Tacky, colorful, crazy...I just LOVE this stuff!

2 or 3 nights ago I woke around 4 am and could not get back to sleep. For some strange reason I started thinking about a card that I bought at least 4 years ago with an image of Our Lady of Guadelupe. Hmm...I hadn't even looked at the card in a couple of years but there it was in the back of my head that cold and dark morning! Anyhow I got to thinking how fab it would look on some hot pink velveteen so I just had to get up and see for sure. Yep it did look good and I had all the trim I needed to make a really fun shoulder bag!

Growing up in San Diego my parents always took us in to Tijuana and Mexico. The colors were incredible, especially to a young kid, and the taxicabs & busses were outrageous! They were painted in brilliant colors and had dingle ball fringe hanging form the windshields. There were always a few chickens inside too! So that's why I call my latest handbag the TiaJuana Taxicab!

PS There are no chickens in it!

XXOO Valentina

Sunday was SOOOO much fun & it didn't rain!!!

Mermaids Mercantile was a great success! The weather cooperated, the vendors were awesome, we had tons of shoppers and the place looked fabulous! Debi has really outdone herself, Out of the Blue has never looked more delicious! Met some wonderfully creative 'Moulin Rouge' ladies that came in by bus with Kim Caldwell. It was so much fun watching them shop...they are definitely PROFESSIONALS! Too bad I didn't get any photos!

I can't wait to start working on my next pieces...please stay tuned! XXOO Valentina

Mermaids Mercantile is today...please don't rain!!!

Is it just me or does everyone get nervous before a show? You'd think I wouldn't at my age! Debi Beard's darling Mermaids Mercantile is today and I've been working furiously the past few weeks getting ready for it. I drove down to Solana Beach yesterday and the shop, Out of the Blue, is looking absolutelyadorable! How does she do it?

I'll be bringing my newest 'upcycled' clothing, shoulder bags and some fun Tees in addition to the collectibles I've found digging around estate & garage sales. So I'm praying the rain holds off until this evening...wish me luck on that one!

XXOO Valentina