YazBerry Fashion

ArtScraps; Recycling, Thrifting & Art Supplies. Heaven!

2011-12-31T21:13:00.000-05:00

I spent the afternoon at a true St. Paul, MN treasure (which having grown up in MN I am shocked, appalled and totally bummed and I hadn't heard of before this month). ArtScraps is a self described "reuse store". It stocks industrial seconds, scrap, samples, donated supplies, bits and bobbles intended to inspire and supply the artist. Part brilliant recycling plan, part treasure hunters paradise, entirely great, economical place to find unique art supplies. I am in love!

If you live anywhere in driving distance from the Twin Cities, and like to make things, ArtScraps is not to be missed. The prices can't be beat. For someone like myself that scours antique shops, junk shops, flea markets and other dusty confines, this is a great place to shop because chances are most of what they stock may be what I'm looking for.

ArtScraps is run by ArtStart an arts education organization. Here are some pics of my loot. Thrilled and looking forward to creating.

Upholstery samples. Leather samples. Vintage buttons. Jewelry making bits.

PRESS RELEASE: YazBerry Fashion, LLC to Increase Prices in 2012

2011-12-29T23:35:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
YazBerry Fashion, LLC to Increase Prices in 2012

High demand for one of a kind, handmade purses and clothing is forcing
YazBerry to increase prices as of January 1, 2012.

Northfield, MN – December 29, 2011 – Increasing competition and demand
for unique, one of a kind, hand crafted fashion has driven YazBerry
Fashion, LLC, to increase prices in 2012 on handmade purses and
clothing.

YazBerry is a Minnesota business featuring handmade purses, jewelry
and clothing by local Designer, Virginia E. Berry, a native of
Northfield, MN. YazBerry also sells a carefully curated collection of
designer vintage scarves and purses. Berry’s collection is available
online at www.yazberryfashion.etsy.com, her shop on the online
marketplace, Etsy.com and at art fairs throughout MN.

Berry repurposes vintage materials to make her durable, wearable art.
She doesn’t like to make the same thing twice; due to the limited
resources repurposed and found materials offer, Berry specializes in
one of a kind art bags, clothing and jewelry. She mixes the high
quality, rare vintage materials with new materials to create colorful,
sculptural, wearable items.

YazBerry is a favorite amongst women craving items that will leave
people asking where they got it. It offers a certain artistic luxury
that cannot be found elsewhere. Innovative, functional and beautiful;
often featuring built in organizational solutions. YazBerry is for the
treasure hunter, the one that will spend months looking for that
perfect, unusual, unique something.

Virginia E. Berry is a textile artist specializing in wearable art
with inspiration drawn from architecture and eastern cultures. She has
a knack for pairing colors and textures for eye popping results and
enjoys giving new life to repurposed materials. YazBerry Fashion can
be found online at www.yazberryfashion.etsy.com, at local art fairs
such as Riverwalk Market Fair and now by direct message on Facebook.
Visit www.facebook.com/yazberryfashion to browse the exclusive
Facebook only collection. YazBerry is also available for home trunk
shows; contact Berry to book a show.

Contact:
YazBerry Fashion, LLC.
Virginia E. Berry, Designer & Owner
http://yazberryfashion.etsy.com
berry @ yazberry.com
Northfield, MN 55057

###
(320 words)

The Handmade Christmas - Indie Craft Fair

2011-11-29T20:56:00.001-05:00

I will be selling my one of a kind purses, jewelry and obi belts at this fair. For more info visit www.thehandmadechristmas.com

To preview my collection, shop --> yazberryfashion.etsy.com

Thanksgiving Sale 10% Off Store Wide

2011-11-23T21:30:00.001-05:00

Get ready to amp up your covet worthy fashion stash: I am having a 10% off sale all weekend long, store wide on everything! This is a very rare opportunity to get a YazBerry Bag on sale. I NEVER put them on sale because of my v. narrow profit margin. Use coupon code TURKEYTENNOV11B at checkout, starting at midnight tonight and running 'til midnight Sunday night.

SHOP---> yazberryfashion.etsy.com

SALE: Thanksgiving weekend only, November 24 - 28 I am offering 10% off storewide. Take advantage of this exclusive limited time offer as I never offer discounts on my handmade purses (very narrow profit margin); this is the first sale on my handmade purses in the history of YazBerry. Use coupon code TURKEYTENNOV11B at checkout.

Things I Love: Delicious Packaging

2011-11-12T20:34:00.001-05:00

Today I shopped for packaging. My goal was to find cute boxy packaging for you to wrap up your earring purchases in for gifts this winter. Goal achieved. Now to assemble 100 mini purses with feather adornments. <3

Win a 1 Year Subscription to Bazaar Magazine and a Custom Record Cuff!

2011-11-12T12:00:00.000-05:00

I am giving away a 1 yr to subscription to Bazaar Magazine and a custom sized YazBerry handmade vinyl record cuff (like this one). To enter: Become my fan on Facebook and follow the instructions!Several ways to get entries:1. Share the designated YazBerry photo on your Facebook Page and comment on my page that you have done so = 1 entry. 2. For additional entries, invite as many friends as you would like (no limit) to become a fan of YazBerry on Facebook. Have them mention your name in a comment on my page = 1 entry for you and 1 entry for your friend. 3. Buy something from my store yazberryfashion.etsy.com Comment on my page what you bought and why you like it = 3 entries.Good luck! The winner will be chosen at random and announced on Facebook November 30, 2011.

Psst...secret leak alert!

2011-11-08T21:13:00.003-05:00

Secrets, secrets, everyone has secrets. Here's some I'm willing to share with you: I'm now a member of the planning committee for the Riverwalk Market Fair and our planning gears are turning with some winter market ideas in mind. Stay tuned to see what we come up with! Looks like it might be the 2nd Saturday of each month at the Armory in Northfield, MN through the frozen season.

Here's an even bigger secret...which could lead to more YazBerry in your life...I am scheming several November sales, discounts, giveaways etc...KEEP YOUR EYES PEELED...'cuz peeling eyes totally makes sense right?!?

And a not so secret, secret: I will be selling for sure at the Dec. 3 Handmade Christmas event in St. Paul...more details forthcoming!

YazBerry Donates Purse & Jewelry to Laura Baker School Auction

2011-11-03T11:44:00.004-04:00

Recently I was invited to donate some of my creations to the Laura Baker School Gala Auction. I am honored to have received the invitation and wanted to share with you the goodies up for Auction. I even made a custom box out of a recycled record album jacket. My apologies for the poor photo quality, my cell phone camera is...fuzzy at best - I forgot to photograph this at home so in the car it was just before delivery.

Up for auction at the gala is a sage clutch made from recycled upholstery samples, lined with vintage polyester yardage in carrot orange. It features a snap closure and small, silk lined zipper pocket inside. To compliment this purse I have included a matching jewelry ensemble featuring earrings with mossy coral nuggets and glossy coral nuggets in warm oranges and salmons and a coordinating sea glass pendant in a soft sea foam green.

Post Storm Regroup

2011-07-24T18:51:00.002-04:00

Well, after sleeping off my dissapointment, my mom and I untangled the jewelry chaos. So far it looks like there were only a few casualties, a couple of pieces broke and an earring took a swim. Other than that, untangling seemed to repair that piece of chaos. My dad and I assessed the tent and it looks like we will be conducting some structural engineering this week which involves cutting and drilling metal and replacing the broken piece. Wish us luck. Blow drying and the rice trick seemed to salvage my phone that had been floating in water yesterday. So, slowly regrouping.

Riverwalk Market Fair, Drowned Today

2011-07-23T13:41:00.006-04:00

Sorry folks, we were literally drowned out today, closed up shop around 10:00 AM. Several artists had merchandise damaged, tents broken (including ours) and were generally soggy. We were standing in 6+ inches of water clinging to our tent in a storm that flooded the streets and knocked out the power. My phone was also floating in this water...for a good 30 mins before I noticed. Trying the rice trick.

Die hards. Crazies and home drying out my creations and ourselves. A million thanks to my mother for helping me not lose everything and for impressively not killing each other during this adventure. Here are a few peeks at the aftermath on the home front.

We lost most of our signs (it's ok, they were slated to be updated) some of the beach pottery, ocean artifact jewelry broke, and I suspect a few earrings washed into the Cannon River to become artifacts for some lucky soul in the future. Actual total damage report still pending. Well, it will be a busy week repairing and not creating. Mother nature really is a bitch. I'd also like to curse the meteorologists for with all of the technology they have, still have a difficult time giving an accurate weather forecast. On a positive note, time for new signs and tags and reorganizing.

"The Art of a Summer Saturday"

2011-07-08T16:31:00.000-04:00

This past Saturday, July 4th weekend, I finally got a chance to stroll through the Riverwalk Market Fair and enjoy the work of the other artists and farmers involved. Armed with a camera, some comfy sandals and the sun on my face, I took a walk.

Right foot, then left foot, I departed my booth and left my mom standing gaurd.

From up on the pedestrian bridge, a view of the artists tents along the river. (This pic was from a couple weeks before but gives you a good idea of the area).

July is "The Art of Music" month at the market and there was live music all over! Here is the Americana duo, the Rockitrangers, at the start of the artists area.

I stopped by each artist's booth to see what people are making. Lots of great artists out there. Here's a view from the 6th St. bridge. It was a busy day!

So many people were out and about shopping for fresh, locally grown produce and homemade gourmet goodies in the farmer's section along bridge square.

A view of the farmer's tents.

Bonnie & the Clydes sang classic folk & rock tunes in a lovely shady spot near the dam.

To hear a taste of the musicians that played July 2nd, watch Amy Acheson's video montage on the Riverwalk Blog.

To view all of my pictures of The Riverwalk Market Fair, check out my album on my Facebook Fan Page, updated weekly.

Fashion as Art

2011-07-07T13:38:00.005-04:00

I think so. I consider myself an artist. Fashion is the medium in which I choose to express myself artistically.

art1 /ɑrt/[ahrt]
noun
1. the quality, production, expression, or realm, according to aesthetic principles, of what is beautiful, appealing, or of more than ordinary significance.
2. the class of objects subject to aesthetic criteria; works of art collectively, as paintings, sculptures, or drawings: a museum of art; an art collection.
3. a field, genre, or category of art: Dance is an art.

Today I came across a couple interesting articles addressing fashion as art. Both raise the question does fashion have a place in an art museum? "Does Fashion Deserve To Be In a Museum?" in Bust Magazine, and a New York Times article, the Bust article references: "Gone Global: Fashion as Art?" I argue that yes it does. The articles arrive at a similar conclusion while addressing some interesting issues such as what criteria is used to select designers, how some design houses are funding their own exhibits as sort of a brand marketing cum art statement, which has a number of interesting arguments along with it. I highly suggest you read these articles, excellent food for thought.

My art background is wide spanning. I have taken art classes since I was a child and have been schooled in mediums such as painting and clay. I've learned about perspective, the play of positive and negative space, the way primary, secondary and tertiary colors work. How to mix colors, how to make colors play certain tricks on your eye. I've also had the privilege of slowly meandering through some of the world's greatest art museums in Paris, Madrid, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Rome, New York, Chicago, Minneapolis. I move slow, I stare hard and my cerebral sponge soaks in as many details of the Masters as I can. I treat a clothing store and a fashion magazine the same way as I do the Louvre. I even treat people watching in this way.

My fashion design is derived from an accumulation of art education and observation. I consider each piece a wearable sculpture. A three dimensional painting. A study of positive and negative space. A play of color, texture and volume. This makes me slow, deliberate, obsessed with detail and extremely particular about the end result. Flaws? I think not, these are what gives character to my work. Enjoy!

Write-up on YazBerry on Riverwalk Market Fair Blog

2011-07-04T00:55:00.004-04:00

Nice write-up by Amy Acheson on the Riverwalk Market Fair Blog. Here's a quick view, be sure to visit the blog to read about other artists and farmers showcasing their work and produce at the market.

Interview of Me & My Creative Process on HandmadeMN

2011-06-14T17:42:00.004-04:00

Ever wondered what fuels my creative process? Anna of Seedling Design, a lovely textile artist out of St. Paul, MN and master of applique, asks questions about my creative process. Check out the interview on the HandmadeMN blog!

Riverwalk Market Fair Opens Saturday, June 4, 2011 in Northfield, MN

2011-05-28T20:59:00.003-04:00

I'm so excited to be involved in this years Riverwalk Market Fair. The fair opens in one week on Saturday, June 4, 2011. It will be open from 9 AM - 1 PM. Busy getting prepared for the show this weekend!!!

Just out, a list of the farmers that will have fresh, localy grown and made edibles, at the fair.

I'm especially excited because there are many names I recognize and people I know from the community that I look forward to sharing this event with throughout the summer. Come check us out!

YazBerry Fashion Selected as Artist for Northfield's Riverwalk Market Fair

2011-05-23T00:06:00.005-04:00

I'm pleased to announce the latest, greatest, big news in my life: I have been selected to show my work at the Saturday art & farmer's market in Northfield, MN, the Riverwalk Market Fair. Open Saturdays, June - October, 9 AM - 1 PM. Fair is located along the Cannon River, between 2nd and 5th Streets.

I'm keeping busy when not at my day job making new inventory. I am going to make a collection of table linens using vintage Japanese kimono obi fabric and coordinating fabrics. Stay tuned for these new creations. I will also have my current inventory for sale and plan to make more purses and necktie vests soon too!

Here is a list of the artists who will be showing work throughout the season. I will be there every Saturday, some artist's schedules vary.

HandmadeMN Giveaway - Sea Glass Necklace & Earrings Set

2011-05-13T23:17:00.002-04:00

Now is your chance to win some of my handmade sea glass jewelry. HandmadeMN, a collective of MN based artist's and crafters I am a member, is hosting a giveaway of a necklace & earring set made from handpicked Salem, MA sea glass.

Enter now through May 21! www.handmademn.com
Choker Necklace and Earring Set - Emerald sea glass and beach pottery hand picked by Virgina on the beaches surrounding Salem, MA. Wire wrapped in her signature spiral style with silver plated wire. Recycled silver beads as spacers and sterling silver ear wires. One of a kind transferware beach pottery shard.

Flash 1 Day Birthday Sale 40% Off Select Items!

2011-05-01T15:57:00.003-04:00

Happy May Day and Happy Birthday (May 2) to YazBerry and me - Designer Virginia E. Berry. In honor of this festive occassion I am offering a huge, flash 1 day sale on handmade jewelry, vintage purses and vintage scarves! Use this coupon code: HBDAYYAZBERRY2011 for 40% off your jewelry & vintage purchases at http://yazberryfashion.etsy.com/ Sale ends May 2, 2011 at 10:00 PM CST time. Discount not applicable towards ha
handmade clothing, handmade purses or handmade journals.

Psst...the 150th customer gets a custom pair of earrings to match their purchase...will it be you?

Exotic Skins - Vintage and So Right Now!

2011-04-22T23:39:00.004-04:00

Exotic Skins on YazBerry Fashion
Inspired by a gorgeous $11,400 Louis Vuitton sting ray clutch in the April 2011 Bazaar, I curated a collection of my vintage exotic skin purses currently available in my store. Vintage exotic leather skin purses are highly collectible and heavily sought out by vintage enthusiasts. I am constantly on the look out for quality exotics and put them in my store whenever I get my hands on them. One of my favorite treasures to find on vintage hunts. One of the most interesting skins I've ever found was turtle. Tre exotic. It sold on Etsy a couple of years ago. Here it is for the curious.
I love getting my mitts on a vintage exotic leather purse because the best part is researching to identify which skin it is. Some are obvious, some less so, like the turtle above. In fact, a fellow Etsian helped me identify the turtle skin. There is a lot of information online to help you identify purses when you find them. Happy hunting.

Baby Quilt #2

2011-03-31T22:47:00.003-04:00

I finished this one a while back but finally shipped it as a surprise package to my very pregnant friend. Now that she's received it I can post pics ;) I like surprises, so I had to wait. Plus, I'm back from a brief hiatus as I was training for a new office job.

This one is for a little boy and is Snoopy themed to match his yellow Snoopy nursery. I used a mix of graphic prints and fabrics found in mens wear. The pops of dark blue are night sky print (love). Complete with signature, per is the quilting tradition. I think I made a nice contribution to this year's National Quilting Month, of two crib quilts. Now to make myself one (a rare occurance that I am recipient of my creations).

First Baby Quilt Finished

2011-03-07T15:58:00.006-05:00

I say first as a second surprise quilt is in the works. Pretty much 1/2 of my friends are pregnant this year. Amazing. Here is my finished quilt. Yay.

For before pictures check out my blog entry on this project and the 8 point star motif symbolism and appearance in my work.

Mine Eyes Crave Green!

2011-03-03T17:14:00.005-05:00

Either I'm itching for spring or my favorite green beer holiday, St. Patrick's Day, either way I've been into green items on Etsy.com recently. In fact, so into green that I curated two treasury collections featuring predominantly green items.

Please take a peek, leave some love and spread the word.

Vintage Beaded Purses for that "Something Old" for Brides

2011-02-20T17:22:00.003-05:00

"Something old, something new
Something borrowed, something blue
And a silver sixpence in her shoe."

This week one of my beautiful vintage purses was featured in an Etsy Treasury Collection (top right corner) of vintage, white, beaded purses. I thought, what a great way to incorporate something old into your wedding outfit.

While I was reciting the poem in my head, I of course had to look up the origin and meaning of it. Here is what I found:

"A sixpence is a coin that was minted in Britain from 1551 to 1967. It was made of silver and worth six pennies. So this wedding tradition is definitely English, and many sources say that it began in the Victorian era.
Each item in this poem represents a good-luck token for the bride. If she carries all of them on her wedding day, her marriage will be happy. "Something old" symbolizes continuity with the bride's family and the past. "Something new" means optimism and hope for the bride's new life ahead. "Something borrowed" is usually an item from a happily married friend or family member, whose good fortune in marriage is supposed to carry over to the new bride. The borrowed item also reminds the bride that she can depend on her friends and family.

As for the colorful item, blue has been connected to weddings for centuries. In ancient Rome, brides wore blue to symbolize love, modesty, and fidelity. Christianity has long dressed the Virgin Mary in blue, so purity was associated with the color. Before the late 19th century, blue was a popular color for wedding gowns, as evidenced in proverbs like, "Marry in blue, lover be true."

And finally, a silver sixpence in the bride's shoe represents wealth and financial security. It may date back to a Scottish custom of a groom putting a silver coin under his foot for good luck. For optimum fortune, the sixpence should be in the left shoe. These days, a dime or a copper penny is sometimes substituted, and many companies sell keepsake sixpences for weddings."

Found on http://ask.yahoo.com/20031027.html 2.20.11

I've been considering wearing light blue instead of a white color for my wedding dress and am intrigued to see that this was common before the trend of white wedding dresses came to be. Maybe I'm on to something. More trivia for the inquiring minds: the tradition of white as the choice for a brides gown "was popularized through the wedding of Queen Victoria. Some say Victoria's choice of a white gown may have simply been a sign of extravagance, but may have also been influenced by the values she held which emphasized sexual purity." Found on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wedding 2.20.11

Exclusive Interview: Fink aka iheartfink

2011-02-10T12:00:00.004-05:00

I am a self proclaimed (diagnosed) print junkie. My closet is filled with bold, graphic, subtle and classic prints spanning the decades. I hunt them out. I am drawn to them like a moth. A quick peek at the Fink collection found on iheartfink.etsy.com you can see why I dig their work.

Here are a few of my favorite Fink designs. Someday my closet will be filled with them! Fink is the collaborative effort of textile artists Karen and Kristen. Both artists design the prints on their textiles, hand print them, make each garment from scratch without patterns, model and photograph their own work. Even more amazing is that they work out of studios in two different states, NY and NM!

I was so intrigued by this business set up, my first question was how they worked out the details of their independent design business with so many miles (and some time zones too) between them. Here is what they had to say:

karen - "we met in the boston area where we were both working on the comedy central animated series dr. katz professional therapist...we became fast friends, kept in touch & after many years of not working together anymore we realized that we really missed it- that we had a particular energy that worked well creatively and that we needed to find a way to make it happen, we did and off we went...."

kristen - "yes, our Boston times were great and it became obvious over time that even though we were miles apart we could make something happen...and here it is"

I asked the ladies how they would describe Fink to someone who has never seen their collection before:

karen - "our tagline says it best for the style---nouveaux flowerchild chic . but more importantly handprinted & handmade from scratch. one of a kind- each item has an incredible amount of work put into it. we can't stress that enough. that enough"

kristen - "yes, everything Karen said. I tell people about our clothes...show them in person when I can and still they say "so, where do you get your fabrics?" even after I told them we print them...then I show them the screens and how we do it and then get the "WOW!!!" "OMG" and "AMAZING!!" stuff. we do our best to explain our work in written words on Etsy and other sites but when our customers receive the the clothes they really get it...and then they come back for more!"

Something that always intrigues me about designers (and bands) is how they come up with their name. Here is what Karen and Kristen have to say about the origin of Fink:

karen - "the usual...just chit chatting & laughing really. it doesn't really mean anything but what it means. it's funny. fink is a funny word and we love people who are finks."

kristen - "well, though we found it by giggling and conversing over cocktails...it makes so much sense. Fashion + Ink...Fink."

When asked about their muse, where they find inspiration for their textiles and silhouettes, they shared the following:

karen - "wow that is a tough one because inspiration is all over the place but a simple answer would be vintage of course- we both love love love vintage, and imagination & of course mother nature for colors & prints- she is a big influence."

kristen - "yes, I agree w/ Karen...vintage is number one. movies, books, music, memories, cocktails, conversations, love...they all inspire!"

I wanted to really find out about what goes on behind the computer screen at Fink. I asked Kristen and Karen to share about some of the hardest aspects of their designing and business. Some of the challenges included space. The solution: improvise, that's what the kitchen table is for. And every creative person's challenge: not enough time. Kristen's thoughts on solutions for shortage of time?

"I don't have the space problem here in Santa Fe and I feel most fortunate about that...for me it's time. that is really a positive thing though...like they say "time flies when you are having fun"...it does. and I am not willing to have less fun so time will keep flying!"

Both Kristen and Karen have been able to dedicate themselves to Fink 110% of the time. They are grateful for the freedom and spontaneity their independent design business has given them and welcome conversations from you!

Coming Soon: Exclusive Interviews of Independent Fashion Designers

2011-02-09T21:32:00.004-05:00

Since I started YazBerry in 2005, I have always enjoyed looking for other independent fashion designers and following their work. The other day I realized I want to learn more about these folks instead of simply admiring them from a distance. So I reached out to a few of my all time favorites, some I have been following since 2005, some I am pleased to say I own several pieces from their collection and some have work I simply admire and want to share with you. My goal is to learn more about these designers, find out more about what is behind their work and what inspires their designs and share with you artists who's work I admire. Stay tuned, first up is Fink.

Jewelry Giveaway All February in Northfield

2011-02-03T12:14:00.000-05:00

It's sale time in the Northfield, MN store at 500 Division St. S. (Same store as Lisa's Alterations and Buttons, Bows & Babydoll Clothes). Stop in and get a free pair of earrings with any purchase of $20 or more. You choose the earrings, valued $20 or less. Free gift wrap all the time - perfect Valentine's Day gift solution for yourself or someone special ;) ;)

Not in Minnesota? Don't worry, you can still shop for YazBerry Valentine's gifts online at yazberryfashion.etsy.com All items come gift wrapped automatically all the time! And remember, if you are my 150th Etsy customer, I will be giving you a free pair of handmade earrings that match you purchase. Will it be you?

Geometry in Fabric, 8 Point Star Motif

2011-01-26T23:09:00.012-05:00

I always enjoyed geometry class; one of my favorite subjects in math. I suspect it is a result of growing up around quilts. Grandma was nearly always quilting when we were at her house and her walk in closet filled with fabric was a source of intrigue and also a somewhat forbidden zone - it was color coded, sorted, folded: organized.

She did however let us watch her work. It's amazing what you learn without realizing you are being taught or learning at all! I have surprised myself a few times the last couple of years when commissioned to make custom quilts, with my general knowledge and quilting skills. Osmosis ;)

I saw a cute quilt design in a book at JoAnn Fabrics, but didn't want the whole book so I put the theme and variation on a 9-patch to memory, bought some fabric I liked, went home and got to work. I'm currently working on a baby crib quilt.

The 9-patch design I am working on creates an 8 point star; a motif I fell in love with in Spain, when I observed it woven into architectural details throughout the Andalusia region. I asked a friendly merchant about the symbol as I had seen it so many times I began to suspect it had some significance. He told me it was a Moroccan star and a symbol found in Islam. According to Wikipedia:

"The Rub el Hizb (Arabic: ربع الحزب‎) is a symbol, represented as two overlapping squares, which is found on a number of emblems and flags. In Arabic, Rubʻ means "one fourth, quarter", while Hizb means a group or party. Initially, it was used in the Quran, which is divided into 60 Hizb (60 groups of roughly equal length); the symbol determines every quarter of Hizb, while the Hizb is one half of a juz'. The main purpose of this dividing system is to facilitate recitation of the Qur'an. It is also used as a marker for the end of a chapter in Arabic calligraphy.

The Star of Lakshmi is an identical star figure which figures in Hinduism, where it represents Ashtalakshmi, the eight forms, or "kinds of wealth", of the goddess Lakshmi.

An eight-pointed star was used as a symbol of Tartessos, an ancient civilization based in Andalusia. As the region was ruled by Islamic dynasties for eight centuries, this may suggest a possible origin of the Rub el Hizb."

On a tour of some ancient ruins in Andalusia, I asked the guide about the symbol when I saw it framing an open window facing the sky at the top of a dome. He said it was a sort of God's eye symbol. I enjoy learning about symbols and what they represent in different cultures. The star made of two squares has fascinated me since I traveled to Spain all those years ago. I was delighted to see it represented in a 9-patch quilt square and am busy working on a quilt using this block.

Here are some progress pics:
All of the 300 or so squares cut and laid out. The design is a play on light versus dark squares. I used a mix of bought fabric, most of the darks, and fabric from my Grandma's legacy collection, all of the lights.
My progress as of writing this blog is that the top is a little over half way done.

Here is a little snap shot into my artistic obsession with this symbol over the years: A Mandala design I painted on the floor in my store on Artists' Row. With the help of fellow artist and friend, Sara Maurno! It is based on the 8 point star in the center.
Tile work outside of a mosque in Casablanca, Morocco featuring a rounded version of the 8 point star motif. I took this while traveling there during college.
A double play of the 8 point star motif: it is found in the tile work and also in the wooden window grates that are casting a shadow on the floor. Taken in Andalusia, Spain.
A quilt my Grandma helped me design and make based on a photo of an inlaid wood floor in Spain.

STYLE IDEAS: How to Wear Vintage Scarves

2011-01-24T11:50:00.000-05:00

Vintage scarves, next to obi belts are one of my favorite go to accessories for changing up a look. There are so many shapes of scarves available and they can be worn in a number of fun ways, giving you a different look each time. Scarves are a great way to add a punch of color to an outfit; try out a new print, color or style without spending a lot of money or committing to a whole outfit.

My personal stash contains a mix of vintage and new scarves. Tons of different shapes and a rainbow of prints and colors. Here are several ways to style different shapes of scarves.

SQUARE
These are my three favorite ways to style square scarves. I know there are others but these are my standbys. To achieve this look, fold the scarf in half into a triangle. With the fold facing your neck and while holding both points of the fold, allow the triangle to fall in front of you. Wrap the points behind your neck and allow them to fall back in front. This is a great look to use when layering your outfits. I especially like it in winter as it adds warmth at your neck, particularly for shirts with lower necklines.
Hip scarves are a fun way to change the look of an outfit. Again, fold the scarf in half into a triangle. Wrap the folded side around your waist and tie in knot at your hip.

Square scarves can be worn as headbands too. Again, fold in half into triangle. You can fold it over itself several times from either direction. About 2" is a good width of fold. Tie ends below hair at nape of neck. If it is long enough, the same method can be used to tie it around your waist as a belt.
Available at YazBerry: 1960s Paisley Scarf - Lavender - YazBerry - Vintage

LONG RECTANGLE
This is probably one of the most versatile scarf shapes. You can use it in all of the styles listed above for the square scarf, only you don't have to fold it in half into a triangle. You may wish to fold it in half lengthwise somewhat depending on it's width.
One of my favorite ways to wear a long rectangle scarf is as an obi style sash belt. This is a great solution (like the obi belts) to quickly custom tailor a look that is too big in the waist. I especially like it on tunic length shirts and on dresses.
1980s Pansy Scarf - Magenta and Purple - YazBerry - VintageLong rectangle scarves can be folded into belts too. A fun alternative to a 'regular' belt.

Another way to wear it around your neck is what I call the noose style. Fold the scarf in half lengthwise, hold the loop in front of your neck, wrap the ends around the back of your neck and feed them through the loop in front. Pull tight (not too tight or the noose might work).

TRIANGLE SCARF
Many shawls are this shape, though I have also found hip scarves in this shape as well. All of the styles used for the square scarf work perfectly for triangle scarves. They can also be worn like a belt if you fold them over themselves. What's nice is that they are often longer than your square scarves giving you a different look. If the are large enough to be a shawl they may not work as a headband or belt, but could be styled all of the other ways.

Have fun, be daring and creative. Go find some scarves and let them surprise you. I promise people will be impressed with the fun flare a scarf adds to your outfit.

For more images of ways to style scarves and to view my collection of vintage scarves, visit my YazBerryFashion.Etsy.com store.

TREND: Bold Eye Popping Stripes for Spring 2011

2011-01-23T12:48:00.000-05:00

Have I mentioned how much I love getting Bazaar in my mailbox? It's like a little present every time. That and the Anthropologie catalog.

This summer I found two stunning striped silk vintage scarves and for whatever reason they really caught my eye, so I snatched them up and added them to my YazBerry scarf collection in my store. While thumbing through the February, 2011 Bazaar magazine, page 177 in the "Rules of the Season" article caught my eye: Marc by Marc Jacobs, Prada and Fendi are all featuring bold, colorful stripes in their Spring 2011 collections. I guess the four of us had a hankering for eye popping stripes.

The caption reads:

"SAY IT WITH STRIPES Prints reigned on the runways, and pop-hued parallel lines were king. Mix them with other bold motifs for a modern look." -Bazaar, February 2011, Page 177

Here are a few tasty striped vintage scarves from my YazBerry stash. Scarves are a great way to add a pop of color to your wardrobe without spending a lot of money or committing to a color/pattern/look. You can wear them in so many ways and truth be told, next to obi belts, vintage scarves are one of my favorite go to accessories. I own 50+ personally. 1980s Long Scarf - Vera Striped Navy Gray Magenta - YazBerry - Vintage
1980s Silk Scarf - Long Striped Navy Red Yellow - YazBerry - Vintage
1980s Geometric Scarf - Primary Colors - YazBerry - Vintage

If you are looking for more delicious stripes, here are a few of my favorites from handmade and vintage sellers on Etsy.com I even included some yardage in case you want to make your own striped lovely! To view this treasury collection visit: Bold Stripes for Spring

Note: Image of Page 177 from the February, 2011 Bazaar magazine is copyright Harper's Bazaar.

Designer Doll Purses by YazBerry

2011-01-22T11:56:00.000-05:00

I've been working in a handmade doll clothes store, Buttons, Bows & Babydoll Clothes, which sells clothing and accessories for 15"-18" dolls...Bitty Baby to American Girl size dolls.

Inspired by the adorableness that is the doll world, I have made mini-YazBerry purses for dolls and little girls. Some purses are just for dolls, others are sold in matched sets for little girls too! Have an adorable little girl in your life that needs to accessorize her doll? Stop in The Shops at 5th & Division in Northfield, MN. I have a rack featuring my clothes, purses and jewelry too!

Doll & little girl purses are available exclusively in store.

New Studio Space

2011-01-21T11:56:00.000-05:00

I know some of you enjoy seeing where the magic happens. Here are some quick pics of my new studio space. They're dark as it is night, but it does get great sunlight too :)The gorgeous screen is part of my inheritance from my Grandmother. LOVE it and works perfect to make this living room space multi-functional. God save the screen!

YazBerry Finds Home in Northfield

2011-01-06T11:59:00.000-05:00

My handmade creations are now available all the time in Buttons, Bows & Babydoll Clothes at 500 Division St. S., Northfield, MN 55057. Thank you Eileen Seeley for extending me the offer of space. Here are some pictures of my display:

STORE HOURS:
Mon-Fri 9-5
Sat 10-3

Don't worry, for those of you not living in Minnesota, you can still get your hands on YazBerry goodies on my website, yazberryfashion.etsy.com.

Style Ideas: How to Wear an Obi Belt

2011-01-05T00:32:00.026-05:00

I can honestly say that obi belts are by far my favorite accessory. Followed by vintage scarves as a close second. I love the versatility they offer with dressing. You can wear them with so many things to give a pop of color or texture to an outfit. They can be used to faux-tailor clothes to fit you perfectly.

Something that I have been pleased and surprised by is how obi belts compliment many body types: I like them to nip in around my waist, which is narrower than my hips and shoulders. They look great on long lanky women around the hips. I also like them on women with rectangular torsos because it creates the illusion of a waist.

Obi belts give you options to change the look of a tunic length shirt or sweater. This is one of my personal signature obi looks. (LOVE IT!). I apologize for the dark images, I am still adjusting to working with the low lighting in my new workspace.

This obi can be found in my store.

I discovered almost accidentally while working in my unheated artist's stall on Artists' Row in Salem, MA, this fall that obi belts look oh so fab topping a classic trench coat. I wore it with this narrower obi in the fall, but am equally as pleased with the funky look the wide obi gives this classic style.

This obi is not yet available in my store, if you love it, send me a note, I would be happy to list it for you.

Because I have broad shoulders and hips and a narrower waist, I tend to prefer looks that nip in at the waist or are well tailored for my silhouette. Obi belts are a quick easy faux-tailoring fix when stuff is just too loose looking. I use them over big, cozy sweaters, fun vintage dresses that are a size or two too big, but the print/look/label was too good to pass up, knit tops that could use a little extra shape.

You name it, I've obi'ed it. Here is a sweater I prefer to wear with an obi. I wanted to show a dress too, but the obi belt I have that looks good with a few of my dresses is MIA for the moment. I am living out of boxes still...things in the house, things in the garage...slowly assembly a life.

Again, this obi belt isn't available in my store yet but I would be happy to list it for you. Just let me know.

I mentioned that obi belts flatter a lot of different body types. Here are several real women, who modeled in my Ahht For Peeps, Wearable Art Fashion Show in Salem, MA this summer. I invited members of the community to model my looks. I took it a step further and encouraged them to pick out the pieces they wanted to model and create a look they felt comfortable wearing. Real people, real fashion.

The first two are what I would describe as lanky women, long and lean with long torsos. One wears the obi with the wide part to the back giving it a low, loose look. The second wears it in front but low, she really makes this apron flavored obi look sassy! Love it.

The model on the left is wearing this obi. The model on the right is wearing an obi not yet available in my store, but if you dig it, let me know and I can list it for you.

These two women have narrow hips and long lean legs. Their torsos are more rectangular in nature, often giving the sense of no waist. Here they both look fabulous in obi belts, which create the illusion of a waist.

The obi on the left is available here. The obi on the right is available here.

P.S. I love taking on custom obi orders. I have a nice selection of authentic antique Japanese kimono obi fabric and a booming stash of vintage neckties. Let me know what you are looking for. I would love to create it for you. berry (at) yazberry (dot) com. I love using recycled materials. Most of my obis are made from either antique Japanese obi fabric, vintage neckties or upholstery samples. I do mix in new materials as well, but find so much inspiration from recycled materials.

My current obi belt collection is available in my store. However, if you saw something in the pictures from my Artists' Row store, chances are it is not yet available online but I do have it, send me a message and I will confirm either way.

TUTORIAL: Fabric Covered Bulletin Board

2011-01-02T20:47:00.004-05:00

I've been offered retail space in Northfield, MN and was looking for very inexpensive display ideas to jazz up a 3"x3" black metal grid display panel and to economize on the space (2'x 5' total). The goal was to find a creative, effective, space efficient idea that wouldn't cost me much dough -re-mi.

I'd been dying to check out a newer thrift shop in Northfield (new to me) and was glad I did. I scored a 2' x 1.5' bulletin board for a buck! The cork wasn't pretty, but that is totally okay, I planned to cover it in fabric anyway. I like the idea of displaying jewelry within frames, but needed something large enough to house a lot of jewelry. This fit the bill. MATERIALS:
-bulletin board
-fabric (larger than bulletin board)
-iron
-scissors
-staples, tacks or straight pins.

1.) To get started you will need a bulletin board. Any size will do. Pick out a fabric you like to use to cover it. Something stiffer or heavier is better as it won't sag or show the pin marks as much as finer fabrics. I used some sort of heavy woven rayon, it reminds be of 'burlap-lite'.

Depending on what you want to use your bulletin board for will help you decide what fabric to use. If you're using it on a wall in a room, think of a fun print that compliments your space. Pictures and notes will jump off nicely. If you are using it for jewelry display like I am, consider a solid color, or a very small scale/monotone print or texture.

I go back and forth as to whether I find jewelry pops better on a light or dark background. It all depends on the jewelry and the lighting. I opted for navy blue this time around. I thought it would make the subtle natural frame pop more and give me that framed jewelry look I was hoping for.

2.) Make sure you have a piece of fabric a little larger than the bulletin board. Once you have picked out your fabric, iron it. Then place it over the board and cut around the edges. IMPORTANT: make sure you cut 1/2"-1" extra on each side as you will be tucking this under to give a finished edge to your look.

3.) Once you have your fabric cut, center it over the cork. I found it works best to start in the center of the longest edge. Fold the edge of the fabric under. Here you get to make another style decision: staples, tacks or pins. I find staples to be quick and to give you a long lasting hold. Tacks are also good. Pins may need to be readjusted periodically to keep the fabric taught. Once you have decided which sharp implement to use, tack down the edge of the fabric in one spot.

4.) Smooth out the fabric and pull it tight to the opposite side. Fold under the fabric edge and tack it down.

5.) Repeat this step working your way from the middle out. Once you reach the corners, you will have to fold down the edges of both sides at once.

6.) As with the long sides, start in the center, fold fabric under and tack. Pull taught to opposite side, fold fabric under and tack. Repeat until all edges are securely tacked down.

7.) Fin!

Here are some pictures of my finished fabric covered bulletin board.

And here it is in action!

2011 Bodes Well for YazBerry

2011-01-02T01:13:00.008-05:00

As of 12:15 AM on the 2nd day of the year, I have already had handmade items featured in 6 Etsy.com treasuries (one self curated)! After a slow holiday gift giving season, this recent positive response to YazBerry bodes well for a successful 2011.

Here are links to the treasuries and the featured items:

My Dangle Earrings - Vintage Metal Beads - YazBerry - Handmade are very popular and one of a kind.
They have been featured in 3 treasury lists so far this year (plus one I curated myself) and will be gone before you know it. There is only one pair so you better get them fast.

New Year's Adornments, curated by Virginia E. Berry of yazberryfashion, featuring jewelry and accessories by HandmadeMN street team members.

Ringing in the New Year, curated by MyShiningStarDesigns.
Features a funky take on New Years.

new years eve partay, curated by nectarjewelry, featuring a very clever collection of images, a work of art itself in a fun montage for New Year's 2011!

Take me to the Ball I'm Ready, curated by workingwoman, featuring ball ready looks with a golden bond.

Happiness in Honeysuckle,
curated by newnance, featuring a vibrant, happiness inducing collection of items with honeysuckle (and other bright colors) in the mix.

One of my favorite colors is Honeysuckle, and Pantone has decided it is their favorite color this year too. Many items in my personal wardrobe and in my collection are Honeysuckle (aka salmon or coral). My Shoulder Bag - Coral Turquoise Beaded Flower Applique - YazBerry - Handmade is featured in the above treasury. This too is one of a kind and there will be no others made like it. The appliques are salvaged from a recycled silk knit shirt, which has become the liner.

And, Fabulous in Minnesota,curated by lightreading, featuring a gorgeous, icy collection of work by Minnesota Artists.

My Obi Belt Reversible- Antique Japanese Kimono Obi - YazBerry - Handmade has been featured on blogs and treasury lists in the past. It is a crowd pleaser and gets great reviews in my feedback. It is a limited edition piece and there is only enough fabric left to make 2-3 more. I use antique Japanese kimono obi's in many of my pieces, which are roughly 12' long and if all of the fabric is usable make 3 - 6 belts (ideally).

Here's wishing you a fabulous, prosperous, healthy and happy 2011! Welcome New Year, I am so grateful and pleased you have arrived.

Current Read: Creative Girl

2010-12-29T23:22:00.007-05:00

I love the Northfield Public Library. I find good books without even searching their catalog. Since I am sans full time employment at the moment, I was browsing the job hunting and business section. Picked up a fabulous book to help rewrite my office job resume and my fingers tripped over this book: Creative Girl, by Katherine Sise.

Katherine Sise may ring a bell, she is a successful Jewelry Designer whose collections have been featured in Lucky Magazine and Elle amongst others. She has designed for GAP and Keds and currently has a collection available at Target (Tar-jay boutique ;) ). You may also recognize her from her early career with a show on the Home Shopping Network.

I'm only 20 or so pages in but have a few pearls of wisdom, true gems to share with you. I am really looking forward to digging into this book. Since it was in the business and job hunting section, the content is very practical and very realistic with the objective of lucrative employment and income. I like this perspective.

"Creativity breeds creativity and your success is like a snowball; almost always, achievement in one creative field feeds into another...Each creative talent is a continually evolving business and it's exciting to push your artistic limits and find unlikely avenues that stem from your original pursuit. When you're strategic about your achievements, you'll cohesively build a career." (page 17)

"Often, when one aspect of your career is lagging, the other is flying high. This keeps you feeling productive and successful...The ability to shift gears and expand will serve you, so experiment and push yourself further than you thought you could go." (page 18)

"Be mindful, aware, and open to the fact that you are exactly where you're meant to be in this moment." (page 21)

I feel these notions can be applied to any job hunt, be it creative, office or whatnot. They make a lot of sense to me and with this sense I embark on the rest of my read.

Available on Amazon.com.

NOTE: Cover image Copyright 2010, Kristine A. Lombardi, artist.
Quotes from: Creative Girl: the Ultimate Guide for Turning Talent and Creativity Into a Real Career, by Katherine Sise.

FREE Handmade Gift for 150th Sale

2010-12-28T23:43:00.003-05:00

Help me send 2010 out with a roar and reach 150 sales before the end of 2010. In honor of my 150th sale I will be giving that customer a free handmade gift with their purchase.

I will carefully select a piece of jewelry from my collection that coordinates with your purchase to thank you and to celebrate my 150th sale.

I am confident that we can reach 150 in the next few days. I am giving a 15% discount until January 7, 2011 off of your total purchase. Use it wisely, YazBerry discounts are very rare. Discount code endof2010sale15off at checkout on yazberryfashion.etsy.com.

15% OFF STOREWIDE SALE!

2010-12-26T21:14:00.004-05:00

In honor of 2010 being almost over and with a lofty goal of 150 sales before the end of the year (I'm at 138) I am extending a 15% off storewide discount to all of my blog readers. Sales and discounts are rare to never on YazBerry as I work with very narrow profit margins. But because I am greatful to have you in my life, I am giving you the gift of a discount to help me celebrate the end of 2010.

Use endof2010sale15off coupon code at check out on yazberryfashion.etsy.com.

Sale ends January 7, 2011. Limit one code per customer. Discount can not be combined with any other sale offers.

Thank you.

PRESS KIT

2010-12-26T14:40:00.001-05:00

YAZBERRY FASHION
YazBerry Fashion is the design label of Designer, Virginia E. Berry. Raised in Northfield, MN, Berry pursued her BA at Skidmore College where she worked in the costume shop at the theatre under the tutelage of Costume Designer, Patty Pawliczak. Berry participated in several student fashion shows while at Skidmore and graduated in 2004 with a double Major in Spanish and Government and Minor in International Affairs. In 2010 Berry had an artist in residence in Salem, MA's Artist's Row program in which she had a retail space and taught workshops.

Berry's design work ranges from clothing, to purses, jewelry, table linens, notebooks and other assorted creations. Her body of work can best be described as vintage inspired; drawing inspiration from classic shapes, patterns and styles. She boasts that YazBerry will leave people asking you where you got it! Berry also offers a carefully curated selection of vintage purses and scarves. Her keen eye for color and volume come together nicely througout her pieces.

YazBerry Fashion ranges in price from $10 for handmade earrings up to $167 for a handmade messenger bag made of antique Japanese kimono obi silk. Berry works with recycled textiles, found objects and new and melds them into must have one of a kind creations. Her handmade and vintage collection is available in her Etsy.com store yazberryfashion.etsy.com, select vintage items are available on www.marketpublique.com where she is yazberryfashion. Her work can also be found at art fairs throughout Minnesota.

Links in order are:
Salem, MA's Artist's Row: http://www.salem.com/pages/salemma_webdocs/artists
YazBerry Fashion on Etsy.com: http://yazberryfashion.etsy.com
YazBerry Fashion on MarketPublique.com: https://shop.marketpublique.com/active_auctions.php?user_id=3521

CONTACT INFORMATION
Virginia E. Berry, Owner & Designer
berry [at] yazberry [dot] com
Shop: http://yazberryfashion.etsy.com
Blog: http://yazberry.blogspot.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/yazberryfashion
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/yazberryfashion
Website: http://www.yazberry.com

IMAGES OF WORK
PRESS RELEASES
BIOGRAPHY
ARTIST'S STATEMENT

The Handcut Leather Lace Process

Artist's Statement

2010-12-26T00:50:00.006-05:00

As I walk and drive through life I am constantly thinking, constantly inspired by what I see around me and I try to jot down ideas as I go along. I'm lost without a pen and paper, a check list, a brief note. YazBerry Fashion is my outlet to bring that which inspires me to life, in a tangible, wearable, useful way. I create because whatever it is that keeps me up at night with ideas spinning through my head must be fed by putting my hands to work manifesting my visions.

I am obsessed with recycling; I think I was a first wave 'reduce, reuse, recycle' student and it stuck with me from an impressionable age. I strive to recycle as much as I possibly can; this comes through in my design work. I love working with recycled materials. I almost prefer them to new materials, though I do use a mix in my work. There is something about picking up a discarded material, taking in its limitations and characteristics and finding a way to breath new life into it. I consider this sustainable fashion.

In the last fifteen years I have made my way around the world. I am inspired by the colors I see, vivid tropical hues, bold eastern pigments and delicious color combinations. I try to capture these colors, textures and sights in my work.

I enjoy examining everything I can with my fingers and my eyes, learning its texture, seeing its ornate details. I pay attention to these things and create with the details and hand in mind. I am inspired by vintage garments, architecture and the textiles themselves. Because I work with a lot of recycled materials, often the textile tells me what it should become. I enjoy designing this way and find it difficult to design from a drawing or a vision and find the materials that work to make this vision come to be.

My work is colorful. It has strong shapes, bold colors and patterns and subtle details reminiscent of vintage craftsmanship. I create with people that enjoy treasure hunting in mind. People that enjoy dressing themselves in special items, pops of color, three or more colors at once like me. I design for people wanting something unique, one of a kind; something not available in malls or department stores. My work is wearable art.

-Virginia E. Berry

TO VIEW THE YAZBERRY PRESS KIT CLICK HERE.

Biography

2010-12-25T23:52:00.014-05:00

Virginia E. Berry, Designer

YazBerry has been brewing in the mind of Designer and Founder, Virginia E. Berry for many years. Berry was born in New Prague, Minnesota in 1982 and grew up in the woods outside of Northfield, MN. Her main forms of entertainment were craft projects and playing dress up with the neighbor girls. They would spend time planning costumes and sets for plays which they never performed, the behind the scenes work enticed them much more.

Berry's penchant for Halloween costumes grew from there and lead her to work under the tutelage of Patti Pawliczak, Costume Designer at the Skidmore College Theatre during her Bachelor's of Arts Degree at Skidmore College. While at Skidmore, Berry designed collections for student fashion shows in 2002 and 2004. Dabbling with sustainable fashion and not even realizing it at the time, in 2002 Berry constructed gowns from recycled black and white photos of people from magazines. In 2004, after having spent a year living and studying in Madrid, Spain, Berry made a collection featuring salvaged leather she had found outside a workshop in Madrid. She also recycled scrap fabric from the costume shop into couture dresses; one, her French model asked to bring home with her to Paris.

Berry learned to sew from her mother, grandmother and various generous mothers involved in her Girl Scout troops over the years. She honed her designing and pattern drafting skills while working with Pawliczak at Skidmore and quickly put them to use making clothing, purses and table linens for her line, YazBerry Fashion. Berry graduated Skidmore in 2004 and in May of 2005 began YazBerry Fashion.

The name YazBerry was Berry's answer to what to call her design label. Virginia E. Berry evokes images of high collared Victorian ladies sipping tea, not quite the image Berry hoped to evoke in her clients. Instead Berry wanted to play on the fruit aspect of her name. Strawberry is a chain of stores in NYC, Raspberry just seemed expected, she landed on YazBerry as a fresh, funky alternative that still brings that juicy, fruity taste to one's mouth when read.

Berry was invited in 2009, by The Fashion Reporter virtual Magazine and Fashion Evolution Productions to showcase a selection of her purses at a fashion show featuring pieces from the fall collections of Vivienne Tam, Tibi, MNG Mango, Vera Wang and Rebecca Taylor. Purses from the YazBerry Fashion collection were paired with designs by Vivienne Tam and Tibi.

In 2010, Berry wrote a proposal for an artist's studio and retail space in Salem, MA, in the City of Salem's Artists' Row artist in residence program. Berry was among 5 artist groups selected to have space during the summer and fall. During this time she created an extensive portfolio and expanded her line into jewelry, stationary and decor items. While her main focus continues to be purses, Berry is now also directing her focus to jewelry and accessories.

During her stay on Artists' Row, Berry offered workshops and demonstrations to members of the community. She also produced a fashion show as part of the Ahht for Peeps art event, in which her work was modeled by members of the community, real people as she put it. She invited Artists' Row artists Ellen Hardy, President of the Salem Arts Association, to showcase her hand painted silk scarves and neckties and Dan Anthony, to share his handcrafted leather masks.

Currently, Berry resides in her hometown of Northfield, MN. Her work is available exclusively in her online shop yazberryfashion.etsy.com and as of May, 2011 she has been selling her creations at the Riverwalk Market Fair, Northfield, MN, 55057. She is engaged to a wonderful man, Steven Phillips and will be married in 2012. Phillips is a recycled vinyl record sculptor and collaborates with Berry on some of her jewelry collections.

Berry's collection, YazBerry Fashion can best be described as vintage inspired design in bold colors and structural shapes. She also carries a carefully curated selection of vintage purses and scarves. Her work is sustainable in nature as she uses a mixture of recycled, found and new objects. She boasts that YazBerry will leave people asking you where you got it!

Virginia E. Berry, Designer in her own design, copper leather corset with Steven Phillips.

TO VIEW THE YAZBERRY PRESS KIT CLICK HERE.

Images of Work

2010-12-25T22:20:00.013-05:00

PURSES
Polka Dot Clutch, $72, Photo by Yassine Belhaldi

Beaded Chain Purse, $102, Photo by Virginia E. Berry

Silk Embroidered Messenger Bag, $167, Photo by Virginia E. Berry

Kimono Clutch, $72, Photo by Virginia E. Berry

CLOTHING
Copper Leather Corset, $125, Photo by Yassine Belhaldi

Obi Belt, $63, Photo by Virginia E. Berry, Model: Naomi Hernandez

JEWELRY
Hand Cut Leather Lace Necklace, $69, Photo by Virginia E. Berry

Wire Wrapped Sea Glass Necklace, $49, Photo by Virginia E. Berry

Bottle Neck Earrings, $32, Photo by Virginia E. Berry

TABLE LINENS
Table Runner, $67, Photo by Virginia E. Berry

LOGO

TO VIEW MY PRESS KIT CLICK HERE.

Peace be with You

2010-12-25T15:20:00.003-05:00

I know my friends are of many different faiths, ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Even if you are atheist, I think you can find beauty in this vintage greeting card I found with a prayer of St. Francis of Assisi (the namesake for four generations of men in my family, my brother is IV).

"Lord make me an instrument of thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith: where there is despair, hope: where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, let me sow joy." -Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi

The inside inscription reads: May perfect peace within your heart abide this Christmastide.

Peace be with you and yours as we embark on this new solstice of the year and prepare to enter into 2011. May 2011 be better than 2010 in all ways.

Happy Holidays!

Virginia

P.S. for a limited time you can get a free mp3 of Boston folk singer, Anne Heaton's St. Francis song Check this out free mp3 of St. Francis from Anne Heaton - http://t.opsp.in/OoVj

Wisdom from the Handmade Marketplace Book

2010-12-24T22:28:00.005-05:00

I'm pleased as punch that I finished this book so quickly. I can't tell you the last time I read a book cover to cover. I start a lot of books, infrequently and lose interest quickly. A finish is a good judge of content for me. This one was good.

I jotted notes as I read, hoping to gain wisdom necessary to improve my state of affairs in 2011, 2010 was not my year for many reasons. I can credit 2010 with an engagement to a wonderful man, just the rest of the year was the goo at the bottom of the barrel. I've been joking, I think there is a hole in the bottom of my barrel.

Anyway, here are some gems I jotted direct quotes of from the book:

"Do not underestimate the value of your work. If you undercharge, you not only hurt yourself but other crafters who are a part of your community." -Page 49

"Remember, your portfolio is only as strong as your weakest photo, so make sure all of your product shots are your personal best." - Holly Becker of decor8, Page 126

"Nothing helps people imagine something in their own life like seeing it in action." -Page 175

Here's a little wisdom for you. I hope you enjoy these drops of knowledge.

Quotes from: The Handmade Marketplace; How to sell your crafts locally, globally and online, By Kari Chapin.

Current Read: The Handmade Marketplace

2010-12-23T12:00:00.002-05:00

I just opened a new library card at my hometown library in Northfield, MN (my old one had expired several years ago since I hadn't been living here). I love the library. My favorite sections are DVD's and the new release book section. Even when I was in high school I enjoyed perusing the new release book section. As I am sure you can imagine, with my new card in hand, I charged right over to that section to see what they have.

One thing I have always enjoyed about the Northfield Public Library, is the abundance of arts and crafts books. Living in the woods, we made regular use of those books to keep ourselves entertained as kids. That said, of course there were a few gems in this genre on the new release shelves.

I got my paws on: The Handmade Marketplace; How to sell your crafts locally, globally and online, By Kari Chapin. It was published this year and is filled with valuable information for independent artists and crafters. Heck, I bet any business owner looking to learn how to better market online would benefit from this book.

With $3.49 to my name at the moment, I am looking for any information I can to grow my handmade fashion business. This is one of my favorite topics to read about online and I try to find out what I can in my free time. The $3.49, numerous rejections from office job applications and frighteningly lethargic sales on my Etsy.com store this holiday season are what provoked me to give this book a careful and thorough read. It is oh so timely I stumbled across it at the library.

This book is current and a wealth of information for anyone looking to improve their small business marketing efforts. I'm reading it armed with pen and paper and have nearly filled a small notepad with ideas...lots and lots of ideas and tasks I wish to execute sooner rather than later.

One of my favorite bonus aspects of this book: it fits in my purse!

Available on Amazon.com.

Katy Perry's Cuffs in December, 2010 Bazaar

2010-12-22T12:00:00.001-05:00

Bazaar
is my personal favorite fashion magazine. It is the only one I like enough each month to subscribe to. I also enjoy picking up Lucky at the newsstand on occasion to browse the trends and have a soft spot for Cosmo just for the quizzes and sex articles, but Bazaar is my favorite to devour, page by page, yummy haut couture look by haut couture look.

The December, 2010 issue of Bazaar pays homage to the fashionably intriguing Katy Perry. Her bejeweled lips and mug grace the cover and she lines the pages. I was particularly interested in her cuff bracelets on pages 290 and 291, by Designer, Alexis Bittar and available for a mere $175 a pop. They are metal, though I don't know if they are precious metal or not(not available on his site quite yet).

My fiance Steve Phillips and I started making strikingly similar cuff bracelets together this summer from recycled vinyl records. Steve is a vinyl sculptor and makes anything conceivable from recycled (unplayable) vinyl records; bowls, cuffs, rings, wall sconces, clocks, magazine racks etc.

Our cuffs are completely customizable, sustainable in design and sell for $22 with free shipping! Our cuffs are available on my Etsy.com store, here.

Images of Katy Perry Copyright Bazaar Magazine and available here in the full spread, 12.22.10: http://www.harpersbazaar.com/fashion/fashion-articles/katy-perry-style-pictures-1210?click=try&link=katy-perry-style-pictures-1210

Honeysuckle: Pantone 2011 Color of the Year

2010-12-21T17:37:00.001-05:00

"A Color for All Seasons
Courageous. Confident. Vital. A brave new color, for a brave new world. Let the bold spirit of Honeysuckle infuse you, lift you and carry you through the year. It’s a color for every day – with nothing “everyday” about it." - Pantone.com

I love this color, have been wearing and designing with it for years, and am pleased to share a few pieces from my collection of handmade & vintage goodies that are honeysuckle. Admitedly, I've always wanted to call this color salmon, or coral, but honeysuckle is a charming way of describing it as well. Here are links to the above featured honeysuckle YazBerry.
1960's Mod Scarf
Leather Necklace
Shoulder Bag
Ocean Artifact Pendant
Embroidered Statement Necklace
1960's Hot Pink Scarf
Hoop Earrings
1960's Triangle Scarf

My vintage floral mod scarf is featured in an Etsy.com treasury of honeysuckle items:

Please note: quote found on http://www.pantone.com/pages/pantone/Pantone.aspx?pg=20821&ca=4 12.22.10

For the official Pantone Press Release visit this link.

Happy Holidays from YazBerry Fashion!

2010-12-21T00:52:00.006-05:00

Today was a true snowglobe day in Minnesota. The snow fell very fast and was composed of large flakes, turning the outdoors into a picturesque winter wonderland. I was working at one of the final days of my trunk show today and enjoyed how the snowglobe showed through the windows behind my collection. Here are some season's greetings postcards for you! May your holiday season be blessed with the presense of your loved ones, the presents that you need, good food and laughter.

Happy Holidays from YazBerry Fashion!

Love, Virginia

It's Ugly Sweater Party Season

2010-12-18T12:39:00.006-05:00

The season opener falls just after Thanksgiving and you don't need a permit or a shotgun to participate. I caught wind of this concept last holiday season, but none of my clever friends (myself included) had the gumption to host. This year I've been invited to two ugly sweater parties. Sadly, the first was snowed out. But tonight, ladies and gentlemen, was my first official ugly sweater party.

When the invite was sent my way I was banking on the stash of ugly holiday sweaters my mother (sorry ma) had from when she worked at the schools. I searched her closet high and low, dug through her drawers. Looks like they were donated, so other ugly sweater party goers could have some prime wardrobe selections.

So this year, at my first ever ugly sweater holiday party, I did not wear a Christmas sweater. But not a total tragedy. Instead, the winner for ugliest sweater in our house, was my dad. With a gem from the '70's tagged "High Grade Western Wear" in delightfully wonderful shades of rust and yellow. I borrowed this beauty and rocked it with the best of 'em.

Happy Holidays!

Above: Andrea Nelson & I rocking our ugly sweaters. Hers really is as flourescent as it appears.

A Secret Garden for Bead Lovers in Northfield

2010-12-17T20:19:00.005-05:00

This is a must read: I rarely to never give out my favorite supply places, I guard these trade secrets like the recipe for the pizza dough & sauce at your favorite pizza place. But, I am just so pleased, and because they are big I know they won't run out, with the great selection at Glass Garden Beads in Northfield, MN.

I've been slowly exploring the retail in downtown Northfield as it has changed a lot since I lived here in high school. A few of my old standby favorites are still here but so many new faces (and by new they could've been here for 10 years and I never made it in ;) ) have popped up all over town. Plus, the stores are constantly offering new curiosities. If you are having a hard time finding the right gifts for your favorite people, I highly recommend a stroll down Division St. in Northfield. I am certain you will find that certain something you are looking for.

Glass Garden Beads is a store that I remember being there for several years, but when I would come home on visits, I was not an avid jewelry maker and thus never ventured in. If I had sooner, I am certain I would've started making a lot more jewelry. Firstly, compared to the compact store fronts I had grown accustomed to in NY and MA, Northfield's retail spaces are in general, quite large. Glass Garden Beads is no exception, they're huge! and in the most delightful ways.

I was impressed right away to see they were offering findings that are right on trend with the steampunk aesthetic that is sweeping artist marketplaces such as Etsy.com. Right up front they have over flowing bins of vintage keys (so much more convenient than scouring junk shops like I have in the past for desirable aged keys), deconstructed watch components and these oh so sweet 'tarts', shapes punched from vintage metal containers. LOVE.

As you meander through the store the walls are filled with beautiful beads and the tables too. Sorted by color...DOUBLE LOVE, and within reach so us tactile shoppers can get our fix.

I will let you in on yet another secret: you don't have to be in Minnesota to shop at Glass Garden Beads; they offer online shopping too! Here is their web shop.

Again, this is one of the first and only leaks I'm putting out there on best available supply places. Feast your creative minds folks!

Image found on: http://blog.glassgardenbeads.com/ 12/17/10 Copyright Glass Garden Beads.

YazBerry Trunk Show to Continue Through December!

2010-12-11T00:04:00.005-05:00

It was a ton of fun doing a trunk show in my home town. A couple of long lost friends, Ms. Laura Marks and Mrs. Sarah Martin Jordan (and her cute son!) stopped in to visit! How fun. Thanks for coming in to say hello.

A special thanks to Lisa Emery of Lisa's Alterations & Tailoring and Eileen Seeley of Buttons, Bows and Babydoll Clothes for hosting my trunk show in their space at 500 Division St. S. in Northfield, MN.

EXCITING NEWS: I have been invited to continue my trunk show through December. So, if you missed me during Winterfest & Winter Walk, you can still shop for my handmade, artist made creations up through the end of the month. Just in time for holiday gift giving. Even if you don't come to shop, I would love to see your smiling face; the hugs are free. I'll be there 12-3 daily this week and 12-5 daily the following week + Saturdays but you can stop in anytime 9-5.

Insiders secret: many of the items listed on my Etsy.com store www.yazberryfashion.etsy.com are on sale for $5 and $10.

I'm really pleased with how my display came out. Here are some pictures for your viewing pleasure:

PRESS RELEASE: 500 Division St. S., One of the Greenest Addresses in Northfield

2010-12-10T18:58:00.011-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

500 Division St. S., One of the Greenest Addresses in Northfield

Lisa's Alterations & Tailoring and Buttons, Bows & Baby Doll Clothes offer green solutions and products for people of all ages.

Northfield, MN - December, 10, 2010 - Lisa Emery of Lisa's Alterations & Tailoring has served the Northfield area out of her home for many years. Now located on the corner of Division St. and 5th St., 500 Division St. S. (the former Downtown Dancewear store) is home to both Lisa's Alterations & Tailoring and Buttons, Bows & Baby Doll Clothes. This holiday season owners Emery and Eileen Seeley have invited Designer, Virginia E. Berry of YazBerry Handmade Fashion to showcase her clothing and accessories line. Emery, Seeley and Berry all offer green products and services to diverse clientele.

Emery has been a Seamstress and Tailor for many years in Northfield. She ran her workshop out of her home until three months ago when she opened up shop on Division St. in Northfield at The Shops at 500 Division St. S. location. Emery's service of alterations and tailoring allows customers to give a second life to their clothing, stretch those wardrobe pennies a little further and obtain garments that fit properly that may otherwise end up in the donation piles; a frugal and green option.

Seeley is a Jane of many trades and has put her skills to work designing and sewing handmade doll clothes for American Girl and Bitty Baby sized dolls, 15" - 18" tall. The clothes are often made from scraps of fabric used in other projects, fabric that makes its way to her through many channels and is recycled into beautiful, heirloom quality doll clothing.

Both little girls and grandmas enjoy browsing the racks in Buttons, Bows and Baby Doll Clothes. By recycling scraps of fabric, Seeley is creating green toys for children and keeping textile waste out of the landfills. She mixes recycled fabrics, scrap fabrics and new fabrics to create the doll clothes. Also available are handmade dresses by another Seamstress out of Farmington, and specialty manufactured shoes and career wear such as nurses’ uniforms.

During the recent Winter Walk event in Downtown Northfield, Emery & Seeley invited Northfield native, Virginia E. Berry to display her handmade, artist made clothing, purses and jewelry. Berry has an independent design label which she sells predominantly online, YazBerry Fashion. Her full collection is available on www.yazberryfashion.etsy.com, her shop on the online marketplace, Etsy.com.

Berry also works with recycled and repurposed materials. Many of her pieces include recycled textiles, found objects and vintage items mixed with new components. Berry considers her green creations "sustainable fashion"; by reusing and giving a second life to materials, they are kept out of the dumps and don't require the need to manufacture new materials, depleting our available resources and often adding to the pollution problems.

Emery and Seeley have invited Berry to showcase her designs throughout December. Be sure to stop in to see what shopping local and shopping green looks like in The Shops at 500 Division St. S., Northfield, MN. Don’t be confused by the pink walls, these ladies are green and armed with sewing machines.

YazBerry Fashion
Virginia E. Berry
http://yazberryfashion.etsy.com
berry @ yazberry.com
500 Division St. S.
Northfield, MN 55057
507-664-3890
###
(515 words)

YazBerry Trunk Show at Northfield, MN Winter Walk

2010-12-08T01:35:00.004-05:00

Please join Northfield Native Virginia E. Berry, Designer of YazBerry Fashion as she offers a first ever trunk show featuring her collection of artist made clothing, purses, jewelry, belts and more during Northfield's Winter Walk.

For a complete listing of all the free performances, hands on activities and more vist the Northfield Tourism link for a schedule of events.

YazBerry is vintage inspired design featuring bold colors, unusual textiles and found objects. Wearable art sure to dress up your wardrobe or that of a loved one. YazBerry will leave people asking you where you got it!

A special thanks to the hostesses Lisa's Alterations & Tailoring and The American Girl Doll Clothes store at 500 Division St. S.!

Where: Lisa's Alterations & Tailoring, 500 Division St S, Northfield, MN 55057 (& The American Girl Doll Clothes Store)
Date: December 9, 2010
Time: 5:00pm–8:00pm

Features: Families, Free, Kids, Open to All, Seniors, Teens
Website: http://yazberryfashion.etsy.com
Email: berry@yazberry.com
Price: FREE

For full event listing visit the NorthfieldPatch.com

WinterFest...Both Wintery &...Festive

2010-12-08T01:15:00.004-05:00

WinterFest was a fun event. Despite the 1'+ snow fall ending at 6 AM the day of, getting the car stuck in the snow at the end of our road and general snow related themes, there was an impressive turnout. Even a few of my good friends, Ms. Megan Pratola, Mama Pratola and Barbie Koester made it out to check out the event.

Here are some pictures for your viewing pleasure. My personal favorite part of the day was the pie auction! You heard me, pie auction. Gotta love fairs in Minnesota!

PIE AUCTION!!

Exclusive First Showing of YazBerry Fashion in Minnesota!

2010-11-30T01:31:00.006-05:00

Have you been oggling YazBerry goodies online but would rather shop for them in person and shleping out to Salem, MA wasn't an option? Now is your chance to get your hands on YazBerry, live and in 3-D at the WinterFest in Lonsdale, MN.

For my official invite, check out the event on Facebook. Hosted and organized by my friend Andrea Nelson, President of the Lonsdale Chamber of Commerce.

Event Location
Crusader/Immaculate Conception Civic Center
112 Alabama St. S.E.
Lonsdale, MN 55046

Date/Time Information
Saturday, December 4, 2010
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Come celebrate winter and the holiday season in Lonsdale on Saturday, December 4.

Activities during the day include:
•A craft and bake sale featuring a wide
variety of handmade crafts, baked goods and more.
•Pictures with Santa
•Live music brought to you by groups in the community
•A childrens power hour shopping spree, complete with free gift wrapping
•Outdoor contests and acitivities for the whole family to enjoy
•Live pie auction with 50% of the proceeds going to the local food shelf
•Silent auction highlighting items donated by Chamber members and vendors of the craft and bake sale
•Local Food Shelf and Gifts for Kids drop-off site
•Carriage rides
•Live Nativity scene from 3 - 4 p.m. performed by students at Holy Cross Catholic School

The Hand Cut Leather Lace Process

2010-11-08T12:18:00.007-05:00

LEATHER LACE

WHAT IS IT?

USA based Artist and Designer, Virginia E. Berry (Me) uses 100% Genuine Leather glove weight Lambskin in her precision, freehand cut and pierced leather jewelry and purses. This technique is referred to as leather lace. It is a play between positive and negative space; a 3-d rendering of a high contrast image.

THE INSPIRATION:

Mesmerized by a book on Asian Cut Art, Chinese Chung-hua and Japanese Kiri-e at my Grandmother’s, I taught herself to create cut paper art at a young age. I also finds inspiration in Mexican Papél Picado and cut paper art found in other cultures. My designs draw from traditional Asian motifs, Art Nouveau and Art Deco design.

THE PROCESS:

Leather lace requires the steady hand of a surgeon, one slip and the entire piece can be ruined. I draw out my design ideas on paper and use these to develop my pieces. Then, using the drawing as a visual reference guide, I use delicate knives and piercing utensils to freehand cut the design into leather. This is a careful, highly detailed process. Once the basic design in in place, I go back through with a close eye and makes sure all of the cut lines are crisp and smooth.

LEATHER LACE & YAZBERRY:

I started developing my hand cut leather lace technique in 2007. I've explored many tools and have sharpened my methods, always based on freehand cutting and freehand drawing. Leather lace is extremely lightweight and soft to wear. It is very flexible and amazingly durable. I have done durability testing and make sure my cut lines are thick enough so that you cannot tear them with your hands. Trust me, we've tried. To view my full leather lace collection (more to come in the next few weeks), visit yazberryfashion.etsy.com and view the bracelets & necklaces.

Hand Cut Leather Bracelets & Necklaces

2010-11-08T11:32:00.008-05:00

YazBerry Hand Cut Copper Leather Bubbles Necklace, available here.

As seen in September's Issue of Vogue, and noted by my friend Stacy Prince, leather jewelry is a fall fashion look. I realize we are well into fall, however leather is timeless, can transition into winter easily and is such lightweight, comfortable jewelry to sport.

Amongst the leather jewelry featured in Vogue this September, were some necklaces & cuffs by Ports 1961 that have a strong resemblance to my hand cut, leather lace jewelry. My gut response was, I bet their designers search Etsy for ideas and then make versions that cost 6x that of meticulously hand crafted cut leather work. Needless to say, cut leather is lovely and compliments and adds to so many looks. With metallic finishes, leather offers a lightweight metal alternative.

My friend, Juli Lederhaus, General Manager of the lovely Hawthorne Hotel in Salem, MA, shared this article published November 3rd on AOL with me, as she is familiar with my cut leather work. "Daily Dose of Style: Leather Bracelets" by Genevieve Cruz. Cruz highlights many styles of leather bracelets, mostly studded, however the top left bracelet bears a striking resemblance to a style I've been making for several years. YazBerry Stacked Bracelet Illusion Hand Cut Silver Leather Cuff available here. My design is nearly half the price of the Linea Pelle Collection bracelet, and is carefully hand "sliced" by me, in my studio in the USA. I've done a few variations on the multi-bracelet illusion cuffs. Here is an example: available here.

Coming up next: insight into the hand cut leather lace process. I've developed this highly technical, specialized leather working technique on my own, based on skills I've applied from Chinese & Japanese paper cutting. Many hours of freehand, surgeon level cutting goes into each leather YazBerry piece of jewelry.

For more of my leather work, check out my bracelets & necklaces on my Etsy store front, yazberryfashion.etsy.com

Ocean Artifacts

2010-11-05T18:45:00.007-04:00

This pendant is available here.Let me start by saying that my mother would have kicked me out of the house as a child if I had grown up near the ocean artifact laden beaches of Salem. It's bad enough I had a rock problem (it got so bad they would periodically end up back in the yard...and I'd repick them ;) ). Salem has a rich history; of using it's beaches as the city dump. I hope and assume this is no longer the case, however am grateful that at one point, it was.

It started with beach stones this summer on Marblehead beach. Their ocean polished roundness, speckled patterns, solid black matte stones and quartz drew me in. Steve and I couldn't go to the beach without me taking home at least a couple fistfuls of rocks. I have a rock problem. I admit it. And since this summer was ghastly hot and we have no air conditioning...you can imagine how many times we went to the beach.

Then, in the middle of the summer one day on Artists' Row in Salem, I met Nancy, a beach comber extraordinaire. She brought in a tote filled with glass shards, pottery bits, corroded metal doohickeys and more one afternoon. We dumped it out on the sidewalk and I was hooked. I real live archeological dig (don't remind my mother of my digs in the ravines in our neighborhood growing up. Used as dumps at some point, I unearthed all sorts of curiosities).

Nancy laughed at me because I moved so slow assessing each item trying to determine what it was, how old it might be, how it got to be in the state it was currently found and washed up on the shores of Salem. She kindly let me take a small bag of treasures...which I promptly sorted by color/material and started making into jewelry. This Y necklace is available here.

Then I showed Steve...and we were both hooked. Here are some pictures of one of our beach combing excursions. On this one we unearthed all sorts of oddities. MANY whole bottles, bits of leather (towns surrounding Salem once were home to tanneries), chemistry remnants, melted glass and more. In the early 1900's Salem suffered a large scale fire and dumped the remains of it in the area we were combing.

AND The weirdest find of the day:

FINAL CLEARANCE SALE ALL VINTAGE CLOTHES MUST GO!

2010-10-19T14:11:00.004-04:00

As many of you know I am moving to Northfield, Minnesota in November. Accordingly, I need to lighten my inventory a bit before I move. You are in luck, I am liquidating my entire vintage clothing inventory. So, all vintage clothing is now 50-75% OFF!

Many sweet treasures can be found in both the 50% OFF Sale and 75% OFF Sale sections. Be sure to check it out as once October 31 rolls around, I am donating all of the clothes (including a couple of bags from my personal wardrobe) to the Recycle For Hunger Thrift Shop in Peabody, MA that supports the area food bank. Kathy who manages the store is wonderful and has been so kind as to donate wire hangers to me for some projects!

Don't worry, I will be keeping the purses and scarves :) not all vintage will be liquidated. Just need to lighten things a little!

What's Black and White and Red All Over?

2010-10-18T19:33:00.006-04:00

My newest collection of purses (pink not red though ;) ). I've opted not to make any strongly Halloween themed creations for my store in Salem, MA, Witch City USA, and instead opted for some strong graphic black and white pieces and some jewelry featuring hand carved skeleton beads, mala beads, used in Buddhist meditation. Here are some pictures for your viewing pleasure.

Last Few Weeks of My Store & October in Salem

2010-10-12T22:38:00.007-04:00

"Awe" by GAS Works Artist, Matt Andrade, Copyright held by the artist, on view now in GAS Works!! (Steve and I LOVE this painting and wish we could have it in our collection).

This week at my store, GAS Works on Artists' Row in Salem, MA we have SOOOOO much going on, live music three days this week, a meet the artists gallery opening party and so much more! If you would rather not get caught up in the thousands that come for Halloween weekend, this weekend would be a great weekend to come visit the store if you haven't yet.

Thursday 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM: hear sizzlin' blues with Lisa Marie whose voice and sound is incredible!
Saturday 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Chris Dowgin is signing books and giving a once in a life time Walk Through Salem based on his book!
Saturday 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: come meet the artists & visit me before my move to Minnesota in November, in our "Lost, Forgotten & Abandoned Exhibit" reception with music with a hint of twang by Nickie Farr and the Outland Rats (Love Them).
Sunday 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM: Ed White plays ukulele (the happiest sound in the world!) punk (yup!).

However, if you are into Halloween and want to check out the offerings in Salem, check out Haunted Happenings, the official Salem, MA calendar of events for the month of October and Halloween! We'd be happy to be your 'home base' on Halloween if you do wish to check it out, just send me a message so we can connect.

Mmm Special Fabric Gift!

2010-10-12T21:59:00.005-04:00

I just spent the day in CT visiting some of my favorite people on the planet, Jim Bump, retired luthier/historic village reenactor/printer and active musician extraordinaire and Rachel Lewis, artist by profession and hobby and retired textile designer! Rachel gave me some wonderful vintage textiles from her collection and her mother's collection.

These pieces are really special as many are from the 1930's USA, others are from Rachel's mother's time in China (she was born there!) and are beautiful Asian textiles including a beautiful wall hanging, an antique Korean traditional gown, a large batik piece handmade in Indonesia in the 1960's, which is a work of art in itself as it is precise and there are no repeats in the design. Not to mention the silk from China from her mother's collection! I am honored to be the new guardian of such lovely pieces!(This is similar to the dress from Rachel's mother).

I had so much fun going through the textiles with Rachel because she shared the story attached to each piece. She also gave me some insight into her time designing the color palettes for textiles at Lowenstein's in NYC. The key when choosing colors is "spockle" (sparkle), i.e. a combo that pops when it meets your eye. They sold to the fashion industry so the goal was to catch the eye of designers.

Also interesting is that each graphic design was offered it at least three palettes: a pink/red/orange scheme, a blue/green/purple scheme and a "smot" (smart) scheme which featured neutrals like beige, black, white and navy.

What a fascinating afternoon! Thank you Rachel!

Henna!

2010-09-30T11:10:00.005-04:00

I had the honor & privaledge of attending my friends Marta & Nagdeep Giri's Hindu wedding in a beautiful new Hindu Temple in Minnesota over Labor Day. It was back to back wedding weekend and also saw one of my BFF's Megan Pratola tie the knot, what a happy time!

I realized I don't know many Hindu people and accordingly may not have the opportunity to attend a Hindu wedding again, so I gave myself an over the top but lovely henna tattoo and borrowed a sari from my friend and GAS Works store-mate Sara Maurno. I am in love with Indian textiles. The sari's Nagdeep & Marta's family and friends wore were so stunning and mesmerizing. I'd like to travel to India, I know I will be so intrigued visually!

Cello & Wooden Flute Jam at GAS Works!

2010-09-30T10:48:00.006-04:00

In a rare moment of bravery and inspiration, I brought the cello & banjo to the store and played Bach Unaccompanied Suites on both the cello & banjo! Stared in a few tourist's photos and later in the day was joined by my Artist/Author/Musician friend Chris Dowgin on a collection of wooden flutes from around the world.

Chris is the author and artist behind the great book, "A Walk Through Salem" which depicts stories about some of the characters and places one can find on an pleasant walk through Salem, MA. Characters include our neighbor and musician friend Mamadou Diop, world renowned African drummer, who is known to invite you to take tea with him, and a strong sweet brew it is!

I wish we had made a least one video clip of our improvisational jam as it sounded pretty awesome if I do say so myself. We will have to do this again before the season is out and record a bit of it! Here are some pictures of our lovely faces!

Rag Dolls 2 Love Workshop

2010-09-30T10:14:00.007-04:00

A couple of weeks ago interested students joined me for an evening of sewing at GAS Works. We made rag dolls as part of the Rag Dolls 2 Love project. I love and feel strongly about the mission of the Rag Dolls 2 Love organization. People from all walks of life are encouraged to make rag dolls from the patterns and instructions provided for free on their website. These rag dolls are then donated to children throughout the world that are victims of natural disasters and living in war torn communities. The idea is to give the children something soft to hug (the arms are long enough to wrap around your neck, sweet). I've made dolls in the past and would make dolls all the time, hours permitting, however, what I really enjoy is sharing this project with others and spreading the word on the Rag Dolls 2 Love project. I will tell you this takes a few hours but is doable by people of many skill levels, one of my students is disabled and has challenges with fine motor skills (ie. cutting & pinning, which is a big part of the project) and was proud to be one of the first ones finished!

If you would like to make rag dolls, here is the pattern: pattern & instructions.

To learn more about the project visit: RagDolls2Love.org

GAS Works is Home to Musicians too!

2010-09-30T09:54:00.011-04:00

Pam our resident autoharpist can be found singing and strumming traditional American folk and roots music at least once a week in front of our store. Not only is she a performer but she also is a patient teacher and was found giving my fiance Steve his first music lesson on autoharp. She had another advanced beginner join them later on! Here are some photos and a sound bite of the musical activities!

Fashion Shows in Salem, MA

2010-08-12T11:23:00.010-04:00

This weekend was the "Ahht for Peeps" event at Old Town Hall in Salem, MA. It featured the work of Salem Arts Association members, artists from Artists' Row and around the community. It also featured two fashion shows, a Wearable Art Fashion show sponsored by YazBerry Fashion and an African Fashion show sponsored by Mamadou & Debra Crosby.

I've posted pictures of the Wearable Art Fashion Show I planned and directed, in the album: Wearable Art Fashion Show - Ahht for Peeps on Facebook. If you have trouble accessing it through this link, visit my Facebook fan page at: www.facebook.com/yazberryfashion and you should either be able to find this album on my main feed or on my albums list. The show featured my clothing and accessory designs, the hand painted silk scarves and neckties of Ellen Hardy of the Salem Arts Association and the leather masks, purses and cuffs of Dann Maurno of GAS Works. A special thanks to Debra Crosby for recruiting some of her students to model for my fashion show.

It's amazing how seeing clothing on a real person brings it to life, gives it shape and really makes you understand it better than when it is on a hanger. Here are several pictures from Mamadou's African Fashion Show for your enjoyment. The first several pictures feature clothing available in Mamadou & Debra Crosby's Store at Artists' Row, 24 New Derby St., Salem, MA. The last few pieces are from a couple of young designers that design African inspired clothing

Ahht for Peeps - Salem, MA - Aug 6-8

2010-07-29T20:51:00.003-04:00

Call for Real People Models & Art - Salem, MA

2010-07-23T12:17:00.004-04:00

As part of my stay on Artists' Row in Salem, MA, I am helping plan and coordinate an art weekend at Old Town Hall. Area artists are encouraged to submit art, volunteer or participate in my fashion show Sunday.

Call for models:
We are looking for people of all shapes, ages and sizes to volunteer to participate in a wearable art fashion show. Models will model the handmade wearable art of Artists from Artists' Row - Virginia E. Berry & Ellen Hardy and possibly others. Participants are asked to wear all black as they will serve as a moving backdrop for the wearable art. Models will walk a runway from Artists' Row into Old Town Hall. The fashion show is from 2 - 4 PM on August 8, 2010. Please arrive at 1 PM, Sunday, August 8, 2010 at Old Town Hall dressed in black so we can dress you with wearable art to model and organize the show.

Exhibition: Ahht for Peeps
Friday, August 6-Sunday, August 8, 2010

Artists' Reception: Saturday, August 7, 4:00-7:00 pm (Please bring a dish of nibblies for all the hungry peeps! Don't forget to invite all your friends and family to this FUN event!)
Salem's Old Town Hall
between Front and Essex Street, Salem, MA
“Art About People by the Salem Arts Community and All of Artists Row."

SUBMISSION INFO:
Work Sought: Artists are invited to submit up to three (3) works. Works may be in any medium and include two-dimensional, three-dimensional, sculptural works, photography, mixed media, crafts or experimental works.
* Entries will be juried from original work only.
* Accepted work must remain with the exhibit until the exhibit closes.
* All TWO-dimensional work must be wired for hanging.
* We regret that we are unable to accommodate installations. Artists are invited to submit digital images of their work (in .jpg format) prior to the exhibition for purposes of publicizing the show and to document the exhibition, particularly for our magazine, S'ART.

Size Limitations: No limitations unless it conflicts with other submissions.
Eligibility: Open to all SAA members and non-members. Visit www.salemartsassociation.org for info on membership.

Entry Fee: There is NO entry fee.

Volunteering: All artists are urged to volunteer to staff the exhibit. Two or four hour shifts are available during the exhibit.

Sales: Work can be for sale or NFS. All sales are to be handled by the artists. Provide contact info including cell phone number and we will put customers interested in contact with you directly. We'll provide the Red Dots to reserve your piece for your client. Purchases can be picked up when the exhibit closes on Sunday, August 8, at 6pm.

Artwork Drop-Off: Thursday, August 5, 3:00-7:00 pm at Old Town Hall during the Farmers' Market.

Pick-Up of Unsold Work: Sunday, August 8, 6:00-7:00 pm at Old Town Hall or Monday, August 9, 6:00-7:00 pm at the SAA Gallery on Artists Row. All work MUST be picked up! We have NO storage. The SAA is not responsible for work damaged, lost, or stolen, after the pick-up date.

Insurance: Works of Fine Art and Craft with a value under $1,000 are insured for catastrophic loss only. Works with a value of over $1,000 are not insured by the SAA. Artists must provide their own insurance if they wish additional coverage.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT THIS LINK TO DOWNLOAD THE REGISTRATION FORM.

Some Sneak Peeks at the New Space

2010-07-20T13:40:00.003-04:00

YazBerry Handmade Fashion has moved just down the block to the GAS Works building right across the street from the Lobster Shanty. This building houses several artists of varied disciplines. We've spent the last couple of days curating the space and aren't quite finished yet but I know you are curious so here is a little peek to whet your palate.

Fashion Design Drawing Class - Fun!

2010-07-17T23:55:00.009-04:00

(Pictured are Remi, Lindley and myself)

I had a nice turnout today in the thickest humidity I've experienced all summer. Thank you Salem Gazette for publishing my class as it brought out a few curious minds. Here are some pictures from today's class. Thank you Dan & Arlene Browne for loaning me the Salem Arts Association sign today too. Definitely helped with visibility. And while I'm doling out thank yous, thanks for snapping a few shots of the class Debra Crosby, greatly appreciated!

If you missed today's class but are interested in the basics of fashion design drawing, stop by the store, I have some worksheets and tips I would be happy to share with you so you can go home and try fashion design drawing.

The awesome sign Dan & Arlene leant me for the afternoon.

Some tools we used today and one of my sample drawings.

Arlene Browne busy drawing.

Arlene again, another of my sample drawings and some more tools.

If you want to try your hand at designing and making your own clothes and accessories, then this next workshop is for you. Please note, advanced registration is required for this class so I can purchase the appropriate materials. If there are no registrations by Tuesday, July 20, I will unfortunately have to cancel this workshop. There is still time to sign up for:
Wed., July 21, 7 PM $15—Workshop: Recycled T-Shirt Fashion Project (2 sessions)
5-15 Participants
Open to all ages.
Younger children should be supervised as use of sewing machines & hot iron may be required.
Session I: Participants will take a look at a conventional t-shirt and will explore ways to restyle it, give new life and make it into something completely different. A restyled shirt? A skirt? A Dress? A Purse? Something entirely new and different?

Date TBD- Session II Student Performance: While participants are thinking about how to re-envision one of the most conventional garments out there, they will be challenged to re-envision the fashion show and other means of presenting a body of garments. Participants will plan and execute whatever form of fashion presentation the group chooses.

YazBerry Fashion Hosts Lady Hawk on Artists' Row

2010-07-16T18:10:00.005-04:00

Miss Sarah Montgomery, more widely recognized as Lady Hawk, came to my hand cut leather lace demonstration last week and we chatted about her handmade work. She makes beautiful Native American Dream Catchers, sage smudge and some jewelry as well. This Thursday during the Farmer's Market, I hosted Lady Hawk outside my store on Artists' Row where she offered free face painting to kids and had her creations available for sale.

Her dream catchers are incredibly well made. I know, I used to make dream catchers as a child and find hers to be much more ornate and more tightly woven than those I could ever make (and I thought I did a pretty good job as a kid ;) ). Her sage smudge smells great too!

You can find Lady Hawk throughout Salem each week, she does medicine readings, face painting and sells her wears in front of various stores throughout town. Here are some pictures.

Did you Miss the Basic Sewing Workshop?

2010-07-16T18:05:00.002-04:00

Fear not, I have kits with all of the supplies and instructions available for free in the store at Artists' Row, 24 New Derby St., Salem, MA 01970. Stop in and ask, you can pick your kit and take it home to work on. I'd be happy to answer any questions or you can view the photographic step by step tutorial in the previous blog entry.

Enjoy!

Tutorial: Sewing Kit - Basic Sewing Skills

2010-07-14T21:43:00.014-04:00

The following picture tutorial will teach you how to make a sewing kit. This sewing kit is great for beginners as it covers several basic skills - sewing seams with right sides together, clipping corners to reduce bulk, turning and pressing pieces - like one would do for a pillow case, pressing up a hem and stitching - like you could do to hem pants, top-stitching, sewing on a button and hand stitching.

I've included pictures of each step as again, this is a great project for beginners. To view any of the pictures larger, simply click on them.

Sewing Kit

Materials:
1 - 20" x 15" piece of cotton fabric
1 - Button
1 - 8" - 10" piece of ribbon (1/2" wide or less is best)

Equipment:
Sewing Machine (you could also hand stitch the whole thing as well)
Iron
Needle
Thread
Scissors
Pins

Suggested supplies to fill your finished sewing kit:
Safety Pins
Straight Pins
Needles
Spools of Thread
Needle Threader
Small scissors (manicure scissors are great)
Seam Ripper
Measuring Tape etc.

Instructions:
1. Cut a rectangle of fabric 20" x 15".

2. With right sides together (in sewing the right side is what you would consider the outside - the bolder print, the front, the wrong side is the back/inside/less bright print), fold the fabric in half on the 20” long side. Pin each side. When you pin be sure to insert the pins perpendicular to the edge/stitch line.

3. Stitch down each side about 5/8” in from the edge. Be sure to back stitch at each end. Remove pins. Trim threads.
4. Trim the corners at a diagonal on the fold end of the seam. Be careful not to clip the stitches.

5. Turn right side out, use a blunt pointed object to push out the corners to give a sharp finish and press with the iron.
6. The fold side will be the top, the rough raw edge will be the bottom. Fold the raw edge up ½” and press with the iron. Fold up a second time ½” hiding the raw edge and iron again. Pin the ironed side.

7. Stitch along the inner edge of the folded side. Back stitch at each end. Remove pins. Trim threads.
8. Fold up the bottom edge about 3” (just under half way) with the folded edge facing inside. Pin both sides and stitch the full length of the sides. Remove pins. Trim threads.

9. With the bottom of pocket facing you, fold the fabric in thirds like a letter, bringing the stitched edges to meet the folds. Mark the crease lines with a pin at the top and the bottom of each.
10. Stitch from the bottom of the sewing kit to the top, back stitch at both ends, following the invisible crease line you marked with the pins. Do this for both crease lines. Remove pins. Trim threads.
11. Fold the sewing kit in half, lining up the two stitched sides, mark the crease line with a pin at the top and bottom as you did in the previous step. Stitch from the bottom of the sewing kit to the top, back stitch at both ends, following the invisible crease line you marked with the pins. Remove pins. Trim threads.
12. Fold the sewing kit in thirds along your stitch lines. Insert the right side flap first. On the outside of the left hand flap, attach a button about 1” from the edge, half way up the front. Be careful not to sew it into your pocket, thus stitching your pocket closed.
13. Close the sewing kit again. With your 8” – 10” strip of ribbon, make a loop around the button. Line up the ends of the ribbon and reach them around to the back, fold the raw ends under, pin in place and stitch the ribbon loop. Again, be careful not to sew into your pocket on the inside.

14. To finish, insert pins, needles, spools of thread and needle threader that are provided today. At home, you can add a small pair of scissors, a seam ripper, a tape measure and more!

Basic Sewing Skills/Make a Sewing Kit Workshop

2010-07-14T21:26:00.003-04:00

The rain scared away many tonight, but I was able to teach a couple of interested minds about basic sewing skills. If you wanted to come to today's workshop and the rain kept you home, I encourage you to stop by the store and pick up an instruction sheet and kit to make your own sewing kit at home. If you have never sewed before, let me know when you stop in, I'd be happy to work with you on the machine.

Also, check back on my blog, I will be posting a step by step photo tutorial on how to make your own sewing kit.

This Saturday I will have supplies available for you to learn how to do fashion drawings. I have the workshop scheduled for 4 PM but I would be happy to instruct you anytime throughout the day, just ask :)

Saturday, July 17, 4 PM FREE—Workshop: Fashion Design Drawing
10-20 Participants
Open to all ages.
Participants will learn how to draw clothing design ideas from different perspectives: front, side, back. They will be given instruction on how to emulate pleats, texture, print, volume etc. in their drawings. If participants wish to later construct their designs, suggestions on how much fabric and which materials they need will be given.

YazBerry Handmade Fashion August Class Schedule

2010-07-13T18:42:00.006-04:00

Since I have my act together in planning classes for August ahead of schedule, I will post it now so you can start thinking about which classes you might want to take and to plan your own schedule.

All classes will be held in the courtyard outside of YazBerry Handmade Fashion, Artists' Row, 24 New Derby St., Unit #5, Salem, MA 01970 (across from Walgreens).

AUGUST CLASSES & DEMONSTRATIONS
Please e-mail berry@yazberry.com to register or stop in the store. Class size is limited due to space. May be some room for drop-ins day of class.

Instrucción disponible en español.
Instrução disponível no português.

**Parents, please use your best judgment if you feel your child is the right age to participate in the various workshops. You are welcome and encouraged to come along to help them out as you see fit. I encourage interest in the arts as early as possible.**

FREE Demonstration: Fashion Design Process
Participation unlimited, Space Permitting
Open to all ages.
Wednesday, August 11, 6 PM
I will demonstrate how I go about designing a purse. From the inspiration, to drafting the pattern, selecting the fabric and beginning the assembly. I won’t finish the purse as it takes several hours, but will begin some assembly.

Workshop: Recycled Junk Fashion Project (2 Sessions) $15 (both sessions included)
Limit 5-15 Participants
Open to all ages.
Wednesday, August 18, 6 PM
Younger children should be supervised as use of sewing machines & hot iron may be required.
Session I: Participants will be presented with a varied selection of items not typically associated with clothing. They are encouraged to bring ‘junk’ from home. I will provide a large selection of items. Then, using imagination and tools typically found in a sewing studio, participants will create wearable clothing items and accessories from the junk.

Date TBD-Session II Student Performance: Participants will put on a fashion show showing off their creations. They will be encouraged to invite family and friends to view the fashion show.

FREE Workshop: Basic Sewing Skills/Make a Rag Doll
Limit 5-10 Participants
Open to all ages.
Friday, August 27, 6 PM
Younger children should be supervised as use of sewing machines & hot iron may be required.
Participants will learn how to use a sewing pattern, follow instructions on a pattern and assemble a 3-D rag doll. The Rag Doll Pattern is supplied by Rag Dolls 2 Love, Inc., an organization that donates handmade dolls to children in war torn and disaster stricken areas. Students will be encouraged to donate their dolls, but can also take the dolls and patterns home and share the project with friends.

Hand Cut Leather Lace Demonstration

2010-07-13T14:25:00.006-04:00

Here are some pictures from the Hand Cut Leather Lace Demonstration last week outside of my YazBerry Handmade Fashion Store on Artists' Row in Salem, MA.

Friday, July 9 at 6 PM. I had a half dozen interested minds stop by to learn about the history of cut paper art and how I have adapted this art form to cut leather lace. Pictured are samples of my work in leather, an example of Chinese cut paper art (circular picture with fish in red) and hanging behind me is iParty's rendition of Mexican Papel Picado (which is typically done in tissue paper). Also pictured are my tools.

Stop by this week to check out the next two free workshops I'm offering:
Wed 14, 7 PM FREE—Workshop: Basic Sewing Skills/Make a Sewing Kit
5-15 Participants
Open to all ages.
Younger children should be supervised as use of sewing machines & hot iron may be required.
Participants will learn how to sew on a button, mend a tear, hide a snag and hem pants. Basic instructions on how to use a needle and thread and a sewing machine will be taught. Insider tips and tricks will be shared. Participants will use the skills learned to make a simple sewing kit to hold needles, thread, pins etc. that I will provide.

Sat 17, 4 PM FREE—Workshop: Fashion Design Drawing
10-20 Participants
Open to all ages.
Participants will learn how to draw clothing design ideas from different perspectives: front, side, back. They will be given instruction on how to emulate pleats, texture, print, volume etc. in their drawings. If participants wish to later construct their designs, suggestions on how much fabric and which materials they need will be given.

To see what other great workshops, performances and demonstrations will be offered by other Artists on Artists' Row, check out the All Artists' Row calendar.

YazBerry Handmade Fashion July Class Schedule

2010-07-01T12:08:00.003-04:00

To view my Google Calendar visit this link.

**Parents, please use your best judgment if you feel your child is the right age to participate in the various workshops. You are welcome and encouraged to come along to help them out as you see fit. I encourage interest in the arts as early as possible.**

JULY
Fri 9, 6 PM FREE—Demonstration: Hand Cut Leather Lace
Unlimited, Space Permitting
Open to all ages.
I will demonstrate how I hand cut leather to make leather lace bracelets and jewelry. I will cover the basic skills and techniques used in Chinese & Japanese Cut Paper art and how I have applied these techniques to leather. I will share the history on cut paper art, educate participants on other cultures, such as Mexican, with a history of cut paper art.

Wed 14, 7 PM FREE—Workshop: Basic Sewing Skills/Make a Sewing Kit
5-15 Participants
Open to all ages.
Younger children should be supervised as use of sewing machines & hot iron may be required.
Participants will learn how to sew on a button, mend a tear, hide a snag and hem pants. Basic instructions on how to use a needle and thread and a sewing machine will be taught. Insider tips and tricks will be shared. Participants will use the skills learned to make a simple sewing kit to hold needles, thread, pins etc. that I will provide.

Sat 17, 4 PM FREE—Workshop: Fashion Design Drawing
10-20 Participants
Open to all ages.
Participants will learn how to draw clothing design ideas from different perspectives: front, side, back. They will be given instruction on how to emulate pleats, texture, print, volume etc. in their drawings. If participants wish to later construct their designs, suggestions on how much fabric and which materials they need will be given.

Wed 21, 7 PM $15—Workshop: Recycled T-Shirt Fashion Project (2 sessions)
5-15 Participants
Open to all ages.
Younger children should be supervised as use of sewing machines & hot iron may be required.
Session I: Participants will take a look at a conventional t-shirt and will explore ways to restyle it, give new life and make it into something completely different. A restyled shirt? A skirt? A Dress? A Purse? Something entirely new and different?

Date TBD- Session II Student Performance: While participants are thinking about how to re-envision one of the most conventional garments out there, they will be challenged to re-envision the fashion show and other means of presenting a body of garments. Participants will plan and execute whatever form of fashion presentation the group chooses.

Classes & Workshops on Sewing, Jewelry Making, Fashion & More!

2010-06-22T00:37:00.004-04:00

I've just added my calendar to the right here on my blog. To view the full size version, visit my Google Calendar link.

I will be updating it weekly with my schedule of free classes and demonstrations. Free classes will cover topics such as basic sewing skills, fashion design drawing, jewelry making with beads and wire and more! Classes will be offered at YazBerry Handmade Fashion store, Artists' Row, 24 New Derby St. #5, Salem, MA 01970

Private lessons available too, with Salem Artist & Designer, Virginia E. Berry (moi). Are you interested in learning how to make jewelry with beads, wire and chain? Do you have a sewing machine you've been meaning to learn how to use? Do you wish you knew how to hem your own pants? Did you take one of my free classes and wish you could learn more?

*Private lessons available to meet your schedule.
*$25 per 1 hour session.
*E-mail berry@yazberry.com for more information and to schedule your lessons.
*Location flexible, I have studio space, can meet you in my store or can travel to you.

City announces this year's picks for Artists Row - Beverly, MA - Salem Gazette

2010-06-06T20:50:00.002-04:00

City announces this year's picks for Artists Row - Beverly, MA - Salem Gazette To view pictures visit this link.

By Lisa Guerriero/ salem@cnc.com
Salem Gazette
Posted May 27, 2010 @ 06:03 PM
Salem —

There will be some new faces as well as familiar ones when Artists Row reopens this weekend.

Competition was fiercer than ever this year to occupy one of the four small buildings at 24 Derby St., nestled between Front and Lafayette streets. The city typically gets five to seven applications each year for the seasonal artists’ enclave, but this year it received about 15.

“We had more applicants this year than in the past two years put together. The word is getting out and there’s a lot of interest,” said Frank Taormina, of the Planning Department. “We tried to accommodate as many as artists as possible.”

A collection of galleries and studios, Artists Row is sponsored by the city of Salem as a way of encouraging the arts community and also fostering retail growth in the downtown. Officials from the Planning Department and the Mayor’s Office make the choice each year as to who will occupy the spots.

The Salem Arts Association (SAA) will return to its 900-square-foot space, and Mamadou Diop’s Baobab Space again will house one of the stalls with Debra Crosby’s A Quest Actors Studio.

New this year is A Guild of Artistic Sorts — GASworks, a collaboration of about 10 local artists from varying disciplines. Also new, in the fourth stall, is potter Bradley Backer’s Impart Art, sharing space with textile artist Virginia Berry’s YazBerry Fashion.

With so many artists and groups vying this time around for just a few spots, city officials had a tough time deciding who would make the cut.

“This year, unfortunately, there had to be some clear winners and losers. This year there was so much interest. It’s a great thing, but at the same time it made it harder,” Taormina said. “Making the final decision… was quite a process.”

The organizers of Experimental Art Gallery & Studio, which occupied a stall for the last few years, did not apply this year, said Taormina, while the city did not chose to return the Theory studio, which was joined Artists Row in 2009 but won’t be back this year.

Much of the hard choices were based on the city’s desire to pack in as many artists as possible. Shared spaces and collaborative galleries won out, Taormina explained.

Artists get to use the space rent free, but throughout the season they have to maintain the stall, stay open during designated hours every week and offer special programs and performances — so the manpower offered by collaborations makes a difference when officials makes their selections.

The influx of applications is also why the choices weren’t made public until this week, shortly before Artists Row’s soft opening this weekend. The artists’ stalls were set to open Thursday, but there will be an official grand opening next weekend, which will coincide with the citywide Salem Arts Festival. (See below for details on the festival.)

The schedule for the season is the same as last year, which includes an extension of the hours on Thursdays so that Artists Row shares traffic with the Salem Farmers Market, which runs until 7 p.m. The artists and the city also work with the Lobster Shanty restaurant, next to Artists Row.

Newcomers on the Row

About 10 North Shore artists comprise A Guild of Artistic Sorts — GASworks, which formed specifically to find a home on Artists Row.

Like the SAA, GASworks’ artists represent a variety of disciplines. Salem resident Dann Maurno, who’s leading the group, said the members would display and give workshops on talents ranging from fine art and photography to leather craft and theater.

They’ll also be working with the local band Merj, which Maurno described as “violin power rock,” to teach an open-mike preparation workshop. And his wife, Sarah Maurno, an acting professor, will give a few workshops there on her own craft.

“[The city] only required we deliver 12 workshops or performances during the time, but we’re asking, can we do 20, 25?” Maurno said,

The group is excited about being chosen for the season — “It’s a gas,” Maurno quipped — although they’ve been busy getting ready to open for the first time.

“Everyday we’re down there thinking something new to do,” he said. “For us, every brick has to be painted, every display has to be put up.”

In the fourth and smallest stall will be the shared studios of Backer and Berry. A recent transplant to Salem, Backer previously owned a paint-your-own pottery studio in Quincy for seven years. Visitors will be able to watch him work with his kiln, check out the pottery he creates and try their hand at the craft during workshops.

With her YazBerry Fashion, Berry creates one-of-a-kind purses, jewelry and clothing. She uses bold colors and intricate details to create pieces with a vintage flair, inspired in part by her travels around the world. She’ll offer classes on fashion design, basic sewing and costuming — plus some musical activities, as she’s also a musician.

Artists come home again

The SAA is returning for its third season at Artists Row. With dozens of members who work in a range of media, they host rotating monthly exhibits as well as retail and gallery offerings. The group’s first show of the season, opening this weekend, is “Fresh and Fruity,” which ties into the Salem Farmers Market, which will reopen in June. A reception for the show will be held Saturday, June 12, 4-7 p.m.

In addition to the monthly, themed exhibitions, the SAA will spotlight one member artist every few weeks. The first person featured will be glassworker Gary LaParl. (Learn more about the SAA and its activities, within and outside the Row, at salemartsassociation.org.)

Diop and Crosby have also shared their space on Artists Row for several years. Their stall again will feature Diop’s African art and crafts and Crosby’s acting classes and performances.

The pair also works together on the nonprofit A3D (African Development through Drum and Dance), which hosts CultureFest in Salem every summer.

FYI:

Artists Row stalls are open Thursday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. Some stalls may be open additional days or hours. Performances, exhibits, workshops and other events are held throughout the season, May 27 through Nov. 1. For details on programming, visit salem.com/pages/artistrow.

Many of the artists involved in the Row are participating in the Salem Arts Festival and Salem Arts Walk, June 4-6. Learn more in the Gazette’s Art News section this week, and find further details at salemartsfestival.com.

For more about the Salem Farmers’ Market, visit salemfarmersmarket.org.
Copyright 2010 Salem Gazette. Some rights reserved

Salem Arts Festival – June 4th – 6th, 2010

2010-05-24T10:58:00.004-04:00

As an Artist on Artists' Row, the area where my store is located, I will be participating in this festival. Should be a fun lively weekend in Salem.

Press Release May 14, 2010

For Immediate Release
Contact: Matt Caruso #(978) 744-0004, mattcaruso@salemsounds.com www.salemartsfestival.com
Salem Main Streets, 265 Essex Street, Salem, MA 01970

CLICK HERE for a printable copy in PDF format (Adobe Acrobat)

Salem Arts Festival – June 4th – 6th, 2010

Enjoy a stroll through beautiful and historic Salem, MA and experience the Salem Arts Festival, a celebration all the arts: painting, photography, sculpture, dance, music, writing, new media, performance, poetry, culinary and more!

This free and family-friendly event runs June 4th-6th, 2010 and promotes the arts in downtown Salem in a unique and collaborative way – highlighting the existing artist community and encouraging general community participation. The Festival venues include Old Town Hall, The Salem Common and Pickering Wharf, and run the gamut from juried exhibitions and demonstrations to live performances. No matter what your level of art experience, people of all ages and backgrounds will find something that will delight and educate!

Visit www.salemartsfestival.org for more information.

About the Salem Arts Festival?
Salem Arts Festival is organized by volunteers and by Salem Main Streets with assistance from the Salem Arts Association. Funding provided in part from a grant from The Salem Cultural Council (SCC) with additional funding provided by local businesses and organizations.

The Salem Arts Festival provides the arts community an opportunity to showcase their talents – from juried exhibitions and demonstrations to live performances. Last years Festival was attended by over 4000 people and we expect an even larger crowd this year.

About Salem Main Streets?
Salem Main Streets’ goal is the revitalization of downtown Salem as a vibrant, year-round, retail, dining and cultural destination through business recruitment, retention and the promotion of downtown Salem.

The Salem Arts Festival is offered free to all visitors and residents of Salem and does not include goods for sale. However, exhibitors and performers may distribute their cards and brochures.?
ILLUSTRATION BY RICHARD FLYNN

Wee! Stuff on the Shelves!

2010-05-23T13:29:00.006-04:00

My good Skidmore College buddy Kate Bradley helped me populate the store this weekend. Steve & I did a couple of finishing touches and voila, I present, the almost ready store!
This is my vast window display, the other windows are occupied by the potter.

The wall of yummies. Obi belts, newly designed hair barrettes (only available in store), some of my purses and leather cuffs...

The converted letterpress drawer earring display.

My new handmade mannequin (yesterday I built this mannequin from newspaper, strapping tape and plastic grocery bags. I made a cover for her from a t-shirt. I'm rather pleased with the end result). A glimpse of the jewelry case, which we plan to light with a string of white x-mas lights.

The dressing room, made from a hula hoop. We rigged up a wooden stick to serve as the rod for clothing. Still need to come up with a lighting solution so you aren't in a super dark tent trying on clothes. Any ideas?

The corner shelf with a couple more purses and wine glass charms. What you see on the left hand side is some of the potters work.

Finishing Touches on Display elements

2010-05-19T20:52:00.001-04:00

What a busy week scouring my favorite stuff (aka junk) stores for treasures and unique quirky display components. I'd searched the internet for necklace displays and was having a heckuva time finding the fabric I liked in the shape and size I liked for a price I was willing to pay when...lo and behold...I stumbled into Jerry's Department Store aka Witch City Consignment here in Salem and found that had just purchased an enormous lot of props from 20th Century Fox which included necklace displays and mannequins (passed on the mannequins).

I picked up several used necklace displays which I took home, stripped of their dressing and made patterns to make new covers out of black velvet. They are finished and DELICIOUS if I do say so myself. Here is a quick peek as well as a peek of a soon to be listed necklace I just made (top).
I also found this delightfully quirky Victorian drying rack which is wall mounted and will hang high above the glass display counter I have. I will mount purses on it. This is a similar one splayed out (mine's not mounted yet, thank you Google images for this one).

Mmmm, Pointy Hand Open Sign

2010-05-16T23:50:00.011-04:00

Steve & I set up several fixtures and display details in the store this week. The highlights include the dressing area. (Better pictures pending). We used a hula hoop and I hand sewed the curtains around it.

This is a vine a kind artist, Dan Brown, of the Salem Arts Association gave me. I've shellacked it and mounted it on these plant hangers that cast a lovely shadow when all the lights are on. Purses will hang from this to take advantage of verticle display space.

My store mate, a potter, found this great letterpress drawer which I've turned into a jewelry display rack. I strung wire between eye screws. Earrings will hang from this. The drawer has this delightful mechanism, originally intended to keep it from falling out of it's cabinet, which, now that I've oriented it sideways, serves as a simple mechanism that moves up and down when you press the button. I couldn't resist the opportunity to turn this into an animated sculpture complete with cheeky old timey "Press Here" label with pointy hand. After brainstorming a few ideas, I ended up with butterflies. When the button is pressed, the butterflies flutter.

My love of old timey pointy hands extends to my open sign. I traced the outline on a board, Steve artfully cut it with a skill saw. I sanded it and sculpted the knuckles and then painted it.

PRESS RELEASE YazBerry Fashion opens store on Artists’ Row, sustainable fashion handmade in Salem, MA.

2010-05-15T17:04:00.006-04:00

IMMEDIATE RELEASE Press Release

YazBerry Fashion opens store on Artists’ Row, sustainable fashion handmade in Salem, MA.
Saturday, May 15, 2010, Salem, MA

Designer Virginia E. Berry has been selected from a competitive applicant pool to open a retail and studio space on the City of Salem’s Artists’ Row marketplace at 24 New Derby St., Salem, MA, 01970. She designs under her label, YazBerry Fashion and will open from Memorial Day weekend through Halloween. YazBerry Fashion is sustainable fashion, handmade by Berry in her Salem, MA studio.

Sustainable fashion, like most sustainable concepts, has a variety of connotations. YazBerry’s flavor of sustainability is the recycling of previously worn garments and components into new, wearable art creations. Berry refers to this as repurposing; many of her purses were once shirts or tunics, now lined with gently used curtain panels. She combines these repurposed fabrics with new fabrics, unused vintage fabrics she inherited from her Grandmother and antique Japanese kimono obi fabric.

Berry also works in leather and has developed a technique she refers to as ‘leather lace’ which is a cut leather technique drawing inspiration from Japanese cut paper art and Mexican papel picado. Berry applies this technique to bracelets, necklaces and most recently purses.

GRAND OPENING Memorial Day weekend, open Thursdays – Sundays until 6 PM. Berry will also be offering free classes throughout the season; teaching participants various aspects of fashion design, basic sewing skills, costuming and even some musical activities as Berry is also a musician.

About YazBerry Fashion
Founded in 2006, YazBerry Fashion is vintage inspired purses, jewelry, clothing and more designed and handmade by Virginia E. Berry. Bold colors, striking combinations and intricate details drawn from her travels around the world, flavor YazBerry designs. Berry learned to sew from her Mother and her Grandmother, an avid quilter. She is self taught in jewelry making and leather working.

While attending Skidmore College, she worked in the costume shop under the direction of Patty Pawliczak where she learned to fine tune her pattern design and garment construction skills. She also participated in student fashion shows, which sparked her interest in fashion design. For more information on YazBerry Fashion and Designer Virginia E. Berry, visit http://www.yazberry.com. To shop online visit http://yazberryfashion.etsy.com YazBerry ships worldwide.

-For more information on the City of Salem’s Artists’ Row visit: http://www.salem.com/pages/artistrow
-To view Virginia E. Berry’s portfolio visit & view albums: http://www.facebook.com/yazberryfashion
-For further information and detailed stories on Berry, visit Berry’s blog: http://yazberry.blogspot.com

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