MELISSA MICARE: HANDCRAFTED

Container candles and more.........

2009-06-29T10:19:00.002-04:00

I've been working hard to create a new line of home accessories. Click to learn more about my adventures with a new material.

More photos when I return from NY!

New work at last!

2009-05-08T11:03:00.007-04:00

I've been working hard, and am proud to finally show you "Rose Campion," a simple A-line skirt made of reclaimed linen with hand-crocheted linen-blend trim. The edge of this skirt measures seventy-eight inches -- that's right, 6'6" of trim carefully made a stitch at a time. The pattern, too, is reclaimed: I hand-drafted it from a similar skirt, then modified it to suit my design. "Rose Campion" is topstitched in contrasting shades of ochre and sage, which harmonizes with the sage of the waistband. Side zipper closure. Waistband measures 36", and may be worn at hip, waist or anywhere in between.

Next Friday (5/15/09): "Limestone Road," a breezy tunic with vintage roots.

Curious about purchasing my work? My Etsy shop will be reopening in June; click here if you'd like to be notified when it does.

2009-04-02T09:10:00.006-04:00

Please pardon the mess!

I am renovating the website at this time, but I've set out some photos if you'd like to leaf through. New designs will be posted soon!

2008-07-31T10:19:00.002-04:00

No matter where in the contintental United States you may live, there's one fact to face right now -- it's ridiculously hot. Weather.com, the Weather Channel's online counterpart, even has a special map dedicated to the "Intense Heat Wave." Mysteriously, though, as I go about my daily business in Richmond, Virginia, I have been seeing people wearing crops and three-quarter-length shirts, jeans and tunics, and even light jackets, seemingly unaware that the heat index was well above 100º Farenheit. How could anyone survive the heat and humidity in such attire? Simple -- by hopping from air-conditioned house, to air-conditioned car, to air-conditioned workplace, school or shopping facility, and then back again, and trying to keep the hops as short as possible. It's so easy, everyone should do it, right?

Maybe not. With energy costs soaring and temperatures doing likewise, it could be time to consider spending a little less money on keeping the thermostat at 70º and a little more thought on how our great-grandparents dealt with sultry summers before air conditioning was omnipresent.

Since my home is scantily cooled with window units, the car my husband and I share is wind-cooled, and I generally run errands on foot, I've had the opportunity to take notes on old summer strategies and formulate a few contemporary ones. There had to be a way to keep cool -- and in style -- with a contemporary look that has a vintage twist. I enlisted fellow Etsians from around the globe in my search for a summer look that's both stylish and sensible. Click on any of the photos for more information, other views and a direct link to the shop.

This vest, made by Ariel of FreeFlightClothing, was my jumping-off point. Made out of breathable black pima cotton with a deep V neck, its cut has a vintage feel to me. The hand-silkscreened illustration (birds on the front pockets, a mighty oak tree on the back) only added to the attraction.

I found the vest's perfect match in the shop of Shanghai designers' collective Idea2Lifestyle. These free-flowing gaucho pants, in white cotton with a botanical printed sash, are beautifully loose and airy. Their length and A-line cut reminds me of flowing, traditional skirts.

Let's be honest with ourselves: Summers, especially Southern ones, are not all about refreshing seaside breezes. The air gets still and heavy, the humidity becomes oppressive -- and for many of us, every day is a frizzy hair day. A neat, brimmed chapeau, like this hand-blocked creation from Anna DePasquale, will keep your hair under control and give your look a terrific vintage spin, while at the same time shading your eyes and keeping the sun off your face.

Last but not least, you're going to want something to keep you cool if your summer stroll crosses paths with a friend who's also not stuck to the air conditioner. Loli (aka Gilbea), of Pamplona, Spain, makes hand-painted silk fans with versatile, contemporary motifs. She tells me that she keeps a fan on hand at all times herself -- an idea I think I may copy!

Well, now you have no excuse. Put on something cool, make yourself a tall glass of iced tea, and have a taste of life with the air turned down. You might be surprised at who you meet doing the same.

What does your jewelry have to say?

2008-07-18T21:41:00.009-04:00

Gemstone vs. Swarovski crystal. Sterling silver vs. silver plate vs. silvertone. Hand knotted silk beadcord or neatly crimped Accu-Flex? Especially to the casual jewelry shopper, the possibilities are endless in the world of jewelry components alone -- let alone the finished pieces of jewelry! But did you know that almost all gemstones come with their own mythology, assigning each stone a virtue that it is said to encourage?

In the millennia that we humans have been traveling around our planet, we couldn't help but notice the beautiful minerals that we now call gems. In ancient times, many cultures believed that a gemstone's beautiful appearance was a sign that it had supernatural power -- to heal the body or the mind, promote a tranquil attitude or imbue energy in the wearer, even as surprisingly specific as preventing the wearer from becoming drunk or turning him or her invisible!

I was aware that each gemstone had a 'secret meaning,' but not particularly knowledgeable in the 'super powers' attributed to each stone. When I noticed the excellent Gemstone Index at the Rings & Things website, I decided to brush up on my knowledge by analyzing a piece I was already working on. Though I'd chosen the elements to look good together, I was surprised to learn that the necklace's 'secret message' spoke deeply of the things I most cherish in life -- my marriage and my family, my principles and passions. Click on the image for a close-up look....

Grab a pencil....

2008-06-04T11:27:00.014-04:00

Since February of 2005, "Long Story Short" has been my brand name -- but the 'back stories' behind each creation have been my own (and for a large part, untold). This summer, that's about to change.

ANNOUNCING THE FIRST EVER LONG STORY SHORT WRITING CONTEST!

Do you enjoy writing short fiction? Do you ever find that something interesting catches your eye, and you begin to speculate how it happened? Grab a pencil -- this contest is for you.

Here's the challenge: this photograph is of a necklace I have made that has no title, no story behind it. It's your mission to tell that story. How did it get where it is? Who might have worn it, or own it right now?

You can tell the story however you want, but there is a catch. Since this is 'Long Story Short,' you have just 100 words to tell everything you have to say.

I will be taking submissions via email (click here) until Wednesday, July 16, 2008 -- six weeks from today. The prize? A custom-made bracelet or pair of earrings (your choice), which I will work with you to design! Your story will also be featured (with full credit to you) on this website.

I will announce the winner on Monday, July 21.

Back to the lab!

2008-04-08T12:41:00.010-04:00

My diabolical experiments are now under way! Ahem... I mean -- I'm experimenting with some new techniques. Some are new only to me; others I believe to be completely new inventions. I look forward to sharing with you when the results are in.

In the meantime, please feel free to have a look in at my Etsy shop, which you can find here. New items will be coming soon!

2008-04-07T10:52:00.000-04:00

This blog is under [re]construction!
It will be open with new content shortly.
In the meantime, please feel free to have a look at my work on Etsy.com.