This weekend I'm vending in a very different setting for me-- in a greenhouse! Bauman Farms outside Gervais, Oregon is hosting their first (hopefully annual) Greenhouse Gallery sale to celebrate the grand opening of their new 120' x 48' greenhouse and to raise some funds for the Oregon Multiple Sclerosis Society.
The greenhouse is stunning with polycarbonate sides and roof and some sort of sun-filtering shade thing at the ceiling that lets in light but keeps out those nasty UV rays. It is so new, the roof had been up only a week (and weather tested), and the doors have yet to be installed--so it's kind of an indoor/outdoor show!
Bauman Farms have won 3 "Best of Show" booth awards at Home and Garden shows. When you walk into this show, you can see why. Down either side of the greenhouse are the artists' booths, marked by large, tall plant stands filled with huge tubs of purple and pink petunias with lush green leaves. Down the center aisle are beautifully display garden art, plant stands, and wrought iron arches with gorgeous displays of plants-- all of which is for sale so the display constantly evolves.
Photo is an early morning shot of my booth. Since it is open aired, it's a bit chilly in the morning. Fortunately there is electricity so I'm fairly cozy all bundled up with a little space heater on my feet.
And, if this wasn't enough to tempt you, across the way is their bakery, produce store, gift shop and original garden shop! (Their marionberry-filled pie crusts are heavenly!)
Gotta hit the road! More later!
Flowersbyfarha – April 2008
Bauman Farms Greenhouse Gallery Pt 1
Apr 26, 2008
Photos
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Dance of the Crock Pot
Apr 23, 2008
The creative process is a curious thing. For some folks it seems pretty straightforward: get an idea, find the materials, do it. Other times, it might be find materials, think about what you can do with it, play with it.
For me? Sometimes it's what I call the Crock Pot Method. You see something here, you hear something there, you throw it all into the pot and 6-8 hours (or days, weeks, months or even years) later, <bing!> it's done. Simply cooked itself up.
So, when someone asks, "How long did it take to make this?" I am always tempted to say, "All my life" because everything that I have done or that has happened to me or around me becomes part of my "Crock Pot." My experience as a dancer, and my work creating costumes for my dance is a part of me. I may not be thinking about any particular aspect of it when I'm making a flower, but when I look back, I can see the correlation.
Though I am aware of this about myself and my process, I was a bit surprised one day when someone came up to my booth at a show, studied my display for a few minutes and then said, "You must be a dancer!"
"My gosh! Does it show?"
Well, of course it does.
Let me illustrate how this can happen: I saw how nicely two flowers that I happened to be listing coordinated, and thought, those would look nice together. Then, I ran across of a photo of me performing Tunisian dance at a local community college's ESL Celebration. Tunisian music is polyrhythmic, and the dance is vigorous and accentuated-- all of which makes the costume billow, flow and ripple.
Now, I made these flowers at separate times without a thought of one for the other --or of Tunisian dance or this particular costume. Yet see how nicely they all fit together. How the flower petals swirl. How the stamens "snap!"
I like to put that sense of rhythm and flow into my flowers. Perhaps they'll make you feel like dancing, too!
To see these and other flowers, please visit my shop at http://flowersbyfarha.silkfair.com
[I have posted an enlarged view of this photo the special, private Silk Fair blog gallery which you can access only through this blog or my shop forum.
http://www.flowersbyfarha.com/galleries/SilkFair/SilkFair.html
Links back to this blog or my Silk Fair shop are provided with each image description.]
For me? Sometimes it's what I call the Crock Pot Method. You see something here, you hear something there, you throw it all into the pot and 6-8 hours (or days, weeks, months or even years) later, <bing!> it's done. Simply cooked itself up.
So, when someone asks, "How long did it take to make this?" I am always tempted to say, "All my life" because everything that I have done or that has happened to me or around me becomes part of my "Crock Pot." My experience as a dancer, and my work creating costumes for my dance is a part of me. I may not be thinking about any particular aspect of it when I'm making a flower, but when I look back, I can see the correlation.
Though I am aware of this about myself and my process, I was a bit surprised one day when someone came up to my booth at a show, studied my display for a few minutes and then said, "You must be a dancer!"
"My gosh! Does it show?"
Well, of course it does.
Let me illustrate how this can happen: I saw how nicely two flowers that I happened to be listing coordinated, and thought, those would look nice together. Then, I ran across of a photo of me performing Tunisian dance at a local community college's ESL Celebration. Tunisian music is polyrhythmic, and the dance is vigorous and accentuated-- all of which makes the costume billow, flow and ripple.
Now, I made these flowers at separate times without a thought of one for the other --or of Tunisian dance or this particular costume. Yet see how nicely they all fit together. How the flower petals swirl. How the stamens "snap!"
I like to put that sense of rhythm and flow into my flowers. Perhaps they'll make you feel like dancing, too!
To see these and other flowers, please visit my shop at http://flowersbyfarha.silkfair.com
[I have posted an enlarged view of this photo the special, private Silk Fair blog gallery which you can access only through this blog or my shop forum.
http://www.flowersbyfarha.com/galleries/SilkFair/SilkFair.html
Links back to this blog or my Silk Fair shop are provided with each image description.]
Photos
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Is Red Hat All That?
Apr 22, 2008
Photos
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Over the years I've read the poem, "When I Grow Old, I Shall Wear Purple." And with each reading, I've had slightly different impressions of the poet's message. (Good poetry is like that!)
* Why wait until you are "old" to wear purple-- or do whatever it is that expresses your inner self? Seize the day! It's okay to sparkle in the day time!
* An, angry bitter message of a life spent shackled in the perceived shells we must preserve. What a waste of life to be so confined, all the resentments bottled and fermented.
* An acknowledgment of reaching a time in life where all those rules about how we should behave, how we should dress, what color combinations are acceptable just don't matter anymore. Seize the days we have left. Go ahead, be outrageous!
The formation of the Red Hat Society was inspired by that poem -- taking primarily the third interpretation. At first, that seemed like a wonderful, fun phenomenon. The "first wave" of Red Hatters was from a generation of women that on one hand began to break the mold about women in the work force but yet still very boxed up in society's model roles.
But as the Red Hat movement has grown, it has become iconoclastic and commercialized. Creating fun and outrageous hats and outfits has turned into a race among merchants to provide only gaudy and tacky options. What was once a movement of self-expression has become entrenched in variations on a uniform.
I am saddened by that, for I embrace all three interpretations of the poem that inspired a movement. I see it analogous to the Feminist Movement first pushing for women's rights, breaking the glass ceiling, and for awhile forgetting that feminism means having the choice.
As an artist, I wonder, "How does this stereotype affect my work?" If I use Red and Purple, will it be labeled for "Red Hatter only?" People of all ages love Red and Purple. In one of my galleries, I have three items would you would expect to appeal to a Red Hatter:
http://www.flowersbyfarha.com/galleries/fallwinter/fallwinter.html
but their appeal isn't limited to Red Hat members.
I recently listed the flower that inspired this post:
http://www.silkfair.com/store/item/1968
It's fun, kind of edgy, yet dignified. It's a moderate size (about 3" diameter). Certainly a more conservative Red Hatter could wear it with ease and still "fit in" -- but would a younger woman feel it labels her as a Red Hatter just because it is Red and Purple?
Or, could she say, "Why wait until you are old!"
* Why wait until you are "old" to wear purple-- or do whatever it is that expresses your inner self? Seize the day! It's okay to sparkle in the day time!
* An, angry bitter message of a life spent shackled in the perceived shells we must preserve. What a waste of life to be so confined, all the resentments bottled and fermented.
* An acknowledgment of reaching a time in life where all those rules about how we should behave, how we should dress, what color combinations are acceptable just don't matter anymore. Seize the days we have left. Go ahead, be outrageous!
The formation of the Red Hat Society was inspired by that poem -- taking primarily the third interpretation. At first, that seemed like a wonderful, fun phenomenon. The "first wave" of Red Hatters was from a generation of women that on one hand began to break the mold about women in the work force but yet still very boxed up in society's model roles.
But as the Red Hat movement has grown, it has become iconoclastic and commercialized. Creating fun and outrageous hats and outfits has turned into a race among merchants to provide only gaudy and tacky options. What was once a movement of self-expression has become entrenched in variations on a uniform.
I am saddened by that, for I embrace all three interpretations of the poem that inspired a movement. I see it analogous to the Feminist Movement first pushing for women's rights, breaking the glass ceiling, and for awhile forgetting that feminism means having the choice.
As an artist, I wonder, "How does this stereotype affect my work?" If I use Red and Purple, will it be labeled for "Red Hatter only?" People of all ages love Red and Purple. In one of my galleries, I have three items would you would expect to appeal to a Red Hatter:
http://www.flowersbyfarha.com/galleries/fallwinter/fallwinter.html
but their appeal isn't limited to Red Hat members.
I recently listed the flower that inspired this post:
http://www.silkfair.com/store/item/1968
It's fun, kind of edgy, yet dignified. It's a moderate size (about 3" diameter). Certainly a more conservative Red Hatter could wear it with ease and still "fit in" -- but would a younger woman feel it labels her as a Red Hatter just because it is Red and Purple?
Or, could she say, "Why wait until you are old!"
Button, Button, Which Button Did She Choose?
Apr 21, 2008
Photos
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(Continuing from "Back from the Ribbon Store")
When she initially contacted me, Client needed some sort of black, satin flapper head band to wear at a 20s theme dinner as part of the "dress code." Not particularly thrilled with having to wear black in her hair, we discussed ideas how to work around that.
Sent my client the photos of the black, ruffled edge ribbon, and the three vintage (and vintage-look) buttons. Not surprisingly, she chose the bronze/wine glaze with the colored ribbon and beaded dangles over the black and gold buttons with black silk ruffles.
The magenta ribbon almost looks like a brocaded pattern in the photo. In actuality, it is magenta shot with green, creating an iridescent bronze. So, I interspersed the faceted AB beads with tiny, irregular cut bronze seed beads to tie it all together with the focus buttons. I then finished the back as I would normally finish a pin.
Rather than have me create a static headband with the frou-frou already sewn on, she will tie the black ribbon as a headband and then pin the frou-frou to the the ribbon in a position flattering to her face.
And then she'll have a pin she can wear for other occasions, thus taking the sting out of spending money on something that originally she would have never worn again.
I love it when it works out so well!
[I have posted additional full view photos of this winner in a special, private Silk Fair blog gallery which you can access only through this blog or my shop forum.
http://www.flowersbyfarha.com/galleries/SilkFair/SilkFair.html
Links back to this blog or my Silk Fair shop are provided with each image description.]
When she initially contacted me, Client needed some sort of black, satin flapper head band to wear at a 20s theme dinner as part of the "dress code." Not particularly thrilled with having to wear black in her hair, we discussed ideas how to work around that.
Sent my client the photos of the black, ruffled edge ribbon, and the three vintage (and vintage-look) buttons. Not surprisingly, she chose the bronze/wine glaze with the colored ribbon and beaded dangles over the black and gold buttons with black silk ruffles.
The magenta ribbon almost looks like a brocaded pattern in the photo. In actuality, it is magenta shot with green, creating an iridescent bronze. So, I interspersed the faceted AB beads with tiny, irregular cut bronze seed beads to tie it all together with the focus buttons. I then finished the back as I would normally finish a pin.
Rather than have me create a static headband with the frou-frou already sewn on, she will tie the black ribbon as a headband and then pin the frou-frou to the the ribbon in a position flattering to her face.
And then she'll have a pin she can wear for other occasions, thus taking the sting out of spending money on something that originally she would have never worn again.
I love it when it works out so well!
[I have posted additional full view photos of this winner in a special, private Silk Fair blog gallery which you can access only through this blog or my shop forum.
http://www.flowersbyfarha.com/galleries/SilkFair/SilkFair.html
Links back to this blog or my Silk Fair shop are provided with each image description.]
"Fresh Picked" Flowersbyfarha
Apr 19, 2008
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It is so interesting to hear about the changing seasons and weather reports online where people all over the world gather. Down Under is going into Fall as we're stumbling into spring. Tornados, rain, snow, hail, earthquakes-- and the occasional bit of sunshine.
That's one of the things I like about being a "ribbon gardener"-- I can work inside where it is warm and dry, and my flowers won't wilt if I forget to water them, lol! (Actually, they prefer I not water them!). Instead of a spade, hoe, and garden hose, I use needle, thread and scissors to "plant" and bring my flowers to life. So, if you'll allow me the analogy--
I "picked" some flowers from my "garden" today and listed them in my shop. I confess I have some favorites, and today it is this one.
http://www.silkfair.com/store/item/1958
This luscious hand-dyed, bias-cut silk is so lustrous it is almost ethereal. The edge has the merest hint of a pink blush, hence it's name, Blushing Bride. I hand-dipped the pink stamens in ultr-fine crystal glitter so they give a delicate pink sparkle.
It could be worn my anyone for any occasion, but flowers made from this ribbon are especially wonderful for brides and wedding parties, and prom dresses.
It is so yummy!
I think I'll "wear" it on my avatar awhile.
Please stop by the shop to see more photos: http://flowersbyfarha.silkfair.com
That's one of the things I like about being a "ribbon gardener"-- I can work inside where it is warm and dry, and my flowers won't wilt if I forget to water them, lol! (Actually, they prefer I not water them!). Instead of a spade, hoe, and garden hose, I use needle, thread and scissors to "plant" and bring my flowers to life. So, if you'll allow me the analogy--
I "picked" some flowers from my "garden" today and listed them in my shop. I confess I have some favorites, and today it is this one.
http://www.silkfair.com/store/item/1958
This luscious hand-dyed, bias-cut silk is so lustrous it is almost ethereal. The edge has the merest hint of a pink blush, hence it's name, Blushing Bride. I hand-dipped the pink stamens in ultr-fine crystal glitter so they give a delicate pink sparkle.
It could be worn my anyone for any occasion, but flowers made from this ribbon are especially wonderful for brides and wedding parties, and prom dresses.
It is so yummy!
I think I'll "wear" it on my avatar awhile.
Please stop by the shop to see more photos: http://flowersbyfarha.silkfair.com
Widget Widget Where to put my Widget
Apr 18, 2008
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SilkFair just implemented the as yet to be name "mini-store widget".
It is so much more than just a bunch of product photos, but allows people to find out about the seller (Profile); Item descriptions, like a preview of the shop and the seller.
Because my business name was inspired by the Silk Road,what this widget accomplishes conjures up images of a cyber version of the Silk Road traders bringing in their wares to people along their route and displaying them in at their homes and community gathering places.
It is a trunk show!
Let the show begin! (Now...to find a place to put my "widget"...?)
* * * Asa! Asa! Ole! http://flowersbyfarha.silkfair.com
It is so much more than just a bunch of product photos, but allows people to find out about the seller (Profile); Item descriptions, like a preview of the shop and the seller.
Because my business name was inspired by the Silk Road,what this widget accomplishes conjures up images of a cyber version of the Silk Road traders bringing in their wares to people along their route and displaying them in at their homes and community gathering places.
It is a trunk show!
Let the show begin! (Now...to find a place to put my "widget"...?)
* * * Asa! Asa! Ole! http://flowersbyfarha.silkfair.com
To Blog or Button?
Apr 17, 2008
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In the game of "Button, Button, which button does she choose," the client has chosen Button behind Door #--
or should I tell yet?
So, should I blog?
Or I work on the project , and then let you see the final results?
While I await your votes, I'll go list a few more items, and work on some projects.
Meanwhile, a note about the flower on my avatar. I like to wear flowers in my hair, so from time to time I'll put one on my avatar. The one you see here is one I just listed, a golden/orange silk pansy. http://www.silkfair.com/store/item/1955 ... it happens to be a pin not a hair accessory, but I do also make pansies for the hair, with or without leaves so let me know your preferences.
or should I tell yet?
So, should I blog?
Or I work on the project , and then let you see the final results?
While I await your votes, I'll go list a few more items, and work on some projects.
Meanwhile, a note about the flower on my avatar. I like to wear flowers in my hair, so from time to time I'll put one on my avatar. The one you see here is one I just listed, a golden/orange silk pansy. http://www.silkfair.com/store/item/1955 ... it happens to be a pin not a hair accessory, but I do also make pansies for the hair, with or without leaves so let me know your preferences.
Back from the Ribbon Store...
Apr 16, 2008
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I've learned that if you have too specific an idea in mind for project supplies--they don't exist anywhere. So, I approach the ribbon store with a general concept of the desired project...in this case, a flapper era headband and "frou-frou" to be determined.
I was in luck! Not only did they not have the exact thing I asked for, they had something better--An affordable ribbon the has the look and feel of silk with a taffeta ruffled edge in the perfect width!
Headband with bow, coming up. Now for the "frou-frou"....
Before the shopping trip, client and I had discussed several possibilities, which included a simple, low profile flower, an appropriate button or brooch over a rosette, a black rose with gold stamens vs a dark red/wine rose, possibly some feather fluff--but not extreme, mmmmm..... maybe some dangly bead thing.
The ribbon for the headband is soft enough to make a rose, but will it be too much, too heavy looking, too much of a "muchness?"
At the store I found a gorgeous large black and gold vintage button that has a 20s feel. (See photo) It's almost enough by itself.
And.... a smaller black and gold button with a 20s feel, only it is a new button made from a vintage mold.
And... an awesome new-old button in a deep brown/bronze with magenta-wine glaze that color shifts with changing angle.
So, I buy all three-- and some other ribbons besides!
STAY TUNED for the continuing story of "Button, Button, which button does she choose?"
[I have posted photos of the "candidates" in a special, private Silk Fair blog gallery which you can access only through this blog or my shop forum. http://www.flowersbyfarha.com/galleries/SilkFair/SilkFair.html
Links back to this blog or my Silk Fair shop are provided with each image description.]
I was in luck! Not only did they not have the exact thing I asked for, they had something better--An affordable ribbon the has the look and feel of silk with a taffeta ruffled edge in the perfect width!
Headband with bow, coming up. Now for the "frou-frou"....
Before the shopping trip, client and I had discussed several possibilities, which included a simple, low profile flower, an appropriate button or brooch over a rosette, a black rose with gold stamens vs a dark red/wine rose, possibly some feather fluff--but not extreme, mmmmm..... maybe some dangly bead thing.
The ribbon for the headband is soft enough to make a rose, but will it be too much, too heavy looking, too much of a "muchness?"
At the store I found a gorgeous large black and gold vintage button that has a 20s feel. (See photo) It's almost enough by itself.
And.... a smaller black and gold button with a 20s feel, only it is a new button made from a vintage mold.
And... an awesome new-old button in a deep brown/bronze with magenta-wine glaze that color shifts with changing angle.
So, I buy all three-- and some other ribbons besides!
STAY TUNED for the continuing story of "Button, Button, which button does she choose?"
[I have posted photos of the "candidates" in a special, private Silk Fair blog gallery which you can access only through this blog or my shop forum. http://www.flowersbyfarha.com/galleries/SilkFair/SilkFair.html
Links back to this blog or my Silk Fair shop are provided with each image description.]
Off to the Ribbon Store!
Apr 15, 2008
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You would think with the stash of ribbons I have, I wouldn't have to go to the ribbon store-- but I do!
A client called with a request for 20s style headband and bow... plus or minus a flower... and/or a feather... All the possibilities would be fun to explore, but we are on a deadline and a budget. Two factors that will reign in the crazy-making "Need 1, Make a Dozen!" art process.*
So, off to the store!
*[photo is one of a series called Moon Goddess, which was inspired by a custom order. Made 5 completely different "visions" of a Moon Goddess. Client ended up buying two--one for her and one for a friend.
This one is also subject of gift enclosure card that I will be listing soon.}
A client called with a request for 20s style headband and bow... plus or minus a flower... and/or a feather... All the possibilities would be fun to explore, but we are on a deadline and a budget. Two factors that will reign in the crazy-making "Need 1, Make a Dozen!" art process.*
So, off to the store!
*[photo is one of a series called Moon Goddess, which was inspired by a custom order. Made 5 completely different "visions" of a Moon Goddess. Client ended up buying two--one for her and one for a friend.
This one is also subject of gift enclosure card that I will be listing soon.}
An introduction...
Apr 13, 2008
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...to the garden of Silk Road Flowers by Far'ha!
I am Far'ha, your "gardener" and blog hostess.
The name, "Far'ha" means "Joy!" It was given to me many years ago by one of my bellydance teachers because he saw my joy when I danced. I also share this joy when I work with color and fabrics, so I also made nearly all my costumes as I explored the dances of the Silk Road, Arab trade routes, and Gypsy Trails.
Eventually my journey in dance brought me to Spain, and more specifically Jerez, the home of true, gitano flamenco. When I began performing, I needed a hair flower to coordinate with my costume. None were to be found in town, so I went to the local ribbonery store, explained my plight and the owner pointed me to a rack of luscious, hand-dyed, bias-cut silk ribbons. Then, when I found the perfect color, she quickly demonstrated the basic technique for a rose.
So, I went home, and what seemed easy in concept proved to be a challenge! But the ribbon was so wonderful--and after years of making my own costumes, I figured I could get the hang of this, so one flower lead to another ... and another... and another.
It is no wild boast that 1200 flowers later I am here on Silk Fair!
And have many more in progress, and a ribbon stash that.... well, not quite enough to open my own store, but at least I have plenty to choose from if I'm inspired at 2am!
I invite you to the garden that is my shop http://flowersbyfarha.silkfair.com
I'll be the one sewing behind the counter.
I am Far'ha, your "gardener" and blog hostess.
The name, "Far'ha" means "Joy!" It was given to me many years ago by one of my bellydance teachers because he saw my joy when I danced. I also share this joy when I work with color and fabrics, so I also made nearly all my costumes as I explored the dances of the Silk Road, Arab trade routes, and Gypsy Trails.
Eventually my journey in dance brought me to Spain, and more specifically Jerez, the home of true, gitano flamenco. When I began performing, I needed a hair flower to coordinate with my costume. None were to be found in town, so I went to the local ribbonery store, explained my plight and the owner pointed me to a rack of luscious, hand-dyed, bias-cut silk ribbons. Then, when I found the perfect color, she quickly demonstrated the basic technique for a rose.
So, I went home, and what seemed easy in concept proved to be a challenge! But the ribbon was so wonderful--and after years of making my own costumes, I figured I could get the hang of this, so one flower lead to another ... and another... and another.
It is no wild boast that 1200 flowers later I am here on Silk Fair!
And have many more in progress, and a ribbon stash that.... well, not quite enough to open my own store, but at least I have plenty to choose from if I'm inspired at 2am!
I invite you to the garden that is my shop http://flowersbyfarha.silkfair.com
I'll be the one sewing behind the counter.
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