Britain's Missing Top Model... FOUND!

In case you missed it...we ran a post back on July 7th about the latest model reality show on Britain's BBC entitled "Britain's Missing Top Model".

The show featured eight beautiful women with disabilities {shown above}, competing to prove that they have what it takes to become a mainstream fashion model.

Just like America's Next Top Model, the girls moved into a London flat together where they ate, slept and breathed the modeling/fashion industry over a three-week period. They also went through a series of challenges and photo shoots to "prove" that they have what it takes to become a model. Then, they were eliminated one by one by a panel of "expert" judges. The prize: a fashion spread in the British Marie-Claire Magazine.

With this training and experience, the show claimed the aspiration for the winner to be a foot in the door of the fashion industry...and Danny Cohen, Controller for the BBC Three was quoted as saying...

"This series aims to challenge the artificial boundaries that seem to exist in the beauty and fashion industries. "It would be great if, in the future, we began to see more disabled models gracing the covers of the world's magazines."

Well, the show ended last night and the results are in...{whether we thought the show itself was a good idea or not}.

We congratulate Kelly Knox, 23, of England {shown}. Knox was named the winner last night, and scored a contract with Take 2 Model Management as well as a photo shoot with Marie Claire magazine.


If you remember, most of the comments on my previous post "A New Low or the Next Top Model" were NOT in favour of this show, with most thinking it was some sort of ploy to gain publicity or a segregation of people with disabilities.


Honestly, the show seemed to be a bit of both. But, only time will tell whether Kelly Knox was just amusement for the moment or really the next big thing in the modeling industry.

No matter what, we wish Kelly the very best.

Treasury Feature... Neapolitan Delight

So, THIS is what happens when beautiful things come together!

The yummy treasury below by Abbydon Kraftwerks features all things inspired by the classic Neapolitan ice cream treat.

Included are my yummy-licious Neapolitan Candles {right}, which are an enchanting meld of chocolate, strawberry and vanilla.
Ahhh, I can smell them now..., uhh, mostly because I have one on my desk. heee heee. But, seriously, this candle is a MUST HAVE as it smells heavenly even when it's not burning, giving you sweet sensations all the day long. To get yours, go here.

{ Neapolitan Delight... }

click image to enlarge...

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And, here are some more summer time treats by Abbydon Kraftwerks...who can resist these adorable magnets that look just like food!

Pretty Things Spotlight: * BD Designs *

UPDATE:
RHUBARB SKY is the lucky winner of the 3 petite stacking rings by BD Designs!

A special "Thank You" to everyone who entered...& be sure to enter this week's give-a-way too {there's a link to it on the right side of this blog}.

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Christen Largent of BD Designs is a self-taught artist who lives in the woods, amongst nature...and that's just where she prefers to be.

She uses her natural surroundings along with her never-ending curiosity of all things strange and different to inspire and motivate her in creating her gorgeous jewelry designs.

Handcrafted of precious metals such as sterling silver, copper and gold, her work is an accumulation of experimentation, inspiration and time spent studying new and different materials, shapes and textures.

Her clean, simplistic approach to adornment allows for her designs to appeal to everyone...and she will inscribe most of her pieces with any saying, lyric, poem or words that are special to you, making your piece truly unique and special to you.

“Create from a place inside of you that is devoid of all of the negative things you hear...create from the place inside that creates for the mere joy of creating. It will show in your work!”

Spotlight: BD Designs

★ Tell us a bit about you… My name is Christen Largent. I live west of Toledo, Ohio in the middle of no where in a place called Monclova — it’s not a town, it’s a township. I am married to a wonderful man and have 2 awesome kids. This year my husband and I will celebrate our 15th year of marriage!! [I can’t believe it!]

★ What inspires you? I live in the middle of the woods and have since child hood, so I’m a nature girl. The things that most inspire me are “oddities” in nature…like a weird bug, a plant that just springs up out of nowhere or the shape of a seed pod…. I tend to notice everything (much to the dismay of my children) and it all gets trapped up there in the great beyond of my brain. Later, it somehow finds its way into my work. I also love words…since I was an English/Lit major in college. I don’t claim to be a writer, but I‘m fascinated by the way writers [especially classic poets] string words together to make “music” of the written variety. This music has also found its way into my work.

★ Apart from creating things, what do you do for fun? I am a SOLID perennial gardener! I was well trained by my mother! I not only know how to make perennials grow and come back every year, but I can identify a whole lot of plants in general! She was a great teacher and inspired me to be creative in the planning and planting of all my flower gardens! I also have 2 very beautiful, very ACTIVE children Meghan & Liam [ages 11 and 4], so you can imagine where the rest of my “free time” goes!

★ What has been your most memorable moment selling your art? This past Mother's Day, a customer convo’d me after giving her mother the pendant I had made for her Mother's Day gift. Her relationship with her mom had been a bit ‘on the rocks’. When she gave the pendant to her mom, her mom “bawled like a baby” and they proceeded to talk for HOURS, ultimately patching up their relationship! Her story made ME cry, as it’s HUGE to know that something you’ve created could touch someone so deeply!

★ Any advice for fellow artists... Keep trying...don't give up because you're not selling. If you love what you do [or just love creating in general], selling is not the most important thing, although it's nice to be able to pay the bills. Create from a place inside of you that is devoid of all of the negative things you hear...create from the place inside that creates for the mere joy of creating. It will show in your work!

★ If you could be any character, who would it be and why? You know, I'd like to think of something clever to say here, but really, I've always just wanted to be "Anne of Green Gables" – She was strong, feisty, spoke her mind, spoke MOST eloquently and was perfectly peaceful in nature...all the things I'd like to be! And, she could also smack a slate over an ignorant guy's head like a pro! :)

★ Tell us your future plans for your business... At this point, I'm happy to say, that I am acquiring a few wholesale accounts, which was a big goal of mine. My plans are to stay busy enough to pay for my kids' college tuition and contribute to our retirement fund so we don't have to eat cat food when we retire! :) …And to continue to LOVE WHAT I DO EVERY DAY!!!!

★ Anything else you'd like to add about yourself or your work, etc… I am very grateful for Etsy. I was doing moderately well before Etsy, but with a handmade marketplace of over 1 million users, it just keeps getting better and better. It’s taken a lot "starving" out of "starving artists"! Where else does an average Joe artist get a shot at selling on a daily basis…It's a great thing!

★ Etsy Shop: http://www.bddesigns.etsy.com
★ Member of the Etsy Street Team ‘AJC’ (Art Jewelry Collective).

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This Give-a-Way has ended...

Christen of BD Designs is very sweet to send 3 petite stacking rings to this week's give-a-way, RHUBARB SKY!
Rhubarb Sky will be receiving 3 rings sized to her preference {2 in sterling silver and one in copper}. Each ring is hand-formed, soldered and hammered by Christen in her studio. These simple, yet elegant rings are easy to wear and perfect for the person who loves the versatility and freedom of stacking rings.

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CONGRATULATIONS!

Fun with Flickr: The Road to Hell...

{{ The Road to Hell is Paved with Good Intentions... }}

I'm growing increasingly addicted to this Flickr "game"...Thanks a lot, ThisOldHenHouse! hee hee
Anyway, my addiction has led me a new set of questions for you to play with and I've stepped it up a bit by asking you to name your image mosaic to keep those creative juices flowing. I've also put my answers to the questions this time. I don't know why I didn't before.
Here's what you do to create your own "Twelve with Flickr" Mosaic.

The Concept...
a. Type your answer to each of the questions below into Flickr Search.
b. Using only the first page, pick an image...and it doesn't necessary have to be an image of your answer as long as it's on that first page.
c. Copy and paste each of the URLs for the images into fd’s mosaic maker.
d. Name your new image with a line from the song in Question #7

Questions...
1. What day is it? Saturday
2. Who is your favorite superhero? Cat Woman
3. Pick a number from 1 to 100? Eight
4. What is your favourite flower? Anemone
5. Who is your favourite fashion designer? Alexander McQueen
6. County in which you may have lived in a past life? England
7. Favourite Song of the Moment? "4 Minutes" by Madonna
8. Pick any word that starts with an "N"? Nipple
9.Pick one...Eyeshadow, Blush, Lipstick or Mascara: Mascara
10. Your most favourite possession? Paul Strand photography
11. One Word to describe how you feel today: Busy
12. Name of something in front of your right now: Teacup


You can add me as your Flickr friend here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ravenx
I will be adding photos and fun soon, I promise! I've just been an ultra busy girl lately. :)

If you do your own, post here, so I can check it out! Have fun, My Pretties!

xxx

Raven

Créditos...
1. Scrubber, 2. the storm within, 3. shwedagon in the mist, 4. poppy anemone, a year later, 5. gemma ward by emma summerton, 6. Borrowdale, Lake District, 7. Madonna - 4 Minutes, 8. i need some lov...carry me please..., 9. Llorando, 10. NEW YORK, April 3: Released yesterday on Blurb, 25 Lessons: The Art of Living is now a Best Seller..., 11. Bell(AHHHH)gio, 12. Book Club...teacup...13/04/07

Freaky Friday... Time for a Swim

Summer's not over yet! There's still time to enjoy the sun! Learn from the mistakes of others and get thee to the beach! {Katherine Heigl, left}








These celebs need to check the mirror twice before going out into the sun...and the eye of the paparazzi!

{ Too Much or Not Enough... }

Kim Kardashian draws attention to her excessive curves, Jennifer Love-Hewitt is top heavy & ready to pop, Claire Danes as Olive Oyl


{ Hot Mess Brigade... }Pink doesn't have a clue, Britney Spears using her bra & undies as swim wear, Britney looking trashy yet again


{ Hot Mess Freakshow... }
Tara Reid partied too hard and had too much plastic surgery. Did it ever catch up with her...ICK!

As you've witnessed, even celebrities don't always look so great in their swim wear...and even Eva Longoria has a stomach. She isn't as little as she always appears {right}.







Remember to pick a suit that actually fits you and suits your body type. Slip into one of the sweet retro treats below as each hides a plethora of flaws.

{ Sweet Retro Style... }

Top Row, Left to Right:

• Halter Swimdress by Juicy Couture
• Lamour by Lux
• Retro Bathing Suit by BettieB

Bottom Row, Left to Right:

• Polka Dot One Piece by Lux
• Retro Gingham One Piece by Lux
• One Piece Classic Sheath by MyBabyJoe

Dirty Pretty Things: One to Watch...

Don't let Sienna Miller near your man if you want to keep your family together!

Miss Sienna really gets around...She's ruined the marriage of Jude Law and Sadie Frost {kids involved}, broken apart Sean "Puff Daddy" Combs and Kim Porter {right after the birth of their twins!}, rumored to have been the cause of Sean Penn and Robin Wright-Penn's break up {more kids}...and now Balthazar Getty and his wife Rosetta, of which I'm sure you've already just heard about.

But, in case you don't follow celeb gossip, let us clue you in: Sienna was caught with MARRIED Brothers & Sisters star Balthazar Getty in Italy last Friday. There are photos of her topless on a boat with him, kissing and snugging him, photos of them on the balcony outside of their hotel room, etc...
That's all bad enough, but now she is suing over the photos stating that they were private moments. PLEASE!!



Balthazar has reportedly shamed his family --and his wife, Rosetta has since fled with their children, utterly embarrassed. They say that Getty and his wife were on the outs anyway, even though they have 4 children together. Uh huh...mabie.
...but, it sure seems like Little Miss Sienna is allllways right there ready to go...or is it that she is the one causing the problems?

One cheater deserves another, we say and at least Sienna gets it in return: her ex, Jude Law, famously cheated on HER with his children's nanny. Oh surprise!

Sienna says,

"My life is privileged,...And it's exactly where I'm supposed to be. I make decisions. I take responsibility for them."

Ummm, Sienna...have you EVER heard of KARMA?? It may be coming for you, hunny.

And, by the looks of her past record, she's not done yet...So, we are officially proclaiming her "One to Watch" ...as in "Don't let this one near your man unless you want to get rid of him!" ...and, if that's actually the case, I'm sure she wouldn't want your man then because there would be no scandal involved.

Things to Ponder: Blind Faith

If you haven’t tried Evo hair products, you should...I haven't yet, but YOU should.


Sounds ridiculous that I'm telling you to use something that I've never tried, huh? Well, I am...just based on Evo's advertising {shown}. And, whether you realise it or not, you buy things all the time based on a feature or the advertising of a product.

Recently, I've been wundering just how many editors, publicists, stylists, etc... who push products -and people- on us daily actually use or experience what they are pushing.

Yesterday, I was creative consultant on a photo shoot {true story} here in Los Angeles. I was brought in last minute to help, so I didn't know what the "talent" we were shooting were all about...but I helped style them, position them,..."push" them for the magazine anyway.

I later overheard their publicist ask the photographer if he had seen their work and he replied that he hadn't, yet he was taking photos of them. The publisher of the magazine that they were being shot for ALSO didn't know what they were all about.... All of it made me really think about what I buy and why.


So, today, I am "pushing" a company that I know nothing about and telling you that you should try their products, just like you would normally put blind faith into whatever else you see in advertising campaigns used in the magazines we read and on the internet and television and that most of look at everyday.

If it looks good and they tell us what we want to hear, most of us will try it - at least once.

It's true that packaging and advertising work...and Evo, an Australian miracle hair care company marketing to Gen Y {ages 15-25}, with cute, quirky packaging and cutting edge advertising that pokes fun at the ridiculousness of beauty today will undoubtedly succeed.

Their website references Japanese pop culture, featuring lots of pink, sound effects, Kanji writing and a girl speaking Japanese. Oh, and a lot of annoying pop-ups too.

We love it...umm, at least the packaging anyway!

...Now, I think I'll actually buy something and see if it's as good as it looks.

Saving ordinary humans from themselves... Try Evo HERE

A Heroic Act...?

Ralph and Edna were both patients in a mental hospital. One day while they were walking past the hospital swimming pool, Ralph suddenly jumped into the deep end. He sank to the bottom of the pool and stayed there.

Edna promptly jumped in to save him. She swam to the bottom and pulled him out.
When the Head Nurse Director became aware of Edna's heroic act, she immediately ordered her to be discharged from the hospital, as she now considered her to be mentally stable.

When she went to tell Edna the news she said, "Edna, I have good news and bad news. The good news is you're being discharged since you were able to rationally respond to a crisis by jumping in and saving the life of the person you love. I have concluded that your act displays sound mindedness."

"The bad news is that Ralph hung himself in the bathroom with his bathrobe belt right after you saved him. I am so sorry, ...but Ralph is dead."


Edna replied, "He didn't hang himself. I put him there to dry...How soon can I go home..??"

Freaky Friday...Constant Companions

Ohh, we're noticing, ...but we're not understanding the silence.

Why doesn't the media use the "L word" when it comes to Lindsay Lohan and her "gal" pal Samantha Ronson? If it were anyone else, we're sure it would be a different story, as the media is usually hot on outing people. Sooo, what's up with the media tip-toeing around straight-out calling Lindsay a lesbian?






People Magazine Online even has a "Photo Special" entitled: "Lindsay & Samantha: Attached at the Hip(ster)" so that's saying something. They even care more about Lilo and Sam than they do about Jessica Alba's baby {and yay for that}.




The media calls Lindsay and Sam "BFFs" and "constant companions". They show photos of them going on vacation together, snuggling, grocery shopping, holding hands, and even kissing. They even live together now and Lindsay's taken on Samantha's last name. {Thanks, Fug Girls...we didn't know that one!} but never is the "L word" uttered. Uhhh, we don't know about you, but we personally don't do all of those things with someone unless we're comfy in other ways too.

Previously, Lilo's mum was outraged that people would think her daughter was dating a girl, but now all of a sudden we hear she's saying, "As long as Lindsay's happy..."


So, what gives...WHY the special treatment?

Pretty Things Fall Trend: Red Hot!

Rich colour hit the runways for fall and we absolutely love all the red!

Here, a peek at some of the best red hot styles for Fall/Winter 2008...

{ Alexander McQueen...}

{ Christopher Kane...}

{ Jean Paul Gaultier...}

{ Marchesa...}

{ Versace...}

Pretty Things Spotlight: * Tascha *

Update: The winner of Tascha's sweet little "Tea Party" giclee print is SANEH! Congratulations! Thanks to all of you who entered. Be sure to enter this week's give-a-way.

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Tascha is a well-known Canadian Folk artist, known for her whimsical and colourful painting style, which depicts sweet images of people and their faithful companions.

★ ★ ★

I hadn't heard of Tascha until recently, when she was sent to me through Fate. I found her wunderful work when I started my search for an artist who could perfectly capture the essence and personality of my dear, recently departed kitty, Kiko. Upon seeing Tascha's work and subject matter, I just knew she was the very one who could perfectly portray Kiko.

You can tell that Tascha's heart and joy goes into her work as much of her paintings depicts rosy-cheeked girls or images of Frida Kahlo enjoying a tea party with friends, swimming with the Mermaids or having a lazy day nap with their furry friends. Her work is delightful, whimsical and fun.

I just know that her work will touch your heart too!

"I'd love to travel to the moon and float around among the stars. I have flying dreams all the time and it would be awesome to actually do it!"

Spotlight: Tascha

★ Tell us a bit about You…
Hi! My name is Tascha and I live in the hustle and bustle of downtown Toronto, Ontario Canada. I moved here to attend art school (Ontario College of Art and Design) and loved it so much that I stayed after I graduated. I make little paintings and prints here in my studio with my 2 Siamese cats by my side.



★ What inspires you?
I get a lot of inspiration from my cats, Lily and Opie. They are such a strong part of my life that I feel the need to often incorporate cats into my paintings. I love storybooks and happy magical lands where there are no worries. I like to create a little world where everything is good.

★ Apart from creating things, what do you do for fun?
Creating things takes most of my time. I love to experiment with new techniques and art supplies. Other than art I enjoy bike riding, cooking, collecting exotic beads and drinking tea with friends.

★ What has been your most memorable moment selling your art?
My most memorable moment was when I was asked to do a commission of a very large 4 by 5 foot canvas painting. I had painted only tiny canvases at this point and it was quite challenging. So much more physical than small paintings. You really have to use a lot more of your arm muscles. I remember carrying this giant painting to UPS to be packed up and shipped. I felt so proud,...like I had arrived.

★ Any advice for fellow artists...
Everyone has a story to tell in their art. Like Mr. Rogers says "There is only one person in the world like you." You are special. As an artist, you bring something unique to the world, so, as long as you are true to yourself, your art will shine. Don't be overly concerned with what other artists are doing...run your own race.

★ This is a silly question, but one I feel tells a lot about you...If you could be any character, who would it be and Why?
I'd be Wilma Flintstone. She's a good friend, can cook a mean brontosaurus dinner and has cute feet.

★ Where would you like to travel and Why?
I'd love to travel to the moon and float among the stars. I have flying dreams all the time and it would be awesome to actually do it.

★ Tell us your future plans for your business...
I have been selling my art on the internet since 2001. I have learned to go with the flow and try new opportunities as they come along. Everything is still so new on the internet as far as arts and crafts go. I'm enjoying the ride and love trying new venues. I also plan on getting into more galleries here in Toronto as I do miss the social aspect of art. You can also expect larger paintings and some art dolls in the future.





★ More about You…
I want people on the Internet to get to know me better. Making videos is the best way I can do this, so come and visit me at my You Tube channel where I let you into my creative processes. You can find me at:
http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=timewithtascha

★ Shoppe: http://Tascha.etsy.com
★ Blog: http://TimeWithTascha.blogspot.com
★ Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tascha

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This Give-a-Way has ended...

What a sweet little way to enjoy tea...outside with your best friend and just the cutest little kitty upon your lap!

This week's luckiest give-a-way winner will receive the sweet "Tea Party" giclee print by Tascha! It is an 8 x 10" image printed on an 8.5 x 11" sheet of acid free cardstock.

To Enter...
Pick your most favourite image in Tascha's enchantingly delightful shop. Then, comment here to tell us which it is that you like the most!
★ For an extra entry into this contest...Post a comment on any other post on my blog, not including artist features.

How to Comment... Comment by clicking on "Comments" or the "Post a comment" area at the very bottom of this post and a comment area will come up for you to type in. Then, if you don't have a blog, you may either click name/URL and fill in your name only, leaving the URL area blank or post anonymously. Just be sure to sign your name and leave a way for us to contact you if you win.

Most Important Details...
If your favourite image by Tascha is not part of your comment and/or some sort of viable contact information is not included, your entry will be automatically disqualified. I DO check every single entry. Winner has 3 days to contact me with their mailing address. Give-a-way is shipped out via the artist. The winner's name is drawn out of a most fashionable hat...the old-fashioned way. One entry per person unless you comment on another post on this blog during the week of this feature/contest. All entries must be received by noon on Sunday, July 27th, 2008 PST. There is a clock on the right side of this blog so that you may check Los Angeles {PST} time. This contest is open to everyone, everywhere.

Best of luck to you, my Pretties!

Project Runway...It's not too Late!

People keep telling me that I should go out for the show, but I haven't draped anything or made a pattern in about 5 years...not since I closed my company.

My sewing machine has cob webs on it and my dress form is like a wall flower sitting in the corner just waiting for someone to ask her to dance. Boo!

Mabie someday...


If you decide to try out, please let us know so that we may cheer you on...and Best of Luck!