Sommer Designs

Friday Flickr Favs

Happy happy, merry merry - I hope everyone is enjoying time with those who are close to their hearts...♥
 

Friday Flickr Favorites

I like this one.

Click on the image to see it larger. Made with FD Flickr Toys. You should try it.
 

Fabric Inspiration

Last Friday was one of Scott's [every other] Friday's off. We usually try to go out to breakfast or lunch, and this time, when I suggested my favorite little French bistro in Manhattan Beach, he trumped me with a downtown suggestion. He had found an old copy of Los Angeles Magazine and they had a review for a little hole-in-the-wall downtown, near skid row, and he had to try it. And he had to drag me there. Near skid row.

You know what? It was really good! It's called the Nickel Diner, and it looks like a throwback to the 50's, but I think it's newer.

The menu seemed to very diner, but the food we ordered had a definite modern spin. It was really delicious, and even more delicious to have time alone with this guy.

Since we were downtown, and it turned out to be only a stones throw from the fashion district, I decided to drag Scott with me to pick up more organza. It's fun taking someone who doesn't usually go down there, because the first time you walk the fabric streets, your head spins.

It's a completely different world.

So much of it is apparel oriented, but it's so fun to people watch. I wonder where those guys are going with all those bolts? Are they manufacturers, or fabric purveyors?

These shops are short on display inspiration, but big on selection and color. We got what I needed, walked around a little more and then headed out. I can take only so much of downtown. Really, it's very overwhelming for me.

Yesterday, I stayed a little closer to home and went to the nice, expensive fabric store. I'm in pouch-production-mode, and needed inspiration beyond what I had at hand; plus, I ran out of some lining fabrics. I tried to be prudent and thrifty, but still came home with this selection:

Owls. Do you see them?  I really needed the owls.

Two days in Costa Mesa: Artistic License Fair

I had such a great time in Costa Mesa at Artistic License Fair! It's one thing to be stuck in a beautiful park for two days; and another thing to be stuck in a beautiful park for two days with a myriad of talented, artistic, likeminded folks. Both are wonderful and relaxing, but the latter is unbelievably inspiring.

One again, I was next to LoriMarsha, with her amazing refashioned clothing & accessories

If I could just shadow this woman for a day, my life would be complete. Simply amazing. My two favorite local yarnies were there, Lori Lawson from Capistrano Fiber Arts...

who gave me a mini-lesson on spinning (which I will NOT be getting into, but it's amazing to watch!)...

and Michelle Hoffee, from Made by Lovecraft.

I also made a new friend, Mary from Button Box (does not have a website!!), who had an amazing booth - so creatively merchandised with apothecary boxes and bins, brimming over with vintage button jewelry - so gorgeous!

I saw old friends - Shari stopped by first thing Friday morning with Flick & Summer (the cuties)...

...and I finally got to meet an online friend from Flickr, Graygoosie, which was really one of the highlights of the day for me!

I can't begin to tell you how blessed I feel to be able to meet so many of the wonderful people I've met online. When I'm spinning my wheels and wondering why I do what I do (why I bother to do what I do), I think about these accidental friendships and it really sustains me. I know, totally corny. But totally true. I don't know what artisans did before the internet.

Of course, I spent money. More sock yarn and superfine merino/cashmere blend for...I don't know yet, but the colors were gorgeous.

 I also bought two LoriMarsha originals that I can't wait to wear when it cools off a bit. They are amazing, and totally out of my comfort zone (fashion-wise), with their bright colors and mix of textures, but they are gorgeous and after two days with all these people, I am ready to step it up and make an effort, even if it's just to go get the mail.
 
So many of the outdoor fairs (and even the indoor charity boutiques) include vendors who simply resell merchandise they buy (including replica goods). As a handcrafter, this is hard because, in my mind, it's a mindset thing. I think it's difficult for people to understand the work and detail that goes into making your merchandise, and then to see buyers swarming the table with $2 jewelry from China...it just makes you wonder why you bother in the first place?

That's why I love this event; it's heavily juried and all handcrafted, and represented by the artist. They have their followers, and it's amazing to see the same people return year after year (this show has been going on for over 40 years!) to support it. I'm so grateful to be included. I can't wait until next year.
 

Friday Flickr Favs...

It's a good day for one, no?

Friday Flickr Favs: Beauty

Hobnobbing

On Saturday night we all went into the city to see Kelley's husband Andy's art opening in Echo Park. We were so far out of our element, it wasn't funny, but we were so glad we did something out of the ordinary like this. It was such an awesome exhibit!

It was at the Sublimal Projects Gallery in Studio Number One, which you must check out. I was beside myself. Amazing work by 5 uber-talented artists, dare I even say alternative artists; I hesitate, because who am I to distinguish between genres of art? Andy is the Creative Director at Girl Skateboards, so obviously, skateboard art is the main thrust here - it's graphic & colorful, almost pop-like, with a cartoon quality and the work is just genius.

The Mr. & Mrs. in front of what was my favorite piece, but you can't really see because they are standing in front of it!

Andy does work in mixed media collage, and brings in elements from his life, things he's saved or compiled, which add such a personal touch like a window into the soul. He recently started adding pieces of raised & etched cut lucite to some work, which also give it a third dimension. Love.

But you have to look closely here - as on all his work to see something really special and really touching.

Old pieces of Kelley's patterns are incorporated into his work! Is that love, or what? I was dying. Almost every piece of artwork had a pattern piece incorporated into it. (Andy, you're the man!)

The gallery space isn't very big, but I loved how each artist had their own area. Being the opening night reception, it was full of people and in the entry Shepard Fairey was playing DJ and spinning real vinyl! (How immensely cool is that?)

I am extremely proud to say that I am (we are) the owners of a piece of Andy Jenkins artwork. Last April I asked Andy if he was open to creating a piece as my gift to Scott for our 20th anniversary. We talked about colors and elements, and I tried my best to not dictate too much in the way of  my style, because it was his style I was after. I think we were both scared, but when I saw the finished piece I was ecstatic.

It's about 20 x 20 on plywood, and sits on a console between our living & dining room.

I wanted the initial 'S' and love how he used a gothic style, which I would have never suggested, but love how it looks. On the right side, in the red area, he collaged the number 20 (for the 20 year thing, you know?) and if you look in the bottom of 'S' you'll notice another collage.

It's two pieces of mine & Scott's birth certificates, superimposed, collaged, bound. Scott & I love this piece so much, it was such a perfect anniversary gift.

That Jenks...what a talent.

(click on any of the images here for larger versions - it's worth it!)

Friday Flickr Favs: summertime

 

I feel very boring lately! I can't tell you how much I"m enjoying my summer and doing very little for a change. Just little things, here and there, which is perfect and just what I really needed. Some fall fabrics have arrived and, little by little, I'm diving into them, and planning and cutting.

Some fall show contracts have arrived, and admittedly, I'm taking my time with them and being a little choosey. I'm trying to pace myself, or my schedule, because if I don't, I will crash and burn - and I'm still feeling the effects from this past spring.

I've been reading (having a hard time concentrating), watching movies (we joined Netflix a few months ago, and all I can say is, wow - clobber me over the head, movies delivered to me?) and trying to take regular walks (somehow, an extra 10 found a home on me).

So, see? Boring. If not that, then enjoying the sunshine and relaxed pace of summertime. Which is what we all should do, right?

Friday Flickr Favs...

 

Enjoy your holiday weekend ♥

Friday Flickr Favorites

*sigh*

 

Thank you for the inspiration my friends.