Purple Rampart

Fairy Tale Maiden

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of working with Ms. Alyssa Lumpee (model) again on this fairytale inspired shoot that I’ve been daydreaming about. I have probably driven by this location too many times to count, and am always wanted to take a look around for future photoshoot possibilities. It’s tucked away and hidden behind a car dealership, but it’s a little gem. Who knew there were castles in California?

If you know me, you know that I love the Renaissance era…especially the clothing. You can often find me working on a new sewing project for the Ren Faire…challenging myself with yards of unique fabrics, and corset based patterns. The dress in these images was made by me when I was in high school. There is a gold blouse that usually goes under it, but I took it out for this shoot because of the cape. Corset was purchased from a friend of a friend, cape was given to my by a friend who found it while antique shopping, and the dried flower crown was purchased from a merchant at the Ren Faire.

I’d like to continue to explore with photography like this. It hits right at home for me. Magic, whimsy, dreamlike. Trying to incorporate this into engagement photos, or weddings would be nice. It’s always nice to meet adventurous people who aren’t afraid of getting a little dirty to capture the right shot, and having the patience to let me create the perfect shot. It’s the photo that you’re going to blow up and frame on your wall, the one you could stare at forever, the image that captures the essence of the day as a whole. Sometimes the shot I think I’m going for ends up being something completely different, yet better than I imagined. That’s the magic of it all; it comes to you in a spontaneous way.

More images from this series can be found on my Flickr

Motivation, Photography, Poetry

A Magic Feather

A magic feather…the gift of flight.

-to hold you high above the cloud you stand beneath-

Close your wide-eyed thoughts and believe for one moment you are what you really are. Absolute.

Flying,

Fleeting,

Floating…

Sing your sweet melody of strength; this which you have strayed from, you can honestly become.

You’ve given me this magic feather, perchance I may fly.

Photography

Sally Flowers

These photographs are my Ode to Sally (from “The Nightmare Before Christmas”)

All images have not been retouched, only some cropping. All images are straight out of camera via double exposure.

All images can be found on my Flickr

Sally’s Song:

“I sense there’s something in the wind
That feels like tragedy’s at hand
And though I’d like to stand by him
Can’t shake this feeling that I have
The worst is just around the bend

And does he notice my feelings for him?
And will he see how much he means to me?
I think it’s not to be

What will become of my dear friend?
Where will his actions lead us then?
Although I’d like to join the crowd
In their enthusiastic cloud
Try as I may, it doesn’t last…

And will we ever end up together?
no, I think not, it’s never to become
For I am not the one…”

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Photography, Theatre

Guys & Dolls

Bypurplerampart | On September 22,17 | 0 Comment

The past few months I have had the pleasure of working with a wonderful assortment of artists at The Whittier Community Theatre. I had decided to audition despite my inner ear injury I was dealing with, with the thought of , “What’s the worst that could happen?” I was ready for anything. To my surprise I was offered the leading role of Sarah Brown, and without hesitation accepted.

Admittedly this was one of my first larger roles, so I was a bit nervous. Wanting to be successful in the part, hoping to not let my teammates down. Working on my off time each and every day, trying to convince myself that I could quiet my monkey mind, and just be. It’s funny how it works, the last two shows are here, and I finally feel that I’ve got it…or at least can relax a little bit and just have fun.

These photos were taken during tech week, with my 35mm Minolta – 800 ISO Fujifilm. I had no idea how these were going to come out or if they would come out after I thought I might have accidentally exposed the film when I went to remove it from the camera. I was mostly running in between scenes and snapping without thinking. Trying to use a longer exposure with all the movement, I figured most of the images would be blurry, but I tried to keep a steady hand.

Of course the one of me is blurry, but what can you do? I just need to focus on bringing my energy to these last two performances (pun intended). I really enjoyed every minute of working on this production. I appreciate all of the support I was given by my fellow cast-mates, and everyone else working on the show. You’ve all reaffirmed why I want to do theatre, and why singing makes my heart full.

Sewing

I’ve been so busy these past few weeks juggling work, rehearsal (playing Sarah Brown in Guys & Dolls!), memorizing lines, sewing new projects, finishing old projects, shooting product photos, etc…however, I finally am taking the time to share with you all my latest project release: Twin Peaks inspired Black Lodge Cherry Bags!

One of the things I like to keep in mind when making new products for the shop, is if what I’m making is something I’d actually purchase for myself. This way, I can make one for myself 🙂 …and know that at least 1 person likes what I’m doing – I’m my own worst critic, right?

So if you’re a Twin Peaks fan and you’re reading this…these are for you!

I spotted the cherry print fabric and went goo-goo-eyed over it. It’s just perfect for the lining of the bag, and is a great alternative to just plain red. These bags are the same design pattern from my previous listing: Tiki Tiki Bag. The handles were the most challenging part about this design. I first went with the black wooden ones, and then ended up purchasing some red plastic handles as well. In the future, I’d like to construct a different style bag, same fabric, but with red lucite handles. I’ve got my eye on these specific handles I might just have to splurge on…

If you like these bags, be sure to check out my other Twin Peaks inspired item: Black Lodge Log Pencil Case

I can’t say now, but I do have other things in mind to add to this collection…so stay tuned!

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Photography

Photo Adventure feat. Krystle M.

Bypurplerampart | On June 17,17 | 0 Comment

Long before I purchased my first DSLR, I was shooting black and white film on a 35mm camera with Krystle alongside me inspiring my creativity. The ongoing photo adventures we would embark on, always brought out new discoveries about myself as a photographer. We are unable to go on as much now that we lived in separate states, but when we get together, the cameras come out. If I can give any advice to new photographers out there, it’s to get out there and have an adventure of your own!

This past Thursday we wandered into a nearby hiking trail/park area, and captured some much anticipated magic. Taking turns every couple of exposures, her shooting me, me shooting her. You can find her photos of me here!

I love this location! There’s endless photo ops in this forest-like haven. The photos below would be a great place to take someone’s engagement photos down the road.

Until next time…

Uncategorized

Journey to the Poppies

This week I finally had the chance to run away for a few hours and visit the Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve in Lancaster, CA. The super-bloom has almost come to an end, with most of the wildflowers gone, and a few patches of poppies left gracing the earth with their warm orange glow. Thursday morning there wasn’t a large crowd of people to navigate through, and it was just all open fields. More images can be found on my Flickr!

The winds were extreme, it made it very challenging to enjoy a steady walk through the trails. I also had trouble reviewing my photos, and had to wait to peek at them until we got back to the car.

One of the reserve personnel was pointing out how the poppies were, “going to seed” If you look in the photos below, you can see the sort of pink base with a green stem shooting out. Hopefully we get enough rain again this year, so that they will all rise from their slumber and bloom again next spring.

Who doesn’t want to fall asleep in the poppies and dream like Dorothy?

Sewing

My Etsy Shop

Hey everyone! Yes it’s true, I finally started my own Etsy shop! It’s very minimal as of right now, but it’s slowing growing. I have a few different bowties (shown below), and just recently added the new coin purses. Each item is handmade by yours truly. I am looking into expanding the shop with true vintage items and accessories. Please share with your friends and family, and stay tuned for more to come. Hopefully I will eventually merge my Etsy with this site, so everything is in the same place, but – baby steps. Appreciate all the love and support!

https://www.etsy.com/shop/purplerampart

Love this beautiful blue cotton fabric! I had remnants left from a blouse I made, and just had to make them into these little beauties. There are 4 available now!

I am on the hunt for more of this fabric, because it’s just so lovely. Japanese print, with blue and red rabbits on it. Very subtle. It’s all cotton, and I only have 2 of them!

I originally made one of these in a regular bow tie (not pre-tied) version for my boyfriend’s birthday a few years ago. I surprised him with a trip to the Magic Castle in Hollywood, CA. This bowtie was such a fun touch to his suit, and he has worn it so many times for various other occasions. He’s got the only grey version to this blue one shown below.

Coin purses! These are very time consuming to make, but so cute! Each of them have different color beads in the clasp handle, and are made with a thick cotton fabric – usually used in home decor or furnishing. It’s very durable on the outside, with soft linings on the inside!

Thanks for checking out my new shop, and please favorite it if you have an Etsy account, so you can stay up to date with my new products that launch!

https://www.etsy.com/shop/purplerampart

xoxo

Ciara.

Photography, Sewing

Happy 3rd Birthday Gianna!

My little love turned 3 on February 6th this year. I didn’t get to fly out to Arizona for her birthday last year, so I made sure to make a quick trip for the weekend to attend her 3rd birthday party. With her obsession of monkeys, I also decided that sewing a fairy-princess-monkey skirt would be all too appropriate for her celebration day. Found this adorable fabric, and matched the red toadstools with the red tulle underskirt and frilly trimming.

The party was held at the Schnepf Farms in Queen Creek, AZ, the perfect spot for this 3 year old’s love for outdoor play, and trains/”engines”. We had picnic area 2, and as soon as we arrived at our picnic spot, little Gianna was running in circles yelling out in joy, “it’s my birthday party!” so cute.

First up was glitter tattoos! Miss Gianna picked out a fairy, and my favorite color! Of course I had to get one, so I had Gianna pick one for me…she insisted we had matching tattoos.

Some friends and family started to arrive! Carrlee and Gianna started with a shy hello, then held hands like best friends and took a walk together to see the peacocks!

Time for a train ride around the farm!

Pizza time!

Off to the petting zoo! We saw the chickens, and a giant bull, and also got to groom some of the friendly billie goats! She was timid at first, but after my sister showed her (Gianna) there was nothing to be afraid of, she grabbed a brush and said hello to mr. goat.

Jumping was way too fun! Maybe too much, because we had to take a break! Giant pillows that had all the kids bouncing around like monkeys! It was challenging for me to sit on that pillow and take photos and stand my ground from all the jumping kids!

Time for a carousel ride!

Hayride to feed “Santa’s Reindeer” was my favorite part!

Note to Gianna:

Happy 3rd birthday to my little monkey, Gianna! Can’t wait to see how much you grow this year, and to all the memories we will share together. I’m glad I was there to document the day, so you can look back at it one day a long time from now and remember how much fun it was to be 3!

Sewing

Sewing Adventures-The Gift of Aprons!

This past Christmas I decided that I wanted to make gifts instead of buying them. I thought…it might be more affordable, more personal. I love sewing, I love being able to express my creativity through creation! I had recently made my own vintage style apron I flaunted off for Thanksgiving. After Face-timing with my family who went crazy over my apron, my mind was made up. Aprons for Christmas it would be! I used Simplicity patterns #1221 in styles A, B, and C!

If you know anything about my family, we are big Disney fans. So I immediately went in search for Disney printed cottons. Amazon had a surprisingly good selection of quilting fabrics, and with the 2 day shipping, I was grateful it spared me a trip to Joann Fabrics, or the DTLA fashion district. Tinker bell was perfect for my mom and her sister’s. I used a softer stretch cotton/poly blend for the pocket and the ties. I also added a nice gold bias tape for the edges to give it that magic touch.

I really wish I took a photo of the Sleeping Beauty inspired apron I made…I used all different hues of blue (dark and light) with a gold trimmed pocket. I used bright pink thread for the whole thing, as to give it that “Make it Pink/Blue” effect. It was styled like the white apron I was wearing on Thanksgiving, without the wavy trimming. Ideally I would have set up my photo backdrop with a dress form, but I just ran out of time!

For my sister’s apron I wanted to do something special. I used pattern style B on the Simplicity 1221. A solid yellow for the skirt, and this adorable seven dwarves pattern for the pockets…to top it off, a red ribbon tie for a signature snow white red bow look. I still have some of the dwarf material left, I’d like to do something with the remnants in the near future.

Until my next sewing adventure!