Introducing....The Frock Closet by Melissa Mason

Today I would like to introduce to all of you a wonderful brand from New Zealand! It's all about hand made vintage dresses now! 

Behind the Frock Closet is Melissa Mason! She creates wonderful vintage dresses! 

I was inspired by her creations and illustrated a card inspired by her classic chic black 1950s day dress! 

                                                                             

I had a wonderful time to illustrate one of the designs in a  greeting card format! You can find the dress in the shop of course! 


http://www.etsy.com/listing/94102934/dress-up-in-a-classical-black-day-dress?ref=pr_shop
Trust Melissa when it comes to Vintage dresses and wear a classic stylish always trendy design from the Frock Closet!

Please introduce yourself.....


Who am I... wife, mum to mischievous twin boys, research nurse, chief cook and bottle washer at home! and passionate lover of those gorgeous vintage dresses from the 1950s and 60s! From beautiful Christchurch, New Zealand.

What is the inspiration for vintage and what is the story behind the Frock Closet?

Inspiration comes from a desire to own a pretty dress! There is something about the 1950s and 60s style... beautiful, feminine, alluring, flattering............. that I fell in love with .... and then it got me to thinking that if I was wanting a pretty frock in my closet, then other women probably did to! So The Frock Closet came about, I have been sewing for 30 years ( that makes me sound old! since I was a young teenager!) and thought I'd deviate from my normal style of sewing and branch out into a different era, and somehow seemed to find my heaven in this style! 

Do you have a favorite material to work with?

Favorite material.... Silk, cotton sateen, lawn cotton, anything beautiful and of high quality! Vintage! 

How do you stay on top of the game promoting your brand?

Because this is a new venture for me and somewhat different from the nursing I have been used to the past 20years!! (again, that makes me sound old! ) I am new to the promoting/advertising side of things. So to launch The Frock Closet, here in Christchurch, I had an evening held in my home and hosted by myself and with the help of two gorgeous friends, one of whom was a model.... with 27 in attendance the word in now being spread... it starts with one person telling one person who tells one more! Or at least is what I am hoping. I am still to grips with linking facebook with etsy, as a start in promoting my label....

Where do you see your brand in 5 years?

My brand in 5 years: Being the ambitious person that I am... I would like to hope that most girls in town have one of my "Frocks" in their closet!.... I would like my business to go down the track of custom made dresses, where  customers come and choose a style from my authentic vintage pattern ( of which I have over 50) and choose a fabric and then walk out with the dress of their dreams! that they had a part in it's creation and won;t see anyone else wearing the same dress....

Please visit the Facebook page and give her a big LIKE! I did:) 

http://www.facebook.com/pages/TheFrockCloset/293350527362340

If you would like to have your product illustrated, feel free to contact me here on the blog, or in my shop!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/BaleaRaitzART

And if you want to feel like a stylish woman, feminine and elegant, please visit this wonderful Etsy shop and dress up!

Stay Vogue! You can never go wrong with a classic dress! 

Introducing....“SheverDUSHKA” by Tatiana

Today I want to introduce to all of you a great and interesting brand based in Sydney Australia! “SheverDUSHKA”.   The force behind  “SheverDUSHKA”  is Tatiana. 

For the first time on this blog I will show you how a designer works- from the mood board to the final piece! I am exited to show you her latest collection, where I had the honor to illustrate a few pieces. 

Like 

This piece is called "The Hidden Within" 




Have a look at this wonderful piece of art! It's called "To infinity and beyond"

Please introduce yourself....

My name is Tatiana. I’m Russian but have been living in Australia for last 5 years. I guess, I just have a weakness for sunny places with practically no winter after living most of my life in Far East of Russia well-known for its severe cold winters.  I came to Australia to do my second university degree, have since completed one in Fashion & Textile Design at University of Technology, Sydney and started my own boutique style fashion label “SheverDUSHKA”.  

   What made you open an Etsy shop?

    Well… everyone knows that nowadays Internet is the vehicle to reach a broader audience and on-line shopping is growing bigger and stronger. Besides, after I started my label, which is quite young – just 1,5 year old,  I could clearly see that my style is much more European then Aussie and I need to reach my potential customers across the sea.  A friend of mine suggested to try etsy.com and that’s what I did.  And, I believe, that I fit there much more then I would within bunch of mainstream fashion brands on some other shopping web-sites. 

    The fact is that my designs are not about trends and fast-fashion. From the beginning I set myself to create pieces that will become the statement pieces of one’s wardrobe; the pieces which transform and lead the whole look; the timeless pieces that can travel from season to season and stay relevant.  Although, I wouldn’t call my designs classic, like LBD or two pieces Chanel style suit, but rather “point of difference” that helps to build and define one’s fashion style.

    In few worlds I would describe my designs as affordable and practical Haute Couture. I know that this term can be only applied to brands which belong to closed circle of chosen, but since 80-100 % of my textiles and garments are fully hand-made (I even stitch most of the seams by hand) and I never repeat my designs in identical way, I believe, I can deservedly apply it too J

 You just launched a new collection! Tell us about!

    My new collection is called “Transcendence” and it’s the second one by “SheverDUSHKA”.

    It’s again autumn/winter women’s wear and the main item of the new range is outwear – jackets, coats, capes. The pieces, I believe, are the ones which set the whole look. Also, now when I know my clientele better, I made some adjustments and the new collection is created with consideration for ladies of different sizes and shapes. Plus, although, each piece is OOAK, this time I will take orders to produce new versions of the items according to customers wishes but with certain changes in colour or/and textures, trims, etc. so it is not identical to the original.

    Working on collection I proceeded to explore textile techniques I got to experiment with developing my first collection “Human Chamaeleanus” 

– nuno-felting and shibori. 

It was love at first sight between me and those techniques J I totally love how they allow to create unique textiles and surfaces. Such poetry within!

    This time I drew inspiration from two different sources. Styles and silhouettes are inspired by historical costumes of 14-18 century, such as medieval dresses or regal robes. I think, the new HBO’s hit “Game of Thrones” has something to do with it J “Winter is coming…” J

    At the same time, textures and colour palette are driven by nature – stones, caves and ground surfaces – various shades of brown, tangerine and beige. Collection is made of high quality natural materials such as merino fleece, merino and virgin wool jersey, silks, silk/linen blends and some gold sequins and genuine leather in metallic shades to give it a more contemporary touch.

    The name of the collection “Transcendence” came (with a help of friend of mine) as I tried to express the underlying meaning beyond material and practical value of the garments. In general, the world “transcendence” describes “the state of excelling or surpassing or going beyond usual limits"; "a state of being or existence above and beyond the limits of material experience". 

In application to my collection it’s about taking inspiration from historical costumes, bringing elements over into modern society and giving a wearer a chance to get a sense, a feeling, an emotional experience, which goes far beyond just materiality of the garment itself.  Because, even in updated modern application each particular historical style comes with baggage of meanings attached to it and therefore creates different emotional atmosphere around as well as inside the wearer; changes the energy flow if you wish.

        What is your inspiration when you start a collection?

I always start from textiles. They are the driving force behind all of my designs. I start to search for raw materials first. For instance, for the “Transcendence” collection the fabrics I used for nuno-felting and shibori I have sourced in Spain while travelled there last year. Then, I experiment with textile designs and applications I’m currently into. I design and make most of the textiles for my collections, not just garments. I’m fascinated with textile manipulation techniques which allow transforming plain piece of fabric or scratch of fleece into totally new fabrication.  As for general inspiration – it’s the world around me, mostly Nature -the greatest designer of all; and architecture.  

      Where do you see your brand in 5 years?

Ideally, I would love to be able to deliver my designs to a few hundreds of loyal customers/friends around the globe and share my passion for individuality with them.  I have no intention to become a mass-production brand. For me, to nourish my brand and to building up a long lasting and trusting relationship with my customers is the same thing. Chance to showcase my designs in some well-known fashion shows around the world and to have a few pieces snitch by museums for their collections would also be a dream come true J But first things first J

Please visit this unique Etsy shop!

Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/sheverdushka
Go on Facebook and give her a big LIKE! I did :) 

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sheverdushka
And if you want to know more about her amazing collections you should definitely check her blog out! 

Blog: http://www.moodychameleon.blogspot.co.nz/

It was a great collaboration and I am looking forward to see the rest of the collection that will be launched  by Monday! Visit her Facebook to see the complete collection!

D&G or Perrone....

I just love these D&G scarf wrap shoes! A touch of vibrant color the can make you outfit pop! 

Do you have a favorite?

Silk print at your feet makes you feel gorgeous. You walk on clouds with such wonderful shoes. 

Gotta love the heel! I'm in love and my little black dress is screaming for a match! 

The Gaetano Perrone heel shouts  party time 

I am thinking about to illustrate one of these shoes! 

What would you pick D&G or Perrone heel?

Stay Vogue! 

Don't forget to enter my custom illustration Giveaway! 

Good luck!
http://balearaitzart.blogspot.co.nz/2012/05/giveaway.html

And the winner is.....

The Giveaway is over and the winner is Valerie :)! 

This endless I love fashion card is on the way to you! 

Feel free to visit Val's Etsy shop! 

http://www.etsy.com/shop/discerningchichi

Stay Vogue! 

Introducing.....ArtnSun by Leah Wald

Today I would like to introduce to you another exiting brand from Nelson New Zealand. Meet Leah Wald from ArtnSun!

The illustration for this interview is a one of a kind gift tag inspired by this wonderful crochet brooch called Windflower and it has a seashell button.

The color combo is amazing - reminds me of the sea and it relaxes your spirit!

It's adorable! Really check out her shop!

Check it out!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/93314399/windflower-brooch-crochet-green-and

Make sure you visit the Etsy shop and buy eco friendly designs!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ArtnSun

You can also visit her felt shop! Check it out: http://felt.co.nz/shop/artnsun


Please introduce yourself....

Hello, my name is Leah and I live in beautiful Nelson, New Zealand.

I’m and artist and crafter. I like to try new things and to experiment with my creations; however, crocheting is my relaxing therapy, and I always come back to it. I love colours and want to bring colour to everybody’s wardrobe. 

Why did you open an Etsy shop?

I love Etsy. It’s a great international community to belong to. I think Etsy can be a good platform to sell online and meet other creative people. Its part of the green revolution and slow living in which I believe is a better future for us and the planet.

How do you promote your designs?

I don’t promote my shop as much as I really want and need. I am active in different ways on Etsy treasuries, teams and circles. I am planning to go to the local markets and inspire offline buyers to become online ones.

Where do you see your brand in 5 years?

At the moment, I’m a full time student doing 3 casual part time jobs; so, in 5 years’ time I plan to be –self-employed.

I want to develop my designs to be more complex and incorporate other recycled materials.

I am also working on creating a new and exciting method of painting with water – watch this space...

So if you love crochet and accessories combine this love and check out a wonderful fresh shop!

Thank you for reading and feel free to comment!
Stay Vogue!

Introducing.... Kitty Kat Glass Designs by Libby Lipscomb Boyer

Today I want to introduce to you a wonderful shop on Etsy and a great artist! Her name is Libby Lipscomb Boyer and her jewelry are colorful, fun and unique!




Let's talk fused glass, beads and jewelry....

Please introduce yourself...

I am Libby Lipscomb Boyer. My husband and I live in a small fishing community on the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia ( USA). It is so small we don't have a single stoplight in the entire county. My husband calls it "The Land That Time Forgot". After 20+ years in a hectic career in Washington DC, we love the peace and quite we have found here. I retired 9 years ago after struggling with Multiple Sclerosis for 15 years. At one point I was in the wheelchair. After years of trying various treatments, I am now on a regimen that has given to me the energy to try my hand on things I enjoy doing. My neurologist says my jewelry business is the best therapy I could ever have found. It gives me a reason to get up each day, a sense of worth as an individual that I had lost to this disease.

Why fused glass and how does it work?


In 2011 a friend who does stained glass introduced me to fused glass. I bought a tiny microwave kiln and in two weeks I blew our microwave! I bought a small counter -top kiln, which I quickly outgrew. Today my studio has taken over most of the top floor of our house and I have two kilns.

I fill the kiln at night and can't wait to see what result from the overnight firing. It isn't until I see the finished glass that ideas start building. Especially with dichroic glass, you never know how it will turn out until it is fired. I design each kumihimo cord specially for the pendant it will display. And I can spend hours sifting thought lampwork beads to find just the perfect combination for a design I want to develop. Each of my pieces is truly one of a kind. I love the process of combining various components into beautiful jewelry. I use my fused glass, handmade lampwork beads and top quality jewelry findings. I make hand-beaded kumihimo necklaces for many of my pendants.


Where can we find your creations?

My fused glass designs sell at local galleries and gift shops and online on Etsy as KittyKat Glass Designs http://www.etsy.com/shop/KittyKatGlassDesigns I recently even opened a second shop on Etsy called LadyB Gems to showcase the jewelry I  create with the gorgeous lampwork beads from other talented glass artists. http://www.etsy.com/shop/LadyBGems  I give the bead artist credit in each listing, something most jewelry designers seem unwilling to do. They created the inspiration and deserve the credit!

 What can we find in the near future in your shops?

My designs are varied and eclectic- I get bored doing the same thing all the time. This week I may work with frit, murrini and gold decals designing one of my Under the Sea pendants. ( see above)
Next week I might be stringing crystals into lovely kumihimo cords or designed a pendant with lampwork beads,such in as the blue and green fish necklace in the photo (right)
And then I will turn to my own fused glass- perhaps even making some business card holders or coasters as a break from jewelry design. So check back often to see what is new in my Etsy shop!

Visit the website! http://www.kittykatglassdesigns.com/
Check the Facebook and go give her a like! I did :)
http://www.facebook.com/libby.boyer


http://www.facebook.com/KittyKatDesigns
http://www.facebook.com/LadyBGems

My illustration for Kit Kat Glass Designs  were some one of a kind rhinestone embellished cat shaped gift tags!

If you need so spicy up your shop with some funky illustrations feel free to contact me! 

http://www.etsy.com/shop/BaleaRaitzART

Introducing....AmongTheAtmosphere by Stephanie Garza

Today I would like to introduce to all of you a one of a kind shop- AmongTheAtmosphere by Stephanie Garza.

This time I illustrated a feather necklace that was catching my eyes as soon as I went on her shop! 

Let's talk AmongTheAtmosphere...

Please introduce yourself....

Hello my name is Stephanie Garza. I am 24 years old. I live in Jacksonville Florida, working out of my small studio( my living room). I graduated from Maryland Institute College of Art in 2009 with a BFA in General Sculpture Studies. Visual Arts has been my passion since I can remember. I am happiest when I am creating something.

What made you open an Etsy shop and what is your inspiration?


I've always admired Etsy shop owners and wanted to open a shop of my own. It's amazing to have handmade, unique items available to purchase from artists just like me. The thought of supporting someone else's dream is really special to me.
I finally got the opportunity to open my own etsy shop this past December, since then I have poured everything I have into constantly working on expanding and making it better.

Inspiration for a lot of my pieces relate to childhood, and hanging on to that kidlike spirit. I try to bring in themes and objects I loved and admired as a kid ( paper, airplanes, feathers, leaves, animals....) into my work.Nature is also a huge source of inspiration to me. Outside of creating pieces, another interest of mine are plants. My goal is to try to make pieces I would want to have on my own.

Do you have a favorite material you work with?

While in college I became adept in woodworking, ceramics and fibers.Therefore, it's hard for me to choose just one material. I love working with fiber and clay the most.  While working with fiber, I feel calm. Something about the repetition of knitting and crocheting each stitch is  incredibly therapeutic. My attraction to clay, on the other hand is the idea of creating something out of nothing. You start with just a lump of clay and can mold it into anything you can image. There is something kind of magical about that. In my shop I try hard to make my fiber and clay pieces correlate to keep everything cohesive. I balance this by going back and forth between fiber and clay items; when I don't know what I want to make in clay, I knit or crochet and vise versa. This process helps me stay focused and full of ideas.

How do you promote your designs?

Promoting and marketing has been quite a challenge for me. Right now I am trying to figure out which site works best for my shop. I post a lot of works in progress and announce finished pieces on my tumblr:
http://abouttheatmosphere.tumblr.com/

I started using Facebook to show my friends and family my pieces on Etsy with the hope of spreading the work further than the people I know!

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Among-The-Atmosphere/248385451898017

So go to her FB and give her a big LIKE! I did :)

Recently I decided to try out Twitter ... but I am still learning that one: https://twitter.com/#!/AmongAtmosphere

Check out the Twitter and follow her! I did :)

And finally it was suggested to me to use pinterest, which is an amazingly addictive new tool, and I am exited about it's possibilities! http://pinterest.com/TheAtmosphere/

And Pinterest?.... Check it out and pin pin pin....

Where do you see your brand in 5 years?

In five years I would like to have a larger studio where I can expand my shop products. I am not sure if I can continue to create scarves, jewelry and other accessories, but will see where time takes me. I find myself always evolving and becoming fascinated with other objects that can eventually be sold in my shop. But honestly, as long as I am creating pieces and doing what I love to do for a living, I am happy. I am lucky already to have the passion and talent I have been given. I never want to take that for granted.

So if you want to be introduced and want to have one of your products illustrated feel free to contact me!
Visit my shop and we can have a little chat! http://www.etsy.com/shop/BaleaRaitzART

Make sure you visit Stephanie's blog! http://abouttheatmosphere.tumblr.com/ and of course the Etsy shop! http://www.etsy.com/people/AmongTheAtmosphere

Enjoy... AmongTheAtmosphere!

Introducing....Silly GooseNZ by Tessa

Today I want to introduce to all of you another amazing NZ brand! Say hello to SillyGooseNZ by the lovely Tessa. SillyGooseNZ is based in Hamilton and does wonderful children wear.

I had the pleasure to illustrate for Tessa and the SillyGooseNZ brand!

Let's talk merino....

Please introduce yourself...

Hi, my name is Tessa.

What is your inspiration and what is the story behind SillyGooseNZ?
I started making merino goodies fro myself and kids. And after a while for my husband too. I noticed that a lot of companies sold merino but not at prices I could afford. So I wanted to introduce a basic line of merino clothing that was still at a good quality and at a much more reasonable price. I try to keep my prices within reach of most people and always use 100% when I can. In fact I do not buy it now, if it isn't 100%.

Where else can we purchase your designs?

You can find me on Etsy! http://www.etsy.com/people/sillygoosenz

And I have a Facebook page. Plus I occasionally see at local markets. Also this Southern winter I was hoping to have "Merino Parties", like Tupperware, in peoples homes so it can be a bit more of a fun social night out with a few merino purchases.


How do you stay on top of the game promoting your products?


I find promoting tricky as this really is all rather new to me. I try to make the most of free avenues, to try and keep the price down. But this year I am trying a few Expos to get my name a bit more out there. I try and join groups of Etsy, Facebook and blog about my crazy life.

http://www.thecraftycroall.blogspot.co.nz/

Where do you see your brand in 5 years?

In 5 years time...now!!! I hope to be still be doing this, with my own web page and enough consistent orders so I can just work on this. I would love to get my clothing into a store, I guess world domination!!!!! I try hard to make a range of items without spreading myself too thin. My leggings seem to be a hit, I am hoping my hoodies and wraps start to take off too. I try to use bright,colorful merino fabrics so people can have something a bit different.

Love it! It's a family business! :) Adorable! 

Please visit the Facebook page and give SillyGooseNZ a big LIKE! I did :) !
http://www.facebook.com/Sillygoosenz

Visit the Etsy shop and pick wonderful Merino clothing, for your family! Feel cozy, warm and natural with the SillyGooseNZ brand!

http://www.etsy.com/people/SillyGooseNZ

Funky hats, soft leggings, hoodies, shirts....
You pick!


If you need your product illustrated you can
contact me!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/BaleaRaitzART


Thank you for taking part and feel free to contact SillyGooseNZ for more details!

Introducing....Miss Pixie Pocket by Charlotte Benfield

Today I want you all to meet Miss Pixie Pocket! Dive with me in the 1950s and enjoy the beautiful dresses made by Charlotte Benfield. 
If you love the 50s this is the shop for you! 

E voila my illustration inspired by the lovely Miss Pixie Pocket aka Charlotte Benfield! 


Perfect for a wonderful unique wedding, don't you think?
I love her feminine and creative designs inspired by the crazy, fun 1950s! 

Please introduce yourself....

Hi, I am Charlotte Benfield, aka Miss Pixie Pocket. I am 29 years old. I live in Christchurch, New Zealand with my boyfriend Ari Freeman in a big old 1950s Villa. 

Pixie Pocket was started about a year ago in Christchurch. We had a really big earthquake and I was off work for a week and a half. I had been wanting to start a new label for a long time, but never had the time. A lot of the city was shut down and people were asked to stay home. As there was not much to do, I decided this would be a great project to keep me busy. By the time I went back to work the following Monday I had my Etsy store up and running. 

What is your inspirations and what is your brand about?

Pixie Pocket is a 1950s, Rockabilly and Pin up Dress Label, bringing together the fun and flare of the 1950s with a modern rocker twist. I get inspired by so many things it's hard o list them all. 

Fabrics: I love fabrics, looking at new pattern, weaves and fibers.I can spend hours at the fabric store. My favorite fabric is cotton, either in a good quality print or a sateen weave. 

Styles: It's important that all my dresses can be mixed and matched, so you can get this bodice to go with a skirt, enabling easy customization. When I am designing a new line, I like to think about the styles just before I fall asleep, as I believe that in dreams you can get interesting ideas. 

How long does it take you to finish one dress?

It really depends on my mood ( productivity wise). If I am going really well I can get a dress done per day, if I am going a bit slow it takes me two days. Custom dresses can take me a bit longer though. Especially some of the trickier ones. I'll hang them on the wall in my sewing room so while I am working on other things I can see them and think how they will look best. 

I generally start work 8.30am and work until 10-11pm. I sometimes think fashion design and sewing is not a career, it's an addiction. The more beautiful things you create, the more you want to create. 

Where else can we find you? 

I have my own website! http://www.pixiepocket.com/

Facebook! Go visit the page and give her a big LIKE! I did! :) 

http://www.facebook.com/Pixiepocket

Etsy store!  http://www.etsy.com/shop/PixiePocket?

Where do you see your brand in 5 years?

I just hope to be keeping doing what I'm doing. I have thought about this a lot and I want to keep Pixie Pocket a small business, just me, doing everything. I love the personal touch and knowing that everything I send out into the world is made by me to my standards and expectations. I am very lucky and think I must have the most lovely customers in the world. 

So if you want a custom stylish Pixie Pocket dress feel free to contact Miss Pixie Pocket! 

She will be happy to bring the 1950s diva in you! 

It is maybe the perfect style for you for a special day... wedding!

If you need your product illustrated feel free to contact me here on the blog or in my shop! 

http://www.etsy.com/shop/BaleaRaitzART

You got to love this one! 

Or the cute yellow one?

You pick!