Somewhat Recently

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I've updated my website to show the new pieces I've been working on, if you follow me on Instagram this is probably not news. These are all made from repurposed salvaged wood generally found on the side of the road somewhere, ranging from about 8 inches to about 3 feet. Plenty more of these to come as the supply of salvaged wood is pretty much never ending!

I also completely failed to mention that a few of them are in The Sacred Door gallery in Venice, alongside some absolutely breathtaking textiles from a slew of other artists. If you are in the LA area you've got to check it out! The Justine Ashbee pieces are mind blowing, more on that later. 

www.christijay.com

Moon Set / Sun Rise

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Some of my most recent work. Really getting back into nature, craft, and yarn. Lots more to come! Follow me on instagram: @christijay for loads of craft, inspiration, and nature.  

To the Point

Petit Giza rings

 Spade ring set

 arrowhead ring set

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Plenty of new designs up in the shop, getting ready for the holiday season! The rings are part of a series called "The Point." If you haven't seen the movie of the same title, I suggest you do so immediately. I designed a little pointy triangle ring for a friends birthday, and I fell in love with it so much I decided to make them in varying sizes, like an insect sized version of the great pyramids. 

Also new in the ring department are the Arrowhead and Mountain ring sets. They are sold in pairs, one is a larger cut-out ring, and its smaller pair is the interior space of the larger ring. Very appropriate for gift giving! 

I carried the arrowhead design over to earrings, adding the hand crafted brass dangles to a row of tiny bone beads. The batik earrings are a new option of my dagger design, and the beaded earrings at the end I have available in many colors! 

But A Dream...

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New listings up in the shop today! 

I hope to be creating more pieces like the above, the big yarn necklaces are a personal favorite, inspired by 1970's fiber art and artists like Sheila Hicks. I've mixed cotton yarns with cowrie shells, historically used as currency and a sign of wealth, and executed the designs in macrame and knitting techniques that take patience and time to create. These pieces serve as a reminder of our connection to the natural world and all its riches, hand crafts, and the lost art of patience. 

Knotting and Weaving

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A few tapestry yarn beasts I've been working on lately. I have tons of yarn that I've accumulated that is either too itchy, or doesn't work on my knitting machine, or just generally sitting around unused for some reason. Combine that with an unlimited supply of fallen twigs from the backyard, some time and patience, and a whole lot of shoulder muscle and ta da! Yarn for your walls. 

The first one shown was for an exhibit we had at my work, The POP studio, called Nightmare on Helm Street (the fun part is - all proceeds go to charity to make hospitals less scary for kids!) and the last one was for the bride and groom of the most beautiful Big Sur camping wedding I've ever been to... also the only Big Sur wedding I've ever been to. Nothing quite like waking up to the sunrise in a sleeping bag next to the fire, surrounded by redwoods. 

That wasn't really the plan, I had space in a tent to sleep in but thanks to a steady supply of craft beer the night before, I was feeling pretty wild and invincible. Not even waking up with a ponytail full of fallen leaves and a sleeping bag coated in dirt could make me regret that decision. I think sleeping outside in nature is something we should all partake in as much as possible (and yes, falling asleep on the patio chair on a sunday afternoon counts!). Of course, that's a whole lot easier to do in sunny California, but if you ever get the chance, try it! You may even like it.

Count UP

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I love making .GIF's. Rings available for purchase in the shop. 

New Egypt

Oh, you know, just building pyramids. Another sneak peak of my booth, 25.5 more hours until the Summer Fair! Here's the info again: 

Keystone Row Summer Fair

Saturday, July 14th, 12-7pm

1154 Glendale Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90026

New / Vintage / Clothing / Jewelry / Art / Craft / Food / Music

Come on down and shop! I'll be taking credit cards too, thanks to this convenient little Square card reader. I'm never the first to try out new technology so maybe I'm really behind on this, but considering the bulk of most card readers at retail stores I'm amazed this little baby isn't used at more places. 

Get Down to It

Nothing like your brothers server getting hacked to inspire some internet redecorating. The new web page is up and running!! So much easier to look at, so much easier to navigate, and with LARGE thumbnails. If you never saw the old webpage, consider yourself lucky. Check it out! I'd love to hear any suggestions or constructive criticism, too.

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www.christijay.com

^^^ or just click on "art" over to your right. ^^^

Color Me Hooked

"seems like every Monday morning, I've got the blues

and every Tuesday i get some bad news,

Wednesdays worse cuz i aint got a dime to my name,

i done worked so hard all week, Thursday my bodys racked with pain

(here comes the good part) 

friday the eagle flies, and so do i..."

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My sketches from last weekend. Go download "Take a stroll thru your mind" by The Temptations, sit back, break out the colored pencils and back issues of National Geographic, and find yourself a different reality on this Monday afternoon. You'll be surprised at what you might find.

Seriously, the song will put you in another world. Lyrics from The Temptations "Take a Stroll Through Your Mind" (except that last drawing, thats from The Animals "I'm Mad Again"

I've been running a little behind on posting my drawings recently, but there has been plenty of drawing going on! Most of these were inspired by a little jam called "Electricity" by a little band called Captain Beefheart. So heres my sketchbook, some electric neon, and even a bright yellow floral shorts suit!!?? Just trust me, scroll down. There's even a music video. 

All drawings done by me. 

tank from pixie market, necklace from StudioHx3

Opening Ceremony dress via La Garconne, Creatures of Comfort floral suit

image via wild at heart, Thea Porter vintage caftan via Keep Feeling

Anntian scarf via Creatures of Comfort

Insta-addiction

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Some insta-gram delights as of late. Check out the rest of my photos and follow me on Instagram here.

In some sort of left to right order: the good kind of graffiti * my golden sunset drawing * our indoor plants taking an outdoor bath * discotheque * my panther scream drawing * a morning walk in Elysian Park * my paper dolls * the golden hills of Griffith Park * treasure hunting scores * the rack at Shareen Vintage * some good old rock n roll (King's Road at One Eyed Gypsy) 

Nostalgia for the Future

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I always love A Detacher because despite the frumpy shapes and general awkwardness of the designs, the colors and prints she uses appeal to me on a different level than most shows. Its like I can feel the show, the deep camels, bright poppys, and rich browns hit some sort of nostalgia inside and all of the sudden its ok that the clothes fit funny.

Speaking of nostalgia, the designer for A.L.C, top image, cited "Nostalgia in a modern way" as her inspiration. The classy cardigan in a grungy shade of ochre paired with black leather gets a nice balance with a white printed chiffon.

So this is my fall shopping list, 6 months early. Considering I'll be hunting at thrift stores for similar pieces, not signed up on the waiting list for the designer version, its good to take time.

runway images from style.com, collage by me, drawing by me.