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!
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!
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!
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.
Fall- the season of change is my favorite time of year in San Francisco! The sun actually breaks through the dense layer of fog that usually hovers above the city bringing warmth. The air becomes brisk. I love watching the leaves change color into different hues of red, brown, and amber.
Coinciding with the beginning of fall, my Berry Red Bird Hair Stick was featured in two different Etsy Treasuries. The hairpiece has two wooden chopsticks that I sanded and treated with a walnut stain. A little bird is perched on a found branch with layers of feathers below for a nesting place. I also added scarlet colored trim that sways beneath for movement and whimsy.
The treasury below is called “Woodland.” The name brings images of a forest with furry creatures running around gathering food, while birds build their nest to mind.
This treasury is called “Michaelmas in the Woods.” It refers to Saint Michael the Archangel who is honored for his defeat of Lucifer in the battle for the heavens. He is celebrated on September 29, which is associated with the beginning of autumn.
Metallic Silver Kitty was chosen for an Etsy treasury with a clever theme called “Hard and Shiny Bodies.” It contains a random mix of spandex, glitter, and shiny objects.
The cat’s shiny body is made of quilted fabric. I thought the diamond pattern would give it a fun texture. There are buttons for eyes and satin ribbon forms its smile. This kitty likes to wear leg warmers while watching Solid Gold reruns!
My Apricot Peacock Feather earrings were just featured in another Etsy Treasury. Gotta love the free publicity!
My Neon Pink Kitty made it into an Etsy Treasury. Hee hee! I’m not the only one who appreciates Day Glo. It is cheerful, fun, and sure to brighten your day. Literally.
I spent the weekend at my pals, Brian and Rochelle’s artist retreat, The Orchard Projects. Their cozy retreat rests on 100 acres of avocado and citrus orchards in Ventura. The Orchard Projects invites artists, curators, musicians, and writers to escape “studio life’s rigors and gain a critical distance from their work and the world at large.” Their aim is to give a sense of clarity and community to those who are often overwhelmed by their own work to the point that it can be daunting, stressful, and isolating. My visit was mainly for social reasons. However, a little relaxation, surfing, and home cooked meals from their vegetable garden was the perfect retreat from city life!
It was so nice hanging out on their deck, sipping tea, basking in the sunshine while overlooking the orchard.
I also enjoyed the powder room. When I asked about the aesthetic of the room, I was informed it is called “Nouveau Lodge.” Aside from being the director of The Orchard Projects, Brian is a very talented decorative painter.
One of the highlights of my weekend in Ventura was a surprise trip to my favorite fabric purveyor SuperBuzzy! They have the best collection of Japanese fabrics, crafts, notions, and other cute things. It was really exciting to see their headquarters because they only have an online store. Rochelle had made special arrangements for us to come and do a little shopping. She was such a great host- top notch!
Along with the beautiful array of Echino fabrics, I fell in love with Heather Ross’s “Unicorn in the Meadow.” Her fabric is made of super comfy Japanese double gauze. This fabric is quite popular in Japan because it has the ideal properties for hot and humid summers. It is soft, lightweight, and has an open weave to allow air to pass through. The gauze retains its light and cool properties, but is no longer sheer because of the double layer of fabric. Another bonus is that it absorbs perspiration without showing an unsightly mark. This fabric is breezy and magical!
I am so happy I was able to see the Cartier exhibit at the Legion of Honor before it was gone, because it was AMAZING! Wow, Cartier’s craftsmanship and design is flawless. I was overwhelmed. Being surrounded by such beautiful, luxurious, and sparkling jewels was quite thrilling. Thank you Auntie J for the free pass!
The most outstanding pieces to me were the necklaces commissioned by Maria Félix, the famous actress of the golden age of Mexican cinema.
Her first necklace was a serpent design, which included a 41.37 carat, D-flawless Ashoka diamond. I had never heard of one of these diamonds. The diamond is named after the Buddhist warrior-emperor Ashoka Maurya. It was mined in the Golconda region of southern India. Due to its unique cut and exceptional beauty, it has attained legendary status! The serpent was made out of platinum and white gold, and encrusted with 178.21 carats of diamonds- 2,473 diamonds total! Cartier’s impeccable craftsmanship allowed for hinge movements throughout the entire necklace. It is said that it has the slithery feel and weight of a real snake of that size. The underside is also enameled to allow comfort for the wearer. Comfort and beauty? What? This guy was incredible.
The other famous design commissioned by Maria Félix was a double crocodile necklace. She brought a baby crocodile in a jar to Cartier, asking to have a necklace made just like the crocodile (actual size too). The resulting design was that of two crocodiles, which could be worn together to create a necklace, or separate to be two bracelets. The bodies of the crocodiles contain 524.9 grams of gold and are set with 1,023 fancy yellow diamonds and 1,060 circular cut emeralds.
These baby crocodiles make me want to watch the movie Romancing the Stone!
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