Welcome to Tim Burton World

There is not much I enjoy more in life than an afternoon at a museum. I treated myself to such an afternoon at the Los Angeles County Musuem of Art ( LACMA ) in downtown LA ( obviously ). Didn't have time to fully enjoy the grounds around the museum but, did dig the giant animal head sculptures on the way to the entrance ( it's a long story but, I'm into roosters ).

However I digress; I was at the LACMA to view the amazing Tim Burton exhibit that is ending Oct. 31 ( so hurry up and go!!! ). Tim Burton is one of LA County's own being born and raised in lovely Burbank. And you are familiar with his work whether you know it or not, because the guy has been contributing to modern culture since the 70s. The volume and scope of his work from ads to films is impressive to say the least.

And the good news is Mr. Burton is only 53 so hopefully there are many, many, many more unique and wonderful creations inside his mighty brain.

There is only one word to describe the Tim Burton exhibit- WOW!

It is a chronological peek into his creative mind from his college days to his work on popular films. What is most amazing is how he stayed true to his vision/style.

From Burton's earliest sketches to feature films his stamp on the production is obvious and unique.

How great to create your life and be successful all around your own unique sensibility. I can only think of Walt Disney and Jim Henson as other examples of creating your own world.

There are hundreds of drawings showcasing Tim Burton's talents AND hilarious sense of humor, LOTS of short videos that are worth watching, and of course many, many artifacts from his successful films.

I loved every minute I spent at this exhibit. The work was inspiring, hilarious, and thoroughly enjoyable. Be sure to leave time for the gift shop at the end of the exhibit. The only thing that finally dragged me away was the time on my parking meter expired :(

Finding Prada

At the Marshalls store across from South Coast Plaza I was surprised to see a small stack of Prada shoes!!!! I guess the recession is hitting everyone. The shoes were not that memorable, even designers have their off days. And the shoes were priced at only...$399.99.

LOL!! I think in the world of Marshall shoppers that is not a bargain :(

DIY MarBLING !

I saw a demonstration on a short cut to create a marbling effect. Long ago in a dye class the marbling was done in multiple steps that were labor intensive.

I was eager to try the short cut so here it is: basically you spray shaving cream onto a cookie sheet. The shaving cream floats the paint on top so the paint adheres to the fabric and the shaving cream just melts away as it all drys.
Ideally fabric paint should be used but, I used some acrylic paints I already owned. The acrylic worked fine however when it dried it makes the fabric a little stiff.

After the paint is squirted onto the shaving cream gently use a comb to create the marbling effect. For best results soak the fabric in water and wring damp. The moisture helps the paint adhere.

Just lay the damp fabric on top of the paint and then remove fabric carefully to not disturb the design. Lay fabric in the sun to dry BUT beware the paint is soaked all the way thru the fabric and will leave paint on whatever surface it is placed on.

I placed it outside on the grass in the sun.

Favorite Store

Within the last 24 months an Anthropologie moved into a brand new store on El Paseo in Palm Desert. The store decor is fantastic and each display just captures my imagination. The store is not as impressive as the MASSIVE Anthropologie on Market Street in San Francisco
but, the smaller size does make it more manageable.

The prices are the normal Anthropologie ridiculous but, it's a great source for trend spotting and mixing fabrics, colors, and patterns. Somehow Anthropologie really elevates dressing to an art form...

One of the best features of this Anthropologie is the sale room. It is tidy and well stocked-this picture is the middle of a Sunday afternoon! All the garments in my dressing room plus what I'm wearing is from the sale room with an additional 25% off... SOLD!!