Inspiration - Between the Rock and Hard Place

Everybody has their own source of inspiration - some take it from nature, from artists of the past and present, books and movies, and, of course, music. If you take a look at major LF brands, what music do you think inspired them? Mozart and Beethoven for the classics? Cathedral choirs for elegant gothic? Light-hearted J-pop and carnival music for the uber sweet? Who knows.

For me music is an ultimate trigger, but not any music. My main weapon of choice is rock and metal. Hard and fast rhythms, guitar solos and strong voices combined with empowering lyrics - once I you fall into this world, there is no turning back. My personal fave is power metal, both strong and melodic with fantasy, struggle and romance being the common twist.

Headliners in my current playlist are such groups as "Blind Guardian", "Battlelore" (as a hardcore fan of JRRT I couldn't miss these!), "Rhapsody", "Helloween", "Aria" and "Epidemia", the two latter being of local scene. I'm sometimes upset that lolita fashion doesn't have much themes the western folks consider as fantasy - there are the brave knights and dragons? Griffins and chimeras?  Screw Snowwhite, gimme some Luthien! But, I guess, if you want to get a job done, you gotta do it yourself - and that's the reason my sketchbook is full of ideas that, hopefully, will become prints and jewelry.

In sight of my love for some head-banging, me and my friend traditionally go to the concert of "Epidemia", when they come to town every year. 'Course, I have to skip on the frills, since they won't get you far in the mosh pit! But the energy charge will last a year - you leave all your frustration there, by the stage, and the next morning your mind is clear and ready for new achievements (once your neck stops hurting, lol). I'd like to sample my readers with their work, so you could get a taste of what I mean.

Here you can download some of their songs for free, on their official site - my personal faves are Feanor and Black Wizard (based on Dragon Lance). Mind that all lyrics are in Russian, but I hope that you'll enjoy it non the less.

Crappy concert photo - but I found the accidental "pillar of light" effect that appeared only on the photo quite amusing.

Oh, Fun Times...

I, actually, been quite waiting, when this would happen. I was really intrigued to watch how the second-hand market would develop after that. Would there be rage? Hysteria? Dunno, but some drama was to occur. I'm talking, of course, about Sugary Carnival - one of the most priced sweet lolita pieces of the last couple of years. First a replica, and now - as far as I can tell, - an un-modified re-release.

As much as DOL trolled all the owners of the original SC, I think AP trolled all the scalpers and their previous victims even more.

As far as myself, I actually wanted a lavander and black skirt or JSK for some time, but I guess that was the "rare" factor (I like the design and think it'd be a fun piece, but you DO NOT say to me something is a rare or limited piece, lol). And now... Not so much. It seems they didn't re-release a skirt, which I would consider at this point, so I'm not sure I'll use this $330 opportunity.

Shoppe Changes

After much thought, I've decided, that Etsy doesn't satisfy meas a selling platform anymore, due to some not-so-good management. I won't go into details, but right now I'm setting up a new "studio", as they call it, on Artfire. For some time it'll be a parallel store, where you can buy my handmade items, and I'll be comparing pros and cons of both sites, but it's likely I'll be staying on the latter.

And so, to mark this announcement, I'll give you a peek of my Spank! inspired series - simple, but very colorful.

 

Last Seat on the Bandwagon

The thing that bothered me the whole week was the whole "Pray for Japan" thing going on Deviant Art and Tumblr.Though I understand that many people sincerely made re-posts and art featuring this phrase, the speed and amount of it still left a bad taste in my mouth. Like everybody is trying too hard to show their concern, while the events are fresh and awaiting pageviews for this. Especially when the artist said that the made the drawing quickly. I usually don't assume the worst of people, but when I see "Pray for Japan" in rainbow pastel candy heart font - it makes me cringe. And not only me.

Of course I heard that some people felt better from these pictures - felt that the world cares for their tragedy and wants to comfort them. But here are a few links we all should consider more - statement from Pixiv artists and a post of one of the victims. This tragedy, as said in the last one, isn't a fandom. So please, before you re-blog or fave another "J, R U OK?" picture, that doesn't actually call for real action, consider these messages. If you really want to help, help with actions. If you're an artist, you can take part in Help_Japan auctions. I have two lots submitted here and here, if any one is interested in donating.

Art is a powerful tool, and we, was artists, must use it responsibly.

 

Helping Hand of Handmade - I Charity Lottery Results!

So, as I promised, I'll now announce the results of the lottery! But first I'd like to thank everybody, who took part in this and sent their donation - every dollar counts, and I'm happy to say that together we managed to raise over $100! Though I hoped for more interest from the community, since many previously liked my designs, but I'm still more than happy with the results!

As you see, the money was sent to Global Giving Relief Fund - I took the liberty to blank out my name, since this is not only my work. Now, to the part all have been waiting!

 I happily announce that the winner is LJ user dango_mew! Congratulations! 

Though I planned only 1 prize, all the participants get a one time 30% discount at my shop! Good deeds mustn't go unrewarded, so every one will receive a note from me shortly. Thank you all again for making this charity a success!

Extended Deadline

Due to some factors I extend the lottery deadline till Wednesday 16, GMT 00:00. So if anyone wants to participate, but thought that they are late - you still have a chance! I thank all those who already showed their support and promise that there will be no more delays.

Helping Hand of Handmade

As far as I'm happy, that the tragic events didn't affect myself and my close friend, who's currently in Tokyo, I can't help but think how devastating was the earthquake and how many people were actually hurt in these events.

And so, I'm starting a donation "lottery" - one slot is $5, and the winner will receive a $100 online gift certificate for my handmade items. If you don't like anything currently available, it can be used for personal commissions. The more you donate, the better are your chances. All the raised money will go towards help projects, such as Doctors Without Borders and Global Giving. I'll be holding this open throughout the weekend and on Monday transfer the funds and announce the winner.

If you are interested and want to help, please leave a comment here, or send me a PM on LJ or DeviantArt. Together we can help those who need it the most right now.

 

Concerned call.

I hope that if any of my readers are from Japan, or have friends and family there, that they are alright. I myself didn't receive any messages from a friend that's in Tokyo, so I know how concerned some of you might be. Let's all hope for the best!

UPD: Thank God my friend is ok! That were several tiresome hours... 

The Loveliest Day of Spring!

I'd just like to wish all my readers to have a fantastic Woman's Day! Whether you're a tomboy or the most girly lady on the planet, I wish you to remember that you are the beauty and that you have the strength to make this world better!

Dress for Your Body Pt. 3 - Pear

Picking up for where I left with my reviews on "DOs and DON'Ts" for different figures, today I'll be posting tips for the pear-shaped girls.The remaining two shapes will follow shortly too.

Pear shape

What we need here is to balance the narrow chest and shoulders with the wide puffy skirt to create a nice silhouette.

Do wear:

• Short-sleeved cutsews and puffy-sleeved blouses
• JSK with wide shoulder straps
• Jackets and coats with shoulder pads to broaden your shoulders. Don't overdo it, they should not be visible.
• Medium to high necklines - wide necklines such as boatneck or scoopneck style that can visually widen the shoulders. Square necklines and ruffled collars are also a nice option.
• Accessories that draw attention upwards - neck bows, ties, fur collars, shawls and short capes.
• Emphasize your waist, but instead of a cupcake-shape choose A-line or a slightly dropped waist for a more smooth silhouette.
• Avoid shoes with ankle straps or t-straps, since they can make your legs look larger.
• Boleros and cardigans are a great way to balance your figure, especially waist-length ones.

Don't wear:

• Baggy garments. This, actually, is an advice for all body shapes, for petite and plus-sized alike.
• Stiff fabric
• Garments that add bulk to your hips, such as salopettes or drop-waist skirts. If the general lolita silhouette conceals the hips, these emphasize them pretty well.
• Avoid shirts that are too tight.
• Avoid babydoll dresses.
• Underbust items and corset skirts are also better to avoid, since they'll make your torso and shoulders look more narrow.

"He Ate My Heart"

The Gothic style always seemed not only morbid, but also really romantic. Eternal love, "till death may part us", and of, course, heartbroke stories and vengeance. Bearing this in mind I made these pieces - Scar Hearts. The series is started with a couple of chain necklaces and a ring, but earrings are to come, as well as the motive itself will be used in more complex items as chockers, bracelets and as a part of other designs.

Most likely they also will be made in jewel blue with silver tone findings.

Kawaii Phone Charms

Whoa, last week got me so busy, but now I can return to my posting schedule. On Saturday I attended an anime festival and thus spend the whole week in last minute preparations - not only I had a table at the dealers room, but I also cosplay, so it was a mouth full.  I was lucky enough that this time my friend gave me a costume and I didn't need to sew myself something new.

Since the otaku crowd is quite  different from the lolita audience, I whipped up some cute and simple souvenirs. I try to carter to different people and attract custom orders, so the anifest is a great way to draw some attention.

I'm planning doing some more sweet designs in the future, though they'll be more spank! kind of cute, than "kawaii desu" like these. Though, this isn't quite satisfactory for me, so be prepared for some interesting classic designs.