Maleficent

To say that Disney has played a substantial role in my life may be somewhat of an understatement.  Sure, like countless others, I grew up watching the classic films over and over again, but the memories stretch so much farther than that.  In my imagination, I was swimming under the sea, dancing at the ball, escaping the royal palace, and struggling to tame the beast.  I roamed the safaris of Africa, mined jewels with the seven dwarfs, fought pirates in Neverland, and swung through the gorilla-thick jungle.  After multiple visits to the parks, I spent 2 years performing at Walt Disney World and will continue to return as often as possible.  I love all things Disney and subsequently enjoy sketching Disney characters.  Here is one of my favorite fairy, and well, ultimately my favorite character... the Mistress of all Evil, Maleficent.

Fashion Sketch

I have a strong affinity for fashion illustration and would love a profession that would allow me to do something of this nature.  Shown on the left is a fairly quick drawing done on my lunch break one day.  I am aware the execution is not perfect but certainly good practice.  I enjoy depicting actual model shots and advertisements and am drawn to those with highly detailed elements.

Roxie & Seraphina

Roxie (left); Seraphina (right); $15 each

You don't need a guitarist at your side, a drummer at your back, and a posse of backup dancers flailing around you to feel like a rock star.  These sparkly beaded and sequined headbands are glam enough to trade in that rhinestone studded microphone and rock the streets sans embarrassing tangles in cords and trips over amps.  Shine in your own light of confidence and you're sure to draw attention from an audience free from mosh pit sweat stains.  Find more unique creations here.

AMY

It is a common misconception that certain girls are simply unable to wear headbands because their heads weren't built for them or their hair just isn't right.  Now it is true that there comes a time in every woman's life where the glitter and pony tails should be traded in for diamonds and a chic do.  However, from babies to young ladies, the perfect headband or hair clip is out there, just waiting to establish a relationship with the head it was made for.  Small heads with thin hair should stick to more petite accouterments while the opposites can leave the dainty pieces and experiment with fuller cranial accessories.  A personal favorite, Amy is a perfect piece to couple with a simple or dressed up look to add a bud of unpolished girly flair for just $10 at Indie Fashionista.

Perry the Platypus and Heimlich the Caterpillar

PERRY

 Commissioned for my friend and fellow performer, Meaghan, these hand-crafted critters were inspired by a pair of her favorite Disney characters, Perry the Platypus (Phineas and Ferb) and Heimlich (A Bug's Life).  I started by sketching a rough outline of each then began the tedious task of sewing sequins and fashioning the remaining appendages and accessories from felt.  These mischievous creatures bring a little more character into every day life.

HEIMLICH

Strawberry Rhubarb

Even the least domestic can find fun in the kitchen when donning a super cute apron, such as my Strawberry Rhubarb, pictured to the right.  This flouncy creation not only protects the chef's clean clothes from splattered cake batter it also adds a touch of colorful enlightenment which may entice those frightened of failure to realize success in their now seemingly less scary kitchen.  Strawberry Rhubarb, with it's crossed straps and girly bow in the back, is just $32.  Find this and other creations at Indie Fashionista or on Facebook.

GINA

Introducing the newest addition to Indie Fashionista's ever-growing collections, Gina.  This black and white beauty is sure to spice up that boring black pant ensemble you've been gracing the office with again and again.  As with all of our products, all sequins, beads, and fabric designs are hand sewn and this particular product is $12.  Find more of Indie Fashionista's original designs on Facebook or here.  The official site is currently under construction but still functioning.  Stay tuned to this blog as well as more products will be posted frequently.

Laugh along with Fozzy!

Another fuzzy friend, this comical Muppet was first to grace the walls of our apartment and is now joined by fellow co-stars and companions, Gonzo and Camilla.  A minute spent gazing at this lighthearted spirit will certainly brighten the gloomiest of days.

Gonzo & Camilla

I find painting to be among the most relaxing methods of relieving stress, though I can imagine how others may view it as more of a burdening and stress-evoking activity if the sole intent is to create nothing short of a masterpiece.  When composing these works in the privacy of your own abode, you can throw all the rules you learned in art class aside and literally go with the flow.  There is just something about the smooth strokes of the brush swirling through pools of the creamy medium that offers a sense of calm and sensitivity.  I often sit down with a blank canvas before me and not so much as a drop of a plan, but rather let the colors and artistic nature of the paints serve as my inspiration.  As a result, these paintings are abstract and free of structure and form. However, there are those moments where I do in fact wish to start with an idea and carry it through to a finished product.  In these instances, I search for a subject that is fun and enlightening in itself, one that I can proudly display and know that it will provide me with a sense of joy whenever I look upon it.  Here I present the comical duo, Gonzo and his, shall we say unconventional, girlfriend, Camilla.  I believe it would be difficult for anyone to glance into the eyes of this couple and spare even the slightest appreciation of what they stand for.