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February 26, 2008

New Spring Beaded Jewelry

Handcrafted Beaded Jewelry for Spring 2008 With spring just around the corner I've found renewed energy and passion for making beaded jewelry.  I had taken a little break from it to focus on creating Studio 747, but now I'm ready to rekindle the love for jewelry making. It also helps that I was cutoff from the internet last week because of a computer crash, so I had to do something else to keep myself occupied. 

I was inspired by some of the spring 2008 runway shows for my latest jewelry creations...

And speaking of spring, Easter is right around the corner, so I've also been busy making Easter greeting cards.  I'll be adding them to my greeting card shop shortly! In the meantime, shop for jewelry to add to your new spring wardrobe!

February 12, 2008

Something You May Not Know About Me: A Love for Designer Handbags

Today is a day of sharing something that you may not know about me...

A few years ago I worked in the handbag department of Nordstrom.  For me it was the ultimate dream come true - being surrounded by designer handbags for eight hours a day.  Relishing the smell of leather and pretending that I was standing in my closet instead of a department store...

Not quite on the path to save the world, but it was fun nonetheless. 
My Nordstrom days are long gone, but my taste in designer handbags still lives on.  In fact, I share my love for handbags over at my beauty and fashion blog once in awhile. 

Black Satchel Handbag.jpeg My eyes are currently on this Corsetto Satchel Handbag available at the Bolzano website.  Bolzano is recognized worldwide, but is currently tapping into the U.S. market.  What I like is that I don't really have to worry about ten other women carrying the same bag as me. 

I've always believed that accessories can make or break your outfit.  Your purse and handbag (even what's in your handbag) say alot about you...Are you fun?  Conservative?  Highly organized?

February 07, 2008

A Lesson From Lipstick Jungle

Lipstick-Jungle.png I just finished watching Lipstick Jungle, a show that comes from the same writer who brought us Sex and the City. I actually never really got into Sex and the City until after they went off the air.  However, after watching it a few times I realized that I could relate with all the characters in one way or the other.  Same goes for Lipstick Jungle.  Actually, I'm sure many women can relate. 

We can live glamorous, successful lives...and it can look so good on the outside, but if you dig a little deeper we see that every single one of us has challenges, roadblocks, or setbacks in our lives.  Sometimes there's a price to be paid, but at the same time I wonder if it's possible to have it all?  Could women have the successful career...the perfect love relationship...the perfect life? 

I think it's possible. 

This is one of the reasons why I started Studio 747 - to let people know that you can have it all!  You can discover your creativity, have a successful business, have an abundant life...everything!  To get started, visit The Good Life where I talk about discovering your inner artist and passion in life

BTW...buy the book, Lipstick Jungle, at Amazon!

February 06, 2008

The Marriage of Art and Fashion

Art-and-Fashion.png It's been a busy blogging week for me.  Trying to catch up with all the coverage of New York Fashion Week is absolutely mind boggling and I don't know why I feel the need to know what every single designer sent down the runway.  The shows are almost over and I've barely scratched the surface.  However, I've managed to share some thoughts on two of my favorite designers while showing love to fellow beauty bloggers who are actually in "the tents" at Bryant Park. 

For me, art and fashion have always been one and the same.  My mother sewed all my clothes when I was a young girl - not to mention that she was also a great artist as well.  So art and fashion has been part of my life for as long as I can remember.
I think of my body as a blank canvas and the top, bottom, shoes, and accessories I put on is the "paint" that helps create a work of art. Many people think that fashion is such a superficial industry and it is if all you think about is wearing designer labels just to make you feel better about yourself or to prove that you're a better "it" girl.  Remember that Angels Wear Prada too! 

Pucci is a great example of a fashion brand that knows the marriage of art and fashion.  As an abstract artist myself, I appreciate Pucci's designs and use of vibrant colors in every collection.  Check out the Spring/Summer 2008 Pucci collection.

February 02, 2008

Valentine's Day Greeting Cards: Nurturing My Creative Side

It was an artsy-groovy day and I was in the mood to make some Valentine's Day cards to add to my online shops.  I recently bought a box of heart-themed die cuts from Michael's and felt the need to put them to good use...

Heart-Die-Cuts.jpg

 

I threw in a "love mix" CD filled with music from Alicia Keys, Robin Thicke, Prince, and others. The music definitely gave me a creativity boost :) Here are a couple of the creations I made today...

Valentine's Day Love-Cards.jpg

February 01, 2008

So-Cal Fire Poster Project

Southern California Fire-Poster-Project

Because of the fires that hit Southern California last year, there are many people here in San Diego who still need our help.  I thought I'd pass on some information I received regarding the So-Cal Fire Poster Project.  There are some phenomenal pieces of art available!

Here's a copy of the press release:

Last fall, after fierce wildfires caused the largest evacuation in California history and left over 2,000 people without a home, one local artist was inspired to combat the gruesome devastation with the healing power of art. Graphic designer Josh Higgins has unveiled the So-Cal Fire Poster Project, in which he used his “burning love” of art to bring hope to fire victims. Dozens of prominent artists from around the globe have joined in the effort, contributing original art designs inspired by those fires to raise much needed funds for those whose homes once stood in its mighty path. 

Today, more than 20 beautiful and meaningful poster designs have been created and are now available for purchase online, with new pieces constantly being added to the collection. All proceeds directly benefit the Salvation Army’s 2007 California Wildfire Fund.

The posters are designed and donated by distinguished artists locally and internationally. Some of the notable artists for the Fire Poster Project include Paul Frank, Michael Osborne, Modern Dog, Luba Lukova, Hatch Print Show and Shepard Fairey.

The project is modeled after the Hurricane Poster Project, which to date has successfully raised over $60,000 in support of the 2005 Hurricane Katrina victims. Higgins was originally involved with the Hurricane Poster Project as one of the contributing artists. When the wildfires hit Southern California, he considered the So-Cal Fire Poster Project to be the best way to apply his talent and experience to support the tragedy that hit so close to home. 

“One doesn’t have to work on the front lines to make a difference,” Higgins said. “Helping those in need is often as simple as doing something you love. For me, that is art. This project allows artists to express their sentiments regarding the wildfires and create works that will directly help fire victims. Best of all, we are all sharing lasting works of art that symbolize hope and renewal.”

Donations made to the Salvation Army’s 2007 California Wildfire Fund will be used exclusively to assist victims recovering from the devastating process of evacuation, loss of personal treasures, homes and jobs.

For more information or to view the current poster collection, visit www.reliefposters.com.

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