Happy Bee

"Happy Bee" by Kaylee Hinrichs. September 2011. Ink. 8.5" x 5.5"

(Pardon the first photo, I know it's an eyesore.)

Well, I think I've officially come to terms with losing all of my things in the computer update. I've managed to realize that I needed to clean out and organize my laptop for a long time. I just didn't know where to begin. And now, I don't have to worry about it. I can start over again clean.

I've been working very sporadically. It's been incredibly hard for me to keep my focus on one thing for too long. So, in a midst of looking for inspiration, I started sketching honeybees. Along with this drawing, I have two others I'm making of bees in their honeycomb. I think I started making these to decorate my studio with.

I thought it was quite ironic that I was creating so much artwork around honeybees, considering they're symbolic of inspiration and creativity. In ye' olden days, artists would ask the honeybee to inspire them and drive their creative pursuits.

In addition to my new drawings, I'm trying to organize my new art studio. It's been taking a lot more energy and time that I initially thought it would. But I have quite a lot of fun decorating and organizing in there. I play music, dance around, put pictures on the walls, hang garlands, fold fabrics, thinking up creative "storage solutions". Part of me just can't wait for it to be complete and finished, so I may work peacefully again!

Well, I'm off to go get some work done!
Do you like honeybees? Their stingers made me afraid of them for so long!

-kaylee

When It Rains, It Pours

While finishing my breakfast this morning, my computer installed a little update, like it always does. But, lo and behold, this update would delete every single file on my computer. From my photos, to my downloads, to my music, to my bookmarks. All gone. 

I'm still shocked. These things always happen when everything seems to be going right.

My thoughts are racing around like bumble bees inside my head. With everything gone, I feel torn between two feelings. Depression and liberation. Devastation and freedom. I would like to be pleased to start clean, new, fresh. But, my heart aches for everything I lost. 

The one thing that is really irreplaceable are all of the photos of my artworks and friends. As the artworks are sold and gone. And my friends are a thousand miles away and I haven't seen them in a year and a half. Those are the things that I miss the most.

So, here I am, feeling deflated and confused. I know the only thing left to do is start again.

I'm not sure exactly what this experience is supposed to teach me, but I'm trying to be open to a meaningful reason. I think eventually I'll see some grand karma at work here, but for now, I'm stunned.

I'm not immediately ready to figure out how to handle this situation. I don't want this mishap to stop me from blogging or getting ready for my shop opening. But, I have a feeling I'm going to be spending a few days away from the blog.

Please have some patience with me while I recover. I truly appreciate it from the bottom of my heart.

Thank you.

-kaylee

DIY Collection: #003

I've made a pretty amazing collection of really lovely DIY projects that are truly simply, and lovely. Seriously, you could probably complete all of these projects in one weekend if you have the supplies! I love those kinds of projects. I'm especially keen on the lacy shorts, pretty braided hair, painted fabrics, and paint chip chandeliers. I hope you enjoy them!

1. Print Your Own Fabric from PoppyTalk 

2. Lace Shorts from Honestly WTF 

3. Fabric Wrapped Bangle from Violet Bella 

4. Style A Fishtail Braid from A Beautiful Mess 

5. Wooden Pencil Holder from The Sweetest Occasion 

6. Modular Storage from PoppyTalk (Not actually a tutorial, but it's pretty self-explanatory) 

7. Paint Swatch Chandelier from The Sweetest Occasion 

8. Road Map Cork Board from Design Sponge

-kaylee

Chopped

This morning, I needed a change. I wanted to do something different. So, I cut my bangs/fringe shorter. A lot shorter. I haven't had a haircut in 4 or 5 years, since I got dreadlocks. Now that I've been freed of at least five inches of hair in front of my face, I feel lighter.

What do you think?

 -kaylee

Blog Design: Daniel Icaza

In late July, (maybe earlier, I can't recall), Daniel decided he need an improved design for his blog. Of course, I jumped at the chance to test my graphic designing skills and set to work immediately.

Daniel already has amazing business cards, fliers, brochures, and such things. (Which we never took photos of...) The challenge was to design his blog (and the rest of his websites) with a pre-determined design. After I tracked down the font, color schemes, and images used in his cards and fliers. I constructed this blog design off of Daniel's requests and ideas.

While I'm still working on setting up his online shop, portfolio, and other little bits, the blog is finally complete. Honestly, I'm quite pleased with how it turned out. There are numerous bits in the blog that will be changed and tinkered with in the future, I'm sure.

Although Daniel is in Italy right now, I went ahead and changed his blog. If you have a spare moment, pop over to his blog and let us know what you think of the design! It's not 100% complete, but it looks pretty nice to me!

Click here to view Daniel Icaza's Blog

Now, I must go celebrate my victory! I really hope you like the new look. (And I hope Daniel likes it too!)

-kaylee

Styled: Mint Flowers

Hat: Forever 21 

Shirt: Wet Seal 

Dress: Handmade by me 

Rings: Handmade by Daniel Icaza 

Necklace: Handmade by me 

Hairpiece: Handmade by me

This is the dress that I made for my birthday. It's a lovely mint color fabric with orange, green, and purple flowers. It's a strapless tent dress with scallop lace on the bottom hem. Love it! It's perfect for spring/summer days with balmy breezes, picnics, and walks through the park.

I was very nervous about this outfit. First of all, I was afraid that my dress wasn't going to turn out the way I want, as I made it from scratch. Second of all, "hats + dreadlocks = ugly".
In addition, I went out on a "fashion-limb" and wore a shirt over my dress. Risky business, but it turned out simply amazing. (I adore the way the top of the dress pokes out of my shirt.) But, after seeing these photos, I'm just smitten for this combination. It's just lovely.

And, shall I point out this feather obsession I'm going through right now? It's insane. You may have noticed that I'm wearing my new Feather Hairpiece! I've been wearing it almost daily since I finished it. I'm planning on making dozens more of unique, one-of-a-kind pieces to sell to lovely people.

Last night, I had to say good-bye to Daniel as he left for the airport. It's was so difficult to say good-bye, as we've spent almost all of our time together since we met two years ago! But, I know that I'll be spending so much time crafting and working, that this month will fly by.

Here's to a month of productivity and sappy e-mails!

-kaylee

Feather Hair-Pieces

A few nights ago I completed my first original hair-piece design. I've been tinkering with the design of this for almost a year now. (If you could see "Attempt #1", you would probably laugh.) Finally, I've found a way to wear feathers in my hair without any tedious tying, wrapping, sewing, or anything. It's just a little hoop fixture that can be slipped onto anything. (I clip mine in with a bobby pin.) It's really simple and quick to put it on and remove it. Success!

After finishing it, I wore it in my hair as a test for 3 days. It's just perfect. I love it. So, I took that as a sign to make more and share them with the world. Here are a couple of my latest completed pieces.


("Dear One" by Kaylee Hinrichs. Sept. 2011. Natural Hemp, Wood Beads, Glass Beads, Feathers, Steel.)


("Clouds" by Kaylee Hinrichs. Sept. 2011. Natural Hemp, Glass Beads, Feathers, Steel.)



Here is a close up shot of the fixtures I create by hand for each of the feather decorations. They are cute little steel coils with hoops on the top.

I'm going to be sharing the full collection of hair-pieces soon. Also, I'm planning to share photographs of how the hair-pieces look when being worn. I have very, very exciting things in the works. I don't want to spoil the surprises, so I won't say anymore!

 -kaylee

Inspired: Everything Is A Remix

This morning I stumbled upon these awesome videos from Kirby Ferguson, a writer/director/film-maker located in New York. It's a series which discusses how everything is a remix. Pretty much everything we hold near and dear in cinema and entertainment is recycled material. (Yes, even my beloved Star Wars.)

Some may remember Austin Kleon's "How To Steal Like An Artist and 9 Other Things Nobody Told Me", when it went viral in Spring. (It's a wonderfully crafted, well-written, and well thought-out post. If you identify as a "creative" person, then you must read it. Now.) The very first point Austin makes is, all ideas are stolen. Nothing is original.
As Austin says, "Every new idea is just a mashup or a remix of previous ideas."


Here is the 4-part video series created by Kirby Ferguson. Enjoy.

Part One: The Song Remains The Same

Everything is a Remix Part 1 from Kirby Ferguson.

Part Two: Remix Inc.

Everything is a Remix Part 2 from Kirby Ferguson.

Part Three: The Elements Of Creativity

Everything is a Remix Part 3 from Kirby Ferguson.

Part Four: System Failure

Everything is a Remix Part 4 from Kirby Ferguson on Vimeo

You can view and follow the work of Kirby Ferguson at these links: Vimeo / Facebook / Twitter

peace & love,

kaylee

Happy Birthday To Me

Yesterday was my birthday! I had a glorious day. My parents bought me an Ipod Touch, so I spent a lot of time messing around with my new toy. So much fun. Daniel and I started off our day by going to run a couple errands that needed to be taken care of. Once those things we done, we proceeded to have a delicious breakfast. Afterwards, we played video games together for hours. Pure bliss, really.

Eventually I wanted to open up my present from Daniel...

I am still swooning over how beautiful this ring is. Daniel named this ring "Roseus", which is the Latin word for Rose. The stone is a Rose Quartz Crystal. The most interesting thing about Rose Quartz is its' symbolism. Being an artist, I'm obsessive about symbolism and hidden meanings.
Apparently, it is the stone of love. It symbolizes unconditional love for all, kindness, compassion, peace, serenity. Daniel also wrote a sweet post for me over at his blog, click here to read it.

(Sorry for the bad photo. It was dark and I don't have a flash.)

After this, we decided we should go eat dinner together. I've been craving this pizza for a while now, and it was exactly where I wanted to go. My favorite topping for a pizza is... Yes, it's French Fries. Just looking this photo makes me want to go back again tonight. Yum. We may or may not have killed this French Fry Pizza and went next door to eat Rolls and Chocolate Mousse at the Sushi place....

We finished off the night by lighting some candles for me to make wishes on, bubble baths, making a painting  together, and watching a movie. (And perhaps a shot or two.) It was delightful, perfect, and everything I hoped it would be. 

Thank you for all of your sweet birthday wishes, it means the world to me! I hope you have a lovely day! (And seriously, if you ever get a chance to eat a French Fry Pizza, I highly recommend it.)

-kaylee

September, Please Be Good To Me

(via milkandhoney)

It's September. A fresh new beginning. A fresh new start. This month is going to be a very, very interesting one indeed. Daniel will be going to Tuscany for The Biennale of Chianciano, and will be gone most of the month. (Major bummer.) Even though I'm sad to spend most of this month alone, I know that I'll be incredibly productive and become a crafting machine. Here are some things I'm really looking forward to this month.

Dream Catcher Necklaces. I'm going to be finishing, photographing, and (finally!) revealing my line of dream-catcher necklaces. Seriously, these are my pride and joy. And I'm so excited to share it with you. I want it to be a bit of a surprise, so I won't spoil it.

DIY Galore. I've been doing a lot of DIY projects around my studio and home. It's been going great. I've even been thinking of creating a new collection for September. Even more exciting, I'm planning to create a few original projects to share here.

Studio & Home Decorating. My studio is looking amazing, really it is. I have a few more projects and artworks I want to make for my new work area. But I'm already impressed with how awesome it is. Also, since we've been in our home for a year now, I decided that I want to re-decorate things a little.

Black Lace. The local fabric store in Escazu finally got the black lace I was looking for! I recently went in and picked up some really amazing strips. One 1/2 inch wide, one 3 inches wide, and one 6 inch wide with elastic stretch! I'm so excited to use this lace, it's absolutely lovely.

Cinnamon Iced Coffees. Ah, I'm going to be drinking coffee non-stop while Daniel's gone. My favorite way to drink coffee is over ice with Cinnamon sticks. Love! I'm also thinking of utilizing a blender and making coffee smoothies... Mmm. Sounds delightful.

I hope September is good to you! Have a beautiful day!

-kaylee