Tiger Lily Productions is my line of home decor accessories with a vintage flair.
I enjoy using paper, glitter, ribbons, lace,
and other fancy stuff.
I usually make only about a dozen or less of anything, as something else captures my imagination and I want to see where I go with it. Much of what I am currently creating is seasonally-based: for instance, birds, nests, eggs, and butterflies appear in the spring. The fanciful shoes are a wire base and were lined with moss and decked out with silk flowers and feathers. I fantasized that Tatania would wear them as she danced with the fairies.
In an earlier post, the local shop (Indie Banditas Bazaar) that sells some of my items was shown. Besides the store, local craft fairs, and direct selling in my studio, I anticipate having a presence on Etsy and would consider wholesale orders. The blue paper bird and floral teacup in the banner are also my creations.
I saw a great quote today:
"We rarely succeed at anything unless we enjoy doing it." RJ Naus
I have heard it said that if it doesn't make you laugh or give you goose bumps, it isn't big enough.
I hope you find something that you enjoy and that gives you goose bumps.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Tiger Lily Productions
Sunday, May 23, 2010
My Buttercups Runneth Over
While I intend to focus my blog mostly on business topics, I am proud of this recent accomplishment-it's almost a contender for the "Weeding Hall of Fame." And shouldn't we celebrate our accomplishments whenever possible? There were two areas in the garden that were being overtaken by buttercups and lamium. With a tremendous amount of pulling, pulling, and more pulling, most every stem has been removed.The photo doesn't do the size of the piles justice- they were as big as Godzilla (or it feels like they should have been). The stairs and stones under the upper deck had been totally covered with the mucho invasive plants. The next phase is to lay down landscape cloth into the steps and back-fill with crushed black basalt. While I pulled, my "fertile" brain drifted to thoughts which I will dub, "Garden Musings."
* Who needs the gym when there are buttercups?
* Cyndy, garden gloves, and the Nijiri Gama tool-it's a beautiful thing (it's a
Japanese tool that does everything-my favorite!).
* A loaf of bread, a jug of wine on a picnic blanket in a field of buttercups-as
long as it is YOUR field.
* What's the childhood thing about rubbing a buttercup under your chin?
Indicates true love? Lifelong happiness? A gardener to show up?
* Where are my goats now that I really need them? Yes, I had a pair of goats once.
* Pulling weeds on your knees really is a humbling experience.
That's it for now. When rockwork is finished, I'll post the photo. Then you can be duly impressed, if you aren't already. "I'd rather have roses on my table than diamonds around neck." Whoever said that must have pulled buttercups.
May your garden almost be weed-free (refer to last entry in "Musings" above).
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Raggedy Ends
Raggedy Ends is the name given to my line of clothing and accessories. The photos are of some of the tops I have up-cycled and embellished. Each top is treated differently. Sometimes the hem is cut, new necklines are made, ruffles/fabric bits are added, or whatever suits my fancy.
The assembled flowers are made into hair clips, hair bands, pin-on's and wrist cuffs. They can also adorn a hat, purse, or jacket. The layered flowers are a happy blend of textures and random shapes.
The pink flower was made with a method I learned recently. Circles are cut from synthetic fabric and then held close to a candle flame (with a clothespin) to gently burn the edges. I was so fascinated with this method that one night I spent four hours cutting and burning, burning and cutting. Boy-talk about the moth attracted to the flame. Each one burns randomly which is part of the intrigue for me. Maybe the candle flame hypnotized me because I watched re-runs of Seinfeld and Friends while I did it. You can check out the following links to learn more about this method. aloadofoldbogocks.blogspot.com and Mrspriss.com
Friday, May 21, 2010
Inspiring Collections
These are two areas in my studio that serve to inspire me. The arrangements change as new treasures are found; as I am an avid flea market hound and Saturday morning garage sale aficionado. Most of the shells were found on my honeymoon to Florida. On one day I found over 45 pounds of shells. I could have been struck by lightning and died a happy woman.
Creativity happens everywhere
This room is adjacent to the studio. When I am not teaching in this space, it's used for current sewing projects. The ribbon racks are also in this area. One can never have enough ribbon. Right?
The rack of clothes is waiting for transformation.
I "up-cycle" and embellish gently used tanks and tee's. I do this under the label of "Raggedy Ends."
Many hems are left unfinished, edges are cut, and ravelling is embraced! After all the tailored, perfect garment construction I had to do in college, I feel rather liberated with this new look.
My Uncensored Studio Space
These photos are areas in my studio, my retreat, my sanctuary.
Quiet moments, fireworks, and dreams occur in this space. A wing was built to the home in order to create a 500+ sq. ft space. All that extra space was heaven as I previously had just a card table. The amazing piece was when I moved in, I managed to fill over 19 drawers and 17 cupboards. Where did it all come from? And the scary thing (according to my 3 adult children) is that I know what is behind each one. As my interests grow, so does the challenge to find a place for everything. But when materials are organized and put away, I can't find anything. Maybe I work best in delightful disorder and creative chaos-it's nice to have things out where they can be seen, grabbed, and worked on. Don't slow me down!
Indie Banditas Bazaar Shop
Indie Banditas Bazaar
130 Winslow Way East
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
(206) 842-1415
www.indiebanditas.com
Photo Credit; Aderyn Photography
Thursday, May 20, 2010
From where it all begins
These photos show the setting from which many of my inspirations arise. I live on Bainbridge Island, a beautiful island in the Puget Sound. I design and create areas on my property that are alluring and eclectic. One can find the wicked witch from Oz, Frank Lloyd Wright containers,water bowls and fountains, Asian influences,a yellow brick road, and more. HGTV did a wonderful short video of my place under the title 'Story Book Garden'.Other garden scenes were featured in WestSound Home & Garden magazine. I enjoy most of everything which results in a very wild mix of styles. I can be as passionate about glitter as I can be with something rusty. There is so much beauty all around-it is easy to be inspired daily by life and all that unfolds. I look forward to our journey together and I hope what I share will bring a smile.
Over the Top is the umbrella name given to many of my endeavors. By entering the world of blogging and computer networking you will learn about classes at Fernwood Studio, sales in The Rabbit Hole, events and happenings with The Gilded Lily, designer wreaths from Four Seasons Wreaths, new products from Tiger Lily Productions, Etsy Shop, Photobucket images,and personal updates.
