#20 Todo sobre mi Madre | All about my Mother

Marta Leonor, nacida el 6 de Marzo ES... 

... VERDE, ama el campo y el aire libre, "Chiquititas, salgan a disfrutar de la naturaleza" lo comprueba 

... DOCENTE Y MUY PACIENTE! Amante de su vocacion (y afortunada diriamos nosotras!) 

... APASIONADA Y EFUSIVA en sus creencia, pensamientos, sentimientos e inclinaciones politicas 

... TIENE MUCHA ENERGIA, tanta que hasta a veces su manera de relajarse es trabajar. ("En orbita, chiquititas!" otra frase famosa) 

... UNA GRAN RELATORA, de peliculas especialmente, es como si la estuvieras viendo en el cine, con lujo de detalles 

... UNA GRAN AMIGA

... UN POCO EXAGERADA, aunque no lo haga a proposito (y no le guste reconocerlo) tiende a agrandar un poco las situaciones (pero esta cualidad abunda en las mujeres de la familia, incluyendonos! por eso no esta sola en esto!) 

... NUESTRA MADRE, que es perfectamente imperfecta en su rol (lejos estamos de ser nosotras las hijas perfectas). Ella hace lo mejor que le sale y con las mejores intenciones. Y aunque a veces no parezca, lo valoramos.

Feliz Cumple Mama! Te amamos, Guillermina & Florencia :)

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Marta Leonor, born March 6 IS...

... GREEN, he loves the countryside and the outdoors, "Chiquititas, come out to enjoy nature" proves it!

... A TEACHER AND VERY PATIENT! She loves what she does (lucky her we reckon!)

... PASSIONATE AND EFFUSIVE in her beliefs, thoughts, feelings and political taste.

... HAS LOTS OF ENERGY, so sometimes even his way of relaxing is working ("In orbit, chiquititas" another famous phrase)

... A GREAT STORYTELLER, especially when telling films, it's as though you were watching it in the theater, she doesn't miss a detail

... A GREAT FRIEND

... A BIT EXAGGERATED, a drama queen, but she doesn't do it on purpose (and she doesn't like to admit it either) tends to overreact some situations (but this quality runs in women of the family, including us! so she is not alone in this!)

... OUR MOTHER, who is perfectly imperfect in her role (we are far from being the perfect daughters ourselves). She does her best with the best intentions. And though sometimes it may not seem, we value that!

Happy Birthday Mom! We love you, Guillermina & Florencia :)  

Este estampado esta basado en esta fotos de 1975. Que guapa Marta!

Inspirado en la obra del artista pop Andy Warhol.

This pattern is based on this photo from 1975. Pretty Marta!

Inspired by the work of pop artist Andy Warhol. 

#19 Goosebumps

Considering that goosebumps are the bumps on a person's skin at the base of body hairs which may involuntarily develop when a person is cold or experiences strong emotions such as fear, nostalgia, pleasure, admiration, etc. When was the last time you remember having the goosebumps?

Mine was listening to Adele's Someone like you! What a voice!

Not many things get me goosebumps (apart from being cold of course!) but I do get emotional a lot, like I a weep for everything (I told you I was a crier!) I also suffer from a severe case of blushing! ohhhh yes! And it runs in the family, BIG time! I get nervous, I blush! All red: face, ears, neck, boiling hot!... but I am learning to get over it! beside I heard somewhere that creative people blush! (note: this fact might be invented by my sister, to make us feel good about our blushing!) Opy x

PS: I bet you'll remember this post next time you have the goosebumps!

#18 A classic with a twist

To keep in line with fashion, that seem to be in every news these days (all those fashion weeks), I wanted to create an alternative to a classic I love: the houndstooth. My first encounter with this pattern was my school uniform: a pleated skirt with a very small black and white hounstooth pattern, simple yet classic, of course I didn't like it at that moment, who can blame me, we were so young!

Also called houndstooth check or hound's tooth (Pata de gallo in Spanish), this duotone textile pattern is characterized by broken checks or abstract four-pointed shapes (often in black and white). They originated in woven wool cloth of the Scottish Lowlands, but are now used in many other materials. 

In my effort to try different techniques (who wants to playing it safe all the time?), I painted two checks with watercolours, scanned them and repeated them. The result is an imperfect but quite interesting pattern that I reckon it could look pretty good in a fabric and even a wall or wrapping paper. Do you concur? Opy x

#17½ VIVA la Vida

This is a special post to share with you this awesome note published in VIVA Wednesday 23 February. VIVA is a weekly magazine from the NZ Herald (one of the most important newspaper here) and celebrates "the good things in life". For me it has become like a bible for design, fashion and all things happening right now, right here (and out there). I've been a follower since my first job in NZ 9 years ago (yesterday was exactly 9 years since I first landed here, I know! Double WOW!). I am honoured and pleased that I was featured in one of the pages, I have to confess it was a dream to appear in the magazine, and I did! So this is a clear example that if you really want something and you work for it, it will eventually happen! (Important note: one must have a dream to follow, then, I believe, you are half way there). Let me thank not only the awesome team at VIVA, but also my family, friends, collegues and followers for the constant support and feedback, knowing what you think and feel is an important part of this project, it gives me energy and confidence to keep creating. So Thank You! Opy x

PS: this week's pattern come with a bit of a delay. I've been so over the moon that I haven't had a minute to sit and do... so watch this space!

#17 A la Moda

Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening. 

Coco Chanel

#16 NN

If you were expecting a Valentine's design, you are wrong my friends! 

I am not going to get into details why, enough said.

So instead I came up with this things, symbols or whatever you want to call them.

A Mandala? Who knows? I am not going to try to label it, because let's face it, just like in life, some things just don't have a reason to be. I mean, most of the time, themes have a sense, but sometimes, it is what it is, just triangles and circles, thrown together nicely for a pretty pattern that hopefully some day will become a textile for a cushions or a duvet cover. What a dreamer this pattern! Oh well, they do say that if you are gonna dream, may as well dream big, no? Love, Opy ♥

#15 Band of Peculiar Dogs

Last weekend was a long one, so with a bit of extra time in my hands, I started drawing these dogs and thinking what if they have a life? A peculiar personality? Something different... 

#14 Lucky Dragon

I am so thrilled! Thanks Bowie Style for posting my project in Print & Pattern!

http://www.printpattern.blogspot.com/2012/01/designer-opys-pattern-project.html

This blog is huge when it comes to surface pattern, so I am honoured that she acknowledged my project. 

By consequence I had a great response from people all over the world, in particular Leanne Carpentier, she wrote a great post about my blog, thank you so much!

http://lcarpentier.blogspot.com/2012/01/opys-pattern-project-blog.html

It is really rewarding when also fellow designers appreciate and value your work. 

All the praises keep my spirits up and renew my energy to keep doing it!

For this week pattern, you probably have already figured out why I've chosen a dragon: the Year of the Dragon, well not only that, this week, here in NZ, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, is opening in theatres. I've been waiting anxious for this movie since I found out that David Fincher was going to direct it (he did the Fight Club so I know he will not disappoint), also Daniel Craig is eye candy bonus.

I read the books and watched the Swedish movies, both awesome, I am pretty sure they are not going to ruin his "american" version, however I doubt Mara could match Noomi Rapace performance (she nails the role) but I guess her Oscar nomination could prove me wrong. 

May you have luck when you see this pattern, as the Year of the Dragon is considered the luckiest year in the Chinese Zodiac.

#13 Paris je t'aime

pah-REE, the city of lights. The city that instantly became one of my favourites. I could tell you dozens of reasons why I love Paris: croissants, museums, parks, shops, cafes, baguettes, fashion, The Tower, crepes, parisiennes, macaroons, the metro... because what's there not to love? But my true reason I wanted to go to Paris: Amelie, I love that movie and since I watched it I wanted to go to this place where everything was green and red. And oh la la! I did not disappoint! Luckily I was able to go there twice. Paris is always a good idea!

Though I often looked for one, I finally had to admit that there could be no cure for Paris.

From The Paris Wife, a Hemingway novel.

PS:  Paris even has it own green (used above), "Paris Green" is an inorganic compound, highly toxic emerald-green crystalline powder that has been used as a rodenticide and insecticide, as well as a pigment for wallpapers, inks and watercolours.

#12 (Not) Singing in the rain

Rain... lovely rain, cheeky rain, annoying rain, undesirable rain! 

Can you tell I am frustrated with this "Summer"? Here, in the South Pacific, is supposed to be sunny warm summer, but NO! It is obvious that the sun decided to sit somewhere else, like South American and Dubai. I know, I shouldn't be complaining, there are far more worse things, but when you spend the entire Autum, Winter and Spring, wishing for hot and sunny days, and what we get are grey and damp weeks, I can only think of complaining, why? Why? WHY?! Forget La Niña, El Niño and all that nonsense! It feels personal! Hahaha.

I guess I (and probably the rest of NZ) will have to get over it (or move countries).

Enjoy the sun wherever you are (if you can!) Opy

#11 Wild Horses

Happy 2012! All the best with a little bit of luck!

During these holidays I watched the trailer for the movie "War Horse" (an Spielberg film that it seems to be one of those "life is beautiful" movie that I will probably watch and weep like a baby) and it got me thinking about how beautiful these animals are. Truly I haven't been in contact with many horses in my life, at my grandfather's farm there was this old horse called "Pibe" we didn't really connect much (I am not an animal person) but I remember he was nice to observe, tall and noble with so much presence and style.

For the colours I used CMYK, for those of you who might not know, this colour mode is used in colour printing, and is also used to describe the printing process itself. CMYK refers to the four inks used in some colour printing: cyan, magenta, yellow, and key (black).

See you next week, Opy

PS: remember the movie "El Corcel Negro" (The Black Stallion)? Oh boy! That is definitely a "life is beautiful" movie! Love it!

#10 Soul Sister

Today is my sister's, Guillermina, 35th birthday. Those lucky to have met her, already know how special and unique she is. She is not only my sister, she also my longtime best friend, an awesome mother, a passionate singer and funny performer.

I don't really need to tell you how much I love her, she already knows... however, this pattern and this poem are my gifts to her, Happy Birthday Guille! Opy

                               I carry your heart with me (I carry it in my heart)
                               I am never without it (anywhere I go you go, my dear;

                               and whatever is done by only me is your doing, my darling)
                               I fear no fate (for you are my fate, my sweet)

                               I want no world (for beautiful you are my world, my true)
                               and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
                               and whatever a sun will always sing is you

                               Here is the deepest secret nobody knows
                               (here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
                               and the sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows
                               higher than soul can hope or mind can hide)
                               and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

                               I carry your heart (I carry it in my heart)

                               E. E. Cummings

PS: Yes! it is from the movie "In her Shoes", didn't you cried when you get to this part?

#9 Have a Happy Green Christmas

Here it is, that time of the year again, the time of the OVER: overeating, overdrinking, overspending.... and it's all good, guilt free! We can take care of dieting, detoxing and saving in the new year! 

However in my attempt to be (or at least try to be) an eco friendly person, this pattern is to encourage you and myself to have a more greener life (New Year's resolution? Maybe?). 

All sounds good but is common knowledge that trying to be 100% green is almost a mission impossible (ok, maybe not for Tom) and it can be expensive but still within everyone's lifestyle and budget there are lots of things they can be done, for example, things that I do:

Take my NOT plastic bags to the market

Sort out the rubbish for recycling collection

Re-use papers whenever possible (I love to re use wrapping paper)

Buy groceries I know I am going to consume (I HATE throwing away food)

Whenever affordable, I buy biodegradable products

Turn off the tap while brushing

Buy second hand (do we really need everything NEW?) 

And my favourite: Mend it rather than replace it!

I hope this inspire you, I imagine lots of people already do most of the above and some have no interest whatsoever. And it's fine, but just think of it as a selfish thing to do: help the earth, help yourself!

Have a Happy Christmas! Don't over do it (maybe a little) Opy

#8 Aiming Happy

I believe our actions are like arrows, and our main target is to be HAPPY.

Sounds cheesy? Think about it.

Happiness is a mental state of well-being characterized by positive emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy.

Why wouldn't be aiming for that? For our Happy Place? For our Happy Ending?

We can always try, we can sometimes miss, but that's ok....we do become wiser with our mistakes, don't we? besides wouldn't life be boring if we always get what we want?

Keep looking, Keep aiming, Opy

#7 Morning Glory

As we are in the middle of the silly season, luckily many of my evenings are booked with social events and friendly gatherings. This means that, it is SO hard to wake up in the mornings to go to work. If only I could wake up by myself, not having to listen to that horrendous cell phone alarm. Thank God for the snooze button (Yes! I am a snoozer and I love it! 10 minutes could make all the difference!)

While we are on the subject, what a better way to start the day with a good coffee, fresh squeeze orange juice (pulp free for me, thank you!) toast and yummy strawberries, not to mention egg benedicts, pancakes, bagels, french toast = EXPECTATION. REALITY = toast on the run (my car is so grateful I am feeding him crumbs! How needs petrol anyway!) or boring cereal at work (sometime I go crazy and I add diced apple! Fierce!) together with a infusion of tea (I don't even dare to have THAT instant coffee). But I am not complaining, and I know that my expectations could become reality, and of course they do, once in a while.... but lets be honest, my pocket and my figure won't like me very much if I act every time I crave for a buttery croissant! Yummy!

Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a pauper. Yeah Right.

No need to explain the rooster, that alarm would be even worst! 

Have a awesome morning, Opy

#6 Geometry: Pass

Hey guys, I am still here, still doing it, still creating! 

Let me say, this is even more rewarding that I ever thought it would be! 

I am so glad I started this project. One of the things that I really enjoy is writing these descriptions. When I had the idea of this project, I didn't realize that my comments would be such an important part of it! Thanks for all your feedback on these.

With this week pattern I wanted to take a break from the hand drawn elements. For a time now, I wanted to do something with polyhedrons, I believe there is something really cool on these 3D geometric solid forms, with its flat faces and straight edges, so I hope you like it, I know I do! 

Cheers Opy

#5 To Sir With Love

Who's that man? That handsome man up there is my father. Happy Birthday papa! 

Tuesday 22nd of November was his 66th birthday and this is my gift to him. 

Luis Guillermo Diomedes aka Willie, one of the coolest men I have ever known, is the ultimate argentinian dundy! A true gentleman with unique style!

When he is not working, he spends his time listening to classical music, cataloguing old photos or meetings with friend for coffee/drinks. 

He prides himself of being a good eater (delicatessen food, a must!) and a good drinker: whiskey, beer, wine, whatever accompanies a good momento!  (obviously these two qualities run in the family!) 

He treasures objects with sentimental value, antiques especially (now we know where my love for vintage came from). Rugby is also a passion of his, he played in his younger years, creating friendship bonds that last until today, "friends that are brothers" as he likes to say. 

Movies, especially westerns, he loves! His ultimate idol is John Wayne, of course! Among his favorites film are: The Music Teacher & Dances with Wolves (he also secretly loves Zoolander, but you didn't hear it from me!) 

As you can read he is an incredible person... and I am lucky to have him as my father!

"I was just thinking that of all the trails in this life there is one that matters most. It is the trail of a true human being. I think you are on this trail and it is good to see"

Kicking Bird [in Lakota; subtitled] from film Dances with Wolves

#4 Sweet Birdie

This week's pattern has a simple reason to be: LOVE (awwwww)

Aunt thinking of niece >

Aunt missing niece, a lot >

Aunt thinks of creating something for niece >

Aunt draws cute birdie >

Birdie becomes a pattern.

Because like I read somewhere… becoming an aunt is completely out of one's control. When your sister becomes a mom, you become an aunt. There is no life planning or great thought put into this occasion: basically, it just happens! And it changes your life forever! 

How very true!

Opy

#3 Flor = Flower

Because I believe that a blog could be an bit of an egocentric thing to do (at least this one), this post is titled after my name. Florencia (Florence in english) is derived from the Latin verb floreo, meaning "I flower" (in the sense of a blossom). The name is also derived from the Italian city Firenze. Well, not rocket science there!

I also wanted to create something to celebrate Spring season in this part of the world, but I have to say, New Zealand weather has a (not so) funny way to let us know that it truly has the four season in one day!

I wanted to try something new with the colour theme and I believe this odd combination turned out to be quite interesting. What do you think?

Thanks family & friends for your support, ideas & feedback! You keep me going!

Adios, Opy

#2 Don't Just...

Hello again, what a week! I have to confess I am really enjoying this but oh boy! This is a LOT harder than I thought! Getting the right pattern, the one I am 100% happy with, is not a piece of cake, but it's ok, I am pretty sure that as weeks goes by I will get used to it, & that I will enjoy it even more!

Some time ago I bumped into this phrase on the web; it lights me up when I am having one of those days (you know which ones: glass half empty days, tired days, "what I am doing here?" days).

I liked the idea of different circle frames, like picture frames in a wall. Why yellow? It symbolizes: wisdom, joy & happiness, so I reckon it goes perfect with the theme. 

Special mention to my sister, Guille, for helping me with the colour.... I miss you sis! Thanks for you help & your constant support!

Thanks for visiting, love, Opy