Handmade Moonshine from Vernon Ave

happy fourth!

2011-07-01T14:54:00.004-04:00

lords of the new church

2011-06-30T15:26:00.006-04:00

this could be new new church. Lords South Beach. too bad this was not there when i lived there. hmmm. maybe a trip back. sooooon.

words to live by.

2011-06-28T10:29:00.000-04:00

Source: runwaywalkr.tumblr.com via Toni on Pinterest

picnic friday

2011-06-03T11:26:00.006-04:00

picnic in style. the colors. yowza! check out this cool vintage shoppe! retro-ology.

happy friday.

2011-05-13T16:59:00.003-04:00

whew. finally here. now I don't want to ruin my rep because I normally don't go for pics like these but...just makes you smile. and I had to put my own little twist.

first saturday in may

2011-05-04T16:31:00.001-04:00

first saturday in may by Vernon Ave featuring platform pumps

Miriam Ocariz merino wool dress
385 GBP - farfetch.com

Paris Hilton platform pumps
$95 - heels.com

Vivienne Westwood Accessories handles handbag
$660 - my-wardrobe.com

Nanni chunky jewelry
73 GBP - julesb.co.uk

Kenneth cole jewelry
$26 - endless.com

Studded glove
39 GBP - houseoffraser.co.uk

Ribbon hat
$36 - artfire.com

could mint juleps get any better i ask you?

2011-05-03T12:08:00.001-04:00

This is a fabulous idea for your Derby Party! Check out the recipe on Hostess (with the mostess).

Derby Week!

2011-05-03T12:04:00.003-04:00

mint julep for getting your scrub on!

Lolla Outfit 2

2011-04-29T10:53:00.001-04:00

Lolla Outfit 2 by Vernon Ave featuring maxi dresses

Old Navy maxi dress
$40 - oldnavy.gap.com

Old Navy maxi dress
$25 - oldnavy.gap.com

Hoolala locket necklace
38 GBP - hannahzakari.co.uk

Bangle bracelet
$23 - amazon.com

Michael Stars straw fedora
$34 - piperlime.gap.com

sun-san® salt-water® original sandals
$40 - madewell.com

Polyvore First Attempt

2011-04-28T17:01:00.005-04:00

This is my first attempt at using Polyvore. and I call myself a designer. bleh! Wow, it definitely is a whole new world. THIS is going to be fun!!! Also my first attempt at an outfit for Lollapalooza! yipee...yay...yay!

The Second Most Awesome Art Market

2011-04-18T15:50:00.001-04:00

Vernon Ave Handbags had a set-up at The Second Most Awesome Art Market on the first weekend of April. Had lots of fun and was spreading the handbag love! I will post pics later! Thanks for coming out to The Glassworks.

swipe files

2011-03-03T16:01:00.012-05:00

swipe files, as they were called when i was in art school were files you kept of inspiration, pictures, newspaper clippings, magazine tear sheets and any other napkin doodle that you wanted to hang onto or paste into a journal for safe keeping. future inspiration.yes, way back in the day when you flipped through a magazine, a book, a newspaper, a zine. anyways, talk about future inspiration. i saw these on sfgirlbybay and had a fit. fits of delight. i love her blog but this, this .....thank you sfgirlbybay

war of the worlds

2011-03-02T14:39:00.005-05:00

sneakers after my heart. hello kitty and vans? really. but bet I will have some. age appropriate or NOT. check it.

love at first sight

2011-02-22T10:21:00.004-05:00

Herzog by You Work for Them. one of my faves.

Bluegrass Etsy Street Team

2011-02-16T10:23:00.003-05:00

I designed the business cards for my etsy team. Check us out at Kentucky Handmade.

bacon awesomeness.

2011-02-10T16:31:00.003-05:00

bacon and jam. umm... say yes, please. from who else, a slow cooker recipe from martha.

hot seat

2011-02-09T14:01:00.007-05:00

if only... i would get one in every color.

badass laundry

2010-11-22T16:31:00.004-05:00

I really don't dream of laundry facilities, I try to avoid them at all cost. However, this is a badass laundry interior. I would hang here and make some suds and maybe drink some suds. It's that cool.

who died and made you boss?

2010-11-15T15:25:00.010-05:00

James Victore has a new book. (in September, that is) buy it. One of my favorite designers, if not the favorite. So hard to choose, so many, so little time. I was fortunate enough to meet him, hear him speak and see him wander the halls when I attended The Portfolio Center. At the time he was doing some great work for the schoo l. I don't want to sit here and describe his work because you should form your own opinion. I like it.

the sex pistols selling out...

2010-11-12T16:46:00.002-05:00

Sad or not? Love the Sex Pistols, not so sure I would wear these jeans. British brand Money have given 70 pairs of their Autumn/Winter gold Union Jack jeans a Punk edge with a signing by The Sex Pistols’ Paul Cook. Available now at £195, the limited edition jeans can be bought online and exclusively in Harvey Nichols. Found this here. very cool stuff.

london..i want you back..

2010-11-08T15:16:00.003-05:00

I have sat at this very pub and drank a pint too. very cool view of Convent Garden. Get me back to London. need vacation soon..very soon. Cheers!

Best Halloween Costume Ever!

2010-11-04T09:16:00.005-04:00

I saw this on Craft today and just had to share.I think this is the best Halloween costume ever! This is so creative and genius. I love Banksy's work and have been privileged enough to see his art in London and capture them in photos. This is the "Flower Thrower". You can check out more here.

no disco naps here.

2010-10-25T14:33:00.004-04:00

There will be no disco naps here. These steps will make you want to stay home and dance up and down all nite.

going away to spain.....

2010-10-14T11:04:00.004-04:00

when i get my money saved...gonna start tomorrow.

die, die, die.

2010-09-13T13:03:00.004-04:00

Win a piece of art. Win a work of art. Win a Herman Miller chair. Win a design icon. Win the best thing ever. Herman Miller is having a Design For You contest. Herman Miller is doing a collaboration with artist such as Andrew Holder and Mark Giglio. Just go here to enter.

Shinique Smith Managerie MOCA Miami

2010-09-07T16:31:00.003-04:00

Holler North Beach. Check out this amazing artist at The Museum of Contemporary Art. I would if I could. Find out more here.

get your sew on...

2010-09-01T16:57:00.003-04:00

September is National Sewing Month. The observance of National Sewing Month began in 1982 with a proclamation from President Ronald Reagan declaring September as National Sewing Month “In recognition of the importance of home sewing to our Nation.”

You can find out more here. or just google it and you can find many activities, projects and challenges to suit your taste.

i want that.

2010-08-26T17:03:00.003-04:00

This is just so lovely. I think this will be my next shower curtain or something. Studio 54 Shower Curtain. Image by Patrick McMullan. Photographer Patrick McMullan was friends with Andy Warhol and a regular at Studio 54, with his photographs of that nightclub capturing the essence of those decadent times.

so hot your cool so hot, hot, hot!

2010-08-25T15:21:00.006-04:00

so you know it is time to get some new hot pads when you feel more hot than pad. So should I learn to how to make potholders, ummm, no I found these. I can't wait to receive them! I love this Alexander Henry "Midnight Snack" fabric. Yummy!!! You can get them at this really hot Etsy shop Collisonware. Pardon the pun, just excited!

Watermelon Limeade .....yummy and refreshing.

2010-07-02T15:02:00.004-04:00

doesn't this just look cool and delicious. I am going to make this for the fourth. I will let you know how it goes. Happy fourth of July everyone! You can find this recipe by Martha here.

Vernon Ave will be at the Indieana Handicraft Exchange

2010-06-10T16:03:00.004-04:00

If you live in the Indy area or wanna take a road trip, there will be lots of handmade goodness with beer, bands and fun! It is also in conjunction with Independent Music and Art Festival! So come out and check out my one-of-a-kind handbags, vintage bags and my other goodies!

Crusty old blogs.

2010-06-07T16:22:00.006-04:00

Yes, this blog is crusty. I have definitely neglected my blog. I admit it, even though I do not want. So much to blog about, so much to say. So much to share with the world. So much cool stuff and cool people and cool this and cool that. Does it have any meaning? I don’t know. But I love to read and learn on everyone else’s blogs and I never go back to one that never post anything……so. What is my deal, don’t know. It is my goal to be a better blogger. Hmmm.. does anyone care, probably not. I care and I guess that’s all that matters.

Well, I am a maker, baker, cooker, cleaner, listener, talker, worker, walker, dog walker, babysitter, designer, sewer, trash taker outer, music listener, dancer, exerciser, hell cat, marketer, pr’r, friender, facebooker, painter, vacuumer, lint picker upper, picture takerer, eaterer, and lots of other er’s but I am making a vow to myself to be a better blogger….so whew, got that off my chest...

blogger guilt??

The bag is one of the most universal and oldest objects invented by man.

2010-03-17T15:10:00.007-04:00

Your Number is Up Clutch

Bubbles and Groove Envelope Clutch

“The bag is one of the most universal and oldest objects invented by man. What began as a prosaic item of everyday use is now a luxury good that can confer status in an instant. Whether it’s a bag for kings or vagabonds, shamans or celebrities, nomads or professionals, griots or fashionable women, for workaday use or formal events, people around the world use them to carry their most important belongings: from seeds for the humble farmer, to money for the self-made mogul to personal items such as lipstick and a compact.”

– excerpt from an amazing book, Carried Away by Hélène David-Weill and Jean-Louis Dumas, Vendome Press and Hermès.

You can learn so much about a person by what someone carries in their bag. Whether it is a secret or a necessity, I hope to be a part of that for girls and women for years to come.

Cupcakes and Frenemies....

2010-03-01T10:05:00.008-05:00

"Frenemy" (alternately spelled "frienemy") is a portmanteau of "friend" and "enemy" which can refer to either an enemy disguised as a friend or to a partner who is simultaneously a competitor and rival.[1] The term is used to describe personal, geopolitical, and commercial relationships both among individuals and groups or institutions. The word has appeared in print as early as 1953.

A "cupcake" (the common US, Canadian, South African and Australian term) or fairy cake (the common British and Irish term), is a small cake designed to serve one person, frequently baked in a small, thin paper or aluminum cup. As with larger cakes, frosting and other cake decorations, such as sprinkles, are common on cupcakes.

mmm... and this is why, this is why, this is why..... cupcakes are my frenemies.

These cupcakes are just delightful. Just one of my valentines treats. Thanks baby! So, So yummy. This is my closest cupcake shop. Yes, I said closest. They are so gorgeous. It inspires me to make my cupcakes even better. I can always dream can't I?

and did I mention it was Red Velvet. double delish.

Check your head.

2010-02-17T13:40:00.006-05:00

These hats will make any cold day glorious. Brrrr.. Check these gorgeous hats from Glorious Hats. A random flickr find.

Flapper Syle Helmet

Lots of fun! Hat and Scarf Set

Olive Corduroy Bucket Hat

Spring is coming.....I hope.

2010-02-03T17:06:00.008-05:00

Just a few updates in my etsy shop, Vernon Ave. I am SO READY for spring. The colors, the smells, the WARM weather. Cheers and enjoy. I can daydream can't I (about spring that is.)

Oh Vivienne, How I love thee...

2010-01-08T15:02:00.009-05:00

Let me count the ways. Dame Vivienne Westwood, (yes, I said Dame) has created the best wallpaper frocks out there. And if I were looking for a wallpaper frock, these definitely would be the ones. You can check out more here.

I have admired Vivienne Westwood for a very long time. Shall I just say since I had a purple mohawk and purple plaid pants to match the mohawk. The mohawk is gone but my adoration still lives on for punk and all its goodness. Vivienne brought punk and new wave fashion into the main stream. I am always excited when she does a modern day punk collaboration with the right folks. So……wait for it…. Vivienne Westwood wallpaper! Yes, you can coat your walls with the best punk plaid (uh, die, die, die for) or modern designs ever from her fashion collections. Delve into the designs of a post punk hero! Available at Cole & Son.

Working Girl..Retired and Repurposed.

2009-11-20T12:19:00.005-05:00

What a brilliant idea! Planters from Etsy seller Giddy Spinster

Luscious

2009-10-23T12:20:00.003-04:00

This new ric rac from Riley Blake Designs is just luscious and has the air of days gone by. I want every color. You can see more here in my favorite fabric shop on Etsy, Fabric Shoppe.

Splat!

2009-10-14T09:59:00.007-04:00

With names like Honeycomb, Big Drip, and Chocolate Splat, these clocks with their high design and functionality are a hit. Pilot Design have clocks worthy of collecting more than just one.

Flickr Findings

2009-10-10T11:09:00.007-04:00

I found these great images on Flickr. These are some amazing shots and with a curious eye. Below are some tastings of the work. You can see more here.

Thirsty Thursday

2009-10-08T12:15:00.009-04:00

Make Mine a Double (Yum.)

Vintage Heller Entertaining Party Set (Divine.)

Mid Century Modern Aluminum Ice Bucket (Wow.)

Coolest Chair Ever.

2009-10-06T16:49:00.003-04:00

This chair will definitely spark your work day up. You can find it here.

Scandinavia, Playboy, and Me

2009-09-30T14:49:00.012-04:00

Mid-Century modern is an architectural, interior and product design form that generally describes mid-20th century developments in modern design, architecture, and urban development from roughly 1933 to 1965. Scandinavia was a huge part of this movement and remains, in my opinion, some of the best design ever. Enter Jens Risom. One of the first Danish pioneers of design to bring Scandinavian values of function and craftsmanship to the United States. Jens Risom was part of a new vanguard that helped establish post-war America's leadership role in modern furniture design and manufacturing. Risom, who, with Hans Knoll, began priming the market for modern design as early as 1941 with the Risom-designed 600 line for Knoll. It included the first Knoll chair ever. During their 120th Commencement Ceremonies, The Rhode Island School of Design conferred an Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts degree on Risom, noting he was "one of the most influential furniture designers of the 20th century."

L to R: George Nelson, Edward Wormley, Eero Saarinen, Harry Bertoia, Charles Eames and Jens Risom.

Enter Playboy. The Danish-American furniture designer recalls: “Playboy wanted to become highbrow, you know. It never really worked, but they started out with a big series on architects, and then there was one on furniture designers. The center-fold, which normally pictured a lovely, yummy girl, was instead replaced by a picture of six male furniture designers!” Though the enlightened editorial direction at Playboy in the early 1960s didn’t stick, DWR can attest that the magazine was onto something.

Enter Me. On one of my thrifting adventures I became a very lucky girl. I saw a piece of furniture that I really liked but absolutely did not need. It was in great condition but was going to be trouble to get home and where to put it. It stayed in my mind for several days so I went back with my fiancé and he loved it. As we were checking it out he noticed the paper label and signature. It was a Jens Risom original. Needless to say, $45.00 later, we were the proud owner of design history. I am a lucky girl. yes, I said $45.00

Vernon Ave Handbags in Print!

2009-09-29T09:25:00.007-04:00

I am very thankful that Haute Handbags approached me! Haute Handbags is a special publication from Stampington & Company, all about handmade handbags and clutches! They have over 30 publications such as Stuffed, Art Quilting Studio, Where Women Create, and Somerset. Vernon Ave has a double page spread in the autumn edition. It is full of great artists, techniques, and ideas for experts and beginners alike.

Where the Wild Things Are Faux Fur Debuting Today!

2009-09-28T12:10:00.002-04:00

This is very exciting to me! I adore this book. In collaboration with the director Spike Jonze, Opening Ceremony has come out with these gorgeous Where the Wild Things Are faux fur pieces! You can check them out on their website! Spike Jonze has a good read of a blog, as well.

Penchant for Pyrex

2009-09-23T10:58:00.003-04:00

I love pyrex. I don't have near as many as I would like. I like to find them in thrift stores and never buy them online. The colors are really great, they work really well and they are recycled! I found this pic online and it is a great shop in Chicago, Jazze Junque. Stop by if you are in Chitown!

ok, I have been a very bad girl.....

2009-09-21T09:18:00.012-04:00

yes, I know. I have not made any posts for quite a while. I am learning more and more that no post, no readers... so... here is a little bit of what I have been doing.

Thirsty Thursday

2009-07-30T17:33:00.006-04:00

For the drinker "on the go!" from Vinegar Vintage.

Plaid Vintage Cocktail Glasses from Modish Vintage

Simple elegance and outlandish style, two new team members

2009-07-27T14:55:00.010-04:00

I am the new member of "Carried Away: Etsy Bag Maker Team!" Below is an excerpt from the team blog. Thanks for the props and the warm welcome!

Weather you feel sassy enough to carry this great showstopping mod floral clutch from new team member Vernon Ave or a little more into the reserved elegance that is this modern punk and brown clutch from Esther Chung, the members of Carried Away make bags to fit ANY mood or event. Let's say hello to our two newest members!

You should read the entire article Here!

Music Monday

2009-07-27T14:37:00.002-04:00

Vintage Handheld Radio in powder blue. Ahhhh....refreshing and perfect for any vintage radio collector or old skool fun. You can get this immediately at Crabville in Autumn.

T.G.I.Flavor

2009-07-24T09:18:00.015-04:00

Vintage Pink Royal Typewriter from The Birds and the Bees

Bull Dog Clips from Hollie Lollie

Doll Cake - Dog Tag Key Chain from Stitchy McYarnpants

Welcome to Flavor Friday! I will be featuring some of my favorite tasty treats on Friday! These are my Etsy picks for today! Enjoy!

"Un cortadito, por favor..."

2009-07-09T10:08:00.004-04:00

Cafe con leche, originally uploaded by Chris Blanar.

awww...memories of cuban coffee. I lived in Miami for several years and really do miss the coffee! It put me into motion everyday, that is FOR SURE!

ummm....love, love, love!

2009-07-07T09:18:00.006-04:00

Flickr find of the day, Petra Boase mug. You can check it out on
Print & Pattern !

Taste Like Candy....

2009-07-06T09:17:00.005-04:00

Yummy! A match made in heaven. My new wristlet in my Etsy shop and a trio of sweet Vespas.

Firecrackers, Smoking Jackets, and Martinis Don't Mix.

2009-07-04T09:06:00.003-04:00

If I were to have a Fourth Party today, I would want to use these great "Drunken Tags" by Farouche. A great shop with great art prints, stationery and lots of fun stuff. Also, check these great "Worst Pickup Line" cards like "Are You a Parking Ticket? 'Cause You've Got Fine Written All Over You!". he-he

Donna Reed Gets Down and Dirty in the 90210...

2009-07-01T15:32:00.017-04:00

Omigawd is all I can say. Amazing vintage dresses from Timeless Vixen Vintage! This shop has selections that are perfection! Donna Reed, Mary, Joan and Grace would be proud! If this were only my closet! So dreamy!

Happy Fourth Free US Shipping Party!

2009-06-29T11:41:00.005-04:00

I am having a Happy Fourth Sale in my etsy shop! Free US shipping on all my bags until July 5th! I took the above image on the banks of the Ohio at a friends river cabin. A very peaceful day.

We Want You Back..RIP Michael

2009-06-26T11:56:00.001-04:00

If I had this dress..

2009-06-11T08:56:00.007-04:00

I would take a walk in the park, shopping on the avenue, lunch with the pals, or just dream of all of the above! This is a great fabric! Love, love, love this dress. This gal has great taste and some really great items in her Etsy Shop, Joules!

kissing coppers

2009-06-10T12:45:00.001-04:00

kissing coppers, originally uploaded by tortamagica.

more, more, more..

still love Banksy...

2009-06-10T12:44:00.002-04:00

STEN 013 - BANKSY, originally uploaded by graffpix

Crazy Is...As Crazy Does! Huge Yart Sale!

2009-06-10T12:19:00.008-04:00

I am having a spring/summer cleaning event in my Etsy shop! Several of my bags are half off. This is a great opportunity to own one of my handcrafted handbags! Etsy is having a great "YART SALE" (yard + art = yart sale) sponsored by the Etsy Supply Street Team! You can also use the search word "Yart" for the entire Etsy site!

Socks On Top

2009-06-08T10:56:00.006-04:00

Socks On Top, originally uploaded by amorphity.

Flickr find for the day!

love is the drug...

2009-06-04T11:02:00.017-04:00

I am really behind in my own mind. I wanted to share a while ago. These are a few images from my amazing trip out west. These specifically are from the fab hotel The Parker in Palm Springs. Can I live here full time?? Ahhhhhh.....enjoy!

shake and pop! an addiction hard to break...

2009-06-02T09:19:00.005-04:00

I love, love, love this Melissa Averinos fabric! I think I am a little, ( just a little) addicted to her sugar snap line! Check out my new bag in my shop!

drumroll please....

2009-06-01T10:17:00.006-04:00

The winner of my May giveaway on the Bluegrass Etsy Street Team Blog is Renaissance Austin of Raghouse International. She has a fabulous collection! Check out her Etsy shop and her blog!

May Bluegrass Etsy Street Team Giveaway!

2009-05-07T12:10:00.004-04:00

I am the featured member for the Bluegrass Etsy Street Team Giveaway for the month of May! Check it out if you would like to win!

could mint juleps get any better...

2009-04-30T11:35:00.005-04:00

This is a fabulous idea for your Derby Party! Check out the recipe on Hostess (with the mostess).

Design Within Reach Airstream

2009-04-14T11:36:00.004-04:00

Design Within Reach Airstream, originally uploaded by JennRation Design.

More Airstream love! Check out the stunning design from DWR.

airstream dreams....

2009-04-14T11:24:00.012-04:00

Now, this is what I would like to be heading to Coachella in. Check out this gorgeous vintage shot ! For a more modern approach, check out the image above and DWR for more fabulous Airstream design.

..and a good friday it was!

2009-04-14T10:38:00.007-04:00

My handbag "Better than Poundcake" was featured on a super fun blog , Paper* Cakes Finds. They have a great eye! Thank you Paper* Cakes!

jumping for joy....

2009-04-14T09:03:00.008-04:00

I am looking forward to seeing all the great art and handmade goods. On my way to Coachella '09. Where sound waves and heat waves meet... This is a great image of Digable Planets in '06. I hope to have my own great pics later!

she's crafty..she's gets around...

2009-04-08T15:35:00.004-04:00

While visting a great friend in Chicago I visited a NanCrafted event..Indie in the Windy City. Met some great artists. Greencard Designs has some fabulous designs and Katherine was very friendly and a great person to meet.

green machine

2009-04-08T15:12:00.002-04:00

The ultimate in saving gas and collecting recycling as seen in Chicago ...

better than poundcake...but much, much, sweeter!

2009-04-08T15:03:00.008-04:00

My new bags in my shop.

Chic Chicago - Vintage Couture

2009-04-03T09:09:00.005-04:00

This looks like a great exhibit that I am going to check out in Chicago this weekend.

mod squad - my favorite new bag

2009-04-01T13:46:00.007-04:00

Here is the latest handbag in my etsy shop. I absolutely love Sis Boom fabrics and Melissa Averinos. All the bright colors and graphic patterns!

Check out Vernon Ave on Robyn Spizman's Super Shopper Segment in Atlanta!

2009-04-01T10:54:00.009-04:00

Even though I am only the Mom of a puppy, check out Vernon Ave and all the creative artists featured on Atlanta's NBC affliate, 11Alive!

when DIY was a dirty word...

2009-03-31T10:31:00.002-04:00

part one

My first foray with “handmade”, as far as I can remember was making popsicles with the old school Tupperware kit or selecting a beautiful crushed blue velvet fabric (wowzer!) for matching outfits for my Mom, sister and me. We even wore white go-go boots with them! There were other quests, such as popsicle stick picture frames, (thus the life long obsession with popsicles) or a hideous clay bowl I made in Girl Scouts. I still have it, to remind me of my roots. He-he!

This was the beginning of love and war with DIY. Do It Yourself. Through the years, there have been many failures and successes. Crocheting, painting, (the walls, houses, furniture, bowls, shelves, canvas and basically anything I could get my hands on), drawing, sewing, gig posters, wood carving, jewelry making, bleaching clothes, stamp making, scrap booking (note: before all the commercial stuff), etc., etc,. And blah, blah, blah! This led me, naturally into a career of design, marketing and event planning. And…led me back to the beginning of handmade goods and the fascination I had as a child. It is a great feeling.

In this new world of handmade, and millions of talented artists, I am fearful to dive in. The digital world entwined with the careful, skillful work of your own two hands make it even more intriguing. There are so many ways to be creative and critiqued…..I think I can, I think I can….I think I can. …To Be Continued…..