Spring is in the air, yippeee!!

With spring comes change.  I thought I would welcome spring with a fresh new blog…ta da!!

This year we will all see more changes than ever before, not just in fashion, in everything.  I’m sure some of you have felt it.  Either everything, and I do mean everything is going great, or, everything is going down hill.  Fast and furious is the pace of this year.  It brings to mind over and over something Winston Churchill once said…”When one finds himself in hell, it is best to continue the journey til that is no longer the case.”  I can’t say I know much of this man, but, I do remember great quotes.  So I say, hold on it is gonna get a wild ride.  If things are not so great right now, hang on, in an instant it will change.   That is the one thing I know with all my heart, there is a balance in this world.  So if your being hit hard, then, something great is about to happen.  Like that song…”What a difference a day makes….”

With this amazing oportunic year I have really just let go and let my creations take on in all directions.  If you have read any of my other posts or know me at all, you know, I claim no rights to my talents….I am simply a tool for the creator of all creators.  Sometimes I look at what I have made and I am in awe.  “Where did that one come from?”  Oh yes I will talk to myself, my dogs and whoever may be listening.  I am sure my neighbors have deemed me a nut.  I live in my world and I like it here.  You will see some truly amazing new accessories coming to the shop, HopscotchCouture.   Especially for my brides, headpieces unlike anything you have ever seen.  The beauty of what I do is that not even I can duplicate any of my designs.  Using all vintage materials and no patters ensures that one of a kind means just that, One Of A Kind.

 

This year I even plan on doing some tutorials on how to makes these bouquets…and other fun pieces.   Yes it will be a big year I can promise you that.

Smoke n Mirror Necklace Series – CraftStylish

Smoke n Mirror Necklace Series – CraftStylish

 Evening Vamp Necklace, Glamor Gal Goth Statement Bib Necklace, Smoke n Mirrors and One Lone Penguin, La Marelle Couture. From a smokey corner a beam of light shines, dancing around the room from a secret location. It draws you in like a moth to a flame. Is it the lure of danger or the thrill of desire. The beating of the heart feels the same in either scenario. Upon intrigue and longing you respond and move closer. As you gaze upon it’s beauty it reflects back your open mouthed gaze. It is an uncompromising woman wearing a necklace that exists only for her, for there is only one in existence, same as she. Victorian Noir rhinestones chaotically form a modern art necklace like no other. The center piece a mirror that draws onlookers in. The black beauty of the smoke n mirrors series by La Marelle Couture. And the one lone Penguin, well he is there for good measure. This stunning beauty measures 6 inches wide by 6 inches long and the silver, black beaded chain measures 26 inches. The flower in the upper right corner is intentionally left without stones so you may choose a color that reflects your inner desire.

For more statement necklaces from La Marelle Couture, click here.. http://etsy.me/zQYsfE

Here Comes the Bride

Here comes the bride and she is having it her way, dammit.  Can you blame her?  As women we never and I mean never get a day to have everything we want the way we want it.  It is my hope that in a small way I help the soon to be wife have that perfect day.  Let’s face it, after the wedding day it is on to the real world outside the red carpet and the flowers.

Gone are the days of ladies in waiting to do our bidding.  I sigh thinking how that would be…giggling girls just there to do what ever you ask of them.  Oh the good old days….I mean the very good very very old days. of royalty of course.  Where men were men and the women were ladies.  You embroidered a single handkerchief for weeks just because.  Everyone had one of a kind accessories with their own personal touch.  Artist were revered and rewarded for their gift to create.   You name and initials were carefully and artfully put on everything, along with your crest.  Ahh the crest.  Everyone has one.  The first day I really looked at my family’s crest was the day my son came home with it tattooed on his arm.  I must say it is a stunning bit of royal armor.   Find yours and be proud of it.  Someone in your distant family tree took the time to either make it or have one made.  Every detail is there for a reason, it means something.  Art wasn’t just to draw attention or to sell a product.  It told a story, marked an event, it had real personal meaning.  At some point in your life you will wish it had more meaning.  My job is to bring a little bit of that personal touch to every piece I make.  I send my little bits of heart and soul and hope it ends up in the presence of someone who found it meaningful to own.  Perhaps it will be a keepsake one day.  Or even the funny story told to a child about the crazy purse their grandmother owned by some designer named Hopscotch.  Everyday I make my way and hope to leave little imprints along the way….I am weaving my own crest.

Let me know how your weaving yours.

First time published

I am so very pleased to be published.  So many with the love to write go unread.  We all hear stories about people who went through tremendous hardships to finally make it.  I always wondered about those who tried and tried and never did.  Was that the end?  Or did all that fulfill a purpose?  Rebecca’s Weary is one such story.  I am overjoyed that it just might get read.  Perhaps it will even help someone on their own journey.  My story is on page 8.

Rebecca’s Weary

Happy Spring Everyone.

Marelle

Hopscotch Hands on Exhibit for the Blind

It has been a very busy few weeks.  I want to let everyone know about two fabulous giveaways going on.  The first is a bracelet perfect for spring.  It is made with all vintage jewelry and a one of a kind work of art.  Here is the link to that one.  Bracelet giveaway

The second giveaway is coming soon.  This one is being done by Channel 13 and I will post all the info when it is available. 

For those that may not know I founded the Hopscotch Hands on Exhibit for the Blind.  Believe me when I told people about my idea, I got funny looks, laughed at, even had a comment that I must not be a very good artist if I paint for the blind.  I have never really cared what other people think.  Saying I can’t do something only pushes me even more.  When I first started promoting this exhibit, I went to radio stations.  Again, crazy, who can see the art.  What people didn’t know was, I was looking for the reaction of the DJ to say it all.  It did.  I have had many great shows.  One with the Trans Siberian Orchestra and one with the Blind Boys of Alabama. 

When an artist creates a piece, they finish when it just looks done to them.  You just know when you have finished When you paint for the blind, that one image looks different to each person touching it.  That is what amazes me.  What I put on canvas we can see what it is and all generally get the same image.  One blind persons interpretation is totally different from another.  So, that painting in fact keeps on evolving with every touch.  I like that.   

Constructive Criticism

We have all been there, hours of work, finally happy about the finished product or result only to hit a a wall by someone who wanted to offer (constructive) criticism.   The knot in the stomach and then the self doubt.  Was it really constructive?  Was it asked for?  Would it make a difference in that person’s life in a positive way?  One should ask themselves that before offering what was not asked for.  We all love the dear friend’s attempt to stop us from making an ass out of ourselves.  After all they know us best.  That is not the issue here.  I am talking about the not so close, sometimes a stranger, taking it upon themselves to force their view on one’s work.  As if that person is the sole source of what is right and wrong.  I have found that people who shove their view on another to be quite dull, in fact, most have not accomplished anything other than to pick people apart.  Don’t get me wrong, I have received and appreciated helpful suggestions, that is constructive.  On the other hand I have also received ridiculous ideas.  I was once told I should scrap the name Marelle and Hopscotch.  It is holding you back I was told.  Hmmm, that is my name.  Marelle in French means Hopscotch.  A name in fact, that I have been working for years to shape into a funky, one of a kind brand.  That person probably didn’t take into account that some people do silly things, like, get business cards, letterhead, business license, packaging, websites, I could go on and on.  Was I to listen and scrap all this for one persons opinion or was I to trust my judgment and faith in myself.  Well, the name of this blog answers that one.  What drives a person to scan and find the faults?  I guess they are the glass is half empty people. 

To sum it all up, it is up to the recipient to decide if the criticism is warranted or simply warped.  Again, was it asked for and did it assist you in a positive way?  Ask yourself these questions and decide for yourself.  The person dishing it our certainly won’t. 

Have faith in your work and yourself and accept the helpful hints and step over the not so helpful digs and you will do just fine. 

Interview

I am so happy to share this interview with you.  Started my day on a high note. 

http://insideetsy.blogspot.com/2011/04/hopscotch-couture.html

Today is a good day. 

An artist’s Monday

All weekend I worked and worked.  It didn’t feel like work, in fact, the hours flew by.  It was only the random request for food or to go out from my dogs that marked the days passing.  That is why I love Monday’s.  To me, Monday is the start of a new venture, a new painting, new couture accessory, who knows.  It isn’t dreary and it isn’t dreaded.

It is so true, if you do what you love you never work a day in your life.  To a point, I know I am working but it is more like an obsession.  If you were born to do something, that, is what your here to do.  I am not an artist, I am merely a paint brush for God.   There is no ego, no I am better than you attitude, just grateful to be here and to be chosen to be a brush.  If you don’t know what I mean, go to the nearest hair salon and note the attitude of the stylist.  It is so funny, they are waiting on you, servants, if you will.  Yet, some, (not all), act as though they high society, looking down on you.  Go figure, I wonder how they maintain that while waxing a huha.  Oh well,  thank God it’s Monday.

Marelle

Easter Hats

I can remember the coming of Easter, new shoes, new dress, white gloves and the all time favorite Easter Hat, (bonnet).  What happened to that wonderful trend?  I may be old fashioned but I miss the hat and glove days.  It wasn’t all the long ago.  I have made a few in my shop and have given way to a modern/vintage Easter purse.  They are hippy hoppity fabulous, couture purses.   http://www.etsy.com/shop/hopscotch22?ref=si_shop  lets hope some trends come back.  Dressing up is just one of the joys of being a girl and one I miss.  So, cheers to our moms and the uncomfortable seams of the white gloves.  Happy Easter all.

Flea Market Fabulous

I love the local year round flea market.  It is like going to visit family.  Most of the people I buy from are seniors just trying to make ends meet, afford their meds, etc..

My latest find, a little lady with hand crochet flowers her mother made.  So gorgeous these little pansies are.  After I purchased them she felt a little bad she didn’t keep any, after all her mom made them.   I went back with a few framed for her.  She wanted to pay me, she gave me a hug, and said, they are free and one size fits all.  Then she gave me 3 immaculate vintage hats.  I can’t wait to fab them up and put them in the shop. 

My little family at he flea market are so good to me.  Some just give me items they know I will like.  There are some that I tell them what I am looking for and the next week they have it.  You just can’t beat that kind of service.

So not only does my shop on etsy fund the hands on exhibit for the blind, it also brings much needed income to these wonderful seniors.  A win win if you ask me. 

You can see all these wonderful finds at http://www.etsy.com/shop/hopscotch22?ref=si_shop

Today is a good day.