Archive of ‘Art & Design’ category

Audiophile

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“Where words fail, music speaks.” -Hans Christian Andersen

Music has been my constant companion. It was with me all throughout high school shaping my social life, and it wafted  through my room the entire time I lay in a coma. I have played inside of a sonic landscape since before I was born; dancing to  songs with my Mother while  still inside Her tummy. For the record, my “first dance,” was P.Y.T by  Michael Jackson.  Since then my feet have found the ground and I continue to dance.  I’ve danced through most of school, my family life, and even now during recovery. Without dancing, all these years I’d have just been standing still, stagnant. However, those little black notes have pushed me through to victory after victory. A sure  outward sign that I was improving  was when I started being interested in music again. It  has been entwined  with the neurons in my brain; each song sparking a vivid memory, an imagined music video sequence, or feelings  of elation.  Music has not only influenced my life so much as it has dictated it.  Friends came and went by route of the current albums I was into.  We found  our identities and a common ground contained  within flat round compact discs, or  vinyl if you were “really cool.” Even when there was a  question concerning  the integrity  of my memory  after a severe stroke, I still remembered  everyone’s faces and all my favorite  musical artists. The power of music runs deep my friend. There remains few people that can put into words exactly what music communicates. That’s exactly why our souls need it; Because, it communicates what mere words cannot.  Indeed as an adolescent I held to the belief that a particularly well homemade mix tape could cause you to fall in love with someone, the music you enjoyed said almost more about you then the way you dressed, and to die and become a music note would be of the utmost honor. Because, if your spirit could inhabit the form of a music note, you’d touch people’s lives and live on in beautiful symphonies forever.  Not to mention, once you fall in love with rock n’ roll, it’s difficult to find other people that share your enthusiasm. However, when you do, you know you’ve got an instant friend and you’re  held  together by the invisible threads of  sound.  Therefore, don’t discount its power, and keep on singing even when it rains. Especially when life gets difficult if you continue to sing, those invisible threads will pull you through.

I leave you with a song, enjoy!

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTOC_q0NLTk&w=560&h=315%5D

sing it out!

bleu

# Goals

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“What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals.”

-Zig Ziglar.

This one is for you single Moms that went back to school and got your degree, to the Dad that finally lost  his gut, the young girl who nailed that cart wheel, and the grandma that braved a community college class in  a subject  She was really interested in. These people have their goals on lock down, and understand that as long as your alive on this earth you can achieve   goals and create new ones. When  I first  discovered  The Sketchbook Project, I immediately jumped on it. However, due to a fast paced lifestyle  I never managed to complete it. The project  is a globally concerted effort, with art sent in from all over the world. You can learn more about it —> here. While my blank sketchbooks in 2011 and 2012( I attempted it twice) languished   untouched in my apartment  while I attended to other matters… Sooner than later(time flies) the year 2016 rolled around and I found myself   in the process of a recovery from a near death experience. I also  was unemployed with considerable stretches of time to fill and in need of some positive distraction. Yet again I found myself participating in  the sketchbook project, but this time I was going to finish it. The third time  really is a charm apparently. You can’t always wait for the “right time,” to accomplish something, often the right time is right now.  Many times    you’ll find that somehow things happen at the right time when your patient, positive, and active in working towards your goal. We can’t control or make everything happen when we want,  but we can certainly  put the wheels in motion. What that  single Mom, little girl, and Dad all understand is that with perseverance and determination you can reach your goals.  It doesn’t matter when you start, it’s that you begin and there’s no time like the present. Don’t be afraid of failure because failure is a good teacher, and  most certainly don’t predict that you’ll fail before you even  start!

Just begin,

bleu

Have Company?

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I wish the question “What do they sell at Walmart,”  was uttered  by more people other than just  Paris Hilton on an old reality show(the simple life) unfortunately all too often big business is killing the little guys. As a friend of mine described herself “part punk rock and part hippie.” I too possess this dichotomy. Besides quirky coffee shops and d.i.y markets like the Rustbelt Market (See here!) I also love  the handcrafted movement.More recently I’ve found this little gem in Grand Rapids Michigan.They not only have artist residencies, a gallery, and loads of handcrafted goods but they’re online too!  (Shop!?)

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   Photo Above: My Have Haul

Women Artists Volume 2   interviews& illustrations by Naomi Elliot

As individuals we should have goods as individual as we are.Were not cookie cutter beings. Not only does shopping small enrich our landscape and support local businesses but also helps the economy here and abroad(fair trade coffee anyone?) Those quaint little  neighborhoods don’t have to be a thing of the past.

Shop small and independent,

bleu

Filofaxy Galaxy

Pink_Planet_by_JON1X303This New Year amid all the resolutions to get in shape, I desired to become more  organized and thereby productive. In my quest for organization I discovered this 80’s throwback the Filofax, a yuppies dream.As I explored this new found world I soon discovered there were other  fans of this  simple joy.Instagram had boards dedicated to showing off how you decorated your planner.There were loads of goodies for them on Etsy,and a popular blogger Gala Darling had also  admitted Her love    for them! Like any other  accessory loving  goal driven  individual,I too became interested.After researching, reading,hunting, and more searching without further  ado here are the spoils of my labour.

**drumroll**The Personal Rasberry Saffiano Filofax!

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Last but not least I’m having a GIVEAWAY!

There are no rules, I simply want to hear  about your resolution, why, and an event your proud of overcoming. 🙂

I will choose the winner from the comments and send you a pack of rainbow paper for  your Filofax(or planner)  from Kiddy Qualia! 🙂

Rainbow paper(Psst it’s down there)

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Cheers, Happy New Year and goal reaching!

bleu

Graffiti in the Temple

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“Life is a blank canvas and you need to throw all the paint on it you can.” -Danny
Kaye.
If the Bible says to keep your body clean as a temple then I suppose I’m in trouble.Usually I write about more serious or inspiring subjects.However as the holidays get thrust upon us and lurch ever closer,just like recess why not have some relaxing fun!?
Over the years,whenever I had to do a historical report or speech I would choose the subject of tattooing(sometimes vegetarianism) because I found that a once taboo art form reserved for Sailors and Prisoners was interesting.Also not to mention it can be pretty if done right.

tumblr_mskeu6acQU1r5cuu2o1_500Photo:Torrie Blake on Tumblr) Her leg piece!

I fully plan to get yet another(#8) to mark the experience of nearly dying and surviving to

begin a recovery with a flowing phoenix surrounded by peach and robins egg blue flowers.What’s more, thanks to the mention from a friend I plan on earning the money for it myself doing a small humble(but paid!) job.It may take awhile but it will only make it even more meaningful.Because,I wasn’t expected to live much less work a job! If our bodies are temples then you can call me a graffiti artist.

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In closing,dear readers don’t be afraid to express yourself! Life is too short to worry about what other people think.

Be you Be beautiful,

bleu

The Rust Belt Market

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If you are a fan of etsy.com, then welcome to its real life version in Ferndale,  Michigan. The Rust Belt Market  is a  good sized venue chock full of independent designers and sellers.

If your in the metro Detroit area at all, this place is worth a stop.

I found a couple  of treasures and  of course it’s always important to support  small&independent businesses.

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dark brownleather cuff with vintage key closure by an amazing leather designer from Czechoslavakia, She had very unique leather clasps closures,and leather jewelry.

lemongrass sugar scrub,all natural from Bath SAVVY

The unique wares don’t stop there,check out these Scrabble game board floors at one vendors shop!

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Another Vendor employed  a great use of pink wooden frames in her shop.

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If that isn’t enough for you,they have cake too!Armanda Herbert at Soul Seasonings whips up cakes from the caramel cake and whiskey sweet potato to the aptly named “lemon  cloud and all are delicious.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A slice will run you 5  or  $7.00

For more information you can visit  The Rust Belt  Market Here.

Check out this video below! (pssst it’s down there…)

Just click this link please Madam or Mister     D.I.Y or die!

**Happy crafting and creating!**

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Blogcademy Chicago 2014 Recap


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These boots were made for  bloggin’ Image:Shauna Haider @Nubby Twiglet  2014

 Dear Blogcademy,How do I love thee? Let me count the ways:

1)You encourage a sizable gathering of babes and creative  women.

2)You  make everything  have that  certain *sparkle*

3)You  even got theparents out of the house to venture to Chicago seeking your glitter covered guru guidance.

4)You  facilitate  networking among up and coming bloggers furthering a great community a.k.a  “tribe.

5)You have a “Brit Babe teaching too and I just love listening to that accent!

To make a long story short back in October 2012 I suffered a massive stroke  which caused me to miss Blogcademy NYC which I lamented for weeks upon realizing I had completely missed it.  however ,Lady Luck  paid me a visit, there was a second class  in  Chicago ! I HAD to go   but unfortunately  I had no money any more to attend so I decided to  apply for a scholarship, I then excitedly headed  to a craft store and picked everything out for my project and with fingers crossed and a hopeful heart …proceeded to create a  very cute scrapbook that followed my short essay- See Here

Well,much to my surprise I WON!

Hence followed a road trip to Chicago ,a dinner with local friends I had not seen in awhile and  class the next day

The class was held at a co-working space called Enerspace Chicago,    which  is perfect because it’s a place for start ups and those seeking to further themselves,a business,or an idea, it was a  lovely incubator to hatch  our collective blogging  dreams&schemes!

Much to popular belief bloggers and blogging is not just about “Look at me!Although “selfies can be fun… In fact it’s actually serious business and all three  “headmistresses run their blogs as such.

Screen Shot 2014-05-20 at 12.52.28 PM                                                                                                  TheHeadmistresses!(above)*note the good style…

Everything was covered in depth  from branding  to content to  marketing to  monetizing,even the legal side of taxes,contracts,and agreements.

Gala introduced herself as well as the others and told all the  “Blogcadettes where  things were located We might  need or want

After that intro it was time for each of us to do our  own and answer the following questions:

1)Who are you?

2)What defines you?

3)Is it a business or is it a hobby?(your blog)

4)What  else can you tell us about yourself?

Throughout class there were funny stories,laughs and of course good/fun music to each of our blogging activities&exercises

For being an 8 hour day it went by fast! Which to me indicates  it must have been good to feel so fast

I learned more than I thought,the “Headmistresses were available to answer any and all questions,as well as generally just chat about anything,they were gracious hosts!

Matching ears.Matching shirts.

Matching ears.Matching shirts.

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Check out my friend  Erin’s site Here!

Goodies!

 GOODY BAG SWAG  SPONSORS BELOW:

         ART SCHOOL DROPOUT   simply  cool.

LADYBIRD LIKES     yet more paper goodies

LIFE ON MARS VINTAGE    PinkCircle Marilyn Monroe scarves.

MAD BIJOU           Look at Her ” disco bullets…

LOVE IDEAS INK         lovely paper goods!

REETA KRISHNA  provided the indispensable WordPress for Beginners Book

SODA FOUNTAIN PHOTOGRAPHY Just take a LookSee!

CROWN AND GLORY        beautiful “crowns and sparkly ears too!

REETA KRISHNA  provided  indispensable WordPress for Beginners Book

B-TRIZ  COLLECTION  from across the pond…

In conclusion,I learned alot it was a fresh atmosphere   thats  an open forum for learning,sharing,networking,inspiration,and fun.I  can   saythat if your at all interested in blogging,head on over to Vimeo and look for Blogcademy for a sneak preview of what its  all about and I can promise you won’t be bored.

*Cheers!*,

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In conclusion I feel that it was time well spent for a sneak peek head on over to Vimeo and look up Blogcademy for a preview of what its about I believe if you have the blogging bug at all you’ll want to participate in class,and I can promise you won’t be bored.

*                                                                                           *Cheers!*

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                                                                Above Photo: Ears away!(my lovely friend Erin&I )

                                             Goody Bag Swag Sponsors!         

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My friend made us matching shirts!  Upwards&Onwards.Check out Her blog and illustration work

In conclusion,I found the two day  class to be jam packed with useful information as well as inspirational i.e. it got me pumped

I would certainly recommend it to anyone even mildly interested so, GO?

Each of the “Headmistresses were so sweet and thanked me,as well as hugs!

I appreciate&admire them not only as amazing bloggers but as rather cool people too.

Get Inspired and attend Blogcademy,seriously!

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Post Script: Check out this Chicago Class Video Here

My Blogcademy Chicago Scholarship Entry

 

 

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What  do people and the general public know about blogs?

-Very little.

What do people know about the type of person who blogs?

 

-Even less.

A beauty queen?  A troublemaker?A nerd? A sports aficionado? An oddball?

It’s a veritable blogger Breakfast Club!

 

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In my experience few   people know  of the great things  that can be done by simply  putting your fingers to keyboard keys

It also doesn’t hurt   to have a great imagination  and creative flair (not flare)

It may appear to be a mindless diary or  just have a good design aesthetic…

It’s anything but!

As  Women We have enough beauty magazines to tell us what to buy,how to look,or how to be better…

Instead We need a positive forum to  connect,network,and show that were pretty inside and out!

 

It may be a  “Man’s World” but  why don’t  We make that a Woman‘s  world?

with pink combat boots and all!

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Why I think  I should win: 

I  was actually all set to attend Blogcademy   NYC but 2 weeks before at the age of 28(I’m now 30)I suffered a  massive stroke and  besides serious Hospitalization I missed out on quite  a few things,too many to bear…. -BUT- after being motivated to   create this essay/scrapbook for  a scholarship to the class it helped to really motivate my creative gears to begin moving again after being in a long depressive slump.

I believe the  blog “phenomenon” could help many others and the reason I entered to win this,this time around is because due to mounting medical bills,it’s the only way I can afford to go….

Thank you for your time,and good luck to all entries! I hope to see you all soon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Gaga Christmas?

This month I’m going to try and be consistent with Holiday themed posts…Lo and behold its already December 4th ! Lets talk about something Christmas-y haha.

So naturally I’m on foursquare and I keep seeing a friend check into the “Lady Gaga Window Display” and my curiosity is somewhat peaked, but not until I see it happen a few more times coupled with my Mom texting me that Lady Gaga has a Christmas Special on T.V. do I investigate further. Lemme tell ya’, this Lady is good at marketing. It’s almost difficult to wrap my head around the level of success she has had on such a large-scale. Almost like when I think about the J.K. Rowling empire and how that came to be, regardless of its mainstay in popular culture that people have grown accustomed to it is still crazy. I believe I read something about Rowling’s publishing company when she was unknown and just had the first book out, in a matter of a year or two she skyrocketed their profits from some low number to MILLIONS… in a very short time period. THAT IS CRAZY !! So at the ripe age of 25 (sarcasm) Stefani Germanotta has done something similar in pop music. The first time I heard of her was a few years ago I had visited a friend in Brooklyn before I lived in New York and was getting my nails done and randomly the nail tech asked if I had heard of Lady Gaga (which I hadn’t) she then informed me that she did her nails too. I asked if this Lady Gaga came in to see her, she laughed and said “Oh nooo I go to her apartment.” Naturally when I got home I looked her up and I liked her style/dance music. Of course she still looked like this then:

And not yet this:

SO back to the story… I was off of work and a wandering kid yesterday, feeling under the weather and decided to google this Lady Gaga at Barney’s stuff and found out it was a “workshop” a.k.a a pop up store a.k.a one entire floor in Barney’s transformed into Gaga Consumerism Land. So of course I wanted to see….

 The Opening Ceremony, Gaga with a collaborating designer on the workshop in a big poufy Chanel ball gown.

(FYI This sculpture is BIG and cool.)

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(Under the “Gaga Spider” were cases with jewelry and costume memorabilia)

I read a few articles and comments online slamming the concept and the prices… However, yes, it is overpriced but not everything is crazy. The price range is from about $6 to potentially $600 … so a wide range, and lets not forget its BARNEYS people. Also 25% of all sales go to the “Born This Way” Foundation. All in all, a marketing win for the Gaga Team. I did purchase one overpriced item purely because I am a capitalists dream a.k.a sucker for gimmicks and packaging. At least I’m self aware. I bought this:

Its a colaboration made with Deborah Lippmann for the workshop and is a two bottle set called “Edge of Glory.” Here is a math breakdown:

2 bottles of DB normally would cost 32$ maybe 35$ with tax.

This cost me 49$ with tax. HOWEVER since 25% is going to charity (and Barneys/Gaga/Deborah Lippmann must make a profit somewhere..) that means 12$ of this went to charity, great. So I paid 37$ with tax and a 12$ donation. That makes sense. So people should think about those details before complaining about the prices, it is what it is and its once a year maybe never again so just enjoy looking or buying if you choose to. Its worth a stop in to see the bustle (and if your lucky a Lady Gaga Impersonator walking airily around the store you can get a picture with)

I leave you with a “throwback” haha, of one song of hers I really like.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Mh1x0Xz6-c&feature=related]

Hope your day is lovely dears !!! Now kindly exit to the left.

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