Project Runway Challenge Week 3

Episode 3 of season 10 Project Runway had the designers make a garment based on the color of the Lexus GS automobile and a former Project Runway designers personal preferences, for the Emmys. Essentially the evening wear challenge.

This week I didn't sketch. I let my fabric talk to me and this is what I came up with.

 Isn't she lovely...

Dress details.... satin and tulle.

 Fresa loved the dress so much that she wanted me to put it back on.

For more pictures check out The California Chi on Facebook.

Sweet treat for summer

During the days of blistering heat here in the Central Valley temperatures were projected to be up to 110° by this weekend.
The dog models here at The California Chi Studio needed to cool down. Fresa hopped online and did a search for a frozen dog treat recipe. Tama was anxious to see what she found. After a few minutes of bark-ering over what recipe should be made they agreed on this one, Frozen Peanut Butter Dog Treats. Truthfully they didn't have a choice, we only had the ingredients for it.

I had to alter the recipe, I had my "Make it work" moment.

Here is how it all went down...

You need yogurt and peanut butter, a bowl to mix in, and something to freeze in. (You can follow the exact recipe, by clicking on the link above.)

I used half a cup of plain Greek yogurt and a quarter cup of crunchy peanut butter. Mix until combined.

The original recipe called for cupcake cups, but I was out. I spooned it into small paper cups. Let freeze, about 2 hours.

 Cleaning up the mess, Fresa helped wash dishes.

When ready peal away the paper and serve.

Yum!

Like to see more photos? Visit our Facebook page.

Project Runway Challenge Week 2

Here is my creation for the Project Runway challenge Week 2....

The Unconventional Material Challenge: The 15 Designers were asked to use candy from Dylan's Candy Bar to make some sweet dresses.

Since I make pet apparel I debated on using pet food or candy to make the garment. In the end candy was the winner.  In order to make this more challenging I decided to only use candy collected from my and my family's pantry. 

 The Material

 Concept Sketch

 Sewing away

  Gluing on the candy was the most time consuming part

 Finished!!!!!

Fresa, workn' it!

For more behind the scenes pictures and Fresa's modeling session visit us on Facebook.

Invited to a Doggie Party

A few weekends ago Tama and I had the opportunity to get out of the studio and do something fun. We attended a doggie party hosted by our friends at Sew Doggy Style, click on the link to see more pics and their blog.

All the dogs were treated like royalty.  Constant photo ops, tasty treats, and off leash romping.

Doggie paradise.

Tama had a great time, unfortunately he had a slight tummy ache the next day. Must have got a hold of too many treats. This little dog knows how to party and so does his doggie pals.

Thanks for the invite Sew Doggy Style!!

2012 Olympics

Tama, Fresa, and I are watching the Olympics. Here are there uniforms for the Doggy Olympics!

Project Runway Week 1 Challange

You saw my sketches in a previous post, now here is my creative process and final designs... for Project Runways season 10 Week 1 challenge.

The Challenge: Designers had to come prepared with a look that embodies and represents them. The next part of the challenge was to create a companion look with a $100 budget.

Here we go....

My Sketches

The 2 designs and fabrics I chose to work with.

 

Drafted some patterns, cut the fabric, and went straight to work.

Working away!!

They're done!!

Time for the Runway.... more like a photo shoot.

 

The first look: Fresa, striking a pose!

Second look: Fresa, looking hot!

If these were shirts at a department store I would buy them, lol.

For more behind the sceens and Fresa's photo shoot please visit our Facebook Page.

Christmas in July Sale

The California Chi is having a Christmas in July sale that lasts through August 31, 2012. Throughout the coming weeks items will be added to an album on Facebook. You can purchase through what is listed on my Etsy store or leave your paypal information in a comment on the item you wish to purchase, so I may invoice you.

BIG Thanks to Fresa and Grumble for decorating the tree and wearing fleece pajamas on the beach, BOL.

National Craft for your Local Shelter Day

On Saturday July 21 crafters and animal lovers gathered to make items for 8 Fresno shelters. A new holiday created by our friends at Sew Doggy Style, embraces pet crafts and animals in need. The California Chi was there helping make history.

 To spread the word doggy pals across the nation posed with the date to create awareness.

Many crafts were worked on all day and into part of the night. We contributed some adopt me bandanas and tug toys.

Check out this video on the event from our local news.

Project Runway Challenge

Project Runway, season 10 aired on Thursday night. Beforehand I decided to take the Project Runway Challenge. What is the Project Runway Challenge?

Each week the designers face a new design challenge. I am going to take on the same challenges the designers face, but there is a spin to it. I will not be make apparel for people..... the designs will be for pets!
I will be blogging throughout the season each week with the challenge, my creative process, and designs.

These are my sketches from last night's challenge.

Stay tuned for more on this weeks challenge!!!

Pug Dogs For Happy Kids

Luisa Via Roma offers luxury fashion by high end designers, shipped around the world. As a spring charity event they put together “Pug Dogs for Happy Kids.”  Essentially this collection was of fashionable stuffed pugs.  23 pugs were dressed in famous designer wears; such as, Versace, Roberto Cavalli, and Valentino; to name a few. 

These adorable and colorful pugs were adoptable through bidding on eBay. From March 19^th to June 5^th of 2012, three pugs a week were up for grabs. One week the auction of 2 pugs took place in Taobao. Proceeds went to UNICEF (http://www.unicef.org/), a charity that advocates for children.  In this particular arrangement the money raised would go to benefit the children of Bangladesh. The project Appropriate Resources for Improving Street Children’s Environment (ARISE), by UNICEF will be using these funds to help high risk children.

Overall Luisa Via Roma raised about 32.000 Euros which equates to about $39,158.40 in US dollars. The highest bid pug was Vogue’s. It sold for an astounding 4.210,00 Euros ($5,153.88 US). Lowest bid pug was during the Taobao auction. Francesco Scognamiglio's pug raised 146.00 Euro (4179.07 US).      

Money well spent for the bidders, being able to own a one of a kind designer accessory and contribute to a good cause. Priceless.

For more pictures and information on these adorable pugs and designers visit, http://www.luisaviaroma.com/landing.aspx?page=pug-dogs-for-happy-kids

Coming back...

Its been over a year since I last blogged. I can't believe how busy I have been, but I'm back.... or at least making an effort to blog on the regular. Everything takes time.

I've got some great ideas for my business and some fun stuff to blog about.

Stay tuned...