New use for old friend

Getting ready for the DIY craft direction for my emporium store
I decided to find a new way of using all I had saved and sharing the creative ideas. Like many, I had a lot of silk flowers for different seasons. I stripped them of plastic. I also found a lot of old, beautiful ties my dad had. Everyday of his hotel life he wore elegant suits and ties. It was hard to throw them out when he passed. Today, I cut them up, added them to many layers of mixed flower pieces and ...magic, red velveteen, white organdy and checkered black and white silk. Added a felt circle and brooch pin to restyle old hats, purses, close a scarf, decorate a jacket even restyle a lamp shade. I made a simple pattern and then added pieces of jewelry, feathers and button centers. That tired winter hat looks runway ready. My creations are now in the store - 2 ways with pieces for others to make or already designed for restyling. Thanks dad for that touch of timeless elegance.

GETTING BACK

I don't know where the time goes. My last post was eons ago it seems. After September, the fall and winter holidays seem to take over and all intentions fly away. I guess it is traditions and holiday ritual that take us away from our normal creative goals; like making ornaments, shopping, overdoing on the perfect gifts - naturally hand made. I chose not to do cards this year. Getting the Kat's Restyle Emporium (my store)  ready for the Holiday buying season seemed more energetic this time. Enough excuses, it is a new artistic year and time to roll out those creativity goals. As the economic times change for the artist, remarketing yourself is crucial. I looked at what our town was lacking and not  having a place to buy craft items, for mixed media and 3-D crafting, was missing. I gathered all of my (horded) goodies and will now have them in my store - as a mini DIY space. Naturally I need a look. A mix of internati0onal travel and altered industrial chic. Dollar store boxes are being covered with craft paper and cut up McCalls patterns. Signage will be assorted stamps and my logo. I put in metal shelving to go thinner and higher. My goal is for the buyer to expect the unexpected each time they visit and have fun.