Photo Shoot for Men’s Bird Skull Necklace

I recently helped my photographer friend the brilliant, Gabe Toth, with a photo shoot he was doing. We were friends when we worked together in the same company but we are closer now that we are heading in the same direction. The fashion industry. He has done photography for some time but now it is a full-time job. His work is so crisp, professional, and I can always pick out a sort of balance in his pictures. It is a little hard to explain - but it is a feeling, an aesthetic, a touch that is really just his own. Steamy topless photos are enclosed in the link below…

Birds of Prey Photo Shoot with Dandy Boy - my Men’s taxidermy accessories line!

Art Direction and Model - Wesley Burness
Photography - Naomi Peters
Wearing: Dandy Boy - Sparrow Skull Cuff Link

Art Direction and Model - Wesley Burness
Photography - Naomi Peters
Wearing: Dandy Boy - Dual Chain Bird Skull Necklace

Right now, I am consumed by total fear of really messing up on the first final I did. I just finished everything but I’m just petrified of the first one I did because I really should have NEVER set a foot into the room to do that exam. I spent those excruciating 3 hours fighting my body because I felt so sick. Which, most likely resulted in really sub-par essay skills. So upsetting!

However, one to better things in life. My friend, Wesley Burness who studies Fashion Communication at Ryerson University borrowed a few of my Dandy Boy pieces for a photo shoot assignment. Posted here are some of the results and my most favourite. I never told him what I wanted and he had complete creative freedom with his assignment but the first two pictures that used my pieces WERE EXACTLY HOW I WOULD PHOTOGRAPH THEM HAD I THE SKILL. The dreamy nostalgia, the slight play on androgyny, the black, the natural light, the brands… I was so surprised it was so spot on to what I liked. 

As you can see I have (if you do not follow my TWITTER and FACEBOOK then you are missing out on what I have) been secretly working on my other aesthetic. A mixture of androgyny, chains, death, leather, and natural history. It’s for Men and Women and I’d like to somehow make it more interchangeable then what I normally do. I’m definitely drifting away from what normal taxidermy jewelry would look like. I’m currently working on a clutch, too! Keep you guys updated.

What do you guys think? He’s goregeous - right? Any feedback on the photo shoot?

New Collection and Pictures from Everyday Life

Here’s a picture what my workspace / studio looks like when I am actually working on things. I have a talent for working within chaos and finding order within it. It’s quite evident in many of the things I make or do. From afar it will look like a cluster but when you look closer it has a kind of balance or order. Very few notice it - but when they do I am very impressed.

Here are some of my latest pieces. I have yet to add to Etsy but they will most likely be going to stores instead. I haven’t made up my mind yet. I’ve really liked carved bone pieces. Especially cooky fish with really funny expressions. :) I’ve also found a way to use the silk and rayon tassel samples I bought from the Textile Museum Fabric Sale. This makes me happy and I hope it diminishes my hoard a bit.

Here are some of my latest works. I’m a total romantic bohemian at heart. Sometimes I feel more bohemian then usual. I think recently, it has really been a reoccurring theme in my life. To me, it’s just the essence of free-spirit. My latest pieces are inspired by islands, windswept beaches, sun-bleached fabrics, summer, salt, natural colors and just being free.

At the same time. My style has slowly gone towards the Hipster fashion for the Winter. Trust me, by no means am I a Hipster. I only identify with the fashion itself but not the subculture. I’ve also begun experiment with strange colors and different silhouettes. I bought green oxfords. Haha. 

New Stockist: HELLS BELLES and Late Summer ~ Early Autumn Items

As of August 9th I have added a new Stockist for my items. You can now find my items at Hells Belles at Queen Street West and Spadina. They are one of the longest running Goth stores in Toronto and it is an honor to work and sell with them!

They will specifically carry my Men's Accessory line, Dandy Boy. So far, this includes black and white bird skull cuff links, corded necklaces, and lapel pins. I have juuuuust found adjustable Men's ring bases so expect those to be stocked in a few more weeks. They also carry my Women's taxidermy line with white and black bird skull necklaces and adjustable rings.

Please, check them out if you are are passing by Toronto! You will not be disappointed! :)

These are some new hair slides I made. Some will most likely be available online but I'm not too sure as of yet. They'll be making their debut appearance at my first ever craft show (The Creative Heart Collective) at The Gladstone Hotel - September 18th. If they sell well, I'll be making more in the coming months but as of now they are test products. I think they are unbelievably adorable.

These are the Dandy Boy bird skull necklaces for Men. I thought that fine chain would be too delicate and opted for some waxed cotton cord instead. I could see a guy wearing this quite nicely!

Here's what the packaged goods of what I dropped off to Hells Belles look like. 13 items in total and notice how the Men's items have pure white tags and Women's items have vintage colored tags.

Here's some Mori Girl items I made. Lace bow barrettes in three color ways: Tea-stained, Ecru, and Cream. Gorgeous and they come with not pictured pearl and charm dangles! Perfect for keeping hair out of your face when the autumn winds blow.

Lastly, here's a sneak peek at my new Autumn line under, Ofelia Ljuv. Very foresty and Mori Girl. The charms are motifs in nature that I hold dear to my heart: mushrooms, squirrels, acorns, and leaves. I will be selling them in sets at a promotional price and loose pieces. They'll be on my ETSY this coming week as will so many of my other items!

Don't forget to LIKE my QUAINTRELLA Facebook Page (tab on side) for a chance to win a surprise item in my GIVEAWAY when I reach 100 Fans! :)