Getting Ready for Summer 2015

Summer is just three weeks away and after surviving a long, brutally cold winter, it can't come soon enough. Bring on the spring showers, summer sun, lush gardens, backyard BBQs and bonfires. When I'm not busy creating new pieces, you can usually find me out gardening for a few hours each day. My gardens are my sanctuary...it's just so refreshing to be outside digging in the dirt, clearing out the weeds and watching everything come to life.

I find gardening another way to be creative and love decorating my garden with all sorts of things from old garden chairs, broken crockery, birdbaths, arbours, birdcages, fountains and rustic iron sculpture. I love creating little points of interest hidden between the plants. One of my favourite pieces is a broken mirror frame surrounded by a group of not so scary gargoyles.

Summer is also outdoor show and festival season and for all of us artists, time to pack up the tent and hit the road.  Snowy, cold days provided me lots of time to create and I can't wait to get out there and share my newest creations with you. Be sure to check my facebook page for a complete list of events that I'll be attending. 

This past weekend I went to the Christie Antique Show at the Christie Lake Conservation in Dundas, Ontario. It took us a while to make our way in, but well worth the wait. Bus shuttles take you to and from the show field and we only waited a few minutes. With 300 vendors there is something for everyone, vintage and antiques. Found some fantastic deals on deco and vintage pins and pearls-amazing bargains!! I couldn't wait to get home and start making new pieces with my great  finds.

 I'm also thrilled to announce that I've returned to the Stratford Festival Theatre Stores for another fantastic season and if you're planning to attend one of the Festival's outstanding productions be sure to stop in and check out their lovely shops. 

Take care.....Marian  xo    

Colour Trends Spring 2015

I always look forward to the introduction of the spring and fall fashion trends. I love getting the huge editions of  Vogue, Harper's Bazaar and Elle in March and September and pouring over them for inspiration. Hand in hand with the fashion trends are the colour choices for each season. Pantone Inc. is a U.S. colour authority and they released their spring colours several months ago. The Fall 2015 colours were released a few weeks ago just prior to NY Fall Fashion Week. Pantone's colour of the year is called Marsala and we'll see this colour transition from spring/summer into fall/winter.

Pantone offers lots of great information on their website:  http://www.pantone.com/pages/fcr/?season=spring&year=2015&pid=11 including a video explaining the influences that determine their colour pallette and how to pair up some of these colours.

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This season there is a move toward the cooler and softer side of the color spectrum. An eclectic, ethereal mix of understated brights, pale pastels and nature-like neutrals take center stage as designers draw from daydreams of simpler times. Remembrances of retro delights, folkloric and floral art, and the magical worlds of tropical landscapes restore a sense of well-being as we head into warmer months.

“Many feel compelled to be connected around the clock because we are afraid we’ll miss something important. There is a growing movement to step out and create ‘quiet zones’ to disconnect from technology and unwind, giving ourselves time to stop and be still. Color choices follow the same minimalistic, ‘en plein air’ theme, taking a cue from nature rather than being reinvented or mechanically manipulated. Soft, cool hues blend with subtle warm tones to create a soothing escape from the everyday hustle and bustle.”

Leatrice Eiseman Executive Director, Pantone Color Institute^®

Even though there is nearly a shade from every colour group included in their spring selection, you won't likely rush out to replace your entire wardrobe. But accessories are a great way to introduce some of the newest colours. And for me, jewellery is my favourite accessory and I will definitely be looking to incorporate some of these trendy colours into my designs. Check out these lovely pieces using the 2015 spring colours.

  Absolutely gorgeous....my favourite colours for 2015 are the Classic Blue, Glacier Gray, Tangerine, Custard and Marsala. Can't wait to see all of the lovely colours in stores this spring!

Take care.....Marian  xo     

Who Knew My Hats Would Be So Popular?

I think they're adorable, but initially I wasn't sure there would be much interest in a cloche, a 1920's style hat. But, I couldn't resist-I had to make a few and see what happened. I decided to use velveteen and started off with a claret coloured fabric that I finished with a black lace brim and a handmade chiffon rose on the side. When I listed it on Etsy it was quick to get noticed and has become my most popular item.

The cloche hat is one of the most recognizable fashion accessories to come out of the Roaring Twenties. Originally invented in 1908 by French fashion designer Caroline Reboux, it took more than a decade before the cloche became all the rage. Cloche is French for "bell" which the hat borrows it's shape from. It's a snug fitting hat that sits low on the forehead just above the brow, which is not a traditional fit that we are used to today. Because of its popularity, many new hairstyles were also inspired by the hat including the iconic bob. The style was the perfect frame for the the hat.

I'm sure that shows such as Downton Abbey and Boardwalk Empire, as well as the remake of the Great Gatsby, have increased their popularity.... and my interest in experimenting with lots of new styles. I think I have approximately 20 different styles in a variety of colours, with some lovely spring inspired ones that I plan to debut on Etsy and the Women's Lifestyle show in London, Ontario in March.

I have also decorated some with vintage beaded applique trim salvaged from 1920s dresses, and can't wait to show them off. Its always so much fun to see people's reaction when they first see my collection of hats at shows. Most women can't resist stopping in to take a look and it doesn't take much convincing to get them to try one on, They are always so surprised to see how flattering they are. I especially love when a husband encourages his wife to stop in and try on a hat--so much fun and lots of laughter!

If you ever have the opportunity to try one on-treat yourself....its guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Dressing up is so much fun and for a few minutes you can imagine you're a flapper, or one of the elegant Downton ladies. Who knows, you may not be able to leave it behind!

       

 

     

     

   

Take care.....Marian  xo     

Christmas Time is Here

Well, another bustling Christmas show season is finished and I've prepared for my family's Christmas in record time. I'm down to the last few details before we start the celebrations, and I can't wait. I love Christmas and spending time with my family. It also gives me an opportunity to enjoy some down time and the opportunity to enjoy some of my favourite things-watching movies, reading, napping and some creative projects. I purchased a pattern and the fabric to make a cape so this will be at the top of my list!
I also want to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Hoping you all have a chance to relax and spend some time with loved ones. Looking forward to an absolutely fantastic 2015!!

Take care.....Marian  xo   

Thanksgiving....A Time for Gratitude

..and the grand dames of the forest, the statuesque maples, donned their gowns of scarlet, crimson, and gold in preparations for the Great Autumn Ball....

It's my favourite time of year again! Fresh apples, squash and pears; and the gorgeously coloured leaves looking like they've been painted by the Old Masters. This weekend we celebrate Thanksgiving and it's a perfect time for me to look back over the past few months and give thanks for the wonderful experiences, opportunities and successes that have come my way.

In April I began a retail partnership with the Stratford Festival and have had great success selling my jewellery in their  Theatre Store. Krista Swetman and her staff are amazing and do an absolutely lovely job of displaying my pieces. I've been invited to continue selling my jewellery at their downtown Theatre Store, located next to the Avon Theatre on Downie Street, this upcoming Christmas season. I'm so excited to be able to extend my stay in Stratford and looking forward to creating many new pieces for gift giving or to treat yourself.

To celebrate my mother's birthday, I joined my sisters and Mom for a weekend trip to Niagara-on-the-Lake. This was a first for the four of us and we had a great time. Lots of shopping, laughter and great food--oh yeah, and a delicious bottle of Three Olives S'Mores Vodka (great with chocolate milk!) Here's hoping we have the opportunity to do it again....and again, and again!

Turning lemons into lemonade--unfortunately our truck broke down and started on fire while on our way to a huge outdoor show in Windsor in early June. Thankful that we weren't hurt and now have a new (to us) Hyundai Sante Fe....and a CAA membership!

The Home County Music and Art Festival took place in July, and this was one of my lifelong dreams accomplished. This turned out to be my first outdoor show and despite the "all day" showers on Saturday, I had a great weekend. I met so many fantastic people and had a chance to connect with old friends. The highlight of my weekend was being awarded with the 2014 Best Booth Design. Not bad for my first outdoor show!

I've also had the opportunity to spend the summer selling my romance&ruin creations at The Village Collective. It's a delightful shop in Sparta, ON set up as an artist's cooperative where we shared space, expenses and working in the shop. Thanks to Shelley McVittie and the other lovely artists. It was truly an opportunity to grow and expand my horizons!

This past weekend my husband and I travelled to the Bobcaygeon/Peterborough area (the foliage was spectacular) to attend the wedding of a dear friend. I was honoured to be asked to create the bride's birdcage veil and hand ornament, and it was a thrill to see her wearing my pieces-so lovely!! Congratulations Rebekah and Eric!

And last, but not least, we came home to find out that my daughter and her boyfriend got engaged over the weekend-congratulations and much love to you both, Jessica and Brent!

 Wishing you all a lovely Thanksgiving weekend, and hope that you all have many blessings to be thankful for. Surround yourself with loved ones and enjoy what promises to be a gorgeous weekend!

Take care.....Marian  xo     

Vintage Patterns

I've been sewing since I was a kid and still recall some of my first projects. Making clothes for my kid sister's doll was my first experience at making clothes. No patterns, no purchased fabric...just some old dresses that my Mom was ready to part with, a measuring tape, a scissor and some pins. I remember taking measurements and drawing a pattern right onto the old dress. Crude, but it worked. I loved to sew and my sister loved dressing her doll in the new outfits. Admittedly some of the necklines were a little snug, and sleeves a little short, but the doll never complained and neither did sis!

As the years passed and I had two of my own little dolls to dress, I loved to making them outfits to wear for special occasions. When I started working I progressed to making some of my own outfits and even made a feminine tuxedo that I wore to a work Christmas party. And then I just stopped sewing. I don't remember when or why...just got busy with life I guess. There were some Hallowe'en costumes along the way, and some home decor projects, but it's been a long time since I've made any clothes for myself (or any dolls either).

During all of my trips to the fabric stores picking up material for my shop's hats, ties and handbags; the desire to sew has slowly creeped back in. The absolutely gorgeous fabrics are such a huge temptation.And then one day I stumbled across some vintage patterns and now all of the pieces have come together. I've purchased a few patterns and hope to add to my collection. I think they would make great birthday gifts (just in case any family members happen to read this). I've bought a few through ebay, an antique market, and also found an excellent shop on Etsy where you can download PDF versions of  patterns. Mrs. Depew, sells patterns of vintage clothing styles from the various decades. By using a condensed pattern, and a set of ruled guides that are included, you can duplicate the pattern in your size. You can find the shop on Etsy at www.etsy.com/shop/Mrsdepew.  I have some lovely vintage fabric that dates back to the 80's that I'd love to use. Maybe the Mrs. Depew pattern below with an ivory collar and cuffs?

I also found a number of reproduction pattern and instructional booklets that show how to make vintage styles from the '20s. Women of the era were taught to sew, and using their own specific measurements, could draft their own patterns from the instructions given in the booklets. Claims that a "One Hour Dress" are possible are confirmed by past customers so I'm going to give it a try. I purchased the blue floral fabric in the picture and plan to use it for my own "One Hour Dress".

This last pattern was purchased on ebay. The 1920s era coat has buttons that are set at a drop waist height.  I love the silhouette and style and have decided on a dark brown jacquard velvet drapery fabric for a dramatic look. I'm considering a faux fur collar to complete the look. 

Some challenges ahead, but I can't wait to get started. I look forward to sharing my progress with you....wish me luck!

Take care.....Marian  xo     

 

Waiting for Spring

Today is the first day of spring, but not according to the weather forecast which is calling for light snow. After what seems like the coldest and snowiest winter in a very long time, everyone is desperately waiting for signs of spring. I try very hard not to complain because I really do enjoy the four different seasons that we get to experience in Canada, but maybe in smaller doses (at least winter).  I haven't been very inspired to start any spring pieces, so opted to create some lovely cloches-cloches that will transition from winter into cool early spring days.

I had lot's of fun creating these cute styles in the different colours. All are made using velvet, with the exception of the first style, which is made from wool with a lace brim. Perfect for Easter or Mothers Day, all styles are available from my Etsy shop: www.etsy.com/shop/RomanceandRuin.

I'll be joining my friend Rebecca at her "Welcome Spring Open House" on April 5'th, 2014 with a number of other local creatives. I absolutely love doing open houses because they are more intimate and relaxed, giving everyone a chance to chat and enjoy a cup of tea and some goodies. Can't wait to introduce my new hats along with some lovely scarves and new necklaces. Check out my facebook page for details: www.facebook.com/RomanceandRuin .....and don't forget to think spring!!

Take care.....Marian  xo     

Successes and Challenges

Last year was my first full year in business and I am over the moon with the results. The wonderful response and feedback has been overwhelming to say the least, and I am so excited about the next 11 months. Thanks so much to everyone who purchased my jewellery and accessories. It's a thrill knowing that one of my vintage style cloches is on it's way to Paris this May with a lovely young lady who has planned this trip for several years and can't wait to see the Eiffel Tower. Or the gorgeous young bride-to-be who couldn't decide between two pairs of earrings for her wedding day, so bought them both. You have all been so amazing and I can't wait to see what the year brings--I am truly blessed!

Now, that's not to say that I didn't have some disappointments along the way. But, I'm trying to use each less than stellar experience as a lesson. And if I keep my business hat on when making decisions, and not making them from an emotional level, I think I'll be moving in the right direction. It's tough declining a show organizer's invitation to come back next year even though she and her team were fantastic and the venue was lovely. I remind myself that it's a business and I have to continue growing, gaining exposure and seeking new opportunities if I want to continue. 

Over the past twelve months I've worked hard at developing my own unique style of repurposed jewellery and accessories, and creating a brand that customers will remember and recognize. When I started applying to craft shows I had some very definite ideas about how I wanted to display my jewellery and accessories. Some of those ideas were great in theory, but didn't always work out, particularly at outdoor venues...so back to the drawing board. For the most part, I think I have my major displays and booth design worked out. The last few things that still need some tweaking are some outdoor venue displays and a display for my vintage style hats....lots of great ideas on Pinterest that I may be able to put into use. The great news is that customers are starting to recognize my jewellery and displays from previous shows they've attended, and are stopping by to see what's new and shop.

Getting to know who my customer is has been another huge lesson for me. Making business plans around marketing methods and sales venues that will reach them is key for me.  This will mean making changes to some of the venues I've been using, and working on some consignment and wholesale opportunities in local shops.

I'm tugging my business hat down over my ears (of course, it's a velvet cloche business hat) and getting down to work. I'm notorious for always wanting to accomplish far more than any one person ever could, so my goal this year is to scale down my to-do list (personal and business) to a realistic length....focusing on quality not quantity....celebrating the accomplishments and not constantly being discouraged by all of the things I have left to do. This will definitely be my biggest challenge this year!

Take care.....Marian  xo