to do what I do, without my two street teams I probably
would have quit long ago.
What do you do for fun?
I have a major sweet tooth and love baking and cake decorating.
I also live close enough to the Missouri Botanical Garden to go
visit the flowers and I walk around there all the time.
It’s a beautiful place.
Besides Etsy, where can we find your work?
I do a lot of shows in the St. Louis area. My next show is
the Tower Grove Farmers Market on August 21st.
This fall I’ll be at the Green Homes Show, September 25th,
Show Me Etsy’s Artropy show on December 2nd, and
the Every Artist Market, December 11th.
I’m still working on the full schedule, but I always keep an
updated list on my blog for anyone who’s looking for me.
How do you promote your work?
You can find Candy Calamity on Facebook
and I’m 2/3 of the way done with Craft 365 on Flickr.
I’m posting a picture of one crafty thing I do each day.
Have any words of wisdom?
Even if an idea seems totally crazy go with it!
You never know how things are going to turn out.
What's in your future?
I don’t know! That’s what makes it so exciting
"Now you can eat your candy, and wear it too!"
www.candycalamity.com
Thursday Lovelies
I did it again..failed to update my blog. It's really hard to update every social marketing site I'm on! I have to deal with fancyThat, my persoanl stuff, HMMA stuff and I've been lacking on Watermark Studio stuff.. I need a intern who would love to get paid in amazing accessories! Hmm anytakes?? email me here fancyyThat@yahoo.com
Seriously.
So on the 18th I participated at the Grand Opening of The L.A Flea Market...and I'm not going to sit here and say it was a HIT but...it was so unorganized, awkward, hot, and weird.Haa.. I made sales but not exactly what I was excepting..know my potential in profits in a night let alone in a 10 hour day it was a little disappointing. I got a lot of compliments, press, new bridal clients, and I made some new vendor friends. So at the end of the day it wasn't half bad..but I think I'll stick to farmers markets, craft shows, and major events.
Speaking of events..I have a couple coming up in September, October, and November! Some pretty big events/craft shows, and if I could make it I'll be in San Fran for the Renegade Craft show. I'll announce more information as soon as those dates become closer.
Seriously.
So on the 18th I participated at the Grand Opening of The L.A Flea Market...and I'm not going to sit here and say it was a HIT but...it was so unorganized, awkward, hot, and weird.Haa.. I made sales but not exactly what I was excepting..know my potential in profits in a night let alone in a 10 hour day it was a little disappointing. I got a lot of compliments, press, new bridal clients, and I made some new vendor friends. So at the end of the day it wasn't half bad..but I think I'll stick to farmers markets, craft shows, and major events.
4:30 am... not fun! My half ass set up..
Speaking of events..I have a couple coming up in September, October, and November! Some pretty big events/craft shows, and if I could make it I'll be in San Fran for the Renegade Craft show. I'll announce more information as soon as those dates become closer.
Yesterday and Today!
So that's it for fancyThat..
As for me I've been busy at work getting more involved with HHMA. I have a couple music events I'm coordinating soon so my mind has been wrapped up in that.. on top of looking for an acting coach, working out, taking better care of myself, needing new head shots. blah..
I have a lot to do but It's all well worth it. Feeling a little foreign trying to get back to my main passion in life which is acting of course. So many casting/auditons in the next couple of months is going to be crazy. I'm so excited.
I have a lot to do but It's all well worth it. Feeling a little foreign trying to get back to my main passion in life which is acting of course. So many casting/auditons in the next couple of months is going to be crazy. I'm so excited.
ah..well, that's it for now.. until I remember to update..
xx
francis
When I Want To Feel Fancy
I devour this super fabulous blog...
Sometimes the rural life gets to me and I need to escape to a much more glamorous frame of mind. I'm so happy there are such beautiful blogs to take me away.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Thinkin' About Fall
I just got a catalog in the mail from Boden. I love their clothes! So classy and simple and pretty. Just how I want to dress. Here are a few of my absolute faves....
Now who's going to take me back-to-school shopping?
Monday, July 26, 2010
Do You Want the Top or Bottom?
I'm longing for a vacation that involves a good bunk room. And also involves a lake or a beach. And something called peace and quiet. All of those things are alluding me lately.
Photos from here
Photos from here
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Marketing Monday: Create Your Own Website
Do you have your own website?
Maybe you have great web design skills and you've done it all yourself?
Or maybe you had some help? A friend? Someone in the family?
Or maybe you have made your blog your website, because
Blogger now allows you to add pages to your website.
Recently, on design*sponge there was a how-to using WordPress:
Biz Ladies: Get a Website in a Weekend
Still seems a like a little too much for you?
How about flavors.me ? Check out the demo!
"Flavors.me allows anyone to create an elegant and dynamic
website using personal content from around the web for only
$20 a year." And you can try it for free.
There's also soopsee, where you can create a website from your
Etsy shop. You can import your Etsy listings, your blog, host
your site on your domain, and list other locations that sell
your work. And they have free accounts, too.
What other places do you know where you can create your
very own website?
Maybe you have great web design skills and you've done it all yourself?
Or maybe you have made your blog your website, because
Blogger now allows you to add pages to your website.
Recently, on design*sponge there was a how-to using WordPress:
Biz Ladies: Get a Website in a Weekend
Still seems a like a little too much for you?
How about flavors.me ? Check out the demo!
"Flavors.me allows anyone to create an elegant and dynamic
website using personal content from around the web for only
$20 a year." And you can try it for free.
There's also soopsee, where you can create a website from your
Etsy shop. You can import your Etsy listings, your blog, host
your site on your domain, and list other locations that sell
your work. And they have free accounts, too.
What other places do you know where you can create your
very own website?
Friday, July 23, 2010
Feature Me Friday: Alex Keller
This week for Feature Me Friday, we have Alex Keller of
alex keller and vintage by alex keller from Tucson, AZ.
Who is Alex Keller?
My passion is beauty. It encompasses fashion, art and design.
In my corner of the world, I have channeled it into making jewelry.
My line, Jewelry Recycled, was inspired at the jewelry counter of
a resale shop. It includes antique, vintage and resale jewelry that
I have reconstructed into fresh and {new} pieces.
My addiction is thrifting and antiquing. Vintage by Alex Keller
started as a place to sell vintage jewelry. It has grown into a curation
of housewares and décor that I would want for myself. These items
stay with me for a time, are rediscovered, and make their way to
new homes.
What’s the first thing you remember making?
The very first thing was probably clothes for my Barbies from scraps
of fabric leftover from my mom sewing our clothes. Then last year,
I picked up some old jewelry supplies and made a necklace for a
woman I met. She is a shaman I met in my previous career,
financial planning. We talked one day, and she helped me realize
what I already knew - I wanted to create.
Why work with recycled materials?
I was on my way to the Tucson Gem and Mineral show, which
is a huge event and very popular with jewelry artists. I had
stopped at a resale shop on my way there. Standing in line at the
cash wrap, I looked down to see a whole case full of jewelry.
So I thought, why not use what is already here?
Where do you work?
I carved out a space in our spare room. It is where we have the
family computer and it used to be a guest room with a futon.
But much to my husband's chagrin, I always take over the dining
room table which doubles as a pool table.
How do you get from A to Z?
I usually buy in bulk, so half the fun is separating everything out.
I usually get ideas from the pieces themselves, but also from fashion
magazines, catalogs, vintage pieces and of course all the inspiration
that is online.
What are your favorite tools?
My jewelry tools, and a watch repair kit.
What music do you listen to while you’re working?
I am one of those few people who likes to work in quiet.
What are the five best things you’ve purchased on etsy
and where did you find them?
This is the most difficult question. I am a complete Etsy addict
and spend everything I make on Etsy. Most of my purchases have
been with these talented artists:
paintings from sagittariusgallery
ceramics from mudpuppy and alyssaettinger
photography from citylight
clothing from iheartnorwegianwood and katetowers
marketing and design from TialeyStudioDesigns
Read any good books lately?
I am a member of The Slow Readers book club. We have read
Half Broke Horses by Jeanette Walls. I am a bit behind, with
Alice I Have Been by Melanie Benjamin and People of Paper by
Salvador Plascencia.
Been to any great exhibits?
Last year I was able see a fantastic outdoor exhibit at the Desert
Botanical Gardens in Scottsdale, AZ. Dale Chihuly installed an
exhibit of his glass works and it was the most amazing display.
I went twice. If you have ever been to Las Vegas, his work is at
the Bellagio.
Who inspires you?
My mom, who taught me a lot of crafting and recycling, and
my friends - we inspire each other.
What do you do for fun?
Shop! I love to go thrifting and antiquing, and of course, getting
lost on Etsy.
Besides Etsy, where can we find you work?
Besides Etsy, my work is at cosa verde, Emmaline Bride,
Indie Fixx Galleria, and next week I will be up on papernstitch.
Locally, my work is at a great shop called Pop - Cycle, where
all the merchandise is recycled and sustainable.
How do you promote your work?
There is a line from Glengarry Glen Ross, "A-B-C.
A-Always, B-Be, C-Closing. Always be closing, always be closing."
I am always promoting. I carry my cards with me everywhere,
I make treasuries on Etsy, I advertise online and I use social media.
All the links are on my new web page, Alex Keller Studio.
Have any words of wisdom?
A fortune cookie says it all:
"Doing what you love is freedom. Loving what you do is happiness."
What’s in your future?
I hope to continue to grow the vintage shop. I really enjoy
the thrill of the chase, and I will be expanding the vintage
blocks to include monograms and sports teams.
I also plan to become more focused with the jewelry shop.
My first pieces were more fashion and wedding inspired.
Then I did an architectual collection. Recently, I came out
with a new collection, Mid Century Modern. The pieces were
inspired by my love of mid century modern design.
I plan to introduce a new collection in September, something
that again combines my love for fashion and vintage.
alex keller and vintage by alex keller from Tucson, AZ.
Who is Alex Keller?
My passion is beauty. It encompasses fashion, art and design.
In my corner of the world, I have channeled it into making jewelry.
My line, Jewelry Recycled, was inspired at the jewelry counter of
a resale shop. It includes antique, vintage and resale jewelry that
I have reconstructed into fresh and {new} pieces.
My addiction is thrifting and antiquing. Vintage by Alex Keller
started as a place to sell vintage jewelry. It has grown into a curation
of housewares and décor that I would want for myself. These items
stay with me for a time, are rediscovered, and make their way to
new homes.
What’s the first thing you remember making?
The very first thing was probably clothes for my Barbies from scraps
of fabric leftover from my mom sewing our clothes. Then last year,
I picked up some old jewelry supplies and made a necklace for a
woman I met. She is a shaman I met in my previous career,
financial planning. We talked one day, and she helped me realize
what I already knew - I wanted to create.
Why work with recycled materials?
I was on my way to the Tucson Gem and Mineral show, which
is a huge event and very popular with jewelry artists. I had
stopped at a resale shop on my way there. Standing in line at the
cash wrap, I looked down to see a whole case full of jewelry.
So I thought, why not use what is already here?
Where do you work?
I carved out a space in our spare room. It is where we have the
family computer and it used to be a guest room with a futon.
But much to my husband's chagrin, I always take over the dining
room table which doubles as a pool table.
How do you get from A to Z?
I usually buy in bulk, so half the fun is separating everything out.
I usually get ideas from the pieces themselves, but also from fashion
magazines, catalogs, vintage pieces and of course all the inspiration
that is online.
What are your favorite tools?
My jewelry tools, and a watch repair kit.
What music do you listen to while you’re working?
I am one of those few people who likes to work in quiet.
What are the five best things you’ve purchased on etsy
and where did you find them?
This is the most difficult question. I am a complete Etsy addict
and spend everything I make on Etsy. Most of my purchases have
been with these talented artists:
paintings from sagittariusgallery
ceramics from mudpuppy and alyssaettinger
photography from citylight
clothing from iheartnorwegianwood and katetowers
marketing and design from TialeyStudioDesigns
Read any good books lately?
I am a member of The Slow Readers book club. We have read
Half Broke Horses by Jeanette Walls. I am a bit behind, with
Alice I Have Been by Melanie Benjamin and People of Paper by
Salvador Plascencia.
Been to any great exhibits?
Last year I was able see a fantastic outdoor exhibit at the Desert
Botanical Gardens in Scottsdale, AZ. Dale Chihuly installed an
exhibit of his glass works and it was the most amazing display.
I went twice. If you have ever been to Las Vegas, his work is at
the Bellagio.
Who inspires you?
My mom, who taught me a lot of crafting and recycling, and
my friends - we inspire each other.
What do you do for fun?
Shop! I love to go thrifting and antiquing, and of course, getting
lost on Etsy.
Besides Etsy, where can we find you work?
Besides Etsy, my work is at cosa verde, Emmaline Bride,
Indie Fixx Galleria, and next week I will be up on papernstitch.
Locally, my work is at a great shop called Pop - Cycle, where
all the merchandise is recycled and sustainable.
How do you promote your work?
There is a line from Glengarry Glen Ross, "A-B-C.
A-Always, B-Be, C-Closing. Always be closing, always be closing."
I am always promoting. I carry my cards with me everywhere,
I make treasuries on Etsy, I advertise online and I use social media.
All the links are on my new web page, Alex Keller Studio.
Have any words of wisdom?
A fortune cookie says it all:
"Doing what you love is freedom. Loving what you do is happiness."
What’s in your future?
I hope to continue to grow the vintage shop. I really enjoy
the thrill of the chase, and I will be expanding the vintage
blocks to include monograms and sports teams.
I also plan to become more focused with the jewelry shop.
My first pieces were more fashion and wedding inspired.
Then I did an architectual collection. Recently, I came out
with a new collection, Mid Century Modern. The pieces were
inspired by my love of mid century modern design.
I plan to introduce a new collection in September, something
that again combines my love for fashion and vintage.
Has It Really Been That Long?!
This weekend is my 20 year reunion. I don't understand how that is possible because I'm not old enough to be out of high school for 20 years! I don't feel old enough to have anything be 20 years ago. But *sigh* I am. So tonight I'll mingle with friends from the past and catch up on old times.
It will be fun:)
How's this for an 80's flash back? I'm the 2nd from the left. We were portraying Gun's & Roses for a pep assembly. Remember those? Oh, I loved them. I think I was pretty rockin'.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Trash Talk Thursdays: Trashion Christmas in July!
.
Shopping green?
.
Yes, there are 156 shopping days until Christmas,
but Trashion Fantastic isn't on sale every day!
.
Find unique gifts for unique people while saving the planet and a couple of bucks too!
.
.
Find Free Shipping of upcycled wool by Ginkgo Fabrics!
.
Save up to 50% off the funky yet fabulous vintage finds at. 
Free Shipping abounds at Wings of Flutter !
.
Ho, ho, ho it's Free Shipping with Sew Trendy too!
.
Save 20% on fab mixed-media upcycled jewelry at Anyone's Guess!
.
.
Images © 2010
www.EtsyTrashion.etsy.com
Free Shipping abounds at Wings of Flutter !.
Ho, ho, ho it's Free Shipping with Sew Trendy too!.
Save 20% on fab mixed-media upcycled jewelry at Anyone's Guess!.
.
Images © 2010
www.EtsyTrashion.etsy.com
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Can't.....Breath.....
I'm so excited it's killing me! Mad Men starts back up July 25th!!!! My Sunday nights will be occupied for the next few months. If you need me I'll be available Monday mornings. But only to discuss Mad Men.
The women, looking stunning.
The men. So bad and yet soooo good.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Old Crate Project
I have these old crates that I've planned on making into something. But I can't decide what to make them into.
Here are some ideas I'm mulling over....
Photo from here
Photo and instructions from here
Photos from here
Photos from here
What do you think?
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