In Vogue 1 Day- Fashion & more...

Introducing.....Le Maison Belle by L.C. Cooper

2012-02-23T00:09:00.000+13:00

Today I want to introduce to all of you another wonderful Etsy shop! My illustration for today is inspired by a wonderful black and white photography! The St Louis Cathedral New Orleans LA in French Quarter.

You can purchase the photography in this shop! http://www.etsy.com/shop/LeMaisonBelle

And if you want your photography illustrated feel free to contact me! http://www.etsy.com/shop/BaleaRaitzART

Let's talk decor, art, photography.....

Please introduce yourself...

My name is LeAnn Cooper, and I was born and raised in Mississippi. I started out 6 years ago selling large-scale painted furniture pieces, and just recently opened Le Maison at etsy. We focus mainly on small decor pieces using vintage and up cycled elements. We also offer limited series black and white photographs, and signs made from reclaimed wood with original artwork.
To most the name Le Maison Belle" The House Beautiful" but the shop is actually named after our Great Dane, Belle who basally owns our house.... so to us the name mean The House of Belle.
I am also a writer. I have yet to publish, but I did win a William Faulkner short story award, I am married to my college sweetheart, David (who is tremendously supportive). We don't have any children, but we do have 6 beautiful nieces and nephews who we thoroughly enjoy spoiling absolutely rotten!

What is the inspiration behind your brand?

I am inspired by so many things.... it's hard to pick just one. I find inspiration in anything old- taking castoff items and turning them into something completely new an different. I usually let things tell me what they want to be. I've found that if I try to force it. I don't always end up pleased with the final product.
I also hate to throw things away. We live in a house that was build in 1856, so we have a lot of scrap wood from the years of remold objects. That's how the painted signs venture got started.

Where else can we buy your products?

Only on Etsy.

What is your best seller?

The Fridge Magnet with the awesome quote has been tremendously popular- and it's one of my favorite, too. I worked in Graphic Design for a number of years, so the magnets and the painted signs are a lot of fun for me.

I have so much fun making all of the items that I sell at Le Maison Belle, and I hope that everybody loves the products as much as I love creating them. I get a thrill when someone actually appreciates an item enough to purchase it.

Where do you see your brand in 5 years?

I would love to increase my painted sign offerings. I would also like to expend my photography offerings... I basically live with a camera strung around my neck.

Please visit this amazing Etsy shop!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/LeMaisonBelle

Twitter!

https://twitter.com/#!/SouthernWriting

Google!
https://plus.google.com/100339418504578230929/posts and
https://plus.google.com/up/?continue=https://plus.google.com/&type=st#114206781693598202554/#

If you need something from your shop illustrated feel free to contact me!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/BaleaRaitzART

Vogue Japan!

2012-02-21T23:10:00.000+13:00

Love this editorial!

Hair, makeup, fashion, poses -perfection!

Bravo Vogue Japan for a wonderful spicy way to show us Spanish passion, desire, fashion,mood, way of life!

Vogue Japan March issue 2012!

Vogue Covers March 2012

2012-02-20T09:34:00.000+13:00

Love the British Vogue cover for March 2012!

It's feminine and the nail design is fabulous!

Vogue Spain is stunning!

The Versace dress wonderful!

You got to love the Australia cover!

Oh, Italy very couture and glam!

Mexico love the retro inspiration!

I love the Vogue Japan issue!

In my next post I will show some images from the Vogue Japan fashion editorial!

What is your favorite cover?

Stay Vogue!

Introducing... Wonderhand

2012-02-18T07:45:00.001+13:00

Today I want to introduce to you a wonderful unique fashion brand! If you love knits this is the brand for you!

This wonderful brand inspired me to illustrate and this tag is inspired by this unique piece!

Let's talk knits...

Please introduce yourself...

We are a young team of people from Istanbul, Turkey. As citizens of huge cities and mass consumption, we wanted to design our clothes besides our jobs and education. The whole designing and making process made us so excited and happy, we decided to share them with the rest of the world. We wanted to call it Wonderhand, because thinking about dresses, colors and playing with yarns became our ‘wonderland’ in the middle of this hectic place called ‘earth’.

The team consists of three girls and a ‘lucky’ man who founded Wonderhand; Rida, Zeynep, Pınar and Mahir. Rida, Zeynep and Mahir work as marketing professionals in Istanbul. Pinar left Istanbul for studying in Barcelona.

What is the inspiration behind Wonderhand?

We handle this in two parts. The first one is the thousands of years old knitting and crocheting traditions that stems from Anatolia (main/middle part of Turkey). Anatolia has a very old culture in craftsmanship from civilizations like Hittite and Sumerian’s. The women who knit the dresses shows us knitting techniques, which they learnt from their mothers, and their mothers from their mothers;). They surely inspire us in many ways…

The second part is what we see on people when we travel, different objects and of course, as a team with three girls, our own needsJ

What we want to do is to combine the tradition of handmade with fresh ideas and urban needs and come up with handmade design items that would shine in your wardrobe!

What is your best seller and how long does it take to finish one item?

Our best selling dress is Swan: http://www.etsy.com/listing/86481341/little-black-dress-swan-handmade-new

It usually takes 7-10 days to finish an item, depending on the details and the length of the item.

Where else can we admire and purchase your creations?

At the moment we sell our items via our Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Wonderhand

We have a brand new Facebook Page, where we share our world, and plus we have random flash sales every week. So if you follow us, you can get special discounts! www.facebook.com/Wonderhand.UK

We also have a web page, which is under construction at the moment: wonderhand.co

Where do you see your brand in 5 years?

We would like to go on designing handmade knitwear for winter and spring seasons. But also, we would like to expand our brand to different areas like home, decoration and art. We would like to bring people carefully made, one of a kind items and make them happy by providing unique items.

Our point is not to make too many sales, but making our customers as satisfied as possible. That's why our long term plans don’t include mass production, we will always aim to make the best for each item.

So if you are interested in knitwear and want to stand out in the crowd you need to check out this brand!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Wonderhand

So, if you need your product illustrated feel free to contact me! http://www.etsy.com/shop/BaleaRaitzART

Introducing....Sweet Scentplicity by Irion

2012-02-16T12:11:00.002+13:00

Today I want to introduce a wonderful shop from New Orleans! Visit an amazing candle shop Sweet Scentplicity by Irion! These candles are so amazing and come in a jar perfect for a gift, easy to store, dust free and and looks so special and luxurious!

Like you know, I illustrate and this unique shop inspired me to illustrate a one of a kind gift tag!
Enjoy and feel free to contact me if you need your product or brand illustrated!

Please introduce yourself...

Hey everyone! My name is Irion, but some people around Etsy refer to me as "Sweet". I 'm a full time mommy, wife, and candle lover. To say that I love candles is kind of an understatement, but I can't thin of a better word to use. Everything about candles, the smell, the color, the look, all have the ability to change the mood of an entire room. If you light one up, sit back and relax, it can turn your day from crazy to calm in a matter of seconds. That's part of the reason I love them so much.

What inspired you to go into candle design?

During my freshman year in high school, my mom used to help out one of her co-workers who made candles by selling them to my family. I was like, "Wow. Did she make those?" I researched how to make candles, and began experimenting with my own. My first candles were actually made from wax that was from my grandma's foot spa thingy LOL. After using up all of her wax, I begged her to buy me some candle supplies, and before you knew it, I was open for business. I began selling them to my family members and teachers at school. I was addicted to making candles and it was a great way to make money since I was too young to get a real job. I eventually had to stop selling them at school because a teacher almost set the building on fire trying to light one, but that's another story for another time. LOL!
Fast forward to my adult life and here I am selling candles again. I needed something to do outside of being a housewife so I decided to fall back in love with candles. I used to sell them at flea markets and on a local website, then I found Etsy.

How long does it take to make a candle and what is your favorite scent?

It takes me about 30 minutes to make a batch of candles. That's including wicking, melting, mixing, and pouring. I can usually make about 12 at a time. The cooling stage is the longest part. That takes a few hours. My favorite scent is Sugar Cookies. It smells so YUMMY. I've never has a customer that didn't fall in love with this scent. It's a best seller and my pride and joy because it's the best quality Sugar Cookie out there.

How do you promote your business?

Until recently I've been promoting though word by mouth. Now I have a Facebook and Twitter page so I'm trying to use those to my advantage. Please LIKE my Facebook page and follow me on Twitter
@ swtscentplicity. I'm going to be hosting giveaways and contests through these sites within the coming weeks, so be on the lookout=)

Where do you see your brand in 5 years?

In the next 5 years, Sweet Scentplicity will be a well known name. I take pride in the fact that my products and hand made with love by ME and not a machine or assembly of random people who don't really care about the candle quality. I don't aspire to be the next Yankee candle, but I do dream that many more people will get to experience my products. I also plan to expand into body lotion, soaps, and lip balms within the next two years.

Please visit the Etsy shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/SweetScentplicity

And like you know Facebook is a must, so pop in and give a LIKE!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sweet-Scentplicity/237854489606450

Twitter a easy and fast way to keep in touch, so go and tweet!
https://twitter.com/#!/swtscentplicity

Feel free to contact me for any questions! http://www.etsy.com/shop/BaleaRaitzART

Introducing....oKIDDO by Ellen!

2012-02-14T23:26:00.000+13:00

Today I will introduce another wonderful unique Etsy shop! oKIDDO is so much fun and is pure joy for every kid! The toys and one of a kind and the art just makes you smile! The wonderful items in the shop inspired me to illustrate a cute bookmark inspired by Bunny Valentine!

A cute soft bunny with an orange heart! Funny ears and adorable legs!

Please introduce yourself....

My name is Ellen, proud mum of three fantastic kids: Fleur, 22, who's an award winning photographer, Eva, 20, studying to be a Vet Nurse and Joost, our 12 -year old very musical son! I'm also a proud owner of "oKIDDO, a Kid's Art and Accessories"! My family and I emigrated to New Zealand 7 years ago from the Netherlands and we absolutely love living in this beautiful country! I've always worked as a primary school teacher and play therapist. After being diagnosed with a form of rheumatoid arthritis 6 months ago, I had to make a decision to stop working as a play therapist and it was at the same time that my daughter pointed me to Etsy and Pinterest! I already was selling my Art and Kid's accessories on local markets and fairs, but that's when I opened my shop on Etsy, trying to fulfill a lifelong dream of creating my own Art and Accessories for young children and to start working from home, having my own small business!
And, so far so good! Not for one second did I regret making this decision, I love what I;m doing at the moment and stand up every morning with a smile on my face, ready to start another day of creating!! In the meantime I've been approached by several shop owners in NZ, England and Singapore, who are interested in selling my items! My products are already being sold in "Lelu, The Baby Boutique" in Wellington and some local shops in Central Hawke's Bay!

What is your inspiration for the soft toys and the original art?

I get inspired by so many things! Sometimes it can be a photo, a color, an image or a picture in a magazine or on the internet,
nature...For kids I often work with the seasons, holidays, stories, which always inspire me.
Sometimes inspiration comes from patterns or the bright colors of fabric which are so appealing to young children!

How do you promote your shop and where else can we admire your designs?

Because I've always started my Etsy shop in October 2011. I'm getting into promoting my shop more and more now ( with the help of my oldest daughter, who's such a star with computers!): besides Etsy, I'm on Facebook and Pinterest and just registered on StumbleUpon and Twitter! Although I would love to have my own blog, I'm still a bit hesitant: I don't really feel I have enough time at the moment to keep it up to date!

Do you have a favorite material that you work with?

I don't really have one favorite material to work with. I have a love for most fabrics, paper and paint in general! I'm very tactile myself and my decision on which materials to use always depends on the how a fabric feels, in combination with the pattern and colors. Because my items are made for young children, I want the fabric to feel pleasant and soft and I prefer working with natural materials like cotton, flannel and cotton knitted fabric.

How much time do you invest in one soft toy?

The time I invest in making a toy differs. I often work on more than one project/item at the same time. My dolls often take much more time than the stuffed animals. Where I finish my animals generally in one or two days, my dolls often take a few more days.

Where do you see your brand in 5 years?

I often dream about that!! A few years ago my oldest daughter and I read "The Secret" and learned about the "law of attraction", and to be honest, I really believe in that: "If you can dream it, you can achieve it!" So, I often visualize this dream and goal! In 5 years time, I still see myself doing this with lots of love and passion! I'm not quite sure whether I would like to have my own Kid's Boutique ( with a Cupcake and Cafe included!!). I know I would never want to be making mass production, producing large quantities of the same item, I would always want to keep my items one of a kind. Selling my products to small boutiques and/or working on consignment basis, as I'm doing now, would be something I can see myself do with passion for years and more and different shops/boutiques!

You can find her wonderful shop on Facebook!
So go give her a big LIKE!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/OKIDDo/233950369974168

And for all of you who adore Pinterest!

http://pinterest.com/okiddo/

Make sure you check her Etsy shop and if you have a young child buy something truly unique!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/oKIDDo

Thank you very much Ellen for taking part and I wish you more wonderful creations!

If you need your items illustrated feel free to contact me! http://www.etsy.com/shop/BaleaRaitzART

Introducing...Softearth Art

2012-02-13T08:49:00.000+13:00

Today I am proud to introduce to you another New Zealand made brand .... Southearth Art!

This unique shop inspired me to illustrate a one of a kind card, inspired by Toadstool Forest Mother!

Let's talk felt needle work....

Please introduce yourself...

My name is Marie and I am a needle felt artist. The Enchanted World of Needle Felting is full of Rainbow dyed soft New Zealand Wool. It's warmth and light speaks to me. I feel it breathe in my hands and fingers. I want to warm people's hearts and ignite in them a stirring of their spirit. Magical creatures, Waldorf inspired, Gnomes, Fairies, living out in the rural countryside. I am inspired by Mother Nature. Here all is calm and peaceful.

Why needle felting and what is your inspiration?

Children especially find my art appealing as it appeals to their wonderful imagination. My small homestead and garden is organic and was build 25 years ago. I work on the kitchen table, and the sun 's light bounces off the wooden walls, to create a heart -warming glow.

I started making a few wool dolls, and took to markets and fairs to sell. They were well received. A friend suggested that I start a blog and I have been astounded at the interest and following. I joined Etsy and the New Zealand on-line shop Felt. I wanted to share my art with others globally, to let them have in

their homes a little piece of me. To this end my art is affordable to all.

How long does it take you to create one design?

A simple Rainbow figure might take me and hour to complete and a landscaped picture a few hours.

How do you promote your product and where else can we find it?

By going global this has extended my view of the world. New Zealand is a fairly small Island Nation, but now I consider the seasons happening in the world and create items for other Seasonable Nature Tables. I love what I do and have written a lot of short poems that go alongside my original 3D needle felt art. My hope is to publish these in a book.

I promote though Etsy and the New Zealand site "Felt". I am also in a few local galleries, cafe's etc...

Where do you see your brand in 5 years?

I see myself felting well into future bringing joy into people's homes, with my fiber art.

Visit her blog and enjoy one of a kind creations!

http://www.softearthart.blogspot.co.nz/

Felt!

http://felt.co.nz/shop/softearthart

Etsy shop!

http://www.etsy.com/people/softearthart

Facebook!

http://www.facebook.com/softearthart

Please dive into a world of magic and bring joy into your kid's life by purchasing something truly unique from this amazing shop! Your child will love it!

If you want your product illustrated feel free to contact me! http://www.etsy.com/shop/BaleaRaitzART

Introducing....Lili's 23 by 23Lili

2012-02-11T17:07:00.000+13:00

I am so proud to introduce to you a wonderful creative engineer living in the beautiful city of Cluj Napoca Romania. In the Etsy community people know her as Lili!

Inspired by her designs I was creating a gift tag with some gorgeous earrings on it!

Let's talk jewelry....

Please introduce your self....

Hi! I'm Irina,but maybe you know me as Lili from my blog and on the etsy community. As I like to say I am a creative engineer. I finished Technical University in 2010 and now I work as an Engineer full -time. In the time I have left, I work on my hobby ( that is trying to make it more then a hobby) and still try to have a social life. (haha) I adore jewelry, I love them since I was little, I guess. In my personal jewelries you can find the prototype of many collection ( the first necklace made from wood, the first hearts and also some other prototypes that didn't become collections yet) and also love the antiques.

I am over exited when there is another fair in town.One of my secrets is that sometimes I shop from there and re-use that jewelry with a d different purpose. I believe in constructive criticism and keeping your mind open. You never know what you may find!

Why jewelry and what is your inspiration?

Why jewelry? Because some years ago I found a book full of patterns for jewelries ( that's exaggerated- it was a tiny book with 20 pages where they showed you how to string beads and make some simple patterns). And after that I searched some supplies and started searching more and more on the internet. One lead to another and here I am :) I recently started to experiment and it's turning out great.

Can't wait for the summer to put in action some other ideas, but until then I have other collections to finish.

Now about my inspiration .... can I say everything? Well I have moments when I see something and I have a revelation, but most of the time it all starts with an idea. And for 2-3 weeks I just search about, and look for materials and techniques and make a little documentation. After that I feel I have enough ideas to start making the collection. That's how it works for me.

How much time do you spend on one design, and how does your design corner look like?

I don't usually have designs. I only make small sketches when I am not quite sure if it will turn out great , but most of times I just start making it the way I see it in my mind. But I do make notes with the ideas I have. My collections are based on post-its full of ideas and small sketches

( engineer style) I have a very odd way of working. It is possible that at one point I'm out of ideas. And a few weeks (or days, it depends) I just start working day and night. (Literally come from work , start making jewelry, and in the weekends I don't leave my post for anything... well almost anything.... I do eat from time to time. It's a bit hectic, but it works because afterwards I have a new collection ( 20-30 items or more) and after that it's time to make pictures, write descriptions and promote.
My design corner is... well my bedroom. There I have boxes and bags filled with beads, fabrics, feathers, gift bags and other stuff. I also have a tiny closet with 2 full drawers. Usually when I work I surround myself with all the materials and start work. It gives me a great perspective on the colors, fabrics, and textures.

I visualize everything better. And it's also great that I have my bed there, because I can just crawl in it when I am too tired or feel that I had enough for the day. As I said before it's a bit of madness, but I love every part of it.

How do you stay on top of the game when it comes to marketing and promoting your creations?

I have to admit I am still a newbie in this area. Now I read a lot of articles about it and all kind of things. I have, besides my etsy shop, a blog where I talk about this journey. I try to be as active as I can, by commenting on related blogs and getting involved in the talks on the forum. That's for the online part.In the office environment I just tell people what I do when it comes to it. My friends and family already know about it and sometimes they led people to me :) but as I said it's still a work in progress.

Where do you see your brand in 5 years?

Wow, 5 years.... Hopefully as a freelancer, and doing nothing more than just designing and crafting. And who knows maybe I'll start a family, and I think it will be good to be there all the time. That is the kind of life I want to have, nice, quiet with a lot of crafting and also travelling and being there for the people I care a bout.

Check out her blog!
http://23lili.blogspot.co.nz/

Etsy shop!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/23lili

Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lilis-23/147748872006962

Thank you so much Lili for taking part in this interview. It was a pleasure to introduce your shop!

If you need your products illustrated feel free to contact me! http://www.etsy.com/shop/BaleaRaitzART

Introducing....byVellamo Jewelry Sandra Kemppainen

2012-02-09T19:07:00.002+13:00

As a woman I love jewelry and here I discovered a very talented entrepreneur! I am proud to introduce to all of you a jewelry brand with future! - Vellamo by Sandra Kemppainen!
Her designs inspired me to illustrate. I illustrated this one of a kind bookmark!

It is inspired by this wonderful earring and pendant that you can purchase in her shop!

You can have a look at the bookmark in my shop! http://www.etsy.com/shop/BaleaRaitzART Feel free to contact!

Let's talk jewelry, photography and supplies...

1.Please introduce yourself....

I am Sandra, a half- Hungarian Romanian, currently living in Helsinki, Finland. I have been in Finland for the past four years now and I love the nature, lakes, trees and special sunlight they have up here. I say" I don't live at the edge of the world, but you can see it from here'. I am a professional photographer with an engineering degree. I have been an entrepreneur since 2008.

As a photographer, Finland has been an awesome inspiration for my pictures.

2. Why did you choose to name your brand Vellamo? Do you feel a connection to the sea?

I felt that this name, inspired by Kalevala, the Finnish mythology, strongly connected to water and sea is a good name fro the brand of jewelry I am creating. I love water and the sea.

3.The gemstones in your shop are amazing.... how did it all started?

Since I inspired the brand name by nature, I want to use beautiful gemstones for my jewelry. So, I spend countless hours searching supplies, as well as meeting suppliers in person during my Christmas holiday in a Christmas market in Romania.

4. Do you have a favorite stone you work with?

That is a tough question....
I love turquoise stones, but also mosaic magnetite stones, witch come in so beautiful colors, Jasper is also one of my favorite, especially imperial sea sediment jasper.

5.What is your advice for somebody who want to start a jewelry line and is interested in supplies?

Spend a lot of time searching, browsing and reading information pages about the stones you want to use.

6.Where do you see your brand in 5 years?

My dream is to make this a big jewelry brand, a design and name that people will recognize.

You can find her on Etsy for supplies http://www.etsy.com/shop/byvellamosupplies and you can purchase the ready jewelry http://www.etsy.com/shop/byVellamo!

Check her Facebook page out and give her a big LIKE! https://www.facebook.com/byvellamo

Website ! http://byvellamo.com/en/byvellamo-online-shop
Blog: http://byvellamo.blogspot.co.nz/

Now if you are interested in the photography you can contact her as well!http://sandrarugina.eu/

http://www.etsy.com/shop/behindmyblueeyes

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sandrarugina
Blog: http://the-i-inside.blogspot.co.nz/

You also find her on Pinterest! http://pinterest.com/byvellamo/

Introducing.... Christian V Rodriguez

2012-02-07T20:01:00.000+13:00

I have exiting news for you! I found an amazing Etsy shop and I want to introduce to you a wonderful artist! Her name is Christian V Rodriguez and she is a jewelry designer! I got inspired by her designs and illustrated a bookmark!

This one of a kind hand made bookmark was inspired by the latest designer piece from her shop! - Southwest Style Turquoise Howlite and Red Sponge Coral Collar!

Let's talk jewelry....

1. Please introduce yourself....

Greetings! My name is Christian V Rodriguez. I am 31 years old single mother, jewelry designer and smile master :)! I have been designing strung jewelry for about a decade and moved onto more elaborate pieces within the last four years. I had always considered what I do as a form of personal therapy, a way of relaxing and getting out of the daily grind. It wasn't until the people I came across, friends and strangers alike, unanimously suggested that I put my work out for sale that I even considered that an option.

2. Why jewelry and what is your inspiration?

I originally began creating strung jewelry, focusing on the healing properties of the gemstones incorporated in my designs. I thought that a little extra energy from the earth and it's stones could be beneficial to us all. From there I needed to challenge myself a bit more, thus the embroidered works came to be. I draw my inspiration from the gemstone beads themselves. They almost speak to me when I look at them. As an artist I began to listen and allow the pieces to take from. I tend to seek out pieces of a more earthly orientation, as the 'bling' phenomenon has never been one I connected with. I come from as artistic family, with life and ethnicity that shake the rafters. There is no doubt that my upbringing influenced my drive to create.

3. How much time do you spend on one design and how does your design corner look like?

The amount of time spent on one design varies. I have spent hours just staring at a few different gemstones, moving them around into different patterns, only to store them back away for months until the design clicked. Often times I begin a design and then walk away from it for days or weeks, as not to force the final outcome. Many of my finished embroidery creations took 60-80 hours to complete. My most recent work was close to 200 hours. Then there are smaller pieces culminated in under 20 hours.

Sometimes I am amazed I complete anything as my work space is a total disaster. I can have up to 5 projects going at once. I try to keep everything in reach and find that I lose time when I put things away only needing to search fro them moments later.

4. How do you stay on top of the game and when it comes to marketing and promoting your creations?

Attending to my most spectacular 3 year old son has made the task of finding time to market my work a difficult one. However, I find I am quite often asking his opinion when I am a bit stumped on specific combinations in my work. I have found that joining a few beading groups online has helped in that arena.

Many artists are quite eager to promote each other and the individuals in these groups have shown overwhelming support for my art. They push my work for me on Facebook and Etsy and I do the same fro them. I have more recently begun organizing home jewelry parties which allow for my work to be appreciated on a local level.

5. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In 5 years I see myself doing the same things, creating pieces that I love, surrounding myself with those I love, and smiling so much it hurts. I do see a progression in my work, as I am sure to have new techniques in my repertoire. I aspire to collaborate with a clothing designer in order to incorporate my work into a clothing line. I hope that the call for my custom pieces will grow. I feel as though my continued involvement in Etsy and Facebook will have gotten the word out about my work and that I will be creating much more to keep up with the demand of functional, wearable art. All of that aside, I will be thrilled to just be creating work that is appreciated by those closest to me.

You can find more amazing designs in her Etsy shop!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/christianvrodriguez
Check it out!

Facebook!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Christian-V-Rodriguez-Bead-Embroidery-Artisan

Email and talk directly!
christianvrodriguez@yahoo.com

Your designs are stunning, trendy and in fashion!
Thank you!

If you want to be interviewed, feel free to contact me!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/BaleaRaitzART

Vogue Italia February 2012 Laura Kampman

2012-02-05T14:56:00.000+13:00

The cover is one of a kind and stands out! I love the mix of Real and Surreal!

The shoot looks amazing!

Photographer Steven Meisel did an amazing job with a surreal twist in this unique shoot!

Stay edgy, rock, surreal but be always real!

http://www.vogue.it/en/magazine/cover-story/2012/02/surreal-or-real

Vogue Rocks!

Introducing...Pacific Perfumes!

2012-02-03T13:09:00.001+13:00

Like you probably know every week I am introducing a new exiting Brand and this week I would like to invite you

to have a look a this amazing perfume brand made here in New Zealand!

I was captivated by these wonderful products and I created an illustrated invitation

with the wonderful round package in mind!

Don't miss to visit this wonderful Etsy shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/PacificPerfumes

Let's talk perfumes....

1. Please introduce yourself...

I consider myself and Entrepreneur more than anything else, I love creating new ideas and making them happen! I also love the idea of trading and when I first did my OE at the tender age of 19 I traded my way around Europe, buying Mary Quant makeup in London, exotic jewelry in Amsterdam and selling out on the next stop in my travels! Reaching even Morocco, to buy beads to make my own jewelry to sell in Spain! That really was the foundation for creating my own business.

2. How did the interest in perfume begin?

I eventually ended up living in Athens, where I decided to make perfumes because I had traded some that I'd imported from London. I had seen that there was an interest from the high end boutiques in the fashion quarter in Athens and it seemed logical to create them there. That was the beginning of my company "Flowers of Greece", which kept me busy for the next 10 years. I learned a lot from an old man who sold French perfume from Grasse in the back streets of the old marketplace in Athens, which was as colorful as any middle eastern oriental bazaar in those days.

We'd sit and drink ouzo and talk perfume, and I have to admit, we also smoked in those days French cigarettes.

3. How do you create a perfume?

We make solid perfumes here at Pacific Perfumes, we just love the intimate interaction that they have with the skin and they are so easy to carry, travel perfect is I like to say. We use a variety of carrier oil depending on the container but basically it's a process of warming and blending the oil with beeswax, another wax ( floral for instance) and then adding the fragrance oils and or essential oils. Temperature is crucial especially when using botanical as it's easy to lose some if the notes into the high heat. We use a variety of specialized laboratory equipment in our workshop here in Wellington Aro Valley. We also delve into alcohol based botanical perfumery but not on a commercial basic as yet. Naming a perfume is a lot of fun and I also create with the name in mind- it also works either way. Kate and I brainstorm a lot. It's influenced as well by where we intend it to be sold, our Love the Mango in Hawaii, we just had to celebrate them!

4. Tell me about Pacific Perfumes.... how did the brand started?

You can read about our beginnings on our website where there is a lovely and true story about us

http://www.pacificperfumes.co.nz/ When Kate and I talked of starting Pacific Perfumes I said I would only do it if it offered up travel - 9 years later I can happily say it has given me wonderful insights into the Hawaii Islands, I've swum with turtles in Samoa, fondled stingrays in Tahiti, curried up in Fiji, mixed precious sandalwood with virgin coconut oil in a traditional ceremony in Samoa and we accepted a Green packaging award in New York City just last year. That's delivering!

5. How do you promote your product?

We do a lot of just plain beating the streets and visiting shops when we travel. I research the area the have the kind of retail I'd expect to market to as much as I can prior to travel. That in store human contact is really effective. Word of mouth is another wonderful avenue combined with our website, FB, Twitter, Blogs, and various media hits we've had. We changed our pots several years ago to NZ made sustainable Beech.

6. What is your best seller and where can we purchase your brand?

Our best seller overall has to be the Original range Pacific Goddess. It's a terrific combo of name, one Goddess fits all and the fragrance is a warm sultry vanilla, perfect in any climate. It's a tribute to the female deities of the Pacific, a region which as New Zealanders we feel deeply connected to.

7. Where do you see Pacific Perfumes in 5 years?

I'd love to see more collaboration with other artists and our commitment to sustainable environmental practices grow. I'd love to be making essential oils as well, to be producing / growing some of the raw materials that will eventually be made into beautiful evocative perfumes that will find their way all over the planet. I have a friend who travels with her Maui Musk solid perfume all over the world. It makes me smile when I think of it bouncing up and down on the back of a camel in let's say Mongolia!

Enjoy the world of Pacific Perfumes and try something new that reminds you of a paradise!

Year of the Dragon

2012-02-01T11:24:00.003+13:00

China Fashion Week!

Love it ! Always a fresh inspiration...

Found these gorgeous cookies on etsy!

Check it out!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/90623083/decorated-cookies-chinese-new-year-2012

Very Extravagant ... Would love to see it in my closet!

Check out more amazing images!

http://blog.lindsayadlerphotography.com/red-of-the-dragon-fashion-editorial-in-papercut-magazine/

Love the ID Cover!

Welcome Year of the Dragon 2012!

Are you a dragon?

If yes, this is your year!

You are positive, powerful... You go for red and your birthstone is Amethyst

Vogue China!

Rocking as always!

Happy New Year and celebrate in style!

Stay Vogue!

Vogue Covers February 2012

2012-01-31T10:01:00.001+13:00

Portugal -Inspirational cover!

UK edition( Love it)

Australia - Nice touch!

Korea - it's always fresh!

Paris - Wonderful as always!

USA- it has a great vibe!

Brazil- oh Brazil always sexy and bright!

Russia- Edgy & daring

Germany- love the softness

Japan- It's a must to see!

Mexico- would love to read it!

China - it's always fun to see the cover! Love the retro mix!

What is your favorite Vogue Cover for February 2012?

Stay Vogue!

Introducing....Lindsay O'Brien!

2012-01-28T14:30:00.000+13:00

Every week I try to feature another amazing Etsy shop owner and a few days ago I came across Lindsay O'Brien's Profile on Etsy. She captures moments in time and the result are beautiful photos!

You must visit her wonderful shop on Etsy! http://www.etsy.com/shop/binzie

Let's talk photography....

1. Please Introduce yourself....

Hi there! My name is Lindsay O'Brien and I am a recent college graduate living in "the big city" (New York!) and working in the fashion industry. I am a lover of things creative, particularly photography, fashion, architecture and jewelry design.

2. Why photography and what is your style?

I have always been interested in photography but really took the plunge when I studied abroad in Italy a semester. I literally bought my camera on the way to the airport and read the manual on the flight over. I spent the next five months capturing Europe as I saw it through my eyes.

I love photography because it is a chance to offer my own unique perspective on the things that people see every day.

Ansel Adams said: ' You don't take a photography, you make it!' And that is exactly why I love photography. Two people could be standing on front of the same building, yet take completely different pictures of it.

I would say that my style is very spontaneous. I really never set out to photograph anything in particular. I am inspired by my surroundings and whatever I happen to stumble upon. I am heavily influenced by my passions and consequently find that the majority of my photography subjects are fashion and architecture related.

3. What equipment do you work with?

I shoot primarily with a Canon EOS Rebel Digital SRL. I have film cameras that I have been playing around with, but I am a pretty impatient person. There is definitely something to be said for the instant gratification that comes with digital.

4. What projects are you working on?

Living in New York, I am very drawn to shooting street art and graffiti. I would really like to explore this more and possibly do some sort of color theme with it. I also am working on an iconic New York project, shooting famous landscapes from unique perspectives.

5.Where can we admire your work and how do you promote your photos?

The best way to check out my photos is to visit my Etsy shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/binzie Come on in and poke around! I have thousands and thousands of pictures that I love, but the ones I see are my favorite. I try to promote my photos by blogging, tweeting, selling at local art festivals and by chatting up anyone who will listen.

6.What do you know now, that you wish you knew as you started ? Any tips fro beginners?

Well, I am still a beginner myself, and I learn something new every time I pick up my camera. My advice to others is just to get out there and start messing around. Explore all the features of your camera and get to know it inside and out. Don't be afraid, just start shooting ... We live in a digital world, so who cares if you practice by taking 50 pictures of the same garbage can!

7. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Five years from now I will be doing something creative for sure. I would love to be working with photography professionally, ideally something fashion related. More than anything though, I want to travel. I am so inspired by work of photography journalists like Eddie Adams and Steve McCurry and would love to be able to capture something truly moving and remarkable.

If you would love to contact Lindsay fell free to visit

Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/binzie

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lindsayobrienphotography

Twitter: @Lindsay_Binzie

Website: http://www.wix.com/lindsay_obrien/photography

This is my favorite photography because it reminds me of Venice and the wonderful time I had in Italy...

I want to thank Lindsay for taking part in this interview and I wish you all the best with her future projects!

Couture Fashion week 2012

2012-01-25T22:25:00.001+13:00

Chanel, Dior, Armani, Givenchy....

It's Haute Couture week and the designers work their magic!

Armani

Chanel

Dior

Givenchy

Do you have a favorite Couture designer?

Introducing.... RaghouseInternational

2012-01-23T13:13:00.000+13:00

Since I started Etsy I met over the years wonderful artists, designers wonderful creative people. One shop stood out in the crowd for me for a long time.

I am proud to introduce to all of you a wonderful company called RaghouseInternational. The owner of this unique luxury hand made crochet and knitwear is the very creative and talented Renaissance Marie Austin.

Now let's talk crochet....

Tell me a little bit about yourself...

Hello, I am Renaissance Austin, a creative individual born and reared in Los Angeles. I love the visual and performing arts, travelling, reading, and photography. I am a designer of knitwear, crochet apparel and accessories. Usually at night I go out singing and enjoying live music which is a huge part of my life.

1. What made you choose the beautiful art of crochet and knit?

I have always been around crochet since I was a toddler. My grandmother was my creative foundation and taught me how to crochet when I was eight years old. I believe crochet and fashion chose me for sure, especially when you come from an artistic family like mine where there is yarn and sewing machines everywhere. When I studies Fashion Design and Marketing in college, textiles classes is where I discovered I had a true passion for fiber and soon crocheting took over of my sewing projects.

2. What made you name your label RaghouseInternational?

My brother and I looked through the thesaurus and did some word play. We continued searching for the right combination of words until it just felt right. My company had a slightly different name before, but finally Raghouse International stuck and was perfect.

3.How did you started your brand and what do you want to achieve?

My brand started 11 years ago when I was attending community college and I saw a crocheted head tie a vendor was selling on the campus. It truly sparked a fire in me, the fact that I was looking at something crocheted and it was actually for sell. Thus, a business was born that day. My brand as it is now is very far from what it used to be. It has evoled tremendously and I plan to get my top selling collection manufactured so that I can take it national. That would be a great thing!

4. Where do you show your collections and where can we buy your designs?

My designs can be purchased on my official website, http://raghouseinternational.com/. I am planning to show my collections more this year locally. Many times I set up a vendor so that I can sell my wares during Art Walk, an event that takes place every month. For January, I am setting up one of my dresses for an art show. I am looking forward to that.

5. How does a day in your studio look like?

I stay busy from the time I wake up to the time I go to sleep and there is really not enough time in the day. I am searching out ways now to get more things done in the day and hopefully I will have a couple of assistance soon. Usually when I am having a see in the shop, I am making dresses for months straight, but it does not really allow me to do anything else. I try to fit in online marketing and I like to make sure that I create 5 new products per week. I am still doing it all myself, but will soon have a great team to help me.

6. What's trendy 2012 in the crochet and knit world for you?

There are a lot of trends taking place in the crochet and knit world. Cowls will become more and more popular. In the mainstream trendy fashion market, bright colors and color blocking is huge, so I know we will see bright colored knits, especially, apricot, terra cotta, and peach. I've already created my color block knit dress collection. Also loosely fitted dress tops with leggings and boots will be huge as we go into Spring and Summer. Something with a boat neck and three quarter sleeves will work great and as we move into the warmer seasons, knitwear and crochet pattern will become more open allowing the designer to be more cooler. And we can't forget crochet and knit capes. Not everyone catches on here in California as it hardly rains, but capes are pretty huge. I am almost done with one myself.

7. Where do you see your brand in 5 years?

In five year, my brand will be a national brand with sponsors and partners. If everything goes well, in the next year, I will be looking to sell a few shares. Then I will be able to really focus on my blog, and write my style book in which I am doing the outline for non.

My blog is http://fiberstyle.blogspot.com/ I love my blog!

You can find her amazing designs here:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/raghouseinternationl

http://raghouseinternational.blogspot.com

And please make sure you visit her blog!

http://fiberstyle.blogspot.com/

Her designs inspired me as an illustrator as well....

If you like the illustrations you find more details about in my shop

http://www.etsy.com/shop/BaleaRaitzART

I wan to thank Renaissance for taking part in this feature and I wish her all the best with her designs!

Dior & Chanel....

2012-01-21T10:08:00.002+13:00

Dior and Chanel are my favorite fashion brands! I love the new trends they set, the timeless frame they pull off and the inspiration sources....

What is your favorite brand?

Vogue January 2012

2012-01-19T14:13:00.003+13:00

Stunning photo shoot!

Love the new fashion editorial in the German Vogue!

The mix of colors, shapes, forms, and styles are amazing and freshen up every look!

It is powerful, beautiful, daring, feminine, sensual, very chic and gives a touch of gypsy, hippie, bohemian, decadence, elegance and soft vibe to it!

The scarfs are rocking this season and bring a touch of mystic to the streets.

Enjoy and try to invent the style for yourself!

Stay en vogue!

Let me know what you think about this colorful trend!

Golden Globes 2012

2012-01-16T15:03:00.003+13:00

Love the color and the structure of the dress!

I would wear it!

Love her elegance and the simple chic design! A must for every woman!

Daring and sexy... she turns heads in that dress!

Love her dress, very 40's style!

Looks amazing effortless chic!

This design looks great on her! I would love this in my closet! :)

Nice touch Madonna !

It's a Wow moment ! A sexy dress with amazing details! Love it!

These are my favorite dresses from the Golden Globes 2012!

So what's the trend?

Metallic, cream, peach, black of course as always, accents of red, turquoise etc...

What about you? What would you wear from here?

Vogue Rocks!

Shop Lion style!

2012-01-03T16:45:00.000+13:00

This is my latest illustration! Perfect to hang, pin, frame, make as a gift, wall etc...

For more details pop in my shop and read more!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/BaleaRaitzART

Don't forget to pop in my other blog for a fashionable calendar 2012 giveaway!

Good luck!

http://creationbites.blogspot.com/2012/01/1st-giveaway-of-2012-win-fashionable.html

Vogue Rocks!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T18:24:00.001+13:00

I wish you all a Happy New Year!

Start 2012 in style and fashion!

Vogue Rocks!

Trends 2012

2011-12-26T16:52:00.001+13:00

The year 2011 is almost over and we think already about the next fashion trend and what will be hot, chic and a must on the catwalk and on the streets!

The world is waiting for New York, Paris, Milan, London, Tokyo!

Are we waiting for strong colors? How about this bright and sophisticated yellow?

Chanel

What about print? And what jewelry do we want to wear?

Makeup?

How about the 60s?

Strong colors and clean lines!

You want to know about accessories ?

How about the classic chic and always trendy Doctor's bag also known as Gladstone Bag?!

Knit and crochet will always be a classic!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/BaleaRaitzORIGINAL

Jewelry?

Now let's talk shoes!

Metallic, pointy, braided sandals, super mega platform, transparent, shinny,

wedges, buckle, bold and pastel colors!

Let me know what you think about the 2012 trends?

Visit my illustration shop!

My fashion illustration 2012 calendar is ready!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/BaleaRaitzART

Enjoy!

Vogue Rocks!

Wedding pillow box- Let fashion be part of your wedding!

2011-12-11T19:24:00.001+13:00

INTRODUCING!

My first Wedding invitation!

Inspiration: Of course the stunning Louboutins!

More details about this pillow box you can find in my Shop!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/88401046/louboutin-inspired-wedding-pillow-box

Enjoy!

Limited edition!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/BaleaRaitzART

Chanel Paris-Bombay!

2011-12-08T09:06:00.001+13:00

Chanel has a new collection out! Karl has never been to India, but his designs are as always a hit!

The theme of the show: Paris- Bombay!

Classic, chic, designs wearable art!

Silk, pearls, unique jewelry, tweet of course Coco's signature look, drapes, ivory, prints...

Love the French chic!

Love this one!

What do you think about the collection?