Instagram Novice

http://iconosquare.com/grandmasaysapp

I've decided to jump on the Instagram bandwagon. Photography has always been a bit of a passion for me, having often referred to myself as a 'happy snapper'. Thing is, I haven't really got to grips with using my camera for taking pictures. I do really enjoy seeing other's Instagram pics, and feel I could, perhaps, blossom there. There seems to be so much scope for arty, stylish and fun images. See this friends site for some lovely intimate family shots, as well as amazing hair styling photos from around the world, and as seen in many publications. My camera does have minimal data capacity on it, though, so will have to upgrade. Any tips from friends out there would be greatly appreciated!

Pierre Frey | French Furnishing fabrics, Interior fabrics,...

Pierre Frey  |  French Furnishing fabrics, Interior fabrics,... (clipped to polyvore.com)

Arden Wray

Arden Wray (clipped to polyvore.com)

An 'Indian Summer' at the Dandy

Getting back in gear for the next Dandy took some doing. After a break of a month, with sooo much going on, it could have stayed on the back burner for a while longer. But, the show must go on, and on it will go! Please go here for more info. Here's my new poster design.

I was going to give my lion a crown of feathers, but, I did a little research, and found out some people get offended by the extensive use of American headwear as fashion accessories, but did want to include that connection. So, feathers are added, but hopefully, in a sensitive way. What do you think?

I really wish I was a DJ
Simple as that. I love music. Have a long history with it. And always love hearing new stuff. I also love to dance, so, natural alchemy, yes?
This is my latest love.

I hope you enjoy it!!
xx

I came across this on Quora, and really had to share it. Such great advise, and makes me feel bad for every time I let go first.

Read Quote of Romeo Vásquez's answer to What can I learn right now in just 10 minutes that could be useful for the rest of my life? on Quora

I shine from within

I shine from within by leslieworks featuring metal wall art

Metal wall art
lampsplus.com

Table lamp
theshoppingchannel.com

Fashion Illustration - Fashion Drawing - Daphne van den Heuvel
$81 - laffichemoderne.com

My Passion Is...

My current passion is my Dandy Lion Market. One of the reasons I like it so much is because I can utilise a number of different skills running it. One aspect in particular is designing. I completed a design degree back in 2001, but never embarked on that new career, having become a second-time-around mum, unexpectedly, in my early 40's, as soon as I completed my degree. I already had an 18 year old.

Erik was 18 when I had Matthew. Here they are 21 and 3!

I went with the flow, as I am inclined to do with major turning points in life, and took to raising my second-born with relish. Being a very 'attached parent', benefitting from being supported financially, and a bit more maturity, I devoted my time to my child. This innately intuitive and relaxed time gave me the chance to gradually re-acquaint myself with the artist within me. I had done an art degree when younger, but then I came to England, and eventually turned my hand to sewing for designers for the next 18 years. One such designer was English Eccentrics, who are still going, I'm happy to add, and with whom I learned my trade and worked for 6 years. The 80's were a fun and vibrant time to be involved with fashion. I even got to appear briefly in their Arctic collection catwalk back in 1985. 

EE - Arctic -1985 AW from colin david on Vimeo.

(You can see me at 7:05 coming on with my 2 year old and his 3 year old friend. I must also add that the music on this video is not the original, and I think was probably Dead or Alive, 'You Spin Me Round" and the like, so turn down the sound to the original and play this one instead. It will make so much more sense.)

Continuing with a bit of background, during an annual visit back to Calif with my little boy back in 2004, I was inspired by the recent projects my mother was into. She and I have always shared a love for arty craft, and each visit home was an opportunity to share new ideas, and have a crafting session together. This time she was making altered books, objects and tableau.

My mum's studio and some examples of her art.

So, on my return to London, I embarked on making artist's books. Coupled with a deeply inspiring visit to the London Artist Book Fair, in 2005, then at the ICA, I made the determination to be exhibiting at it myself in one year's time, which I carried out, with much pride, I might add. It cost £300 for a pitch at that!! It's actually gone right down in price this last year. I'm tempted!

My first LAB, Nov 2006, at the ICA, London

It was a few years since doing my degree, but, all that justifying of content, materials, construction, design, etc. was still pretty fresh in my mind. Turning my hand to making little handmade book art and objects, with quirky content and artistic flair, was a very suitable alternative to the interior design of spaces, I figured. I made very little money doing it, but, it was my passion!

After a few years, I continued to make book art and other objects, but also returned to sewing as well, making textile-based home wares and decorative pieces. I also started to collect vintage wares and combined these with my crafts at a few markets and fairs. 

Bentley Priory Fair March, 2010. A mix of hand mades (cushions and framed reproduction vintage pin-up prints, with cherry-picked vintage). I had another stall at this edition, which my partner manned for me, with purely craft items.

It was from one of these the offer to run a craft market emerged. I was a regular trader at Can't Buy Me Love, a vintage and jumble market run by Jet Payne, at the Boogaloo.

Can't Buy Me Love, March 2011, just a few months before launching the Dandy.

The manager needed to fill a gap for a craft market left by a previous organiser. (They have gone on elsewhere and are the Wonderhill Market) I was really chuffed to be asked, and I accepted the offer to start another one with great excitement. I was just so ready for it! The Dandy Lion Market was born, first edition June 11, 2011. You can see photos from that here. Only set-up pictures unfortunately, as my camera ran out of power- can you believe it!

The first edition of the Dandy: It was immensely nerve-wracking but exciting. 
The Boogaloo was a big space to fill with 3 different sections. This was the stables block.

Back to my primary purpose for this post, once I committed myself to running the Dandy, I got busy creating the name and logo. I found the perfect lion vector on Shutterstock, and it has proven an enduring mascot for all the different designs I have done.

This was my first poster. Very simple! They became increasingly elaborate and
have taken on many incarnations and designs over the nearly 3 years of running the market.

The Dandy will be 3 years old this June, and along with anniversary editions, and all the various holiday ones, I also ventured to create themes that related to: the seasons, the month, other occasions, like the Jubilee, charity events, alternative and pagan celebrations, and sometimes just gut instinct. These are some of my personal favourites.

As an artist and maker, my designs evolve intuitively, but with a level of precision, too. Final versions can happen in one take, or 10. I'm something of a perfectionist, so I like to get it just right. 

Now, I hope you don't mind that this has turned into a bit of a yarn! I do everything for the market myself, and, along with all the admin, communication, marketing, promoting and hands-on setting up, I take a lot of pride in designing a new poster/flyer every month. This is a place I can put my design and artistic flair to good use, on a regular basis, and display it, too! There is quite a collection of posters now, the entire collection of which can be seen in the events section of the Facebook page.

Running a market is hard work. There is a fair bit of competition out there, so one needs to think of new ideas and keep people interested and curious, so they want to come along each month. Creating different themes and posters can also be a spur and inspiration for new products by traders, and help create a buzz for the market day, itself. Hope to see you there soon!

The March 2014 edition, 'I Heart Mum. Our best market yet, helped by the
Mother Appeal for Oxfam element and a wicked recommendation in Time Out.

The Dandy Lion Market is a monthly fixture at the Oxford pub, 256 Kentish Town Rd, London, NW5 2AA. 12-5pm. Free Entry Check out the Facebook page for next event.

The Dandy Lion Market, and something different for January

The Festive Season dust is just settling a bit, and I've now got to get into gear to fill and promote the next Dandy Lion Market. As January can be a quiet month, both for traders and customers, I thought I'd do something a bit different. First, moving it forward to the 2nd Saturday, thereby avoiding the end of the school holidays, when many are still away. Also, as I have had a hectic and slightly traumatic few weeks, what with a small fire, having to clean and clear out stuff, I thought others might be in the mood to do the same (not have a small fire!)  So, I've dubbed the Jan Dandy as a Vintage and Rummage Sale, cuz everyone loves a bargain and a good rummage. I've been calling out for traders who want to shift some cupboard and closet clobber, end of line hand mades, and discount vintage wares. Should be great fun!

Hope to see some of you there! And anyone with items described they would like to sell, do get in touch @ lwrjam@yahoo.com, £15 for a standard pitch.

Blue Skies and discovering Polyvore!

I have just discovered a new platform for indulging my love of curating, of fashion and of interiors. A bit like grown up paper dolls. It is fun.
Below is my first interior collage. These days I seem to lean towards primary colours mixed with neutrals, or monochrome. Shades of blue feature in this one, with a bright sun yellow throw rug. Brown brings it down to earth and gold adds a bit of glam. This is a chic and modern room, with a whimsical twist and a dollop of baroque.

Blue Skies by leslieworks featuring modern wall art

686 ceiling light
liveauctioneers.com

Wool rug
$875 - rugcouture.com

Navy home decor
etsy.com

Throw pillow
havertys.com

Modern wall art
$81 - laffichemoderne.com

Ethan Allen tufted sofa
ethanallen.com

Jonathan Adler accent table
jonathanadler.com

Jack Frost is coming to the Dandy Lion Market!

News from the Dandy Lion Market View this email in your browser Jack Frost is Coming to Town! Dec 7th 12-5pm  FREE ENTRY The best edition of the year is less than 1 week away. Whether there is snow, or frost, or not, this Saturday, it will be cold. So COME inside before you get a chill and enjoy some fun and frolics. INDULGE in a cheeky Poetry Lucky Dip at Mark Waddell's table, where you can choose between the family friendly, or the adult variations! GET your own pad ready for the Season with beautifully refurbished and repurposed furniture, cushions and cottage chic home decor, from House of Dalrimple. EXPLORE Beverley Isaacs Mexico inspired art cards, paintings and collectibles. SPRUCE UP with Listra's Handmade Soaps. DECK yourself out in flamboyant and classic vintage clothing and accessories and get the personal touch with Wunderbar Vintage and Ann Rozansky Vintage Fashion. BEDAZZLE yourself with cheery picked Gorgeous Vintage and designer Origami Boutique jewellery, wrapped bracelets By Meta, fabulous fascinators and hairpieces from Itty & Fee, and stunning handmade Swarovski crystal & pearl jewellery by Etincellent.  FIND ROMANCE in Words & Roses beautiful crafted roses, cards and gifts.  BROWSE art, prints, cards and trinkets to give or keep, with ©leslieworks, Dimple & Isabela and Sarah Greenacre.  DRINK refreshing hand blended Tilia Teas. SPEND a carefree day at the Oxford pub, with good food and real ale, viby music and a magical ambience that only this art, craft and vintage market extraordinaire provides. A few peeks at some lovely wares and traders coming... Gorgeous Vintage jewellery for every taste and pocket. The Origami Boutique with unique and beautiful hand folded  origami jewellery and cards. Dimple & Isabela colourful handmade stationery and gifts. Mark Waddell's humorous and sometimes subversive poetry and illustration. Must do his Poetry Lucky dip! By Meta Christmas tribe slider bracelets The lovely House of Dalrimple with fab upcycled  and repurposed home decor to suit any pad from  shabby to modern chic. Check back on the Facebook page for trader's features, special offers and updates. For starters, followers of this newsletter will get a special discount. Just come to Wunderbar Vintage in the main market upstairs, and mention the News from the Dandy Lion Market! We all look forward to seeing you there, showing you our fine wares, sharing in some mulled wine, minced pies and some fun and frolics. Leslie x Facebook Twitter Website Copyright © 2013 leslieworks, All rights reserved. Your receiving this email because you signed the market guest book, or are a fan of the market page. Our mailing address is: leslieworks 108c Gaisford St. London, Eng NW5 2EH United Kingdom Add us to your address book unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences

Wonderful press release for Artists Who...from Wall Street Internatinal

My latest collaborative event with the collective, Artists Who...has been given a fabulous press release from Wall Street International!
Wall Street International Magazine - Artists Who [Arts, United Kingdom]

Artists Who

28 November - 3 December 2013 at Vibe Gallery, London.

Vivienne Hollis, Detail from There is Another World

‘Artists Who…’ are a collective of seven diverse London based artists that formed in January 2013 to exhibit their work together as a means to create alternative channels to artistic expression. Their unique fusion of contrasting influences, styles and media result in a compelling showcase of modern art.

The new collective is launching a rolling tour of distinctive artwork at exhibitions across the capital and beyond starting with: “Series Zero” by 'Artists Who...'. Curated by Gabriel Parfitt

Artists Involved:

Vivienne Hollis: With a dazzling abundance of microscopic patterned detail, Vivienne's paintings reveal a multitude of concentric circles. Each circle contains a nucleus; a clue about the story.

Zoë Landau Konson: Growing up in a creative refugee family, Zoë's work is generated by a fascination with cultural memory and hereditary narrative. With poetic execution, Zoë's sculptures, made from crochet, hair or textiles communicate the unspoken; the stories that have yet to be told.

Leslie Wilson Rutterford: Born in Denver, Colorado to artist parents, Leslie emigrated to London in 1981. Enthused by her multifarious interests, observations and experiences, Leslie explores personal and shared histories through embroidered textiles and bookworks.

Tony Scrivener: The beauty of London, its inhabitants past and present, fuel the basis of Tony's work. Through his paintings he brings to life the faded, over-looked and unknown aspects of London, with a need to resurrect.

Helena Carrizosa: Helena is a Colombian born conceptual fashion designer and artist. With eloquence and enquiry, Helena explores the deeper facets of individuality through her uniquely tailored garments, paintings and drawings.

Beverley Isaacs: Beverley's works represent her curiosity and desire to spontaneously capture movement, sentiment and the energy of the subject or objects found. She has experimented with, and studied various mediums including animation, assemblage, painting, drawing and photography.

Michael Young: Media veteran explores 21st Century digital possibilities of circumstance and moments captured on film and video, around the role of photography in the search for identity.

Vibe Gallery
N001The Biscuit Factory
Tower Bridge Business Centre
100 Clements road
London SE16 4DG United Kingdom
Ph. +44 (0)20 72520196
giulia@vibeplace.com
www.vibe-gallery.com

Opening hours
Tuesday - Saturday
From 12pm to 6pm

Related images

1. Helena Carrizosa, Coming Full Circle
2. Tony Scrivener, Cain 1
3. Leslie Wilson-Rutterford, Sickness
4. Michael Young, Lola
5. Zoe Landau Konson, Mother. Me
6. Beverley Isaacs, Cinderella

Published: Monday, 25 November 2013

Article by: WSI Administration