Things that make you go Hmmmmmmm.....

So many people ask me (wait a minute, that's a major exaggeration! LOL. Let me start that again).

Every once in a while, someone asks me how I was inspired to do this 'mosaic' style of upcycled clothing. I never really knew the answer, until this weekend, duh, it hit me right in the face.



Yup, these are my paintings. Very old ones mind you....but look at what I was painting!



I did an entire series called Maps for about 3 years. I have so many of them at my mum's house, I'll have to get pictures one day. But here's another example.



It's interesting that at the time I was really interested in color (as well as lack thereof ~ I'm big into monochromatic work!) but now in sewing this habit has evolved to print and color.

When I look at these images.....well, it all seems to make sense to me now :)

So there you have it...my answer to the masses ;) of why I create this style of upcycled kids clothing. And that's my personal lesson of the weekend.

xo,
shari

A pictorial on our first day of this long weekend....

This weekend we decided to labor on Labor Day. My husband, not the handiest in the bunch (shhhhh), alerted me we would be sealing the driveway. On our own.

Having a decade of painting experience from working in art galleries, I was actually pretty excited. There is something very relaxing about painting to me :)

Finley has caught some kind of bug this weekend, so she hung out in her jammies and checked in on us every once in a while. Yes, in about a year when she outgrows them they will become part of an SLD dress ;)

I have to admit, I was a little nervous about leaving her in the house all afternoon while we worked. I've always been one of those mothers, hovering on being a helicopter parent (pun intended ;) because for the most part, Finley was never very easily 'entertained' and often needed a lot of my attention. But my husband convinced me she would be fine.

At a certain point (probably from boredom ;) she had some kind of Cinderella moment and ran inside to put on her dress and start sweeping.

The disapeared inside and began the crafting extravaganza.

She worked for several hours, on her own, and marveled at her handiwork.

She was so proud....

The artist busy in her studio.... No matter what I did, she wouldn't pay me any attention.

And, wait for it.....Lesson of the Day:



My kid kicked butt entertaining herself!! She did me so proud! I know, sounds weird to be proud of your kid while you technically are neglecting them. Ha! But she learned a massive lesson too. She doesn't need me every few minutes to entertain her (though she tried for quite a while). She created about 8 'detailed beyond belief collages' and went through two rolls of tape. Her creativity was through the roof, and I couldn't be more proud!

Even though this was the aftermath ;)



Next project? Apparently we are pressure washing and staining the deck tomorrow. Should I bother cleaning up the studio? ;)

Why I make dresses....

Based on my dismal performance last night in the kitchen, I realized my Lesson of the Day:


I am not a great chef. Who am I kidding. I am not even a great cook. :) I can follow a recipe and make things like that, but when I try a recipe that I make up...well, not so great ;)

Yesterday we had a BUNCH of gorgeous looking radishes from a friend's garden. And after asking people on my Facebook page what I should make with them, we decided on Radish Chips.

Look at the pretty Radishes. I even pulled out my mandolin, which I am deathly afraid of because it seems I am bound to chop off a finger (Yay, I didn't!!)!



Then I baked them in a hot oven with some oil and salt. I even threw in some carrots to try mini carrot chips. Anything to attempt to get vegetables into my kiddo without relying solely on V8 Fusion juice :) They looked pretty decent....but slightly pathetic.



Finley happily gobbled up about 3 'chips'



And then promptly spat them out. I won't share that photo ;)

So although I finally had my a-ha moment of "man, I can't really cook very well!" it also gave me an a-ha moment of what I CAN do well. I sew cute dresses, and I'm proud of that :)

I feel like I should form a 12 step group....

"Hi, my name is Shari, and I make dresses because I can't cook."

xo,
Shari, the non-cook, even though I've always wanted to be able to.

I gave Finley my camera yesterday.....

And this is her photo montage....Here are the titles I imagine Finley would have given them....

Why is Mummy Blocking the View?:


Self Portrait of Feet:

My Mum is such a Scene Stealer!:

I still Can't Figure out what this is:

Mummy isn't Sure what to do with a Magic Wand:

And so.......Lesson of the day is:

Give your kid a camera. It's awesome to look at the world through their eyes and imagine what they might be thinking. :) I am actually thinking of giving her the camera once a week or month to ask her to take pictures of her favorite things and see what she comes up with. Wouldn't it be neat to then create a photo book out of it? Such great memories, cause they grow up so fast!! :)

xo,
Shari

Lauren Jumper Giveaway!

It seems I've gotten into the habit of doing a giveaway each time I create a new style...so let's go for it!!

Here's how to enter to win one of the new Lauren Jumper's:

1. Join and suggest the SLD Facebook page to your friends on FB! Let me know about it on my FB page :) Make sure they leave a comment saying you sent them and you are both entered to win!
2. Follow my blog and you get an extra entry!
3. Blog about the giveaway and get an extra entry! (let me know you blogged about it and leave me the link!)
4. Tweet about the contest (let me know!)

Giveaway ends August 16th, 2010. Good luck!!! *****GIVEAWAY EXTENDED TO AUG 25th to celebrate the 6 month anniversary of my shop!*****

The fine print. In large :)

-Giveaway open to all countries but shipping charges will apply to International winners.
-Lauren Jumper winner may select from size 12 month to size 7/8 Girls.

Thanks for playing! You can see my other items at my etsy and Big Cartel Shops:
http://sorenlorensendesign.bigcartel.com/
and
www.sorenlorensendesign.com
xo,
shari