Sharing her evolution of "ARTS" Nicky Ruxton inspires us all

 
 

Mixed-Media Industrial Artwear - Nicky Ruxton with Ruxton Designs

 

I first saw Ruxton Designs at Cañada College Fashion Department's 22nd Annual Designer Show and Sale:

https://www.facebook.com/ArtistryinFashion The Designer Sale showcases unique hand-crafted jewelry, artisan dyed, woven, painted, and felted textiles. They also show antique, vintage, and re-purposed fashions.  I really enjoyed the event.  This is where local, independent designers and artisans are selling their latest creations.  (Mark your calendar for next year’s show, scheduled for September 28, 2013)


Nicky was exuberant and friendly and excited about what she creates and the people who admire it.  We chatted, enjoying her designs and how fresh her ideas were.  At first glance you see she clearly has a deep mixed media background.  But it wasn’t until she came to speak for our group that you learned about her art background and how these delightful creations came to be.

At the Haute Couture Societe in Stockton on Saturday February 2, Nicky gave a wonderful and enlightening retrospective of her creative background and transformation of her designs. 
 
One might call it a timeline of how her work has evolved, reassuring all of us in the room the we too can embrace our evolving “craft”.   

 


 Immediately one notices Nicky’s large smile and enthusiastic energy as she shared her journey.  We were nodding in agreement as sewers, crafters, mixed media novices - evolving in our own way.

Nicky as a young girl loved drawing & coloring.  It was not a surprise with her the exciting way she told of "Going outside the lines."  Nicky never had art classes growing up. Art was not  celebrated in her home.  She loved to draw and as a teen copied cartoons out of the Sunday paper. This deep love to drawing only grew, and she began her career using those untrained yet highly skilled ideas as a graphic artist. She showed some of her early work, and it was well done and professional.

Next she took her expert line drawings and reinvented them onto fabrics.  But this talk was more than technique and inspiration.  Nicky got personal and deep, talking of "her truth."  She spoke of her work as “weeds scattered out and still growing".
Nicky related back to sewing sharing how she too grew up in a home where her mom sewed.  She laughed as she identified with our world saying she understands the difference in craft scissors and sewing scissors.  This is where she experimented with tools and supplies and later sewing free forms stuffed "pillows"

Nicky was one of the “original” green up-cyclers.  She was always on the lookout for discarded materials she could “save” and use to create something new and “fun”.  She found some discarded cardboard and newspapers that she used to create inventive and whimsical boxes. Cutting out the scraps of cardboard she used gesso and paper Mâché techniques to create these fun free form treasures.

Nicky’s talk was refreshingly funny as she timelines her career and more importantly she shares some thoughts about life. You see Nicky has been learning all about “life” through her fingertips.  Through creating new and interesting designs to share and enjoy.

Next as a “lover of collages" Nicky began rubber stamping, stitching, ripped magazines and found objects to make collages from organic looking brown grocery bags.  Wittle stitching, she used “words” to tell her inner thoughts. In those journals she talked about philosophy and how her journey moved along.

She talked about how nice it is to not be over happy or sad but live in the “middle.”  Words of encouragement and a room full of nods showed many crafters desire this middle ground.

She also crafted “glue books.” Gluebooks” look like a cross between art journals and collage. Collect the paper you love from your daily life, and turn it into art by cutting out pictures, word collage pieces, and textures that you love to cover a journal.

Nicky attributes her feeling of success to “enjoying one’s self.” We looked at her beautiful and interesting “soul collage cards” and talked about dreaming.  

 I best understood SoulCollage^® by visiting the SoulCollage website.  They describe SoulCollage as a creative and satisfying collage process. You make your own deck of cards - each collage card representing one aspect of your personality or Soul. Use the collage cards intuitively to answer life's questions and participate in self-discovery. Joyfully deepen your understanding of the relationships between your personality parts, you and your family/community/world, and you and your dreams, symbols, and Spirit. The book, SoulCollage^® Evolving, tells how to make and use the SoulCollage^® cards individually and in groups.

This information came from: http://www.soulcollage.com/about-soulcollage

Last she showed her "self portrait" sharing how she reads the cards, questions a question and how to interpret them.
I'd love to make a collage on some notebooks so I'll keep you posted on an upcoming post.

Friday I'll write about the work shop, so check back!

Enjoy your Tuesday!  Jonelle'

Christopher Collins a favorite from Project Runway

Christopher Collins American Fashion Designer

Christopher Collins – After Project Runway

 September is the month we think of fashion.  Nearly every fashion magazine is bulging with inspiration and the latest in color, fabrics and fashions.  This past weekend I had the opportunity to hear from Christopher Collins, California fashion designer and celebrity who participated in Project Runway, Season 8.  He was charming, knowledgable and shared so much with our group.

Christopher Collins, in gray vest and jeans, contestant on Project Runway Season 8

It was a Saturday morning, Christopher Collins was the guest lecture at the Haute Couture Society meeting in Stockton CA.  This nonprofit organization is designed to celebrate the creative arts, design, and fashion. Christopher gave a power point presentation showing his upcoming fall line and his philosophy around design.  He also took us on a look back at his experience with Project Runway Season 8 where he was a contestant.

 

They came the "eye candy"  He showed his power point with pictures from his Fall line of clothering:

 





 

Prior to national recognition as a Season 8 Project Runway contestant, Christopher Collins was already gain­ing recognition as an emerging designer that multiple publications noted as “someone to watch.” As a Gen Art honoree and a "Resident Talent" for Lucky Magazine, Christopher Collins is an unstoppable force in fashion. Made in California his designs are created with European and Japanese textiles, each garment demonstrates quality, luxury, high fashion and femininity with great fit too. He is also a popular instructor at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in San Francisco (FIDM).
Christopher shared his thoughts on design with our group:
“Look at an object and not what it is literally but what it could be.”

Growing up he talked enthusiastically about his mother and how creatively she lived.  He talked about how she sewed children's books, aprons, and child development specialties.   She used scraps to complete many projects.  She collected sewing trims, scraps and buttons into a box throwing in  craft items, she would get this box out and let the kids dig through and “play.”  It was that creative encouragement that sparked Christopher’s own creativity.

 

Christopher smiled as he openly admitted that he was fearless in his 20's. His fashion career really started when he worked as a visual merchandiser for Neiman Marcus where he gained insight into the luxury market. Christopher earned his degree in fashion design at San Francisco State University. Christopher then moved to Los Angeles to design for two well-known evening wear fashion designers—Tadashi and Dina Bar-el.

The mission of the Christopher Collins brand is to empower women through fashion.
The Christopher Collins brand represents quality and creating Beauty - making women look Beautiful.

 

He tried a few of his pieces on an attendee.  They look so nice on.  I looked at them more closly (from the first row) and saw they were very well made.  You can see on the screen the ensomble.

A highlight of his careen was the Project Runway opportunity.  It opened the doors to the possibility of his 2010 collection to be picked up in New York.  His collection was shown during New York fashion week. His customer is the fashion conscious, powerful woman who wants ease and chic.  He wants his customer to feel beautiful and strong when wearing his line.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recently he was asked to dress actress Andie MacDowell who plays a lead character on the new series: Jane by Design”   In the upcoming ABC Family original series Jane By Design, Andie MacDowell plays a “glamorous fashion executive who travels the world in search of the next big style trend. “  In other words, we can’t wait to see what trends Christopher will be introducing.  I’m defiantly going to DVR this one. http://abcfamily.go.com/shows/jane-by-design Watch ALL NEW episodes Tuesdays at 9/8c on ABC Family! Follow them on Twitter https://twitter.com/#!/abcfjane

Other high profile projects Christopher Collin’s has designed recently include:  A dress for the “Glamorama” a fashion show and concert sponsored annually by Macy’s and benefitting Children’s Cancer Research

Another design project Christopher Collins talked about was a bottle he designed for Absolute Vodca.  Christopher LOVES San Francisco, so was honored when they alsked him to design the destionations bottle.  If the city of San Francisco were to be bottled, it would taste of grape, dragon fruit and papaya — exotic flavors that capture the unique mix of cultures, ethnicities and culinary heritage of a thriving, colorful city. At least, that’s what one vodka maker thinks. In the latest edition to a city-series ‘sonic ambassador,’ fashion designer Christopher Collins was asked to design the bottle. Now he is branching out into other types of design.

Christopher talked in detail about how one can search for inspiration. He said he is inspired by historical fashion, especially the Elizabethan fashion and Rococo fashions  of the 18th century.   He talked of the silks, taffeta, and needlework. Textures create romance & mood.

He shared his insights on looking at architecture.  If you design something Victorian then stand and get a photo In front of a Victorian home. Look at the Transamerica building then design something modern and streamline. This is why he loves living in San Francisco as there is so much inspiration around him.

He encouraged us to go to creative places.  Nature is another place for inspiration. He loved the outdoors, the harmony, smells, sounds, and freedom it represents.  Deserts are so mysterious; take Sedona’s red rocks, beaches course sand, a roaring river.

He suggested getting out and experiencing other cultures.  Look at crossing different cultures with other backgrounds their authentic costumes of a culture, jewelry, arts, and accessories. You can find color inspiration and quality in their techniques and what they have made.

Take a look at people. We inspire each other, from Opera Winfrey to Lance Armstrong, from the young royal couple, to the Olympic contenders, from Marilyn Monroe to Gandhi.

Literature inspires him; music inspires him.  Music is also a great inspiration for fashion.   From Lady Gaga to the classics of the rat pack - music provokes different feelings.  He suggested you play music while creating.  Try inspirational music that reflects what you have in mind for the style; have it playing in the background while you create.

"Fashion is an epic moment."

Christopher suggested that one use a story board to display your ideas, using swatches of fabric and pictures that evoke an image you are trying to achieve.  This will help you to get your arms around the look and feeling of the inspiration.  Take this energy, these images, and you will craft the “look” in no time. 

 

Tomorrow I will talk about the workshop the Haute Couture Society hosted.  Christopher Collins led the workshop, sharing inspiration and ideas with those attending.

Eye Candy for Valentine's Day

 

True Designer fashion… a favorite of mine is the newly discovered Mars and Valentine Modern-Vintage and antique jewelry, cameos, antique Italian micro mosaics, antique button castings, Japanese and German antique pressed glass pieces re-set in sterling silver, brass and 18kt gold with modern embellishments.

Wonderful piece of Mars and Valentine, the perfect Valentines gift!

The mother-daughter mastermind behind Mars and Valentine seeks to revitalize the past through its creation of timeless, one-of-a-kind jewelry using found vintage pieces, various genuine stones, fine ivory cameos, gouda percha Victorian antique cameos, Italian mini mosaics, antique watch fob chain and sterling silver. They compose a symphony of pure elegance for the wearer that is sure to turn any eye

This is Jane Powell co founder of Designer Consigner

Probably one of the finest discoveries on the second hand market, their bracelets, earrings and necklaces are made using  These are limited edition or one of a kind pieces.  The piece on the right came from my favorite Designer Consignment store in Granite Bay, CA.

I think you can see why I wanted to share with you the Mars and Valentine line of Jewelery.  Below are some pictures for you to savor, and more can be found on their web site at: http://marsandvalentine.com/  Each piece is exquisite, all handmade and designed in NYC, New York. They use British, American, Italian, & French antique components are incorporated into the designs. They make special castings in sterling and brass. Each one is accented with semi-precious white topaz, pearl, peridot, blue topaz, pink and green tourmaline, citrine and lemon topaz stones.

Check it out, they are Simply Gorgeous!

 http://marsandvalentine.com/

 

Designer Consigner -

designerconsignergb.com

(916) 993-3800 - 6945 Douglas Blvd, Granite Bay, CA

I love this place.  You see some of the most beautiful clothes, shoes, designer bags and jewelry.  The co founders Judith and Jane Powell find some of the most incredible pre-owned luxury items for their shop.  They are so knowledgeable and fun to be around.  If you want to go, just give me a call and save me a spot in the car!

DIY Italian Mesh Jewlrey!

 Something new to make out of something you already have. 

For my next "make it" project I am planning on embellishing some large pendants I have collected over the years.  I found this great web site Specialtybeads.com --a website dedicated to bringing you beautiful and interesting beads and jewelry making supplies so that you can create incredible jewelry! The website was developed by Gary and Jannell Botto. 

I especially love the Italian Mesh Ribbon and Venetian Beads from Murano, Italy. They also carry incredible lampwork beads and pendants, specialty findings, beautiful ribbons, and amazing beading kits. The things I have bought come carefully packaged and wrapped with a special glass bead, a bonus if you will, that is always a surprise.

It's like every bead has been individually selected because it is beautiful and extraordinary! They carry exceptional beads, pendants, and findings at every price range and the highest quality merchandise at competitive prices. They also offer free shipping with no minimum purchase in the USA.

Tip from favorite bloger Brenda Kinsel http://www.brendakinsel.com/blog/

One of my favorite fashion bloggers Brenda Kinsel had a great idea, and I wanted to share it with you.

back-to-school tips

I love August–it’s back-to-school time! I stroll along the aisles in the local drugstores and check out all the pencils, pens, notebooks, binders. It all holds such promise! And I always walk away with something — after all, I’m enrolled in the school of life and there are lessons to be learned everyday!
My current favorite thing is this 3-hole punched pencil case that could go inside one’s binder, but I use it as a stand-alone. It is perfect to hold all my current makeup tools and products. Because it’s not a giant makeup bag, I’m not tempted to overload it with a shadow I use once a month or extra tools that I don’t really need. It just has my current “daily face” necessities. I imagine it could hold jewelry that you take on a trip, sewing supplies, and . . . well, your thoughts?

More from a Bandana

I found this cute bandana purse and wanted to add this to my blog post on all the many uses of bandana's. Kelsey is going to make this purse and share directions.
Have a great weekend.

PreLoved - re think the fabrics/clothes/quality you love

http://www.preloved.ca/

Preloved, is a company in Toronto that recycles vintage sweaters, pants and other items and transform them into one-of-a-kind designs. The company has been around since 1995 and sells their products at small stores all over North America. They have three different product lines: Preloved, Handcut and BLoved. Preloved combines used and new fabrics, Handcut is made of 100% used fabrics. I love this concept, and as a sewer myself it makes me wonder what I have in my own wardrobe to remix.

Redesigned vintage clothing is a great idea, because while you might be able to find some decent clothes in your own closet, a trip to Discovery thrift stores, salvation army or goodwill may turn out some real treasures. Remember most of the clothes could use some altering to bring them up to date anyway, so a complete overhaul may just be fun.


The best thing about this concept is that with a little sewing knowledge, you can begin replicating their ideas yourself.

One thing that was key was turning the sweater upside down so that the old "bottom" could be used as a neckline or for the sleeves (you can see this technique being used int the sweater pictured left).

Another idea is to make a scarf using scraps of several cut up sweaters, combining colors and textures.

There are a lot of great articles all over the Internet about how to recycle your used clothing. http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977191231 and another great place to find clothing that has been re made is www.etsy.com

My daughter Jenna has been creating wonderful blue jeans quilts with our used jeans. I have seen folks at rummage sales (3.00 a bag last day) fill large grocery bags with the left over jeans for these quilts if you don't have enough jeans lying around.

I Jonelle Tannahill pledge that I shall abstain from the purchase of "new" manufactured items of clothing, for the period of 2 months so that I may learn to remix what I have at home. I pledge that I shall refashion, renovate, recycle preloved items for myself with my own hands in fabric, yarn or other medium for the term of my contract. I pledge that I will share the love and post a photo of my refashioned, renovated, recycled, crafted or created item of clothing on my blog, so that others may share the joy that thy thriftyness brings!

New favorite spot for contemporary design

While passing through Truckee yesterday I found a NEW store I loved called Mo Jo & Zoe's It's right on the Main street of Old Town just down from the California Welcome Center.

I loved the clothing and Joanne (proprietor) was so friendly and informative. She was making jewelry behind the counter and told me the story of the shop. It is owned by her daughter and family and they enjoy making the fun and simple (did I say reasonably priced too) jewelery. I also coveted a cute seersucker jacket and several light weight knit tops. I will be back soon for some more shopping




I bought some cute fish dangle earrings while I was there for just $20.00. They are wonderful and very detailed. I will be waring them today!


What are some of your favorite stores???

Fashion club to host 'Project Runway' alum

Had a great evening in Stockton meeting Jay Sario from the television show "Project Runway" He is absolutely a delightful guy and has some great fashion scene
www.jaynicolassario.com

My mom's Haute Couture Société, a club dedicated to fashion design and fine needle arts, was hosting the former "Project Runway" contestant at an their monthly evening event.  I loved when I walked in and there were home made cookies and refreshments, and a very classy woman was GIVING AWAY patterns she had doubles of, so I picked out a few for my daughter Makay (who loves to sew when she has time)  I enjoyed meeting many of the women whom I have seen model in their annual fashion show (see previous blogs)

I loved his designs and feel they are very wearable.

He was an excellent speaker and very enthusiastic about design.  31-year-old San Francisco resident, he told where he gets his inspiration and his favorite designer is Michael Kors

Jay Sario, who appeared on the seventh season of the cable television show, will discussed his experience on "Project Runway" and display his spring 2011 fashion collection.

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The event was held at Grace Methodist Church, 1625 N. Lincoln St. in downtown Stockton

Why do I cove Cashmere?

where sophistication meets bohemian,
..where consumerism meets environmentalism
...where luxury meets affordability
....where east coast chic meets west coast grunge
.....where comfort meets... bliss