Sussie Loves Lillie's

It is Mid-July and the Lilies are blooming!  

The Day Lily is a personal favorite of mine, and I highly recommend them for beginning gardeners.  

 Day lilies are EASY....they will grow in full sun, part sun, part shade, even shade...and they thrive in any soil type.  Here in Southern Michigan, they grow wild on roadsides.  We affectionately call them, "Ditch Lilies". Day lilies are beautiful from spring until fall.  They are some of the first to pop up in the spring, turn into beautiful flowing green foliage and then burst into a variety of bright colors.  They compliment other perennials and annuals whether they are blooming or not.

 Day lilies are often FREE.  They propagate and need to be split up every few years.  This is good news because all you need is a friend with a beautiful day lily plant and chances are they will be happy to share a "chunk" with you.  Dividing day lilies is good for them, you can't hurt them....they are TOUGH!

  

I have two rows of day lilies (above photo) in my garden to share with my children when they buy homes of their own.  The day lilies (pictured below) are from my mother.

Day lilies give us so much joy!  

Hope yours do too!

Im an artist, Kcin Point (case & point)

Throughout our friendship, Nick (aka KCIN) has amazed me through all of the faces that he has transferred onto paper. I had seen a collection of portraits that he had done of some female friends of his and instantly knew that he had to whip up a portrait of myself. At first when I looked at the portraits, I thought "wow he really can capture every single detail on a persons face".  After I asked what he had used to create my portrait I was so shocked to find out that it was in crayon. Personally, I cant even stay in between the lines when using crayons. Going unnoticed is not an option for Kcin or his art work. Because there is half a country in between us this interview was constructed through Q&A in e-mail form, his character definitely reflects through his responses.

In three words how would you describe yourself?

Haha only three? Full Blown Scorpio, or the ever so artistic, reliable, and outgoing. 6 words and I would use all of them haha. Or conceited, confident, and caring, my three C's

What is your definition of art?

My definition of art would be that I don't have a definition for art. To define something, means to give it meaning, a permanent meaning. Art is too open and free flowing and never ending to actually define you know? How can you put a definition on something that can constantly be changing all the time? Art is whatever you, as an artist or individual want it to be. There are no rules or definitions and never let anyone tell you that, "that isn't art", tell them to fuck off.

Your style is so realistic, what mediums, techniques, or preliminary concepts do use? For those who are still in Art 101, what is the most unique medium that you have ever chosen?

Haha.. sometimes my style is super realistic, other times it is so trippy and out of this world that I'm not even sure how I came up with it when I'm done. Depends on my mood. Usually when drawing realistic photos, I first look for a good reference picture. I guess I'll get into my process here too, kill two birds with one stone. Speaking on stone, I am stoned. Anyways, I'll usually spend some time looking for a good reference photo, mostly females, including you miss cleo, I've captured you on paper the most. Once I find one that peaks my interest I go into this OCD obsessed mode, where all I can see is the finished product in my head then usually start right away on it. Prisma colored pencils have always been my go to medium of choice. I only used to work in black and grey because I loved the way the dark shadows would look on paper. I realized that with color I can achieve a higher lever of realism if I take my time, which I'll admit, I'm really bad at taking my time sometimes haha. Once I select my medium I will line the entire drawing with a micron pen so I have a solid black outline to start. Most of the time I'll free hand my portraits, but if I'm working on more than a couple, I admit to using my light box just so I can line them all faster. Once lined, I start the long, usually 20+ hours of coloring. I usually will get burnt out half way through and have to take a break for a few days. I'll obsess over it not being finished and finally get it done. My only special technique that I use is that I always draw the eyes first and the mouth last. The eyes tell the story, I can't count how many of my drawings have not made it to completion and have only the eyes set. I'd have to say, even though its not very unique, clay was awesome. So many endless possibilities, if you haven't played with clay, I suggest you go get some Sculpy (oven bake clay) and let your imagination run wild.

You are so talented, was there a specific moment that you knew you had artistic talent or has it always just came natural to you?

Thank you.. I wish I could say I was always naturally talented at drawing, but that wasn't the case at all. I would doodle occasionally as a kid, but nothing serious. I never thought about becoming a full time artist up until my senior year of highschool. I had no drawing skills prior to that year. It was my last year and I had no idea what I wanted to do after highschool. That summer I sat down noticing one of my album covers from a cd, HIM (Razor blade Romance to be exact). Any HIM fan will remember that photo of Ville Valo in that fur coat with pink eye shadow. It caught my eye, no pun intended. Anyways, I spent all summer working on a portrait of that, then I ended up finishing it the first week into my senior year. Not trying to brag, but for the first portrait I had ever drawn, it turned out amazing! My art teacher was really impressed so we had a talk about my interest in art school after graduation. I figured I had nothing to lose because besides art class, I hated everything else about highschool. I'm glad I had all of my credits to graduate at that point because I was able to take art class 3 out of 4 hours a day, only having to take one "normal" class every quarter. So once I realized I was going to be spending a lot of time in the art room, I dove right in. I made it an obsession to learn how to draw my pictures as realistic as I possibly could. The work I was handing in at that time was "above and beyond words" my teacher would tell me. I had finally found something that I was good at! The best part about all of it, was that I was only setting myself up to get better and better. That's what really has motivated me to pursue art and all it has to offer.

Most of your work is high contrast either with black & white or with radiant colors. It is easy to stare at your pieces to only get lost in the detail. Does this mastery just come to you or are you influenced by a particular piece of work, artist, or band?

Haha you should get lost in them on a good dose of LSD, am I allowed to say that? I would say the black and white portraits came to me naturally because I'm super observant and I just loved capturing the expressions on people's faces.  I feel like using black and white or even grey, makes it look very powerful. All of my colorful bright radiant things honestly come from past drug use and smoking weed. LSD really changed the way I looked at colors and shapes, that's when I started incorporating a more "trippy-3d" look into my colored pieces. I never have an idea in my head for my colored drawings. I usually will just get high, start drawing, let my mind wander and my hand do all the work.

Now this may not be a favorite topic of yours, but previously you have taken art classes. From what I remember a professor said something specific about the work that you do, could you elaborate on that? Was there anything specific that you took away from art classes, positive or negative?

Hahaha oh gosh, I hate that guy. I remember texting you during class and shit telling you how he was talking shit on my art, he was  giving me the hardest time everyday. Yeah he always said that my drawings were too "stylized" which I kind of understood, but not really. I understood that he wanted to see things on paper represented a certain way, but like, you can't force people to draw a certain way unless you physically draw it for them. My artwork has a very unique style such as, hard lines and dark contrasting colors, but I was graded down because they weren't drawn how he would have drawn them, so that was really frustrating to deal with all the time. As bad as this is gonna sound, I can't say I've taken anything positive away from art school so far. I feel I wasted my money sometimes. I don't know, both schools I went to, no one really cared you know. They all were just there to do there job, collect a check and go home. That's why I dropped out both times, that sounds horrible haha. But there's no point wasting money on something that I wasn't passionate about. But that's just my opinion. I'm not going to go back to school until I know it's exactly what I want to do. Sometimes I felt like I was only going because it's what "I had to do".

Social Media and the World Wide Web have obviously created their own medium, do you use either to display your art?  In an Internet based world do you find it lessons the intentions, or realism of your creations?

Social media has completely taken over the world haha. I mainly will post my artwork on Instagram, Tumblr, and Facebook. I feel like it's good and bad sometimes. It's good for promoting and everything.  But I like seeing things live and in person you know? Sometimes I wish the Internet didn't exist at all.

Fashion and Art go hand-n-hand, one encourages the others style.  How would you describe the evolution & correlation of both your work and personal fashion choices?

Haha the more and more I got into art the more I started to care about my appearance and all of that. All of my tattoos have been drawn by me with the exception of one, so that's pretty cool I think. Wearing my own art that I've created on my body. I'm obsessed with tattoos, drawings on your skin, the perfect canvas. I just like to be me you know? Blacks my favorite color, it goes good with everything, paint looks awesome when it accidentally gets dripped and smeared haha. But yeah, art plays a huge roll in all of that for me, like even when I'm wrapping my dread, I'm thinking of different patterns to wrap the hemp, different color schemes, all that.

Being a Mid-West native, how has moving out West affected you as an artist?

I'll be honest, since moving out west my artistic motivation has dwindled down a bit. I think it's because I went from living in Grand Rapids, MI; a town that was all about the arts. I loved it there. You could just smell the oil paints walking outside everyday. It was great. Then I moved back in with my mom and kind of got sucked into a rut. I got diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder and that has made it hard to find motivation to do anything lately, let alone draw. I'll usually get a bunch of ideas in my head every couple months or so and have a rebirth so to speak. Lately I've been trying to get back into the flow of things. This interview is definitely motivation for sure.

You currently live with your girlfriend who is also an artist (who also is worthy of her own interview), do you find that you motivate each others artistic style? I visualize you two sitting in your mysterious apartment watching movies or listening to music while sketching and critiquing each others sketch book, is this something that you guys tend to do?

Living with my girlfriend is amazing. I can't say enough, how hard she works and goes out of her way to make me happy and putting everyone else around her first. I'm proud of her and I look up to her for sure. We make art and stuff when we're not being lazy and can drag ourselves out of bed on her days off. Just little projects here and there. We've painted half of our kitchen like a black chalkboard and the other day spent some time making, well she made, I attempted, to make origami haha. I've showed her how to make space paintings and such, but I will try and help her if she asks for it. We both go into our own little art world when we're making art together,  so it's like the music playing and some giggles every now and then. But I wouldn't trade it for the world, it's the best haha.

Do you have any advice for other artist, young or old, advanced or beginner, so on and so forth?

Don't let anyone tell you that you can't draw or that that's not art. You're in charge of what's on the paper. It's your world, take charge of it!

Groovy, Gravy, and Wavy

Do you ever wake up with the perfect messy hair look, then proceed to deliberate if you are going to wash it or not?  Almost every Saturday morning I wake up with the best messy, beach waves dangling from my head. I thank the hair gods for making dry shampoo, but I do have a recipe of my own to get this look.  I have noticed that for a whole bottle of sea salt spray for your hair is nearly $5 or more...pshhh! So I decided to make my own concoction to make it look as if I had just came in from a morning surf.

First, you must know your own hair.  If you have very thin hair this may not work as well as it would someone who has wavy curls to begin with.  Those who do have wavy hair know that we are always looking for a way to tame the frizz & care for our fro.

Next check your cabinets, closets, and kitchen for ingredients that are used in this spray. You can most definitely find these products for very cheap if you do not already have them on hand. Also, this recipe can be modified to your own liking on how strong you want it, along with the ingredients you put into it.

Directions:
Bring 2 cups water to a boil then add the following
1 Tea spoon of honey
3 Tea spoons of Aloe Vera
1/2 Cup of Hair Gel
1 Cup Epson Salt
3/4 Cup Dead Sea Salt with Soothing Chamomile Flower
(you can be creative with the salts you find at the store)
Stir until all ingredients are liquid

Optional Additives:
For blonde hair you can add 1 squeezed lemon
For darker hair you can put 2 small scoops of coffee into a filter, rubber banding the filter to capture the grounds inside of the filter. Let it stew until the brew until it turns darker, then remove filter.


Once everything has been added to the boiling water it should all melt together. Do not worry if it is a weird color, you just added several things together. Then let the brew chill, and then add it to a spray bottle of your choice.  You may have extra depending on the size of your spray bottle so you can put the rest in mason jar or glass container.

Make sure that you "shake well" before every use.
Enjoy your beachy look

Luna

 The moon is one planet that is also a luminary, meaning that it nurtures us through our intuition and fluctuations in our emotions.  Out in a dark space it connects to a deep dark ocean here on earth pulling the tides in and out like a breath. The moon is bright and close and it revolves around us. It pushes us to do the unexpected. Subconsciously, it influences our decisions as it goes through phases of its own. Phases are sometimes a positive thing that bring changes and life lessons. Our moon is the perfect tool to use to get to the bottom of your past and get active on your future.

 On an even larger scale the moon travels though the 12 signs of the zodiac about every 29 days. The moon moves through each sign every two, or so days. When the moon enters your sign (just google where the moon is, or use google sky map) your emotional energy is strong and it's up to you wether or not it's a positive or negative day.  It has just been an observation that when the moon is in your sign it gives you more of an intuitive perspective along with emotional energy.  Its best to start projects near the new moon (easily found written in most calendars) for when the full moon rises your project will start to really prosper, bloom, and be pushed under the spot light.

 The full moon is not only a glorious and mesmerizing sight, it also brings the werewolves, witches, and the freaks out. Not really, but it does bring light to whatever it was that did start on the new moon. Wether it be a prospective romance, new career path, or just a plain topic that appeared in your life on the new moon, the full moon will pull back the curtains and expose the situation and makes you deal with it on your own.  Do not let this scare you because really you are in control of your own life.  However, knowing this information may help you achieve what you are really wanting from life. Use the moon as a tool to start projects, and accomplish things that you have been putting off physically and emotionally. 

the moon July 9, 2014

                  

Bliss

Sorry for my absence this past week, but I've been dancing and howling at the full moon.  My previous festival-prep post was because I attended an annual music festival this past weekend....

Anyways, drafts are getting ready to be posted...

Babe on a Budget

Erica Davis

Scorpio

Creator & Owner of yesterdayslove.com

Trendsetter

How would you describe your style?

My style is all over the place, I like to mix and match with modern trends and vintage pieces. I’m a sucker for prints (especially from the 1970's) and interesting textures.  

What made you interested in vintage clothes?

Trying to find my own sense of style on a budget in college led me to thrifting. The more I thrifted the more I realized "hum, why work my ass off to try and stay on top of the ever changing world of fashion when I can just buy the original styles from the 60's,70's, 80's and 90's". Today's trends are imitations of the past decades right? I’m in love with the idea of buying vintage clothing also because you will hardly come across someone who has the same exact piece of clothing as yourself, which allows you have to more of an individual sense of style. Buying the same top that someone has at Forever 21 is easy and it may be trending for 2 weeks (don’t get me wrong I love Forever 21) but thrifting a 1960's mod dress is so much more special and timeless.

What do you look for when you are thrifting?

I look for interesting prints, materials, cuts, closure pieces (buttons, zippers, snaps, Velcro, belts) sequins, beading, embroidery, handmade items. I’m starting to develop a new fascination with vintage luggage pieces and music records. I may need more storage.

yesterdayslove.com

When did you decide you were going to re-purpose “good finds” and sell them on an online store?

Right after I finished college I knew I wanted to have a vintage boutique of  my own one to get started online until I can afford to open my own brick and mortar boutique.

(coming soon in the near future)

What is your favorite piece on your web site right now?

At the moment there is a 60's mod floral dress "flower child" like that I’m obsessed with but of course it’s too small for me or I would be wearing it now!

What music do you listen to when you are working on your website or to get creative to?

I am a universal music listener so I usually put all my Pandora stations on shuffle and listen to whatever is playing or skip a track if I’m not feeling it. It can range from Whitney Huston to Daft Punk to Lil Wayne. 

You are obviously unique in many ways, what is your go-to statement piece(s)?

I have a personal philosophy to never wear the same look twice even if I do wear more pieces than others I try to never wear it with something I've worn with it before. Another fashion rule I like to live by is to always wear items I'm comfortable in, comfort is the key to feeling confident! 

What is your closet organized like?

I like to organize my closet by season, style, then color, exactly in that order.

Who are your fashion icons or inspirations?

Maison Martin Margiela inspires me to think outside the box when it comes to buying and designing clothing, his designs challenge me to experiment with non tradition materials and incorporate them in fashion. Sophia Amoruso (the woman behind Nasty Gal) inspires me to be a bad ass business woman, her life story is such an inspiration. Last but not least is "everyday life" keeps me inspired.

                         

Festival Survival

I have been going to music festivals since I was 10 and a witness of live music since before I left the womb. There are certain things about festivals that you can prepare for before you are there without the necessities. For instance, we all picture ourselves dancing in the sun shine without a worry in the world. Although this is how it should go, we often still have to battle Mother Nature, people who are not trustworthy, & our own forgetfulness.

So Mother Nature is clearly the toughest bitch out there! So pack according to what the weather man says yes, but don't forget about Miss Natures mood swings from hot to cold. Bring an umbrella, rain boots, & clothes that you don't mind getting dirty.

Theives!!! They do exist in a coexisting, peaceful environment where people are burning sage & dancing happily. Keep your awareness at high levels while still enjoying your endeavors. Keep your coolers and belongings in places that are out of harms way. Leave all expensive technology locked up, or even better don't bring them. Don't forget about your people, sometimes we lose them too, so bring a flag to mark camp & try to remember what your people are wearing.

Oh yeah! I almost forgot! Make a list so that you don't leave something that you need behind. Your list should include fruits, veggies, meals, & drinks. You can see below my list has things highlighted. Highlighted items are those in which I still need from the store, other things I know I have but still list so I remember to bring them.

4th

I hope everyone had a memorable holiday weekend!  It's not about paid holidays or boat rides, it's about the people who have fought for us so that we can live in Freedom & have those things.

...but the paid holidays & boat rides are definitely the finer things in life 

Beginner's Gardening Tips:

By: Sussie 

Condition your soil by tilling and mixing in organic material...like organic compost. You can buy it at any garden center. Then  trench a straight row by staking two stakes at each end and run a string between. Add some potting soil to the space where you plant your plants. This keeps the soil soft and cozy for young roots.  

Add objects like pinwheels or flags that will move in the wind to discourage animals and birds from eating your new plants. Conditioned and planted...ready for grass clippings

Place grass clippings around each plant and down the rows to prevent weeds.  Fertilize/water the plants in.  I like to use organic, liquid fish and seaweed fertilizer.  New plants may need to be watered everyday.  Water in the early morning, before it gets hot and/or in the evening when it is cooling down.                       

the Brutal Honest Truth

For a long time people have been saying well, "the truth hurts".  Does the truth actually hurt? 

Everyone has that one friend that they go to for advice, it could be because of their great fashion, their life experiences, or maybe because they are brutally honest.  Personally I favor people who have all three of these things going for them.  Your friends are not true friends if you ask them for their opinion on your look and they say you look "fine".  Fine like ...damn girl you look fine or fine like who cares anyways?

Who wants a friend who seriously lets you walk around looking like a bum? Unless you are a bum then your friends are probably bums too!  But try and think about the last time someone asked for your opinion on something...did  you tell them the truth?  Depending on your response, you may be a shitty friend, on the other hand you may the best friend that anyone could ever ask for. Just remember that even though the truth may hurt, your honest opinion may save someone from actual embarrassment that you could have prevented.

Who are you going to be? The queen bee who accepts your friends looking like crazy messes while you shine or will you be a quality friend who lets a sister know?  

Tie DIY

Seriously the easiest way to brighten those plain white T's is to make a project out of them! 

Dyes are easy to find in larger packs at dollar stores or at Five Below, along with any craft store.. 

The best part about this is that it totally revamps the look of a crusty, stained, and worn white T. 

1) Buy a pack if white shirts or dig through your closet for plain shirts

2) Drench your shirts in cold water

3) Rubber band your shirts & put plastic gloves on

4) Get a plastic grocery bag to place your shirt on top of as you dye it as many colors as you want 

     ..I suggest doing this outside in the grass

5) When done dying your shirt flip your grocery bag inside out, letting the shirt fall into the bag to protect 

     anything other than the shirt to get colored (repeat for each individual shirt)

6) Let sit for a day, cut rubber bands off, and wash shirt in cold water, then air dry

7) Wear shirt to show off your creative vibes and revamped shirt

You can really get get unique looks the more you play around with tie dying 

welcome