" God intended motherhood to be a relay race. Each generation would pass the baton on to the next. "

" God intended motherhood to be a relay race. Each generation would pass the baton on to the next. "

Mary Pride

 During a Structural Materials and Process/3-D Fibers class at Savannah College of Art and Design,we spent spent weeks researching artists, identity issues and up cycling materials into our work.

 My time was spent on self awareness making choices and discovering where I stand in the world as a contemporary artist.  In the end I  came back to the choice I made as a young girl; being with my family is the highest priority for me.  Apron is the best metaphor for me as mother, gardener and home cook.

Aprons have used there for centuries. They are even considered as the most ancient of all garments, with one of the earliest mentions being the Biblical Story of the Garden of Eden, when Adam and Eve discovered they were naked that they fashioned aprons from fig leaves.

The hue for my Apron had to be green.  Green is considered the luckiest of colors.  Green signifies a positive change, good health, growth, healing, hope, vigor, vitality, peace, and serenity. It is also symbolic of ones strive to gain recognition and establish ones independence. Money, wealth and jealousy are often associated with this color. Light green symbolizes brilliance.

While I was in graduate school I longed to return home to start a cottage industry created for women and by women with my daughter Kara. I wanted the cottage industry to be larger than myself, to be eco friendly, to an have appreciation for the past while having an eye for the future.

This past weekend I observed with great pride and joy the fruits of my labor.  Our indie designer cottage industry, rice rafferty, was among the  talented artists featured at Chatham University Holiday Art Sale.



Together with my daughter, Kara Rice Rafferty, we have spent the last year building our dream cottage industry, designing and making one of a kind handmade fashions and accessories.



After we set up our table it was time to look at our work.

rice rafferty fashions and accessories are created from hand dyed fabrics, upcycled jewelry, hand build polymer clay rose.  
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for more information and images please see


http://www.ricerafferty.com/


and


http://kararice.blogspot.com/2010/11/rice-rafferty-accessories-november-2010.html



“The kiss of sun for pardon, The song of the birds for mirth, One is nearer God's Heart in a garden Than anywhere else on earth”



Poinsettia"flower that grows in residues or soil."

 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euphorbia_pulcherrima



  “The kiss of sun for pardon, The song of the birds for mirth, One is nearer God's Heart in a garden Than anywhere else on earth”   
 Dorothy Frances Gurney


Looking for a place to brighten you mood, maybe put you in the Holiday Spirit ?

  Why not visit your local Botanical Gardens ?

Join me on an adventure through  Buffalo Erie County Botanical Gardens  http://www.buffalogardens.com/

Here I am wearing my own creation Devore Burnout Velvet Scarf by rice rafferty
http://www.ricerafferty.com/



Why not DOUBLE the FUN and go with a FRIEND ?



There is something for everyone to enjoy in a garden.

Did you know Gardens Railroads is one of the fasted growing hobbies ? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garden_railway

close up of Pitcher Plant





http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pitcher_plant 



some offerings you will find in the delightfully, hot and humid Cactus Room



three koi in a fountain

The Koi is able to fight the current of the water and swim upstream.  
This can be interpreted in two ways:

Being a non-conformist – Koi swimming upstream can be interpreted as showing the philosophy of non-conformism because of the fact that the Koi does not “go with the flow”. This can mean a person is very independent minded and does not do things the way they are expected of him or her. Swimming upstream can mean that a person is not easily influenced by others and does what he or she wants.
Strength in time of adversity – Koi fish also symbolizes persistence and the willingness to go on even though you are being swept away. It also symbolizes surpassing expectations. The Koi fish swimming upriver can show that a person has overcome various obstacles and not only does he or she keep standing, but he or she has come out victorious. http://www.infokoi.com/The_Meaning_of_Koi_Fish_Symbols.html

Now here is a plant with a history. This plant has been in a family home in Buffalo since 1901 the time of the Pan American Exposition
http://panam1901.org/



Who knows after an hour in the gardens you may even feel like dancing ;~)

http://www.buffalogardens.com/PrivateRentals_Weddings.aspx

Thank you for joining in Carol's adventure's @ the Erie County Botanical Gardens ;~)

 

Trapeze dresses are constructed of fabric falling straight from the shoulders with no shaping seams. Think “shapeless,” and you have the trapeze dress

Ultra Feminine Warrior this shear, sexy, full body armour, my final garment is an art object inspired by the Trapeze dress so popular in the 1960's.
Cut just above the knee in the front, gently suggesting a train in the back, I created an over sized tutu. The look is pure fun and truly playful. Aftrer all fashion shows are a place to express the extremes.
My wearable art object is hand stitched from generous yards of tulle is light, airy and just plain fun to wear. Embedded with silk floral elements and fiber optic lights you will be sure to be noticed. Trapeze dresses are best worn with sexy, light, strap, sandals paired with bare legs. I cut through the layers to expose a rich copper hued, 100 % silk chemise. Detach the snaps and wear the Tulle Tutu anyway you wish ;~)

" Contrary to what it sounds like, a trapeze dress is not something worn by a female flying aerialist. The name actually refers to the word "trapezoid," a geometric figure in which the sides flare out. The trapeze dress, narrow at the top and wider at the bottom, originally saw popularity in the 1950s and again became popular at the beginning of the 21st century.
A trapeze dress can have many variations and still fit the definition, but the term basically refers to a dress that is narrow at the bodice and flares out loosely at the bottom so that it swings freely. The classic trapeze dresses were sleeveless, but some featured long sleeves, sometimes cuffed.
Origin
Yves Saint Laurent became the head of the House of Dior when Christian Dior died in 1957. The following spring, the young Saint Laurent, only 21 when he was thrust into the spotlight, came up with a new collection that featured the trapeze dress. Part of the popularity of the new fashion was attributed to the freedom afforded by a loose-fitting garment in contrast to the tight waists women were used to wearing.

http://www.tulle.net/fashion.asp

History
In 1958 First Lady Mamie Eisenhower wore a silk shantung trapeze dress, decorated with bows, as part of her spring wardrobe; manufacturers produced instant copies, and the popularity of the style took off. By the 1960s the trapeze dress evolved, becoming a mini-dress and usually featuring a sleeveless top, sometimes cut to resemble a halter. The dress style has continued to fade in and out of style over the years. " http://www.ehow.com/about_5418362_trapeze-dress.html

With forty plus years of sewing experience, I have been designing dresses and creating wardrobe accessories for Kara and myself to enjoy.

Ultra Feminine Warrior collection was designed for celebrating energy, creativity, sacred power of women. My collection of wearable art includes; garments, objects and accessories inspired from military armor such as gorgets, gauntlets and gaiters illuminated with technological fiber optic elements.

My collection began as a conversation during lunch with a mentor, fueled by a creative spark, powered by immeasurable woman hours; of sketching, dyeing fabrics, and sewing ended up on Runway 3.0
I had chills in my body and joy in my heart watching the young ladies model the fruits of my labor. It was a wonderful learning experience and most of all a labor of love creating great fun ;~)

“Imagination is the beginning of creation. You imagine what you desire, you will what you imagine and at last you create what you will.”
George Bernard Shaw

Special thanks and deep appreciation to my daughter, Kara Rice Rafferty.
She is the graphic designer, web designer, marketing director as well as my partner in our cottage industry rice rafferty.
All of my collection was created with Kara in mind. Having a daughter is like having a live Barbie doll where I first realized my love of sewing. Kara graciously agreed to wear the over sized Tutu ;~)
I love you Kara, it is truly a pleasure to be your mom ;~)

Chase away the winter blues, shop with a purpose this weekend. Look for merchandise featuring the new rice rafferty label at the Burchfield Penny Art Museum Shop for someone special on your Valentine list.
http://www.shopformuseums.com/MuseumInfo.aspx?MuseumID=900&aId=&oId=&pId=

My one of a kind 100% silk scarves are available right now for only $25 each. Shopping @ the Burchfield Penny Art Museum Shop will make you feel good knowing that 40% of the purchase price stays right there to support the Burchfield Penny Art Museum. This lovely silk rayon velvet Devore scarf is another one of the new items I took into the shop last week.

Look for new rice rafferty scarves and draw string bag along with other quality one of a kind items featured @ the Burchfield Penny Art Museum Shop for Valentine's Day

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"Find joy in the journey." quote by Thomas S. Monson

"Find joy in the journey." quote by Thomas S. Monson


Last Tuesday I departed from my home around 11:00 am for an adventure to Pittsburgh. An unexpected bonus happened during the four hour drive. Alone in my car filled with so much sunshine that I by the arrival time in Pittsburgh around 3:00pm I was covered in an explosion of freckles.



My first stop was to Shadyside, Pittsburgh Center for the Arts to deliver an assortment of my Devore scarves in time to be included in the Holiday Show. http://www.pittsburgharts.org/shop_index.php
Hours Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10:00am to 5:00pm. Sundays, 12:00 to 5:00pm. HOLIDAY HOURS Sat Nov 21-Dec 30.


Jen Carter and her numerous helpers were busy filling the entire gallery with a huge assortment of handmade art and craft items. Everyone was working feverishly to fill the space in time for the members preview show, that did not prevent Jen from being kind enough to offer me a cup of tea hearing that I had just arrived into town.


Next stop was to pick up an Autumn Bouquet for Jim's Aunt Katie. She has made remarkable progress towards recovery since my last visits in August and October. Keep up the jovial spirits Aunt Katie you are look stronger every day.


The warm, loving, soulful eyes of Rupert, see the above left image, greeted me as I was a guest in my sister-in-laws, Maripat Rafferty, home. Rupert always makes me feel special and very welcome while I am a guest in their home.

Oh, I don't want to forget to mention, Miss Sophie,who is the most well mannered, darling, petite little girl.

Rupert follows me around the home, he even stays beside me all night long. In the morning both Rupert and Sophie welcome me with joy and kisses. I can't imagine how Maripat can get anything done with the constant love and affection from these babies. I would play all day if I lived with Rupert & Sophie.
Thank you Maripat ;~)


Wednesday morning I was warmly welcomed by Brigette Martin at
LUKE & ELOY GALLERY
5169 Butler Street Pittsburgh, PA 15201
http://lukeandeloy.ning.com/events/paper-or-plastic
I highly recommend a visit to this gallery to see all of the offering by many fine artist such as the pic shown here.

By the way, my piece is in the front window ;~)

While you are on Butler Street step into
Sugar, 3703 Butler Street
http://www.sugarboutique.com/index.html

Katie Bulger, the proud owner of SUGAR, one of Lawrenceville’s premier fashion boutique has melted the hearts of Pittsburgh boutique shoppers by featuring trendy and unique designs. It was at Sugar, I received a warm Pittsburgh welcome and tour around the boutique from Bill. As I left he held the door, waved goodbye and wished me a safe rest of my journey.


Thursday morning I met with Pat Moran, director of Fr Ryan Art Center http://www.fatherryanartscenter.org/home.php
for a tour of the facility.
This treasure trove in the heart of McKees Rocks has a variety of Art & Cultural Events to enrich the life of the community as well as serve the greater Pittsburgh area. The art center is focused on sharing the arts with people of all ages preschool through elderly who wish to enhance their lives through art, music, and dance. I look forward to being an active part of this team of artists as soon as I can move back home to Pittsburgh.

I followed my olfactory joy to the lobby of the art center where I purchased homemade Chicken Soup with thin noodles and a Hot Sausage sandwich to nibble on during my ride back home in the rain. The woman at the counter was so kind tucking in extra onions, green peppers and provolone cheese into my sandwich to go. Wishing me a safe journey and many happy returns as she packed my lunch for my journey; I felt like I was being sent off by a cousin or a loving aunt rather than I woman I just met at a lunch counter.


That is the thing I love most about Pittsburgh, as soon as, I drive into the city I am keenly aware of being home. All along my journey, art directors, store clerks as well as people on the street were warm and welcoming. Joy found me on this journey to Pittsburgh.

Please join Kara and I on facebook rice rafferty fan page
http://www.facebook.com/pages/rice-rafferty/203899441756?ref=ts