Abigail Mackie

Barcelona Streets...

2011-04-04T04:30:00.000-07:00

It's been quite a while since I found something on the streets of note, mostly because I'm just not out and about at the right time anymore. I was lucky to find these chairs on Thursday as I went to pick Elqui up from school, and even more lucky that someone helped me carry them! (an 8 month pregnant belly makes it a little more than awkward!) I really love them both and they're both in great condition. I really want to have a whole mis-matched collection for the big table in the kitchen... now I just need to find another four...

Encants...

2011-03-25T05:59:00.001-07:00

Just wanted to share with you my little haul today!
Firstly the piece of fabric- a wonderful graphic print from the 1960's and perfect for both our terrace table and big kitchen table and fits in perfectly with our style! It's hand printed onto very heavy weight fabric and just oozes retro quality.
The dress, although just a very simple shift, is possibly made out of the prettiest fabric in the world- and it's so light, perfect for summer and spring.
A great classic 1970's print scarf.
A wonderful 1980's leopard print pleated skirt.
I love all the different textures and colors of these four things together...
Also just realised that I've got a little something the 60's, 70's and 80's! I'm not sure how old the dress is, perhaps late 70's?

We Are Family...

2011-03-24T13:56:00.001-07:00

I just love all of these photos of us in our new house! We seem happier and brighter some how! Along with spring has sprung a bright clashing wardrobe! I Love Lautaro's red trousers with his Hawaiian shirt that I bought for him last week for 2 euros at Encants. Also my fairground-like red and white stripy knit cardigan (a great find at only 3 euros!) and Elqui just looks fab in his Peruvian hat! My bump is becoming more impressive by the day and all is swell!

Giraffes!

2011-03-22T13:03:00.000-07:00

Here's a few quick pics of the giraffes that I've been making! I'm hoping to have an 'exhibition/installation' of a selection of the different types of soft toys that I make. I want to, over a two month period, install every two weeks a different collection of toys! Animals, monsters and Russian Doll's as well as some other yet to be thought of designs! Every single one will be unique in fabric combination with prices ranging from 20 euros to 30 euros!

Studio Space...

2011-03-21T07:32:00.000-07:00

Okay so the photos are later than promised and it's taken me a lot longer than hoped to get back to 'normal' but this week I'm going to really really try to get it together! The big baby belly isn't helping matters but I have to say that I love this time in the pregnancy! Just six weeks to go and a mountain of stuff that I hope to do! I'm trying to be super productive now and stock up on lots of vintage and materials for when the little bub arrives! Encants again today and although I found no great vintage (a couple of sweet dresses is all) I did buy myself a fab Dries Van Noten jumper for 3 euros! Cant be bad!!!

Encants...

2011-03-12T04:47:00.000-08:00

Got a great haul at Encants for the first time in a long time! Including these amazing dresses from the 1920's or earlier. (sorry the photos don't do the dresses justice) I haven't done anything to them yet, they need a good clean and ironing and just a little mending. I paid more than I usually would but they're in such good condition and I particularly love the two black dresses, which I may have to just add to my own collection! Also in amoungst the twenty odd pieces of vintage that I bought I got this cardigan which I just love- it'll look fab with denim or a pretty floral dress!

Another Week...

2011-03-10T12:52:00.000-08:00

Packing!

and more packing...

and unpacking...

Another week and I reckon that I'll be back to my almost daily blogging and working routine! These last two weeks have been all packing and unpacking and a million and one things that needs to be done to the fab new home! Almost have some sense of order and so all will resume as normal from Monday! YAY! lots of new vintage to go into my Etsy shop 'Violeta Vintage' and lots of new fabrics and designs to begin work on...not to an amazing new space to decorate and do up! I have a great plan for the kids room and lots of other ideas simmering away...its going to be a very exciting time! and only 8 weeks until the baby is due!!! YIKES! My studio, which I'll try and get some pics up tomorrow, is just amazing! I am so lucky to have such a great space to work! and it's going to be so inspitational to be surrounded by all that I love and inspires me!

New Place= even bigger project than first thought!

2011-02-17T12:40:00.000-08:00

Kitchen

Bedroom

Kids room

Bathroom

Okay so we have little more than a week left before we move into our new home...panic? me? YES! I'm just hoping that it all magically comes together! Well, enough for it to be habitable! Whilst most women at 7 months pregnant are painting the nursery and choosing little outfits we are trying to get hot water, a kitchen, walls...oh and a bath would be nice! It's all very exciting though...eeeeeek!
Love these photos. Elqui had to do a 'new space dance' for each 'room'. Made me laugh :)

The Pleasure of Puppets...

2011-02-15T02:59:00.000-08:00

I just thought I'd share with you these puppets I made. Hours of fun and a much needed relief from bib making! (and packing!)
This morning I went box hunting (to do yet more packing...we move house in less than 2 weeks time!? eeeeek!!!) and came across this fab old display box outside a chemist. How perfect is it to store the puppets in?!

Crayon Wraps

2011-02-13T07:26:00.000-08:00

This weekend I've been making a new batch of crayon wraps. It was fun to be abe to use all of the new fabrics that I bought the other week. The playing around with colours and patterns keeps the monotonous task of producing the same design more than 20 times at bay. I take pride in the fact that every item I make is unique! This design is one of my best sellers. Toddlers and kids love wearing this utility style crayon belt and with it's wrap away design it's prefect for parents to stash in their bags...

Bibs, Bibs and more Bibs!

2011-02-10T04:25:00.000-08:00

I've finally found a moment to photograph a selection of my bibs that I make under the label 'Wild & Beautiful'. I must spend about 80% of my working day making products for babies and children to sell at the local craft market. The bibs are my best seller. I intend to get really organised this year and set up an online shop and keep my Etsy 'Wild & Beautiful' shop up to date and full! I find it really hard to keep up with demand and have had to turn away many a shop that are interested in stocking my designs...so, this year that's all going to change! Watch this space!

A bag and a Coat...

2011-02-08T04:44:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to share with you these great two vintage finds from yesterday. The bag is so chic and cool, I love how little and compact it is. The girls coat is just amazing, so very pretty and well made. I had to include the photo of me holding my new bag as the downwards view of my pregnant belly looks really funny!

Violeta Vintage Gems

2011-02-07T02:53:00.000-08:00

I have some absolute vintage gems to put into my Etsy Vintage shop. I love the prints of these pieces and the imaginative cut of the yellow dress.

New Home=Big Project!

2011-02-04T07:09:00.000-08:00

We are besides ourselves with excitement! We have at last found and signed for a new place to live! and not just any place but a great space with huge potential in an amazing barrio here in Barcelona. We are so excited about having a garden and patio space as well as a separate studio space for me! It's going to take a lot of hard work, time and faith to get the place how we want...but we both love a challenge and my creative juices are already flowing with a million and one ideas...

Fabrics, fabrics and more fabrics!

2011-02-03T05:03:00.000-08:00

There's nada I love more than getting a whole new stash of fabrics! Making hundred's of bibs a month can be enjoyable when you've got lots of colours, designs and textures to play with. I can't wait to get started next week on some new designs. The fabrics that feature animals and objects was bought from the states and the other stuff all from my local supplier. I'm hoping to stock up on as much materials as humanly possible over the next two months before the baby arrives!

I really want to increase my stock of vintage fabrics too so that I can start a new vintage inspired line!

A Wonderfully Strange Shop...

2011-02-02T06:25:00.000-08:00

Me and my husband Lautaro went to Tarragona (Spain) a few months back. I'd forgotten about this great shop that we stumbled upon. Sadly it was closed, but I took some pics anyway through the very dirty glass! It looked like an artists studio where everything was made out of reclaimed materials and objects. Very inspirational. I love to reuse materials where I can and I'm a terrible hoarder and rubbish-picker-upper! I just can't resist a wonderful worn bit of wood or an old piece of distressed textiles. The first photo is of a boat me and Lautaro made together from reclaimed materials we found whilst wandering out and about.

More Fab Vintage!

2011-02-01T08:38:00.000-08:00

Hi Ho Hi Ho It's off to work we go...

2011-02-01T07:23:00.000-08:00

I just had to share with you this great set of the 7 dwarfs that I bought from Encants. I love the vintage colours and their crazy expressions! As I spend most of my day making kids things I find them great inspiration!

New Vintage Gems!

2011-01-31T06:47:00.000-08:00

Here is a peek at the new vintage gems that I've been hoarding forever...

Available here at www.violetavintage.etsy.com.

I'm going to be spending the whole week listing beautiful new items in my Etsy shop. Also catching up on all the amazing discoveries, cool stuff I've bought and new work that I've been developing! All very exciting stuff!

Summer Sale and New Stock at Violeta Vintage

2010-07-19T02:41:00.001-07:00

Yay It's that time of year again...the weather is hotting up and the summer sales are in full swing! Here is a peek at some of the new stock just listed on Violeta Vintage (www.violetavintage.etsy.com). New stock is being added daily AND if you buy any one garment you get the second for only half price! and this great offer covers all items in store and includes the new stock too! WOW!

Market

2010-07-05T04:02:00.000-07:00

Here are some pics of my market stand. The market is situated in a wonderful little Plaza in the Born district of Barcelona. I always love my market day as it's a chance to sell my designs and new products directly to the customer and get feedback. I also love the quiet moments when I can catch up on some cutwork and a little reading and diary writing! It is wonderful being my own boss and I love my studio but it can get a little lonely! At the moment the market is only on every Saturday but plans are afoot to start running the market on Sunday as well...

Spot The Difference...

2010-07-02T02:06:00.001-07:00

Well can you spot the difference?! This is stage two of the design process. It involves cutting out the same shapes from a piece of paper called Bondaweb/Bondina and ironing them to the fabric. This creates a smooth finish and a strong bond ...it also takes a really really long time to do! Each design had a lot of small pieces so it was really time consuming and really quite tedious...now all i need to do is stitch the design to the garment!

Busy Bee...

2010-07-01T11:59:00.000-07:00

Ive been a busy bee making lots of stuff for my label 'Wild & Beautiful'. Mostly I have to make a ton of bibs as they are my best seller and easy money-maker but every other week I try and give myself a little time to create something new and have a little play around. This week I made a series of 8 t-shirts. I haven't made any new t-shirts for ages, mostly because they take so long and I can never sell them for enough to justify the amount of work that goes into them. I really enjoyed playing around with the fabrics, all those patterns, colours and textures, there's nothing I love more! Here are the pics I took from the first stage of creation. It's also my favorite stage, where I get to lay out and create the initial designs...

Tie Bibs...

2010-06-16T03:31:00.000-07:00

I've just made this order for two small (0-12 months) Tie bibs. I'm going to make a new collection using all the great bright stripy and dotted fabric that I have. The new designs will be available exclusively at my market stall (Placa Allada Vermell, Born) from Saturday!

Been gone so long...

2010-06-03T13:08:00.000-07:00

www.gugu.etsy.com

www.persephoneclothing.esty.com

www.floraltrash.etsy.com

Sorry that I've been gone so long but I ran away with the circus. Just in case that you feel the need to follow here are a selection of amazing vintage dresses perfect for joining the circus! Prices start from only $28...all available from etsy, amazing!

Everything All Of The Time...

2010-05-27T15:03:00.000-07:00

Here is a sneaky peek at the tops and blouses that I'm going to be listing this week on my Vintage shop at Etsy; www.violetavintage.etsy.com.

Barcelona Street Art

2010-05-12T07:06:00.000-07:00

One of the best things about Barcelona is it's ever changing street art; from graffiti to stickers, abstract scratches to full on painted masterpieces...they all come together to create the most wonderful street gallery!

Freaky Fair Sunday

2010-04-26T05:31:00.000-07:00

What lovely weather, at last! Barcelona was on top form yesterday with it's annual 'Fiesta Del Tierra' in the main city park (and tumbling out for streets beyond...) . Lots of great stuff to see, try, buy and taste. I really loved this fair ground we stumbled upon near the beach. It's all made out of recycled and reclaimed junk...almost kinda creepy, but in a good way! The 'big' wheel was particularity wonderful with its use of old toilets for seats! Elqui settles for a ride on the horses made out of old tyres.

The Wednesday Wander...

2010-04-21T13:13:00.000-07:00

I am going to add a new 'Wednesday Wander' section to the blog, starting from now! Barcelona is such an amazing and inspirational place to live and wander about in...everyday and in every moment (if your looking) there's something wonderful to be found. Here are the snaps I took today...

A sneaky peek...

2010-04-20T15:08:00.000-07:00

Here is a quick sneaky peek at some of the vintage items we photographed today for the online shop Violeta Vintage. I really love the layered dress, the white cotton top, black and white striped blouse and the graphic print coat...lets see if they actually make it into the shop!!!

I love Miette!

2010-04-19T03:34:00.000-07:00

I Love Miette and although their shop is a little bit of a treck from Barcelona (they're based in San Francisco) I just had to blog about their new wallpaper-inspired confections. The Miette shop in San Francisco is covered in an osborne & little wallpaper, so they decided to create delicious shortbread cookies based on the wallpaper’s floral pattern. Each cookie is topped with royal icing that mimics the wallpaper’s color and pattern perfectly and looks almost too pretty to eat.
To read the full artical on Miette check out design sponge;
http://www.designspongeonline.com/2010/04/weekly-wrap-up-miette-wallpaper-cookies.html

Market Mates and Jesus...

2010-04-18T13:04:00.000-07:00

Hey! just a bit of a random entry today...Elqui is fast becoming firm friends with the other little ones at the weekend craft fair, here is a pic of Elqui with Julianna and Bruna on Saturday. Also wanted to share with you a pic of the vila I went to last night in a little coastal town called sitges for a great party! The house is incredible, the hostess Maireclaire divine, and the party itself was dancetastic fantastic!!! woohoo

Oh Baby!

2010-04-17T00:15:00.000-07:00

Oh my baby is growing up so fast! Almost two and a half already...I just couldn't resist sharing with you some of his latest photos...such a cutie don't you think?

Oh Encants How I love You!

2010-04-15T04:51:00.001-07:00

Oh how i love Encants, the local flea market. I bought lots of stuff yesterday...I especially love this bit of 1930's fabric, the colours and the print are utterly darling! Also bought a few pieces of clothing for myself, I'm always a sucker for silk and chiffon! as well as lots of fab vintage stuff for Violeta Vintage (http//:www.violetavintage.esty.com)

Violeta Vintage Collection for Primavera!

2010-04-14T13:20:00.000-07:00

Its here at last! Violeta Vintage has over 100 new items for spring and summer being listed over the next few weeks, Hurah!
Violeta Vintage offers free national shipping and very cheap international delivery rates, and FREE shipping to ALL destinations with orders over $150!
http//:www.violetavintage.etsy.com

The wonderful world of Peca!

2010-04-13T08:19:00.000-07:00

How amazing is this artists work? I love love love her wonderful paintings. Peca has created an entire world of wonderful and fearsome creatures and strange happenings that's all her own. It's so Alice-in-wonderland and dreamy, nightmarish and surreal! Peca also creates, as well as large/medium and small scale paintings, wonderful hand painted rings, amazing miniatures of her larger works. For those of us who are counting the pennies, she also makes rings using good quality prints of the minitures (of which I am a proud owner of one!) you can check her work out and keep up to date with her here; www.artedepeca.blogspot.com
If your lucky enough to live in Barcelona or are here on holiday then you can check her amazing work out for yourself at the artesan/craft market 'Fira Allada Vermell' which can be found in the Borne, Ciutat Vella.

My Jewelry from Isabel La Madrid...

2010-04-08T02:15:00.000-07:00

Here are the pics that I promised yesterday of the pieces of jewelry that I bought from the amazingly talented Isabel La Madrid. I'm wearing the necklace today and the ring has become a permanent fixture! Such incredible work, don't forget to check out her blog; www.isabellamadrid.blogspot.com

Isabel La Madrid...

2010-04-07T06:47:00.000-07:00

I met this amazing jewelry maker at the Easter Market in Barcelona. Isabel La Madrid designs are soooo beautiful that I couldn't help but splash the cash a little and buy a few pieces...todays light has already gone so I can't photograph them right now (I'll post the pics tomorrow) but I found these pics on her great blog (http://www.isabellamadrid.blogspot.com) of the necklace that I bought and a few others that I wish that I could have bought!

The Joy Of Encants...

2010-03-26T14:10:00.000-07:00

I got a great haul of vintage gems today at Encants. Most of the stuff is for my vintage shop 'Violeta Vintage' but I also got a few great pieces for my own ever expanding wardrobe!

Boy Oh Boy

2010-03-25T05:08:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post to show you the finished boy Russians from last week. The simpler dolls nestle inside the pocket of the bigger doll.

Busy busy busy...

2010-03-23T02:07:00.000-07:00

Phew this week is going to be crazily busy! Big Wild and Beautiful order, over 50 new vintage pieces to photograph and list in Violeta Vintage as well as the big Easter market coming up...here are a few pics of the mess I was making yesterday trying to get a set of 13 new dolls/plushys made. I will post the finished dolls later...

chaos!

2010-03-18T13:38:00.000-07:00

d

sorry I haven't had a chance to blog for a few days, those two days spent nursing Elqui has totally thrown my work schedule into chaos...so much to do and sooooo little time! My studio is in chaos, everything all piled up all over the place...and yes, don't be fooled I know that it actually looks quite neat in the photos but that's because these photos were taken at the begining of the week!

Ophelia

2010-03-15T06:07:00.000-07:00

I bought this dress this morning from Encants. Its in a pretty sorry state...all that delicate lace and beading hasn't fared too well, which considering its age (1880's) isn't too surprising. But I love it, and even if I just hang it up in my studio it was well worth the 1 Euro I paid for it! Though I have an art project that's been slowly bubbling away that would use these broken dresses that ive been hoarding...I just find such beauty in these things, especially this dress, so heavy with history and untold stories. Ive called her Ophelia, although I think that its more for the image of it soaking in the tub than for the actual dress itself. Does anyone know any good books on clothing restoration?

With love from Russia...

2010-03-14T06:19:00.001-07:00

Here are the finished Russian dolls. This week, keeping on the Russian Doll theme, I'm going to make the set of bigger dolls as well as a set of boy Russian Dolls...Obsession, me?

and some more Russian doll making...

2010-03-12T13:01:00.000-08:00

Well, its taken me a lot longer than anticipated to finish a set of 10 Russian Dolls with ten baby Russian dolls nestling in the front pocket of the bigger doll. I have market tomorrow so I will be able to see what people think! The pricing though is always difficult, I was thinking maybe 22 Euros, What do you think? I'll post photos of the finished dolls tomorrow night after market...unless I sell them all!

Russian Doll...

2010-03-10T12:14:00.000-08:00

Today I began designing and making Russian Doll plushys/soft toys. Its good to be moving away from the monster theme at last! I love creating new products, problem solving and seeing my design from idea through to production. I bought a whole load of wonderful new fabrics from market today that I cant wait to use. The dolls are great to make because they use a lot of different fabrics and textures...lots of opportunity to play around! Today I designed four sizes, two pairs where the smaller doll nestles in th pocket of the bigger doll. I also like the idea of creating a Russian doll 'wrap' of ten little dolls. I also want to create a Russian boy doll aimed at little boys!

Wild & Beautiful

2010-03-09T07:25:00.000-08:00

After spending two weeks concentrating on my internet businesses (I still have more than 20 items to list in my vintage shop 'Violeta Vintage' and over 50 items to list in my kids shop, 'Wild & Beautiful) I am letting myself have some fun over the next few days designing, developing and producing new products for my Wild & Beautiful Label. First up, I wanted to develop the roll up crayon holder set than I designed for Christmas- lots of people suggested a utility belt that held crayons for kids would be great...

Snow + Barcelona = Amazement!

2010-03-08T10:57:00.000-08:00

Utter amazement today as heavy snow fell for the first time in more than a decade here in Barcelona. A smile of wonderment was upon everybody's faces. Shopkeepers were standing in disbelief in the doorways, everyone was taking photos or calling someone to share in their wonderment. Kids were dancing in the street and snowmen cropped up in a matter of minutes!
It really was an incredibly heavy snow storm, leaving 4 inches of snow in little more than a hour! Apparently all will be back to normal by wednesday, blue-eyed skies and sunshine...just in time for market!

Elqui

2010-03-05T02:57:00.000-08:00

Trying to get my 2 year old son to model for me was just hilarious! He's very expressive and his smile is pretty fierce...

A Few Vintage Gems From Etsy...

2010-03-03T02:01:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to share with you a few of my favorite vintage gems from Etsy. These pieces are soooo darling! and with prices starting from just $20 how can you resist?! Just copy and paste the link to see more of each wonderful vintage piece!

1) A Beautiful Vintage box from Leftylouvintage -http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41120345

2) An amazing 1960's mod dress from LEfantTerrible- http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41694372

3) An incredible cropped kimono embroidered jacket from Verhext -http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37742125

4) THE perfect dress from SassySisterVintage- http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41387816

5) A kitch mexican wool 1940's jacket from Wearitagain- http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39088719

Blog, Flickr, Twitter and Violeta Vintage

2010-03-02T05:28:00.000-08:00

Today is all about trying to get myself out there a little more...I have never really 'done' Flickr, joined any groups (in Flickr or Etsy)! It all takes so much time and, as a two-finger typer, it really is time-consumingly painfully slow! but needs must... I'm trying to update my Vintage shop- I have a good 20+ things to list, and a good 20 more to yet photograph. And this is only the vintage...my other two shops are being seriously neglected, I have well over a 100 things that I've made and could be listed on my 'Wild and Beautiful' site...tomorrow...
So, some exciting news, in trying to get myself out there I have paid for a advertising slot on the wonderful Heartomatic site, which will run from tomorrrow for 4 days on the carousel and from next thursay for seven days on the sidebar!

The first image is my advert (what do you think?) and the second, a selection of some of the new clothes in Violeta Vintage

For The Love Of Vintage...

2010-03-01T14:09:00.000-08:00

Today at the local market I managed to pick up seven new things for my vintage shop. It required some serious rummage dedication and a lot of haggling! I love going to market and hunting for the clothes for Violeta Vintage. The joy of the discovery and the pleasure in seeing the garments come back to life with a little TLC. I love seeing my array of vintage gems all pegged out on the washing line. More ofetn than not, with my eye for color and pattern, its a glorious technicolor affair!

My Favourite Dress Of the Moment!

2010-02-28T04:51:00.000-08:00

Just a quick post- I just had to share with you this new dress for my Etsy Vintage site. Its a lovely structured well made body con dress upcycled with a piece of wonderful vintage folk embroidery. The colors are stunning. I'm almost tempted to keep it for myself...

Something's Gotta Change...

2010-02-27T23:46:00.000-08:00

It's been six months since my last exhibition and indeed, since I last created a body of art work. After I started my 'business' in October, juggling that with being a mother has pretty much consumed me. Even last night, my first planned night out in months and months, I fell asleep before the night had even begun. Or indeed before I had even left the house. Art, exercise, writing and me time has all gone to pot and something's gotta change! Life is too short...

From a family of hoarders...

2010-02-23T12:31:00.000-08:00

Whilst I was in England I tried to take a few photos of things that caught my eye. My family are such magpies and my clock maker dad just has the most incredible capacity for unearthing the wonderful and at times the downright strange treasures of random discoveries.

Busy Busy Gone!

2010-02-12T08:42:00.000-08:00

I have been so very busy this week and it's still not over yet...a quilt to finish for market tomorrow and a few other bits and bobs before I can get ready to go out! Here is a sneaky glimpse at the bibs that will soon be available at my Etsy shop; Wild and Beautiful. www.wildandbeautiful.etsy.com

Hitching a ride...

2010-02-11T05:30:00.001-08:00

Just a quick post today as I'm sooo busy with a million and one things to do before the weekend! I just wanted to share with you this fantastic chair we picked up in the street last night. Its the perfect curl up and read a book sized seat! So, lucky Elqui, got a cool ride home the last few blocks in the chair pulled along ontop of the skate board.!

Besos De Mar

2010-02-10T01:04:00.000-08:00

Yesterday when I went to see the flat that I actually never found I took a few photographs of the barrio; Besos de Mar (directly translates as 'Sea of Kisses'- sounds pretty but don't be fooled!). The area is quite near the industrial part of Barcelona called Poble Nou which is filled with cool industrial buildings and artists spaces. Its a strange area, quite central, but kinda forgotten. Lots of run down garbage filled places and communities of squaters, romanian gypsies and stray dogs. Lots of half finished, half started projects and abandoned burnt out buildings...

Tie me upTie me down...

2010-02-08T23:24:00.000-08:00

I've seen a lot of designers that have used ties creatively to upcycle clothing and to create statement neck pieces and jewelry. Ive been slowly collecting vintage ties from Encants over the months- all lovely posh silk ones from Paris and Milan; Dior, Nina Ricci, YSL etc. Here are the first three statement jewelry designs that Ive created as well as a beautiful dress that I upcycled using a wonderful YSL silk tie around the neckline.

More Treasure From Encants...(and a lion too!)

2010-02-08T04:56:00.000-08:00

Oh the joy of Encants and treating myself to these amazing pieces of jewelry. The blue necklace, which I'm utterly in love with i actually bought last week. The other two pieces, the large chain made out of delicate little beads and the ethnic carved stone animals I bought today and I can't wait to wear them (but it could be a while as I really cant take the blue necklace off!!!) I also bought this cool carnival get up for my gorgeous son...two very happy customers!

A Wonderful Installation By Naoko

2010-02-07T04:49:00.001-08:00

http://www.naoko-ito.com/website01.html

I just stumbled across this wonderful installation on the blog 'The Forgotten Things' - http://theforgottenthings.blogspot.com/. The work by Naoko is wonderful and unexpected, such a great experimentation and freedom of materials.

Market and Random Wanderings...

2010-02-07T02:47:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was market day which was why I didn't get a chance to blog. I always used to take photos everyday of everything...especially architecture, street art and random momentary compositions of inanimate objects! But its been so long and I'm rusty from not looking around me, I mean really looking...here are a couple of photos I took yesterday and also a few from my market stall. Tomorrow it's off to Encants, fingers crossed I make some great vintage discoveries...

Barcelona Graffiti

2010-02-05T06:47:00.000-08:00

Barcelona is a city noted for its rich and diverse graffiti and street art. Here are a selection of some of my favorites...

Dresses as Treasure!

2010-02-04T00:45:00.000-08:00

Just a quick post to give you a sneak peek at the dresses that I'm going to be listing over the next few days on Violeta Vintage. Some really great vintage finds and a few upcycled pieces too...

Wonderful treasures from Encants...

2010-02-03T08:40:00.000-08:00

I was very excited to find this beautiful cushion and throw set at Encants today. It was a bit of a comic struggle getting it all back on my bike (imagine a big bag on each handle and another between my legs...good exercise though, cycling bow-legged!) andwell worth it. How amazingly beautiful are they? All hand embroidered by an amazingly talented mystery person...definitely a worthy heirloom. There are 9 cushions and 2 large throws on all. Only the other day I was saying how I wanted my sofa to be a haven of shabby boho chic with hundreds of cushions (I'm intending on making my own from some of the gorgeous vinatge fabric I've collected). So this is a great start!

Aby mackie on Etsy

2010-02-02T11:08:00.000-08:00

This is a selection my work that went into my previous exhibition. I'm really looking forward to moving on...a new camera to play with and a few ideas floating about! I really want to get back to my textile roots- embroidery, vintage fabrics, recycling and upcycling and collage...

Encants...

2010-02-02T00:29:00.000-08:00

Here are just a few snaps of the latest treasures that I've picked up from the local flea market, Encants.
-A beautiful vintage lace and delicate silk nightdress to go with all the numerous others I'm hoarding for future upcycling projects.
-A photo of all the latest great vintage finds for my shop Violeta Vintage that I need to photograph and list over the next few days. (http://www.etsy.com/shop/violetavintage)
-An amazing 1920's hand beaded and heavily pleated evening gown. The pleated part of the skirt actually has a fine wire mesh beneath to create volume. As with a lot of fabulous 1920's clothing it looks quite eighties due to the influence of 1920's fashion during the 1980's! I'm not really sure what I'm going to do with it though, at the moment I'm just letting it haang there and be admired!
-A wonderful bread bag, just so kitch and cool. I am actually going to us it to store our bread! There's something quite Frida Kahlo about it...

It's been a while...

2010-02-01T07:14:00.000-08:00

Well folks its been a while, months in fact, since I last updated my blog. So busy with a million and one things; juggling being a full time mother with working full time...but thousands manage it a and more! So no more excuses! I will now be updating my blog at least once a week but will try and aim for everyday! There's so much amazing stuff I want to share- This city, Barcelona, for a start; The local flea market that has the weirdest and most amazing bargains ever; of course all the stuff that I'm making each week for the local craft market and online shop; the amazing vintage finds for my online vintage shop; my art work; and, well, just a million and one pretty, weird and beautiful things that I stumble across each day. Its difficult to keep consistent when i have a billion interests and I'm so fickle with a very short attention span but I'm at least going to try and be consistent with updating this blog!

2009-10-18T10:49:00.001-07:00

More From Violeta Vintage!

2009-10-14T12:23:00.001-07:00

Over these next few weeks or so I'm going to be
regularly adding to all three of my online shops;
Violeta Vintage, Aby Mackie and Wild and
Beautiful, all hosted by the wonderful Etsy! Here
are a few of the new things I'm about to list in
my Vintage shop, Violeta Vintage!
www.violetavintage.etsy.com.

Violeta Vintage

2009-10-12T12:13:00.000-07:00

Vintage is such a fantastic environmentally friendly
way to afford well made individual unique clothes.
Its been a lot of hard work and months of searching to
finally get my vintage shop, 'Violeta Vintage', on Etsy
up and running. I'm very excited to have made 3 sales
in my first week! Take advantage of the FREE
worldwide shipping offer- available for the first month
only.

www.abymackie.etsy.com

2009-10-08T07:05:00.001-07:00

Elqui started Nursery last week so I am trying
to get my Etsy shops up and running as quickly
as possible! Really excited about it. Today I've
been trying to fill the shops up and have been
working on the limited edition archival prints of
my work from my recent exhibition. Its nice to
be able to offer a more affordable alternative to
buying the originals. The prints will be available
as of tomorrow at; www.abymackie.etsy.com
each one is signed, dated and numbered (limited
editions of only 25)

Window Dressing

2009-08-09T13:44:00.000-07:00

How amazing are these photos?! This
is the new window display for Custo,
Barcelona. It is so inspirational and
fantastic to see such imaginative and
creative window dressing. Its like
another type of street art along with
graffiti and Art in public spaces. I love
the collaborative element of my photos
when capturing the creative outpourings
found whilst wandering about the city...

Scrapbook Barcelona

2009-08-09T13:08:00.000-07:00

Finally got it together to produce my first exhibition
in five years- Beyond exciting! I used the space as an
opportunity to make work that had been bubbling away
and bugging me for years. It has really got the creative
juices flowing and I am now making work for another,
and hopefully more accomplished, exhibition in the near
future. Oh be still my beating heart!

Glorious Discoveries

2009-07-16T05:49:00.000-07:00

The wonderful thing about Barcelona
is just how inspirational it can be. All
you have to do is look that little bit
harder. Look up, look down and look
all around. You'll be amazed at what
wonderful discoveries you'll make everyday.

Work in progress...

2009-07-06T12:39:00.000-07:00

A little sneaky peek at the work in progress for my up and coming exhibition. I'm pretty excited as it's my first exhibition here in Barcelona. It's a beautiful poetic glimpse at snippets of everything and anything, bits and pieces, this and that, all magpie-like. A collage of stuff found, grafitti in the streets, rubbish on the floor, gems bought from Encants. An indulgent bringing together of everything that makes me go "ooooooh" and "ah".

People of the Barrio

2009-07-02T12:05:00.000-07:00

Today wandering about the Born Barrio in Barcelona I stumbled across some great street art. I love the motivation that drives an artist to get their work seen and out there. Motivation enough to think outside of the normal gallery setting. Barcelona is a wonderful place for public art, accessible to all and none of that highbrow crap that intimidates most without an art training. This is a great example of art for everyone- inspired by the people of the barrio and given back to the people of the barrio. Wonderful. Put a smile on my face.