Archive for December, 2009
December 31, 2009
Depending on where you are, it’s about that time where folks are headed home to get ready for their New Year’s Eve plans. Me? I’m set on being in something comfy, eating good food, and maybe taking in a movie. Oh, and then there’s this thing I’ve been meaning to catch up on and do…sleep. I hope that whatever it is you’ll be doing tonight it’ll be fun and that you’ll be safe. That you’ll be surrounded by people you love. I’m wishing you all the best for this upcoming new year. I’ll update you a little later on what will be happening here at Mixed Plate in 2010. I plan on bringing you more of what you love – fabulous indie design talent – and new features. This past year {ok, past two years} have been a challenge for me. But that’s just life. So I’d like you to know that I really do appreciate all of your support, friendship and encouragement. I love having all of you be part of Mixed Plate and can’t wait to see where 2010 will take us.
Sending you lots of Aloha,
Liana
Gala Fine Art Print by Elle Moss Photography: $30.00
December 31, 2009
Designers Gabrielle and Dominique are consistently whipping up sweet and sexy feminine lingerie for their shop, Hopeless. Their newest line titled “The Voyage” delivers on all fronts and is interestingly inspired by the movie Jaws. Yup, you read that right. These gals found beauty in that film and turned it into this collection…
December 31, 2009
Unfortunately, my dream of heading to France hasn’t happened just yet. I keep saying that maybe I’ll head there for the Tour de France every year. You know, just trying to make an excuse to go. I know I don’t need an excuse and that one day {soon} I’ll go and it’ll be great. For now, however, I’ll live vicariously through the lovely images that are part of Bubbo-Tubbo‘s 2010 France Printable Calendar {$5.00}…
ps – remember the post I did about her organizers? I ordered one and she did an amazing job on it. I LOVE it!
December 30, 2009
If I were going to get fancied up for New Year’s Eve, I think this would be right for me…
Striped French Pierrot: $198.00:
Sweet, right? And not too over-the-top fancy {which works for me because I’m so not fancy}. I like how comfy it looks and that there’s room to move in it. Heels or flats would work and I love that stripes are involved. You know, I’ve never had a skirt or dress with fluffy tulle and I have to admit that I kind of really want one.
I really love Ouma Clothing and have featured Monique’s designs in the past and I can’t get enough. Check out these pretties…
The Tuxie Tutu {if you want to look handsome, too} $260.00:
And I never thought of myself as one of those “princess” girls. But if I did, well, I think this changes everything…
Blushing in Pink: $840.00:
I also never grew up as one of those girls who had her wedding day all planned out in her head {is that strange of me?}. But if you are, how lovely is this wedding dress…
Dreamy Day Wedding Dress: $1,680.00:
And if the weather were sunny and warm {I wish}, someone {other than me…unless I looked like that} would be adorable in this…
Striped Retro Playsuit: $168.00:
ps – like the photos? I do! Some of them were by Galaxie Andrews {click through her site for other great shoots she’s done}.
December 30, 2009
The weather report is stating that there should be more rain for us this week in the city. It might be fun to walk around with these umbrellas by Lime Green Rhinestones. Even though it may be cold and rainy, you could still give someone a chuckle.
Keep Falling on My Head:
Singing In The Rain:
Raining Cats & Dogs:
all umbrellas are $35.00.
December 29, 2009
Oh, man. I think these totes and prints by Wayne Pate are pretty swell…
Jacques: $35.00:
or how about the Tote: $20.00:
Sammy Seagull: $35.00:
or Sammy in Tote form: $20.00:
And I get a kick out of this Tour de France Print, too: $35.00:
all available at his shop.
December 28, 2009
Today was a really good day. Things just went right. I got to chat with people I hadn’t seen in a while. I saw cute dogs. I listened to fun music. It was just nice. Then I came home and remembered that I had seen Rifle Paper Co. on Joy’s blog and fell in love.
Not sure how your day went, but remember that there are always…
Better Days…{set: $18.00; Single print: $10.00}:
Uh-Oh: $30.00:
Assorted Dog Card Set: $16/set of 8; Circus Birthday Card: $4.00/ea or $16/set of 8:
Animal Chart Card: $4.00/ea or $16.00/set of 8; Screened Thinking of You Card: $4.50/ea or $18.00/set of 8:
and I just may need these Illustrated Notes & Calling Cards {how cute!}…
December 28, 2009
I’m still around! Sorry that I disappeared. It’s been very busy recently and I just couldn’t catch up on things. And I honestly needed a little bit of an unofficial break. I hope you all had a nice holiday. It’s another short week for many of you {hooray!}, too. But for now…
I went out to an amazing dinner last night. On my way home I spotted two large raccoons running across the street and into someone’s garage/house. Thank goodness I was in a car! They surely weren’t going to be as cute {or as friendly} as this guy…
Baby Raccoon No.1 by Sharon Montrose: $25.00:
December 18, 2009
This week, weather wise, has been much kinder than last. You know what I’m enjoying about the cold right now? When I am out at night and see the holiday lights and decorations all around with the chill in the air, it feels like a real winter. It feels like the holidays. I guess that’s not too bad, is it? Hopefully you’ve all had a great week and I am wishing you a beautiful weekend. Remember to have a Happy, Happy Aloha Friday!
1. Skeleton Key Ring by Anne Kiel: $78.00
2. A-Line Criss Cross Dress by Emily Ryan: $230.00
3. Loop Scarf by Need It: $22.00
4. Penstemon Falls – Kanzashi Flower Hair Stick by Petal Mix: $24.00
5. Cursive by Sophie Blackall: $40.00
6. Belle Tote with Italy Flannel Wool in Grey by Christy Studio: $49.00
December 18, 2009
You know how I love the sweet-yet-sassy {and downright naughty} line of clothing and jewelry that Locher’s designs. Now add to that their new collection of purses, lipstick and iPhone cases. Still fun. Still sassy. Best part is that you can choose the saying you like best to go on the purse or case your mischievous little heart desires {follow the links to better see what they say}…
Blue Florals Small Purse: $54.00;Blue Stripes Lipstick Case: $25.00:
Hot Pink iPhone Case: $38.00; Dark Grey Large Purse: $71.00:
Red Stripes Lipstick Case: $25.00; Bunch of Flowers Small Purse: $54.00:
December 18, 2009
It’s time to learn a little more about one of our fabulous sponsors. Enjoy!
Meet Vanessa Hansford of Duk Design:
Name: Vanessa Hansford
Business Name: Duk (as in duck, not duke) design :)
Where are you located?
Los Angeles, California (more specifically, Silverlake)
What is it that you design and create?
I design everything from logos and business identities to website and motion pieces. I love working with creative people and figuring out design solutions to ideas that don’t even exist yet.
How did you come up with your business name?
Ducks have always been my favorite animal and I love the simplicity of their combined white and orange colors. It was also my first word so I have been secretly drawn to it ever since I was born!
Where/How did this all begin?
My mom was a graphic designer and I remember trying to design as early as 1st grade. By the time I reached high school I absolutely knew I was going to be a designer as well.
Who or what inspires you?
My mom definitely inspired me to look at things differently and gave me the visual eye. I am inspired by everything I see and love finding the beauty in the simple things in life.
What is your favorite part of the design process?
I love meeting and working with new people but my favorite part is the excitement between sending the client the final work and receiving their feedback (which is hopefully positive). I absolutely love when I can create something that someone else is proud to have as their own.
Crafty folks know that accumulating new tools and supplies is something that comes along with the territory. What are your favorite tools and supplies?
Although I wish I could say my favorite supplies were my silkscreens and draft boards but honestly, it’s got to be my wonderful Mac computer that I just couldn’t live without. :)
What advice would you give other independent artists who are just starting out?
School was a huge part of my decision to start my own design studio so I would advise anyone thinking of becoming a designer to attend art school and receive your degree in design because you will learn more than you thought possible. After school it’s just believing in yourself and your work…and patience!
What is your favorite indie purchase or trade?
Hm, there’s too many to name a favorite! But if I had to choose, it would be my framed circus drawing that I found at a thrift store for $5 dollars. Only after I purchased it did I realize that on the back of the drawing is signed “Toulouse Lautrec” aka my favorite artist/designer of all time! I can’t say for certain if it is authentic but somehow that framed sketch drew me in and I have loved it to pieces ever since.
What’s on your iPod/music player right now? What’s on your “Crafting Music Playlist”?
Lately I have been switching up music like I switch outfits but at the current moment I am listening to my Argentinian boyfriend’s Spanish music blast in the other room. I have to say that it’s a great way to start my day.
What t.v. shows are you currently hooked on?
I’m not a huge t.v. fan but I will admit that I haven’t missed an episode of Top Chef this season. Other than that, I stick to Sex and the City re-runs and the really old and outdated AFV (America’s Funniest Home Videos, of course).
What was the last movie you watched?
A Bug’s Life, not for the first time, but I just love that movie!
What’s your favorite food?
French Baguette, hands down.
What’s your favorite candy?
Anything chocolate…does ice-cream count?
Coffee or Tea?
Tea! I gave up coffee 2 years ago just for the heck of it and have become a tea snob ever since.
What store could you wander around in and be happy?
Any thrift or antique store I could spend all day in.
Any pets?
I just got my first puppy two months ago! A french bulldog pup named Frankie. He’s white with black spots and he is sleeping on my lap at this very moment.
Favorite place to visit or place you’d like to visit?
I spent the past summer in Paris and dream of going back for every meal.
Do you have a day job in addition to your crafty business? What do you secretly wish you could do/be?
I am very lucky and fortunate to be able to to design as my full time job. I love every second of it and can’t imagine doing anything else.
Do you speak any other languages? If not, would you like to learn one?
I speak French conversationally but I would love to be fluent one day! It’s the most beautiful language in the world.
What are your plans (business/personal) for the remainder of 2009?
For the remainder of 2009 I would love to grow my business and work with new clients. I am planning on going with the flow and seeing where life takes me.
Thanks so much, Vanessa! Contact Duk Design for any of your business design needs. Take a look at some of the amazing work {logo, web, packaging, menu designs, etc.} she’s done for her clients…
December 17, 2009
Check out this cute downloadable 2010 calendar {$4.50} by Mibo…
You can even get creative and choose to use the illustrations as framed prints as artwork…
Of course, I kept meaning to feature their Christmas Creatures {$5.80} {remember the wise guys?}…
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aloha! i’m Liana. this is my site. i am not a professional writer. i pretty much just write the way i talk. it’s fun meeting new online friends and introducing these amazing artists. i’ll do my best to keep you entertained.
