Designing GG

Live Life List

2010-06-26T21:45:00.001-07:00

Most of us know what a Bucket List is, maybe even saw the Jack Nicholson movie and I think the concept is a great idea. I love the thought of actually writing out what you want out of life before it’s all over – but the whole ominous “before I die” part of it left me a bit gloomy.
Recently, I got an eVite from a friend of mine that is having a clothing swap with this type of list making as the theme. You see, on her list was to get rid of 100 things, and so she thought a clothing swap would be a fun way to do so. Unfortunately, I can’t make it – but with my “wish I could make it” RSVP I pledged to create my a list of my own in spirit of the great idea she was sharing.
So I’ve begun. I’ve chosen however to title my list Live Life as an empowering context to create going after my dreams in the now and not necessarily as someday or before I die sort of thing. I have to say – it’s been so much fun thinking up things big and small to add to my list. I’ll catch myself sometimes making up an excuse for why something can’t or shouldn’t go on my list - “oh but I’ll never have the time for that” or “I’ll never be able to afford to do that” but I’m giving those considerations up and putting my maybe seemingly lofty dreams on the list anyways. If I limit my dreams, how can I ever expect to truly live a life I love.
I’m excited to start crossing things off – taking action – experiencing all kinds of small pleasures and grand adventures. I’m also excited to share my dreams with everyone. At first I thought to myself, I don’t want to show this list to anyone, okay maybe a couple close friends etc, but they might think I’m weird, or lame or whatever. Then I gave that up to. Be stingy with my dreams? Am I crazy!? I want to shout them from the roof tops, have conversations with people about them, learn from others, and experience my dreams with the people in my life. I want to live purely, with all my senses, with all my emotions, and without regret. I want to let go of all my doubts, considerations, and just jump head first into life.
Bring it on.
LIVE LIFE LIST

Speak Spanish
Play guitar
Silkscreen
Road trip across US
Zip line
Popular Blog
Enjoy a Vegan diet
Run a marathon
Participate in a Triathlon
3 month vacation
Drive a convertible
Skinny dip
Krav Maga self defense
Have Kitten
Have a Puppy
See the grand canyon
Finger paint
Have a store on Etsy
Make a quilt
Have a pen pal
Lake house vacation
Greece vacation – see nothing but blue water and white houses
Take voice lessons
Experience the seasons of the east coast
Have a glamorous photo shoot
Get married – or at least have a big party and wear a beautiful white dress
Volunteer at a soup kitchen
No cell phone / computer / TV for a month

Much much more future to be written… stay tuned

Update: Check out my 43 things page for an ongoing list!

Clearly…

2010-04-13T00:04:00.001-07:00

I can’t stop daydreaming about cool stuff to put in my dream SF apartment. This might not be healthy – but oh well.

Recently, I’ve fallen in love with the clear acrylic stuff they have at CB2. This desk – yum. It takes up no visual space! Perfect for my up and coming shoebox that can’t be bothered with bulky frumpy desks. Although – I could go for a retro deco desk or sleek mid-century beauty :-)

It’s kind of hard to see here, but the “C” table on the left - oh man, I must have one of these. Right now I’m typing on my laptop which is resting on a white piece of particle board, resting on my boyfriend’s legs that are stretched out over my lap – while nice, not ideal for couch blogging. This table would be amazing.

Rugs – art – and fun ways to store and display books keep twirling around in my brain too : the only cure – my very own SF apartment.

Good things come in small packages

2010-04-09T23:41:00.001-07:00

City living in most cases (and mine) means small living. Downsizing is to be expected when I move and to tell you the truth – I’m looking forward to it.

My belongings could use a little purging – alright, a lot but I’m excited to explore creative ways to organize what will be left of my hoard collection, in a new small space. I want to live in an apartment that works and is beautiful. I want to be able to both relax and be inspired in my home. I want my space to function, so I hardly have to ;-)

My current apartment feels in limbo – disjointed, awkward, and vast. It’s so big too – at least for what I need and it’s a pain to clean :-\

In a smaller place – everything will have to have a home because anything out of place is just gonna make my shoebox look like a pig pen. Less space, I’m hoping, equals less to have to clean up, keep clean, or even think about cleaning. I’ll see if that fantasy pans out.

Photos courtesy of apartment therapy – check out their Small, Cool 2010 Contest. Small is sweet!

Here I come

2010-04-05T21:28:00.001-07:00

Well the dream’s on it’s way. I’m moving to San Francisco! No, I don’t know when or where just yet – but it will happen. Michael and I are searching high and low – Victorian’s with bathrooms in the common hallway and basements in small mansions – we are on the prowl.

I got my tarot read by a wonderful woman who is both a reverend and a witch and she said that my move to San Francisco will be full of trials and tribulations – but that I will prevail! I pulled a page card so apparently I’m as unskilled at SF apartment hunting as a scrawny blonde boy studying to be a knight. Michael’s not too happy that I cursed the process :-)

So far we’ve lost one super cool place (minus the bathroom being in the public hallway) due to the owner renting out to his friend right before we were going to put the deposit down. Lame. My dad’s right though, the high ceilings would have made my heating bill a fortune.

We’ve seen views of the top of the Transamerica building and basements with views of bushes, kitchens will cupboards not tall enough for my box of cherrios, no parking, no laundry, and no pets. This is harder than I thought it was going to be, but I can’t really complain – apartment shopping is one of my favorite things to do, especially when it’s going to be for me!

I’m hoping to be close to work – within walking distance would be ideal! Michael wants enough space for an office, sunshine, and I demand character. With our budget and our wants – it’s craigslist slim pickins every couple weeks but I’m excited to find the one that’s “just right.”

Wish us luck! Hopefully soon – I’ll be blogging from San Francisco! Let the adventure continue…

Testing…

2010-03-14T21:42:00.001-07:00

Just got a new laptop and am using Windows Live Writer for the first time to try to update my blog. Let’s see if it works…

Oooh I like. I will updating more often I think! I hope! Ease and accessibility are sure to help!

I'm Back!

2010-02-04T20:47:00.000-08:00

hijirik print - Etsy

Hi Again!!! It's been forever and sooo much has changed! Life is fantastic.

Basic run down of what's new:

-In a new relationship with an amazing, funny and creative nerdé

-Landed the job of my dreams as a Design Consultant for a sweet urban interiors company

-Don't have a car anymore

-Cut my hair

-Oh! and I'm a pescetarian now! Working towards vegan

Sooo basically my life turned upside down :-) It's great though. What's on my plate is exciting and the people in my life I get to share the adventure with are phenomenial.

I'm settling into my new way of life and have finally forced myself to sit down and enjoy sitting at my computer, listening to the rain outside, and update my super blog! I'm juiced to get back at it.

On the creative front - Michael (my handsome nerdé) got me a fancy TRIKKY for Christmas.

Now these cute kitties come with mystery accessories, stickers, and fun stuff like that. Mine in particular came with a bowler hat accessory. Now, if you're not familar (I was apparently in the dark about these atleast) these rubbery little guys come "blank canvas" style so you can jazz them up yourself. So with this hat accessories as a guide, I'm thinking to transform my guy into a kitty Charlie Chaplin.

Michael got one too so we can get creative together. His came with a weird spray paint can on a stick accessory so he opted to not follow any que from it. He wants to turn his TRIKKY into Puss in Boots from Shrek.

We've still got some supplies to round up and some time to find like a needle in a haystack before we can unveil our creations - but I'm really looking forward to it! I've already got a spot in my built in cabinets picked out to display them proudly when they're finished :-D I'll keep you updated.

That's all for now - I've to got to catch up yet pace myself at the same time. So nice to be back.

Sneak Peek

2009-07-27T20:29:00.000-07:00

Here's a peek at some one of the projects I've completed for our new happy little home! So many still to do but it's coming together beautifully. I got an amazing deal on this dining chair set (4) at the Alameda Flea Market (mind-blowingly good), as well as picking up a coffee table and credenza.

Check out the transformation...

BEFORE

AFTER
Cute vintagey vinyl from Piedmont Fabrics - ah, to finally have access to a decent fabric store. I'm in heaven.

More to come! And a housewarming party is in the works - stay tuned!

Home

2009-04-29T20:06:00.000-07:00

Finally!! My dreams are about to come true! My boyfriend and I are moving out together and into this beautifully fabulous place. Hardwood floors, glass door knobs, farmhouse kitchen sink, lots of closet space and sun drenched! I can't wait to post about my decorating adventures. I feel like my life is just beginning. Oh, to have a place of one's own and express one's inner creativity in the surrounding environment. Hallelujah!

Discovering what I want in life...

2009-03-29T20:32:00.000-07:00

boldandnoble screen print poster on etsy

I've been doing a lot of thinking lately about what I want out of life and am having a really good time coming up with stuff. So far, this is what I've got...

- have a successful, inspiring, and fun blog with a wide audience and bigg sponsers

- make amazing things to sell on etsy

- learn to silkscreen

- learn more and play around with photography

- expand my wardrobe into something fun, funky, colorful, and unique - feel good about my style
- have amazing photoshoots in glamorous outfits in fantastically everyday locations

- do my grocery shopping at a farmer's market with my boyfriend

- become a vegetarian

- practice yoga

- experience Burning Man

- be a part of design trade shows in some way

- have friends and family over to my boyfriend and I's amazing house all the time for movies, dinner, and chickenfoot (addicting domino game)

- go running

- film little random documentaries

- switch over from pc to mac (I never thought I'd say that!)

- learn how to knit fun stuff (not just 6 inch raggedy strips that I give up on after 3 days)

- plant a garden

- become fluent in Spanish

- learn the beauty of figure drawing

- start to journal and doodle everyday adventures, thoughts, and ideas

More to come I'm sure - but as for right now, I'm really looking forward to my life!

More work!

2009-03-29T20:10:00.000-07:00

Again - I've been working away and not sharing any of it here! Check out the latest from Macy's and Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.

Harajuku / New Contemporary at Macy's: Ultra Funky and hip - how I managed to use a red, white, and blue color scheme that doesn't scream Americana, I don't know.

Juniors Prom Dresses at Macy's: I had a blast with this androgynous look. I made that bow tie out of a pendant necklace and two loops of ribbon - everyone wanted to buy it!

Rampage forms at Macy's: I love how the form's usually random red color really made this color story come together.

Action Sports mannequins at Macy's: Trendy beach bums

Rampage mannequins at Macy's: Coral is such a hot color this season! Love it.

Chalkboard at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.: Daily Fresh Fish Specials

Market Window Display at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.: Going green with shirts made from recycled plastic bottles and organic cotton.

Flower show at Macy's opens April 3rd so I'll try to post some pictures from that soon!

What Inspires Me...

2009-02-28T17:39:00.000-08:00

Click on image to view larger

See more inspiration pages and create one yourself to be posted at http://www.sourceofinspirationproject.blogspot.com/!

Check out the Source of Inspiration Project!

2009-01-31T16:53:00.000-08:00

I invite you to participate in this project that I created that allows all types of people an opportunity to express and share what inspires them! I have created a separate blog for the project to post submitted inspiration pages and hope to publish a book of them in the future. Check out all the details and fun on the blog!

(above is a downloadable copy of the project flyer/entry form - simply double click on the image, let it load, and then right click on the image, and select Print Picture... then print one out for you and a bunch to share with your friends)

I've been a busy girl...

2009-01-03T20:17:00.000-08:00

Hello again! I'm still alive - miraculously! My life has been a crazy whirlwind since I last posted - starting a full time job at Macy's as a visual trimmer, continuing at Bubba Gump's, going through a self metamorphasis known as Landmark education, focusing on the process of moving out, the holidays, and everything else! Ah! It's been great fun though - a big adventure. Enjoy some snip-its (below) from the whirlwind!

Bubba Gump: Fall Window

Bubba Gump: Holiday Window (featuring red acrylic flatware snowflakes!)

Macy's: Star Gifts Coat 3rd Floor Pass Through (Styling)

Macy's: Juniors Action Sports (Styling)

Macy's: Dresses Social Dresses Holiday Display (styling and prop installation)

I'll try my best to be a bit more involved here as I do love posting my GG adventures. Stay tuned for more inspiration, work, growth, and ramblings!

P.S. Happy New Year! 2009 is going to be fantastic! My sort of New Year's Resolution is to take a picture every day - it must include some part of me be it my face or hand or whatever and will eventually catalogue 365 days of boring everyday life into hopefully something interesting - who knows!

Bubba BOO!

2008-10-02T16:31:00.001-07:00

Check out my latest for my new client - Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. on Pier 39 in San Francisco! I'm really excited to be working with them and to have the ability to tie in bits from the movie, incorporate their fun merchandise, and have complete creative freedom! I'm having a great time sourcing things and making some custom props - check out the Halloween display pictures below! (click on images to get a closer look)

The overall look was a haunted house, distressed, spooky sort of thing. The backdrop is a sheer black fabric with an orange spiderweb pattern. I was lucky that they already had orange and black merchandise on hand but it's not only Halloween-ish, it's a little SF Giants reminiscent too!

This close up allows you to see the old busted up shutter I sourced that I used to merchadise hats, keychains, and little shrimp guys.

I made this tombstone out of some left over foam core and thought it was an awesome yet subtle tie into the Forrest Gump movie (it's Bubba's grave as it appears in the flim, well, minus the R.I.P.)

I had a great time coming up with this festive window and look forward to many more creative creations with Bubba Gump! Stay tuned!

Au revoir Mignonne!

2008-09-12T12:15:00.000-07:00

Behold my last window design / installation for Mignonne. The star of the display is an amazing handmade bench by local artist Billy Kroft that used salvaged wood to piece together this intricate and beautiful piece. The small mirror perched on the bench is also the work of Billy Kroft.

We set out to have an autumn outdoorsy feel for the display, using muted colors, distressed textures, and fun branch and leave props. The frame's dry brushed paint treatment is meant to mimick the distressed paint finishes of most of Kroft's pieces and act as a weathered frame for the vignette.

I'm sad to be done at Mignonne but I have learned so much from my time there, built upon my portfolio, had tons of fun, and met a bunch of new friends. I am excited to see what direction Mignonne's new intern will take with the windows and look forward to a new chapter in Mignonne's colorful future!

Enjoy!

Happiness Is Chic

2008-07-31T20:01:00.000-07:00

Personal style should make you happy and happiness is chic.

- Jonathan Adler

I found this from a great link through How About Orange. I love this design tip (above) - Happiness is what I'm all about. Check out Jonathan Adler's other 14 Design Tips HERE

New Forever 21 Brand : Heritage 1981

2008-07-31T18:55:00.000-07:00

Introducing Heritage 1981! The newest addition to my local mall is something to talk about. It's an interesting blend: a little American Eagle, dash of Anthropologie, and slightly Hollister / Abercrombie & Fitch - all with Forever 21 prices.

Not as trendy and clubish as it's sister store, Heritage 1981 has a cool relaxed retro vibe. The brand caters to both men and women - featuring quirky graphic tees, flirty sundresses, aviator shades, and denim.

The visuals in this store are awesome: playful, easy, colorful, and artistic. The theme right now seemed to be about voting and having your voice heard - a great message for the younger crowd their marketing to. Tote bags sporting 50's style graphics claim " Dad said voting is Groovy!" and sales associates flash pins pushing the right to vote too.

I must admit - I like this store. It's not all my style but I have a soft spot for simple cotton dresses that just fit right and look adorable. Below are two I bought. I went out on a limb with this printed one. I'm pretty basic and simple but something about it said "Try Me On!" then later persuaded me to take it home with me.

Check out the brand for yourself - Heritage 1981. They have great stuff and finally allow comfy style to be affordable for everyone!

Merchandising at Mignonne

2008-07-31T17:41:00.000-07:00

Just a look into some merchandising I did recently at Mignonne...

Beachy and blue hutch refresher:

Detail of center section:

Warm and cozy rooster themed hutch refresher:

Tiers of teacups:

Smaller window display: Design/install by Johnelle - Disoriented & 70's theme

More in store movement next week! Stay tuned!
Discover more of Mignonne: website / blog

Union Square Window Shopping

2008-07-29T13:02:00.000-07:00

I always love myself a nice walk around Union Square in San Francisco to get inspired. I must say that I love the city and to live or work in the city is a dream that will come true some day. It will happen.

Macy's: Urban, young

Louis Vuitton: I love the repetitious white globes with the contrasting luggage / accessories.

Levi's: I'm sensing a trend with the whole globe / planet similarities. Eco-trend? Approaching Olympics? Summer travel? You're guess is as good as mine.

Love the denim-wearing guitar - alternative mannequins are always interesting / eye-catching.

Tiffany & Co. : I can't find the jewelry in here - it's all very sparkly. I miss Gene Moore.

Saks Fifth Ave: I dig simplicity. It makes such a bold statement. I don't really understand the branch. It looks a little holiday for July, in my opinion.

Urban Outfitters: I love how this brand really creates an in store environment. It's easily identifiable and always raw. It seems like a hipster friend's apartment - that has a really big closet. To say the least, I like this window. It's dynamic and interesting without being too overwhelming.

Gap: Oh, I resent how many big windows the Flood Building Gap has. Our store is so small and by no means could accommodate displays of this grandeur. I wish my windows had this kind of exposure. Nonetheless, I wish more attention to detail was taken - can't really blame them though, they have a lot more to attend to than I do.

How cool are their kids windows? Giant gumball machine (jealous!)

Anthropologie: Ah, I can never decipher them - only awe in their majesty.

CB2: No window here - but a much anticipated store opening! CB2 is, in my opinion, Crate and Barrel meets Ikea - I can't wait for the SF store to open!

Oh Union Square - you are so amazing.

Studio Update

2008-07-29T12:33:00.000-07:00

Ah, it's nice to finally have some time to configure my studio to my liking. It's been a long slow process but one I've thoroughly enjoyed so far. I'm finally starting to get some art on the walls, make some projects, and clean up the space enough to be presentable!

Below is my latest project, an oversized frame corkboard made from a salvaged Gap frame - repainted, leftover thin cork from my Tiffany display mock up, and foam core for extra thickness to allow for push pins. Right now it's pretty much the focal point of the studio and serves as an inspiration board.

Finally framed! I received this beautiful Alena Hennessy print as a graduation present and have finally found a proper place for it! Check out more from Alena at her Etsy Store.

Another framed piece. I don't know where I found this image but I blew it up and painted the gray highlighted area my signature turquoise for a pop of interest. It's also the wallpaper on my iphone!

My studio! Relatively clean and finally feeling a bit more me. I've still got a lot to do - add more art, make a drumshade for my blarring bare bulb, recover pillows, improve window treatments, and clean up my bombshell of a desk (shown reluctantly only due to it's reflection in my closet mirrors.) I love this space though - it's all mine and I feel so inspired here. It's my favorite place to create - hands down.

Window Woman

2008-07-24T19:54:00.001-07:00

A couple weeks ago now I had a crazy few days doing windows - 3 corporate directed from Gap and one of my own design for my internship at Mignonne. To say the least, after that week... well, I probably would have done another window if I had the chance - I live for this sort of thing. Anyways, here they are! (click on them to zoom into every little detail)

GAP:

Mignonne:

It's hard to see with the glare and angle, but each frame showcases merchandise. You get the idea. We went for punchy modern colors with vintage frames for a Mignonne summer look.

Credited Random Inspiration

2008-07-23T20:21:00.001-07:00

I took notes this time! As I gathered random images of inspiration from various wonderful publications provided by my favorite FIDM library, I was studious enough to write down the titles to credit them! Now I didn't note extensively which image came from where but they all came from the following July magazine issues, in pretty much this order: Display and Design Ideas, Craft: Transforming Traditional Crafts, Elle Decor, VMSD, Retail Design International, and Readymade Magazine. Enjoy!

I want to learn more about this guy ^

I've always been a flipper when it comes to magazines. I have to be extremely bored to actually start reading the articles - so this is the result: images I found interesting, now immortalized on Designing GG!

All the cool people have 'em...

2008-07-23T20:11:00.000-07:00

I wanted to introduce you to two new friends of my studio - my first succulents! It seems like every interesting / amazing design person I know has a succulent or terrianum so I wanted to join the club! They are pretty cool. Everyone thinks I'm crazy because I get really excited about them - but what's not to get excited about? They are small and cute, come in lots of cool different shapes and textures, and I will have a super hard time killing them! (Flowers wilt at the sight of me) Anyways, I haven't found any pots to do them justice yet but I'm confident something will pop up.

Rainbows just don't cut it anymore

2008-07-23T19:48:00.000-07:00

My latest addition to my design tools is one of my most favorite because it is so essential and yet it was free!!! Paint swatch cards from my local Ace Hardware are my new jewel. They have a VAST array of colors to reference and will suffice until I can someday get my hands on some actual pantones. They're great for talking over colors with clients and creating color combinations. I've been breaking mine in already. I can't decide if I want to hole punch them all and put them on a ring or find a good box for them - either way I'm super happy with my new find!

I grabbed the Ace Brand Paint swatch cards because they covered most everything I needed in a compact 192 cards (1,344 colors total). Benjamin Moore covers the whoollleee spectrum but in what seemed to be thousands of cards. Being discreet during my swatch collecting was something to think about as well - just in case Ace cared that I was taking one of every card!

Orange

2008-07-22T16:33:00.000-07:00

Today I've spent a good hour or so catching up on all the old posts on one of my favorite blogs
How About Orange. I happened upon this fun color quiz and was pretty surprised at the results. I am Orange - which is totally cool, I love orange - I just find it ironic that I am orange when Jessica of How About Orange is Pale Turoquise (a little more me in terms of branding atleast). This test doesn't venture very deep into the personality to formulate it's findings but is fun nonetheless! Enjoy! Let me know what color you are!

you are orange
#FFA500

Your dominant hues are red and yellow... most of what you do is motivated by your need to change things and have a good time, but you've been known to settle down and think out a situation, too. You tend to surprise people just when they're starting to feel like they've got you down.

Your saturation level is very high - you are all about getting things done. The world may think you work too hard but you have a lot to show for it, and it keeps you going. You shouldn't be afraid to lead people, because if you're doing it, it'll be done right.

Your outlook on life is very bright. You are sunny and optimistic about life and others find it very encouraging, but remember to tone it down if you sense irritation.

the spacefem.com html color quiz

Playing Catch Up...

2008-07-07T16:30:00.000-07:00

The following are images of inspiration that have been piling up while my life was upside down and backwards. Unfortunately, because of that state my life was in, I have no credits or reference for these images. I sincerely apologize and will do my best in the future to remember where the heck I mooch images from! So here they are: random and unoriginal to myself.

Whirlwind!

2008-06-30T12:54:00.000-07:00

Hello Again! Sorry I seem to only post once a month! I'm going to work on that - now that it's all over! Yes, I graduated, won the Robert J. Mahoney Award for Excellence in Visual Communications, had a party, and just about went crazy trying to unwind from it all. I'm relearning how to relax and slowly trying to reenter the design world that I love - I was a little design overloaded for a while there. I'm trying to get my studio back in order and organize all my files on my computer so that I might blog in peace. My newest online addition is my portfolio! Check it out at http://www.malloryvogel.carbonmade.com/

My First Window Display

2008-05-27T14:07:00.000-07:00

During quite possibly the craziest time of my life - Midterms, Job, Prepping for Robert J. Mahoney Award Interview with Barney's New York Head Visual, Internship, etc! I created this! My very first - from concept sketch to real life execution - window display. My first of 6 for cute little Oakland store, Mignonne. I have to still get some better pictures of it, but for now - here she is!

This window started out plain with no border or color. Only the vinyl text was there. This white frame and coral matting was all masked and hand painted by yours truly, including a hand drawn 8 foot oval.

At night

Up Close

Window Shopping at Nordstrom

2008-04-27T20:14:00.000-07:00

I came in to look for ideas / inspiration for my fashion photo shoot coming up. I left feeling depressed that I couldn't have this amazing zebra print dress.

I want this for my photo shoot - I might just have to buy and return : the sheer is just gorgeous
I could afford these! $10 little girls sunglasses that looked really cute but were way too small on my head :-(

Check out more on my Flickr.

Shopping for Inspiration

2008-04-20T11:07:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I went window and display inspiration shopping in Union Square. Well, mostly I just went to Gumps because I'm hoping to nab an internship doing windows for a home store and wanted to get some ideas for high-end, glitzy, and creative Gumps.

That's a rug hanging for a backdrop - grabs a bit more attention vertically that just get walked all over everyday

Those are ceramic coy fish swimming in river rocks

Wood painted white - nice effect, for sure, but I really hope there was more involved than just painting the wood for a price tag like $1,000 a twig

Macy's Swimwear windows - sorry about the glare

Macy's Perfume windows - Women's : plexi boxes with appliqued tissue paper - cool idea

Macy's Perfume windows - Men's : plexi boxes filled with crumpled brown paper - love the juxtaposition of textures

Another display window with an interesting branch prop and circular decals adds depth

There's nothing like a walk in the city to get inspired

The One and Only... Simon Doonan

2008-04-18T13:41:00.000-07:00

Yep, today I met the most famous window dresser - Creative Director at Barney's New York, Mr. Simon Doonan He was at Barney's SF doing a booksigning for his latest book, Eccentric Glamour - where he describes Ms. Piggy as the most glamourous of all and tells of the day he dressed as Queen Elizabeth. When I spelled my name out for him to sign my book, he told me that he once worked with a woman named Mallory and she's now the Creative Director at Bergdorf Goodman. We must just be destined for good things ;-)
His coat read: Good Taste Doesn't Exsist
Oh Barney's, while not my favorite of ridiculously overpriced designer luxury stores (Neiman's is my fav), you are quite fun and interesting. Love the mannequin's hat/purse. Thanks for the opportunity to meet a window dressing legend.

It was fun while it lasted...

2008-04-12T21:50:00.000-07:00

Alright, I have to come to terms with reality - school is starting up again on Monday and the far off April 14th is now drawing near. I've had an amazing break between quarters - setting up my studio, attempting to enhance my blog, beefing up my flickr account, getting lost in newly discovered amazing blogs, transitioning my style, and relaxing. School is coming - I'm both excited and scared, but it's my last quarter and then it's all over. Phew!

My first of probably many mosaic's, thanks to Jana for the headsup, featuring crafty / thrifty things I did over break and shots of my style transformation.

Check out my flickr for more shots and details

Trompe L'oeil

2008-04-10T20:23:00.000-07:00

This is a photo of a hotel I stayed at in Santa Cruz last month. They were doing some renovating and bumping up of their curb appeal. The decorative exterior molding really added a nice touch. Upon closer inspection of the scraps pile in the parking lot, I discovered the molding was composed mostly of foam! Ha, good ol' dimensional foam - covered with wire mesh and coated with some sort of cement mixture to seal it. The worker there also informed me that not only is the foam treatment more cost effective, it also reduces the amount of stress put on the building due to it's lighter weight qualities.

Catching Up Part 2

2008-04-10T19:05:00.000-07:00

Please excuse my amateur photography of magazines and books - I haven't found a suitable power cord for my scanner yet. More interesting, inspiring, and idea swirling visuals below...

A whole new kind of topographical map - really 3D
Yea, that's what I do in my spare time too, lay on the floor surrounded by scattered diamonds

Rubix cube mosiac mural - I can't even fathom how good that guy must be with that little cube
Speechless

Yes, that is a chair constructed of plushy stuffed animals - amazing isn't it?

Catching Up Part 1

2008-04-10T18:34:00.000-07:00

In an attempt to catch up on posting all the images of inspiration I've been collecting over the months, this is part one of many.

Poster Inspiration

2008-04-10T15:13:00.000-07:00

While browsing The Poster List, I found these great posters. This site is amazing for artsy interesting posters for cheap (around $10.99). These are a couple of my favoritesThe story of my VCOM life ^Love the separation of the word
Drop dead gorgeous - amazing juxtapostion

So I kinda just like this one because it is a piece my boyfriend and I could both appreciate - fishing and modern design ;-) Check out that old school trolling motor

Layering various transparent silhouettes produces a simple and interesting effect.
Sketching over an exsisting photo or illustration
Aged and General

My mind is swirling with ideas from these poster's various techinques...

Blogging

2008-04-10T13:42:00.000-07:00

Well, I've spent all day looking at other people's amazing blogs and being embarressed that I never even post on mine. I actually am collecting images constantly, but I am just lazy and uninspired by my blog's layout. Arg. But I guess a couple bland posts are better than none at all. I'll try to figure some out. For now, check out Tessa's blog - she's an amazing comic artist. I love her stuff. Below are a couple of my favorite strips.

Attempting Blog Design

2008-04-07T17:53:00.000-07:00

Well, I'd come to the harsh realization that my blog design was BORING! And that no one on Craigslist was going to help a clueless blogger design her page for free. So I've spent all afternoon and this is it - I know... still very amature. I'm not satisfied really, but burnt out. Perhaps tomorrow I'll give it another crack. This is depressing...

Bright Idea

2008-04-03T10:41:00.000-07:00

Speaking of Lighting - How amazing are this simple light bulb fixtures? Talk about thinking outside of the box - these bulbs make you stop and say "Whaaat? How!?" I love the power of it's simplicity.I discovered all these lights on design3000. The site is full of really thought provoking and creative products. Inspiring to say the least.

I'm really anxious to create my own lighting fixtures for my studio. I'm craving a patterned drum shade pendant lamp for over my urban loft chair and something smaller to hang in the entry of the room. My one floor lamp defiantely doesn't cut it - style wise or working at 10:00pm in the dark wise ;-)

Time Flies... and Dreams Come True

2008-04-03T10:12:00.000-07:00

Wow, I haven't posted in a month. A lot has been happening and things have been good. My last post dreamed of a place for me spread out and be creative - and my wish has come true!!! My older sister moved out of my dad's house so her vacant bedroom has been transformed into my new studio!!! It came pretty furnished with my sister's Ikea leftovers, has two big closets, and a bathroom attatched, not to mention lots of space and a big window. I'm in heaven.

This is where I sit and blog now! Big desk - my previous little desk is now my printer's home!

My urban loft chair has a home in the corner under the SF hill print It's in progress still - I'm not a fan of bland walls, lack of lighting fixtures, and I'm definately not all moved in yet, but I love it. It's my own place only about 5 minutes away from my house. I rearranged my bedroom too now that most of my stuff moved to my studio. I feel like I can breathe and relax at home now - I'm not overwhelmed and surrounded by creative clutter.

I'm hoping to blog quite a bit soon due to the fact that I'm on break from school for two more weeks. I've been busy setting up the studio and making sewing crafty projects lately but I have tons of images and ideas stored to blog so I want to get them up here soon. Stay tuned!

Dreaming of a place of my own

2008-03-01T15:33:00.001-08:00

I wish I had a room like this...
I made a list of my dream workspace today and it's pretty much this. I'm so overwhelmed with school and I am so tired. I love all my assignments and so I try to put so much into them, but then I have to totally skimp on the next assignment and I get behind. I can't wait until I have a space to relax and create wonderful things. Ahh, someday.

Industrial Urban Loft Chair

2008-02-16T20:43:00.000-08:00

So, remember that post with all those chairs? That research was for this school project - Metamorphasis of a Chair - Check it out!

This was my original chair - purchased at Urban Ore for $10

This is a rendering of my concept: an Industrial Urban Loft chair. Like a loft, the chair needed to be functional and be made of a mixture of exposed materials. A gutter would serve as a shelf, a newprint plexi cup holder and exposed brick remote control slot covered the functional part of it. As for the comfort, a slide out foot rest would make this Urban Loft chair feel like home.
The beginning stages of demolision
The puzzle of pieceing together a couple hundred not so square squares for the siding
Reupholstering with gray micro suede
The first fittings

One finished side - much thanks to my amazing boyfriend Ryan for his knowledge of carpentry and his moral support

Newspaper decoupage and ugliness of unfinished upholstery job

Thank goodness for hot glue! These are the spacers that give the arms their width - one huge design challenge

Screwing the siding on to the spacers

Attaching the gutter shelf

FINISHED CHAIR!!!!

The newsprint/plexi and brick switched places but all the functioning elements were achieved - even the slide out foot rest

P.S. Sorry I hadn't posted in a while - I'd been busy with this chair :-)

Wall Coverings

2008-01-26T14:26:00.000-08:00

I just discovered this website surfaceviews.co.uk that sells these amazing wall coverings. They have tons of high resolution images to plaster around your house. I love them.

Home Inspirations

2008-01-26T14:00:00.000-08:00

I love picture frame collages. I can't stand those unimaginative multi cut out matted frames that try to squeeze like 14 pictures into one frame. Brake out! Be original! No longer be confined by store bought photo collages! Use lots of frames! Don't match them either - coordinate them. Don't be afraid, have fun!
Color blocking....ooooh!

Dream home
I love subway tiles.
Same couch, so many colors!! I love this design - so versatile and interesting.

Organization Ideas - Cans

2008-01-26T10:33:00.000-08:00

Cool ideas from HGTV.com

I love packaging that can double as art - Andy Warhol anyone?

I like this one - but maybe vertically rather than circular - hmmm

Random

2008-01-22T16:29:00.000-08:00

Amazingness need not be categorized

Doors

2008-01-21T21:54:00.000-08:00

I hate new doors. There are so many homeless doors with character. Adopt a beautiful beat up ol' door, will you! And while your at it, pick up a glamourous glass doorknob accessory ;-)

Tissue Paper

2008-01-20T10:10:00.000-08:00

I am really inspired by tissue paper. I saw this lady on tv once who used tons of red tissue paper as a sort of wallpaper. It gave this really interesting textured and layered look especially where the papers weren't evenly laid out so they produced different shades of red with the different levels of transparencies.

Gap just had some signage last christmas that gave the appearance of tissue paper. The letters on the signs were semi-translucent and when they overlapped eachother slightly they darkened.

I want to tissue paper something - shades of the same color, shades of different colors, maybe even overlapping pictures or graphics. Who knew gift wrap was so cool.

People

2008-01-19T21:47:00.000-08:00

Interiors

2008-01-19T21:41:00.000-08:00

I can't wait to have a place of my own....

Back Stock of Creative Resources 2

2008-01-19T21:03:00.000-08:00

A little more randomness but really interesting stuff

You Might Want to Sit Down for This

2008-01-18T16:48:00.000-08:00

At school, we have an assignment to "Morph" a chair. Here are some interesting designs I found while researching. It's sad how much we take for granted good design for the most simple and ordinary things in life. We should spice things up like this more often!! I can't wait to start my chair!

$50 at Urban Ore! I wanted this sooo bad but I have no room. I can't wait to live in a place of my own.

Elie Saab Beauty

2008-01-18T16:45:00.000-08:00

Candid Amazement

2008-01-18T16:38:00.000-08:00

Photoshop Before and After

2008-01-18T16:35:00.000-08:00

2nd one by me!

Pretty Places I Know

2008-01-18T16:29:00.000-08:00

Back Stock of Creative Resources 1

2008-01-18T16:10:00.000-08:00

Purpose Defined

2008-01-18T16:02:00.000-08:00

Well I started this blog and didn't really know what I was going to do with it. I've now decided that it is going to serve as a sort of design journal / scrapbook for myself and interested visitors. It will consist of design blurbs, ideas, inspirations, influences, techinques, and lots and lots of visual stimulation. Some pictures will be my own, while most will consist of snapshots and scans from books, magazines, and advertisements or stuff I found on the internet (myspace/facebook pics included). Please don't sue me! I'm using this blog as a bit of a library for the resources and inspirations I stumble upon and do not intend to use unoriginal works for anything bad. Anyways - Here we go!

Awakening

2008-01-10T17:19:00.000-08:00

I don't know if this is really what they were talking about but today I feel amazing. I went to this seminar of a thing with my dad about how a raw food diet can change the way you feel. I don't think it happens this quickly - after 2 raw food items, but maybe because all I've had to eat today was raw food, I don't know I feel great. Matthew and Terces were so inspiring and positive and supportive. After that thing, my dad dropped me off at school and I explored the library. I flipped through all these amazing books and magazines about design and creativity. I can't say I've ever had such an inspiring day. I decided to create a blog because I happened upon this woman's blog that I just have fallen in love with. Tessa's braces is a blog of comic strips and she lives in San Francisco so she talks about Bart... my love. I can't help but love Bart. I get all of my best ideas on Bart. Anyways, she inspired me to chronicle the little things that happen in my life - however small or big, interesting or not, I want to try to have some recollection of where I've been and where I want to go. I envy Tessa so much - not in a stalkerish kind of way, but her lifestyle is something I've always dreamed about. I will have a place in the city someday - I know it. I have to go now... I'll talk more later!! bye