Mardi Gras Rhino

Mardi Gras near and i wanted to make something festive to compliment an upcoming dinner party. I found this really cute Wall Zoo animal at JoAnn's that looked perfect to recreate the feeling of being on Bourbon Street.

Using Folk Art Extreme Glitter Acrylic Paint and a paint brush, I covered each piece of the rhino with two coats.

After the paint finished drying, I started to assemble the rhino according to the instructions. I added a cutout from DCWV's multi-use adhesive jeweled sheet for the headboard of the rhino.

Using other textures and colors of paper, I traced alongside the cutoff's and used Blue Dots to attach each piece. For the glitter paper, I removed a cutout to make room and slid it in the core of rhino.

For additional Mardi Gras flair I added beads, chain and flatbacks from Blue Moon Beads to put the finishing touches on the rhino with hot glue.

 Using a piece of ribbon, I added the Mardi Gras Rhino to an old door frame and continued with a few additional decorations with May Arts Ribbon and DCWV's Premium Paper.

What do you think of my Mardi Gras decorations? 

STL City Inspired Accessories for the Basic White Tank!

One of the easiest ways to change the look of an outfit is with funky, eye-catching accessories. Cara Russell, a local Soulardian & talented interior designer, stopped by the studio this weekend! Cara was looking to add a little flair to her basic white tank top. She tried on three different necklaces, each piece was made with Blue Moon Beads!

Look #1 - Cosmopolitan Safari

The Cosmopolitan Safari necklace mixes gold and silver tones, leopard print fabric covered beads and natural wooden elements. Throw on a blazer over your tank, head to the office and hustle down to the Central West End for a post-work cosmopolitan.

Look #2 - World Traveling Hippy Chic

The World Traveling Hippy Chic necklace is cultural & cool, with inspirations from the Egyptian pyramids standing out in this piece. If you are planning on hiking around this summer, show your style with this basic but stylish necklace.

The third look, Botanical Gardens Picnic, is perfect to wear to an evening jazz concert at the Missouri Botanical Gardens. The Whittaker Music Festival is going on every Wednesday night this summer, and is perfect for a night of great music, a picnic blanket, friends and fabulous jewelry!

Look #3 - Botanical Gardens Picnic

Earrings Freshly Made in Soulard

Summer is in full swing! The streets of Soulard were a little quiet this weekend since the Cardinals were in Chicago playing the Cubs so I decided to create some fun earrings for all of the summer dresses that have become a staple in my wardrobe. 

The creative process started with a handful of simple components. I used a variety of Blue Moon beads to create each pair of earrings. One of the most difficult techniques to master this project is learning how to use the tools to attach the chain & jump rings to the earrings hooks.

Check out these cute summer earrings, perfect for a maxi dress or a day at the beach! The flower patterns on the round discs are so pretty and are the perfect backdrop for the paisley connectors dangling on chain.

 Every girl needs a pair of versatile silver dangle earrings to wear to the office. The second pair of earrings are perfect for multiple occasions. Wear these with a business suit or to a summer concert!

Made in St. Louis, Inspired by Soulard

The Soulard streets were lively this weekend, as Hammerstone's hosted an antique car show, streets were closed off for the Annual Crawfish Broil, the line outside of Bogarts was wrapped around the building and Cardinals fans waited it out for a 6 PM home game.

As unusual, the Soulard market was bustling. I heard a jazz singer near Julia's mid-morning. The Bloody Mary's began to pop up on the streets. The bar-cycle started to make its rounds through the neighborhood.

I set up shop outside of 818 Lafayette, enjoying the almost perfect Saturday afternoon in May. The streets were so lively, it almost reminded me of Mardi Gras. Keeping the Soulard spirit alive, I decided to make a few pieces of fun Mardi Gras  jewelry on the street.

Here are a few pairs of earrings and a fun bracelet! Its never to early to plan for your Mardi Gras outfit.

Made in St. Louis, Inspired by Soulard

This weekend I setup a small table outside of my studio to take in the sounds and sights of Soulard! It was a very busy weekend, the streets were filled with runners participating in the Tap N Run 4K race. Spring is finally here, and I was ready to create something fresh and new!

I worked with a new line of products from Blue Moon Beads called The Amulet collection. The collection includes many Eastern inspired cultural pendants, charms and components. I created this necklace using chain, pendants, beads and a few other gold tone and black components to complete the look.

Soulard Fashion Week - Take Two

Local Soulardians living in the 63104 district are preparing for the annual Mardi Gras celebration. Residents decorate their french style historic homes, shop at Globe Drug for last minute party favors, pickup brewski's from Vincent's Market and order their King Cake's from Schnucks, Straubs and cupcakes from Soulard's newest business the Sweet Divine.

My next Blue Moon Bead inspiration is a mixture of vintage antique components with a French twist. It is easy to make, compliments tank tops, blue jeans and a pair of cowboy boots!

Blue Moon's modern, chunky and rustic compents will keep you in the mix for Soulard Fashion Week.

On Saturday, February 9th our neighborhood will be plastered with purple, green and gold, as we all cross our fingers for beautiful weather.

Soulard Fashion Week - Take One!

I have been dreaming of attending New York Fashion Week my entire life, I live vicariously through Instagram, blogs, newsfeeds and posts on Facebook! Here is my Soulard St. Louis fashion week report!

For my next creation, I used Blue Moon's Urban Warrior beads. I wanted to create something that edgy, fun, versatile and trendy.
Blending bronze, gold and black beads create the perfect mixture of urban inspired components! I used two different types of chain, a bronze oval shaped pendant and spikey metal beads to add some urban flair.The black and gold circular beads were attached with jump rings to the chain in between the spikes!

Wear this simple piece to the office, to a cocktail party of for Sunday brunch!

Graphitti is Art

St. Louis - An Emerging Arts City

Two years ago when I arrived in the midwest, I was surprised to find amazing graphitti on the flood wall along the Mississippi River. A two mile stretch of artwork starts on the corner of Chouteau and Wharf, located near Busch stadium, and continues along the Industrial district in historic Soulard.

Graphitti is art. 

Artists have brought their talents to this unique public space in the form of spray paint and concrete. Many of the designs found on this wall are reflective of American pop culture. Whenever I need to find new inspirations, I stop by the graphitti wall for a dose of creativity. St. Louis is home to this gem, and earns its title as an emerging arts city.

 Photography by Lena May.

Saint Louis At Its BEST!

If you are traveling through, around, in the air, next to or away from Saint Louis you will see the famous Gateway Arch and be amazed at its size and beauty. The majestic midwestern icon is a symbol of midwest and attracts tourists, locals and pass thru travelers every day. Go beneath the Arch and learn about midwestern expansion at the underground museum. The Mississippi River is adjacent to the arch and offers helicopter and steamboat rides along the shore. Grab lunch at a restaurant along Laclede's Landing and enjoy cobblestone streets and horse drawn carriages.

Gateway Arch with a view of downtown Saint Louis in the background.

Another great place to visit is the historic Budweiser brewery. Take a free tour, sample free beers and learn about a landmark in American history. The famous Clydesdale horses are viewable during the tour as well. Upgrade your tour to "Beermaster" status for a small fee and a more intimate tour. One of the most amazing sites at the brewery are the historical building on and surrounding the campus.

Historic Anheuser-Busch brewery

Saint Louis is baseball heaven! I learned this during the 2011 World Series Championship. Grab a few tickets to the game, wear red and head out to the ballgame! Experiencing a game in the summer time can be quite taxing, so try to find seats in the shade! Try the Food Network's Hot Dog Experience while you are visiting Busch Stadium along with a fresh, cold Budweiser!

Busch Stadium

Shhhh!!! One of the best kept recreational secrets in the midwest is Forest Park. Its is  larger than Central Park in NYC. The park offers free admission to the Saint Louis Zoo, Art Museum and History Museum. You can catch a fabulous lineup of plays at the infamous Muny outdoor open air theatre. Stroll through the park and grab lunch at the Boathouse. Rent a paddle boat and float to the middle of the lake and catch a few rays of sunshine. Walk around Art Hill and enjoy the fountains. You can golf, play tennis, rent a segway and train for a marathon in Forest Park! Enjoy a cup of Joe in the coffee shop, which is located in the visitors center.

Spring tulips near the Jewel Box in Forest Park.

Lena's Tips for Traveling to Saint Louis!
1. Parking is free on many of the streets around Saint Louis. If there isn't a sign or meter, do worry about paying!

2. Many restaurants in Soulard offer a free shuttle to Cardinals, Blues and RAMS games.

3. If you hear a siren and see golf ball sized hail, seek shelter!

4. When dining out,  keep in mind the standard cheese for pizza is Provel in Saint Louis. If you want mozzarella, you have to ask.

5.  If you haven't sampled a Budweiser or any other local brew consider your trip a bust!!!!!