Embroidery on Re*cycled Denim......

This is a series of hand embroidery on re*cycled denim jackets.

First in series is a Sacred Heart with Flames, cross and large sun burst.

This design was created about 2 yrs ago.

I recently decided to embroidery the entire piece.

Embroidery in works, added turquoise to center of heart.

Stitches added to the waistline and a folk art flower being added to

the jacket side panel.

Top yoke fully embroidered with vintage buttons added.

Left side panel complete now adding stitching in center

and more flowers on right side panel.

More photos of the progress coming soon.

Kokopelli Embroidery....

I found this wonderful hand carved Mexican wooden frame at a second hand shop and it sat in my workroom for awhile now. This is what I created to fit the frame...

       Mexican wooden frame....

Beginning of Kokopelli embroidery...

 

Finished piece.....

Antique with Tea Dye Bath...

I wanted to add richness to some of my new designs and found

that by adding pieces to a tea dye bath prior to sewing gave me beautiful results. It is a simple process that makes a design richer and appears older with an aged antique look.

Front View.....

Back View....

     This is an Alternative Bohemian Tea Dyed Bridal 2-pc Outfit.

 

Front View...

Back View....

This is an antiqued tea length Wedding Dress.

 

Designs are made entirely of recycled items and vintage/antique trims. All pieces have been tea dyed prior to construction. Hand Embroidered details. Available in my shop. http://www.mexisoul.etsy.com

 

A Passion to Create......

Tea Dye Bath Instructions..

Add approximately 10-20 tea bags to a large pot of water.
Bring to a boil.
Water will have a rich tea color.
Turn water off and add the select pieces to dye.
I like to remove the tea bags.
Leave pieces in dye anywhere from 2 hours -4 hours.
Remove and rinse with water.
Lay flat to dry or place in dryer.

Tips…

If a piece has a prior stain it may take on a different color.
Different fabrics/trims dye differently depending on content.

Pot with tea bags .....

Tea bath with fabrics and trims....

Tea dyed items drying.....

 

Upcycled Apron Dresses

I have always had a love for the apron... for years I have had the pleasure of collecting some very unique and beautiful pieces. It is difficult to see them worn as an apron but more as an extention of ones style.  For many generations aprons were worn solely to protect ones clothing. There are many differnt styles ranging from the half apron, bib apron, smock apron etc.

 

With my creative spirit and my drive to recycle; my collection are now being made into sweet apron dresses. Here are a few of my designs. Please visit my on line shop http://www.mexisoul.etsy.com for more of my upcyled art.

Apron dress made form a Guatemalan embroidered apron.

 

                            Apron dress back view....

 

This dress was created by using this very cool vintage apron. Front and back view....

Upcycled...Re-Purposed....Recycled....

Alternative Wedding Dresses........

The word recycle is becoming such an everyday term in today’s society. In the art world terms like upcycle and repurpose are giving the word recycle new meaning. With a touch of creativity giving a discarded item of clothing a new purpose is allowing the world of art and design to branch into beautiful original one of kind designs. It is about creating Wearable Art …..another form of art and a cool way to recycle.

I love giving old things a new life with a new look. Here are a few of my OOAK designs. I imagine them as alternative
wedding dresses for the bride who wants something just alittle different or a one of a kind design. Available through my shop, please stop by for a visit. http://ww.mexisoul.etsy.com

This dress was created by using a vintage 1970's natural crochet skirt, vintage doilies, vintage crochet trims and vintage natural muslin.

This dress was created by using a vintage 1970's plum colored patchwork gored skirt, recycled strapless bustier, vintage doilies and vintage trims.

This dress was created by using a vintage tiered black and cotton crochet trim shirt, vintage doilies, vintage crochet trims and vintage natural muslin.

Hand Knotted Rosaries....

The word Rosary has a few meanings: “Crown of Roses”, “Rose Garden” or “Garden of Roses”, all sound beautiful. The Rosary is a Marian Devotion; it is a gift of oneself in terms of prayers to the Virgin Mary.  There is a mental tranquility that comes with praying the prayer beads of the Rosary. The Lord’s Prayer followed by 10 Hail Mary’s is called a decade. There are five decades and the praying of each comes meditation for one of the Mysteries of the Rosary. There are twenty mysteries that are divided into the Joyful Mysteries, Luminous Mysteries, Sorrowful Mysteries, and Glorious Mysteries.  It is a simple set of prayers that represent the beauty of the Rosary.


I create these one of a kind Rosaries from recycled beads and unique findings. Each Rosary is hand knotted with hemp, yarn, or cord. I use traditional crosses or crucifixes’s  but, sometimes stretch the tradition with an artful idea. I love sacred heart Milagros and Mexican folk art pieces like talavera moons and suns and use these in place of a cross. My Rosaries are traditional only in the sense that they are actual rosaries that can be used for prayer. Otherwise I see them as OOAK (original one of a kind) pieces of art. I hope you enjoy a taste of my soul. You can find my Rosaries through my Etsy shop. http://www.mexisoul.etsy.com

Mixed Media Wax Bottle....

Exploring new art techniques and making it work with your own individual genre is intoxicating! Once again I sat around a table filled with 6 women, art supplies, lively chatter, excitement and delicious brownies. Robin Dudley Howes our instructor was filled with mixed media and wax techniques. What a delight! What started out as a plain bottle just kept getting more interesting as I added paper, rub paint, coffee stained cheese cloth, wire, rusted chain, words, milagros and more.... I was thrilled to learn this wax application and am anxious to incorporate it in my art. Thanks again to Robin..it was a pleasure meeting you and new artists at the little shop in Tustin called Whimzy.

Art in a Box.....

Today I thought I would treat myself to an art class...I am so thrilled that I did. It was a mixed media shadow box and soldering class taught by Cheryl Waters and Rita Reade at the charming little store in Tustin called Whimzy. A group of six women sat around a beautifully decorated table filled with gifts and chocolate cupcakes. The process of creating the mixed media shadow box was filled with exciting chatter. Cheryl was a dream instructor filled with lots ideas and techniques....Rita another dream instructor taught the soldering with much patience and knowlegde. It was refreshing to see all the different art pieces that were created, meeting other artist and simply spending my day creating art. Stop in to see Whimzy...it is a little gem. VintageWhimzy.com

Unique Boxes.....

I have a love for unique boxes…..something about them intrigue me. Maybe it is the disbelief that someone else tossed it out! I do admit that part of it is anticipation of what might be inside. I have yet to open one and find a hidden treasure…….. I have them displayed throughout my home, in my work room holding art supplies, or in my bedroom being used as a jewelry box.
I just recently bought this one at a second hand store. It is made in Spain and it has that rustic look that I love! Here I have it in a mini installation in the center of my dining table. Other second hand store buys in this photo are the Christ statue, the pearl like rosary and even the cactus vase that holds my fresh flowers.
Although I am always amazed at what one discards as junk….I am so elated to discover them and make them part of my home.
You can find some treasures for sale through my Etsy shop. Stop by for a visit @ http://www.mexisoul.etsy.com

Discarded Treasures......

I have been shopping second hand stores for nearly 30 years. My eye is now trained at seeking out what was junk to one and is an absolute treasure to me. Hence the saying, “One man’s junk is another man’s treasure”. I have furnished my home with beautiful and unique pieces, have discovered a vast array of ethnic clothing, a stunning collection of vintage handbags, a proudly displayed ethnic cloth doll collection of nearly 100, a beautiful collection of handmade crochet table cloths and linens, and more……
I also love gathering little discarded gems that breathe new life into my art. Recycled jewelry made into hand knotted rosaries, painted picture frames for my amate ink and stitch art, vintage buttons made into unique stacked button jewelry, handbags created with men’s neckties, cards made from unused stationary, etc…..
It is all part of what feeds my passion….it is a thrill and excitement that is ever present in discovering the next discarded treasure….and searching and gathering for the next gem to recycle, up cycle, reconstruct etc……
Here is one of the latest discarded treasures I found …..A collection of vintage Mariachi buttons. Wow! I could not contain my excitement….I anxiously came home and began to give them new life. These very cool buttons made their way onto two of my leather vest.. Others made their way into earrings. Both ideas are featured here.
The Mariachi earrings are available through my Etsy shop Mexisoul. Please stop by for a visit.
I hope you enjoy a taste of my soul!
http://www.mexisoul.etsy.com

Amor Eterno.....

Amor Eterno.....Eternal Love. The words themselves sound so beautiful...a love that last forever. If we are lucky we meet that special someone sometime through out our lives that we share that timeless love with.....something that never goes away. It simply continues. A love everlasting!

This original Design is created with Ink on Handmade Bark Paper called Amate. Amate paper is made by the Otomoi Indians of mexico. A tradition passed down for over 3000 years. Matted on recycled wood.

"Dia de Los Muertos"

The Day of the Dead...."Dia de los Muertos" is a celebration honoring the life of those that have passed on. It is a traditional celebration from Mexico as well as Central and South American cultures. It is believed that death is a part of the cycle of life, a time to remember loved ones that are gone, but not forgotten. During this time it is believed that the spirit of the dead are invited to visit their friends and relatives to enjoy festivities in their honor. In Mexico it is a tradition that November 1st is All Saints Day, a time to honor deceased infants and children and November 2nd is All Souls Day, a time to honor deceased adults. My friend Peter Perez told me once, " we are not truly dead until we are forgotten".

Matters of the Heart....

When someone says...."You do not truly know what I am going through!" They are most likely correct. Unless you have experienced the very same thing....there is no way to know. But, if it is a person that is close to you...you feel the pain and most likely would do anything to take away the sorrow or at best make it better. Sometimes not knowing what a person is going through is not the most important thing...it is to be there as a friend. A shoulder to cry on or simply to lean on when we are off balance. Matters of the heart are so delicate...but despair is a very lonely place. Open your heart to someone in need today....

Materials I used on this folk art heart are a woven placemat, felt, embroidery thread, abalone buttons, metal leafs and a tin cross from Oaxaca....I call it my Fiesta Heart!

Collect and Gather....

I find that I love to collect and gather little gems that speak to me. When these little gems make their way into a piece of jewelry it is very satisfying and makes the collecting all the more fun. In honest...I never dreamed I would be making jewelry of any kind and do not consider myself a jewelry designer. I simply play with the materials that work for me and am always surprised by the end result. I find pleasure in taking apart an old jewelry piece and giving it new life! I enjoy materials like wooden beads, Milagros, copper, hemp, Afghanistan dress flowers...and of course a lot of recycled anything just to name a few. My pieces tend to have a funky flair and sometimes I think I am the only one that really likes them. Then, a gentle gratification comes when a piece sells. An encouragement to keep creating!

Cross Roads....

As we go through our lives we are constantly hitting cross roads. Some are a normal part of life……others are complicated and painful. In all instances it is a chance to change and grow. If we look closely most times a clear path is already open for us to take. The ones that cause our hearts turmoil and an internal sadness need intimate soul searching.

This is a deeply personal piece to me…it represents Faith…Music…Love. The challenging crossroads require all three.

I used muslin, felt, embroidery thread and many hours of hand stitching.

La Virgen de Guadalupe.....

The Virgen de Guadalupe is my saint of saints! I have said countless prayers to Our Lady over the years for guidance. I open my heart to her and in return she helps me overcome. She gives me strength to get through the times that are clouded with my tears and sometimes bad judgment. We are small in this world of sorrows and unjust times.....at times difficult to keep faith in people, moral principles, and religious beliefs.

My Virgen de Guadalupe art consists of hours of handwork that sooths my heart. Since she has been my guidance through prayer it is only natural I have poured many hours into these art pieces.
I use natural slubby muslin for the center in which the Virgen image is embroidered. Other materials I used are cotton and metallic embroidery thread, felt, painted recycled frames and passion for Our Lady.

The Virgen de Guadalupe is more than just an image, it is a history lesson. Symbols of her dress hold a special meaning to the indigenous people of Mexico.

• The mantle (her robe) is blue/green, the color reserved for Ometecuhti/Onecihuatl who are the divine couple considered the creator and unifying force of all creation. The mantle is covered with stars and these reflect the eras of this civilization and the relationship to Ometeotl the god of all duality.
• The dress/robe is red with symbolic “writings” that tell a story to the Nahuatl people.
• The belt worn by the Virgin is a maternity band, explaining expectant birth or new expectations.
• The virgin is stepping on the moon, indicating greater importance in relation to the sister of the sun, Coyolxauhqui.
• The golden rays of the sun point to the presence of the “sun” god, Quetzalcoatl.
• The angel who “carries” the virgin is perceived as the symbol for a new beginning, and also denotes Nahuatl nobility since royalty were carried.

Personal Style is Art too......

My personal Style....
People ask me, “When did I start dressing this way?” I have to say I really do not remember…I think it was about five or so years ago… maybe longer. I have always admired ethnic clothing, jewelry and textiles so; I think my style has simply evolved into me wearing what I absolutely love!
In my closet you will find things like long full skirts with beautiful Indian embroidery, huipils from Mexico and Guatemala, woven belts of all types, handbags, Mexican dresses, Indian tops, and even a few lovely pieces from Morocco. My jewelry also has the ethnic flare…many pieces from India, Mexico, or hand made pieces made by me or from one of my many talented artist friends.
I have to tell you that there are times when I think I would like to change up my style and be more on the so called normal side…but, it never does seem to happen. Not only do I feel more comfortable in the clothing that I choose to wear but, I also feel elegant and beautiful in my own way.
I hear a range of comments but, my most favorite is what I consider a compliment…. “You look like a piece of Art!”

Light at the end of the tunnel....

When I am going through rough times and want nothing more than to find refuge in my art...I think there has to be a light at the end of the tunnel.

On a recent trip to Humboldt County, we drove down this street to see the giant redwoods...... I was stunned by this view.

In an odd and refreshing way it lightened my heart...sometimes we have to overcome the big obstacles to get to the light at the end of the tunnel.

The Balance in what we do....

One of the things I love most is putting all of my art together to make a statement. I arrange then I re-arrange and sometimes re-arrange again until I find the balance that is pleasing to my eye. When it all comes together I find that there is a most definate look and feel to what I do. It pleases me when someone says "It is very you, Diane." I believe I have achieved the balance between me and my art. Sometimes I feel so comfortable with my art...I wonder why can't all things in life be such a sweet balance?

"My Folk Art Paradise"

My Folk Art Paradise depicts my love for Amate Bark Paintings from the state of Guerrero. These beautifully executed paintings are whimsical and full of color. I find them stunning and have always felt like they represent an imaginary paradise. This is my version of an Amate Bark Painting using stitch work and applique.......My Folk Art Paradise!

Created for "The Garden of Eden" show at The Folk Tree in Pasadena. Show runs June 5th - July 3rd.