IRIS WOKE UP!

Our tortoise and namesake of my company, Iris, came out of hibernation yesterday! I think the warm weather this week and the presence of my niece Maya did it. She has a special affinity towards Maya; Iris would nap next to Maya under our mesquite tree when Maya was 2 years old. So Elle, Maya and I gave her a day to adjust to being out of her den and had a picnic with her today...pizza and a big juicy apple for Iris (she is behind Maya in the blue pants). I'm so happy to see that she is alive and well; she is after all my living reminder to SLOW DOWN AND ENJOY EVERY MOMENT!!!

BE ORIGINAL!

I have to brag about my cousin Jackie Sepulveda's shop, Voz Clothing & Art. She takes vintage bags and makes them into works of art. I bought this from her at the L.A. Roller Derby last year to hold my laptop in. With artists like this, there's no need to store your valuables in boring, unoriginal brand name goods made from virgin materials. (In the background of the photo shows our work in progress- Elle's 3rd birthday present, a playhouse made from scrap wood).

To check out her shop go to...http://vozclothingandart.etsy.com

HAPPY POWER DRESSES!

A preview of the first batch of dresses made from sheets, pillowcases, and doilies. I stole the name from my daughter, this is her new favorite saying. It was a fun weekend designing them and I can't wait to search for more unwanted pillowcases and doilies to make more.

INSPIRATION

Inspiration sometimes comes from the most unexpected places. A friend asked me yesterday if I had any upcycled dresses. Immediately I thought of dresses that my daughter has outgrown that I could give her; not thinking she was talking about product from my shop. Since she needed it for this weekend, this put me into a creative flurry. I have been collecting lots of unique pillowcases to eventually turn into dresses so there was no time like the present to start! Here is a photo of my first dress, 100% upcycled from a pillowcase. Much more to come!