Little People Art

Finding different ways to save and celebrate your kids art work can be a challenge. Hanging it on the fridge is an old stand by but what else can you do to show your little one that their art is special. Below are a few ideas to help you celebrate the little artist in your life.  

I discovered this company and I think they have such a great prodcut! Its called Child’s Own Studio. They bring a child's art alive by turning a picture into a plush toy. Genius! It was an idea that launched one mom's home-based craft business that has now created a few hundred personal softies, each one as unique as the child who drew it. Child’s Own Studio celebrates children’s art and their imagination with every handcrafted one-of-a-kind soft toy.

A way to display your little picasso's masterpieces is to frame them. I like the idea of mixing your kids originals in a grouping with art from other artist, keeping in the same style or color palette. You'll be amazed at the fun pop this collection will add to a space. This might be the perfect arrangement for a guest room, office space or long hallway. I love the mix mashed frames as well as all the matching frames...each have a different vibe based on your current home decor. 

I'm also loving the idea of compiling your kid-o's art, maybe from the school year, into one coffee table book. This book would be an awesome keepsake that you and your artist can look back on over the years. Theres many online resources to upload scans of the art and get book printed.    

Stay Warm Snuggle Bunny!

I'm going nuts over all the ways to repurpose old sweaters! Recently I received a huge box of old knit sweaters that I am using as the material to create these cozy craft ideas! 

Knit Bracelets! 

Project found Here

Recycled Jar Covers!

Tutorial from Design Sponge 

Cut off the arms of a sweater and use them as leg warmers out of your boots! I even sewed a few buttons on them to embellish.

Made these incredibly sweet wine sleeves for christmas gifts...Huge hit! 

This tutorial was found Here

Monthly Love Announcement - March

I can't (and won't!) get these colors out of my head!
Color is the source of inspiration that infiltrates  many of the nooks and crannies that make up my week. From inspiring my outfit for the day to ordering product for the store...which leads to visual displays. Well this week...this was the color palet that flooded my brain! Traditionally, maybe a little bit on the 'spring' side of the season wheal but i can totally see these hues working now!  I'm seeing a party theme, a line of apparel, a beautiful breakfast room...oh the possibilities! 

 

The Smirking Santa

This winter we worked on the North Oaks Holiday Design Idea House, a fundraiser for the children's hospital. The space that Design Vertigo occupied had a huge wall that needed to be filled. I wanted art to be bold to make an impact and festive without being predictable. So, I called my good friend Kyle from Senthor Creative to help me out.   

 Senthor offers many creative service, but one that I have been utilizing a lot of is their 'Big Prints'. They do a great job taking any image, no matter how small or poor resolution and blowing it up BIG. 

The image itself is inspired by Andy Warhol
Myths: Santa Claus, 1981-85 

The Myths Portfolio is one of Andy Warhol's most sought after collections. Warhol's Myths collection contains ten screen prints of iconic mythical figures, including Santa Claus, Mickey Mouse and Superman.

December's Featured Artist - Robin's Nest

Robin's Nest Textile and Design products are created by a wonderful local artist Melani Bowser. Melani creates these one-of-a-kind purses and bags by up-cycling textiles. One of the best parts about her products is reading the tag that discribes the 'former life' of the textile used to create the bag!  

 You can see in the hand sewn details that nature inspires the creativity and that’s why you’ll find birds, flowers and pods. I also love love love how she incorporates  pocket, buttons and details that were on the original shirt into the bag. 

"A bird’s nest is a collection of carefully selected materials (fallen twigs, a piece of string or even a lost wrapper) woven into a beautiful yet purposeful creation and that’s exactly what I do as an artist. Using quality repurposed textiles: shirts, sweaters, aprons, curtains, or whatever I can “gather” J gives all of my items a cozy nostalgic feel that make each piece completely unique.

The fact that I personally and lovingly create each item out of my own cuddly nest in Maplewood, MN, down to the free hand sewn artwork on some of my bags, cinches Robin’s Nest TD as the perfect name for what I love to do."

-Melani

Robin's Nest believes in giving back: 10% of all sales goes to a charity that works, teaches, gives and loves along those in need.

Robin's nest products were the featured art at Design Vertigo for the month of December. She almost SOLD OUT! You can shop for these items and more on her Etsy store. 

City Chic Country Mouse

The Featured Artist at Design Vertigo from November was the creative mother/daughter duo of City Chic Country Mouse. The "City Chic" is daughter Jamie and "Country Mouse" is mom Carmen. They set out on a venture combining a mom’s love of sewing with a daughter’s sense of style. "We enjoy creating items designed to make your household chores more cheerful, fun and lovely." From the sewing/craft studio to the laundry and kitchen they enjoy bringing style to these everyday tasks. Their hope is that these designs make some of your not-so-fun chores more enjoyable (like ironing!). Their ideology and products fit in just perfectly with Design Vertigo's Idea of making the Everyday ordinary into everyday extraordinary. You can still purchase these amazing products at their Etsy Store. And I can assure you that the highest level of quality and craftsmanship goes into each product.  

The City Chic Country Mouse Story:
Jamie has a degree in Fisheries and Wildlife and masters in Human Resources. While working her office job during the week, she has always spent time outside of her day-job keeping busy with home decorating projects – painting, rearranging furniture, and incorporating thrifty shopping finds. A few years ago while shopping with her mom she realized the endless possibilities of decorating by being able to sew.

Carmen has been sewing ever since she made her first Barbie dress when she was 5 years old. She has always loved being creative and trying new artsy endeavors, but has always come back to her first love; sewing.

After 25 years of sewing on her Singer, Carmen decided it was time to upgrade to a fancier sewing machine. She passed on her old Singer to Jamie, hoping she would one day share her passion for sewing. That day finally arrived when the pair went shopping for fabric for Jamie’s first home.

Jamie lives with her husband and two furbabies (Sadie – an English Pointer and Cricket - a mix of Sheltie, Corgi and ???) in St. Paul. She enjoys the city life and is therefore referred to as “City Chic” by her mom.

Carmen lives in Northern Minnesota with her husband and their 3 doggies and 1 barn kitty. In the summertime all of them (yes – all the furbabies plus their parents) can be found at their cabin on the lake in Grand Rapids Minnesota.

You can also enjoy their fun blog where they share their adventures and inspirations with you!









Design Vertigo also had the pleaser learning from these creative gals at an art evening where we learned and created gift wrap! It was such a fun night and all the customers who attended had a blast! The gals brought supplies to create three different gift packages that customers could use for your future gifting needs.  They showed us tricks and tips for using fun supplies like Japanese washi tapes, fabric, paper, ribbon, baker’s twine, and tissue. 

Working with Creative People

I have a new design office at Design Vertigo, its still in the store but now we have spread out to the back. Its so nice to have space to get creative! Sharing the space with me is my interior design intern, Rachael and photographer, Michael Howard from Blu Dot Photography. Blu Dot takes most of the photos for Design Vertigo's events and photo shoots. Its so nice to be able to share an environment with creative people!  Michael also shoots Portraits, Weddings, and Lifestyle photography. He is Specializing in engagement, weddings, senior portraits, children, families, fine art and editorial. His rates are crazy reasonable and hes just an all-around fun guy to work with!  Check out his facebook page often as its always being updated with fun photos and recent jobs. 

Nostalgia meets funky equals so original!

Born and raised in St. Paul, local artist Michelle creates one of a kind art from vintage ads and magazines. She calls her brand of wallets and jewelry made from this unconventional material 'Girl Creations'.

You will be blown away by the creativity! The wallets are made from the vintage paper that michelle hand folds individually into two different size wallets. The jewelry, with a similar theme, are made with had poured resen or an vintage wooden scrabbel tile.  These nostalgic products will take you back in time while still being so funky and current!  Browse and pick up your one of a kind, functional art at Design Vertigo during the month of May. Michelle will also be hosting an art show, open to the public at the store on June 3rd, 2011...so mark your calendars! Meet Michelle and learn about how she creates her one-of-a-kind art!

She Added so much Beauty to being Human

Mothers Day is just around the corner (May8th to be exact) and I want to help you say "Thank You" to the woman who gave you life.
This is the Mothers Day Gift Guide! All the products below can be purchased at Design Vertigo in North Saint Paul.

Mom will love sipping out of these great coffee mugs! Only $7.99, they come in 3 beautiful pastel colors.

Handmade by local artist Pat Weaver, these bracelets are made from vintage flatware and adorne with a stone and jewel. Each one is unique and no two bracelets are ever the same. What makes these different from others is the magnetic clasp that makes putting on the bracelet a snap! Give a one of a kind work of art created with care and love - - only $25.00!

Soy Candles, made locally in Wisconsin, not only burn 40%longer then a typical candle but also burns clean and even the glass is recycled. This eco-friendly product comes in many different flavors that smell amazing! Price ranging form $10.99 - $19.99 

Supper chic mint and gray necklace and earring set only $25!

Fabulous felt pillows just in from New York. Affordable and comes in many styles and colors to complement any of mom's home decor.  

Multi-colored beaded cross pendent. Only $13.99 and choose from a variety of colors. 

 Gift book of quotes from incredible women.

Help mom relax with the all natural bath and body line. Comes in 3 flavors including this grapefruit+bergamot...yummy! price ranges from $5.99 - 12.99. The aroma will paper the mind and body.

 Its more fun to stay hydrated when you have a uber cute water bottel to drink from!

Give this special gift book; she must be something special. she is. celebrate her. $12.95

Find the perfect apron with many to choose from!

Update mom's kitchen with these supper cute measuring cups and spoons. 

Sassy Housewife napkins - - So many funny options to help mom say whats behind that smile. $5.20

 I hope these products give you some ideas from mom and peek your interest in shopping at Design Vertigo! We have much more where this came from! 

A Handmade Princess

A Handmade Princes are knit products made by the sweet and bubbly Gilda. You can tell the second you see and touch her products that each one is made with love and care. From the soft yarns chosen to the flower details; every stich deliberate and thought out. Here is Gilda's Artist Bio:
"Hello, my name is Gilda and I am the owner of A Handmade Princess. I create fabulous knit and sewn accessories and decorations. I began knitting about three years ago and I cannot put the needles down. My designs are ever changing as with my expanding knowledge of all things knit. I’ve been sewing since college. I live in St. Louis Park, MN. I’m married and have two kids, a boy and a girl. I’m a part time stay at home mom and a part time preschool teacher. In my spare time, I knit, knit, knit and sew, too. I take pride in my knitting and I am fond of nice fibers. I have a massive collection of vintage buttons and vintage lace from my grandmother so I like to add those into my creations, too. I would like to say my style is eclectic."

Crafternoon with A Handmade Princess!
Saturday, February 5th at 2pm
$12 Cost. Space is limited. Signup and prepay to reserve your spot!
Bring a skein of whatever yarn you’d like to use and the size of needle appropriate for that yarn (it says on label of skein). We will learn to make scarves and rosettes! Yay for Knitting!

I Sew Love ShaggyBaggy!

Sharon Schneider, is the owner/maker of ShaggyBaggy totes. She grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota and has lived in Oakdale, MN for 20 years with her husband and 3 teenage daughters.

Sharon has been sewing for 25 years and is drawn to different fabrics and ideas by color and texture. She loves working with and combining new and vintage fabrics. All of the coffee totes are made from recycled burlap coffee sacks and many of the bags are repurposed from various upholstery remnants.

Sharon sold her first tote online in 2008. ShaggyBaggy is constantly changing and growing quickly. She loves being able to work from home and around her family’s busy schedules.

You are Invited to Design Vertigo’s second Art Evening
Tuesday, January 25
ShaggyBaggy Art Class!
Cost $15
Includes refreshments, instruction, and materials for 2 flowers.
Arrive at Design Vertigo at 6pm for refreshments. Learn and create the ShaggyBaggy flower embellishment. Space is limited so please prepay to reserve your spot for a delightful evening of Art!

Erik Blume Photography

A few days ago this cool kid (that reminded me of one of my little brothers) walked into the shop and nervously pulled out a half a dozen prints of his photography, asking if i would consider hanging some in design vertigo. His work was edgy, unique, and fresh. I said, "Erik, its your lucky day. Even though i already have an artist of the month, I have blank space on the wall behind my counter and i would LOVE to hang your work there." This is where Mr. Blume's photography now sits and is already being admired and recognized as, " Erik Blume? oh, yeah, he's that crazy good artistic kid from North!" haha! Cheers Erik you're already famous!
Artist Bio: "I was raised in Oakdale, Minnesota. Graduated from North High School, class of 2010. I am now a freshman at the University of Wisconsin – Stout where I am studying graphic design as my major and photography as my minor.
Photography to me is being able to capture a specific moment in time forever. I believe that history is very important and photographs can be the best way to tell a story. Each photograph means something specific to the creator but can mean many completely different things to its viewers. These varying viewpoints are both powerful and beneficial in many aspects. Being a photographer is my way of showing people who I am and at the same time being able to grasp an exact moment that will never happen again."