I'd Like To Introduce You To........

Well peeps, I've got an interview that's well overdue! I'm proud to present a lovely lady by the name of Megan M. Eckman. She runs an Etsy shop called Studio M.M.E. filled with amazing Victorian inspired illustrations that are sure to enhance your space. In addition to finding unique artwork, you can also choose from an interesting selection of black & white photography, (taken with a 60-year-old Kodak Duaflex II). If you don't already know this by now, I personally have a 'love thang' for Vintage cameras (hence my recent post on Polaroids and my recent purchase of a vintage Richoflex). So I truly appreciate the photos that are available on her site~

As usual peeps, I ask that you sit back and enjoy another fab interview. Let's get to know the talented artist behind Studio M.M.E.

What city are you based out of?
I'm based out of Fargo in wintery North Dakota.


How did you yow get started? And how long have you been an artist?
I started my Etsy shop after I stumbled upon the site. I really loved the artists selling on the venue and knew it was the place for me. I've been an artist since I was little. I'm currently pursuing a dual degree in English and art, and will further pursue my education in graduate school.


Where do you get your inspiration from?Are you ever uninspired? If so, how do you get over the slump?
I get a lot of my inspirations from the random things my boyfriend says. He's constantly saying things like, "What would you do if I was a bird watcher?" and next thing I know, I'm illustrating, "The Ornithologist's Wife".I get into slumps all the time. What really helps is just to take a 20 minute walk with my antique camera in hand. That always seems to help.


Name one item that you can't live without?
I certainly can't live without my books. I'm a bit of my bibliophile.


Any advice for newbies starting out?
My advice is to be patient and keep at it. It took me almost six months before I had some constant sales. There were many times where I didn't think it was worth it to keep my Etsy shop open, but I had opened the shop to prove to my parents that I COULD make a living as an artist. If you have a dream to support yourself as an artist, you have to go for it with all you've got!


It's time for me to showcase my favourite pieces from Studio M.M.E.!

Let's start off with my fave illustrations......







And now for my fave Black & Whites......





As I was reading through Megan's Etsy profile I discovered some FA-BU-LOUS news!!!

Three of her prints wer made into lockets by Polarity!!! Oh, how I love lockets~





Megan M. Eckman......is not only an American illustrator & photographer, but a printmaker, crafter, creative writer and blogger as well. CLICK HERE to visit her blog:)

1luv

It's All About The Cardigans......

I know it's Autumn, but I've seen signs of Winter a couple of times so far out here in Calgary. In fact, yesterday was another snowy day! However, in pure Calgary style the snow has disappeared today. Nonetheless, after scouring through my closet for winter gear, I noticed that it's pretty slim. So, I'm on the hunt for some clothing that will keep be warm over the next couple of months.....

The first thing that I need to add to my wardrobe is a few cardigans.

I visited Forever 21 for some ideas and I found two items that I like:)

Then I decided to click my way over to Etsy (of course) for some unique hand-made cardigans and here's what I found

RebeccasArtCloset


Lizzybrooke


Sandmaiden


AlexandraAnderson

Hannahsas



And I haven't forgot about my male readers:) I found this cool cardigan at Recession

Of course I've got way too many options now lol.....

Which one (or two) should I pick!!!

I *Heart* Polaroids!

It's about 20min after 4 and I'm actually home on a Saturday! It's been weeks since I've enjoyed laying around on the week-end.

I've actually been feeling a little under the weather over the past couple of days, so I knew that staying home was a must!!!

I've been meaning to post about Polaroids for the longest time.....

My friend Alyshia sent me a link to the photojojo store. If you're a photography enthusiast, then this online store's for you. It's got the coolest gifts & gear for the avid photographer!

Here are my absolute faves:

This is the Fuji Instax Instant Camera. It's a little different from the Polaroids we all remember from back in the day. This cute camera credit card-sized photos on bold Fuji film, while still retaining the classic instant film look we've all grown to love. With Christmas being just around the corner, this is definitely on my wish list:)



I loved this trendy digital camera case as well~



Oh and they call this "The Bad Ass Camera Bag" - Nuff said.....



Then I found a lovely shop on Etsy called jerseymaids that simply embraces Polaroids. Just take a look at some of these photos and you'll see what I mean......








And this wicked necklace was found at TillyBloom!




Even snappypendants had a cool Polaroid necklace

And I had to post these lovely necklaces from Regina Pierallini's - NYLightMetals site. I know....they're not Polaroids, but they've got a little *bling* and I think everyone can use a little *bling* in their lives:)

Now before I head out.....I had to share some fab news!!!

I got a "Media" invite to a fashion show this coming Thursday night. So I'll get a sneak peak into the Spring 2010 - 100 Wines line by David Walker!

I'm pretty excited and can't wait to blog about it....so stay posted peeps!

A Designer On The Road To Success.....

Hello readers! I noticed that I have 70 followers today! Can I get a woot, woot!!!!

I've gotta thank all of you who stop by to read my posts on The Creative Mixx. I truly appreciate it:)

My blog has been up and running for 3 months now and I am so pleased to see the support that I've been getting. I have many plans for the future of The Creative Mixx so stay tuned peeps~

Now, tonight I've got an interview with a talented fashion designer who takes the historic craft of crocheting and gives it a modern twist by creating trendy innovative pieces.

I'd like to introduce you to Renaissance Austin of Raghouse International. Ren is a woman of many talents - she is a singer/songwriter, fiber artist, photographer, makeup artist, hairstylist, and more....

This evening's interview will expose Ren the designer.....

So sit back, relax and enjoy the read~



What city are you based out of?
I am based out of Los Angeles, California.

How did you get started? And how long have you been a Designer?
Well I was first taught crochet when I eight by my grandmother. I never dreamed I would be crocheting and knitting the way that I am today...

I created my first sketch when I was eleven years old. I was highly inspired by my uncle who is an unknown but super awesome designer. But I can also say that before then, I would pull curtains from the windows to make skirts and I would always rearrange the hand-me-downs that were given to my father for me. He was a single father and there were many women that were very generous. They helped him out greatly by giving me bags and bags of clothes. I know that that is where my passion and love for clothing comes from...
My grandmother (being an awesome seamstress) sparked my interest in clothing as well. She would make my prom and homecoming dresses, which I all designed.

Where do you get your inspiration from?
I get my inspiration from all things beautiful whether it be beauty ads, gorgeous fibers, music, color, nature, road trips, LOVE and God. I also love watching Youtube. I am pretty addicted. There is a lot of inspiration there. I also love just being out and around people, especially in mall settings. Anthropologie is my absolute favorite shop. I love the catalogs and going to the store and hanging out for an hour or two...

Are you ever uninspired? If so, how do you get over the slump?
I am hardly ever uninspired or in a slump, but there are times when I can get mentally stagnant and I begin to wonder what else is there out there. That is when I turn to Youtube for great videos. It doesn't matter if it is singing, crafts or hilarious stuff to get my belly hurting with laughter...

Name one fashion item you can't live without?
Wow! How can I just chose one? lol. One thing I know I always have to have is lipgloss! I am putting it on my lips after I eat, drink, and sometimes I apply lipgloss for no reason at all...

Have you got any special projects on the go right now?
I have a few things that I am doing in collaboration with my brother. We are throwing a huge Thriller Nights party at the end of this month. I am also very excited to be part of a Designer Collective shopping event in about 3 weeks. I am also trying to put my brand on track as far as fashion season, so I am already preparing for Spring and I have the campaign tag line already in place, so one by one I am getting pieces ready for an awesome photo shoot. Then we are planning a fashion show for next year. There are definitely a lot of plans in the works...

Any advice for newbies starting out?
One thing I would have liked to do before opening a store is to have had more research under my belt. I would say to research as much as you can at least one month before you even open a store. That would be enough information to get you going at least. In December of this year, it will be my two year anniversary selling online, and boy have I learned a lot. You must first believe in yourself, your product, and know business and business trends. Do not think hobby. People say promote, promote, promote, but I say research, research, research. You can promote without research and miss many targets, but if you promote with research, then you are more likely to hit the target you are aiming at. Learn enough about photography to help you take great photos for your shop and make sure you make things that are marketable. Overall every person is different and every story is different as well as successes. Be you, never copy and find a great niche that works for you. Whatever it is that you do, be passionate about it...


I've been trying to incorporate the "whatever you do, be passionate about it" rule, cause it is so true.


Here are some of my fave photos!!!











Click HERE to visit Raghouse International & Click HERE to visit Ren's blog~

1luv peeps! I'm out~

Oh My..... I Saw A Dress Today, That's Calling My Name

Yes peeps! It's true......

Today I checked out a fabulous Ebay Shop called Fox Sparrow Boutique, (based in Calgary, Alberta!).

You'll find lovely high quality vintage items that are chosen for it's excellent condition and aesthetic appeal.

If you're into vintage (and you know I am), then you definitely need to visit this online auction house!

Auctions start Every other Tuesday and end (10 days later) on Fridays.

Here is the dress that's been on my mind for the past couple of hours.....
Is it fierce or what???





The Latest Fox Sparrow Boutique auction has more fabulous finds. Here are some of my other faves~





1luv

Style Finds For The Home, Baby & Self

Monday's seem to roll around so quickly. Arg! It seems as though the week-end is never long enough....

So far, I've spent most of my evening reading blogs and surfing the net. I could tackle the pile of dishes in my sink, but I'd rather show you some fabulous finds.....


You can update your home with these decorative pillows at Sewn Inspirations....

For some whimsical screen-printed pieces for Mom or Baby....swing on over to Katy and Zucchini






Now I located some designs at these two lovely shops......

Blue Heart Boutique



Amber Studios







Now to end things off...I'm posting a video that's appeared all over the net today.
It's the "ever so stylish" Alicia Keys. I must admit that I'm not loving the song entirely.....maybe it'll grow on me.....

Peeps, let me know if you're feeling this video.......


I'm out......