I Wish You All

a healthy, joyous, and peaceful New Year. Be safe tonight!

TODAY YOU'LL FIND ME . . . .

. . . Over at Savvy Scoop talking about the history of the Royal wedding gowns of Britain. With the nuptuials of Wills and Kate approaching we're looking more and more to Great Britian for inspiration. Yes, the anticipation of, Who will Kate choose as a designer? has got us all wondering . . . READ MORE

TODAY YOU'LL FIND ME . . . .

. . . Over at Savvy Scoop talking about the history of the Royal wedding gowns of Britain. With the nuptuials of Wills and Kate approaching we're looking more and more to Great Britian for inspiration. Yes, the anticipation of, Who will Kate choose as a designer? has got us all wondering . . . READ MORE

American Girl Doll Clothes

Because I'm back into full time crafting now, I decided to make everyone one thing handmade this year. I'm old to crafting, but new to blogging so I made everything and wrapped it up and didn't take any pictures of half the things I made. Jordyn gave me her Christmas list about 3 months ago and kept checking with me to see if I still had it. She wanted another American Girl doll, the soccer outfit, and the get well kit (crutches, cast, wraps, etc). I ordered it all and when it came I decided she needed a little sweat suit, too. It was too late to order one and get it back in time, so I made one. Don't get too excited, this was my first and probably last time of making doll clothes. Have you ever tried to put a zipper in a little jacket? Anyway, I found a grey sweatshirt we had laying around and a red jersey, so I made it all out of that.


I didn't make Jordyn's. After I finished the dolls, I was out shopping the day before Christmas to find Jordyn a grey sweatsuit with a red shirt to match. She had to have one!



All the frustration I had making those clothes for her new doll was well worth it. As soon as she had opened all her presents, Jordyn went and changed and then changed her new doll.



This is why I love being a grandma! Look at that little face!



As I'm looking at these pictures, I need to do a post on the old lamp post shade that is sitting on the fireplace. One of my blogging heroes, Donna, from Funky Junk Interiors would be so proud of me for that!

SHORT STORIES

Whether you're considering going short and chic for your wedding, rehearsal or shower, here are some fem and flirty looks for 2011 just off the runways. 
 Priscilla of Boston
Have you notoced necklines are becoming more varied?  This scoop is so flattering and a welcome change . . .
 Azzaro
Azzaro
The micro mini is back with a new twist on the aysemetrycal neckline.  Very 1960s . . .
Very trendy this Oscar de la Renta poufy skirt says sweet and sexy all over . . .

SHORT STORIES

Whether you're considering going short and chic for your wedding, rehearsal or shower, here are some fem and flirty looks for 2011 just off the runways. 
 Priscilla of Boston
Have you notoced necklines are becoming more varied?  This scoop is so flattering and a welcome change . . .
 Azzaro
Azzaro
The micro mini is back with a new twist on the aysemetrycal neckline.  Very 1960s . . .
Very trendy this Oscar de la Renta poufy skirt says sweet and sexy all over . . .

Recycled Window

I love old windows and I'm so lucky that Greg replaces old windows and it's like Christmas every time he comes home with the ones he replaced. Some are the original wood and some are painted. That's half the fun, finding fabric to match the frame.



Then I get with my best friend, Google, and find quotes that I love.




I sew muslin and the fabric together and hand embroider the saying. The really fun part is taking my coffee I'm still getting jittery on and start staining away. If I were a patient girl, I would just let it dry naturally. I can't wait to see how it's going to look so I always bring out the blow dryer to speed up the process. Little things make me happy, like watching coffee dry on fabric.



These windows make me happy and I'm going to try and start doing at least 2 or 3 of them a month starting in January. I have all of you as witnesses, so I have to stick to this goal. Wish me luck.

THE ART OF MIXING LACES

Pam Grant Photography

Lace as we know it evokes images of woven florals and scalloped edges on flounced skirts and collars.  Lately we’ve seen some imaginative combinations in bridal wear. Going beyond the the traditionals like Alencon and Chantilly, now you can mix it up with hanmade florals, Venise motifs, galloons, and embroideries on organza and chiffon.  Woven into the mix, these laces are making for the kind of cutting edge mingled with romanticism seen in these images.

 Above and below: Clothing by Sandra C. Hagan/ Photo by Monica True

THE ART OF MIXING LACES

Pam Grant Photography

Lace as we know it evokes images of woven florals and scalloped edges on flounced skirts and collars.  Lately we’ve seen some imaginative combinations in bridal wear. Going beyond the the traditionals like Alencon and Chantilly, now you can mix it up with hanmade florals, Venise motifs, galloons, and embroideries on organza and chiffon.  Woven into the mix, these laces are making for the kind of cutting edge mingled with romanticism seen in these images.

 Above and below: Clothing by Sandra C. Hagan/ Photo by Monica True

Another Scarf, Ear Warmer and Hat

I showed you my brilliant idea that went into the Hall of Shame. So to try to redeem myself, here's the other little things I made for the kids.



Jace a hat. I don't think it should be that pointy, but I can't be blamed for this one, I used a pattern! You can't really tell in the picture but those are balls and bats on the fleece.



Jalynn an ear warmer out of music fleece with a matching scarf.






I know I'm her Grandma, but is she not the most beautiful princess you have ever seen? She's so sweet, she didn't even make me beg to take her picture. My family is getting a little tired of always seeing my camera in my hand! Now that Christmas is over, I'm going to make me a holder for it to wear around my neck like my cell phone. Go ahead, make fun of me now like the rest of them do.

Greg and I had the privilege of hanging out yesterday with Ryan and Austin, two of our grandsons. They had money in their pockets that was burning a hole, so we went shopping. We stopped at Olive Garden to eat lunch and get our energy for this shopping trip.



That's Ryan's cool look and Papa trying to give him rabbit ears.



Austin with his innocent look.



Yep, we even went to Bass Pro and guess what? I brought my camera!



Thank you, boys, we had a great time. Please remember, you're going to shoot an eye out with those air rifles if you're not careful!

ART MEETS FASHION

CREDITS
Photography- Stuart Lirette and John Truong
                                       Wedding Dresses and Bridal Headwear- Amy-Jo Tatum/ Dioresque 2011
                                          Jewelry- Denise Hazelton and Hot Rocks for Studiolo

Special thanks to photographers John Truong and Stuart Lirette who teamed up again, this time shooting my vintage inspired bridal pieces against the backdrop of some really incredible Bay Area art. For 2011, I added lots of tulle, lace and shirring to the collection. Slimmer silhouettes come in drapey satins accented with lighterweight laces. The stunning jewelry that pulls each look together hails from two vintage collections, Denise Hazelton and Hot Rocks available through Studiolo . . .
I'd also like to thank The Marin Museum of Contemporary Art for giving the artists whose work is the backdrop of this shoot, a place to show their talents to the fullest.