Monday, March 31, 2014

Separates of Bayou Bebe (Bottoms)

Wrapping up my detailed explanation of how the new SS14 collection came about, I will be focusing on the items that let you little papoose run and play while still providing comfort and style. These bottom pieces are easily interchangeable and adaptable to any size wardrobe, and the fabric prints are so gorgeous, you'll wish they came in your size! I've been thinking about making myself a piece that fits within the collection, but that's a discussion for another time.

http://www.papooseclothing.com/store/p44/Bayou_Bay_Green_Polka_Dot_Jumper.html
 
Though technically not a bottom  piece in the traditional sense, I still included this darling jumper. I think one can never go wrong with polka dots, and the sewn on green trim really adds a carefree element when it's tied at the shoulders. The bubble shorts are so playful with the cuffs and the gathered waistline. Of course, the back is buttoned up with sweet pearl buttons because every true Southern lady, even a little one, has her pearls!

http://www.papooseclothing.com/store/p41/Cafe_Au_Lait_Double_Ruffle_Top_Bloomer_Bubble_Shorts.html
 
This pattern style will always be a favorite of mine because these shorts are incredibly easy to wear and look amazingly sweet on! Just slip this beauty on under her favorite shirt or blouse and you are set to go. The soft neutral hues make it an ideal addition to any wardrobe, and who can resist polka dots on a little girl?

http://www.papooseclothing.com/store/p34/Caffe_Crema_Drop_Waist_Ruffle_Top_Skirt.html

This skirt is another neutral piece I designed for easy wardrobe mixing. The sweet little white flowers against a tan background remind me of the classic magnolias found everywhere in Louisiana. They are as iconic as cypress and oak trees, and this skirt is just as classic with its gathered full waistline and drop waist detail that has an extra tier of gathered ruffles that make it perfect for the little papoose who loves to twirl.

http://www.papooseclothing.com/store/p37/Pelican_Blue_Bubble_Cuff_Shorts_with_Side_Ties.html
 
I am in love with these shorts! I think the fabrics combined with the pattern style and the pearl buttons really make this piece stand out among the rest. I love how the fabric has a slight distressed look to it, as if it's as aged and worn like the southern houses seen down oak lined driveways. The blues seen in the fabric are the moodiest blues that gets me thinking of the classic zydeco music heard everywhere in Louisiana. 

http://www.papooseclothing.com/store/p30/Singin%27_the_Blues_Ruffle_Top_Gathered_Capri_Pants.html
 
Speaking of blue colors, these capri pants are inspired by the nostalgia and emotions heard in the Blues. These stylish capri pants have all the sass and comfort needed for your little singer. The hidden pockets are ideal for stowing found treasures when playing in the bayous, and the elastic waistline is set an inch below to create a ruffled top that adds so much charm. I think the gathered cinches really make this design work well for those ever roaming little papooses.
 

http://www.papooseclothing.com/store/p31/Shrimp_Po%27boy_Polka_Dot_Cascade_Ruffle_Top_Skirt.html
 
Last but not least, this two-tiered skirt is inspired by all the spice and life found in Louisiana cuisine, something the state is nationally known for. My husband learned how to appreciate a spicier eating experience when we were married, and this darling skirt has so much oomph to it. A ruffled waistline sets the whimsical tone and a top layer of colorful polka dots adds so much charm. The bottom skirt is a solid teal cotton that drapes down into a point at the back for a cascading effect, perfect for twirling and dancing to the banjo playing in the background as fireflies dance along in the night!

Thursday, March 27, 2014

Ice Princess Inspired Wardrobe

Well I have finally moved everything and somewhat settled into the new house, which is fabulous because I now have a gloriously large studio that I can spread out in. Not a moment too soon really because I am busy with multiple orders and attempting to stock up for a local fair next weekend. My sister and precious little niece are coming to visit/ see the new house/ help me sew/ get me to sew her things. It's going to be a busy for awhile, but it helps balance out the slow spurts.

 
I wanted to share a little of what I'm working on with these preview drawings. I am sewing up four new items for the Fairytale Collection, and I am so excited to have them completed. I think they are all going to turn out beautifully, and I know several little papooses are currently obsessed with playing dress up and pretending to be queens and princesses so I hope they like the new creations!

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Fan Fav: Green Fairy Purim Photos

I mentioned awhile back in a February post how a little papoose was going to be a green fairy for her birthday and to celebrate Purim. Her lovely mother shared some precious photos of the little fairy playing dress up with me, and I wanted to show how a simple outfit can be styled and characterized to fit every fun and quirky personality. I love when my clothing sparks off ideas with accessorizing and making it work for each occasion, I think it is so important to encourage a little one's imagination and play time. Judging from these darling pictures, I think the little papoose had a wonderful time flying around in her fairy outfit!




For more information on the Green Fairy Dress Outfit, please visit the website or Etsy.

Friday, March 14, 2014

Feature Friday: Blue Sky Pottery Co.

Spring is just around the corner, and I am beginning to feel all the warmth and sunshine coming with it. I noticed a couple weeks ago the birds returned and were singing joyfully, and we're starting to get those lovely 70 degree days right before the nightmarish summer heat. I keep opening the blinds in my house to let the sunshine in and see all the beautiful Spring colors popping up.
 
I am a huge fan of color, I am most definitely not one of those people who wear only black and gray, so I was particularly drawn to Deb Babcock's creations when I found her lovely pottery shop. I was drawn to the vibrant, happy colors and the beauty of each one of her items. Ranging from dinnerware to vases and yarn bowls, each of Deb's pieces are handmade in her Colorado studio with her own specially concocted glazes.
 
 
1. How do you define art?
I agree that it is in the eye of the beholder, and for me, art is something that touches my senses through great design, color, composition, storytelling or just wonderful technique.

2. How would you describe your art?
Contemporary ceramics for the home.
 
3. Name three adjectives that describe your artistic point of view.
Colorful, elegant, whimsical


4. Who has most personally influenced and inspired you as an artist?
Vincent VanGogh

5. Has your artistic sensibility changed since you first began?
Not really, it has just been refined over time.

6. What inspires your art?
Nature and color


7. Do you have a favorite artist from another field?
Yes. Chihuly for glass; several fiber artists; my mom (now deceased) who sewed quilts; several jewelry artists; lots of painters and photographers; woodworkers, too many to mention

8. Who is your favorite competitor from your field?
Julia Galloway

9. Do you have any occupation hazards or mishaps?
Sure -- getting cut from sharp edges of glaze; getting burnt from taking things out of the kiln while still hot; inhaling clay and glaze dust; to name a few
 

10. What did you wish you would have known when starting out?
I continue adding to my knowledge each year by attending workshops and seminars, reading, watching videos, etc.

11. What is your favorite item currently for sale in your shop?
Usually, it's the latest thing that I made. Perhaps some of the vases with cut out designs.

12. Who is your favorite author? What was your favorite book as a child?
Ivan Doig; Nancy Drew


13. When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Airline Pilot

14. Where is the farthest you have travelled?
Europe - Germany, France, England

16. Where can people find you and your art online?
Etsy: blueskypotteryco and my online shop: BlueSkyPotteryColorado.com

Monday, March 10, 2014

Separates of Bayou Bebe (Tops)

Since I talked a bit about the dresses from Bayou Bebe, I also wanted to highlight the tops from the Spring/ Summer 2014 Collection. It's just beginning to warm up during the afternoons here, but it's still chilly during the mornings and evenings. It was actually in the low 70s this weekend, which made for gorgeous days spent outside. These little tops will go well paired with their mates from the collection or comfortable jeans that are already in the closet, they all just beg to be worn outside in the sunshine!

http://www.papooseclothing.com/store/p35/Bayou_Bluff_Ruffle_Neck_Short_Sleeve.html

I am in love with the ruffle neck collar and puff sleeves of this blouse, but really the main attraction is the dramatic bow! The pop of teal contrasts beautifully with the creamy browns and beiges in the blouse fabric, and I love that the bow is the main focus of this top. The floral fabric feels like it was plucked straight out of a grand southern garden, and the pearl buttons at back are the perfect finishing touches. This top is so sweet, but it can still be dressed down for more casual days out window shopping or playing outside in the park.

http://www.papooseclothing.com/store/p36/Banjo_Blues_Tunic_Peplum_Blouse.html

I love the teals and blues in this fabric that has a slight weathered look to it that adds to its vintage charm. A solid teal trim is made from a cotton fabric and is sewn into random patterns that are inspired by the roots systems of cypress trees found in the Louisiana bayous. I wanted to continue the idea of using the cascading trim that is seen on the Cypress Roots Navy Blue Dress so I added that little detail to this top. The cascading peplum drapes lows at the back that reminded me of the shape of classic southern magnolia leaves.

http://www.papooseclothing.com/store/p32/Gumbo_Green_Crop_Top_Pleated_Tunic.html
 
There is so much charm in this adorable fabric that has bayou critters playing around and going on adventures. I so wanted to dive right in and see what they were up to when I was making this design. The murky greens are the perfect shades to compliment the pleated teal side sash the ties at the back. Your little one will delight in the fabric as she goes on her own adventures this summer, and she will look adorable and be comfortable doing it.
 
http://www.papooseclothing.com/store/p33/Peat_Moss_Green_Gathered_Short_Sleeve_Blouse.html

This fabric has such gorgeous colorings in a subtle moss effect that reminded me of the kind draping and growing on oak trees along roads and long driveways. The greens and light teals are the perfect shades to wear this spring and will go with a number of different bottoms. I added the classic Peter Pan collar but sewed on ties at the bottom of the sleeves for a gathered puff effect that is so fresh and whimsical.

Monday, March 3, 2014

Art in the Pass 2014

I have been anxiously waiting to hear back from the selection committee for a local art market, and I just heard I was accepted! I am super excited about this fair because it will be in my new neck of the woods, and hopefully we will have everything moved and unpacked beforehand so it won't be a complete disaster setting up a booth. It's on the Mississippi Gulf Coast at the War Memorial Park in Pass Christian, which is right on the water so it's absolutely beautiful.

http://artinthepass.com/wp/

I went to the event last year and was so impressed with the vendors that I felt I could actually sell something if I had a booth. I've been to some fairs where it's all either monogrammed madness (the sad norm down here in the South) or garage sale items. I guess I should have done my homework, but it was a good experience to have in the long run. Art in the Pass seriously caters to artists and their work, which means people who enjoy art actually come and want to purchase said art. I'm hoping this will help me lay some groundwork in getting Papoose Clothing known in the area. I have so much sewing I need to do first, but I have a game plan mapped out before the event starts on April 5!