my little facepainter!

my 10 year old daughter, Ayva Sunshine is an amazing creative spirit.  she wanted so badly to facepaint at our local first-friday art walk. i said, "you bet".  we sat up a small booth right in the middle of town.  she set all her supplies up (with a little help from mom) and started  painting away.  three hours later and a lot of happy kids, mrs. ayva was so tired and $90 richer!  i was so proud of her, as she was very proud of herself too! 

she got home... counted all her $ and tossed it in the air.  haha.  i would have done the same.  like mother like daughter.  :)

here is a photo collage of the evening.  july 1  2011

"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.