Creative Cookie

Bust a Move

2009-06-01T20:05:00.004-04:00

Creative Cookie is moving to TypePad. Our new address will be: www.thecreativecookie.net. Check us out!

©Lesley Williams, 2009

Stepping Stone

2009-05-19T21:49:00.008-04:00

These photos were taken as I moved from one terminal to another at the Detroit Metro Airport. The messaging makes me wonder about the story behind them.

©Lesley Williams, 2009

The Shoe Fits

2009-05-17T22:48:00.002-04:00

TOMS has given over 140,000 pairs of shoes to children in need since their start in 2006. Their strategy is simple, for every pair of shoes you buy, a pair goes to a child in need. TOMS has plans to give 300,000 pairs of shoes to children in 2009. How cool is that?

All Dolled Up

2009-05-13T23:05:00.007-04:00

This past weekend while shopping vintage at my favorite thrift shop, in Michigan, I found these little darlings. They are kind of creepy but also charming, familiar, and a wee bit sweet.

©Lesley Williams, 2009

Dig It?

2009-05-10T20:01:00.000-04:00

If you heart thrift stores, consignment shops, and/or pulling items from friend's closets, check out Dig N' Swap. Dig N' Swap was created as a solution to ever expanding wardrobes and the need to be kinder to our environment.

Could trading be the new currency? Give it a try.

From www.dignswap.com

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

2009-05-09T08:06:00.000-04:00

Outside my bedroom window, a tree grows in Brooklyn.

It's in the Cards :: part 2

2009-05-07T19:21:00.001-04:00

I hate to play favorites, but here are a few more cards that I really like from my vintage playing card collection. These cards are fun even when they are not being used for games. I am curious to know:

What things do you like to collect? Why?
What are the unconventional places or items that you find inspirational?

You can find more vintage playing cards on the HEYSUSY blog, check em' out!

It's in the Cards :: part 1

2009-05-06T00:09:00.004-04:00

It was hard to resist this random collection of vintage playing cards. There's something really magical about these patterns.

I'll scan and post a few more soon.

Note Worthy

2009-05-04T21:48:00.001-04:00

Dearest Creative Cookie Readers:

Thank you for reading the Creative Cookie blog. When I started writing it nine months ago, I was clueless about the blogosphere and unsure if I could manage another “thing” to do. But the thought of blogging constantly nagged at me and I eventually gave in. I saw having a blog as a way to live my creative journey twice, once in reality and again through the words and images that you see here. Since the start of this blog, a blend of amazing events has occurred. An internship with Brooklyn-based designer C O Z B I, attending fashion week, more courses at NYU, and the list goes on and on.

So, what’s next with Creative Cookie? Drum roll please …Creative Cookie Beta is launching June 1st at: www.thecreativecookie.net. The beta version of the blog will continue to be my online journal slash place for me to publish what I find inspirational, resourceful, and beautiful. I also want to spend more time covering another interest that I have, philanthropy. My professional career has been in the philanthropic and nonprofit sectors. I have a deep interest in learning about what’s happening to promote the welfare of others. As Creative Cookie grows and explores the relationship that exists between creativity and causes I hope you will do two things: 1) share the past postings that you enjoyed most and 2) tell me about the artist, from the unsure to the established, who give from the heart to improve lives of others.

Thanks again for reading; it's truly a gift.

Shine on,

Lesley

Small Miracles

2009-04-29T09:53:00.003-04:00

A few sentences from today's Daily OM:

When you wake up tomorrow, take time to notice how many things are running smoothly, how many small miracles compose your day. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, as you put them on, take a moment to appreciate the fact that without them, you would be unable to see. Your life would be entirely different if someone hadn't invented corrective lenses. As you take in your world, you might feel a moment of gratitude for the basic fact that, once again, the sun has risen to illuminate the abundant earth, and the earths gravitational field holds you and all that you hold dear in a tight, life-affirming embrace.

I love the concept of being thankful for the things that we cannot see and the things that we do not have to worry about. It's very humbling.

Capering About

2009-04-20T19:40:00.006-04:00

My next sewing project. Wish me well!
I'll post images soon.

Love That!

2009-04-19T19:11:00.001-04:00

I promised to post the collage that I made at the Hip Tranquil Chick yoga retreat and alas, here it is; full of words and images that I think are beautiful. Collage making has proven to be a way for me to get clear on my aspirations so that I can manifest them. Collages serve as a visual prayer or meditation—they are one of my favorite creative keys to success. It’s amazing what you can do with a little glue, some old magazines, scissors, and your creative vision.

What is one of your creative keys to success & why?

Click here to see past collages:

creative vision 1
creative vision 2

Create What You Want

2009-04-15T08:26:00.004-04:00

Taken from today's Daily OM. This was too good not to share:

...we can start right away, together: I am a creative being, using my energy to cocreate a wonderful world. I know that I create my experience of life from within, and as I do so, I also create ripples of energy around me that echo into the world. My positive thoughts gather together with the thoughts and prayers of others, and together we create enough positive energy to heal not only our own lives but the world we share. I am grateful for the ability to cocreate good in my life and in the world.

Wishing you an inspired and productive Wednesday.

hold ’em & fold ’em

2009-04-11T17:01:00.000-04:00

Wei Du, origami artist, created these blissful hanging lanterns. They instantaneously transformed my hallway from a white space to a dreamy place.

What are some of your creative decorating tips? Please share.

Yoga Kitty

2009-04-06T21:50:00.004-04:00

Meet Nina Bean. She's one of the coolest kittys on the planet and she's obsessed with yoga mats. This photo was taken as I tried to remove her from my mat this evening.

Sparkler

2009-04-05T20:27:00.003-04:00

Become a Fan

2009-04-04T09:21:00.007-04:00

Fiber Notion has been an ongoing source of inspiration for me since it opened a little over a year ago. It's a wonderful playground for creative types seeking bangles, spangles, buttons, appliqué, glue, felt, fabric, patterns, cord, and other items to take their creative projects over the top. The store is literally overflowing with goodness. Become a fan (it’s fun), and get updates on courses, events, and special offers.

… get your craft on!

exactly as i am

2009-04-03T08:11:00.015-04:00

Shaun Robinson, entertainment reporter for Access Hollywood, released a new book on Girls and Self-Esteem entitled Exactly As I Am: Celebrated Women Share Candid Advice with Today's Girls on What It Takes to Believe in Yourself. Shaun decided to publish this book in response to hundreds of email and letters that she received from girls, across the country, who wanted to know how they could be like their favorite celeb. In the book's introduction Shaun writes:

"…the cultural obsession with celebrity is not new, but how it is impacting the way girls and women feel about themselves has become a passionate concern of mine—so much so that over the past few years I began organizing informal task-force groups of girls and young women from around the country to talk directly about their issues of self-esteem."

Rich with collective wisdom, from numerous notable women, this book is perfect for girls and women looking to realize their full potential by accepting themselves and appreciating the unique talents and gifts that they possess.

I'll write more after I finish my copy. In the meantime, check out these photos from a special celebration, of Exactly As I Am, earlier this week:

Shaun and me; us women from Michigan are sooooo great!

What's Going On

2009-03-31T06:48:00.001-04:00

Over the weekend I joined the delightful Kimberly Wilson and a dozen like-minded women at the Hip Tranquil Chick retreat in Ancramdale, New York. We spent our time together creative visioning, journal writing, meditating, and practicing yoga. This was my second year attending and I was able to observe my growth, as a yogi and a creative, from one year to the next. Several “ah ha” moments surfaced during my stay. Here are a few:

being perfect is boring
micro-movements are better than no movement at all
recognize my talents and delegate the rest
vinyasa yoga to Marvin Gaye is so amazing

floral wallpaper in bedroom

my bed and the magazine that i love

yoga prep

wandering around the retreat center

more signs of spring

"uniquely me" during silent breakfast

kimberly wilson

cute quilt

development of new collage (I'll post soon)

©Lesley Williams, 2009

Plastic Flowers?

2009-03-27T11:30:00.006-04:00

This past Sunday, I decided to be a tourist in my own neighborhood. I was elated to see these signs of spring.

Contributors

2009-03-27T00:02:00.000-04:00

I asked my Facebook friends what magazines they were reading, and got this list. It was too interesting not to publish, here it is, happy reading:

Architectural Digest
BITCH
Black Enterprise
Black Hair
Cosmo
Domino (RIP)
Martha Stewart Living
Men’s Health
Missbehave
Next American City
People
Psychology Today
Rolling Stone
Skeptic
The Robb Report
TIME for Kids
Vogue
Washingtonian Magazine
Wax Poetics
Wired
Yoga Journal

Better Place

2009-03-18T09:44:00.007-04:00

I've been questioning if I should post these final sentences from Monday’s Daily OM. What happened on my morning commute, into Manhattan, was confirmation that I should. Enjoy.

"It is not the kind of work you do that allows you to be of service. It is you who must choose to be of service through the work that you do."

Basic Training

2009-03-13T14:51:00.001-04:00

Q: What are your favorite books for beginning seamstress?

A:

Sew U :: Wendy Mullin with Eviana Hartman Easy to understand, great illustrations, patterns included
Let’s Sew :: Nancy Zieman Comprehensive, clear, great for all ages and stages
The Best of Sewing with Nancy :: Nancy Ziemam Technical, great time saving tips
Magazines: ReadyMade and Sewstylish (it folded but you can still get back copies)

I await your listing of additional resources.

To and Fro

2009-03-08T14:10:00.000-04:00

This post was inspired a dear friend's Facebook profile image that proudly boast "If you can rock the afro rock the afro". I've been collecting images of people with naturals, as I've been growing my own, for a few years. As a product of the 70s I carry a sentimental longing for the fashion fads, catch phrases, movie motifs, and hairstyles paired with that decade.

Here are a few of my fro favs.

An image from JANE back in the day before they folded

Trading cards from Frenchpaper.com

The glam Face Book profile pic that inspired this post; source unknow

A-side and B-side

2009-02-28T10:50:00.002-05:00

I scan fabrics, like I scan photos. These I scanned on both sides. The tactile quality feels so domestic.

Creative Philanthropy

2009-02-27T21:02:00.006-05:00

Tory Burch, the designer of those colorful logo flats, has put together a mellow compilation with artists like Kristy Maccoll, Estelle, The Black Lips, and Pixies. This is the first in a series that Tory will be creating to increase support for different causes around the world. This first volume benefits Save the Children and can be purchased in stores and online.

I got my copy earlier this month and I dig it. It's perfect for just about anything. What a cool way to support a cause. Please share other examples of creative philanthropy.

I am all ears.

>
interior booklet artwork by
Julie Mehretu

Fashion Week :: random shots

2009-02-24T10:12:00.001-05:00

The end of the week...

Fashion Week :: PROJECT BLACKOUT

2009-02-23T20:51:00.001-05:00

Yes, I know, Fashion Week ended on Friday but I have a few more stories to posts. So, bear with me please.

I walked up to Randal to get a closer look at his stunning ocean blue specs, and walked away a part of a movement. Project Blackout is an effort focused on promoting and expanding the representation of people of color in the fashion industry. Throughout the week I observed both the need and the readiness for this change. I am excited to see what the future holds and ready to be a part of the progress.

Love the look!

Thanks for the bag; I've been toting it around.

Fashion Week :: REBECCA TAYLOR

2009-02-23T20:18:00.001-05:00

Stars like Tori Spelling and Jamie-Lynn Sigler made a point to attend the Rebecca Taylor runway show, last Thursday, to see the fall 2009 collection. Rebecca's pieces are flirty, fresh, and feminine. This designer seems to have a knack for knowing what makes a woman feel pretty and that's beautiful.

Fashion Week :: BABY PHAT

2009-02-22T20:07:00.000-05:00

I enjoyed the fall 2009 Baby Phat collection more than I thought I would. The pieces had a vintage flair bringing a soft finish to their edginess. The use of embellishment was superb--great appliqué placement on the jeans.

Gotham Hall was full. I watched with friends, from a screen, in the Balcony. Here is one of my favorite looks:

I may own my first Baby Phat jeans this fall, if I can get my hands on these!

Kimora with Ming Lee and Aoki Lee

Backstage after the show, in the "fab lane"!

Emmy award winning costume designer, stylist, and designer Patricia Field

models on the red carpet

Fashion Week :: PROJECT RUNWAY PEEPS

2009-02-22T16:11:00.003-05:00

Everyone who knows me is aware that Project Runway is my favorite show. The opportunity to be on the opposite side of the camera taking photos of some of the most memorable cast members, at the sixth season finale, was surreal. They all were so sweet and cute to boot!

Suede Baum and Blayne Walsh from Season 5

Jay McCarroll Project Runway Season 1 winner

Kenley Collins Season 5 finalist

Fashion Week :: BARBIE EXHIBIT

2009-02-22T16:00:00.000-05:00

Photos from the Barbie 50th Anniversary exhibit.
Read more about Barbie’s big birthday bash on Catalyst...

Fashion Week :: random shots

2009-02-22T09:25:00.000-05:00

Fashion Week :: MACKAGE

2009-02-21T19:39:00.012-05:00

The outerwear junkie in me got her fix while watching the Mackage show on Wednesday evening. Well-constructed coats covered jeans, legwarmers, and lacy-netting. The show was so chill that it made me think Jean Michel Basquiat "Downtown 09" (not 81).

On each seat lay a small fancy black box that held a leather bound notebook for drawing whatever; cool, right?

Fashion Week :: ANNA SUI

2009-02-21T18:56:00.011-05:00

Anna Sui’s work has managed to hold my attention over the years because of its romanticism and mystique. The 2009 collection is dripping with rich layers, ornate patterns, and energetic textures. I was so busy watching the show, that I only snapped a few shots, so here they are.

Fashion Week :: random shots

2009-02-19T12:07:00.001-05:00

Fashion Week :: TONI MATICEVSKI

2009-02-19T07:14:00.005-05:00

The collection of Toni Maticevski, an Australian designer, is in my top three shows this fashion week. The way the pieces, set, and music worked together created a mix that was imaginative but haunting. Maticevski’s collection is full of interesting details like tie dye, bead work, hand painting, and feathers. The sound score included a track from Kanye's 8o8s and Heartbreak. What’s not to love?

I snapped this picture of the beautiful Solange Knowles before the show.

Fashion Week :: random shots

2009-02-18T12:21:00.000-05:00

I grew up a "ck" (cosmetologist's kid) which means that I've spent over two-thirds of my life in a salon...so I could not resist taking these photos when the stylists and models disappeared for a bit.

Fashion Week :: A DETACHER

2009-02-18T00:31:00.008-05:00

A sampling of my photos from the A Detacher show, featuring the fall/winter 2009 collection. Here are a few words: smooth, silky, and sometimes a little furry. Pretty chic.

Fashion Week :: random shots

2009-02-17T07:45:00.002-05:00

Fashion Week :: random shots

2009-02-16T21:05:00.001-05:00

I love taking photos of shoes. Here's one of my favorites. I may have a shoe obsession, shhhhhhh....

Fashion Week :: CARLOS CAMPOS

2009-02-16T16:06:00.002-05:00

I went to Carlos Campos’ fall 2009 show last night. The collection made me think hot rocker with an edgy 9 to 5 twist. Those who were there enjoyed rich charcoals, buttery leathers, and shiny metallic. Carlos gets an outstanding performance review for having a perspective that’s sharp, detailed, and appropriately “suite”able

Designer :: Carlos Campos

http://twitter.com/CreativeCookie

Fashion Week :: PREEN

2009-02-15T16:09:00.004-05:00

This morning I had a chance to check out the Preen Fall 2009 collection during New York Fashion Week. The designing duo's line is wonderfully hip and edgy--I loved every bit of it! Here are a few pics that I was able to snap in front and behind-the-scenes.

run through

make-up & hair

make it work

my seat

working the runway

final walk

More fashion week coverage to come...

Comic Couture :: pt. 1

2009-02-13T19:38:00.004-05:00

Just in time for New York Fashion Week...

Drama with Diouana

2009-02-07T01:11:00.002-05:00

From Black Girl a 1960s Senegalese drama that deals with issues of race by writer-director Ousmane Sembene. It is considered one of the seminal works of African cinema. I enjoyed it and you may too.Watch is instantly, with Netflix, if you have not seen it.

(kamau ware©, 2009)

Morning Warming

2009-02-04T22:11:00.002-05:00

A friend sent me this fab thermal porcelain mug and I really love it—I pray it never gets mistaken for an unfilled Starbucks cup.

This is how I reduce, reuse, with no recycle...

go get warm beverage
drink slowly
rinse clean; leave on desk
hope no one throws it away; it is not a paper cup!

*repeat process

The Lucky Few

2009-01-30T21:19:00.001-05:00

A few days ago I became one of the Lucky Few on Facebook. I think this is a pretty cool concept and a great way to get updates on sales and new items. I've always dug the Lucky Brand, not for the jeans, for their bags. This is the Soul Survivor Fold Over purse. It's the perfect balance of simplicity and detail. I think it will be my next splurge.

Please share: 1)social networking groups you like and 2) your future splurges...

Morning Sunshine

2009-01-23T07:30:00.007-05:00

I often ride the B or Q train on my Brooklyn into Manhattan morning commute--groggy and in need of a cup of caffeine. Shortly after passing Dekalb Avenue a piece of artwork similar to a enlarged flipbook intrigues me. The array of sequential colors and shapes has a spellbinding rhythm that magically perk me up.

Yesterday while reading one of favorite design sites, The Daily Heller, I learned this history of the work that gives me a little jolt before my cup of coffee.

Check out the Masstransiscope video; it's very cool.

Here's a little bit of background on Bill Brand's Masstransiscope. The work was installed in September of 1980 and has been seen by millions of commuters. It is composed of 228 hand-painted panels that are seen through a series of slits. The piece works on the principle of the Zoetrope, a 19th century optical toy.

What are the public art pieces that have a lingering effect on you? If you have pictures, please share them.

Born Again Vintage

2009-01-13T22:56:00.001-05:00

Here are details about an eco-friendly fashion event happening Thursday evening:

Got Green? A Sustainable Style Event
Thursday, January 15th, 2009 from 7pm-10pm at EDGE nyNOHO

Trunk Show featuring J.B. BORN Vintage Fashion and B. Artis Originals Recycled Fashions. Book Signing for the newly launched book BORN AGAIN VINTAGE: 25 Ways to Deconstruct, Reinvent, and Recycle Your Wardrobe from author Bridgett Artise. Bring a gently worn business attire outfit for Dress for Success and get a free gift.

RSVP gotgreen@prnoir.com.

(click to enlarge)

This looks like fun! Let me know if you're thinking of going...

Below the Belt

2009-01-12T19:15:00.005-05:00

My mom and I came across this Simplicity pattern while thrift shopping. We stopped and locked eyes -- we both wanted to buy it. Our compromise? I'll trace it and then mail it to her. This way we both win.

I'll be sure to post pictures of the final product. Which view should I make, belt 1 or 2?

It's All About Joy

2009-01-11T23:58:00.004-05:00

I love my kichy little neighborhood yoga studio. Yesterday was the beginning of a 6-week series called, Grounding Joy in Stressful Times. The class incorporates meditation and a delightful mix of Kundalini, Hatha and Naam Yoga. As all yogis know, the real practice happens off the mat. So, I am sharing the 28-day “homework assignment” given by my instructor with you.

Daily:

List 3 things you are grateful for.
Take a few minutes to reflect on your answers to the following questions and write it down:“What one thing could I do today, no matter how small, that would increase my joy?
Once a week, do the following 15-minute visioning exercise: Move into a good feeling place and write at the top of your paper: “The is my ideal, joy-filled life.”

Pretend a miracle occurred and your ideal, joy-filled life manifested right now before your eyes. Write down every glorious detail of what this life looks like at the highest level, concentrating on the feeling. You have only 15 minutes, so keep your vision big. How is your health? Your relationships? Your home? Your career? List ideas as they stream through your mind. Let your deepest hopes and desires come forth and dream BIG! Act as if this is really happening now, and feel the joy and excitement inside you as write.

-From, “The Joy Study” by Jackie Kelm

I plan to post my responses daily to question number 1; follow me on Twitter to see what brings me joy!

Butcher Apron for a Cookie

2009-01-08T07:09:00.003-05:00

A friend of mine just moved into a new house and has no free time for sewing, so she let me borrow several vintage patterns from the 70s, hooray! This one made me pull out my scissors the fastest-- a butcher apron, how cute.
I made views B & C. They are adorable and comfy...I think I created something great! I'll be sure to share photos when I wear them.

Nerdy New Year

2009-01-06T19:35:00.008-05:00

Here's my collage of hopes and aspirations for 2009 that I whipped up on New Year's Eve.

(click image to enlarge)

In 2008 everything on the collage that I created manifested in some form. So, before the year gets old, I'd like to suggest that you do some creative visioning of your own. To check out pointers on how to create your own collage and to view my collage from 2008, click here.

Why do creative visioning exercises, like collage making, work? What are some other modes of creative visioning?

Hearing your thoughts makes me happy!

Framed

2009-01-05T21:48:00.000-05:00

During my holiday vacation I watched Delicatessen while enjoying a scrumptious vegetarian meal. The film, directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet and Marc Caro, is a surrealist French comedy about the landlord of an apartment building who creates cannibalistic meals for his kooky tenants.

Almost immediately I was struck by the exquisite art direction, each frame was sublime. As a person who likes glasses, I could not help but notice the “frames” worn by a few of the cast members. Check them out:

As always, if you’ve seen it (which many folks have) I’d love to know your thoughts. If you have not, rent it. What you eat and drink while watching is optional.

New Year's Evolution

2009-01-03T23:26:00.002-05:00

A fellow Hip Tranquil Chick sent me this quote. Needless to say, it quickly became my new favorite.

“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” -Howard Thurman

Two-thousand and eight was about finding what makes me come alive (and acting on it) and 2009 will be about manifesting it deeper. I am curious to know, what ideas have helped you evolve in the last year?

Wishing you a lively 2009!

Book Review: Jim Henson's Doodle Dreams

2008-12-24T22:05:00.001-05:00

Inspired by the picture from my youth in 80s Recollection, I decided to continue to reach back and reflect on other stuff from my childhood--meals, fashion, and TV shows. This process led me to a charming book, entitled Jim Henson’s Doodle Dreams: Inspiration for Living Life Outside of the Lines. The book features text by Jim Lewis and the art of Jim Henson, the creative genius behind numerous things colorful and furry, like the Muppets and Sesame Street. I recommend this little book for anyone, of any age, who is ready to be inspired and sparkle with glee into the New Year!

A few quotes from the book that I love:

Creativity. Taking something enormously strange and somehow making it strangely familiar.

Being afraid isn’t always a bad thing. Sometimes you need that trembling feeling to remind you how exciting it is to be doing something new.

If you worry too much about the way things are supposed to be, you’re a lot more likely to end up following the crowd.

A sense of wonder is the most incredible gift you can share.

Happy Holidays.

80s Recollections

2008-12-20T12:35:00.002-05:00

I can still remember this childhood moment. It was Easter and my mother was up all night making me this coat, hat, and a white eyelet dress. Before church we hurried off to have a photo shoot.

This is one of many treasured childhood memories because it says a lot about the woman I am now. I am still a huge fan of coats, tights, and [single-strapped] Mary Janes. And soon I’ll be able to sew a coat!

Check out the white maxi piping—my mom has skills!

Present Pizzazz

2008-12-18T20:08:00.000-05:00

ReadyMade magazine published a snazzy article with tips on how to rethink your gift wrap this holiday season. I've included a few of my favorites below.

(click me)

:: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: ::

Gifted: The Wrap-Up by Steven James

In 1917, the Kansas City-based Hall brothers (founders of Hallmark) reused French envelope linings to encase customer gifts. In that spirit, we offer a few suggestions for reinventing the wrap every time you’ve got something to give.

Map Wrap
Mailing presents back home? Prepare them for the cross-country journey with wrap made of recycled maps. Use pushpins and geographical postcard cutouts for the card.

Bubble Wrap
Paper’s plastic cousin makes its way outside the box. Cover the gift directly so a hint of it shows through and use double-sided tape for a clean seal.

Scrabble Board & Letter Tiles
Make a color photocopy of the game board and individual tiles onto sheets of 81/2” x 14” paper. Glue on your message using cut-out, copied letter tiles.

Can It
No scissors, no tape. Coffee and tea tins, cookie canisters, and unused paint cans offer no-fuss alternatives.

Tabloids
Nothing turns heads like a three-headed alien baby fathered by Elvis.

C lick here to view the entire article

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...Making a List

2008-12-18T11:10:00.003-05:00

The holiday countdown has begun! For me, it means I’ve started to buy and make gifts, schedule multi-city travel plans, and more. This morning while riding into Manhattan I began compiling a list of artful (and some practical) tasks that I hope to accomplish during my holiday vacation. If your life is anything like mine, completion typically relies on a plan. Below are some of the ideas that came to mind first.

Read a good book
Finish sewing shirt, skirt, and tote bag [+something new & fancy]
Decide on wedding details [date/location]
Shred, organize, file [make order for 2009]
Reconnect with old friends
Make a new collage
Relax

Wish me well!

What’s on your to-do or not-to-do list this holiday season?

Super Supermarket

2008-12-10T07:09:00.001-05:00

Support indie artist at The Supermarket at Design Within Reach. It's happening today, Wednesday, Dec. 10, from 7-9pm at the Tribeca Studio [for those of you in the NYC area]. To find out more, or to view the store online, click here.

Remember, there’s nothing wrong with taking a break and letting someone else do the creative.

Birthday Wish

2008-12-04T19:01:00.000-05:00

On Sundays I often go to a cute café near my internship for brunch. This past week, I found myself at the cafe being seated aside two women who looked like they just walked off the set of the Golden Girls. I made eye contact, gave them a shy smile, slid into the booth, and pulled out my notebook. As I was writing, I caught a glimpse of a sprinkled chocolate cupcake with a blue candle next to the older of the two ladies. I wondered if it was her birthday, so I asked her. She responded that it was coming up on December 3rd; it would be her 96th. I sat in awe for a moment and then the three of us began to giggle and chat like old buddies. When it was time for them to leave and for my food to arrive, the birthday girl gave me her secrets to longevity. She said that one must:

never hold grudges
laugh hard daily
love her/his profession/job

If I could have any birthday wish today it would be that every life would contain these three elements. I believe that her advice was a gift to be shared.

Now I am off to find a cupcake of my own!

Just Jean

2008-11-30T12:59:00.018-05:00

Over the weekend I watched Breathless a 1960s French new wave film directed by Jean-Luc Godard (thank you Netflix). I discovered more about the style that is synonymous with that decade. The chic daring look of Jean Seberg activated my inner 60s child and made me think two words the whole film—stunning haircut.

If you’ve seen it I’d love to know your thoughts. If you have not, two more words, rent it.

"I don't know if I'm unhappy because I'm not free, or if I'm not free because I'm unhappy" -As Patricia Franchini in Breathless

First hand, Second hand

2008-11-28T21:11:00.000-05:00

Last week while in the Bay Area I was thrilled to learn that there were amazing botiques, thrift stores, and Goodwills to shop for vintage items. I even went to a rummage sale! With a coffee cup in hand and my sweetheart at my side, I was one happy girl.

Here are a few photos from, Berkley and The Mission District in San Francisco, my favorite places to shop:

kamau ware (c), 2008

Incase you've ever wondered the difference between antique, vintage, and retro, here’s the definition according to Wikipedia:

Clothing which was produced before the 1920s is referred to as antique clothing and clothing from the 1920s to 1980 is considered vintage. Retro, short for retrospective, usually refers to clothing that dates from the period 1965 to 1985. Clothing produced more recently is usually called modern or contemporary fashion.

More about happy times and California inspirations to come…

Book Review “The One Hundred: A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own” ::: Nina Garcia

2008-11-26T18:16:00.001-05:00

The One Hundred: A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own is the perfect blend of fashion tips, history, and illustrations. Organized from A to Z, the book includes descriptions of items and gives pointers on how to wear them best. Nina Garcia sets a tenet from start that made me appreciate her perspective on fashion more: style is a deeply personal expression of who your are, and every time you dress, you are asserting a part of yourself. Instead of being narrow, she gives her two cents and leaves room for the reader to add her/his own change. Everyone from the beginner to the experienced fashionista will be able to glean something from this book.

While reading, I could not help but file the information in three categories: the pieces that I own and love, the items that I desire, and my unmentioned personal favorites. As promised, with a little restraint (not to give too much away), here are a few must haves according to Nina and yours truly.

own and love ::: featured in the book
1. watch
2. zippered hoodie
3. vintage
4. quality luggage
5. Havaianas
6. Wellingtons

desires ::: featured in the book
1. little white dress
2. old concert t-shirt
3. monogrammed stationery
4. gentlemen’s hat
5. caftan
6. Minnetonka Moccasin

lesley’s favs ::: not featured in the book
1. vest
2. above the knee socks
3. signature earring
4. hair assessory
5. multiple pairs of glasses (if you wear them)
6. rib u -neck tank

As you make your closet cuts be sure you are editing away items that no longer express who you are. As in life, the spaces can be filled with whatever you like. You have complete creative control.

I’d be remiss if I did not show the simple but glamorous illustrations by Ruben Toledo—I love them so much that I’d take any one to hang on my wall now. It was a nice break from typical glossy fashion photos.

Closet Cuts

2008-11-20T12:46:00.002-05:00

Nina Garcia, of Elle magazine and Project Runway authored a new book entitled The One Hundred: A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own. I ordered a copy this evening after cleaning and transitioning my closet for the fall. I bid adieu to five bags of wears and all of my wire hangers. My snug Brooklyn closet was too tiny to hold on to things that were not in moderate rotation--my edits were essential. Hopefully, I did not go overboard, according to the fashion guru. When I finish reading, I’ll be sure to share some of Nina’s tips.

Take a moment to look in your closet remove things that you no longer wear--give to a friend, donate them, or think of ways to reinvent them.

Cookie 5: Scrap Sketches

2008-11-13T23:01:00.000-05:00

I am working on a series called Scrap Sketches. Each of the 4 sketches will be composed of various textiles, paper, thread, metal, and/or plastic. Through this exercise I hope to discover more about shadows, silhouettes, and patterns and of course the relationship between textiles and graphic design.

A New Way to Look at Your Negatives

2008-11-05T10:18:00.001-05:00

This is an image that I came across on HOW Magazine’s blog (listed to the right). When I look at it I see two pictures of the same bird. One taken in the early morning while the day is bright and another taken at night under a light.

The beauty of art is that it can be interpreted a zillion different ways. Feel free to share what you see in the negatives.

be sm{art}

2008-11-04T00:11:00.001-05:00

Just a friendly reminder to be sm{art} and vote for change! Find your polling place and hop to it.

Is it time?

2008-10-27T22:31:00.003-04:00

While at an art gallery exhibit closing an acquaintance asked me, "what’s the hardest challenge that artist face today?”. I gave a C+ response and then moved on to the next topic. When I had a moment to discuss this question again, it dawned on me that the most difficult challenge facing me--is finding the time to create. This was a truth that I could testify to as I recapped the week that had just whirled by. It was chock full of goodness but left me no time to explore my new worlds of being a designer, an intern, or a blogger.

Your thoughts about this question will vary depending on several things i.e. if you are a working artist or an artist working a 9 to 5. None the less I am curious to know, what IS the hardest challenge that artist face today?

Tell me. Is it time?

Notcot.org?

2008-10-15T23:08:00.002-04:00

What do wallpaper, plants, eco-friendly calendars, and connect the dot tattoos all have in common? They were all featured today on, Notcot.org, the new addition to the Creative Cookie blog listing. Notcot.org has become my go-to-place for a spark of inspiration. The site is full of happy creatives, style trends, and innovative products from around the planet. It’s now set as my default browser page so I can get my daily dose of wonderment.

This is what caught my eye today:

What's speaking to you?

Cookie 4: Brooklyn 111

2008-10-10T19:50:00.001-04:00

Here is a logo that I was able to collaborate on, as a graphic designer, for an exhibit called BKLYN: 111 presented by The Bag Fund. This is special exhibition and dialogue within and outside the borough of Brooklyn asking artists to consider the impact Brooklyn has had on their work and the impact they hope their work will have on Brooklyn.

I’ll be at the closing reception and you should too:

Saturday, October 25
The BAG Fund
168 Seventh Street Brooklyn
New York 11215

Cookie 3: More than Scraps

2008-10-09T23:01:00.004-04:00

At this point it should be pretty clear that I have a fascination with using rescued textiles and finding new ways to use old things. This is a scarf that I made as a birthday present from a bouquet of cottons, silks, wools, and spandex. Most of the fabrics come from Fiber Notion but some of them are from unwanted clothing that begged to be reused in a fresh way.

Here is the correct entry with image *smile*

Creative Visioning

2008-10-04T15:54:00.000-04:00

Here’s a collage that I made in March while attending a fabulous Hip Tranquil Chick three-day retreat:

It amazes me that much of it has started to manifest. There are several tiny changes that are inching me towards my goal of living a creative life. For example, the calendar says “yoga”; I found a yoga studio three blocks from my apartment that I enjoy after this collage was made. Another example is the blue computer keys with happy expressions on them. I knew I wanted to write more, I feel this represents the birth of the Creative Cookie blog and my new computer. These changes in my life excite me. I am making progress!

Here’s an exercise from The Artist’s Way* that will help you build your own collage—I strongly encourage it.

Collage:

Collect a stack of at least ten magazines, which you will allow yourself to freely dismember.
Set a twenty-minute time limit for yourself, tear (literally) through the magazines, collecting any images that reflect your life or interests. Think of this collage as a form of pictorial autobiography. Include your past, present, future, and your dreams. It is okay to include images you simply like. Keep pulling until you have a good stack of images (at least twenty).
Now take a sheet of newspaper, a stapler, or some tape or glue, and arrange your images in a way that pleases you.
Give your collage a place of honor. Even a secret place of honor is all right—in your closet, in a drawer, anywhere that is yours. You may want to do a new one every few months, or collage more thoroughly a dream you are trying to accomplish.

In closing, here are a few questions to ponder: why do creative visioning exercises, like collage making, work? What are some other modes of creative visioning?

I’d love to hear from experienced and aspiring collage makers and creative visionaries…please share you work. I'd like to post you collages, if you'll allow me to.

*See the full list of Creative Reads that I recommend below.

Inspiring Event

2008-10-01T07:20:00.000-04:00

Join us on Wednesday, October 8 from 6-9p at C O Z B I for a wine tasting and a look at the one-of-a kind fall collection of women and children’s clothing, accessories, and quilts—all made in Brooklyn. You’ll also have an opportunity to learn about the wonderful work of The BAG Fund, a Brooklyn based nonprofit, dedicated to helping artists create work and share it with the world.

It’ll be great to see your smiling face. In other words: come out, be inspired, learn about a great cause.

C O Z B I  is located at: 530 Court St  in Brooklyn  (between Huntington and W 9th St). Take the F or G to Smith & 9th St.

Yellow Cotton

2008-10-01T00:11:00.001-04:00

Horary!!! I got an e-mail notification that my business cards will arrive soon!

On the 22nd day of July, I was shopping at Mood Fabrics and bumped into Christian Siriano winner of Project Runway Season 4. If I would have had a Creative Cookie business card I could have handed it to one of my favorite designers and told him how fierce he was. Instead he got a coy smile as I quietly continued to shop. Next time I’ll have something to offer but for now I’ll take it as a lesson learned on preparedness.

Cookie 2: Accessorize Surprise

2008-09-27T08:52:00.002-04:00

Using scraps to make accessories has been something that I've been exploring. Here are two hair clips made with the leftover materials from the bags we made.

I think they are fantastic!

The Colorful Bug that Bit Me

2008-09-26T20:11:00.001-04:00

“I’ve been bitten by the _______ bug” is what a person might exclaim when a new and exciting form of creative expression enters their life and they become smitten. Last Wednesday it became clear that the fabric bug had bitten me.

That morning I got to work and read my “daily good stuff” Daily Candy New York and DailyOM. Daily Candy’s feature was a group of sample sales and one of them caught my eye. It was for Lulu Dk on September 17-18. Lulu DK is a textile designer with playful graphics and color choices that I like. I stored the information in my head and thought, “Today and tomorrow are hectic. There is no way I’ll make it to the sale”. Lunch came and went and I kept working, still wondering, and telling myself that I was too busy. As the day progressed, I thought about the sale from time to time.

By 3:00p I could not contain myself any longer. I had to go. I checked HopStop.com and became aware that the bus was the most effective way for me to travel. I headed to Madison Avenue for the short ride uptown. I arrived at the location. A stylish woman greeted me and instructed me that the sale was in the back, and there it was, one box of fabric leaning next to a bookshelf. I thought, “You’ve got to be kidding me”. There were other products to purchase that Lulu DK produced, from the fabrics, but only a small amount of fabric to buy and it was $29 per yard. A few minutes later I returned to the street and headed back downtown on a very slow bus.

Somehow I retuned to work in a chipper mood about my decision to attend the sale. Shouldn’t I have been bitter? I purchased nothing and my little jaunt would cost me an extra hour in the office. I sat in front of my computer and pondered the question: Where do creative urges come from? Why and when do they happen? What is the best way to harness this energy into something special?

If you’ve been bitten, I’d love to hear about it…

Something New

2008-09-22T23:53:00.002-04:00

Tonight I enrolled in Typography I at NYU. I am really excited about starting classes again because it is an opportunity for me to have fun and learn something new. I promise to share some of what I learn in a future blog.

Here’s a “Try This” exercise that is in Living The Creative Life by Rice Freeman-Zachery (see the full list of Creative Reads at the bottom of the page).

Sign up for a class or workshop in something you’ve always wanted to know more about: pottery, pen and ink drawing, quilting, collage. Go in with no expectations. The Best thing that can happen is that doing so will open the door to adventures you can’t even imagine. The worst-case scenario is that you may find this medium or technique isn’t for you, but even so, rest assured that your time won’t be wasted: Things you’ve learned in a workshop tend to find their way into seemingly unrelated work when you least expect it. For example, the color mixing you study in a painting class may be perfect when you begin to dye your own fabric.

Sharing can be fun, let me know if you try something new. I’d love to hear what happened!

Cookie 1: A Little Spark is Born

2008-09-17T00:05:00.014-04:00

If you’re like me you love a good street fair, the food, people watching, and cheap earrings are enough to keep a girl happy for a while. This past Sunday, my zany neighbor/creative partner, Jennifer, and I put ourselves on the other side of the table and decided to be a vendor at the Flatbush Frolic. The Flatbush Frolic is a street fair that’s been a part of Brooklyn’s history for 31 years.

As you know from my last entry, we made tote bags from fabrics that were going to be thrown away. The material that we used was a micro suede from Italy and we had about 20 different colors of it. There were no wrong combinations; we placed fuchsia on chocolate, camel with powder blue, slate grey coupled with crimson, olive against sienna—the colors all seemed to somehow resonate with one another. The bags were "green" without literally being green.

We ended up making 14 totes and we sold 4 (we picked two to keep for ourselves)! I think we could have sold more but we decided to price them at $25 because our friends said we’d be crazy to sell them for anything less, and we agreed. The reactions that we got from every visitor who came to our table were positive. One woman took our contact information because she’d like to consider placing them in a gift shop and another asked for our web address because she wanted to tell her friends about our products (web address? We just got an email account the night before). This made me very happy!

I learned so much from this experience and am amazed that we were able to take a pile of remnants and a vision to introduce something new. We had fun too—the work and the idea came together perfectly.

I’d like to give a really BIG thank you to Cozbi for taking the time to help us sew smart, Craig for giving Jennifer the fabrics, Leanne and Melinda for coming to the fair, and Kamau for sharing ideas and putting up with a messy “Studio W” during production.

Flatbush Frolic

2008-09-11T07:11:00.003-04:00

This Sunday my wonderful co-designing partner, Jennifer, and I will be at the Flatbush Frolic selling tote bags made from rescued upholstery fabrics. Come & check us out.

Please wish us a dazzling debut!!!

Fashion Inspired Design

2008-09-09T22:31:00.010-04:00

“CREATIVE” is a sticker that I have proudly worn throughout my life; it’s been a recurring theme. But somehow my creative sensibilities never spun off into a medium that set me at a canvas, potter’s wheel, or under the limelight. This made it hard for me to picture myself as a creative type living a creative life. The artists I knew all had something tangible that they could produce and share with the world, or at the very least, with those who they loved. I was an art dabbler picking up what I felt, were ittsy bittsy wobbly fragments. These were the fibers that my “CREATIVE sticker” was made from.

When I moved to NYC something awoke in me, I had to get serious about nurturing my inner artist so that she could emerge. Design has always had an emotional impact on me. I decided that graphic design would become my art. I immediately enrolled in a few courses at NYU in digital and graphic design and discovered that I had found something that if I worked hard enough, I could be good at.

I love fashion too. You can find me frequenting high-end boutiques, thrift stores, select retail chains, and friend’s closets across America. I enjoy experimenting with mixing different patterns, styles, colors, and decades. Now that I am learning to sew, I’ve been able to bring a few of my own ideas into existence.

If I had to define my aesthetic I would call it “smarty art chic”. I plan to weave elements of fashion and textiles into my work as a graphic designer to make fashion inspired design.

Here’s what is inspiring me now:

A sampling of fabrics from a Fiber Notion charm pack. Fiber Notion is a store filled with eye-popping goodies for people who like to get their craft on. I plan to feature Fiber Notion in a future posting. Click the image to enlarge.

Mixing the Old with the New

2008-09-04T23:42:00.002-04:00

If I would have known that living a creative life simply meant changing only the way that I look at the world, I would have done things differently a long time ago. I wonder if being a late bloomer to this simple wisdom is for better or for worse? Being the optimist that I am, I have to say for the better. My logic is this: since I went longer than most artists, knowing this truth, and saw things as I thought they were I likely missed some wonderment and inspiration along the way. I think this gives me a broader range of being able to appreciate objects, both, for what they are and what they can be. I am now better at seeing new uses for old things.

If you are looking for inspiration, sit and think of new ways to see some of the older things that surround you. You’ll be surprised at what you come up with.

Infamous Question

2008-08-28T23:11:00.000-04:00

“Are you an artist?” is a question that I’ve been asked by some, but responded “no” to until recently. A group of us were preparing to walk to a concert in a nearby park, and a friend of a friend turned to me and asked that infamous question and I said, “yes I am”. For years I’ve responded with an array of hesitant statements that ranged from “I like to play in clay” to “I am an artist supporter and I like design” to just plain “no”. That August afternoon, I was able to respond in an affirmative way because I've started being intentional about developing my talent to live a life that's more creative.

I’d like to use the Creative Cookie blog to explore deeper questions, such as “what does creativity feel like”, to make a space for other unsure artists to emerge. This blog also will serve as a diary of my creative journey. So, you’ll get a glimpse of my artistic process and the adventures that I encounter along the way.

From one Creative Cookie to another, WELCOME!