PAPAYA! BLOG

Creative Vintage @ SHABON

Clothing has become a quick wildfire of creativity since we opened PAPAYA! LIVING boutique in April.  There's a fresh sense of self expression on all fronts and dressing has never felt better.  Having our own boutique closet has set a new pursuit in motion and we're all playing with our style the way we do our designs.   So while on a quick trip to LA last week Sarah and I slammed on the breaks when we saw a cluttered window full of patterns and authentic vintage goods on Beverly. SHABON is one of the best vintage boutiques I've seen.  Every item was carefully chosen and cared for.It was a sentimental trip down memory lane. Pieces that looked like my mothers hand-spun, potluck 70's wedding dress, 80's glam hawaii dresses I saw while on Maui or (just Magnum PI), pieces that inspired us to dream up the women who lived in them.  Poly-disco jumpsuits (that we actually would wear!), mexico gowns, and lace for days.  Snake collars (remember the arm bands that matched?)  I wanted to squish into every awkward piece of clothing and create events for each persona.  I left with a polyester, 70's paisley dress that needs a serious hemming.  And sarah found an amazing pink floral, silk top that we later discovered was Christian Dior "sleeping top".  (who sleeps in blouses?!)  So if you get down there pop in for a serious game of dress up!

Back to Canvas

Having your dreams come true is apparently a bit of a distraction. (Who knew!) And I have been riding the waves of the store opening.  But as one way of life begins for me and our crew we're having to find even more creative ways to be, well... creative!  I've been scrambling to get back at the artwork and wondering just how I will juggle all the newness that we've been so fortunate to manifest.  I was shooed away from PAPAYA! LIVING this week to sink myself back into a bit of art making.  Now more than ever I realize everything stems from this place for me.  And I have to water it and learn to give into all the expansion and busy-ness.  Feels good to get back to canvas.

Really?

I'm not a sucker for kittens and baby pictures but these made my whole day!  I know a few new little humans about to be born and this incredible Etsy shop is making these little knit head cozies for the newest of the human newbies!  AMAZING pictures and incredible little fuzzies for the wuzzies!  I'll be dork mommy-talking for an hour now and snagging one of these for an upcoming baby shower.  And in other mommy reminders....Don't forget the mums. May 8th!

Amazing Elsita

Some artists are a so pure in their single pointed focus.  their obsessions take center stage and it's that very thing that sets them apart.  But once in a while we are lucky to stumble upon those rare creatures who create in myriads of ways.  Expressing talent in far and wide places and mediums.  Cuban artist Elsita is one of these rare gems.  I just found her lovely blogs after much buzz about her on the mexico trip.   Beautiful paintings, mini books, exquisite paper cuts, thoughtful jewelry.  Elsita is expressing in so many ways. Even a fun personal style blog where Elsita herself seems to be playing to an endless and ever changing fashion tune! Artists like these are truly inspiring to me.  Showing that creating on new levels, exploring mediums, changing your personal style- all lead to the enrichment of a creative life.Thank you Elsita!  Follow more about Elsita here.

 

Still Life Watercolor

Another floral painting with watercolor in my journal on the Mexico trip!

Slave Driver:

 Everyone's been pulling together in preparation for the PAPAYA! LIVING store and all the behind-the-scenes prep that goes along with it.  These guys came in last weekend for some added muscle in what has been a sea of packing material and unending goodies.  This is what happens when you're bad though!  Very very bad.  Poor Sarah was forced to unpack orders wearing her box of shame. Now there's proof that even a box looks good on this girl!

Creature Comforts

This little missy is our new extra soft, five-month-old, critter kitty, "Angel".  Named of course by my son.  We have another one named "Valentine" that came home with us the same day (guess what day) but he's been hiding ever since.  Angel however makes herself at home anywhere and has taken a liking to my bolga baskets.  Just a shout out for kitties this spring too.  Kitten season will be here soon!

Miracle in Marrakech

 I about fell over when I saw the spread in this months Elle Decor.  The article features a home in Marrakech custom designed by a London couple. Designer Liza Bruce & artist Nicholas Alvas Vegas.They've done a dreamy job creating a colorful, bohemian world full of juicy hues and enough negative space to celebrate their treasures.  Pure magic to me.  
 It seems that every nook and cranny is adorned with thoughtful, colors, texture and treasure! I cannot say enough how inspired I am by this thoughtful, creative home.  What a spread!  Now how to interpret these lovely ideas in garden, Ashland!  Come on spring!

watercolor journal

 In Mexico we had a chance to play with some watercolor and our travel pages.  I'm such a sucker for reference material that it was really freeing to try and work on this page without them.  But alas I pulled out some scraps and peeked for some lilly support!
I'm learning i just might like watercolor if I give it a bit of time.  It feels like knitting or sewing to me.  A precious skill that takes a little time and TLC.  Something I like. I think watercolor may be my new movie-side hobby!  I just want to keep playing around with easy-to-grab materials and paper.  

Magenta Mexico!

  There's literally just a swarm of lovely pics from our trip last week from Queretaro & San Miguel Allende, Mexico that I'll be posting them bit by bit.  This batch shows the insanely colorful world that just makes each street, corner, cafe and plaza a pure delight!

 I cannot think of a woman alive who is not enchanted by the notion of a courtyard.  And the reality is all the more dreamy.  I have to return to this courtyard at our hotel in Queretaro one day for some watercolors and wine!