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.  

Store changes to gallery

Kat's Restyle Emporium had a good 2 year run but has transformed into another dream of mine - Katstyle Designs Folk & Fine Art Gallery. I had to walk my talk and follow my passion. Although I enjoyed finding restyled treasures, it didn't fill my soul. My art does. And my new passion is Encaustic (Wax medium) painting. Having this visibility for all of my art will be a new opportunity. To expand the gallery, I have republished Juice-UP and will now offer Creativity Play-Shop classes. I'm back on the art trail again. My Fall-Winter Juice-UP newsletter can be found online at katsninelives.com