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Thursday, August 02, 2007

New Address, New Blog


Hey Guys! I'm re-vamping my blog and have changed the address. Please continue to visit me at JRD Studio. The reason for the change is simple- in an attempt to streamline all that I have going on... and trying out the idea of a "clean slate" I've moved to this new blog as a way of documenting all the inspires me & the behind the scenes look at my new home line; J. Ritter Designs. They'll be some of the same- food reviews, awesome art & design & handy tips... and also some new "columns" and "features". Hope you all continue to enjoy & comment!

Best,
Jessica

Wednesday, May 30, 2007

I've been a busy bee {sort of!}


I realized that my goal of a post a day was quickly slipping away from me. Sometimes I wonder where the time goes... I've been busy in my studio printing some new pillows for the Ice Craft Fair that I am participating in this weekend. In my post about it awhile ago I thought it would be a great place to go & check out fellow designers in this area... wouldn't you know- even though the deadline passed way before I moved down here the nice girls running the show found a place to squeeze me in! A BIG THANKS TO THEM! Cross your fingers for great weather & lots of people in the mood to shop! I'll try to give sneak peak of what I am going to sell, but in typical Jess fashion- the goods will be done about 24 hours prior to the show! Yikes! {I work best under pressure!}

{so where does the "sort of" fit in you ask...} Well, Saturday Night was a really fun BBQ at C&K's where I watched the Ultimate Fight Lidell v. Quinton “Rampage” Jackson - totally wild experience. Sunday G&I went to Turner Field to see Atlanta v. Philadelphia. {Phillies Won!!!} And, finally Monday {though I did clock a few AM hours} I then hung out poolside for a few hours with K&C&L followed by a BBQ and Redsox game {on tv.} All in all- an awesome Memorial Day Weekend...

Back to the grind...

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

Check Her Out: Kitty Genius




Kitty Genius aka Ashley Goldberg posted some new work on her blog a few days ago that I really responded to... something about pigs & cows with cute faces... I can totally see these in a baby's room... These are not for sale yet but she has other great illustrations for sale at her etsy shop.

Thursday, May 17, 2007

Check This Out: More Than "Crafts"


I am on the hunt for "the cool designers" of Atlanta and I'm thinking that a lot of 'em are gonna be right here. Mark your calendars and head to Centennial Olympic Park on June 2, 2007 {and bring some spending money!}
For a complete list of exhibitors and info click here.

Warehouse Sale!


Where: 2151 Northwest Parkway, Suite 500
Marietta, GA 30067

When:
Saturday, May 19, 2007
9am - 2pm


What: Huge Savings, $1 yd Specials, By the Pound Fabrics, Remnants & More!

Why: Because there is something in your life that could a fabric uplift!

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

Another Great Use for Fabric



After being on the One Good Bumblebee shop I noticed a link to her blog. Her latest post had a great idea for temporary wallpaper using fabric! Check it out here. Above are some cool fabrics I came across that I would LOVE to decorate my walls with!

fabrics found at reprodepot

Cool Find: One Good Bumblebee




I bumped into this very fun online store - One Good Bumblebee this morning. Some of my favorites are above! {Rubber Lace Coasters, Pirate Cuddle Babies, and The Trees Art Print}
I am also digging the layout of the website...

Friday, May 11, 2007

Pilates at Home


I know what you're thinking... MTV? I thought the same thing... but the back cover boasted good music & flat abs and wasn't too expensive so I figured I'd give it a try. The disc is split in to 2 half hour workouts- arms & abs and legs & abs and then a short quickie workout for the days you have little or no time. I've been practicing yoga & doing these "workout DVD's" since I moved down here because I haven't figured out a gym or yoga studio situation. Once you get past that "I'm working out in my living room" feeling it's actually not so bad... Now, if only I could get my butt to go running...

Thursday, May 10, 2007

Phase I: Building the Printing Tables





For those of you who don't know- I am currently putting together my studio in the basement of my house here in Atlanta. When all is said & done I'll have a fully functional screen print studio with printing for both textile & works on paper! Round one of construction took place without me. Greg built the two printing surfaces I had {nicely} requested. {Greg estimated his building material costs for the two tables are $125.} He built me a 4'W x 8'L x 30"H printing table for paper. This table is topped with white laminate {ensuring a completely smooth surface for printing.} The base/frame is built from 2 by 4's. I have not yet attached my hinge clamps... The second "mother" table is for printing on fabric. My instructions were a 4'W x 16'L x 30"H table but that the top could be cheap, plywood or whatever as it would be covered by foam & fabric... When I arrived he had used chipboard for the top surface which was great because the foam "stuck" to it! So, not only is it cheap- but highly recommended!

Here is a breakdown of the materials I bought:
I hit the local Joann Fabrics to find:
{Try to get a coupon- they always seem to be offering 40% off something...}

Foam or Batting - I opted for batting because it was on sale for $2.99/yd and it came 48" wide {exactly 4'- like my table.} The foam they had was $9.99 for a 24"W x 72"L piece... I decided that was too much $$ and too much piecing. Depending on where you shop you may find the foam is more reasonable... What you need is 1" thickness. The batting is about 1/2" {I bought 10oz batting} so I knew I would need to double it. There were large rolls of 15 yds of batting available- and since the price was right I decided to get the whole roll because I will need it in the future. TOTAL: $44.85

Duck Canvas
- Make sure you get the canvas at least 60"W because you need to stretch it over your 4'W table and over the batting. My canvas cost $6.99/yd and I bought 6yds {18 ft} so I knew I would have some play room. You need to buy your canvas larger than your table so that you can stretch it & attach it over the batting/foam. Similar to stretching a canvas, my fingers definitely took a beating and I have 2 blisters to prove it! TOTAL: $41.94

Muslin - Just order the same amount that you determined you need for you canvas. The muslin gets stretched over the canvas... Mine was $2.99yd @ 6 yds. TOTAL: $17.94

TOTAL @ Joann's: $104.73 plus tax

The only other materials you need are a Staple Gun {I love mine!} and 1/2" staples. I bought the staples at Home Depot for $3.79 +tax.

Take a look at my pictures- e-mail me for more specific directions- but basically you want to lay the batting/foam down smoothly & staple along the edge every 12".

Then cover the table & batting/foam with the canvas by really pulling & stretching it taught. {You don't want any wrinkles or looseness.} I found it easiest to staple one side every 12" or so and one staple on each end of the table. Then, pull & stretch from the opposite side & staple every 12". Repeat on both sides & the ends until you have a staple every 4-6" and there are no more wrinkles! Neatly tuck the corners & you're ready to begin the muslin.

I used the same method for the muslin as I used for the canvas. {Staple one side every 12" and then pull & stretch from the opposite side.} I left these corners un-tucked & the sides longer to easily remove it. The reason we put the muslin on top of the canvas is to "catch" any ink that might bleed through the fabric you are printing. Muslin is relatively inexpensive & can be changed frequently to keep your surface fairly clean. The canvas should last at least 6mos - 1yr or longer depending on your use!

Lastly- I'm lucky to have such a large space to work in! But your tables don't need to be as big as mine. Just adjust your materials to fit your working space!

Wednesday, May 09, 2007

Great Source: Fabric.com


In the midst of set-up studio mode... I took a break to do some much dreaded banking! To my surprise- the hour long meeting at SunTrust with Lauren was so great! Not only is she quite efficient at getting the banking set up for me personally and my biz but we chatted about common interests- one being- fabric... and wouldn't you know she mentioned Fabric.com {a company that I had already known to have great fabrics at great prices} is actually located about 10 minutes from my new abode! Now- they are a warehouse- so I can't pop in to browse, but she told me they have a warehouse sale 2 times a year {get on their mailing list} and I can pick my order up avoiding costly freight charges! I'm in heaven!

Tuesday, May 08, 2007

Check Him Out: JefDesigns



My Design Public e-mail reminded me how cool I think JefDesigns is! Design Public is featuring the new light box paintings- but how fresh is the Kelp Screenprint on Printed Stretched Canvas!


top: jefdesigns Gorgonia Limited Edition Lightbox Painting
bottom: jefdesigns Kelp - Brown on Blue Limited Edition Print

Monday, May 07, 2007

I Could Eat Brunch 24-7



My most favorite type of place to eat at is a great brunch spot. One of the girls from my yoga studio who used to live in Atlanta recommended the Flying Biscuit to me for brunch. Greg & I checked it out on Sunday before a grueling day at Ikea trying to furnish our "too big for us" home on a serious budget. {More on that later this week!}
Amy was so right on! I had to get the Eggstra-Ordinary - 2 eggs, potatoes, grits and the signature Flying Biscuit with Apple Butter for $5.99! I was also tempted by their signature chicken sausage so I got a side of that. Greg opted for the Piedmont Omelet - three large farm fresh eggs with chicken sausage, turkey bacon, sauteed onions & cheddar cheese - again served with potatoes and a biscuit. We both got OJ and our bill was $17 and change. Maybe the south really is better!
Our wait time was the traditional 30 min at 10:30am on Sunday morning. But there were some cute things to window shop in the neighboring stores and the hostess parked out front of the place was fairly entertaining {read- hung-over & college aged!} The place is small- but has a really nice outdoor section & a bar for singles! Over all this place ranks high on my list of brunch places making me feel a bit more at home already.

View from Inside Philly Hearts Design


Earlier I posted about Philly Hearts Design - a show of fresh new Philadelphia Designers that was hosted at the F.U.E.L. Gallery in Old City. Here are a few pics of the set up they did of my pillows at the show. Over-all it was a great show- a lot more student work featured than I expected...

Sunday, April 29, 2007

Will Return Soon... with a Southern Flair!

Well... On Friday I will be making my 12-13 hour drive {depending on how fast the little Prism will go} to Atlanta! I'll begin my new posting regiment on Monday May 7th... It's my new goal to do a post a day... we'll see! I have some fun Philly stuff to post about once I'm settled & I'll be checking out some new Atlanta stuff as well! If any of you have any suggestions on where to start let me know! Anyway, until then- have a great week... I'll miss you Philadelphia!

Saturday, April 14, 2007

Weego Home {Shop}


Nothing like logging onto the internet for a quick e-mail check and 2 hours later you've found some really great, inspiring stuff! God knows what led me to Weego Home but I sure am glad!

Shown:

Lace Vases
Screenprint
Babushka Rug
Fiore Throw
Screenprinted Mirror- Houx Holly
Seeds Pillow
Dishcloths-Matriochka
Duran Throw
Swirl- Rug
Screenprinted Mirror- Folklore
Owl Vase

Friday, April 13, 2007

Design Philadelphia 2007


Not doing anything on Saturday night? Come to the F.U.E.L. gallery to check out the freshest design in philadelphia. In conjunction with Design Philadephia 2007 - the guys of MIO curated a show to feature some of Philly's great design.

Date: Saturday April 14th 2007
Time: 6:00pm
Place: F.U.E.L.

Sunday, April 08, 2007

Shop!



Need to spice up your couch or your bed? JRitter Designs {my new home accessories line} has completed the newest round of hand screen-printed pillows and is now available online! Stay tuned because I'm about to launch more pillows, curtains, place mats & coasters to start. I'll also have coordinating stretched canvas pieces and screen prints on paper for the wall! The operation expands once I reach GA! I'll keep you posted. But, to hold you over check out or even buy a pillow! Enjoy!

shown: Molli Print & Emmi Print
see website for additional patterns & colors!

For my new home!


For those of you who may not know me personally, I am making the move south! As of May 5th (or maybe the 6th depending on leave time & traffic!) I will be a resident of Atlanta, GA. Interestingly enough, I was actually born in Augusta, GA but only lived there a quick 6 mos. before moving to Delaware. I'm so excited. And- even more exciting is that I am moving into a house! Goodbye 600sq feet hello 3000 sq ft! So much wall space to work with- and my amazing boyfriend is letting me have free reign over all the wall-art decorating! This weekend I met up with my long-time friend Candice whom I have posted about a few times. She and I had been talking about trading since the last time we did we were in college! {Think '01!} I've always been enamored by her work. She was one of the first artists that I really looked up to. {Candice was getting her MFA in Painting from MCA while I was getting my BFA their in Printmaking.} I remember thinking to myself- this girl's work is amazing! Anyway- we made a trade & I got Bunny Love - a water colour and gouache on paper! Stay tuned- when I get down to ATL I'm going to frame it... I'm thinking a cool oval frame... I'll post again when it happens! Thanks Candice! I'm loving it!

Sunday, April 01, 2007

Museum of Arts & Design





Radical Lace and Subversive Knitting

For those of you interested in anything textile or fashion related I highly suggest stopping by the MAD (Museum of Arts and Design) before June 17, 2007 to check out this exhibit that spans the 3 floors of this relatively small (in museum terms) space. I stumbled upon this exhibit by chance as I went to the MOMA (across the street) on Thursday to see the Jeff Wall Photographs and the Comic Abstraction Exhibit. (Both were great, but this "lace" exhibit struck a cord with me...) It was great to see something other than a slick painting or a lit photo. Too bad I had to be in a "design" museum- but frankly, it doesn't matter- it's just great that this exhibit exists. And, it's only $9 for admission ($7/students) as opposed to the daunting $20 you'll pay at the MOMA. Anyway, you weren't allowed photographs- and they only had a few on their site for me to post here. So, if you can't make it in person- there is a catalog. I looked for it on Amazon- but to no avail. Now I'm mad I didn't buy it at the museum. Ugh. I'll have to return there! If you can't make it there is a note that you can order it via phone at 212-956-3535 ext 157. I looked through it- it's worth it. I think it was in the $40 range.

The work ranged from traditional lace work, to intense installation. Sheila Pepe has a pretty interesting "lace" made from a lot of man-made, non-delicate materials. And Edward Mayer's installation that spanned all 3 floors was a beautiful testament to the color white- a color most often associated with all things lace and subtle. He used furniture, string, wood anything he could get his hands on to weave an intricate, beautiful work of art. The pic I have included for him is of Drawing In, 2006 at the Schick Art Gallery at Skidmore College. His installation at MAD was along this line of work.

above:

Ed Mayer
Piper Shepard
Hildur Bjarnadóttir
Althea Merback

Moma Inspiration


I forgot how refreshing it can be to stand in front of a painting and see color that seems so unreal. Breathtaking. And to think- this was painted in 1906 and it had some of the best color I have seen in awhile.

above:
Andre Derain : Bridge Over the Riou

The Moma and the Moma Design for the Table





I went to the Moma and the Mad (Museum of Arts & Design) this past Thursday and saw some great things! Above are some Tabletop items I found while browsing through the shop. I love the idea of the cut-out shape.

above:
Cast Iron Leaf Trivet
Cactus Bowl
Mediterraneo Bowl

Thursday, March 08, 2007

Check Her Out





Hilary Price makes the best hand-made wallets and check book covers I've seen in awhile. Made from hand-painted canvas and found fabrics- each wallet has it's own great set of colors & patterns. I was lucky enough to have a custom made check book cover- I suggest you check her out this weekend at the Shadow Craft Fair at the Black Floor Gallery in the ICA. {see below post} She's sure to have a color scheme and pattern to match your style... and so affordable- there's not much great hand made work out there for $20.

Nothing to do this Sunday?



Check this out: Shadow Craft Fair
When: Sunday March 11th
11am - 5pm

Where: Black Floor Gallery @ the ICA {scroll down!}

Why: Because you should check out Hilary Price's awesome wallets and check book covers in person!

Thursday, February 22, 2007

Adjusting Back to EST


Float's Booth at the WWD Magic Show in Las Vegas

Last week I went to Las Vegas to launch Float- a new line of luxe resort wear and beach cover-ups that my business partner Ramona and I just started! She is a fashion designer (left oh-so-corporate GAP recently to pursue Float) and I (as most of you know) am a fine-artist/designer. Together we came up with Float- which features hand designed prints with stylish yet functional silhouettes all made with the most luxurious of fabrics! We had a great response at Magic- which is the craziest thing I have ever been to! It was an overload of amazing (and not-so amazing) apparel and accessories! Sorry, you're not allowed to take pics or I'd post them here- but the above is our own booth. Anyway, that is the latest update in my world. Our site will be e-commerce friendly by the start of April- think shop, shop, shop!

Thursday, February 08, 2007

Love it?




Well, it's almost that day. The one that Hallmark makes billions of dollars on. So, here's your chance to buy something a little off the beaten path for that one you love. If you must, buy something for 2.14 head to etsy and support your local artist!
Cheesy- but kinda cute fruit & veggie inspired love!
Wear your heart on your sleeve, or your lapel...
let's do it like bunnies - enough said!

March First - Check This Out


What: Thorpe - a show of all things screenprinted & sewn
When: March 1, 2007 6-9pm
Where: Rowan University, Gallery 216, Westby Hall. For directions click here.
Who: Artist Bryan Sculthorpe
Why: Because Bryan's work will make you laugh. His sense of humor, impeccable color choices, and his charm are only a few of the reasons why you should go to NJ to check out this show. Not to mention, this guy can sew... That, in itself, is worth checking out.

Stay tuned for sneak peaks of the work for the show- to be posted in the next few days...

Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Check Her Out: Yumi Kim


So.... I was in Atlanta this past weekend (again, for those of you who read often!) Now- does this sound familiar to anyone... my BF forgot to mention that he had planned a dinner with his business partner & a couple other friends for one night that I was visiting and that we had a baby christening to attend... In fact, his exact words to me on the phone were "pack light, jeans, T's and sneakers as we will be staying in and ordering pizza and movies this weekend... (we're on a budget...) So, I arrive, with one small bag, a few T's and long sleeve cotton shirts and some pink puma sneakers... completely not appropriate for aforementioned events! So... shopping we must go! (so much for the budget!) He took me to Lenox Square - tres chic!
Of course there was an Anthropologie!
and of course I found a million options to go with there! I settled on a great blouse by Yumi Kim. I love, love, love it! Her prints are great! "inspired by vintage prints & silhouettes...with a touch of funk and urban femininity!"
This picture doesn't do it justice! The strips on the V-neck are also along the bottom of the blouse! Great pinks and golds! I highly suggest checking her out!


Ps... How about that intense salad we ordered! It had grilled apples, shrimp, tons of veggies and mixed greens with a great vinaigrette! So good!

Thursday, January 25, 2007

Friends


legs on a wall- do this, everyday- give those feet a break!


This is my Horoscope for today, Thursday, January 25, 2007.
It's time to splurge. That doesn't mean putting your credit card through the wringer or playing hooky on all your duties. Why not indulge in the ultimate luxury and give yourself some much-needed time off?

This is actually very similar to something that we talk about at PPY (the yoga studio I teach at.) We teach a more physically intense style of Vinyasa Yoga in a heated room. Sometimes I noticed my students (and myself) pushing themselves past their own edge and into a grey area of discomfort and competition. It's times like this that I may remind the class that sometimes in life, it's actually more difficult to give yourself a break than it is to continue to push yourself past your edge. Especially if you're in a group class, no one wants to be the first person to drop into Child's Pose, no one wants to be the one who steps outside the room for nice breath of fresh, cold air. But, if you can let go of your ego, give yourself a nice break, than you are actually practicing yoga. For the practice is not just the asana (pose) but also the mindset, the practice of letting go of habits, tendencies & ego.

So, give yourself a break. Step away from the computer, put down the homework, leave work and work and when you get home tonight, take five minutes before you turn on the t.v., get into a deep convo with your room mate or loved one, and give yourself the wonderful gift of a time out, a break. You all deserve it.

Namaste.

Check It Out: Must-Have



Last night, amongst good friends, food & drink I saw, in person, the shirt I had been eyeing on Moonblood, one of my favorite sites for must-have T's. The shirt in question, Antique Scroll, immediately stood out on the site for me- and then, when I got to see the amazing detail in the drawing in person- well, it's a MUST-HAVE for me! Check out their other great new styles, Super Hero, Feather Flight, and Tutunic...

images:
Feather Flight in Scarlet
Antique Scroll in Peach-Tea