What's The Retro Diva Up To Now?

Have you heard about the The Polymer Clay Smooshers Masquerade Ball?

noreply@blogger.com (Didi) — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 23:56:00 +0000

The Polymer Clay Smooshers Masquerade Clay Ball begins October 1st. They will be sharing masks made from polymer clay. Masks have been made by guild members and fans.

Check out this years awesome creations by some VERY talented artists!! I am excited. Checkout the festivities on the Polymer Clay Smooshers Blog.

The guild is giving away some lovely prizes, too! If you want to joun the Spread the Word blog contest before October 3rd, you'll be eligible for the drawing for a beautiful bracelet made by Haffina Creations.

Sweet Tooth to the MAX!

noreply@blogger.com (Didi) — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 23:25:00 +0000

I have a major sweet tooth! My man and his family have only made what was once a semi-sweet tooth to a full fledge queen size sweet tooth. The Egan clan makes the BEST cookies, cakes and other sweet treats I have EVER had! To die for. Here is my ArtFire collection celebrating the sweetness.

I Want Candy.

Curated By: RetroChristmas

ArtFire.com

Fine Art Photography

Artfire vs.. Etsy…who won?

noreply@blogger.com (Didi) — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 21:55:00 +0000

Artfire.

RetroChristmas and TheRetroDiva are proud to call Artfire their permanent home.

I find that the tools Artfire provides its sellers (even at a basic and FREE account) are easier to navigate then Etsy. Pro accounts have it best but if you cant afford it or want to wait for sales the basic account is just fine.

Right now Artfire is doing a promotion (which I have signed both my shops up for) on Pro accounts for only $5.95 a month! Unlimited listings and use of ALL tools they provide. SO worth it!

The group deal goes live 10/01/10. After that regular prices go back into effect so pro account prices will go back up!

Click here for more info on the Group Deal!

One of my favorite tools on Artfire so far is the ability to make collections! I love coming up with a theme and then exploring the artisans to see what products, colors and images I can come up with. Artfire makes it easy to share these with others! I will post my collections on here as I make them. That being said here are my two latest! ENJOY!! Please feel free to rate them and comment.

Dia De Los Muertos

Curated By: RetroChristmas

ArtFire.com

Handmade Gifts

All you need is L.O.V.E.

Curated By: RetroChristmas

ArtFire.com

Handmade Gifts

Featured: RetroChristmas

noreply@blogger.com (Didi) — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 17:18:00 +0000

Check out this awesome bicycle collection from Artfire :D Very happy to be included with other awesome Artisans. Stay tuned for updates on the latest from RetroChristmas!!

I Want to Ride My Bicycle, I Want to Rid...

Curated By: adamsarts

ArtFire.com

Fine Art Paintings

The Retro Diva Zazzles!!

noreply@blogger.com (Didi) — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 16:34:00 +0000

Hey Kids! Don’t think that my absence means nothing new to share. FAR from it. I have many projects in the works. MANY. As they develop I’ll be sure to let my readers know first!

Last week I decided that The Retro Diva needed a Zazzle store.

Graphics design is another hobby of mine and what better way to have focused projects then to keep to The Retro Diva theme.

Sometimes I like to make things specific to various craft talents. This one is for all those knitting angels out there that do what I cannot! I have had the goal to learn how to knit for years and have yet to grasp it.

I will be posting updates with the latest on this project. As always I welcome all feedback.
If you have an idea that you’d like custom made- let me know!

R.I.P Mr. Hopper

noreply@blogger.com (Didi) — Sun, 30 May 2010 00:25:00 +0000

Dennis Hopper May 17, 1936 – May 29, 2010

View Full Album

A Retro Treasury

noreply@blogger.com (Didi) — Sat, 29 May 2010 22:57:00 +0000

Just a lil treasury of some cute things I found on Etsy. Enjoy:

Like what you see?

Visit the shops of this treasury:

01. http://www.etsy.com/shop/thehoneycomb

02.http://www.etsy.com/shop/roseworksjewelry

03.http://www.etsy.com/shop/sweetheartsinner

04.http://www.etsy.com/shop/loverdoversclothing

05.http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheBeadedBranch

06.http://www.etsy.com/shop/beepart

07.http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheRetroDiva

08.http://www.etsy.com/shop/froufroubijou

09.http://www.etsy.com/shop/shotofglass

10.http://www.etsy.com/shop/roscata

11.http://www.etsy.com/shop/JennyKarlsson

12.http://www.etsy.com/shop/CatsWire

TRD Artist Spotlight: The Altered Head

noreply@blogger.com (Didi) — Sat, 22 May 2010 22:45:00 +0000

I love, love, love talking with other artists- especially those that are interested in pinups and the rockabilly culture. I have found some amazing artists that just floor me with their abilities.

So, as an ongoing series for this blog, I will be posting TRD Artist Spotlights as I find these wonderfully talented people the world must know about.

Starting with AlteredHead on Etsy.

<--- Lisa Jeffers aka Altered Head

TRD: What is your background? Where are you from? What is your passion and what influenced you to start creating?

AH: I am from Maryland originally but re located to Phoenix, Arizona. My passion is to create something new each day. I come from a family background of artists that have inspired me from within. I have realized over the years that my creativity and uniqueness was in my genes all along and that all I had to do was "just add water".

TRD: What inspires you to create? What is your favorite tool to use when crafting?

AH: I am inspired by several different mediums . I have a certain fondness for female anatomy and beauty. Most of my assemblage, collage, ACEO and artists trading cards feature Victorian nudes and retro pin up girls. I love to incorporate various found items, color and various metal bits to add a 3D effect.

TRD: Who/what motivated you to sell your art online?

AH: Motivation to sell online came from a dear friend who has a shop here on Etsy. She has truly motivated me and supported my networking efforts .

TRD: What is your goal with your craft/store?

AH: My goal is to share my creativity with others. All of my proceeds (which have mostly been from private sales), go toward supplies. I do this for fun and although sales are paramount to some, it is not the end all be all for me.

TRD: Any words of advice for fellow artists and artisans?

AH: CREATE AND JUST BE

I love AlteredHeads awesome work and think it would look lovely on my very bare walls! It may just be there one day.

Scarlett O'Hara 2010!

noreply@blogger.com (Didi) — Sat, 22 May 2010 19:41:00 +0000

Gone With The Wind was one of the first movies I watched over and over- mainly to see all the amazing dresses and fashions I always imagined myself in. I never thought it could be a reality.

… until I came across Mary Magdalene on Stylehive.com.

I am in serious WANT over these dresses:

MM also makes super cute skirts, jackets and accessories:

What a source of inspiration! I will own dresses etc. like these one day.

Mannequin vs. Human Head?

noreply@blogger.com (Didi) — Tue, 18 May 2010 01:17:00 +0000

My sewing machine has a new home on the kitchen table for the time being before a proper sewing table/ space is created. I don’t mind, actually is the best sewing area I have had in a while and I thoroughly appreciate it.

I brought out my trusty sewing friend to help me with an idea I had for some hair clips I thought up last night.

This is the first of many to come:

Always thinking of what’s next- listing the clip in my store- I wondered how to show what it looks like when worn. I’d like to be able to give ideas on hair styles and how to use the clip with them.

This brought up the question – Do I wear the clip? Someone else? Mannequin? Dog?

Personally I really like the idea of the mannequin.

A new search begins. A retro looking mannequin that can show off my hair accessories and allow me to practice up-do’s.

Ideally, I would like the base to resemble these beautiful ladies:

Found @: NostalgicCorner on Etsy

Found @: LBDK on Etsy

…but with hair. I think that is going to be the tricky part. A future project? Yes, I think so.

If you know where I may get a mannequin head with hair for a reasonable price please share!

What do you prefer: mannequin or human for a model?

Lisa Freemont Street's 11,000 Subscriber Giveaway!!

noreply@blogger.com (Didi) — Mon, 17 May 2010 20:45:00 +0000

Lisa Freemont Streets videos on YouTube are amazing if pinup is your thing and your glitz needs a little polishing .

As just announced she is having a giveaway as a way of saying thanks!

Leave a comment here to be entered, by May 31st:

What’s New Pussycat?

noreply@blogger.com (Didi) — Wed, 12 May 2010 18:37:00 +0000

ALOT! It has been about a month or so since my last delicious post. That is too long, I apologize as it will not happen again (if I can help it!)

I have been spending a good portion of free time organizing my thoughts and ideas for The Retro Diva. I have a schedule now for this lovely blog and I plan on bringing to you my research of the world of pin up and all things retro and wonderful!

There are many new items for sale at the TRD Etsy Store:

View Full Album

Even more fresh ideas coming soon and of course I let y’all know when they are listed!

ALSO:

The TRD blog has had a little makeover itself. I gave her a new background and created the blog button to the left:

So If you are a Retro Diva- let the world know. Copy the code and paste the button to your favorite social network.

Stay tuned for more retro goodness.

Retro Home 1.0

noreply@blogger.com (Didi) — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 15:31:00 +0000

Since I have known about our upcoming move (one week to go) I have been in search of the perfect retro home decorations. I am SUPER excited to decorate my new home and would like to share some of my favorite things I’ve found :)

These are 3 posters I will be getting for the house. The first 2 are for the bedroom- which will be done with a pin up theme. The 3rd I think will be in the living room. Keith Weesner is an amazing artist!

This fake-cake by CARAMIACAKES on Etsy is ADORABLE and would make me look like I was a baking betty even if I was out of energy. Spray vanilla extract in the air and who’d know?

I love this frame. Some sort of sexy pin up picture needs to go in this.

More coming soon.

Home Sweet Retro Home.

noreply@blogger.com (Didi) — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 01:36:00 +0000

On April 3rd, my family and I are moving our life a little more east. A bigger place, a nicer design and MORE ROOM. This move is what we have needed. It is also proving a major resource for retro research. This home already has its own retro flair- and with my loving touch I hope I can transform it into my own personal notch in another era.

Don’t forget that I have given myself a deadline of April 20th for the grand opening of The Retro Diva Etsy store! Make sure you set a reminder for when she opens! I want it to be big!!!

Over the next couple of weeks I am going to share with you the research I find as I look for ideas for my new home. Please feel free to give input, via your own ideas or websites you trust. Please keep in mind my retro style. I am so excited for this project!

Busy Bee Status.

noreply@blogger.com (Didi) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 02:01:00 +0000

I have been a busy bee.

Still have not been able to figure out what is going on with Blogger and my custom domain. Sort of a big bummer.

I have been crafting though!

This lil clippy fits perfectly with any up-do and adds a bit of glam to your hair. A nice simple statement. The ribbon underneath is leopard print of course. I have also made some with out flowers.

I am working on ideas for the blog, adding pages and making everything just right.

I am also working on compiling my favorite leopard print things. If you have any you'd like to share feel free to email me. Make sure you put what it is, where you got it and why you like it so much. And of course, don't forget a picture!

x's and o's.

Excuse me.... What is going on?

noreply@blogger.com (Didi) — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 16:01:00 +0000

What a pain in the butt!

I have registered the domain: theretrodiva.com. According to godaddy.com- who I talked to at length yesterday I have done everything right to make this blog appear on that site. HOWEVER when you go to that address it is not my blog that you see, it is someone else.

I am working hard to correct this. Sorry for the inconvenience and I hope to get it resolved soon.

What is a Retro Diva?

noreply@blogger.com (Didi) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 01:09:00 +0000

eret·ro

Pronunciation: \ˈre-(ˌ)trō\

Function: adjective

Etymology: French rétro, short for rétrospectif retrospective

Date: 1974

: relating to, reviving, or being the styles and especially the fashions of the past : fashionably nostalgic or old-fashioned

di·va
Pronunciation: \ˈdē-və\
Function: noun
Etymology: Italian, literally, goddess, from Latin, feminine of divus divine, god
Date: 1883

1 : a usually glamorous and successful female personality ; especially : a popular female singer s>

My name is Didi. I love art and crafting. I am especially fond of the fashions and styles from 1920-1950. This past Christmas I opened the RetroChristmas store on Etsy. I found that I am very fond of retro Christmas and all the decorations that go with it. I also found it limiting.

In this blog I will share my thoughts, ideas, crafty-ness, as well as the fabulous retro things I find around the web, and of course stories from my retro adventures.

Don't forget to stop in often as I will update frequently.