"bonjour" backdrop design

design

for the first time i decided to cut an oval into a plywood backdrop.  it was a huge hit!  the teenagers loved peeking throught the hole. 

it also made it easier for me to keep everything in frame. 

materials:

4x8' piece of 1/4" plywood

chalkboard paint

chalk pen

overhead projector (make your type perfect)

tool to cut hole ( not sure cause i asked my super helpful husband Garth to do it )

the design was very simple.  i like that.  the stars were the teenages and props!  boy... did they POP!

thank you HRMS!  congrats

jessica

before

after

what my set-up looked like

test shot at home with my lovely little children!

test shot of yours truly just before the event

see all 500+ images here:  jessicalevingallery/ANightInParis

summer window: r i b b o n

window design for summer 2011:  ribbon + rope

first photo is a collage of the progress on the design elements for my summer window display at parts+labour boutique. 

i finished the window...  it looks fantastic. 100's of handcut ribbon (handcut because it is more cost effective to buy fabric by the yard and cut it inot 2" strips + you can select your colors better this way.)
Rotary cutter, 60' sisil rope @ 60. ft, 10+ yards of fabric from $4-8yd.  i also had an excellent assistants.  my children helped me tie ribbons and garth my husband  helped me with installation::thank you!


jessica

enjoy the summer window!  fun and flirty!

second hand satisfaction!

i have a thing.  a thing for "treasure hunting" 

i get so much satisfaction from going into a second hand store---searching, and if i am lucky that day... finding a treasure.  one mans trash is anothers treasure.  i say yes! 

today i found this amazing turqouise mexican dress.  i have a thing for these dresses.  it is the hand stitching designs that i really LOVE.  i buy them whenever i see them, in any size.  they are usually one size fits all--moo moo's.  i still love them, add a belt = it fits. most of  my friends tease me when i wear them.  so i usually use them as beach cover-ups.

i also have an affinity for aprons, old aprons. i have a large collection and i found this cute pink and white one today too.  i have a lot of appreciation for someone who has the patients to knit or crochet.  i admire these little treasures.  I found this 3ft. tall ceramic parrot (piggy bank) the other too!!!

go treasure hunting today.  you never know what you will find.  last time i found an amazing vintage gold clutch.  jessica

my little artists.

a big smile and thank you to my two brave little artist. 
i love to watch you fearlessly create!  xoxo  mom

ayva sunshine levin
+
rio rocket levin

today: doodle-ing on photographs

artist 2 artist workshop

follow your heart

Columbia Center for the Arts asked me to sit on a panel with 5 other artist and discuss my work + process.  i was delighted to be included, at the same time terrified of public speaking.  i wish i could remember what i said  :)... i did talk about my work as a stylist, fashion/window display and color consultation.  i tried to focus on following your heart and doing what YOU love-- that is what feels best and truly gets you noticed. 
that is all i know how to do.  just be myself.   


thank you Shelly for inviting me and thank you mark nilsson for making me laugh and feel comfortable.  i had a lovely day! 


i asked mark to take a photo of me to prove i actually did it! 
yay me.  after a short conversation with myself in the restroom, i said:  "jessica, just have fun"

stylist at work

holiday window for doppio coffee

 

exterior paint color consultation results for lone pine village, the dalles oregon

 

window display for parts + labour

cherry on top!

i have creating props all week for the upcoming ohshoot! photobooth at the northwest cherry festival in the dalles, or.  

it was windy as heck...but we had a wonderful time.  my helpers found themselves on the stage playing cowbells with the band... so so funny.  here are a few images from the day and a few of the crafty things i created.  

ps. i figured out how to edit an image with a 1960's feel.  i love it!!!  reminds me of my mothers pictures.  heart. 
 

 

rainbows + amy turns 36

happy birthday amy!  you are fantastic.

we had a wonderful friday night celebrating amy.  for entertainment i attached a vintage rainbow zig-zag blanket onto the wall... created a photobooth.  i am sharing my favorite images below.

highlights:  amy did the shot-ski with two tall men, she was on her tip toes and could not reach the shot when the time came...  haha  the entire shot went straight down her shirt. oopsy!
tossing glitter in the air.  i am covered in it still today.  got one great shot! 

birthday parties.  rainbows.  unicorns.  + glitter are all great things.  jessica