A Whimsical Snowy Day!

Snow, Snow and more snow! This winter NY has been wrapped in a blanket of snow. As we get older we often forget the magic of a snow day- focusing only on the problems that the 'snow' creates. Today I was reminded of the importance of taking the time to get out and enjoy the snow. With the help of some friends a gorgeous Snow Maiden emerged, we aptly named her Dolly Parton. She made many passersby smile!

The Hardworking Team!

Posing with our beautiful snow woman

Dolly's Profile

Snow Fun!

Strawberry Eyes and Mouth, A Carrot Nose, and a Candy Cane/M&M Necklace!

Young Artists on the Rise!

The opening of the 'Young Artists on the Rise' show last week was wonderful! I was left inspired by the work of high school students from New Rochelle HS, the French-American school as well as Mamaroneck HS. Just wanted to remind you all that the show is up through this Friday January 21st @ the Mamaroneck Artists' Guild in Larchmont, NY. The work of my peers just blew me away, it is certainly an exhibit not to MIS.

Enjoy,

Margo Isadora

http://dontmisit.blogspot.com/2010/12/painted-hero.html

A Breathtaking Backpack...

I am always searching for the perfect printed laptop cover, colorful phone case, and most importantly a fun but functional backpack. So when I was sitting in my English class, I was fixated on the beautiful backpack sitting beneath, a friend's desk. It was just stunning and upon taking a closer look I realized that it was all hand drawn! Emma took a large, white JanSport backpack and penciled in tons of intricate illustrations. Emma finished off her masterpiece with thin sharpies. I was blown away by her incredible artwork and was left inspired to labor over my own one day! Just wanted to share with you her gorgeous creation. This is certainly not one to MIS.

Enjoy,

Margo Isadora

Brilliant Front

A Splendid Side

Dazzling Directions!

Fantastic Detail

LOVE

- Great Gnome

-the S.Pellegrino bottle was incredibly realistic

Stylized Chaos!

Impressive Illustrations!

Recent DIY Projects!

I've been in a DIY craze. After my creative spurt I must say I feel rejuvenated and reenergized - ready to start the year anew! Wanted to share some of the DIY projects that I've made over the past few months. Each has brought me or others great joy and I hope that spirit continues through the new year!

Sold my Record Art at a local art fair in the fall

It is currently being sold @ a great eco store called REcologie!

http://www.recologieonline.com/REcologie/Welcome.html

I decoupaged a styrofoam mannequin head with great tissue, as a birthday gift for a good friend of mine!

cute cut tee-scarf

(http://psimadethis.com/post/117053343 a perfect way to make use of an old tee shirt!)

Fun Solid Tee- Scarf

A new wardrobe of earrings from the Past 2 day's earrings extravaganza!

(new DIY magazine paper earringshttp://psimadethis.com/post/836414534/diamonds-may-be-a-girls-best-friend-however-ive )- the beauties on the bottom right are my good friend Liz's!

(also some old charms/jewelry pieces that i turned into cute earrings!)

A Painted Hero...

My advanced illustration class was given an assignment to illustrate an image from Photographer, Joe McNally's book; Faces of Ground Zero: Portraits of the Heroes of September 11, 2001; in order to commemorate the rescue workers of 9/11. I was immediately drawn to Melissa Van Wijk. Her expression and appearance stood out amongst the others. The project was challenging because I needed to convey all of the emotions that she experienced during the rescue efforts. Check out the images below of Joe McNally's Original Photograph as well as my drawings and paintings throughout the process. My finished painting will be in the 'Young Artists on the Rise' show at the Mamaroneck Artist's Guild in Larchmont, New York on Thursday, January 6, 2011- Friday, January 21. The opening reception will be held on Thursday, January 13th from 5-7pm. Don't MIS It!

Photograph by Joe McNally

Melissa van Wijk

Choreographer and Red Cross Volunteer, Disaster Services

Van Wijk worked at aid areas that distributed food and offered showers and beds to workers. "The first day I was there 20 hours, then I took a nap and went back. That's what everybody did. It was chaotic. Everything that didn't fit into someone else's job fell to us."

Pencil Sketch

Underpainting

"An Angel Among Us"

Painted Acrylic Portrait!

Inspiring Images!

I am often inspired by the work of my friends... be it an instrument they play, a show they preform in, or an image they create. Piper Martz, an award winning photographer, has a unique ability to capture a moment and captivate her audience. I was lucky enough to model for her with some friends on a recent photo shoot; the wild, windy, and wet day certainly did not stop us from having a great time and Piper taking some intriguing images. Check the victorian masked images out on her blog @ glassgarden.wordpress.com/2010/12/04/masquerade

To see more of her work check out her site @ pipermartz.com

Some of my favorites of Piper's photos are below!

Enjoy,

Margo Isadora

A New Dress A Day!

365 days... $365... and 365 items of clothing! Marisa Lynch was turning 30, had recently gotten laid off and found herself in a creative crisis. After seeing "Julie and Julia", where Julie Powell spends a year cooking her way through Julia Child's cook book, Marisa Lynch became inspired to embark upon her own creative journey. I recently came upon her blog and I've been captivated ever since! Marisa gave herself $1 per day for a year to purchase frumpy flea-market finds and transform them into chic and wearable looks. I love how she breathes life into each tired and unfortunate frock, describing every detail of the miraculous transformation. At the end of the blog you are left with a fresh perspective on your wardrobe and how you can bring it back to life. Unfortunately her blog is coming to an end, as her year is up, but be sure to check out her green, chic and inspiring blog @ http://www.newdressaday.com/ This is one not to MIS!

Marisa most certainly lives by Tim Gunn's 'make it work' philosophy in its purest form. This past week I was lucky enough to listen to the charming Mr.Gunn speak at the 92 St. Y in New York, about his new book 'Gunn's Golden Rules: Little Life Lessons for Making It Work'. Tim believes that no matter what situation you are in, you simply have to persevere; be it an outfit, a job, or a relationship you have to 'make it work', Marisa Lynch has certaintly lived by Tim's words of wisdom this past year!

Some of my favorite before and after shots are below.

Enjoy

Margo Isadora

Ms. Lynch wore this cute dress on the 'The Early Show'

check out the video!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMolOLIM7jU&feature=player_embedded

Check out Marisa Lynch on the 'Nate Berkus Show'

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvHO_Yp_wjw&NR=1