I'VE MOVED!

I've moved to a new home! Please visit me at my new blog YELLOW ROSE.

Thanks and see you soon!

NEW BEGINNINGS, NEW LABEL

GRAND OPENING

AUGUST 2010

WWW.YELLOWROSEDBS.ETSY.COM

NEW BEGINNINGS

I haven't posted in a very long time and I really am not sure that anyone is reading this blog. In the invent that I do have some followers who are interested in my randomness, I wanted to let you know that a change is coming.

I have decided to have a fresh start to my business, my designs, and my blog. Everything will change. That means a new name for my business, a new logo and new hat and accessories. I have decided to make this change because, for the past year I have not really felt motivated, focused or even inspired. I think that sometimes to be productive we must take a minute to evaluate what our dreams and goals are, what makes us happy and what excites us. I believe that I have found my inspiration and I am excited about it. I won't give too much away now but, just in case anyone is listening out there, you can look forward to some new and wonderful changes in the journey that is my life. To all who take the time to read my post I thank you and I hope that you will follow me on the path to New Beginnings!

Bis Spater,

Sharon

STILL IN A RUT!

I still haven't worked my way out of this creative rut. I am happy to say that I have managed to sketch a few new designs. Hopefully, my trip to Paris on Saturday will help to cure this madness. In the meantime, I bought a pair of inline skates over the weekend. It's been awhile since I've been on wheels. I had a great time and I didn't break anything!

Whew, what a workout! I hope that everyone had a fantastic weekend!

LENA HORNE

A great beauty and a great talent.

Rest in Peace

1917-2010

STUCK IN A RUT!

Right now, I feel like this butterfly. It's trapped in a spider web and is unable to free himself. I'm in a creative rut and I can't seem to get myself out of it! I haven't done anything remotely creative this week. I haven't made a hat, drawn a sketch or finished any of my sewing projects. My Etsy shop has been pretty much neglected as well.

I have no idea what has a hold of creative wings. It would be easy to blame it on the weather. It has been rainy and cold all week. I have been spending alot of time watching movies, on Youtube or, sitting in front of the T.V. with a nice cup of lemongrass tea. I just feel lazy and unmotivated. I suppose I'm not the only one to get themselves stuck in a creative rut. It doesn't feel good, and I'm sure it won't last long. But, whatever the cause, I need to find the strength to free my wings and soar into the realm that is creativity! Pray for me!

BONJOUR PARIS!

I've always heard that Paris was beautiful in Springtime....

In a few weeks I'm going to find out for myself! My husband and I will be celebrating our 1 year anniversary in Paris. It's always been my dream to visit the city of romance and I am so excited! I've already started mapping out places that I would like to visit that includes vintage stores and flea markets. I intend to do some serious shopping.

JANELLE MONAE

I love her style,

her hair,

this song,

and this video.

Enjoy!

BARBIE IN VOGUE

I don't know how I missed this! Last year in June Vogue magazine published a special all Black issue to celebrate Barbies 50th anniversary. Barbie's photo shoot covers over 100 pages and the photos are absolutely amazing. It's a must see for every little girl and, the big ones too. Now all I have to do is figure out a way to get my hands on a copy. Wish me luck!

OVER THE RIVER AND THROUGH THE WOODS

This past weekend my husband and I spent alot of time on the bikes.

On Saturday, we took the Harley out on a long bike tour.

We drove out into the country and passed some very charming Dorfs (villages) on the way.

After about an hour of riding, we stopped here to have a tiny break and something to drink.

This wine terrace is located in the midst of hundreds of wine vineyards. These vineyards are located in the mountains, and the view from up top is amazing!

On Sunday we took the bicycles out for a city tour. There are a couple of bike route from our home that leads into the city but, we decided to take the route that runs along the Rhine River.

The way was filled with other bikers, people walking, and inline skaters.

Many people were sunbathing, picnicking and enjoying the overall loveliness of the day.

The little ones were along for the ride as well.

It was a great day for a run.... without running shoes!

We headed into the city where people were enjoying an afternoon at the sidewalk cafes.

All of the shops are closed here on Sunday so, window shopping was the order of the day.

To our surprise the Sunday Market was in full swing! There were hundreds of vendors selling vintage and antique wares.

My husband looks so lost in the crowd.

This vendor had some awesome vintage hats and handbags.

There were a few vendors selling vintage and handcrafted furniture.

And, even a few vintage sewing notions.

The atmosphere was highlighted by this gentleman's excellent piano playing.

What a great weekend! I hope that you had a great one too!

SUNDAY BLESSED

NEVER STOP DREAMING

Photo Royal Ballet's performance of "The Firebird.

Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken winged bird that cannot fly.

Hold fast to dreams, for when dreams go, life is a barren field frozen with snow.

Langston Hughes

TEXTILE JEWELRY

These are just a few silk and lace fabric necklaces that I made recently. I wanted to try something new. These items are available for purchase in the Etsy shop.

This one can be worn two ways.

BLUMEN!

Blumen is German for Flowers. I love fresh flowers, they just make my heart happy!

I have flowers everywhere! There are Purple orchids on the window of my studio....

Roses next to the bed....

(I'm reading Pride and Prejudice in German)

More roses on the dining room table.....

White orchids in the window in the living room.....

and Roses and an Orchid blossom in the bathroom. These are perched on the window in the shower stall. So pretty!

Make your heart happy, all it takes is a bunch of Blumen!!!!!!!!!!!

HAVE A WONDERFUL, BLESSED SUNDAY!

I was a member of this dance ministry for quite some time when I attended the Christ

Christian Fellowship in Cincinnati, Ohio. I really miss dancing with these ladies. Enjoy!

FASCINATOR COMMISSION

I just shipped my second hat commission for the year! My customer is attending a special event at the end of the month and she wanted a custom bespoke fascinator to wear with this dress....

Such a cute dress! I got so excited when she emailed the photos that I began working on a design right away. This is what I came up with...

I decided to focus on the floral patterns in the dress and mimic them in the fascinator design. A few feathers and a hint of veiling make this look simple, modern and classic. Here is the final product...

I'm really happy with this design and, my customer is too!

WE'RE A LITTLE LATE...........

WE HOPE THAT YOU HAD A WONDERFUL SAFE AND HAPPY EASTER!

I'M FEATURED ON A BLOG TODAY!

Marina from Walnut Baby has been so kind to feature one of my bridal fascinators on her blog today. Pop over and check out the post. It features some other great Etsy artists as well.

THE HAIR DIARIES

In June of 2009. I officially joined the natural hair community! I noticed soon after I moved to Germany in the Summer of 2008 that my hair had started to slowly reject the chemical relaxer that I had been using for over 30 yrs. to straighten my hair. I really think that it had something to do with the water. I may never know what really caused this rejection but, it was probably the best thing that could happen to me and to my hair.

My sister suggested that I begin to wear my hair in it's natural state. The thought of that was absolutely frightening! I hadn't seen my hair in it's natural state since I was 11 or 12 yrs. old. I had no clue about how to care for my hair, or about the styling possibilities. I freaked out, and I continued to relax my hair although I was doing further damage to it.

I flew back to the states in early May 2009 to prepare for my wedding. My hair was still in very poor condition, however I wanted to have my hair nicely styled for my wedding which was at the end of the month. So, I relaxed again. This time to horrifying results! My hair was not straight, it looked gray and washed out and my hair strands were wiry and brittle. On my wedding day, I had to use a ton of gel to get it to lay down on the sides, and I had to add a hair piece for volume. At this point, my hair had had enough!

My husband and I returned to Germany in June and I immediately began researching natural hair. Thank God for Youtube! I found tons of ladies who were wearing their hair natural and, who were posting video tutorials for women like me who were clueless in regards to caring for and styling natural hair. After being inspired by these Youtube gems, I decided to do my big chop! ( The "Big Chop" is cutting or shaving off all chemically treated or damaged hair) My husband wanted me to wait and go to a professional stylist for the hair cut. I however, got inpatient and cut it myself. I did such a hack job, my husband literally rushed me to the neighborhood salon to have the stylist "repair the damage" At this point, I did not cut of all of the relaxer. I cut off the relaxed hair to about 4". Every month I cut off about an inch or so of the relaxed ends as my natural hair grew out. I guess you could say that I transitioned to natural hair for about 6 months.

Going natural was one of the best decisions that I have ever made. I feel more confident, more beautiful and my husband loves my hair. I will never go back to relaxed hair. I love the hair that grows naturally out of my head, every curl, coil and kink!

Relaxed Hair

Two months post Big Chop

(I still have some relaxed ends here)

Four months post Big Chop

(still have some relaxed ends hanging on)

but my TWA-teenie,weenie afro is cute!

December 2009

Six months and all natural!!!!

March 2010

Still growing strong!

If you or someone you know is interested in going natural, check out the Haute Hair Links listed on the left of this blog page. You'll find a wealth of information on these sites. Here is a list of some of my favorite Youtube Naturals to view as well.

Nikkimae2003

chisellecouture

kimmaytube

KinkyKurlyQueen

Naptural85

misskrisnew