Archive for the 'New Work' Category

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My New Weave

Published on November 30, 2011 in New Work. 0 Comments Tags: , .

These days I’ve been wearing my hair much longer and was excited to start braiding it like the styles seen during Fashion Week. My many attempts have been unsuccessful though! I finally gave up and decided to experiment using a different medium, which led to creating this headband.

I used some cord, gold chain, leather, leftover kimono fabric, and some other random things.

It was fun experimenting with weaving the materials together to see how the colors and textures altered the look of the braid. I used chain on the ends to make the closure adjustable for a universal fit. I also stamped a heart shape out of leather to add a little bling.

It’s amazing how many things one can haphazardly cram into one headband.

Mix n Match

Published on September 29, 2011 in New Work. 0 Comments Tags: , .

I found these pieces at one of my favorite local boutiques Seedstore and they instantly sparked an idea for a pair of earrings.

I’ve always been one for symmetry and simplicity, but for some reason I decided to mix it up. My buddy Charlene who lives in Canada was visiting at the time and I thought it would be fun to split the pieces up so she could have one to wear back home. Instead of friendship necklaces we could have earrings!

Charlene is a great resource when it comes to design. I especially like to consult her on color because she is a color therapist. I think mixing both of our styles into the earrings produced something random, yet fun. It’s boho-chic meets urban bird watcher. Hee hee

Birthday Birdy for my Buddy

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

For my best pal’s birthday I decided to make her a custom hairpiece. She has always been a great source of inspiration and support to me that I wanted to make her something special.

I found some exotic sticks made of coconut wood. They have a beautiful dark grain and are super smooth and sturdy.  I set a baby bird resting on a nest of feathers. Amongst the plumage I included a dotted feather for a bit of whimsy, along with a train of apricot fringe for a splash of color and movement. I had to make sure the piece also had some sparkle- hammered gold discs. I thought it would be festive and reminded me of confetti. Happy Birthday Rochelle!

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.

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.

Crocheting is Cool, continued

Published on July 26, 2010 in New Work. 0 Comments Tags: , , .

I’m having a great time learning more about crocheting and the whimsical art of amigurumi. In honor of summer and the season of yummy fruits I crocheted some cherries.

I also made some yellow cherries. After all, that is the name of my business! They will be my new mascots for the day.

Homies-

Crocheting is Cool

Published on June 14, 2010 in New Work. 1 Comment Tags: , , .

For years I have been fascinated with Amigurumi- the Japanese art of crocheting small stuffed animals or toys. They are super cute and always make me smile. I also thought it would be a nice way for me to expand my plush toy repertoire. The texture achieved from crochet is very unique, which is what I think makes amigurumi so alluring.

After a couple of hours watching YouTube videos on how to crochet, along with finding the simplest book, which happened to be a kid’s book, and some serious practice, I completed my first amigurumi bear!

He’s soft, cuddly, and pocket-sized! I think I’ll call him Chisai Kuma, which is “little bear” in Japanese.

Year of the Tiger Kitty

Published on February 12, 2010 in New Work. 0 Comments Tags: , , , .

According to the Chinese Zodiac, 2010 is the Year of the Tiger. It begins on February 14, Valentine’s Day. The Tiger is the third sign in the Chinese Zodiac cycle, and is a sign of bravery. It is admired by many Chinese because it is the sign that keeps away fire, thieves, and ghosts from the home. They also have protective powers to keep children safe. People that are born in the Year of the Tiger generally posses a charismatic personality. They are sensitive, adventurous, energetic, and passionate!

This is my tribute to the Year of the Tiger- Tiger Kitty! He is resting beneath a branch of plum blossoms because they are commonly used to decorate the home during Chinese New Year. They are seen as a symbol of winter, as well as a harbinger of spring. I also liked the idea that plum blossoms symbolize pure, honest friendship and perseverance.

My Tiger Kitty may not seem very ferocious, but he is still watchful and can provide ample protection. His smile is courageous and he is ready to pounce at a moment’s warning.

Gung Hay Fat Choy! (Wishing you good fortune)

Sun Neen Fai Lok! (Happy New Year)

Snow Globe Fun

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

It has been nothing but been continuous rain here in SF. I’ve been spending more time indoors and thought it would be fun to make another snow globe. For my last snow globe (Custom Munny Submission), I used glitter for snow. This time I wanted to use a different medium. After a little research, I discovered that snow was created by the use of bone chips, pieces of porcelain, sand or ground eggshells. I decided to experiment with the eggshell concept. It seemed to be the most economical and safe. If only I lived closer to Hawaii to collect some white sand for my snow globe!

The eggshell project turned out to be quite a task. The membrane on the interior surface of the eggshells must be removed before they will grind well. There was a lot of soaking, peeling, drying, and washing involved. The result wasn’t as rewarding as I was hoping for. The eggshells fell at a much faster rate because they weighed more than glitter. However, I did like their opacity and organic, random shapes. In the end, I mixed some glitter with the eggshells. I wasn’t able to catch the eggshells in action on film. They are there. . .  just resting on the bottom!

Pink Polka Dot Plumage

Published on January 25, 2010 in New Work. 0 Comments Tags: , , .

I had a nice burst of inspiration this month. It looks like I’m off to a good start for 2010.

Flamingo pink is the color scheme for these earrings. Cotton candy also comes into the mix by the use of the fluffy feathers. I added the dotted feathers for a playful, yet chic element. Uh- huh!

I was also curious about what type of bird has this unique polka dotted plumage. I did a little research and I came across this beautiful image on Brittanica.com:

The bird is a Helmeted Guinea Fowl, a native to Africa. They feed on insects and seeds, can be domesticated or feral, and apparently tastes like chicken!