Exciting Announcement: YazBerry is Expanding; Now Offering baby berry

Now introducing baby berry, the little sister of YazBerry! 

It happened on a whim, I made a pair of leather baby booties for a surprise gift for a pregnant friend. Like I always do, I posted a picture on facebook of my latest creative project and had amazing feedback right away and several requests for custom orders! So far I've sent off 2 pairs of custom leather baby booties and have a couple more custom pairs on the design table.

I will be making variations on the leather baby booties pictured and baby booties with vintage Japanese kimono obi fabric in a few different styles and shapes. Stay tuned, lots on the design table this month. Gathering supplies; brainstorming ideas; surveying my mom friends. I will also be making baby leg warmers from recycled sweaters! 

My goal is to offer fresh color combinations and looks you won't find in stores or online today. Also, many looks will be gender neutral with the thought that they may be used for many babies! True heirlooms. 

Do I have your attention? Need an heirloom quality baby gift? Contact me and we can discuss the almost endless options. Vegan choices available too! 

Introducing: YazBerry Jewelry Collections - Meet the Twins!

I have been carefully building up a body of work in jewelry design and construction the past 6 months or so. I am continuing to design daily and wanted to present to you some of the collections I am developing. The next few blog posts will highlight one of my collections.

First up: Meet the Twins!

The Twins! Collection features perfectly mismatched earrings, predominantly made from found and rescued materials. I carefully pair these with new components to create mismatched yet balanced pairs. Tiny little sculptures you can wear. Tending towards the fun and playful side, many are bold and colorful. Also, peppered throughout you can find elegant pairings as well. Most of the twins are available for purchase both on my Etsy store and on my facebook page. You choose :) Some have found homes and some are in some of the stores I sell at in Newfoundland. Inspired by a pair of twins but too big/not your colors? Let me know what you would like and I would be happy to design a custom pair of twins for you!

YazBerry Spring Candle Holders - Right on Trend



Star Tribune

Periodically I get important phone calls from my dad about newsworthy info of which I may be interested. This article was one of those calls. Found last week in the Star Tribune Variety section, a DIY on candle holders made from salvaged furniture springs. The full article can be viewed online here.

Just a couple weeks before I made some YazBerry salvaged spring candle holders. Mine feature very heavy springs and thick teal blue salvaged antique telephone wire insulators as the candle holder. I agree with Designer Kim Yeager of Lark Nest Designs, they can double as bud vases!

YazBerry Fashion Salvaged Spring Candle holders/Vases

Stop in The Local Joint in Northfield, MN to buy a YazBerry Fashion candle holder/vase and save yourself the hunt for the parts as springs aren't as readily available as t

+he article makes them out to be. These springs are the first I've seen in my years of flea marketing.

*Images from the Star Tribune article are copyright their respective owners.

Rescued materials, travel inspired design, functional fashion

(Exerpt originally found on my Etsy.com "About" page)


YazBerry will leave people asking you where you got it!

I was the kid growing up selling dried wild flower bouquets to the neighbors from my wagon. I've always been most content working on creative projects. Sewing, drawing, painting, coloring, building things...One of my favorite games was "business"; I had a wooden box filled with fax cover sheets and blank receipt books.

While in college I had my first run with clothing design. Working in the costume shop at the Skidmore Theatre, my creativity was put to the test creating costumes from thin air based on an idea from the director. I then produced two collections for student fashion shows.

BA in hand and a day job to boot Etsy crossed my path. *light bulb* the perfect outlet for the creative working person. Of course I dream of quitting my day job like most Etsians, but for now the bills must get paid and Etsy is the perfect forum to run my business while I sleep.

I have been transient the last *ahem* nearly a decade; each space I have lived in I have always made room for a studio. My current studio is a dark walk out basement filled with yellow lights and borrowed furniture. My living and creative space are woven into and on top of one another. It works. I thrive in organized chaos.

My favorite materials are discarded clothing found in secondhand shops. Textiles inherited from retired friends and family. Found objects from flea markets and the beach. My absolute favorite thing is to determine the limitations of a discarded item, discover its potential and work it into a functional piece of wearable art.

YazBerry is in essence, a grand recycling experiment; manifested in the form of wearable art. I am a first generation "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" student and have found it is one of my guiding mantras in all that I do in life. Always finding ways to reduce my impact on the ecosystem and preserve the beauty around us for those to come after.

At the moment I am mostly flying solo on the YazBerry frontier. At times my generous fiance will help with the online shop. My number one fan and best sales person. My mom also helps at art fairs.

I always carry a small notepad and pen with me. I never know when something will catch my eye, inspire a design and need to be captured before my short term memory allows it to float on the wind. I am particularly inspired by architecture, eye catching color combinations in ethnic textiles and the artisan craft of peoples around the world.

I rarely make the same item twice. It feels like a chore and I want your YazBerry creation to be singular in this world. I stand by the promise that YazBerry will leave people asking you where you got it!

Enjoy!

Virginia Berry

Designer * Creator * Picker * Maker

ArtScraps; Recycling, Thrifting & Art Supplies. Heaven!

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.

Style Ideas: How to Wear an Obi Belt

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.

I Call it: Military Romantic

I've finished #2 in The Trench Coat Project Series.

Here is before (and if you click on the above link, you can see the two garments I used to create the after look):

And after:
It's available now in my yazberryfashion.etsy.com store.

The classic military lines and sentiments of this recycled vintage trench coat are softened with hand embroidered floral appliques. Each applique was carefully shaped by me and the large applique that wraps from the lower front, around the hip was painstakingly hand sewn in place so it lays perfectly when worn. 3/4 length sleeves, falls about mid thigh.

I've also lined each of the belts on the wrists, the waist and the epaulets with a matching pink diamond pattern from my Grandma's Legacy Fabric stash, making each completely reversible. On the beige side of the epaulets, I've placed floral bars looking like military rankings. I've also shortened the hemline and have pinch pleated [a 3-D diamond pattern to emulate the diamond fabric on the belts. Coat is lined with Etienne Aigner signature fabric as in it's former life it was that brand. I've replaced the peeling leather belt buckles with shiny brass to match the hardware.

Here's a little hint about #3 in The Trench Coat Project: it involves hand painting and fur.

Newest Recycling Transformation Project

I am fortunate to live in an area with people from many different countries. Which makes visiting the thrift shops fun. I find all sorts of gorgeous garments from other countries. This one is actually a child's size, but has beautiful ornate details. Like the Mola Bag, I knew this garment would become a purse the second I pulled it off the rack. Often fabric, garments and decorative items give me the inspiration for the design...as if the item designs itself.

Here is my latest recycling project. I turned this tunic into a fun triangular tote for everyday use. The liner is made from fabric from my Grandma's Legacy stash and the tote comes complete with pockets for small things, pens and two hidden pockets for secret treasures! Available now in my Etsy store, yazberryfashion.etsy.com

Sneak Peek at #2

The Trench Coat Project continues. #2 in this one of a kind collection features the brilliant (I think) marriage of the following two vintage garments. I am extremely excited for this recycled fashion project!

The Trench Coat Project: Unveiling!

*Psst* I leaked The Trench Coat Project idea last week and before the suspense gets the best of you, *drumroll* ... ... ...

Meet Before:


And After:

To purchase #1 in the series visit my Etsy Store.

Born from a freak mistake with bleach leaving one of the lovely large spots you see, I've raised the hem, given it a flirty tuxedo line which is higher in front and gradually gets longer towards the back and have painstakingly hand distressed the giraffe print into the fabric. What I love, is that I left the belts on the waist and cuffs and the epaulets on the shoulders the original color so they and the buttons offer a delicious contrast to the giraffe print. The inside received the treatment too and looks great!

Recycled Cowl Neck Sweater

I felted a wool cowl neck sweater and recycled it into a cute shrug with diagonal opening, exaggerated collar and vintage button closure.

Here it is before and after. The color is truest in the after picture. It's available now in my etsy store yazberryfashion.etsy.com
The dramatic oversized collar can be styled in several ways. Rouching / ruching at cuffs to add flirty shape to sleeves. I love giving new life to fabric items. Click on the above link to see more pictures.

-MATERIALS: Felted 100% merino wool recycled Banana Republic Sweater. Vintage plastic button.
-COLORS: Cappuccino brown wool, blushing champagne button.
-DESIGNED & CREATED BY: Virginia E. Berry
-FITS: X-Small - Small (best for slim arms/narrow shoulders)

Tutorial: Homemade Braided Rag Rug

I've just moved into an awesome new apartment and want to do my kitchen in Plum and Lime. I have some lovely dishtowels in this color palate that I based my window treatment choice on (vintage curtains!) and signature antique bottles filled with colored water to match the room they are in.

These bottles are one of my favorite decorating items as each has a story as to where I salvaged them...the river bed in the town I grew up, an abandoned house outside of Rome...They make great decorative items with colored water and unique vases to break up a bouquet of fresh flowers.

To my dismay, I'm the only one into plum and lime today as I was not able to find any decorative stuffs in pretty much every kitchen decor store I looked in. I desperately wanted a little rug for in front of the sink. So, reflecting on what my mom had in her kitchen while growing up, a large, circular wool braided rug, it occurred to me that I could make a rug! To my further disappointment, google yielded very few to no useful braided rug tutorials.

Yes, they tell you to braid a long continuous 3+ strand braid. That to me is a given. No one really seemed to be able to suggest how to assemble said rug. I tried the hack job way (which I thought would be quickest) of zigzag stitching it on a machine; to find that this resulted in a bowl!

As a result...I present you...a step by step, photographic tutorial!

Materials:
-Several yards of cloth (colors to your choice, yardage will vary depending on size. My rug is about 2'x 3' and I used about 3-4 yards. This is a great way to recycle old clothing...hence rag rug)
-Flexible feet, heavy object or helpful friend
-Strong darning needle
-Heavy thread
-Thimble
-Scissors
-Iron (optional)
-Large flat surface
-Time


1. Cut fabric into 2" minimum width strips. I cut mine on the bias (diagonal) because this ensures minimum (often none) fraying.


2. Stitch the ends of minimum 3 strands together. I read that it is common to make 4-6 strand braided rugs as well. Three strands are plenty :)

3. Begin braiding! You'll want a place to anchor the braid; if you are flexible, use your feet, if not, place it under something heavy, have a friend hold it etc.

If you are unsure how to braid, the best suggestion is start with all three strands laid out next to each other. Grab the left most strand, cross it over the center strand (it now becomes the center). Then grab the right most strand, cross it over the new center strand (it now becomes the center). Repeat until desired length.

Note: if you don't like raw edges, you may want to iron under the edges before braiding, also, I would cut your strips a bit wider if you intend to iron. Otherwise, you can do as I did and simply tuck under the edges as you go. The back will show some raw edges...but to me, it is simply the back :)


4. Once you have a couple feet of braid, begin laying it out flat in the desired shape (circle, oval and square are the easiest). I selected oval, as my mom thought it would fit best against the cabinets.


5. You will need a large darning needle, heavy thread and a thimble to start assembly. Start at the center and use a basic stitch to catch one side than the other. I suggest you stitch from the back side so you won't see the stitches from the top. (As the stitches are small, click on the picture to view it larger).


6. Alternate between braiding more length and assembly the rug. I find it is helpful to assemble as you go because you have less length to negotiate and you can control your color placement better should you wish to make it stripped etc. Be sure to always stitch on a flat surface, otherwise your rug will become bowled or lumpy. (Pardon the project cat, she felt this was the best place for her to be).


7. To finish, simply tuck in and under the loose ends and stitch to the rug.

8. Enjoy!

Here's mine so far.


P.S. What I really love about this type of rug is that it is a frugal choice, can be perfectly tailored to your design colors, is relatively easy to do, allows you to recycle fabric should you wish and thus is a sustainable choice! Love it!

Is it a Tunic or a Dress?

TBD. Sometimes a design requires the hunt for the perfect fabric, other times the fabric inspires the design. That is the case this time. I had a piece of leather I had cut one of my leather corset leaf bodices out of that wants to be turned into either a tunic or a dress. My initial thoughts were tunic...but upon playing with some fabric around the house last night and today I am wondering if it might be a dress.

Here are the first peeks of an idea:




The lovely mauve and off white fabric you see is an antique kimono obi. The delicious giant buttons are vintage! I love recycling and repurposing fabric and buttons. To use the kimono obi fabric, I need to take it apart.


When I exposed part of the liner I discovered the makers mark (no not the whiskey), does anyone read Japanese characters? I'd love to know who made this as all kimonos and obis are meticulously and precisely hand sewn and this is the first stamp or label I have come across! This one, like a couple others I've worked with, had a lovely hidden silk lined pocket as well. I love the discovering little treasures like these. As the silk is in pristine condition I think it will find it's home in a purse in the near future.


Here is what it looks like day two. Part of the process is taking apart the first draft, which is simply pinned fabric and actually starting to tailor and assemble the item. Right now I am working on some organic, raised darts along the front waist. The idea is to cinch in the waist a bit, so it looks less sack like when the obi belt is tied around it. More later as the design progresses.