WHAT'S HOT AND OTHERWISE MAKING ME DROOL...

On the Craft side let's take a look at these cute DIY projects.

Don't know what to do with your well worn or otherwise out of shape bras? Why not go all out and turn it into a fabulous little shoulder pouch.



















Then there's this cute little idea from a self-proclaimed Junk enthusiast! This cool belt was made out of duct tape, shipping tape and photos from your favorite magazines. I am so making this too! I may use something other than duct tape, but I love the idea of the photos. Cheveere!! (cool)













THIS IS WHY I HAVE A PASSION FOR FASHION

And last but certainly not least, is the coolest outfit I've seen in a while from one of my favorite designers, Mr. Jean Paul Gaultier. He never ever lets me down. Can you say, "shut your mouth you're drooling..."







I'm ga-ga over the fabric design, and the ingenuity behind his choice of textures. You know a person would have to be in Cirque du Soleil to go out on the town in this diddy.






Merry Christmas Baby! and
Happy New Year to you too!

STORE BOUGHT OR HANDMADE GIFTS??



The Threadbangers website and other DIY sites have posted this pledge on their sites in an effort to stop consumerism for Christmas. While I support it wholeheartedly. I tried it once and it didn't go over so well.

I was just starting out and had gained confidence as a full fledged crafter. So I decided to give handmade gifts because I didn't have a lot of money to spend on folks. Upon reflection now, perhaps it wasn't that the gift was handmade, perhaps it was that it wasn't that great.

In any event, what will you do as a crafter? Will you stick with store bought or give handmade gifts? I believe that even if the gift is something handmade, the recipient should be gracious and conscious of "why" a person prefers to give handmade instead of store bought items. Does it mean that we don't care, that we're cheap, and that we had stuff laying around and wanted to get rid of it? I kind of think people believe that's the case. I'm of the mindset that you have to prepare folks for this kind of gift giving, you can't just spring it on them.

Had I done that, maybe my gifts would have been more well received. Instead, it was like..."WTF?" Ok so it wasn't that bad, but it felt like that. I was crushed.

As crafters we see the value in everything we do...the time, the creativity, the sincerity of that item. However, can we convey all that without standing on our soapboxes and making a statement about how important it is for our society to value these treasures as much as we do? And in doing so, will consumerism begin to slowly lose its run-away-train effect?

Every year statistics show that people go deeply into debt trying to "buy" that perfect gift so that they can show their family and friends how much they care about them. It's out of control. I can't afford to go into debt any more than I already am, so I don't buy into it, but there are those who continue to do so. You can hear them saying, "I'll deal with the bills later. Right now it's all about my kids having the best Christmas ever!" Yea....uh, one could also argue that will it still be the best Christmas ever when Dad and Mom are pulling their hair out, arguing over credit card bills and other payments they can't satisfy. Are we having fun now?

Well, it's a big world out there and this has been going on for so many years. Those of us who will take this pledge and stick to it are like a ripple in a big old ocean of "buy this and buy that". Can we make a difference? I'm not sure, but I'd sure like to give it a try. I don't think I will this Christmas, but next year, just you wait - my family and friends will know what it is to appreciate the hard work I've put into my gifts. You'll see! :0)

CAN YOU SAY - "I WISH I'D THOUGHT OF THIS"

This dress is like the coolest dress ever. When I found these photos I was like, "whoa, this is so creative." I once saw a purse created like this, but it was made out of postcards.

I read the instructions on this dress and my mind couldn't handle the time and effort that goes into making it. So major props go out to the designer. I never even attempted to make the purse and it was way easier than this. I guess I just wasn't up for the challenge. And I don't think I'll be up for the challenge to make this dress any time soon, but I'd like to think so. I sure wish I'd thought of this.

MICHELLE BLIOUX

These photos blew me away. I love the romantic, haute couture look. Very stylized and avant garde too. I don't know who the fashion designer is, but they definitely have a flare for the unique and unusual.

Wonderful photograhpy by Michelle Blioux!

This two piece outfit was reconstructed from an old pantsuit. The sleeves are the pant legs. The trousers were opened up into a skirt, and a nice flirty tulle finish gave it just the right touch of Sass! Notice the details: silver buttons, leather straps, velvet collar. Exquisite!! This is what fashion is all about - taking risks!

PURSE STORIES

A Collection of Cigar Box Purses - Smokin' Hot!




I cannot tell you how happy I was to find this site devoted to stories about purses. Purse Stories allows anyone who relishes this piece of iconography, to share some true tales about purses.

I was in Handbag Heaven when I read the stories and saw haunting pictures of bags and baggage. This is a site that has changed the scope of purse ownership into cult-like status...you, the purse owner can dig deep inside your bags and discuss PURSENALITY, BAG-A-TUDE and HANDBAG HORRORS with those of the same mindset.

Simply salacious!

Dorothy Dandridge Defines Sassy on this pretty pouch.



















A Fairie Tale unfolds on this handmade cloth calendar tote!




Do check out the link and see what I mean.

As much as I love purses and handbags....I never believed a site could dedicate its entire premise to sharing secrets about what purses mean to people, how we use them, and what a purse can become in our lives.

I applaud the creators because I get it!! :0) Purses have lives and we are their protectors...we give them strength, purpose and power. Purses -they're not just for carrying "stuff" anymore.

Billie Holiday comes alive in all her Jazzy glory on this custom designed cigar box purse.

Here's my story as it appears on the site.

Gala of Disasters

Christine Burton

In 1997, I attended the opening night gala of the National Black Theatre Festival in Winston-Salem, NC. I was wearing this beautiful burgundy gown, but didn’t have an appropriate evening bag. At the local mall, I bought a lovely velvet clutch with spring action closures and a long gold chain as its handle. It was the right color and it was just gorgeous.

On my way to the event, my roommate (who couldn’t attend) asked me to take lots of pictures of the celebrities who would be in attendance so I promised her I would. However, since I only had my old beat up camera bag to carry, my friend suggested that I just tuck the camera into the purse. So I agreed and happily went about my way.

Upon arriving at the event I realized that I needed extra film to catch all the night's events, so I went in search of film. After I bought the film, I attempted to fit my camera into the purse and it just wasn’t happening. I’m at the door and I’m getting anxious, so I quickly stuff my camera into this evening bag, along with the 2 rolls of film…bad mistake!!

Once everyone was seated, an announcement was made that the Parade of Stars was about to begin. Without hesitation, many of the other attendees with cameras in hand, ran to get into a line to take pictures and I did as well. From the back of the ballroom a parade of celebrities began filing in. We all began taking pictures and I was snapping photos like a professional Paparazzi!!

After the gala, we attended the opening night play at a theatre. But just before I go in, my purse exploded. It was so overstuffed that the snap closure on one side gave way, and my contents spilled all over the floor, and the gold chain broke from the purse. I gathered up everything I could and found my balcony seat.

So there I am, sitting in the dark attempting to re-string the handle through the closure openings…it worked to some degree but the purse was ruined. I didn’t really enjoy the play because of my anxiety over breaking the purse.

After the play I attended the “meet the stars” event, and I’m on my way inside and one of my earrings just falls to the ground - it just breaks right then and there! I didn't wear a necklace that night because the earrings were pretty flashy, so now I have no jewelry on. By now, I was just carrying my camera in my hand.

I did take some wonderful pictures with my favorite celebs, in all my glory - no jewelry and holding a broken clutch. It was quite the disastrous evening. I’ve kept the purse all these years because I love it, but haven’t replaced the closures. However, I do use the gold chain as a necklace on occasion. One day I’ll put that beautiful clutch back together and make it whole again.
_____________

So there you have it. May the bag always be with you!

IF I HAD ONE WISH

You know how you wish and wish that things would happen a certain way so that your life would change for the better? Well, winning the lottery or becoming an overnight sensation always seems to happen to other people. I have no choice but get used to the idea of me having to work like a new slave to achieve my goals....a lot of people do it everyday, so then why can't I stop hoping for the instant success?

No matter how many scratch off and lottery tickets I buy I haven't won the big prize, or no matter how hard I try to keep fashion ideas fresh, by the time I hand make the doggone thing...somebody's already out there with it. In a flash....it's gone! How do they do that?

If I had one wish that could be granted, it would be that I lay claim to all those fantastic ideas I know I came up (some of them already on the market) with and be able to get them to market as fast as I wrote the ideas down. It doesn't take a Rocket Scientist to know that if you are on the outer regions of the fashion industry, your chances of becoming the next big thing are next to none.

So how does one become a fashion insider??? Especially when you are working a 9-to-5 job?? Can somebody tell me please? I mean I read, watch and listen to all things fashion. I wish (there I go wishing again) that I could afford to attend those Fashion Week shows in NYC or here in LA, but whenever I hear about them....it's too late to do anything about it. And the cost to attend is a little pricey to say the least. Is that it? I just have to bite the bullet, pull out all the stops and just save and spend my hard earned cash on a $75-$150 ticket!?? Maybe?

I have been seeing posts about the Magic show in Las Vegas this week. I can't go because I didn't plan for it, and I have another engagement this weekend...family comes first!

I think about all the time and effort I spend researching, clipping articles, reading magazines and online sites to keep abreast of what's going on in the fashion world, but I keep missing one of the most crucial elements. I've got to live and breathe FASHION. I have to stop trying to pretend that I am doing something, when I need to do so much more.

So as of today....my calendar and my mind will be set on fast forward. Next year when the LA Fashion Week comes to town...I will be there! And next year at this same time when the Magic show is in Las Vegas....I will be there (do I have to be a vendor? Gotta find out about that).

Sometimes you have to ask yourself the really hard questions....how badly do I want this to happen? Do I want success because I like making stuff? Or do I want success because I know I'm good at it?

I was speaking with a PR respresentative last week and she gave me some awesome tips and pointers about getting myself out there. I also mentioned that I had a few contacts to celebrities and that I have "plans" to make some specialty purses for them. Yet, I haven't done one thing to implement either contacting them or making the purses. What's up with that? I know I'm not one of those people who talks the talk and can't walk the walk. But what's stopping me from jumping right on this and going forward?

There are some legitimate reasons (personal family stuff), and I know that as soon as this weekend is over....I have my work cut out for me. It's not enough to know what you have to do, but you also have to prepare to do it. So that's what I'll be doing...putting it all down on paper and then checking everything off the list. You have to take this one step at a time...but step quickly.

I do want success because I love making things, and from the responses I receive from clients, they think I'm good at what I do...I think so too. So, I guess I had to just lay all my fears, doubts, and angst out here so that I could analyze them and remember why I'm trying to do what I'm doing. It really takes a special person to break into some of these hard core industries when you don't have a formal background in it, but just a love of it.

How many times have I read where this person just made some piece and some celeb saw it and BAM!!! They were the next big thing. Well yea, I would love that to happen, but I know that I've got to put in the ground work too. I've got to become VISIBLE...and I'm doing that on a small scale. What needs to happen next is to take the BIG STEPS TO NOTORIETY. Yea, I need to be all up in folks' faces and just make myself a permanent fixture out there (you can't see me but I'm pointing toward Hollywood, Beverly Hills, The SF Valley, Studio City, Burbank....THE WORLD!).

I may joke, but I am dead serious about this. I am not happy just existing, I've got to BE, and it's all up to me. Thanks I needed that pep talk. Carry on....

COOL LOOKS

I absolutely love this jacket. It reminds me of something you would see in a MAD MAX movie, but at the same time I love that Victorian (vintage) look.















This vest is nice too. I even think I have these same kind of crystals. Damn...let me see what I can do with them.

I need to get a fabric mannequin so that I can work on it. I have a large wire one, but she's just displaying all my appliques, feathers and such. You see her with her feather boa, lace, crinoline, and purple applique! I'll have to upload some better pics, I know I have some somewhere.

I loaded her down with all this stuff so that I wouldn't forget that I have it. When you're working within a small space, you can't display all your goods like you want....so I had to get creative.

Here's my other very beautiful wire bustier that's dressed up like a French Maid with all her fancy and sparkly trims. Cool beans!

It's not the best photo, but you get the idea.

LOVE IT!

IT'S A NEW DAWN, IT'S A NEW DAY....AND I'M FEELIN' GOOD

A few months ago everybody was going Ga-Ga over what's his face, Michael Buble, thinking that he originally sang that song..."You Know How I Feel". But it was NINA SIMONE, and she tore it up!

I first heard the song in the movie,"No Way Out," with Bridget Fonda. Nina was Bridget's character's muse and the music played throughout the movie. I remember Nina Simone when my mom used to play her records, but I wasn't a big fan back then. I have come to appreciate her more and more as people steal and sample her music. They better recognize.

Anyway, take a look and see that Kiss'n Kuzn's is beginning a new day with our new logo. Yep, we're trying to keep it fresh!! :0) Our website is growing and we're doing some things to get our name and products out there to you!

Thank you Emily Yamamoto for your clever website designs. You rock!!

CRAFTIVISM

On Sun. Aug. 12, Kiss'n Kuzn's had a booth at the Craftivism Craft show in downtown Los Angeles. Lots of fun, scorcher of a day, but met some nice folks. Maybe we'll catch you next time.















Anywhoo, we've got some new designs coming up, so stay tuned and check our website out for the new arrivals.

We even had an international visitor. Jambo!!!! Actually that's Ki-Swahili and my man is from Tanzania.
















Dude was walking around with a walking stick and smoking his peace pipe!!



Please be sure to enlarge this picture, as you want to "see" all that he's beautified his face with...namely a big old black disc right under his nose. And he had some small plates in his lips.

My thanks to my friends, Susan Everett and Ken Foster who came out to support me. It was good seeing them. I also had a chance to see the products of some of the other vendors, and they were awesome.

Hi Susan, thanks for taking part in the craft fair.

Peace and Love!!

CAN I GET A WHAT, WHAT??

God is an awesome God....and if you know what I know, you will thank him and give him praises. I am pleased to announce that the new Kiss'n Kuz'ns website is in full effect....yeeeaaahh booooyyy!!

It's a done deal and we are so very happy. We don't expect any miracles overnight (or do we?), but it's a good feeling to accomplish just this one goal.

Anyways...please take a look when the mood strikes. You may be surprised at what you might find. We have clothing, we have accessories, and we have items for the home and for personal gifts. Sounds to me like you can get just about anything you might want right here! :0)
www.kissnkuznsdesigns.com.

We are currently building this site up, and it's not exactly what we want right now, but we're working with what we have to work with. We have lots more items to add, and we want to make sure to hear your comments on it, so please take a moment to sign our guest book as well.

We are also pleased to announce that Christine's one-of-a-kind design is featured in the premiere issue (Nov. 06) of "Altered Couture" magazine. Take a look here and click to see what's inside. http://www.stampington.com/html/main_magazines.html

She designed an Altered jean skirt, and it made the gallery of skirts. This is a phenomenal breakthrough and first for this budding designer!

FUN STUFF

As I mentioned, I love all things artsy fartsy. I found the most unique items the other day. Take a look at this stuff. Are these not the coolest things you have seen? It makes you want to slap your head and say...."I wish I had done that."

For the most part, artists don't mind if you take a little inspiration from their works...just don't straight up try to pass it off as "your" own right? Yea, it's inspiration....that's my story and I'm sticking to it.

I've seen purses made from clothing labels, but never a doll. I am loving this. I've got to make one too! I never seem to get to it though. My favorite saying is: "I've got 2 MUCH 2 DO!" I used to have a license plate in Washington, DC..."2MCH2DO". It really spoke to what I was trying to accomplish..then and now.

Ok I'm going to have to take a picture of my wig head and put it side-by-side of these two table centerpieces. Mine is designed.....uh, uh, uh...I'll wait and just show you (I love surprises, don't you?) These are way cool.I totally love this concept. It's like Mehndi (Henna) hand painting with ferns! So ingenious. OK I search so many websites during the day, I cannot begin to remember who's stuff it is. I just wanted to show it off. I will go back and find out ok??? (Dang...stop sweatin' me)Don't you love love these chairs made out of books with pencil top legs. I think it's way too cool. I like the birdhouse, but these chairs are way better. They remind me of those office chairs from the 1950's or something. And who'd think to make a bookshelf from books (slap on the forehead) -I love it!

I also love all kinds of dolls, and I found these two that were amazing.

I am feeling Miss Victorian Punk Rocker.

I mean...these are some hot little dollies.....so futuristic.