Bari J.

 

Why can't I just set my scissors down in the same spot every time? Why are they always hiding at the bottom of a scrap bin or under a bolt of fabric? And where are the three hundred thousand fabric markers I have bought?

I have said it before, and I'll say it again. I have an organization problem. I can get organized, but I can not stay organized.

Today, I thought I'd come up with a solution for the missing scissors scenario that replays minimally 10 times daily in this room.

I've made myself this nifty little apron inspired by all of you out there who have been making these fantabulous little sweeties for years now. This one is short and has three pockets.

Yes folks, I've finally broken down and spent time (dare I say it?) making something for myself. I hope to put my scissors HERE when I am done cutting ... and hopefully not behind the printer where I found it earlier today.

I'd been making a load of hangtags out of button cards and such when, BLAMMO! I'm whacked in the head with vintage spools! Not really, just figuratively, of course.

I'm sure a lot of you have seen the issue of Somerset Life with the Spool Messages by Lisa Guerin. Back then I bought a whole load of them because I thought they were cute, and they make a great display. But, hello! "Use 'em as hangtags!" the loopy girl in my head says. She does all the talking and is very demanding, so I was forced to give in. And Voila!... spool hangtags  a-la-Somerset Life and Lisa Guerin.

(This bunch is just the tip of the ice berg...)

 

Ah yes, I am back to a more normal me, and all it took was one antique shop. I was a very crabby person this morning, but a few brooches, a little lace, some rhinestone earrings, and I'm cured! I still have to take those photos which I am not in the mood to do, but give me some vintage ribbon, and I'm a happy girl. Oh, and a stop at the sweet and ever-so-vintage DRIVE THROUGH ice and milk store for a beautiful vanilla icecream on a cone was also very helpful. The only thing that might make me happier is a great pair of shoes... good thing Piperlime is only a click away. I'm just kidding. You don't really think I'm that shallow do you? Shoes do sound good though. I'll exercise some discipline (as far as you know). Muwahahahahahahahaha... (evil laugh).

Did you ask what I've been up to since those cuties went back to school? You didn't. Well then don't mind my rambling. I'm in a poopy mood because things are not coming out the way I wanted today. Which is why I'm about to escape this place and go on a brooch hunt. That always makes me feel better.

I have spent the entire time taking photos and cutting bags. The cutting is lovely, its the taking photos is that's driving me nuts. Get the front of the bag, the side, the lining, the back, the bottom. Oy. I'm acually sweating. Never mind it's 100 degrees and rising outside. I'm sweating running bags around. Ugggchccchccchcch. (New word. Put it in the dictionary, Webster.)

Here's a couple shots I'm not completely satisfied with. This just means more will be taken later when I recover from this round. Goodness, I hope I find some goodies out on my excursion today or there's going to be real trouble.

See how the light is coming in from the left fading the fabric over there? Hmmpf. This just ticks me off. Plus I think the heat is making me very grumpity.

On this one, the contrast fabric is chocolate brown. It looks black here. Ummmmpf-ta-grrr.

Have a lovely day, all. I'm outa' here! Photo taking suggestions are completely welcome if you dare to contend with my mood.

Happy Wednesday.

~b

    Hallelujah, hallelujah, ha-a-ley-lu-yah!!!! School is back in session.

It is true that every June I can not wait for school to be out. I love spending time with my kids. And, I love the break from the routine.

It is also true that every July I'm wondering if I will ever make it until the end of August, what will I do with these people for 5 more weeks???? For crying out loud, routine is needed around here. What happened to my routine? These kids need discipline. They need a schedule!!!!

That is why at the end of August I do the happy dance... and sing the hallelujah chorus. Cutie kids need to be at school at least once in a while. BTW, do you notice the skulls and cross bones motif my kids are into (on both of their backpacks and the jackets they are wearing)? I don't get it... if you can explain, let me know.

Mirror, mirror on the wall who's the fairest of them all? Hmmm... who do I love today?

Today, it's you pretty, lacey Isabelle..., lucky girl! Shoooosh now. Don't tell the others.

Sweet Izzy pictured in our (my) Lacey fabric with appliqued, mixed media strap adored in vintage lace and appliques from the main fabric. Cha cha fun, da yum! (See there! Every day a new yum, yum phrase made up just for you. You just know I'm laughing at my own jokes.)

PS You can get any of our bags in this fabric ... or any of our fabrics in any of our bags for that matter.

They're ready to order!

Just click here. Every one of the styles/shapes can be ordered in this new fabric. Most come with patent leather bottoms and handles. Yum!

In response to an email I received earlier from my beloved fashion site, who I visit daily, BussBuss.

Dear Buss Buss,

If you knew about it a year ago, why didn't you just tell me? You know how I can't resist Brocade in any form. You know how I love romantic themed rooms. You know how I swoon over pink anything. I'm just so upset with you.

I didn't know about Brocade Home until just this minute when I got your very late email. I love you, but you have dissapointed me greatly.

In the future, I would appreciate advance notice on any home store of this nature. You know what I like. Just fill me in next time.

Graciously Yours,

Bari

Oh, I love her! I love, love, love her! I don't want to share her, but my husband, business man that he is, says I must. Poo on him!  Poo - on - him!

Now that I have that out of my system, I am here to let you know that The Isabelle Messenger in yet unamed blue cut velvet upolstery weight fabric will be available to you in just about two weeks. There shall be limited quanties as usual.

Begrudgingly,

~b

Natalie! Congratulations and thanks for writing!

And thank you all for the wonderful support. It means so much to me!

Truly, really, I didn't know you were there. So glad you are. I'll try to be as entertaining and enlightening as I can for 'ya. Plus, I have more give-aways to come. That's fun! I like giving stuff away.

Have a fabulous weekend!

~b

Okee-dokee, people. Let me explain something to you... This was so difficult!!! There is not a lack of nice people out there bloggin' away for starters. Second many of them have already been awarded & third I'll just die if I left someone I needed to mention out. I just know I did. I can't think of it. So, whoever you are... I'm sorry. You are nice, you are!!! Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

Elizabeth at Daphne's Cottage: Now, please believe me when I tell you that this is N-O-T because she is my best customer. Also, don't believe a word of naughtiness that is on her blog. While it may be true... I'm still wondering... this woman has a heart of gold. She really has been nothing but NICE and really supportive of my work.

Kalurah at While They Play: I just "met" Kalurah through her blog. You know how you meet someone, and you just know you're gonna' like them? You'll totally feel that way when you visit her at While They Play. Her motherhood musings have me cracking up... and sometimes crying.

Tricia at A Little Birdie: Here's another gal I met whilst blogging (like my use of "whilst"?... I don't ever say that). I think her "about" section sums it up: "Homeschool Mother, Artist, Seeker. I find that other than being with my family, I am happiest surrounded by papers, paints, old lace and vintage photographs. I like to think of myself on a wonderful journey of personal discovery through making art." Ok, Tricia, you got me at "Homeschool Mother." I bow to Thee ("Thee?" AND whilst... in one post none-the-less!). And, all of you other homeschool mothers out there: I bow to thee too... I have no idea how you do it. I'd just go wack-a-doodle-doo. And, I must, must mention Tricia's work. Incredible!

Shannon at Miss Fickle Media: Ever supportive and oh so talented! I met Shannon blogging too... She comes to visit me often here on my little journal and always has something sweet to say. You may remember I showed you her art not too long ago... it's fabulous!

Heather at Present Past Collection: Go read her blog, and look at the pink goodness. I just like her. There's no explaining. Also, my goodness, go visit her new STORE. You'll just go crazy mad!

I got an award... For being nice. Thank you, Tracy! I'm glad you think so...

The sweet and talented Tracy, of junk2jewels gave me this award, and I'm really glad. But my reaction is going to let you all in on the big secret that I am really a very silly, emotional girl. Very melo-dramatic.

I promise, I'm way over it... so, please, no comments telling me to get over it. I am. Really. Sob, cry... giggle.

Here goes:

Getting an award for being nice makes me giggle in a way that also makes me want to cry. It's a sad tale of woe, you'll see.

If you ask anyone in my family they will tell you "Bari is the bossy one". I was always the one "in charge" even if nobody put me in charge.

As an adult, I know this is actually a good thing, but as a kid I thought they were really saying I wasn't nice. The irony of this is that I'm actually a total bleeding heart. Really! For crying out loud, I pick up stray dogs all the time!

Even more ironic: Apparently, that was not what my family was trying to get across (I know this because I've asked... I told you I was melo-dramatic.). Apparently, they just wanted me to calm down a bit and not be such a control freak. Uh oh. As a kid, that didn't compute for me.

I kept the belief that nobody thought I was a nice person for... oh... ever... until (and I'm not kidding) I pointed out just last year that I didn't not like being called the Family "B--CH". I talked to each of my siblings and mom on separate occasions (I didn't ask my dad because, trust me, he really wouldn't have gotten it). They were perplexed. And their reaction stunned me. Each of them separately said something to the effect of , "I know why you thought that, but we liked that you were in charge. Someone had to be".  ...Hmmm... I pause for a bit of thought... Good grief, Charlie Brown!

The moral of this story is that I think we all hold on to beliefs that we had from the time we were little kids. And, oh dear, that is not a wise decision.

Sooooooo... getting an award makes me laugh. It's funny, in such a sad, absurd sort of way.

Thank you Tracy!

Later today: My list of those I am sending a "Nice Matters Award". I gotta' mull it over a bit 'cause I want to be sure to say "nice" things.

xo,

~b

I did! That's because lovely Mei-Lynn chose our Emily Totes as a Rare Bird Find today!

Because I'm feeling the love, I thought I'd pass the goodness along with a 20% off coupon code for all Bari J. merchandise. Use code rarebird07 at checkout to receive your discount.

Amy Bengtson

"Ooooow-lery!" is how my daughter, Anna, said jewelry when she was about one and a half. That's because grandma wears a lot of ooow-lery. Anna would sit on her lap and grab her necklace or bracelet, and Grandma would say, "jeeew-ler-y, Anna, jeewlery..." Anna would respond with an enthusiastic "oooolery, Gamma' ooooowlery". My point here (aside from loving to tell that story) is that we girls have a thing about our ooolery, and when we find beautiful ooolery, we must share these findings with the world. I have recently found an artist that I'm totally excited about, Amy Bengtson.

Amy's is a true artist who has a degree in architecture which she says "has brought structure and a sense of balance" to her pieces. Her Swedish style is simple and clean-lined, and her work can be worn with just about anything. I love the lack of fussiness to these pieces. I love the contrast of the gorgeous rosewood to the simple silver. And I love simple nature-inspired designs. These are some of my favorite pieces...

Of course, as you know, I can't resist anything birdie themed:

And oooh, Cherry Blossoms... 

There's something just so satisfying about these pieces!

By the way, I contacted Amy to ask her permission to post about her. She replied yes, and she graciously offered all of you a discount. Not only is she talented, but she's a really nice person as well.

Use coupon code BariJ07 for 20% off until the end of October at Amybengtson.com

Hello again. Hope you'll take a peek at the Bari J. store this week. I get a big goody-goody gum drops feeling every time a get a new load of handbags. The one below is in one of the Fall/Winter fabric that I'm pretty excited about. I can't wait to see the rest of the cut velvet pieces. There will be some messenger bags, clutches and more coming soon. It's somewhat of a departure from what I've been doing. Plus, more stuff that makes me jump up and down...I've got patent leather straps and bottoms on some. This is the first piece to arrive... An Ilisa Clutchette. Wee... I'm having fun.

Here are the other totes to  make their way to the website today... A Lori Tote:

And a Stephanie Mag Bag...

More is arriving every day.

PS Don't forget to enter to win a handbag below...   

Oh, what fun. It's been a good time writing this blog. You may have noticed I do a lot of that... Since May now, and here it is, my 101st post. It's because I like the sound of my own voice, don't cha' know? Sometimes as I write I am actually talking aloud. This is something my daughter pointed out. Actually, the truth is that I talk all day long to myself here in this studio. I had a teacher that once told me, "Bari Palles!" (my maiden name), "Talking to yourself is a sign of insanity." This was the same 6th grade teacher that told me that if my head wasn't attached it would be long gone. Nice lady, huh? (Side note: Miss Hugh if you are out there... I'm still angry about the 6th grade, it was not fun, and that's on your shoulders, lady!) Wow, I feel better already. Moving on... I've gotten way off topic here... what was I saying?

The point was that I have a gifty for you for tolerating my rants and actually coming to visit often. I like that when I look at the statistics I see that a lot of people are visiting. How nice is that? (And, how vain am I for caring?) Please feel free to talk to me through that little comment button below. I like to think that I'm not talking to myself. That poopy teacher really did a number on me, didn't she?

So, ya-da-ya-da-ya-da...Here's the dealy-doo: Just leave a comment on this post sometime before August 17th. On the 17th, Miss Anna or Miss Emily (they'll have a big argument over who will do the honor, so I'll have to think about that one) will pick one of your names out of a hat, a jar, a basket (you get the idea) & I'll let you know who won.

Now, Oh-My-Goodness, don't let me down. Please leave comments or I'll think I am going insane sitting here talking to myself.

What will you win, you ask? This lovely Lara Hobo (petite size) in Pink Damask Corduroy with a French Ribbon Brooch (adorned with a vintage enamel pin) to go with it. Okies, get at it. Write me a note!

XO & Thank you for reading.

~b

Kids out of school, two parents working out of the house, two large labradors running around the house with the two kids out of school... Eeeeek. Eeeeeeeeeeek. My hair is falling out. Ok, I'm pulling it out.

"No, wait," I tell myself. "Think of a boredom cure for these girls".... "Hmmmmmmm. You have stacks upon stacks of fabric scraps, paper, scissors. Chill, girl you can occupy two kids." Ahhh! Relief. Two kids quietly working on art projects. Happy. Not fighting with each other. Throw the dogs in the yard. Even better. I now have exactly 30 minutes to get something done around here.

30 minutes up. Kids want me to take pictures of their art. Dogs start barking. They want in. No more work until late tonight... Good art from cute kids though. Kids must get on bikes and circle cul-de-sac for a bit. How long can I get them to do that?

Also, what to do with the accumlated stacks of pictures? I know, save for 2 weeks, take those photos they want me to take and secretly throw children's art in garbage. Save two of the best pieces for posterity. No one will ever be the wiser.

Now husband appears... "What's for lunch, honey?" says husband. "Go find your own lunch," says wife. Wife shuts curtains to studio, and hollers, "And while you're at it, feed the kids... Love ya' sweetie." Wife giggles to self. Peace. 30 minutes more.

And, Mom art too.

I just got an email I thought some of you might be interested in if you are in the SF Bay Area or surrounding...

My Daughter's Wish is looking for artists/teachers... Here's the what the email said:

"We know you are out there and waiting for a chance to turn your favorite hobby into more then just a past time.  Come share your ideas with us and our customers."

"This is a local design team call for anyone willing to come to our store in Walnut Creek, California!"

"We are looking for 6 local artists that can include; scrapbooking (page layouts), altered items, collage, stamping, and mini albums.  Must be willing to come to our store once a month for assignments and if you are interested, TEACHING!"

And the link to find out more.

PS They also have some exciting classes coming up including a Connie Govea Stuart creative correspondence class on 8/14. Sounds great!

(and, no, I don't work for MDW, just like them a lot.)

"This is a local design team call for anyone willing to come to our store in Walnut Creek, California!"

"We are looking for 6 local artists that can include; scrapbooking (page layouts), altered items, collage, stamping, and mini albums.  Must be willing to come to our store once a month for assignments and if you are interested, TEACHING!"

And the link to find out more.

PS They also have some exciting classes coming up including a Connie Govea Stuart creative correspondence class on 8/14. Sounds great!

(and, no, I don't work for MDW, just like them a lot.)

We live in one of the most fabulous places. A couple hours from Yosemite, an hour to Napa, a couple to Carmel... And, yet, the Ackermans stay in our little place weekend after weekend. At one time we said, "Ok, that's it. Every month we are going to go visit one of these great places and see where we live." We've been in California for a decade, and we haven't done that yet. Today we decided to get out, and what do we do? Go back to Healdsburg, the same place we've been time and time again. We love it. Healdsburg is up in wine country and it's a sweet little town established in the 1800s. It has a beautiful town square, gorgeous trees and incredible shops... and for some reason every time we've been there the weather has been perfection. There's everything from wine tasting, fabulous clothing shops, ANTIQUES (my favorite part), several fancy pet shops with all the doggie goodies you could imagine (dogs seem to have taken over the town) oh.... and great F-O-O-D (maybe that's my favorite part). So, the Ackerman's are not adventurous it seems. We probably should get out of our rutt, but who needs to when you can go to a place like Healdsburg just an hour or so from home.

  It's going to be around 100 degrees today, and I'm thinking about a winter coat I have been coveting (I must be hallucinating from the heat).

I met Elizabeth Holiday designer/owner of De Novo at an event over two years ago & have been dreaming of her fabulous coats and jackets ever since. I just stopped by her website, and lookie look what I found!!!

The one here is a faux Persian lamb. I actually have a real lamb shearling that was my Great Aunt Anne's made by my grandfather who was a furier... If he was here he'd tell you how he made coats for the Chicago mob and Sonia Henning. He had a million stories ...

Aunt Anne's coat is an incredible A-line shape with flared 3/4 length sleeves and a mink collar. I have not been daring enough to wear it in the San Francisco bay area. But I think I can get away with this faux version without having paint thrown on me by the PETA folks. I feel like walking around with a sign on me that says, "I did not kill an animal... it is faux". Or, "Give me a break. It was my Great Aunt's coat... It was long dead before the whole PETA movement. And besides, it was made by my Grandpa. Back off!" Yikes-a-doodle!

I'm also crazy about this one... It has a hood! How cute is that?

There's so much to choose from, but I think I must have this bolero jacket also made of the faux Persian lamb. It is screaming for one of my rhinestone brooches don't you think? It wants me to have it. If I had this jacket I would wear it right now in the 100 degree heat and all. Yup... now I've conviced myself... I have to have. Somebody needs to konk me over the head.

OK, all together now a big "Cha-Yum!" today for these coats. (When did I start saying Cha-Yum? Oh yeah, yesterday... I think I'll keep that one. I like it.) Have a good weekend all. Stay cool.

~b

Edit: Here's Aunt Anne's coat...

  Happy Friday... I'm writing today with a little favor to ask of you. If you would kindly visit and rate me at trunkt.org I'd greatly appreciate it. If you haven't visited before, It's really very neat. It's a website dedicated to promoting independent design. There are all sorts of really cool products listed & the editors have super taste! I'd love it if you'd check out my listing and rate me. And, if you're feeling really super nice today, you can also leave a comment on my listing. You will need to sign up for a free wish list account to do so.

XOXO and thank you, thank you,

Bari

P.S. To translate your thoughts into the sweet French language visit Freetranslation.com

Oh-My-Goodness! I am too happy, happy, happy. I search high and low for stuff like this and here all at once comes this never worn vintage stock of enamel and rhinestone brooches apparently from the 40s and 50s. Cha-Yum! 

I've been listening to this album over and over and over again since I bought it last week. And since it is 2 am, I thought I'd take a minute and share (must sleep, but I've been browsing blogs... what's wrong with me???). Anywho... this is a must have, must have, must have. Check out her myspace page for more info... can download at iTunes too.

Summer is flying by. My kids are finished with camp and are dancing around the house with friends this week. We saw Hairspray yesterday and rollerskated this weekend (I can't tell you how much my ankles hurt now). Monday I dragged them to the Museum of Modern Art. They thought this was very funny as there are many nude sculptures and paintings there... "Grossssss!". It was very amusing watching them roam around. Their favorite thing was a mammoth pile of indigo work clothes (18,000 pieces in all) that was meant as a sort of performance piece with a woman at a desk in front of it erasing a book. I have to admit, I didn't really "get" it. The kids however, thought it was the most amazing thing they'd seen.

Finally back to work today with kids screaming and playing in the background... If I showed you what this room looked like right now you'd think that a fabric shop exploded. It's everywhere. And it's spreading itself throughout the house... I'm working on a jillion appliques right now which is more fun than I can stand. As I cut pieces they end up on the floor and I'm right now pretending it's not there. But now I can't work anymore in here so I guess it's about time to look up and face the music. Eeek. Above is a new scraplique/applique that I just finished. It is on the front of a messenger bag this time. I'll be doing these guys on jean jackets and hoodies soon for a special client. I'm really looking forward to playing with them. Below is a tree that is going to be an exclusive for that same client. I'll let you know when she's got them. This one is on a Lara Hobo. I like the funky pin at the bottom. She's a silly one, isn't she?