Peanut Butter & Jelly and Other Unlikely Combinations

Ever notice how some of the most unlikely combinations are the best? PBJ's, salt and vinegar potato chips, pineapple salsa, unicorns and glitter (nod to Flo on the Progressive insurance commercial). So, when I found these very different pieces on our recent vacation, I was intrigued. Could they mix together successfully in some sort of sweater concoction? The lovely warm fall-toned sweater has a gossamer feeling and wraps just under the bust. The black and cream pima lightweight cotton skirt had an amazing black border at the bottom-sleeve cuffs? Can't wait to get out the scissors and see what I can dream up. Isn't that how the most intriguing combinations are discovered?

Another example of unlikely pairs is exemplified by this great window I saw while in Laguna Beach, CA.  What a fabulous concept! A tree swing inside a store window---alluding to the eclectic mix of things inside.  The art and clothing inside were green, well designed and interesting.  Quintessential cutting edge California.  Delightful!

Ferris Wheels and Carousels

I'll admit it.  I am a huge fan of ferris wheels and carousels.  They rock.  The movement is relaxing and exhilarating all at the same time.  So, when we recently journeyed out to Balboa Island to the Fun Zone, I couldn't resist riding the ferris wheel- twice.  (And the carousel once- which just didn't compare.)

To commemorate my joy, I snatched up a t-shirt on the way out, plans already formulated in my head to "trick" it out big time.  Stay tuned.  Anything that blissful must be acknowledged in equal measure. (On our trip, I also collected a couple of great LA shirts and one old-time Balboa Island surf shirt). Perhaps these will be the start of the spring limited edition collection of tricked out tees. We'll see.

Of course, there is nothing like a wild bungee jump.  Nikki shows the way to really get into it.  While she was loving the bounce, I was loving the island.  I would be remiss if I didn't mention the amazing houses and gardens on Balboa Island.  A gardener's paradise for sure.  The flowers were astounding-hydrangeas, lilacs, roses, petunias, geraniums all flourishing in the misty sea air.  Gorgeous eye candy. Hats off to the residents that have created an amazing ambience for an unforgettable place.

Oh, and did I mention that Balboa is also the home of the frozen banana?

Peek-a-Boo!

It's 93 degrees in June, so I am still dreaming of the cool and mysterious winds of Halloween.  Using a wonderful mixture of gently used items, I have created another tricked out tee called "Peek a Boo!"  I loved the sweet, but sassy, little cat face peeking out of the pumpkin.  Kinda vintage looking. (He comes from the front of a kids tee; the orange and black stripe trim on the sleeves and on one of the soaring bats is from a size 2 kids PJ bottoms.  A little ingenuity makes the witches brew better!)

Tomorrow, I'll be working on a hat that will keep the theme going.  Found a wonderful glittery crow today and some thistles that just might have to jazz it up. Wish me luck!

Witch Hat- Take 1

When you work in the apparel business, you are always working a season ahead. For months now, I have been immersed in cashmere, corduroy and flannel. Is it any wonder that I am ready for Halloween?

Later this summer, I will be hosting the first-ever Raitz Witch Hat Decor party.  So, in an attempt to practice, I pulled out several tubs of ribbons (left over from Nikki's bow making business) and made a fun garland for my hat (see close up below).  I think this will be just what I need to wear along with a sassy black pettiskirt and boots.  Who knew I would be finishing my Halloween costume too?

Ron Clark Academy Rocks!

This past week, my family and I were fortunate enough to attend the 8th grade graduation of the Ron Clark Academy.  It was amazing and so inspiring to see a class of powerhouse kids go on to new opportunities with confidence.  In case you don't know about the school, it was co-founded by Ron Clark (made famous by the TNT movie of his story) and Kim Bearden, both nationally awarded teachers who wanted to affect a major change in education.  We have all been blessed to visit the school, become "slide certified" (see below) and dream about the way education could be---and should be--- for our kids.

RCA accepts kids of varying learning levels, mixes them together with fabulous teachers and a code of respect and dedication to themselves and others, and produces amazing results.  I invite you to visit the website, see the videos of the school and become a sponsor. (www.ronclarkacademy.com)  When you see the change that you want in the world, you need to marvel, acknowledge it, then ACT. (Echo will be donating $5 per sweater sold to RCA each year.)

My fledgling clothing venture, Echo Clothing Company, was created on the concept of upcycling.  We define this as "taking a gently used item and through creativity and innovation, turning it into something better than ever before. " I think that the Ron Clark Academy strives for something far more important and world-altering, but similar in some small ways.  They take kids from challenging situations and look at them in a whole new light.  Through imagination, persistence, dedication and innovation, they mold kids that are sure to positively affect their world. Hopefully, as they do this, they also impact millions of educators, administrators and parents who can spread their message of hope- for students and education everywhere.

America's Game

Atlanta is a serious baseball town.  Last year, over 2.5 million (yes million) people went to a Braves game at the Ted (aka Turner Field).  To me, this game is quintessentially American.  Kinda goes right in there with apple pie.  (But that will be another posting later this summer when my cousin- Queen Kimbo the Pie Queen- will teach me how to make our grandmother's apple pie from scratch).

For now, I'll stick to my own recipe for funky fashion.  Having come across two really fun, gently-used baseball t-shirts that were either too boxy,  too hot, and too male-shaped, I started dissecting the pieces.  You saw three of them in yesterday's post called "Batter Up!" (Also in the recipe, the bottom of two other t-shirts to use as princess cuffs, one humongous blue shoe lace and some red and white stripe fabric.)   Out of the oven? A very girly creation called "America's Game".  This may be the perfect wrap for an evening game when a cool breeze delights both young and old.  Maybe it's time for some cracker jacks-- or a piece of .......apple pie!

Batter Up!

It's baseball season for sure. Time for hot dogs, a cold beer or an icy coke and yelling at the umpire. In keeping with the spirit of a summer favorite, I am introducing "Batter UP!"  Crafted from a navy blue acid burnout baseball style shirt, it makes a comical take on different pitches----all cut from a gently used kids t-shirt.  (My favorite is fork ball at the bottom. See detail below.)

It seemed perfect to finish it off with sleeves made from the bottom of a golf shirt- a nod to one of summer's other favorite past times.  Kind makes you want to take someone out to the ballpark, doesn't it?

Mini Coopers Rule!

I confess I love Mini Coopers.  They are cute, little and typically have a splash of panache.  Yesterday, Nikki and I saw the best one yet right in front of the Krispy Kreme.  It was red with black stripes and had a checkerboard roof and mirrors.  Unbelievably stylish.  We were in awe!

As an homage to the Mini Cooper, fun fashion and umbrellas- three of my favorite things, I'm getting out Black Mini, a mixed media piece from my Vroom Vroom collection.  Perhaps it's time I checkerboard the roof- or enjoyed a hot donut, straight off the line!

Split Personality

Split Personality 1

Ever feel like you have two sides to you?  Sometimes you feel one way, then another- and diametrically opposed sides comes out?  I believe that God made us complex and interesting individuals, no two exactly the same.  Sometimes, that "sameness" doesn't even flow throughout one body!

 I recently stumbled across two sweaters----the same size and style, but different patterns.  My brain erupted------I harkened back to something First Lady Michelle Obama wore early in President Obama's term that just delighted me and my mom.  It was a sweater that looked as if it had been made from several sweaters.  It had different sleeves and trims. 

Split Personality 2

With inspiration oozing, I grabbed up the sweaters, some fun trim from the studio and the "Split Personality" series was born. (Because it is so hard to find two sweaters in a style similar enough to fuse, each is one-of-a-kind and the series is very limited in number.)  But, what fun to not be the same-----even in one small sweater.

Another lesson learned.... sometimes inspiration sits under the surface for a long time (I saw Mrs. Obama's sweater over two years ago), before it is triggered and erupts into something fun.  Great reason to keep a sketchbook.

The Positive and the Negative

 It's way too hot too soon in Atlanta.  93 today--- about 8 degrees hotter than we should be.  That's the negative.  The positive?  My tropical flowers are jamming and I am enjoying the blessing of creating in my cool studio even more.

I am continuing to have a lot of fun with the tricked out tees. Just completed one called "Two Sides of the Coin" for best buddy, professional mixed media photographer, Pam.  (The great faces are from a cool tee that she wanted incorporated. I loved her play on the positive/negative image.)  The image, the polka dot bubbles and the ruffled bottom combined together in a way that harkens back to some of my earlier mixed media paintings. 

Cup of Joe 4

So the good news?  It is finished at last and she loves it.  The negative?  I will never get another image just like that one.  As an avid upcycler, though, I am convinced that the next treasure is just around the corner. 

Share the Wealth- Smartly!

One of the best ways to effectively recycle is to find the best outlets for your stuff.  Particular places or charities where people go with your item in mind.  Though it's a lot easier to just stuff it all in a bag for Goodwill, or worse to throw it in with the garbage, a little extra effort can go a long way to making sure your item enjoys another turn out there.

This morning at my house, we began the dreaded chore of cleaning out school backpacks and the mudroom.  Our mudroom in summer looks a lot different than when school is in session, so a thorough cleaning was in order.  We diligently sorted through old clothes, school supplies, sports equipment and even eye glasses.  Interestingly, there are better places than others to "share the wealth" from our morning effort than others.

For example, Buckhead Church in Atlanta sponsors a mission team that travels to Jonas House in Venezuela each year.  It's a haven created for street boys to work and live and build a better life.  They desperately need school supplies--- so ours went into a big box for them.  (Any girly supplies-not suitable for the boys at Jonas House- will head to Kids in Need, an arm of the Atlanta Food Bank that last year gave 200,000 pounds of brand new school supplies to teachers in low-income schools. For a school to qualify, at least 80% of the students must be enrolled in the federal free and reduced lunch program. There is absolutely no cost to teachers or schools. The Kids In Need facility is reminiscent of a retail store and is continuously stocked with school and art supplies for grade levels Pre-K through 12.)

Old clothes will head to either Goodwill (love their mission to put people back to work) or American Kidney Services (with their retail arm of Valu Village.)  Any scarves, gloves, hats and coats will be saved downstairs for "Housing the Homeless", a hands-on ministry of Mt. Bethel UMC in Marietta, GA.  When temperatures are projected to drop below 25 degrees at night (and highs will remain at or below freezing), this ministry provides shelter, food and supplies to homeless people in Atlanta. When they start collecting again this fall and winter, our box will be ready to go.

Finally, the eye glasses..... we researched and found that One Sight donates and delivers many, many pairs of eyeglasses to the poor around the world- saving sight and livelihoods.  My local Lenscrafters, less than 1 mile away, is a donation sight. When we dropped off the glasses today, the technician told us that people in the poorest countries stand in line for hours to get glasses when they are delivered. Makes you feel good to know you might be able to help someone see half the world away.

A little effort can make a big difference.  A clean mudroom and a bounce in my step-not bad for one morning's work!

It's an Alien Nation

I know that I am not the only one astounded by the wild weather this year.  Newsmagazines are now starting to trumpet that extreme weather conditions are the new "normal".  Between the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, record number of tornadoes throughout the country, raging rivers and 100 year flooding, wildfires, extreme temperatures, and spewing volcanoes, it's a wonder we aren't hearing about pestilence, the end of time and aliens.  But then again, I guess the latest "doomsday date" has come and gone, right just last month?

In keeping with the alien theme, the latest tricked out tee is called "Master of the Universe".  It celebrates our obsession with the idea of little green men.  I really love his antenna.  Maybe I need to start wearing some to tune into the latest forecast.

Ho, Ho, Ho ---- it's so hot, hot, hot!

Well, Hotlanta is living up to it's name this week (91 degrees at 7:30 pm?!?)  As such, I decided to take a trip down Memory Lane with my SE rep for Echo, Cathy Walrath, today.  We were brainstorming on holiday offerings and I couldn't resist showing her something fun from last season.  Unimaginatively named "Holiday", it was made from all kinds of used materials- a silver printed black hoodie, shoe laces, scraps from t-shirts, turtlenecks, ribbons, cashmere sweaters and more.  In the end, the hood just kept going and going and going, until I was afraid the ultimate owner would be sitting on it.  Just remembering is making me feel just a tad cooler.  Eggnog, anyone?

From 80 to 20.....

Ever have a t-shirt in your closet that you like.....but don't seem to wear that often?  Maybe it's the fit, the colors, the style-but when you bypass it (embedded in 80% of your closet) on the way to a more favored choice, it's a missed opportunity.  Well, my daughter had two such shirts in her closet that somehow came along on our recent beach trip.  She and her friend modeled the cute, but not adorable, shirts before they went for a makeover. Bright, fun, but not necessarily memorable.

Enter scissors, an opportunity for reinvention, some leftover trims and a whimsical sense of fun, and voila!  Two like-new shirts made from time and effort alone that may now reside in the favored 20% of our closets that we all visit daily. And two girls that think that upcycling rocks- which may be the best part of all for me.

It's Not Nice to Mess with Mother Nature

It's ArtPrize matching time again.  This international competition happens once a year in September in Grand Rapids, MI.  Last year, inspired by the 68 pounds of clothes that studies show that the average American discards each year, I created a piece called Mother Nature. The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum was gracious enough to host the piece during the competition.  By painting a mannequin with clouds to represent the passage of time,  the "canvas" was primed.  The skirt is made of 68+ items of used clothing and fabric found in thrift stores and my studio.  Hopefully, Mother Nature inspired the viewers to see conservation and recycling as a unique, creative option that helps save the planet one garment at a time.

Halloween Remix

On May 23rd, I shared my glee in finding the great Halloween tees as inspiration for an upcoming project. Well......one is done. Completed from one of the t-shirts, and pieces from several other tees and trims in the studio, now I just have to wait until October to wear it......or do I?