Color Crazed

Published on June 30, 2011 in Sweet Design. 0 Comments Tags: , , .

June Gloom seems to prevail this summer in SF. It’s foggy and cold, with an occasional drizzle that seems to linger most of the day. The sun will taunt me with a brief appearance, then retreat back into the fog. I’ve been finding myself drawn to bright colors, daydreaming about being somewhere warm and tropical. Sobral’s striped resin hoops are helping soothe my summer slump and craze for color.

Sobral is a Brazilian designer from Rio de Janeiro known for his beautiful handmade resin jewelry. My favorite pieces are from his “Pop” collection. I love the mix of candy colored translucent and opaque stripes. Everything is so smooth and shiny. It makes me happy!

Not only does Sobral make fun and vibrant works, his entire production process is eco-friendly down to the packaging. He also partners with the Museum of The Republic to educate underprivileged children in the art of making fashion jewelry.

Every time I wear my hoops it feels a few degrees warmer- color therapy never felt so good!

Another Pink Bunny

Published on May 31, 2011 in New Work. 0 Comments Tags: , , , .

At the Silly Pink Bunnies convention I met a very inspiring and crafty girl named Shove, aka Croshame. She also loves making amigurumi and passed along her adorable pattern and video tutorial  for a bunny ring! Her pattern is very easy to follow and fun to make. I’d never made a ring out of yarn before- good times.

Silly Pink Bunnies

Published on April 26, 2011 in Events. 0 Comments Tags: , , , .

I spent Easter weekend at the annual Silly Pink Bunnies convention. This year was extra special because they were celebrating 20 years of being a gang. Jeremy Fish is the founder, Don of this skate gang. To commemorate the silly pink bunnies he built a giant statue and installed it in front of a mural in the lower Haight.

My tribute to the SPBs is Bunny. I crocheted it with fuzzy pink alpaca yarn and gave it needle-felted ears and a bushy little tail.

Bunny got to partake in the festivities and made friends with some of the dudes dressed in pink. The gang colors are pink and brown- fancy.

Bunny also cruised around with Jeremy at the dinner. Naked Lunch catered some delicious meatball creations, accompanied by organic mixed greens and gourmet fries with three different tasty sauces.

There’s an award ceremony at every SPB convention. This year Duane, one of the main Dons had a custom trophy made for the representative of the decade.

Pleather Kitty

Published on March 27, 2011 in News. 0 Comments Tags: , , .

Pleather Kitty was recently featured in this faux leather themed Etsy treasury.  I didn’t realize that pleather is a slang term for “plastic leather.” Clothing companies used the term as a way to advertise the material without calling it plastic. It is a great alternative to real leather because it more durable, easy to maintain, has a nice glossy finish, and animal cruelty free.

Pleather Kitty is eco-friendly, hypo allergenic, and always smiling!

Year of the Golden Rabbit

Published on February 12, 2011 in Events. 0 Comments Tags: , , .

Chinese New Year was exceptionally fun this year because 2011 is the Golden Year of the Rabbit, my zodiac sign! This only occurs every 12 years.

The Rabbit is considered a lucky sign. During the Year of the Rabbit, the wish-granting aspect of the Sun and the Moon combined is supposed to be multiplied. Exciting! In Chinese culture the Rabbit is the symbol of the Moon- the Moon is yin and this is the yin of Heaven, signifying magic. On the full moon nights of this year, visualize plenty of Moon dust and Moon glow flowing into you, filling your whole body with bright white light and granting you fearlessness, love and courage.  This will not only strengthen your inner “Chi” energy, it will also bring wisdom into your life. The next full moon is February 18. I will definitely be trying to soak up some of this “magic!”

Every year we have a family celebration and feast at my aunt’s house with an array of traditional dishes. A full belly is the ultimate sign of well-being and affection. One of my favorite dishes is a whole fish wrapped in banana leaves seasoned with green onions, ginger, and cilantro. The fish represent abundance and the green onions wisdom. It’s also important that the fish is served whole, head and tail attached because it symbolizes a good beginning and ending for the coming year.

A celebratory toast with these festive Asian pin-up girl shot glasses. The pretty lady appears when the glass has liquid – Jack Daniels works really well.

For the grand finale, we set off firecrackers to frighten away any evil spirits and make way for a year of good health, prosperity, and happiness. pa, pa-pa-pa pow!

Tourmaline Charged Kitty

Published on January 30, 2011 in News. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , .

I recently discovered that tourmaline, one of my favorite gems to use for the eyes on my kitty necklaces, is the main ingredient in a specialized skin care line by Aveda. Tourmaline is a naturally energizing mineral. It is used to boost the skin’s energy to give it a healthy glow.

I had the opportunity to experience the Aveda Tourmaline Charged Radiance Masque and was very impressed. My skin was softer, smoother, and more radiant! Not only does the masque contain finely powdered tourmaline, it also has antioxidants derived from tomatoes, Murumuru butter to increase skin hydration, and a corn-derived sugar to help shed dull skin cells.

Aveda prides themselves on using naturally derived ingredients, along with protecting and preserving the environment. It feels good to have a great product for my skin and know it came from an eco-friendly company.

I think I’m going to wear my tourmaline kitty necklace more often. Maybe it will also help my skin look more radiant!

Fuzzy Forest Friends

Published on December 29, 2010 in New Work. 0 Comments Tags: , , , .

My holiday gift to family and friends this year were amigurumi bears with needle felted appendages. I thought they would make a festive tree trimming!

I had fun experimenting with a different material to create their fuzzy arms, ears, and legs. That, and I’ve always wanted to try needle felting.

Needle felting is an interesting technique- you take wool fibers and compress them by repeatedly stabbing the fibers with pointed, barbed needles of different gauges.

The fibers interlock and become compacted, holding whatever shape desired. Not only does it produce a finished piece, it’s also a great stress reliever!

I took the bears on a photo shoot to Lands End- the wave and wind carved headlands west of the Golden Gate. It is a breezy place filled with cypress trees, colorful native plants, and scenic overlooks.

I was lucky enough to photograph them on a rare, warm sunny day. I think the bears enjoyed spending a little time seaside before it was time to go into their gift boxes.

Yarn Yumminess

Published on November 27, 2010 in News. 0 Comments Tags: , .

My very talented friend of Yarn Yumminess put together this Etsy Treasury including my Gold Bike earrings.

The best part about the bike earrings is that the wheels actually rotate and spin!

Yarn Yumminess designs beautifully crocheted and knitted pieces that are cozy and fashionable. Her string of cherries necklace is one of my favorite pieces!

Zakka Sewing

Published on November 13, 2010 in Projects. 0 Comments Tags: , , .

I found an inspiring book called Zakka Sewing. In Japanese, zakka means “household goods.” It refers to taking an everyday object and transforming it into something more artistic. They are still functional objects, but possess beauty and are meant to add style and individuality to an environment. It is the art of seeing the savvy in the ordinary and mundane.

The book has different projects that were contributed by some of the best zakka makers in Japan. I especially liked that not only did they have unique design; they had a history of Japanese culture and tradition.

One of the projects I particularly liked was making a set of coasters. They used a flower motif to resemble wagashi, Japanese sweets that appear in stores during the spring. In keeping with my aesthetic and that winter is approaching I used a bear design. I wanted my coasters to be cute, charming, and posses a sense of warmth. I think they will look extra cozy with a hot chocolate resting on them!

Miniguide Barcelona

Published on October 30, 2010 in News. 0 Comments Tags: , , .

Two of my customized Dunnys were featured on the cover of the October issue of  Miniguide Barcelona. Oh, how I’ve always wanted to travel to Spain- one day!

Miniguide is a cultural magazine and guide to Barcelona that gives you all you need to know to about the best places to eat, nightlife, and latest fashion. It appears the designer toy trend has made its way over there.