'Tis the Season

And speaking of Red: Since the holiday season is filled with this fabulous color, I decided to peruse the ELLEDecor website to see what they had to show about this passion-filled hue. And sure enough they had a whole section on designers and examples of the Happy Hue used in interior design. They also have another section where they discuss Red and how to use it called "Code Red". Take a look and be inspired!

Ode to Joy

Ode to Joy--I sold another chair. This time it's what I named "Royal Red", since the chair had a throne-like feel. So excited that people are enjoying my work. It's fun for me to refurbish these chairs--even more fun when I see someone else enjoy it, too! Besides, who can resist that lovely shade of royal red?

Oh, Joy!

Wow--more than two weeks since my last post. Well, two fun things: My sister-in-law and friend signed up to sell our handcrafted wares at the Rose Bowl Flea Market tomorrow. It's the first time there for all of us, so we are pretty excited at the possibilities. It's a HUGE event, a lot of foot traffic, and has a fabulous reputation for a variety of goodies, both old and new. So I've been sorting my stuff and getting it ready to pack up. I don't have a huge quantity of inventory, but a good amount to start--4 chairs and a couple tables, but since I can't fit it ALL in my car, I typically go with trying to sell the 4 chairs first. I took a break to check my email, and was surprised to have an Etsyy sale--of my Red Dahlia chair, which I was planning to take to the Rose Bowl. Well, one less thing to load in the car! Yay! I'm so excited--I've always gotten tons of compliments on it, but, alas, no one actually would buy it---until now, of course. So Yay again! Here it is:

Spahhhhh goodies....

So I have been crazier busy than just my usual "crazy busy". Why this time? Well, the usual freelance work, going to craft fairs to sell my furniture and trinket boxes (and a little jewelry), and now--handmade body scrubs (with lotions coming, too).

I used to (a few years ago) make my own (very small) line of handmade lotions, body scrubs, and lip balms. Business was good, but it was hard to make it profitable because my batches were so small. But I loved doing it and coming up with various formulations, having my friends test and rave about them, and designing the packaging. Well, this Christmas I decided to make some as gifts, and the demand is starting again. And I can't say no to my fans (no matter how small a group they might be). I've renamed and revamped the label to a fresher look, too.

 But here is a sample view of my brown sugar body polish. I love it because it leaves my skin really soft; and it's really easy to use in the shower because it stays mixed (rather than the oil  separating out and having to re-stir). This batch is a sultry tahitian vanilla scent--Yum!  Next will be my "Shea Butter Love" lotion (comes in an amber colored bottle)--nothing less than luxurious, if I may be so bold to say so!: )

But to move on: if you celebrate Thanksgiving, I hope that you have a most blessed time with friends and family and a fabulous time that leaves with you happy lifelong memories!

Hoot Hoot

My friend Maude at Stop Your Circus is at it again--makin' stinkin' crazy cute woodland critters! She sews these fabulous cute-but-edgy Owls, and now she's adding Squirrels to her menagerie. I LOVE her combinations of colors, from vintage fabrics to the color of stitching!

Please take a moment and check out her blog and her Facebook page--"Like" her, too! She has an Etsy site, if you're interested in seeing a larger selection. Contact her and I'm sure she'll be happy to show you more--before they all fly out the door (pun intended). She's super nice and talented! Enjoy!

More Boxen

So I received two big orders for the holidays of my hand painted trinket boxes. I still have about 20 to do, but here's the starters. With all the freelance I've been doing, I was starting to wonder if I'd get to work on these again. But good thing I'm a creative juggler. : ) Good thing, too, that I plan to be a vendor at a couple upcoming craft bazaars for the holiday season. Wish me luck--and Enjoy!

All Work and No Play...

...makes for a dull brain and a dull Leona. So--I played! Of course that can mean a 15 minute break on Etsy for me, so that's what I did. I wandered through Etsy and I found Wild Woman Jewelry.  Lovely designs--many of them in the shape of pretty glass orbs and jewels. (Again the CovetMonster was sitting on my shoulder whispering sweet everythings in my ear.) From smoky aubergine glass orbs to perky and vibrant pink and orange (one of my favorite combinations) bead ensembles there are many things to admire in her jewelry shop. Go ahead and take a break to browse (aka, play)--maybe the CovetMonster will leave my shoulder to alight upon yours. Enjoy!!

A New Favorite

I discovered a new favorite fabric artist--Valori Wells! I don't know why I didn't discover her earlier--her aesthetic reminds me of Anna Maria Horner and Amy Butler.  I love her fresh color palettes and beautiful designs!  Her quilts are fabulous, too--not just your Granny's quilt--fresh, modern designs. Go to her site to also view her photography and painting --some of my favorites are below. Enjoy!

Ethnic Influences

I came up with another little fabric design, kind of influenced by the beautiful embroidery you can find on Indian fabrics. I wanted to try the muted colors to see what they turn out like when I buy a swatch sample from Spoonflower, to test the results. If you go to the shop "VeryHappyChair", it will come up with my design library, and you can click on the fabric to get a better idea of what it looks like in a larger swatch area (like a fat quarter). Let me know what you think! Constructive criticism welcomed, too. Just be nice about it. : )

Happy Tomato

If you like to garden you know that there is quite the feeling of reward when something you have nurtured has come to (literal) fruition. Beautiful flowers, yummy fruits and veggies--all appear because of your hard work and meticulous TLC. It just adds to the feeling of fun in life.

And sometimes Nature likes to have fun back. Like the zucchini we grew to the size of our (then) 6 month old baby. And like the little guy below. It's a little hard to see by the photo, but this tomato has a face. A rather comical face. A very small tomato "twin" started to grow near the stem, which looks like a nose; then a split in the skin lends itself to a bit of a mouth. Nature having a bit of fun, hence my Happy Tomato. Hope it makes you smile.

Pretty as a Picture

As you can tell, in addition to sharing my projects, I love to share photograph, fabrics and design. This time it's photography's turn. One of my favorite photographers on Etsy is Maria Kalin. She's from Sweden and her photos are often of the beautiful flowers and foliage her lovely country has to offer. Her work has a soft, ethereal, other-worldy (is that redundant??) feel to it--like you are looking at her images in a dream. This one is no exception. I was perusing her etsy site and this was the first one, and it grabbed my eye. I think you'll love it too. She also has a flicker site here. Enjoy!

BoHo Chic

Let me start out by saying I might have to rename my blog "The Covet Place" because I feel like that's what I've been doing most lately is coveting. Next, let me say that I love my house. It could be a little bigger--or maybe I should just purge the clutter better--but it's cozy and welcoming, and I'm grateful for it. But would I be human if I didn't just wish a teensy-weensy bit that it could be kind of different? If it were entirely up to me (an of course if budget were bountiful), I'd treat  my home like a never-ending palette of playful colors and objects (minus the clutter, of course). Turquoise or royal purple walls? You bet! An eclectic mix of Indian, Moroccan and Scandinavian textiles? Why not?? An african mask set next to a silver candelabra and an orange Bauer vase? A bigger mantel on the fireplace, pleeease!

Don't get me wrong--I love a beautifully designed room in any style. But my "druthers" scream "Bring on the Bohemian!" There are so many wonderful things from fabulous cultures it seems so hard for me not to want to dabble in them all. And I love putting things together that don't seem like they'd fit, but do. It makes for a pleasing surprise every time I look at it. Here are some sample images I stumbled upon that are examples of what I mean. I hope they inspire you to bring color and joy in your own happy habitat!

Monsters galore!

So once again I was perusing Spoonflower (if I had a pipe, I'd smoke that site), and I came across this adorable Blue "Monsters on the Loose" fabric. Simple, sweet little monsters that you'd be glad to have under your bed (or on it, for that matter--on a cozy quilt). So I asked the artist/owner Jessee Maloney of ArtSchoolDropout if I could do a little blurb on my blog. In going to her site, lo and behold, there is the same monster fabric, but in PINKS. How fantastic that it is so versatile. I thought TWINS! How fabulous that the monsters are so friendly, both for boys and girls, it would totally work in either a solo kid's room or even a boy/girl twins room. Especially if you're tired of the princess/trucks themes. I love it so much, I wish I had twins....okay, almost. Take a look at her shop and her Spoonflower page--you won't be disappointed.

Guilty & "The Long Arm of the Law..."

So I am guilty...again....of coveting. Tina Michalik has yet again made my insides all squirmy-in-a-good-way with her beautiful and fabulous quilting skills. In her post on her blog Little Blue Cottage Tina describes how she put together her beautiful king-sized quilt and the fabrics she used by Anna Maria Horner (one of my personal faves). Tina is very focused in this photo--I'm used to seeing her all smiley and stuff! : )  Take a look at her blog, I think you'll like what you see. And take a couple moments to browse through her site; she has an abundance of samples of her wonderful work posted. Congratulations, Tina on yet another delciously pretty project!

The Magic Word

So my friend Tina piped up and said the "fabric" word to me again, so I came up with this little number:

Then she dared mention the upcoming palette trends, so I changed it up a bit:

What color palette do you like? I've posted the blue one to Spoonflower; we'll see what where my endless tinkering will go!

Axelhoney

So I was trying to think of more creative people I know who I could brag about on my blog--someone whose creativity inspires me....hmm...(clanging sound in my head followed by slapping my hand to my forehead)...Duh!  Melissa Contreras and Axelhoney.

Melissa and I used to work together in an art department of a highly successful educational toy company. She was a diligent worker and typically rather quiet, so it wasn't until after she moved on from the company that I witnessed her own personal art and style. While perusing a craft fair in L.A. I stumbled upon Melissa in her booth selling a variety of her unique and beautiful creations. Jewelry, mini-sculptures, and paper goods were all lined up, and Melissa's smiling face peeked up from behind the table. I hadn't seen her in several months so not only was it a pleasant surprise to see her, but a pleasant discovery to see, in art, what Melissa was all about: Talent, tons of it. Here is just a sample view. I encourage you to go to her site and visit all the links possible as she has a very wide range of art that she does. Her style is distinctive, colorful, unique and refreshing. Take a look--what is your favorite thing she's created?

Coveting This

I covet a studio space. A lot. Visions frequently go through my head as to what that would be--rent an office space (out of budget); buy a small wooden cottage kit? (again, out of budget and space in the yard); convert the garage (sighhhh, again, budget and space). I'm surprise I haven't been in a car accident (knock on wood) from craning my neck around while driving thru my hometown, scoping out and fantasizing how the perfect little bungalow or cool loft space would make my nirvana-esque art retreat.

So when I see this post on Poppytalk Handmade. It gets my brain flowing again on the possibilities---oh, the possibilites--if I just had the budget and space. In the meantime, I do enjoy finding and being inspired by the spaces people are able to convert into something cozy and oh-so-useful. What would you do, if you could?

Cielo Roth Photography

And as long as I'm highlighting photographers whose work I love, I have, have, have to mention Cielo Roth Photography. I will admit I'm a bit bit influenced by the fact that Cielo took some stinkin' super precious photos of my little girl; and I'm admittedly influenced by the fact that I know Cielo is a hard, honest worker with a shiny personality that I love; but I must say that I truly love the moments she captures such as the one below...

Or this one:

Cielo does both color and B&W and has a wonderful portfolio filled with moments and precious faces. Browse at your leisure and prepare to smile! If you live in the L.A. area, I know she's having a special this weekend on photo sessions! Give her a call! Here's her Facebook link, too:

http://www.facebook.com/cielorothphotography

Thanks for sharing, Cielo!!

Melrose Trading Post

So I received a last minute call from Maude of "Stop Your Circus" and we hopefully will be sharing a booth at the Trading Post, located on Fairfax and Melrose, by the high school. I've never been there, but Maude is pretty confident that my furniture and trinket boxes will go over well there. I'll post how it oges! Wish us luck!

If you love B&W Photography....

After college, I did a short stint in an internship where I met Mel Cardenas, a very talented graphic designer, passionate about design. Well, over the years that passion must've spilled over into his personal life (without getting too personal), he married the equally and fabulously talented Katie Settel. Katie has been expanding her professional photography portfolio over the past few years and here is an example of why she has been successful and loved. Beautiful composition and light, and here's the tricky part: emotion. We all know color film can capture a lot, but for some mysterious reason black & white photography (to ME) captures even more.  Below is a couple photos proud husband Mel posted to facebook, but browse thru Katie's site and you'll see some gorgeous moments and faces.

      

Stop Your Circus

So I have gotten some lovely comments on the little owl fabric I created; I have to give credit to the inspiration of the little owl. Meet Maude, the creator behind Stop Your Circus, a lovely boutique chock full of fabulous little owls, purses, apparel, and more. She has an alternate website address, which I will post soon, but for now this is the link to her etsy site: http://www.etsy.com/shop/stopyourcircus. Here is the specific one--I love the shade of orange, and she has a fun and fabulous way of mixing different fabrics that work together. She uses a lot of vintage fabrics as well, which is fun. Stop by her shop and enjoy--it's a HOOT (slapping knee)!

The Royal Red

Here is the finished "throne" style chair with Anna Maria Horner's (from her Garden party collection) fabric on the seat. (I blogged about this project in previous posts). Let me know what you think!

Heaps O'Fun and Fabric

Miss Tina, who I mentioned in the previous post is the author of the Little Blue Cottage blog, which is about her passion and love of all things fabric & sewing, creativity and fun. She is an excellent author and she has a continual flow of creativity that, if a river, would outflow the Nile--no, the Amazon-- I'm sure of it. We'll for fun she is having a giveaway of a fat quarter of some of my fabric designs, which can be found on Spoonflower (under--what else: veryhappychair).

Go take a peek and leave a post for Miss Tina, and you'll be entered to win! Some of the fabric choices will be these (some are pending, but will be available in a couple weeks):

Could be a "Contendah"

So my friend Tina barely mentioned that maybe I oughta try to design fabric. A mere mention is all it takes to get the hamster turning the wheel in my brain. So...I love owls, and even though they are border-lining the saturation point, I decided to try my hand at some cutesy-but-modern owl design. I'll still probably play with it, but I just thought I'd share.... I might upload and make available at Spoonflower. I still have to get a test swatch to make sure all the colors are like I want them to be, but if all is good, I might even add it to my Etsy shop.  And then I'll make more and more designs--just for the fun of it! That poor hamster in my head is never gonna get a break.

Another Little Corner of Heaven

Anyone who knows me knows I love fabric and would like to design it someday. In the meantime, I look for fabrics and designs that others do, so I can covet, covet, covet. Here's a designer I just found: Pat Bravo and Art Gallery Fabrics! Yummy! Love the color palettes! Here's just a quick sample link to her upcoming line called Modern Affair, and here is one sample block from it....

"Lime Flirt Dance" by Pat Bravo for Art Gallery Fabrics

Here is another from the same collection (coming late summer/fall):

"Orange Peacock Eyes" by pat Bravo for Art Gallery Fabrics

Peruse her site and ENJOY! She has links tow here you can find her fabrics both online and in stores. 

I, in the meantime, will continue to oogle and be inspired!

I Kind of Like It

I have been seeing a lot of fabrics and other design items with these fabulous, simple, sketch-like art on them. They usually come in unusual color palettes as well. They have such a wonderful appeal, that I thought I'd try my hand at sketching one, even though it is not exactly my own art style. And I must say I'm kind of pleased with it for a first attempt. I have been thinking, too, of adding to my VHC line; adding simple, smallish art canvas designs, similar to what I find in the fabrics I use, and in the patterns I paint on the little trinket boxes. Hopefully they will appeal to those people who don't need/want the furniture, but would like some accent-sized art to freshen up a room or workspace. I plan to make the sketch below into a painting, my homage to the fabric designers I love. What do you think?

Next up....

So this little beauty is just a couple details away from being done, but will be attending the Majestical Roof's Alternative Art Market on Sat, July 31st. Come by and say Hello, as I'm sure she'll want to meet you! : ) She's a pale dove gray, and the seat is a cloth I bought from Anthropologie a couple years ago, and I've been waiting for the perfect place to use it. I might be using a bit of the yellowy color on the dove grey as an accent color--just as a couple small embellishments-- but haven't fully decided yet.
What do you think?
Happy Friday! (and Saturday, too!)

Majestical Roof Art Market

And speaking of selling our wares, there is a fabulous shop in Old Town Pasadena called Majestical Roof, where original, non-mass produced/commercial items are displayed and for sale. It's a cool little boutique with a huge variety of items from jewelry to one-of-a-kind clothing items, to furniture, to fine art, to kids stuffed animals--you get the idea--all by indie artists. They can be a bit hard to find, but they are in a very cool little courtyard area off Holly St and Fair Oaks Ave. (for those of those who live local to Pasadena). Well, the last Saturday of every month they have a great little art market in that courtyard, and sometimes they add a jazz performer for ambiance, and wine tasting for flavor. If you live in the vicinity, stop by!! Laurie and I will have a booth there, too, this July 31st. Come by, stay awhile, and enjoy yourself in a very hip, cool, Majestical place!

Little Willow Studio

Well, it just occurred to me that, for as much as I love my sister-in-law Laurie, I have failed to write about her shop, Little Willow Studio. She creates beautiful jewelry items, many of which I covet on a daily basis. As a matter of fact, I have been eyeballing this set of earrings for while now ( love how simple they are, yet still manage to have a pretty unique shilouette....

Stop by her site. If you don't see something you covet (I doubt that), I know she takes custom orders and will do her darndest to make you happy, and create something just for you or your friend/loved one. Talented is a mild term.

LA Flea Market at Dodger Stadium

Here's a quick post with a photo of Laurie (still setting up--all our stuff was hidden come opening time) in our booth at the flea market. We had a pretty good day despite the searing heat. (Maybe I should have pitched my two side tables as "part frying pan--no skillet required"!) The space was 10'x10'; I obviously need to finesse my set-up area, but I have ideas brewing for the next show. I'm open to suggestions, if you'd like to offer them.

What draws you into a booth area? What would you like to see to catch your eye? (For example, we put the table to the back, thinking it would draw people into the shade from the heat and to keep our items out of the sun; but in retrospect, we maybe should have put out tables closer to the front, as maybe people don't like to be drawn in--lest they feel like a fly in our crafty web!) Looking forward to hearing what you think!