Virtual visit- Balenciaga via NYPL

    

I am often visiting the New York Public Library website. I find it tremendously valuable in many ways. It is a creative compendium of media. I like to look up digital images that can be inspirational for whatever I am thinking about for the day. Retro is always in stye and I think we all can learn something from the past. This is especially true for fashion. Well made clothing rules follow tried and true designs. The photo above from Andre Studios as part of a collection of sketches that can be found on the NYPL site in collaboration with the Fashion Institute of Technology is truly a wonderful public gift-free-priceless!

Take a look for yourself! Print out one or more and hang them! Together they can form a lovely decoration stylishly hung on a wall. 

Another cool wall suggestion *

These lovely letters came from the Marie Claire idees website. Print them out, gratis, of course-um, for non-french speaking, that's free! And hang them on your wall-





    

Then you can cover them with a plastic or vinyl sleeve, apply some double stick tape and voila!

It's instant decor art!



Who wants to get SLiCED?

I just noticed this enytry from the side bar on my blog site. Moda creates wonderful fabrics for the quilter and crafter. I think that "SLiCED" is such a fabulous way to get into the spirit of the fun competitiveness that is exploding on television. Why not, then, the internet? I will be tuned in... maybe an audition too!

Prelude to feminism-digging up " Daisy"

Encouraging our future through an enlightening past!
 Watch on PBS on this coming Sunday, February 5, 2012.

A Food Conference......just bliss

SMASH some ideas

I am so glad to see this clip. I have been doing this for years with composition books. I keep recipes, articles from the art and fashion sections of the NY Times, quotes that I love, funny things I've heard, ideas I get while doing household chores, books I want to get my hands on, sketches I ponder and create in my mind- the list goes on.

Did you catch the SMASH stick the woman is holding in this clip? So sleek and very appropriate.

Very unlike my fat and chubby glue stick!

Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day to you!

This day is a really ideal moment to share some African-American history with your children and pay homage to inspirational leaders past and present who have been motivated towards peace for all through peace and unity.

Start a tradition this day as I do with my family -

1. Read with your children, your grandchildren, your community children, your neighbor's children, and all children.

  

2. Play a fun game online. Who says learning can't be fast and fun?

3. Listen to a most wonderful account of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s historical and motivational life on WNYC.  This is a most beautiful program where the Dr.'s life is retold and interspersed with music from the different periods of his life. Absoulutely beautifully done! You will learn about other inspirational persons of interest from a most lovely African-American and American culture.

4. Make a great meal inspired by the diverse flavors of history with a touch of tradition!

5. Make something to honor the day!

•  Pick from here many great activities
• Make a craft from a tube roll
• Color Dr. Martin

6. Share some love! View the King Song and speech !

Enjoy the day! Why not create another day to celebrate in January! Make it something wonderful to look forward to!  Be inspired and celebrate with me!

Science projects, spooky, and other....well....things

This past holiday season has been very peaceful. I decided early on in the season that I would keep it all very simple. Hardship can inspire genuine creativity and keep the spirit festive, thankful and humble. I must truly say with all earnest that I felt most truly blessed this past year.

My eldest daughter moved out of our home yesterday into an apartment she will share with a sorority sister in Brooklyn and I feel most proud and prayerful all at once. Th excitment and unexpected lay before her. but, I remind her that she can return if she needs. She responds by stating casually, "Mom, don't worry, I'll see you guys on Sunday!" So, it's just the two days! Patience, I say. The time between visits will get longer. And, I guess my prayers will be more fervent. Talking to God will fit in with the rest of the days activities- woke up, chat with God, take the bus, chat with God, walk the dog, chat with God, etc. Please keep my babies safe!

And so this moves me on to our holiday picture. I wanted this one to be perfect before Kesia moved.

first shot

second shot

third shot

fourth shot

so that's that! Our memorable holiday 2011 pictures! Beauties, all of them! And the children too!



And now that it's January, for school children this means Science Project season! My youngest daughter has decided to do a project about spoilage and apples. I helped her a bit by supplying her with a book that I received in  my graduate school education class

 Spooky pics taken at a park near my home

 Family time during our school breaks



a giving moment

You could shop and sip

 and feel twice as great doing something that gives both you

and someone you don't even know some wonderfully uplifting and purposeful cheer!



Medallions are so old school cool

When I think of medallions, I think of the old school rapper's style. The gianormous (did I spell that right?) gold medallions worn by Hip Hop rapstars and with fashionable street gear, past and present. But, in the context of crafting, they can be chic, playful and very cute.

Just check out this fun tutorial from french Marie Claire Idees

Tres jolie, eh!

I made these for a friend of my daughter for her birthday. I hope she likes!

Oh, how I love this project! Quite easy and super quick to make! Forty-five minutes ( maybe a shorter time for a Super Woman) and voila! You're done!

Ahh, winter is almost here..

Greetings-
I have been MIA for a while now. How the time flies! Of course I have been busy because what parent isn't! And, the days seem to be whooshing by. Caring for my family seems to be the highlight of my days as the cooler weather here in New York ( Staten Island, that is) is just starting to kick in. And, frankly, I am ecstatic for it. The long indian summer has been great for extending the chores and outdoor enjoyment that comes with warmer weather in autumn. But, I feel a most strong procrastination setting in when preparing for the holidays, henceforth, I am later than usual with my celebration preparations. I have never been an early preparer. I never seem to have enough hours in the day. This means that, happily, I always have something creative or productive to look forward to in my days.

Now, I welcome winter with a smile! Time to slow things down..... and enjoy the season.

I have been trying to think of a way to make some extra money while I'm home and have accidentally fallen into making hats after experimenting with a crocheted beret. I am in love with making this hat. I think this is how artisans feel when they are making something they love. I get this feeling, that is the I created a masterpiece feeling, when I cook something wonderfully delicious and satisfying. I now feel like this with this hat. It is just a simple beret with a lovely removable flower. But, the magic happens when you put it on. It is transforming! Cute and slouchy and classy all in one! I love it! I want to make me one in many colors but I presently have orders to fill for others and that, excitedly, will have to put my own wishes to wait. I am happy to make something that ladies love enough to purchase from me and incorporate into their dress style. This feeling is very good for one's inner creative expression!

The "Rebecca" Beret can be purchased using the "Buy Now" button on the right.

The colors are beige, colonial blue, silver heather, eggplant, chocolate, toffee,

dusty purple, pink, rose, kelly green, aqua, black, white, scarlet, cranberry, purple mist, olive, espresso,butterscotch, silver grey, honey and mustard.

The hats are made of 100% acrylic yarn that is machine washable and dryable.

The berets are available in small/medium (21.5 - 22.5'') and

medium/ large (22.5-23.5").

Shipping is FREE!

Please allow 7-10 days for delivery as all hats are made to order.

Accepting USA orders only.

I will be setting up the hats and other items in an online store in the near future. Keep checking back! And thank you for visiting me!

Happy Holidays!