Brenda Star Studios: September 2012

Two weeks ago I spent several hours getting together a 'presentation' to enter Martha Stewart's 'American Made' Contest. I got in under the deadline, and was thrilled to see my story, my photo, and my wearable art on display on the website. I anxiously waited until the day voting opened. I knew that the Martha machine would choose the finalists, but there was a 'wild card' slot called the 'Audience Choice Award'. I (mis)understood that all entries would be in the running for that slot. I set my alarm to get up extra early on Sept 7 just so I could know the process and explain it to my friends when I asked for their vote ..... and there I was!! Right there on Martha's contest site with a big red 'VOTE' box by my name!!

First, I voted for myself. Second, I sent emails to EVERYone I know asking for their vote. Third, I posted on FB! I felt I was covered and had the best possible chances in the contest. About noon I received the sad email telling me I was not chosen as a finalist. Well - no worries, I thought - I have supportive friends out there casting their votes and sharing the news. I have a shot at the wild card slot and I'll be so happy for them to see my entry/presentation. Very soon I started getting emails from friends saying they cant find me. The URL to my page was re-directed to the main page and my entry had been pulled from the site.

So, since you didnt get to see it .....

Here's my 'American Made' Story

I chose Brenda Star Studios for my business name so that ALL of my art interests would fall under that umbrella. Plus, I’m a redhead – my name is Brenda ….. AND I love stars – it just fits me perfectly. I am a decorative artist, painting everything from baby rooms to garden walls – and everything in between. I love to paint Baltimore Screens – because it is a unique folk art only found in Baltimore - and I'm happy to keep the traditional history alive. Garden art from recycled, reclaimed glass makes me feel good to use items that may otherwise be discarded and I enjoy the way light breaks into sparkle and shine. I write calligraphy, and love all forms of beautiful lettering. The discipline and practice required keeps me focused, while the smiles from happy brides brings much satisfaction.

BUT ….Jeweled Jeans are my most innovative and distinctive expression.

These are the 'Rock Star' jeans that started it all.

This design is now retired!

JEWELED JEANS will turn YOUR OWN favorite, great fitting, most comfortable jeans into a "one of a kind" work of art. Originally, I designed the first pair of jeweled, sparkling jeans for myself to wear to a Rolling Stones concert and got such an enthusiastic reaction that I've been doing them for others ever since!

JEWELED JEANS .. Jeweled Jeans light up my world. They add a little 'bling' to ordinary jeans, they sparkle and shine, and they lift my spirits whenever I wear them -- or whenever I create them for someone else. The combination of colors and patterns is endless - I'll never run out of ways to add glitter in my life!

As my business grows, I dream of seeing Jeweled Jeans on singers and celebrities. They would look so great on stage. I envision ‘home party’ events, and neighborhood craft classes, as well as expanding Jeweled Jeans designs to denim in many forms – skirts, jackets, tote bags, clutches and bookmarks.

They say 'variety is the spice of life' -- it cetainly is for me when it comes to my art! Yes, I do like many different expressions --- and No, I dont want to choose just a few. Brenda Star Studios is a broad name.... hopefully broad enough to support the many different ways I want to express my artistic side.