More Watercolor Portraits

Continuing to experiment with watercolors and portraiture.  The first 4 above are all friends of mine and each water color is about 5"x8".  Keep thinking it would be lovely to cover a wall in watercolor portraits of those who are dear to me... 

The last one is an attempt at a self portrait and also larger format probably 8"x10", I didn't get the proportions quite right so it's not an exact likeness, but I like the spirit of it.  So enjoying playing with color in this way. 

Dabbling in Watercolor

When I was home over the holidays visiting my family, I didn't bring any crafty things as I often tend to do. Of course that didn't stop me from raiding my Mom's art supply cupboards.  I found a lovely Caran D'ache watercolor set and some good brushes. (I come to the opinion that it's not an Eliason household unless there is a secret hoard of paint brushes somewhere...)  The first attempt was pretty bad.  Historically I've worked mostly with oils and acrylics so I have very little understanding about how to use water color. I forgot to photograph that first one though, below are the following attempts...  

Not long ago, I came across this artist, Carol Carter, whose watercolor works just blow my mind they are so insanely gorgeous.  I have no idea how she is able to create the kind of effects she does; I wish I could take a class with her.  Have a look at her work, it's stunning.

As it was I looked up some techniques for using water color on youtube and it helped give me a little more knowledge about how to build the color, how to use the wetness or dryness to create effects.  I work from photos i like, portraits usually seem to be my subject matter, I like faces.

Nothing altogether original here but, it's been fun to mess around with color in another way than on silks and I hope to do more...

Winter Blues

You know, those days when you're just resentful about having to do anything that doesn't involve staying in your warm bed?  Where you'll hit the snooze button as many times as you can possibly get away with?  And try to let as little surface area of your feet touch the cold floor as possible?  On these mornings, which are most mornings really, I just drag on clothing like I brush my teeth; nearly subconsciously.  I'll put on whatever is closest and warmest and usually as many layers as I can pile on with out feeling like the Michelin man and then throw over that an oversized sweater (or, yes, jumper) for good measure.  Not much thought is given to matching, to color, texture, or style.   Once this is done, I might glance in the mirror, and acknowledge the lack of cohesiveness, but still won't really be moved to, heaven forbid!, remove any layers and adapt my sartorial attempt at a duvet.

*shrugs*  On a day to day basis I don't give that much thought to what I wear, or what other people are wearing, which I think people tend to find surprising, considering my fashion background... it's the truth though.

I was never particulary stylish growing up and while I like to really spend time to craft a look on some occasions, comfort comes first for me on most days. 

Hats and scarves save my appearance almost every day, and of course, don't compromise on the comfort factor, during these tedious days of winter.  Color on gorgeous 100% silk fabric, hats of Hedgehog Fibres cashmere, chunky knits from thrift stores?  They help. 

Here are some ways I wear my scarf designs. 

ALSO.  (psst.  you might want to stop skimming for a minute and read this....)

I'm interested in making some semi-custom* scarves at the moment, and I will do them for $99 for right now, which is a crazy crazy good deal.  I'm looking into a really amazing situation with a New York based retailer carrying my one-of-a-kind scarves instead of me; for me this means perfecting my process and product and for others this will mean, among other things, a price increase.  In the meantime and to prepare for this, I'd love to do some special projects at special prices for those of you who are interested and have been sticking with me; if you've been thinking about getting a scarf for some time, but just couldn't manage the $150 price tag, please considering taking advantage of this now, I promise you'll thank yourself, especially on those blue winter mornings.  If your heart says yes to this, you can click this Paypal button to jump on this:

Or get in touch if you have questions (that are not these).

**When I say semi-custom, I mean you can tell me the predominant color or feeling you'd like, but the nature and beauty of the dyeing process (the part that gives me the most joy!) is the play of interesting and often unexpected color combinations. I'd send you a picture before shipping to make sure you are happy with it, of course.

(FINALLY!) TUTORIAL: Festival Leather Fringe Earrings

(Alright, sorry for the delay, but better late than never.  In fact better late than earlier, because now you can make these for chirstmas gifts.  Go get crafting!) 

Right so, people seem to really dig these leather fringe earrings I made, so I'm going to show you how to DIY. (Incidentally, if you can't be bothered to make them yourself, you can buy a pair over on my etsy shop of course.) 

You don't need much leather, really just a rectangle about 7" by 4" or there abouts, you can adjust based on what you have.  This is a great way to recycle those awesome leather pants that you blew the back seam out of dancing at clubs in the 90s. (ahem, uh, this never happened to me, cough cough.  or my sister.  same club, different day.)  

Or go check out a thrift shop; there's a lot of leather goods that have been made into awful garments that could be better used for things like this.  Or if you have a problem with leather, try it with vinyl; haven't done it myself, but bet it would work.

Knitting Hats like a Boss. Also Whoops.

I'm working on hats on the knitting machine!  Mainly cause I wanted to keep my head warm since it's started getting cold.  But also!  Might to do some for sale.  :)  Or scarves.  We'll see.  Just enjoying the making.  More scarves in the works too. 

Also I messed up and accidentally published the tutorial for the festival earrings while it was not finished!  Having some technical issues with creating that post, but should be up in the next week.  Sorry for those of you who got the unfinished post emailed to you.  

Freedom is the Anthem

Here's the thing.

I want to change everything.  I want to be authentic, inspiring, inspired, driven.

I want to bring more beauty into the world and acknowledge more of the beauty that is here, there, everywhere, but hiding or shy.

I want to make money doing what I love and I want to be unburdened by debt.  I want to know that I can support myself, and I mean really support myself; not just get by and not depend on anyone else financially again.  I want to be okay with the fact that that won't happen overnight.

I want freedom freedom freedom. Freedom is the anthem, the chant, the answer always in my head.  And the word doesn't do it justice.  It is so much more.

And I want to remember that it is both a goal and immediately accessible in every moment.  And you can only give it to yourself.

I want to seek out everything I want unapologetically.  I want to remember to acknowledge and appreciate those who are supportive and to be able to detach from negative or fearful opinions with curiousity, empathy, and compassion.  

I want to consistently notice the difference between freedom and escape and to be able to acknowledge when and why I'm engaging in the latter and thereby change the situation.

I want safety and security, but not a numbing anesthetic disguised as comfort and contentment.  I have more to give, more to experience, more to share.

I want to remember that I already have the tools I need and the people that can help when I don't know what is next.  To remember that I already have the wisdom and courage to act, there's no need to wait for it to arrive or to be bestowed.  To remember that no step is too small.  And to remember it again and again when I forget.

So, actually, upon reflection, I don't want to change everything.  There's a lot that is worth keeping, that supports me, that is me.  And at the same time, I want to live more fully, remarkably, lovingly, and honestly.  And that means editing and change; and curiously but non-judgmentally looking in the mirror.  The same process of going through my physical belongings, but internally and more gently and more often.  

Today I'm dreaming the person I'm becoming, the gifts I have to give, the plans to get me there, the people and things with which I wish to fill my life.  I am scared too, scared of failure, scared of success, but hopeful and excited and ready.

Step one.*  

*(Or is this step one million?  After all, I was already walking the path that got me here, and here is not a bad place to be...)

So, everything is changing. Again.

Well, I'm moving, and I've done this so many times in my life, but seriously, it is never an easy process.  So maybe it's time for a little reflection.  So here are some of my interesting discoveries in going through all my crap and downsizing:

 

1) I found a piece of art I purchased so long ago that I just love and had forgotten about, and is perfect for this time.  This is one of the WINNING moments.  Rediscovering.

2) I have a mind that sees the creative potential in everything.  It's a blessing and a curse.  The creativity has enabled me to make a lot of gorgeous things, but the potential part has allowed me to keep way way way too many unnecessary things.  And having too much junk is counter-productive because it scatters my creative potential.  gahhh, paradox!

3) Not every project idea needs to get made.  I have not and will never make every project I think of, so I need to find a way to adapt this pattern...

4) Surprising to me, it turns out I have always been a writer...  I've never thought of myself as someone who journals (or writes much, really), but I have recorded some pretty fascinating chunks of my experience. (a lot of mundane ones as well!)

5) I've also sketched a lot of them.

6) Sometimes history repeats itself, and you'd never know it if you didn't have a way to review it.  And I have this hunch that being able to review it makes it less likely to repeat.  I'll have to get back to you on that. 

7) I am emotionally attached to a lot of "things" which is kinda distressing, but makes sense given the constant moves throughout life, I cling to the things that feel like roots.  So now I'm learning to let go of so much more and care better for fewer things.

8) On that note, I have this pervading sense of mistrust about letting go of things; it's like this need to know that it will go somewhere where it will be useful or appreciated.  Having my neighbors kids come over and choose from boxes of under-used art supplies and seeing their delight in them was uplifting.  These things will end up where they need to be.

9) I have been unintentionally wasteful in a lot of ways, and now will need to learn to be intentionally thrifty.  It's about time, really.

I know this post isn't particularly relevant to gorgeous scarves, however, I'm sure you've all been or will go through times of transition and maybe some piece of this will be useful or resonate, I'd love to hear about it if so.  Also, even if it is the less glamorous side of an artist's life, I'm sure this will result in more interesting creative projects here; that's my hope.  I've made some new things lately, been sharing on my facebook page.  

In Galway and New Scarves Coming

It's here; the day of the Irish Fashion Innovation Awards!  I'm here in Galway for the show tonight, staying at the appropriately themed G hotel which is fashionably eccentric in decor and attitude (incidentally, chosen by my husband, not me!).  If you are ever passing through Galway, you should come here just for a cup of tea!  There were even cupcakes on arrival, how nice.  :)

I'll be showing a small selection of my latest scarves tonight as a finalist in the accessory category; delighted to have been selected to participate and looking forward to seeing the other designers' work.  Here's one of the looks I came up with that wasn't selected for the runway, but gives you a sneak peek of some of the new scarves.  

All the new scarves will be in the shop beginning of next week; sign up for the newsletter to get first notice and exclusive discounts.

Fashion Innovation Awards & Spring Sale

Excited to announce that I'll be participating in the the Irish Fashion Innovation Awards on April 5th in Galway. Filled with inspiration & ready to show some new work! :)  The awards are hosted by Golden Egg Productions, if you'd like to know more check out this link.  

To make way for the new work, and to say hello to the coming spring, I'm delighted to be having a massive sale on the scarves in the shop.   For the next week, you can get a 40% discount on these one-of-a-kind lovingly hand-dyed pieces of luxury by using the code "springspecial" during checkout.   (The sale will be on till March 14th, but keep in mind there is only one of each scarf, so if you've got your eye on a specific one, you might want to get it quickly.  Just saying.)

^ that's Burrow, one of the silk muslin scarves available in the shop

Adventures in Situ: 4 Ideas that Do Not Require Travel

Oh I just loved the first couple minutes of this video, makes me want to go dance around on the windy coast.  Well, and fly, of course.  The last part was a little sad, so feel free to just watch the first 2.5 minutes and just allow yourself to imagine being weightless and free.    

GRAVITY // UN RÊVE DE DEMAIN from Filip Piskorzynski on Vimeo.

4 Adventures that don't require travel:

• Get some kind of exotic tea you've never tried before and brew yourself a pot. (I love Lapsang Souchong; it's like a campfire in a tea cup.... so, maybe you should order some specialty marshmallows from Whimsy and Spice to go with)

 image from whimsy & spice

• Stream a radio station from another city or country.  (I listen to KGSR (Austin, TX) and Triple J (Australia) FM4 (Austria)...... weird, i seem to pick places beginning with "a".....) Or try a genre you aren't familiar with; NPR has a massive list of streaming radio options here. (I'm trying classical music at the moment!)

image from wikipedia 

• A familiar suggestion I'm sure, but BOOKS, of course.  I am often busy making things with my hands, so I like to listen to audio books.  Maybe you don't work with your hands, but you have a long drive or commute to work?  Audiobooks are great for any kind of monotony; put it on an ipod and listen while doing dishes. Currently I'm listening to this fantastical story about two young duelling magicians and a mysterious circus.  The Night Circus, by Erin Morgenstern (available from Audible or if you prefer to read, Amazon)

image from erinmorgenstern.com 

• How about an aromatic adventure?  One of the things I remember most vividly from a trip to Egypt as a child was the woman selling perfume oils in all these tiny vials....  Even if you never order anything from Villainess their descriptions alone are worth reading.  I just ordered the Jai Mahal perfume oil, but my friend swears by their soaps too.  Just imagine the transporting quality of sudsing up with Dulces en Fuego, Krakatoa, or Pearl Diver. 

image from villainess.net

I hope these ideas help you get thinking about ways to bring a little adventure into your life, even if responsibilities, or finances, or vacation time mean you can't run off to Thailand just yet.  Do you have some ideas?  I would love to hear them.