Ditzy Redhead

More Holiday Boutique Photos

2012-01-09T08:57:00.000-08:00

Here is another table at my boutique - this one was the "Vintage & Tattered Romance" table....though I think I took this pic after it had been picked over quite a bit...

My friend Karen showing off her wares: burnt orange vintage slip-dress, vintage pearls and hand painted cross.

I absolutely had to show off my "candy-bar". I saw this in a magazine and had to do it! I loved it and kept it up (in fact all the decor - even including the pom-poms) the whole holiday season. The framed "Noel" was supposed to be my wreath this year for the front door, but was too light and kept sticking out from the wreath hook. Oh well, live and learn..

another one of the "candy-bar"..

Where have I been, you ask?

2012-01-09T08:36:00.000-08:00

So, I spent allot to time during October/November trying to get ready for my Dec. 4th "Shop in my Closet" Boutique. It turned out to be so much fun and I ended up having way more things to sell than I thought! Well, I would rather have had that, then not enough. (I think I spent half a day just turning out various necklaces and earrings...manic).

My friends Suzie and George posing with their wares: my up-cycled heart scarf, prayer box and Bliss tiny picture.

Decisions, decisions...

My sweet friend Amanda, in from Vegas, posing with the painting she just bought "Asian Scene". Loved seeing her and boy, did she walk away with a lot of goodies!

Just one of my displays...I really loved how it all turned out! From decorating with pom-pom's, to how every corner had a different kind of theme. This table was sort of a cute-kitschy, colorful one. Will post more pic's in next post....

Grinch me

2011-11-16T09:10:00.000-08:00

I almost forgot this one in my below gift ideas.....you really can't go wrong with this, right? By amazing artist Jason Edmiston

Some of my favorites for the Holidays

2011-11-16T08:49:00.000-08:00

1. Violet Pie

2. Imagine Studio

3. Ditzy Redhead

4. Babes in Vintageland

And, for more fantastic finds for the holidays you can check out the rest of the Etsy Treasury here...

Scrap Materials: Project 4: Floral appliques (puffy heart leftovers)

2011-11-11T14:40:00.000-08:00

Ok, so once you have completed your puffy hearts you will have something that looks like the above left over from your scraps. I wanted to somehow re-use this also (always thinkin'), so the below is what I came up with. It is almost a pin-wheel looking thing.

You just overlap and pin as you go to get a sort of flower look and then sew. The leopard-style one I sewed a heart cut-out on for the center. I also started fooling around putting flower on top of flower to see what kind of effect I might get and that also looked cute (not pictured). This idea makes a cute, unique brooch pin, add to a hat, sew onto clothes...whatever!

Scrap Materials: Project 3: Puffy hearts

2011-11-02T17:45:00.000-07:00

Pretty cute, huh? I am a sucker for recycling, upcycling - whatever you want to call it. Anything that I can make from scraps, or something left over, I will do it!! I hate to see anything go to waste. These little cuties have been made from some material scraps, stuffed with more material scraps!

Now actually, some of these are not stuffed too. You can do either way, but I just like to use my scraps somehow. It is the most fun to be able to use two different, but similar - or, if you are bold, two totally conflicting fabrics. It just adds some pizazz to your design. Be sure to check this blog for my next post to see how I use the scraps from the left over fabric from the heart cut-outs..

***Box or hearts can be purchased here and here...

How to: Slipper Stool - Hot Glue

2011-10-18T17:40:00.000-07:00

So, here is a project I took on a few years ago for a contest I entered...this is the finished slipper stool that I up-cycled, using - wait for it - a hot glue gun! I saw this home design show several years ago with Todd Oldham using a hot glue gun to re-upholster a couch and I ran wild with the idea.

Above are the supplies I used: fabric scraps, scissors, glue, gun and Popsicle stick. This is for pressing down the fabric on top of the glue so as not to burn your little fingers. The larger sticks work well too.

This is the horrible shape this piece was in prior to my working my magic. Ripped, stained. etc.

Up close pic of the results. Really, just lay out your fabric how you think you might like it to look, this may change, and start gluing away. (See in-process photos below).

A good part of it is knowing where to bend the fabric together so that it appears to look like a seam. Tuck over in areas that cover other fabric and press until the glue seams set (see edges framing the top).

I can't say that all areas are completely "clean" from the glue, but this was my first try at this! Give me a break! All things considered, it turned out pretty good. Oh, and the hottest setting worked the best. I actually did a whole chair like this, but it got a little "sticky" when I was tucking and gluing in the seat of the chair...

Ok - another b&w...

2011-10-03T14:11:00.000-07:00

Another photog of my pretty friend...

Now, I'm not a photographer or anything, but.....

2011-10-03T13:52:00.000-07:00

I think this turned out pretty good. My friend posed for my vintage clothing store and I started fooling around with the black and white. (BTW - hair/make-up done by meeee...).

Seriously, ridiculous

2011-07-15T08:20:00.001-07:00

These are just some of the things that I have been working on for the last month - for a local boutique: 10 gypsy scarves, 6 boxes, a few pieces of jewelry and tiny canvases. Very thankful for the business. This is what has kept me away from blogging lately, but I will be resuming my more regular posts next week and my BlogFrog connections too!

A Peek at Something New

2011-06-15T16:16:00.001-07:00

I have been working away on some of my inspiration boxes for a client that is going to put them in her boutique near where I live. I have such a love for vintagy-style boxes, flowers and birds and love to paint them in a lot of my art work. I may do a line of these for my ditzyredhead shop on Etsy also. Enjoy!

What do you think?

2011-06-14T10:12:00.000-07:00

Whew! Been away from my blog for awhile....well here is a section of my office/studio/closet/exercise room. I am trying to make it a nice little work space, with what little space there is. This is an area above my sewing area (did I forget to mention that one?) that I was able to atleast make cute. Hubby promises my sun/art room after September...we'll see.

Nest

2011-06-03T08:56:00.000-07:00

So recently, hubby went out to his truck in the morning only to find this itty bitty birds nest. I had to keep it! Last year at Spring time, I found two blue empty robins' eggs. It would make a nice arrangement of some kind. Of course hubby says to Lysol it or something because he thinks there will be all kinds of disease, etc. in it. Hmmmm...

Beauty: Nail Polish

2011-05-26T15:23:00.000-07:00

Ok, so here is a little bling added to my already funky purple nails below. I loved this glittery purple by L.A. Colors Color Craze. If you can't read the name, it's Glistening Purple. Have some fun with some shocking glam color!

Beauty: Nail Polish

2011-05-23T09:44:00.001-07:00

So here is my latest beauty find. Not for the faint of heart or the demure. I love this funky purple - thought it was too bright when I first got it but have since come to really like it. It is by L.A. Colors Color Craze: Fun in the Sun. I have included a pic of how it appears in the sun, which is really important.

Now, I will be added some bling to this color in my next beauty post so be sure to check back. And did I mention this was only $1.99? Yeahhhh. That's what I'm talking about.

What do you think?

2011-05-19T07:54:00.000-07:00

I made this for a friend's birthday this weekend, hurriedly. I didn't have time to get her something, but wanted something unique. I kinda like it. She seemed to really like it. Do you think I should carry this in my shop ? Please, let me know what you think?

It's a 2.5" x 3.5" canvas painting(by me!), vintage ribbon, vintage earring for a pretty way to hang. They would have different inspirational words, images painted.

...More of fabulous finds

2011-05-17T09:41:00.000-07:00

I feel I must share what I have found..at my local Council Thrift Store, I might add! Oh the wonderful things I can do with these...

....vintage and new scarves, all colors and patterns...

....and this is the diamond of my finds. This amazing beaded belt or scarf. So many things I can create with this. Some of the best items I have come across, I have found at my local thrift, second hand stores, garage sales.

Often, people do not realize what they are giving away - their trash my treasure. Most of the items in my shops are used with second hand, found materials of some kind. Check out your local neighborhood. You never know what you can find...

My recent vintage purchase

2011-05-14T09:26:00.000-07:00

I had my "vintage field trip" yesterday to look for some items i needed for my shop , and came across some really fantastic finds: vintage pastel ceramic roses in blush and a violet in yellow; millinery flowers and a lace scarf. Can't wait to find a purpose for them!!

Interview: Heart Felt by Aviva

2011-05-10T08:13:00.000-07:00

I had the opportunity to interview Aviva, Owner and creator of HeartFelt by Aviva, one of my all time favorite Etsy shops. Here is a little peak into her world...

Where can we find your work? Shops, blog ,etc. Well, starting May 1^st you’ll be able to see my latest Heart Felt pieces on my new site, www.heartfeltbyaviva.com. I am also on Etsy, HeartFeltByAviva and scattered in a few select retail locations across the nation.

(The heart pins happen to be my favs!!)

Tell us a bit about yourself. I’m Aviva, owner, creator and

crafter-extraordinaire! Heart Felt is my do-it-yourself (DIY) hair accessory line, which

ranges from elaborate sequin beaded fascinators to felt floral headbands, as well as cherry rockabilly styled earrings.

I’m a born and raised a Jersey girl - so yes my nails are a work of art. My grandma taught me to bead and I’ve been hooked ever since. I started Heart Felt when I moved to Chicago in 2009. It started out as a hobby but quickly took over my studio apartment. Now I can’t imagine my life without beads, sequins, felt, my sewing machine and my hot glue gun!

What really has to spark for you to create? There is this little spark of excitement inside me when I get an idea. I’m always shocked at what can bring it on. . I literally find inspiration throughout my entire life. I try my best to have an open mind and free spirit so I can take everything in. Sometimes ideas brew for a while and other times I stop what I am doing just so I can start testing things out.

Have you always known that you were a "creative"? And by a creative I mean anything that falls under this - artist, designer; re-designer; seamstress - you get the picture.. Definitely. I was always in different art classes

as a kid. I always new that I would end up doing something creative but that also used to scare me. I thought artists had to be starving and I didn’t want to be a starving artist. I wanted to be able to play with the latest fashion, travel, and eat out with

friends. Thankfully the Handmade Movement is really changing that stigma for artists.

Is this your only line of work? No, but who knows what the future may hold. I’m a marketer by day, crafter by night. My day job is actually a Marketing Director for Dreaming TreeFilms, a film production company that works closely with youths. Our mission is to empower youth across America through the art of film making. You can check out our company at www.dreamingtreefilms.com.

We’ll actually have a new opportunity launching June 1^stfor women between the ages of 18 – 34 who want to help educate and inspire others on the issues of domestic violence. We’ll be looking for women to team up with us to help us produce three amazing documentaries. If you want to learn more join our mailing list and we’ll send out an e-blast when we announce the program. (Fantastic!!)

Run us through your daily biz… On a daily basis I need to update my Etsy shop, promote/converse through Facebook and twitter and keep an eye out for new inspiration. I work Monday – Thursday at the Dreaming Tree Films office so I

am very focused on the teens and the clients while I am there. Fridays I work on Heart Felt all day creating new pieces and working closely with the Heart Felt marketing interns.

Favorite project/item to work on? My favorite project to work on changes all the time. I go through waves where I can’t do anything but make felt flowers. Usually my favorite project is the item of the moment. It’s the newest idea that I am excited about.

What has been the best form of promotion/marketing tip you can give to aspiring "creatives"? The best tip that I would give aspiring creatives would be to go for it! And don’t feel like you have to take on everything just to make something happens. Do what inspires you and only take on what feels doable.

Your favorite shops/blogs: I wish I had time to read more. I’ve been considering an iPad for this very reason. There are so many amazing blogs out there and I feel like I can never keep up. But Ditzy Redhead – OF COURSE!! (lol)

Here's a few for fun:

· If you had the chance to go back in time…when/where would it be? This is really hard. I love the style and hats of the 40’s but I would also love to live during the Art Nouveau movement.

· Christopher Walken or Christian Bale? Definitely more cow bell baby!

· You have been invited to dinner with Brittney….what do you talk about ?I have no idea.

· Norma Raye or Norma Jean? I’d like to look like Norma Jean and stand for something big like Norma Raye. If you made me choose…Norma Raye. Because of her, the work force is a better place for all of us!! Norma Jean is amazing but there is so much about her life that makes me sad.

· Baked potato or Baked Alaska? Baked Potato for sure with sour cream and butter. Yum.

· Pillow talk or Pillow fight? Pillow Talk! Pillow fights seem like a 17 year olds fantasy. (I know, right?)

· Theme park or theme wedding? Theme wedding. I would totally do a roaring 20’s wedding. FUN!

Thank you to Aviva for her patience in waiting to get this up, and for a wonderfully fun interview! Make time to check out her amazing work at www.dreamingtreefilms.com, and don't forget to check out her shop on Etsy!

Beauty: Nail Polish

2011-04-11T08:09:00.001-07:00

Ok, so I wanted to share on some nail polish I recently bought: Sally Hansen Xtreme wear Gun Metal 22...

I am not a big "extreme" color wearing girl - no blues, blacks or greens - but I did, however, really like this shiny gunmetal color. Isn't it fantastic?

Chatting with The Brilliant Magpie

2011-03-28T19:23:00.000-07:00

This is a new series of "chats" I am starting to help feature other creatives. I couldn't wait to chat with Amy Abshier-Reyes, Owner/Artist of The Brilliant Magpie on Etsy. Please enjoy and be sure to check out her shop and other work on her website/blog and Flicker - it's fantastic!!

Tell us a bit about yourself:

I grew up in rural Texas, on the gulf coast, surrounded by rice fields and cow pastures. Came to Kansas city to go to the Kansas City Art Institute, graduated, moved to California with my guy, got married, had a baby, moved back to Kansas City where the rent's WAY cheaper, had another baby. I never stopped creating, never stopped painting, it's a necessity in my life.

How/what are you inspired by, what sparks your creativity most?

I have these incredibly vivid dreams full of bizarre, colorful imagery. I wish someone would invent a brain/thought camera to capture these images. They'd blow your mind! So I get a lot of ideas from dreams, and books, and odd conversations. Sometimes I'll see a great painting or photograph, and I just get the itch to go paint. Seeing good stuff is like a virus; it infects me and it'll haunt me until I can go draw or paint something cool of my own.

Have you always known that were a "creative"? And by a creative I mean anything such as - artist, designer; re-designer; seamstress - you get the picture..

Always. Since I could hold a crayon, and even when I was too young to write, I'd tell my mom my stories and she'd write them down. Then I'd illustrate them. I was always in trouble in grade school for drawing in class.

Is this your only line of work?

I wish! Nope, I work days at an auction house, which is a fascinating line of work. And it pays most of my share of the bills, so...

What is a typical day for you?

Up at 6 to get my oldest ready for school, get everyone breakfast, pack lunches, take her to school, come back home and get myself and the baby ready for work, work til mid afternoon, go pick up the oldest from school, come home and get dinner started, then baths and bedtimes, then maybe a bit of television with my husband (I keep a sketchbook by the couch) or I try to work on painting for a bit.. I'm usually in bed by 10. I do usually get a few hours to paint on the weekends though, when my husband's home to watch the kids. He works two jobs, so he doesn't have much time off.

Your favorite medium?

Oil paints by far, then watercolor paints next.

Where can we find your work?

My larger oil paintings are at the Blue Gallery in Kansas City: www.bluegalleryonline.com

My watercolor pieces and prints are on Etsy: www.thebrilliantmagpie.etsy.com

I nearly always post photos of my paintings and progress (and other stuff) on Flickr:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/amyabshierreyes/

And my blog:

http://amyabshierreyes.blogspot.com/

Your favorite shops/blogs:

I'm pretty bad at following blogs, I just don't have the time. I don't even keep up with my own! But I do love Regretsy (they say the mean things that I'm thinking!), Miss Moss (she has a great eye), Shorpy (wonderful collection of vintage and antique photos), and Design Sponge (it makes me jealous of cool people and their cool homes).

What has been the best form of promotion/marketing tip you can give to aspiring "creatives"?

I'm the worst at marketing! All the gigs I've gotten have practically fallen into my lap. I'm just too lazy to stay on top of things.

Here's a few for fun:

Vices? I eat too much, I'm super-lazy, and I procrastinate way, way too much. Shame on me.

Elvis Presley or Elvis Costello? Elvis Costello!

Ice cream or French fries? Ice cream, YEAH!

Cotton or spandex? Definitely cotton.

Modern or Mid-century? Mid century, although there's a lot of modern things I like as well. Good design is good design, no matter what era it's from!

The Rat Pack or the Brat Pack? Ooooh, that's kinda tough. I guess Rat Pack, though I watched my fair share of Brat Pack movies back in the day.

Thank you Amy!

Me and my bestfriend

2011-03-23T18:29:00.000-07:00

This is me and my best bud March 2011.....

Ans this is me and my bestfriend in like, 1985/86......my parachute dress, with big shoulder pads, my over-tanned, over blonde hair and of course, florescent make-up - eww. She still looks relatively normal in both pic's . My excuse was beauty school...

Treasury Items at Etsy: The Doe-Eyed Deer

2011-03-23T10:35:00.001-07:00

Found at: Anomaly Jewelry

(To view all treasury items go here)

Found at: Owl Cove

Found at: Sea of Bees

Found at: Umber Dove Studios

Found at: Lizart

Found at: Mel's Baby

Scrap materials: Project 1 - Leopard Collar

2011-03-13T21:17:00.001-07:00

Here are a few pictures of some scrap materials I had laying around from earlier projects or donated items: scrap leopard material and some floral cherries. Sometimes, I can look at something and just get a picture in my mind of how I want to do something. And, since I am a huge fan of "no scrap left behind", I am always finding new ways to use left over stuff.

To start: I cut out two half-circles (note to self: next time include photos of the process), cut out the center of each, pinned the ends together, set them on my neck for good measure, and sewing away! I pinned all the scraps every which way, some ruffly, etc. When finished with that, I sewed all along the outsides to help with fraying -though I do like raw edges. I then took a scrap ribbon piece, cut in half and attached, along with scrap red lace binding and black lace pieces. Lastly, I attached the cherries with a few stitches to secure.

Va-la! What do you think? I think it is pretty nifty - approximately 45 mins.

Do you have a speedy little craft.-scrap project that you are proud of? Post a link in the comments and maybe I will feature it here. Along with your blog or shop link, of course!

My most recent purchase from LovVintage Finds on Etsy

2011-03-08T12:04:00.000-08:00

I bought this amazing vintage clock radio for my husband's birthday! Eeek! He love love loved it! You must check out this place: LoVintage Finds

Our most recent beautiful day trip.....

2011-03-08T11:55:00.000-08:00

Here are some photos of a day trip we took one Sunday afternoon to spend a beautiful day at a place called Gardens of the World in Thousand Oaks, CA. It is a small, but serene place...

VALENTINE'S DAY SALE - SPECIAL DISCOUNT FOR BLOG FOLLOWERS

2011-02-06T09:23:00.000-08:00

Here are some items I am offering as discount at my Etsy shop to new blog followers and currently following my blog. Just convo me at the time of purchase that you have left comments here, and, that you are now following or are a current follower and I will apply the additional 10% discount to already discounted items. Look for future specials only offered to followers! Thanks for you support!

Give away at Blessed Bee

2011-01-20T18:15:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I found this give away at Blessed Bee and it is really cool:
http://blessedbeeapothecary.blogspot.com/2011/01/its-giveaway-time.html

take a look and see what her rules & regs are....it's just too cute to pass up.....

Fantastic Offer from Buttons & Such Etsy shop

2011-01-20T15:32:00.000-08:00

Because I featured Buttons & Such Etsy shop (supplies) in my last post Ruth the owner decided to offer a special to the readers of my blog with a 10% off orders in her shop (not including shipping). To receive the discount - let her know that you saw her on my blog, Ditzy Redhead. This offer is only good until January 26th as she is temporarily closing her shop for vacation. This applies to her second store also My Happy store. These are both amazing supply stores so happy shopping and thanks Ruth!!

Shamless Plugs

2011-01-20T07:06:00.000-08:00

So I created some treasuries on Etsy with, what I think are very cool items, as well as the shops themselves. Here's a few of them for your viewing pleasure - click on the links to check out their entire shops:

Miss Alphabet
Real women have curves!!

Buttons & Such
Delicious ribbon...

Aya's Kawaii -
what?? look at these candy nails...good enough to eat..

Some new things

2011-01-19T14:28:00.000-08:00

Here are some new things I have been working on in my Etsy shops: Peppermint Pink & Ditzy Redhead :

Some fun items for Valentine's Day...

Happy New Year to Everyone!

2010-12-31T15:01:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone will have a wonderful and safe New Years and will meet with prosperity and abundance in the months to come...

I am will be trying to reach my goal of 100 followers to my blog by the end of January - will you help?

Thanks and God bless,

Marcelle

"Tis the Season"....

2010-12-15T12:43:00.000-08:00

I get sad this time of year.

Along with the sadness, this really is my favorite holiday though, I need to add.

My mother passed away when I was 10 years old. It was a very long drawn out ordeal. Because she was praciticing under a religion that did not use doctors or medicine, she wasted away over a period of about nine months, on the living room couch, in extreme pain, from breast cancer. She died on December 2, 1977.

This is something no kid should ever go through. When your parent dies at such a young age (and I believe it is even more so with Mothers since they bore you), the child you were dies. You stop growing at the age you were in alot of different ways.

Sometimes I can talk about it, write about it, and it seems that I feel nothing. Other times, I start to tell the story and my voice cracks or tears start streaming down my face - as they are now.

I don't know why this year seems different. I am a little more sensitive about nothing in particular. I need to make a conscious effort to be nice to my husband, and sometimes force myself to get out of the house.

When I hear "White Christmas" sung by Bing Crosby I almost always cry (I think he died that year too). It's like I am right back there, the days after her death, when all of us kids were crying for days it seemed and that movie was on the T.V.

I'm in my forties now and I have to think what she looked like. Of course I have pictures, but the memories are there with her blurry.

I really don't know why I decided to go down this road on this post...it so was not what I had in mind when I began writing. I usually try to keep my blog more "business like" as it were, but I guess I needed to share a piece of my life.

Love your Mothers and tell them often. And if you don't have that kind of relationship with her, then try to do whatever "loving kindness" you can, as you would to another human being.

Be thankful for what you have....

Kindness to everyone, and thank you for letting me share with you...

New items in my Etsy Shops - Links below pic's

2010-12-15T12:08:00.000-08:00

Peppermintpink.etsy.com

Peppermintpink.etsy.com

Ditzyredhead.etsy.com

Ditzyredhead.etsy.com

Gallery Showing

2010-12-08T08:28:00.000-08:00

I just had to share my recent gallery showing with everyone. It has been my second one, this one at a local hair salon, T57 in Venice, CA. (That's me in the velvet cranberry coat..)

Working hard without any Santa's Helpers

2010-11-24T09:35:00.000-08:00

I know everyone is so, so busy at this time.....I've been preparing myself to get my wares out there too, for boutiques and a gallery I am doing. Here is just a little of what I am working on:

Crosses can be found at ditzyredhead.etsy.com and accessories can be found at PeppermintPink.etsy.com.....

If you can't find them there, just convo me through Etsy, or my email: mblaker@att.net for any questions.

Interesting Art

2010-11-13T17:43:00.001-08:00

Girls Drawing Girls on Etsy

2010-11-13T17:35:00.000-08:00

I like this from Paul of Navarone

Could this be any cuter?

2010-11-13T16:25:00.000-08:00

I came across this little chihuahua hiking last year in Big Sir on a girl's weekend. The owner put these little hiking boots on her dog because she said the dirt starts to burn her feet when hiking...

So, I have been working hard...

2010-08-14T09:48:00.000-07:00

On my Peppermint Pink Etsy boutique alot - lately, among other things. I am trying to clear some things out for end of summer and would love for you all to stop by when you can....

Blog Re-design

2010-08-11T20:26:00.000-07:00

So first I have to thank yummylolly.com for this amazing blog template that is just up my alley. Since I recently have started my art career full time, I thought it was time to update the look of my blog as well. Hope you like it.....more to come

I'm back...

2010-07-22T19:30:00.000-07:00

Wow! Has it been this long? I am back and working with my blog again. I am going to overhaul my blog too as soon as I figure out how! I will have lots to share!!! Stay tuned!

Etsy Black Friday - Cyber Monday sale

2009-11-27T10:42:00.000-08:00

Just a few things on Sale in my vintage Etsy Shop: peppermintpink.etsy.com. Don't miss out on all the great deals here and in my shop DitzyRedhead.etsy.com

New Purchase!!

2009-11-24T13:12:00.000-08:00

OMG! I cannot believe what I just got.....soooo pretty. Not sure what I will do with it yet but I will figure it out. Purchased from Vintaggirlstuff on Etsy...

New Dress

2009-11-20T17:27:00.000-08:00

I am so excited - I can't believe I sold this dress before it even got posted. My good friend posed for me and her husband could not believe how amazing she looked and bought it before I left their house. The dress itself was a beautiful pink vintage slip or night gown that I used another black lace dress to reconstruct and embellish. Voila! The finished product...veyr Audrey Heburn. Holla if you like!

Had to share

2009-11-18T06:15:00.001-08:00

Look at this...isn't this the cutest thing you ever saw? I was lucky enough to pick this up from MySugarDoll on Etsy. Unfortunately - I don't get to keep it - it's for my lucky gal friend for xmas...

Clearance in my Peppermint Pink Etsy Shop

2009-11-16T20:21:00.000-08:00

Hey Ya'll - I have been working on new items and want to clear out some of the old....some include cutesy stuff that keeps getting hearted but no takers yet!!! I don't know how long I will have them on clearance - but I am giving my blog buddies a head start....here's a couple items (check out my clearance tank's too)...peppermintpink.etsy.com

Plugging back in....

2009-11-15T17:30:00.000-08:00

Wow! It's unbelieveable how long it's been since my last post! I though, "oh it's just been about a month or so..." - my how time flies! Well, I have been up to so much!!! I have been cultivating alot for my other shop Peppermint Pink on Etsy. I have vintage and reconstructed clothing there where I upcycle the unloveable discards that other's have thought were trash...some of my new items haven't even made it up there as friends' have seen and bought right out from under me! Here is an example of one of my new one's.....I would love to know what you think?

New Items on Etsy

2009-08-30T18:54:00.001-07:00

I've just added my new crosses to Etsy - starting to add some (as well as others) my Dia De Los Muertos inspired themes and will be
changing things a bit on my shoppe. Stop by and take a look...

What I like...Black and Red

2009-08-12T20:34:00.000-07:00

Some things that I think are groovy....click on the links below to view these shops

VintageScraps.etsy.com

Boojiboo.etsy.com

tafurious's shop

SweetPeaFabrications's shop

meluseena.etsy.com

elliottelephant's shop

Adorable

2009-08-12T06:21:00.000-07:00

Had to post this pic of our new kitty. She was saved from a shelter and had one eye...could not be any damn cuter..

What I like......(shop link below photo)

2009-08-03T12:51:00.000-07:00

pinksugarninja.etsy.com

ToHellinAHandbag.etsy.com

BooBoosBowtique.etsy.com

raindropsonroses.etsy.com

ouma.etsy.com

BubblesAndFrown.Etsy.com

Re-doing my Etsy Shoppe - SALE

2009-07-29T06:14:00.001-07:00

I am re-doing my Etsy shoppe - DitzyRedhead and have put some items on sale before I move them out permanently. Here are a couple but more in in the shoppe. Take a look and tell a friend....

Amazing Art

2009-07-28T13:06:00.000-07:00

Here is an artist I came across on Etsy. I love the use of the shadows with sort of a mystery. Stop by and check out this shop: irenediamente.etsy.com

Pep Quotes

2009-07-28T12:57:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I am coming out of "it".....I read recently that it's ok to be on the "pity-pot" for a little while, but don't forget to flush. SO, I take this to mean, we all have our little pity-parties now and again...a little bit of funk or blues....but don't stay in it too long - get rid of all that negativity. So, on with life. I am starting to write a grateful list. Not just once, but ongoing. I am starting with -

I am grateful for a loving & supportive husband

For Cryin' out Loud...

2009-07-27T20:12:00.000-07:00

How long do you go between posts? No, really - I'd like to know. Ridiculous that it's been this long. You know what that says? Way too much goin' on. Or way too much I have let go on. How do you people do it? And I am serious here...if you happen to work a day job other than your Etsy site or whatever you have,where do you find the time between relationship, other committments in life and creating and promoting? Please comment, I would really like to know.....

Free Advertising: Hurry! Diary 2010

2009-07-15T18:12:00.000-07:00

Some of you may already know of this free advertising project, but I wanted to pass it on. You can have free advertising on a page of a daily diary/datebook Check out the information on how to apply:http:www.fantazya.ca/diary2010. Deadline is July 20.

Shameless Plug

2009-07-14T07:17:00.000-07:00

Here are a few of my own items for my Shamless Plug series. You can find them on: PeppermintPink.Etsy.com. More items are constantly being updated and I should be getting more vintage soon. Pop over when you have a chance.

Amazing Art

2009-07-10T05:47:00.000-07:00

I will be posting artists that I find truly amazing and love their work. Being an artist myself, really good art inspires me. Here is an artist that brings a wonderful vintage feel to her paintings.You will find these at Janet Hill Studio

2009-07-09T05:40:00.000-07:00

check this out - www.crookedbrains.net/2009/04/umbrella

To worry or worry not

2009-07-08T20:36:00.000-07:00

I work a corporate day job. It’s a good job, decently paid, good people to work with. As far as feeling comfortable at a place of employment, I’d say yes…and yet sometimes very stressful. All in all, I could go on in life and that would be just fine except, I’m an artist.

Any creative person that has a passion knows what that means in relation to working a 9-5 for “the man”, confined…in a cube. I would love to scream my bloody, freakin’ head off.

With that being said, my husband and I were blessed to go on a recent week’s vacation to Maui. Did I say much needed? Yes, much needed if only for my sanity. Most of the time when on vacation I have trouble staying “in the now” as my sweetheart says. This makes it difficult to enjoy my time. Though this time was different and I was really, really able to relax – until the Sunday night before I have to go back to work. I get the “Sunday Blues”.

The Sunday Blues are feelings of the butterflies in the stomach - only not the good kind. They mean that I don’t get to be my artist self all day long like I can on the weekends. Creating and just being. They mean feelings of unfilled dreams, fear, longing for my time to come and wondering if it will ever happen. But there was something special that happened that evening.

I’m a faithful person – or try to be. I pray for whatever is needed for others and myself, hopefully not being greedy and it’s coming from an earnest place. In the weeks prior, I had been praying for a big sign to know I’m heard (I don’t always notice the little ones – I need one big knock on the head sometimes!), that I just wish I could be doing what I have such a passion for and just to release all those anxieties.

My sweetheart and I were discussing those very things while driving home and he says “I want you to do what that car in front of you says”. I looked up and on the license plate it said “Worry not”.

What?!? Oh – my – God…..there was my sign!! Call it what you want, but all I know is, that when I am feeling doubtful about my life and where it is going, I remember this event, this light, this night and I feel just a little more faithful.

My Life Stories...what do you think?

2009-07-07T17:53:00.000-07:00

I’ve been told that in the blog world, in addition to knowing about your shop or what you are promoting, that people want to know about you – your life, etc. I thought, “really?” Who would want read about my everyday life or things that happen to me, my fears & hopes, or my history? Ick…boring. Then, I see what they mean – since I’ve been following blogs like – Where Eagles Dare , The Eclectic Element, and feve r. I really do want to read and know about the lives of others. It is very interesting. So, I will be throwing tidbits here and there – and hopefully you will find it interesting too. But if not – well, you can always turn the page….tell me what you think

Checking In

2009-07-06T19:40:00.000-07:00

Wow...I cannot believe it has been this long since I said howdy. The last two weeks feel like a blurr. I have been trying to get my second Etsy shop up and running Peppermint Pink - peppermintpink.etsy.com.

My inspiration? Pretty in Pink. My girlfriend in high school always told me I reminded her of Molly Rinwald's character - with the reconstructing her clothes and all. I thought - I love to shop and make over clothes so why not? So there you go...stop by sometime.....Pretty in Pink for your pleasure:

Pep Quotes

2009-06-18T20:10:00.000-07:00

Recently when in Maui, I saw written somewhere:

Goals are deceptive; the un-aimed arrow never misses

Myself? I take this to mean, regardless of the goals that I set, there may be something else out there that I am moving towards, even if I don't know it yet -another purpose perhaps.

What do you think?

Reconstructed Clothing - Recycle My Dress

2009-06-18T12:30:00.000-07:00

I came across this site recently and was so impressed I wanted to give a big shout out to the owner/seamstress, Nicole Kulp at www.recyclemydress.com She was kind enough to answer some questions for this feature.

Take a look at her beautiful creations. Here are some noteworthy before & after's. (and my amateur Photoshop does not do these justice!):

Before & After

How did you fall into what you doing? I started recycling my bridesmaid’s dresses because I had trouble throwing out so much money and memories! Plus it just didn't seem right, I mean if you have the chance to save something with such good bones, wouldn't you?

How long have you been doing this? I have been recycling and wearing recycled dresses for over 4 years now.

Before................. After

Have you always been creative? Is this your only creative outlet? I would say that I have always been creative; I have had my hands in everything from ceramics, painting, printmaking to photography!

How long does it take you to create one piece? It can take me from start to finish on a dress, from a day to a week.

How do you come by your dresses? Some of my dresses are found at thrift stores, but most of them are owned by the customers (given to me to recycle then I give them back to them!)

What would be your advice to entrepreneurial women just starting out? I would tell other women to save there pennies, and use the internet!

What has been the hardest obstacle to overcome? has been getting my name and concept out there!

Where else can we see your work? You can find my work at www.recyclemydress.com, www.recyclemydress.etsy.com, and Green Being in Scranton, PA. Also you can check my website; I do first Fridays all over, and art shows!

Do you believe in the “pay it forward” kind of concept? Helping someone else for free and for fun, ultimately brings good back to you?

I do believe in the concept of 'pay it forward', I taught yoga twice a week for free @ my yoga studio for well over a year. It did feel good to help them out and even better when they were appreciative for my donation. Thank you, Nicole :)

Something can be done about that old brides' maid dress!

Ughh...

2009-06-14T10:46:00.000-07:00

I am so PO'd. I spent most of the day dealing with a migraine yesterday and was not able to paint. So, now I feel behind. I hate that. I do get to spend time with a young friend that wants a "lesson" in painting boxes though, so this will be fun. Off to start the day. Hope to post more later..

Shameless Plug

2009-06-12T12:36:00.000-07:00

Are these not D-A-R-L-I-N-G? I mean cute, cute, cute.... you can find these at:
aimeesarmoire.etsy.com

..if I don't happen to swoop them up first......

Pep Quotes

2009-06-12T06:29:00.000-07:00

It's that time again. Is everything in life this busy or do we just make it that way? Drycleaners, bank, return the shoes, buy crafts, feed the husband (or kids) - and oh yeah - feed myself! And of course, tend to my business: Etsy, my website, follow Twitter, the "My-Face's" as I like to call them, return emails, post and on and on and on........when in the quite of meditating, one thought kept coming back:

Don't hurry
Stay peaceful
See the day

Are you doing this today?

YART SALE ITEM JUST ADDED ON ETSY!!

2009-06-10T12:48:00.000-07:00

NEW YART SALE ITEM

2009-06-10T12:43:00.000-07:00

Don't forget to YART! CHECK OUT......DitzyRedhead.Etsy.com

Reconstructed Clothing - CreoleCollection

2009-06-09T19:44:00.000-07:00

This is from CreoleCollection.etsy.com
I really dig what they have going here - really different and fun. I am big on the creams, cocoa's, ecru's, etc. There's something that just really seems sophisticated yet can have a little bit of funk to it.
Remember Molly Ringwald in "Pretty in Pink"? She was always making over something to suit her freaky attitude; cutting up something, sewing it here or there. The Prom dress. Some sort of pinkish something...so I thought, "what if I did an ongoing series of reconstructed clothing"? I love this sort of thing, and was often compared to Ms. Ringwald by my best friend over the years as I did the same sort of thing. Hand sewn dolly clothes to high school minis. Here is the start of my reconstructed clothing series. Give 'em a vist when you can...I'm sure you won't be empty handed when you leave.

One Lovely Blog Award

2009-06-09T13:03:00.000-07:00

StunningAnnaK - http://stunningannak.blogspot.com/ - gave me the One Lovely Blog Award! I AM SO EXCITED!! I'm so new to blogging; this was a nice surprise..

So here are the One Lovely Blog Award Rules of Blog Award Acceptance:

1. Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link.

2. Pass the award to 10 other blogs that you've newly discovered. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

Here they are, in no particular order - and are fabulous....
Blissful Blooms Paper
Blood Milk
Cabin + Cub
Fresh On The Scene
I dare Say
StunningAnnaK - thanks!
The Eclectic Element
Where Eagles Dare
So Distressing
The Speckled Pear

Love it!

Tuesday...another work day

2009-06-09T07:18:00.000-07:00

Another work day - and by that I mean corporate work day. Oh how I dream of being a full time artist- "arting" or creating all day..no set hours...no boss...no phones...I could go on and on. I will say over and over again today: All good things are coming to me now - under grace in perfect ways...

My Yart Sale Items

2009-06-03T12:46:00.000-07:00

These are my Etsy Yart Sale items. I may be putting something else on sale too....who can tell

YART SALE ON ETSY JUNE 10-14th

2009-06-03T07:13:00.000-07:00

I will be a part of the Yart Sale on Etsy.com as will many others starting this June 10-14th. What is a YART Sale you ask? This is my first time, but my understanding is that it is sort of an online sale with any of the shops that wish to participate that are a part of Etsy. They have different specials/promotions/sale items, etc. YARD + ART = YART - get it? If you do a search under YART - you should be able to get a slew of shops come up to peruse...I'll try to post some interesting shops/items I come by (as well as my own!) prior to that..so check it out and have fun!

Pep Quotes

2009-06-02T18:38:00.000-07:00

Here are a few things that were brought to my attention lately when I was a little, shall we say "blue"..if I can remember these when I need to (anxious, fearful, tearful, angry - I think you know the rest) - I think it might just give me a little piece of mind.....

They're not doing it to me, they're just doing it
Prosperity is an unlimited abundance
What occupies your mind will magnify in your life; good or bad is no difference

Maybe this can help someone whenever there is stress over the economy, or irritated at the employee at the DMV that really seems to be rude, or when not so great things are going on in their lives and it's really hard to keep a stiff upper lip. You never know whenever someone is going to give you a small morsel to hold onto...

My girlfriend always says "When your life becomes important to you, you'll live it". Moments - all about the moments you let go by.....

Time for Another Shameless Plug

2009-05-29T13:06:00.000-07:00

Divine Rose on Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=102361

Look at these incredible items...though the dragonfly I bought...yay for me

2009-05-26T19:29:00.000-07:00

Holiday eve..dinner with friends.....was turned on to this show "The Dog Whisperer". Can I just say OMG!? Un-fricken-believable. This guy is amazing with dogs - never seen anything like it. Check out a video or two....http://www.cesarmillaninc.com/videoplayer/index.php. Truly intuitive.

Fabulous Sites - Shameless Plug

2009-05-25T15:58:00.000-07:00

So here is where I shamelessly promote someone else's site/blog/shoppe, etc. I'll start with the Moxie Sisters. Check out their shop on Etsy: moxiesisters.etsy.com

I found several goodies there, but my favorites are the "Bling" Display for Gems. Very cool...

2009-05-24T15:40:00.000-07:00

Today was a beautiful start to the day. A little meditation at the Self Realization Center in Los Angeles with friends, a little brunch and now a little art. 3 day weekend to really get my "art-on".

Currently, (and by that I mean today) I am working on my crosses. If you have seen my shoppe on Etsy, then you know I have a love of crosses and have been drawn to creating many different types-whatever strikes my fancy. There is something that is really amazing and beautiful about religious art. I absolutely adore the hispanic Our Lady of Guadalupe icons as well as the paintings and frescos of the Masters. It's all very inspiring to me.