One Mans Trash

About a week ago I was taking out my trash and you won't believe what I found! I found a limited addition Project Runway Brother SEWING MACHINE!!! I feel like Peg from PEG + CAT because I'm TOTALLY FREAKING OOOUUUTTT!!!! All jokes aside-my mind is blown-first of all because what nut would throw away a sewing machine? You know I picked it up right? Thank God it wasn't in the incinerator but on the side of the trash. I can't even imagine someone being that cruel and putting it in. Thankfully it was just on the side of the contraption! So I picked it up and put it in my linen closet.

The only reason I haven't used the machine is because it's missing parts. So, after a week of mulling it over I finally called the Brother company and looked up the model I found on their website as well. I found out that it was made in 2007-yeah I had no idea Project Runway has been around that long. Then when I looked it up on the site I realized that it was actually a discontinued model. The sales associate ran an estimate based on what parts I said were missing and she said it would run me about $125. Then before I got off the phone she also let me know that there is a sewing machine repair shop I could take it to in Atlanta called SewingMachine.com.

When I called there I let her know what the associate said over the phone. When I asked her whether it would be worth it to fix it or replace it, she let me know $125 was a really great deal. Especially for a sewing machine like this with so many different embroidery stitches. So I've decided to get this sewing machine fixed and later see if I can get a sewing serger. 

So here's the plan-yes I actually have a plan. I've been making tons of jewelry and products to sell anyway, and so I've actively been looking into Flea Markets where I can sell in my area and pass out a few of my business cards or text them (because I have digital ones). The Decatur area where I live is very artsy and all I need to do is find "the spot" where I can get a little exposure, and as an entrepreneur I value a tangible experience over an online one any day. I would love to connect with my customer on a more consistent basis and study my target market as well as understand each individuals needs. I love making custom designs for my clients so piecing something together that they can only dream up in their heads is something I'm especially good at. I don't design ball gowns or anything, but when it comes to beaded jewelry, I'm the one. 

I will be giving lessons both in person and online. In my post about How to Draw a Croqui I show you a basic pose, but I'm dreaming up a class that's a lot more detailed where I'll go deeper and deeper into subject. I would prefer doing it in person but I'll see what I can do about starting an online course. I've had my share of hardships in Fashion Illustration Classes in college. I just lucked out when I had the privilege of being taught 1-on-1 because my Fashion Illustration 3 class only had 2 students and the other bailed. My professor taught me everything and she allowed me to pull up a chair right beside her for a more personal experience in learning to draw. I no longer felt like I was alone trying to figure this thing out, and because of that I want to give you the same thing. As I said before I'd prefer a tangible experience, and to be at the side of the student to oversee their progress, but I'm willing to compromise with online courses. All I expect is for my students to apply themselves, because learning and gaining knowledge is one thing, but applying it is when it becomes wisdom and power. It says I'm educated ant experienced at the same freaking time!

"Knowledge isn't power, applied Knowledge is Power"- Eric Thomas

Applying yourself isn't easy. Most people think that just practice makes it perfect, but in this course I want to show you how to truly apply yourself by finding yourself in your own art. Every illustrator has a voice, and it comes out in their art style. So to me a student who is applying themselves well might do some unorthodox things to grasp it like draw their croqui's as anime characters or something. Whatever it is that's what you need to discover during these courses. I don't want my students to be hung up over trying to do it exactly like me. I want them to have their own signature looks and designs. 

Of course there is always relying on donations, self funding by trying AGAIN to look for a job (even though some obstacle always comes up), looking up grants, programs that teach entrepreneurship for free...etc. Look, I've done enough of that, so my first two options is what I'm banking on here. I'm into applying myself and creating my own path. I've had enough of begging for jobs, because most employers don't care that I have a family to take care of anyway, and I can tell because when I say that I have 3 kids they consider them "prior commitments" that might get in the way of me working. You better believe that when I get this sewing machine fixed-it is on like Donkey Kong! I already have my business plan written that will span over the next 5 years and I've already accomplished hitting certain milestones that I had plotted for the longest time. I know that having this sewing machine fixed would be a stepping stone in my plan, and getting the one I already have in storage would be a start as well. I've been plotting out exactly what patterns I want to create, sell, and design from. Finding creative ways to make money isn't hard for me, applying myself in the midst of hardship is, and I'm sure that EVERYONE can understand that. 

Creation Mode

It's been a very creative week! You have no idea! I haven't had a surge of creativity like this since I was a teenager, and my urge to sell online is through the roof. I'm on to bigger things though now, and bigger dreams which consists of social media posts, a beautiful website, and lots of ads on Facebook Marketplace. No that is not a pun, but let me tell you where all this inspiration suddenly came from.

It all started about a week ago when I finally got my package from PandaHall! I ordered some new beads from them wholesale and I combined some of those with what I already had! Now I'm just continuing to make more and more things. I'm getting back to this place I used to be in when I was a teenager. I'd literally have visions and dreams of work and I'd say to myself "I wonder if that would look good"-Talk about making your dreams a reality! I'm getting back to creating it being the fun part again. Some of these items are one of a kind and listed on Facebook Marketplace so make sure you check these out as well as other products!Here are just a few photo's of my most recent work

                    

Ecliptic Edge Spacer Set

Hallowed Chandelier Earrings

Green Spacer Bracelet

Ecliptic Edge Bracelet

Anyway, I was trying to tell you about how my shipment of beads came that I ordered online. It took 20 days to arrive since it was from overseas. So as soon as it came I burst into a frenzy of creativity! I haven't felt like this in years. And for the past few days it's been like a burden has lifted off my shoulders every time I make something. 

It feels great! Now if only I can get back into my morning coffee routine I'd be able to truly focus more! I've grown the attention span of a mom with 3 kids. I have to start and stop my progress all the time.

I remember getting my package in the mail with all the cool new beads inside. Honestly I had forgotten what I had ordered by the time 20 days past and what sucks is that I forgot what beads look like by the millimeter. So some of the beads were so small compared to what I envisioned. It's okay though because that's the risk you take when you buy online. The pictures show the beads up close, and you're trying to envision your hands touching the products. That's really the only reason that people continue to go shopping for the product on a physical location. The tangible experience does something to a designer in a craft store. We have to feel it to be inspired. Taking your word isn't enough. 

This situation only sucks because I was in high school I used to have bead sizes memorized and I'd buy beads from Hobby lobby, Michael's, or Joann's all the time. So when I realized that I had only bought 100 beads or so in 8mm beads (and some smaller than this) I was in complete shock. Seeing the size of the package I ordered was rather disappointing, but I instantly remembered bead sizes and counts. All the memories of retail bought beads came flooding back, and I remembered that this maybe why visiting my local craft store was a weekly escapade. I settled the feeling of disappointment with a long sigh saying "ooooooohhh"😒. Then I quickly got over it and started to design some jewelry. Hey!- don't judge me I waited 20 whole days. I needed to take off the edge!

I didn't realize my edge came with a cost.... That package just came last week, and I already designed several bracelets and so 100 assorted caramelized pearl beads is already made into beautiful jewelry. I did order these wholesale so you better believe I'm about to get my money's worth. Usually 100 CT would probably cost me $3.00+ in retail, but I paid about .50 for the same amount. That's how it goes in wholesale. The more you buy the less you pay. So where I usually end up paying about 35.00 in Walmart for a few stands. I paid 18.75 for over 400 beads and that includes the price of shipping. I still need more and I might be willing to wait another 20 days if I make a large profit from what I've already made. The shipping cost is really what got me, so next time I'll remember to buy big (whenever I get that)and start out with a budget of about $300+ (cause that's when shipping is free). It was only an additional $5.00, and having it shipped express was at least $11. I remember thinking Ha! On my budget? They better be glad they're even getting shipping costs right now *clicks standard delivery*. I'll just remember next time to shop more often with them on that $30  budget that I used to take to Walmart and other craft stores. Even 40% off coupons from those retail outlets wouldn't suffice sometimes because it could only be used per person, and for any regular priced item (not on your total purchase). It also doesn't apply to the sewing machines and other gadgets I've had my eye on for the past few years. So don't judge me if you see me an my family including the baby in the car seat with a Hobby Lobby coupon and cash. I'm trying to get my money's worth over here so I can continue making beautiful jewelry. 

Well that's all for today. It was fun discussing one of my passions. Here are some more photo's of my work! Go to www.kanawear.com to see more, and even buy from the new collection if you'd like!

How to Draw a Croqui

In todays post I'll be showing you how to Draw a croqui in 10 STEPS ✍When I was in college I had the privilege of sitting under a professor named Mori Green, and she was an expert in Fashion Illustration. She went to my dream school (The Fashion Institute of Technology in NY), and got her Masters Degree in Fashion. By the time I had met her she had already illustrated for The W, as well as had her own fashion line which was self named. I was wondering why she decided to work at Bauder College and when I asked her answer was just gold, she said, "I made my living in the fashion industry, and now I want to teach young people to do the same and be even better than I was." Now I don't know about being better than Mrs. Green (Because she's awesome), but I know I can show others what she taught me. Unfortunately unlike FIT our Fashion Program didn't have a human anatomy class but I got the gist of it in a one on one session with her. It just so happened one of the other seniors just continued to be a no show and we were the only 2 there at the time who needed the class so we could graduate. Why home girl didn't show so she can get her paper 路‍♀️I don't know? I'm happy she didn't though because after lots of struggling in Fashion illustration 1 and 2, I finally got somewhere in the 3rd course. I was new to drawing croquis but I was not new to drawing, But I'd like to say that even if you are not the best that you can still make this work using what you know. If you are there type to look at something and draw it, you can use that to your advantage by looking at yourself or a picture of a model in a magazine and try your best to use some of the standard measurements to imitate the pose somewhat.

Here is a list of Materials you'll need:
Pencil✏️
Eraser
Paper
12" Ruler 

Now lets get Ready to SKETCH!

Step 1: Draw a 10" Line Down your Paper and mark each inch from 0-10" This is going to be your guideline to draw your 10 inch croqui.

Step 2: Draw the Head. The head is an egg 讀shape, but from the 0 point at the top of your paper to the 1 inch point represents your face. Draw the top of the head above the 0 point so that you can make room for the hair or a hat. If you need a measurement make the top of the head at least a half inch above the 0 point.

Step 3: Draw the Neck. To Draw the neck draw lines that curve out slightly from the sides of the chin. From the chin to the collar bone is about a half inch  down.

Step 4: Draw the shoulders and arms. To draw the shoulders first create a guideline at the 1 1/2" point using your ruler. Standard says this line should be at least 1 1/2" wide, but I draw mine at least 2 inches so I can have drawing room. I drew my guideline slanted down at the left because my croqui is walking‍♀️. With time and practice you will understand how to make the body move with the use of these guidelines. Draw in your shoulders and your arms and don't draw in the hands yet ‍♀️

Step 5: Draw the Torso and the Waist. To draw the waist make another guideline  parallel to the shoulders at the 3rd point. My guideline is raised on the right side because my croqui is walking‍♀️, and when you walk the position of the hips change. Remember the deeper the slant the more accent you put on your croqui. After drawing your waist line go back to the tips of the shoulders and make lines indicating the ribs, and draw in the bust at the 2 1/2" point.

Step 6: Draw the Hips and the Crotch. Make another guideline at the 4 inch mark also parallel to the waist and shoulders, but this time make it straight. From the waist line draw two lines down to make the hips and stop at the hip line. Standard says your hips should be about 1 1/2" wide but I say bump standard and do whatever the heck you feel is best for you. From the 4 inch guideline where the hips end draw lines towards the 4 1/2" mark to create the crotch. It should look like an upside-down triangle. 

Step 7: Draw the hands. Remember when I told you not to draw in the hands? Here's why! Your finger tips should line up with your crotch point (Seriously they do in real life, see for yourself.) So first draw the thumb and then the rest of the hand as illustrated in the picture. It should look like a claw. 

Step 8: Legs and Knees. In order to make the thighs you have to understand where the knees are. The knees always end at the 7 inch mark, so draw a circle where the 7 inch mark is. My croqui is walking‍♀️ so one knee is higher than the other to create the illusion that one leg is behind the other. The other knee is raised to the 6 1/2" mark. Now from the hips draw in the legs making sure that the leg lines end at the sides of your knee circles. Since my croqui is walking you see the full leg on the left side

Step 9: Calves and Ankles. From the sides of the knee circles draw lines outward and going inward to create the ankles at the 9 inch point.

Step 10: The Feet. To draw the feet  begin at the 9 inch mark and draw a line down toward to the 10 inch mark. The very end point represents the big toe. Sketch another line from the outer ankles to create the form of the foot. If they don't look like duck feet then you may have done it wrong. I made the foot on the leg that is raised slightly higher because my croqui is walking, and one foot has to be behind the other. 

Now you're done! All you have to do now is create your style lines and outline it with a black marker (a dark marker). The purpose of the black marker is to make sure you can see it through another sheet of paper so that when you trace your clothes onto your croquis you will be able to see through the page. We were taught in school to use fine point sketching pens,and even a lightbox to trace our croquis. I use what I can though, and one time that was a desk lamp inside of an empty fish tank and BOOM there was my lightbox!

Here is the video for my tutorial which you can find on YouTube:

Well I hope you enjoyed reading my blog. Please watch the video as it relates to this blog and if you didn't understand exactly what I was saying maybe the video will come in handy for you. Please subscribe, share and comment!

Hey! Are you looking for more professional art supplies follow the links underneath the pictures to purchase!

Sketch Pad

Sketching Pencils