Night as Day

Shooting Stars and Pumpkin Bars

2011-11-15T23:05:00.001-08:00

I recently took a weekend off and spent some well needed R & R. Out in the country the night sky is amazing. That's something I really miss when living in a big city. Sitting outside sipping cider and watching the stars is just amazing! I even saw a few shooting stars.

This was a great jumping off point for a new series Im working on titled "Dark Galaxy".

top left inspiration All other images by copyrighted by artist

I'm still hard at work doing some finishing touches to my pieces. I do have a few more designs I need to print.. eek! Where is the time going! The photo shoot is scheduled for Sunday, hooray! The weather report says it should be rainy which is bummer but I think it should be ok. It's finally turned cold here in sunny Phoenix, it was only a few weeks ago it was 100 degrees. But with the cold weather comes amazing treats such as pumpkin bars and pumpkin spice lattes (my favorite!). They are what's getting me through the week! Powered by espresso and sugar I have gotten a lot done this week on little sleep. Onward I go!

xxxx oooo

Karina

T.G.I.F. D.I.Y.

2011-11-04T16:15:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I like acronyms. So that's why I'm selecting my first D.I.Y. post from one of my favorite blogs Honestly, WTF . Their DIY features are always amazing and fun to try. The Proenza Schouler Rope Necklace Tutorial is by far my favorite!

DIY Rope Necklace

You’ll need:
- 25 inches of bungee cord or climbing rope
- a yard of thick twisted cord
- some thin rope such as mason line
- some twine
- a pair of scissors
- a lighter
- a hot glue gun

Start by cutting a 10″ and a 15″ piece of bungee (or climbing rope). Burn the ends with a lighter to prevent fraying. Then, wrap the middle sections with either twine or mason line using the friendship knot technique and use the hot glue gun to secure the ends to your bungee cord.

Lay the center of the twisted cord in between the two pieces of covered bungee, twist twice at the top of the necklace and bring both sides down to create a small loop. You can adjust the necklace to whichever length you prefer. Generously glue each connecting section at the ‘x’ marks seen in the image below.

Wrap each glued section with mason line or twine and trim any excess twisted cord. Continue to wrap more sections with different colors, making it bright and colorful. Have fun with this!!

Your Proenza Schouler inspired necklace is ready to wear!

So Awesome!!

(All images from Honestly, WTF.)

First Night

2011-11-03T19:19:00.000-07:00

Hooray for my first post! It is a little daunting starting this blog but you have to start somewhere, right? Well, lets get right into it.
Let me introduce myself....
My name is Karina Manarin, Phoenix native and desert wanderer. I've been making stuff since I can remember. My mom is an artist so I've had good training and support my whole life. I went to school at ASU for fibers and subsequently fell in love with textile design. There's just so many options, techniques and processes with textiles that I am never bored. I love the fiber arts!! (I guess I'm channeling the "old lady" inside).

Im an internet junkie (I think most people are now-a-days) and I love browsing and finding new artists/techniques and stuff that inspires me. You can see my awesome Pinterest here. I work in the tech industry so I am on the internet/computer all day long. I try to peel myself away from the screen when I get home but it's so very difficult. Oh! And when Im not working at my job or on my art I love to play my guitar. Nothings works better than playing the ole acoustic for some relaxation time.

For the past year, I have been mostly focusing on printing my illustrations on t-shirts, bags, ect. I have begun to feel a little bored of these single prints on a plain background and have recently reevaluated my direction. I've been working really hard the past few months on my new collection which will include a lot more dyeing, colors, pattern and general awesomeness. I'm treating these new pieces like I would a canvas, which is a lot more fun! Here's a little preview:

This season's colors and patterns were inspired by my trek through the Grand Canyon. It's really gorgeous down there: the colors, the rocks, the waterfalls. Its a great place for inspiration. Pictures soon to come!

Well anyway, I want to welcome you to my new blog and I really hope you enjoy! I have a lot of pretty things in store so I hope you will stay tuned.

Love,
Karina