tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27925414770438441712024-03-05T20:13:25.576-08:00Re-Purpose History BlogRe-Purpose Historyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03546609160754257975noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2792541477043844171.post-29580272740865235192011-04-01T02:51:00.000-07:002011-04-01T02:51:51.530-07:00Playing with UV resin<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">A little while back I posted about receiving my UV resin and ultraviolet lamp to try out. I finally got around to testing it. <br />
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I had to install the bulb into the lamp but fortunately it was easy because the whole top comes off. The lamp didn't look all that sturdy online but I was pleasantly surprised to find it has some weight to it. The open area is mirrored, I imagine to bounce the light around.<br />
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The resin is called Gel du Soleil. It's not cheap but it sounded so convenient. The packaging said 15 minutes under the lamp to set up. They recommend multiple thin layers I purchased the smallest bottle available just in case I didn't like it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinl66yPK7lWU4Y_qd5o3zKJBtpa69BNMx_ls5r0Grx2jqsaH8rB3sDxDwkQhexn921o5Nfk2Iq_FV_JIb8dnjxLSfYbWb_aiR91urqWhUL89BhPL7essHdufsgh3srAyJnPuiwT4Ooxxfb/s1600/IMG_2322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinl66yPK7lWU4Y_qd5o3zKJBtpa69BNMx_ls5r0Grx2jqsaH8rB3sDxDwkQhexn921o5Nfk2Iq_FV_JIb8dnjxLSfYbWb_aiR91urqWhUL89BhPL7essHdufsgh3srAyJnPuiwT4Ooxxfb/s320/IMG_2322.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lamp and resin</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I chose a oval silver plated pendant and some chiyogami paper for my test. I cut the paper to size and did a couple of coats of Mod Podge to seal the dyes in the paper. It took longer to dry then normal because we were having lots of rain when I decided to try this out. Once the paper was dry I glued it in to the bottom of the pendant and allowed that to dry, it took about an hour in the damp air.<br />
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This pendant is fairly deep so I followed the directions and planned several layers. One of the things that attracted me to this resin is the fact that there is <u>no mixing.</u> All you have to do is drip it into the pendant. <br />
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I had watched several videos and one recommended waiting 15 minutes to allow any bubbles to come to the surface. After the 15 minutes I used a bbq lighter very lightly. Just hovered quickly over the surface of the resin to cause any air bubbles to burst. (I don't recommend this, you can also use a heat gun) If you use a heat gun be careful not to blow the resin out of the bezel.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPvzWSXx84VicqCgYUO2hJ-V4h1WbGd3L9TmUtFBpyqJKeUsibof4MOV4rs4LcTp9wrKrFanB9Hr2gRiTIjm28hpsSY63nCL1vFOadLf0GHyhhPqXqRFzKpV_MyTZmx-KqXM6TaMiPTH1_/s1600/IMG_2288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="118" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPvzWSXx84VicqCgYUO2hJ-V4h1WbGd3L9TmUtFBpyqJKeUsibof4MOV4rs4LcTp9wrKrFanB9Hr2gRiTIjm28hpsSY63nCL1vFOadLf0GHyhhPqXqRFzKpV_MyTZmx-KqXM6TaMiPTH1_/s320/IMG_2288.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">filled bezel on toothpicks to keep it level</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWMGelioiUbS0Bo5u1__Z2sRnJ54p-ozDUC0tjJ4a_pT9jZsx6-0qC-i3hZYBVgLkZ78SUhOFH098bSrcldpxRM-8ur-_uPipfhVwRcbz1Wkp2KNcmeWU-lrBSZp1gUSr54Uqo-etqnKoU/s1600/IMG_2290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWMGelioiUbS0Bo5u1__Z2sRnJ54p-ozDUC0tjJ4a_pT9jZsx6-0qC-i3hZYBVgLkZ78SUhOFH098bSrcldpxRM-8ur-_uPipfhVwRcbz1Wkp2KNcmeWU-lrBSZp1gUSr54Uqo-etqnKoU/s320/IMG_2290.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Once the 15 minutes were up I put the pendant into the lamp and turned it on. I then walked away so I wouldn't be tempted to touch. I am really impatient. After time was up I took it out and sure enough, I had dry but warm resin. Wow, 15 minutes instead of days. I love that. <br />
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I did two more shallow fills, I didn't want to mess up. This resin is so easy to work with. I will note that it does have more odor then some craft resin but not a smelly as the industrial resins. It wasn't bad enough to be a bother but I did open a window. I think ventilation is always good to practice.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrA4I2PuiqYbb3LGCu0PB6y2t5hu5dJzE1_7MeVhj2czcm9OQhyphenhyphenGupMSUbq6KrsBskywB7VUabulH_WXf3nPHzskSqIlg73RBK744LJeuJvC3LZK3PEJcTPWJmW7PQDyBesAUnDRpKYCXa/s1600/IMG_2296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrA4I2PuiqYbb3LGCu0PB6y2t5hu5dJzE1_7MeVhj2czcm9OQhyphenhyphenGupMSUbq6KrsBskywB7VUabulH_WXf3nPHzskSqIlg73RBK744LJeuJvC3LZK3PEJcTPWJmW7PQDyBesAUnDRpKYCXa/s320/IMG_2296.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I decided to add a Sworovski crystal element charm in the last layer of resin. It looks like it is floating.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPV4Re_3pa9rbt3hgSmB1uRUjV5My6wVgfjK0xIcDjfowKXlyl0xhGbsI8NDive7wuBil8CEQOXQBZGDQp01BBhC5x7uaIFD0UsXhX9-XRzEDqTGGXK6kBbo3og7a0alvQQS-OkDZPLGwp/s1600/IMG_2298.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPV4Re_3pa9rbt3hgSmB1uRUjV5My6wVgfjK0xIcDjfowKXlyl0xhGbsI8NDive7wuBil8CEQOXQBZGDQp01BBhC5x7uaIFD0UsXhX9-XRzEDqTGGXK6kBbo3og7a0alvQQS-OkDZPLGwp/s320/IMG_2298.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjitiUbNJ-2fZS6jpB3wrvZd_EKTvT8l26bBJywFzCGSKahiN2WAEX7Xj90W16oZ9Dc0gaW17CtvQierGQrgSgMkFU7P5xbaS8JUDDDjSqRLcCSYM2HbzgLi5xy99kGRxi9iVwdy_kDkL-/s1600/IMG_2313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjitiUbNJ-2fZS6jpB3wrvZd_EKTvT8l26bBJywFzCGSKahiN2WAEX7Xj90W16oZ9Dc0gaW17CtvQierGQrgSgMkFU7P5xbaS8JUDDDjSqRLcCSYM2HbzgLi5xy99kGRxi9iVwdy_kDkL-/s320/IMG_2313.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
These last two photos are the completed resin. I am really happy with the way it turned out. I will be keeping this resin on hand as much as possible. I can still see where the two part resins would be good for some things but for now this is my favorite.<br />
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I would love to hear what everyone else is using.</div>Re-Purpose Historyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03546609160754257975noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2792541477043844171.post-8323574396602244492011-03-30T03:32:00.000-07:002011-04-11T02:27:24.555-07:00Pink Parlour Festival at Santa Anita park 2011<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Wow, this show was so awesome! This past weekend my cousin, my husband and I went to this show. Our intent was to check it out and maybe talk to a few people. In general to get an idea if this show would be one we would like to try and vend at next year.<br />
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We arrived a little late (work had to be finished first) so when we arrived it was going on 3 in the afternoon and the show had begun at 11 in the morning. The first thing we noticed was that the parking lot was packed, a good sign. Then as we walked in the gates we found that there were multiple things going on. So, maybe there aren't as many people here as we first thought. There was a food and wine event (looked yummy) and horse racing of course. We were at a race track after all so that was expected. Turns our our tickets gave us access to the show and the track and free race programs, a pretty good deal for five dollars.<br />
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To get to the Pink Parlour area we had to walk thru the middle of the food and wine group and thru the betting window area. We already had our wrist bands when we got to the entrance so we were able to walk right in. People who were there just for the races were buying tickets at the door to get in too so I think they probably paid more.<br />
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Right away it was sensory overload, pink everywhere and music playing pretty loud. If you don't like music and crowds this isn't the show for you because it was pretty packed. This was exactly what we were hoping for, lots of people most important, people buying. <br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Lot's of Steampunk but there was plenty of variety so if Steampunk isn't your thing don't be worried. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX776yDJRIqiLiCoz_Tv9DNNvhUMrKBL_xiwW-dKBQ5dOsViiFW8kda0AlYTk1TvLMbiuGB25aLuAwKG6rAy2FrWBGpYaSnl6GJK5nsOq5QDz8FQS0WB8TGFsghiU7CnQr4Daj5uOCpXP7/s1600/IMG_2378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX776yDJRIqiLiCoz_Tv9DNNvhUMrKBL_xiwW-dKBQ5dOsViiFW8kda0AlYTk1TvLMbiuGB25aLuAwKG6rAy2FrWBGpYaSnl6GJK5nsOq5QDz8FQS0WB8TGFsghiU7CnQr4Daj5uOCpXP7/s320/IMG_2378.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilpYFg-cYfyQlPAqHOz_Mmitl3GDx87dduvDIcKu3L7Uufop1lOwf5Fuk1koQonANkz2X2CFDyyjMUZ3Biuk-xwU5w2aAiCFk-_Jx2djtSkcGMNozbqtLwjLlo84jzTwbf_L3N9fqVhyphenhyphen9N/s1600/IMG_2377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilpYFg-cYfyQlPAqHOz_Mmitl3GDx87dduvDIcKu3L7Uufop1lOwf5Fuk1koQonANkz2X2CFDyyjMUZ3Biuk-xwU5w2aAiCFk-_Jx2djtSkcGMNozbqtLwjLlo84jzTwbf_L3N9fqVhyphenhyphen9N/s320/IMG_2377.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From the ladies of <span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.nbbwear.com/" style="color: #005488;" target="_blank">www.nbbwear.com</a> </span></td></tr>
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</div><div>There was everything there from jewelry to handmade soaps, reproduction vintage style dresses, children's toys and clothing.</div><div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfR0QObxpiLinyVDGNOXOo9zZK-T8x6gH3RYNY6pEsBsT6U9-aKrgeR8az0xEneW6vDb2mDZR603DFBf0rn59ZNgp8HXLgLtzfpCJL4Amtk0-LD8Tc62wB90Ff8WIf1u4YNzDI3sHxdKvN/s1600/IMG_2330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfR0QObxpiLinyVDGNOXOo9zZK-T8x6gH3RYNY6pEsBsT6U9-aKrgeR8az0xEneW6vDb2mDZR603DFBf0rn59ZNgp8HXLgLtzfpCJL4Amtk0-LD8Tc62wB90Ff8WIf1u4YNzDI3sHxdKvN/s320/IMG_2330.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><a href="http://jmtolman.etsy.com/" style="color: #005488;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"></span></a>JM Tolman </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/jmtolman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">http://www.etsy.com/shop/jmtolman</span></span> </a></td></tr>
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</div><div>We walked the whole show and overall the vendors seemed to be doing brisk business. There were a couple of areas that were not as ideal but I think these could be overcome with the right eye catching displays. I did take the opportunity to speak with a few of the vendors and everyone was very nice, definitely people I would want to be next to at a show. We did note that there were some spots open, we were not sure if that was because vendors had to cancel or the spaces didn't sell.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Similar to any show these days there was a lot of jewelry but there was a good variety and every table was different. I didn't notice any ceramics but I could have missed them because it was pretty busy and I did pass by some spots that were really packed.</div><div><br />
</div><div>One booth that was surrounded both times I walked by and I just had to get a photo of because it was so nicely done. I'm sure they were wondering what I was up to with the camera.</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTqF04JhpiViU83c2SMNHLcp7bCrAVcUEtl4UF8U052vWhDSAaReFngAVP2QvfRFSh9rP_djvIxGJuUWsrZI2uge_jhDDcJ7KGJ45h4bl3HVqSKTFVWCVs6a47PfHU1oYuV1rXdXCYfEsA/s1600/IMG_2407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTqF04JhpiViU83c2SMNHLcp7bCrAVcUEtl4UF8U052vWhDSAaReFngAVP2QvfRFSh9rP_djvIxGJuUWsrZI2uge_jhDDcJ7KGJ45h4bl3HVqSKTFVWCVs6a47PfHU1oYuV1rXdXCYfEsA/s320/IMG_2407.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq8Q7OE2x4-7ZE5kJIIg_3IDQOK6tXBlDGT_dxwVcNZusYmridT57dF7BE55z2p4-mzCHO9DXkWlvfzQPbFL5soS97RECajI44MFEcIbGLMZJME2eHVspVnnlTHRaSP4-lK99EIa2NLx3k/s1600/IMG_2406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq8Q7OE2x4-7ZE5kJIIg_3IDQOK6tXBlDGT_dxwVcNZusYmridT57dF7BE55z2p4-mzCHO9DXkWlvfzQPbFL5soS97RECajI44MFEcIbGLMZJME2eHVspVnnlTHRaSP4-lK99EIa2NLx3k/s320/IMG_2406.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was holding my camera up overhead to get these because there<br />
were customers surrounding them the whole time I was there.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPDa7sUFzQh3UCL_vx8erzfaYXTA_9Hd216Y_GY-ffIjjv54d6vkC_pXJg-aQ56Vy1FhxnBwnrV-uYb49eByyHRjIhcP1b6rjvJRuu-jCy9yC6cT-gJETFK9BVGWIyrQxyoBzMhu1kE9Tj/s1600/IMG_2392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPDa7sUFzQh3UCL_vx8erzfaYXTA_9Hd216Y_GY-ffIjjv54d6vkC_pXJg-aQ56Vy1FhxnBwnrV-uYb49eByyHRjIhcP1b6rjvJRuu-jCy9yC6cT-gJETFK9BVGWIyrQxyoBzMhu1kE9Tj/s320/IMG_2392.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I bought rosemary infused gluten free almond brittle from them.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><div><br />
</div><div>Absolutely, this is a show we want to vend at. My head is spinning with ideas. We have a ton of work to do before we can work a craft show. It's a good goal for us though. Craft shows like this one are not your grandmothers craft show. It's a whole new rock and roll world of crafting. I love it!</div><div><br />
</div><div>I'm happy to answer any questions you might have about this show, just leave me a comment and I will answer as soon as I can. You can also find a lot more photos of the show here <a href="http://flic.kr/s/aHsjugx7gY">photos</a></div><div><br />
</div><div>If you happen to be one of the vendors in the photos let me know if you would like me to label the photo with your store info.</div><div><br />
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</div></div></div>Re-Purpose Historyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03546609160754257975noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2792541477043844171.post-88096473921159752762011-03-28T13:43:00.000-07:002011-03-28T13:45:07.643-07:00Donating feels great!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I just have a short post today. I am so happy to share that the pendant we were offering for sale and donating the sale amount to the Red Cross for Japan sold yesterday! We made the donation last night and are sending a copy of the receipt for the donation to the buyer.<br />
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I was so surprised to wake up this morning to find that the Red Cross in San Antonio had tweeted about our pendant. Wow. Unfortunately that one was already sold. So a quick conversation with my husband and we agreed to try and do more. We aren't in a financial position to donate the full price of every sale because we would be in negative numbers and finances are hard enough already. After just a little discussion we decided we could donate 25% of each sale we make until 4/3/2011.<br />
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If you could pass this along anywhere you can think of we would really appreciate it.<br />
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We listed this pendant today.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgExX3_MVMSZsRI7DHS4qPR2TnsAVD5WkB3QG_BlyRaYOBEUa0ALGYEjeTJLJ5NGvRJeQBMxEMO-Dg-ZIK4yndYhaOKQvIU-MooCRs6nRc0w5D4uso238x98F5vzUhuY91pjOLjJETRPney/s320/IMG_2453.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/70991425/">link to pendant here</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Yesterday we attended the Pink Parlour festival in Santa Anita park in Southern California. We took a bunch of pictures that I plan to share in the next couple days. Next year we hope to be a vendor at this show. Watch for more details soon. Also coming this week is my review of the new uv resin we're trying out.</div>Re-Purpose Historyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03546609160754257975noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2792541477043844171.post-64509549208019039112011-03-24T19:59:00.000-07:002011-03-24T19:59:29.621-07:00The good and the bad.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I'm going to start with the bad. About a week ago I posted about some fun kimono fabric pendants I was working on. I got some awesome copper plated bezels and I added some really pretty showa era kimono fabric to them. Right away I liked the colors and how the copper high lighted the vintage fabric so well. <div><br />
</div><div>It normally takes a day or two for these pendants to completely dry and set up but this time it was taking much longer because of the dampness in the air from all the rain we've been having. As each day was passing I was noticing a distinct darkness beginning to appear around the edges of the fabric. At first it wasn't too bad and actually was adding a pretty antiqued feel to the pendants. I should have known right away that this was a bad sign.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Here we are now about a week later and the pendants are a wash. They have discolored so much that I can't sell them. I don't know how much more the discoloring would have continued. This photo was taken about one day after the discoloration started. Two more days later and the pendant in the middle was dark all the way across and you could no longer tell it was flowers. Huge lesson learned. I think the delay in the glue drying caused the copper to begin to patina and stain the fabric. Copper is a fickle metal to work with. I think in the future I will use chiyogami paper in copper.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGr5dOMxJWP1TJQt6wkS_KYDY9EA-SLGuYzAzYqgjj37wVSLNdIDIFXX2mQEtvqUscV8Wjwf4ckw7sJueq1gkYkFnC-7oSi4h5Gg-irMCOc-1pdoqyVCBXn8HvGDrVQu1aIvaJoKrKghDs/s1600/IMG_2072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGr5dOMxJWP1TJQt6wkS_KYDY9EA-SLGuYzAzYqgjj37wVSLNdIDIFXX2mQEtvqUscV8Wjwf4ckw7sJueq1gkYkFnC-7oSi4h5Gg-irMCOc-1pdoqyVCBXn8HvGDrVQu1aIvaJoKrKghDs/s320/IMG_2072.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the weird blue tint shouldn't be there, middle one is the worst.</td></tr>
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</div><div>The good, well good but scary. I got approval today for disk replacement in my neck. I was so worried that insurance was not going to approve surgery without an appeal. Surprise, I guess after almost two years of pain, failed physical therapy and spinal epidurals they decided it was time. I am so glad because I have gained about 30 pounds from the steroid treatments. I don't think I could handle doing any more of those.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Facing this surgery is terrifying but at the same time I am relieved and looking forward to the surgery day so I can get back to being me. I don't normally post about things this personal but it feels a little great to get it off my chest. My surgeon and my regular physician both think I am an ideal candidate and that I will recover quickly. I can't believe the expected down time is only a week. Fingers crossed that I will actually recover that quickly.</div></div>Re-Purpose Historyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03546609160754257975noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2792541477043844171.post-32920228775493770332011-03-21T01:10:00.000-07:002011-03-21T01:10:22.901-07:00Relief for Japan<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">The beautiful textiles of Japan gave me the idea to start Re-Purpose History. The amazing history and culture of Japan has inspired me in so many ways. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We have been completely absorbed in watching the news and reading everything we can since the devastating tsunami and earthquakes. The footage of the tsunami is like a nightmare we are watching over and over. Yet each time we see or hear a reporter speak with the survivors, we are witness to the courage and strength of the Japanese people. The road ahead of them to heal and re-build is going to be very difficult.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We don't have much these days but we would like to try and give something. We have a listing on Etsy for a pendant I made. We are going to donate the proceeds from the sale of the pendant to the Red Cross for Japan aid. My hope is that this will actually be the first thing we sell from our store. It just feels right.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/67890127/for-japan-aid-vintage-kimono-fabric-art" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilTg2rYLbrmc7o2-uHw1UOR_yr0yRyDrGY0FFKDL6BwslvO1a_ewK5KO8pM4Fn92rcwxeD3wO7QW0wqxnViV2peViC54xG__XMSXDlIOlpZH9fRpxRGihF8cb6ZgbtVtdbgek6pdCUGUzX/s320/IMG_1841.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/67890127/for-japan-aid-vintage-kimono-fabric-art">click for pendant listing</a></td></tr>
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The pendant is a piece of Showa era kimono fabric under glass with a dragonfly charm. We chose this particular pendant because of the dragonfly. In Japan the dragonfly is a symbol of courage, strength and happiness. </div><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><br />
</div>Re-Purpose Historyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03546609160754257975noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2792541477043844171.post-8858299018434930462011-03-16T20:23:00.000-07:002011-03-16T20:23:50.813-07:00New pendant designs and comic deadlines<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A couple weeks ago I received some new bezels and today I stole a few minutes to shoot some quick photos of the work in progress to. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was nice to take a look at these through the a lens, I think they photograph well. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am using Japanese </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chiyogami papers and I really love the way they look. The woodblock designs and screen printed colors are so beautiful and vibrant. Next step is to add resin to the unfinished pendants and then decide if I should add any crystal accents.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And now I have to get back to finishing up tonight's DC Comics pages for Rebels #27. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We'll be pulling a all night shift to make this deadline, which means no sleep for us tonight. I will try to post a sneak peak of one of the Rebels panels tomorrow. Stay tuned...</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtds0XJoCdWYcZCE-yyTwiHVV1Cz1QJJcHtZ87jDjfxtVXNo-XNWZ1oqjIDcOJbfvVXzyypH9iMiQi2GvvYsjLkT-Hxljg6RPjseop4c7zxr-AnrldcjTs6ZKXmcT8cbqpE-PV-_Fl6Bh0/s1600/IMG_2051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtds0XJoCdWYcZCE-yyTwiHVV1Cz1QJJcHtZ87jDjfxtVXNo-XNWZ1oqjIDcOJbfvVXzyypH9iMiQi2GvvYsjLkT-Hxljg6RPjseop4c7zxr-AnrldcjTs6ZKXmcT8cbqpE-PV-_Fl6Bh0/s320/IMG_2051.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">These just need bails and chains</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJNrTlBA65tPUcRU4kOmCdbW6BJf5WkI6pO8eZbcyvOyIhjSsGNB2jB_RO1zlBtCPGHn4kEtek5U5UVejlWwG46begga-XPcsM_-uZqB6EVmg4SZ9USH2bfQfwda5qZdWSeB0rCrTKRC0V/s1600/IMG_2058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJNrTlBA65tPUcRU4kOmCdbW6BJf5WkI6pO8eZbcyvOyIhjSsGNB2jB_RO1zlBtCPGHn4kEtek5U5UVejlWwG46begga-XPcsM_-uZqB6EVmg4SZ9USH2bfQfwda5qZdWSeB0rCrTKRC0V/s320/IMG_2058.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Wondering if I should add some crystal accents to these?</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMBcvID_XLPlH7l6X8lnzSsWn0uZI0vUMR4m3f3ngW9i8h4KSYpBmPGc-Mt32r4F02hqs6hpwXAqecs6Om4KBZeMkW-NFCb9MqEDIwRri8dMO1poOw33cWH0AAIJkmtw7HfsI-TCsTuH6z/s1600/IMG_2046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMBcvID_XLPlH7l6X8lnzSsWn0uZI0vUMR4m3f3ngW9i8h4KSYpBmPGc-Mt32r4F02hqs6hpwXAqecs6Om4KBZeMkW-NFCb9MqEDIwRri8dMO1poOw33cWH0AAIJkmtw7HfsI-TCsTuH6z/s320/IMG_2046.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Waiting on resin</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd0yeeVewC51YtkM_Vz9LQ6WKgC37-7rzN3sOxlR8Ty-BWDvxkaWknx_S5iIXuZfd6Znk5xRv8m5U9Xk4PN55YWp8aF6k8MXm-ULAe5raMYEOGxbo0xr3EA98U051r6Bp0irIZ62m_LpJo/s1600/IMG_2047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd0yeeVewC51YtkM_Vz9LQ6WKgC37-7rzN3sOxlR8Ty-BWDvxkaWknx_S5iIXuZfd6Znk5xRv8m5U9Xk4PN55YWp8aF6k8MXm-ULAe5raMYEOGxbo0xr3EA98U051r6Bp0irIZ62m_LpJo/s320/IMG_2047.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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</span></div>Re-Purpose Historyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03546609160754257975noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2792541477043844171.post-85780600894379658922011-03-16T05:52:00.000-07:002011-03-16T05:52:08.689-07:00We were included in our first Etsy treasuries<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">A special "thank you" to the curators of these treasuries. These were the first we were included in. You made my day :)</div><br />
<script src="http://www.craftcult.com/js/trwi.js?s=2&l=4d7e782ad3fc8eef2bfa7e80&r=11628&t=s&m=0&u=11135610&">
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em>More supplies for the fabric art side of things have been arriving. Like these two amazing wedding obi fabric bolts. I was in such awe when I first saw these in person. They are both ivory silk with gold, silver and ivory embroidery. The motifs in the embroidery of cranes and phoenix are commonly found in Japanese wedding textiles. I have some wonderful plans for these two but I will save the surprise for later.</em></div><em><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEildR1fQaw5u8HPSIKPFsrB4u1pxN-SS52ouOwEaPqyyTqQHmnmzW3BgbIsnwHp4wXlPwjX3aE4XUV7IcZMlliL-9Kf_9axNLLBAKCkaRztpFXP4Kyr_e-UOufJjMPhnCi2770HBykd4rv3/s1600/img_20312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEildR1fQaw5u8HPSIKPFsrB4u1pxN-SS52ouOwEaPqyyTqQHmnmzW3BgbIsnwHp4wXlPwjX3aE4XUV7IcZMlliL-9Kf_9axNLLBAKCkaRztpFXP4Kyr_e-UOufJjMPhnCi2770HBykd4rv3/s320/img_20312.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><i>Wedding obi bolts</i></span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV8OVLsYeud9PCONQx-GyL5-o2SDsrfAu2-R5oZzckb1Fa0vw4cjpobXUD8-9sJWokgzP_EdUfUc83Oy9FvSSUruY81cBUjvtaCGZE2aM5dS-0rfL1Pg5WHhVbedePKyn3u7jcWK1FjXnF/s1600/img_18033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV8OVLsYeud9PCONQx-GyL5-o2SDsrfAu2-R5oZzckb1Fa0vw4cjpobXUD8-9sJWokgzP_EdUfUc83Oy9FvSSUruY81cBUjvtaCGZE2aM5dS-0rfL1Pg5WHhVbedePKyn3u7jcWK1FjXnF/s320/img_18033.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green embroidered obi silk</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://repurposehistory.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/img_18033.jpg"></a>Most important, I've completed some new purse designs. I really like this little bucket purse. I added a flower from the distressed obi to the front.</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/67257139/shopper-style-handbag-from-vintage"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWEE6wPt1XyIoaXEOEVsAEdgit8OzpwkOGdpq4TztSO3lc4ShaVlGdW8_CrjTCTXnrYL1Xaw5G8_CBmTM-DYeAGTlrCpPu01txawzdWh_F29wwZ0_oTWF-wycvD9U625m-RjbUH1ydHfCe/s320/img_17851.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">We're really starting to have fun with the styling for the photography. We are finding ourselves looking at catalogs for our favorite stores in a different way. There is some amazing merchandise styling going on.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Now we just need to figure out how to balance the flood of ideas with the limited number of hours in the day. Making sure to leave some quality time for each other. I see the necessity for date night coming back into our lives.</div><br />
</div></div>Re-Purpose Historyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03546609160754257975noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2792541477043844171.post-53903657377215996452011-03-10T15:24:00.000-08:002011-03-13T23:55:06.316-07:00What's new and re-commiting to my blog.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm not living up to my own blogging expectations. It's much more difficult then I ever anticipated to blog and design and keep up my with comic deadlines. Today I am re-commiting to myself to blog at least once a week for the next month. It feels like a good goal. I actually started this post just about a month ago so I am going to finish it up and write another.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Supplies are arriving. A </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Uchikake (formal wedding kimono) and Fukuro obi got here quickly. I purchased both intending to re-purpose them. When I opened the package I quickly noted that the kimono and obi were much more damaged then described. I could also see that the obi was not whole. The fabric in my beautifully wrapped package was only part of a fukuro obi. Descriptions are subjective and I don't think these errors were intentional, I just think the seller didn't know what she had.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To explain a little, a fukuro obi is a formal to semi formal obi and often has the decorative fabric only in the places that it would show when worn and the rest is plain. The entire back was missing and the fabric that I held in my hand was horribly ragged. There is a dark frayed badly stained crease down the the length of the fabric from use with more frays and little tears all over. From the ad photo it appeared to be golden color and silver but in person a very dirty gold and silver with sort of a brown or tan color base.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiamTiSlPQKJmaicWokZFEdlxzoPVt2djJTZ_QaP37SDwoC79eGPYMhBTBeoTbVSLMCyJgcrwVXVhu-wYOeyOFbPhXpNgiOlPMdXxAlY2zwPHg0zOfAvRtiMiNhm4VAdg1lJlzXGH0YQf8s/s1600/screen-shot-2011-01-28-at-5-54-55-am.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiamTiSlPQKJmaicWokZFEdlxzoPVt2djJTZ_QaP37SDwoC79eGPYMhBTBeoTbVSLMCyJgcrwVXVhu-wYOeyOFbPhXpNgiOlPMdXxAlY2zwPHg0zOfAvRtiMiNhm4VAdg1lJlzXGH0YQf8s/s320/screen-shot-2011-01-28-at-5-54-55-am.png" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">I think the photo was lightened so it doesn't reveal the damage. Photo copyright owned by seller</span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Immediately, I though I've nothing to loose. Into the bathtub with warm water and Meyers laundry soap it went. Yes, I put silk in water again. I thought it might fall apart but it was completely unusable in the condition it arrived. I began soaking the fabric around 3 in the afternoon. Every few hours I would change the soapy muddy water. I was on an all night coloring deadline so I was very patient with the soaking. Each new soak revealed a new fabric.</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I now realize the fabric is actually woven with gold and silver metal wrapped thread and an equal amount of light tan silk. It's very interesting in texture because it is metal and now behaves like metal. I think the original fabric was over-dyed brown by someone along the way to try and cover the stains and damage. It is far too fragile to use for a garment, instead I am going to make some kanzashi tsumami inspired flowers for accessories. </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL0-v9feG8CK8AAvGtpiRSlShrOdxQpShzBxyVJFbHSwf6G2wfULXkPBTZg0daWLq5FZkjA40roQOmSGMUK_4wgxuXylUeEe94qAD7wEXKEeFtiKFvAsnYNolwfHPmtEXpPvFxbcMFsFHr/s1600/damaged-obi-wedding-cloth_012811_00081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL0-v9feG8CK8AAvGtpiRSlShrOdxQpShzBxyVJFbHSwf6G2wfULXkPBTZg0daWLq5FZkjA40roQOmSGMUK_4wgxuXylUeEe94qAD7wEXKEeFtiKFvAsnYNolwfHPmtEXpPvFxbcMFsFHr/s320/damaged-obi-wedding-cloth_012811_00081.jpg" width="240" /></span></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">close up of the poor condition</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkEKUxETQ0brzy795-U3ocuJgDGhyT9aItdDGPnJ62XRiSFtp6l-yIgMXDFD9_pldoDGGFN5VzU3aupLtLG8y6XOnASB3XmzeDHk6kDLluubgDtZXvCoGqDmNZZKjWeGw0HiQY-x_Jzj0O/s1600/damaged-obi-wedding-cloth_012811_0003-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkEKUxETQ0brzy795-U3ocuJgDGhyT9aItdDGPnJ62XRiSFtp6l-yIgMXDFD9_pldoDGGFN5VzU3aupLtLG8y6XOnASB3XmzeDHk6kDLluubgDtZXvCoGqDmNZZKjWeGw0HiQY-x_Jzj0O/s320/damaged-obi-wedding-cloth_012811_0003-2.jpg" width="320" /></span></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">damaged wedding obi extreme closeup</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhetEjNOmeI3CWeUh0yrG2hRkasEEvbYBJuMQ5AkMJ6NlIlS-WfqqnfEOE_Q4rlUJT2fr4YedTedq6YyLdYFrLggqq9_tt13et1ub0hkLg3l43itpUcuEaQleQjwy3hfx8yLa-o9aXe4SpQ/s1600/img_0539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhetEjNOmeI3CWeUh0yrG2hRkasEEvbYBJuMQ5AkMJ6NlIlS-WfqqnfEOE_Q4rlUJT2fr4YedTedq6YyLdYFrLggqq9_tt13et1ub0hkLg3l43itpUcuEaQleQjwy3hfx8yLa-o9aXe4SpQ/s320/img_0539.jpg" width="285" /></span></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">A couple petals of my first Kanzashi inspired flower<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaC-FsGzOba9ova68mU1oGBgffZ_xfZmdGGR9agFfcIkEmtERvwFiPMPIQewd9RqnIMDO3ZrHMBj1HESkdJNc0VEUXagp5Yrl89inEPzsQzb_MnuCdS9S8yj4FKWpiBwTEuwaqsDwR9r92/s1600/img_1899.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaC-FsGzOba9ova68mU1oGBgffZ_xfZmdGGR9agFfcIkEmtERvwFiPMPIQewd9RqnIMDO3ZrHMBj1HESkdJNc0VEUXagp5Yrl89inEPzsQzb_MnuCdS9S8yj4FKWpiBwTEuwaqsDwR9r92/s320/img_1899.jpg" width="240" /></span></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Finished hair comb with a vintage button</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-weight: 300; line-height: 24px;"><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small; line-height: normal;"><br />
</span></span>I'm really pleased with the find and e</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">xactly what re-purposing history is all about.</span></span></span></td></tr>
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</div></div>Re-Purpose Historyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03546609160754257975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2792541477043844171.post-65149170044122456482011-01-27T17:44:00.000-08:002011-03-13T20:25:11.029-07:00Designing for Etsy...<p style="text-align:justify;">I am so excited. My husband an I just finished making all the little adjustments needed to make my Etsy banner work. You would think that with two artists who work mostly digital this should have been a breeze. Not so! The crazy restrictions Etsy has placed on the size of the banner have made it practically impossible to work within the usual logo design rules. Etsy calls it a banner when it's really an icon. Anything that is 100 pixels, yes pixels high is an icon. Too small to be called anything else.</p><br/><p style="text-align:justify;">When I read 'banner' I thought logo not icon. It took much longer to design around the restricted size then either of us expected. Drawing letters and the little fox mask just one pixel at a time. Tedious but I think worth it.</p><br/><p style="text-align:justify;">I really wanted something that spoke to the Japanese culture that is such a big part of the inspiration for my store. After hours of searching for ideas I came upon some images of Noh masks but I didn't love most of the designs for a store identity. I really wanted something more accessible and pretty. Then we remembered a japanese anime called "Kakurenbo". It's a spooky little story but the children in it all wore the most amazing masks. All this research evolved into a Kitsune Noh style mask. Kitsune is a fox in Japanese lore. I will explain Kitsune a little. The best way is by using an excerpt from the book Kitsune.</p><br/><p style="padding-left:30px;text-align:justify;">"Kitsune is an animal supposed to be mysterious, fascinating, and mischevious. And is believed to be very grateful for the kindness done to him, as seen in many tales, and is also affectionate as revealed in some dramas. He is enshrined as a god because of his supernatural power. He is endowed with the subtle art of metamorphosis, and he is able to bewitch men in the guise of a charming girl. An exceedingly interesting and entertaining beast Kitsune is."</p><br/><p style="text-align:justify;">There is much more but that is the general idea. Here is the link to my Etsy store with the banner in place http://www.etsy.com/shop/RePurposeHistory?ref=pr_shop.</p><br/><p style="text-align:justify;"> </p><br/><p style="text-align:justify;"><a href="http://repurposehistory.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/repurposebanner-final1.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-102" title="banner" src="http://repurposehistory.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/repurposebanner-final1.jpg" alt="" width="535" height="74" /></a></p>Re-Purpose Historyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03546609160754257975noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2792541477043844171.post-47066575770315909022011-01-26T00:43:00.000-08:002011-03-13T21:55:41.609-07:00I've had such a night!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I promised to blog more and look two days in a row. Today was one of those days, you know the kind where everything just goes wrong.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So I am working on handbag designs for the store and I'm really excited because I am trying out a new design tonight. Everything is cut out and I'm ready to work. I get a few seams done on the straps then pressing, a few more seams and back to pressing. Well that was the plan except my second attempt at pressing met with my iron sputtering. Ok irons sputter a bit at times but this time I got sputtering then no more heat :( aw (insert expletive here).</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Back to the sewing machine I go thinking I can get a few more seams done before I call it a night. Fabric's under the presser foot and what do I get. Knots and more knots. Cursing under my breath I think to myself maybe some thread is tangled in the bobbin. Out comes the bobbin nothing, then the bobbin casing. To find, wait for it, nothing. So I clean it out anyway just for good measure put everything back together re-thread and double-check all the adjustments. Alright now I am going to try again. You can all see where this is heading right? Not me I'm thinking at this point it will work fine like it just did on the test fabric. So on to the silk, no luck the stitching is all over the place and skipping. (insert louder expletives now, really loud!) I am not happy, on the verge of tears. All three of my sewing machines are now broken and the one that went down tonight is the worst because it's two years old and has only been used about a dozen times. This means no warranty. Sigh, just sigh.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fortunately the entire week hasn't been that way. I was able to complete a handbag with no problems and I love it. It is made from an obi that had some pretty bad snags and smudges. No problem to work around though. It's a wonderful rich orange with gold, silver and green embroidery. I would never have thought to put those colors together but here they are and they work just beautifully. The Japanese color esthetic has me reconsidering the way I work with color. Hmm, how can I apply this to comics? I'm sure I will think of a way. I will get a photo of a finished bag to share very soon.</span></div></div>Re-Purpose Historyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03546609160754257975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2792541477043844171.post-13398522078699642882011-01-25T04:09:00.000-08:002011-03-13T21:52:06.430-07:00Super busy with designs and...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm already been lagging behind on my promise to blog regularly. But, I've been really busy with so many business projects. No excuse really just the truth. I am back at 3am to bring you a little update.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I tried a very scary thing. Hand washing the kimono fabric. I filled the tub with icy cold water and added some Dreft baby laundry soap, took a deep breath and dunked. Yay, it didn't bleed or fade at all. It was so dirty though. Had to repeat the hand washing 3 times before the water ran clean. I should have photographed the filthy water, maybe next time. Super happy with the beautiful bright clean fabric. It will now be easier for me to match the color of the silk I will need for the skirt and bustled train.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5_JydOk5LKBuQRJ1h45aI91I5MdQ2VqQj_HICvpsOS4cvS_-Gge71lwoDp_SN53IzmRe52x2x805PP-2yLHpHRX5_6dBaDlpo52iAsDGAP3CkJaEZxvggEFss2HNsaDJ6AObkHZBRNXyG/s1600/img_0433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5_JydOk5LKBuQRJ1h45aI91I5MdQ2VqQj_HICvpsOS4cvS_-Gge71lwoDp_SN53IzmRe52x2x805PP-2yLHpHRX5_6dBaDlpo52iAsDGAP3CkJaEZxvggEFss2HNsaDJ6AObkHZBRNXyG/s320/img_0433.jpg" width="238" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The pattern for the corset top for the gown has been drafted and next I will make a toile before moving on to cutting the silk. Cutting that silk will be stressful. I am limited while working with kimono fabric to very narrow, just about 14 inches across and about 450-470 inches of length. No mistakes allowed, I can't just run to the local fabric store for more fabric. I will definitely be measuring twice no I think three times just to be safe.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO6FPisuQc3Gz0deCUFonAcQu6no-kpW6zVXF3OWtXNZ6ViIQHLz0IELKTJPyBjAmcY1fN0nNa1I9f14uTxamJZ9ibxRRN3UKZ9VASX85wmZorWAwOhW0-BmAcShdvDzp7DYqmGK7tyKCG/s1600/img_0434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO6FPisuQc3Gz0deCUFonAcQu6no-kpW6zVXF3OWtXNZ6ViIQHLz0IELKTJPyBjAmcY1fN0nNa1I9f14uTxamJZ9ibxRRN3UKZ9VASX85wmZorWAwOhW0-BmAcShdvDzp7DYqmGK7tyKCG/s320/img_0434.jpg" width="238" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've also been researching I.R.S. requirements and LLC costs. Ouch that last part is going to cost quite a bit. More on that later. I guess I have been pretty busy. I will try to post something on the jewelry designs soon.</span></div></div>Re-Purpose Historyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03546609160754257975noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2792541477043844171.post-18407968362241697002011-01-10T02:08:00.000-08:002011-03-13T21:49:18.683-07:00Everyone meet "Joan" not Mad Man's Joan but….<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: justify;">On Saturday my doorbell rang and I heard a big thump outside. It was the Fedex delivery guy or girl. I will never know because they were speeding away before I opened the door. There on the porch was the box containing my new dress form. I've been wanting one for so long but couldn't justify spending the money until now.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Into the house I go with the giant box that was much lighter then I expected. I ripped off the tape because I have no patience and stopped... right there. Before my eyes was a dress form with the most interesting shaped, um well no way to say but say it, breasts! My brand new "uniquely you" looked a bit like a caricature of a 1950's pinup. I asked my husband for name suggestions, he took one look and she became "Joan". Yes she is named after Joan on Mad Men. I adore the character so I agreed.</div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5yyWu1mgJumyjyWlVNazToDfoS9ObIOvlRxaXjtjh93uU9fQDMkGAUMc0yRpm8N5w_K0Q0kAi6GEC3QaRUlYR63sWChdfNXNopr48ErjT1fBsYJT4GbJoAvWHgGBr9QG13HAGxFR4YVHc/s1600/img_0360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5yyWu1mgJumyjyWlVNazToDfoS9ObIOvlRxaXjtjh93uU9fQDMkGAUMc0yRpm8N5w_K0Q0kAi6GEC3QaRUlYR63sWChdfNXNopr48ErjT1fBsYJT4GbJoAvWHgGBr9QG13HAGxFR4YVHc/s320/img_0360.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">uniquely you sans cover</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>At this point as much as I wanted to fit the cover right then it had to wait until we finished with our deadline for the DC comic JSA All Stars. Tonight it was time to fit the cover. The size was surprisingly close to my measurements. I only had to take in the waist a few inches and I was good to put the cover on. A warning to anyone looking at the uniquely you forms, putting the adjusted cover on is hard. It took both me and my husband to wrestle her into it. I think this form will get lots of use. One of the best things about it is in fact that it squishes (technical term?) for corseting.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwsTaRzeWbTPIbnzMehOwb-CsaaUNoSrCK-aetE9_MVqKfVYpLoSsESc3qXVk6Ge7kkgsoR08_MYi8oURAep4Yl-rt6dfrVOcnl_xpkTWqWBF5HWCJ6zt3wAG_uKPiStvc9k4-NOrUAwT-/s1600/img_0361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwsTaRzeWbTPIbnzMehOwb-CsaaUNoSrCK-aetE9_MVqKfVYpLoSsESc3qXVk6Ge7kkgsoR08_MYi8oURAep4Yl-rt6dfrVOcnl_xpkTWqWBF5HWCJ6zt3wAG_uKPiStvc9k4-NOrUAwT-/s320/img_0361.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">"Joan" with the cover fitted</span></td></tr>
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</div>Re-Purpose Historyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03546609160754257975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2792541477043844171.post-10502489471806604742011-01-06T21:05:00.000-08:002011-03-13T21:45:41.588-07:00Planning and designing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: justify;">I've been sick for the last three days with food poisoning, yuck. It's been pretty awful and kinda wonderful at the same time. What!! Ok I have to explain that part because I'm really not that crazy. Food poisoning meant fevers and sleeplessness and some things that are just too much information. Doing a lot of television channel hopping and couldn't really find anything to hold my interest so I ended up watching one of those horrible wedding dress shows in re-runs. This got me remembering how much I use to enjoy working with brides, designing and sewing their wedding gowns. A plan came to mind and I started sketching a couple of gown designs. This one of a kind wedding dress is being made specifically for my etsy store. I hope to have it complete for the grand opening.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">This morning I'm sipping a yummy latte (made by my awesome husband) and surfing the internet for a little while before starting my workday. I head over to the bay to hunt for the perfect kimono fabric for the wedding gown. Lucky me, I found it in just a few short minutes. As soon as I clicked on the photo I knew I had found the one. This fabric spoke to me. It's karieba/karinu furisode fabric.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Karieba/karinui is the cut pattern of the kimono roughly basted together. It still needs unpicked, lined and finished to be worn as finished kimono. Furisode is the most formal kimono of young unmarried woman it is most often seen at the Coming-of-Age Day ceremony when a girl turns 20. It is easily recognized by the very long flowing sleeves, beautiful patterns and often has embroidery and hand painted designs.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">While the fabric I chose is old and possibly vintage, it has never been worn and is in excellent condition. I am trying to re-purpose damaged or un-wearable Japanese textiles into new jewelry and garments. It would seem like unworn fabric wouldn't fall into this category but it does and this is why. Chances are because this fabric has ended up on the bay that it will never be finished into the intended furisode. The industry of kimono makers in Japan is sadly dwindling and I am unaware of many people in the United States who have the skills for the hand work required for kimono. I am ecstatic to have purchased this gorgeous furisode bolt. It will be a long fidgety couple weeks while I wait for delivery of the fabrics.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In the meantime I will begin drafting the pattern for the gown and working on the toile. I like to have a few projects going at once. It gives me time to step away and evaluate my process and design.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Here's a little peek at the images from the online store</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQvpxovtCL7NFTgYZVEtypSJ71Y58Y3vctulJjo4U93le7m7nl5El5ox8SV8-HyOrDguetXa0wwmdymJSgPJQfiNxIIXrWRBDNAZChSC_I2JEftO0M6B5wAmWuv7J7SVlsa9PPQRYCforH/s1600/furisode-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQvpxovtCL7NFTgYZVEtypSJ71Y58Y3vctulJjo4U93le7m7nl5El5ox8SV8-HyOrDguetXa0wwmdymJSgPJQfiNxIIXrWRBDNAZChSC_I2JEftO0M6B5wAmWuv7J7SVlsa9PPQRYCforH/s1600/furisode-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQvpxovtCL7NFTgYZVEtypSJ71Y58Y3vctulJjo4U93le7m7nl5El5ox8SV8-HyOrDguetXa0wwmdymJSgPJQfiNxIIXrWRBDNAZChSC_I2JEftO0M6B5wAmWuv7J7SVlsa9PPQRYCforH/s1600/furisode-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQvpxovtCL7NFTgYZVEtypSJ71Y58Y3vctulJjo4U93le7m7nl5El5ox8SV8-HyOrDguetXa0wwmdymJSgPJQfiNxIIXrWRBDNAZChSC_I2JEftO0M6B5wAmWuv7J7SVlsa9PPQRYCforH/s1600/furisode-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQvpxovtCL7NFTgYZVEtypSJ71Y58Y3vctulJjo4U93le7m7nl5El5ox8SV8-HyOrDguetXa0wwmdymJSgPJQfiNxIIXrWRBDNAZChSC_I2JEftO0M6B5wAmWuv7J7SVlsa9PPQRYCforH/s320/furisode-12.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-_PnH0ahsZOSVoTqLTo_sprRZ2caRRyxKrvvJlIZPbjP3hOJgVl2CFCTvQsaknotvUAa8zJHjHYG3TTQR05SUvZu5BGKQDJBCbFvInITm-9Grz2jDM4Oiy0eklGWAXT-VjInUvBJr36kB/s1600/furisode-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-_PnH0ahsZOSVoTqLTo_sprRZ2caRRyxKrvvJlIZPbjP3hOJgVl2CFCTvQsaknotvUAa8zJHjHYG3TTQR05SUvZu5BGKQDJBCbFvInITm-9Grz2jDM4Oiy0eklGWAXT-VjInUvBJr36kB/s320/furisode-3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0p7LUZyveJBahcNiOqk2yUPdIoE9O-Bv3FFTQGXOSc8QozTapIwJxhDaNhJGOPGmwCdyPFsSu4jIg_zrduj8wPoytoTipdX0YItpIAGAo5NRT4VkZ3N3JfOJue-VBtsoW4C8Oe75tUBpq/s1600/furisode-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0p7LUZyveJBahcNiOqk2yUPdIoE9O-Bv3FFTQGXOSc8QozTapIwJxhDaNhJGOPGmwCdyPFsSu4jIg_zrduj8wPoytoTipdX0YItpIAGAo5NRT4VkZ3N3JfOJue-VBtsoW4C8Oe75tUBpq/s320/furisode-1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I will try to obtain more information about the motifs in the fabric to share in a future post.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div></div>Re-Purpose Historyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03546609160754257975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2792541477043844171.post-33756394336884962542011-01-03T18:29:00.000-08:002011-03-13T21:41:02.830-07:00new year and new fabrics<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: justify;">Going thru my existing japanese textiles and deciding what I will re-purpose into new jewelry or garments. I have one very geometric obi that is stained and has some small holes it's a beautiful orange color with metallic gold and green embroidery. One wedding kimono, pale pink with elaborately embroidered cranes and flowers. She, I don't know why but this one is a she, she is very damaged and dirty. I think someone probably took her to a dry cleaner and made the damage worse. I am going to have to get very creative to save her. Last but not least the wool kimono from the last post.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In the past two days I have done a bit of online shopping for additional materials and inspiration. I've added a few new things. It's a bit disconcerting to buy online since you can never be sure of the color displayed on a computer screen. I suspect by the pinkish tint in the background on these that there will be a little less pink in the garments when they arrive.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIObogFke-C_L9tebVtMoOA5bVWB-xLxE-Yczc68QWR7aKkTvXLRPLXB8DGhUF3H4mjTBIi_ri9Fgt-CHHwz8DcRA6vpOr8g2RgGTVGINBezscX7vIPJQh0Ei0rriPkCJbZ70ewNx7cDk2/s1600/cbhknlwbgkkgrhqrje0gmdvli8bngtrzi62q0_31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIObogFke-C_L9tebVtMoOA5bVWB-xLxE-Yczc68QWR7aKkTvXLRPLXB8DGhUF3H4mjTBIi_ri9Fgt-CHHwz8DcRA6vpOr8g2RgGTVGINBezscX7vIPJQh0Ei0rriPkCJbZ70ewNx7cDk2/s320/cbhknlwbgkkgrhqrje0gmdvli8bngtrzi62q0_31.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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I really love this Showa period fukuro obi. This piece is just asking to become a underbust corset. I think I will leave out the front opening busk for this one to keep the embroidery intact. The traditional japanese use of pattern and color are outstanding on this obi. It makes me happy just looking at it.<br />
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Admittedly I have a small obsession with wedding garments so I went looking for obi to re-purpose into bridal corsets and clutches. Purchased these two lovely fukuro obi fabric bolts that have never been made up.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxhRhjwLalRgr4QBB09FbF1Yg45yj_cxyAoc5gzOhjbJ7wpqRPAQHsOJlxgbCF0Sximri5wm4KNLp1ZGHXsuOf9LmgeuHBAXddgf6MfG80QTP16zwh2br186TEyXNogpBjhufSx1s0aS8y/s1600/cbmlw2kkgrhqqokie0bmfdtflbngow559f0_31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxhRhjwLalRgr4QBB09FbF1Yg45yj_cxyAoc5gzOhjbJ7wpqRPAQHsOJlxgbCF0Sximri5wm4KNLp1ZGHXsuOf9LmgeuHBAXddgf6MfG80QTP16zwh2br186TEyXNogpBjhufSx1s0aS8y/s320/cbmlw2kkgrhqqokie0bmfdtflbngow559f0_31.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
and<br />
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There are a few more items I am going to try to obtain for materials later today. Wish me success on the bay.<br />
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More progress on the toile. Added boning channels ,boning and made small adjustments to the hip areas in the front and back. I am really happy with the shape and fit. The toile is creating a nice waist reduction and flattering curvy shape. Can't wait to start the corset but, I have a coloring deadline for <a class="zem_slink" href="http://www.dccomics.com/" rel="homepage" title="DC Comics">DC Comics</a> in just a few days. Sewing will wait until <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Justice_Society_of_America" rel="wikipedia" title="Justice Society of America">JSA All Stars</a> issue 15 is off to the printer.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRqGpI85SnBxX5ZOEZYiWvJrygFkI0stXFVp84g76UfMxcnLlkBNYAaOj1PEu42sEzXMT81g27cGzNZJs7ybtaXOkaOSLoSYvzOykYyF264DoT12xWiRZ4QrlrhIKE_miphD3QamolwUet/s1600/img_0352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRqGpI85SnBxX5ZOEZYiWvJrygFkI0stXFVp84g76UfMxcnLlkBNYAaOj1PEu42sEzXMT81g27cGzNZJs7ybtaXOkaOSLoSYvzOykYyF264DoT12xWiRZ4QrlrhIKE_miphD3QamolwUet/s320/img_0352.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Our <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ragdoll" rel="wikipedia" title="Ragdoll">Ragdoll cat</a> Alexander loves my space. Hard part is keeping the paws off the material! He is enjoying playing with the boning.</div>Re-Purpose Historyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03546609160754257975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2792541477043844171.post-67813630460013695912010-12-31T12:42:00.000-08:002011-03-13T21:35:13.986-07:00Today I started.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: justify;">Today was big, I started to actually move forward and begin the process of developing actual items for my etsy store. I have a theme and it revolves around re-purposing beautiful Japanese textiles that are no longer usable in their original forms. The hard part here is narrowing the flood of ideas I have down to a reasonable number. All this of course has to be done in addition to my Day job as a freelance graphic artist. I color comic books for DC Comics and that it's normally takes up all my time and then some. I will post links to that work sometime soon.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">This afternoon my dear husband says to me "stop planning and get started sewing" I thought to myself ok he's right and I will never make this work if I don't pick up a pencil and get to drafting. Funny part is DH sharpened a bunch of pencils for me, gotta love a supportive spouse. He really thinks I can do this!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I gather my supplies and measurements and start drafting my first pattern. It's going to be an underbust corset made from up-cycled, re-cycled, well loved kimono. My first rule to choose a kimono it that is no longer wearable as intended. It must have stains or holes or some patina. I will have to use new boning and coutil for the inside but keeping our carbon footprint low by re using the kimono. </div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Before I get to cut into the beautiful fabric I need a pattern so on to drafting. My first try and the waist comes about 8 inches too small. Yikes, I calculated really wrong somewhere so I start over and the second try is just right.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghVoRV3oBcJ36-RrbhWcGZiDk1J4iVr8YDQMmNqfDuz7zGwlutSL9Y9Xt35cUKdQjZm20L73vaxVWspvkXXJbam71DvHdKKhcZJsqzAJi0tMbTVP6wb6GOVcB-3GfumbvVF_ka-0qmWelu/s1600/img_0308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghVoRV3oBcJ36-RrbhWcGZiDk1J4iVr8YDQMmNqfDuz7zGwlutSL9Y9Xt35cUKdQjZm20L73vaxVWspvkXXJbam71DvHdKKhcZJsqzAJi0tMbTVP6wb6GOVcB-3GfumbvVF_ka-0qmWelu/s320/img_0308.jpg" width="237" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTlfQxTy5CyPO4Q1JW2Lek8ZLVyzSdrhL4dG4v_qQwdGnkHuYNGt6HXNXlfiq97Vcj4R7naevsOn55CpRMOKko3t9gOtmCScllN1hNIFBdGibk_faAA5DCJ7SEjkm5FA1GQkNaGP9Dk2Rh/s1600/img_0310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTlfQxTy5CyPO4Q1JW2Lek8ZLVyzSdrhL4dG4v_qQwdGnkHuYNGt6HXNXlfiq97Vcj4R7naevsOn55CpRMOKko3t9gOtmCScllN1hNIFBdGibk_faAA5DCJ7SEjkm5FA1GQkNaGP9Dk2Rh/s320/img_0310.jpg" width="238" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">On to cutting my toile<br />
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</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl5Jd996YcomnDBRF1dF6II6_S8Dt0dvCVP4NJlFzvYpi-o2xwLcoxFkCTMz_IUjVwDvZR_Ms6_wELfsxoNzsJdufYpe8C4C_I3VLJt-Fpb45rXzKATcl0k9Aql9OKkNfieELFVWp_Jibs/s1600/img_03121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl5Jd996YcomnDBRF1dF6II6_S8Dt0dvCVP4NJlFzvYpi-o2xwLcoxFkCTMz_IUjVwDvZR_Ms6_wELfsxoNzsJdufYpe8C4C_I3VLJt-Fpb45rXzKATcl0k9Aql9OKkNfieELFVWp_Jibs/s320/img_03121.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Next I move on to sewing the toile together and the moment of truth, will it fit?</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">Yes!! It's so awesome, I am only going to need very slight alterations to the lower hip. The underbust area and waist look like they are going to be prefect. DH has cut all the spring steel bones and tipped them for me. I completely forgot to order the solid steel bones for the middle back so I can't do much until those arrive. I have the center front opening busk already. I will use quilting bars to help me form the casings for the bones. Before I do that I will make the hip adjustment.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The goal with this pattern is to be sized to fit a range of people. I am thinking of waist sizes from 22-34. I have chosen an underbust style because I can have a nice range of sizes pre-made. I love the idea of a custom corset but the sad truth is that the average person will find the corset online and want it now. We are an impatient society and we don't like to wait. I am guilty of this myself. So my answer is to offer handmade corsets that have the best chance of fitting well on a range of people. Hope this will work.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I will only be able to make a couple corsets or less for each unique kimono. This means each corset will be one of a kind. I am designing these to be worn as an outer garment and not just as lingerie. This first one I am working on is going to look amazing with a button down blouse with french cuffs or a tee shirt and jeans. I think I will photograph it both ways.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">.</div></div>Re-Purpose Historyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03546609160754257975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2792541477043844171.post-31203892839530891142010-12-31T11:04:00.000-08:002011-03-13T20:23:12.394-07:00Hello world!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">You found me! This is my first ever blog post. I can't promise to update frequently but I will do my best.</div>Re-Purpose Historyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03546609160754257975noreply@blogger.com0