Stylespiration: Agyness Deyn

Agyness Deyn is a model who knows how to dress. I love her choices of bold colors and patterns, and her ability to wear crazy things but somehow make them look subdued and graceful. She's the epitome of quirky and colorful when it comes to the clothes she wears, and she has one of the most recognizable hairdos to boot. Her style is androgynous and strong as well. Check out some photos:

L to R from top:: 1//2//3//4.

Lovely and yet not too overdone! And now for my own collection (thank you Polyvore for existing!), inspired by her fashion:

Agyness Deyn Inspired Look

All choices, as always, are under $50 so that you can get the look for less. Click on this link for more details if you're interested in purchasing anything! For day looks, Agyness chooses a few pieces that are bold and bright while keeping others understated and basic. She has a penchant for strange bags, so I couldn't resist including this one! If you want to do makeup, keep the lips nude and stick to only mascara and eyebrow work for the top. If you want to dress it up, add a bit of colored eyeliner. Wear sneakers to highlight the tomboyish look. And there you have it!

<3 Linda

TiLT:: It's All Black and White

I've been saving a lot of black and white items in my favorites on Etsy, so I thought I'd share a few with you:

1. These tarot cards are awesome, the intricacy of this pack is amazing. I love tarot cards even though I don't believe in them and I have a deck as well. I like the idea of an artist creating their own, though.
2. Glass beads with black and white swirls! They're really mesmerizing, for some reason. My sister is a glassblower so she probably knows how to make these.
3. Check out this ring by MisanthropyCreations. This store is one of my favorites and I highly recommend that you go check out their stuff! I might do a TiLT specializing in this store soon, because so many of their items are my favorite!
4. This is a wedding gown and I do know that. However look at it! The black and white stand out so perfectly against each other.
5. I've been ogling this coat for a long time, but I don't think I'll ever be able to afford it. The lace underneath is so cute. You could probably wear this alone as a dress, even! High fashion but low effort, that's my style.
6. This is another store that often has cute things. This collar is awesome and can be thrown on top of anything! So much versatility.
7. More wedding things... I have no clue why I often find myself in the wedding section of Etsy. They're save the date invites in a comic style! Perfect use of black and white.
8. Finally, I present the number one favorite. This blazer is so cool, but not my size. How I wish it was! The black cuffs are really what make it for me. And you can wear it on top of practically anything and look effortlessly put together. Props to the person who modeled it for wearing a Jane Birkin shirt, too.

I haven't done this for a while! I forgot how much I loved to put together collections. Black and white looks great for an all neutral look, with other black and white patterns, or even with a couple of pops of color! I like it because it can be worn in 21908983 different ways. You could style the same black dress with sneakers and go to school, with flats and go to work, with heels and go out, with cowboy boots and go on a picnic... the possibilities are endless if you have a good set of accessories at hand!
<3 Linda

Bamboozled:: LCC Goods

It's really difficult to draw on a tablet versus in real life! Here are some (old) projects of mine, all to do with LCC. I mainly use it to make things for this group because I normally don't have other opportunities to submit my work. Check it out!

This is the cover I designed for my theater group for our Winter show (almost a year ago!) I'm surprised I never posted it... I drew all of this from scratch about thirty minutes before it was due and somehow it got chosen. Font used: Geosanslight & Market Deco.

This was supposed to be a shirt design for our theater company but later turned into a print because it wasn't chosen. I just had fun with an idea that two people had (Ivy and Yannan) and played around with our logo! Once again this was made about 30 minutes before and I have no idea how I managed to work that fast. Thank you Wacom! Fonts used: Market Deco & Pupcat.

Lapu-ception... This Halloween drawing was originally posted onto LCC Theatre Company's Facebook Page. I'm rather proud of it because I whipped it up in no more than 5 minutes! This was also done on Photoshop. Fonts used: Honey Script.

I've been doing a LOT of designing over the summer and recently. It's the only thing that keeps me entertained and tirelessly working! Still got a long way to go with the Wacom, though, but I love using it for almost every project I do. All pictures are copyright The Little Willow Blog, so please do not reuse/steal anything. Thanks! 

<3 Linda

Into India: Part 1

The beaches in Goa are straight out of a dream! Lots of dogs and boats roam the beaches, it's rather peaceful despite the local flavor. I loved the white sands (sans driftwood), as well as the way the sun filtered through the clouds... it was divine. I spent my time collecting little shells and admiring the almost-empty beach! Goa's quickly turning into a tourist location, but I really hope these beaches stay intact. The pictures aren't even close to capturing the beauty of it all.

<3 Linda

PS: A couple of changes to the blog! I made it wider to allow larger photos, and overall tried to open it up with simpler fonts and colors. I like it!

Appearances Aren't Everything

Here's a picture of the gorgeous model Kate Moss sans makeup. She still looks great, it's just that the bright flash and clear resolution of this picture can't be flattering on anybody.

Source

I drudged this photo up from some corner of the internet because I really wanted to try airbrushing techniques. I got a skin texture brush set for Photoshop from this site, hoping that I could figure out how to use it. I think I did an okay job for a first-timer, but there are some CLEAR mistakes that I made, that I still see and cannot figure out how to fix. Anyway, here are the results!

The forehead and smile lines look a little strange, but this brush set is really cool and I'd love to keep using it. When I zoomed into the picture, the texture created was porous and natural, even though my blending techniques weren't too great. If you'd like to try it out, I suggest you download it, since it's free anyway! I really want to get better at it over the year because I'd like to do photoshoots with friends that look legitimate... especially if I'm doing them for the shop.

However, here's an interesting thing to think about: If I as an amateur can take this photo of someone looking natural and make it even remotely look "better" with the help of a kit, imagine what the media is doing right now to alter the faces and bodies of women all over magazines... Food for thought.

<3 Linda

Checking In and Checking Out

Whoa-- I haven't been on here in a while and everything looks different!

Source

I've come back to blogging (albeit still sporadically) because 1. I miss writing a lot and 2. I miss some of the people I've gotten to know on here. I also love being able to look at something years later, even if only to cringe at my horrid affinity for abbreviations. In order to feel like it's a fresh start, I'm probably going to change my blog layout in the next couple of months. However, for now (in case you've been wondering why my shop is on vacation mode), I'm going to be out exploring the luscious lands of India and Dubai! It's mainly going to be all about visiting family, but you can be sure that I'm taking my camera with me. 

Source

I'll be posting about my travels if I get the chance to get on the computer, hence being back to sporadically posting. I'm also trying to juggle an online course for college, which is probably going to mean that I'm going from 0 (having nothing to do) to 60 (being suuuper busy) in a few days! I still can't wrap my mind around it, but hopefully it's going to be a good trip.

<3 Linda

Relay for Life

My Reason to Relay

Honestly, I avoided joining the team last year till the last minute, because it hit a little too close to home at the time. I wanted to live in a state of denial, pretend it wasn't real. But that's how cancer wins: when we pretend that it isn't worth acknowledging and fighting against. And so, in the end, I decided to go, and I'm so glad I did. It helped me cope and find hope. My only regret is that I did not get a chance to raise $100 or more, so let's change that this year! Cancer hits close to home for everyone, and so I hope you will help me out.

Every person who donates, no matter how small the donation, will receive a 1-1.5 inch crocheted heart or awareness ribbon in the color of their choice (colors are listed in the 2nd picture on this event's page) handmade by me to put on their key chains or backpacks as a little thank you gift and reminder that you're doing a great thing. You have two ways to get it from me; either hand-delivery or with a letter in an envelope (send me your address in an e-mail!). For hand delivery: If you live in the Bay, I will get it to you during Spring/Summer Break, and if you live around LA, I'll deliver it sometime during this school year. Just keep in touch and let me know what color/type of thing you want, maybe in an email or FB message (or if you want my number and don't have it yet, message me too)! And if you would rather not have anything at all, tell me. I just really want to be able to raise $100 or more this year, and so I want to use the skills I have to thank you so that it's a win-win situation for everyone!

Donate here: http://main.acsevents.org/goto/LindaF  

Thanks so much! <3 Linda

Questions? Email me at littlewillowart@gmail.com.

If you want to see more of my crochet work, go to littlewillowart.etsy.com.

Please Stand By

Once again, this semester has managed to fly by. I finished yet another show with LCC Theatre Co., this time acting as an illusion of a tiny 8 year old girl. It wasn't too far of a leap, considering I have really young features anyway! Good to know that in the future I'll age gracefully. Anywho, this time around, my flyer design got chosen! Here it is:

I will never tire of design. It's definitely my passion, and all that I've ever known to be my passion. It feels really natural, and so I'm honored to have had my creation chosen. I also helped design the programs, but there are so many pages in that, that I highly doubt you'd want to see 'em.

The idea of "Please Stand By" was to create a show where the audience feels like they're watching TV. We filmed "commercials" which were basically short sketches, and played them in between each scene, along with static! You can see these commercials online by clicking here. I'm only in one, but the others are really funny, so you should watch them!

It was really interesting to go from playing an old lady last quarter to the exact opposite this time! I'm so glad the quarter's over, though. I could do with a week of vacation! I'll be staying for a couple of days to be with friends, and then taking a flight back home.

Do you have any plans for spring break?
<3 Linda

Location, Location, Location!

Hello hello everyone! Since I've been all over the place as of late, I thought I'd pop back in to show a couple of pictures of places I've been to recently! I had to visit these sites to write an essay on the preservation of art, but each of these sculptures were in places I've wanted to go to for a while. It made for a really fun day!

There's a tiny Native American woman on the top. Also, when the light hits the water, it creates a rainbow!

La Brea Tar Pits. Did you know that they're still excavating fossils from there?  They found an entire mammoth skeleton in 2009. Crazy!

I wish this picture wasn't so overexposed, I love the fish eye illusion!

I'm still learning how to use my camera (Fugifilm Finepix S3380), so a lot of pictures are still not quite how I want them to be, but it's a great transition camera for people who want a DSLR! I highly recommend it. I've been trying to get into the habit of taking it with me wherever I go so that I can always capture the moment, and it's pretty light, so it's not hard to bring it everywhere! More to come later. :)

<3 Linda

Happy Valentine's Day!

Once again, my friends and I are planning a party this weekend-- this time, for Valentine's Day! Any excuse to celebrate the end of midterms is fine by me. To prepare for the party, we decided to make goodie bags. My contribution was teeny crocheted hearts.

Aren't they adorable? I wish I had time to photoshop them a bit, but alas, it is four in the morning and I have yet to finish a 7 page paper as well as study for my Italian midterm tomorrow. Sigh!

For those of you who want to make your own cute little hearts, use this tutorial! It's super simple compared to other heart tutorials I've seen out there-- I made one every 6 minutes, and I'm a slow crocheter! The only difference between what I did and what they did was that I used embroidery thread so that the hearts would turn out super tiny compared to the original version! Love the pastel colors, and I can't wait for everyone to see 'em!

Sorry for being MIA, but it looks like school's going to be my first priority, so I'm going to be posting whenever I can, but expect to hear from me sporadically!
<3 Linda

'Tis the Season to be Shopping!

I just bought these Lands' End Suede Booties for only $18, while the original price was $60! They're having an amazing deal right now. Read: 40% off everything, including clearance, plus free shipping! If that's not a great deal, I don't know what is. Head on over, you will not be sorry!

Here are some of the items I simply loved...
1. This Woodland Critters Hooded Towel is so adorable! Who says you're too old for it? They also have an owl and blue jay one available. Imagine getting out of a shower and sitting around with this on! Price: $12; Savings: $23.
2. Pleated skirts are in, and this Women's Pleated Skirt has just the right amount of simplicity to it. I love the "dusty jade" color... it's quite minty. Price: $12; Savings: $38.
3. You know I have to include the amazing boots that I bought! They come in a dark red and light brown version too. Price: $18; Savings: $42.
4. I was also about to buy these Flat Espadrilles, but had to resist. They're actually girls shoes, but if you have tiny feet like me, you can still fit into children's sizes (and you'll save that much more too!). I think these are darling, especially with the little bow and gingham print. Price: $4; Savings: $21.
5. Bathing suits are a whole lot cheaper during the winter season, and this Halter Tank Swimsuit is no exception. I like the white color the best because it has a Marilyn-esque, retro vibe, but it's available in many more colors as well! Price: $8; Savings: $52 (Whoa.)
6. I threw this one in there mainly because I really want it. This is a Fleece Ear Wrap, as in you wear it around the back of your neck instead of around your head. The result is hair that is not messed up and toasty ears! :) Price: $8; Savings: $17.

Anyway, hope this has convinced you to go shopping online for loved ones this Christmas! A lot of places have sweet deals and guarantees to deliver by the 25th. It's perfect!
<3 Linda
Ps. Just to let you know, they haven't asked me to write about them or anything, I'm just really excited about deals and I want you to get the chance to take advantage of them too!

Weekly Positivity!

To start off my return to the blogosphere, I thought it would be nice to add a little bit of happiness to your day.

Mantra of the Moment:

Sometimes we forget that we're capable of doing so much in just one day. Repeating positive things to yourself when you wake up will lead to you being in a better mood, and therefore, you will be more likely to have a better day. And who doesn't want a better day?

Challenge of the Day:

“Try a thing you haven’t done three times. Once, to get over the fear of doing it. Twice, to learn how to do it. And a third time, to figure out whether you like it or not.”
— Virgil Garnett Thomson

A Song to Motivate You:
I've recently been listening to this song from High Places called "Jump In". It's simple and cute, but also brings up a good point: "If you never take the first step, you cannot go too far... So get a move on, jump in." 

Learn to Appreciate Life:
“But it’s hard to stay mad when there’s so much beauty in the world. Sometimes I feel like I’m seeing it all at once and it’s too much. My heart fills up like a balloon that’s about to burst. And then I remember to relax, and stop trying to hold on to it, and then it flows through me like rain and I can’t feel anything but gratitude for every single moment of my stupid little life.”-- From the movie American Beauty (which I have yet to see!).

Make Everything Okay with the Click of a Button:
This site is pretty darn awesome, and will only take up about two minutes of your life. Two minutes, and look at that! All of your problems are solved. Go on, then. I know I managed to pique your curiosity a bit.

Have a great day, everyone! I'm off to attempt miniature crocheting :)

<3 Linda

Bamboozled: Getting Back to Business

I cannot believe I've neglected my blog for so long! I'm finally back at home; the past two weeks were filled with all-nighters for finals. No matter how early I study for something, I always feel too anxious to have a normal sleep schedule during finals week! Needless to say, you can expect to hear more from me in the next few days-- Sorry for the unannounced hiatus!

Here's an updated version of the (still in progress) "Air" painting:

I really like it and can see what I want to do to take it to the next level. The colors are still a little off because I was using F.Lux at the time, but it's nothing Photoshop can't fix. I'm hoping it'll involve some kind of lace texture, pinstripe, and glow. However, I have some bad news, mainly for myself: In my hurry to pack for my flight back home, I left my drawing tablet, art supplies, and watercolor paper in the dorms! I'm really upset about it because I was planning on doing a lot of fun things for the blog over winter break like holiday tag printables and whatnot. I will probably attempt to make something anyway and scan it, but it's going to take a little longer than normal. It makes me so sad to think that I could've caught up on so much painting that I haven't gotten a chance to do! Sigh. All I can ask is that you be patient with me. In the meantime I'll be putting up pictures of Christmas Party and whatnot, which was super fun :)

Hope your holidays are coming along swimmingly! I'm so excited to finally start mine!
<3 Linda

Movies & Mixes Monday: The Strokes

Happy Cyber Monday everyone! Does anyone want to recommend a store for me to check out and save on? I'll be perusing the stores a bit today but I'm mainly looking for dresses so I'm not sure if I'll be able to find anything for very cheap.

On a different note, I've been recently obsessed with The Strokes again... which happens to me every couple of years. I remember being in love with them in 6th grade, and again in 8th grade, and of course now, in college. I think they're one of those bands that I will never not like. I hope I get to see them live someday, I'm pretty sure I'd be able to sing along to most of their songs!



Julian's lyrics are actually pretty deep even though they're so simply worded; I was surprised by that. And it doesn't hurt that he's quite the looker too... I don't know what it is, actually. There's something in those sleepy eyes and messy don't-care-hair that draws me to him. The video above links to my playlist of The Strokes (about 17 videos), so let it play in the background as you go through your other online activities and you won't regret it! My current favorites out of the ones above: "Taken for a Fool" and "Someday". Good stuff. So good that it's worth listening to on repeat, despite the fact that I normally hate listening to the same songs over and over.

Posting has been pretty sporadic these past few weeks thanks to school-- as it is, I stay up till 3 AM trying to finish other things! After this week it should die down a bit, and so hopefully I can finish off craft projects and have something to do other than mind-numbing work. Apologies!
<3 Linda

Bamboozled: Rough Draft

Today through Monday, I will be crafting and drawing like a maniac. Thanksgiving Holidays, as well as any other holidays, are my opportunity to do the things I love to do (but never get a chance to--thank you, College). Here's an in-progress shot of the second in a set of four digital paintings based on the elements: "Air".

I previously blogged about "Earth" here. I just really like the idea of creating nymphs because I find them to be peaceful and serene creatures. Or I imagine them to be so, anyway. Hopefully this one gets done soon and I can post up the result! Can't wait to see how it'll turn out. I'm still not used to using a digital tablet, but all I have to say is that this is the best piece of technology I could've ever invested in. (Then again, apart from the computer, I'm not very attached to technology at all, so take this with a grain of salt!)

Hope everyone's having a good weekend so far! I'm finally back in my own element after being creatively deprived for so long, and I'm more content than ever.
<3 Linda

TiLT (Part 2): Giving Thanks For...

• Having amazing friends who enjoy my presence and are willing to pick me up when I'm not doing so well. (This was the day that I played improv and a random girl told me I was a "bad partner". Conclusion: I'm not going to play improv for a while.)
• Having an awesome family that's going to drive down to see me tomorrow. I haven't seen them in ages. It will be nice. (I'm only saying this because they read this blog... JUST KIDDING! Sort of. :P)
• Having festive roommates who decorate our room for Christmas a month early.
• The wonderful, slightly chilly weather that has finally graced Los Angeles.
• The extra days to catch up on homework... I mean...

I'm just--- really thankful. In general. To life, for having worked things out in such a way that I can for once be content and not extremely anxious about things going on. I would say more but I only had a chance to write this at 4 in the morning, so my brain is pretty darn kaput. Happy Thanksgiving!
<3 Linda

TiLT: Too-Cute Tea Infusers!

I've always used tea bags for my tea, but loose-leaf tea is so much cheaper! You can buy it in large bags instead of buying teeny boxes of tea bags. To steep the tea, you need a tea infuser. And that's where these babies come in! They're so adorable. I feel like there's a huge gap for creating a business out there for creative tea infusers. Here are some of my favorites and where you can buy them:

1. These fruity tea infusers look so colorful and happy together, I like it!
2. This seashell one is meant to be a wedding favor, but seeing as how there's no wedding in my near future, I would probably end up buying this for myself!
3. This shark one is so cute because it floats on top of the water, making it darker and darker until you can only see the shark fin poking out! Innovative, huh?
4. I found this monkey one on EBay. The way it's supposed to hang off the sides of your cup is genius!
5. Tea-ception.
6. The rubber ducky idea is similar to the shark fin idea... but it has the added bonus of being a fun toy on the side! Not that you'd want to take it into the bath with you or anything... (Can you say tea bath? And yes, those do exist!)
7. Playing off the idea of dipping something underwater, this scuba diver silicone tea infuser is pretty well-thought out. I like how large his head is in proportion to his body!
8. Finally, the one that started the search for the best tea infuser on the internet: This candy cane tea infuser from Modcloth. It's coming out soon! I can't wait. I love how it hangs off the side of the cup :)

I mean, really. Now that the holidays are coming up, you're probably going to be looking for gifts. And what better thing to get a tea-lover?!
<3 Linda
PS. Confession time: Oh no... I'm a day off! I wrote this post yesterday, but didn't get to send it out, and that's why it's a "Things I Love Tuesday" post. Sorry!

Movies & Mixes Monday: Nostalgia in a Song

Also known as "Postcards from Italy" by Beirut.

Behind the Scenes-- An Excerpt

I know this post will be far too long for some of you to read, and I'm okay with that. I just really wanted to post some of the amazing writing that was in my scene for the Fall show my theatre group put on, written by my friend Amy. This is just an example of the quality of scripts that we have... I know I was sniffling by the end of it. If you have any extra time or enjoy reading short writing excerpts like I do, proceed:

"I guess I always knew it. Is it too clichéd if I say I always felt different? It’s true, though. I did. But it doesn’t matter. It’s not like I could ever tell anyone. I couldn’t tell my parents. They’re really Leave It To Beaver when it comes to that type of stuff, you know. The only thing my Dad wants from me is to marry a nice guy that can support me. All my Mom wants is for me to be less miserable than her. Well..(beat)..what if those two things can’t go together for me? What if I’m stuck here, watching everyone around me find their happiness and mine’s just…not meant to be found. I can’t be a lesbian - I mean, I’m not a lesbian. I want you to know that. And normally I can make myself believe that, too. Until I met Gina. It wasn’t an elementary school crush when I met her. It was my first day of college and I was nervous. Not the cool, excited nervous that you imagine having with Death Cab for Cutie playing in the background as you walk across the quad, either. No. The terrifying, I think I’m going to have explosive diarrhea nervous. I walked into my dorm and Gina was there, unpacking her clothes. She gave me that perfect smile of hers, and that was it. That was all it took. Once she started getting into theater, I followed right behind her. Any excuse to get closer. Who knew I’d end up loving the place? Four years later, and now we’re friends. Best friends. Just friends. Because she’s straight. She’s…normal. She’s everything I was supposed to be. Can I ask you something…? Why me?! What did I do for this to happen - that everything is going to be harder for me now? Why can’t I wake up fantasizing about Ryan Gosling like every other girl I know? All I’ve ever wanted was to be normal, to blend in. Well – how the hell am I supposed to do that when I’m living with this secret that could destroy me, destroy everything? And you know the worst part? I’m not angry. I’m really not. I just feel…guilty. I feel like this is my fault. It’s my fault that my Dad will never walk me down the aisle. It’s my fault that I can’t give my parents a family postcard that they’ll be proud of one day. No matter what else I do, no matter what else I accomplish or push through. If I tell them – if I tell anyone, it won’t matter. My degrees, my hard work, nothing will matter. I’ll never be able to love them enough to fix this. I’ll always be Emily. The lesbian. The daughter that wasn’t enough. Always."

Another writing site that I quite like to read when I have spare time is She Writes Pages... and Since She Left. I like the idea of having a picture prompt, and I'm thinking about starting either a segment on this blog or a separate community blog where people can write short pieces. If anyone else is interested, let me know in an email! :)

<3 Linda

Shout-Out: Happy Birthday!

I hadn't had the chance to hop onto the computer yesterday, which was my roommate's birthday! She was my roommate last year as well. We're so different but we get along, I would say. I am so happy I got to know her. :)

Happy Birthday, Kristina!

Her boyfriend came over and they were being cute together. We went to have a birthday dinner at Noodle World (she loves Asian food...). A bowl of rice and pho later, we emerged with happy hearts. I got her some chocolate dipped strawberries as well, so I hope she liked that! I will be posting up her birthday card soon, for those of you who like printables. I didn't get a chance to print it out, so it's going to be a late birthday card from me... Oops. I finished it on time though! It's the thought that counts!
<3 Linda