Following my apron obsession...

Pocket detail of handmade apron

I've been obsessed with this cross-back apron style for a while. I first saw something like it by Magnolia Pearl, LOVe her stuff!! I am also really inspired by Nadir Positano and Atelier de Ours. 

red and green full coverage apron

I've also been thinking that we all play dress-up every day of our lives. I wonder, if someone found a picture of me in a hundred years, what would they think I was dressed up as? I've decided that I'm okay with being seen as an eccentric gal who wears fanciful clothes. It's so much more fun! I drive an art car, right? Might as well have fun with 
my clothes, too!

back of red and green cross back apron

There are many wonderful artists who have a distinct fashion style that also inspire me so very much. For instance, Tasha Tudor was an artist and illustrator who loved what she considered a simpler way of life. She dressed in 1800's type attire and collected real 1800's dresses. She lived on a farm and maintained a very simple life while she created art until her death in 2008. 

seersucker crossback apron

Another stylish artist I look to is Julie Arkell.  Ms. Arkell lives in England and creates the most adorable folk art creations! She also rocks a super cute style! 

Drawing on all these wonderful inspirations, I've started creating clothes for myself. Here are my first three aprons. One is very fall like with dark red fabric and green trim. This one is more sophisticated (in my opinion).

big splashy vintage linen pockets

My second apron creation is made from light-weight red and white seersucker. I've been collecting bits of embroidery at my local thrift shop for quite a while and this gave me a great opportunity to put some fingertip towels to use as pockets.  In order to give the pockets a little tuck for the opening, I used china buttons I had in my collection and simply used red thread for contrast. I wanted it to be light and airy so I went with a very simple white cotton for the ruffle. 

hard working and cute apron

vintage linen large pockets on apron

Finally, my most recent addition (I finished it today) which is a dark blue striped apron. This one is made of a heavier cotton and feels quite nice on. I used fingertip towels again for the pockets and tiny china buttons for the tucks on the front. I chose a fun print fabric that has both red and blue to coordinate with the trim.




I had so much fun making these aprons. I believe that when you approach any project with the intention of creating something artsy, it is always much more fun! 

The pleasures of driving an art car

Gladys the Art Car by Laura Pallatin of LaBelle Mariposa

I admit it, I've been dreaming of having a big canvas to create happy art on for quite some time. I don't have a big old barn, in fact I live in a neighborhood with strict rules about what your home must look like, so painting on the house or barn was out. Then, I struck upon the idea of an art car. A mobile canvas that I can continually update as inspiration strikes. And, best yet, everywhere I go, I share my love of happy art. Fear stood in my way for quite a while. Our culture really doesn't support doing anything "weird" to a car. It is considered, first and foremost, an investment.

The good news is that almost EVERYONE smiles when they see Gladys. A very few (like 3 people) have looked miffed. I figure that they don't get it, and smile for them. If you're thinking about sharing your art in this way, I highly encourage it.  Take your time. Find the right car and wait to paint until your creative vision is strong in your mind. Then, have fun! It really is a wonderful way to share love with everyone who sees your car. 

Blessings,
Laura Pallatin
LaBelle Mariposa

Why you should buy original art

A pretty landscape over my blue cupboard

As an artist, I find great pleasure in purchasing and enjoying art that comes right from the hand of a real live person. I can “feel” the work, love, and inspiration that went into that piece of art which is inherently different from any other piece on earth. An artist may produce more than one piece in a theme or collection, but just like flowers on a plant each one is unique. When I refer to “art,” by the way, I’m talking about an originally conceived handmade object. (including but not limited to: painting, sculpture, quilts, art to wear, jewelry, wood sculpture, pottery, fiber art...)

This brings me to the topic I’d like to talk about today which is why YOU should buy original art.

two paintings in my landscape collection

1. Your home is the environment you create to nurture yourself, your family, and friends. Home is your sanctuary. Every item in your home is there either to comfort, inspire, or facilitate the lifestyle you are choosing to live. Original art brings an organic “alive” quality to your home that no print can ever communicate. It’s right from the artist’s easel. Whether you buy it while the paint is still drying, or hundreds of years after it’s painted, you are getting the one and only original with dimension no print can every really copy. 

original art with milkglass collection

2. Your art collection is a reflection of your personal taste. Hanging original art in your home can show your love of the local art scene, your travels, or your simply your own preferences for collecting. Many artists paint the scenes of their homes and travels. I like to collect paintings of pastoral scenes. One room in my home is dedicated to this collection. It is a very soothing place for all who visit. 

Gratuitous cute doggie poses with pretty landscape picture

3. Finally, when you purchase original art, you are supporting people who make art. This may seem like a no-brainer, but let’s explore it a bit. Most of us admire those who create. We listen to music, enjoy dance, watch talented people perform on television. But, original art is the only creative product we can purchase, take home, and enjoy for the rest of our lives (and even pass on to our heirs.) You can personally encourage and support local artists with your purchases in a very personal way that you cannot really connect with other creative folks. 

I am not saying that no one should ever buy a print. That’s just silly. This is simply a plea to expand your mind to the idea that owning original art has its own special value. 
If you don’t put perfectly reproduced silk plants in your garden, why on earth would you hang nothing but reproduced pictures on your walls?