Awaiting Alice

Leading Ladies

2012-02-01T21:33:00.000-08:00

Powerful, sexy, talented female voices. A few of my rotating favorites lately, with some killer videos to match!

Lana Del Rey's debut album just officially released last week, and I can not get enough of this video. Tigers? Flower headdresses? Renaissance ceilings? Yes to all, and yes to her legit voice.

Kimbra's Cameo Lover makes me want to dance on top of a green hill and have bright flowers fall from the sky. And her Settle Down is a bit reminiscent of this, but on the other hand, I might actually name my daughter Nebraska Jones.

Florence + The Machine's album Ceremonials is so powerful that I bought the actual record (we don't have a record player yet!) because I got excited to hear it in it's fullness. Plus I love how she rocks shoulder pads and her bad ass red hair.

Laura Marling is at the first of my list when I'm in stuck or tired creative moments. The entire I Speak Because I Can album is beyond fantastic. And she does things like her "Experiments in Awkwardness" private and secret shows for 2 random fans at hidden locations. Sooo cool.

Happy listening!
J

Everything

2012-02-01T09:55:00.000-08:00

photo by Jackie
found on walk around Silverlake Reservoir

Chinatown

2012-01-30T11:16:00.000-08:00

all photos by Jackie

Weekend warriors in the Chinatown New Year celebration this past weekend. Starting with a public bus ride to the am walking tour and ending with us skipping out on the line for the filming of Cupcake Wars (usually not one to turn from anything cupcake). Instead I walked away with a $12 pair of shoes from the never ending market, a belly filled with dim sum, and ears filled with drum rhythms. Perfect day!

Aussie Day + Water Dragon + Blue Blue Flowers

2012-01-26T18:49:00.000-08:00

A morning trip to the LA Flowers Market downtown, home with an armful of blue hydrangeas wrapped in foreign newspaper + yellow poppies + a succulent bouquet for my desk!

Pumped for the Golden Dragon parade celebration in Chinatown this weekend, almost there.. Currently wrapping up a jewel package with twine and love to be shipped out to Denver manana, have a great night!

And Happy Australia Day (to our friends on the other side of the world)! In honor we are listening to Triple J's Hottest 100 Song Countdown = awesome.

Jackie

Rainy

2012-01-24T09:25:00.000-08:00

View from my desk yesterday, rainy rain. Good day for matinees and baking.

Jackie

Pretty Adventures

2012-01-22T21:26:00.000-08:00

It's been a day of skype chats and fulfilling resolutions to clean up shop at our blog and website... Here's something pretty and an adventure to round out the weekend.

1 // a pretty Awaiting Alice necklace with vintage brass chain, peruvian opal stones, quartz pendant

2 // escaping on a train with Andy through the southwest this November

3 // beautiful book design (and book!) Wicked Plants by Amy Stewart

4 // sterling sliver and peruvian opal drop Awaiting Alice earrings

5 // graffiti ridden Christiania, Demark taken on a trip there years ago

Hope you had a good weekend!

Jackie

Griffith Park + Local General Stores

2012-01-13T17:46:00.001-08:00

The beautiful (and symmetrical) Griffith Park Observatory

Yesterday was Thursday. Since it wasn't yet Friday, and since it was a plain old Thursday, Andy and I decided to change it up. Thursday's generally start off with one of us waking up and poking the other to make sure our cars aren't parked in the Thursday morning sweep zone. Not fun waking up to a $65 ticket for parking in front of your house. But this morning we decided rather than to get up and race down in half sleep to move the car, to head out (before ticket happy street sweeper) for a morning hike at Griffith Park.

This park has become a bit of a sanctuary for me in the last six months. The views, the juniper and pine smells, the drive up the hill past all the gorgeous California mansions, the distant view at equal height of the Hollywood sign, the miles upon miles of dirt trail, and the (last but not least) Observatory. A stunning pieces of architecture that if I may say so, remains a bit mysterious to me.

Griffith Observatory with view towards the Pacific Ocean

Griffith Observatory

Maybe that's what I like about it. I haven't taken the tour, and stepped inside only once for a hot minute, but I absolutely love making fake screenplays about the stone sculptures of scientific men clad in robes on the front lawn opening up into a secret tunnel underneath the building and James Dean casually greeting us in perfect Rebel without a Cause character... The symmetry of the building grabs me - it's very graphic and a bit apocalyptic in a kind of Terry Gilliam Brazil sort of way.

Andy lounging with a view. Hollywood sign in the background.

James Dean on location at Griffith Park. Photo found at artsmeme

In a way, Griffith Observatory has become my Austin's Mount Bonnell and Mayfield Park of Los Angeles. A place in the middle of a city, where you can tuck into nature and escape the sounds of freeways for a private moment.

Vintage Mount Bonnell, the highest point in Austin. Photo from Wikipedia

But this is also about local general stores. So after our hike, we stumbled upon Broome St. General Store in the cute neighborhood, Silver Lake. I can't say how underprepared I was for this unassuming place to offer me a live walk-through of all my favorite catalogs and dream vintage finds under one roof. It was like the cool local part from West Elm, and your favorite corner bakery, and that stationery store that you love, and the best spread kitchenware like in the Sur la Table displays.. but more original, hand built, and privately small. Oh, and coffee. That was our point in going here. For coffee. They brew using Gimme Coffee of NYC, and it was one of the best latte's I've had to date. Without the hefty price tag of other boutique coffee shops found in the same area... Something tells me I'll find myself here on the regular.

Photo from Broome St General Twitter

Beautiful display and goodies. Photo by Daily Candy

Yummy bread! Photo from Broome St General Twitter

Broome St. left me nostalgic for Austin (of course), but also left me thinking of our last few favorite general stores, and how good it feels when you walk out of a current day mom and pop with a few goodies under your arm. If you have the pleasure someday of visiting Barton Springs in Austin, be sure to drop by Thom's Market, where you will find an amazing selection of wine (they have a solid policy "If you don't like it, bring it back and we'll drink it!"), vintage gag gift candies, gluten free brownie mix, and local produce. Not to mention awesome stationery. I loved walking down there and picking up a bottle of Prosecco, a wedge of local cheese and fresh bread, paired with a few blank cards for old-fashioned letter writing. Happy to find our new General Store on the West Coast!

Cheers!
Jackie

ps - if you haven't yet spent two strange and curious hours watching Brazil, perhaps this will reel you in..

Happy weekend!

New Year New Necklace Design

2012-01-10T10:35:00.001-08:00

Twiddling away with our pile of druzy stones, and love love love our newest design of necklaces. A slight twist to our Chevron Drop beaded necklaces, this style is a bit more free form and has a gradient or dare I say it ...ombre quality to it. Pumped!

These beauties are getting shipped off to Denver, but we will be posting a few more like it in the next week or so on our etsy site. In the meantime, if you are interested in one of these babies for yourself, drop us a note j@awaitingalice.com and we'd be happy to make you a custom necklace. Each druzy stone is different, and we have several colors to choose from. The chain is vintage brass and average length is 15" long so it slips over your head. We can chat with you about beading color, or you can leave it up to us - we've got the rainbow so whatever you desire, we can create! Each necklace is $80 plus $3.50 shipping and packaging.

And a few jams for your Tuesday morning, courtesy from the Sass & Bide blog, (one of my favorite design duos). Their colors are absolutely outstanding, and they are currently in full swing of an Australian summer - I love reading about the opposite season, it makes me feel like I'm in a time warp and am either ahead or behind half a year...

Enjoy!
J

Daily Sounds

2012-01-06T09:30:00.000-08:00

Mmm I have a habit of listening to NPR before I even put coffee on in the morning up until well after lunchtime. Maybe it's something of a comfort to hear other voices in the background as I work solo status at my home office. Maybe it's my weak attempt at staying in tune with the craziness of this mundo (mostly I wonder if I can obtain info from Marketplace like osmosis because it seriously goes in one ear and out the other). Either way, this is a confession of my obsession with NPR.

Example: yesterday's humorous and adorable post on Krulwich Wonders... about pandas! And again a nerd alert, if you choose to listen to one pod cast ever, choose RadioLab. Seriously, it has everything, including the above mentioned Robert Krulwich, and is the most perfect time traveler for road trips. Okay, back to NPR. When I've rounded through my Morning Edition and Terry Gross for the day, I'll either jump on Grooveshark for my own mix (yesterday's was 3 hours of Fela Kuti = jams) or find a good mix on 8tracks - which is amazing. You have to do some sifting, but it's a site compiled with users' mixes, and you stream them just as if your friend burned you a CD and you are excitedly waiting for the next track. I have plans to create an Awaiting Alice profile on there, so hopefully someday in the new year I can send that along and we can all dance together to the same tunes at the same time...! Too much?

But the last word in my morning tunage confession, is about the NPR 100 Favorite Songs for 2011 list. Please, go here. Listen to all of them. You will love it. It's like bundling up an entire year with every genre (yes, jazz aficionado and rap connoisseurs alike) and listening to it in one sitting. Alright, maybe two sittings, because we are supposed to be doing the whole blood flow thing and not sitting too much in long periods of time.

Happy listening, and enjoy!
J

Clean Slate

2012-01-03T21:53:00.000-08:00

Happy 2012! New years are one of my favorite things - it's like the first day of school (I ~~was~~ am such a nerd) or like waking up after the first night in your new apartment - so many exciting possibilities; the light comes in from a new window, different faces of people you know you'll become better acquainted with as time grows further - a clean slate. I keep a chalkboard of all my current projects just near my desk filled with two columns, one labeled To Do and the other In Progress. I'm kind of obsessive about crossing off and erasing one from the first column and adding it to the second. Before leaving our little LA abode for a few weeks of travel during the holidays, I was able to cross off all my To Do's, finish off all the In Progress' and clean my slate. It was an invigorating thing to come home to after the new year. A clean slate.

I'm actually still unpacking goodies from our trips to the Jones' orange orchard of a home in San Diego, Christmas spent in the white wonderland of Santa Fe with my family, and a New Years celebration of camping and climbing in Joshua Tree with our closest friends and my brothers. But I'm already excited for the growing list of To Do's on this newest years' slate.

First on the list, I'm wrapping up two sets of wedding invitation designs (for beautiful couples, one pair in San Diego, the other in Paris! more news on those projects to come...) And we are super pumped that our pieces flew out at the beautiful Artisan Center boutique in Denver, so our hands will happily be busy to start the year off filling the new order for February (yay Awaiting Alice team!) Before you know it, Spring will have come (although it feels like summer here in sunny 80 degree LA) and I'll be jumping on a plane to NYC for the first of the 2012 SOFA shows with THINK Creative Consulting, and I already have a slew of fun design and programming jobs lined up for this month (ps I'm making it a new years resolution to share more of those projects from my "other" job on here, it all comes as a fusion in my head anyway, so why not share it all in one place?) Many other big projects a-brewing from both the grand plans for Awaiting Alice, and other secret projects that I hope I can unveil someday soon...dun dun duuuun.. a little mystery is also a great thing to interject into a new year, right?

I hope you all had a beautiful entry into this year, and are filling your slate up with projects to tackle with delight and challenge in this fresh start. Cheers to new beginnings, clean slates, and surrounding ourselves with beauty and creativity (and more exercise, although that's been my running resolution for the past 12 years)!

2011 began for me eating kangaroo in a remote mining village outside of Sydney, Australia (yup, elaboration on that one to come), brought me a move from beloved Austin to the urban LA, shifts in career and creations, meeting new faces, confirming old ones, growing up, and growing ever more curious, and ended over a campfire and champagne toast under the stars of Joshua Tree. A few quick peeks from my last two weeks of 2011...

Awaiting Alice adventures! Me and Laura in Vin de Syrah, a bar in SD with an Alice in Wonderland theme and the most yummy cocktails.

The succulent rich yard of Andy's brother and sister in law, Isaac and Natalia found in South Park, San Diego.

Stumbled upon this delicious ramen restaurant in downtown San Diego.

Snow filled cacti on the hike behind my parents house along the railroad tracks in Santa Fe.

Bloomin cholla under snow.

The farilitos lining a snow filled Canyon Road on our traditional Christmas Eve walk in Santa Fe.

From my family to yours, happy new year!

With much cheer and in anticipation of a very good year for all!
Enjoy, Jackie

Warmth and Sweets

2011-12-15T10:37:00.000-08:00

Our heat had been out for three days over here in LA - not that it's Santa Fe status (a nice 7 degree wake up) but it definitely put a chill in my fingers and toes for a bit. We simmered a large pot of water over the gas stove during the mornings before the sun was up, and it was surprisingly effective! Our windows became romantically fogged up and my hair curled thanks to the humidity, but I added some lavender drops to the pot and the whole house became filled with a sweet lavender scent.

I also baked. A lot. So that meant dipping into the abundance of wonderful food blogs and searching for a purpose for the 8 lbs of carrots I have tucked in our fridge. Carrot cupcakes! I was pumped to find the food blog Smitten Kitchen filled with beautiful photos, and lively punctuated recipes. The way she writes makes me feel like I'm cooking with a friend. Give a go on the carrot cupcakes, I swear you won't be let down, they are really fantastic. Let me tell you, as I hung out by the pre-heating stove warming my ass, hand grating those carrots, my mind went all over the place - from why the hell is my heat out, to I wonder if this is what it was like to be a cook back in the old days, to "back in the old days" is a really antiquated and probably offensive phrase I shouldn't use it if I can help it, to how did someone decide to use carrots in a cupcake in the first place, to holy shit this carrot grating thing is not a quick process...

My carrot cupcakes, with the best icing job I've ever forced myself to do (it also helped keep me warm).

I also drank a lot of hot cocoa. We picked up a few rounds of Taza Chocolate, which can be eaten as little chocolates on their own - soo delicious - or used to make Mexican Hot Chocolate (Taza has a beautiful and simple recipe for this too here). And this rich dessert has pretty much been my lunch for the last week. The ingredients are simple: single origin Dominican cacao and sustainable grown raw sugar cane. And the packaging is sublime. Simple, graphic, deliciouuuus, what's not to looove?

How pretty is that?! I felt like I could swim in it and imagined that it was like a velvet blanket that I could eat when I wanted. Weird? Blame it on the heat.

Hope you are all staying warm and enjoying some sweets during this holiday countdown!

J

Bach Cello Visual

2011-12-13T19:37:00.000-08:00

Amidst the craze of winter countdown, a little peace and harmony. And badass graphics.

Baroque.me: J.S. Bach - Cello Suite No. 1 - Prelude from Alexander Chen on Vimeo.

Thank you Flowing Data for all your awesome charts and info.

Awaiting Alice in Denver!

2011-12-10T09:34:00.001-08:00

If you are in Denver, you're in luck! Awaiting Alice can be found in the beautiful Artisan Center come the new year. We shipped off the order yesterday and it's full with earrings and a few chevron druzy quartz stone necklaces. We used Calcedony faceted stones for most all of the earrings, and mostly vintage chain.

Chevron Necklace: Druzy Quartz

Stone Drop Earrings: Calcedony

Chevron Earrings: Moonstone

Chevron Earrings: Rudilated Quartz

Stone Drop Earrings: Calcedony

We are delighted to be included in such a caliber shop and are so proud to be in Denver! (one of my all time favorite cities) And a special thanks to the beautiful Lindsey Blacker for making it all happen. We are pumped to invite her onto the team as our new Sales Rep! Very exciting way to round out the year. See yall in Denver!

Silk Cord Earrings + Vintage Chain Necklace

2011-12-08T15:53:00.001-08:00

New earrings and necklace! Vintage chain makes for an awesome druzy quartz stone drop necklace, and a new style of silk cord calcedony stone drop earrings. woop woop!

Shop with us!

Alice Packaging

2011-12-05T09:25:00.001-08:00

Just a peek into our packaging for this winter... we are jamming out orders and shipping to such cool places: Monterey California, Nashville Tennessee, Louisville Kentucky, Denver Colorado, Houston Texas... to name a few!

We use really cute kraft boxes to tuck the jewelry in, wrapped in tissue paper, and tied up with string. And then package smaller orders in vintage inspired kraft envelopes and larger orders in a sweet square box.

A little note: FREE shipping on all domestic orders through the month of December!
Shop with us: www.etsy.com/shop/awaitingalice

Brand Spanking New

2011-12-02T11:08:00.001-08:00

Our Etsy shop has been cleaned up and is now packed with loads of earrings and necklaces for the holidays! More jewels will continue to be added every couple of days so be sure to keep checking for new items. And for the month of December, we are offering Free Shipping (USPS Priority Mail to anywhere within the US). So get on it!

Happy early holidays!

Visions of Thanks

2011-11-27T22:44:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving at High Country Road in Santa Fe. Fresh flowers, chile wreaths from Hatch NM, windowsill assemblies by Mom, and wine filled nights (not to mention wonderful food and company)... Happy holidays!

J

E.A.S.T Studio Tour

2011-11-18T10:31:00.001-08:00

If you are lucky enough to find yourself wandering the streets of Austin this weekend, stroll on over to Bay 6 Studios and say hi! We'll be hanging out with the talented artista Kiah Denson (love her work!) in her studio, and will be selling a few of our latest jewels from 11-6 tomorrow (that's Saturday). Art + Jewels! Best pairing ever.

EAST Map
Kiah's Website
Bay 6 Studios

See you there!

November Projects

2011-11-14T12:31:00.001-08:00

A few pieces that have been shipped out to Denver, Santa Fe, Los Angeles, and San Diego in the last few weeks. oh but the earrings are for me - made with real ivory beads shaped as elephants, pieces from my mom's collection most likely from the 60s that I've carried with me since middle school - finally found the right pairing for them with bead wrapped Amazonite stones.

New items will be added to our store shortly, we are preparing for Austin's EAST on this upcoming weekend, but have a slew of new necklaces to add just in time for holiday shopping.. and see our new packaging below!

Beautiful Mexican Opals frame a light blue Druzy Quartz stone

All Awaiting Alice orders come packaged in cute kraft boxes with tissue

Ivory charm earrings made for moi

Thrifted charm found in east LA, placed on gold chain for a gift.

Enjoy,
J

Chi town blues

2011-11-02T19:46:00.000-07:00

In Chicago with Think Creative Consulting for the week while working at the Sculpture Objects and Functional Arts (SOFA) show at the tip of beautiful Navy Pier. A week filled with art, jewelry, blues, and two of my favorite people.

Walking around this city at night surrounded by historic architecture, just seeps of true blues and jazz. Nights when I have to catch up on jewelry orders and need some inspiration, I'll turn on Ken Burns' 10 disk Jazz documentary and let it's history and music fill me up. Last week I fell in awe with these scenes from Disk 5, Swing: Pure Pleasure of the venerable Louis Armstrong - in costume but soo handsome, right?!

Enjoy,
J

Dia de los Muertos!

2011-11-01T20:36:00.003-07:00

Happy All Saints Day and Day of the Dead! A vision of Laura in front of taco truck on the streets of West 6th last Halloween in Austin.

Kate + Andrew + Austin!

2011-10-28T12:54:00.000-07:00

Back in Austin! Our lovely friends Kate and Andrew are getting hitched and flew all the way back to the hill country from Paris to celebrate their wedding this weekend. Fall weather, old friends, enough food trailer eateries to get my fill til my next trip back, and an outdoor wedding to boot (cowboy boot that is). I'm in heaven. Currently sitting outside with my dear friend Sue (we pulled in on her red Vespa, I don't know if I've ever felt so cool) at The Yellow Jacket Social Club - in just right fall weather on a Friday afternoon... And to top it all off, Laura and I have a big shopping trip planned this weekend for new stones and gems to make a slew of new Awaiting Alice necklaces, just in time for the holidays and EAST (East Austin Studio Tour). Perfect!

And in the honor and Andrew and Kate's upcoming nuptials, I had the immense pleasure of working with Kate in designing her and Andrew's wedding invitations and RSVP card! Kate drew the flags and cake with her signature characters- aren't they cute? (the couple and the drawings)...

Congrats to the soon-to-be Mr. and Mrs. Shannon!

ps - a few more design projectos like this one can be found at jackiegrace.com
Enjoy!
J

Kiah Denson // Austin Artista

2011-10-20T12:16:00.002-07:00

We are thrilled for our dear and talented friend Kiah who is kicking ass in the art world, and making heads turn (and who's wouldn't? she's so pretty!) Congrats Kiah on your new studio at Bay6 Gallery, all your beautiful new art, the recent Austin Eavesdropper interview, and upcoming EAST show!

Photo by www.lucaspurvis.com

Kiah's Studio!

Atmospheric #4

Raspberry Morning

In the spirit of Halloween, last year with Kiah (cat), Jackie (cat's cradle - my silver spoon was around somewhere), and Laura (dia de los muertos)

Visit Kiah's website for more of her work, including the amazing murals she creates. Read the wonderful interview about Kiah on the Austin Eavesdropper. Art and studio photos from Kiah's Flickr.

Keep up the painting!
xo
Jackie & Laura

Amon Tobin // Visual Treat

2011-10-19T18:12:00.003-07:00

Incredible set design. Holy smokes.

Leviated Mass and Bear

2011-10-18T09:31:00.002-07:00

Traffic in LA? Yeah, but they have good reason. Artist Michael Heizer's Leviated Mass, conceived of in the 60s during the height of the Land Art movement, is finally coming to physical existence. And the transportation of the 340-ton monolithic granite boulder will to be an upcoming cause for a Los Angeles traffic jam. Which is fine by me. I love rocks, and rocks turned to art is even better.

The boulder chosen for Leviated Mass is currently in the process of removal from a quarry in Riverside, CA with artful engineering and technology. You can read and follow the progress of the entire installation, slated to open at LACMA in late Fall of this year.

There's something obviously primitive about picking up and moving boulders for art or a monument. What I love the most about this in-the-works project is that the artist is keeping the boulder completely in tact, in fact, he took decades to find the perfect boulder for this project. It's like we all have done at one time or another - hiking or walking along the shore, waiting and scouting for that perfect stone or shell. There's something very instinctual in that act.

Another one of my favorites is the UCSD Stuart Collection's Bear on UCSD's campus by Tim Hawkinson (I love everything he does). To finding the boulders, transporting them, engineering them for earthquake standards, this project always blows me away.

Image from here.

I'm planning on visiting LACMA this week to see the Tim Burton exhibit before it closes at the end of the month, I wonder if the Leviated Mass home construction site is on view to the public yet?

Enjoy!

Ancient Paintbox

2011-10-14T12:22:00.000-07:00

For the last few months I've been tucking into bed with Travels Through a Paintbox. Colour*, a fantastically dense and immensely insightful read into the origin of pigment and colors, is written in an exciting travel adventure voice by Victoria Finlay.

I want to have coffee with her on a train en route to find the Colores Naturales de Chile plantation in the Elqui Valley. I am dying to help find a new graphite mine in the mountains of northern China (hint, want to know why #2 pencils are traditionally painted yellow?), and I am stunned when she discovers that the Cochineal Beetle harvested on cacti when squished is what makes the most beautiful scarlet red we know of in so many of our products (it becomes colour additive E120 and is used in Cherry Coke!).

Image from here.

She talks right away about the disconnect between the product and the creator. Painters each once sourced, ground and created their own pigment. As with proper evolution to speed up production, a new field of Colormen was born in the mid-seventeeth century, allowing the painters to paint, and leaving the rounding up, making of pigment, canvas prepping, and brush making to this new branch of artisan. I particularly found fascinating the role of trust between Colormen and Artist - ie if a chemical was mixed incorrectly a portrait in several years could turn black in thanks to oxidization!

Find and purchase Colour here!

All this sparked from a report on today's Morning Edition (utterly missing KUT since moving from Austin, my morning radio has been replaced by streaming NPR) about "An Early Human Paint Shop" found in a Southern African cave. And to top it off, the ancient paintbox was mixed in abalone shells!** We are talking about 100,000 years ago! Talk about lasting legacy through art. Colour's first chapter is entirely devoted to the color Ochre, which this article also reveals. The integration of nature and art is immeasurable. Makes me want to go out and stick my hands in the dirt. Read or listen to the report here.

Image found here.

*I was gifted Colour from a thoughtful friend in the Southern Hemisphere, hence my copy's title spelled Colour and the Amazon copy spelled Color. Strange! But I kind of love the extra U...

**Andy goes Ab diving in Fort Bragg when he can and we have several beeeautiful (and massive) shells holding our keys, coins and other goodies all over the house.

Happy reading and travels through colour!
J

Art Heist

2011-10-13T14:53:00.003-07:00

Fantastic marketing, and a really fun way to acquire and share art! Well done, VW.

And speaking of heists, if you haven't sat down and watched IFC's The Art of the Steal yet, please do. It's a real life heist story about the Barnes Foundation, it's history, insane art collection, and the crazy politics that surround it (and the soon to open 2012 gallery) in Philadelphia. Riveting, current, and informative. Steal yourself one of those VW photographs then tuck into this docu..

Enjoy,
J

Pin Pin Pin It

2011-10-07T08:32:00.003-07:00

I have about two shelves filled with black bound sketch books, all overflowing with pages torn out of magazines, postcards, doodles, ticket stubs, a cool piece of trash I found on a morning walk (happened yesterday). I also have about the equivalent of bookmarked websites and pages in a very messy and long forgotten bookmark folder (on each browser). Combine the two? Yes please!

Pinterest is now my home for all the digitally inspired pieces of color, ideas, future diy's, dream homes, and design likes. It's a bit obsessive..and totally awesome. I'm currently going through the mounds of blog posts I've kept and bookmarked sites I've stashed away, and now they can all finally see the light in one fantastic place at the same time. A few of the latest items I've pinned:

From here.

Thank you to all the sites that continue to inspire, and for allowing everyone to share. If you're interested, you can take a peek at my boards here!

Enjoy & happy pinning!
J

Shiny New Jewels

2011-09-26T14:27:00.000-07:00

New jewels! Been sitting on these stunning Peruvian Opal stones for a few weeks, and finally found a home for them in a pair of elegant drop earrings.

Also added several new long necklaces with blue calcite stones and my favorite new chevron seed bead technique - loving how it adds a layer of texture and design to a necklace. Check them out at our etsy store: www.awaitingalice.etsy.com

I can't stop wearing them.. snapsnapsnap

Enjoy! J

(Inspiration)

2011-09-22T23:13:00.002-07:00

A little light from trash..

Enjoy,
J

Blooms and Words

2011-09-20T19:06:00.000-07:00

Stumbling onto an artist or music new to my eyes or ears is wonderful. So wonderful in fact that I may venture to say it is one of one of my favorite things. Therefore my smile was off the charts when I met up with the band American Bloomers this past weekend, to chat about designing their debut album art.* Because not only have I been introduced to their talented sound; in chatting about their inspirations, they introduced me to Sister Corita Kent, an amazing woman and artist whom I had yet to discover. Music, aaand art!

Okay rewind. American Bloomers: it's so exciting to meet a band that you not only love their sound, but the people behind the sound are really real, and represent the music they play. That said, they are oh so talented, and have dig roots in some serious rock and roll + California folk, fantastic song writing, and have my favorite alt-folk-indie-rock sound to them. If you are in LA, join me at their show tomorrow night!

I'm pulling together an inspiration package for the band's new look right now, and will be sure to share the final approved version as well as their album release date when we are complete!

Included in my inspiration packet is Sister Corita Kent.

"I am not brave enough to not pay my income tax and risk going to jail. But I can say rather freely what I want to say with my art."

Before Photoshop allowed for word collages and fonts easily manipulated at our fingertips, there were wordsmiths and artists piecing together what's soon to be dead mediums- newspaper, magazines - and making political and visual statements. A new inspiration behind my graphic design and art, the intention she sets behind each piece is powerful, and something to be recognized in this day of incessant words telling us things and selling us things everywhere we go.

I'll leave you with a few of her visuals (courtesy of Google Images) and suggest visiting the Corita Art Center site to learn more about her life and work, if you are interested.

*yup, this is a site about Awaiting Alice- you're not lost! When I'm not twiddling with beads and gems, I'm mostly behind a computer or easel creating graphic design or illustration work. It all kind of funnels into one another though, as one inspires the other. Take a peek at my design + illustration site to see the 2D world of this jewelry designer..

Enjoy!

Chevron Tables and Jewels

2011-09-16T16:08:00.000-07:00

Between my move from Austin to Los Angeles last month, I had a wonderful two week pit-stop at my parents house in Santa Fe. A monumental project that'd been brewing for months was what to do with this equally monumental table my dad had built for the back yard. Seating 12 easy, the size of the wood beam table matches the vast views and open space of the property, but felt like an empty face begging for some color. My mom is one of those with a paint brush in one hand and a hammer in the other, constantly changing the environment around her and never settling. (she literally just said to me on the phone "I see beauty in everything surrounding me" in response to her completion of the laundry room re-model).

This table had already gone through color lives of: natural wood stain, mustard yellow, orange, turquoise, red, apple green, and grey. When I arrived, it was a chalky blue with peeks of all the previous colors saying hello through the knots and cracks. Really cool, but still lonely looking and detached from the rest of the yard. Being way too inspired by chevron stripes these days, mom and I went at it taping and measuring, and tried our hand at creating a chevron runner, hoping to break up a bit of the overpowering color on this huge table. We never quite got it right, I had to leave with the project incomplete and unsatisfied. My brother betted that it would be painted at least two more times before I was back for Thanksgiving..

As I was posting these new chevron inspired necklaces (available now on our etsy site), an email from mom popped up with the image of this stunning final result. I'm totally blow away! She used a stencil and white wash technique to complete the design, and it turned out better than I ever imagined - way to go, Mom!

Finished result of mom's chevron patterned table = killer!

I'm just loving the geometry in patterns right now, and hadn't quite figured out the best way to parlay it into our jewelry designs. After weeks of trying to make it work, I think we finally came up with our new line: Chevron and Southwest inspired long necklaces with Druzy Quartz stone pendants and vintage finds (like the ivory pocket knife below scored at an estate sale in Pasadena of a former silent film director!) We will be posting many more necklaces and earrings in this style, a perfect accessory to welcome fall.

The Vintage Pocket Knife Necklace .. Turquoise and Gray Chevron

The Crystal Druzy Quartz Drop Necklace .. Blue and Turquoise Chevron

The Druzy Quartz Drop Necklace .. Peruvian Opal Stripes

The Pink Druzy Quartz Necklace .. Red and Bronze Chevron

The Tiger Quartz Drop Necklace .. Black and Bronze Chevron

Enjoy! J

(Inspiration)

2011-09-14T17:16:00.003-07:00

Ira Glass on Storytelling from David Shiyang Liu on Vimeo.

Head Over Heels (once again!)

2011-09-13T16:51:00.000-07:00

Hot damn, sold out of the druzy quartz necklaces in less than 2 weeks at the sweet boutique Head over Heels - here's a peek at the new order we just shipped over to Louisiana. Look for new necklaces like these to be added to our etsy page soon (hint hint uploading them tonight)..

Enjoy!
J

Minnesota Bridal Hair Pin

2011-08-31T12:01:00.002-07:00

We had the pleasure of working with suuuch a sweet bride for almost an entire year (!) on her upcoming wedding pieces. She found us through a postcard that was left at the Crooked Tree Coffee House in Dallas, and has been a wonderful connection, sharing her excitement and wedding details (vintage Ball jars, slices of wood for table settings) with us throughout her planning. Sounds like it will be such a beautiful and unique wedding celebration.

We ended up working with her to create a custom bridal hair pin, with oyster colored petals to match her dress, little bits of white polka dot tulle, a touch of green dupioni silk, a few white feathers for added texture and movement, and simple beading and gems in the center.

One of my favorite things to do once an order is made, is to package it up and send it on it's way. We use kraft jewelry boxes, a little string, tissue paper, and care to ensure it arrives safely and is ready for gift giving!

Bridal hair pin getting ready to pack up!

Awaiting Alice Packaging

We had made several other samples matching her colors blue, grey, silver and greens - lucky for you they can now be found in our etsy shop!

Available on our etsy site here

All three bobbies are available on our etsy site

Available now on our etsy site

A big thank you and congrats to Allison - happy wedding from Awaiting Alice!

J

So far

2011-08-30T08:29:00.001-07:00

White plastered walls with sloped ceiling edges, hardwood floor, too much furniture, big windows with big views of beautiful California palms, bougainvillea, and hibiscus, tiny kitchen with tiny fridge and subway tiles and farmers sink, lots of natural light, cozy cozy = our new home.

This is ell ay. This is where I live now, away from the 107+ degree summers, away from the cool springs of Barton, away from the Texmex queso and yalls and hat tipping. After months of house hunting from 1,379 miles away and renting a place blind (it had been 5 years since I had set foot in LA previous to pulling up in front of our new home), we found our new home 3 days before the moving truck pulled to pack up our life in Austin.

Aside from the adjustment of big hills, surrounding mountains, mega freeways (always jammed), the ocean (!) new faces license plates and accents - I'm such a nester that the biggest adjustment so far (aside from saying goodbye to best friends) has been the house. Casita. Downsizing from our 2br dream home in East Austin, we found a gem buried in the hillside of Mount Washington - an area that doesn't typically elicit an oooo that's so cute response - but it really is. We are surrounded by papuserias and King Taco, have such a sweet local and delicious Antigua coffee shop around the corner, and are (from my two short weeks here) pretty centrally located. It takes 30 minutes to get to the beach. And 30 minutes to get to the mountains. 15 to Trader Joe's, Silverlake Yoga, and the Post Office (I'm there at least 3 times a week shipping orders). And 2.5 hours to San Diego, 13 hours to Santa Fe, and a mere 25.5 hours to Austin.

From my new casita to yours, enjoy!

If you find yourself in a car from Austin to Dallas

2011-08-24T10:19:00.000-07:00

You must stop at these places. I'm getting nostalgic for a taste of Texas over here on the West Coast, so I thought I'd drop some of my favs down for those of you who can explore those hot ass highways in my place.

#1. Style Station. Found just outside of Waco city limits, this gem is hidden on the feeder road going South on I-35 back towards Austin. It's an old gas station turned vintage shopping mecca. We pulled over on a tip off from rumor that it was amazing, and we were not left empty handed.

An old Cadillac convertible greets you with seated and waving mannequin passengers, surrounded by live cacti growing out of the trunk. The place is owned by a couple who are crafty, collectors, and total conspiracy theorists (at least the dude was). We were greeted by a wonderfully friendly (thank you Texas) host, his 6'5" + frame clad in overalls (yes), mega large (talking pre-hipster here) glasses that magnify his entire face, and an inquisitive look. He began with "do you folks know who happened to be present at JFK's assassination? Let me tell you..." And ended with a story about a midget who was a multi-millionaire working as a garage tech in the 70s in Austin...

We left with two beautiful Samsonite vintage train cases (one to hold our awaiting alice pieces when on the road, the other for our talented friend Margo Valiente to hold her albums when she's on tour). Andy nabbed a killer red plaid linen pearl snap, with a custom Style Station logo/image screenprinted on the back. And for $1.40 I got a sweet brass Peru bottle opener- reminding me that I need to legitimize this souvenir and get down to Peru.

#2. Czech Stop Kolaches. If you haven't yet tasted the heavenly dough and fillings of a true kolache, please make this your next vacation trip. (I mean, I'm not talking 4 star hotels or anything around here, but I could totally guarantee at least a 4 lb gain) My first acquaintance with the Czech Stop was late night mid summer years ago coming home from a road trip and seeing the glowing lights of the yellow sign as an omen for a snack outside a gas station or drive thru. At 2am there was still a line. Serious! And at the head was a woman who was literally dripping soaking wet and bare foot- like she abruptly pulled herself out of her pool and said "I need kolaches, Now." She left carrying 2 huuuuuge shopping bags of kolaches. Necessary? If there were a kolache shortage I know who to find. Overindulgent? Totally. West Texas? Hell yeah.

If you're feeling ambitious and far from the Czech Stop, try making your own! Here's a recipe found on simplyrecipes.com for Poppy Seed kolaches. Although I have to admit my favorites are either cream cheese topped with brown sugar or the simple ham and cheese mmmmm.

Enjoy!
J

Girl Talk Walk

2011-08-17T14:08:00.005-07:00

This is one of those that just makes me smile and shake my feet and then giggle then laugh the entire time I'm watching and I get that excited feeling like "hot damn yeah it's about time someone made something like this"...

On my epic drive last week from Austin to Los Angeles, I finished out the last few hours of the leg from Roswell to Santa Fe NM jamming to Girl Talk's new album. Stop. If you do not have it, go here now, and get it. Free. And it will change your life.

And then, go here, watch this trailer, get excited, go outside and dance your way to your next appointment or meeting, and support the film if you can - either by pitching a donation on their kickstart page, or seeing it when it comes out in theaters.

Girl Walk // All Day from jacob krupnick on Vimeo.
In the summer of mega repeat movies (no more Part II or III or VIII's please), I'll admit I've seen Centerstage, Footloose, Dirty Dancing, and Funny Girl in the last few months. This Girl is ready and waiting for a new dance movie. Bring it On (saw it too).

Enjoy!

Head Over Heels

2011-08-16T10:42:00.004-07:00

Laura just returned home to Austin from a stunning trip to Singapore, Bali and Thailand; and I just finished unpacking the last box in my new casita in the hills of Los Angeles. Lots of news and change for Awaiting Alice, but also lots of exciting growth - we are so happy to say that now you can find us in Baton Rouge, Louisiana in the cute boutique Head Over Heels! We sent over new druzy quartz stone necklaces, and our signature petal drop earrings - all in a palate of blues and greens.

On my drive from Austin to LA, I stopped to visit the fam in Santa Fe, New Mexico (and to do a little work - more on that to come), and picked up some beautiful Peruvian Opals. Will be posting new pieces using those stunners later in the week. And hopefully we'll have some photo insights into Miss Chrisco's vacation soon too!

Enjoy!
J

Tiger's Eye

2011-07-20T12:10:00.000-07:00

We're going bananas for quartz this summer, big chunky sparkly quartz stones. So it's appropriate that my mom asked for a tiger's eye pendant necklace - a member of the quarz group and a crazy lusterous metamorphic rock. I think Tiger's Eye can be challenging to work with because it has so much going on individually, so I opt for designs that are simple and clean and really showcase the stone.

She wanted a simple sweet necklace that she could wear daily and that would look good layered with the other necklaces (mostly gold) that she often wears. I came up with a delicate gold chain, with Citrine rectangular stones flanked on either end of a faceted Tiger's Eye charm. Added a little pop of turquoise stones to the back clasp and voila! An undercover quartz necklace.

Happy belated birthday and waaay late Mother's Day, Mom! xo

Bracelet First

2011-07-19T09:21:00.004-07:00

Secrets secrets! We were secretly asked by our Baltimore bride's fiance (remember her hot colored earrings and awesome bridesmade dresses here?) to come up with a matching bracelet as a wedding gift from him to her. He was so sweet and I thought it was really such a thoughtful gift. Never having made a bracelet before (this is just prior to being asked to make one for Maddie's peacock prom), this was a super challenge. I'm all about design challenges.

We wanted to make something simple but elegant. Not to compete with the hairpiece or earrings, but also something substantial that could be worn again and paired with bigger funkier bracelets for a cool modern look.

Using vintage sterling silver round linked chain, a gorgeous vintage clasp with costume pearl in the center, and two semi-precious Apatite faceted teardrop stones, we came up with something classy with a touch of unexpected charm.

Our secret fiance had a great idea of adding a personal touch, and we ordered a beautiful sterling silver charm engraved with their initials and wedding date. Hopefully this bracelet will be something that our Baltimore bride can enjoy for years to come. Thanks to both for working with us, and congrats on your marriage!

Sweet Wedding Hairpins

2011-07-12T07:31:00.005-07:00

This summer can be summed up in two words for me: Wedding Bonanza. From both ends of working with sweet brides on their wedding pieces to being the lucky guest in attending many dear friend's nuptials. This upcoming weekend, one of my best friend's from University of San Diego is tying the knot in Denver (woop Tina!), and in addition to my 4" hot yellow bridesmaid heels, I will be bringing the brides' hair pin, and light yellow hair clips for all the girls in the wedding party.

The bride's hair pin has an awesome vintage lucite button surrounded by vintage costume pearls, and the feathers and white/cream color collage is going to pop against her jet black hair.

This sweet hair pin is for another guest, to match her black and nude dress - a little flower and feather for some hints of summer.

Peacock Blues Wedding

2011-06-23T08:36:00.008-07:00

As promised, the peacock color inspired pieces for an October wedding in St. Louis, Missouri! The bride was awesome and easy as pie to work with turning most of the "creative" decisions over to her best friend - which I thought was hilarious and actually a pure sign of how well her bridesmaid knows her. All around this was a dream projecto!

We created eight earrings, all with gold filled chain, wire, and earring hooks. Not only did we use our signature fabric petals and variety of beads and stones, but we also included hand-cut swatches of vintage silk sari - that is the brilliant emerald with threads of gold peeking out. I absolutely love how this fabric looks, it's so rich and kind of decomposes and unravels itself to show the individually dyed silk threads. A stunning pairing with the fabric petals and beads. The bride's hair piece includes a real peacock feather, fabric petals, vintage gems, stones and beads.

This is Austin . 2

2011-06-16T13:36:00.007-07:00

Three cheers for peacocks! Their feathers are just absolutely crazy beautiful, and I'm so thrilled that we got to work with their natural color scheme for an upcoming October wedding in St. Louis (post to come next).

For those lucky of you who are located in Austin, have you visited Mayfield Park yet? Shhhh... this is one of my favorite secrets of this city.. It's a hidden gem of 23 acres in West Austin with a few short walking trails, but mostly housing a beautiful cottage from the early 1900s and dozens - dozens - of wild peacocks! There are even a few white guys waddling around, which is due most likely to selective breeding and rather than albino, they are probably decendants of a leucistic White Peafowl (fyi for trivia night).

(I snagged these photos on my last visit there in late February)

Thanks to the Texas heat, the birds use their massive claws to dig shallow holes in the dirt, to find some salvage from the sun - and this is where to look for feathers. It's such a scavenger hunt to spot the brilliant blue or shocking emerald from the ground. According to the history of the park, "the peacocks were gifts from friends in 1935 and their descendants are here today." When I think of peacocks, I do think of royalty and legacy, how appropriate!

And unless you've been living in a hole for the past 3 years, you have seen a fair share of everything peacock patterned. Here's a taste of my few favorites...

I liked the simplicity of this shirt with the graphic feather lines - rare to see the ends of the feather, rather than the "eye" pattern of the peacock feather. (from etsy shop: sealmaiden)

I thought these tights (er um tattoo socks) were adorable, especially for a night out to add a little drama or edge. (from etsy shop: post)

A beautiful wedding bouquet (from etsy shop: Ivyandell).

Stunning 14k Gold and Rose Cut Diamond Bracelet, with peacock heads at the top - looove the design, a bit out of my price range though ($3,250 yeeeeesh), put it on the wish list, just above "somewhere to wear my new peacock diamond bracelet." (from etsy shop: jindels)

Sweet locket (I'm a sucker for lockets). (from etsy shop: emmagemshop)

Beautiful handbags for bridesmaids, although I would love one just for date or girls night! (from etsy shop: EllenVintage)

Stunning fabric and love the teal ribbon tie on these clutches. (from etsy shop: ao3designs)

Enjoy!

This is Austin . 1

2011-06-03T15:58:00.004-07:00

Half of the Awaiting Alice duo (me, Jackie) is picking up and moving to that great west coast city of Los Angeles. I'm going to start my acting career. Juuuust kidding. But I am moving, and I'm equally excited and sad about my departure/arrival. Austin is home and has been for the last three years, and more than any other city I've had the grand opportunity to live in, this one owns my heart in the people, events, activities, food, mood, heartbeat of the city, and music. So in lieu of my end of July move, I'm going to chronicle my favorites of Austin once a week.

Today I had a quintessential Austin day exploring South Lamar. It's hot as F here now (welcome summer) and in between finishing up earring orders and working on web design (for the fabulous Think Creative Consulting), I moseyed on down to LuLu B's food truck for a Vermicelli Bowl. Fresh chicken, cucumbers, vermicelli, carrots, parsley, lettuce, and garlic + fish sauce = deeeeeelicious summer lunch. Topped it off with a glass of lemonade, and treated myself to a few pieces of Ginger Chocolate for something sweet. Yum.

As far as food trucks go, Lu Lu B's is at the top of the list. Always fresh, big portions = I always have leftovers, inexpensive ($8 for a vermicelli bowl), vegetarian options, and totally off the beaten path (it sits alone under an oak tree on South Lamar between the Psychic shop and Office Max), they are the friendliest staff ever. Just bring cash.

Before picking up lunch I stopped in at Fannie's Fabric (next door to Highball and Alamo Drafthouse South) to pick up a few Dupioni Silk fabric swatches for a future wedding project. They have a wonderful selection of designer fabrics, and they are always so helpful. I always end up drooling over their Ikat selection, if I could I would adorn my entire home in that pattern...

And after Fannies I found myself in my one-two stop shopping for beads and metals at Bead It (buckets upon buckets of beads and goodies) and then Legendary Beads (tables filled with semi precious stones and gems).

Even in the perfect LA weather, I'm going to be dreaming of hot Austin days like today.

Enjoy!
J

Druzy Necklaces & Petal Drop Earrings

2011-05-31T14:16:00.003-07:00

The last batch of our shipment out to Aspen included a selection of druzy quartz stone necklaces, and our signature Petal Drop Earrings. I gotta say, the druzy necklaces are the perfect weight to hang low, look awesome paired with other necklaces, and add a little extra sparkle to whatever you are wearing. The chain is vintage brass, scored on an great etsy hunt for new supplies - we already blew through it all and have to scour online for something similar for future designs.

And you can find earrings just like these, online now! at our etsy site = awaitingalice.etsy.com

We will be posting six new druzy stone necklaces online before the end of the week, think more vintage chain, glamour, lockets, and druuuuuzy...

Ahhh-spen : Headbands & Hair Bobbies

2011-05-27T08:49:00.010-07:00

Another shipment off to the lush land of mountain beauty and pretty people: Aspen! We packaged up and shipped out a box filled with headbands, bobby pins, the new summer line of druzy quartz necklaces, and our signature petal drop earrings. Stop by Sugar if you are in the Aspen or Colorado area this summer, and pop in to see our pieces on display and do a little shopping.

Round one of images from the order.. Making the bobbies and headbands have come to be total catharsis for us - throw on some Groove Shark (lately: Head and the Heart, Foster the People, Laura Marling), pop open a bottle of Sparkling Pink Lemonade (out of one of those great tall glass bottles) or if we're feeling saucy a bottle of Prosecco grabbed on a quick walk to our favorite wine shop, East End Wines - and we are ready to pump out some pretty hair pieces! The headbands and bobbies are made with fabric petals and swatches collected from various adventures - and collage-d with often vintage buttons or charms also picked up on some fun trip or roundabout story..

Look for postings of the earrings and new druzy quartz stone and vintage brass chain necklaces (yeowza!) in a few days..

Enjoy!
J

Dreaming of Cali Wedding

2011-05-09T07:58:00.008-07:00

In the past 6 months, we've had the immense pleasure of working with Kate from Sacramento, on earrings and hairpieces for her July 4th weekend Ohio wedding. She has been amaaaaazing and we can't wait to see the pieces all together on everyone.

She sent us a beautiful charm that belonged to her grandmother to include on her hairpiece. We wanted to keep it simple so the small piece didn't get lost, but also wanted to make sure it was a bit of a statement piece. A collage of petals, tulle, gems, beads, and a touch of lavender petals (one of her highlight wedding colors) come together to make this sweet simple piece for her hair.

Her bridesmaids are wearing beautiful black dresses (so classy!), so we decided to add a little fun and color to them by making yellow and purple petaled silver earrings.

And for the sweet flower girl, a little pop of color on a headband.

Congrats to K + G on their upcoming weekend of marriage celebrated on a weekend of Freedom... love that!

Peacock Prom

2011-05-04T19:30:00.006-07:00

We had the pleasure of making a set of earrings, a hairpiece and a bracelet (first time design!) for the lovely Maddie of East Texas, for her prom this upcoming weekend. The earrings are brass vintage chain on gold filled earring hooks, hairpiece has vintage buttons and real peacock feather, and the bracelet includes vintage chain and charm adorned with glass beads.

Happy Prom, Maddie!

Falllling Hues

2011-05-02T20:31:00.010-07:00

'Tis wedding season, and everyone with a fridge covered in beautiful invites, as well as all the excited-exhausted brides-to-be (and grooms, and parentssiblingsyadayada) know very well, just how much planning goes into one of those things. Weddings. So here we are with summer just brimming our horizon, and we are already filling orders for the Fall! The colors for this mid-west September wedding are hot-hot-hot and I loove how these hair pieces turned out. Morocco inspired golds, orange, purple, deep ochre, and reds. And a sweet set of bobby pins for the flower girl.

A little color and something pretty is never a bad idea amidst real world whirlwinds.

ps - if you are looking for custom pieces or just a single piece for your one and only, drop me (Jackie) j@awaitingalice.com or Laura L@awaitingalice.com a line. Our etsy page is very lonely and we haven't had a spare chance to update it because we can't keep anything in stock (woo hoo!)... but we will make time for yoooou!

Musica : Fleet Foxes

2011-04-28T06:56:00.006-07:00

I have a feeling that I'm not the only one who is awaiting Fleet Foxes new Helplessness Blues album release. Mornings where coffee can't quite do the trick, their self titled album is exclusively my "moooorning sunshine" playlist and is repeated until lunchtime, easing me into the day.

For inspiration and anticipation sake, a video of documentary images set to the song Grown Ocean from the album Helplessness Blues, out May 3rd, 2011.

Fleet Foxes - Grown Ocean from Fleet Foxes on Vimeo.

While I'm on it, I'm a sucker for hand drawn anything so of course their album art is always stunning to me. Details details...I love that their actual CDs (in the cases with a real live hardcopy CD - imagine!), include a mini poster; the packaging details are really well done, making it feel good to walk into a music store and walk out with a new album in hand.

Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues by subpop

(can purchase Fleet Foxes shirts and albums here and listen to new album early release song here)

Bands for le Head

2011-04-22T14:26:00.007-07:00

aka Headbands.

We love love them. And here they are as shoots of bulbs sprouting from the Austin dirt, so do these lovelies bring color and surprise and a big fat smile. Many of these are charmed with vintage buttons scored from various memorable trips; including hours digging through Andy's mom's button collection in San Diego, and his Great Aunt Margaret thoughtfully sharing her Sacramento collection with me as well (the gold Fire Department one's are a favorite!).

We are swimming in wonderful wedding and boutique orders, but will be very soon adding many of these beauties up to our (super lonely looking) etsy page. Big announcement regarding that coming soon!

Happy day to our beautiful Earth!

Baltimore Wedding Beauties

2011-04-01T13:19:00.005-07:00

When brides take risks and add unexpected color to their wedding, I always think it pays off big time (although I'm totally partial and love all things bright). Maybe to some it can be a bit startling at first, but then it really brings that lighthearted pure happiness to an occasion meant for both. So when we were asked by our Baltimore bride Nicole, to use pinks, blues and greens for her earrings and hairpiece - of course we were pumped!

For projects like weddings, we like to include our brides along on the process as much as they'd like. I just think how excited I get when I see the before and after pictures of projects, and like to think that everyone enjoys it as much as me... After we gather all the materials, we'll send a photo like this one to our bride to make sure the colors look good to her. It's also a great way for us to document what specific pieces we are going to use for each project.

Using her adorable Anthropologie Pond Reflections bridesmaid dresses as inspiration, we created two pair of sterling silver, hand-hammered hoop earrings with navy and green petals and accents.

For the bride, she wanted a touch of pink, and a sterling silver chain chandelier-like design with navy and green accents. I even made a simpler pair for Nicole in case she got cold feet and wanted something a bit smaller and subdued, but she went for the bright pair! (so happy she did)

To pull the look together, we created a sweet hairpin with bright white satin ribbon, a hint of white polka dot tulle peeking out, a beautiful white fabric flower garnished with the same petals and accents from the earrings. Should be a nice pop of color paired with her beautiful white gown and dark hair. Love summer weddings!

Thanks Nicole!

Baby Baby Baby (trashes bar)

2011-03-29T16:02:00.000-07:00

A close friend of ours just announced her exciting preggers news (yay Russet!) for her second baby, and in the spirit of her family's growth, I share with you: the best minute and a half I've seen about a baby in a while. Note: I don't have babies yet, and perhaps when I do I won't find this as cute, but commmmmme onnnn, this is adorable! Tourist baby eating and drinking too much?? A fanny pack?? Too much!

Film found on the equally awesome site Lost at E Minor, film by talented Johannes Nyholm.

Feathers

2011-03-28T15:24:00.006-07:00

Feathers! They are going nutso now in everyone's hair (including my own, the ladies at Mana Culture did a fantastic job and they lasted for three lovely months!). They are oh so much fun to work with, and awaiting alice was asked to create seven feather brooches for an upcoming wedding in Dallas = fuuuuuuun. It has been one of my favorite projects to work on, incorporating fabric, vintage finds and feathers. ffffffff yeah.

A quick peek at a few of the brooches and materials we are using...

Enjoy!

Spring into Aspen

2011-03-08T07:14:00.004-08:00

We are officially (or unofficially depending on whether you bought a wristband or not..yadayada...sxsw...) entering into SPRING! The first day of Spring falls on March 20 (along with a full moon), and we at Awaiting Alice are crafting away in preparation for her (of course) welcome.

We just shipped a gaggle of bright colored, feathered, jeweled, button embellished, petaled bobby hair pins to beautiful Aspen, Colorado. It's empowering to work with a surge of color, and it seems everyone is ready for it again! Best time of year.

Enjoy!
J

Back to School Shoes

2011-02-10T16:49:00.006-08:00

New Year, new resolutions, including the one (just like every other blog writer out there) to make more habit of entries. Hm. Well, at least I was inspired to begin with something as AWESOME as this.

Firstly, thanks to my world-wide-web-expert-stumbler-brother Trevor, we now have this amazing application: Ommmwriter. See visual below. And note that entire rest of blog entry was written in the elegant environment provided by Ommmwriter, and at record speed, I must add.

What a beautiful way to type. Peaceful music, stunning scenery, even with NPR playing in the background, I am transported to a place filled with words asking to be used.

This serene and necessary application was created by the absolutely intriguing design company,Herraiz Soto & Co. They seem like people I would want to discuss all matters of our human world, while sitting in a corner of an ancient bar surrounded by old photos and the tingling excitement of new conversation. Not only that, but thier portfolio is jaw-dropping. Do love new ideas.

With a client list of everyone from Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream to Camper shoes, they make design and marketing look like Fuuuun again. And speaking of, here are those new shoes for school: found on Camper's Season Preview 2011. I'm sure my mom would announce something like, "I had to wear those everyday in Catholic School for 10 years...you liiiike them...? Well I guess everything makes a comeback..." And I think she's (in this pretend conversation) pretend-right. Because it seems everything does make a comeback. But the skill comes in not by wearing it, but designing it - again - before it's too late, or too early.

And I'm ready for these. Bring on the school days (note: I'm no longer a student but these could sway me to apply), if only to wear these cute puppies and skip around to my Ommmmwriter background music and dream of one day meeting its makers in a shady bar in Spain.

And ps - their ad/intro for Labuat is totally in Spanish (another of my resolutions...), but beautiful yet, and filled with something that makes you just plain gleeee-ful when you participate...

Aaaannd Oh MAN I almost forgot this one (another client of Herraz Soto & Co): facial hair and disguise stickers for your laptop !

enjoy!

Gift Wrapped

2010-12-16T08:37:00.006-08:00

Happy holiday's everyone!

We've just caught our breath from another fantastic Porch Party, and are wrapping and shipping end of the year holiday gifts. The studio is a bundle of beautiful tissue paper, ribbon, headbands-hairpins-earrings-necklaces, beads, and petals - lots of petals.

While our etsy store is very barren these days (apologies) we've stayed plenty busy with custom orders, business planning and secret meetings on how Awaiting Alice can be found in a cute boutique store closer to you...! So thanks for baring with us through this quiet time on our etsy shop, we can't wait to share our new pieces with yall next year!

Front Porch Party : November

2010-12-01T05:03:00.006-08:00

Another round of applause and muchos gracias goes out to all the lovelies who came, stayed, chatted, and celebrated during our second Awaiting Alice Front Porch Party. It was wonderful wonderful and we had a blast sharing the stage during E.A.S.T.

We were lucky to also share the day with Austin-San Antonio-Larado based photographer Courtney Sames (see her amazing Alice spring photoshoot here), and look forward to our next Porch Party coming up Saturday December 11!

Visit our fb page here for more event details..

Happy December!

{inspiration} : monsters

2010-11-11T07:01:00.004-08:00

Yes, well, I do often wish that real monsters were found walking over freeway on-ramps, shopping for pastries, leaving church, or - my personal favorite, dumpster diving. Not scary monsters, just nice ones, that look different than us and maybe sound different too, and smell different. But they would be so much fun to hang out with.

Spirit City Toronto is a book by illustrator Aaron Leighton with wonderful monsters doing all sorts of cute monster things. I mean, come on, what if a monster delivered your mail - how much more interesting can things get?!

{inspiration}

2010-11-10T08:57:00.003-08:00

A simple, brilliant idea (they are always simple when brilliant, aren't they?) - what a way to spend your time during a tough-to-get-through office meeting. Takes doodling to an entirely new meaning..

ps - we are elbows deep in silk petals, vintage glories, chain, beads, and ribbon - preparing for the holiday season! Our new website is preparing to launch by the end of this weekend, and our next Porch Party is quickly arriving (November 21, also coinciding with East Austin Studio Tour, yay!). We will be posting loads of new pieces to swoon over, veeeerrry soon!

post on color me dress found here x

{inspiration}

2010-11-05T06:44:00.004-07:00

From the creative minds of The Wilderness Downtown interactive (if you haven't you totally should) ((but be warned you need to be running Chrome, which actually is awesome too)). JCash is never far away on my ipod when I need a bit of {inspiration}...

if you can't see the video above, go go go and watch this! (it's only 2:35 of your life and you will be soooo grateful)

Thank you to the makers of The Johnny Cash Project, for continuing to innovate.

Inspiration

2010-11-04T06:31:00.001-07:00

found here.

Front Porch Party

2010-11-01T16:06:00.006-07:00

Awaiting Alice kicked off the holiday season this past weekend with a house jewelry party. It was a massive success, and so much fun to throw - thank you to all who came and we look forward to the next event!

All future event details will be posted on our Facebook page, so be sure to get on that, if you haven't already...and we'll see you on the next front porch!

Austin Monthly Magazine

2010-09-07T13:17:00.004-07:00

We are super thrilled to be included in September's Austin Monthly Magazine! And feel especially humbled to share the "Designers to Watch" spread with the beautiful designs of Limbo Jewelry, created by Edson Enriquez (check out his stunning work here).

If you're in Austin, you can snag a copy at Whole Foods, Book People, Central Market...you know the drill. This month they also feature a great section dishing on Austin's night hot spots ...

big thanks to Lauren Pezzullo (of Austin Monthly Magazine) for the great write-up and chat!

August Photoshoot

2010-08-29T18:09:00.004-07:00

New Photoshoot - New lovely lovely model (the sweet gorgeous and incredibly strong Susan Harkey) (no, really strong, like can do 70 pullups without breaking a sweat strong). New awaiting alice jewelry!

A few outtakes from the photoshoot - taken in my sweet abode near Barton Springs, Austin Texas - during a rare mild summer day with temperatures below 98, and the sun creating beautiful backlight streaming through my second-hand white curtains.

Look for these new pieces to be up on our etsy site shortly! Enjoy!

colorcolorcolorcolor

2010-07-19T22:13:00.010-07:00

It's fair to say that neither one of us is afraid of color. We tend to challenge one another with the most heinous fabric or flower petal color - just to see if we can make something cool out of it. The running joke between us is trying to make something awesome out of the black petals, or "deeeeeeeeeath" (said as if at a heavy metal concert) petals. Currently to no avail, but someday we will, just you wait...maybe for fall?

In the meantime, an array of a few of my favorite summer colors. The lime green of my living room wall, the intense fucia purple of the odd and amazing blooms hugging on to an Oak limb, the tequila bottle I bought just because it had a limited edition kickass print on the back, the perfectly manicured green grass at Central Park, and the yellow yellow of a walk sign littered with wonderful red stickers on a busy street intersection.

Enjoy!

Spring Photoshoot Out Takes

2010-05-20T12:09:00.007-07:00

The incredibly talented and witty Austin-San Antonio-Laredo based photographer, Courtney Sames, spent a good few hours with Laura and I (as well as our vintage boxes and tins filled to the brim with creations and jewels), for this wonderful Awaiting Alice photoshoot!

Location: wildflower flooded Stacy Park, and the ridiculously cute cottage abode of our beautiful photographer (and documentary film maker-music scout-foodie-the list goes on).

A few out-takes and visions from behind-the-scenes. Posting on our etsy site will be on-going, until then, enjoy!

All images taken by Courtney Loving Sames.

Austin Shines

2010-05-18T15:20:00.006-07:00

We had the pleasure of attending and participating in the recent Austin Shines jewelry seminar and competition (here we are!), and had the wonderful opportunity to meet the talents and creatives behind many of this city's awesome boutiques and jewelry lines. The seminar was graciously hosted by Launch 787 and the gorgeous downtown jewelry store, Eliza Page.

Jewelry designer, Kendra Scott, delivered the inspiring keynote speech - if you haven't already, check out her line - it's beautiful and super classy. I especially love her big (of course) Thia Statement necklaces for summer - reminds me of a faded Indian patterned sari...

We are coming off of the excitement of the event, and are pumped to use the resources and info we learned to make some more jewwwwwwels! Starting tonight! On our way to House Wine to chat about bridesmaid earrings for a September wedding with a sweet bride-to-be!

necklace image from here.

Enjoy
J

Marimekko

2010-04-15T06:58:00.005-07:00

I recently stumbled upon the beautiful patterns of Finnish clothing and textile design company Marimekko, and can't get their Ginko Leaf bedspread out of my head (in a good way)! Love the use of natural icons blown up into large colorful graphics. And am sort of obsessing over their kitchen line...

All images from this wonderful place.

Enjoy!
J

Shipwrecked

2010-04-14T07:00:00.005-07:00

A wise friend once wrote,

"If you ever feel as if your ship has turned over,
There are always treasures awaiting your discovery."

Enjoy
J

image from here.

Directions

2010-04-12T16:58:00.003-07:00

Some more clear than others, but usually it's those uncertain routes that lead to the most satisfaction.

Update 4. May Wedding Jewels

2010-03-31T15:43:00.004-07:00

All ten of the finished earrings!

Enjoy
J

Update 3. May Wedding Jewels

2010-03-29T17:54:00.003-07:00

Made with antique pin gifted to the bride by her Grandmother, incorporated into this fabric and lace wedding hair clip to take the place of the veil during the reception...

Enjoy
J

Update 2. May Wedding Jewels

2010-03-25T19:31:00.003-07:00

A taste sampling of a few pairs of earrings custom made for the May wedding:

Enjoy
J

Update 1. May Wedding Jewels

2010-03-24T17:14:00.006-07:00

A step-by-step installment on the creation of 10 Bridesmaid earrings, and a hair-piece for the Bride...

A lovely commission from a lovely May Bride-to-Be... Colors: turquoise, lime, orange/coral, gold. New earring style of hanging chain charms, with wire wrapped petals, vintage 1920's Czech and Parisian glass beads (purchased from the kind ladies at Bead It in Austin), and gold filled ear hooks. Custom made for the Bridal Party!

Enjoy!

Snow + Outsider + Art

2010-03-24T08:19:00.004-07:00

Been hearing whispers that a snow storm blew in again over beautiful Santa Fe, hiding the blooming daffodils and covering the quivering Aspen branches - again. In honor, a visual taken on my winter trip there, walking through inches of fresh snow on Canyon Road.

The studio of Outsider Artist Kelly Moore:

Enjoy
J

Bloomin Inspirations

2010-03-21T18:34:00.007-07:00

oh oh how Summer in Texas can sneak up on us all...phew, it's definitely not here yet. This is for all you still bundled up and tired of looking down only to see boot toes and left-over snow. A tiny quick visual of Spring in Austin...

Yes, in between the sweltering hot days and nights of Summer, lie three more than lovely yet less talked about seasons. With a bout of rain on and off for weeks, interspersed with absolutely stunning cloudless 70 degree days - the flowers and green buds on all our many many trees in this spectacular city are. going. off. OFF. I'm talking overnight sensation for the eyes nose and if you listen really carefully I'm sure you can even hear sprouts and seedlings chitty chatting to eachother in friendly competition. And so we are inspired. Awaiting Alice and the flower+jewels+color+bursts of fuuuuunk are on. ON. A few visual finds from last weeks jaunt to San Antonio (to say a quick hello to the Alamo, remember our roots, race on the riverwalk, and Come and Take It)..

Actual original walkway of The Alamo. (yes, that's right, I'm not even kidding you here, this is a real, legit photo) ..

Texas Mountain Laurel blooming like bonanza right now, with a scent as sweet as its blossoms look ..

Enjoy
J

The After Hours Flowers .. Necklace

2010-03-17T18:52:00.004-07:00

An oldie favorite of both Laura and I's - originally made at the wicker table of the McQueeney Lakehouse during the sweltering summer heat of 2008 - remade last week for a custom request through Etsy...

The After Hours Flowers .. Necklace - perfect for the transition from sitting our enjoying a margarita at Hotel San Jose on South Congress to live music at Momo's to after parties at SXSW (currently flooding our streets and earwaves with hot music and fashionistas)!

We will be adding more necklaces of the like to our Etsy site, so stay tuned, or contact us for a custom request!

Enjoy
J

Bouquet of Necklaces

2010-03-10T07:37:00.005-08:00

Big colorful and happy bouquets of silk flowers sitting pretty around your neck .. a few of our popular necklaces debuting just in time for Spring (and as always, hand-made by us con molto amore e carino xo).

you can find a few of these fooooor sale here.

Enjoy! - Tweedle J

Apples and Apples

2010-03-09T21:19:00.006-08:00

In honor of the sun peeking out today and Spring just about arriving...and also in honor of my new site re-design! visit for a quick peek ..

photos from my kitchen

Enjoy
J

Mad Tea Party

2010-03-07T22:14:00.009-08:00

a little pre-party-prep ..

In honor of the new Tim Burton flick Alice in Wonderland (3D), we definitely hosted a costume-inspired-mad-hatter-tea-party...complete with several Cards, two Mad Hatters, a few Talking Flowers, a March Hare, a Mr. Rabbit, a Cheshire Cat, a Queen of Hearts, even a Flamingo Croquet Putter (!!), and of course, an Alice...

Enjoy!

Everything-Everyone Goes Alice

2010-02-26T07:46:00.012-08:00

Yes, yes, I saw the mega display last month at Barnes and Nobles complete with the awesome hot pink leather bound and gold leaf issues of Through the Looking Glass. Followed other designer's Alice trends? Eh, sortof... Some are an absolute wonderful spin and super creative (read: Anthro's lamp), and others seem a bit quick to and uninspiring, just a fast way to jump on the movie fan wave. Although I have to say, do love any OPI clever name, Thanks So Muchness, Mad as a Hatter, Absolutely Alice, Off with her Red!... (I'm that girl who buys the nailpolish if the name makes me chuckle, hence the NicoleAlert! blinding orange currently on my toes).

The always inspiring, Anthropologie brings Alice into our living rooms with their stacked One-Lump-or-Two Lamp. Am loving the idea of creating your own with simple wiring* and stacking mismatched china on top of one another. Possible? Ideas on how to drill through porcelain without shattering? (*and by simple, I mean letting HandyManAndy at it while I sit back as Creative Director...)

Tom Binns created the Disney Couture Jewelry line just in time for the Tim Burton film release. Am feelin the excessive charm bracelets:

Totally into the idea of a big fatty bow in place of a skinny belt this summer, as found in the tea-time tearsheet (via GlamChic):

Even Avril Lavigne (yup) has jumped down the Alice hole...Her clothing collection for all ages (really? don't super see my mom prancing around in waistcoats), inspired after she wrote the title song for the recent film:

Fin (for now). Enjoy!

it's a studio .. sort of

2010-02-25T11:04:00.004-08:00

Sooooo the studio is coming coming along - finally can see the top of the desk and was actually inspired to create something whilst sitting down in a chair at the table, rather than dumping everything on the floor and crawling around third grade style. However, we have come up with our more brilliant designs via knee crawling, as well as the birth of our infamous quote "where's the tool?"

(fyi: we owned a single 'tool' for over the first year of alice's production. I think it contributed to the destruction of either Laura's or I's personal bubble of space .. its mandatory for physical closeness when sharing a single tool in jewelry production = no bubble)

But now .. the days have come, where we can again blow up our bubbles (yeah right) and work like sanitary people in chairs and tables.

Got this necklace charm to finish today.. Began it yesterday out of a leather medalian (saved from my ancient and well worn old wallet), some hand embroidery, an soft old plaid shirt of mine, a few upcycled be-jewels, of course some signature silk petals, and an antique pin found by Laura at the wonderous City Wide Garage Sale. In my head I see it hanging either on a short delicate chain simply as the only charm, or on a long chunky chain offset on the side paired with a heavier vintage charm dangling at the bottom... not sure where it'll go .. hopefully not in the "no.no." pile.

all things antique-y

2010-02-10T17:20:00.006-08:00

This winter en route to my family for the holidays .. atx to santa fe nm .. I roadtripped it sola and found the most incredible stop off somewhere in between Denton and Amarillo. Just after a quick leg stretch in Electra, TX to see the "Liberty Park" and almost minutes after the ranch house with the red convertible in the front yard filled with blow up dolls (*see exhibit a.)

(sign above says "Keep Texas Beautiful Winner 1985")

(*exhibit a. I actually turned around three times to get this and took it whilst driving. don't tell my dad)

I u-turned to hit up an antique shop on the side of the freeway. Jackpot bonanza. The owner, Sarah, was incredible and extremely friendly, and once she realized I was not looking for collectors items ..

"Oh, so you don't mind if they are missing jewels or are a bit funky?"
"No maam, the funkier the better"
"Well I think I've got just the thing for you..."

Shuffles around in the back room for a minute only to reemerge with baggies and tupperwares filled to the brim of lost and nearly forgotten pieces of injured brooches, broken pocket watches, mismatched earrings, strange whatsitwhosits and a dangley crystal ball thingy.

"I'll take these. All. Everything. Done."

Spoken after approximately three hours of sifting and ooohing and ahh-ing. She thought I was crazy.

Brace yourself for the unveiling of a few new parts for ... the 2010 line!

J

art: mcqueeney lakehouse style

2010-01-10T12:42:00.002-08:00

ah the summer days of lore...2008 crash course in all things art and jewelery making.

The Art of Cardstacking

2010-01-09T19:54:00.004-08:00

In November I had the crazy ass privilege to work on an incredible art installation project with the creative and wonderous duo of The Cardstacker, Kristin Carlson and Bryan Berg. Companies around the world drool to get this dream team on their side for a once-in-lifetime marketing promotion...using Bryan's Guinness Book World Record holding "stacking" talents to show off their company...Lexus, World Series of Poker, The Olympics, just to name a few...and most recently Holiday Inn. I now have a very strong relationship with the Holiday Inn green, and their newly relaunched branding image... A few images and article from the project, and if you haven't already, you've got to check Bryan out - not only is he the one and only Cardstacker, he is a wonderful guy, smarty pants, married to one of my best friends, a delicious chef, and has great taste in girlie drinks...

J

My Local .. wait no.. Foreign Love Affair

2010-01-05T16:02:00.002-08:00

Such a prideful statement: I SHOP LOCAL. Well I do. When I can.
I LOVE farmers markets, little grocery stores,

trailer park eateries, and all -well most- places that don't have replicas on every block in every town(sorry Starbucks). Local music, which we have a pretty great showing of here (Margo Valiante, The Blue Hit, James McMurtry) I'm a big fan.

But I also hold a little secret love affair for all things foreign. Jackie and I had the pleasure of going to a beautiful wedding of our friends, Zoe Brant (a fellow suburban high school classmate) and Pascal Petit (Parisian). Amazing people, amazing time. Just being around so many people from all over,(there were a bunch of Frenchies present) made me remember how much I love all things unique and foreign.
Quilts from Paris,

Handmade fabrics from La Paz,

and antiquities from Buenos Aires San Telmo Market. Isn't it funny how something so common place to one, can be so extraordinarily amazing to another.

- Tweedle L

Things we like:

2010-01-05T08:32:00.001-08:00

1. The Cathedral of Junk
2. Graffiti
3. Shepard Fairey graffiti
4. Art installations as perfect backgrounds for cool photos
5. Kites

Awaiting Alice Throw Up.

2010-01-04T14:28:00.001-08:00

(out. of. control.)

Boutique Debuts

2010-01-04T08:13:00.000-08:00

Last summer we had the immense pleasure of being the spotlight designers in two of our favorite boutiques in Austin, Moxie and Millipede. ....that damn economy likes to take away good things and unfortunately neither shop was able to stay open... but we thought we'd share pictures of the events anyway.

ps - if you find yourself moseying along on South Congress any time soon, pop into Hovercraft or Creatures, both great boutiques (and showcasing awaiting alice :)

Tweedle J

New Year, New Decade, New Pretty Things

2010-01-03T17:03:00.001-08:00

Square of Seguin, Texas.

Last year ended watching the rise of the blue moon over the mountains of Canyoncito and Glorieta in the backyard of my parents adobe home in Santa Fe, New Mexico. A chilly teen-degree night strolling through the snow filled streets of the luminaria lit plaza, followed by live music and then a cozy night of board games with my family in front of the fireplace, all led to an awakening the following morning. New decade. NEW DECADE. Last decade we were all busied and harrowed with the idea of the apocalypse - oh, not you? yeah I was in South Texas... - and as I was only 4 years old for the entrance of the previous decade, I am starting this one with a mellow, hello, hi decade, how are you, I am ready to begin.

And begin we shall! With images of road trips and travel collected from my many drives between the high deserts of New Mexico to the rolling hills of west Texas.

Galveston, TX last year just after Hurricane Ike.

On a lunch stop in a now nearly abandoned train city just east of Joshua Tree, CA.

Post, TX where I followed the signs to the city museum, through a door that was apparently a time machine that warped me back to the orange shag carpets and dark stained wood walls of the 70s. I walked up the stairs ready to dance, if need be, and practically ran into the nicest lady on the planet. She guided me through the museum's collection privately, and even allowed the average 45 seconds viewing time for each piece. I was there for hours. Post cereal? Yes. This is the man. His dream was to create the most perfect town. The street lights are still intact, there is no graffiti, no crime, no broken window, and no one under the age of 73. The main street has the most adorable painted iron trash cans and flower pots on every corner. Unfortunately if there were any shop fronts not vacant, they were either an antique store (closed) or the 5 & Dime, which had significantly increased its prices since its sign was installed.

West Texas, about a mile east from where I got a speeding ticket.

Clovis, New Mexico. Welcome to the state!

Santa Fe, New Mexico. Mom's favorite niche in her adobe home wall.

The 285 route back home.

And of course, Roswell, NM.

Lake McQueeney Living .. Summer 2008

2009-12-08T13:48:00.000-08:00

Where it all began... in a Sear's Catalog kit house built by Laura's Grandmother almost 100 years ago. On the banks of a lake surrounded by pecan trees and farm land, neighboring an almost ghost town, Seguin, and home to summer vacationers and our best friends of the summer, our 80 year old neighbors who would weekend next door in their home just as old as ours.

Watching the May Flies mate on a September evening from the dock ..

Our view of the lake and backyard, and our first office/studio ...

Orphanage style sleeping ...

The windmill that greeted us just before the turn for Lake McQueeny ...

Complete with no AC (it's hooooot in Texas during the summer, btw), no cable - no TV, no phone, no dishwasher, no cell phone service except out on the dock, one large bedroom upstairs with six beds in it, open living, open windows, and eventually we hooked up dial up internet. Oh, and no mailbox. Or "mail receptacle", apparently if you don't have one of those, instead of knocking on your door, the mail truck returns the package cross country with a pointing finger stamp...

Ciao Mundo!

2009-12-08T13:24:00.000-08:00

Yo yo, to the world premiere of Awaiting Alice ... the blog. Allow me to reintroduce myself..my name is HOV. H to the O V. Just kidding. I'm Jackie, and the other half of this brainchild that is Awaiting Alice, is my best friend and partner in creative crime, Laura. Or as I like to refer to her, LC. No, not the same character from the Hills. Sorry to disappoint. But really, rather than a disappointment, I think you will find what we have to say much more valuable than reality tv. Because, lets face it. This is reality. Blogs.

Awaiting Alice is a jewelry company that LC and I started way back when in the summer of 2008 while we were living the life of vagabonds at her families 1920's lake house on the bank of Lake McQueeney, Texas. Look it up on a map, its awesome. At the time, Laura had just returned from her mecca to South America and I from a trip to Puerto Rico. Disenchanted with our job prospects, she in Houston, I in Santa Fe, New Mexico; we decided to spend the summer doing the job search together and figuring out how we were going to move to Austin, TX. Because we couldn't do it without a job, so we took the side route. Limbo, if you will, for a few glorious summer months on the lake. Best friends since middle school, but it wasn't until LC talked me into showing my artwork to her AP Art instructor in 10th grade, which got me into the class, and thereforth sealed my fate as an artist, did we make the connection that we were both creators.

And here we are. Ten years later, we are burgeoning artists and jewelry designers - together! So this is a blog about creation. About inspiration, what we are inspired by, who we find inspiring and curious, and about our work.

Enjoy!
J