Saturday, November 19, 2011

The Holy Frijoles are Famous!

The Holy Frijoles have reached a new pinnacle of fame locally by making it into The Alibi's Holiday Gift Guide

Starting on page 39 and continued to page 40 is a very brief segment is totally dedicated to The Holy Frijoles!! How 'bout that!


We think its pretty darn cool!

You can get your free copy in stands today or check it out online by clicking HERE.

You have to scroll down a bit to see them but they are in there! ;-)

Please be sure and check out all the other great local crafters featured in the guide. I know we will be doing a totally handmade Christmas this year we like supporting small business and local artists. Consider doing the same, will ya? You'd be surprised, in this hi-tech day and age, at how wonderful a handmade gift is received! Try it out, you won't regret it!




Happy Shopping!


xoxo
Gigi

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Sugar Skull theme...

 Well I have been stuck on sugar Skulls lately! I can't get enough of them! Not the real sugar skulls of course, though I'd like to make those too, I just LOVE using them as an element of design with COPPER!

 I have a few NEW pieces in the Etsy shop right now! just click on the photo to go to the listing!


Sugar Skulls made of copper!




And my personal favorite- SeƱora Muertas




Check them out here!

These designs are making me dream of FALL. I don't know about you but I am growing tired of this heat! Just 5 or 6 degrees cooler would be nice but its like an OVEN out there right now!  I just keep saying "C'mon Pumpkins!" because when I start seeing pumpkins for sale outside of the stores here, I know cooler temperatures are on their way! I can't hardly wait! I just LOVE fall! Winter- not so much but FALL is the most wonderful time of the year!

C'mon Pumpkins!!! ;-)

xoxo
Gigi

Thursday, August 25, 2011

That time of year already!

Well this is our earliest bean baking season ever! Just amazes me how it starts earlier and earlier each year! The holiday season still seems so far away in this sweltering August heat, but I've been making and filling Frijole orders this week!
Thats RIGHT! I mean The Holy Frijoles!


    We've been making and selling these since 2005 and they always seem to bring everyone such joy. Its quite pleasant to make these knowing that they will make many people smile all through the year!
  Its a nativity scene made of dressed up pinto beans- the word for beans in Spanish is frijole (pronounced free-hole-ee) so if this is the full representation of the Holy Family on that silent night then that would make them Holy Frijoles! LOL
So whether you are getting a jump on Holiday shopping or just have a great sense of humor you can find these little guys in our Etsy shop now!

xoxo
Gigi

Monday, August 22, 2011

New Copper Design in the Etsy shop!!

This one felt very artistic. I was sculpting one butterfly wing, thinking how pretty it was and really reflecting on how perfectly beautiful God made the butterfly that I was inspired to duplicate yet invert the wing to create the matching set. Then I connected them with a jump ring so that these wings can flap.:-)


Now you have your wings. Anything is possible.

You can find this piece HERE


xoxo
Gigi

Sunday, August 21, 2011

A funny thing happened on my way...(updated)

...to becoming americas next top childrens clothing designer.

turns out I never really cared. LOL

Hey don't get me wrong, I loved sewing for my little girls, it was like lavishly decorating a cake everyday, a cute little cupcake that loved you so much for decorating it! Of which I ate up that love that completely eased any mothers guilt I may have been harboring... ;-)

I had first seen all the lovely handmade clothing on ebay back in 2005 and could never afford to buy them, so I taught myself to sew! Simple as that!

Quickly I realized, though the cute clothes helped my very shy daughters feel absolutely special, and out in public too! but fabric isnt cheap, and the outfits took me weeks sometimes and then would be worn and loved then hung in the closet and forgotten. So I decided to list them on ebay, from the advice from a  group mate, that later turned out to be a little bit of a nut job, but she was right about my clothes, people did love my creations, even if I didn't own a serger, or for that matter knew what one was used for.:-)

So here we are a full 5 years from the moment I started this journey and I feel like I've graduated. Though my training grounds on ebay were less than pleasant, I feel like that experience was needed to grow.

Here is the very funny thing-

Along the way on ebay I got much unwarranted criticism for my photographs of my clothing Not from customers but from OTHER SELLERS, my supposed fellow seamstress pals. Nice right?
There were a few facts that always kept me from giving up-

A
. The criticism was always from people that had average at best photographs themselves (but were successfully kidding themselves).

B.
Who cares? This was a self funded hobby for me and my daughters, we had fun! -again I never wanted to be the next top childrens clothing designer or anything. I only do things that are fun. Okay not everything I do is giggle worthy but I do very much try to live by the code "if it ain't fun, don't do it" when it comes to my life's purpose. Sitting down all day and sewing is NOT that fun! LOL

C. sometimes I was well aware that my shots weren't the best that day but with a point and shoot camera combined with my fussy baby girls, some days I just learned to let it go, work with what I had and move on to the next great outfit. (yeah I said it) No Big Deal!


AND THE BIG thing that kept happening whenever the harsh words would come about my photography, and this is absolutely true, someone would come across my designs, be it on my website, or my Etsy or even here on this very blog and tell me something along the lines of "Hey I wish I could buy those clothes they are so very cute, but I was wondering, do you per chance offer photography services? Do you supply the outfits just for the shoot?"

What I'm pointing out is that somehow the universe was always showing me something. When one person would try to make me feel inferior it was like God would send another to tell me I was doing great, to keep going. Beauty does depend on the eye of the beholder.

The only thing I regret was that I let the critics get to me, so I would often turn down the request feeling like I was not up to par....but that was then.

I'm happy to say that recently I said 'YES'! and a new world has opened up to me.
This hobby thing seems to have lead me to yet another artistic endeavor.

Photography.

YES. ME. ;-)

People like it, people want it. People are willing to wait, and they are willing to pay for it! Real money too!:-)

My always supportive husband is totally on my side, as always, and is responsible for booking my first photography sessions with the clients only viewing my work of the photos of our children that are neatly framed on his desk at work. How I love that man of mine.:-)

So, as you can see, the moral of the story is don't let the negative people get you down. Often they see something that they don't have in you and want to stop you. They might not know why they feel like that but try to forgive them and keep going! If you love it and it makes you happy then by all means DO IT!

 I hope to permanently add photography services to our repertoire and with any luck I can make people feel as happy as I have been all these years seeing my child smiling and posing and having a blast all captured in a photograph. That is what its all about.
For now I leave you with the few various photographs, that are also found on my husbands desk at work, that lead to this new avenue. Who knows where it will lead me? All I know is that I am excited to explore it! And of course our jewelry and art and clothing will still be available for purchase.

Just remember to Keep on going!










xoxo
G.

UPDATE: I took this post off  for awhile because of my ex and his baby's mama, etc. thought they would try to sneak up and into the lives of my children that my ex willingly gave up all rights to, only because he thought his back child support debt would be erased and then he could revoke the termination of rights...(yeah I saw the updated court case...which just made me sad.)  So after having previously been harassed by his girlfriends that believe his lies, I am never again going to engage with one of them, they always come to know the side of him that I do and regret their words and actions toward me. So when one of them contacted me here, clearly not knowing the situation, it bothered me at the time that one of them might use my business blog as a platform to gain information or whatever it is that they want...but not anymore, I understand the curiosity at least, as long as no contact is attempted again. They can look if they feel the need, have a glimpse, BUT never forget that it's just a window. A window that is very much closed.

Saturday, July 9, 2011

Going local...

If you happen to find yourself in the greater Albuquerque area please head on down to the coolest shop in town! 66 Pinups!

I was happy to find the store on Facebook after passing their "coming soon" sign a few weeks back and then the owner found my business page on facebook and well one thing lead to another and now you can find some of OUR jewelry at 66 Pinups!!! Yaaaay!

The clothing is just AMAZING, all the perfect accessories are there to match every outfit and the shoes are TO DIE FOR...seriously..... also the owners are so friendly, if anything you will just purely enjoy your visit with them! 

So head on down and check it out today!!! I know you won't be disappointed!! ;-)

xoxo
Gigi

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

some 4th photo fun!

I am probably revealing just how little I do actually get out anymore but I had too much fun NOT to share!
Here is what we did for the 4th after all the big fireworks had been lit, barbeque had been eaten and s'mores had been roasted and consumed.... yeah that's when I whip out the DSLR camera. If ya got one, google the setting for your camera and make those sparklers even more fun for the kids!!!

Hope you had a happy 4th of July! I know we did. I am glad to have been born in this country. I just sat back and thought of how very fortunate we are as Americans. I truly felt grateful for every little thing that I take for granted.
 For instance S'mores... yeah totally AMERICAN right?  God Bless them and God Bless America!;-)

With that I leave you with some fun Time Lapse Photography, its now a tradition for us. Where there is sparklers, there is my camera...

I was going for Cinderella's Carriage. So I guess that makes me the fairy godmother. Complete with cankles.;-)

My youngest daughter was making a scary spider....eww...scarrry!

My 9 year old was writing her favorite emotion....Love...not bad!

Abstract art in light.:-)
Until next time, please don't judge me....LOL

xoxo
G.

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Sugar and Spice Tattoo jeans!

They are done!!! and LISTED in the Etsy shop! Yay!!

 

xoxo,
Gigi

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Garden Happiness!

Its that time of year again! Warm and sunny JUNE, when I tend to really lose track of time whilst I work in my garden! I have been waiting for a good back yard to grow anything and everything I can!

We bought this house with what in all appearances was a SAD and NEGLECTED back yard. But to us, we saw a blank canvas. A chance to create whatever garden wonderland we wanted.

Oh and the best part is the Organic fruit and vegetables! I LOVE watching them grow and there is something so wonderful about plucking a ripe fruit or veggie and eating it within minutes of harvest. I swear you can feel the warmth of the sun on your tongue and in your very soul! LOL

 Here is this years garden so far:
Dahlias! My new favorite flower!

Roses, I just can't get tired of them;-)

I am anxiously awaiting this baby to open! Mammoth Dahlia

Pumpkins!!! YAAAY!!

Pickling Cucumbers!

Tomatoes...mmmmmm

NM Chile! Extra EXTRA Hot!!

Sweet peas

Already harvested some of these delicious Peas! Makes me so glad that I am impatient! LOL

Strawberries!!

They are small but DELICIOUS!

Our HUGE Apricot tree is getting ready to shower us with delicious fruit!
Oh I am just in organic heaven! LOL I LOVE this stuff!! But it wasn't all fun and games. All of us here have had to work REALLY hard to get it looking as good as it does and actually have things grow here.
Let me share some before and After photos, so you can REALLY see the difference!

 Here is our back yard when we first moved in about  a year and a half ago.


And here is our back yard the way it is right now! ;-)



SO you SEE? ANYTHING is possible, if you are willing to have some patience and put in a whole lot of love into your dream. It will happen!:-)

Ponder that whilst you get a sneak peek at what is in the works for Art Of The Craft Studios

I paint on jeans, therefore I AM.

oh and I also sew, so yeah.....like I said above....therefore I AM.;-)




On that note I bid you good day.....


I said GOOD DAY

:-)

xoxo
Gigi

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

More photography!

 It has been a busy couple of weeks! Spring break was filled with back yard projects and outings with the kids. We hit the bed hard each night and got up early ready to take on another task. I will have to post photos of our fabulous new fence soon!

Another promised activity was an outing to Albuquerque's Bio Park where I had another High School Senior ask me to take his photo....so he is my little sisters boyfriend....so what? He liked the photos I took of her and we really like him so my husband, the kids and the H.S. kids all went to the Bio park this Sunday! It was a lot of fun! As usual! And of course, I am still learning this here photography thing, so there is NO CHARGE!:-)

You know, I am starting to really feel my age when the kids I used to babysit and change their diapers are now graduating from High School!!!! Time flies when you are having fun!:-)

These two "youngsters" are college bound and are two of the most respectful and responsible teenagers that I have ever met. My step-sister didn't come into my life until I was 16 years old and then when I was 18, I got married in a hurry and moved far away, I went off on my own rough and crazy journey and then came back, with two of my own children, to live in the same house with her when she was just 7 years old and I was 22 years old. Since then our parents have divorced (they are both good people but together make serious drama) so I tried, my best, to keep a relationship with her and for a time I was her "after school" care and both my husband and I talked to her about life and growing up and how education was important and well....now I could cry at how very PROUD I am of her. She was accepted to a major University and has maintained a 4.0 all through high school! She met this lovely young man at her side in middle school and they have been together since 7th grade! Which, if I'm not mistaken, in the world of teenagers, translates to like 50 human years.:)...well In any case it is longer than most marriages these days! LOL

They are "good people". I love having them around my children. They are both very positive role models and I see how caring they both are toward my kids. We have them both over for dinner at least twice a month.

If there is one thing that I have learned in life, its that sometimes, "Family" is who you find to care about along the way. The people that need you to care and allow you to care for them and vice versa. I am proud to call this beautiful young woman, pictured above, "sister". Indeed we are.:-) Maybe, one day...in the future I can call this wonderful young man, next to her, "brother-in-law"....only the future will tell, but secretly I have my hopes up! They are perfect for each other now! I just hope they can grow together and have a wonderful and happy life! Its just TOO cute!:-)

That's all for now! I'm off to bed. Oh by the way- Tomorrow is a PERFECT day for counting your blessings! Just saying....:-)

Buenos Noches mis amigos!!!
xoxo
G.

Monday, March 14, 2011

Spring

Well, its that time of year again. Where I just know new beginnings are happening all around me.
 I just have to walk out in my back yard and I know that I am not the only one in the mood for change!

The huge Apricot tree in my yard is blossoming. Bringing hundreds of bees out to pollinate the blossoms. If you stand quietly underneath it you can hear the faint humming of a small community of honey manufacturers:-)


Also, there are WEEDS sprouting. I just found out that there are many of these obnoxious plants trying to take up residence underneath the Apricot tree. I shall be evicting them as soon as possible!


And , probably the most clear indication that it is spring is that my back yard is getting a makeover. Fresh off of the Lowes home improvement delivery truck are many, MANY, M-A-N-Y boxes, tools and kits galore to turn my drab and sadly neglected back yard into my dream retreat garden. Well, OUR dream retreat garden.


You see, this house we bought,(paid $40k under appraisal value due to its neglected appearance) was a rental house for about 8 years or so. So there are many...err....creative fixes found throughout the home both inside and outside. It was built in the 1960's where apparently 3 foot walls were all the rage....UGH.
Maybe they were attempting to inspire "neighborly love" which is a nice idea and all but my neighbor is elderly and CLEARLY mentally ill. So with all due respect we shall block her off. No more having to make sure the back facing window are closed because a scary old lady is staring into it, no matter what window, or what time of the day. Creepy really and I do not love it. We have 13 panels to install. Its hard and very physical work but we are all willing to do it so that maybe we can forget the "creepy-probably-lonely-but-says-too-much-inappropriate-stuff-to-my-kids-so-I-don't-feel-bad-for-blocking-her-out-of-my-life" lady staring into our souls. 
**shuddering**

 Even my teenage son was eager to help out. He is finally seeing the vision we have of a back yard paradise. And offering cash didn't hurt either:-)

 Also my little dogs got a new, smaller enclosure. There really isn't that much space needed for all of their poo. Now my kiddos- that agreed to clean it EVERY day (ha! what-ever.) can see the mess and hopefully won't have any more trouble seeing it in order to clean it up. 

So my wonderful husband and I spent the last couple of days installing a new wooden fence and gate with latch. 


Then we totally "Tom Sawyered" the kids into painting the dog fence....
 It WORKED! LOL I was even surprised that they painted the ENTIRE fence!

and look at all that "Sibling Love" it generated....



:-) Sibling Love....HA HA HA! So Funny! I so love this photo!

And with that I'm off.... its quitting time and I think something with ice, fruit juice and a fair amount of liquor is in order after todays work.

Happy Spring.


xoxo
Gigi

Monday, March 7, 2011

A Magical place called Tinkertown.



Have you ever heard of Tinkertown? Well its one of those wonderful hidden treasures just minutes from my town! 

 Last Summer we decided to escape the city heat and head to the mountains. Where it always seems to be 20 degrees cooler and we visited Tinkertown Museum, where a wonderful Artist, Ross Ward, dedicated his life to creating and his life's work is now an AMAZING collection of items. 

 Words just cannot describe it! You really must see it for yourself if you are to TRULY appreciate the wonderous world found at Tinkertown.


 It is now a most cherished spot for my family and I. The Children are always delighted and my husband and I seem to re-connect with that inner child that we somehow lost when we started paying the bills.:-)
Every item has the mark of being purposefully placed. It really makes me want to collect colored glass bottles and build a small Tinkertown in my back yard.
Hidden treasures are at Every turn. 

The hand painted signs of wisdom and encouragement are one my favorite aspects of Tinkertown. 
I could use a few in my home!
The one below is my Favorite I think....


All the wonderful nostalgic items leave you longing for a place in time that you've never been before.


The miniature exhibits are so very detailed! Its just never-ending joy when you visit. Each time we go I swear something new is in there. But no, its all the original work of the master Ross Ward, and he really put so much into the miniature worlds he created. Its simply spectacular!



Are You Inspired yet?

 I Loved this Medicine Wagon! I wanted to hitch it up and drive it home and see about becoming a gypsy but I thought it better to leave it at Tinkertown, you know for the greater good of mankind. :-)
 My kids were and still are so enchanted with this place.
There was a neat little area where you could make wishes, well  my youngest wanted to DRAW her wish and then you put them into bottles to come true!

This machine pictured below was my kids FAVORITE. They had just seen the movie "BIG" and thought of the famous Zoltar Machine! LOL The big plus was that it actually worked! The fortune was all vintage looking and my son still carries his around for good luck!

Well if you happen to be in the Albuquerque, NM area just hop on to I-40 east and follow the signs to Sandia Park, NM where there are plenty of signs showing you the way to this magical place nestled in the woods. Tinkertown! Visit their website by clicking here.

Very wise words from Mr. Ward.

A wonderful place that reminds you that the possibilities in life are indeed endless!


xoxo,
Gigi