Thursday, April 5, 2012
Monday, March 26, 2012
Let the Festivals Begin....
Wow...has it nearly been a month since I've updated my blog? It has been quite a busy month here at the Material Girl studio. The beginning of the month was spent finishing up St. Patrick's Day costumes for the best Irish Pub in town, and making loads of skirts just for St. Patrick's Day. After all of that, I had to buckle down and really get production going on my inventory for upcoming markets, the biggest to date: New World Rhythms Fest at Congo Square. And what a fest it was! I had such a great time, selling the things I love to make, meeting fantastic people, and listening to some of the best musicians that New Orleans has to offer.
Every time I participate in a market or festival, one of my highlights is meeting new people. I love getting to know these people who may just be passing through, or maybe they come back every month. And they all have a story. I feel honored when I am chosen to be a part of their story, for them to share a bit of their life with me. I usually come away from these brief conversations learning something, either a little nugget of trivia, a piece of this culture's traditions, or maybe a personal ambition. It's funny how if you give the opportunity, most folks will be open to sharing with you. So many times when I am talking with people in my booth, I think of how much my Mom would have loved to be sitting there, people-watching, just drawing them in with her conversations.
So, during this festival I had the opportunity to meet a Mardi Gras Indian who happened to be working for the Jazz and Heritage Foundation. He paused in my booth to ask me about my sewing. Then he said, "I sew too." I asked him what he sews and he pulled out his smartphone and began showing me images of all of the Mardi Gras Indian costumes he had sewn, some of the most beautiful work I have ever seen. He went on to tell me about his Indian Chief, Super Sunday parades and an out-of-the-way museum that housed past Indian costumes. What a treat!
Every time I participate in a market or festival, one of my highlights is meeting new people. I love getting to know these people who may just be passing through, or maybe they come back every month. And they all have a story. I feel honored when I am chosen to be a part of their story, for them to share a bit of their life with me. I usually come away from these brief conversations learning something, either a little nugget of trivia, a piece of this culture's traditions, or maybe a personal ambition. It's funny how if you give the opportunity, most folks will be open to sharing with you. So many times when I am talking with people in my booth, I think of how much my Mom would have loved to be sitting there, people-watching, just drawing them in with her conversations.
So, during this festival I had the opportunity to meet a Mardi Gras Indian who happened to be working for the Jazz and Heritage Foundation. He paused in my booth to ask me about my sewing. Then he said, "I sew too." I asked him what he sews and he pulled out his smartphone and began showing me images of all of the Mardi Gras Indian costumes he had sewn, some of the most beautiful work I have ever seen. He went on to tell me about his Indian Chief, Super Sunday parades and an out-of-the-way museum that housed past Indian costumes. What a treat!
Later on that day, two women entered my tent, dressed in black pants, white shirts, cummerbunds, and black bow ties. Now, in New Orleans, you wouldn't really think anything of that; you see a lot of unique outfits and so you get used to seeing things that just don't make sense. After talking with these women I found out that they were ushers for the performance in the building next door at the Mahalia Jackson Performing Arts Center. While they were in my booth, they were perusing my wares, and seemed really intent on the roll top skirts I had made. I offered that they could try them on over their pants if they wished and that I had a mirror. They didn't want to try them on; they wanted to know how I made them. Some artists will get ticked if you ask them how they made something for fear that you'll go home and copy their work. Understandable. But I don't give a flippin' *expletive*. My thoughts are that if you have the ability to sew and you want to make it yourself, you will. If you don't, you won't. So I proceeded to tell them how I made the skirts, where I cut the t shirts, how I made the waistband, all of it. One of the women then started telling me how she doesn't give up anything for Lent; instead she challenges herself to make simple dresses to send to children in developing countries. This year she made 'pillow case dresses', 40 of them! What a great idea, and how much better is that for your spirit and those receiving the gift than to just 'give up sweets', like most of us do in hopes of shedding a few pounds. She wanted to know how to make the skirts so that she can possibly make them for Lent next year. I am so glad that I talked with her instead of worrying that she would 'copy' my work!
I could go on and on about the characters that you encounter at such a show. Most of them are quite humorous, like the woman who darted into my booth because she was 'burning up' and needed a cooler top, snatching the halter off of my mannequin, leaving her topless! She quickly put on the halter, magically slipped out of her original shirt, slipped me the cash, one more peek in the mirror and she was on her way. Or the guy who debated for 20 minutes over a green and black cashmere scarf and a pair of acrylic 80s-themed knit fingerless gloves....did I mention it was 85˚? He chose the cashmere.
This past weekend was a great start to Festival Season for me, and I am looking forward to the crazy crowds, hot weather, & interesting people.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Spring Schedule--Revised
I am so excited about all of the opportunities afforded me this Spring. As I have mentioned before, The Hubs resigned from his job in August. This has put us under a bit of financial strain, but we are piecing things together financially, and making it work. One good thing that has come out of this is my initiative in my work. Before I would never have thought I had the time or talent to be in a larger market scene or a festival. But now I have to try it out. It's either that, or be the resident substitute teacher.
For all the teachers at my kids' school: you are the best and you work so hard, and you love what you do. I am NOT the resident sub, nor do I want to be. I don't have it in me. And when I am there subbing, I desperately miss what I should be doing in the studio. So there you have it, one good thing that has come out of an undesirable situation....there are others, but not for this post.
And now on with the Spring Schedule, revised:
For all the teachers at my kids' school: you are the best and you work so hard, and you love what you do. I am NOT the resident sub, nor do I want to be. I don't have it in me. And when I am there subbing, I desperately miss what I should be doing in the studio. So there you have it, one good thing that has come out of an undesirable situation....there are others, but not for this post.
And now on with the Spring Schedule, revised:
Saturday, March 3
corner of Freret & Napoleon
12-5
Live Music, Great Food, Local Arts/Crafts
Wednesday, March 14
801 Harrison Ave., Lakeview
5-8:30
Live music, Local food, Arts & Crafts, Kids Activities
Saturday & Sunday, March 24-25
Louis Armstrong Park
901 N. Rampart Street
901 N. Rampart Street
10:30-7pm both days
Music, Dance, Food & Arts/Crafts
Saturday, April 7
Freret St., from Soniat to Napoleon
12-6
Several Stages of Live Music, Tons of Artists/Crafters, Delish Local Food
Wednesday, April 11
801 Harrison Ave., Lakeview
5-8:30
Live music, Local food, Arts & Crafts, Kids Activities
Wednesday, May 9
801 Harrison Ave., Lakeview
5-8:30
Live music, Local food, Arts & Crafts, Kids Activities
Saturday, May 12
(date moved b/c of Jazz Fest)
corner of Freret & Napoleon
12-5
Live music, Great food, Local Arts/Crafts
Friday, Saturday & Sunday, May 18-20
Bayou St. John
Live music, Local food, & Local arts & crafts
Saturday, June 2
corner of Freret & Napoleon
12-5
Live Music, Great Food, Local Arts/Crafts, General Tom Foolery
Wednesday, June 13
801 Harrison Ave., Lakeview
5-8:30
Live music, Local food, Arts & Crafts, Kids Activities
Well, there you have it....hope to see y'all at a few of these fun events!
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Finish each day and be done with it....
"Finish each day and be done with it, you have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities crept it, forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day, you shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense."
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
So true....at the end of my work day today, I was a little frustrated that I didn't work as quickly as I had planned, that I hadn't finished the production of all the St. Patrick's Day skirts, that I had run out of time before the kids got home from school, that I didn't have time to prep my work for tomorrow. But I did my best work. And I enjoyed my work. That counts, right? Try to focus on what was accomplished, rather than what is lacking.
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
So true....at the end of my work day today, I was a little frustrated that I didn't work as quickly as I had planned, that I hadn't finished the production of all the St. Patrick's Day skirts, that I had run out of time before the kids got home from school, that I didn't have time to prep my work for tomorrow. But I did my best work. And I enjoyed my work. That counts, right? Try to focus on what was accomplished, rather than what is lacking.
My Day Job....and now The Hubs, too....
Many of you know that I used to be a teacher. Years ago, when I took 'early retirement' to stay home w/our kids (for which I am extremely grateful to have had that time w/them), I realized I didn't miss teaching. Mostly, I didn't miss 'teaching to the test', even though most school districts will deny this policy, they all do it...in their own way. But, I digress....and I said I would not go back to it. Until last fall....you see, The Hubs resigned from his position down here is The Big Easy, and, well, we needed some income while he is in the midst of searching for a new call/job. So I marched into the charter school offices of where my offspring attend and signed up to be on the substitute teacher list. It's not that bad; the kids are great, and the teachers are fantastic. It's just not what I want to do. But we all make sacrifices to make things work for our families, right?
This leads me to a current development: The Hubs has also signed up to be on the substitute list. I have dutifully given him the lowdown on which jobs to take, which to pass, which are the easiest, which have the most challenging students, etc. A week ago he was called to sub. The Administrative Assistant who called him asked, "Can you sub for me today?" He quickly said yes....poor thing, he thought he was going to fill in for her, in the office, answering phones, pushing the buzzer to let folks in. So he set off, with a book (ha!), planning for an easy day in the school office. Upon arrival, he found out that he would in fact be filling in for a first grade teacher (and this teacher has a VERY challenging group of students). He couldn't back out now. So he took a deep breath and forged ahead. And he made it through the day fine, unscathed.
Fast forward to yesterday afternoon: I received a text from another Administrative Assistant asking if I could sub one day next week. I replied that I could not but The Hubs could if she wanted him (this only after I asked him). She responded (paraphrased) "Great! He'll be in for Ms. X. Let him know about the special needs in her classroom and how we roll at the XXX (school campus), if you don't mind--thanks!" As I read this text to him, horror came across his face! "What!?! You said I'd fill in for (admin. asst)! I can't take her class!" Well, I busted out laughing! I thought he was getting brave when he agreed to go. Never did I think he'd make the same mistake again. I had to explain to him that when an administrative assistant asks "Can you sub for me?", it doesn't necessarily mean for her. You ALWAYS ask who it's for or what grade. He's learning. And it's not what either of us want to be doing right now, but we are making it work, to be able to enjoy our time here in NOLA.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Recycled Fashion Show week
I think I have finally recovered from the whirlwind that was last week. But what a fun whirlwind it was! I thought I would document the week for those of you living afar, and those who couldn't be there. Not only did I have the Recycled Fashion Show and it's activities, but I also had a market that Saturday. So my week began with me frantically working on market merchandise. I finished up a few kilts, made a few hand-sewn tutu skirts, and finished up the Shultzilla + Material Girl koozies & skirts/kilts. In the meantime, I received a phone call by the organizer of the fashion show, asking if I would be willing to go on the morning segment at WWL-TV with her to promote the show. (We were already planning that my models would be there to do a mini fashion show along with 2 other models.) Of course I jumped at the opportunity! (and lost much sleep worrying over the whole thing!)
Wednesday evening was the dress rehearsal. Designers and models gathered at Southport Hall to have preliminary pictures taken for the auction, go over the runway order, and models practice walking. Some even learned the 'model stomp' by Runway Guru, Hunter. And then my models and I had to be at the TV station bright and early the next morning, 7:30, dressed, make-up & ready to go.
I had images in my mind that we would be in a cozy 'green room', awaiting our time to go on the air....there would be pots of coffee, trays of morning pastries, and someone would be there to offer us a mimosa or bloody mary. I was a little disappointed to find that we were stowed away in a U-shaped area of couches, with only a curtain separating us and the studio area. And there were no drinks at all....or morning pastries. But it was still much fun. The station did a couple of 'teaser' shots of the models when going to commercial breaks, and then we did the segment. I was a nervous wreck, but it was such a rush. And so much fun!
Friday led to more market work. I have been wanting to spruce up my booth, so I headed to the local fabric store to purchase some fabric to make a new table cover and curtains for a backdrop. And then it was time to head to Southport Hall and meet the models there for hair & make-up. We had such a great time, and all of the designs were fabulous. Southport Hall was packed, the food was great, and DJ Aphordisiak and Emcee Andrew Ward were a hoot! And the models....they really did a great job, walking the runway, engaging the crowd, showing off the outfits. If you missed it, I have short videos of both Aimee & Jeremy on the catwalk, on my Facebook page. After the show, The Hubs and I decided that since we already had a sitter, it was a shame to go home so early, so we went to local restaurant, The Cowbell, for beer and apps. That was about all the 'crazy' we had left in us!
Next morning, hit the ground running, getting merchandise packed up, finishing table cover and curtains, and head over to my usual space at Freret Market. The day started off pretty well with great music, the smell of delicious food, and large crowds. And I had a new look for my booth:
And then the rain hit! That's what I get for saying that I've never been rained out at a market!
It was a good week. It was a busy week. And it was good to be busy doing the things that I love. That is how I want to spend my days/nights, making a living. Now....how do I make this work all the time?
Wednesday evening was the dress rehearsal. Designers and models gathered at Southport Hall to have preliminary pictures taken for the auction, go over the runway order, and models practice walking. Some even learned the 'model stomp' by Runway Guru, Hunter. And then my models and I had to be at the TV station bright and early the next morning, 7:30, dressed, make-up & ready to go.
I had images in my mind that we would be in a cozy 'green room', awaiting our time to go on the air....there would be pots of coffee, trays of morning pastries, and someone would be there to offer us a mimosa or bloody mary. I was a little disappointed to find that we were stowed away in a U-shaped area of couches, with only a curtain separating us and the studio area. And there were no drinks at all....or morning pastries. But it was still much fun. The station did a couple of 'teaser' shots of the models when going to commercial breaks, and then we did the segment. I was a nervous wreck, but it was such a rush. And so much fun!
Friday led to more market work. I have been wanting to spruce up my booth, so I headed to the local fabric store to purchase some fabric to make a new table cover and curtains for a backdrop. And then it was time to head to Southport Hall and meet the models there for hair & make-up. We had such a great time, and all of the designs were fabulous. Southport Hall was packed, the food was great, and DJ Aphordisiak and Emcee Andrew Ward were a hoot! And the models....they really did a great job, walking the runway, engaging the crowd, showing off the outfits. If you missed it, I have short videos of both Aimee & Jeremy on the catwalk, on my Facebook page. After the show, The Hubs and I decided that since we already had a sitter, it was a shame to go home so early, so we went to local restaurant, The Cowbell, for beer and apps. That was about all the 'crazy' we had left in us!
Next morning, hit the ground running, getting merchandise packed up, finishing table cover and curtains, and head over to my usual space at Freret Market. The day started off pretty well with great music, the smell of delicious food, and large crowds. And I had a new look for my booth:
And then the rain hit! That's what I get for saying that I've never been rained out at a market!
It was a good week. It was a busy week. And it was good to be busy doing the things that I love. That is how I want to spend my days/nights, making a living. Now....how do I make this work all the time?
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Recycled Fashion Show Promo
Well, it's been a very exciting week, and it's not over yet! This morning, I had the honor of helping promote the Recycled Fashion Show, benefiting Bridge House/Grace House. My models, Aimèe & Jeremy of Shultzilla, along with 2 other models, gave a mini fashion show on the air at WWL-TV, and I got to be on air and describe my outfits! It was so nerve-wracking, exciting, scary, you name it! But so much fun! Here is a clip of the segment:
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