The Creative Cookie

Narrative Pieces

I'm writing from my new apartment burrowed between a dresser, a white board, two boxes of books, and my stepson's guitar -- this is my temporary office space. Last week we moved and we're in the process of unpacking (womp womp womp).

On the bright side our space is SUPER fab!

A major outcome of this move has been an edit of my beloved collection of clothes. I gave to friends, donated items, and sold many things. Fashion has been my companion -- a friend who has traveled the distance, literally covering my back, on my journey from Michigan, to Pittsburgh, and ultimately New York.

After all of the purging and storing, when we arrived, I discovered that my new Brooklyn closet is still a tad too small for what I wanted to keep...and so the editing of coveted clothes continues. This ongoing refinement and letting go is allowing me to curate a collection of clothing that reflects the person that I am now. There was never really a need to hold on to the power suites, navy pumps, Girl Scout twin sets, unflattering vintage pieces, or once worn sorority ball gowns from college.

I'm living in a different world; what I wear should reflect who I am now.

Clothing holds our history and each piece tells a story making it hard to part ways. I hope the things that I no longer own find their way to someone who will love, wear, and care for them as I once did.

Here's the list of Brooklyn stores that I sold, traded, or donated to -- be sure to check them out:

• Beacon's Closet 
• Black Bear
• Pony
• Housing Works
• Saint Marys Church (salvage bureau)

If you are thinking of doing a major edit, email me...I'd love to share encouragement and the wisdom that I've gleaned in the process of purging 186 pieces.

It's liberating to let go (making a little space for the new, of course;)

Barbie's Virtual Dream Closet: Fall 2012

During New York Fashion Week I stepped out of the tents and behind the pink doors into Barbie’s virtual dream closet at Lincoln Center. The experience was inspiring, whimsy, & um very pink:). 

Try on looks from your computer by visiting the Barbie WOW site. There's vintage, haute couture, 9-to-5, and even attire for Ken.

photos: Lesley Ware © 2012

Me in Barbie's architect look; love Barbie's style

Read related Creative Cookie posts: The Barbie Issue, Barbie Exhibit

Inspired Blogversation

Throughout the year I'll be chatting with a group of blogging women on a panel called Blogversation 2012!

Conversations will be had on the site and our blogs. Follow me and the eight other Blogversationists on Newvine Growing the lovely site of Colleen Newvine Tebeau.

Here's our latest conversation question & my response:

Who or what inspires you?

I’m inspired by many of the things that I see in everyday life and sometimes dreams.

In the fall of 2010, I launched a scrappy handmade zine (appropriately) titled Easily inspired. We published two issues and then it disappeared onto a shelf. Its focus was on the people, places, and things that give me ideas and energy to create.

This post’s question has inspired me to revive it. Told you it was easy:).

<<Cover artwork for a past issue of Easily inspired by Lacee Swan>>

 

Who or what inspires you? What would you like to see tweeked for a new Easily inspired zine?

Tell me -- I'm all ears, really.

Don Oehl Artist Talk - video

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today I am....

Today I am stronger than I was yesterday. 

The puny Michigan girl who moved to Manhattan 5 years ago is now more tenacious and sturdy.

This time last year I juggled a budding creative career alongside a 9-5 job that often made me cringe. Eleven months later I'm much happier, filling my time with the things that I enjoy -- making art, teaching, and being around fashion on a regular.

Filling my time with more of what I love has been the greatest gift ever. I have a better sense of self. My purpose is clear.

I will say that sometimes its simply frustrating. I get impatient as I sit and sort through my list of dreams and aspirations wondering how they'll all come to fruition. I feel glad, I feel sad, I feel like I accomplish alot, I always want to do more but sometimes I just can't.

I've discovered that the dots do not always connect instantly, but working towards a dream takes endurance and faith. Each seemingly little connection moves me closer and refines my weaknesses.

Thanks for making me stronger on this uncharted creative trek via The Creative Cookie. What a trip!?! Luckily this is just the beginning. xo

TranquiliT Collection Featured Model

I'm super excited about being the featured model for the TranquiliT fall collection! TranquiliT is an eco-friendly line of yogawear made from sustainable materials. Here's a look at some of the colors (I ♥ them) for fall 2011. Follow this link to watch the lovely Kimberly Wilson, designer, as she shares collection samples. Take a moment to vote for your favs.

More updates as the shoot nears!  

Fun at Fashion Camp

Last week I taught fashion design at Camp Gowanee during Spoke The Hub's Street Art, Dance, and Fashion multi-arts day camp.  In addition to design, I taught them how to strut their stuff on the runway. Camp ended in a fab fashion show where students modeled their creations for parents, siblings and babysitters! Read their run of show (they wrote their own outfit descriptions -- cute!):

Some campers were inspired to sketch outside of class. Here's some of their work:

 They learned to sew by hand and machine. We also explored the lives of designers and even dyed fabric.

photos: Lesley Ware © 2011

I had just as much fun as the campers did. They knocked my socks off with innovative designs and loads of enthusiasm. I'm so looking forward to the next time!!

HairDo's & Fun at Etsy's Craft Night

Yesterday when I finished teaching at fashion camp I scooted over to The Etsy  Labs, for their weekly Craft Night. I've been trying to make my way back since the Brooklyn DIYBA Conference.

This week's workshop was drawing with illustrator Carla Sonheim. Slightly intimidated by the subject, I grabbed needed materials: an eyedropper, pots of ink, cardstock, and toilet paper (yes, toilet paper!). Carla explained the technique and I decided to create this series of quirky girls with 70s hairdos.

My hands and fingers are delightfully stained with ink. I'm glad I took time to look, listen, and experiment.

Windblown

Messy "Fro"ey

Full-bang bob

Side Sweep

Pageboy

illustrations: Lesley ware © 2011

Reflections on the 1st Brooklyn DIY Business Association Conference

As you may know, I was a blogger for the Brooklyn DIYBA Conference two weekends ago -- I had a blast, learned lots, and made some good connections!

Since the conference I've been working hard on improving the blog and zine. Here are a few conference takeaways/FIYs for the DIYer out there. Read my full conference report here:).

1. Planning is essential. Even if it’s just a page you must have a business plan that succinctly outlines your idea. As Susan Gregg Koger, co-founder of ModCloth, neatly put it “Be intelligent about your approach.”
2. Put the right price tag on your work. You can’t do more of what you love, if you’re barely scraping by under pricing your services or product. Panelist Lauryn Ballesteros, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships for The Domino Project, shared, “Price tells the story about who you are. Charge more; don't be afraid.”
3. There’s power in numbers. Engage the community around you – delegate and enlist others, connect diverse perspectives and find insights.
4. Be excited about what you do. If you’re infectious others will be too, and they may want help you. So, shoo blues (if you have them) and let your passion shine though.

during the Art & Craft of Commerce breakout session at the Etsy Labs

photo: Lesley ware © 2011

"w" wedding, pt. 4

This is the end of the wedding chapter and the start of a new chapter as Lesley Ware -- The Creative Cookie. I'm pleased to present the photo album that tells the story of our special Brooklyn DIY wedding! I totally tangled myself in creative projects from making bow ties for the groomsmen to crafting a tent from tulle...I could say more but I'll let the photos speak for me♥♥.

*NOTE: if you are new to issuu there are three ways you can view:

1) click the arrow to the right to view on this site

2) click anywhere on the image above to enlarge 

3) go directly to the issuu site click here

"w" wedding, pt. 1

The minimoon is over and I'll begin the process of culling through images to shape a series this evening. Be sure to check back over the weekend for fancy posts featuring DIY goodness (photos, favors, keepsakes, food) and a few wild wedding stories;).

In the meantime, I'm sharing a screen shot from le coil my favorite hair blog. I met Jamala, le coil's founder, last year during New York Fashion Week at the Leifsdottir presentation where we quickly became friends. It was a pleasure having her at our celebration of love! Luckily she captured some of the natural beauty of the day.

1st row: 2nd image Bilen Gaga (guest), 3rd image Vana Mills (fashion designer & bridesmaid), and 4th image ME, Lesley Ware (bride)

Thanks for sending me your good vibes, sunshine, prayers, notes, and gifts. The day magically snapped into place. Huge hugs and stars to the creative community around me -- you helped me get down the aisle!

More soon!