KNOWLEDGES

Solar Magnetogram, courtesy of Mt. Wilson Observatory

KNOWLEDGES at Mount Wilson Observatory is a weekend-long (June 23rd and 24th, 2012) art event taking place on the grounds of a historic 100-year-old observatory located in the San Gabriel Mountains north of Los Angeles. More than thirty Los Angeles artists are participating with paintings, sculptures, photography, film screenings, music and sound performances, lectures and installations. 

Co-curators Christina Ondrus and Elleni Sclavenitis are requesting support- seeking donations in any amount to keep this event free and open to the public! They are not receiving any institutional or corporate funding for this event, and are doing it all themselves thanks to the generosity of others — the artists, the staff at Mount Wilson, friends, family and community.

Some of my favorite artists are participating in this event including Russell Crotty, Emilie Halpern, and Katie Grinnan. Tomorrow, May 31st, is the last day of their fund drive. Please consider making a donation--thank you! I hope to see you there :)

Ancient Pocket for ERMIE SS '12

A big peek (would that be a glimpse? ) of Ancient Pocket for ERMIE SS'12 Necklaces. Ancient Pocket is the creation of Vanessa Samp, an artist currently living and working in Algona, Iowa. 

Vanessa's creations are playful, sensitive, naive yet knowing-- and a whole lot of quirky fun. Made with mixed media, including wood, white air-dry clay, seed beads,  & semi-precious stones, these pendants will be the perfect casual adornment for your Summertime. More images on my Instagram. Available in June, along with the rest of the ERMIE Summer 2012 collection. 

 ** Background in these photographs is my hand-dyed Indigo Linen that will be used to make these goodies!

eclipse

Even the birds seemed to be waiting and watching...

...more photographs on my Instagram!

(my sometime partner in crime, Cheryl Cambras, took the best pics with her iPhone & telescope!)

Great Odds

As of this writing only 3 people have submitted their names for the Silk Crepe de Chine Scarves that are on sale. Those are great odds! The Ave. 51 & Talitha Prints are getting the most attention right now; let's show some love for the Magic Marker & Zuma Prints!! These are Big (36" x 72"), luxurious, 100% silk scarves. I'm betting, odds are, you'd love adding one to your wardrobe.

xx

P.S. You can always enter for more than one item to increase your chances :)

Happy Weekend: Silk Crepe de Chine Scarves for SALE. 

Los Angeles Leathercraft & Thread and Crescent

Yesterday I met with the delightful Mitzi Guidry of Los Angeles Leathercraft at LAL's Bell Gardens studio. I fell in love with the all of the beautiful old machines in still in use (all made in the U.S.A. !) and of course the many pieces of gorgeously colored and textured leather. Mitzi and her team do things the old fashioned way...crafting products by hand, one at a time: 

"Los Angeles Leathercraft is an LA based manufacturer of private label leather accessories. Our craftsmen, with over 30 years of experience hand crafting leather accessories, make all our products here in our Bell Gardens work shop. LAL offers a complete product development service from raw material sourcing & sampling to production & quality management.
We are advocates for our local apparel & accessories manufacturing industries as well as all related services. In addition, we are proud of our efforts in sourcing raw materials within North America.. USA & local when possible." 

Good stuff.

In addition to being a partner of LAL, Guidry recently opened her beautiful new webstore with brother Donovan Guidry: Thread and Crescent. I scored a pair of the Greek Sandals, and have my eye on some other items as well!

I'm am thrilled to tell you that I'll be collaborating with Mitzi on a project for LAL! More to come!!

Before the guests arrived. 

Impromptu Mother's Day BBQ.

Recipe for glazed almonds here. 

Hope your Monday is off to a good start!

KFF Vintage Series, Play It As It Lays pt 2, out takes

See Joanna's finished post here.