Upside Down & Backwards

In another incarnation I might have been a printer, so strong is my love for type, fonts and the magic they make when a little ink is applied. I was lucky enough to be invited to attend a special lecture hosted by the So Cal chapter of the National Museum of Women in the Art's. Our speaker was Gloria Kondrup, a renowned printer & the director of the Archetype Press program at Art Center College of Design.

  The entire department, with literally tons of equipment was moved to the new South Campus, where it has thrived after nearly being eliminated all together. Gloria along with legions of students were instrumental in helping to save the department when some thought it antiquated and unnecessary in this digital age. In the last few years the art of letterpress has made a huge revival and Art Center's program now shines as one of the few colleges that still offers a full & authentic program.

 Printing requires a unique ability to think differently. Not only do you need to envision negative space but you need to develope the ability to see "upside down & backwards." As this is how a typesetter lays out their work. Check out The Beauty of Letterpress website, it's a  great resource if you're interested in learning more & for finding local printers & classes. 

The Art Center program also offers some extension courses and can arrange workshops & tours. Email them at archetype@artcenter.edu for information.

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

One Size Fits All

With Mother's Day apon us, the wonderful Lesley Evers is giving away one of her signature silk scarves to a lucky Pie reader. Simply comment here with a favorite Mom memory. A winner will be chosen at random and you have till midnight Pacific time, Sunday, May 12th to enter.

If you are in or near Oakland, visit Lesley's new retail shop at 5501 College Avenue or her even newer store opening this Tuesday at 3535A Mount Diablo in Lafayette. Just mention Piewacket at either shop and get 20% off your purchase! Not in the Bay area? No worries, online shoppers can still save 20% through Sunday by using promocode:Momspie at check out.

Comments now closed thanks for all the entered!

hair & make up by Joshua Conover ~ model Kaitlin Madewell for Scout ~ all photos & content © Lara Rossignol 

Sixth Times the Charm

Since I bought my new kindle last summer I've had a hard time finding a cover I really like. The first one was pretty but the fabric was a cat hair magnet. I then went with a custom cover and though I liked the look, the material was very ridged and uncomfortable to hold. I then tried several inexpensive covers but you really do get what you pay for. I then ordered another with a cute owl motif but it smelled so bad I had to send it back. So finally I deiced to splurge on this Kate Spade cover I'd been lusting over for months.

I am really happy with this one. It is made with a whimsical laminated fabric, it resists both stains and cat hair. 

Light weight but well constructed it holds my kindle securely and the inside cover has a soft suede like feel. It is very comfy to hold and the color makes a pretty background for my kawaii Gelaskin designed by Melody Miller. Now I can finally relax and read.

Spring Reading List 

I love that with my kindle I can read a sample before I buy and here are four books I'm ready to check ou this spring. I am a big fan of Emma Donoghue's and currently reading her lyrical take on fairytales, Kissing the Witch. So when I saw here newest, Astray available I knew I had to check it out. I recently finished Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit and loved Jeanette Winterson's style. If I like an author, I will read every title that sounds appealing and The Passion is considered her masterpiece. Blue Asylum is a historical drama with a unique story so yes please. Finally the newest from Joe Hill, son of horror master Stephen King. I read both his previous novels and though flawed, I enjoyed them. Just released this week, I did not hesitate to download a sample for NOS4R2, not reading too much for fear of spoilers.   

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Tastes Like Summer

I spent a lovely lazy weekend on my lovely porch sanctuary, nibbiling edaname. A healthy snack that is pretty easy to find these days. I just rinse the frozen pods in warm water and leave them in a strainer to thaw for about an hour. Spinkle with salt and walla!

 

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Small Packages

A few months ago I discovered an amazing little printing company in Denver called Artifact Uprising who specialized in books printed from people's instagram images. They offer a few different sizes but I especially loved the smallest, a little 5.5 x 5.5 book using recycled paper. I thought it might make a great promotional piece so I contacted them. They took a personal interest in my project and were amazing to work with. I chose to do a small printing of just 250 copies.

The process is simple, you create an account and then upload your images, then use their software to layout your book. You can order 1 copy or several. I did a few test runs before I went ahead with the actual printing.

A perfect mailing size, I tested a few different envelopes before I decided on these from Clear Bags. Creatives get so inundated with promotions from photographers, I wanted them to be able to see what it was. Hopefully enough of an enticement that they will want to see more. I also designed the labels with the intent of not covering too much of the cover and a sticker for the back to tie it all in.

I am so pleased with the result I have decided to sell just 35 signed & numbered copies on etsy for $25 including shipping.  I will be giving 10% of these sales to the amazing animal rescue peeps at Rolling Dog Farm. The books contain almost 40 of my favorite images with a mix of portraits, kids & fashion. If you are an industry professional  and would like a copy or don't have an etsy account but would like to purchase one, you can E-mail Me to make arrangements.

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Camera Roll

Nutella topped jelly donut = OMG.

One of my favorite signs in lovely downtown Montrose.

One of my favorite people, my 10 year old nephew, Dante.

Pulled pork & plantains at the Oinkster.

Dive bar personified, league night at Dusty's in Highland Park.

Love when they spell my name right without me telling them how.

Afternoon light in my kitchen.

A fashion shoot I did at the historic Maxwell House Coffee plant in Hoboken, re-imagined with the kit cam app.

 A napping Mr. Finch

 

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

New Old Territory

I discovered my new favorite local vintage dealer last year after searching the internet. Rave reviews on yelp sent me to check out a groovy little shop called The Sniveling Sibling, whose owner Jeff Thorin has a keen eye for dusty treasures.

 

Located in Eagle Rock, this tiny shop may be small on space but it packed full and there is free parking in the back.

I have yet to stop in and not come away with some unique find. A great old school desk for my office, several items for my porch and most recently a great industrial stool. His prices are good and they will haggle a bit, if you're nice.

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

In a Blink

Cliche as it may be, it really dose seem like just yesterday that I took this photograph of Camiell, at age 5. I'd just moved to the South and close to her Mother, one of my best friends for more years than either of us care to admit.

Well, ten + years have flown by and this thoughtful, curious child has become a thoughtful, curious young woman. She is the camera shy sister of Izzy (who graces my banner and many, many Pie posts) and I was happy to be able to spend a few hours with them while they were out here over their spring break. 

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Kawaii Store Alert

While on a little excursion to Newport Beach recently, we happend upon this whimsical store, Roberta Roller Rabbit. We were instantly drawn in by the wonderful color and interesting pattern.

The have a little of everything; clothing for both adults & kids, linens, bags, quilts, pillows...

...and of course rabbits! Created by designer Roberta Freymann was inspired by the fable of a magical rabbit that she found on a piece of discarded fabric in India. Along with the Newport location, there are stores in NYC, Southampton, Palm Beach, Los Angeles, Marin, Punta Del Este, Uruguay and most recently in St. Barth or you can also find them online.

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Twinkle, Twinkle

I shot one of my all time favorite shoots a few weeks ago for the new issue of Rue Magazine. With the brilliant help of stylist Kate Riney & and prop/set designer Jess Hammer, I was able finally able to bring to life a long time ideal of re-creating an iconic papermoon image. Model Franki Holton wears a dress by Eva Franco. 

Paper moon photo booths were popular attractions at fairs & carnavials startng back in the early 1900s. I have scoured the internet collecting some of my favorites, while looking for the right oppoutunity to shoot my own. In the 70's Peter Bogdanovitch directed Paper Moon, one of my all time favorite films, based failthfully on a terrific book called Addie Pray. I even named my childhood cat Addeline after the main character.

So from these bits of inspriations archived in my brain and the creative go ahead from Rue's editor Crystal Gentilello, we created a star themed fashion spread. The beautiful hair & make up was created by Dina Gregg for Aim Artists. Above Franki wears a bralet by Claire Pettibone Heirloom Lingere & sparkle cardigan by Orla Kiely. Necklace and earrings from Mr.Kate and headpiece made by Jess Hammer.

One of my favorite shots that didn't make the spread, shot in the parking lot of my local Big Lots. Wearing an Orla Kiely swimsuit with cardigan, bracelets & hat by Trina Turk, scarf Barney's New York.

See the ones that did by clicking here!

 

all photos (except vintage papermoon montage) & content © Lara Rossignol

Sunny Side Up

I love a good egg sammie and this one is both easy and healthy-ish! Starting with a whole grain, high fiber english muffin, a slice of smoked gouda, a little yogurt infused margarine and of course a fried egg. I make the egg first (see below), then remove and in same hot pan, place buttered muffins face down for a quick sear for about 1 minute, then just add your cheese & egg to finish.

How to make a perfect fried egg!

I learned this technique from a cooking show and it works great every time. Heat your pan on high and then spray with a little non-stick or if you prefer, melt some butter. Break egg into a separate small bowl, then slide into pan. Cover pan with a lid, turn heat down to a low flame and keep covered till desired done-ness. That's it, no need to flip! 

For more on the art of cooking eggs, check out renowned French Chef Michel Roux's comprehensive book on the subject.

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

I was recently visited by the lovely Miss Liliana, age 6 and asked her to create a little magic for my camera. Lili is already a yellow belt in Hapkido, loves to read and her favorite food is mac & cheese. Above she wears a dress from Gap kids, Magic Hat set by Cadaco. Shot in my studio with a 5d Mark II then processed with Photoshop and a combination of iPhone apps. 

 

 Shirt from the now defunct children's line for Calypso.

Coat by H&M kids.

People Let Me Tell You 'Bout My Best Friend 

Lili's mother Betty has been one of my best friends for over 16 years. We met at an old bar in Soho called Toad Hall in the mid 90s. Both of us put our names up on a chalk board for a turn at the pool table. While waiting we started chatting and somehow it came out that I am a photographer. She looked up at my name and asked me my last name..? I told her and she recited back my own phone number & address! Turns out she was my favorite booker at a model ageny I worked with and has a photographic memory. We became fast friends with our common obsession for billiards; playing on several teams together and supporting each other through our many life changes. She even helped me with my exodus from New York City, riding shotgun in my rented truck as we made our way south.

 

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

File Under...

Berge's Sandwiches has been serving up tasty sandwiches and soups to lucky La Canada residents for over 40 years & last week I finally stopped by to see what the buzz was about.

I am a sucker for a good tomato soup and I'd heard through the grapevine theirs was excellent. I was not disappointed.

You had me at Rueben! They actually serve two kinds, the classic above and their own signature version with ham. Lots of pickles just seal the deal.

The interior has natural retro charm with plenty of seating and parking in the back. The menu offers a nice variety including many vegetarian choices and nothing over $8, cash only.

Check out this fun book by Top Chef's Tom Colicchio. It promises to take the art of sandwich making to a whole other level.

 

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Lily's World

 Lily Wikoff is a potter in Greenville, SC with both a store front studio and and two stores on etsy; Lily's Pottery and Flowerlicous. I originally photographed her for the debut issue of G Magazine where she was the kawaii cover girl for a feature about the emerging Pendleton Arts District located in downtown Greenville. I pulled this fun shoot from the Pie archive as I face a busy week of editing and more prepping. Enjoy!

 A lovely Lily bowl filled with fresh picked camellias still wet from the morning rain.

Though she still does the occasional pot or bowl, her main focus has been on creating unique jewelry pieces including earrings, rings and pendents and has added home goods to her growing line.

Just a few doors down is Art & Light owned by Teresa Roche and she carries some amazing vintage furniture like the lamp and table above, as well as original art.

You can visit Lily's studio Mon-Friday by appointment and every first Friday and Saturday of the month she and other artist open the doors, and you can tour many of the studios in the district. Or you can check out her work on Etsy.

 

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

First in Line

I first posted about Vivian Maier on Pie over two years ago. Easily one of the most fascinating photography mysteries of our time. In case you are not up to speed, she was only discovered after her belongings were sold at a storage auction. I recently moved all my own film & negative archives from one storage unit to another and I'd been thinking about Vivian a lot. If you have ever seen Storage Wars than you too might be haunted by images of clueless buyers tossing the contents around like worthless confetti. I think it amazingly fortunate that one of Vivian's boxes ended up the hands of someone that could actually appreciate what is was. The story had all the elements of a great film project and later this year a documentary is set to release.

The trailer promises a very exciting peek into the mysterious world of Ms. Maier and you can follow the project on Facebook. What baffles me the most about Vivian was her seeming lack of interest in showing her work. I have to ask myself, "Would I still be as passionate about what I do if no one but me were to see the results?" I hate to admit it but I know in my heart that affirmation from others is a kind of fuel for me and has been since early on. Though I love the process, which clearly was what must have driven Vivian, for me the real buzz comes from the reactions of others. Did she not care? Or perhaps did she not believe her work worthy of display? Or was the world not worthy of seeing it?

What ever the answer, we are seeing it now and we are awed by it, worthy or not. I highly recommend this first book of her work edited by John Maloof. Who I sure never imagined how his discovery would change his life and add one of the most interesting & puzzling chapters to the history of photography.

 content © Lara Rossignol

Aunt Daisy: A Love Story

Aunt Daisy was my Grandmother's oldest sister and was born in Chicago near the turn of the 20th century. She would have been about the same age as Downton's Lady Mary Crawley. When she was 18 she was "married off" to her Father's much older business associate and left all she knew to go live with him in England. A year later she disappeared.

The family never stopped searching for her. One of her brothers finally tracked her down in Spain. The family received a single letter assuring them that she was alive and well but that she had no intentions of returning to them. Years later, in the mid 1950s, Daisy's niece Phyllis was in Spain and paid her a visit. Daisy had left her unhappy arranged marriage and never looked back. She found work teaching English and Art in Spain. Phyllis was struck by her independence and said that Daisy had led a colorful life, which included many adventures and numerous lovers. She never married again. Daisy lived out the rest of her days (as I like to imagine, quite happily) in Spain and on her own terms.

The End

Happy Valentines Day.

❤

thanks to my model, Anna in 3rd photo ~ all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

So Random

Painting of my Grandmother done in the 30's by Frank Leslie Sanford.

An alley in Montrose, California.

Mega music mogul, Scooter Braun.

Very kawaii Fifi Lapin shopper.

Love these Rifle Paper Co. notebooks.

Spicy Yakisoba with kilbasa

Watching the awesom Stevie Moore play a match at Hard Times.

My Orla Kiely iphone 5 case I snagged on eBay.

The view from my living room window on a cold winter morning.

Catnap.

 

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Sunny Side Up

To brighten up those of you still feeling the winter blues, I present an ode to the lovely & oft under appreciated color yellow. Try adding a bright snap to a little black dress, like we did by adding a colorful vintage sweater and strappy sandles to a pretty graphic design by the awesom Lesley Evers. 

 Try a gazpacho made with yellow tomatoes.

A fab selection of Hazel Atlas State drinking glasses I found at a Florida flea market. 

This luscious corn bisque from Holy Taco in Atlanta is heavenly.

Fuji proves that film is not dead with their Instax line offered in a rainbow if hues and check out these groovy ideals for storing and displaing your instant images by Danielle Thompson.

These bite size lemon bars from Trader Joe's are just 45 yummy calories.

The Yellow Wallpaper is a haunting story by Charlotte Perkins Gilman written in 1890 but it still can send a chill or two down the spine. 

 I fell hard for this pretty Lotta Jansdotter fabric and used it to make curtains for my living room. Don't be jealous.

 Four different kawaii styles to add to your purse collection...from top left Modcloth, J.Crew, Fossil & Orla Kiely.

 

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Hair & Make Up by Joshua Conover for Look Artisit, Model: Alicia from Look Models

the ultimate

I am someone who buys bananas and almost always forgets to eat them. So I end up making a lot of banana bread, which as most of you know requires very ripe bananas. Over the last few years I have perfected my basic recipe and then added everything from pumpkin spices to blueberries as variations. A while back I came uppon the ideal of adding Nutella! Brilliant, I know... then last week I saw these Reeses Peanut butter chips and thought whoah! The combo of the two would be A-May-Zing and I was right!

Make it!

Basic Banana Bread Recipe

3 med or 4 small very ripe bananas mashed

1.5 cups flour

3/4 cup sugar

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

1 egg + 1 egg yolk lightly beat together

1 cup vanilla greek yogurt 

1 tsp vanilla

combine in a large bowl, I use a hand mixer on medium, then finish with a rubber spatula, preheat oven to 350º and then poor into a lightly greased bread pan or if like a muffin tin would also work.

Now for the Ultimate 

Add about 1/2 cup of the chips into batter and a couple of dollups of Nutella, you can mix it in as well or I like pouring 3/4 the batter into my pan then adding it down the center, then the rest of the batter on top. It will created a yummy, gooey center... or you could even do both!

Bake for 45-60 minutes, checking carefully toward the end so it does not over cook. 

It is really good served warm so I re-heat slices in the microwave for about 20 seconds.

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Obsessed...

...with combining photo apps!

 This image was shot on my iPhone 5 with the Cameramatic app. I then added some blur with the Kitcam app before importing that version back into Cameramatic and adding a filter & frame. Next, I emailed that image to myself to finish it in Photoshop. Whew!

 ...with Lark Rise to Candleford!

Loving this wonderful BBC adaption of the Flora Thompson book. If like me you are a sucker for these historical soaps, ala Downton Abbey, then put on the kettle and join me. Others I have recently watched and reccomend; Cranford, Bleak House & the wonderful Forsyth Saga. Best of all, all of these are free to stream if you have Amazon Prime.

...with the perfect cup!

I've be crushing on this pretty little single serve teapot ever since I spied it at Poketo. What would we do without are little cups of tea?

...with Pinning!

It is hard not become obsessed with the visual feast that is Pinterest, a social media site that is the equivalent of an online scrapbook. I also use it for my work, creating "secret" boards for my creative teams & clients, showing them my ideals and inspiration for upcoming shoots. You can follow me (and please do) here.

 ...with 'lette Macarons!

Crisp on the outside, soft & creamy on the inside, they are addictive but only slightly decadent. Located in Pasadena's thriving "Old Town" shopping area. 

...with the art of Emily Winfield Martin!

I first discovered her a few years ago and her Black Apple Esty shop is full of tempting paper goods. From this newly released Flower Girls postcard set to art prints, magnets & charming recipe cards. These cards are printing on a beautiful, thick card-stock. I already have both her Carnival & Alice sets and may have to add these as well. I've also given her wonderful Paper Doll book to a few select young ladies I know.

Lark Rise photo courtesy of the BBC all other photos & content © Lara Rossignol