One Girl Show

Fresh Start

2010-06-28T16:11:00.001-04:00

I haven't updated this space in over a year, so I'm making the switch to tumblr...you can find me there. It will be a fresh start, a new beginning.

http://onegirlshowdesign.com/

http://onegirlshow.tumblr.com

Soho Fashionista

2009-05-15T23:21:00.001-04:00

prismacolor markers & micron pens on water color paper

Oscar De La Renta Girl

2009-05-03T21:49:00.003-04:00

I can't afford this dress so I attempted to draw it. The detail on this dress is amazing...I tried to capture it the best I could in my trusty moleskine. I liked the way it turned out so I'm using this image for my new PBL header! I think it is perfect for spring!

Dandelion Wishes

2009-04-24T23:09:00.002-04:00

a daydream

2009-04-22T11:10:00.000-04:00

Say It Again

2009-04-20T11:07:00.000-04:00

Spring Is Here

2009-04-09T13:03:00.002-04:00

I'm behind on my uploads. Way behind. I realize now why these projects are so hard. I guess I'm just another casualty of the three six five project. I have rolls of film I need to process, but it will be too exhausting to go through my notes and figure out how many days I've missed. I'll count them up at the end, for now I'll just continue to shoot to avoid complete and utter failure...
My sketchbook has been neglected as well, so lets toast to a creative season, and of course new beginnings... the good news is, the blooms have been inspiring me...

With A Feather In Her Hair

2009-03-17T18:12:00.001-04:00

micron pen & prisma color markers in a moleskine sketchbook

Lost In A Vanilla Mint Dream

2009-03-17T18:09:00.000-04:00

micron pens & prisma color markers in moleskine

Alexander Wang Girl

2009-02-23T16:52:00.001-05:00

micron pens and prismacolor markers in moleskine sketchbook
a look from Alexander Wang F/W 2009 as seen at NYFW Fall 2009

She Loves Marc

2009-02-23T16:51:00.001-05:00

micron pens and prismacolor markers in moleskine sketchbook
a look from Marc Jacobs F/W 2009 as seen at NYFW Fall 2009

Reem Acra Fall '09

2009-02-23T16:48:00.002-05:00

micron pens and prismacolor markers in moleskine sketchbook
a look from Reem Acra F/W 2009 as seen at NYFW Fall 2009

{38/365} Love, Peace, and Sidewalk Chalk

2009-02-16T17:25:00.000-05:00

I was walking Sophie through the park and found this message...

{37/365} His & Hers from Magnolia

2009-02-15T19:24:00.000-05:00

Tim: Oatmeal Cookie Me: Cupcake both from Magnolia Bakery

{36/365} Happy Valentine's Day

2009-02-14T12:40:00.001-05:00

{35/365} early morning sky from my window

2009-02-13T08:38:00.000-05:00

{34/365} horse & handler

2009-02-12T12:37:00.000-05:00

Blackbird Fly
Fuji Superia ISO 400

{33/365} above my castle

2009-02-11T12:36:00.000-05:00

Blackbird Fly
Fuji Superia ISO 400

{32/365} bicycles and graffiti

2009-02-10T12:34:00.001-05:00

Blackbird Fly
Fuji Superia ISO 400

{31/365} full moon on a winter night

2009-02-09T20:54:00.000-05:00

{30/365} a girl and her camera

2009-02-08T20:53:00.000-05:00

{29/365} the toy collection

2009-02-07T22:03:00.001-05:00

The Diana was my first toy and with every roll I am learning. I have made so many mistakes, but each one makes me want to try again. Of course some of the mistakes have had happy outcomes, while others just help me improve. I recently purchased a new flash, and a fisheye lens for the Diana. The flash is a necessity, while the fisheye lens will be fun to shoot with--especially in the city. Shooting 120 film is of course an expensive hobby, but I truly love the effects of the Diana and I thought I would like the Holga just as much. So when I saw a Holga kit in the bargain bin, I had to snatch it up. I have always wanted to shoot with a twin lens camera, so when I heard about the Blackbird Fly I had to get it! The idea of shooting 35mm in the Blackbird totally sold me on it, my inevitable mistakes won't be as costly.

{28/365} Best Beagle

2009-02-06T22:01:00.002-05:00

She has been really cute lately, I can't help but want to take pics of her :)

{27/365} makeup girl

2009-02-05T23:51:00.003-05:00

I was taking pics of my hello kitty for m.a.c. haul for the blog and thought this would be a cool self portrait :)

{26/365} icicles

2009-02-04T21:00:00.000-05:00

{25/365} Peanut Butter on Toast

2009-02-03T08:16:00.000-05:00

{24/365} The city that never sleeps bokeh

2009-02-02T23:20:00.001-05:00

{23/365} the plaza

2009-02-01T23:08:00.000-05:00

Diana +/Fuji Neopan 400 120 film

{22/365} Crazy Beautiful

2009-01-31T17:49:00.001-05:00

I am having trouble getting inspired with the cold, the short days, and my crazy work schedule. The light has just sucked, and the snow is gone the second it hits the ground. I wish I could get one wonderland snow that I can photograph, but in NYC it turns to slush in an instant! I promise photos will get better soon!

{21/365} Vintage Valentine

2009-01-30T23:45:00.000-05:00

I bought this valentine at the thrift shop. I thought it would be a good way to play around with the "holga effect" in photoshop. Nothing is quite as good as the real thing.

{20/365} Miss Sophia

2009-01-29T22:36:00.000-05:00

I love her.

{19/365} insomnia

2009-01-28T22:01:00.000-05:00

{18/365} prize ribbon

2009-01-27T22:33:00.002-05:00

one of my old sketches and a vintage horse show ribbon that I "won" on e-bay. :)

{17/365} Paris Books & Trinkets

2009-01-26T22:11:00.001-05:00

I really want to go to Paris, someday. That would be an amazing place to take photos, no?

{16/365} A bit too early for my own good

2009-01-25T17:19:00.001-05:00

I've been feeling a bit under the weather lately, hopefully I can kick this cold!

{15/365} The Blue Balloon

2009-01-24T21:26:00.001-05:00

{14/365} “The present in New York is so powerful that the past is lost.”

2009-01-23T21:43:00.002-05:00

{13/365} when the lights go down

2009-01-22T22:49:00.001-05:00

selfportrait

{12/365} An Attempt to Soar

2009-01-21T10:21:00.002-05:00

Story: I spotted these balloons caught in the tree YESTERDAY, but didn't have my camera with me. That of course is the cardinal sin of doing a 365 project. I kicked myself all day! I should note however, that the REASON why I didn't take my camera is 1) I had already taken several photos that morning and 2)I was carrying cupcakes to work because I am a nice person :). Anyway, I brought my camera with me today and walked past the same tree, and luckily the balloons were still caught! :) The moral of the story is that I will bring a camera with me wherever I go from here on out. P.S. I pick up my 120 film at the lab today. Hopefully, it will be a good turnout! Wish me luck.

{11/365} Afternoon Tea

2009-01-20T21:45:00.001-05:00

cupcakes & tea in the afternoon

{10/365} get in here

2009-01-19T21:54:00.001-05:00

today i was playing around with textures.

9/365 I left a note on your window

2009-01-18T21:06:00.002-05:00

I'm feeling the love today

8/365

2009-01-17T22:10:00.000-05:00

winter on the bay

7/365 Melt

2009-01-16T20:05:00.000-05:00

I get a triple word score right?

6/365 when it snows, leave the light on

2009-01-15T10:28:00.001-05:00

6/365

Polaroid To The Rescue

2009-01-14T08:08:00.001-05:00

5/365 the battery to my Nikon is dead, but polaroid saved me this morning. :) YAY! Now if only someone could please save polaroid.

Iced Over Central Park

2009-01-13T11:48:00.001-05:00

4/365

Seeing Double

2009-01-12T22:01:00.000-05:00

3/365

Winter Berries

2009-01-11T20:51:00.001-05:00

2/365

Happy Birthday To Me!

2009-01-10T19:11:00.002-05:00

1/365

Today is my 27th birthday, and it is also the first day of my 365 photo project. It is my mission to contribute one original photo a day for one year. The photo can be of anything, because the mission is for me to learn & experiment with photography & my various cameras. I expect there will be several self portraits within the 365 days, so I found it unnecessary to limit myself to one style. Please note, I will be shooting both digital & film, so I will be posting my film shots a bit later than the actual day, but will be closely keeping track of the dates and will be posting them here and on flickr. Wish me luck, this is my first attempt at such a task!

In The Cafe

2009-01-07T22:46:00.001-05:00

prismacolor markers & micron pens in a moleskine sketchbook

Escape from the City

2009-01-06T10:42:00.003-05:00

I took these photos on Christmas morning outside my grandparent's house in Iowa. They have such a calm & serene quality to them. It is such a contrast to my daily life in New York that I thought I would share them.

P.S. my 27th birthday is coming up on Saturday January 10th, I am planning to make that my first photo for my 365 project! Hopefully I will be able to keep it up for a year! More on that later!

Happy New Year

2009-01-01T01:50:00.000-05:00

prismacolor markers in a moleskine sketchbook

Red Mittens

2008-12-17T22:41:00.003-05:00

The second batch of Christmas cards. All of mine are now in the mail...a Christmas miracle! My hand is numb! :) I really like the red mitten version I sent out today...

detail:

These cards were printed using a lino-cut block printing method. They were designed, carved, & printed by hand and are truly a labor of love!

Lino-Cut Block Print Mittens Christmas Card

2008-12-16T22:43:00.002-05:00

This is my third year making my own Christmas cards using lino-cut block printing designs. This year I opted to design some cozy knit mittens. I printed them by hand with a silvery blue metallic ink on red card stock. Here is the final product:

Check out my previous lino-cut block print Christmas card designs:

My 2007 Christmas Cards Batch 1 (Gold Bunnies), Batch 2 (Silver Bunnies & Silver Fawn designs
My 2006 Christmas Cards Sledding Fun

Handmade Polymer Clay Christmas Ornaments

2008-12-16T22:23:00.004-05:00

Last year I participated in a handmade Christmas ornament swap, and I really loved the ornaments I made. I was sad to give them away, so this year I decided to recreate the birds from last year. If I get some more black & red clay I will recreate my adorable penguin and & polar bear (because they were my favorite). Here is a peak at this year's polymer ornaments:

Check out my creations from last Christmas here.

D.I.Y. Eco-Friendly Newspaper Pinwheel Ornaments & Wrapping Paper

2008-12-14T21:37:00.005-05:00

Last year my boyfriend wrapped his gifts in Newspaper. This was partly because, A) I didn't get around to wrapping his gifts for him before I left for home & B) because he thought it looked "cool". I thought it was a great idea, because when you think about it, wrapping paper is so wasteful. Recycling yesterday's newspaper & using it as wrapping paper is fantastic way of killing two birds with one stone. I happen to love wrapping my gifts and I try to make them look they popped right out of a Martha Stewart magazine (see here for an example of my wrapping :) ) The problem of course with using newspaper as gift wrap, is that by itself it isn't festive, so we made it our mission to make it festive, but professional looking. Of course, this had nothing to do with his sister's threat of wrapping his gift in "used toilet paper" if her gift was wrapped in newspaper. We set out to wrap her gift first with Saturday's issue of Newsday. To make it more festive we dug into his Mom's gift wrap closet from year's past and dug out some candy cane printed paper to embellish the gifts.

What You Need:

1) old wrapping paper
2) old newspaper
3)tape or glue
5) scissors
6) pencil

To create the pinwheels I cut a square piece of newspaper, and a square piece of the wrapping paper (keeping the squares equal sizes) and taped the two pieces together (leaving the sides I wanted to show facing outward). I cut in from each of the four corners of the square stopping short of the center. I then folded in alternating corners towards the center (stars below indicate side to be folded & taped or glued to the center) Once I had the four alternating corners secured in the center with tape I had a perfect d.i.y. newspaper pinwheel.

To complete the theme I took one long skinny strip of the old candy cane printed paper and taped it around the center of the newspaper wrapped gift and then secured the pinwheel in the center of the gift to complete my look.

I had a good time making pin wheels so I made a few extra and took some bits of rogue ribbon from the above mentioned "gift wrapping closet".

Newspaper Pinwheel Ornaments:

Simply take one wide ribbon loop it and cut the ends diagonally. Tape or glue the ends together leaving a loop at the top. Tape or glue the already made newspaper pinwheel in the middle of the wide ribbon so the loop is at the top and the diagonal cut is at the bottom so it looks like a prize ribbon of sorts. Then take a skinny piece of ribbon or thread and tie it through the loop of the wide ribbon. Adjust the length for hanging on the Christmas tree, once you have the set length hide the tied portion within the wide loop of the other ribbon. If needed, secure with tape. Now you have handmade paper ornaments made exclusively from recycled materials! Hang on your tree, and go ahead, pat yourself on the back!

D.I.Y. Felt Mitten Ornaments

2008-12-14T21:29:00.001-05:00

This is an easy d.i.y. project that allows for a lot of creative possibilities and would be a wonderful project to do with kids! Another great thing, it is incredibly inexpensive. I had baker's string, scraps of white felt, and cotton balls so I opted to make due.

The result of course is simple but quite adorable. Had I searched for more supplies...glitter, buttons, paint, etc I could have went all out, but I opted to go with the less is more approach.
To be honest, I quite liked my simple candy-cane inspired mitten once I had it stuffed and stitched, and if I decide later down the road that I want to add something, I can add away!

The great thing about this project is that you can have fun with the various colors of felt, and add buttons, charms and other embellishments to make it personal. The bare bones as to what you need: Felt...two pieces cut in the shape of a mitten (one front & one back), baker's string or thread, sewing needle, cotton balls/stuffing, and any choice of decorations.

Stitch the two mitten shaped pieces of felt together while leaving the bottom open to stuff. Once stuffed, stitch up the bottom and tie a loop for hanging. At this point you can go crazy with decorating, or simply hang on your tree like so...

Happy decorating! :)

Migration

2008-12-13T22:49:00.000-05:00

I caught sight of birds migrating late this afternoon as the sun was setting.

It was beautiful, but...

the sun's gettin' colder,

winter has arrived. I better head inside...

Black Bunny

2008-12-06T23:07:00.000-05:00

she loves big bows & little bunnies...

prismacolor markers in moleskine sketchbook

C'est La Vie

2008-12-01T22:56:00.001-05:00

I haven't been drawing much lately. But I really like this tee shirt I bought at J.Crew...

prisma color markers in moleskine sketchbook

Pretend

2008-11-18T08:28:00.002-05:00

She is a Werewolf wannabe:)
micron pens & prismacolor markers in my trusty moleskine

Crossing Madison Ave

2008-11-17T11:09:00.004-05:00

I bought a Diana + this summer. This photo was from my first roll. I really like the dark quality this image. I am most thankful for that lady in the cross walk who chose to wear yellow pants on that day. Isn't that funny!? It is one of those things that make you love photography going back through your film. I have 5 additional rolls I have to take into the lab. I've been bad about that. It seems I am a rather lazy creative, but I am hoping they will be half as pleasing as this image has been. To view more from my first roll click here.

Wanderlust

2008-11-14T11:04:00.000-05:00

I've been away & dreaming-searching for inspiration. It has been awhile, but I think I'm getting there. I hope to be back posting here soon!

I Heart Nikon

2008-10-20T16:32:00.001-04:00

I also heart Self Portrait Challenge :)

Mirror Image

2008-10-13T10:30:00.003-04:00

Multiply...

self portrait challenge

Braids as Balloon Strings

2008-10-12T19:27:00.003-04:00

She seems content floating amongst the clouds, I just hope something doesn't come by and pop one of those balloons! (gasp!)

Autumn Walk In The Park

2008-10-12T00:59:00.003-04:00

Today I wore colored tights and snapped photos of the colorful leaves...

My day in turn inspired me to sketch away in the trusty moleskine

which in turn lead to a new PBL blog header

Whew, I've been busy today! :)

xoxo, Melanie

A Cupcake A Day...

2008-10-10T08:08:00.002-04:00

keeps the dentist on speed dial! :) lol Here is a new sketch from moi...

Prismacolor markers in a moleskine sketchbook

It has been a while since I posted in this space & for that I am sorry. My sketchbook has been feeling neglected! I am gearing up for fall, but I should have some new work to be posted here and in the shop very soon!

xo, Melanie

Memories

2008-09-04T23:36:00.003-04:00

Routine

2008-09-04T20:13:00.001-04:00

I actually did this for Illustration Friday, but I just finished it (a bit too late! Oops!)

Oh How The Mighty Have Fallen

2008-08-24T18:34:00.001-04:00

micron pens & color pencils in moleskine sketchbook

Shine

2008-08-24T18:32:00.001-04:00

for SPC

Red Truck

2008-08-21T11:52:00.003-04:00

I snapped some polaroids this past weekend...I saw this red truck in the parking lot and it reminds me a bit of an old truck my grandfather used to drive. His of course wasn't as shiny or nice, but somehow that makes it better.

Actually just for fun, here is a picture of my gramps with my little brother from back in the day (I'm in the background). Obviously a cool grandpa, just look at those shades!

photo of gramps from here

Shop Gal

2008-08-21T11:47:00.004-04:00

Girl from the www.PlatinumBlondeLife.com header:

New drawings to come soon...

SPC: Shine

2008-08-18T14:51:00.003-04:00

"I know nothing in the world that has as much power as a word. sometimes I write one, and I look at it, until it begins to shine."

~Emily Dickinson

See more people getting their shine on here

Black Heart

2008-08-11T07:57:00.001-04:00

"I'll be the one to keep you one disaster less" ~ Last Thing On Your Mind, The Lights

August

2008-08-08T11:23:00.000-04:00

"She was only extemporizing, but a stirring warmth flowed from her, as if her heart was trying to come out to you concealed in one of those breathless, thrilling words."
~"The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Diana + Dreamer

2008-08-05T11:35:00.001-04:00

Psst I just bought a new toy...

I've always admired the dream like images that result from Holgas & Diana's and have long considered joining the heard. When I saw this reproduction at Urban Outfitters back in April I sort of melted...I didn't pre-order it at the time, but instead I spotted it while shopping last weekend up all alone on a high shelf. I saw it as a sign that it should be mine. I took it out and about in Central Park, in and around Victory Gardens and will probably finish my roll out on the streets of NYC. I've received a number of helpful tips, and I'm sure I will receive plenty more after we see the results of my first roll (which could be disastrous or delightful and quite possibly a bit of both, but you know what that is all part of the fun!) I like the idea of being venturing out of my comfort zone. :)

Bergdorf Blonde

2008-07-25T22:29:00.000-04:00

I saw a girl coming out of Bergdorf Goodman with the coolest rose headband...she inspired this little sketch...

color pencil & micron pens in my moleskine sketchbook

Enough

2008-07-22T23:36:00.002-04:00

micron pen & color pencils in a moleskine sketchbook

IF

Downtown Darling

2008-07-22T07:58:00.001-04:00

Last night I saw a girl at 57th street heading downtown on the Subway. She was wearing the prettiest dress I think I've seen all summer with the coolest looking sandals...they were black quilted (flat) sandals with a thick ankle strap that had a small pocket. Other than that she was just average. I always say a killer wardrobe is a mousy girl's best revenge! Anyways, her dress inspired this drawing...

micron pen & color pencils in a moleskine sketchbook

Chanel Girl Part II

2008-07-21T23:58:00.000-04:00

Like her friend, this lovely lady is wearing a look from the Spring/Summer 2008 Chanel collection...

micron pen & color pencil in a moleskine sketchbook

Soaking Up Summer Series

2008-07-12T17:51:00.000-04:00

"if you feel discouraged that there's a lack of color here
please don't worry lover it's really bursting at the seams
for absorbing everything the spectrum's a to z"

~"a lack of color", dcfc

a series of self portraits

Independence Day: Chanel S/S 2008

2008-07-03T10:04:00.001-04:00

Chanel's Spring collection was all stars & stripes, so what better way to celebrate the upcoming holiday than to wear one of these fab ensembles? My girl can think of no better way...

color pencils & micron pen in a moleskine sketchbook (brand new one!)

Have a happy (& safe) 4th of July! I will be off entertaining my parents for a week while they visit NYC! :) See you soon!

all dressed up and no where to go

2008-07-02T07:17:00.000-04:00

"is it too late to remind you how we were?"

~"you could be happy" ~ snow patrol

color pencil & micron pen in moleskine sketchbook

Birds in July

2008-07-01T07:16:00.000-04:00

"She's like a little bird, she flies from a to b, to see what she can see, she's far away from me, we danced down the mall, we danced by the sea, the land of blue gold, is where we were freed July-ly-ly... where we were freed"

~"Little Birds", Goldfrapp

color pencil & micron pen in moleskine sketchbook

Subway Girl

2008-06-30T09:52:00.001-04:00

"drinking champagne from a paper cup is never quite the same"

~ death cab for cutie

color pencil & micron pen in a moleskine sketchbook

this drawing was also inspired by one of my fellow new yorker. this time it was a girl hiding behind glamazon hair wearing skinny jeans, a bell sleeved sweater, and boots while leaving the subway station as I was entering. she was a bit too fabulous for the subway if you ask me.

Summer In The City

2008-06-30T06:18:00.000-04:00

"when it's summer in the city & you're so long gone from the city I start to miss you, baby, sometimes"

~ "Summer In the City", Regina Spektor

micron pen & color pencil in a moleskine sketchbook

P.S. this sketch was inspired by one of my many NYC neighbors:)

Bookworms Wear Marni Too

2008-06-29T23:03:00.004-04:00

Marni necklace & sweater (Spring/Summer 2008), specs her own.
Currently reading: "When You Are Engulfed In Flames" by David Sedaris

micro pens & color pencil in moleskine sketchbook

Fierce

2008-06-29T20:32:00.005-04:00

She is looking fierce in Luella Spring/Summer 2008...

micron pen & color pencils in moleskine sketchbook

illustration friday

in the garden

2008-06-18T21:59:00.001-04:00

i've been feeling a bit uninspired as of late, but i am searching for inspiration among the flowers...

self portrait lyric project

2008-05-26T23:15:00.003-04:00

3 recent self portraits with added lyrics...

lyrics from "a lack of color" - death cab for cutie

lyrics from "believe" --the bravery

lyrics from "meet me at my window"- jack's mannequin

all photos were taken with mac's photobooth and then edited by me in photoshop.

White On Blue

2008-05-22T15:07:00.002-04:00

for white space wednesday...

Green Eyes

2008-05-13T08:46:00.001-04:00

color pencil & micron pen in a moleskine sketchbook.

Nurse Dani

2008-05-11T21:59:00.000-04:00

My little sister Dani is only 19 but she just graduated with her LPN. Of course she has been working as an LPN since she passed her boards in January, but graduation is always a special time. She will be pursuing her RN, but I'm really proud of her accomplishments!!! This weekend I helped her redesign her myspace page using a div overlay. Here is the original illustration...

{ink & color pencil}

Here is the myspace page with the scrapbook style. The nav has some cute rollover effects too. I am hoping she likes it (she was working while I was doing it...so she is in for a nice surprise when she gets home tonight! :)

Left of Center

2008-05-07T09:46:00.000-04:00

a series of self portraits taken for white space wednesday

Weekend Wandering

2008-05-05T08:06:00.001-04:00

Sunday turned out to be a gorgeous day with great light...even the fallen blooms came back to life on camera. Please forgive my absence from this space. I have been extremely busy and have been uninspired ever since my great grandmother passed away. One way I coped with everything that was going on in my life was to bury myself in work and more work. I don't know if it helped me emotionally (it certainly didn't help me creatively), but I was rewarded with a raise and a promotion, so that brightened my day and helped me see the beauty around me with a fresh set of eyes. It is true, the sun always rises.Here are a few spring photos I snapped while walking through my neighboorhood this weekend...

{::1:: forever pink ::2:: magnificent

::3:: ***::4:: twin windows

::5:: petals in grid ::6:: white on blue

::7:: sweet light ::8:: converse + petals}

Night Blooms

2008-04-19T22:57:00.000-04:00

My neighborhood is in full bloom. Even at night spring is in the air...

Good night. More posts to come soon!

Winter Blooms Into Spring

2008-04-13T12:39:00.003-04:00

Photos I took this weekend of the Spring Buds & Blooms around my neighborhood: