Bleiu-tique

What Flood? I Am Going To Bike

2012-01-24T21:19:00.000-08:00

I decided to bike (In a long pink skirt) apparently not noticing all the weather warnings and release of water from 13 dams! I was biking along the bike path and didn't notice until the last second that the bike path under the bridge was flooded. By the time I stopped I was already CALF DEEP IN THE WATER so I just kept going. I peddled with about a little over half of my bike tires and up to middle calves in the water. I thought wow I'm officially an Oregon duck! It was kind of fun to bike in water. I've biked in pouring rain plenty of times here in Oregon but never biked through what seemed like a river. It cleaned my tires anyways but maybe I should apply some more chain oil.
In other bike news a local person Kory Northrup wins national award for..well read this if you are interested: http://www.myeugene.org/2012/01/11/whiteaker-resident-wins-national-competition-for-best-bicycle-commuting-trends-interactive-infographics/

Ragamuffins

2012-01-24T11:59:00.000-08:00

I've added these ragamuffin hair pieces to Etsy. I'm still working on the story for Storybook Shop :). These were so fun to wear while I had them on. I can also do custom orders in any color you want and plan to make more of these with different fabrics and textures. It's so fun! I'm in a hurry today.. I'm going to bike in the rain for 14 miles. What to wear?? I don't like those plastic pants! Maybe my pink rain skirt. Love and let love. ~Bleiu*

Organized and Crowned

2012-01-22T00:54:00.000-08:00

These are some of the supplies I have to make hair ornaments. For some reason these photos make me anxious so much so that I almost didn't include them. Today I think I've finished my new years organizing. Okay well maybe 95% of it. For sure tomorrow I will wake up amazed at how well my day flows from all the new years organizing I have done.I have almost finished the ragamuffins and made a barrette of lace and ribbon for a friend.

Anxious..

I also decided to crown myself . Maybe queen of the non hair combers?

This crown was drawn in black gel liner. The dots on top were done with Dark Heart Designs Crystal Vases light gel and Cotton Candy shadow. I also added glitter to the whole thing to make it sparkle though you can't see it here. I would like to use real jewels next time as well as highlight the drawing with silver or gold and make it a different shape.

I look like I just saw a ghost and it apparently made my hair look combed. I added this photo because my mouth doesn't look like I am about to burst into tears here like the other photo's. Cameras are so odd. I need one that captures reality a little better.Tomorrow I plan to make some poofy ( I guess that is not a word since there is no way to spell it right according to blogger) white barrettes and some other hair ornaments, post the ragamuffins on Etsy and maybe a black skirt I made. Very important ..thanks for reading :)

Vintage Black Arm Warmers With Satin and Lace

2012-01-20T21:41:00.000-08:00

I have just listed these arm warmers on Etsy... they are soft, beautiful, warm and very versatile.

I think these would look great with a lace skirt.!

This makes me think "hmm a nightmare before Valentine's Day!

This is to wish you a time and space for centering , gathering your thoughts and dreams, getting away from the noise of the world for a bit and spending time with the amazing YOU and your voice, thoughts and feelings. Communicate deeply and love.

Opps and Blogger is Erasing What I try to Copy and Paste From My Own Post

2012-01-20T01:53:00.000-08:00

Some very strange things are happening on here... but this was supposed to be at the end of my last post...
If you can articulate what I am saying here though I'm whispering and it's sideways.. I may or may not be speaking of myself...

Best wishes to you always and may you make all your dreams come true

Ragamuffins

2012-01-19T18:19:00.000-08:00

Filling in the dots here..

Here are some hair ragamuffins I'm working on. This is just the beginning of this madness.These are not done they are in the process of being brought to life. I have lots of sketches and ideas to fulfill so I will keep you updated on each one I make and when I add them to Etsy Bleiu-tique :)

Looks like my needle holder girl is torturing the Queen Antoinette! I show you this horrible shameful scene because I think I would like to make some huge ponytail wraps like the ones on the crazy doll...I think I will also be cutting Antoinette's head off again .. to make a barrette or clip.

.

Perhaps I could also learn how to create some net veils like this with a variety of things in them like bows, crowns, hearts, jewels, stars etc. I don't know ..it might not look as good in reality as it sounds in my head (reality questionable)
Also on top of the net veil is a hat I made the one, only and last hat I'll ever make. I like to make hoods but not hats.

If your ears and eyes can articulate what I'm saying here.. I may or may not be speaking of myself. . ..

>blogger will not allow me to post short clip here so must go to the next post ..but it is related to this post in what I am saying<

best wishes always to you ..may you make all your dreams come true *~,...

SOPA PIPA

2012-01-18T12:38:00.000-08:00

This is a reddit page about SOPA AND PIPA

MLK and Special Tea Cups

2012-01-17T02:36:00.000-08:00

My tea cups arrived from my very sweet sister! I get to use them again and again (again hah) Like I did when I was at her place.

I love them so much and because they are from my sister it makes them all the more wonderful.

I've written about them so much I should call this my tea cup blog. :/

I don't have a blog I have a place I update on my Etsy with some extras in between.

Speaking of Etsy some princess is going to get the Post Apocalyptic Princess dress soon! I'm mailing out tomorrow. or today .. Why must I write these things between 12 and 3 am??? I wish it was possible to be a night owl and a day person. As for the updates. I have many things in the works including half corset style top with sheer long under layer, a John Waterhouse top, some hair stuff, a skirt, and a few other things.
It was Martin Luther King day today, well 1/16/12 for those who don't stay up till all hours. All of his speeches are so inspiring < my favourite thing. A person with dreams backed by the power of belief and courage. These kinds of people light up hearts and souls.

One last spot of tea before I hit the bedsack. My camera caught me glowing I guess!?

Outside My Window

2012-01-14T15:24:00.000-08:00

A view from my window. I'm sure you would never recognize who that unsuspecting jogger is. I've changed the things in the window sill to less clutter. Oh just like the weather advisory said ..it's raining! It's so beautiful out my window. I love the tree you see there on the left.. It is so close and tall..though you cannot see that from this picture. Our eyes see things different than the camera that's for sure!

Another picture outside the same window on a foggy day...

SOPA Blackout

2012-01-13T19:30:00.000-08:00

This is the third time I've dyed my hair in "lavender". The first time for some reason I did it just right. The second time I added too much Cotton Candy (Manic Panic) to the Ultra Violette. When you dye your hair purple the lighting changes your color constantly. In one room it's darkish purple gray..In the next room it's light lavender white and outside it is bright light lavender! My hair was in a pony tail then I let it out so thats why it's sticking out at the bottom only. . . Listen to me I'm talking about my hair when this SOPA. is going on right now which could mean the end of anyone saying, posting, showing anything on the internet that the people who want to pass this don't like.. In other words censor YOU! That's like in the burning books category isn't it? So on January 18th I am going to join the SOPA blackout HERE IS SOME WAYS YOU CAN JOIN THE BLACK OUT...too! Posted by Posted byRobert David Graham. He also has some links to other sites joining in and updates.

Back to more important things :) kidding. The picture in the background is me at Burningman in 2006 I think and a magnetic moon my sister gave me ages ago and by some miracle I held onto it and it's still all in one piece.
I look sad today because I didn't get to do this one thing I wanted to do. I even made my makeup conservative just for this one thing. I think it was just not supposed to happen today and I'm over it now. Everything falls into place for me however that may happen,

Wedding Dress and Crown

2012-01-12T21:02:00.000-08:00

Here is the vintage wedding dress I was talking about in the other post with the hard to find amazing sleeves! I wonder who wore this for their wedding. Hmm. The sleeves are straight fitting at the top and then they pouf out at the forearm part then a wrist fitting cuff on the end. Actually I love every part of this dress. It goes all the way to the floor and has a train dragging about two feet long. It is a lovely off white color and has pearly beads on the front. I have plenty of ideas for this dress but like it just the way it is too. I think to wear it I have to do something with the length. That is because I would wear this for no reason at all even though it's a wedding dress.

Also here is a faery or princess or faery princess or queen crown.. I made that I wore but you can't really see in the pictures. I think these two pieces would look perfect together. As you can see it is made out of beads, wire, ribbon and a blue heart pendent. It is very delicate. I had to drag it across the country in my backpack and suit case on a plane so it got all bent up but I fixed it. It can only take so much bending. If I made many more, perhaps one for you I would use a bit thicker wire for the beading and it would last long.

:) ~Bleiu*

Find and Fix

2012-01-12T02:46:00.000-08:00

There is a vintage wedding dress in the background with the most amazing sleeves. I looked for these sleeves for a long time online in every store possible. I searched vintage sites, fashion history sites and wedding sites but never could find any. One day I was at Antrican here in Eugene, Oregon and I saw this gown.. I almost fell over at the sight! The sleeves were straight on top and poufy at the forearm part. Yay! finally... but doesn't mean I'm getting married. I will remake the dress to my satisfaction then I don't know what. Here is a picture of part of the sleeve. I am trying to find a good picture of this sleeve. If I can't find one then I'll take another picture. In other very important news.. I have had migraines for four days which makes me sickly and awful so no sewing updates for now... also what happened to my hair! I must do something about this. Now!

Alice's Adventures In Wonderland & Andy Warhol

2012-01-04T00:54:00.000-08:00

I got the most beautifully brilliant book from SkEyE for Christmas. I got it on New Years Eve actually which made it all the better for some reason. It is as you can see Alice's Adventures in Wonderland & Other Stories. It is a leather bound book with everything that Lewis Carroll ever published in book form. It also contains at least ten of the shorter pieces that have never appeared in print except in their original editions. I can't wait to twist my brain reading and pondering "PUZZLES FROM WONDERLAND" and "SOLUTIONS TO PUZZLES FROM WONDERLAND" Only a few pages of that but will seem like volumes to me and my obsessive mind.

The book is actually bright pink, black and white with shiny gold highlights the camera turned into brown! In person it is almost florescent pink.

Can you see the ridges on the side? Why do they put those there? Does it have something to do with the binding? Any book binders out there know the answer? I prefer the book withe them than without anyhow.

This gold leaf paint on the fore-edge of the book makes it even more dramatic to look at or should I say it's major eye candy. Hah! I just found that this book has its own Facebook page oh sheesh! Yes..I liked it. I won't say anymore about FB or I should never stop talking.

A more symmetrical picture of the always interesting Mad Hatter. He is holding a knife.. Hmmm.

Have you ever seen so many pictures of one book in your life? Let's see what is inside....

Interesting colorful sketching and a gold ribbon page marker... lovely! Look at the socks and shoes in the right corner. One fell off.

Can you read it? This must be what it feels like to need glasses desperately. "I only look at the pictures myself" What a line..hmm it's time for Andy Warhol quotes for you and me... I'll put the tea on.

"I think everybody should like everybody"

"I had a lot of dates but I decided to stay home and dye my eyebrows"

"I'm afraid if you look at a thing long enough it loses all of its meaning"

"You have to be willing to get happy about nothing"

"The world fascinates me"

"You have to do stuff that average people don't understand because those are the only good things"

"As soon as you stop wanting something you get it"

"Don't think about making art just get it done. Let everyone else decide if its good or bad, whether they love it or hate it. While they are deciding make even more art"

"The best thing about a picture is it never changes even when the people in it do"

" I never read. I just look at pictures"

"Before I was shot, I've always thought that I was more half-there than all-there - I've always suspected I was watching TV instead of living life. Right after I was shot and ever since, I knew that I was watching television"

"I am a deeply superficial person"

Dark Heart Designs II

2012-01-02T23:23:00.000-08:00

This is my second post about Dark Heart Designs. Click here for first one. This is no where near a formal review with proper photos just wanted to say thanks to Dark Heart Designs :)

I wanted to post thisbecause every time I receive my order it comes packaged so nicely with a Dark Heart Design’s cotton sachel, a personal note from Tina and contact cards youcan give to your friends. There is a generous amount in the free samples forclumsy people like me that make half the container become ‘FALLOUT!” This timeI also got a glossy photo of MichelleOrozco’s drawing. Thank you!

I’ve been wearing these colors in all kinds of ways since Igot them. They stay in place really well and the colors are so vivid! I don’treally have a plan when I start to applythe shadows but I have found that I like the Cotton candy for cheeks and tohighlight brow bone like this:

Below: In this photo I have on the shadow Sirens Song around crease, Starstruck on lid and the lightGel Liner in Crystal Vases for strips on side with dots. The gel liner is sort ofa white pearly glimmer. I did edit the color a bit to get it to look true sincecameras sometimes lie about color..( When you don’t have a million dollarcamera like me) This was after I got back home and re dyed my hair:

Below: Hmm here is Starstruck brow and Pink Nightsunderneath. I like the purple eyebrow since my hair is lavender pink at themoment (kind of a mistake adding too much pink to the dye) If you do thisdouble brow people will stay away from you J hehe. Under the eye isLight Gel Liner in Crystal Vases. This stays on really well once it dries. Onestripe is mixed with Charmed shadow.

Below: I used Cotton Candy for the patchy heart on myforehead. My hair is washed out from the hard water in Las Vegas.

Below picture more cotton candy around pink jewels. I slept a fewhours in this and then off to the airport. It still looked in place and theairline stewardess said
“Can I see your face.. I like it “ orsomething like that .. I was so tired I don’t exactly remember.

Hope your year is starting out great. I wish you lots of great wishes come true and happiness all around.

~Bleiu*

Cupcakes Teacups and SUNSHINE!

2011-12-31T01:35:00.000-08:00

This tea cup and saucer has a twin. My sister gave me them to me for Christmas and I love them so much. I have to wait for her to send them to me since I didn't want to take them through the airport security.

Maybe I can sip tea and eat all of this tower of tiny cupcakes.

....or I could just eat one big one....I wish.....

..or just a confetti would do.. why did I end up with the sweet tooth?!

My sister took these photos of me while we walked around the strip. I think my favorite thing to do is go to the Centaur Art gallery at Fashion Show mall which I will post about later. . and Betsy Johnson's shop to look at the details of how the dresses are sewn.

I was so happy to be there with her, my dad and my sisters kids.

abnoxiously happy haha!

Driving around on Christmas day for water and champagne.

It is so INSANELY BRIGHT AWAY FROM OREGON!!!!!

The bright sunshine up there could possibly be partly why I was happy too. There is a sun and it exist here on earth you Oregonians!!!

Odds and the End of Xmas in Vegas

2011-12-31T00:53:00.000-08:00

Choose sleep. Yes that would be amazing to have a hanging birdcage bed to sleep in. Choose life too!

Looks like a Dr Seuss circus trick but the bag is ridiculous as in ugly.

The white sparkles at the top are bunches of hanging crystals hanging all around a circular casino area.

We went on an Ethel M Chocolate tour right next to the light show from before. My sister has kids so we had to do things that they could do too. We wouldn't want to leave them out..they are so sweet. I miss them already.

MJ: Self explanatory

Spiderman on top of Zoltar

Pinball slot machine

I like the design of this sign except for the green part.
These are mini bottles of what looks like ALCOHOL!

I am not sure why this mushroom is VIP but there you can see it is.

Zoltar!!! I wish I could have interacted with him.

He knows something you don't know

It is good news for me I'm sure!

One Tenth of The Strip and Some Unicorn Slots

2011-12-31T00:19:00.000-08:00

Fashion Show Mall and Ceasars Palace

2011-12-31T00:12:00.000-08:00

I love their hair ...

Agent Provocateur

Ladies of the night... at Agent Provocateur .

Gods Kings and Columns

2011-12-30T23:24:00.000-08:00

Wandering around Las Vegas ..

Bathroom stall doors.

best wishes .for the new year 2012! Yes THE 2012!

Betty Page Betty

2011-12-30T22:57:00.000-08:00

Below: A lot of people are absolutely bonkers over Betty Page here in Eugene, Oregon. Most of them wouldn't be caught dead buying something non vintage to create their Betty Page look. They might be shot down in the street if they tried to wear something NEW like this bahahhaha! I am too skinny for this look and not really too crazy about a lot of it but others look nice in it. I saw a girl today with the black hair with short bangs and a dress like the first one with a leopard print apron over it. Hers was not red . It may have been black.

Below: One of the Betty Page window displays at forum shops at Ceasar's Palace

Below: Here is the window display I was talking about earlier with the mannequin with the ugly hair in it. It clashes with the tree!

Best wishes and Happy New Year! ....~ '*

Christmas 11 Part 2: Paris Sister and Bleiu

2011-12-30T22:31:00.000-08:00

My niece Paris and I. You don't even want to know what was happening here but I almost died laughing.

I usually don't post this kind of thing but this time I made and exception .. Love these people and the rest which I don't want to plaster all over the internet.

<3 ... This was in the light show after we had our fun behind it with the mysterious pools and containers. Can you see my crown pin? It is pink and gold. I got it at Nobody's Baby in Eugene, Oregon YEARS! ago. This was my favorite Christmas so far. :)

Christmas 11: Part 1

2011-12-30T21:57:00.000-08:00

I flew to Las Vegasto see my family for X-mas. It was a fun time sheesh I had not seen them inabout 5 years!!! Shame on me for sure! Las Vegasis such a strange world. It makes me think of how OPPOSITE it is from anotherstrange but amazing place called Burningman that is in the same state. Bothhave amazing visuals and art.

Here is a pink Christmas tree I saw at the Betty Page shop. Itwas the perfect color of pink though I think white ornaments would have been onit if it was my tree. I cut the Betty Page mannequin out of this one but will show it to you in the next post or next after that. I didn't like her hair!

This was my stack of gifts .. not really but maybe nextyear but only if I give as much away. I like to make gifts though. That may becheap but my family gets everything they want and then some from stores.. sosomething hand made they appreciate from me.

This lady was hanging out at Fashion Show Mall.I like to go there for the art gallery that I will tell you about in another time.This ornament was gigantic. It hung from the ceiling as tall as one whole level. There were several others but they were too red. Everyone I know loves red so I am the balance I don't like it.

...more hanging things. These were pink, blue, gold, silver, glitter and clear bulbs hung from pink strings. This picture is very blurry because I went out at night and the stores were closed so I took photos through windows.

This was light show we went to but my strange family and I were almost more entertained by the strange things behind the show like these mysterious containers or whatever they are.

more fun behind light show ...

I don't have to explain what this is but could you explain to me WHY!!

A red Christmas tree to help you forget the last picture.. Yes it is red but it has candy cane stripes!

Now here is a picture of a white chandelier to help me forget the red ... okay now onto the next post...Hugs, Happy happy sparkly holidays to you and your families!

Cupcake Love

2011-12-30T03:21:00.000-08:00

I spent a week in Las Vegas. It is not the place I would pick to go on vacation but my sister lives there and I like to make the most of things. I had a wonderful time and have some things to post and say. It may take several posts to cover it all since I like to keep it short and sweet? Sooo for now here is a cupcake :) hehe.
<3 and kisses ~Bleiu*

Going to Fly in a Few

2011-12-21T11:36:00.000-08:00

Missed the 11:11 ... going to see my family in Las Vegas. ...In a hurry must leave.. TTysoon Skeye!

I Made More Hair Ornaments and One Pin

2011-12-20T03:57:00.000-08:00

Lace and ribbon pin ...and poofy barrettes, glittery barrettes (not made with glitter, made with sparkly ribbon that is threaded with shimmering thread and more wands. ..

...and the blue one with something more which is the lace. I can't believe it is 4AM!!! the time has gone so fast today. I looked at the clock at 6:30 pm today then looked again and it was 11!!!!!!!. Oh no! must wake up early tomorrow too.

My Hair Ornaments

2011-12-19T21:36:00.000-08:00

Since my hair is lavender I like to put more barrettes, clips and headbands in it. The contrast and background of the lavender is fun. I am going to see my family in a few days. My sister lives in Las Vegas. There is so much to do before I leave on Wednesday including making some hair ornaments. .. haha forget the tree! I am working on these at the moment and I have many more to complete.

This is a crown I made out of ribbon, wire and beads. I also tried to make a star wand. The wand is made of pink wire and a star bead.

The top one is just black ribbon tied onto barrettes. They look very simple but I like them a lot. The blue and tulle one is kind of off color. Th ribbon is actually lt. powder blue. This one is also on a barrette. I'm not too sure about this one ..I think it needs something.

These are made out of some vintage yarn. The yarn was intertwined with some ugly green and red of the same so I carefully separated just the white. I wrapped a barrette in the yarn then tied long bows to them. Yes that is another tiny crown this time made a little differently.

This is a large barrette with cream tulle and lt blue ribbons tied into the tulle.This kind of reminds me of religious things but .. on me it won't look that way at all hehe.

These are the arm warmers I talked about in the other post made from vintage dress and lace. Now to make some fluffy barrettes, sparkly ones and a few headbands. . Oh if you want me to make you any of these on this page or the other one, let me know :) kiss kiss

Learn A New Language and Help Translate The Internet Free

2011-12-17T18:43:00.001-08:00

Ribbon Makeup

2011-12-12T17:57:00.000-08:00

The Underskirt That Fit

2011-12-12T17:55:00.000-08:00

Here is an underskirt I made. My friend saw this and thought "Awe I love this skirt but hmm this will not fit me" Then she tried it on and it fit perfectly! So now it is hers. I will make more of these in black and creams.

Clothes Are Being Made

2011-12-12T17:51:00.000-08:00

These are some of the things I have been making the in last week. This is a patchy hat made out of fabric swatches from a suit makers remnants. It is fine wool, linen and cashmere pieces.

This skirt reminds me of a dark video game with lots of shooting and spy's. I am not sure why because I don't really play video games except for Machinarium very rarely. I don't have time. Here is the back half of the mysterious skirt.

and ....

This is going to be a cream and black corset like top with sheer gathered fabric at the bottom. I can't wait to finish this one. I also have some arm warmers I made out of a vintage dress. They have a satin and lace cuff at the ends and the sleeves are black velvet. It is nice to have a hideous looking vintage item that you can create something you would love to wear from.
I also made an underskirt I will post after this. I am famished at the moment..I am going to go eat some food and try to avoid only eating the macarons that I found. These are very rare to find around here so I took the whole lot of them ..which wasn't much, just nine. Best wishes to you !

Dark Heart Designs

2011-12-08T15:50:00.001-08:00

Wonderland Mickey had a contest to send her a happy birthday letter and the first ten people to send the letter won two shadows from Dark Heart Designs. I was one of the first ten. I send letters about one time every few years or less. Mickey sent me this sweet letter with a butterfly stamp and a tiny black bag with the two shadows. The colors I got are starstruck A pretty powder blue and cotton candy (yum). Here is the bear that came with the package. He was smiling at me the whole time I opened the bag and letter. Cute :) to get a bear. I don't have stuffed animals and it made me laugh to have one in my hands hah!

Here is his/her? cute face.

There were two extra samples in the bag ...one was Absinthe and the other Crash Love. I have not tried the Absinthe in powder makeup form yet ;). I did try some Crash Love but didn't do a very good job of it, well when it comes to Love in general I am not very steady.

Here are all the colors together

The colors are very concentrated so they go on just like they look and last for the day. I didn't use any sealer but did use a base mixed medium. I love the Starstruck because it is so perfectly sky/powder blue. Not too dark not too light. I like the Cotton Candy for cheeks.

Here is the Cotton Candy

. ..And here is the Starstruck

..so thank you Wonderland Mickey and Dark Heart Designs! I will have fun using these colors and perhaps purchase a lt. purple or lavender shade to match my hair.

Lavender

2011-12-04T21:29:00.001-08:00

I am always trying to make my hair as white as possible but with the shampoo's that make it tone down yellow it turns a tiny bit gray lavender. I am not usually one to color my hair but I do love the pastel colors. The kind with just the tint of color or more pastel like as opposed to bright or deep tones. In order to just go with the flow with the lavender instead of putting the shampoo in I just put lavender dye in to tone down the yellow. This is what happened and thank goodness I love it. It solves the yellow problem and looks pastel. I think it looks very neutral almost like a more colorful grey tone. I have a huge stack of sewing staring at me but still took an hour just to find one hood I was looking for which turned into ocd organizing my fabric. Now I have to catch up with the pile staring at me.

Lavender And Waterhouse

2011-12-04T04:05:00.001-08:00

Here are a few items I am bringing to life. They are yet incomplete but will soon be finished. I have been staying up later and later every night. What am I going to do if I sleep half the days away? Oh well I will do it while I have the chance. I am also trying to get my hair the best color lavender I can manage. So far it is okay but needs a bit of a touch up here and there. Oh well better get to sleep with the vampires before the sun comes out. Tomorrow is another day, yes really. :)

KRAFTWERK - DAS MODEL (NA SOWAS - 1982)

2011-12-02T03:59:00.000-08:00

A fashion show and Kraftwerk :)

Part of My Sanctuary

2011-11-30T04:22:00.001-08:00

I get mixed up between wanting an atmosphere of just a white misty blank canvass for my mind like the first picture, area in my space, and an atmosphere of it looking like outside with blue walls fading to greens, wood floor and shaggy green rugs that look grassy..a magical forest with one oriental rug in the middle OR .. tea party, french candy/patisserie shop atmosphere would also be lovely. What am I talking about its almost 5 am! I have been sewing and watching OW get raided. Time for bed. I have a list a mile long to do tomorrow. I am in the middle of making black bloomers, an apron skirt and skirt for under it and a beautiful top that reminds me of one of my most favorite artists John Waterhouse.
I wish you a fun day!

Post Apocalyptic Princess

2011-11-25T18:04:00.001-08:00

This is what I am constructing these days. I will be posting this tattered post apocalyptic princess dress tomorrow on etsy :). I will let you know when by updating this post :). Update: Oops well it took two days. I am on a few missions where does the time go?? The post apocalyptic Princess dress is available now :) HERE I wish for the best wishes for you all. Have a breathtaking day!

Bloody Trouser Trend!

2011-11-14T16:01:00.001-08:00

Look at my fucking red trousers!

Infected Mushroom

2011-11-06T01:56:00.000-07:00

Infected Mushroom

I went to the Eugene show, it was amazing. ...The energy blew me away and I love how DuvDev orchestrates the audience. .. here is a bit off their bio.

"Electronic music, mega-revolutionaries Infected Mushroom are renowned for being the sonic innovators of crafting hypnotic arrangements, complex layered melodies and synthetic rhythms known as “Psychedelic Trance,” leaving behind all their dying “Trance” cousins in the mainstream . . .
Twice ranked as the world’s “10 Best DJ’s” by the Bible of the Scene (U.K.’s DJ Magazine), the Israel-bred, L.A. based duo Amit “Duvdev” Duvdevani and Erez Eisen have established their self-invented genre among the highest in the scene."
I will get a lot sewing and creating done listening to these guys again. I have listened to their Converting Vegetarians album in the past. Too bad he got his ear piece stolen here in Eugene. It was their first time here.

Never Halloween

2011-11-03T01:02:00.000-07:00

I'd never have a witchy green face and I've never worn red red lips and never ever have I carried a broom. A zombie I never wanted to be with bloody teeth and lips. Looking like death soaked meat is not my dream. Dusty clothes and bloody stains never never not even on Halloween! Vulcan's perhaps riding around the stars in a spaceship visiting creatures all over the galaxies. Yes that would be epic.
PS. I made this hat until my fingers bled!

My Twitter

2011-10-16T11:15:00.000-07:00

Birdcage Veil

2011-10-15T16:09:00.000-07:00

I just added this veil to Etsy. It was from a vintage shop but I'm not exactly sure about the year it was made. I love that the dots are all different sizes. If you are an expert at this kind of thing let me know what you think. The bows are made of velvet and it is in great condition.

Unicorn Magic

2011-10-15T05:14:00.000-07:00

Dolly Revolution

2011-10-07T16:41:00.000-07:00

This is what I'm currently working on while getting moved into new place. I'm really liking it here. There is a park in the back yard, so much space to create and best of all the lighting is great!!!

..Update! .and here is the Dolly Revolution Dress
I finished it and here is it completed instead:

A top and skirt. Two pieces are great because you can mix and match with other clothes. I've heard a lot of people say they can't wear gathered sleeves of this type but I made the opening where it fits comfortably without pressing into your skin. It is available at the Storybook Shop or if you click on Etsy in menu bar. Thanks ~Bleiu*

Steve Jobs Stanford Commencement Speech 2005

2011-10-06T00:55:00.000-07:00

RIP Steve Jobs

The Amazing Creations of Analisa Ravella

2011-09-30T14:34:00.000-07:00

"Devolve"

I love the art work of Analisa Ravella. You can order cards, postcareds and prints at RedBubble.com
I got the Devolve one ..It speaks to me in a way I cannot put into words.

"Angels and Insects"

"She is"

Faerieworls Harvest 2011

2011-09-27T23:13:00.000-07:00

Besides going to camping at Faerieworlds in the summer I also camped at Faerieworld's Harvest Sept16-18. As usual it was a great atmosphere with a feeling all it's own. Everyone is dressed like faerie's, elves or other related costumes. The music is enchanting in the back ground or danceable nearer the main stage. There is also a very enchanting beautifully decorated Neverworld's stage. At night it was illuminated in vivid purple. The background was purple curtains and on the sides were trees and branches. below is a mini clip just to show the scene. Some of these photo's are taken next to the circle of stones. Not many photo's because it's about being there in the moment and not always having to take pictures. SkEyE found this cat eye headpiece/necklace (can't remember the vendor's name) On the other hand I found a cute unicorn brooch at Blue Lily Adorments . I took tiny film clip of Drey Fae on top of one of the stones. It is sideways because the stones are tall and so I could get closer view. Also another faery but I don't know her name. They can be found here ..At Faerieworld's there is always good faerie day and bad faerie day. I love that there is hoola hoops lying around to play with. I like the huge one one if I am lucky enough to get at it. It's quite popular. I'm going to make my own big hoop soon. :)

I rode my bike about 15 miles today. Down by the river bike path is such beautiful bliss. Since we moved I am closer to the good health food stores and downtown. I wish I could have gone to see Furthur this weekend. Fare thee well..~Bleiu*

Strawberry Faery Weary

2011-09-25T20:24:00.000-07:00

Just added this Strawberry Cream Ruffles Top to Etsy Bleiu-tique. There are more photo's at the StoryBook Shop. As I was taking measurements for this top my friends 4 year old asked me if I wanted some gum so I said "Sure". He came back with some strawberry flavored gum. So for hours the room smelled like strawberries and cream.. As I made this Strawberry and cream top, coincidence? I think not!
Back to sewing... Hugs and best wishes ~Bleiu*

Alice's Head Is In The Clouds Just Like Mine

2011-08-31T20:04:00.000-07:00

I just finished this bag/mini back-pack and added it to Etsy Bleiu-tique. It is quite a dreamy little bag and holds things safe with no hands :). My friends that have one of these bags use them all the time when they go hiking or dancing etc. I have a few more things I finished but need to edit first: One top and one "Scrappy Flowers" skirt. I don't want to whine on Etsy about my lighting but I can on here heh, but yes I have really bad lighting. Enough said. I put some new things up behind the wall I do shoots at. You will be able to see what I did in my next post which will be in 1 or 2 days. Have a cool night :/ since it's not to summery right now.

Sun In My Eyes

2011-08-31T03:16:00.000-07:00

What Keeps You Up At Night?

2011-08-22T00:58:00.000-07:00

This is what I am currently working on as I listen to TED, Music or my machine.

Fairy Tails

2011-08-10T15:11:00.000-07:00

I just posted this fun skirt on Etsy! and Story Book Shop.

Gathering Green Victorian Nymph Top (sold)

2011-08-02T01:48:00.000-07:00

I will be posting this top on Etsy today. It is 1AM at the moment so I think I'll wait until more like 9AM in the morning. This is an altered camisole I gathered in uneven lengths.
I tore it out of a top that was made to look soft but it looked too soft. It looked like the chest part was for some alien or some other kind of creature other than human. I didn't feel the top was in it's element so I tore out it's insides for this top and plan on cutting up the outside and putting it into place somewhere else. It is available at Etsy on menu bar or Storybook Shop. Best of wishes ~Bleiu*

Thanks Sockdreams

2011-07-29T16:12:00.000-07:00

Sockdreams

They have just about any sock you could ever dream of, very detailed descriptions about what the socks are made of and how they fit, fast and free shippping and the best interaction with the sock lovers.

These Resemble Me

2011-07-29T01:20:00.000-07:00

I love these pins by The Angry Robot on Etsy.

Deconstruction by Aexander McQueen

2011-07-27T04:59:00.000-07:00

Lily Cole Gets Loud About Ethical Fashion

2011-07-17T04:51:00.000-07:00

Lily Cole Gets Loud About Ethical Fashion

2011-07-13T18:47:00.000-07:00

Today I wore someone else's skirt, had a boooorrrrriiinnngggg meeting, purchased raw honey for my migraines, got locked out of my friends house that I'm house sitting with a dog inside! I broke into my friends house because my other friend locked the keys in so I had to climbed on top of a trash can and jump over a tall fence. My bike went flat the night before so I took it into Paul's Bicycle Way of Life. I also dreaded their drama. These are things I usually never do except for purchase raw honey and dread their drama.

FaerieTails

2011-07-13T02:02:00.000-07:00

This is currently what I am playing with. I have also sketched out some simple designs for some new mini packs that I cannot wait to bring to life. I have not been home near my machine but will be soon. As soon as I get home I'll put this skirt together and post it for someone who will love it :).
Flat tires, government blackmail, meeting, kind of cold in summer, steam burning my fingers cannot bring me down ...best wishes ~Bleiu*

Sit

2011-07-10T23:26:00.000-07:00

The Lady of Shallot [On Boat]

2011-07-09T19:03:00.000-07:00

Black and Cream Frosting Tattered De-constructed Tulle Top

2011-07-03T21:36:00.000-07:00

New top! Available at Etsy or Here

Parasol Faerie

2011-06-29T01:29:00.000-07:00

Click photo's for full size view

Hello :). I wanted to show you this parasol I made a few weeks ago for Faerieworld's for whether it would be sunny or rainy. It was both sunny and rainy so the parasol was very useful. The reason is that I made it out of a regular umbrella for rain with the lace sewn over it. I had some white lace fabric with scalloped edges. Not liking the idea of white, I tea stained it. I used about three bags of tea to a cup and a half of water and applied it using a paintbrush. Old parasols might be yellowed and darker in some areas since they would be closed most of the time so I tried to create that look. It came out pretty well though you cannot really see this too clearly in the photo's. Originally I wanted to have lace hanging from the whole edge of the parasol but I didn't have enough lace to go all the way around. Instead I sewed it from top to bottom edge with the end of the lace hanging over and a ribbon added to the end. This turned out to be more fun with the dangling ribbons and lace all around. This parasol was a tiny bit too big walking around some areas of Faerieworld's but for the most part it was great. It's quite amazing that I had just the perfect lace to create this wavy edge that fits so perfectly well. Things just fall into place that way. If I were to make another one I'd have to dig in my fabric pile to see what I have. Just thinking about it a muslin one with tulle ruffles on the edge sounds nice. Kind of a patchy tattered one perhaps with contrasting tulle edged with ribbon. I'd say black or sky blue. The ideas are endless! The days are like never ending stories until you fall asleep. Best of wishes and spectacular day's! ~Bleiu*

Wrapped in Red and Bleiu 2

2011-06-25T12:05:00.000-07:00

This was a custom order for a skirt like >this one< I have listed on Etsy. I had a fun time making it. I made so many many ruffles I was seeing ruffles in my sleep. By request I made it wrap around style and I think it's a great idea since it would be more adjustable and versatile. You could wear it over tights, other skirts, bloomers, long skirts and dresses. I put it over my shoulders and it made a cute shawl type cover too. I suppose you could even wrap it around like a top or halter. I will be making more of these. I think cream and blue, cream and white, black and grey, black and cream. She wanted cuffs with ruffles. I added the ribbons to match the skirt. I'm not usually into too much matchy matchy stuff but this is great as a costume or can be worn separately with other things of course. I'll be making more of those too. Yay! summer is here! Have an interesting day.
Best wishes and butterly kisses~Bleiu*

Wedding Dress and Black Cake: H ow Symbolic

2011-06-16T17:00:00.000-07:00

I'm in the middle of making several costumes, an umbrella and this dress. It's not done yet. I still have some adjustments and the hem situation to work with. I will probably be working all night on these things tonight. The dress came about the hard way I think lol. It started out with a different top area and part of the middle area fabric. I completely cut off the top then sewed the bottom onto another piece. It was asymmetrical in a different way when I first began to form it. After adding ruffle to the bottom I cut half of it off then cut even more off. It began to take form after this as a flouncy asymmetrical top that reminded me of a a cake with lots of black frosting. Since I cut off the front I needed to add a piece to fill in the gap. Sometimes black clothing can just look like a big shapeless glob if there is nothing to define it or give it some kind of personality? This top was begging for tulle "icing" on the cake. I can't wait to finish this top and finally take photos and add it to Etsy!

On another note: I found a great wedding gown at Antrican. ..The reason this one is so great is because of the sleeves! I have looked all over the place for even a picture of these kind of sleeves much less something I can touch and feel. I am planning on making some items with these types of sleeves. Since I cannot find a picture of them anywhere or any information on them I don't know what the proper term is for them. The closest I could find was bishop sleeves but they are not really like that they are tighter up on top. I am going to post photo's of the dress in my next post but here is a preview:

This photo does not capture the sleeves fullness compared to the upper part of the sleeve. In the new photo's I will try to capture that. Maybe someone will know the what this type of sleeve is called...Now back to sewing., Best wishes ~Bleiu*

Black Icing

2011-06-08T02:51:00.000-07:00

I am currently working with this dress. It looks nothing like the versionin this picture after today. I'm not completely sure how it will look by the time I'm done either. It's been several days in the making. Perhaps it will be done by tomorrow. It reminds me of a cake frosted with black icing and white trim or piping? I'm not sure what the proper cake making terms are. My most recent item added to Etsy is these sheer gauzy bloomers with sky blue ribbon laced stripe up the side of one leg.
Tomorrow or today since its 2:16 AM at the moment, I will be biking about 13 miles. I don't really care if it rains or not but I do hope it's not windy. My friend wrote a really sweet inspiring song but I think I want to ask if I can post it here. This reminds me that I am trying to find a song to create this video I have clips for. I think it's going to take longer than I thought so...more planning and organizing creative things. Most of the time I feel like I could go all day and night and never finish all the ideas I have in my head in 100 years.

Half Dressed Doll Top In Additon to More Plus Some Also

2011-05-30T14:37:00.000-07:00

I made this top yesterday and I'm putting together a tunic type asymmetrical top today. Just as I completed this top my friend comes in and instantly loves it. She tries it on and wants to own it so now she does.

Wavy white gowns in the dark, candles flickering, mannequin eyes, spider, silliness, tea kettle whistle and steam, glitter skeleton, branches and dry pink roses to come.

Red with Sky Blue Tulle Ruffle Skirt

2011-05-25T02:02:00.000-07:00

Link to Etsy

I'm sick right now. I rarely get sick. I remember thinking that I would focus on the most alkaline producing foods so I skipped the apples. Maybe I should not have done that. I hope to bike tomorrow anyway.
About this skirt. It is a medium this time. I want to make various sizes though the items are one of a kind. I suppose if I got a request for a particular thing in a certain size I could try to replicate it. I am sick and probably not writing clearly plus it's 2 am. Have an inspiring Wednesday and eat apples just to be sure.
Best wishes and :) ~Bleiu*

Wispy Bloomers

2011-05-19T16:23:00.000-07:00

I am almost finished making these bloomers.They are the most comfortable clothing item in the universe.
.

Dandelion Wishes Forever

2011-05-17T23:07:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning wanting to make this dandelion globe I was thinking about yesterday. I think dandelions are my favorite flower, weed or whatever you want to call them. You can eat them, the leaves are loaded with vitamins and minerals, higher in beta-carotene than carrots, contain more iron and calcium than spinach and the root contains the sugar inulin, plus many medicinal qualities. I've never actually eaten any but I think I will try. The flower is edible too. I've always wanted to make salads with flowers in them)
It is a popular herbal remedy that is supposed to strengthen the body (especially the liver and gallbladder). The list goes on and on including using the milky sap to heal skin of all kinds of things.
They magically go from being a flower to a fluff globe that bursts into a bunch of tiny floating wispy confetti parachutes to make wishes on. Am I getting carried away? :/ The tiny parachute seeds twirling around float away too fast. I want to capture some and save them forever so I thought of this globe. I put them in a jar but plan to find a taller glass container. It's like a natural snow globe. As for what I'm wishing ... It's a secret ..Shh
:)

What do you think?

2011-05-16T13:14:00.001-07:00

"The meaning of life is to find your gift, the purpose of life is to give it away." Joy J. Golliver

Red and Powder Blue

2011-05-13T13:42:00.000-07:00

This is what I'm working on at the moment. I am not a big fan of red but if you add powder blue or sky blue next to it then I LOVE it. I am adding powder blue ruffle to the bottom of a red cotton skirt. I'm not sure how far I will bring the tulle ruffles up. I'll have to see how it looks as I go.

I am going to post this dress today on Etsy. It's cream and yellow. Has ribbon weaved in so you can tighten it on top chest area and it's very summery and comfortable.

Do you have a reading list? Or a book you are reading? I am currently reading The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. I usually like to read non fiction. I just made some strawberry lemon aid that would be nice to go drink outside while I read but... I have lots of ideas and time seems to slip away so fast!! So back to sewing which is what I'd rather do... have a magical day :)

Story Time in a Forest

2011-05-11T02:15:00.000-07:00

I've added a treasury called Story Time to Etsy.

And this is a Forest Rainbow tunic dress I just added to Etsy.

Have a beautifully interesting day :)

Lemon Cream

2011-05-08T20:10:00.000-07:00

Here is a preview of the next dress I will be posting on Etsy. This dress will be a size medium more or less. People like thier clothes to fit differently so depending on how you like this type of dress to fit it could be a larger small if you like things to fit more loosely or a more fitted medium. I will call this dress "Lemon Cream"

I also will be adding a green elfy type dress/costume probably sooner than the Lemon Cream dress because all I have left to do for that one is edit the photo's.

Today I read something (not directed at me) that leads me to write this particular thing for you.

....No matter what you do it is probably going to be criticized or praised, loved or hated, adored or belittled, ignored or attract some attention etc. depending on who is doing the judging. My point is that no matter what: people will be people. If you believe what they say you will be believing all kinds of things all at once which is most likely going to feel insane. Listen to your heart instead. As you go about your days and see other people following their hearts please try to let them do their thing without criticizing. You of course can have your own opinions but you can also be polite about it and consider that if this person is doing what is in their hearts they are probably doing it with passion and love. Interrupting that with rudeness would be like trying to blow the stars out.

Pink Rain White Snow

2011-05-06T04:02:00.000-07:00

I love when the all the petals fly off the cherry trees so that it looks like pink rain. I was biking by a long row of them a few days ago and it happened to be windy that day. As I went past them all the petals were flying all over. Some of them were hitting me in the face it was so beautiful. Pink petals floating everywhere hah! Sounds like a dream.

I made some Bleiu-tique cards. I sewed bits of fabric on some and stitches one some others. I use them when I send out packages or if someone asks for one. It is almost 4am now and I'm still up drinking chamomile peppermint tea. I was at the store looking for tea to help me get to sleep and I thought it would be great if they had chamomile peppermint tea. I never expected to find any there but then I looked and there it was! Funny.

I finished a light yellow and cream dress that I will be putting on Etsy soon. I am going to get busy sewing as much as possible to add more items to the shop. I need to get to sleep. First on the subject of things falling from the sky, I posted a video of snow falling filmed with the camera facing up towards a tree. Have an interesting day!
...Here are a few of the cards I made....

Caroline Casey: Looking past limits | Video on TED

2011-05-01T12:15:00.000-07:00

Space Forest

2011-04-22T20:03:00.000-07:00

These are platforms I remade from an old pair of shoes. They remind me of a space forest because they are emerald green with lines of silver glitter. The two toned effect allowed me to make them kind of worn post apocalyptic and at the same time fairytale forest like. I can change the color or style of ties so they match or go with different ensembles. It was a fun project that partly just came together as with a lot of things I make. The items partly make themselves.

Bikes Are Magical

2011-04-20T20:01:00.000-07:00

Moving bikes stay upright but not for the reasons we thought

The Love Police

2011-03-26T19:59:00.000-07:00

Bike Blogs and BICYCLISTS HAVE THE RIGHT OF WAY AT INTERSECTIONS

2011-03-07T19:57:00.000-08:00

Photo Credits: Saskya Via Amsterdamize Blog

I just want to say that BICYCLISTS HAVE THE RIGHT OF WAY AT INTERSECTIONS WHETHER THERE IS A LINE PAINTED OR NOT! http://www.stc-law.com/crosswalks.html

I had pictures of my own bike ( apparently the only bike in the whole world with pink and white candy stripes on it believe me I've looked haha) It has three or four stripes at the top of the top bar. There are so many interesting bike blogs out there. Here is a whole list of them (Update: My bike now is mostly white with one black bar and a few pink and white stripes, very important I know :)

Bike Blog NYC

Bike Portland

A View From The Cycle Path

Best Wishes !!!

Posted by Bleiu at 1:03 AM

Dark Ladies in the Window

2011-03-02T22:01:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I have a craving to just sit in a big white empty room like this.

I'm afraid of the dark. Every night I sleep with the light on. Not just a night light but a lamp that lights up the room. It's not bright. I wouldn't sew or read in that light if I didn't have to but it's light enough to light up the room. If I sleep with the light off I get horrible nightmares, I feel unsafe, I feel like I can't see what might come after me and it feels very tangibly like a wall in my way. It is rather claustrophobic which is something I think I have a mild case of. I also sleep with the light on because when I get ready for bed I don't really think I am going right to sleep. I think that I may read or write stuff down, look at things on my wall like inspiration board and art. It seems like turning the light off is so final. If you turn the light off that's it. You lay there in the dark missing it all. Just laying there thinking and thinking. It almost feels maybe like some kind of punishment to just lay there in the dark. I may be thirsty and want my water ..which I'd probably knock over if it was dark. I don't even know what it's like to really sleep in the dark anymore. I do know that every time I try to I have a nightmare. I never really think about the fact that I sleep with the lights on but people think its odd if somehow that kind of subject comes up and I tell them.

The other day my friend's son told her he saw "dark ladies" in the back garage window. He didn't mean they were like witchy dark or evil dark. He said dark because when he saw them it was dark outside. That seems to be kind of creepy and if you knew me you would know what a scardy cat I am but it doesn't really bother me too much. He said they were going to sleep somewhere else. He said he only saw them here and that they were nice.

Posted 2nd March by Bleiu

Appreciation Photo's from Diana: Thank You!

2011-03-02T19:55:00.000-08:00

Here is the collaboration of Camo skirt and vest Here is a skirt and vest I made collaborating with Diana. She is the one in the middle at her party! She looks amazing...

Posted by Bleiu at 8:50 PM

A Wall Of Questions About Your Art

2011-02-21T15:55:00.000-08:00

our 11ft. wall graphic in the studio, originally uploaded by jondj24.

New Threads

2011-01-28T21:28:00.000-08:00

I have been spending the month of January organizing and improving as much as I can for my new sewing adventures. I use a Husqvarna Viking sewing machine for the most part but I recently added another machine for more stitch selection and foot attachments that I don't have for the Viking. The Viking is a great machine that can handle most fabrics with no problem but it needs a lot of attention to keep things going smoothly.
I have also decided to improve things by using only the strongest thread.. I have some donated thread that I can use for some things but for the most part I'll use the strong thread for strong seams and the other thread for when I do a lot of over stitchy tattered looks or patching. I took various brands of thread, pulled out a string of it and pulled it apart. The Coats and Clark polyester covered polyester was the strongest most even thread. I also researched and found threads put under a microscope to look for loose fibers. The Coats and Clark was one of the best looking. I pick out the best quality ecological fabric and clothing items I can to create with and I'd like to use the best thread possible too. The thread I have been using is fine as nothing I've made has come apart after washing many times. My intention with this is to make the best possible things for you that will last. Thanks for your time and best wishes/sparkles ~Bleiu*

Bike

2011-01-10T19:52:00.000-08:00

Posted by Bleiu at 10:07 PM

Time is Money and Money is Religion

2011-01-03T23:33:00.000-08:00

Here is an interesting chart (higher resolution) on "How American's give" from USA today. There is also a tab on "Time" which charts the amount of time people give. The "Where donations went" graph seriously needs to be flipped to opposite ends or configured money wise ANY other way than what it is.

The Alpha and The Omega

2011-01-01T19:44:00.000-08:00

It's a new year so I'm going to talk about the end of the world to put in some sort of perspective the idea of change, re-evaluation or just simply acceptance of letting things flow the way they do when you're just living your life. What else is there to do? You and the world are vibrantly alive! What an experience to have while we can.
Here is a story and video about the Mayan Calendar explaining the last day of the world and many other links to the story.
The "end" I believe is not necessarily a big catastrophic event that kills everyone on the planet. I think the end might be a shift of some kind. It may be planetary, polarity, universal or simply a stage of consciousness that we reach that changes the world as we know it and function in it. I think this type of thing needs to happen and is as natural as any cycles we deal with personally. This is the best time to be alive because as with any time period you or whomever is experiencing it - the world will never be the same way again.
Have a wondrous, vibrant, happy, inspiring year and may you be able to experience and achieve as much as you want!

Spelling Believe

2010-12-28T22:20:00.000-08:00

The only spelling bee I remember being in was when I was in fourth grade. We all practiced for weeks in the class room. Mr. Trish was my teacher. He had an assistant or teachers aid but I forget her name. She once hit the top of my hand with a ruler when I was drawing smiley faces in the O's of the words on my paper. The spelling bee was going to be filmed and they said parents would be coming to watch. I felt slightly numb about it because I had bigger issues to deal with. I had things on my mind that made the spelling bee look kind of small. Spelling seemed very easy and I felt confident about it even though the 5th and 6th graders would be competing in it too. I remember thinking I didn't want too much attention if I won.
On the day of the spelling bee we all went into a conference room in the library. They had a stage set up with the camera right in front facing us. Everything about the actual spelling bee is a blur now. They announced the winner which was me. I wish I could remember more about that moment besides my sweater being too big. I kept raising my arms so the sleeves would not go past my hands. One of the prizes was a big white notebook with a big red apple on it with a bite taken out. I thought the prizes were measly but was happy I won.
Later that day I was sitting in my seat in class and Mr. Trish and his aid were standing behind me talking. I heard Mr. Trish talking about things then I heard him say "She can't be the best speller". It made me feel I won something I didn't deserve to win. I felt kind of alone really. I only had myself and the rest of the world was not my friend. No matter what I did they wouldn't believe it. I think I became stronger that day. I knew that I could believe in myself when no one else did. I suppose I already knew that but sometimes things are made a little clearer. Sometimes things that seem terrible really set you free.

Screaming From the Highest Mountain

2010-12-26T22:15:00.000-08:00

Most of my existence I had been in boxes and cages, dark tunnels, basements, corners, and what seemed like clear vacuums with a view of the stars. I was in the noise, uncomfortable, stolen and filled with very intense dark butterflies whipping around so fast in my stomach it was like being on a roller coaster you could not get off of.

This existence was really all I knew physically and mentally for sure but there was also another part of me. I’m not going to name it. It’s far too free to be given a label. This part of me was the exact opposite of all these things that hurt when I didn’t have the time to think too much about the pain. This part of me had wings. This part had millions of chariots of entities gathered around it. This side had tentacles reaching out as far as time and space and it had a strong spirit of believing in all that didn’t exist in the real world she lived in. Unconsciously and consciously on and off flashes of this human being sparked. In the eyes of her opposite she looked dirty and torn, beat and lifeless yet scurrying around to make things ..somehow to find a way to make things okay. She was trying to believe in her reality and make it okay. Every thing is going to be okay. That’s all she wanted to know. She endlessly tried to keep the pieces, huge falling boulders from crashing down on her, huge tidal waves from washing away tiny bits of things that seemed like progress; eggshells from cracking.

There was always a flickering inside, but this flickering was to that other side more like a giant torch fueled by pure inspiration and belief in something unexplainable. Eventually that broken girl peeked out of the box little by little with great fear. She had the fear of death, fear of destruction of her family, fear of being broken even more than she was now. She untied the ropes and took the cover off the cage anyway. One by one the dark butterflies seeing the light come through escaped. They had wanted to escape all along but they couldn’t because they were trapped inside too. It made them dark and vicious; they were trying to tell her and the torch was trying to light the way. They finally penetrated the seemingly lifeless body and though it took quite a while all the dark butterflies escaped. One day she felt the very last one fly away leaving her with calm inside and the torch led her through all the passages to find the keys to open the cages and see her way. This part of her is still doing that: guiding. The day the last dark butterfly flew away was only the beginning of the next journey of this broken but repairable body and spirit. It first thought it needed to fill this space the butterflies filled. It caused her to realize that she always felt completely alone and not for no good reason. There were many reasons and it’s just natural to feel that way with all those reasons. So she found a way to survive, like a wounded animal alone in the forest but free. She had to learn and absorb physically what her other side knew intrinsically, anciently, wholly, really. She had to learn that she was free, that she could make her own real world, that she was not obligated to anything but herself, that if you are broken you cannot be anything for anyone not even yourself. Most importantly you couldn’t experience the magic and inspiration that is in all. Now she has made her own real world. For her it consists of these two sides. The other side we don’t have a name for has woken up the girl...stood her up and shook some of the dust off her dress. This side of her has helped her become stronger and balanced. She is open, free, tattered, glittery, a bit stained, a bit sensitive, playful, lighthearted, odd, a dreamer, a wisher, a believer, a seeker of magic, a lover, a survivor, still surviving, a clown and awkward misfit that knows we are all misfits in a way. Take her or leave her. We all have our own fairytale and all the odd pieces combined fall into place to create this life, this experience, this beauty. The kind of beauty that makes you want to scream amazing things from the highest mountain so that it echos out something inspiring to the world.

Photo credits:
Barry C Bishop, Mount Everest photo
Movie " I Wake Up Screaming" : Directed by: H. Bruce Humberstone

Starring: Betty Grable, Victor Mature

Posted 26th December 2010 by Bleiu

I Have Fallen Ill

2010-12-26T22:13:00.000-08:00

Photographer Steven Meisel,

She felt ill little by little more and more ill. Into the ill room in her brain came the orders from the sage to fetch a few ancient ingredients grown on the earth. The first ingredient told was garlic because of it's antibiotic properties. The second told was ginger for respiratory conditions, colds and allergies. The third was lemon for just about EVERYTHING! including raising your spirits. The fourth ingredient is cayenne pepper for the many health benefits and stimulating effects. She also remembers that when she was in a child's world her grandmother gave her and her sister sage tea that quite literally made the sniffly fevery cold vanish in one day!

After fetching these ingredients she makes a salad with them. After the salad she is to boil the ginger, garlic, lemon and cayenne in a small pot then drink. Along with the harsh drink she also steeped the sage and sipped it as she remembered her dear old grandma and her teas and fruits in fine cups on pretty trays as she told stories and gave advice.

She felt very ill as she tried to read The Story of Art. Then a sewing book..then a blog about a couple who live in a wooden traveling motor home type vehicle which was nothing like she had ever seen. It's hard to concentrate when you don't feel well so her mind wandered and wandered looking around her room that could be a tree house with it's wooden walls and sticks. Looking around at things..the dresses, fabric, paintings, quinn, Bob Dylan framed flyer, mantle with so many little things on it ..sticks, sequins string, tiny tea cups, birds, ribbon, mirror, tiny art book of John Waterhouse, tiny blue elephant, candle stick holder with handle, big candle, chimay glass, fluffy feather poofs, netty vintage hat, wand, tiny aloe, bamboo, small clown heads, faery crowns, yarn, tiny pots, tiny rabbit, coaster, picture of girl with pink hair and pink clothes and tights, picture of an elfy boy, sunglasses, pine cones etc.

So many things to think about. So many things to do. She felt so strapped with the sickness why not just take some poisons to hide the symptoms away and go out and pretend that the sickness doesn't exist. That's not fair to do if you are sick since you may infect others and put inside your body what is poison.

She needs rest and nightdreams perhaps of spaceships and nifty gadgets, futuristic cures and glittery tinctures and laser light shows.

But We Are Real Not Surreal

2010-12-07T23:24:00.000-08:00

Siri Tollerod

11111111

2010-11-11T11:11:00.000-08:00

11/11 11:11

Can You See Something Missing In This Chart?

2010-11-10T19:43:00.000-08:00

What Will You Wear To The Revolution? (sold)

2010-10-01T19:41:00.000-07:00

Revolution Dress (sold)

Posted by Bleiu at 7:48 PM

Short Tale

2010-09-30T19:36:00.000-07:00

Another Short Book

A very short tale:

Page 1
Mirror mirror on the wall how can I be as healthy as possible and be able to deal with anything that comes my way healthwise?
a. Eat mostly raw foods (fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds) and algea (green drinks)
b. Use coconut or olive oil
c. Drink filtered water: sometimes with 1 tablespoon of raw apple cider vinegar
e. Find a physical activity you love to do so much you could do it every day and do it.
f. If you want to use something on your body find the most natural thing to use. For example I coconut oil for skin, hair, lips.

Page 2
Mirror mirror on the wall. How do I stay as mentally sound as possible?
a. Do not underestimate the power you have over your own life...or disregard it
b. Take a multi-vitamin every day or protein shake with vitamins and algea
c. TAKE VITAMIN D! especially if you live in the northwest sheesh..go on go get some NOW!
d. Make something, anything (write, sew, paint, draw, color, flower arrangement, song, poem, outfit, food). Go see art ( dance, film, paintings, music etc)
e. DECIDE every day is a gift and going to be wonderful no matter what. Know that everything that happens is to make your life better. This is your life right now. You can strive to get somewhere in the future but you can also appreciate and enjoy this moment and you will begin to live in an appreciative state of mind.
f. Think or write down or say out loud all the things you are grateful for big and small and the things you want to be thankful for in the future even if you think it's not possible to have it because it is possible.
g. Help someone as often as possible without draining yourself because then you are good for no one not even yourself. Be selfish if you know what I mean.
h. Go out in nature as much as you can (the forest, the ocean, climb mountains, visit rivers, streams, lakes etc., look at the stars, sky, smell the scent of the rain, ground, water, flowers,)
i. Wear what you really want to wear.
j. Meditation will center you

Page 3

Notes:

a. To keep your teeth clean and on the whiter side start out with one week of brushing with hydrogen peroxide (mixing it with baking soda helps for the outside layer) every two days or so then just three or four times a month after.

b. Don't watch mainstream tv or news because it's lies, twisted, meticulously designed to make you think certain ways and be controlled in certain ways.

c. Don't take things people do and say personally for the most part (random people that are rude for example)

e. Read/learn all you can/ all you wonder about and want to know

f. Support local shops instead of huge controlling corporations

g. Try to drive as little as possible. Try biking it's great or walking if it's close.

h. You may not be able to change the world but you can create a spark that can light a fire. What you want to contribute matters a lot.

i. See the best in everyone but don't put up with mistreatment, abuse or ridiculousness from people because the universe lets you keep what you put up with in your atmosphere and that prevents the better things from coming. It also keeps the world full of those types if we enable them. Listen to the signs of life trying to tell you: in order to make your life better I want to tell you that you are in a situation that is limiting you.

j. Create an amazing atmosphere in your space for yourself that you love to be in.

Again do not underestimate the power you have over your own life...or disregard it....You know I love you .. go on :)

Marriage ( L'oeil Bride in straight jacket)

2010-09-15T23:26:00.000-07:00

Caged Birds

2010-07-23T23:22:00.000-07:00

Read Between The Lines

2010-07-10T01:35:00.000-07:00

I posted a new top on Etsy which is linked here on the sidebar :)

and... a little message...

Why bother bothering to do that which you do? Because you are a lovely creature of the universe who doesn't hurt anyone and you contribute good energies. Without you someone might not be inspired to bother.

From the film Angel-A. Written and directed by Luc Bresson

Why Bother Bothering

2010-06-30T19:25:00.000-07:00

Jourdan Dunn, Photographer Craig McDean, Model,Suzie Bird

I Wrote This Because of All The People I See In Bad Situations and How You Have This Life. Don't Give It Up To The Clueless!!!
The universe reflects back to you what you reflect out. Choices. I know this through experience, so do you. I'm not trying to prove anything just feel inspired or compelled to say it because then maybe someone will understand it in a certain way they may have not before in their own lives.

Why Bother Bothering

Just because I smile
Doesn't mean you are stronger, braver or more resourceful -----than me
Just because you have had some terrible experiences
Does not mean you have to make others ask
How far would you go to pay them back
By torturing me
You are not the only one
Nothing spoken only hidden
Until there is nay a word anyone can remember
You disappear in order to escape it
Tolerate it but never asked for it
No one asked for it
Pain is infliced freely by their sick tortured unloved abused side
The side they use to abuse and manipulate your days
You can never have back
Until one day
You understand that the universe
Supports your thoughts and beliefs
You told the universe you accept this
By your actions
So be it the universe says
If you choose to stay in the grips of manipulation
Then you are saying
I believe in this
So you are forced to create something with this
Why did I let them do this to me comes later
I create a lovely framed mirror surrounded with moss and daisies
Dolls eyes and red seeds
Old lockets and beads
Then I held it up to you
Now you want to destroy us for what
You see

Garcon a la Pipe by Pablo Picasso

2010-06-12T23:16:00.000-07:00

Love is Deadly

2010-02-14T19:20:00.000-08:00

I found this story from this website. The origins of Valentines day are very passionate to say the least.. eesh! I'm not sure how far we've come with marriage and Valentines Day considering the divorce rate you would think marriage would have died out by now. It's such a quaint idea on one hand but on the other it's connected to ownership papers, promises that people can't live up to for the most part and a lot of disillusionment and the government and religion???

Scientific love makes much more sense. I think the magical part we don't know how to study or is unexplainable is the most interesting part but that is a whole other subject I am inthralled with.

PS ..I want to eat this cake.

The history of Valentine's Day — and its patron saint — is shrouded in mystery. But we do know that February has long been a month of romance. St. Valentine's Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. So, who was Saint Valentine and how did he become associated with this ancient rite? Today, the Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred.

One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men — his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.

Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons where they were often beaten and tortured.

According to one legend, Valentine actually sent the first 'valentine' greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl — who may have been his jailor's daughter — who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed 'From your Valentine,' an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories certainly emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and, most importantly, romantic figure. It's no surprise that by the Middle Ages, Valentine was one of the most popular saints in England and France.

While some believe that Valentine's Day is celebrated in the middle of February to commemorate the anniversary of Valentine's death or burial — which probably occurred around 270 A.D — others claim that the Christian church may have decided to celebrate Valentine's feast day in the middle of February in an effort to 'christianize' celebrations of the pagan Lupercalia festival. In ancient Rome, February was the official beginning of spring and was considered a time for purification. Houses were ritually cleansed by sweeping them out and then sprinkling salt and a type of wheat called spelt throughout their interiors. Lupercalia, which began at the ides of February, February 15, was a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, as well as to the Roman founders Romulus and Remus.

To begin the festival, members of the Luperci, an order of Roman priests, would gather at the sacred cave where the infants Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome, were believed to have been cared for by a she-wolf or lupa. The priests would then sacrifice a goat, for fertility, and a dog, for purification.

The boys then sliced the goat's hide into strips, dipped them in the sacrificial blood and took to the streets, gently slapping both women and fields of crops with the goathide strips. Far from being fearful, Roman women welcomed being touched with the hides because it was believed the strips would make them more fertile in the coming year. Later in the day, according to legend, all the young women in the city would place their names in a big urn. The city's bachelors would then each choose a name out of the urn and become paired for the year with his chosen woman. These matches often ended in marriage. Pope Gelasius declared February 14 St. Valentine's Day around 498 A.D. The Roman 'lottery' system for romantic pairing was deemed un-Christian and outlawed. Later, during the Middle Ages, it was commonly believed in France and England that February 14 was the beginning of birds' mating season, which added to the idea that the middle of February — Valentine's Day — should be a day for romance. The oldest known valentine still in existence today was a poem written by Charles, Duke of Orleans to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London following his capture at the Battle of Agincourt. The greeting, which was written in 1415, is part of the manuscript collection of the British Library in London, England. Several years later, it is believed that King Henry V hired a writer named John Lydgate to compose a valentine note to Catherine of Valois.

In Great Britain, Valentine's Day began to be popularly celebrated around the seventeenth century. By the middle of the eighteenth century, it was common for friends and lovers in all social classes to exchange small tokens of affection or handwritten notes. By the end of the century, printed cards began to replace written letters due to improvements in printing technology. Ready-made cards were an easy way for people to express their emotions in a time when direct expression of one's feelings was discouraged. Cheaper postage rates also contributed to an increase in the popularity of sending Valentine's Day greetings. Americans probably began exchanging hand-made valentines in the early 1700s. In the 1840s, Esther A. Howland began to sell the first mass-produced valentines in America.

According to the Greeting Card Association, an estimated one billion valentine cards are sent each year, making Valentine's Day the second largest card-sending holiday of the year. (An estimated 2.6 billion cards are sent for Christmas.)

Approximately 85 percent of all valentines are purchased by women. In addition to the United States, Valentine's Day is celebrated in Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, France, and Australia.

Valentine greetings were popular as far back as the Middle Ages (written Valentine's didn't begin to appear until after 1400), and the oldest known Valentine card is on display at the British Museum. The first commercial Valentine's Day greeting cards produced in the U.S. were created in the 1840s by Esther A. Howland. Howland, known as the Mother of the Valentine, made elaborate creations with real lace, ribbons and colorful pictures known as "scrap".

Posted by Bleiu at 3:05 PM