patterny

Repeats. 

I have a separate blog devoted to them.

They provide me with funds. (I design underwear prints for one of my day jobs).

at Costco. 3/2012

I teach how to create them digitally. (The other day job @ OTIS)

sometimes I'll demo a "how to" on Pattern Recognition

I've been creating them for 30+ years.

I'm working on a line of scarves that utilizes them

as soon as I order sample swatches, you'll be able to buy this print
or get a scarf at my online cargoh store
I might even wear a dress made with this for my art show in April!

I cannot get enough!

3/24/12

Fashion Beauty Friend Friday - Something Old, Something New

Katy, of Modly Chic, has these questions for us this month on outfit one-time use vs re-mixing.

1. Are you a one-time wearer?
Absolutely not. Only if the item is horribly uncomfortable. Even then, I will usually try it a second time before banishing it.

2. Do you feel the need to purchase something new for an evening out or a special event?
Yes, I will usually purchase something new for my art openings. Even if it's something as simple as a hair stick (back when I had long hair).

3. Re-mixing is something a lot of bloggers are proud of being able to accomplish - are you a re-mixing pro or do you shy away from posting items frequently? Why?
Pro all the way. I love coming up with new combinations - especially with my pattern mixing.

4. Do you have a clothing budget or are you an impulse buyer?
Impulse. Lately, said impulses are out of control! Spring fever, methinks.

5. Do you find yourself bored when reading a blog in which clothing items are often remixed and appear frequently?
No, I prefer it. I like to see how others mix and max. It also seems more "real" to me. I don't want to read about a 20-something who is showered with sponsored gifts. It's not my life - real or fantasy. (New clothing plays no role in my fantasy world, where I live on the Venice canals -- Italy or CA, I'm not picky -- and have a fabulous studio to paint in).

Out of curiosity, I went through my blog posts to see which garment(s) I photographed the most.
And the winner is... THE PINK SHAWL!

See links to more responses over on Modly Chic

Fashion Icon Portraits - The Process

I'm using my self-portrait as the sample so no one will feel dissed. 

My goal for March 2013 - at least 18 glitter encrusted framed portraits.
Here's my early mock-up, sans glitter + bling:

What is going in the Threads and Surfaces Sketchbook (due 4/30 - EEEEEK!)

How I do these for the sketchbook:

1) I find a photo that inspires me

2) Using Adobe Illustrator and a Wacom tablet, I trace over the photos with black linework

3) I add color and shading in Photoshop

4) I digitally composite a background - in this case, a close-up of my scarf

5) I generate a QR code of blog for verso page and use same background

6) Print out, Tear edges with a deckle-edge ruler, Paste with glue stick

7) Add metallic marker (no glitter allowed in Sketchbook) - see at top

Still deciding on process for the framed portraits.
Must get sketchbook done first - deadline MUCH closer!

Note: not sure if I'll ever get the framed versions done.
Exhibiting something totally  different in April 2013 -- roadscapes.

Generating QR Codes

QR codes are those square pixelly things that are popping up everywhere.
They are usually black and white:

Here is an explanation that I lifted from the site I use to generate my codes:
"A QR Code (it stands for "Quick Response") is a mobile phone readable barcode that's been big in Japan forever, broke into Europe a while back, and is now getting traction in USA. In its simplest sense think "print based hypertext link" - simply encode a URL into the QR Code and then point a mobile phone (or other camera-enabled mobile) at it. If the device has had QR Code decoding software installed on it, it will fire up its browser and go straight to that URL."

If you go to the above site, you will find it super easy to generate your own code for any URL
Here is a screen shot of the home page:

I've chosen "Website URL" on the left*,  entered my URL, and my code appears in seconds
Hit download and your done!
*Look at all the choices you have on that list! Food for thought!

You can even get all fancy and mix a color to replace the black.
(I usually do this in photoshop instead).

It's a good idea to test your code for readability. Important tip - have good contrast between code and background.
Size matters for older phones - a 5/8 x 5/8" one was too small for my iPhone 3G, but a 3/4 x 3/4" was fine.

here's a patterned one that I put on the last page of my
"In Ten Minutes" sketchbook

Happy QR coding!

[4/28/21] Here's another site: www.websiteplanet

Maxed Out and Mixed Up

In some sort of mad way, it works

Is it the yellow paisley shapes in both?
I really don't know.

We won't discuss how I was a walking static magnet and it was the 2nd day of dead spandex in the tights.

Teal, Mustard, and Brown

Teal and mustard -- is that an 80s combo?

The outfit started from this scarf, which I've had for at least 2 years.
I don't think I've ever worn it! I love the combination of colors though.
I'm not a big teal person, which is why these tights
have been languishing in the drawer for who knows how long.

I'm here and I'm visible!

Where In the World: TxSC Symposium, Austin, TX

click on images to see bigger 

wearing my outfit from Savers
featuring drapery as an overwrap
l-o-v-e the giant grommets

The TxSC Symposium on Sunday was a big learning day for many of us. I wrote copious notes and did quickie sketches.
Here are a few re-caps from fellow bloggers (in no particular order):

TxSC: the good, the bad, and the awesome - Genny's Journal

On Texas Style Conference (and style conferences in general) - Consider Me Lovely

Tiny hats were all the rage at the 2012 Texas Style Council - The Frugal Fatshionista

Takeaway thoughts from TxSC - And She Loved

Texas Style Council Teaches Fashionistas How to Dream - Audrea Diaz

[Untitled] -  Devon Rachel

The day ended with me waiting for Severo outside the Blanton Museum of Art and watching the sun set on the State Capital.

Fashion Challenge - Stripes: Pattern Max

I wore this to a blogger/fashion event on Thursday night [more on that after I get all the TxSC posts written]. I was very pleased with my combination and had a high school alumnae event today so I wore it again. In this photo I'm carrying my trusty Pantone Tangerine Tango journal that I forgot to take to the Thurs event [doh].

wouldn't say stripes are the focal point here
but they are an important part of the mix

I thought you might like a breakdown of my pattern mixing (which on Thursday I called pattern max). I use pattern on my body like a painter uses tubes of color and I adore mixing (maybe you already figured that out).
Here's one way of doing it:

browns and camels tie it together

And here's my way:

there is some brown in the tunic print
in my mind it matches

Pattern max!

Thus concludes the Stripes Fashion Challenge week held by Megan and Keely. I had a good time choosing stripes with purpose. What'll they think up next?

Where In the World: TxSC, Austin, TX Saturday Night

click on images to see bigger 

at Threadgill's - food details on the Glutton sometime soon

Severo braved the roomful of girls and joined me at the soiree sponsored by Poshmark

in the airstream photobooth

Bloggers working on their copy writing skills
for the Modcloth challenge "Name this Dress"

the gorgeous gams and silver shoes of...

the lair of the evil genius, or something like that

Fashion Challenge - Stripes: Stripes Thrice

I bought this skirt at Cottage Art
in Artesia yesterday.
Look how nicely it matches my yellow scarf!

don't be surprised if you see this stripe on underwear!

Are you wearing stripes today? 
It's not too late to join in!

Fashion Challenge - Stripes: From Artesia to the Ocean

what I wore to meet up with Deborah in Artesia:
the skirt has vertical zig-zag stripes and
small horizontal stripes behind them

I bought this skirt in Artesia at Cottage Art

lunch at Jay Bharat!

I love this sweet

Then, as I was driving home,

I heard the call of the ocean...

"take me to the end...

there...

the Pacific"

It was only 56º at the beach
I improvised with the smiley blanket that lives in the car

here's the whole beach look -- pattern max

Are you wearing stripes today? 
It's not too late to join in!

Where In the World: TxSC, Austin, TX

click on images to see bigger 

Much has been blogged about the TxSC events. (Was it really almost two weeks ago? I AM IN SUCH A FOG). I will provide you with SpySketches of my outfits and random photos with blogger links.

all suited up for a day with bloggers

Kelly of Broke Style and Punky of Punky Style
Vanna the Dr Scholl's Fashion Fast Flats
that we were given.
I opted for silver.

Merl strikes a pose in her new caftan

Rocquelle, of Consider Me Lovely,
found a beautiful mustard blazer

Elise, of Dress with Courage,
found a sequined item for $7.99!

I found... three bags full!
Savers is awesome!

We had a "blogger challenge" at Savers - to style an outfit with our thrifted finds and post with the Twitter hashtag #TxSCthrift. The winner got a goodie bag that included Elise's new book, Thrifting 101. I really wanted that swag!!!! I had a GREAT time channeling my inner Project Runway contestant. I wore one of my combinations the next day at the TxSC Symposium. You'll have to wait a bit to see that look... Here it is.