Designers Tea at Rumba, Santa Monica

I want to share with you some wonderful photos of the Designers Tea that took place on Sunday at Rumba in Santa Monica, CA. First off, Rumba is an awesome store filled with art, home accessories, and refurbished vintage pieces. Everything old is new again with wonderful fabrics and finishes! You can read an interview with Kimba, owner of Rumba, from March on Apartment Therapy LA.


Second, featured at the Tea where Henry Road, Moye Thompson and Susan Fama. I originally was introduced to Henry Road in April on decor8. The bold patterns and colors are so fun for your table, couch or anywhere you need a sprinkling of color! I love the idea shown here of hanging a tablecloth as wall art.


Make sure you check out the store and each designer. They are all small businesses, run by very talented women who do it all themselves! They deserve our support!

(All images courtesy of Paula Smail)

WEEKLY ETSY ARTIST!!

www.magicjelly.etsy.com


I came across Magic Jelly a few weeks ago and am so excited to the wonderful work with you! Magic Jelly is the brainchild of Karena, an Australian Illustrator who spends her days in front of the computer, and her free time emmersed in her craft. So far away and yet I feel we have so much in common! Her bio on Etsy Karena confesses to being happy when things are their messiest! I can related. You know you have done a good days work when you cant see the floor! ;)


In Karenas store you will find Greeting Cards and prints of her favorite works. Each print is one of a limited print run and numbered. It is also possible to personalize any of her prints with a name for a sweet, personalized gift.


Magic jelly offers this image as both a print and a greeting card! Perfect for Fathers Day wouldn't you say???

(All images courtesy of www.magicjelly.etsy.com)

I swear I have not fallen off the face of the Earth! Just been very busy and have had no time for fun and games. :( I miss my blogs!!! Thank you for bearing with me and checking in every now and then!!!

WEEKLY ETSY ARTIST!!

I realize that it is only Tuesday, but there are so many great and fun last minute gift ideas on Etsy, I want to do my post today instead!! If you are still pondering what Mom would love, look no further!


Blue Eggs & Bird Necklace
sudlow.etsy.com Birds are HUGE this year!! This necklace is only one of a variety that can be found in Rachael Sudlows Etsy shop! The bird is from Germany and is strung on a chain with 3 Chalcedony beads. Fun and perfect for summer!



Mod Mixed Media Brooch
queenthings.etsy.com How about a sweet crochet and mixed media brooch? I love the idea of all the different mediums and textures coming together in these pieces. Mom can wear it on a lapel, on a hat, or pin it to her purse!



8 Mix & Match Flat Notes
pinkbathtub.etsy.comMix and match 8 cards! You get to choose from a dizzying array of imagery! Combine them any way you would like! You're sure to find 1,2, or 8, that mom would love!!




No. 131: molly's hot eyelashes handspun and dyed merino yarn
luxe.etsy.com Does Mom knit??? Luxe has some of the most incredible handmade yarns on Etsy! Mom will never find the like in her local yarn shop!



Pink Coral Bracelet Size Small
ShopClementine.etsy.com This Coral bracelet is specifically designed for a petite woman! I love the shades of pink and the striations in the coral! What a unique gift idea!



Remember that shipping takes time, so place your orders ASAP! Be sure to contact each individual artisan for shipping costs and timeframe!!

(All images courtesy of each individual Etsy shop!)

Kelly Christy Hats Trunk Show

Just a quick post of photos from this weekends trunk show. The event was tons of fun! Lots of people came out for a great cause and we had a ball trying on different hats. I found it to be really amazing how each persons demanure and personailty changed with each hat they tried on.
I scored an Antique Straw Beach Hat. (One day I will post a pic!) I also ordered an awesome mens fedora that is being made specially for my noggin! Now THAT I am excited to wear!! With summer coming, these hats will be getting their use!!

One of Kellys awesome art hats was on display. Her new Goat Herder Scene is so cute! It was really nice to see one of these hats in person.

You can see more of Kellys creations on her website.

Otis Mannick & Katy J.

Last week I went to see Otis Mannick play with his new band. Sporting a new electric guitar, Otis rocked!!! It just happened to be his birthday and I was glad he chose to celebrate onstage.

Otis is awesome. His words are vulnerable and full of heart break and self reflection. He is at home on stage, revealing his life through song. Singing with his eyes closed as if he was alone in the room, we the audience become voyeurs into his private pains. Off stage Otis is the nicest man you are likely to meet. A little wacky yes, but you gotta love it! You can check out his music, without the band, here.

The best surprise of the night was Katy J. She went on before Otis and I was mesmerized! WOW. There's not much else I can say about this girls talent. Katy J has a raspy voice that is so kind and velvety. She belted out songs with such a perfect blend of vulnerability and power. I don't really know how to describe the feeling other than I was blown away! Check out her sound here.

Do you have a favorite local band or musician?? Give them a shout out! Write a comment linking to their sites!

Events this Weekend

Christine Adolph Workshop


So much to do, So little time!! I am so excited to pass on that Christine Adolph will be at Creative Paradise Scrapbook doing a "make and take" this Saturday!! The first 50 people there will get to make this sweet Mothers Day card with her. Christine will also be doing demonstrations using some of the products in her line! If you are unfamiliar with Christines lovely patterns and style, click over to her blog and feast your eyes!! This event is sure to be a crafters delight!!

The Details:
When:
May 6th, 12-4 PM
Where:
Creative Paradise Scrapbook
Located on the outside of Westfield Fashion Square Mall
14006 Riverside Dr., #119
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
818-995-6127

(Images courtesy of Christine Adolph)

Events this Weekend

Kelly Christy Hats Trunk Show


I originally wrote about Kelly Christy Hats in April (read all about it here!) I am so excited to announce Kelly is in L.A. and will be having a trunk show this weekend in Pasadena! I am hoping to find a fantastic straw hat for the beach. I know my problem wont be if I can find one, but how not to blow the bank buying one of everything! (Sorry Honey!)
A percentage of all sales will go to benefit the Etiquette Institute of Pasadena, which is part of the Pasadena Unified School District.

The Details:
When:
May 6th, 2-6 PM
Where:
673 E. Ladera St.
Pasadena, CA 91104
Payment Methods:
Cash, Credit Card, Check


Tea and Sandwiches will be served. What a lovely afternoon for a wonderful cause!!

Weekly Etsy Artist

PBCBStudios.etsy.com

Just in time for Mothers Day, PCBC Studios is having a Spring Sale and I think these sweet paintings will make momma smile! Christin is a painter in Los Angeles who has been selling her wonderful watercolors on Etsy since Nov. 2005. Her birdies sing and tweet in delicate golden hues. She paints about truth and love. And isn't that really what Mom is all about?!



***Mention Creative Swoon in the NOTES TO SELLER box at time of purchase and Christin will be happy to add super cute complimentary gift wrapping!!! How can you beat that???***

(All images courtesy of Christin Ciaccio)

DIY Heaven!

There is an amazing post today over at Whipup that details a ton of DIY projects! They have collected a plethora of links from all over the web and world of varying projects, including the one pictured here! This is the Shell Button Necklace as done by Deepfriedkudzu. Honestly, I am so excited I don't know where to begin!
They are all fun and simple. Excellently described and detailed! Anyone can do it! So gather your supplies and get to it!!

(Thank you to Jessica over at Funky Finds for pointing out this awesome post!!)

Pillows For The People

I just got an email from Parisa over at Pillows For The People and had to share them ASAP! I love the fun patterns and quircky imagery! Each one is handmade and they come in a variety of scents like Lavendar and Chamomile Peppermint. Another great idea for Mothers Day I would have to say!

(All images courtesy of Pillows For The People)

Weekly Etsy Artist

modernatelier.etsy.com


We are continuing the Mothers Day theme with what else but Perfume!! But not just any ordinary perfume! Imagine scents like Irish Tweed, or Wood Coffee. Never heard of them before? Well you will now! Modern Atelier is a wonderful one woman perfumery that is now selling on Etsy. A graduate student with a degree in Urban Planning, Amy G. is a self-taught perfumer selling incredibly creative and yes, modern scents using a combination of essential and fragrance oils. The scents she offers are extravigant and unusual. With one whiff all the warm fuzzy feelings you associate with memories and places come flooding back to your mind. Amy even has an entire line of fragrances that are insprired by places in and around Richmond, VA where she lives. (Those ones aren't on Etsy because no one would know the places!!)

In addition to her magical perfumes, Amy also sells reed diffusers, which are great if you prefer to leave an air freshener in a room or can't have candles in your office, etc. The scent you choose is mixed with another ingredient to make it lighter so it will wick up the bamboo reeds. Once it gets to the top of the reed, then lift off!! The fragrance evaporates and "diffuses" into the air. Nice!!!

See ya later Glade! Hello Modern Atelier!

(All images courtesy of Modern Atelier)

A Collage A Day keeps the blues away!

I love the idea of making yourself do one creative thing everyday. It takes dedication and inspiration. Randel Plowan is the man behind the A Collage A Day blog. Everyday, without fail, through rain, sleet, snow, glue shortages, whatever, Randel has a new beautiful piece to share with us. Each one is 4"x4" and available for $25.00, including shipping within the US. How can you beat that?

(All images courtesy of Randel Plowman)

What is ETSY anyway??

I realize that Esty has not yet become part of the everyday vernacular, but it will! I am sure that you are starting to see it mentioned all over the place, including on this blog, but do you know exactly what a diamond in the rough this site is? Allow me to enlighten you! Esty.com is an online venue for all things handmade. No longer does the hand crafter need to fight for the spotlight on other e-commerce sites (Yeah, you know who I am referring to!). Now we have a chance to really be seen and help to support an incredible site.

The team behind Etsy is made up of a bunch of programmers with a dream. The programs they have written to make the site fun and interactive are fresh and creative as the "shop owners" they support! You can opt to shop by location, color, or from a random sampler. There is even a Time Machine to allow you to see items listed on a certain day at a certain time. Etsy is only 10 months old and, at the time I am writting this, has 9566 sellers from all over the world!

Esty is a great resource for anyone looking for cool and unusual Jewelry, hand dyed yarns, hand knit wears, art, homemade bath and beauty, purses, photography . . . I could go on forever. You should really take a browse and see for yourself!

Each week I spotlight a talented ETSY artisan hoping to help the real crafty people out there get a little love. With all of the family holidays coming up, and the numerous birthdays we all buy gifts for every year, make sure you bookmark Etsy, and check back often!!

(ETSY ROCKS badge courtsey of InCraftWeTrust)

WEEKLY ETSY ARTIST

karineriksson.etsy.com

Since Mothers Day is May 14th I will be spending the next few weeks focusing on trying to highlight unique Weekly Etsy Artisans who specialize in wares that a mother would love!



Karin Eriksson is a ceramisist living in Sweden. She hand crafts the most amazing pottery, vases, mobiles, teacups, etc. On her Etsy site you will find her tealights, and they are so exquisite! Made from bone china, they are extremely thin. When you place a candle in them they glow from the inside illuminating not only your space, but the patterns and illustrations she has applied to each one. They are dainty and precious. A perfectly charming gift for mom!

(All images courtesy of Karin Eriksson)

Curio J

Curio J is your one stop shop for lovely handmade jewelry. The necklaces have a wonderful typographic quality. All images are delicately hand drawn. The rings are carefully wired and delicate. Perfect for gifties or to spruce up your Spring wardrobe! Many of the items available are one of a kind or of a limited edition! If you fall in love with something, dont hesitate or it may be gone. (I learned this lesson quickly!) The Spring line is now available. Take a peek!

(All images courtesy of Jena Coray)

WEEKLY ETSY ARTIST

AliciaBock.etsy.com


Alicia Bock is a self-taught photographer who specializes in capturing the gorgeous flowers that grow all around her. Her Etsy store if full of wonderful photography and gift items. I am particulary fond of all of her Orchid shots and bright floral images right now. They scream "SPRING!!" and with all of the rain we have been seeing on the West Coast, they help make the grey days a little brighter!

I also love the little glass pebble magnets with fun birds and text that she is creating! Certainly will liven up a tired magnetic chalk board or fridge! And with all of their happy colors and sayings, they are sure to make you smile!



Also check out this great right up on decor8!!

(All images courtesy of Alicia Bock)

Kenichi Hoshine

Meet Kenichi Hoshine my new pal in NYC. Kenichi is a painter ". . . born in Japan, raised in New Jersey and educated in New York."(an excerpt from Kenichis bio) His work is elegant and soulful. There is a wistful nature, a longing or despiration intertwined in his imagery. Almost like a twisted fairytale. Peace. . . but then. . . no.

Picking just a few images to show you here was not easy. Check out Kenichis work on his website, and on A Polite Winter, a website he shares with fellow artist James Jean.

(All images courtesy of Kenichi Hoshine )

Kelly Christy Hats

The arrival of Spring means it is time to start planning for picnics and days at the beach. And all that time in the sun will require you to start keeping your eye out for a new hat to help protect your porcelain skin, right?! Meet Kelly Christy, Milliner extraordinaire!

Kelly is a talented and insightful hat designer with her own studio in the SOHO, NY. For over 20 years she has designed her own creations, and counts Bjork, Iman, Eric Balfour and Kate Capshaw as her clients. She has also collaborated with some of the top fashion designers including Isaac Mizrahi, Kennan Duffy and has teamed up several times with Diane Von Furstenberg. This gals hats will make you feel like sexy and fun, like hollywood royalty no matter who you are! They ooze glamour!! If the ones above are a little too fancy for your pants, check out her more casual everyday straw hats, and others.

The men's line is a total throw back to a time when Bogart was king, and the Rat Pack was running wild! This Springs men's line can be seen at Sieze Sur Vingt and StackHouse (276 Layfayette St.) in NYC.

During a show Apr 2003- June 2004, Kelly'’s Miniature Landscapes series appeared in the National Design Triennial: Inside Design Now at The Smithsonian Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum. These pieces are the most amazing works! You have not lived until you have seen them in person! The detail and delicateness that IS these creations is mind boggling! Her vision knows no bounds!

If you are going to be in the Pasadena, CA area the first weekend in May, Kelly is having a charity trunk sale, with part of the proceeds going to the Pasadena School District to benefit the Music program. Other events are in the works for her visit out West. Updates will be posted here!

As you can imagine, Kelly's bridal line is to die for!!! You can have a custom hat made by Kelly too! Click here to learn more, or for an appointment contact her at 212 965-0686. You are also welcome to stop by her studio/showroom just to say hello! She is there Monday through Friday from 12 to 6 or on Saturdays from 12 to 5.

(All images courtesy of Kelly Christy)

Jane Maxwell

With what I believe to be the ultimate commentary on the jaded views society has of the female form, I present Jane Maxwell. A Mixed Media artist based in Boston, Janes work is my ultimate eye candy, rich with layers and subtleties. Like many of us, she enjoys scavenging through flea markets and has collected a great number of treasures which she incorporates into her work.

Her Doll Deconstruction/Label Series is effective and poignant. Her explanation and thought process is deeply intertwined with the majority of women today and their own body images.

"Paper doll cut-outs, with their perfect, thin bodies and boxes of form-fitting clothes, are used as the central icon in an examination of women and negative body image. The most recent work in this series utilizes vintage food labels that were found at an antique/flea market. Many layers of these labels are first built up on the canvas. Then, using a vintage paper doll as the template, I carve into the layers revealing the silhouette. The food imagery both surrounds and becomes the figure-—effectively dominating her psyche-confronting the ways in which body issues consume and overwhelm many women." -Jane Maxwell, excerpt from the artists statement for this series

Janes work can be seen at the Newton Open Studios May 20-21, 2006. She also will also be part of the "Serious Fun: Whimsical Art by Fine Artists" at Nave Gallery in Somerville, MA in June 2006.

(All images courtesy of Jane Maxwell)