Born-Again Vintage Book Review and Giveaway! US Only

Whether it is called up-cycled, re-cycled, altered designs, deconstructed or reconstructed, many of us are trying this eco friendly crafting and saving money in this repressed economy. I know when I go through my wardrobe I am more aware to how I can transform a piece that has been in my closet for awhile into something eco-chic. Now, Bridgett Artise and Jen Karetnick are leading the way in show us how to recycle our cast-offs into exciting new designs with their book “Born- Again Vintage” (Random House Book) 25 Ways to Deconstruct, Reinvent and Recycle Your Wardrobe”. Bridgett’s company is B Artise Originals believes that fashion trends come and go like the speed of light, but your pieces are timeless, trendless and more importantly “HOT” proving that with a few cuts and stitches, your entire wardrobe can be transformed! One of the most interesting things I learned about Bridgett is that she does custom orders, if you send in your old prom dress, maid of honor gown or any dress that’s been in the back of your closet for way too long and she’ll wave her magic wand and recreate your garment into something new and chic! Visit Bridgett’s site and see all she offers.

Born Again Vintage, tells you where to go to find those awesome vintage clothes and it is not the trendy Vintage Boutiques. Where you ask? Buy or win this book and you will be an insider in vintage shopping. Create boot pants from sweater sleeves. Make a vest from and old blazer and out-of-date shirt. Put together a chic sweater mini dress from a sweater and skirt or charming sweater corset from a cast off sweater. The tee shirt blouse is created from a tee and an vintage blouse. A darling denim bags from those dated jeans. Use a elegant vintage skirt and create stunning dress shorts. I could go on and on but you will want to open this amazing hard covered book with its stunning pictures and instructions and let your mind go wild.

Co-author Jen Karetnick is an amazing lady you will want to get to know along with Bridgett. Bridgett claims she was Jen’s pain while they worked on this book together. Jen is based in the fascinating and multicultural country known as Miami; Jen is one of the most oddly prolific writers around. An editor, author and poet as well as pen-for-hire, she tackles a variety of lifestyle subjects: food, travel, wine, liquor, literature, health, medicine, sexuality, arts, culture, home, garden, shopping, parenting, children and even cats and dogs and of course “Born Again Vintage” To learn more about Jen visit her site.

This is a book review and a GIVEAWAY to one lucky eco-minded, fashion savvy person. Instead of using Random.org I will put your comment number in a container and the last one picked will be the winner. Giveaway will run from June 2, 2009 through June 16, 2009.

Read These Next

In the world of modern art, creative boundaries are constantly being pushed, and one artist who is leading the charge in an innovative and inspiring way is Sophie, the mastermind behind King Sophie’s World. Sophie is redefining what it means to blend traditional needlework with contemporary art by combining her stunning photography with embroidery. If you haven’t heard of her yet, you’re in for a treat. Let’s take a closer look at how Sophie’s work is pushing the boundaries of art, one embroidered print at a time.

Sophie’s artistic journey is a fusion of two worlds: photography and embroidery. As an artist, she captures beautiful, thought-provoking photographs that evoke emotion and capture life’s fleeting moments. But Sophie doesn’t stop there. She then takes those images to the next level by adding her signature embroidery to everyday objects, creating a piece of art that is both striking and meaningful. These embroidered prints aren’t just photographs—they are a intricate interpretation of her vision,

This evolution of art, where photography and embroidery meet, is not just innovative; it’s a testament to the evolving ways in which artists are reimagining the classics and experimenting with new techniques. Sophie’s ability to seamlessly blend these two mediums shows just how far the art world has come—and it’s exciting to think about where it’s headed next.

Among the many stunning pieces in Sophie’s collection, her embroidered rose prints stand out as personal favorites. There’s something so striking about the combination of delicate flowers and bold, empowering words. The roses themselves are beautifully photographed, with intricate stitches capturing the softness and elegance of each petal. But it’s the juxtaposition of these gentle flowers with words that encourage strength and confidence that makes them so powerful.

Her rose embroidery prints feature sayings that resonate with many of us—quotes that inspire, uplift, and make us reflect on the importance of self-worth and empowerment. These aren’t just pretty flowers; they’re symbols of resilience, independence, and beauty, much like the women they represent. Every time I look at one of her pieces, it’s like a visual reminder of how we all need to embrace our inner strength and beauty.

What Sophie is doing with her embroidered prints is so cool because it’s a perfect example of how artists are adapting to and evolving with the times. She takes the age-old art of embroidery—something traditionally viewed as delicate and reserved for traditional or vintage works—and reinvents it. By combining it with photography, she breathes new life into both mediums.

Sophie’s work is proof that art doesn’t need to stay stagnant. It’s an ever-changing, ever-growing process that can take on new forms and new meanings. Through her embroidered prints, Sophie is showing the world how art can evolve and how we, as viewers, can continue to be surprised and inspired by these innovations.

Read These Next

Have you read?