Here's to the Crazy Ones

My dad just sent this to me via email... a wonderful gem as I weed through my emails that accumulated too quickly over the holiday break.

Here’s to the Crazy Ones.
The misfits.
The rebels.
The troublemakers.
The round pegs in the square holes.
The ones who see things differently.
They’re not fond of rules.
And they have no respect for the status quo.
You can quote them, disagree with them, disbelieve them, glorify or vilify them.
About the only thing that you can’t do, is ignore them.
Because they change things.
They invent. They imagine. They heal.
They explore. They create. They inspire.
They push the human race forward.
Maybe they have to be crazy.
How else can you stare at an empty canvas and see a work of art?
Or, sit in silence and hear a song that hasn’t been written?
Or, gaze at a red planet and see a laboratory on wheels?
We make tools for these kinds of people.
While some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius.
Because the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world,
are the ones who do.

It never gets old.  Thanks Dad for reminding me to remain crazy and to Think Different.

LOOMLAB @ Renegade LA // This Weekend!

The 2nd Annual Renegade Craft Fair Holiday Market in Los Angeles returns to Los Angeles State Park on December 10 + 11, from 10am – 5pm, to supply all your handmade holiday [and LOOMLAB] shopping needs!  Check out our artist lineup here!

This Wednesday > Holiday Shopping Celebration on The Avenues

LOOMLAB will be participating in a pop-up shop at West Hollywood's Holiday Shopping Celebration on The Avenues.  Get your shop on this Wednesday night!

Photoshoot | Outtakes

Early on a cold November morning with the backdrop of the Bonita Skate Park, we captured LOOMLAB's newest scarf collection.  

Working the angles.

"I'm ready for my close-up!"

Touchup on the eyeliner!

It was cold!  Note to self: two LOOMLAB scarves are always better than one!

Melissa getting ready for her jump sequence.

Boy-band pose!

Quick Tai Chi lesson from friendly local neighbors to the park - we all learned something!

 "Give me your best Tyra"

 "Smeyes!" 

That's a wrap!

Much thanks to the entire crew
Photographer: Matt Oh
Models: Melissa Henry, Victor Romero 
Hair and Make-Up: Sara Wilson

4th Annual UNIQUE LA Holiday Show!

The 4th Annual Unique LA Holiday Show is next weekend! We'll be at BOOTH 120 (near the elevators) - Stop by, say hello, and shop the new collection! 

December  3 + 4   //   11am – 6pm both days

Where: The California Market Center (110 East Ninth Street, LA, CA 90079)

Cost: $10 at the door or in advance online (Kids 12 and under are free), 10% of ticket sales go to our great non-profit partner 826LA.

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 Admission includes:
• An exclusive, collectible cotton tote bag (each show features a tote designed by a guest artist)
• Unlimited re-entry for both days + our printed Vendor Directory & Mini Magazine
• Free drinks! (Holiday Punch featuring Sailor Jerry Rum, Blackstar Beer, The Naked Grape wine, IZZE, Honest Tea, GT’s Kombucha)
• Free DIY workshops + crafts by The Urban Craft Center and Craft and Folk Art Museum & Free portraits at the Oh Snap Photo Booth
• Access to Amoeba’s rockin’, exclusive downtown Pop-Up Shop!
• Two different cafe areas so you can grab a coffee or enjoy lunch, snacks or a treat

The largest independent design show in the country, attendees get the rare chance to meet and shop directly from over 325 hand-selected designers and artists. The exciting two-day shopping event makes it easy for you to buy local and support LA’s economy, discover great design and deals, join in community, and have a blast. The products at the show are proudly made right here in the USA so you’re putting your dollars right back into our economy and local community! With fun for everyone plan to spend the day with us…

Walk Like An Egyptian...

As we get ready to launch our new LOOMLAB scarf collection, Egyptian CMYK.... we've been blasting The Bangle's Walk Like an Egyptian, but we prefer the Bassnectar Remix.

25 Ways to Wear a Scarf in 4.5 Minutes

The best scarf-tying video I have ever watched!

Inspiration and Color for [Experiment 3]

Presenting the inspiration and color for our next collection  EGYPTIAN CMYK !

Experiment 1, our first collection, was all about visual languages (braille, binary, circuitry).  Experiment 2 had a more mathematical spin (Fibonacci, fractals, origami). Next up Experiment 3 -  a hybrid of Egyptian symbolism and coding !  To be shown November 2011.

Our Manifesto

Inspired by recent adventures, we have coined  LOOMLAB's Manifesto   We believe it and we hope it makes you smile.

We are for… the beauty of individual style. 

 
We are for… playing with pigment.

 
We are for… DIY makers and creators.

 
We are for… spontaneity.

 
We are for… coffee and ice cream as major food groups.

We are for… staying hungry and staying foolish - (thank you Steve Jobs).

We are for… being tireless in pursuit of adventure.

We are for… the laws of simplicity (thank you John Maeda)

We are for… for daydreaming.

We are for… taking the road that has a dance party at the end of it.

We are for… making a better future by developing elements from the past - (thank you Goethe).

We are for… curling up with a good book on a stormy day.

We are for… digital tools and media that unleash creative potential.

We are for… empowering others towards self-sufficiency (Magdalene, Build A Nest, Reading Glass Project). 

We are for… the stories that your favorite accessories could tell.

We are for… flea market treasure hunts.

We are for… ideas worth spreading - (thanks TED).

We are for… wearing scarves in the summer.

We are for… solving riddles and deciphering codes.

We are for… library cards.

We are for… the art of craftsmanship – the perfect imperfections of the hand.

We are for… LOOMLAB scarves that bring delight and discovery.

"Amen!"

Enjoy the weekend!

Composting at LOOMLAB

I just moved studios in August.  This one has a space, albeit small, but still a space to garden.  The soil needs some love and enrichment... Great find on Craigslist - a homemade compost maker!

Moving Studios!

In the process of moving studios... this one even has a full-grown avocado tree in the back (yes!).  After I settle in and unpack, can't wait to show you the new collection!  Have a great summer and see you in the fall.  xo, Jane

LOOMLAB in SOMA

I'm highlighted in SOMA this month - just wanted to share! :) 

Concoctions [In the Kitchen]: Strawberry Shortcake

Growing up, summer always meant fresh strawberry shortcake at my grandmother's, usually eaten after a long day at the beach.   Now that summer is official upon us - what better time than to welcome the strawberry season and make some strawberry shortcake.

I prefer fresh dropped biscuits drizzled with strawberries and topped with fresh whipped cream (real cream, not the cool whip!)

- dropped biscuits I use Bisquick: (Will need 3 tablespoons butter (melted), 2/3 c milk, 3 tablespoons sugar, 2 1/3 cups Bisquick.  Heat oven to 425 degrees F.  Mix all ingredients together until soft dough forms.  Drop by 6 heaping spoonfuls on un-greased baking sheet.  Bake 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.)

- 1 basket of strawberries:  Slice strawberries into bite size pieces.  Sprinkle with 2-3 teaspoons of sugar.  I try to do this at least an hour before I serve the shortcake so the sugar has time to sweeten the strawberries.

- fresh whipped cream: Whip cream with electric mix until cream starts to form stiff peaks in bowl.  Optional: While whipping sprinkle confectioners sugar and/or a drop of vanilla to taste.  Start small and add small amounts.  I prefer it barely sweet.   The confectioners sugar/vanilla combo is called "Chantilly Cream".

Split warm shortcakes in half, fill with strawberries, and heap with mounds of whip cream.  Enjoy!

For those who like to experiment here are a few fun variations found that I am tempted to test:

- The Best Whipped Cream in the World Recipe

- The Great Strawberry Shortcake Cookie Experiment

- Strawberry Shortcake Snake

-Strawberry Shortcake (layered cake)

Spring Shows Wrap Up

Another spring run of shows has passed and what a season!  LOOMLAB showed at both Unique LA and Bazaar Bizarre Maker Faire this May.  It was so amazing to meet all who stopped by the table and good to see familiar faces too!  From Jackson Pollack connection to fractals, to the Ogham Ruins, to seismic activity, you learn something new everyday... [and it's a learning day on steroids while at the Maker Faire.]  Interacting with such creative, inspiring, and thought-provoking people, some who perhaps I will work on a project soon together, it reminds me why I love doing what I do.  Thank you!

While I was stuck behind my table for most of the shows, I was still able to venture out a bit and check the neighboring vendors (or perhaps you stopped by my table).  Below are a few highlights.

Unique LA  |  Downtown Los Angeles, California

HM Sound System captured the event in photos (and they even jumped on the 1s and 2s for a bit).  If you haven't made it to their Broader than Broadway they have every Thursday night, then you are missing out.  Peep the photos here: http://hmsoundsystem.com/fr_uniquelamay7.cfmGreat

If you have a sweet tooth, make sure to check out Blissed Out Chocolates.  They are to die for (and I still cannot believe how healthy they are!)  Erika, the chocolate innovator behind blissed out, is "dedicated to bringing the purest, most bliss inducing chocolate to the world."  My favorite? Dark Energy, with hints of cayenne pepper and lots of caffeine.   Available online or at select local retailers.

Also, try the scones from Sugarbird Sweets and Teas - She is also at the South Pasadena Farmer's Market every Thursday evening.

And thank you to Shawn of SOB clothing for being a kick-ass table-neighbor at the show.

Bazaar Bizarre at the Maker Faire  |  San Mateo, California

The World's Largest DIY Festival: Maker Faire is a family fun festival to MAKE, create, learn, invent, CRAFT, recycle, build, think, play & be inspired by celebrating arts, crafts, engineering, food, music, science, and technology.

Here are a few stand-outs from the show, geektackular, or just simply genius.

Focal Length Designs: sick creations by Isaac Watson, who "reclaims old, broken and neglected camera lenses and turns them into one-of-a-kind cuff bracelets perfect for the photography geek, designer or fashionista. Each bracelet is hand-formed, filed, sanded and buffed with a focus on the intersection between photography, fashion, art and design."  I have one of his creations and cannot take it off.  I wear it with everything.

Archicraft: insane rope-scarf necklaces

Stuart's of Bend: "Breidenstein's work gathers different media – from wood to copper to bright pink Nerds candy – and imaginatively walks the line between wearable fine art and edgy high fashion."
Jenine Bressner: flame-worked glass and glass bead aficionado

DREAM, DESIGN, BUILD, REPEAT (from a google tee seen at the Maker Faire)

See you on the next LOOMLAB mini-tour - lots planned for the Fall/Holiday season!

Onward and upward,

Jane

Unleash Your Fingers

Finger Tutting for Samsung. For the launch of the Galaxy SII in France, Samsung brought JayFunk, the internet Finger Tutting phenomenon to Paris to deliver an incredible and surprising choreography. notcot.org

Art Director : Olivier Stephane Picard
Realisation : Heaven / La Bande Originale
Post Production : MotionFanClub
Performer : Jay Funky

How to Tie | OUTTAKES

I've been getting great feedback on our How to Tie Videos - and I can't wait to bring you some new ways of tying and styling!  Just in case you missed our outtakes video, I wanted to share it with you again.  Onwards and upwards, Jane.

Maker Faire San Mateo | May 21 + 22

LOOMLAB will be part of Bazaar Bizarre at this weekend's Maker Faire.

May 21 & 22  |  San Mateo County Event Center  |  Saturday 10am - 8pm • Sunday 10am - 6pm

Sooyeon Lee: Grand Slam

Sooyeon Lee: Grand Slam on Nowness.com.

 

The Table Tennis Champ Stars in Matthew Donaldson's Slow-Mo Homage to the Sport

Sporty elegance.  We had the privilege to see Lee volley at Susan Sarandon's SPiN opening at the Mondrian - her ability to athletically perform while wearing couture is inspirational.  It answers the "Where are you going to wear that dress?" question - to play ping pong, of course.

Unique LA Spring Show Catalog

For the first time ever, Unique LA has created a preview catalog for the show!  Gathering a sampling of goods from participants (including a few LOOMLAB scarves!) and then getting some cool local natives t model, the Unique LA team created a super-rad catalog, chock-full of local design and all available this weekend at the SPRING SHOW!   We have a few new designs to share with you, so make sure to stop by our LOOMLAB table - it will be right near the elevators!  xo

excerpts below from the Spring Show Preview Catalog featuring our Binary Code Scarf and Heartbeats for LOOMLAB Scarf

Happy Mother's Day!

This Sunday, May 8th is Mother's Day. 

Marcel Proust said it best..."Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom" ...Happy Mother's Day!

Saturday Night Live Spoofs The Cape With "The Scarf"

Unique LA Spring Show

tuniSave the Date! The 3rd Annual UNIQUE LA Spring Show is set for May 7 & 8!

The largest independent design show in the country, attendees get the rare chance to meet and shop directly from over 300 hand-selected designers and artists. The exciting two-day shopping event makes it easy for you to buy local and support LA’s economy, discover great design and deals, join in community, and have a blast! Over 95% of the products at the show are proudly made right here in the USA!

California Market Center’s Penthouse
110 E 9th St
Los Angeles, CA 90079
http://uniquela.com/

LOOMLAB | How to Tie | NECK SQUARE 01

Featuring Lorin Eric Salm of the renowned Mime Theater Studio and our Binary Code Square Scarf

To achieve the longest length for tying, make sure to fold your square scarf on the diagonal (aka the bias).   Start by folding opposite corner to opposite corner to create a triangle.  Proceed to fold into a band, approximately 4" wide.

LOOMLAB | How to Tie | THE NECK LOOP

Today we are launching our "how to tie" video series. So often I am asked, "how do I wear or tie this scarf?"  We listened and are very excited to present our How to Tie series, featuring Lorin Salm of the renowned Mime Theater Studio.   Stay tuned, as we will be unveiling new ways to style and wear  LOOMLAB scarves each week!!

LOOMLAB in Real Simple

 

Our striped barcode scarf is featured in this month's REAL SIMPLE! Pre-order yours now...Only 10 left!

trapezohedron snowstorm at Unique LA

It was a trapezohedron snowstorm in booth 133 at last season's Unique LA.   We are excited to announce that we will also be showing at Unique LA's upcoming 3rd annual Spring Show, May 7th and 8th.  Woot woot!

Heartbeats for Japan

To help those affected by the earthquake in Japan and tsunami throughout the Pacific,  5% of all proceeds from sales of the HEARTBEATS for LOOMLAB scarf will be donated to the American Red Cross.

The Red Cross already operates hospitals in Japan and is deploying additional aid workers right now.

Ways you can help via the American Red Cross:

+  Donate directly here: https://american.redcross.org/site/Donation2?idb=0&5052.donation=form1&df_id=5052
+  Text REDCROSS to 90999 - Each text will donate $10 towards the Red Cross's humanitarian efforts.
+  American Red Cross via Facebook

Belasco Theatre Grand Opening w/ Deadmau5!

Insane show last night, featuring Deadmau5 - event marked the opening of the BELASCO THEATER, a venerable historic landmark in DTLA.  Newly restored, the BELASCO THEATER reflects it’s 1920’s grandeur - but this time with 3D mapping displays! 


http://www.deadmau5.com/

King Tut

Discovered this golden nugget while researching the next collection:  The skin of the sun god Ra was thought to be made of gold.

What's the concept for the next collection? .... Egyptian CMKY. 

This golden mask lay over the head, chest and part of the shoulders of the mummy of Psusennes I, as a layer of protection. The royal headdress with ureaus cobra and the divine false beard he wears attested to his royal and godly status. The use of gold, considered the flesh of the gods, reaffirmed his divinity in the afterlife. (http://www.chron.com/entertainment/photogallery/dlb_King_Tut_is_coming_to_Houston.html#23491277)

Tumblr vs. Blogspot

March has been quite a busy month!  Between traveling for pop-up shops, designing the new scarf collection, prepping for taxes (something which I have been horribly procrastinating), filming LOOMLAB's new webisodes (yup), and the launch of the new iPad (not that I had anything to do with this),  I've also been toying with the idea to abandon blogspot and switch to tumblr.... Too quick to jump into a microblogging site?   We shall see... 

Over and out for now... about to prepare a fresh pot of coffee and head back to design mode.

BTB 4 Year Anniversary with Fatlip from The Pharcyde

Peep the party pics from HM Sound System's BTB's 4-Year Anniversary Celebration! And to the lucky winners - hope you enjoy your new LOOMLAB scarves!

http://www.hmsoundsystem.com/fr_btb4thanniversary.cfm

Palette of Pop!

Almost done designing the next collection! Here's a droplet of what is to come - the 2011 palette - very CMKY inspired pops of color balanced by black | white stories!

Suprasensorial at MOCA

Visited Suprasensorial: Experiments in Light, Color, and Space at MOCA on Saturday.  FABULOUS.  I really enjoy art that plays with your senses, is interactive, and encourages experience and active participation. 

 

and afterward appealing to to our taste senses, lunch at a Korean BBQ in Little Tokyo

BTB 4-Year Anniversary with FATLIP from THE PHARCYDE!

+ CELEBRATING Broader than Broadway's 4-year anniversary!!

+ FEATURING HM SOUNDSYSTEM & FATLIP FROM THE PHARCYDE!!!
 
+ SPECIAL GIVEAWAYS ALL NIGHT (including scarves from LOOMLAB!)
 
+ NO COVER ALL NIGHT and the INFAMOUS $3 STELLAS!!

Broadway Bar

830 S. Broadway Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90014

EVENT LINK: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=203908639622746

Fibonacci for the home

Need this coffee table by MSTRF in my apartment!

MSTRF's Design Philosophy = Fibonacci Principle