DIY: Art project

So a while back ago  Abbie brought over a giant gingerbread house that her awesome mom made her for her birthday.

Yup. Redic. Why yes, that’s a vegetable garden in the bottom left. Oh, and it was 100% vegan too. Right?!

So anyway, see the giant piece of scrap wood that it’s sitting on? I saved that. For a while. Like almost 2 years. I thought that it might come in handy for something one day. And boy it did.

I had an idea to paint my favorite lyrics onto it – from Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zero’s “Home” (do yourself a favor and listen to it if you haven’t already). So good. Come to think of it, Abbie is the one who introduced me to that song. How appropriate!

Anyway, here’s that big ol’ piece of wood before I started playing:

And drum roll please —- here’s the after:

Likey? I do.

Here’s what I did. So easy you probably don’t even need instructions but just incase –  1) spray paint the thing with ivory spray paint. I used the whole can. the wood grain still showed through and I liked the aesthetic and I didn’t have another can of spray paint so I decided to go with it. 2) make a stencil and stick it on! My super awesome husband made a vinyl stencil at the sign shop he works at. 3) paint! I wanted it to look kind of vintage-y so I didn’t paint in each letter 100% – I used a dry bristly brush and lightly brushed on black acrylic paint. 4) let it dry. Duh. then pull your stencil off and voila! I’m going to add eye hooks to the top and wire it up and hang it!

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Vintage Style: Warby Parker Eyeglasses

I can never find cute glasses. Well, let me rephrase. I can never find cute glasses that i can afford. So I was reading some blog recently, and they had a listing of top places to buy glasses online. WAIT, WHAT. online?! It had never occurred to me that one could purchase glasses anywhere else but brick and mortar shops and opticians offices in town. Specially not on the interwebs. I mean, how could you try them on? And what about getting them adjusted? Well, folks. My world was turned upside down. I guess I was living under a rock or something. There are many great sites where you can get SUPER cute, inexpensive frames with lenses. On these sites you can do virtual try-ons, where you upload a photo of yourself (which I think are truly awful – tried some virtual hairstyle tools before cutting off 18″ from my hair, and I looked certifiably dumb with short hair according to those apps) – but even better, on some sites, you can do HOME try-on!!

Warby Parker  seemed to have a huge selection of vintage-style frames, and all pairs are $95 (lenses + frames)! Seriously, y’all. It gets better, too. You can try on up to 5 pairs at home at a time (FREE! they pay for shipping and return shipping!) and they also give a pair of glasses to someone in need with every pair purchased (like Toms shoes!). To date, they’ve given over 50,000 pairs. I love a company with a conscience.

So I placed my order on Friday and received my home try-on kit on Thursday! They come in this cute little box and each pair labeled with an instructions card. So, here are the five that I ordered:

So, what do you think? Like any of them?? I think the Miles and Huxley are my two favorites.

Thus far, I’ve been really impressed with Warby Parker, and will probably be ordering one of these soon!

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Inspiration: artist Mary Blair

So you’re probably know Mary Blair’s art even if you don’t realize it. Ever been to Disney World? Especially the Contemporary Resort? Or It’s a Small World? Or Mexico in Epcot? Or do you remember reading Golden Books as a kid? Well, then you’re familiar with the amazing American artist Mary Blair.

Disney's Peter Pan, Illustrated by Mary Blair

Mary Blair was probably most well known for her work with Disney from the 1940s to late 1970s. Her work with Disney included creating concept art for  Alice in WonderlandPeter PanSong of the South and Cinderella as well as serving as color stylist and art supervisor for those and other Disney animated films. Beyond animated films, Mary was responsible for the design of It’s a Small World and a huge mural at the Contemporary Resort. In addition to designing and drawing for Disney, Mary illustrated four Golden Books and designed ads for Nabisco, Maxwell House, Pall Mall, Dutch Boy Paints, and Bakers Instant Chocolate. To me, her style truly characterizes fifties and  sixties illustration, and was not only influential on her contemporaries but on artists and illustrators still today. Also interesting tidbit – her husband and brother-in-law were both Disney artists as well!

Amazing concept piece by Mary Blair for Cinderella

I had never heard of this amazing woman until recently, and was blown away by her artwork. It’s crazy that I’d never heard of her before – my top 3 Disney films (non-Pixar) are three of the four she did concept art for!! And I’ve definitely spent time staring at that Contemporary Resort mural while waiting for the Monorail and have ridden It’s a Small World more times than i can count.

Contemporary Resort mural by Mary Blair

Sadly, Mary died of a brain hemorrhage in 1978. She was posthumously honored with the Disney Legend award in 1991.

Mary Blair's lovely illustration from Peter Pan

Check out Mary Blair’s webpage here: http://magicofmaryblair.com/

The Mad Hatter - concept piece by Mary Blair

More good info on Mary Blair is here: http://cartoonmodern.blogsome.com/category/mary-blair/

Caterpillar family - from Little Verses Golden Book, illustrated by Mary Blair

and here: http://legends.disney.go.com/legends/detail?key=Mary+Blair

Oh, and she was also a total fox.

 

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Haiku: Ode to my favorite t-shirt

Oh you’re so comfy.

Perfectly worn in and soft,

You fit like a dream.

——————————————-

So, sadly, my favorite t-shirt has gotten some sort of oily/greasy spots on it, that will not go away despite my best efforts. The tee is from American Apparel – it’s the Tri Blend Short Sleeve Women’s Track T, in athletic grey. So I know it’s kind of expensive, ya know, for a PLAIN T-SHIRT. But, seriously, y’all. It’s totally worth it. I purchased it probably 3 years ago, and have worn it at least once a week since then. And it’s still in perfect condition! Even after wearing it at a minimum of 156 times. No holes, no creepy pit stains, no tears, no seams coming unsewn. Even brand new, the t-shirt feels perfectly broken in and fits perfectly. And totally looks vintage. I don’t know what i did to get those spots on it, but it’s safe to say, I’m heartbroken to have to toss my beloved tee.

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On Blog Lovin’!

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<3

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Vintage Re{Style}

After watching Marisa at newdressaday.com restyle so many fugly muumuus into adorable sundresses, I’ve been experimenting with trying to restyle things hanging on the $1 rack at the thrift store across the street.

First up, this navy blue pleated polyester skirt.

Although this is a weird mom-like 1980s skirt, i really loved the pattern when i saw it. It’s this cute white flower pattern that looks like polkadots from afar. The pattern reminded me of something you’d find at banana republic or something. Perhaps we can work with this…

I originally thought about cutting it, making it a cute pleated miniskirt. Playing around with it in front of the mirror, I realized that it’s got an elastic waistband, and when you pull it up, it hit at just the right spot for a dress.

Last step, I belted it to make it look like I actually have a waistline, and am not, in fact, wearing a skirt as a dress.

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Vintage Picnic Photoshoot

My good friend Tim Schultz is trying to beef up his portfolio, particularly his more creative work. Tim takes amazing photos, and I love love love his black and white photos that he’s taken all over the globe. So when he asked me if he could use me and PK as models for a photo shoot, I of course jumped at the opportunity!

As bicycle lovers, Tim thought maybe doing something fun downtown with our bikes could be pretty cool. Then, he suggested perhaps a picnic in a park, with our bikes propped up against a tree. LOVE IT. I, of course, want to add a vintage twist with our outfits and props.

I’m thinking we need

  • gingham or patchwork blanket
  • picnic basket, filled with vintage dishes
  • glass bottled coke or cheerwine
  • fresh flowers wrapped in brown paper, and in milkglass bud vases
  • vintage camera
  • fresh fruit and sammiches
  • vintage playing cards or dominos
  • portable record player and records
  • old books
Some inspiration photos from across the web:

dreamy...

whispering sweet nothings

Found at Sweet Caroline

just lovely.

Found at Maile Lani

PK will not ride one of these. Sad.

Found at Ulmer Studios
Clearly PK will be wearing suspenders with his trousers, and I’ll be donning a vintage sundress. Vintage clothes shopping mission yay! I can’t wait to get all of this stuff together and to have the photoshoot! More to come!

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