Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Wedding inspiration - Art Deco and the Great Gatsby - Etsy Designer, Sally from Elise Victoria Designs.

As I mentioned previously, my brother is getting married. For the past week I've been searching through Etsy looking for 20's era Bridal wear. Needless to say I came across a lot of amazing things! Today it's all about Elise Victoria Designs, and my interview with the designer, Sally!

Vintage Style Bridal Headpiece, 1920's Headband, Flapper Gatsby,

 Silver, Crystal, Ivory No. 118

Elegant and Sophisticated, while still maintaining drama! ;) 

Vintage Headband, Flapper Headpiece, 1920's Headband, 

Old Hollywood, Silver No. 116. 

Bold. simple, and sweet! What more is there to love?


When I began my search, I was first attracted Sally's overall 1920's theme that she has in her store. I really enjoyed how she captures the energy of the 20's through bold BUT classic statement pieces! A Very hard to do and something to be extremely proud of. When I interviewed Sally, I asked about her creative process. For Sally, her ideas are sparked by her materials, when she finds a beautiful piece of lace, vintage jewelry, and appliqué.

"My design process usually begins as soon as I discover a beautiful piece of lace, jewelry, or perhaps a vintage appliqué. I imagine using these items in a headpiece. The basic concept of the piece is usually complete, before I physically begin putting it together.Of course, it is important to always do ones research on vintage fashions. Sometimes I like to add a modern twist, and sometimes I like to design them as authentic as possible."

Then I just had to know about her favorite design process. 


I think my" favorite design experience" would have been with the ivory lace, with the pink, grey and ivory feathers [number 60, images shown below].



1920's headpiece, Flapper Headband, Gatsby, 

Ivory, Pink, Grey, Feathers, Peacock, Lace, number 60.

click link for Sally's Listing!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/151813433/1920s-headpiece-flapper-headband-gatsby?ref=shop_home_active

I discovered the peacock brooch in a little shop on my last trip to New York City. It appeared to be a replica of an antique piece, and I felt it would be wonderful on a headpiece.






 I wanted it a little "edwardian'', and a little "flapper" After weeks of searching for the perfect color feathers and vintage style lace, I was excited to begin putting it together. 




I am not sure as to the hours spent constructing it, but I know they were many. When It was completed, I felt so pleased. It was just as I had hoped. From conception to completion, I enjoy each step of the process equally.

 - Sally

Elise Victoria Designs


All I can say is, spoken like a true artist! After our interview, I decided to add her shop to my favorite list. 

Here's a link to Sally's shop, Elise Victoria Designs, go check it out!




Thursday, August 1, 2013

Gypsy Horse Headdress : Unexpected Oppurtunity

Navy Blue - White Polka dot - Wrap Headband
one of my favorite items in my shop

So for the past couple weeks, I've been busy. I have been doing everything from dog sitting, working on my SEO for my Etsy, http://www.etsy.com/shop/WithLoveandCheershopping for my brothers wedding, and even made a Gypsy horse Headdress for a Magazine photo-shoot (I am not kidding folks! It has actually caused a recent obsession with embroidery). 


Now, when I am frustrated at the job market, or when people ask me the infamous question: 
"Julie now that you've graduated art school, what are you going to do about a job?"

Now I tell them, "I created a Gypsy horse headdress for a pre-teen magazine's fall photo-shoot!"

There are no words to express the confusion they experienced.
For me it can be described in one word. 

VICTORY.

Which one of my friends with a less cool degree has been asked to do anything even CLOSE to that? I'll tell you! NONE OF THEM! C: That experience alone has given me the drive to learn new skills and to continue to make things. Not paintings, because frankly it's just too hot and humid on the east coast to paint in the garage, but creating small accessories and prints.

Of course, the horse they used for the photo-shoot wasn't allowing anything to be on its head...so for the model's safety, they ended up not using it :(. However they were happy with what I made, and now I could be contacted in the future. The weirdest part of this story? Every person I told about that opportunity, hasn't asked me a question about my endeavors since. Maybe good news isn't what people always want to hear.

I'm going to ask Girls Life if I can have my headdress back to take photos for my portfolio, but in the meantime, here are my in-progress shots, Enjoy!