Good Ol’ Fashioned Christmas Lounge & Mini Market Pop Up

Very excited to have MAKE team up with www.dikkelepel.nl for a Good Ol’ Fashioned Christmas Lounge & Mini Market Pop Up.

Bringing together a fun festive event with great friends, great food, drink, music and products. All details can be found on our facebook events page:  https://www.facebook.com/events/444700548920148/

But just to tease you or if you don’t make it to the events page, here are the menus and the bands that will delight all of your senses.

 

 

We hope to see you on Sunday for some truly traditional festive fun!

Claire and Mirabai

xx

Twitching for the Witching

So the dark hours are nearly descending upon us. No I am not talking about daylight saving, although that is coming very soon as well. I am talking about the spooking hours, as it is nearly Halloween. With many party celebrations starting this weekend, including the BAD ASS HALLOWEEN PARTY I am gathering inspiration for my costume and all things halloween.

So here are some quick links to parties and events this weekend.

Friday Night Skate Zombie Special, Film Museum, Vondel Park, 26th October 2012, FREE

http://www.fridaynightskate.com/

https://www.facebook.com/events/283014831723538/

BOSS, From the old to the New, Paradiso, 26th October 2012, 12pm, 13.50Euros

http://www.paradiso.nl/web/Agenda-Item/Boss-35.htm

Halloween Parade,Van Metro-station Rokin, 8pm, Saturday 27th October, 2012,  FREE

https://www.facebook.com/events/482707935090228/

BAD ASS HALLOWEEN PARTY, Barco, Saturday 26th October 2012, 9pm, 5 EUROS

https://www.facebook.com/events/159752207497994/?ref=ts&fref=ts

Halloween Run, These zombies don’t walk, they RUN! Join Run2Day in their annual Halloween Run. Special flesh mob at the Odeon will take place midway during the run at 23:00pm, 27th October 2012, FREE

DEAD FAMOUS, Odeon Theater, 27th October 2012, 10pm, Tickets 22 Euros
http://halloweenamsterdam.com/

ABC’s FAMOUS HALLOWEEN PARTY, 10pm, Sat. Oct 27th 2012, SUGAR FACTORY, 20 EUROS

http://www.thealphabetclub.org/index.php?act=next-event

The End is Near Party , Saturday October 27th 2012 , Tickets 24.50 Euros

http://www.amsterdamhalloween.nl/

The Freakiest Halloween Special Everrrr…, Amsterdam Beat Club, Paradiso, 11pm, 31st October 2012, 5 EUROS
http://www.amsterdambeatclub.nl/

Halloween at Roest! Authentic American Halloween bash, 31st October 2012, 20:00pm _* Entree € 5

http://amsterdamroest.nl/agenda.html

It’s A Dog’s Life.

Dog Lover

Today in the large dog area of the Vondel Park (the big open space furthest away from Leidseplien) I counted no less than 26 dogs all running around and playing, swimming, chasing, jumping, rolling, licking, sniffing, walking, sitting, and generally having fun. It got me on to thinking about it being a dogs life and how us humans can benefit from our four legged friends and how they can make us more creative.

Now I never used to be a dog lover, I was never anti dogs, but I just never had one growing up, my Granddad had the most gorgeous guide dog because he was blind, my Granddad not the dog, his name was Harry and we bonded. But he was a working dog and we were taught to understand that Harry was my Granddad’s eyes and highly trained and had a lot of jobs to do for my Granddad seven days a week. So therefore there was no stick chasing, fetching and cuddles from a dog that most children got to grow up with. There was no creativity from Harry he was a very serious practical dog. It did though spark something in me and Harry never left my heart.

Then one day whilst my 30^th birthday approached I decided I wanted to treat myself to something special, something that would stay with me for a very long time and that would mark the BIG 30 with something about me and who I am.  I decided that I wanted to bring unconditional love into my love and that was in the form of Mr Parker Bond Ives International Dog of Mystery. I fell in love with him on the Internet and before I knew it I had hired a car with a friend and we were driving to Antwerp to pick up my new 4 x legged friend.  He is more than my four-legged friend, he is my best friend. Mr Parker is five now and he has been through so many life-changing events with me, he has helped me emotionally, mentally and creatively. He has always been there with me in the last five years, and for me it has become a dog’s life.

So how can dogs help you be more creative?

Sorry to mislead you but dogs cannot make you into Damian Hirst or a Banksy over night. But they can definitely bring many health and happiness qualities into your life that can help you with your creativity.

Dogs are relaxing – Many offices, studios and agencies are becoming more and more tolerant to dogs in the office. They relax people, via petting, attention, and distraction. Having a four-legged friend around the office can help colleagues to bond, discuss, or take a break over the unison of be friending the office dog. Taking short five-minute breaks from computer screens, space to think or recharge brings many added benefits to creativity in the work place. Do always ask and check everyone is happy about the arrangement, not every one loves dogs and as I found out in one agency I worked in where I took Parker in with me, that someone was allergic to dogs, not helping their creativity at all. So always be considerate and ask around before taking a dog into the work place.

If you cannot take your dog to work, there is nothing more rewarding or letting go of a stressful day of work than returning home to you’re your four-legged friend. Whenever I return home, I see the tail wagging, I get greeted with fond affection and all my worries disappear, and even positively if it’s been a great day I have someone to talk to about it.

Walks – small, medium or large dogs need exercise which means that us dog owners get exercise, and exercise increases blood flow, heart rate, oxygen to your brain and therefore increases your mental thinking and capacity and opens up the flood gates for creative thinking. Exercise detoxes the brain from negative thoughts and emotions that build up in our daily lives. Walking our four legged friends help us to be fitter, and take time out from our busy lives. If you have a creative block or you are staring blankly at a computer screen or a sketchpad with no ideas what so ever, take a break with your dog and get some brain space.

Routine and structure– Creativity can sometimes be ad –hoc, a moment of inspiration, madness, and idea’s at 3am. Most creative’s have quite hectic working and personal lives. But we all need a bit of structures and help especially when working on several projects or needing to meet creative deadlines. Mr Parker helps me with routine and structure. He is walked, fed and played with at certain times of the day that bring balance and routine to my life. This helps me put order into my days and helps me creatively work in an ordered manner.

Networking – Often as a freelancer or as a creative networker sometimes it is hard to get out there and meet and greet and talk to people. Maybe you just don’t have those skills, you are nervous, or you are having a bad day. But cross-pollination and meeting as many creative people as possible to increase your network is really important. Dogs can help with this, either directly in the “dog world” and yes there is a whole separate dog world out there. There are more people than you may think that have dogs, it’s a great way to bond and to break the ice with someone and to be able to open up a means of communication by talking about your hounds. Alternatively you can develop and grown your networking skills by walking and being out with your dog. Even in cafes, or walking to the store, many people if you let them are interested in your dog and it can be a very useful tool in gaining the courage and confidence in striking up a conversation with someone.

Fresh Ideas – Dogs, pets, animals are great subject matter. Their actions can make you laugh, annoyed, happy or they can do something that can spark an idea. Or literally using dogs or animals as subject matter can increase your creativity. Right now I’m writing a blog post about dogs and creativity. If you have a creative block and you are a photographer, take some photographs of your dog, an artist can paint their friend, even marketeers and advertisers have used animals as a way to sell a product.

Inspiration

If you are short on inspiration and need some ideas on how you and your dog can em-BARK (sorry) on a creative adventure together. You can get some great ideas from this blog I stumbled across http://fourandsons.com, which was set up by creative dog loving like-minded people. Covering art, design, fashion, music and lifestyle, four brings together an eclectic mix of inspiring ‘dog-centric’ content to dog-lovers passionate about culture and creativity. Like most, we love fresh new content yet, Four is committed to bring you the best insight into everything dog-related, and that sometimes means looking a bit further back. Four is curated with a strong editorial approach and is written by people who find dogs fascinating and almost human.

Rent a Friend

And remember you don’t even need to own a dog to find some inspiration. You can borrow or walk a dog for a friend. Go on try some doggie action and get some creative inspiration.

Bargain Junkie

My weakness – bargain hunting

I cannot help it, I just LOVE a good bargain. Selling, swapping, thrift-ing, car booting, second hand rummaging, street combing, or vintage seeking, what ever you call it, it is my weakness. A box of dusty vinyl under a pasting bench, surrounded by stuffed toys, smelly old man’s trousers, and some bad cut glass is my kryptonite. It makes me go weak at the knees.

To a quick trained eye and a short finger thumb rifle through some old record sleeves can lead to only a few Euros spent on some seriously delicious old skool tunes. Why bother so many may say with the likes of spotify, grooveshark, soundcloud and itunes your favourite tunes are easily downloaded from the comfort of your home or office. As a lover of all things music and media I also can spend many hours digitally thrift-ing, but records just simply evoke different emotions, I love listening to the sound of analogue, it feels richer, raw, in the moment and a trip often down memory lane. Of course all music reminisces with thoughts and memories from the past, whether it be digital or analogue. But records also take me on a journey as to when and where I found and discovered them or received them as a present.

Vinyl Junkie

The addiction however does not simply stop at the pleasure of listening to the hissing of a second hand Fats Domino record playing on a Saturday afternoon, my home and my heart are filled with second hand and vintage records, books, clothes, shoes, handbags, hats, furniture, kitchen and home ware, the list goes on. So I thought I would share my top tips to finding things that you will love and that probably several people have loved and cherished before. How to train your eye so you can also own wonderful items, with out making your home looking like Steptoe and Sons. Some may call it junk or hoarding. Some call it retro, vintage, recycled or simple second hand. I call it being a bargain junkie. After all great design lasts for many many years.

Steptoe and Son

Where to look for a bargain.

You will be surprised. Once you start you cannot stop, there are treasures everywhere. That would be a blog post in itself, so I will keep it brief. Look out for things on the street (especially on rubbish day) markets, new and old; permanent and temporary, second hand stores, vintage stores, charity shops, pop up stores, car boots and free-cycle online sites.

Flea Market Treasures

Have some idea in mind of the things you would like to source.

Maybe you are moving, or have recently moved, make a note of the types of items that you are looking for.  Or you would like new outfit for an event or a party, think about what you already have and what may go with an outfit to re-new it, a hat or scarf or some jewellery. Maybe you need a present for someone, keep in mind the things your friends have passions for. Having some idea in your head as to what to look for before hand is helpful in often being able to visually sift through a vast number of items.

Whatever your taste

Taste, it is personal, what is yours?

It is simple; you are you, so look for things that reflect you and your personality. For example my love is for 1960s mid century Modern classics or reproductions. I try and stick to this so that my home has a fairly unified feel. Maybe your taste is pin up 50’s, neon 80’s, hipster, punk or just more eclectic and that is fine, but be aware many items from different eras and styles can and will look like a junk shop if you are not careful.

Anything is vintage nowadays

Take your time.

Everyone is different at sourcing, for example flea markets can be very over whelming with so many stalls, people, noise, how and what to look at can seem like a daunting task to most people. It is also dependant on how much time you have. But do try and take your time and don’t rush. If it goes to someone else it is meant to be. But give yourself time to visit stores and markets to see what is on offer.

Lots of items can be over whelming

Get and over view.

At the flea markets I generally do a quick walk around all stalls spending no more than a few minutes quickly glancing over the items. This will give you an idea of the volume of items they have per stall, the type of items, quality of the items and the era. And then you can move on. Think of it like internet shopping, if you have something in mind that you want to purchase most people now go to price compare sites, or different online stores for different items. Use the same principle at the flea market. Get a good overview and see what is on offer and then you can go back and spend more time at the individual stalls that you liked the look of.

Don’t go crazy.

Choose items that you REALLY want and will compliment your home, your wardrobe your music collection. Otherwise they will stick out like a sore thumb, or you will never use them, wear them or admire them. They will just gather dust and or eventually end in a cupboard or back in the recycle/trash.

Leather is often a real bargain at the flea market – go on give it a sniff

Remember it is about a bargain.

Value is the hardest thing a lot of people cope with when coming to second hand or vintage goods. As individuals have a different value on certain items than others. There are therefore three approaches to this.

1.)Research before you go on a shopping adventure for the items that you are looking for. There are so many online sites now for second hand, hand made and vintage goods that if you have something in mind look it up online and compare costs and then you have a reasonable value in mind before going shopping.

2)Personal Budget is important, only take with you how much you expect to spend; this will limit impulsive spending, or spending over and above what you originally wanted to spend.

3.)Love – it happens – suddenly you are head over heels, there is no reasoning, no logic, it just happens. You find something you simply cannot live without (ok well you could but you refuse to) and you can therefore just spend what you want and you know it will be something that you will love for a very very long time to come, therefore the cost out weighs the true value, because you cannot put a value on love. Just buy it!

White or all white – you negotiate

The Art of Negotiation

Not all shops, markets and pop ups will let you negotiate. However I am a true believer that if you do not ask you do not get. Ultimately the absolute key to doing this well is to not offend. So always ask first how much an item is. Try not to look like you want it too much. And look at a couple of other items of interest (if there are some) at the same time. Go in with a counter offer, not too low and expect to meet somewhere in the middle. If they refuse to haggle you can either walk away and this may change the sellers mind and offer you the goods at a reasonable offer, or ask them if they will be prepared to lower the item if you buy more than one thing from them. Be warned and sorry my Dutch friends, (but you know it is true) the Dutch do not negotiate well or sometimes at all. Be prepared. But still try and always do it with a smile and a joke after all it is meant to be fun!

Trash or treasure?

Be realistic

You have to be realistic that some items you fall in love with will be better quality than others, and more and more people are getting wise to retro and vintage era pieces. Which means that the item will actually be priced at what it is worth because it is designer and the seller knows it. Or an item will be sold “as vintage” at a higher rate because it is a trend. So again be careful and only pay for something if you feel it is worth that amount.

Hand –made this means different things to different people, my rule is if it is made very well and is a good quality item, remember it is hand –made and has taken someone a lot of time and love to create it. Just because it is in a pop up store or a market doesn’t mean that it is cheap. Think about the energy someone would have spent on it and pay reasonably for it. Besides what seems a bit pricey could end up being a bargain as everyone has to start some where and often creative’s and start ups have to start putting their goods onto the market with as little over heads as possible so this means pops and flea markets. Your investment could be in tomorrows next on trend designer.

old, new, handmadeor just simply JUNK!

Transportation

Keep in mind how you will get your items home. Often especially at flea markets they do not have bubble wrap, paper or even bags. Take some carrier bags with you, even paper if you are looking for example some new wine glasses. Also it is much more environmentally friendly. If you are looking for items for a new home or re-decoration make sure you have transport to get it back to its new home. And also think about how long you want to shop for. Buying a larger item and then carrying it around for another hour or so is not much fun. Some shops or markets for a small deposit will keep your item until the end of the day, but ask.

Amazing flea market in Paris – But this citroen was not going to get us and our finds back to Amsterdam.

Companions

Shopping in general is not the love of ALL people. In fact my best friend James refuses to go shopping and would rather sit in the pub whilst I have an hour or two retail therapy but only if he is prepared, actually he is always prepared as he loves a good pint I’m also lucky that he understands that us girls have our shopping needs. Same for my husband, he does however love to shop and we can have the best day out, but he has to totally be in the mood and it is no fun for either of us if he is not and unwilling. If you do go with someone make sure they are also just as excited about a good rummage as you, and the right influence, bad choices and buys can totally come down to the advice of a friend with completely different taste and style to you. Dogs and children, well you can do it, but they get bored, tired and hungry. Just be prepared.

Yes my husband bought some mannequin hands – they now sit proudly on our book shelf

Nothing at all

Remember you do not have to buy anything at all. Go with your gut, if you really are not seeing anything at all that you want to purchase than DON’T. Bargain shopping is about the warm fuzzy feeling that you got something that you love for a really good deal. If you take something home that you regret it can ruin a whole afternoon or even a day of fun. Remember especially flea markets are vibrant places, you can also take home that you did some great people watching, there is often food and drink so you can have a bite to eat, go and hang out with friends, and even just talk and discuss some of the more weird and down right terrible items that were on offer. And you still get a GREAT day out.

I hope these tips help you to some fruitful pickings.

IJhallen Market, NDSM sometimes up to several hundres stalls

FLEA MARKET

This weekend I will be getting weak at the knees at the IjHallen Market in NDSM Warf. I thoroughly recommend this monthly flea market as one of the best in Amsterdam.

IJHALLEN Market

Saturday 13^th and Sunday 14^th October

NDSM Wharf

Adults entrance 4 Euros

Children 1.50euros

Dogs allowed

http://www.ijhallen.nl/

HAPPY BARGAIN HUNTING!

Gallery Girls Open Ateliers

GALLERY GIRLS

Sitting in a lovely cafe/bar with a good friend I was slightly regrettably introduced to the notion of a TV series called Gallery Girls. Loving all things art and creative and having attended many art and gallery openings in my time, it was a must watch. A painful watch, but one that you simply for some reason cannot tear your eyes away from. It is pure car crash television.

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Set off for a wonderful artistic Saturday!

Bad Ass

The witching hour is coming………..

WHAT WILL YOU WHERE AND WHERE WILL YOU BE?

I have to say I am a little stumped this year as to what to make/throw together/wear! I am not even sure too many people got our outfits last year either. But they were fun. So if you need some inspiration on what to make or where to head this Halloween. Here are some of the photos from our costumes from last years BAD ASS HALLOWEEN PARTY!

PORNO PANDAS

Yes my poor husband got dragged into my costume making too. The concept was PORNO PANDAS. Basically the poor pandas are getting a bit of a bad deal, as in they are nearly extinct,  because they have trouble getting motivated for a bit of wink wink! So I decided to sex up the pandas with some red flashing nipples and lady garden and Man’s member, make them a bit more sophisticated in 1950’s dress wear and add some handcuffs for fun!

Get Making your costumes!

Keep a Breast

Nice pair of guns

Yes I know there seems to be a growing thread here from one post to the next. Kinky leather talk to “breasts”! Well I can assure you that this post is creativity with a cause. And yes I will mention the word “breasts” a few times, but despite the childish need to have a giggle at the word “breasts” and yes that’s to you boys to men. Us women are quite fond of our bristols; thrupney bits; milk jugs; the twins; bosoms; lady lumps; boobies; pinky and perky; bazookas, what ever you want to call them, we like them rather a lot.

SLAP IN THE FACE

Which makes it incredibly unfortunate that many women every year are diagnosed with breast cancer. Any cancer diagnosis is hard and I have lived through many experiences of tragedy and successes with my family and friends through the diagnosis of cancer, even right now. It’s the biggest fight of your life for patients and their families and friends. Ultimately the success rates are the positives to focus on, as in life every person and situation is incredibly unique and so many factors determine each diagnosis and course of treatment for the particular type of cancer someone has actually got.

Keep an eye on your breasts

AWARENESS

This is why it is so important to not forget the fighters and the survivor’s and yes it is a cliché, but there are many new surprises and developments not only with modern medicine, but personal attitude towards nutrition, health and well-being, to help someone’s survival against the disease. It is so important we all gain as much knowledge factually and emotionally to support people we care and love and to help raise awareness for others that may one day be delivered that terrible news or for those who are also fighting out there somewhere in the world.

As by no means are people alone, there are many sufferers and supporters out there going through very similar emotions of fear, worry, shock, sadness, helplessness and in doubt of what the future may hold. They are the people we need to remain positive and strong for and to encourage them and be there for them,  with all our heart and happiness.

DO SOMETHING

There are a number of charities and fund-raisers by means of support and many worthy support groups that offer advice, guidance and facts. We can all find some way of helping, and I understand not everyone can run a marathon, climb a mountain or throw themselves out of a plane to raise money for charity. Those people who do are very commendable, however even small amounts of someone’s money or time are important, and I believe the most important factor is knowledge and awareness. So even if you take the time to read this blog, and look at some of the links I will post, hopefully at least one more person out there is more knowledgeable on a disease that can be prevented and cured by awareness, screenings and early detection.

Alternatively if you want to do more, you can support breast cancer awareness, here in Amsterdam, in a fun and energetic way, via music, art and performance at the WOMEN WHO ROCK event at Melkweg. Artists have cast and molded their own pair of boobies with unique designs and yes you could get them for keeps! You could auction your own artistic pair whilst supporting a great cause, then rock on to some great bands. Now is that not a nice warm fuzzy feeling way to spend a Saturday?

For a little peek at what is on offer the wonderfully creative Mirabai Lazette De Monchy  from http://www.dikkelepel.nl/ has come up with a superb creation.

And muso Dorien Klooster will be rocking out with her band Vrouwen Zijn OK.

http://youtu.be/m82J8j9Lhhg

WOMEN WHO ROCK

September 23rd 2012

Melkweg, Amsterdam

The Keep A Breast Foundation (KAB) invites you to,
Keep A Breast Women who Rock, a unique exhibition to create awareness for breast cancer. Women who Rock takes place on September 23, 2012 in the Amsterdam Melkweg. Besides the exhibition and a presentation on KAB, a nonprofit organization dedicated to create breast cancer awareness amongst young people, a couple of cool bands will hit the stage to show their support to the foundation.

Bands:

Vrouwen zijn OK!, Houses, I KIssed Charles, Drive Like Maria ( special acoustic set), Kill Ferelli and Only Seven Leftlinks:

Kill Ferelli: www.schq-recs.com/site/
Vrouwen zijn OK: www.facebook.com/vrouwenzijnok
I Kissed Charles: www.ikissedcharles.com
Houses: www.houseshouses.nl
Only Seven Left: www.onlysevenleft.com

Tickets on sale now!

Buy tickets: http://www.melkweg.nl/artikelpagina.jsp?language=nederlands&batchno=1&offset=0&artikelid=2029664&disciplineid=muziek&agendaitemid=2029671

KEEP A BREAST FOUNDATION

“The Keep A Breast Foundation™ is the leading youth-focused, global, nonprofit breast cancer organization. Our mission is to eradicate breast cancer for future generations. We provide support programs for young people impacted by cancer and educate people about prevention, early detection, and cancer-causing toxins in our everyday environment.”

“Keep A Breast Foundation is proud to be the leading global youth breast cancer organization. Our presence in Europe, Canada and Australia is only just the beginning! We are continually working to spread our important message of education and awareness. Check this page for event updates and more details on what Keep A Breast is doing internationally”

For more information on Keep A Breast Europe:
www.keep-a-breast.org/europe

OTHER LINKS

http://www.breastcancer.org/
http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Cancer-of-the-breast-female/Pages/Introduction.aspx

http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/home/

http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Home.aspx

Loose with leather

Last week myself and my husband and the dog went on travels to Berlin, one of our most loved cities in Europe. And we got a true Berliner sight-seeing treat. Unexpected, it was not our normal Saturday venture, very different, intriguing, funny, shocking, slightly naughty and overall very fun. Purely as spectators we went to the Folsom Europe Festival, translation is Fetish Festival.  And no we did not dress up!

But it did open up a lot of questions on the day and some that are still playing on my mind now. After seeing so much leather, numerous bare bottoms, and grown adult men in their late 50s in full leather dog gimp masks, being walked around on all fours in chains, leaves some unanswered questions. In general, why? What do they do in their day job? And generally what are the majority of people’s reactions to such love of leather?

I can only answer from that day, is was incredibly decent, considerate, friendly and for the larger sense voyeuristic, but openly accepting and understanding at people’s preference to express themselves in a different way to most.  So my answer is who cares why, just do. If it doesn’t hurt anyone well not too much (and with permission), than why not.

For me it simply sparked the bigger creative curiosities to do with leather loving. In fact writing this blog I was slightly distracted by a friend messaging me, I explained I was in the middle of writing about leather and would chat later, and the response was not that unsurprising, the response message appeared “kinky!” And after the first reference on this post and why it sparked me to write about leather, it seems to be a predominant thought in most people’s minds, when you mention the word “leather”.

Leather is described in many ways, from a practical sense it is strong, tough and long-lasting. From an emotional perspective it can be seen as dark, mysterious, seductive and sexy as well as sensual. And yes kinky.

I think it is fair to say you can even fall in and out of love with leather. Or I guess leather is like Marmite you either “love it or hate it” You may not be a leather wearer but you may want a designer leather sofa in your interior or home. Some people associate it with being cheap and nasty, kinky or perverse, one day and the next they see it as prestigious, high-end, high status, high fashion.  In actual fact leather has become an iconic brand in its own right, hitting every target audience globally, and on any budget for any occasion, taste or desire.

Right now leather is very on trend in fashion. But then hasn’t it always been?  It comes and goes, but in the background it is always there. Icon’s such as James Dean and Marilyn Monroe all wore leather. Even Elvis went through his leather jump suit phase. Everyone thinks of denim brands and denim as a material as iconic, but what about leather?

What 80’s girl didn’t grow up with Madonna, leather and fish net tight gloves, or 80’s punk with Sid Vicious /Sex Pistol loving customised leather jackets?

And now consumers aspire to be emotionally targeted with high-end top quality designer goods, anything from an Ipad/Iphone Leather Case, to leather home interiors and catwalk fashion. Even working in advertising/ branding and marketing, there have been a number of times I have seen leather on mood boards/ or being used in segmented target audiences to determine demographics and price points for brands and products. Leather I Pad Case

Rag and Bone first ever advertising campaign – Kate Moss – In Leather

Spring Summer 2012 – No spring Floras here – Givenchy pulled a punch with Tough Leather – Givenchy spring /summer 2012 Campaign

Even first class photographer Annie Leibovitz couldn’t resist some first class leather luggage action in Louis Vuitton Campaign’s.

You also only have to review the number of boards on http://pinterest.com/search/boards/?q=Leather that have dedicated themselves to all things leather. I guess we all have to ask ourselves, even if we are not a dog collar, leather thong wearing, fetish lover,  how loose with leather are we in other areas of our lives?

We all have a price point.

We all have our leather pleasures, guilty or not.

The Aliens have landed

I am lucky enough to live a stones throw away from the Vondel Park in Amsterdam and consider it my extended back garden, especially as I walk Mr Parker International Dog of Mystery around there every day, go jogging, have leisurely walks with hubbie Mr B, coffee and catch ups at the http://www.blauwetheehuis.nl/ and picnics and BBQs in the summer. I even had my 1960’s Mod summer fete voodoo/ceremony wedding there. It hold’s many many fond memories.

Our Wedding 2010

Our Wedding 2010

Our Wedding 2010

It’s also often been a thought and a dream of mine that it is somewhat lacking in creative content and could be an amazing space for sculptures, art and installations. Yet in nearly 5 years I’ve never seen more than the Vondel Open Theatre Festival http://www.openluchttheater.nl/ or a busker to lift those spirits. Until now.

When I heard the acclaimed artist and director (having recently watched SHAME http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1723811/ ) Steve McQueen was showing an interesting installation in the park called Blues Before Sunrise, I was eager to see the concept flood the park and bring to life some of those visions I myself have had.

So dragging, I’m not sure who more unwillingly the dog or the husband, as it was torrential rain, to the park, we proceeded to set off just before sunset and whilst the lights were still off, to see the illumination from dusk to dark. This sadly couldn’t have happened on a worse weather day for Steve McQueen. It really was miserable, and a little hard to see the contrast of the illumination against a sunset, that you couldn’t sadly see.  As if magic every light in the Vondel Park did suddenly turn a bright electric blue, and as we plodded around the park in the rain, the skies got darker and the lights began to hover around the park and in the trees like mini space ships. And strangely in the wet the lights flickered and danced and colours skipped through the leaves, in reflections that otherwise would not have magically happened on a clear evening. Maybe the weather had been kind after all.

The over all feeling for myself however actually came across quite strange, as if the lights were somehow encroaching on the space a bit unnaturally, the blue lights seemed stark, urban, eerie, and industrial against the green natural covering of the beautiful Vondel Park.  The park really did feel invaded. But then I guess to have had another colour, say red coming from lampposts in Amsterdam, would have been a bit of a cliché.

Stedelijk Museum director Ann Goldstein states, “M^cQueen’s remarkable Blues Before Sunrise will not only alter our perception of the Vondelpark, it will also heighten our sensation of routine activity and transform a common space into an uncanny, beautiful experience, at once powerfully present and knowingly elusive.”

I’m not sure the Vondel Park needs industrial lighting to transform an already peaceful, romantic and beautiful space into a beautiful space. For myself and the love I have for the park it already was stunning. Yet as I mentioned before it wouldn’t go a miss once in a while to have some new quirky creations in the park to transform it once in a while. And I guess that is what Steve McQueen was trying to achieve.

Replacing the conventional warm white light with a subdued blue toned light, M^cQueen uses illumination to transform the environment, giving rise to a host of new associations. Like sound or music, light changes the atmosphere and alters one’s perception of a place. In this way, Blues Before Sunrise blends the sensory and cinematic.

Maybe as the weather changes and as the nights get even lighter, and hopefully the tones of an actual sunset emit against the blue of the lights, I will continue to see the installation transform the Park in many ways over the coming weeks as I do all through the year with the seasons. Maybe I will even get up at the crack of dawn and see the transformation before sunrise.
The Stedelijk Museum proudly presents Blues Before Sunrise, a project by artist and filmmaker Steve M^cQueen that will take place in Amsterdam’s from Wednesday March 7th until the 25th of March 2012

http://www.stedelijk.nl/en/now-at-the-stedelijk/public-program/stedelijk-a-vondelpark/steve-mcqueen-blues-before-sunrise

And in the meantime I will keep dreaming and looking for other outdoor inspirations that may one day also make a visit to the Park. Especially since the Park has now even lost the eye film museum http://www.eyefilm.nl

As of yet no signed lease for any new creative’s, although I have read that they assure the space will be filled with something worthy and cultural, I sadly feel we could well see another outstanding space in Amsterdam stand empty through the sacred summer months. Here is hoping they take full advantage of the opportunity and show some temporary shows, exhibitions and installations during that time, until the new residents move in.
So some thoughts on the park for the future, how about some Knitting Graffiti:

thedailygreen.com

Or Tree installations

Berlin 2010 – Claire Ives

These bird and bug boxes have been installed by art and architecture collective London Fieldworks around trees across London in clusters inspired by neighboring housing.

Spontaneous City in the Tree of Heavenby London Fieldworks

Or maybe I will just enjoy the grass, trees and nature, sitting on my patchwork 60’s blanket; reading a book and drinking some processeco with the sun on my face, watching the world go by.

Halloween the crafting hour!

What a GREAT time of year to get creative. I love Halloween and find it quite self-indulgent to search for all the weird and wonderful out there and also the down right crafty!

So over the course of the next couple of weeks MAKE will bring to you all kinds of Halloween news and inspiration, just to get you in the mood for getting ready for the witching hour….wooooooo (ghost noise, even the dog is looking at me strange)

There is so much to choose from, costume making and inspirations, venues, decorations and interiors, food glorious food, makeup, film, comic books, art, music, the list could go on. All those things that make us want to get a freak on.

So to start here are some GREAT crafty ideas that are easy to copy or be inspired by for some spooky decorations to set the scene:

DECORATIONS:

DOILLY

I love a good doilly , dye it black, brown, purple or vintage grey and use as table decorations or string a few together all different sizes to make hanging bunting or light hangings. And your tables and rooms will be converted into a spooky cob webbed lair!

JAM JARS

Jam jars are great to use as you can recycle your old jars and simply fill with strange paper birds and insects, or fill with black pebbles and candles for some halloweenesque mood lighting. Or paint the outside of them to resemble pumpkins, ghosts and ghouls.

Pictures

Source some strange and wonderful portrait pictures old and new and adjust them to fit the scene, masked eyes, Cut out the eyes so people can stand behind and look through. Red and green eyes or add a ghostly figure in the background.

Images of friends and family but make them look like they are from another era! Just by photocopying to grey scale or black and white and add red eyes and fangs.

CONFETTI

Find and recycle old brown envelopes and black paper and draw or print on blackened silhouettes of trees and birds to make eery confetti for your spooky table.

WALL AND DOOR MOTIFFS

Using black card or black felt , cut out bat and spider shapes in the multitude and then place over doors and windows for a great entrance to a Halloween house of horrors.

KNITTED DECORATIONS

You don’t want a smelly pumpkin lying around and you want to have pumpkins that you can recycle and use year after year, well-knit some rather fabulous pumpkin patch that can be used year after year!

SIGNAGE

Want something a bit more contemporary and tounge in cheek or should I say bite on neck. Make some naughty slogans out of cardboard using some interesting fonts and teeth!

GET CRAFTY

And if you are not really sure where to start there is always a great crafty workshop to go to. Unfortunately this year due to recent return of my travels MAKE has sadly not had time to prepare any new workshops. But I thoroughly recommend this one……

Halloween Costume and Make Up Work shop
Excited about Halloween? So are we!! As part of the 2nd annual Amsterdam Halloween Festival, we’ve joined together a group of make-up artists, costumiers, hat makers and serious Halloween fanatics to offer you a HALLOWEEN CRAFT NIGHT.

Get inspiration for your Halloween masterpiece, learn a new skill or take your costume to the next level. Suitable for guys & ghouls.

Entrance is just 5 euros. There will be demos, workshops, and experts on-hand to advise or help with ideas for your costume. Some supplies will be available for purchase but bring items you’d like to work with.

HATS
Learn how to make a mini Lolita / gothic hat or gentleman’s top hat from scratch. Basic supplies (material, glue, feathers, accessories) are available, though feel free to bring along objects you would like to build onto the hat.

MAKE UP
Learn how to hide eyebrows and create a dramatic Diva or Victorian look, how to create a very gory zombie face and build your own custom eyelashes (using the most unexpected materials!).

COSTUMES
Build a petticoat, waistcoat or corset from scratch! Use fabric, plastic, recycled items, old clothes, to create or add to your Halloween costume.

Feel free to bring your costume, a photo or idea. Professional Halloween freaks will be on-hand to advise or help with inspiration.

The Halloween Workshop is made possible by Amsterdam Spook, Katie’s Craft Corner, Mirabai de Monchy, Leonie & Dorien Klooster.

And for those that seem to think De Nieuwe Anita is getting some hell of a pluggin’ well its cause it’s a cool place and there are some damn fine crafty and creative folk that get involved there and that’s what its all about!

But do not worry more inspiration, news and venues coming!