Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Self-Portrait

I realized I never posted this illustration it was the second one after Yokoo's portrait, my self-portrait...
Self-Portrait

Leather and Crochet a Perfect Match

I've been experimenting with scraps of leather making small leather accessories. I realized my small wallet that lovely Ros made for me about two years ago was starting to look a little worn so I set out to make another one yesterday. I used light natural leather, a little heavier than garment weight. The leather was a little beat up looking which I like, it gives it a vintage look. I also pulled out my set of vintage crochet doilies and cut it to measure the front of the wallet. I added a magnetic closure, divider, linen lining, leather detail and gold rivet. I'm very happy with it.
handmade leather wallet handmade leather wallet handmade leather wallet

New Stationery- Elephant Tags & Envelopes

I am developing a whole line of stationery products based on my paintings on vintage ephemera and this sweet elephant is the next one I came up with look for the set in the shop next week. elephant envelopes elephant gift tags

Sunday, May 19, 2013

New Mini Houses in the Shop!

I've started posting my mini house pins/brooches in my shop, Usagi Por Moi. I will continue making them as long as there's interest. You too can learn to make them in my Art of Sewing zine also available in the shop. Mini houses by Usagi Por Moi Mini house by Usagi Por Moi Mini house by Usagi Por Moi IMMini house by Usagi Por MoiG_9441 Mini house by Usagi Por Moi

Lovely Acquisitions and Sad Goodbyes

I share these lovely zines with happiness and a little sadness, because our dear friend Sewon gave these to me and D as a going away gift. Sewon is moving on with her very adventurous life outside of New York and she will be sorely missed by us. With that said I am thrilled to be the owner of these fine zines, the photography in both is exquisite and the Korean recipe are scrumptious! Sewon's zines In other news, in continuing with my collection of vintage ephemera to use in my stationery I just purchased these lovelies...more to come.... Vintage Tags

May Snail Mail

This month has been a bounty of snail mail, incoming and outgoing, here are a few...
From Jenna Jenna Snail Mail IMG_0850_blur To Puk

Monday, May 13, 2013

Today's Illustration

jackalope on vintage env
I'm continuing to concentrate on these new illustrations/paintings to add to my portfolio. Today I made this little guy a jackalope, which is one of my favorite mythical creatures.

Saturday, May 11, 2013

A Little Bit of Painting

yokoo on newsprint polar bear on postcard

The last couple of days I've been experimenting with digital painting. I normally paint in oils or watercolors and sometimes acrylics, but I never wanted to try it digitally, but it to=urns out I love it! I also have been collecting vintage ephemera to illustrate on and collage, I thought this the perfect opportunity to use them. Here I did a portrait of Yokoo Gibran on a vintage French newspaper, and a Polar Bear looking out on a vintage Spanish postcard. Hope you like them :)

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Vintage Sewing: What I'm Wearing

I've started to freshen up my Spring/Summer wardrobe and as much as I like shopping as the next gal, I really love sewing. Making one-offs that no one else has, is extra fun so with that in mind I started purchasing vintage 1960's mod sewing patterns. Later, following up with a trip to my local craft store, Brooklyn General Store where I bought some super cute fabrics,starting with this mini deco fans print from Shelburne Falls in powder blue. I have two more to make, a pretty yellow with white dot, and a lovely spring green with teenie flowers. Stay tuned... new dress just finished! new dress just finished!

Dress: Vintage Sewing Pattern Simplicity 8189 in Shelburne Falls, Deco Fans powder blue.
Shoes: Golden Ponies in mint
Socks: Target
Eyeglasses: Vintage
Hair: Fringe Salon, NYC