" 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.  
 <>

 

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 ;~)

 

If You're Ever Going To Love Me, Love me now, while I'm living; do not wait 'til I am gone



Japanese Garden

 If You're Ever Going To Love Me

If you're ever going to love me, love me now, while I can know,

All the sweet and tender feelings which from real affection flow.

Love me now, while I'm living; do not wait 'til I am gone

And chisel it in marble - warm love words on ice-cold stone.



sunny day, picnic lunch at the " Parthenon on the Sacjaquada " aka  Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society.



 If you've dear sweet thoughts about me, why not whisper them to me? 

Don't you know twould make me happy and as glad as glad could be?

If you wait 'til I'm sleeping, never to waken here again,

There'll be walls of earth between us and I couldn't hear you then.

Kara during picnic lunch @ Mirror Lake

If you knew someone was thirsting for a drop of water sweet

Would you be so slow to bring it? Would you step with laggard feet?

There are tender hearts all around us who are thirsting for our love;

Why withhold from them what nature makes them crave all else above?

Japanese Garden @ Mirror Lake

I won't need your kind caresses when the grass grows over my face;

I won't crave your love or kisses in my last low resting place.

So, then, if you love me, if it's just a little bit,

Let me know now while living; I can own and treasure it.

---- Unknown

After I delivered a new selection of rice rafferty Statement Necklaces and Devore silk velvet Scarves to the Burchfield Penny Art Museum Shop, I called Kara to meet me for a picnic lunch.  Making hay while the sunshines on a fifty degree Autumn day before Thanksgiving, was a perfect to enjoy an impromptu sushi, soup & sauteed veggies picnic lunch in the Japanese Garden/ Mirror Lake. 

                                              http://www.burchfieldpenney.org/

For all the people who are more interested in prejudging; putting people and places in a box without ever tasting to see how good the unknown can be please keep reading. Shortly after I moved from Pittsburgh to Western New York I spent the day driving one house guest all around sharing some a the high points in area. Back at our home later that night she called Buffalo the " arm pit of the United States."  I had no response to that remark; can't imagine being so rude as to insult where someone was trying to make a new home.  "To him that has ears, let him hear." Mark 4:9

 Buffalo, New York has many hidden treasures.  One of my favorite places is the " Parthenon on the Sacjaquada " aka Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society.

" It occupies the building constructed in 1901 as the New York State pavilion for that year's Pan American Exposition, the sole surviving permanent structure from the exposition. As planned, the (then) Buffalo Historical Society moved into the building after the exposition.  Designed by Buffalo architect George Cary (1859–1945), its south portico is meant to evoke the Parthenon, in Athens. In 1987, it was designated a National Historic Landmark."  http://nystatearts.org/orgs/one?org_id=2984

My mother often shared her love of poetry with me when I was a little girl.  Today's blog entry opened with one of the poem she read so often I could recite it by heart.  It was imprinted in my heart at a young age to value time.  I often told Barry and Kara, " Money and time can be spent only once, choose wisely."  

Time passes much to quickly...

It has come to my attention that people who have not spent quality time nurturing a relationship with me have been asking my husband and children personal questions about my health. 

 Please do not put my family members in an uncomfortable situation when your concern is more about getting the inside story than about my welfare or that of my family.  If you feel the need to know more personal information than I convey in my blog put a little effort in rebuilding a relationship with me; send me a card or flowers, call me or invite me out for a meal when I am in your town. 

Working in triangle relationships within a family is not offering an opportunity for growth.

Please talk to me not about me ;~)   http://psychservices.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/full/49/1/115-a

"The summer morn is bright and fresh, the birds are darting by...

"The summer morn is bright and fresh,

the birds are darting by

As if they loved to breast the breeze that sweeps the cool clear sky."

- William C. Bryant

Today is the first day of July 2010.  Welcome the day, a new month and the first vine ripened tomato in my garden.  How sweet and luscious the first fruits of summer ;~)

Baby Austrian Pine Trees hatching in my garden this year. 

 Found this great growing kit by http://www.dunecraft.com/  while shopping in Wegman's early June.   The box contained everything I needed to grow my own Austrian Pine trees; growing medium disk, cocoa pot, packet of seeds and a plastic bag to create a terrarium facilitating growth.  I bought one box for me and one to take as a prize when I visited Barry & Meghan in West Chester, NY.  Seedlings shown here were planted a little over two weeks ago.  All six seeds germinated. I'll keep you posted with their progress this year.

RED, WHITE AND BLUEBERRY ANGEL FOOD CAKE EXTRAVAGANZA !!!

Kara takes the cake; to work that is ;~) It has become a practice where Kara works as the Graphic Designer to bring in a treat for the office staff on a rotating schedule. They always appreciate Kara's homemade offering's. This week it is Kara's turn.  I am sure she will once again score rave reviews with this Firecracker of a treat...


 

 First she baked this delicious Angel Food Cake. 

 Then she cut off the top of the cake, scooped out some of the center cake. 

 Next she filled it with fresh whipped cream, strawberries and blueberries.

 Replaced the cake lid, frost with  more whipped cream add garnish of fresh berries.

 Kara filled the center of the cake with extra fresh fruits and whipped cream.

     

 One slice removed shows the fresh fruit and fresh whipped cream filled center.

  My mother used to make this cake when I was a young girl. 

Bake some happy memories for your family and friends this Fourth of July weekend ;~)

For extra party fun and drama why not wear a ricerafferty tutu skirt to the party or picnic?

Ricerafferty now featured on http://www.save-on-crafts.com/glowbys4.html website.

Every picture has a story - rice rafferty- the story of us ;~)

We're the rice rafferty girls - aka the real Gilmore Girls. We're not the typical mother/daughter we even share the same names.  Kara's middle name is my maiden name hence we share the names rice & rafferty. Since neither of us have a sister so we're best friends and actually enjoy hanging out together. While each of has our own friends we share; inside jokes, love watching foreign and old movies together, attend concerts, cook, garden, work on our designs, and doing our own photo shoots.

We share cross generational information. I took Kara to see Cyndi Lauper, Leon Russell & Mikhail Baryshnikov. Last week Kara took me to an Ingrid Michaelson concert to meet up with her friends. Tonight we're going to see Rusted Root at the Lockport Canal Fest!

We even went to colleges together. When we were looking at art colleges for Kara, I answered the nagging call that I had unfinished business to do. The same day Kara started at University at Buffalo, I entered classes at Buffalo State College. We  shared a joke that morning from Romey and Michele's High School Reunion, " If this doesn't work out, you want to fold scarves ?" It was actually worked out really well because we would share information, critiqued each others work, and share supplies. Kara's university education was more conceptual while my college program was stronger with craft and technique. Together we were able to fill in the gaps everyone finds in their education. This is when our serious art work camp began.

Kara's silk screening class projects were heavily influenced by my fiber background. While the professor had all of his students printing on paper, Kara was off silk screening on t-shirts, up cycled denim skirts and even created her own fabric then made a bras to ward off breast cancer.  From handmade paper which I taught Kara to make, she silk screened her designs then built into lamps for her Senior BFA Thesis Project. Graphic design became more interesting for her when she combined fiber elements - embroidering book covers, binding handmade books, and scanning in interesting textures.

After graduation Kara began working graphic design jobs while I taught classes for two years at my college fiber design program. Working fulltime jobs left less time to make handmade items at first, but Kara quickly learned she also finds joy in the making.  I kept designing devore scarves, working with fiber reactive dyes and burning out the designs.  As Kara would assist me with the process we soon began a partnership that keeps building. Kara designs the business cards, labels and websites. I keep making new garments, statement necklaces and devore scarves.

Always hungry for knowledge, in fall 2008 I moved to Savannah to attend Savannah College of Art and Design masters fiber program.   Kara stayed in Buffalo working as a Graphic Designer. We were miserable apart.  Kara kept researching about textile and accessory businesses while I was gathering information @ SCAD. Last June I returned home full of ideas and armed with more knowledge we started working on more projects together and that is how rice rafferty our cottage industry was born. We specialize in making one of a kind accessories items; statement necklaces, devore scarves, silk scarves, copper jewelry, hair accessories, aprons and tutus.

"A daughter is a little girl who grows up to be a friend." ~Author Unknown

ricerafferty is a cottage industry conceived by mother and daughter indie designers.  Our style is nouveaux antique - new items that are meant to resemble treasures you may find in your grandmother's bureau.

A small business of women focusing on accessories for women we formed out of our dissatisfaction with inexpensive, commercial items that are poorly constructed. We create one of a kind accessories made from our own hand dyed fabric and up cycled materials. No two pieces are alike, but we can try to make items similar if you request more than one.

Our items are meant to last so you can have treasures to pass down to your family members. We make bib/statement necklaces, devore scarves, hair accessories, and tulle accessories. We thrive on experimentation and unconventional ways of making things. Our line is continually blossoming and new items are posted to our website regularly so check back soon.

http://www.ricerafferty.com/

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 ;~)

Informal conversation is probably the oldest mechanism by which opinions on products and brands are developed, expressed and spread.

" Informal conversation is probably the oldest mechanism by which opinions on products and brands are developed, expressed and spread." ~ Johan Arndt


Here I am, putting last minute touches on our display before the doors opened at the Women's Gift's craft sale and gift boutique yesterday at Babeville in Buffalo, New York. Kara and I shared a table with friend Marcia Ross.

Kara, shown here in front of her jewelry, was an organizing force throughout the long day. She kept the merchandise neat for display, handled the sales transactions, changed items on display, took notes on observation of customers interest, greeted shoppers and fellow artisans as well as found time to network around the room. Kara is responsible for building our website, designing contact cards, and building our Etsy site. http://www.etsy.com/shop/ricerafferty Look for more items to be added soon.

My work is predominantly 100% silk or silk/ rayon velvet Devore, burnout patterns. Each item is unique, luxurious, rich colorfast made with love as a work of art rather than just an article of clothing. This is one of a kind art you can wear.

If you can't make art, BE ART.

We had great response from customers who are interested in my ability to create custom work; specific hues, burnout design patterns, as well as, yardage.

Here are Marcia Ross and I midway through the day.


Women's Gifts took many forms at Babeville yesterday. Here are a few images of local belly dancers who showed up for an afternoon performance. As well as food vender in the lower level.




Great weather, large crowd of shoppers, visit from a few friends who stopped by the booth as well as some surprise meeting of old friends I have not seen in years made yesterday a good day. A good time was had by all at Babeville yesterday.

Celebrate Creativity at Women's Gifts @ Babeville, Buffalo, New York

I will be celebrating Women's Creativity on Saturday with a table for showcase/ sale of my Devore/Silk scarves. Looking forward to a girls weekend with my daughter Kara Rice Rafferty who will offer her handmade jewelry along with our friend, Marcia Ross, who features handmade mosaic crosses and gift items.

You are invited to participate in the 14th annual event celebrating women's creativity,

Women's Gifts
Date: Saturday, November 14, 2009
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Asbury Hall at Babeville (Ani DiFranco's venue formerly known as "The Church"), 341 Delaware Avenue (at West Tupper). We are thrilled to be in this celebrated space, created by Ani DiFranco & company, which captures the spirit of Women’s Gifts.



http://www.buffalowomensgifts.com/


http://kararice.blogspot.com/ Christmas Gift Show at Babeville



more images of my recent work is available on my facebook account Carol Ann Rice Rafferty
http://www.facebook.com//photo.php?pid=2358511&id=629182980#/album.php?aid=114742&id=629182980