Monday Mood Board - Mystic / Понеделнишко настроение - Мистерия

I have to say the imagination is the biggest gift and punishment that God gave us.
The archetypal fear sometimes is far a way better that the stress we have on Monday. If you enjoy my choices you must be a fairy tale fan.

Трябва да си кажа, че въображението и най-големия подарък и най-голямото наказание, което Бог ни е дал. Първичният страх понякога е за предпочитане пред стреса на един понеделник.
Ако ви харесват моите находки, вие вероятно, сте добър слушател на приказки.

1. Blackbird shirt

2. Creepy hands earrings

3. Ombre leather clutch

4. Vintage chess game pieces

Monday Moodboard - Spring is near / Понеделнишко настроение - Пролетта е близо

What is better than optimistic Monday? Let's put some flowers and prepare ourselfs for spring, for joy, for love:) 

1. Coffee cup

2. Girl Headband

3. Lights

4. Fabric sunflowers

More nice finds from etsy, arranged like mood boards, could be found on star-of-the-east blog.

Повече хубави подаръци от etsy, аранжирани в настроения, можете да намеритe на блога  star-of-the-east.

Nice to meet you in Sweet Bay - Katlix Designs

Being on etsy seller or buyer, on top of all, means to me, meeting artistic people with intereting point of view and kind souls.  Such a person is the first interview guest in my blog.
This is Aljona, living in Netherlands and running two shops for graphic design and one for anthique illustrations ( 1. 2. 3. ). She catch my attention with the nice sense of humor in her art, with her feel for color and openness. We also share some weak points to paper, crafts, illustrations and dutch design. After reading the interview I am sure you will get that from such curious and talented person a lot could be expected sooooo here is her answers and some of her amazing works.

1.        Tell us a little bit about yourself?
My name is Aljona and currently I am in my final year as a Literature student. I did a year of Graphic Design before this, but had to quit because of medical issues. I started thinking of art as a possible field in which I could work about 7 years ago. I was having a really hard time at school because I had just flunked my last year and needed to repeat it. I had self-esteem issues and was really ‘stuck’ with myself. A few months into my repeat year my dean set me down for a conversation and everything just came out: my self-doubts, my frustrations, my fears. He asked what I wanted to do. And it kind of hit me: I am a really creative person. I cannot draw to save my life, but I can create nonetheless. He then offered me the opportunity to work on my portfolio to get accepted into an art school during classes I thought weren’t really helpful for me.
Ever since I haven’t stopped creating, haven’t stopped looking around and draw inspiration from everything I see and since then I have had the drive to never stop again. I don’t know if I can make a career out of my art, but I do know I can express myself in my art.
In December 2011 I took the plunge and opened my first shop with a strange mix of my art. Along the way I narrowed it down a bit. In March of this year I opened my second shop for vintage prints and illustrations. I got the idea for this after coming across an old book that had completely fallen apart when I was helping my parents move to a new house. Most of the illustrations in the book were still intact and I thought it was a shame to throw it away. Then in May I opened my third store because I wanted to start a more cohesive shop with my art and with an idea I had for a long time.

 
2.       How you would you describe the art in your shop(s)?
That is a tough question. Unlike most people, I don’t really have one style in which I express myself. I don’t even have one medium. I think a recurring motive in my work would be humour. I like being silly and make people smile. People shouldn’t take themselves too seriously. The world already is such a serious place, it is up to people to make living in it worthwhile.
I also like to experiment with colour and colour combinations. To me colour theory is incredibly interesting. It is like one of the most scientific aspects of art. It is also really hard, much harder than you would expect. Colours that you’d think would go together can create a wonderful combination!
In my Katlix store I have been making a lot of geometric designs lately. I just love how the simplicity of shapes and patterns can be so interesting to the eye. It can also be very calming for me to draw these designs as they almost work like doodles. But even though the designs themselves are simplistic, I try to put a lot of thought into details. For example if you look closely at my bookmarks you will see a lot of detail in the paint.

3.       What other crafts do you practice or like?
I love photography and experimenting with it. I used to have photo prints in my Katlix Design shop, but it was just too different from my illustrations and it didn’t sell at all, so I let go of it. Then when I started forming my ideas for Proverbial Productions I decided to use my photography as a base for the prints.
And then there is practically every other craft in existence. I am for 90% self-taught (the other 10% being the photography classes I took in high school and art school) and always ready to learn new techniques and working with new media. I don’t think I will ever stop learning. I have knitting and crochet supplies, I have beads and jewelry making supplies, I have enough paper supplies to start my own paper company (I would call it the Michael Scott Paper Company, for all “The Office” fans out there), I have oils, pastels, acrylics, gouache, water colours, window paint, inks, ink pads, carving supplies (for stamps and lino cuts), random hardware store supplies, clay,… You name it, I have it, tried it or at least wanted to try it.
I think it’s important to never stop being curious or expanding your knowledge.

4.       What are your main sources of inspiration?
Simply put, I am always looking at “pretty pictures”. I buy magazines (art, design, fashion) and it’s really amazing how much you can learn from not only the subjects and editorials, but also the typography, lay-out and advertisements.
Tumblr is also a great tool to browse for inspiration. In my opinion it’s better than Pinterest or other social media aggregators because you can very easily switch from the  overview of posts from the blogs you follow to individual blogs or even certain tags. The only beef I have with social media like these is that it can be difficult to find an original source.
I also find inspiration in reading. I wish I had more time for this. I used to make comfortable contraptions consisting of pillows and blankets in which I could disappear for hours while reading. In the winter it would usually be very near the radiator for warmth. I read all kinds of fiction: from “literature” to fantasy, sometimes poetry and I love comics and graphic novels because they combine art and text. But my favourite will always be fairy tales. One of my favourite books is “Le Petit Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry and it pretty much contains my life philosophy of not forgetting the child you once were.

5.       What are your short-term dreams?
This is actually something I am currently dealing with. I am in my final year at the university and it’s time for me to make some tough choices. I don’t feel like getting a Master’s degree because for one I really feel like I’m done with school (not with learing, there’s a difference!) and I don’t know if I find a job in my field or even want to work in my field.
I certainly don’t know if I can be one of those Etsy sellers who “quit their day job”, because so far I haven’t been selling enough (and spent way too much on supplies). I might be able to find some freelance design work, but again, I’m not sure if it will be enough to pay the bills.
I have been thinking about going back to art school part time, but that will be a lot of hard work and I don’t know if I’m up to it physically.
I’ve thought about opening a sandwich shop… I love cooking and see people enjoy my food. But I would probably need to have finished some course for a certificate which allows me to sell food. And of course I would need start-up money…
Planning your future can always be so complicated! So I simply dream that I can make at least enough money to come by and have enough time to do what I like. Everything else is just a matter of time, finding recourses and once in a while something will simply come onto your path and you have to grab the opportunity with both hands. Maybe you’ll fail, maybe you’ll succeed, but you will never know for sure until you try.

Monday Mood Board Autumn Tresuries / Понеделнишко настроение - Есенни съкровища

 

1. 2. 

3 .4.

These treasuries are found not in the forest but in etsy:)

More are there and wait for you to discover.

More nice finds from etsy, arranged like mood boards, could be found on star-of-the-east blog.

Повече хубави подаръци от etsy, аранжирани в настроения, можете да намеритe на блога  star-of-the-east.

Monday Mood Board - My best friend / Понеделнишко настроение - Най-добрия приятел

Here are my choices for dog lovers, from etsy. It is obvious I was at the beach last week too:))

1. On The Beach

2. Canvas shoes

3. Dorm decor

4. Illustrated dog print

For the cat lovers I already posted something here.

More nice finds from etsy, arranged like mood boards, could be found on star-of-the-east blog.

Повече хубави подаръци от etsy, аранжирани в настроения, можете да намерита на блога  star-of-the-east.

Let's SWAP Handmade / Нека разменим хендмейд

If you admire handmade and you are crafty yourself, wouldn't be great to swap? This is what we do at we-swap blog.

The rules are simple - You send your application with short explanation, great pictures and what you desire to swap for and you get suggetions and agree on a swap at the blog!

You are welcome to visit and see the open swaps and to become a member of WE_SWAP community!

Ако се възхищавате на ръчната изработка и самите вие се занимавате с хендмейд, няма ли да е страхотно да направите размяна? С това се занимаваме на блога we-swap

Редът е прост - Изпращате вашето предложение с кратко описание, красиви снимки и за какво бихте иска ли да размените и получавате предложения, за да уговорите размяната на блога!

Заповядайте и вижте отворените предложение за размяна, станете част от WE_SWAP обществото!

Summer Sale / Лятна разпродажба

New summer delights in the shop and 15% off with coupon code: s15freja

Нови летни глезотии в магазина и 15% отстъпка с купон s15freja

Monday Mood board / Понеделнишко настроение

Blue and yellow for the office, for the beach, for sunny weekend and rainy day...My choices are from European Street Team shops on Etsy. Enjoy and as you ask for more go to star-of-the-east blog. There is something from my shop this week.

Синьо и жълто за офиса, за плажа, за слънчев уикенд и дъждовен ден...Моите избраници са от Европейския отбор в Etsy. Насладете се и ако искате още отидете на star-of-the-east blog. Тази седмица има нещичко и от моя магазин.

1. Chevron Earrings from cardioceras 

2. Egg Cups from CraftUnikat 

3. Flower Brooch from SuddenlyYou

4.Yellow clutch from colorfulconcept 

 

New Stuff Ready For My Shop / Нови неща, готови за магазина

Summer mood with my new crochet items - Scarfy for neck and head, sunny orange necklace, blue necklace - bracelet and experimentally dyed star. Hope you like them:)

Лятно настроение с новите ми плетени на една кука неща - Шалче за главата или вратлето, огърлица слънчев портокал, синя огърлица-гревна и експериментално боядисана звездичка. Надявам се ви харесват!

Monday Mood Board / Понеделнишко настроение

Wish you nice week with this traveler mood board:

1. Driftwood Boat from  GiftsandStars 

2. Brooch Yellow Fish from fireanna 

3. Ceramic coasters from azulado 

4. Rope Necklace from DreamsFactory 

5. Donkey salt and pepper shakers from SoYesterdaySoCool 

6. Notebook Diary from Baghy 

If you want more from European Street Artists you could check Estella's blog star-of-the-east.

The collage is made with Picmonkey.com - They have great new features - Love them!

Neon Polka Dots / Неонови точки

What about neon polka dots? They remind me of the new  sprays of green in the Spring.

The jacket is from H&M and for being exceptional we take hand embroidered earrings from AnAstridEndevoar.

Какво ще кажете за неонови точки? Напомнят ми за новите стръкчета зеленина през пролетта. 

Жилетката е от H&M, а за да сме по-необикновени си слагаме ръчно шито бижу от AnAstridEndevoar.

images: WDYGT and AnAstridEndevoar.

The Sky is Orange / Оранжево небето

As a color inspiration tangerine/orange is one of the leading colors for me now. Sooo...I created loop scarf to pop out and shine on the outfit. It is crocheted from 100% cotton yarn and is very comfortable and light. 

I love the most that it could be worn in many different ways. There are only three of them.
Another spring/summer cotton scarf, made by me could be ind here.

Като вдъхновение мандариненото/портокаловото е водещо за мен напоследък. Така че...направих един шал, който да изпъква е свети върху облеклото. Изплетен е на една кука от 100% памучна прежда и и много приятен и лек за носене. 

Аз най-много му харесвам, че може да се носи по много различни начини. Ето три от тях.
Друг изплетен от мен шал за пролетта и лятото, може да видите тук.

Trend: Geometric part 2 / Тренд: Геометричен част 2

One place that all new trends are implemented right away in a creative manner is etsy - online shop for vinage and handmade. I love to browse there to buy or just for inpiration. There are some items with geometric forms that I included in a Treasury list, called 'I love geometry / Presents for everyone under $20'. As you see the geometric trend in in jewellery, cloths, textile, interior, decoration, fashion acesessory and ect. You could use them as shown in part 1 of the post or just enjoy!

Едно място където новите трендове се усвояват веднага с творчески подход е etsy - онлайн магазин за винтиж и хендмейд стоки. Аз обичам да разглеждам за вдъхновение или за покупка. Там се намират много вещи с геометрични форми, които включих в списък със съкровища /Treasury list/, който се казва "Обичам геометрията - Подаръци за всеки под $20". Както виждате геометричния тренд е във бижута, дрехи, декорация, текстил, интериор, модни аксесоари и т.н. Може да ги използвате както е показано в част 1 или просто да се насладите!

DIY: Chevron Necklace / Направи си сам - Огърлица шеврон

This project I saw on Design Sponge and it was love from first sight - chevron, yarn, pasta. I used slightly different technique than the original project of Evie's, but this give me points for creativity I hope. I used nail polish, black cotton yarn and pene /pasta favorite/. I crocheted a kind of cord and joined all together. Now, I am SURE it is great project and I plan another chevron necklace in green.

Видях този проект на Design Sponge и веднага се влюбих - шеврон, прежда, паста. Използвах малко по различна техника от оригиналния проект на Evie's, но това ми дава точки за криативност, надявам се. Използвах лак за нокти, черна памучна прежда и пене /любима паста/. Изплетох на една кука шнур и свързах материалите заедно. Сега съм убедена, че това е страхотен проект направи си сам и планувам нова огърлица в зелено.

Probably you are interested in my new necklace.
Може да ви е интересно да видите моята нова огърлица.

Irish Luck / Ирландски късмет

Tomorrow is St. Patrick Day and I am ready for celebration with a little crochet hat and a shamrock in my hair. Wish you nice weekend and a lot of Irish luck!

Утре е денят на Св. Патрик и аз съм готова за празнуване с малка шапчица, плетена на една кука и детелина в косите. Желая ви хубав уикенд и много ирландски късмет!

Yarn Display / Прежда на показ

These days I have decided to wrap up an old kitchen cabinet with paper (I became near Kristo) and to put my yarn in order. The result is very pleasant for the eye and I feel myself more organized than before. I guess now is time the youngest member of the family to play his role and things will get back to their places.

Тези дни се захванах и опаковах един стар кухненски шкаф с хартия (станах почти Кристо) и с подредих част от преждите си в него. Стана много приятно за окото и се чувствам поне малко по организирана и подредена от преди. Предполагам, че скоро ще се намеси най-младият член на семейството и нещата се ще дойдат на мястото отново.

Wish you nice thoughts
Sweet Bay

Purple Rain / Лилав дъжд

Pink is sweet, red is passion. Purple, however, is either for eccentric or sensible, or those with vivid imagination...You see, there are many interpretations about purple, and that is what I like about it.

Here is my last crochet piece - I have added edging on a blanket and that creates some sort of a luxury feel.

Розовото е сладникаво, червеното е страст, а лилавото е за ексцентриците или за разумните или за хората с живо въображение...колко много тълкувания и това ми харесва.

Последното нещо, което направих на една кука е да поръбя красиво едно одеялце за по-луксозно усещане.

Wish you thougths

Sweet Bay

The Forest Elf's Hat / Шапката на Горската фея

The Forest Elf's Hat  is a small project for a sping crochet hat for a sweety, born on 1 of March two years ago. The yarn contains wool and acril, the hook is 4.5mm and the pattern could be find here.

I hope my little friend would wear the hat with pleasure and to help the elves to wake up the forest from its winter sleep.

Шапката на Горската фея е малък проект за пролетна шапка на една кука за една сладурана, родена на 1 март преди 2 години. Преждата (Престиж), съдържа вълна и акрил, куката е 4.5 мм и модела е от тук.  Надявам се да я носи с удоволствие и да помага на феите да събудят гората от зимен сън.

Wish you nice thoughts

Sweet Bay

Girly Hat / Момичешка шапка

This hat is for a 3 year-old girl. I think she will be pretty in the upcoming spring with it.

Тази шапка е за едно три годишно момиче. Мисля си, че ще е красива, през предстоящата пролет с нея.

Wish you nice thoughts

Sweet Bay

My current project / Настоящ проект

My current project is a sweater with close cables. I have stopped for a while as I am thinking which way to bind off (cast off). May be the tubular one...I already used Kitchener stitch  here and they seem to me similar. But all this are technical details. See my future sweater as it is now on my "chair for knitting".

Моят настоящ проект е пуловер с близки плетеници. Спрях за малко, за да помисля как да завърша ръкава. Може би с завършване за шнур (кухо завършване/tubular). Вече използвах иглата, за да оплета всичко вместо да шия раменните шевове. Но това са технически детайли. Вижте моя бъдещ пуловер както си е в момента на моя "стол за плетене".

Wish you nice thoughts
Sweet Bay