The National Stationary Show 2013

I never see it all but I try.  This show is filled with some of the best in creativity and ideas, you can OD on ideas.  

Here are some of my photo highlights.

NYC Photo Booth
Weddings with a vintage theme, can now also complete it with Viafora Studio.  The camera is set up like the old fashioned style portraiture in an open studio setting.  The photos come out in sepia and you can even have costumes for the guest to play with.  It premiered at the show so you may not find it on the website. 
For more info 
800.531.3727  NYCPHOTOBOOTH.COM.

nycphotobooth.com

Papel Couture.com
I can't wait to use them......for anything!!!!  There was so much that they can do in their custom department it will make your head spin Papel Couture.com/custom.

http://www.papelcouture.com/

Pru Cheek.com 
Turn up the funny....in Living Color style.  Pru Cheek's greeting cards are straight up, to the point, funny.  Friends and family will get a kick out of these cards or kick your.....anyway it's that kind of humor. Pru Cheek.com

www.prucheek.com

Crain Card Company.com
It was happening live, Milwaukee artist Curt Crain, painted in his booth.  It was relaxing.  He said he travels with some sort of pad, pencil, paint, etc.  As he said any artist does.  
Crain Card Company.com
 

www.craincardcompany.com

Artistic Creative Products.com          

I was drawn in to the colorful little sewing machines.  They are for the simple jobs.  If you had to have a sewing machine this is one to have.  Now for the big stuff, Artistic has a creative system for quilters, artist, crafters, etc that will take your work to another level.  Go to the website and see what it can do and fasten your seat belt.....ok it's not that deep, but I want one.

www.artisticcreativeproducts.com

I missed taking photos of these businesses, but they were so memorable and I must mention:

Xtal Art Studios 

http://xtalart.com/

Puffed Sleeves.net                      

Puffed Sleeves: The Road to the National Stationery Show! from Tamisha Anthony on Vimeo.


 Kush Note.com 

www.kushnotes.com

Cancer Girl LLC.com
You have a friend, family, co-worker going through it and what do you say.  Cancer Girl Cards grew out of her own experience with cancer (Cancer Girl video).

Cancer Girl Cards

Miss You Much

Photo Shop: Shodi Photo

Shodi Photo

Photo Shoot Special With Ashley Naomi

Ashley Naomi Photography

New special for the ladies with Ashley Naomi. Its for a 2hr Boudoir/ Lingerie Photo Shoot session. The location will be in a Luxurious Hotel located right in Midtown Manhattan. The offer includes 2 Outfit/ looks,  you will be provide with a makeup artist & styling tips to glam you up for the day, up to 100 high quality images in a online album or CD. The cost of this experience is only $200.

 

Women don't pamper themselves enough and this is a great opportunity to let your hair down to become that inner vixen. This is also a great gift for a boyfriend or fiance, or just for you.

Ashley Naomi Photography

 

This is a Ladies Only offer and for more information contact, Ashleynaomi22@gmail.com

Ashley Naomi.com

Are You In A "Loving" Relationship?

HBO Documentary

Interview with The Lovings Documentary 

Director Nancy Buirski.

"...in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad, and in joy as well as in sorrow. I promise to love you.... "

The Lovings'

In 1958 Mildred and Richard traveled to Washington D.C. to marry and so comes the test of true love.  The Lovings were trying to evade the Virginia's Racial Integrity Act 1924, which made interacial marriage a crime.  Their legal battle would include court battle after court battle for until 1967.  They did not attend the oral arguments in Washington, but their lawyer, Bernard S. Cohen (also attorney Phillip J. Hirschkop), conveyed the message he had been given by Richard Loving to the court: "Mr. Cohen, tell the Court I love my wife, and it is just unfair that I can't live with her in Virginia."

 The U.S. Supreme Court overturned the convictions in a unanimous decision (dated June 12, 1967), dismissing the Commonwealth of Virginia's argument.  

So I ask are you in a 'Loving' relationship?  

I Liked This......No....Really, I Liked This

 I am not sure what led an Oscar Nominated and ultimate winner (for Make-up), Lisa Westcott, to wear what she wore.  It seemed as if she was working all day and she said "OH GOD!  THE OSCARS ARE TONIGHT!  GIMMIE THAT SEQUIN TOP.  HEY YOU WITH THAT BLUE SCARF...." The rest is history. 

Critics will have a field day with this one.  I, on the other hand, liked it....no really I liked it.  For some reason with all it's errors, there was something inspirational about it.  The color blocking, sheer boldness, and she was incredibly humble. 

Lisa Westcott, may be the bunt of many Monday morning blogging, but not here.  I began to see this ensemble as an off the shoulder 4 ply silk top, with a hint of blue at the waist, with a bold orange bias cut skirt. 

I can't explain why I didn't find her crazy attire, crazy, but one thing for sure, most people commenting probably don't have an Oscar or an IMDb resume, Lisa Westcott.  Those who know her, weren't surprised she looked the way she did and those who don't know her at all....don't matter.  

Congrats Lisa and Julie!

I Would Like To Share This

If an African,  a Queer,  a Mexican, and a Black walk into a room will something extraordinary happen.

I recently participated on a panel with Rafael Esquer (Alfafa Studio) and Leyden Lewis (Leyden Lewis Design Studio).  Beyond Black History, Diversity in Art and Design, was a panel headed by Atim Oton who is the co-founder of Black Design News Network, publisher and editor of Calabar Magazine, and lifestyle blogger for Huffington Post Black Voices.

We had a lively discussion about art, design, race, and more.  Below is the wonderful letter I recieved from Melaine Riem, director of Special Projects for Art and Design.

Dear Cassandra,
The panel that you spoke on, Beyond Black History: Diversity in Art and Design Practice was one
of the most energizing and engaging that we have ever hosted at FIT. I could not have
imagined, when we first imagined this event, how not only the excellence in your craft, but
also your honesty would have made such an impact on our audience- and on me.

It was a truly wonderful evening- one whose conversation should continue.
I hope that we might have the opportunity to do that with you again.

On behalf of the School of Art and Design, thank you for your thoughtful, provoking
participation, wonderful work, and for your help in making this event a critical success.

Best Regards,

Melanie Reim
Special Projects
School of Art and Design