Uncreative Title

A lovely rust and wood bridge lays just in view of my apartment. I have been itching to get out and photograph on it, but just haven't really had the time. I finally grabbed a few minuets to shoot this evening, and I learned a few things.
One, use the sun. I should have attempted to shoot from the other direction.
Two, shoot a bit later. If I had waited about 30 minuets or so the sun would have been a bit lower and warmer(colored).

Vintage Dress, Delias* Cardigan, Tights?, Salvatore Ferragamo flats courtesy of Southern Comforts, Necklace by Me!


Three, Have fun! The more I enjoy taking the shot the better it looks! And Smile woman! SMILE!
Last note.
It's 90 + degrees out. Why am I in a cardigan and tights?
I couldn't dress weather appropriate if I had a stylist.
So yes, I was warm.
Luv,
Vanessa*

Oh My God It's A Double Rainbow!!

This is the Funniest thing I have seen in forever. If you have a minuet to brighten your day watch both videos.

Auto Tune Remix! I want this on my Ipod!

Enjoy.
Luv,
Vanessa*

Exit Throught the Gift Shop

So I just found out about this today. Just in time too! The documentary opens in Charlotte today! It looks like it only runs through Thursday. I wonder if I can rally up some folks to go see. If you are unfamiliar with Banksey and think street art is nifty(yes, that includes graffiti) , I highly recommend you check him out. His work has really changed graffiti and how it's perceived in the art world.

Happy 4th!

all eyes on me in the center of the ring (just like a circus)

I awoke Tuesday morning at 4:00 am. I showered, dressed, did my hair, and went to work. We don't open until 10 AM. So why would I do something so batty(on my day off no less)? Because we were being featured on the local fox news channels version of Good Morning America, called Fox News Rising. Beadlush was being interviewed by Jon Wilson of Wilson's World! So besides being awake at stupid o'clock in the morning, we had a great time. I got to be on TV talking about one of my greatest passions. It was simply thrilling! You can watch a good chunk of it at FoxCharlotte.com

I was limited as to what i could wear because there are rules. No patterns, No black, no white. Other than that, go nuts.

So i opted for one of my only options. I went with Navy up top. That narrowed my choices elsewhere. I went with my favorite teal skirt (yes. I have more than one. But few plain, un-patterned shirts in colors other than black. )
Urban Outfitters navy top (gift from Mom), Skirt& Belt thifted, American Apparel tights, Seyshelles shoes (gift from John), Necklace My Design.
and embellished with my new necklace.
I was inspired by old Circus posters. Like this one. And this one. And this one. I love this one.But the majority of my palate came from this illustration of a circus poster by artist Elly Walton
I used dyed web jasper, Swarovski pearls, coral, copper chain (and findings), unikite (elephant), vintage glass, and a big sparkly Swarovski Pendant.


My circus kick is getting a little obsessive. I'm thinking Halloween costumes are in order here.
Luv,
Vanessa

ETSY Craft Party

From Etsy: "Etsy along with ReadyMade and Meetups Everywhere is
launching Etsy Craft Party, a global initiative to energize your local
community, make art together, and throw a party in your neck of the
woods. We want to celebrate crafting together on June 18, 2010 (which
just happens to be Etsy's birthday) with as many celebrations across
the globe as possible."

Charlotte's Craft Party coordinator is our own Amanda Fisher of Verabelle. We have lots of great FREE community events planned, so come out and celebrate with us!
@ the Park...
6-8pm, FREE
Handmade Raffle
with prizes donated by Crown Town Handmade artists (Including Myself)
Crafty Supply Swap
Make-Your-Own Miniature Terrarium
Cupcakes & Punch
in honor of Etsy's 5th B-day

Midwood Park
2100 Wilhelmina Avenue
all ages welcome


@ the Playhaus...
8-10pm, FREE*
Happy Hour Craft Circle
work on your latest personal craft project & see what your local makers are crafting
Screening of
Handmade Nation: The Rise of DIY, Art, Craft & Design



Patchwerk Playhaus
1508 Central Ave.
in the back of Century Vintage (enter through alley between Snug Harbor & Soul)

What to Pack in Your Craft Bag:
$3 cash/raffle ticket
unused craft supplies to swap
jar with lid or container for mini terrarium
personal craft project
beer or wine ($5 cash fee per container/6-pack)*

I totally stole this cut and paste from the Crown Town Handmade blog, but it was for a good cause so I don't feel too badly. Seriously though, if you are in the Charlotte Area this Friday night, come out and Party with us!

Luv,
Vanessa*

I'm back!

I am So back! After taking basically a month off of my internet shenanigans I have returned. Hopefully to bring you lots of exciting stories, photos, and hopefully weekly features. Lets begin with ...
Crafty Purchases!
This one is going to feature I items I have purchased to use in my crafty endeavours. Sometimes it will be showing several items (one of a kind or close to it) that I intend to use for jewelry (or something else nifty). Others I will focus on one commercial item and review it. This would be spledid oppourtunity for the thousands upon thousands of companys who have been reading my blog in anticipation of an invite to send me free things. I know you are now, as we speak, boxing up your finest goods for me to get my hot little hands on. I can't wait for it all to arrive.
(man I'm funny)
So without further a due,
Crafty Purchases!Lets begin with the ones I need to explain the most. These are sacred heart Milagros from ALAMO2003 on ETSY

Milagros (also known as an ex-voto or dijes) are religious folk charms that are traditionally used for healing purposes and as votive offerings in Mexico, the southern United States, other areas of Latin America, as well as parts of the Iberian peninsula. They are frequently attached to altars, shrines, and sacred objects found in places of worship, and they are often purchased in churches, cathedrals or from street vendors.

Milagros come in a variety of shapes and dimensions and are fabricated from many different materials, depending on local customs. For example, they might be nearly flat or fully three dimensional; and they can be constructed from gold, silver, tin, lead, wood, bone, or wax. In Spanish, the word milagro literally means miracle or surprise. (Thanks Wikipedia!)

Next up tiny tiny little cross charms from cOveTableCuriOsitIEs on ETSY
And all of these lovelies come from one of my favorite shops on the planet. Southern Comforts in Concord,NC. They have the best most unique items at the best prices and the staff (well the two of them) are so helpful.

This concludes the first edition of
Crafty Purchases!
Many more to come so stay tuned!
Let me know which is your favorite purchase and what you can't wait to see become gorgeous jewelry!

Luv,
Vanessa*