GRAFFITi BEACHm a g a z i n e
003Holiday
I n s p I r I n g C r e a t I v I t y
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Illustrators
we love
2012
featuring ilse Valfré
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f i n dsHoliday
- i n s p i r i n g c r e at i v i t y -
GRAFFITi
BEACHf i n dsHoliday
- i n s p i r i n g c r e at i v i t y -
GRAFFITi
BEACH
DesigneD by: Brandie Mata
HolidayShopping
Guide
GRAFFITi BEACH
AvAilAble At ShopGrAffitibeAch.com or in-Store 2220 fern St., SAn DieGo cA
biKe // beAtrice holiDAY: vintAGe biKe bAG/purSe $68, SeAt cover $24, Set $88 AmY // JeDiDiAh: bicYcle crop top $28, beAtrice holiDAY: biKe chAin necKlAce $24 muKee: SKAteboArD peAr eArrinGS $26 continuouS: reD ciGArette pAntS $78
vince // YelloW 108: feDorA $44 urbAn octopuS: thinK tee $32
2012
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holiday shopping
guide
gb
Dear Readers,
Dreaming of something new is the first step. Acting upon a dream with the first
creative design is the next. And then sharing your work with the world finalizes the
process. These steps are so easy to say and write, and so much harder to do. The
designers, artists, and musicians within these pages have done just that, and we at
Graffiti Beach aim to support the bravery, inspiration, and dreams of these Creatives
and share them with the world.
The goals of our magazine are two-fold. 1) We believe in the artists that we feature,
and we believe in their success. We want to support these Creatives in the advancement
of their careers by celebrating them in this step of the process 2) We are inspired by
true creativity. We love to see new and interesting ways of doing things and we love
to see designs that are eco-friendly and attempt to make new from old. If knowledge
is power then we hope that the knowledge of their work will empower them to create
more, and in turn inspire creativity within others.
Just like Pinterest exposes the viewer to ideas that they might never have seen, and
Facebook connects you with others, our intent is for this magazine to reveal, highlight
and celebrate talent that you might never have known. We aspire to cultivate creativity
by sharing what is unique and trendsetting within the worlds of art, music and fashion
- in the hopes of inspiring you! When we surround ourselves with creativity, and
experience the energy of people following their dreams despite the odds against them,
our world becomes so much more vibrant and beautiful.
Get inspired!
Melanie Michaud Brandie Mata Alana Trevino Itaya
EstElla Park - Coordinator, stylist [email protected]
3
mElaniE miChaud - ownErshoPgraffitibEaCh.Com
- meet the team -gb
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MCassiE kobrin - writEr [email protected]
giovanna avila - bEauty dirECtor
alana trEvino itaya - [email protected]
miChEllE afriCa - stylist
stylEhashtag.Com
garonE afriCa - PhotograPhErgaronEafriCa.Com
JEnna sotElo - EvEnts, salEs [email protected]
CorrinnE bollEndorf - writEr
brandiE mata - CrEativE dirECtor, PartnEr
brandiEmata.Com
susanna liang - Coordinator, CoPy [email protected]
franCEs laCsamana - salEs
laurEn adams - Coordinator, CoPy [email protected] lara tishlEr - writEr
gb
rhoEl Paghunasan - dEsignEr, [email protected]
Erik Cardona - [email protected]
- c
on
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to
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-
niColE stEvEnson - writEr
randomniColE.Com
brianna van nEss - writEr
miChElEn muCho - hair
monarosE ryan - [email protected]
alExa magrum - writEr
JEssika lEvinE - PhotograPhEr
Carla kirkPatriCk - makEuP
PEarl thiEnkosol - writEr
linda zirkus - hair & makEuP [email protected]
ariana lEvin - writEr
gb
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MandrEa rEitman - [email protected]
sonya CaldEron - dEsignEr
ana fuEntEs - [email protected]
samia lavEnant - writEr
alEJandra arEnas - dEsignEr
krissy fErnandEz - PhotograPhEr
EilEEn doniEgo dE franCE - writEr [email protected]
Crystal washington - writEr
[email protected] winfrEy - hair [email protected]
linda zirkus - hair & makEuP [email protected]
ariana lEvin - writEr
gb
Dear Readers,
The Holidays are upon us! We continue to see inspiring ideas and passionate
creations here at Graffiti Beach. Isn’t that the true essence of these times together?
We are called to appreciate our blessings, reflect upon the year, and plan towards
the next, all while taking stock of the gifts in our own personal lives.
The blessings of creativity, inspiration, and sheer raw talent are something we
truly treasure. We find ourselves within a community of creative souls that are
constantly striving to make the world a better place, to keep us eco-conscious, to
encourage us to buy local, while enjoying the unique designs of our community.
We are so blessed. As we wish you the Happiest of Holidays, we hope that we
have been able to share these blessings with you. Our goal is to support and
launch these Creatives while sharing their gifts as a gift to you, our readers. Our
hope is that when you sit down and flip through the pages of our magazine, you
feel that same feeling we do when surrounded by creativity. We want you to
know these talented individuals, just as we have gotten to know them, and then
we want you to share them with your friends and family, just as we have shared
them with you. Their beginnings are beautiful and we hope you will help us see
each of them to the next level.
We all seek to share what we have… and this is what we hope to share with you.
Happy Holidays,
Alana Trevino Itaya
Editor-in-Chief
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in the
“True artis characterized by
an irresistible urge
creative artist.” - Albert Einstein
sTOLen sUnDAy: infinity Scarf $55COnTinUOUs: Black leggingS $49sHegReeTsTHeDAy: Skull cut Out tOp $35VOeT: leg Bandeaux $18 beATRiCe HOLiDAy: inner tuBe cuff $24, Bike chain cuff $24
gb
fashion
tuneage trends
art
out
diYprofile
give
finds
calendar
feature
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- old kEys and nEw bEginnings by Pearl Thienkosol
a CollaborativE work of art: homE dECor by 8 womEnby alana Trevino iTaya
must shoP indiE onlinEby eileen Doniego De France
foldEd PaPErsby erik carDona
diy magazinE gift bowsby eric yo
Cool CorC- bEyond winE bottlEsby lara Tishler
holiday CoCktailsby brianna van ness
art to ordEr by brianna van ness
havE your art and wEar it tooby cassie korbin
holiday shoPPing guidE
kids roCkby anDrea reiTman
thE bEat of thE hEartby alana Trevino iTaya
bEatriCE holiday goEs roCk ‘n rollby alexa mangrum
bEauty stoPs from la to sdby ariana levin
makE a wishby crysTal WashingTon
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58IllustratIons by: Ilse Valfré
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GRAFFITi BEACHm a g a z i n e
on the cover
I n s p I r I n g C r e a t I v I t y
PhotograPhy: KrIssy fernandez
CoordInators: lauren adams and
susanna lIang
haIr: mIsh mucho
MakeuP: carla KIrKpatrIcK
Model/Illustrator: Ilse Valfré
dress by: 8000 nerVes
organiC insPirationby samia lavenanT
thE wow of nativE honEyby eileen Doniego De France
thE swEEt sCEnt of shoEs in thE morningby corrinne bollenDorF
a symbiotiC lovE affairby alexa magrum
PatChwork diyby nicole sTevenson
PatChwork show - PiECEd togEthErby crysTal WashingTon
indiE shoPPing EvEntsby ariana levin
illustrators wE lovE by erik carDona
thE duality of womEn by alana Trevino iTaya
daring to drEam by alana Trevino iTaya
firE in thE hamPtons by corrinne bollenDorF
fortunE 421 runway show
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2012Illustrators
we love 003Holiday
GRAFFITi BEACHm a g a z i n e
003Holiday
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holiday shopping
guide
Illustrators
we love
2012
Keys are designed to unlock doors. They can also be symbols that represent opportunity, a source for change, or the presentation of a solution. Caitlin Crosby, founder and owner of The Giving Key has created a true “pay it forward” company. Her company embraces a humanitarian perspective while creating jobs and generating a call to action. Her mission empowers and establishes a mindfulness that: “anyone can help someone else”. The Giving Key is a company that uses old keys to create new beginnings. Each key has a special engraving on it with words like “courage”, “breakthrough”, or “passion”, and encourage each wearer to live according to the true meaning of each message. The hope is that one day the wearer passes the necklace on to someone else they feel is in need of encouragement, support, or simply a word imbued with a promise. The message and the key is then passed on from person to person, forming life-to-life bonds, while creating positive change in the world.
In Buddhism, the ideology of living by The Four Virtues reveals the importance of treating others with compassion and appreciation. The Fourth Virtue describes treating those who are less fortunate with pity and kindness. We are to think of such persons as if they were one’s own children, showing them compassion and consideration at all times. The Giving Key began with Caitlin’s eagerness to help others by living the Fourth Virtue. Her desire was to help young
girls with body image issues. She wanted to remind them, through these one of a kind keys, that they themselves are significant and one of a kind. Then one day, after watching a documentary on “Invisible Children” she says, “I was bursting with the feeling that I wanted to do more to help people and change the world.” While walking down Hollywood Boulevard, Caitlin met a homeless couple named Cera and Rob. They were holding a sign that said “Ugly, Hungry, and Homeless”. Caitlin stopped and spent time with the couple and soon realized that Cera and Rob were the missing link - she asked them to be her business partners. As a result, Cera and Rob have been able to put a roof over their heads. Rob received his GED with all A’s, and Cera got a job working at the San Diego Zoo as she works towards her goal to become a massage therapist. Since then, Caitlin has also been able to support 10 people as they change their lives, helping them to get off the streets, while creating autonomous lives through this newfound employment.
Caitlin developed The Giving Key to help others and is now a part of numerous charities, including transitional homes, counseling, schools, and shelters. She also supports various organizations such as “Not For Sale”, “Invisible Children”, “Charity Water”, and “To Write Love On Her Arms”. Hundreds of real-life heartwarming stories can be found on The Giving Key’s website at thegivingkeys.com. These keys can be
found and p u r c h a s e d
on l ine and all across the nation, even finding their way to Japan. They
can be custom made, and have helped support people all over the world. No
matter how young or old a person is, these keys can be the inspiration to living a fulfilling life, and are a reminder that everyone can be a help to someone else.
gb give
WRiTTen by: pearl thienkOSOl DesigneD by: Brandie Mata
OLD KEYSanD newBeginnings
AvAilAble At ShopGrAffitibeAch.com or in-Store 2220 fern St., SAn DieGo cA
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If Carole’s impeccable taste does not draw you in, then her sweet Southern
accent surely will. Carole Carden is the owner of SoLo, a collective on
Cedros Avenue in San Diego. Carole has taken a circuitous route (including
stops in Paris and time spent as a magazine publisher in Texas) to becoming
the owner of this unique venture, but every step along the way has sharpened
her taste and brought her to this most perfect of spots, in life and location.
SoLo is 4,000 feet of retail perfection and includes 8 spaces with carefully
chosen vendors. Each vendor has their own unique style and each one sticks
wordlessly to it. Realizing that the space inhabited by each vendor is without
walls and meant to come together to create one store, each vendor has their
own unique niche that contributes in it’s own way to the whole.
It began with a love of books that led Carole to open her own bookstore –
Esmerelda’s Books and Coffee in Del Mar, California. Seeking to expand, she
opened a 2nd location in the Cedros Trading Company, a collective of about
40 merchants located in the current building that SoLo now inhabits. As
time went by, her bookstore sadly went the way of most books stores these
days, and was closed. The Cedros Trading Company changed ownership
and was redesigned to accommodate a design studio in back and a 4,000 foot
retail space in the front. Carole stepped in, bringing her favorite merchants
with her, and started a new collective: SoLo. Now it is home to 8 female
merchants, each with their own design sense, handpicked by Carole Carden.
Each vendor collaborates to create a cohesive store that focuses on upscale
home décor, with a focus on design.
Even now, Carole’s books anchor the store. “People walk in and look at the
books. They ground the whole store and help to set the tone.” Each book
has its place. “They are flat or face up on the tables and shelves. No spine
is turned out.” The books, which are largely on design, art and architecture,
send out a very clear message… We are about design,” says Carole.
Carole has a staff of 6 individuals, who have largely been with her since the
beginning - eleven years ago this August. They maintain the space, ring the
purchases, and take care of all the details involved in running a store. The
merchants are asked to be there a few days a week to maintain a connection
with their customers and the ebb and flow of their merchandise. For any
merchant this is an ideal scenario. The collective frees up the time spent on
bookwork and other miscellaneous business oriented tasks. It also allows
them to search for items to sell, items that will represent them and the store
as a whole.
The women are as varied as their merchandise, each choosing distinctive
items to maintain as their own focus. Jennifer Price focuses on industrial
and repurposed design with interesting lighting elements, largely created by
Jennifer and her sister. Sonya Kemp focuses on the children’s section with
edgy and fun items for the younger set. Sharon Wilt’s area of expertise is
Asian with some attention paid to jewelry. She chooses non-mainstream
Asian pieces, focusing largely on Japan. Ruby Lang focuses on vintage
antiques and obscure jewelry and has a huge following. Laurie Graham’s
style is modern British. Adrian Newell sells soaps, candles and gift items.
Beyond the books that she personally sells, Carole also sells modern cards
and children’s books as well as a table top section with placemats, rugs and
glassware. She also has a section that focuses on mid-century furniture. But
the magical thing about SoLo is that it all looks like it came from one buyer.
The styles effortlessly move from genre to genre much as the books do. They
tell a story, the story of Carole and these 7 other women, as they create a
place to make a living from their passions.
When asked if she will ever expand and perhaps open another “SoLo”
Carole quickly dismisses the notion. “ One is enough. We could not
duplicate this location. The merchants and I are all good friends. It is
brilliant. Besides, I like to have a life.”
A CollAborAtive Work of Art:
Home Décor by 8 WomenWRiTTen by: alana trevinO itaya PHOTOgRAPHeD by: garOne africa DesigneD by: Brandie Mata
profile
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modCloth (modCloth.Com):
Timeless, quirky, and classic - ModCloth is the
ultimate e-commerce site for retro clothing,
accessories, and decor. For those looking for a
specific style, from rockabilly dresses, to 90’s
style combat boots, ModCloth does a wonderful
job providing shoppers with both one-of-a-kind
vintage, and vintage inspired items.
Great Prices: 3 stars
emerGinG Brands: 2 stars
80s PurPlE (80sPurPlE.Com):
For chic fashion forward men and women, there
is 80s Purple, an online boutique with pictorials
that ooze style. But it isn’t just their lookbooks
and fashion videos that draws in frequent
shoppers, it is also their selection of hip brands
that street savvy kids know and love (see: Han
Cholo and Wildfox).
Great Prices: 2 stars
emerGinG Brands: 2 stars
stanton JamEs (stantonJamEs.Com):
On point with trends and street looks from LA,
NY, and Europe, Stanton James caters to the
ultimate ‘cool kids’. Stanton James offers indie
brand clothing perfect for those who are a little
rough around the edges and those that have sense
of humor.
Great Prices: 1 star
emerGinG Brands: 5 stars
thrEadsEnCE (thrEadsEnCE.Com):
ThreadSence is all about the free-spirited and
rebellious indie culture. This site satisfies the
fashion aesthetics of the artistically and musically
inclined, or at least those who take a great interest
in it!
Great Prices: 3 stars
emerGinG Brands: 3 stars
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gyPsy warrior (gyPsywarrior.Com):
If you could combine your boho older sister and
punk rock best friend, you’d get Gypsy Warrior - a
site founded by fashion veterans with the afore-
mentioned contradicting styles. Gypsy Warrior
features clothing and accessories that marry the
two styles into one aesthetically pleasing look.
Great Prices: 4 stars
emerGinG Brands: 3 stars
nasty gal (nastygal.Com):
The insanely popular Nasty Gal started from
humble blogger beginnings and is now one of the
first e-destinations for fashion bloggers around the
world. Nasty Gal features indie inspired apparel,
and most recently they have joined the design
game and have brought forth their own clothing
line.
Great Prices: 2 stars
emerGinG Brands: 2 stars
shown to sCalE (showntosCalE.Com):
Shown to Scale isn’t about showcasing trends, they
are about starting them. Their NY boutique and
e-commerce site features both vintage clothing and
clothing that owner, Silke, designs. For those in
search of both unique and timeless items, Shown to
Scale is worth a visit.
Great Prices: 3 stars
emerGinG Brands: 4 stars
graffiti bEaCh (shoPgraffitibEaCh.Com):
Graffiti Beach is a carefully curated boutique and online
shop that features emerging brands and artists. Each
brand and art piece is unique to the store and has its
own story to tell.
Great Prices: 3 stars
emerGinG Brands: 5 stars
f i n dsHoliday
- i n s p i r i n g c r e at i v i t y -
GRAFFITi
BEACH
gb art
The problem with artists is well, we’re artists.
Creators, innovators, originators all suffer from
the same syndrome. We’re all half-brains – with
an intense focus on the right hemisphere. We
don’t balance checkbooks, we get lost with GPS,
and we wear Tom’s shoes because laces confuse
us. But throw us a guitar pick and a typewriter
and we’ll give you ‘Stairway’ and ‘Catcher in
the Rye’. We notoriously fail to have our cake,
and eat it too.
Of course, there’s always the exception.
Graffiti Beach’s featured, and first, ‘Paper Artist,’
loves to have her cake. One of the top 50 in
the world in her craft, Jackie’s artistry flows
back and forth between her Corpus Callosum,
producing an art form both imaginative and
fundamentally sound. “My first paper project
was actually an origami kit. I knew creativity
was an important component to it, but I was
surprised to learn just how much the theory
of it is rooted in math.” Though Jackie’s left
hemisphere appreciated the calculated precision
origami offered, her right side was stifled by
its inelasticity. So she immediately began to
reuse the instructions — bending rules where
she could provide her own touch and sense of
self. “My creations are very much a balancing
act between engineering and art. But the balance
is never 50/50. One has to be dominant over the
other. It may be different every time, but like a
dance, or any good relationship, only one can
lead at a time.”
Though paper artistry is what Jackie is best
known for, it by no means defines her. Her
intense work ethic coupled with a distaste for
the ‘norm’ gives Jackie a myriad of artistic
abilities. “Diversity is extremely important to
me. I was once told that to be a successful artist,
I needed a specialization. But isn’t specialization
just another word for pigeonhole? “Pigeonhole”
is perhaps the only word in the English dictionary
worse than ‘starving’ to an artist. Despite what
Maya Angelo would have you believe, caged
birds don’t sing — they die. Jackie knows
this all too well, having armed herself with
“ FOLDED PAPERS”
Written by: ERIK CARDONA DesigneD by: ALEJANDRA ARENAS
a wide repertoire of artistic outlets including
illustrations, paper sculptures, pop-ups, quills,
and personalized sketchbooks.
Having studied at USC film school and interned
with industry giants Dreamworks and Disney,
the sky is truly the limit for Jackie Huang. Her
dual threat combo of rational and creative
thinking keeps her constantly primed for success.
For proof look no further than her unique
method of networking. Holiday cards. “I realize
for my art to be relevant, I have to be relevant.
What better way to check in with clients, and
simultaneously showcase my latest efforts, than
with a holiday card?” The holidays proved so
innovative that they’ve made Jackie ‘relevant’
to Graffiti Beach. Mission accomplished, girl.
If you would like to get ‘relevant’ with Ms.
Huang’s work, do yourself a favor and grab
these before the holidays - it beats posing in
an ugly sweater.
AvAilAble At ShopGrAffitibeAch.com or in-Store 2220 fern St., SAn DieGo cA
suPPlIes needed:magazInes (preferably w/ full page
ads or pIctures)
scotch tape (or glue dots)
ruler
exacto KnIfe
patIence (good thIngs and better
bows come to those that waIt)
steP 1:
Cut a magazine page lengthwise into 9
strips, 3/4” wide.
steP 2:
Leave 4 of the strips full length.
steP 3:
Cut one inch off 3 of the strips.
steP 4:
Cut two inches off 2 of the strips.
steP 5:
Twist each strip to form a loop at both ends
and tape in the center.
steP 6:
Shape the 4th long strip will be the center
secure it with tape or a glue dot.
steP 7:
Layer the 3 remaining full length pieces on
top of each other, spacing them evenly and
securing them. Repeat for the smaller pieces.
steP 8:
Finally, stick the loop into the center.
Try experimenting with the order and
positioning of the strips or find and use
images related to the gift it is being used on.
Diy MagazinE BowsConCept by: erIc yo, erIcyo.com
photos by: eIleen donIego de france
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It all began in 2006 with the collaboration of two brothers - Josh and
Larry. Jessica, president and product developer, and wife of Josh,
says that their ultimate goal was to “create useful products out of
an underutilized material - cork.” Thus was the start of the brand
CoolCorC.
The two brothers first started with disposable cork cup sleeves, used
for hot or cold beverages. They wanted to provide an alternative to
traditional paper cup sleeves. Jessica was there, supporting them,
helping at conventions and conferences, and educating attendees
about the history and nature of cork.
Jessica officially joined the design team in 2009, “on a quest with
my husband to make a reusable cork cup sleeve.” They had sourced
samples of cork material in order to discover which would work
best for their design. “I received the samples of cork fabric in 2009.
With my background in knitting, crocheting, sewing, design, and
architecture, my need to create was so overwhelming, I immediately
started sketching,” says Jessica. Cork has many unseen advantages,
and this team looked to capitalize on every single one. They fell in
love with this underused material because of its “texture, suppleness,
and durability.” “After a few prototypes and tests of my own I am
confident in saying that our cork fabric is also water, stain and scratch
resistant. It has a natural insulation, and is a biodegradable material,
making the CoolCorC cup sleeve superior to all others currently
on the market. It wears incredibly well and only gets softer with
use and time. I love all of these qualities of cork fabric, and the
fact that it is a natural material that
is also durable,
supple and
works similar
to leather, just
makes me more
excited to work
with it.”
In addition to it’s workability, Cork
“is sustainably harvested and is also a
regenerative material.” Cork, found in
cork oak forests, is home to a number
of endangered animals. This “rich”
environment is listed as “one of
the most diverse
eco-systems in the
world”, according
to the World Wildlife
Foundation. This is
only one of the many
benefits of this natural
resource. The cork forests
also help to provide tens
of thousands of families
with work, who rely on
the harvesting of cork for
their livelihood. This is a
continuation of a tradition that
has occurred for thousands of
years. Not only does the harvesting of cork help support thousands
of people, it also helps the tree itself by prolonging the life of the tree.
“Fascinating and completely counterintuitive from how we think of
the majority of trees, Cork trees are not endangered, and are actually
thriving. There is no shortage of cork. The only way cork trees can
be endangered is if we stop harvesting and using cork,” says Jessica.
In 2010 CoolCorC decided to take a step forward in the world of
cork by branching into other products other than their cup sleeves.
They debuted their first line of cork accessories. They started selling
their products at their local Farmer’s Market to test the level of
desirability. The demand for their eco-friendly and fashionable
products was overwhelming. “People loved our designs, and most of
all… they loved cork!” explains Jessica.
Harvestable cork forests are only found in the mediterranean and in China - the largest exporters are
Portugal and China. We source our cork fabric from China.{ {
CoolCorCWritten By: lara tiShler deSigned By: Brandie Mata
B e y o n d W i n e B o t t l e s
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HolidayCocktails
Burnished orange hues fill the sky. Lakes ice over in
shades of sapphire, and frosty winds whisper that
winter is on the way. Dig your favorite sweaters
out from the back of your closet and cozy-up with a few
of our favorite specialty cocktails. With these recipes, you
won’t have to fly away to sun-drenched islands or brave
snowstorms to enjoy some holiday cheer. Our elegant
concoctions will transform your abode with exotic fruit and
spicy cordials, while ciders and cognacs will transport you
to a cabin nestled in snow-laden pines.
Whether it’s sipping, in the spirit of the New Year, or
snuggling fireside, the holidays are all about making great
memories with family and friends. We’ve cooked up a few
beverages that will have everyone gathered together and
ladling up the good-times. We’ve also included a few that
will simply let you show off as the merry mixologist.
Get festive with simple fruits like apples and oranges,
or get adventurous with persimmons, pineapples and
pomegranates. Indulge in some homemade organic
cordials, and make your cocktail party sparkle with vintage
glassware. These cocktails are the perfect centerpieces for
any over-the-top holiday celebration. Cheers!
gb
WilDFloWer sWeeT TeaClear, crystalline, and crisp. While drawing
on the sweet tea flavors that make us think of
home, this beverage offers a sophisticated twist
of Elderflower liquor and honey.
3 oz. Absolut Wild Tea
1.5 oz. St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur
0.75 oz. BarenJager Honey Liqueur
Pour ingredients over ice into a cocktail shaker
and stir. Pour into a highball or rocks glass and
garnish with a wedge of lemon.
sPiceD FruiT cake ciDerThis sweet spiked-cider will have you dreaming
of an exotic island escape as warm spices float
through the air.
2qts. organic Apple Cider
1 cup Spiced Dark Rum
1 cup Irish Whiskey
½ cup BarenJager Honey Liqueur
¼ cup Cinnamon Schnapps
1 sliced apple
1 sliced orange
1-2 cinnamon sticks
4 whole cloves
Break out the crockpot and start this recipe
early in the morning. The holiday smell will
permeate your home with delicious spices!
Pour all the ingredients into a 6-8 quart
crockpot. Add the thinly sliced apples, oranges,
cloves and cinnamon stick. Before serving,
muddle some pineapple at the bottom of the
glass and garnish. Serve in a glass mug, stone
earthenware, or hand painted mug.
nouvelle sTarThe delicate, rosy, pink-cheeked hue of
this cocktail might appear to be an elegant
ingénue, but looks can be deceiving.
Effervescent champagne is coupled with
Pear Brandy and grows gradually sweeter as
bubbles dissolve the cranberry-infused sugar
cube at the bottom of the glass.
4 oz. Champagne (Sweet or Brut)
European Style White Sugar Cubes
2 drops Cranberry Bitters per sugar cube
½ oz. Pear Brandy
Prepare Sugar Cubes with 2 drops of
Cranberry Bitters in champagne flutes. Fill
flute with ½ oz. of Pear Brandy, and then top
off the glass with about 4 oz. of bubbly.
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hoT buTTereD rumPrep time on this one can put you into overtime, but it is
worth it. The compound butter can also be used on toast,
and the spiked whip cream is great on waffles, fresh fruit, or
in coffee.
1 oz. dark rum
1 oz. light rum
*Pat of Compound Butter (see recipe below)
½ oz. Maple or Simple Syrup
Hot water or hot cider
**Bourbon-spiked vanilla whipped cream (See recipe below)
Cinnamon Stick for garnish
Mix all ingredients in a goblet and stir a few times to melt the
butter. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and bourbon-spiked
vanilla whipped cream.
*Compound Butter: Soften 1 pound of butter in a stainless
steel mixing bowl and mix 1 teaspoon each of ground
cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, and ¼ cup of dark brown
sugar. Mix well. Prepare a cookie sheet with wax paper and
spoon out heaping teaspoons onto the wax paper. Cool in the
refrigerator and remove 30 minutes before use.
**Bourbon-spiked vanilla whipped cream: Pour 1 pint of
heavy whipping cream into a mixing bowl. Start mixing on
high and gradually add ¼ cup confectioners’ sugar. Add 1
tablespoon bourbon and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract. Whip
until peaks appear.
Ginger Cordial (Non-Alcoholic):
Make an extra batch of this cordial and package as gifts in
re-usable glass bottles with swingtop closures.
2 cups sugar
¼ inch piece of ginger, peeled and chopped
Peel of 1 lemon
1 cup fresh lemon juice
In a 2-qt. saucepan, combine sugar, ginger, lemon peel, and
1 cup water. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally, and cook
until sugar is dissolved, about 5 minutes. Add lemon juice
and boil 1 minute more. Remove pan from heat. Set a fine
mesh sieve over a large measuring cup. Strain liquid and
transfer to a bottle. Keeps refrigerated for up to 3 weeks.
Makes 3 cups.
chrisTmas in manhaTTanThe Manhattan has four basic ingredients:
Whiskey (rye, brandy, or bourbon), Sweet
Vermouth, bitters, and Maraschino cherries.
A traditional New York Manhattan is
made exclusively with rye whiskey, where versions from
Minnesota and Wisconsin employ brandy. In the South,
bourbon is the only acceptable spirit for a true southern
gentleman. To make fruit-infused holiday splash, use an
apple brandy like Apple Jack and Grand Mariner.
One of the strongest drinks in this compilation, Christmas
in Manhattan is stunningly smooth. A chilly exterior
pushes tart apple flavors to the forefront, while vermouth
and Grand Marnier warm through your chest. Everyone
will be glowing with holiday cheer!
2 oz. Apple Brandy
½ oz. of Sweet Vermouth
½ oz. of Grand Marnier
Pour apple brandy, sweet vermouth, and Grand Marnier
over ice into a shaker. Stir and strain into a martini glass
or serve on the rocks in a traditional rocks glass. Garnish
with a red Maraschino cherry. For an added kick use
Italian Vignola preserved cherries, which can be found in
most Italian markets.
ReCommendations foR sipping /no-pRep spiRits:
Heering Cherry Liqueur: Produced in Denmark since 1818, Cherry Heering is a ruby-red liqueur made by soaking lightly crushed Danish cherries and a blend of spices in neutral grain spirits, then cask-maturing the mixture for up to five years, adding sugar during the aging process. Perfect as an aperitif.
Extase X.O.: An exotic spirit distilled in small batches from orange peels and imported from the island Curacao. Extase X.O. is carefully blended and distilled in Dijon, in the heart of Burgundy, using one of the oldest operating pot stills in France.
Single Malt Scotch: Have you ever counted stars while lying on a blanket of peat moss next to a bon-fire-by-the-sea? Try Lagavulin 16-year scotch, and you’ll feel as if you have. Channel your inner sailor by pouring a dram of this amber colored magic into your glass. Scotland awaits.
Remy Martin XO: The pillowy, gem-shaped bottle holds a velvety textured cognac. It teases out essences of sweet oranges and ripe figs while lingering on your tongue long after the first sip. Savor and drink slowly.
gb profile
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De-lovely, De-lighTFul, anD
De-vine: We’re De-liriously
inFaTuaTeD WiTh Deny Designs
anD DusTin eDWarD nyhus,
The namesake behinD Deny
Designs. PrePare To be
insPireD in your living sPace.
Why jusT hang arT, When you
can sleeP on iT anD shoWer
WiTh iT?!?
De- neW: iDeas anD arTisTs
Meet DENY Designs, or rather the man behind DENY. Get to
know DENY from a glimpse into the life and journey of Dustin
Nyhus, the little Denver acorn that he was, and the gorgeous
tree that DENY has become. He is the orchard farmer folks….
and the artists he supports are like rare and beautiful trees,
creating a kaleidoscope of color in a world of cold pixilation.
graffiti bEaCh (gb): On the company site you describe
DENY as “a small passionate group of people whose right
sides of the brain dominates their left sides” as well as people
who “want to create and be visionaries”. Tell me about the
battle of the right vs. left hemisphere…
dustin: Yeah, it’s definitely a battle. We’ve got A.D.D. like
nobody’s business around here. We just want to be engulfed in
design all the time. DENY, at the core, is about supporting the
artists and the art community throughout the world. Everyone
is passionate about building the future here. We have over
2,500 pieces of art from 80 artists around the world.
gb: It sounds like DENY’s concept is really focused on building
a symbiotic relationship with the artists. How does DENY
connect with these creatives?
dustin: We are absolutely 100% about a partnership with the
artist. With each purchase from the Gallery, our team of
profile
Art to order-denY desiGns-
WRiTTen by: Brianna van neSS DesigneD by: Brandie Mata
gb profiletalented artists earn part of the proceeds, enabling
DENY to support art communities all over the
world. I feel like now is the best time to be an
artist. You can actually make a substantial living
nowadays. As far as connecting, sometimes DENY
reaches out to individuals, but the most direct
way to start is on the site at denydesigns.com.
There is a ‘Join Us!’ tab. Every single person at
DENY is involved in contributing their thoughts
on the artwork that is featured. We take in 300
applications at a time and we click on every single
submission, every single image, every single time.
gb: Sounds like a lot of work. What is the response
time for artists who submit via the site?
dustin: Within 2 weeks we get back to the artist
with a response if it seems like it would be a good
fit. We are always looking out for new ideas,
new art - anything new! DENY only features
non-competing work. We are really careful about
selecting styles and approaches that don’t compete
with each other and are equally amazing in their
own right. We want to reach out and be with the
artists throughout the entire process. DENY is there
as a partner while making the visions work on the
products.
gb: I was reading about your renegade non-belief
in carrying inventory and the unique dye-printing
process. DENY has been featured in a lot of high-
circulation periodicals as well as trend-setting online
sites. How do you keep up?
dustin: DENY is well-equipped to handle high
volume without compromising quality. We print
each product after it’s ordered so that it’s 100%
custom-made for each and every customer. My
experience in industrial design and wholesale
manufacturing has given me a lot of insight. The
process involves dyeing ink into the fibers of the
fabric (for textiles) or the coated aluminum (for our
hanging art pieces) instead of the traditionally used
direct print. This gives DENY’s products a huge
advantage, as our colors stay fresh and vibrant.
Instead of just art on your walls, DENY creates
customized products for home décor.
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gb: In your bio, it says that you have
some “mad skills” when it comes to
designing and building furniture and
that it’s “in your blood”. Sounds like
your family roots have played a big
part in your development and creation
of DENY.
dustin: I grew up watching my father
and grandfather build pretty much
anything they set their minds on. They
would basically look at it and figure out
how to build it. My grandfather even
helped build a paddle boat. The basic
philosophy I have tried to live by, and
encourage others with, is to just dive in
and do it! Don’t be afraid to get your
hands dirty and to make mistakes - that
is the process of discovery.
gb: You are the CEO of DENY
designs, a.k.a. “the brains”, and your
wife Kim is the COO. Does that make
her the “heart”? What influenced and
inspired you both in the development
of DENY? How is it running a
visionary, creative business with your
partner in life?
dustin: The concept of DENY, and
one of the major reasons we are here
is that Kim and I had a lot of time
to talk about our vision for DENY.
When she was pregnant with our
twin boys, she was put on bed-rest
for a period of time, and it was then
that we were able to talk in depth
about what we envisioned. We were
also fortunate enough to be able to
travel around the world together.
Observing how people and artists in
other cultures and environments live
and thrive has been key.
Dustin, his wife and co-founder
Kim, and the DENY staff and
artists truly seem to operate like a
growing family. Rather than just
projecting art for consumption, the
principles of community, creativity,
and eco-responsibility are taught
through their visionary business
model, giving the international
art community a platform to
thrive. DENY is helping new ideas
and images continue to evolve,
while helping us all become more
“engulfed in design.”
profile
“the BAsic philosophy i hAve tried to live By, And encourAge others, With is to just dive in And do it!” -dustin nyhus
gb fashion
Brand names and company logos emblazoned across t-shirts are becoming less
and less popular, making way for more artistic, “wearable art”. The notion
that having Abercrombie and Fitch or Volcom written across your chest could
be replaced with pictures, patterns, and designs excites artist Michael Phipps,
creator of Scatterbrain Ties. As a strong
advocate for wearable art, he favors
individuality over conformity within
fashion, every time.
After graduating with a degree in
illustration, and doing various freelance
jobs ¬ranging from making CD covers to
designing a headstone, Phipps decided to
explore other types of art. He wanted
to find unique ways of displaying his art
that could also fill in the “gaps” between
larger jobs. He wanted to accomplish this
all while allowing him to put together his
passion for illustration, graphic design,
and support of unique fashion. “There
are so many ways to display art that reach
far beyond two dimensional prints on a
wall,” says Phipps. With that mentality,
Phipps started screen-printing his original
illustrations and graphics onto t-shirts.
Fast forward four years and Phipps is
designing and selling t-shirts for men and
women, ties, and even some messenger
bags - all covered in his funky designs.
Phipps explains, when asked about the
choice to add ties to the mix, “a tie has a very unique
shape that surprisingly opens up possibilities, despite
being confining in other ways.” He started making ties
by recycling some of his t-shirt designs that could be sized
down to fit on a “skinnier” canvas. Everything moved
forward from there. Now he has created an entire line of
ties – Scatterbrain Ties.
Today he offers dozens of hand screen-printed, one-of-a-
kind ties on his website: Scatterbrain Ties, as well as on
Etsy and ThinkGeek. More recently, Scatterbrain Ties
are being sold both in-store at Graffiti Beach and online
at ShopGraffitiBeach.com, where the “Albert Einstein” tie sold out almost
immediately upon arrival.
Phipps’ main goal when designing is to produce creations that are “out of the
box” and unique. In doing so, some of
his designs may seem random - think
circuit boards, portraits of Abraham
Lincoln, octopi and finely-dressed
frogs. These surprising designs are
exactly what his customers appreciate
about him. Phipps’ goal is to design
using “whatever comes to mind”,
and to “make something that looks
awesome, interesting, and doesn’t
necessarily have a joke or a theme, but
is visually appealing.”
Mission accomplished.
For a man, “a tie is a good excuse to
wear something strange or funky. Some
people that wouldn’t wear a crazy shirt
are willing to be more expressive with
a tie,” notes Phipps, who frequently
sports his own designs, “Dapper Fox”
being his current favorite. Phipps’ ties
add a touch of spunk to the dreary
dress shirt and sports jacket. Although
the concept of adding craziness to a
typically formal article of clothing may
seem strange, according to the artist
himself, that’s what makes it all the more fun.
At the end of the day, Michael Phipps’ Scatterbrain Ties
offers art that is “unique, cool, weird and amazing, ” on
a “canvas” that was simply an expected accessory. Wear
them to a business meeting, in the courtroom, out on
the town, at your company’s next holiday party, or out
to dinner. Or, why not just throw it on just because it’s
Friday? Regardless of where you wear it, Phipps’ unique
ties warrant some passing stares, and always offer a
guaranteed topic of conversation.
have your art and wear it too
WRiTTen by: caSSie kOBrin DesigneD by: Brandie Mata
AvAilAble At ShopGrAffitibeAch.com or in-Store 2220 fern St., SAn DieGo cA
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DesigneD by: Brandie Mata
HolidayShopping
Guide
GRAFFITi BEACH
AvAilAble At ShopGrAffitibeAch.com or in-Store 2220 fern St., SAn DieGo cA
biKe // beAtrice holiDAY: vintAGe biKe bAG/purSe $68, SeAt cover $24, Set $88 AmY // JeDiDiAh: bicYcle crop top $28, beAtrice holiDAY: biKe chAin necKlAce $24 muKee: SKAteboArD peAr eArrinGS $26 continuouS: reD ciGArette pAntS $78
vince // YelloW 108: feDorA $44 urbAn octopuS: thinK tee $32
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gb finds
Graffiti beach seeks out specific designers and artists that have an
interesting story behind their lives and work.
Whether their proDuctS Are mADe from A unique mAteriAl, Support A cAuSe, or JuSt reflect their
creAtor’S pASSion, eAch item reveAlS true heArt AnD Soul AlonG With inventiveneSS AnD hourS upon hourS loGGeD into DeSiGn AnD creAtion. the holiDAY SeASon
iS the perfect time to ShAre their StorY/concept/miSSion With Your frienDS AnD fAmilY. Get reADY to be inSpireD AS You flip throuGh the next feW pAGeS, AnD
be prepAreD to ShAre the Gift of ArtiStic pASSion With Your loveD oneS! nothinG SAYS holiDAY love liKe A
cArefullY choSen, creAtive, one-of-A-KinD Gift.
All of theSe itemS Are AvAilAble in-Store AnD online: ShopGrAffitibeAch.com
GrAffiti beAch – 2220 fern St., SAn DieGo cA 92104
Tunes ecogeekstreet aztec
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AvAilAble At ShopGrAffitibeAch.com or in-Store 2220 fern St., SAn DieGo cA
AMY // JeDiDiAh: free birD tee$32 1oAKbYSArA: AGAte necKlAce $58 VINCE // continuouS: GAneSh tee $32
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GB finds
TunesMusic is a very important element to our creative
store concept. Our artwork, clothing and décor all have a strong relationship with musical elements. We have something for every musical
style at Graffiti Beach!
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Left Wall // bUgHOUse above 1. gAMAgO: 45 recOrd cOaSterS $12 2. gAMAgO: BBQ guitar Spatula $20 3. bUgHOUse: caSSette panel (Several genreS tO chOOSe frOM!) $68 4. FORTUne 421: 4 the recOrd tee $32 5. JAMMyPACK $48 6. FORTUne 421: treBle + BaSS tee $32 7. CHiMe Designs: MariMBa druM cyMBal necklace $72
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gb finds
above 1. MAPTOTe: nyc tOte (Other citieS availaBle) $17 2. JeDiDiAH: MOtOrBike tee $30 3. niCe RAKC: White Mini Skyline clutch $38 4. POP CHART LAb: grand taxOnOMy Of rap naMeS print $28 5. COnTinUOUs: SuBWay tee $36 6. ALeX CHiMiLiO: handpainted MOrSe cOde lOngBOard $375 7. JAMMyPACK: hOarder $68 8. gAMAgO: hip hOpSicleS ice tray $8 Right aMy // MUKee: SkateBOard feather earringS $26 THe giVing Keys: inSpire key necklace $35 CHiMe Designs: rattle Bracelet $48 JeDiDiAH: tO live and tO lOve tee $32 CHeLseA b: native red ShOrtS $65 isLAy: french lace leggingS $48
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streetGraffiti Beach’s slogan: BEACH MEETS STREET allows for an urban coastal vibe indicative of our California coastlines. So this category was a no brainer! You can’t go wrong with our Subway tee, New York City Map Tote and of course the
unique longboard, handpainted in Morse Code!
AvAilAble At ShopGrAffitibeAch.com or in-Store 2220 fern St., SAn DieGo cA
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gb finds
We all have those friends and family members who live through their computers, video games and
various iProducts. Give them the gift that feeds their obsession: a circuit board tie, Fantastic Mr. Fox shirt,
and more!geek
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Left vince // yeLLOW 108: driver hat $35 sCATTeRbRAin: fOx tee $28 above 1. bUgHOUse: JOyStick future fOSSil $78 2. sCATTeRbRAin: circuit BOard tee $28 3. sOCK iT TO Me: MuStache SOckS $9 4. URbAn OCTOPUs: huMan reflex print $16 5. POP CHART LAb: the very Many varietieS Of Beer print $28 6. POP gOes THe COLOR: retrO videO geek lightSWitch $9 7. URbAn OCTOPUs: eyectOpuS pint glaSS $10 8. sCATTeRbRAin: circuit BOard tie $34 9. sCATTeRbRAin: einStein tee $28
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gb finds
above 1. WeWOOD: Jupiter Watch (Several cOlOrS and StyleS availaBle) $139 2. yeLLOW 108: upcycled felt fedOra $38 3. COOLCORC: Bird cOrk Wallet $75 4. KAnDALs: ecO StraWBerry Scented ShOeS (Other cOlOrS availaBle) $48 5. MUKee: califOrnia SkateBOard Belt Buckle $34 6. TOAsT: Bird On Wire WOOd iphOne decal $29 7. beATRiCe HOLiDAy: vintage Bike Bag/purSe $68 7. PUsH: typeWriter ring $30 Right aMy // beATRiCe HOLiDAy: tire cuff, Bike chain cuff $24 each
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We are passionate about eco-friendly items! Each has an incredible story and sports a cool look, all while
being great for our environment. Guilt free shopping! Some of our favorite eco-friendly items for guys this season are skateboard belt buckles and cork wallets!
eco
AvAilAble At ShopGrAffitibeAch.com or in-Store 2220 fern St., SAn DieGo cA
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gb finds
aztec We cannot get enough of our love for Aztec designs! Think tribal designs, feathers, turquoise
and intricate patterns.
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Left aMy // 1OAKbysARA: agate necklace $58, ring $68 JeDiDiAH: free Bird tee$32 isLAy: SluB Maxi Skirt $89 nATiVe HOney: upcycled leather upper Bag $165 above 1. JeDiDiAH: free Bird tee$32 2. inCA: annie ShOeS (availaBle in BrOWn Or gray) $98 3. ARDenT ReVeRie: Juliet Bracelet $38 4. sTOLen sUnDAy: azuSa infinity Scarf $55 5. niCe RAKC: red yellOW triangleS clutch $38 6. sOCK iT TO Me: tOe and arrOW SOckS $9 7. Deny Designs: feathered thrOW pillOW By artiSt WeSley Bird $49 8. PAPeR biRD CReATiOns: the fly catcher ring $25
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phOtOgrapher: JeSSika levine
cOOrdinatOr: lauren adaMS
Makeup:carla kirkpatrick
hair: kriSten lynette Winfrey
left the giving keyS: inSpire key necklace $35 Jedidiah: tO live and tO lOve tee $32 right
vOet: leg Bandeaux (Other cOlOrS availaBle) $18
AvAilAble At ShopGrAffitibeAch.com or in-Store 2220 fern St., SAn DieGo cA
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WrIter: andrea reItman IMages Courtesy of: loog guItar desIgner: monarose ryan
gb profile
Some want to be doctors. Some want to be chefs. Some want
to be rock stars. For the doctors and chefs, there are functional
stethoscopes and “EZ Bake Ovens” made for little hands.
For the rocker… there’s the Loog Guitar!
This “build-it-yourself”, 3-string is a perfect starter for children
and beginners. Assembly takes about fifteen minutes and
requires no special tools. The guitar is a real instrument, made
from real wood. It comes in three different shapes and has a
choice of two scale lengths, one for younger children and one
for kids over age nine. The strings are nylon instead of steel,
making it easier on a child’s fingers. Once the child learns, a
young musician can play real chords and virtually any song on
this unique learning guitar. Because of its true musical capacity,
the Loog Guitar, although designed for children, is suitable for
anybody who wants to learn or likes to play guitar.
This inventive instrument was created by Rafael Ajitas for his
Master’s Thesis at NYU. Studying marketing, Ajitas knew that
he could choose from a wide variety of projects. But he also
knew that he had to create and focus on something he really
loved. Rafael says “I narrowed it to something that combined
two of my passions: music and industrial design.” He came up
with a “melody maker” which would inspire a child’s love of
music, and be fun and easy for families to assemble together.
Ajitas believes that the assembly of the guitar helps the young
musician “develop a deep connection” with the instrument.
“When I grow up, I want to be...” all little ones say this.
profile
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a fundraising website which procures backing for creative
projects. With Kickstarter, the company set a fundraising
goal and deadline, and created a campaign. Through the social
media resources and newsletters available, Loog Guitar not only
met their goal by deadline, but exceeded it by over $50,000.
According to Ajitas, “the support, the sense of community,
the backers from all over the world and the ‘we-can-make-it’
feeling, were exhilarating.”
Once the start-up capital was secured, Rafael Ajitas began
seeing the true reward for the creation of his product. “I love
it when we get videos, pictures and stories from our customers,
sharing how they build and play the guitar together with their
kids. It’s very moving.”
Loog Guitar was not this innovator’s first foray into the
harmonic world. “Music has always been my thing,” says
Rafael. In fact, he has played guitar and other instruments
since he was twelve years old. Initially, he played bass, since it
had less strings and he felt that it would be easier to pick up and
master. He says that this early belief “was really the beginning
of Loog Guitars.” By the time he was in high school he had
a band. Though at the time, he did not consider himself a
‘professional musician,’ Ajitas successfully recorded two albums.
The Loog Guitar is a game changer when it comes to the way
people learn music. Because 6 strings can be overwhelming
for children and beginners, the 3-string format is a good
springboard. Easier to learn, and following the same method
as a traditional 6 string guitar, the Loog guitar provides a
stimulating and encouraging experience for novice players.
According to Ajitas, it was “specifically designed with the goal
to make it fun and easy for kids to play music.” Loog Guitar
is currently working to expand their product line. “Music
definitely was an important part of my life,” Rafael affirms.
And with the Loog Guitar, he intends to fill the lives of others
with music as well.
gb fashion
If one listens very closely you can hear the distinct
beat of the heart begging to move beyond itself.
There are those who do not hear the call. There
are the individuals who do, but (perhaps worse)
ignore it. Then there are those who hear it and
listen to the beat urging them onward toward an
often life-changing humanitarian mission.
Leslie Barrett falls unquestionably into the third
category. She works full time as a High School
teacher working with at-risk students to reach
the necessary first life goal of finishing High
School. She nurtures them forward all day, and
then only at night is she able to focus on her
other love - jewelry design. Each design reclaims
an old drum cymbal and breathes new life into
its forgotten and dusty form. Whether it was
cracked or dented matters not, as she shapes it
into delicate dangly earrings, a one of a kind
bracelet, or a necklace that grabs the attention
of any onlooker, mimicking the attention it once
received as a hi-hat. Being eco-friendly and using
reclaimed materials is a worthy goal for any
designer, but Leslie is not stopping there. “Even
though my jewelry business, CHIME, is just
coming off the ground I’ve always wanted it to
be based in positive, creative forces and I think
giving to others is the core of that.” As a strong
woman with very clear dreams, Leslie seeks to
help, support and urge young women within
and without of the classroom. In all her travels,
and throughout the collections of cymbals both
gained and given, she has met a series of amazing
female drummers. “Working with cracked drum
cymbals as my main medium has allowed me the
opportunity to meet numerous musicians, mainly
drummers - many of them dynamic and talented
women. I thought to myself ‘How can I bring
all of these beautiful ladies together, and who can
we help and inspire?’ It is through this connection
that she hopes to propel young women forward
to reach out and grab their dreams of being a
musician. “I wanted to connect established female
musicians with young, aspiring girls. I knew there
could be a powerful connection.”
Leslie, along with 6 female drummers, have
partnered up to create unique CHIME jewelry,
where a percentage of the proceeds go to support
other young women as they go to rock camp
C H I M E G I V E S : A C H A r I t y p r o j E C t S u p p o r t I n G t H E G r o w t H o f G I r l S I n M u S I C
WRiTTen by: alana trevinO itaya PHOTOgRAPHeD by: rhOel paghunaSan DesigneD by: Brandie Mata
the beat- of the -
heart
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“Originality is the key…Music is a language that can be used for the betterment of everything around you, so speak wisely.”-nikki g
gb fashion– helping turn their musical dreams into a reality. Rock Camp for Girls LA’s
(RCGLA) goals are similar to Leslie’s: “RCGLA strives to nurture self-esteem
and self-expression in girls, in a world that doesn’t always give girls permission,
space or the tools to do so. We hope that our programs inspire girls to be their
best selves, to rock in life.” Leslie, along with her 6 female drummers aim to do
just that. “Women are beautiful and have a lot to offer this world. I just want
to be a part of the solution. Women, as a collective, can have a very positive
and powerful influence on the world.” The goals are simple: “To bridge like
minds. To inspire. To create. To promote kindness. To keep the beats and
love of music running though generations.” Each jewelry piece captures the
unique inspiration and experience of each drummer. Each design is a permanent
record of their journey as they pass on their moments of triumph to other young
women – taking the form and shape of jewelry.
“The women I decided to work with are inspirational, talented and have so
much to offer this world. Their creativity expands far from their drum kits, and
so do their hearts.”
Merry Young, The MutineersMerry began playing the tambourine, the shakers and singing back-up. She then
evolved to a bass drum and only later added a snare and then a hi-hat. Cymbals
were added and “it just grew from there.” 4 years later she finds herself as an
established drummer.
Her design is “a pendant for a necklace. Three open rings, overlapping and
joined at the top. I looked at my own cymbals for inspiration. I have these
vintage Zildjians that just make the best shimmery sound. I sort of imagined
what that sound would look like. You could see each ring as a wave of sound,
like a chime actually…once I sketched it out it seemed to just make sense.”
When speaking to other female drummers, she urges them to “practice, practice,
practice. Your performance should speak for itself. If you are well prepared…
try to be yourself and develop your own ways of playing. You don’t need to
hit as hard as the next guy if that’s not your style. But don’t be afraid to make
yourself heard either.” Merry makes herself heard through her distinct style and
sound and now this design from CHIME will speak for her in a different way.
Nikki G, Street Drum CorpsNikki was born with music and rhythm in her very soul. As she got older this
relationship turned into a full-blown love affair. “Although I was introduced to
music at a very young age, drumming and rhythm were being applied by the age
of four and soon after I would start to explore percussion and then a full drum
set. I’m always asked why I chose the drums, but the truth is my instrument
chose me.”
Despite being given the musical blessing of her family, Nikki still ran into the
obstacles of being a woman in a male dominated career. “I have not only been
“the women i decided to work with are inspirational, talented and have so much to offer this world. their creativity expands far from their drum kits, and so do their hearts.”- leslie Barrett
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treated differently, but I have had the constant
struggle of being turned down not because of
my musical skills, but because I am female.
Change is happening, but just as many factors
of life create controversy between the sexes, this
is one I unfortunately have personal experience
with but will still fight to have the musicality
speak for itself.”
Nikki’s CHIME design centers around the art of
street drumming. She mixes in the shape of the
cymbals, vintage keys and other “artistically cut
objects such as custom trashcans and more street
found objects.” She mixes her love of the drums,
vintage keys and how her career has led her to
the place of being part of “Street Drum Corps”
represented by the objects from the street.
Her advice for young rockers is specific and
poignant: “The good musical fight is a vicious
cycle many artists endure, the cycle can either
stop you, or motivate you. Working in the
music industry is highly competitive and it truly
takes constant perseverance. There is nothing
more rewarding than taking every aspect of
the art and applying it to make it stand out.
Originality is the key…Music is a language that
can be used for the betterment of everything
around you, so speak wisely. The music world
is an unknown adventure, and with every
knock of opportunity, be ready, because one
knock will lead to the next.”
Jen Carlson, The CityForced to play the flute because of her tomboy
ways, Jen rebelled and took 2 drumsticks into
her hands instead. She has been seriously
studying the beats and rhythms that emit
from this chosen instrument ever since -
totaling eleven years of practice. When critics
say “You’re good for a girl” she moves on
unbothered, secure in who she is and the
choices that she has made that have led her to
this point. Her motto? “Put yourself out there
and play from the heart…everything will come
together.”
gb fashion
With her strength in her convictions, seen from the outset,
it’s no wonder that she chose a symbol of endurance and
stability – an anchor. Her nickname is “tugboat.” She
is the “little boat that pulls the ship.” Keeping with the
theme of strength the symbol of the anchor is to represent
the drummer’s role within the band, as the anchor of the
music. Though she recognizes the important role of the
drummer, she also realizes that they are just one part of the
equation. “I hope they [the girls benefiting from the sale
of her design] learn how to play with the band. Writing a
song isn’t about one instrument or person – it’s everyone
working together as a team
and picking your spots to be
dynamic.”
Megan Moede, Member of the professional marching artsBorn into a family with Julliard
in its genes, Megan embraced her
musical capabilities and followed
in her brother’s drumming
footsteps. “My brother was a
drummer too, so being the younger
sister I had to do anything that
he did.” She took this passion
for drumming and shared it with
everyone she knew. She would
drum, but she would also teach drumming and percussion.
She is surrounded daily by eager students who are every
bit as passionate as she is about the drums. “The learning
experience and the family tradition are what got me in, but
the passion and camaraderie is what kept me hooked.” Now,
a decade later, she seeks to share her passion with other
young girls striving to make it as musicians.
Her design, like Megan, is based in music. It is modeled
after paradiddles “which is a basic rudimental figure that
consists of two strokes of the hand followed by a double
stroke. When you are playing it you’ll play out the pattern
‘RLRR’ or ‘LRLL’. She used the traditional “RLRR”
but translated it into morse code. She took a concept
that is known by all levels of learners and connects them
through the beginning steps of drum knowledge. Her
inspiration lies in the very day that she met Leslie at a craft
fair. “There was such an amazing energy from the room
of people who made a living off of their creativity.” From
then on the prospect of collaboration with Leslie was an
exciting and creative way to share her love of drumming.
“Making cymbals into wearable art is a way to take
something seen as just a scrap of metal into something
beautiful and timeless.”
Julie Edwards, Deap VallyHer path to her drumsticks was more joyfully random.
She simply thought it looked like fun, “so I gave it a try”.
Now 7 years later, her obstacles are few, with “overly
tightened hardware” at the top of the list. Her words
of encouragement are simple and joyful “ Hit hard, but
stay groovy. Everyone loves a girl
drummer. You’ll get lots of attention
– enjoy it!”
Julie’s design is CHIME earrings
“inspired by John Bonham’s
pictorial symbol for Led Zepplin –
three interlocking circles. It is the
replication of John Bonham’s symbol
made from a cymbal.” She attributes
his powerful musical talents as her
greatest drumming inspiration.
Liv Marsico, Gothic Tropic and LiphemraThe path to drumming was clearly
outlined by Liv’s father who was a jazz
drummer and vibraphonist. “I always saw it as something
necessary to life,” says Liv. She has been actively
drumming since age 12. Because she began so early, her
obstacles were many. “In middle school the young boys
my age would exclude me from playing with them. They
were very particular about who they let into their bubble
to “jam”. I would often get made fun of and not taken
seriously because I was female, even by teachers. There
are still moments where people react to me differently.
Recently, when I was playing a show in Mexico the drum
tech looked at me and asked who the drummer was.
When I replied that it was me… he said that he didn’t
think that I could hit the drums hard enough.” With these
sorts of hurdles to overcome it is no wonder that Liv plays
the drums with so much power from within.
Liv has worked hard to set herself apart, to create a unique
and different drumming style. It makes perfect sense that
her CHIME design would be influenced by this path. “My
design is a round bracelet that says ‘Different Drummer’.
“i think the words ‘different drummer’ are important to keep in mind when developing your own unique playing style.” -liv Marsico
AvAilAble At ShopGrAffitibeAch.com or in-Store 2220 fern St., SAn DieGo cA
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This is a phrase that is strongly attached to
Elvin Jones, a very famous jazz drummer.”
This “different drummer” played with many
of the jazz legends, including Coltrane. “I
thought about what really shaped me as a
musician and his approach to the drum-set
holds a special place in my heart. I think
the words ‘different drummer’ are important
to keep in mind when developing your own
unique playing style.” Ultimately you don’t
need to “worry about being male or female,
just play the instrument with truth and the
rest will work itself out.”
When asked about her hopes for the young
girls that are enriched through rock camp, Liv
is very explicit…”I hope more young women
can find themselves through music. There
is very little in this world that can touch a
person’s soul the way music can. The sooner a
child can experience this beauty, the better.”
Leslie plans to move forward with her
charity, tending it and watching it grow as it
continues to develop. In the future she plans
to include a variety of musicians, and looks
forward to seeing and implementing their
designs into CHIME’s distinct and powerful
collection. As she creates more collaborative
designs, she plans to send more girls to camp.
“I hope this project allows financially less
fortunate girls the opportunity to participate
in RCGLA. And to not only experience
being a musician, but also to gain a sense of
independence and stronger sense of self-
esteem. We all know that music is a healing
force and can help shape lives for the better.”
With the support of these amazing female
drummers, and the mission of Leslie Barrett,
how can a young aspiring rocker girl not
succeed? These 6 drummers are paving the
way towards a future where the gender lines
are blurred and individuals are seen for their
talent and ability, not the box they check.
CHIME is being heard and CHIME Gives
will continue to inspire the next generations
of female music fans to reach beyond
themselves in order to achieve music as well
as equality.
“put yourself out there and play from the heart…everything will come together.” -Jen carlson
gb art
Beatrice Holiday
WRiTTen by: alexa MangruM
DesigneD by: Brandie Mata
PHOTOgRAPHeD by: garOne africa
sTyLisT: Michelle africa
HAiR MAKeUP: linda zirkuS
Alisun Franson is a rock n’roll reinventionalist. Known for
her bicycle inspired eco-friendly and innovative line, Beatrice
Holiday, Franson’s latest collection, “GILT RIDDEN” is for the
fresh, fierce, femme fatale.
Featuring an array of accessories that flaunt Franson’s jaw-dropping
ability to transform old into new, the collection was named using a
chic play on words that spoke to the origins of her creative medium.
Transforming upcycled bicycle materials into a new stunning set of
Goes Rock ‘N Roll
gbart
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gb art
jewelry pieces, Franson drew inspiration for “Gilt Ridden” from a
familiarity with the inner tubing of a bike wheel. This is a material
that she considers to be innate within her design work. Fusing
the recycled inner tube with the edgy cool metal of a bike chain,
the result culminated in a collection of accessories that is sure to
snazz up any outfit by adding a dose of seriously badass attitude.
Collecting materials used from local bike shops, the collection is
an intricate interplay of metal and tubing. Conceptualized as a
wearable, but avante-garde collection, she plays and manipulates
the two opposing mediums. Franson designed specifically with the
fearless fashionista in mind.
gbart
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gb art
Each piece is crafted to shine as the
focal point of any outfit. For those
that love the elegant boldness of
the pieces, but are confused how to
rock them, Franson recommends
simplicity. “Think denim” she
advises. “Pair the body pieces with
a plain white tank or tee with
skinny jeans and ankle boots,” she
says. Imagine the outfit as a canvas,
especially when donning statement
accessories, such as her personal
favorite, the TRIPOD—a seductive
triangle finger harness. “I love the
way it feels - magical and badass
simultaneously,” she says, citing
good scissors, music, and patience as
critical to the creation of its elaborate
design.
Set to debut the collection in
February 2013 at the POOL
tradeshow in Las Vegas, GILT
RIDDEN is only the beginning of her
eco-friendly, feminine, yet future-
forward designs. “The focus is to
keep pushing the envelope and keep
creating more,” says Franson.
Currently available at Graffiti beaCh, view the ColleCtion in-store at seleCt boutiques or online at beatriCeholiday.Com.
gbart
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gb finds
Sometimes you want to go where
everybody knows your name, and
that place is the Salon on 30th! Spe-
cializing in beautifying the outside
to match the inside, the Salon on
30th aims to please with beautiful
cuts, styles, and color. 30th’s diverse
staff focuses on truly listening and
communicating with their clientele
so they can make a personal connec-
tion while making their customers
feel fabulous. Their talented staff
can give the color you’ve been crav-
ing, the cut you’ve always wanted.
Cheers!
company name: Salon on 30th
phone number: (619) 284-1687
address: 2225 30th Street San diego, ca
92104
Website: SalonOn30th.com
Specialty: cuts, Styling
SALON ON 30TH: SOUTH PARK, SAN DIEGO
01
THE TOP BEAUTY STOPS FROM LOS ANGELES TO SAN DIEGOWRiTTen by: ariana levin DesigneD by: aleJandra arenaS
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HOLLY JONES HAIR SALON: VENICE BEACH ON ABBOT KINNEY
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f i n dsHoliday
- i n s p i r i n g c r e at i v i t y -
GRAFFITi
BEACH
Looking for that trendy dip-dye or
ombre gleam? Look no further than
the fashion-forward studio that is
Holly Jones. Not only will you
leave with naturally-placed high-
lights that look sun-kissed rather
than striped, but your hair and nose
will thank you for her use of low
ammonia color and her beautiful
lofty salon with an open-air envi-
ronment.
company name: holly Jones hair Salon
phone number: (310) 399-1320
address: 1221 abbot kinney Blvd venice
Beach, ca 90291
Website: hollyJones.com
Specialty: Ombre, dip dye, cuts, Styling
02
gb finds
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MELEESA THE SALON: HUNTINGTON BEACHBalayage abounds in this Hunting-
ton Beach Salon owned by Meleesa
Miller! For natural-looking high-
lights that leave the hair looking
gorgeous, without obvious root
regrowth. Meleesa’s is the place
to go. Meleesa is known for her
extensive knowledge, her careful
communication with her clients,
and for demonstrating how to use
specific products and techniques at
home to recreate the “look”. She
also specializes in curly hair and
extensions. Ladies of all hair types
will certainly leave this salon feeling
like new women.
company name: Meleesa the Salon
phone number: (714) 969 7199
address: 221 Main Street Suite e hun-
tington Beach, ca 92648
Website: MeleesatheSalon.com
Specialty: innovative and Bohemian Styl-
ing – Braids, Balayage, cuts
LULU’S BY TRAVIS PARKER: SAN DIEGOEnvironmentally friendly, health-
conscious, and financially feasible,
Lulu’s offers beautiful manicures
and pedicures without the use of
shellac and UV rays. Trendy and
spot-on for nail art, Lulu’s also
is one of a very select few bou-
tiques across America selected to
feature MINX – protective nail
coating available in multiple col-
ors, designs, foil, and metallic. Be
sassy and let Lulu’s keep your nails
on-trend!
company name: lulu’s by travis parker
phone number: (619) 521 2026
address: 2348 30th Street San diego, ca
92104
Website: lulusbytravisparker.com
Specialty: nail art, Soothing Manis and
pedis, Minx protective coating
03 04
57
f i n dsHoliday
- i n s p i r i n g c r e at i v i t y -
GRAFFITi
BEACH
DRYBARS: THROUGHOUT CALIFORNIA
DIPPED NAILS: REDONDO BEACH
Hair never looks quite as good as
it does when you leave the salon-
hair swinging, shiny, and perfectly
blown out. Clients can get a fabu-
lous blow-out at their local Drybar-
salons specializing in “no cuts. No
color. Just blow-outs for only $35.”
Clients can order appetizing styles
such as “The Cosmo,” a blow-out
replete with luxurious loose curls.
“The Mai Tai,” a glorious disarray
of beachy waves. As well as “Man-
hattan,” for those seeking straight
and smooth locks. Memberships
to the bar also save money while
occasionally throwing in freebies
So, don’t create a waste of energy
and frizz- book an appointment at
the Drybar for an affordable and
beautiful blowout.
company name: dryBars
phone number: (877) 379-2279
address: throughout california, check
website for exact locations.
Website: thedryBar.com
Specialty: Blowouts
Color-blocking, galaxies, tie-dye,
and autumnal leaves are just a few
of the spectacular design specialties
offered by Dipped. Relaxing mani/
pedis in the laid-back atmosphere
and special attention paid to the
latest nail trends ensure that fin-
gers and toes are fun, fresh, and
fashion-forward.
company name: dipped nails
phone number: (310) 944 9100
address: 1300 South pacific coast high-
way, Suite 109 redondo Beach, ca 90277
Website: dippednails.com
Specialty: nail art
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gb fashion
senbazuru is the art of folding one thousand
origami paper cranes. According to Japanese
lore, folding 1000 cranes would grant the owner of
such dedicated hands a wish. Each careful fold of
the lovingly made cranes mimics the careful delicacy
of Paper Bird Creations.
Lovingly handmade with endless customizability,
jewelry by Paper Bird Creations is truly special and
unique. Each piece is as inimitable as its wearer.
Ranging from delicately enchanting personalized
nameplate necklaces, to bewitchingly organic semi-
precious stones, PBC features an endless array of
imaginative creations. Utilizing jewelry wires and
gemstones, Villarroel creates a unique look that is
exceptionally decadent with a warm, earthy feel. “I
like things that are organic in look and vintage in
style. There is something about hand wrapping a
stone into a ring. No two pieces are the same,” she
says of her company’s free spirited aesthetic.
Michelle Villarroel started Paper Bird Creations in
2005. It has been a tumultuous ride, but through
the years, with the love and support of her family
and friends, as well as her unyielding drive and
ingenuity, she has built her company from the
ground up.
Not merely conversational, but inarguably fluent in
make a wiShWRiTTen by: cryStal WaShingtOn DesigneD by: Brandie Mata
AvAilAble At ShopGrAffitibeAch.com or in-Store 2220 fern St., SAn DieGo cA
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artistic talent and design skills, Michelle
utilizes her creative aptitudes as well as her
background in advertising, web and graphic design. With the
aid of a small team to assist her, Michelle is directly involved
with every detail of her burgeoning company.
The transition from advertising and design to running a
jewelry business was faintly more than a hop, skip and
enormously big jump. The landing didn’t occur overnight.
Michelle had been creating invitations for her friend’s
weddings and birthdays. A trip to the craft store for invitation
supplies led to the acquiring of a jewelry making kit. A
request from one of the brides for custom bridesmaids’ gifts
set everything in motion for the birth of the business.
Having to compete against large companies with mass
produced jewelry is a tribulation for any independent
business. “Eventually I closed down my business and moved
on,” she explained. Fortunately, not forever.
As multifaceted as the very ingredients she utilizes in her
work, Michelle’s inspiration hails from her exotic travels as
well as au courant style icons like Zooey Deschanel, Blake
Lively, and Nicole Richie. “She is doing what I want to do.
She’s taken her accessory line to another level. Her style is
modern but has a unique antique twist to it,” she says of
Richie’s House of Harlow 1960 jewelry line. “My jewelry is
definitely influenced by current trends but at the same time I
do what I feel is right at the moment.”
Many species of cranes migrate over vast distances. The same
has held true for this California originating company. The
sun drenched shores of the golden state couldn’t keep the
treasures of PBC a secret for long. Soon Michelle was sending
shipments clear across the 50 states to New York, and across
the sea to Australia. “It’s such an amazing feeling to know
someone half way across the world is wearing something that
was created from my own hands. There is nothing better than
that feeling that something you put your whole heart into is
being appreciated and shared with someone you don’t know,”
states Villarroel. Off the internet, the line has recently been
welcomed through the doors of Graffiti Beach and is now sold
in-store and online.
Cranes fly with necks outstretched, rather than pulled
back, ready to take on the wind and the world. A fitting
representation, for a company that has come a long way;
evolving and taking on challenges with unwavering gusto.
gb fashion
With all the current trends in the
Fashion Industry, it’s easy to
forget the most essential and oldest
inspiration source of all - nature.
Nature combined with the love of
her environment provided a powerful
creative launch pad for Jessica Coleman,
creator of Folia Design SF. “I live
and work in San Francisco, a city that
inspires me and delights me every day.”
The love of her city and her ability to
find and commune with nature is what
she attributes as her main source of
inspiration – these are the elements that
brought her career and hobby together,
in perfect union. “I find inspiration in
the every day, natural and urban forms
around me, and translate this into the
organic and modern geometries of my
designs.”
With a Masters in Landscape
Architecture and background in urban
design, her curiosity was piqued by
a new and cutting edge technique of
laser cutting. This interest become an
essential educational need and inspired
her to take a class at Tech Shop to satisfy
this new possibility of a creative outlet.
“I started experimenting with laser cut
design about a year ago – fell in love
with the hands on intricate results once
can achieve.” Tech Shop would not only
allow her to satisfy this curiosity, but
it also helped her to evolve as an artist,
while creating something completely
different. This is an artist’s constant
quest. The class gave her the possibility
to use Tech Shop’s facilities, which are
exclusively ‘members only’,
while playing with another
idea - jewelry. The idea
of creating wearable art
is something she adores.
The laser cutter makes
each piece an intricate and
detailed combination of
“the exploration of geometry
and the playful representation of
shapes.” The laser cut technique allows
all pieces to match her perfect vision of
them. Jessica is the main motor behind
this San Francisco based company. They
have already been featured in Dwell
Magazine’s 2011 Holiday Gift Guide, a
great showcase that strives to encourage
modern designers. After only one year
of working with this technique, the
company has been so well received by
clients that it has become her sole focus.
Not only are the designs inspired by her
relationship with nature, but she also
has a strong commitment to remain
environmentally aware using recycled
material as much as possible. When
asked about her best sellers she mentions
the water drop earrings and the water
drop necklace. This comes as no
surprise given their attention grabbing
design. They are also made with
bamboo, which
makes them
lightweight and
durable. “I love
watching my
designs come to
life with the laser
cutter and then
seeing those pieces
become part of someone
else’s life through use or wear.”
For now, Folia Design SF will be looking
forward toward the holiday season.
The variations on the designs give the
customer the option to choose from a
spectrum of geometrical shapes to more
organic forms such as leaves and tree
shadows. Still, all of Folia Design SF
pieces always have that element of unity
that makes them so distinctive. The
hand on process from designing, to laser
etching, to laser cutting is apparent in
each piece. The necklaces and earrings
can translate into much more than a
reminder of Jessica’s relationship with
nature; they can bring back that natural
and organic sensibility that we ourselves
need to revisit from time to time. In
this way, not only does Folia Design
SF perform its purpose, which is to
have the access to wearable art, but it
also accomplishes the goal of looking
fashionable and modern while doing
so. This serves as the explanation of
why this small company is starting to
reach beyond the San Francisco market,
and making its way to San Diego and
beyond.
WRiTTen by: SaMia lavenant PHOTOgRAPHeD by: kelly leWiSDesigneD by: Brandie Mata
insPirationorganiC
AvAilAble At ShopGrAffitibeAch.com or in-Store 2220 fern St., SAn DieGo cA
Style is all about expression. Though our clothes do not define who we are, what we choose to wear and how we choose to wear it is a great indicator of our personalities. Because of this, we are always on the constant search for clothes and accessories that will “wow” us. One brand that truly understands the “wow factor” is Native Honey. Like people, each bag has a style and design unlike any other. Each piece is uniquely handmade from carefully selected recycled fabric remnants, allowing each owner to feel wowed.
From yoga bags, to totes, to clutches - Native Honey has a colorful array of fabric and leather swatches that are designed and crafted to create bags for any occasion. The line of bags is not overbearing, but instead is most definitely eye-catching with beautiful simplicity. This unique balance is the type of “wow” that comes from the thoughtful creative process of owner and creator Kelly Jackson. “I am a sucker for a great textured leather. I am always looking for new fabrics and textures that will continue to give Native Honey originality and keep customers coming back for more,” says Jackson. “We use
recycled fabric and leather remnants so it can be tricky finding that ‘wow’ we know customers are looking for. But when we do, it makes the bags that much more original.” To help create that originality, Jackson partnered up with Adrian Villanueva to help with the luxury bags. Referred to as “The Magic Man,” due to his eye for detail, Villanueva works with Jackson on designing and sewing for Native Honey. Together they shape the brand and work to achieve their mission of creating eco-friendly bags that are unique and special to women.
“We are always working toward designing what women want and what is practical,” she says. “Keeping our product eco-friendly and at an affordable price is a challenge, but something we take seriously.”
This dedication of creating handbags that customers will truly love is not the only thing that makes Native Honey a “wow” brand. Their thoughtful consideration for style and environment also spans to the community. Part of their mission is to also help improve the world by donating a portion of the proceeds of Native Honey to charities all over the world. “Being a mom, I participate in many school and PTA donations,” says Jackson about her interest in giving back. “[Native Honey] has donated to breast cancer foundations and auctions for homeless fundraisers in Orange County. All organizations need all the help they can get. If I have it to give, I try to pay it forward as much as possible.”
One cannot help but feel wowed by the good vibes and style of Native Honey. These fabulous bags tickle your fashionista funny bone - and just in time for the holidays!
WRiTTen by: eileen dOniegO de franceDesigneD by: SOnya J. calderOn
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AvAilAble At ShopGrAffitibeAch.com or in-Store 2220 fern St., SAn DieGo cA
gb fashion
When contemplating losing one of the 5 senses… the sense of
smell is one that very few would give up. The scent of coffee
in the morning. The skin of a newborn baby. The smell of
aftershave that you associate with your boyfriend’s clean
shaven face. Smell defines our existence in such a way that
present, past, and future can mingle with one clearly defined
scent. Scents to avoid are just as numerous as the smells
we seek out. KANDALS Shoes seeks to strike one from the
“bad” category and switch it to the pleasant column.
The smell of strawberry wafting through the air from…your
shoes?
The Sweet Scent of Shoes in the Morning WRiTTen by: cOrrinne BOllendOrf DesigneD by: Brandie Mata
AvAilAble At ShopGrAffitibeAch.com or in-Store 2220 fern St., SAn DieGo cA
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Scented shoes?
Abel, student turned entrepreneur and founder of
KANDALS shoes, came to San Diego from Ethiopia.
He wanted to develop a vision for a design savvy,
unique women’s casual shoe, and thus KANDALS
was born. These shoes, unlike Toms or Keds, have
strawberry scented rubber soles.
When the KANDALS’ team was in the
developmental stage they explored some issues
that their competitors were having. One major
complaint was that all canvas slip on shoes started
to have a bad odor after repeated wear. To mitigate
this problem, KANDALS found a way to combat
the funk by using scented rubber soles. The sole
of the shoe is dipped into a strawberry scent prior
to being assembled. Not only does the rubber
foundation of the shoe add a fresh aroma, but
it also adds increased stability, durability, and
comfort.
Another aspect that makes KANDALS
stand out from other canvas shoe clones
is the fact that they have a double canvas
stitched layer, encasing a layer of foam, instead
of just a single layer. They are also entirely
made out of eco-friendly material, with the
upper portion made out of green certified
100 percent cotton and the outsole made with
natural, flexible rubber. So flexible in fact, that they
easily fold and you can stick them into your purse,
gym or yoga bag to be worn when you just can’t take
a second more of “those heels”.
KANDALS does not stop at simply smelling good…
they also seek to DO good. Their overall vision is
to give their customers stylish and practical shoes
that always stay fresh and last long while partnering
with organizations that help solve world-wide issues.
They wanted to go beyond just designing eco-friendly
shoes by contributing to a transparent non-profit
organization. With every purchase of a KANDALS
pair of shoes, a tree is planted in a lower income
country to aid drought stricken communities in Haiti,
Ethiopia, and the Philippines. The organization,
Trees for the Future, actively reaches out to farmers,
giving them the tools to learn new irrigation methods.
KANDALS recently helped to plant five hundred trees
through this incredible organization.
As KANDALS expands, so will their giving. There
are many problems in the world that need attention
- water, education and hunger. KANDALS hopes to
help eradicate some of them. KANDALS is a new,
San Diego based start-up with big heart. Despite
their newness to the fashion industry, they are taking
big risks in order to give even bigger gifts.
“Symbiosis,” is the sort of word one doesn’t run into much within the
fashion world. Referring to the concept of a synergetic relationship, the
word may seem more like a fancy biology term instead of a word used to
describe cutting edge jewelry. Creative energy is the foundation behind
Simbiotek Design Lab, a local San Diegan design duo. Symbiosis is the
root of their future-forward aesthetic design philosophy.
Inspired by their mutual love of botany, biology, anthropology and
geometry, Hayley Stewart and Hunter Ruthrauff create new and edgy
décor and accessories for the modern, fashion-forward client. They are
now busy creating a design aesthetic from years of exploration within
these studies. Together they produce a line of eco-conscious accessories
that fuse together their collective passions in a completely new and
unique way.
Architects by day, designers by night, the prisms, hexagons, triangles
and tessellations incorporated into the designs are derived from the plant
formations and architecture which they have scouted and photographed
while traveling. All of the designs are crafted with
the intention of reinterpreting a naturally occurring
geometric pattern. “Obviously geometry is not
a new thing, but people are always interested in
the process behind the products, because they
don’t look like things you find everywhere,” says
Stewart, who cites a love of cultural anthropology
as critical to her design influences. Conveying
their commitment to raising an awareness of the
implicit relationship between humans and their
environment, the accessories produced by the Lab
are more of a system of translation, than simply
a crafty creation. “A symbiotic relationship in
nature is two opposing forces that work together
for the benefit of both,” says Ruthrauff. “We
abstractly applied that to the relationship between
man and biodiversity.”
Made from biodegradable plastic and Birchwood,
the Lab designs are generally sketched, then
generated by a
computer algorithm.
The designs are then
outsourced to a laser cutter,
a tool with which both designers
are very familiar. “We both used the laser cutter to make
architectural models. I always thought someday I would use it to
make jewelry,” says Stewart.
Much like their natural inspiration, the creative relationship between
Stewart and Ruthrauff has been an organic process. “We both knew
around the very beginning of our freshman year of high school that we
wanted to be architects,” says Ruthrauff. He is a self-described “big
doodler,” with a big fascination for buildings. For Stewart, who grew up
around architecture, the entry into the design world was also natural.
Both were raised in the Los Angeles area. Both studied architecture
and environmental science at Cal Poly Pomona. Both studied abroad
together in Scandinavia - a geographic influence apparent in their
designs. This aspect is especially seen in the
geometric snowflakes that appear in their new
Holiday ornament line. “We’re always evolving
and figuring out what we want to do,” says
Ruthrauff. “We call it ‘The Lab’ because we want
to make sure we’re always researching and not
taking ourselves too seriously,” he concludes.
For now, the two are drawing inspiration locally,
using the rich geographic landscape of San Diego,
such as the La Jolla Cove, the canyons and the
succulent gardens of Balboa Park as favorite areas
to scope out the next patterns that will inspire
future designs. At the end of the day, the catalyst
for all of their productions comes from the simplest
and purest motive behind innovation… curiosity.
The Simbiotek Design Lab collection is
available in-store at Graffiti Beach and online at
simbiotekdesignlab.com.
A Symbiotic Love Affair
WRiTTen by: alexa MangruM DesigneD by: Brandie Mata
AvAilAble At ShopGrAffitibeAch.com or in-Store 2220 fern St., SAn DieGo cA
Growing up in Southern California winter never meant building
snowmen in the front yard or careening down powdery hills
on sleds, but rather trees changing from green to gold and red
and long rainy days spent inside crafting with my mom. Every
year she’d pull out her sewing machine and begin working
handmade gifts. Winter still means lots of time indoors but
now also includes drinking a Manhattan by the fireplace as I
begin my holiday crafting projects. This year I decided to say
goodbye to my lovely vintage mirrored bulb ornaments and
make my own. If you have an abundance of fabric and felt
scraps, this project is perfect for you, and even if you don’t, the
supplies are super low cost. The theme for my tree this year is
woodland creatures, so I started with a mushroom and a bird
on a branch but intend to round out my forest of ornaments
with a fox, a deer and maybe even a bear. So, put a log on fire,
mix up a manhattan (I suggest Luxardo cherries), cue up your
favorite holiday film (Christmas Story anyone?) and settle in for
a night indoors full of crafty goodness.
what to gEt:
-Felt (assorted colors)
-Thread (assorted colors)
-Ric rac or thin ribbon
-Fabric scraps
-Sewing needle
-Paper
-Scissors
-Stuffing
what to do:1. choose the woodland creature for your ornaments, like a fox, a deer, mushrooms, a bird or a bear.
2. draw your animal on a sheet of paper. This will be your template. If your drawing skills are less than stellar, use a google image search to find drawing, then print and trace.
3. cut out your template.
4. place your template on a piece of felt or fabric, trace and cut.
5. add any details to your animals, like wings for birds, button eyes, leaves on branches etc.
6. put the wrong sides together of your fabric or felt and sew along the edges, leaving a space about an inch large open so you can stuff it. I suggest a blanket stitch for added detail.
7. use a pencil or chopstick to stuff your animal.
8. sew the opening closed.
9. sew on a loop of ric rac or ribbon as the hanger.
10. make another manhattan and repeat steps 1-9 to create a full forest for your tree.
Y- written by nicole stevenson -ranDomnicole.com
PaT c h W o r k s h o W. c o m
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WrIter: crystal washIngton desIgner: monarose ryan
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Patchwork Show Pieced Togetherthere are many types of families.
There are the traditional families in which you are born into;
the starter-kit relationships you’re presented in your initiation to
life. Then there’s the family which you gain through a marriage.
There are the close friends whom you’ve known for so long,
having shared so many experiences and memories that the lines of
relation have become blurred. Last, there is the type of family that
you create when people come together for a common cause. A
family born of sweat, toil and tears. In that sense, the Patchwork
Show is the greatest family reunion you could ever imagine.
A quilt is comprised of three layers: the patchwork, a layer
of insulation and a layer of backing material. Historically,
communities would come together for a quilting circle.
With every stitch, friendships were formed and bonds were
sealed. Fast forward to the present day and you have the
Patchwork Show.
The Patchwork Show was the very first of its kind - created to
address the need to showcase indie artists in an environment that
genuinely cares about arts, crafts, and their makers.
Years ago, while living in Los Angeles, Stevenson had a clothing
line. “I used to sell my stuff at church bazaars, flea markets
and sample sales. I was the only one there with handmade
stuff.” In the competitive world of fashion, sample sales consist
predominantly of big name labels with mass-produced pieces.
The fashion world is fast paced and driven by sales. “There
wasn’t a sense that the producers cared about the vendors or
understood what the vendors were doing… There was never
a ‘thank you’.” Not willing to give up on her dream, Nicole
realized that there was a dire need for independent artists to have
a venue to showcase their lovingly made yet underappreciated
wares. Joining forces with her aunt Delilah Snell, who was
Orange County based and well-connected in the region, they
came to the conclusion, “Why don’t we put on our own show?”
Motivated by the sample sales, Stevenson created a list of the
good, the bad and the ugly of those previous productions, and
Snell enlisted her army of connections to publicize the event.
In less than three months, Patchwork was born.
Initially, the bi-annual festival was held in the parking lot of
Delilah’s DIY and instructional shop in Santa Ana, “A Road
Less Traveled” with 25 vendors. “We actually lost money but it
was really successful. We had no idea anyone was even going to
show up!” Nowadays, each location features over 100 different
vendors from crafters to musicians and culinary artisans.
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One of the greatest surprises for Nicole was the support and
dedication shown by the vendors and seekers from the get go.
The layer of insulation of the patchwork quilt. “OMG there are
people here. There are A LOT of people here!” She explained
that there were many vendors who had driven down from
Los Angeles. “We made a cool hangout... It changed Orange
County’s reputation.” People would tell her, “I had no idea there
was cool stuff in Orange County!”
Coming from staunch Angelinos, that is quite the compliment.
When asked what inspires Patchwork Show’s co-founder Nicole
Stevenson most, she immediately mentions family. “My parents
were always so supportive and encouraging of me. It was hard
for them in the beginning because I was one of the first in the
family to go on to higher education to get a master’s degree,
and I left that to do art.” Family and her close-knit group of
dedicated friends are the backing material making up the third
and last layer of a patchwork quilt.
“Staying busy” is an understatement for Nicole, who in addition
to running the Patchwork shows alongside her aunt, recently
continued her educational journey, completing graduate school.
Like a quilt, the Patchwork Show begs to be expanded.
“We have a couple of different cities on our radar,” Stevenson
says enthusiastically. “San Diego and Phoenix are high on our
list.” Since the very first show in Santa Ana, the homegrown
movement has absolutely exploded. There definitely isn’t a
shortage of artistically-minded individuals or a lack of a desire
for locally sourced and independently created goods, regardless
of location. There’s comfort in knowing that your vegan cupcake
is locally produced and 100% organic, and that your quirky
screen printed t-shirt purchase is supporting a student as they
pay for college. There is also the sense of community that
modern civilization generally lacks where business is concerned.
“We’ve talked before about doing a beer garden,” Stevenson
immediately replies when asked about the future evolution of
Patchwork. She also wants to bring in an educational aspect
explaining that in addition to interactive crafting booths, more
demos would be ideal.
This fall you can take your pick from four different Patchwork
Shows. Opening day is in Culver City by the historic Helms
Bakery on November 4, then heading south to the seaside in
Long Beach on November 11. The newest location, and first
traipse out of Southern California, the Oakland show, will be
on November 18 at the Jack London Square Pavilion. And last,
where it all began, the Santa Ana show will be on November
25th at its new location in downtown Santa Ana on Sycamore
and Second Street. All shows are from 11am to 5pm and are free
for the public to attend.
In addition to the
spring Patchwork Show,
Craftcation is the newest
endeavor produced by
Snell and Stevenson.
“Craftcation: Indie
Business & DIY Craft
Conference” is a four day
indie business and DIY
conference, held in the
coastal locale of Ventura.
It will feature everything
from industry professional led workshops to panel discussions
and Q&A sessions in the areas of business, various crafts and
delicious foods. “It’s a learning vacation,” says Stevenson. In
addition to the diverse selection of workshops, Craftcation is an
incredible setting for artists and entrepreneurs, both budding and
veteran, to network amongst a like-minded crowd.
At both the Patchwork Show and Craftcation, you get to meet
the artists and learn about what drives them. And that drive is
contagious. If you’re guaranteed to leave with anything from
these events, it’s undeniably going to be a big heavy canvas bag
chock full of homegrown, passion fueled inspiration. That alone
is worth every penny.
The reD sWingtheredswing.com
lovmely lovmely.etsy.com
unurTh unurthhome.com
oPas soaP opassoap.com
baD Pickle T-shirTs etsy.com/shop/badpickle
goaT & keTTle etsy.com/shop/goatandkettle
look coy LookCoy.Etsy.com
hau’oli by hali etsy.com/shop/hauolibyhali
The FruiTs oF my labor fruitsofmylabor.etsy.com
Handmade Goods from 100+ LocaL Vendors, artisan food, diY craftinG, and indie music
cHeck patcHworksHow.com for upcominG eVents
aLL sHows 11-5pm & free to attend
PatChworkshow.CoMhoLIDaY 2o12
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The holidays are just around the corner
and what better way to celebrate in style
than the South Park Holiday Walkabout?
Local boutiques hosting trunk shows from
hand-picked lines, complimentary foods,
beverages, and music adorn this festive
event. Take a leisurely trolley ride to scope
out the galleries, stores, taverns, and eateries
jauntily decorated for the winter season.
Every store in the community takes part and
many have specials to highlight this holiday
celebration. South Park Walkabouts occur
every season; for more information visit
SouthParkScene.com.
Season’s greetings!
uPCOMing eVentSDATe: december 1st, 2012
TiMe: 6pm-10pm
COsT: free
PLACe: South park, San diego
from kalmia St. to Beech St.
WebsiTe: SouthparkScene.com
Make sure to check out graffiti Beach
while you are at this walkabout! 2220 fern
St., San diego ca. See you there!
state of uniqueStarving patriots looking to support the
American economy as well as their thirst
for fashion and art need look no further
than State of Unique. They host shopping
events in San Francisco, Los Angeles and
New York. This huge indie shopping
event is truly one-of-a-kind in that all
designs and products are made exclusively
in the USA. State of Unique showcases
hundreds of local independent designers,
artists, and their craft, allowing attendees
to get their creative shopping on while
simultaneously engaging in workshops
and craft projects. Bless the USA!
uPCOMing eVentSDATe: december 1st and 2nd
time: 11am-6pm
COsT: $10 (10% of al ticket sales go to
the downtown los angeles non-profit
organization inner-city arts)
PLACe: california Market
center’s penthouse
110 east 9th Street,
los angeles, ca 90079
WebsiTe: StateOfunique.com
south park Holiday walkabout
uniQuecrafted la
renegade SOuthpark
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renegade craft fairFor those who like to color outside the
lines and think outside the box, there is the
Renegade Craft Fair. Held across multiple
US cities as well as London, RCF features
contemporary indie-craft artists along with
their artwork and goods. This craft fair
highlights the indie-craft culture as a whole,
as well as DIY. Multiple media styles are
used by the up-and-coming artists who
showcase new creations while utilizing
traditional styles. Dare to be crafty and join
the featured hands-on workshops, as well as
enjoy the music and art performances – the
rebel in you will be satiated.
uPCOMing eVentSDATe: december 8th and 9th
TiMe: 10am-5pm
COsT: free
PLACe: los angeles State historic park
1245 n Spring St, los angeles, ca 90012
WebsiTe: renegadecraft.com
Crafted at the Port of laThis huge, permanent craft marketplace in
San Pedro is an unbelievable treasure. It is
a collection of warehouses that showcase
artisanal chefs, designers, and artists (many
who also highlight their creations on
Etsy) as well as their hand-crafted pieces
every weekend of the year! Along with
entertainment, grub from food trucks, and
demonstrations, visitors can enjoy special
events, and leave with a one-of-a-kind
creation that they can add to their home for
a unique touch.
uPCOMing eVentSDATe: friday - Sunday
TiMe: 11am-6pm
COsT: no entrance fee, $5.00 parking fee
PLACe: 110 & 112 e. 22nd St.,
San pedro ca 90731
WebsiTe: craftedportla.com
Eclectic pieces of different color, fabric,
and style are the backbone of a patchwork
quilt. The same can be said for the free
Patchwork Indie Arts & Crafts Festival, held
bi-annually across California. The show
highlights the talents of local new artists
and designers and their crafts, as well as
tasty bites from local restaurants. Clothes,
accessories, and décor are hand-picked
to ensure that your treasures are unique,
eye-catching, from a wide variety of arenas
and yet somehow all perfectly match your
aesthetic.
uPCOMing eVentSDATe: visit patchworkShow.com for
Spring calendar
COsT: free
PLACe: culver city, long Beach, Oakland,
and Santa ana
WebsiTe: patchworkShow.com
Patchwork indie arts & Crafts festival
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aRTa word that radiates creation and passion. At Graffiti Beach we are inspired everyday by amazing artists. They all have a unique way of expressing themselves, and strive to make a living through their raw talent. The holiday season is all about sharing gifts. This is our way of sharing undiscovered gems - an article all about ILLUSTRATORS WE LOVE. Ilse Valfré, Kelli Murray, Gregg Visintainer, and our very own Creative Director Brandie Mata all have one thing in common…they love to illustrate and express themselves through art. Not to mention, they are GREAT at it! Each has a unique style, whether it is through intricate designs with hidden meanings, girly bohemian sketches, quirky drawings of girls making bold statements or beautiful decoupage graphics with loads of color. To make sure we told each of these designers’ stories in the most unique way, we asked one of our favorite creative writers, Erik Cardona, to put a fun twist on each story. We hope when you read the story of each of these illustrators, you feel like you are sitting right there with them, getting to know who they are and why we have fallen in love with them. We want you to feel the warmth and love that Kelli projects, connect with Ilse’s Mexican heritage, be inspired by Gregg’s patience and leave with a smile from Brandie’s love of color. Get ready to be inspired.
aRT...
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- Ilse Valfré -
Fearless. Mexican. Woman. There are
three central qualities that run through Ilse
Valfré’s art like blood through her veins.
Be it through sketch work, illustrations,
writing, or modeling, Ilse embraces who
she is through unbridled exposition.
A seasoned scholar, Ilse not only studied
with Montessori guidance, but graduated
as a maestro. Within a year of teaching
young children, Ilse drew the inspiration to
create an entire niño’s book series, dubbed
“The Bambinis.” But brains are not the
Artista BonitaiVALFRe.COM/bLOg
Illustrators we love
AvAilAble At ShopGrAffitibeAch.com or in-Store 2220 fern St., SAn DieGo cA
Written by: ERIK CARDONA PhotograPhed by: KRIssy FERNANDEz designed by: BRANDIE MAtA Lighting assistant: GABRIEl GROvER Coordinators: Lauren adams and susanna Liang Hair: mish mucho Makeup: carLa KirKpatricK
sHegReeTsTHeDAy: upcycled cutOut Maxi
dreSS $45 / CHiMe: triangle druM cyMBal necklace
$64, SQuare druM cyMBal Bracelet $54, Black
druM cyMBal Bracelet $46 / PAPeR biRD Designs:
dOuBle-finger ring $30
AvAilAble At ShopGrAffitibeAch.com or in-Store 2220 fern St., SAn DieGo cA
sHegReeTsTHeDAy: upcycled cutOut Maxi dreSS $48
only part to this artist’s package. Ilse’s olivó skin, long hair, and
photogenic features have helped make her a successful model as
well. “I don’t consider myself an artist, I see myself more as an
entertainer.” Be it Ilse’s pictures, or pictures of Ilse, either way she
shines off the página; loaded with personality and a spectacular
sense of fashion.
With Ilse’s illustrations and color patterns reminiscent of those
one might find at an el Dia de los Muertos celebration, Ilse’s
heritage is easily to spot. Her characters masterfully blend
dark, shadowy foundations with bright and colorful features.
But perhaps Ilse’s strongest trademark is the personal anecdote
of cómico she stamps on nearly every sketch. “I think what
separates me from others among my craft is the blend of humor
and fashion in my illustrations.” For example, such charming
quips include, “Pretty girls are not to be trusted, Not all who
wander are lost, and I remind myself its ok not to be perfect.
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sHegReeTsTHeDAy: upcycled SWeater $52, key necklace $20 COnTinUOUs: grey leggingS $49 / sOCK iT TO Me: MuStache SOckS $9
Aside from aesthetics, maybe the best part of Ilse Valfré’s arsenal is
her intangibles. Her passion is central to her work and to her drive.
But unlike many artists that create for themselves, Valfré is very clear
about her creativo identity. “I do my illustrations with so much
passion and love knowing that some people will smile, laugh, cry or
connect with my creations. I just want people to have a good time
when they appreciate the final result.” However, Ilse has one especial
demographic she tends to with great care. “I particularly like to make
girls/women happy.” Her website contains an entire page dedicated
to ‘Girly Thoughts’ where she spotlights honest takes of real women
in real life situations. A pictorial role model to feminine truth, spirit,
and beauty, Ilse’s fearlessness to unmask women by way of her
illustrations send estrogen even down mi espina.
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- Brandie Mata -
Life is Like A BOx Of CrAYONS
WRiTTen by: erik cardOna DesigneD by: Brandie Mata PHOTOgRAPHeD by: garOne africa
AvAilAble At ShopGrAffitibeAch.com or in-Store 2220 fern St., SAn DieGo cA
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There’s something bracing about youth. Reminiscing
about the hourglass sand that now rests in your rear
view. An earlier time when WarmAndFuzzy feelings
and new experiences trumped the jaded Black Shadows of the harsh realities of life which we become accustomed to
as adults. Without a flux capacitor and a Quick Silver DeLorean, most
of us have no choice but to accept life as it is, and leave that beautiful,
Raw Umber, childlike naivete behind us. Unless you’re artist/designer
Brandie Mata that is...
“I’m the girl that treasured her crayola box, and never, ever grew up.”
Speaking with Brandie is like sipping from the fountain of youth. Her
innocence, her sincerity, her unbridled, BlazingBonfire passion for her
work all Tickles Me Pink. “I’m very lucky to be able to earn a living
and steadily create. I get to feed my soul.” To Brandie, art isn’t her
pastime, it’s her sustenance.
Brandie Mata has an interesting duality that is atypical of your
average artist. Rather than sit around home, get Stonewashed, and
wait for divine inspiration from Deep Space Sparkle, Brandie took
her talents to the front line. She knew if she wanted to be Polished Pine, she needed to practice with other real world artists. With all due
respect to her formal training, Brandie credits her true indoctrination
Illustrators we love
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as an artist to a time period where she worked with
handicapped and severely disabled people. “They were
what you’d call ‘Outside Artists. No formal training,
but also no inhibitions. They created in their own way,
for themselves. They were raw, they were brave.” Though Brandie still
attributes her formal training to supplying her artistic technique, it was
her experience with these ELECTRIC LIME outside artists that opened
her imagination to coloring beyond them.
Brandie’s talent in artistic design has left countless onlookers in Wisteria.
However, despite the beauty left in the eyes of these beholders, Brandie
remains firm that there’s nothing MYSTIC MAROON about her creative
process. “I create for me, what I like, what stimulates me visually. I
realize it may not be for everyone, but it’s sure nice when it does.” Well
Brandie, here at Graffiti Beach, we’re all big fans.
And that’s not just nice, it’s Mauvelous.
Illustrators we love
bRAnDieMATA.COM
MUKee: SkateBOard earringS $26
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i love seeing The DeTail oF an arTisT’s minD When iT is exPresseD.
AvAilAble At ShopGrAffitibeAch.com or in-Store 2220 fern St., SAn DieGo cA
ViZ inK ART: cardS $7, printS $35-40 / yeLLOW 108: driver cap $35 / POCKeT CHAnge: Sullivan plaid ButtOn dOWn $44
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HiddenMESSAGES- Gregg the Viz -
I am always thrilled when I interview an artist
off the typical path. Love, colorful imagery,
sunshine and lollipops; all artistic clichés we
get used to seeing when we think of illustrators.
Not the Viz.
Gregg ‘The Viz’ Visintainer’s genius stems from
a slightly different place. A blue collar, intensely
detail oriented, chip on the shoulder place. The
youngest of three boys growing up, Gregg grew
an appetite for competition. His desire for
overcoming obstacles in life has translated to
canvas, making him one of the hardest working
artists in his field.
One particular example came from a time in
Gregg’s life when he was isolated to a hospital
bed after back surgery. Rather than succumb
to stir-craziness, Gregg took advantage of his
situation, leaning on his art to carry him out
of the difficult time. His art took on a life of
its own, working as a means of meditation and
therapy for his mind. Four years later, what
started as a personal source for strength has now
touched lives throughout the entire West Coast.
When focus and patience meet, that’s where
you’ll find Gregg Visintainer. He painstakingly
accrues 60-80 hours per art piece. However, if
you asked the Viz, he’d say it feels like it takes
him 10 minutes. Time flies when you’re
Illustrators we love
Written by: ERIK CARDONA DesigneD by: BRANDIE MAtA PhotograPheD by: gARONE AfRICAstylist: MIChEllE AfRICA
ViZARTinK.COM
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When Focus anD PaTience meeT, ThaT’s Where you’ll FinD gregg visinTainer. he PainsTakingly accrues 60-80 hours Per arT Piece.
AvAilAble At ShopGrAffitibeAch.com or in-Store 2220 fern St., SAn DieGo cA JeDiDiAH: flag tee $30 /
yeLLOW 108: Ball cap $30
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Illustrators we love
having fun. It is Gregg’s sincere
and unapologetic passion for his
craft that speed the hands of time
while he works. It also allows
for his trademark story within a
story that he so proudly hangs his
hat on. Hidden pictures, words,
and various meanings expressed
throughout his art create Gregg’s
calling card. These embedded
details tell a story to support the
theme of every piece - a story
everyone can plainly see, if you
only take the time to look. A
man who thrives on overcoming
challenges, perhaps this is The Viz’s
way of challenging us.
DiCK CHAsey: MuStache tee $28 / yeLLOW 108: BaMBOO SunglaSSeS $130
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A Woman to Know
- Kelli MURRAY -
WRiTTen by: erik cardOna DesigneD by: Brandie Mata
PHOTOgRAPHeD by: garOne africasTyLisT: Michelle africa
AvAilAble At ShopGrAffitibeAch.com or in-Store 2220 fern St., SAn DieGo cA
8000 neRVes: dip dye dreSS $119 / beATRiCe HOLiDAy: Bike inner tuBe
necklace $38
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Kelli Murray is a simple woman. Devoted
wife, loving mother, beholden daughter,
auspicious sister, Jill-of-all-trades including
merchandising, graphic design, branding, fine art, and
of course, renowned illustration. Like I said, simple.
Simple in only the most ironic sense of the word, but
you wouldn’t get that from an interview with her.
As complicated as her life appears, she takes it all in
stride. There’s a comfortable, calming sense in her
controlled chaos and it didn’t take long to discover the
source. Blanketed by her faith, comforted by her love
for creation, and secure in her commitment to family,
Kelli Murray does not walk alone.
“The love of my family and an endless desire to create
and inspire makes me who I am.” Her words radiate
warmth off the page. I’m reminded of cookies and
milk, getting tucked in bedside, or curling up by a
fireplace in the winter. Kelli’s art follows a similar
path of piercing your heart while mending wounds.
A band-aid for the soul. “I try to convey my heart
and evoke emotion through a lot of my work.”
KeLLiMURRAy.COM
Illustrators we love
KeLLi MURRAy: printS $26-38
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Much of Kelli’s artistic style derives
from a sense of realness. Not the
abstract or intense type of artistry
many creators rear back and pummel
our senses with. But instead,
comforting pictures of our world,
connecting us to a place we frequent,
but rarely inhabit. “I am inspired by color and texture, by the
people around me, by nature, emotion, and even just simple
every day things.” Kelli Murray’s straightforward work is
alarmingly effective. She emanates heart with every pursed
lip, coy smile, and occasional not-so-innocent advance from
her character sketches.
Though simplicity is a through line with
Kelli Murray’s finished products, it by
no means endorses her work ethic. “I
am a perfectionist, often to a fault. And I
am most certainly my own worst critic. I
think this stems from my desire to make
the most of the gifts and talents I have
been given.” If you don’t use it, you lose it. That’s what I’ve
always been told. It’s Kelli’s genuine appreciation for life, and
her place in it, that makes her never take her work for granted.
She loves what she does, she loves her support, and she loves
herself. Kudos to you, Kelli. May we all be so lucky. Of course
if you studied her work, you might realize...we already are. 91
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AvAilAble At ShopGrAffitibeAch.com or in-Store 2220 fern St., SAn DieGo cA
LeFT: sHegReeTsTHeDAy: Skull cut Out tOp $35 / CHiMe Designs: v druM cyMBal necklace $56 aBOve: 8000 neRVes: dip dye dreSS $119 / beATRiCe HOLiDAy: Bike inner tuBe necklace $38 / PAPeR biRD Designs: dOuBle-finger ring $30
LEG CANDyLegCandyApparel.com
TOASTtoastmade.com
GRAFFITi BEACHm a g a z i n e
e m e r g i n g B r a n d s r e v e a l e dHOLIDAY PICKS
2012
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Just like a coin has two faces, a woman has two halves. One part
sugar, spice and everything nice, one part strength, purpose, fearless
nerves…8000 Nerves to be exact. 8000 Nerves is a company that revels
in femininity, and it shares its mission through vintage Peter Pan collars,
touches of lace, bows and oodles of other girly details. At first glance
you see only the most obvious side of the softer sex with “a touch of
quirky and colorful, moving to more sophisticated and fun”. The models
are dainty and the fabric is noticeable in its carefully
planned details. But the mission of the company
mirrors the strength of the women who don their
clothing. “Be daring, be free, empower yourself with
your 8000 nerves”. Their philosophy: “To embrace
yourself and feel beautiful from the inside out… the
idea is to own what makes you unique and dress the
part of the free spirited, colorful person that only you
can be. You are the master of your own destiny, and it
is YOU who will decide where you’ll go, how you’ll get
there, and what you’ll be wearing along the way.”
It is fitting that 8000 Nerves is a 4 sisters creation. In
a house full of estrogen there are no “male vs. female
jobs and roles”. Everyone pitches in, and everyone has
their own jobs. In the same way, these sisters were able to define their roles
within their company. “Revi is the oldest and is the ambitious, business-
minded sister. Leeron is the second oldest and is the organized, responsible
one of the bunch. I (Efi) am the second youngest and the ambitious, creative
one. Tami is the youngest and the creative, friendly, social sister. Our
different personalities work out well in building 8000 Nerves. Ultimately
we find a way to work as a team because everyone contributes a fascinating
perspective.” Four sisters equals a full house and a collaborative designer’s
dream.
It is not often that a little girl gets to take one of her hobbies as a child
and carry it into adulthood. Like any household full
of girls, there was an abundance of dolls. One of Efi’s
favorite pastimes was to design clothing for her Barbies.
While her best friend would staple the clothing to her
dolls, Efi would carefully and “gently sew all the details
together”. These were the “design seeds” that took her
into adulthood. “I love texture and form a lot. I love
colors and new concepts. I am inspired by those that
love what they do and who are driven to make a positive
difference. I find that helping others is very fruitful and
that my family keeps me on the right track. I am inspired
by music and newness, which can be mind openers. I
find that with an open mind, I can see the vision I’m
aiming for a whole lot clearer.” The vision that you see
when looking at their clothing is as clear as the wishing
well into which you throw a coin. With such clear feminine strength,
there is no doubt that any wish made by this incredible company will
be granted, and that 8000 Nerves will be bestowed upon every strong
woman that wears their clothing.
the duality of womenWRiTTen by: alana trevinO itaya DesigneD by: Brandie Mata
A DARK STAGE.
A lone voice… “People Don’t Dream
Anymore,” said aloud by spoken word artist
Maestro Gamin.
Bodies from Team Millenia glide down the
catwalk, light emanating from their gloves…
If this opening does not inspire creative and
imaginative thought… then the clothing from
Continuous that followed certainly did.
Continuous began with an eye-catching, soul-
searching bang at the L.A. Fashion Week.
Self-described as “ bold and confident,” this
company is maturing as they “grow into
their own,” all while taking the runway by
colorful storm.
The models begin to strut down the catwalk,
bright arm and leg bands carry over
from model to model. The theme reflects
the clothing line’s inability to feel fear,
continuously dreaming, as they splash bright
color around in just enough strategic places
to grab the eye of each audience member.
A dress with a floral print and earth tones
mixed with a brighter hue of flowing color
that makes a surprising, yet feminine pop.
The fabric, like the seams that run across the
legs, offer interesting aesthetic details along
with the layered fabric. Bright colors mix
with fatigue prints and are then covered by
sheer feminine pieces that add a girlish quality
to the overall appearance. One model wore a
bright orange bandeau top with fatigue fitted
pants and an overlay of knitted mesh that
worked like a dress or cover-up, softening the
Daring DreamtoWRiTTen by: alana trevinO itaya PHOTOgRAPHeD by: Jay Barlett DesigneD by: rhOel paghunaSan
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AvAilAble At ShopGrAffitibeAch.com or in-Store 2220 fern St., SAn DieGo cA
entire look. Tribal, retro and boho prints and
stripes were also seen in dresses, leggings,
and skirts. Tight was balanced with flowing
fabric. Bright was balanced by earth tones. A
loud print was feminized by a carefully placed
ruffle or thin belt.
Men were dressed in board shorts styled with
bright tanks and hand screen-printed tees.
Sometimes a mesh tank was covering a bright
color, other times a short sleeved urban
hoodie took on the task. The male models
emphasized wear-ability and that Californian
easy going style that we have all come to
know and love.
Each look was paired with Paper Bird
Creations accessories. Chunky bracelets,
long necklaces, and multiple bracelets round
out each look. Each accessory complemented
by beautiful shoes helped to emphasize the
design that can be dressed up as well as down.
Based in Los Angeles, Continuous is
constantly evolving as they splash color
all over the industry. They are catering
to the Californian that likes to be noticed
and they play up the fact that the weather
requires more, begs for more, and allows for
more risks. Continuous is not only up for
the challenge, they meet it headlong. Fresh
off their MAGIC win for best emerging
designers, LA Fashion Week was a perfect
challenge. The men from Continuous dream,
and dream big. They plan to use their
successes as a springboard to their future
plans. Their styles ebb and flow, and they
play with the balance of trendy and classic,
while always… staying continuous.
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scraTchy anD elecTronic sounDs mesh TogeTher in a Dreamy meloDy oF laTe n i g h Ts a n D F i r sT lov es.
FIrE IN thE haMPtoNs
L.A. based indie band Fire in the Hamptons sounds like
the bratty love child of Phoenix and MGMT - similar
tones but with a younger and smarter attitude. Their self-
titled debut album F.I.T.H takes the listener on a journey
through the streets of buzzing L.A. all the way to the
back roads of Joshua Tree. They have struck indie genius
with their single titled “Stargazer”.
Lead singer Zach Arnett a.k.a “Zboy” started the
musical concept of Fire in the Hamptons with the idea of
making one song and see where it would lead. They were
so pleased with their first single that they decided to make
a record out of it, with the help of co-producer Bert Selen.
Thus, Fire in the Hamptons was born. Arnett, originally
from Northern California, has lived in L.A. for ten years
and says he started working on the album F.I.T.H. about
two and a half years ago. The album was released earlier
this year and since then the band has been touring and
rehearsing non-stop as they try to make their name known.
Fire in the Hamptons has evolved from the
inspired idea of a few into a full on band. This group is
made up of a sweet bearded drummer named Arron Bilyeu
a.k.a. “ABSK”, Ian Dowd a.k.a “Values” on lead guitar,
Emvy Venti on synth/ piano and of course Zach Arnett as
lead singer. Surprisingly the band also has some California
hip-hop roots due to Zach Arnett’s collaboration in a five-
man hip-hop collective called Ostrich Head as the Emcee.
Listening to a little bit of Ostrich Head, immediately
one is able to tell how Zachs’s hip-hop background
has influenced Fire in the Hamptons. Because of his
background, up-tempo flowing beats that have both energy
and chill have found their way into the music.
What sets Fire in the Hamptons apart from
every other L.A.indie/electro/alternative band trying to
make it, is that their music has a mood. Their tunes, in
combination with the dream-like videography portrayed
in their music videos, work together to create something
remarkable. Watching their music video “Stargazer,”
filmed in Joshua Tree it is easy to connect to a feeling
- a feeling of youth set free. There is a mood of true
uninhibited adventure.
WRiTTen by: cOrrinne BOllendOrf DesigneD by: ana fuenteS
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BAND NAME: fIrE In tHE HAMptonS BASED OUT Of: loS AnGElES MUSic TypE: roCk, AltErnAtIVE, IndIE, ElECtronIC
Currently, Fire in the Hamptons is working on a
new video project for their song “Children of the Sun,”
which will not be a music video per se, but more of an
experimental visualization to compliment the music.
Additionally the group is working on securing more
shows to galvanize a bigger following, or in Arnett’s
words, “have our music heard by the entire world to
make the world dance.”
Fire in the Hampton plans on playing in San
Diego some time in December and has a show coming up
at the Roxy in L.A. on November 28th.
Filming the music video was an adventure all
in itself. Arnett describes how he put up a long ad on
Craigslist in an attempt to convince an actor to come out to
Joshua Tree to star in the “Stargazer” music video without
compensation. On the drive up to Joshua Tree Zach passed
a drifter on the highway. Since no one had replied to the
ad yet, he thought about picking up the ragged looking
drifter for the music video. In the end he decided against it
and everything fell into place. A boy named Nathan, along
with his Aunt, saw the add on Craigslist and decided to
take a chance and drive up to Joshua Tree. They surprised
the band by jumping in and starring in the music video.
And that is exactly what this group’s mood exudes - taking
chances and living in the moment. Arnett admitted that the
universe helped out “a lot” in shooting the video.
tunagetrendstrends
97
fortune 421 runway show
at Graffiti Beach
dJ dr. eye
fashion Show Coordinated by fortune 421 team,
robert nguyen, estella Park, Grace Baek
Photos by Jose G Perez
Layout by rhoel Paghunasan
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ADhErE
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ADhErE
GRAFFITi BEACHm a g a z i n e
reach Buyers, Trendsetters, Bloggers and more! For ad info please contact
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