Black & White Bling

I have been asked how I chose the name of my blog and business, what was my inspiration? It was obvious from what I do, I use buttons and bows in my sewing, decorating and crafting so it was a natural choice. But where did the bling come from? My answer to that question is an easy one, it came from all the pretty things in my studio.

When I started the re-design for my very first studio I decided on a black and white theme with green and pink accents. I wanted something to reflect the various icons of the fashion industry; like purses, shoes, pictures of couture garments and lots of shiny things. That studio was such a fun and inspiring space to work, everything had a place; it was organized and beautiful to look at. I worked in the updated version of my studio for about two years until we sold it and bought a new home. My studios since then followed along the same themes featuring black and white fabrics, fashion icons and accessories which have a bit of bling.

For my pop of color, this time, I used two tones of an icy blue on the walls and touches of hot pink as minor accessories throughout the room, very feminine and elegant. My newest studio is still a work in progress as I fine tune the furniture and cabinet layouts. Many of the accessories from the last two studios don’t work well in my new space, not enough walls and two extra windows, giving me less space for all my pretty pieces which give it the bling. I am working on new ways to bring it in without making the space seem small and cluttered.

Here is some of the pretty bling I did manage to bring into my studio so far.

This beautiful little piece was a birthday gift from my daughter; it hangs in the center of my studio surrounded by a black ceiling medallion, which I painted and hung.

These trios of candles are decorated with a black velvet flocked print on the glass; the insides of the candles have pretty sparkles embedded in the wax. Very elegant and just the right amount of bling.

These three little dress forms sit on a black floating shelf above my sewing counter, very fun to look at.

Just a few of the couture dress forms and miniature designer shoes I collect. Aren’t they pretty.

I have several of these black and white lamps around my studio both in the floor lamp and desk styles. I added a big black bow around the barrel shade, which my new daughter-in-law made for me. The bow was originally wrapped around a pretty box decorated with couture dresses and shoes. A great way to re-purpose your special ribbons.

This is a photograph of my Mom who is modeling a beautiful 1950’s black velvet dress with white satin ruffles at the neckline. She is also draped in white fur (Fur was not an issue then) and wearing black velvet shoes. Truly an elegant ensemble. She did a lot of modeling in the 50’s and 60’s, but this is my favorite picture of her, it sits above my long sewing counter so I can see her as I sew.

These original sewing patterns belonged to my Grandmother, they were given to me when she passed away along with a big box of fabrics. I mounted them on black and white print papers and placed them in black frames. The original pattern pieces and instructions are still inside the pattern covers and can be accessed at any time for future use. A handy way to preserve the patterns but still be able to see and use them.

Just a few of the pretty little things in my studio which inspire the bling in my work and my blog. I hope you enjoyed this little peak into my creative life. Someday soon when I get my studio just right I will post those pictures for you to see.

On a side note; for those of you tracking the adventures of the computer crash, I am still working on my little notebook computer while trying to learn Windows 7 and getting my new laptop set up. Such a process for someone who was stuck in the dark ages just a few months ago.


Just got the call….my IT people were able to retrieve all my data and photos, I will get a disk with all of it back tomorrow, I saved and shut it down in time, Yeah!!!! Woohoo!!! I am a very happy gal.

Thanks for following along with me today, look for my next post, hopefully on my new laptop, see you soon.

Where I bought it:

Lamps & Picture frames - Target

An Adventure

An Adventure

As I shopped for a new laptop I realized it was a lot like buying a new car, kind of stressful. Different models had different features, no one computer seemed to have it all, each one seemed to be missing some component I needed. It took going to the store I should have started with, not the last one I shopped in, before I finally bought one. A little voice kept saying, “go to the Sony Outlet Store”, where I purchased the last one. Did I listen, no, I ignored my little voice (women’s intuition) telling it to be quiet, we needed to shop around and look at all the laptops recommended to me by the “experts”. After much time spent on the internet, talking with my IT techs and three stores later, I still ended up at the Sony store. Why didn’t I listen and just go there instead of wasting a whole day? I could have been fabric or shoe shopping! The laptop I chose was the up to date version of the one which crashed on Friday, it has all the features I needed and wanted, finally. I guess I am just one of those Loyal Lindas who like to stick with what works best for her no matter what the newest in technology is. I had my laptop for over seven years so I know the brand and service is good. Let’s hope I am right and this one lasts me just as long or at least more then a couple of years. I will no longer be chasing the new technology with a very slow computer, I am now like everyone else flying through the internet at warp speeds. Look out world here I come! Woohoo!!

A couple of side notes:

I still don’t know if my pictures and data can be saved, I won’t know until Monday or Tuesday (still biting my nails, bad for my manicure, very naughty).

Finally, once I get all my programs and data loaded I will be back to sharing all kinds of fun projects and other goodies with you on a regular basis. I have high hopes for Monday or Tuesday.
Some of my future posts will include; Fall decorating part 2, Cut that Clutter part 3, Guest room makeover including all the DIY projects which went into it, some DIY and sewing tutorials, lots more bling and so much more. Look for me, I will be back with fun and photos, see you soon.

Computer Crash

Just a quick note to let you all know my computer experienced an untimely demise today, very unexpected I must say.  I was right in the middle of today's post (something to do with sparkles and bling) which means I lost it and everything else.  It's a good thing I have great IT people to help me try and retrieve all my data and photos.  Some of it was backed up but not my newest stuff, along with some family photos.  I know this  happens to many of you which means you know the sheer panic I felt when the screen started to go black.  I know better and saved everything, maybe I will get lucky and get it all back, the results won't be known until Monday or Tuesday (complete nail biter for me).   I borrowed a computer so those of you who follow me daily will know why they aren't hearing from me right now.  Tomorrow I get to go shopping for a new laptop, aren't I a lucky girl, not really my thing, a techie I am not  (I would rather shop for shoes or purses).  I was given LOTS of advice on what and what not to buy, wish me luck. The minute I get a new computer and can figure out how to work it I will be back.

Check daily to see how I am doing, I am going to try and figure out how to post my writings and pictures on another computer.  I have lots to share with you, keep looking for me.  See you very soon.

A California Fall

It’s finally starting to feel something like fall in California with cool, crisp days and nights.  We haven’t started the turning of the leaves yet and I still have roses blooming, but it finally cooled down last night bringing our first fall rain. 

For me fall means beautiful, lush, warm colors found in flowers, trees, fabrics and fall decorations.  I love to decorate my home inside and out in those lovely fall greens, gold, browns, rust and burgundy.  I enjoy the fall decorations so much I decorate every room in my favorite colors using fall leaf garlands, pumpkins, floral centerpieces, wreaths, candles, and quilted fall table runners.  Most people don’t really bother with decorating this time of year unless they have small children who like Halloween.  I personally don’t enjoy the Halloween decorations so I do fall decorations instead.  In November I add the usual turkeys, corn and gourds, which I leave up until it is time to decorate for Christmas.

The first decorations to come out on display are my quilted and non-quilted table runners; here are a few of the fall ones.  The rest of the decorations will follow soon.

This is a runner I bought from a young seamstress who was selling these at a super reasonable price.  I could have sewn one up myself but I wanted to help a beginning seamstress get a start making a living from the work she did.  I was working in an art gallery at the time and didn’t have time to make them myself, so I actually bought quite a few for several different holidays, she did a really good job on all of them.  I added a few fresh mini pumpkins with a candle centerpiece to bring out the traditional colors. The centerpiece will change again soon.

This little fall quilt sits on a cabinet in the dinning room.  I made this quilt with leftover triangles from a couple of large table runners I use on my dinning table.  I try to use as many of the leftover scraps from the making of my quilts and garments, no waste if I can help it.

One of the first things I change in my fall decorating is the dinning room table.  This table setting has a rust colored table cloth as the base, a leaf print table runner, brown woven place mats, a copper colored charger, and brown napkins with wooden napkin rings.  The center currently holds a vase of fall flowers and two large glass hurricane lamps with candles and burgundy glass pebbles.  The table sets the tone for the rest of the room decorations.

The very pretty little runner sitting on the entry table was one of the first quilted table runners I ever made, the bright colors and patterns make it one of my favorites. 

It’s time for me to go to storage this weekend and pull out the rest of the fall wreaths, ceramic pumpkins, centerpieces, candles and anything else I can find so I can finish my decorating.  I am running a bit late this year from trying to figure out how to write a blog, launching a new business and spending time with my new grand baby.

I was just thinking…one day life is slow and lazy then the next thing you know you get very busy and the holidays have begun creeping up on you when you weren’t looking.  Apparently I was napping in the California sun unaware the seasons had changed.  Better late then never.  So if you were not paying attention either, join the club and get busy decorating for fall.  If it isn’t a season you normally do any decorating for why not give it a try and see if you “fall” as in love with it as I am. 

Featured fabrics came from:  Homespun Harbor A Quilt Shop

www.homespunharbor.com

Where I like to buy fall decorations:

Michael's

JOANN Fabrics

Target

Kmart

Etc...

Contain That Clutter Part 2

Contain That Clutter Part 2

In part 1, I talked about editing (see past post), Today’s post is about how to organize all those small and large goodies (for me it is sewing notions) using unusual containers.  You are probably thinking here we go again; I have to spend more money on storage boxes, bags and whatever else is out there.  True you may want to do just that but if you are thinking of going a little bit green and leaving a little less garbage in the landfills, then you might find my ideas useful.  Keep in mind I use all these items at my work stations.  I have a working studio with several projects going at once so I have to be able to find things quickly; little stations around the room help me to know where to look for an item without wasting time. My storage solutions do just that, some you will know about others will be new to you. Remember some of this is out of the box thinking.

For my colorful buttons, which I use in my children’s line, I put them into a couple of different kinds of containers. 

For the larger flower buttons; I put them into glass bottles which held Starbucks coffee, I soaked off the labels in very hot water so I could see each button color (love the lids).

For medium and miniature buttons; I used little condiment containers we got   with our take-out soup order.  They all had lids on them which keep those pesky little buttons from escaping and rolling around on the floor.

My specialty, wide ribbons and larger buttons are kept in clear hair spray can tops.  They are deep and clear so I can see the colors and my ribbons don’t end up a wrinkled mess.

All of these items sit on a very old acrylic tray my Mom used at cocktail parties in the 60’s. Totally a re-purposed item, it now serves notions.

A couple of other containers I use to sort and contain buttons are clear glass soup jars, vintage Planters Peanut jars, nut jars from a hotel mini-bar, (paid a hefty price for those nuts) and plastic containers from Kentucky Fried Chicken which hold the side orders.  They are semi clear with snap on red tops.

To store small jewelry findings, seed beads and other small embellishments I use sample glass jars I get from the make-up counter at the department stores.

My bias tape, elastic and piping all go into a fabric covered box which coordinates with my studio colors (black, white & turquoise).

Some of my threads are stored in a large glass cookie jar and a clear plastic mayonnaise jar with a cute avocado green lid.

Extra scissors, a flashlight, nail file and other goodies are stored in a mercury glass flower vase (a gift from my sister).

Glass jars of every kind, glass candle holders and little metal pails hold colored pencils; colored pens, paint brushes, stencil brushes, decorative cutting scissors, paperclips, rubber bands and so much more.  I primarily use glass for easy viewing but you can use any plastic food jars or take out containers you come across.  Pre-made salad containers usually have great shapes and colors and are pretty interesting to look at.

When you are looking for fun containers for storage ask yourself this:  What can I use this for or what can I put in this?  Look at everything you are going to throw out; try to see it in a new and creative light.

Of coarse you can purchase great looking containers just about everywhere, but remember half the fun is looking at things in a new and creative way and using them to make your creative world a little bit more organized.  Oh and don’t forget all the money you could be saving to buy more goodies.

Look for Part 3 of Contain That Clutter; we will be looking at storage for your larger supplies.  See you soon,

Contain That Clutter Part 1

Today’s topic is clutter in the studio, office or craft room.  Most of us have some kind of space where we go to work or play; for some of us the space is a corner in the bedroom, a closet, the dinning table, a spare bedroom, the garage, attic or basement.  For others it is a dedicated space like an artist’s co-op, commercial/retail space, a warehouse or stand alone building on our property.  No matter what the size, shape or location we all have clutter, the kind which boggles the mind and senses when we try to work or create. We just can’t seem to settle down until we have it corralled and under control through storage and organization. 

All the books, magazines and design shows make it look so easy, the first thing they say to do is edit down all of your supplies to just the few things you need.  I say ridiculous!  Why would I do that? Silly! It took me years to get my fabric stash to a respectable/usable size not to mention the ribbons, buttons, bows, elastic, bias tape, zippers, thread, rick rack, sewing machines (plural), scissors, measuring tapes, irons (all plural), dress forms, patterns, etc…..  Don’t even get me started on all if the paper, glue, stickers, scissors, cutting machines, embellishments, beads, jewels, paints and…… OK maybe I do have a lot of STUFF, but I do need it all. So your question is what does she do so it can be found and used on a daily basis?

(Some of the current goodies I am collecting and keeping)

To tell the truth the first thing I did was some fabric editing.  I know I said I wouldn’t but…. one day I opened my cabinets and realized I had a lot of older fabrics and other craft supplies I was not going to use, I pulled it all out and donated the fabrics to several groups who make quilts for children in need, they were thrilled to have it and I had more space for the updated fabrics I wanted to use.  Little did I know those fabrics were considered “Retro” by the young sewers of today and I could have sold them on-line. To be honest I felt better making the donations knowing the fabrics were going to really good causes.  The craft supplies and a variety of items were donated to other very worthy causes as well.  I guess I did edit but I did not get rid of the things which made sense to keep, even if I had them longer then a year.  Who pays good money to just give away their supplies, a little editing is good, but anymore then that is just nuts?!

Look for part 2 in my next post, we will be discussing unique storage for of those little goodies you are not going to edit.  See you soon.

Thinking Pink

Thinking Pink

Hello Ladies, its fall and that time of year again, October and Breast Cancer Awareness month.  You all know what it means; time to get the exam and mammogram.  I know, it isn’t fun and can sometimes be painful but it is so important especially if you have a family history of breast cancer.  If you haven’t had your exam and test yet and you are at risk please do so this month.

For those of you who are reading my posts you saw the mention of my Mother, what I didn’t tell you was she died of breast cancer in 1998 after a long hard ten year battle.

Ever since her passing I have been a champion for research into the cure for that cruel disease through fundraising and awareness.  I am no long able to be active in the larger campaign events but I still want to do my part so here I am with a quick reminder to get your regular checkups and testing before the month is out.

On a lighter note, please look for my next post on Monday; I think you will enjoy this one.  See you soon,

A little something hot pink and yellow from my garden.  Can't you just smell them.  Enjoy!

Super Woman

Before I write my next post let me say how sorry I am for not getting to Saturday’s post.  As someone who is new to the world of the blog I foolishly thought it would be no problem to write new posts for the weekend.  Silly me, I should have known it would not be possible; I usually try to keep my studio and office time to the weekdays for very good reasons.  Those reasons being; the weekends are usually spent with my husband, my grown children, their children, doing errands, cleaning house, laundry, grocery shopping, date night and functions we need to attend.  I really don’t know where I thought I was going to get even five minutes to write.  Super woman I am not. In the future, if you are following me, you will most likely only see three to five posts a week, no weekends unless things are slow and I can sneak up to the office for some quiet time.  You never know so keep your eyes open.  See you soon.

Roses from my husband, he just wanted to say "I love You", isn't he a sweetie.  Now you know why I don't work on weekends if I can help it.  I do love roses, I am a lucky lady.

Studio Helper

In the spirit of getting to know each other, I want to introduce you to someone very important, my studio helper.  She is always there with me everyday, never late for work, very enthusiastic, upbeat, warm and loving.  She always inspects my work and tools to make sure they are of the best quality and sometimes she is just there for company.  Here is her picture so you will know who she is when you see her in my posts.

                                                

Her name is Honey Bunny, her nickname is Bunny, usually when I don’t have time to call out her full name, and she also gets called Bun, Bun and a variety of other cute little names.  She is a small orange and black calico kitty who I rescued before she was to go to animal control. Honey turned three just this past May but seems more like a kitten with all her crazy antics.  She is my fury little girlfriend who keeps me company in the studio, office and the rest of the house.  The very best part about her is she hardly ever talks back or argues with me, what a great studio helper.

                        

Inspection day, Honey making sure my machine is threaded correctly and my scissors are sharp and ready to cut with.  I believe I did pass inspection and I was cleared to sew. She didn’t want the sewing police to shut down work for the day, always looking out for me.

                       

Honey is deep in her duties as my helper trying to get the correct measurements for the bias tape cuts.  She wanted to know if it was 1” or 2” and were we using the correct fabrics for this bias tape color. 

Oops! Almost forgot my outdoor studio helpers, they aren’t as fun as Honey Bunny but they are loyal and loving as well.  These three older helpers are Fur Ball, the orange kitty who is the oldest at eleven years old, and Toby who is cuddled up with him. Then there is Tyler who takes up a bed all by himself, he was the runt of the litter who almost died, but ended up at about 15 pounds of pure muscle (a big boy).  There is one more helper who was very camera shy; we will get her next time so you can meet her, Sweetie is her name.

All of my little helpers were rescued from people who abused them horribly.  I was happy to take them in, since no one else wanted them, due to all of them having medical problems.  They now have each other for company and a warm and loving home.

 For those of you who need a cute little studio helper of your own, please adopt one from your local animal shelter or take in a stray who needs a loving home.  OK enough for the public service announcement, just thought I would do my part for the employment of future studio helpers.

In case you are wondering if I have a human studio assistant I do, her name is Jolene and she is fantastic, you will meet her in future posts.  Between Jolene and Honey I am a very productive and a happy camper.

Hope you enjoyed today’s post, look for me tomorrow I have a fun post you won’t want to miss.  See you then.

Buttons, Bows & Bling #1

Buttons, Bows & Bling, what more could a girl want you ask?  Not much I say, which led me to the name of my blog and my business.  I love all things girly, lovely, and warm and inviting so I try to bring all of those things to my everyday life both in fashion, in my home and to others.  I do all this through the creative ventures in my studio as a seamstress and artist.  My passion is sewing but I’m an all around creative gal;  I am a pattern designer, jewelry designer, quilter, textile artist, I paint and re-purpose old furniture, garden, decorate my home and others, create paper crafts, mixed media and so much more. 

You probably wonder how I can do all of that, I began sewing and crafting as a little girl, taught by my Mother who was a master seamstress and crafter. Then as a young stay at home Mom I became a sewing instructor, made everything from dolls to wedding gowns, then moved into professional craft and gift shows and had a wholesale gift business showcasing my handcrafted items, which I pursued until both my children left for College.  

With the passing of the years and no longer a career woman; I have the time to explore and perfect anything creative which catches my eye.  Since I said that you probably think I must be a very mature (old) lady but I assure you I am neither old in age or in spirit, but I must confess to being a very young grandmother of two.  I love to sew and create beautiful, colorful outfits, toys and room decor for both of my lovely little granddaughters.  Sewing and crafting for them led me to starting a new business for children’s clothing, toys, and decor and a blog so I could share my projects and my adventures as I set up my first on line business.

This blog isn’t just about the things I make for children, you will see all kinds of projects I am working on including; baking, gardening, book reviews, decorating, travel, painting projects, crafts of all kinds, holiday decorating and party planning, favorite fabric and craft stores, project tutorials and so much more.  I can’t wait to get started sharing my creative ventures with you. See you soon.

This is the bulletin board I re-purposed and put in the toy room my granddaughters play in.

This picture is a fabric panel mounted on canvas framed in printed ribbon also a decoration in the toy room.

The toy room closet doors were just big and white, boring for a kids play room so they got decorated with removable vinyl stickers and two dimensional decals.

I hope you enjoyed my first post and the kind of fun projects I like to create.  If you like what you saw be sure to follow me as a member or through e-mail alerts, I look forward to seeing you soon.


Where I found my favorite bling used to create my projects:
Fabrics for pictures & bulletin boards:  Homespun Harbor a Quilt Shop -     http://www.homespunharbor.com/
Canvas, ribbons, jewels:  Michael's crafts  -  http://www.michaels.com/
Vinyl stickers:  Home Goods.
Two dimensional butterfly stickers:  Target