I know I haven't posted a new angel for awhile, but that doesn't mean I've been slacking off! I have been working on one that's rather ornate and time-consuming, in between freelance jobs. Here's a little preview of the work in progress.
I caught this documentary on PBS last night and my mine was blown! I love nature documentaries, but I confess that when I saw what this one was about – a type of fig tree in Kenya, Africa – it didn’t immediately intrigue me. How exciting can a tree be, anyway?
I was soon to find out that the sycamore fig tree is the center of an incredible ecosystem that involves everything from microscopic parasites to elephants, and in between…insects, birds, monkeys, bats, fish, crocodiles, and more!
The life cycle of this amazing tree is vitally intertwined with that of the minuscule fig wasp (small enough to fly through the eye of a needle), that is its sole pollinator. This mind-boggling symbiotic relationship – mostly taking place INSIDE the fruit, is beautifully filmed using innovative techniques, not to mention plenty of patience. A sample of this incredibly intimate filmwork can be seen here. More behind-the-scenes info on how they achieved these amazing shots and the work that went into this production can be found here. Beyond the jaw-dropping revelations of the wasps’ adventures, there’s the aphid-herding ant “security force” that drives off animals harmful to the tree, drunken butterflies, parasites upon parasites, sap-squirting cicadas, latex-stealing bees, hornbill birds who seal themselves into the tree’s trunk, tiny, a spiny pink mantis, a giraffe with impressively nimble tongue and monkeys munching fruit, licking sweet sap, catching inebriated butterflies and feeding the fish in the river below. And that’s not even all of it!
This film had me captivated and awed all the way through. It made me reel in wonder at the phenomenal variety and ingenuity of life, and how complex and amazing the intertwining of different species can be.
If you happen to see it listed, I highly recommend watching! It is also available on dvd. A short, introductory clip can be seen here. More info, including some videos, photographs and related articles can be found here.
From my butterfly and moth-inspired series "Lepidoptera", this piece combines the mysterious glow of the moon and the delicately-hued luna moth named after it. Prints (matted and framed, if you wish) now exclusively available here. http://fineartamerica.com/featured/luna-cristina-mcallister.html
"SKINGRAFT is Jonny Cota, Cassidy Haley and Katie Kay. Together the three have been making waves through the underground fashion world of Los Angeles with their indulgence in distressed leathers and furs, painted and antiqued canvases, and masochistic metal detailing and corsetry. From elongated Victorian necks and ruched sleeves to punk-inspired metal work and hand-tarnished bucklings, SKINGRAFT has created an entire world within their designs that is timeless yet excitingly inventive."
Gorgeous clothing beautifully photographed...does it get any better than this? Well, I suppose if I could afford them, it would be better! Alas! These guys are a bit out of my league, price-wise, but I can still drool over them and be inspired for free! They do have a ready-to-wear selection available at these retail locations, as well as working their haute couture magic.
*Sigh!* So fantastic and enchanting! I'm delighted with their growing recognition and success!
I have a thing for hats - funky knit hats in winter, broad-brimmed sunhats in summer, pirate hats and cowboy hats and cute little flapper-style velvet hats...and most fun of all, fancy hats with lots of feathers and flowers and ribbons and bows and fabulous frippery!
Well, Ms. Purdy knows what I like! This millinery maven has been making hats for many years, and it's her passion. She sells to small hat shops and through her website, ebay and Etsy shop, and specializes in all sorts of historical costume and custom designs - Victorian, Edwardian,Civil War, Kentucky Derby, Pirate, Carnival, Steampunk, Gothic Lolita, and more. She's got hats for church, for tea, for weddings, for riding, for touring, for going to the races, for just looking fabulous! Check out her Gallery for photos of her happy customers decked out in fantastic finery at various costume events. She has a huge selection of styles - from wide brimmed extravaganzas adorned with lush explosions of feathers, to her slightly more subdued and elegantly embellished riding hats, to flirty mini top hats, feminine derbies wrapped in silk, feathery fascinators, and beautiful bonnets. Her hats are expertly adorned with fantastic compositions of colorful, tantalizing trimmings: ribbons and roses and beads and bustles and blossoms and lace and feathers and jewels and veils and butterflies...oh my!And her prices are very reasonable - I've seen hats like these going for twice what Ms. Purdy charges, and with all the luxurious materials and talented expertise put into these one-of-a-kind masterpieces, I think they are worth every penny!
She also carries a selection of accessories such as gloves, fans, hatpins, parasols and nifty Venetian Lace Cuffs, as well as hat stands and hat boxes to keep your delicate headpieces safe.
I'm particularly enchanted with this little number. Too bad my birthday just passed! :( But I just happened to discover that today is Ms. Purdy's birthday! Happy Birthday, Ms. Purdy! Keep up the great work!
UPDATE: I just received a letter from Ms. Purdy and she informed me that the hat at the top of this post is not her creation, but was made by Elsie Massey, another marvelous hatmaker and colleague. Please see this post to see more of Elsie's work.
ON SALE for one week only, get sultry, exotic angel Angelique on a velvety gray spaghetti-strap tank top, or rich chocolate brown T-shirt. The tanks are made from form-fitting 100% Baby Rib cotton, and will shrink a bit in the dryer, so it's a good idea to order a size larger than you wear.
Tees also feature the winged Cristina's Angels logo across the back and are 6.1-ounce, 100% cotton with a seamless double-needle top-stitched collar, taped neck and shoulders and double-needle sleeve and hem. Sizes range from Small to 3X.
You can't find these designs anywhere else in the world! Until the end of August, save $2.00 off regular price on these two items.
I discovered Organic Armor a couple of years ago at Lightning in a Bottle and was blown away by their beautiful products. Artist Paul Hershey (below, with wife and business partner Jennifer) creates fantastic handmade costumes, accessories and props for: "tribal fairy punks, video game priestesses, alien viking warriors and circus divas, among other things". These fantastic designs look like ancient metal, leather or bone, but are, in fact, a soft and flexible reinforced rubber that's lightweight, comfortable and durable. Not terribly useful for actual battle, but perfect for masquerades, costume events, theater and performers of all kinds.
Their most popular items are their headpieces - ornate, crowns, horns, helmets, hats and masks all beautifully sculpted and gleaming with various metallic finishes and antique patinas. They also have a selection of bustier sets and lovely necklaces, arm and wrist jewelry. I'm especially enamored of their funky, fabulous top hats. I'm picturing one with angel wings and peacock feathers! If you need to accessorize your warrior, princess, fairy, steampunk, etc. costume - be sure to check out Organic Armor! They are happy to take on custom commissions. They'll even make armor for your pet!
To turn off music, hit Pause on the Angels Radio playlist below.
Artist Cristina McAllister features her unique pin-up art and shares Nifty & Spiffy stuff such as (but not limited to) sexy art, steampunk fashion, costuming, food and drink, music, entertainment and whatever other fabulous finds tickle her fancy.
Cristina McAllister is a self-taught artist who lives near L.A. with her wonderful husband and goofy Cat. She has been compelled to draw and create since she could hold a crayon, and has spent the first half of her life teaching herself how to develop that natural talent. Her work can be enjoyed as Coloring Books, Fine Art Prints, Wall Decals and Handmade Fantasy Accessories.
I know I haven't posted a new angel for awhile, but that doesn't mean I've been slacking off!
I caught this documentary on PBS last night and my mine was blown!
Beyond the jaw-dropping revelations of the wasps’ adventures, there’s the aphid-herding ant “security force” that drives off animals harmful to the tree, drunken butterflies, parasites upon parasites, sap-squirting cicadas, latex-stealing bees, hornbill birds who seal themselves into the tree’s trunk, tiny, a spiny pink mantis, a giraffe with impressively nimble tongue and monkeys munching fruit, licking sweet sap, catching inebriated butterflies and feeding the fish in the river below. 
From my butterfly and moth-inspired series "Lepidoptera", this piece combines the mysterious glow of the moon and the delicately-hued luna moth named after it.
"SKINGRAFT is Jonny Cota, Cassidy Haley and Katie Kay. Together the three have been making waves through the underground fashion world of Los Angeles with their indulgence in distressed leathers and furs, painted and antiqued canvases, and masochistic metal detailing and corsetry. From elongated Victorian necks and ruched sleeves to punk-inspired metal work and hand-tarnished bucklings, SKINGRAFT has created an entire world within their designs that is timeless yet excitingly inventive."
I have a thing for hats - funky knit hats in winter, broad-brimmed sunhats in summer, pirate hats and cowboy hats and cute little flapper-style velvet hats...and most fun of all, fancy hats with lots of feathers and flowers and ribbons and bows and fabulous frippery!
She's got hats for church, for tea, for weddings, for riding, for touring, for going to the races, for just looking fabulous!
She has a huge selection of styles - from wide brimmed extravaganzas adorned with lush explosions of feathers, to her slightly more subdued and elegantly embellished riding hats, to flirty mini top hats, feminine derbies wrapped in silk, feathery fascinators, and beautiful bonnets.
And her prices are very reasonable - I've seen hats like these going for twice what Ms. Purdy charges, and with all the luxurious materials and talented expertise put into these one-of-a-kind masterpieces, I think they are worth every penny!
I'm particularly enchanted with this little number. Too bad my birthday just passed! :(
The tanks are made from form-fitting 100% Baby Rib cotton, and will shrink a bit in the dryer, so it's a good idea to order a size larger than you wear.
Tees also feature the winged Cristina's Angels logo across the back and are 6.1-ounce, 100% cotton with a seamless double-needle top-stitched collar, taped neck and shoulders and double-needle sleeve and hem. Sizes range from Small to 3X.
Artist Paul Hershey (below, with wife and business partner Jennifer) creates fantastic handmade costumes, accessories and props for: "tribal fairy punks, video game priestesses, alien viking warriors and circus divas, among other things".
If you need to accessorize your warrior, princess, fairy, steampunk, etc. costume - be sure to check out Organic Armor!
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