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Making of RockLove
Jan. 13th, 2009
04:14 am
Quick Update... because I'm lame and never think to use my LJ:
September 2008 - Present
RockLove works with Lionsgate film "Repo! The Genetic Opera" to create limited edition Repo-Man scalpel necklace merchandise. All proceeds go to the Repo Road Tour, bringing the film across the country for live Rocky Horror-styled showings!
ABOUT TO DEPART WITH THE GUYS FOR REPO ROAD TOUR 3 - with a SLEW OF NEW MERCHANDISE TOO!
www.repo-opera.com
Sep. 29th, 2008
09:02 pm - RockLove and Dances of Vice/Salon Con on MTV
First, a very special loving thank you to Evelyn (she's the co-creator of http://www.jaborwhalky.net) - she recommended me to MTV which is why my work was both mentioned AND featured on John Norris himself! See that big blingy shiny thing around his neck above the cravat? That's a custom RockLove Double Headed Eagle Necklace!
Written Article:
http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/159581
News Video:
http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?id=159581
Photo Gallery:
http://www.mtv.com/photos/?fid=1595808
Music Video Compilation Show:
http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?id=159515
On Air:
MTV2 Tues 9/30- 6:30am, 7:23am, 8:15am
MTVu Mon 9/29- 5:45pm, 7:45pm, 9:45pm, 11:45pm
Tues 9/30- 1:45am, 3:45am, 5:45am, 7:45am, 9:45am, 11:45am, 1:45pm, 3:45pm, 5:45pm
MTV has been taken over with Obama coverage. Steampunk is TBD but will air soon.
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thankfulAug. 18th, 2008
10:52 am - Union Square Silent Rave
What I did last night... by accident...
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/20/nyreg
It was only about 12 hours ago, so the YouTube videos and photos are just now rolling in. Wonder if I'm in anything; I had a HOARD of cameras in my face, though I stuck to the outskirts of the party since I was just passing through. Ended up "passing through" for a couple hours though :P
Keep your eyes open - I'm wearing a black and white striped tank with the burgundy hair doing my usual electronica belly dance lock thing.
Aug. 13th, 2008
09:24 am - Back on Track
Sorry again... Allison missing in action.
I haven't given you the update because, well... the updates I have wouldn't be prudent to blast on the internet. Crazy situations with one band (in a bad way) but then new contracts drawn up with someone 10K times bigger and better! But again... not allowed to unveil that to you yet. *sigh* Legalities are exhausting.
In other news, I went on vacation for a few weeks to Pennsic War (www.pennsicwar.org) where the hubs and I first met. We last went 3 years ago, at which I ran around with all the bands and music mates playing all the gigs and haflas. Met and jammed with some of the top middle eastern musicians in the country, which was amazing - but this round I kicked back and allowed the trip to be a well needed vacation. Here's me jamming with my new favorite band Wine & Alchemy:
RockLove will be at DOV II - be there in your steampunk wear! I'm very excited because steamy is so much more my scene (though whenever I do it, it's usually ethnic steamy) so this round I have plenty of fun and more comfortable clothing. My biggest concern is schlepping all my stuff to the city from upstate without a car. Crashing at my lovely assistant, Shannon's house.
Yeahhh, come visit me and check out my new Charmed Collection pieces not yet pictured online. I'm on a mission to have more $16-$26 items available... especially with the upcoming holidays!
Jun. 28th, 2008
12:26 pm - Tattoos and Oriental Fetishism
Woops, I haven't been keeping this update.
Bad Allison.
A photo from the LA Ink-N-Iron Convention on the Queen Mary. Look how rockabilly I am, tee hee! A flighty woman of many genres... (that's me in the black and white skully dress)
I'm presently preparing for a very different show aesthetic with my beloved Dances of Vice (for whom I sponsor - click for more details).
Wondering what I'm going to wear in order to elucidate 1920's Oriental Fetishism. It was a time in which a la mode was culturally appropriating anything and everything Asian. In the high fashion of the ignorant deco English women, maybe I'll wear a kimono.
Naked under a kimono would make more sales, hai?
May. 26th, 2008
09:47 am - Personal Ramblings
As this is a personal blog about RockLove, I feel like I am entitled to ramble about my own fears about this company.
The past month I have been struggling... sales are slow off the website and Etsy (www.rocklove.etsy.com); my street fairs keep getting rained out; complicated store uploads; constant icky weather hindering photo shoots...
But now I've realized that I've hit a WALL. One we all come to before we jump the threshold of being hand-spun or potentially BIG.
And that leap is: Stores. I'm in a few stores on consignment and that's all well and dandy, but there is no cash-in-hand which allows me to go back and MAKE the merchandise said shop owner wants. And most places don't want to purchase right now with the economy down. They want to try me on for size before they take that risk (understandable) but that leaves me in a pickle.
It means that if I want pieces to sell in a store, I have to take all the financial risk in the beginning. A couple thousand dollars worth of retail merchandise PER showroom, which may in turn just sit there not selling. In my contract agreements I do have a term with some applicable shops that they must buy after the first upload... galleries for the most part work on a 60-40.
But in the long run, it's a horrible catch-22: I have to HAVE the money to spend the money to make money.
Thus. It's time for a loan. I've made it all this way without loans or credit... but I'm stuck otherwise. Ergo the freaking out this month. Because if RockLove doesn't flourish, it's debt becomes my own and suddenly I have an unsuccessful career and even more financial troubles and commitment. Yipes!
But it's TIME TIME TIME to plug my nose and take the plunge. So anchors away everyone, here we GO!
Don't forget to message me for your LJ 20% off!
And a potential Father's Day present for your favorite scallyway - Artist's Proof!
May. 6th, 2008
12:58 pm - Emblems Collection
My brand new hand carved sterling silver pieces - the emblem collection :) Going for a unisex look crossing tribal steampunk and industrial aesthetics. Hope you like them and if you have ideas for future emblems I would be very interested to hear them. Still toying with the idea of enameling in the negative space.
Currently on sale if you click on the picture; message me for 20% off retail price! Thank you!
Apr. 29th, 2008
04:03 pm - SpringFest 08
Despite drizzling chilly weather, RockLove magically did quite well at the street fair this past Sunday! Plus we got offers to be carried in three more boutiques! I was running around like a fiend and didn't want my camera out in the rain so I didn't get a chance to snap any pictures :(
But alas - we've just been offered a position in a drastically upcoming fair May 18th! A last minute thing but another primo location that we can't pass up! Here's hoping for a repeat or surpassed performance!
Apr. 26th, 2008
07:48 pm - New Emblem Collection
Only four of the new six Emblem Collection pendants... still finishing up crossed double keys and a nautical star, but I thought I would give you a preview. And yes, they are available for purchase if you are interested - just click the photo.
Feedback and ideas of future emblems greatly appreciated. Also check out the industrial rubber bangles!
I know this photo links to Etsy, rather than the official RockLove website, but alas, I like the pretty photo collage!
xo Allison
07:47 pm
The Nyack Springfest Street Fair is tomorrow! Thousands of people come out to this epic event; over 200 stores and restaurants have booths not including the other general tables consisting of independent artists and antique dealers. Food, live music, roaming street color... EVERYTHING!
I'm nervous as hell since this holds the potential to do a TON of business... but it's rain or shine and I'm A) praying for shine and B) hoping people are into RockLove and are not just looking for garage sale crap. I've been jewelrying till my fingers are about to fall off in prep! I need to chill out - whatever doesn't sell will get shipped off to boutiques, so it's not a total loss if merchandise doesn't move. Just a major disappointment. I've never done this show before so I only know it's reputation...
Here's hoping, everybody! I've got some new lower end pieces... even things as low as a few bucks each! I promise as soon as this hulabaloo is over I will photograph and put stuff for sale on the site :)
Plus I have a posh gift basket raffle thing which I hope will draw attention. All kinds of sexy unisex stuff including a $100 gift certificate.
Wish me luck!
Apr. 10th, 2008
06:23 pm - Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School
This smirking little bugger is the embodiment of his purpose: He is the new exclusive Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School Cheeky Art Monkey! And he was a little biotch to carve! Did him twice and he still requires tweaking in metal...
Here is his info; a deviant krew established in over 50 cities worldwide:
For the obscenely talented artist and founder, Molly Crabapple:
Apr. 5th, 2008
08:59 pm - DOV Vintage Moon Donation Pendant
Meine Damen und Herren, Madames et Messieurs, Ladies and Gentlemen...
...RockLove Jewelry is proud to present the Limited Edition 2008 OFFICIAL DANCES OF VICE Vintage Moon Pendant!
A solid hand carved and cast original beauty, our beloved Vintage Paper Moon icon has been immortalized in over 10 grams of top quality hypoallergenic sterling silver.
Spanning a stunning 3.25 centimeters in diameter, the back is signed "DOV '08" and "RockLove" - only to be sold in limited quantities this year! It has been oxidized and repolished for a contrasting gunmetal glow.
It hangs from your choice of glossy black 15mm wide satin ribbon or black 2mm round satin cord (please specify during checkout), both of which can be conveniently removed and replaced with your own chain. This piece was designed with your creativity in mind - sew it to an aristocratic lapel, to the brim of your finest top hat, as a fob for your pocket watch, as a lovely châtelaine addition!
WE WANT TO SEE! What can you come up with, poppets?
Not only is this a chance at an exclusive DOV piece of finely crafted jewelry, but this is a DONATION and a DEAL. ALL PROCEEDS from the moon's sale go directly back into the execution of these amazing nights of anachronistic debauchery. By joining the ranks of the Vice Elite and proudly displaying your piece on your person, you will also get 10% OFF DOORS of ALL regular monthly events! Festival benefits for Moon bearers announced separately. It's the gift that keeps on giving!
To celebrate this unprecedented unveiling - By wearing your Vintage Moon to the April 26's Montauk Club event, you will receive 10% off the $15 ticket price!
Includes FREE International Shipping and comes in a stylish RockLove gift box.
Mar. 20th, 2008
01:38 am - Rattie Baby
I need love right now... I'm holding a vigil. My rattie baby, Amstel, is dying. It's the end. I feel it.
I know it's a silly thing. I have a wonderful German Shepherd puppy; an animal that will be with me for a good 15 years, God willing... but right now my heart is breaking for a pet rodent.
Amstel is the best and most well trained rat in the history of rodentdom. He thinks he is a dog, rolling on his back for tummy rubs and licking you non-stop. He can walk on his hind legs, can walk a tight rope, is fully potty trained, comes when he is called, sits on your shoulder, snuggles, and plays. He's convinced about a dozen friends of ours that ratties are wonderful, including the most high maintenance of Manhattan girlie girls.
But now he's laying in my lap, breathing heavily, sprawled on a towel sporadically spasming and having vagal reactions. Pressed tight against my body, sometimes laying still and then suddenly urgently licking my hand all over wide awake. He has a tumor which was recommended to not be removed (wouldn't survive anesthesia) and is seeping diluted blood from his eyes.
His partner, Arianna, has spent the past two weeks making a nest for him in the bottom of their rattie penthouse - he hasn't been able to climb up into their hammock bed.
So I just need some love tonight while I stay up wait. And some reassurance that I'm not being stupid for so desperately loving my rat.
Mar. 16th, 2008
10:06 pm - Finished Moon
Dances of Vice + RockLove Jewelry = Sterling Silver DOV Donation Moon Pendant~
Will be for sale asap; just wondering... do we like it on silk cord? You can always take it off and put it on your preferred chain of choice. Or would we prefer a black ribbon? Leather?
It has a hidden jump ring on the back; remove the cord and it is an uninterrupted loop for a scarf or cravat. Or you can use the ring to sew it on to your bowler hat or lapel...
Thank you,
Allison
Mar. 10th, 2008
12:27 am - Dances of Vice and RockLove Collaboration
Just wanted to let you folks see the in-progress DOV Moon piece. Have been carving all day and am presently covered in little bits of blue wax confetti. This is NOT the final piece and will be further refined yet, plus again once cast into silver. Remember that this is lost wax so the final will not be blue :) About 3.5 centimeters in diameter. It can be threaded into a scarf, a cravat, etc, plus it will have a loop in the back for a cord, a chain, or a silk choker ribbon. An additional version mayyyyy be available with a pin backing later on for hats, lapels, to hook with a chain and fob, pocket watch, tie clip, etc. Depends on interest.
xo with a few pricked fingers and wax shavings up her nose,
Allison
RockLove
Mar. 2nd, 2008
02:04 am - Audrey Kitching Rosaries
I've made it to Hollywood. Audrey Kitching is rocking my Rufina Rosaries but has not yet given RockLove due credit. She's very sweet and a mad busy bee, and has emailed me promising she will soon...
... so here's hoping hoping hoping. It would bring RL to a new level of brand recognition!
In the meantime, I don't want to post any pics since I still don't have expressed permission. Though you can check them out on her myspace and in her blog.
http://www.myspace.com/audreykitchi
(clicky her last 2 blogs and see TONS of shots!)
Feb. 27th, 2008
10:41 am - Dances of Vice and RockLove Collaboration
ATTENTION! ATTENTION!
My dears, I have some exciting news and I would greatly appreciate your thoughts and creative expertise!
RockLove Jewelry (www.rocklovedesigns.com) is based on the anthem of artistic unity, mutual respect within the creative scene, and collaborative efforts. We've made signature jewelry for numerous bands, non-profit organizations, and events to help them raise funds for their various causes (be it a tour or a charity).
What we are now proposing to you is the idea of a DISTINGUISHED SIGNATURE DANCES OF VICE PIECE OF JEWELRY! Proceeds will go directly to furthering the development of the events, especially next years annual festival. Additionally, wearing the piece at any DOV event will reward you with a DISCOUNTED door fee. Money well spent - support the events you love, and reap the financial benefit again and again every time you partake in our devastatingly elegant soirées!
Here's where I need your thoughts. The piece would be hand carved and cast top quality sterling silver in RockLove's style (hypoallergenic and damn sexy). To keep it affordable as possible, a pendant on silk or leather cord would be ideal. If all goes well, we can do some pins and even additional designs in the future. Definitely under $50 (I'll have a better final quote once I've made a prototype)... we are going for a low comfortable price but with enough room to cover costs and gather proceeds.
But what should the pendant BE? Shien and I were thinking about the moon since it is gender neutral, faithfully vintage, and recognizably DOV.
We could round him out a bit, make him a bit more subtle and suave...
Or shall we go for a completely different image? I'm also a fan of a little silver animal skull since taxidermy and specimens are an ongoing DOV image too.
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
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artisticFeb. 19th, 2008
11:43 am - New Collaborations!
Moving and shaking time!
Now that I've finally made the job switch, I have more time (sometimes) for RockLove's expansion. I'm so excited - I've had collaborations with fabulous artists lined up for a long time. Thank goodness they've been so patient with me!~
http://zemotion.deviantart.com/
This is one of my favorite photographers. She's from Singapore, and her work is absolutely stunning. She will be working with RockLove's jewelry... for now, since a lot of finances went into making inventory for the DOV show, I can only afford a few images, but if all goes well it will be a continued union :) I'm so thrilled and flattered - it is such an amazing feeling having someone you admire so greatly actually admire you! *star struck*
Additionally, I hope her fans will agree with her, love the jewelry, and voila - more RL brand recognition! But either way, it's been an absolute dream communicating with her in general. She is as sweet as pie and impressively humble.
The other excitement is that Audrey Kitching requested a few rosaries <3 Absolutely gorgeous and another sweetie to communicate with, she is a very talented model and icon in the alternative fashion scene. I'm very excited - hopefully she will snap a photo with the RL rosaries on for our website. Maybe even mention us on her blog (which gets more traffic than probably all the rest of MySpace).
Google her to see her everywhere or check out her MySpace here:
http://www.myspace.com/audreykitchi
So that's what's up for now! I've gotta run - about a dozen RL pieces need to get out the door today or I'm screwed!
xo
Allison
Feb. 17th, 2008
11:00 pm - Dances of Vice
So I've totally avoided it for long enough... sorry guys... it's just none of my pictures turned out very flattering. I look super tired (from not sleeping weeks prepping) or am making a funny face in all of them. And besides, I don't look or dress a thing like this on an average day but I still haven't gotten to take a normal snapshot of myself either. Ugh, I just suck at making photos happen! Okay okay *deep breath*
This is me getting ready with my friend, Naomi, to go to the Dances of Vice Festival.
Feb. 15th, 2008
01:15 am - DOV Aftermath
I swear I will post a DOV update and aftermath message, in addition to the promised photos! Promise!
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