See You at Small Gift, Big Smile in LA!

11/10/2010

So if you know anything about the creator of Miseducated you know that she is absolutely obsessed with cuteness of all kinds. Especially the kind she grew up with, the kind that wove a magical world for her to live in when she wanted to leave the real world behind. THAT’S RIGHT, I’M TALKING ABOUT SANRIO.

My love for Sanrio knows no boundries.
I have a Sanrio domain and blog that none of you even know about! LOL!
I had to go to Japan and devote a lot of my time to Puroland, Hello Kitty and other Sanrio cuteness.
I spend all of my spare money on Sanrio.
My home has no Sanrio boundries.. (my husband just deals with it, LOL)
Now that I have a daughter I spend my spare money buying her cute Sanrio goodies.

Sanrio is celebrating their 50th anniversary at Small Gift in Los Angeles as well as other places around the USA with the Small Gift Mobile Pop-Up Shop Tour October – December 2010.

See me at both the Sanrio VIP Party (on the 11th) and the Sanrio Nerd Party (on the 13th) and don’t be too shy to say hello! If you can’t make it, stay tuned for reports on all of the cuteness!

Right now myself and a few friends are planning some VERY EXCITING and CUTE outfits, all Sanrio theme of course. We’re dressing as characters and I cannot wait to show you.

Learn more here at the official website.

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Design Your Life

Dear Motivation, Stop Hiding From Me

11/08/2010

So this new place is just perfect for writing and when I get my studio set back up I’ll be in business again.. but until then I cannot get myself motivated.

Motivation. A scary thing. Where do you find it when you have none?

It’s not hiding under your bed with green tentacles just waiting to grab you when you least expect it.

If you’re anything like me you assume that when you get things as they should be it will hit you in the face. You’ll be kicking your feet up to watch the water and all of a sudden you’ve gotten a stroke of creativity like no other!

It does happen. As creative people we come to adore when it happens. If we’re prepared we even take advantage of it.

… but what do we do when we have no motivation? No stroke of creativity?

We’ve discussed ways to get creative when creativity feels impossible.. but we haven’t discussed motivation as well as I would have liked to.

I struggle with motivation so I assume maybe others do too. The wonderful thing about the internet is that we can connect with others all over the world that are experiencing similar difficulties that we are. No one is expected to go through anything alone. We are very social creatures and we crave a connection with others (so that our bodies may produce dopamine and make us naturally happy).

I have depression, as I’ve said before, and one of the most destructive aspects of depression is the way it paralyzes your willpower. (David D. Burns)

There are many reasons why this is so but only you can really understand. Think about your undone task and write down words that come to mind. Write a journal or blog entry about it. See what the underlying reasons are that you’re putting off getting things done. Reasons can range from overwhelming yourself, undervaluing rewards and even fear of success! Or how about perfectionism? That is one myself and many of my friends struggle with most.

Try to pinpoint your discomfort so that you can work to resolve it. Be strong and carry out your goals. No one else will do them justice.

One of my guilty pleasures is a book called Feeling Good by David D. Burns, M.D. This is a valuable tool in learning to improve your emotional health. I like to read it when I get really frustrated and forget how to use the tools to remain focused. It helps my mind unstick sometimes when a worry wont stop. I highly recommend it!

However, as we said before, depression is actually a chemical imbalance in your brain so if you lack motivation because of depression you should first get help! Even if you’re too scared to talk to your family about going to a psychologist for some strange reason (my parents had a stigma about it) you can always tell your family doctor first. They can then refer you to a psychologist and many times they’ll start you on a small dose of an anti-depressant to see how you do. Sometimes these pills give you an absolute moment of clarity in which you understand every particle of your disorder and how to live without it.

The trick is to train your brain to be positive. To be able to change your life and the way you feel everyday.

So get motivated (no matter who you are) and do something new.

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80s Escapeland

1980s Toy Box: Poochie by Mattel

11/07/2010

It’s time again for another of those absolutely pointless posts that allow me to relish in the visual deliciousness of popular icons from my childhood.

I’m planning a whole slew of updated posts filled with nonsense information about the adorable icons of our past. If you lived in the 80s as a kid you’ll probably enjoy it as well.

Our first feature is Poochie. I had the cartoons and stationary.. it makes my heart go to a special place when I see things I loved as a child. Everything is colorful, cute and so very magical. I love feeling like that. Like anything is possible!

How does your childhood nostalgia make you feel?

Who is Poochie?

In the early 1980s Poochie was introduced by Mattel. She’s the cute poodle with hot pink hair and purple sunglasses who worked as an advice columnist whenever her owner was away. Sounds like an early blogger with a flare for fashion to me~

Although she was once very popular in North America she had her greatest marketing success in Italy and other parts of Europe. It’s very common to see Poochie items and ad prints in Italian!

Poochie, is it really you?
Sitting at the top knowing what to do
Poochie, now I understand–
how you’re always there with a helping hand.

Oh boy, it’s not so far away
I know you’ll be there come one day

Poochie is it really you…

Poochie Television Special

Poochie Commercials

4 Comments

Event Features Visual Splendor

The Barbie Fashion Experience in Indianapolis

11/06/2010

So I took a trip to the Barbie Fashion Experience which is a current exhibit at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis.

I brought my nephew along to the museum but he opted to skip the Barbie part. I reminded him that males are also designers but he was much more interested in the dinosaur exhibit. So interested that we had to see it twice. 😉

Not only did the exhibit feature Barbie displays (through the years) and one of a kind fashions crafted for her by designers such as Betsey Johnson and Nicole Miller, BUT it inspired children to create their own Barbie fashions.

Each station had miniature mannequins arranged in front of each chair for fashion designing in a flash. Children were everywhere, surrounded by their parents, as they created Barbie’s next new look.

Way to go, Mattel!
Your exhibit made my day because it inspired and excited so many little minds! 😉

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Diary

Moving Time and Living Out of Boxes

10/23/2010

Remember all those times I complained of not having my own office anymore? Of everything being transitional and having our stuff in boxes and in storage? Well we finally settled down into our new home. It took so much work to get here and I’m excited to get to share it with Colette!

I’m unpacking all of my favorite things. Things I forgot even existed.

Which reminds me of the purpose of this post, to remind you that you also own things you don’t even know exist.

Living without all of my things for over a year (I had my clothes and computer of course!) really helped me pinpoint my hoarding problem. I found I had packed and moved boxes upon boxes of stuff, most of which I didn’t need, to our new apartment. Not that my house was cluttered.. as you can see from the previous articles featuring my first apartments.. but I’ve always had too much to display! So what’s the point?

It really forced me to take a look at everything as I unpacked items one by one.. it made me really appreciate the things I had missed and realized I should donate a lot of the things I had forgotten about.. in getting rid of your excess items you can focus on your favorites OR things that really matter!

I’ve been clearing and storing.. I have this silly stack of vintage and kitschy cookbooks that I can’t seem to part with but I had to move to the closet because I felt the amount of books was getting a little overwhelming.. I’ve found that rather than collect a lot of something you like to display.. it’s best to display your favorites and possibly part with the rest (unless it’s your hobby, like Blythe is mine).

I like to have people over a lot and I’d rather them see things that really matter to me and my environment rather than a cluttered collection of dusty maneki nekos. Perhaps some of my favorites from Japan and a cute family photo? I have a thing for jars of candy.

Today is the day to get your life in order. To sort, shelve and box. To donate and to reuse. Look around and notice the clutter, notice if there’s anything that you’re not attached to. Make room for favorite things, clear spaces for new treasures.

If I can do it, you can do it.

I had originally planned to include photos of every home I’ve ever lived in but of course my computer crashed upon arriving in our new home. Did I say how anxious I am because I’m unable to work or access client files?

I thought you should know, however, that I’ve finally moved into my new office and work will ensue very soon. There is SO MUCH I’ve missed and so much I appreciate now. Most of all you.

1 Comment

Visual Splendor

Falling in Love With Soapylove

10/14/2010

Debbie is behind the aesthetically delicious soap design company (so perfectly named) Soapylove.

Miseducated, knowing you would love this as much as I do, just had to chat with her and plan some super special features for you in the future.

Q. How do you think of new ideas for soap themes and designs?

A. I’m very inspired by fashion and craft trends. Graphic design is my latest passion since I can now put dissolving images into my soaps. I love that!

Q. What inspires you?

A. Candy, color, cuteness, anything kawaii, and I especially love Japanese stationery supplies. Deco tape is my newest indulgence!

Q. What are your favorite scents?

A. I LOVE super fruity scents like watermelon and strawberry jam. I could smell those all day long!

Q. What’s the most exciting memory you have experiences because of soapylove?

A. Definitely when my soaps were featured on the Etsy homepage for the entire Thanksgiving weekend! That was my first year in business and the orders came rushing in. So many new opportunities came from that lucky break. It was beyond thrilling!

Q. What’s next? Can you give us a sneak peek?

A. There are so many new things coming up in Soapylove! I have amazing cupcake fizzies that I’m getting labels designed for right now, and a new collection of printed soaps featuring adorable kawaii characters! You can take a sneak peek here. I am working hard to get them ready for my shop. Stay tuned!

Gallery

Now sink your eyes into this sugar surprise, a gallery of Soapylove creations~

0 Comments

Escapeland

Making Noise for Printable Designer Toys

10/12/2010

Need a new, tiny photo model but don’t want to shell out cash for dolls and vinyl figures? Try a paper model, paper or not, I’m in love. (My husband says I’m like Michael Scott now because I’m in love with paper.)

Toobusytobreathe. I’ve opened back up my web design studio and have gotten so many exciting projects (did I mention we’re moving?) that I can hardly fit in the time to update Miseducated like I should — soon newnewnew. So much new you’ll bounce to the moon!

Speaking of bouncing to the moon, these printable toys make me so happy I could fly. I knew someday this would catch on again and I’m too excited!

Printable Pandas

Jessica and I have collaborated on a cute new surprise for Miseducated, her pandas in PRINTABLE FORM. Print them and you can have your own designer toy as soon as the paper cools. Put some pandas into your own world~

Grape Panda (24777 downloads ) | Orange Panda (24482 downloads )

More Printable Designers

3 Eyed Bear
Macula
Fantastic Toys
Speakerdog
Chelstastic
mundosopa!
ROMMY
Shintaka
Sal Azad
CUBOTOY

Paper Toy Books

We Are Paper Toys: Print-Cut-Fold-Glue-Fun
Paper Wonderland: 32 Terribly Cute Toys Ready to Cut, Fold & Build
Karakuri: How to Make Mechanical Paper Models That Move
Papertoy Monsters: Make Your Very Own Amazing Papertoys!

2 Comments

DIY

The Magic of Creating and Sending Packages

10/07/2010

What makes you happier than a kitten at a sushi carnival? Is it a super special gift in the mail especially for you? Handcrafted and prepared with love?

It’s almost like a holiday everyday that a package comes in the mail, packages from friends stuffed with glitter, tissue paper and sweet smelling fragrance.

Shake it and it almost sounds like candies are inside.. small trinkets rolling around under larger, sweetly wrapped gifts stored in cupcakes and hearts. When you open the package the smell of perfume and a cloud of glitter dust fills the air. When you look inside you see bags, paper and stickers decorating the precious gifts inside.

Packages, and even envelopes stuffed with surprises, are a favorite past time of many friends who have ever experienced a long distance relationship or taken a trip from home. There was nothing I loved more than stuffing packages with gifts of cuteness when in Japan, so excited when my best friends would recieve the silly gifts and laugh.

Give it a Try

They’re as fun to send as they are to recieve. Try it.

Package decorating and stuffing is a bit of a crazy obsession in cute land. I know many girls use character tape (myself included), markers and more to make a statement before the box is even opened. If you’re sending a package, why not make it really special miseducated style?

You can make package contents as well as buying them. I have friends whom I swap kitschy antiques with and friends whom I share all of my ‘oldskool’ saved stationary with.. (I might as well use it before I die, right? What point is there in hoarding all of this cuteness??)

It’s easy to try. Start by sending your best friend a letter stuffed with some cute trinkets next time you go on a trip — chances are you’ll inspire her as well! Send a letter filled with stickers and stationary, it doesn’t have to be quite so taxing in these crazy economic times.

Who said you have to grow up and leave penpals behind? Slipping in a letter is sweet too, in the world of emails we all appreciate to see a little handwritten note every now and again!

4 Comments

Escapeland Giveaway

Our Very First Etsy Goodie Bag Giveaway WINNER

10/04/2010

CONGRATULATIONS to the winner, Kate Barber!

(and a HUGE thank you to everyone who entered)

An ezine about this and other new features was sent to all fans on Facebook, if you would like to receive these rare but important messages and are not a member of Facebook you may also submit your email address.

Stay tuned for another exciting giveaway coming up soon!

[Giveaway Closed: Sep 24th]

Hello and welcome to the second ever Miseducated Giveaway! We plan to have these much more often, it’s been way too long! Check out the details here.

We wanted to especially thank our readers and guests for being so creatively cute and wonderful to us everywhere we go. The truth is giveaways are a great way to find new friends and readers and to expose them to new and seasoned artists. We select our giveaways from our favorite handmade art shops, antique shops and more.

The Prize

You can win a Hello Kitty tote bag filled with handmade and diy goodies from great sellers on Etsy!

1. Sweet Star and Strawberry accessories from Strawberry Latte

2. Limited Edition Miseducated Deericorn pendant

Original DEERICORN Pendant - limited edition-1

Original DEERICORN Pendant - limited edition

3. Victorian Spats by Mademoiselle Mermaid

Victorian Spats with Bows in Oatmeal by Mademoiselle Mermaid-1

Victorian Spats with Bows in Oatmeal by Mademoiselle Mermaid-2

4. Paper glittery macarons by PaperCakes

5. Postcard set by Amber&Co with cupcake pencils

6. Bag o’ kitsch charms, beads and goodies to get your DIY tastebuds wet especially from Miseducated

The Rules

To enter simply leave one comment below, make sure to include a correct email address in case you win. This giveaway expires in a week on Friday, September 24th and the winner will be chosen at random and will be announced on Monday, October 4th. All readers, including international readers, are welcome and encouraged to participate!

Bonus Entries

All entries will be checked for accuracy!
+1 Entry: Become a fan of Miseducated on Facebook and add a comment below announcing you’ve done so.

+1 Entry: Subscribe to our blog by using Google or another reader and let us know by leaving a comment below.

+1 Entry: Link to Miseducated on your blog and comment with the link here.

+1 Entry: Feature this giveaway on your blog (or tell others about it) and let us know here.

If you would like to be featured in a future giveaway, let us know and Miseducated might purchase something from your shop for our next goodie bag!

Thanks so much for all of your support.

47 Comments

Visual Splendor

Middie Blythe is Here!

10/01/2010

All of the information about Middie Blythe has been officially released from BlytheDoll.com.

A new sized model for your creations and photos awaits!

Middie (Middle) Blythe is here — but she doesn’t have a middle child complex because she has a super cute charm that the other’s don’t have. She can turn her head to the side!

Not too big, not too small, she’s just right!
For everybody who was wondering who Middie Blythe is, your wait is over!
Middie looks slightly younger looking than a Neo Blythe and slightly more grown up than a Petite Blythe.
She is called “Middie” because her size is in between Neo and Petite, but it spells “Middie” instead of “Midi” so it sounds like a cute girl’s name.
Her head is table to tilt to the left or the right with eye move technology enhancing her charming gaze!

[ Middie Blythe Stats ]
Size (height): About 20cm
Eye color: 1 color (eye direction is moveable from left to right)
Eyelids: Set (do not close or open)
Neck: Moveable to left and right
Arm: Moveable
Waist: Stable (does not twist)
Knee: Stable (does not bend)

.. and as if you needed any more reason to love and want a Middie Blythe of your own, CWC is releasing an exclusive “Macaron Q-Tea Party” in collaboration with Q-pot.

Check out all the information directly from BlytheDoll.com:

Tea time is the perfect time to retire to the garden for a relaxing escape.
The intoxicating aroma of the flowers in the sunshine fill the air.
The light colors of the pink tea roses resemble the color of sweet Parisian macarons.
Once the treats are done baking we will be ready for our luxurious afternoon tea party, make yourself at home and enjoy this time with us!

“Macaron Q-Tea Party” has a soft and welcoming look coordinated with her sweet and romantic styling.
Her strawberry pink dress is embroidered with the Q-pot. brand, signature “Q” and whipped cream print.
Her apron is light and airy, and brings to mind fresh whipped cream.
Her gorgeous little hat is a little tea cup filled with mint tea!
Like any proper tea cup, it features a beautiful rose and lace motif to make it truly festive for our afternoon tea!
Her necklace and earrings have the signature Q-pot.’s “Q” and are made to look like strawberry and mint green Parisian macarons, how sweet!
She wears lace tights and mint green strapped shoes.
Her hair is a lovely honey blond, and has a slight wave perm giving her a romantic and sweet look.
She wears mint green eyeshadow and has fresh pink lips and cheeks, just right for an outdoor party.
Her eyes are blue and are so inviting and warm.
Her skin type is Very fair.

[ Skin Type ] Very fair
[ Make-up ] Eye shadow: mint green, Lips: blushy pink, Cheek: warm pink
[ Eye Color ] Blue
[ Hair Color ] blonde with a touch of brown (two mixed saran colors!)
[ Earrings ] Q-pot. Brand signature macaron earrings in mint green and strawberry
[ The set includes ] Doll, pink dress with decorative print, apron, tea cut hat, Q-pot. brand signature macaron necklace in mint, Q- pot. Brand signature macaron earrings in mint green and strawberry, tights, mint green shoes, bloomers, and new Middie Blythe stand.

Scheduled release Date: October 2010
Suggested retail price: 14,490yen
Limited to 3500dolls

0 Comments

Older Posts

Newer Posts

Amber Renee

Who is Poochie?

Poochie Television Special

Poochie Commercials

Q. How do you think of new ideas for soap themes and designs?

A. I’m very inspired by fashion and craft trends. Graphic design is my latest passion since I can now put dissolving images into my soaps. I love that!

Q. What inspires you?

A. Candy, color, cuteness, anything kawaii, and I especially love Japanese stationery supplies. Deco tape is my newest indulgence!

Q. What are your favorite scents?

A. I LOVE super fruity scents like watermelon and strawberry jam. I could smell those all day long!

Q. What’s the most exciting memory you have experiences because of soapylove?

A. Definitely when my soaps were featured on the Etsy homepage for the entire Thanksgiving weekend! That was my first year in business and the orders came rushing in. So many new opportunities came from that lucky break. It was beyond thrilling!

Q. What’s next? Can you give us a sneak peek?

Gallery

Printable Pandas

More Printable Designers

Paper Toy Books

Give it a Try

CONGRATULATIONS to the winner, Kate Barber!

The Prize

The Rules

Bonus Entries