Aquarian Thoughts

inspired by...

2009-11-13T07:57:00.000-08:00

the styling of these images by Sana Designer Wear. I love the balance of contrasts in colors in the top right image... red & blue against the black & white. And the rich jewel tones in the others has got me dreaming of redecorating my boudoir.

Breathtakingly Beautiful...

2009-10-31T00:02:00.000-07:00

pieces by Anne Maa. Her growth never ceases to amaze me.

Oooo, la la...

2009-08-03T06:17:00.000-07:00

I've been kind of obsessed with weddings lately. All the little details that create the celebration remind me of all the tiny components that make up my jewelry. I can't decide which of these sets of Cathy Waterman rings I desire more. I love the shapes, colors, and variety of designs of the top gold rings, but I think I'm leaning toward the understated, quietness of platinum. Nonetheless, I can't afford any of the rings, but the amount of inspiration I draw from Waterman's designs is invaluable...

So Sorry Lovlies....

2009-08-01T21:58:00.001-07:00

I've been MIA again, but for great reasons!! Things are constantly growing and changing at Aquarian Thoughts, most fortunately for the better. We have been busy developing relations with boutiques in the NY/NJ area and gearing up for the upcoming show season. A fall collection to be previewed soon, and a few trunk shows to be announced. In the meantime, check out our events page to see if Aquarian Thoughts will be exhibiting in a city near you. Stick around I've got some goodies to share...

xo
Nadirah

Dear Creatures

2009-07-14T08:30:00.000-07:00

has a fabulous styling team! Love the throwback to the '60's/'70's vibe in all the images from their Spring 09 Lookbook. Of course I adore the nude heels shown in the top right and bottom pictures. See more of the collection here.

busy obsessing ....

2009-07-06T19:32:00.000-07:00

over my take on the classic color scheme of red, white, & blue...

Red Crocodile Embossed Leather Clutch by Jalda; Zebra Print Clutch by Kate Spade; Navy Blue Leather Clutch by Alexis Hudson.

a little treat. . .

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I recently picked up just to make me smile... from Bakers.

things of yesteryear...

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inspiring things I create today... from 1stdibs.

antik batik...

2009-06-15T05:24:00.000-07:00

has a gorgeous spread of thier boho goods photographed in Morocco by fashion photographer Thierry Le Goues. I'm really in love with all the textures and head wraps and how the jewelry is layered and played with. See the goods upclose here.

happy friday + warm summer

2009-06-11T19:46:00.000-07:00

nights drawing closer by the hour. How fab would it be to throw on a slouchy black tee, your favorite jeans, a pair of sexy summer heels and a pair of huge shell earrings like these while enjoying one of these quickly approaching nights? Guess I've got some things to make this weekend. I hope you enjoy yours....

Image by Christina Drejenstam

absolutely in love with...

2009-06-10T15:47:00.001-07:00

these gorgeous silky pieces from Tibi's fall 2009 collection. The jumpsuit happens to be my fave!! The line consists of so many great designs it was hard for me to choose which ones to display. But these colorful numbers have me thinking of pretty things to adorn my wardrobe with and the makeup has inspired me to try something new. . .

it's the details...

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that always inspire me. Simple yet detailed drawings by Gabriel Dionisio Ramos Romo. {How can you not love that name!!} Much more of his designs here on his flickr account.

tiffany amber

2009-06-09T21:10:00.000-07:00

Love these jewel toned pieces by Tiffany Amber debuted at Arise Magazine African Fashion Collective. Wanna see more? Catch the video of the events here.

Nary Manivong

2009-06-09T05:25:00.000-07:00

Little summer dresses + a pair of heels are the unofficial uniform for summer, so I can really appreciate the variety of styles and colors in Nary Manivong's Spring 09 collection. More of this collection, and the Fall 09 goods here...

such detail...

2009-06-08T05:25:00.000-07:00

exhibited in this 8th century calligraphy chart of the alphabets from one of my fave sites to browse, From Old Books. Much more to peruse here...

happy friday + rainbows....

2009-06-05T06:16:00.000-07:00

...after the thunderstorm of course....

It's been raining all week here, but this weekend is expected to be beautiful... an 80 degree melody, indeed. But in case it continues to rain in your neck of the woods here's a little something to make you smile... a melange of rainbow goods including one of my fave picks from Aquarian Thoughts. ENJOY your weekend : )

A.Tank Dress from Fred Flare; B.Scarf from Forever21; C.Rainbow Earrings from Aquarian Thoughts; D.Phoebe Bag from True Religion; E.Bangles from Forever21; F.Bathing Suit from Antrhopologie.

geometric shapes + color...

2009-06-03T05:27:00.000-07:00

from Alexandre Herchcovitch's Spring 07 line inspiring my latest design palette...

feeling blue...

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and by that I don't mean melancholy....

Felix Rey Clutch from Target; Shoes by Steve Madden from Zappos.

On my wishlist....

2009-06-01T05:25:00.000-07:00

for sexy summer evenings when comfort is essential....

Dress by Beau Soleil, Sandal by Dolce Vita, Tree of Life Earrings by Aquarian Thoughts

wafrica...

2009-05-14T20:41:00.000-07:00

is a collection of gorgeous African prints used to create Japanese kimonos and obis designed by Cameroonian interior, industrial & fashion designer, Serge Mouangue. I love what the fusion of these two distinct cultures creates. I could only imagine what his interior looks like.... You can check out more of the fabrics and images of his garments at his site here.

happy friday + creative forces

2009-05-08T04:20:00.000-07:00

Hello all! This weekend is sure to be a transformative one... full moon tomorrow transiting through Scorpio opposing this Taurus sun.... Utilize this energy to do something creative.... trust me the energies will be running deeply. Here is a peek into some of my creative forces... My interpretation of Traci Reese. Enjoy your weekend : )

Spring is like...

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A John Paul Gaultier dress or a pair of Aquarian Thoughts chandies . . .

yossi harari . . .

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has pieces that are so rock and roll... check out more here....

Hint Magazine

2009-05-06T19:45:00.001-07:00

You know I've got a real obsession with online magazines, right?? Love the multimedia interactive fashion spreads on Hint Magazines fashion archives. Below are a couple of images from their spring 2007 spread . . . I could wear black everyday . . .

busy, busy in design mode...

2009-05-04T06:35:00.000-07:00

Here are some {very} old sketches I found in my inspiration notebook. I'm excited to say that I have been in a very creative mood recently and have been coming up with some great design ideas. New items to debut soon . . .

happy friday + Movie premiere!!

2009-04-30T20:43:00.000-07:00

Today is the big day for me and the man. I'm sure I never mentioned that amongst the hubbies many talents, acting is one of his favorite. Tonight we will get the opportunity to see him on the big screen!! You can check out the trailer by clicking the image below....

{He's the cocoa brown dude talking in the very beginning}....

OFFICIAL "OFF THE GRID TRAILER"

If you're in the NJ area feel free to join us at the screening:

OFF THE GRID
Clearview Cinemas
Millburn, NJ 07041
10:30pm

Angelique Kidjo...

2009-04-30T20:32:00.000-07:00

Love the image and music of Benin songstress Angelique Kidjo. She reminds me of Miss Aquarian Thoughts in this image, don't you think??

More hotness....

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from Nasty Gal Vintage....

it's that time again....

2009-04-29T05:38:00.000-07:00

To see The Roots, this time at Festival Pier in Philly..... will you be there??

Wittiness ....

2009-04-28T05:16:00.000-07:00

in Craig Damrauer's "New Math".....

Found via It's Nice That

Wohoo!!

2009-04-27T18:37:00.001-07:00

Look what just came in the mail from Nasty Gal....

I finally made up my mind and got this lovely bag today! I LOVE all the zipper detail and variety of styles you can wear the bag in. Thanks again to Ms. Shoo of SheBreathes.com for holding the giveaway in the 1st place....

rendered speechless....

2009-04-27T05:40:00.000-07:00

by the artwork of Mati Klarwein. Many of his paintings read like a detailed tarot card forcing the viewer to create their own interpretation. Much more to see at his online portfolio here. Thanks to my new facebook friend, Onician, for the introduction......

Suno NY...

2009-04-24T17:28:00.000-07:00

Does it again for fall . . .

Found via Fly

Let the relaunch commence!!

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We are up and running, check us out... NOW!!

Hello world....

2009-04-06T20:55:00.000-07:00

I have been quite M.I.A getting things together for the site and some other upcoming projects. Just wanted to let you know that I am still alive and to give you a quick sneak peek at the new face of AquarianThoughts.com coming to you oh so soon......

So what do you think? You like? Me too....

happy friday + font obsession

2009-03-27T07:38:00.000-07:00

As I've been mentioning before I have been busy over here at Aquarian Thoughts, creating a new collection of goods and revamping the website. Thanks to my twitter homie, springcart, my latest work in progress revolves around choosing a font. Sounds simple enough, but as you graphic geeks know, it's easier said then done...

I've had a thing for typography since I took a calligraphy class in highschool, but choosing which font to use on the website has suddenly become a life or death... er... make that eat or not matter.... Muy expensive!! Here are a few that I've been eyeing....

Magic Spell

Viceroy

and now for the kicker....

Burgeus Script...

so... which one screams "I need to join the Aquarian Thoughts team" ... hmmm?

nakImuli

2009-03-27T07:02:00.001-07:00

So... how many ways can you wear this dress? Such a cute design by naKIMULI, the 101 Dress gives you four looks in one. Good idea for all the budgeting recessionistas right now. See more of her funky designs here.

Cohen et Sabine. . .

2009-03-22T20:50:00.000-07:00

has a collection that suits me just fine... gorgeous dresses, and pretty details with just enough "downtown chic". Love the strappy heels over the black pants... never would have considered doing that, but this just might birth a new trend. So much more to see here.

Feeling inspired . . .

2009-03-20T20:23:00.000-07:00

by interiors by Katie Leede. Sans the Aunt Jemima, blackfaced print used in one of her designs, her bohemian aesthetic fits my style perfectly, go figure?

Images via Digs by Katie Leedes

happy friday + pretty glossies

2009-03-19T20:23:00.002-07:00

I really have no self control when it comes to all and everything african textiles, so of course after skimming through a peek at Arise Magazines premiere issue, I had to share. The dress on the right has to be my absolute favorite just because I adore the combination of prints and the shape of the dress. Get acquainted with Arise Magazine here.

Found via Make Fetch Happen

thought . . .

2009-03-17T07:42:00.000-07:00

I'd share a little peek into the mess that is my er... office.... otherwise known as the mess in the corner of my room. I have been busy gearing up for the site revamp and adding new pieces to the collection....

Believe it or not people, I work best like this...

A sample of designs I used in the latest photoshoot...

And a peek at the emerging "summer collection"...

Anjo Bolarda

2009-03-16T19:38:00.000-07:00

A closer look at the artwork of Anjo Bolarda. These doodles are seriously something to be reckoned with . . .

inspired by . . .

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pretty things made by Cathy Waterman . . .

Images via Twist

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Don't know who I have to beg, borrow, or steal from to get tickets to go see this, but I am making my way there tonight one way or another . . .

{click the link and hold your breath}

happy friday + photoshoot

2009-03-12T18:58:00.001-07:00

in session . . . new goods to come to the shop soon and a revamp in process. Can't wait to give you a sneak peek. . .

What are your plans for the weekend?

artsy fartsyness . . .

2009-03-12T17:41:00.000-07:00

that you can take part in over at Reckless Erica. I'm loving the concept of this . . . artists design graphics for a t-shirt and we {the customers} get to choose which is sold on the site. My vote is for the one on the left by Anja Bolarda whose doodles are phenomenal. You can vote for your choice here or even submit your own . . .

zulurose + great styling . . .

2009-03-08T08:36:00.000-07:00

Cute tees, simple bottoms, and a pair of fly slippers . . . I can dig it. Available at Zulurose.

Found via Stop Being Famous

raw goods

2009-03-08T07:56:00.000-07:00

Love these mixed media paintings by Antoine Williams of rawgoods. I've been stalking his work for about a year now and never have I been disenchanted with it. You can check out more of his latest works here.

happy friday + pretty things . . .

2009-03-06T06:31:00.000-08:00

by Springcart Designs. More pretty things on the companion blog here.

I've got a pair of those fulani earrings on my wish list . . .

decisions, decisions . . .

2009-03-05T19:28:00.000-08:00

There is so much cuteness at Nasty Gal, I just don't know what to use my gift card on . . .

What would you choose?

Inspired . . .

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in so many ways by this beautiful photography by Eric Lafforgue. I must admit that I am not usually a fan of photography of African people because it often appears to be exploitative, but Lafforgue's work is done quite tastefully. Much more to check out at his flickr photostream here.

Images property of Eric Lafforgue

there's something kinda fly . . .

2009-03-04T14:55:00.000-08:00

about these sandals from Nine West.

Spring is coming . . .

Seriously pretty . . .

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things, all listed on 1stdibs.com . . .

From top left to bottom right: Ring, Earrings, Bracelet, Earrings

happy friday + pleasant surprises!

2009-02-27T06:11:00.000-08:00

Yay, I won, I won!! Almost as good as the lotto . . . almost.

Thanks to Ms. Shoo of She Breathes and Ebony of Nuvany Nice, I am the official winner of a $75 gift card to purchase some vintage goods from Nasty Gal Vintage here. She Breathes is my latest blog crush full of great fashion finds, art, design, and for my own personal use, color inspiration. Be sure to check out today's post on the gorgeous artist, Tanekeya Word and her latest works.

Now on to the tough question at hand . . . what does a girl buy? . . . decisions, decisions.

Stoned Cherrie

2009-02-25T06:29:00.000-08:00

Love the funky color combos from Stone Cherrie's latest collection. The violet dress should be mine just because . . .

Love these . . .

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vintage West African barbershop signs from Indigo Arts, sure to inspire another set of doodles in my sketchbook . . .

happy friday + imagination

2009-02-20T04:56:00.000-08:00

It's been a busy week and I'm so glad the weekend is here. Plans for the weekend:

-Mailing off some very late gifts
-Designing some new pretty things
-Playing scrabble with the family
-Having a lil' me time with the homies (YAY!!)

And you?

such pretty images . . .

2009-02-18T06:18:00.000-08:00

done in black and white by Géraldine Georges.

House of Machere . . .

2009-02-18T05:59:00.000-08:00

Love the gear, dig the head wraps, want the jewelry. Find out more about this collection here . . .

SUNO

2009-02-17T05:38:00.000-08:00

While perusing Love Made Visable (she's really got a great eye) I saw a preview of SUNO New York's spring 2009 collection and I wanted to post it here just for my own visual enjoyment. As always, I am a huge fan of the incorporation of African prints on anything, but especially in fashion. My favorite design in this collection is the black and white dress below.Check out the pocket detail . . .So pretty!

So much to like . . .

2009-02-16T06:36:00.000-08:00

about the styling in this photo of Nigerian runway model Oluchi Onweagba . . .

photo by Bruno Sebastia

Happy Friday + thoughts of spring

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Plans for the weekend:

-Frame some artwork and place on wall
-Visit Barnes & Noble for more inspiration
-Finger painting with the midget
-Making aloo pies

and you . . .

Compai

2009-02-12T05:48:00.000-08:00

This morning while getting my etsy on I checked out this weeks Shop Live Host, Justina Blakely, DIY editor of VenusZine and quickly got acquainted with her company Compai and the crafty goodness that she has been up to. Along with her sister, Faith, Justina co-authored a series of books, 99 Ways to Cut, Sew, Rock Your (Scarf, T-shirt, Denim) and designs a line of eco-friendly clothes all made from recycled textiles. Scroll down to see pics of one of the most creative boutiques I've seen designed with all recycled materials. You can check out her super cute company website here, and be sure to check out her flickr photo stream as it is filled with colorful inspirational photos of the work she does, and sneak peeks into the books . . .

Dujour Magazine . . .

2009-02-11T06:05:00.000-08:00

another gorgeous online glossie full of great fashion spreads mixing the high, the low, and even the etsy. Check out Dujour's latest issue here and the companion blog here. . .

doodles . . .

2009-02-10T21:09:00.000-08:00

I'm officially an addict . . .

I've got . . .

2009-02-09T06:41:00.000-08:00

decorating on the brain again. I'm forever in love with the color combination of gray and yellow. These two rooms, snatched from my folder of lovely interiors, inspired the color scheme throughout my place. I love the mix of design and decor in the top room. The bottom room displays a great way of adding texture to the wall without all the fuss of papering the entire room. . . Will have to post some pictures of my design progress soon.

A little something, something

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on my birthday wish list . . .

It's my birthday . . .

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It's my birthday!!

I subscribe to the belief that life is a gift and that birthdays are reminders of another year I was blessed to live, learn, and grow from. I also believe in paying that gift forward. Today I will be donating 10% of all 2008 Aquarian Thoughts sales to an organization I feel strongly about, WBAI 99.5FM, listener sponsored Pacifica Radio. They are a repository of information, and an asset to our communities, especially in times of corporate controlled mass media. You can find out more about WBAI here.

I am also happy to announce the 5 lucky recipients of the GEO NECKLACE!! I want to thank all who participated in the giveaway. I was astounded by the amount of ladies who signed up. I wish that I could gift you all, but I will be having more giveaways in the near future (because giving feels so good), and those who participated will be the first to know when I do. And without further delay . . . . the winners are . . . .

Sonya Howard
Courtney
Patrice Yursik
Michelle Hurdak
Ailysa

Please respond within 24 hours and claim your goods! And thanks again for participating.

The Aquarian Thoughts, Aquarius Sun GIVEAWAY!!

2009-02-04T06:22:00.001-08:00

Absolutely Beautiful . . . .

2009-02-04T06:06:00.000-08:00

I'm sure this will be all over the web, but I'm so touched by this video I had to share . . .

Click here for details on the music and the making of the video . . .

Janine Rewell

2009-02-03T06:53:00.000-08:00

I saw this while browsing It's Niice That, one of my new favorite blogs and wanted to share. This illustration of wood and ink was made by graphic designer Janine Rewell. A perfect find for the interior design lover with an artistic eye..... so much more inspiration to be found at her website . . . .

Absolute gorgeousness....

2009-02-02T06:46:00.000-08:00

from the lookbook of Pippa Small. Finally something pretty enough to make me want to design . . .

res . . .

2009-01-26T20:21:00.000-08:00

has always been a favorite of mine. I still listen to her debut album "How I Do", and had been wondering if I'd ever hear from her again. Apparently, she has been keeping busy with the formation of her new group Idle Warship with rapper Talib Kweli (another one of my faves) and singer Graph Nobel. You can check out her myspace page to see what else she's been up to here. I'm feeling her new look. Very pretty . . . Maybe she would like some Aquarian Thoughts jewelry!

I'm obessed. . . .

2009-01-26T20:08:00.000-08:00

with little party dresses as of late. Might be because I've got a birthday quickly approaching. It would be nice to get myself a little number similar to one of these Marchesa Spring 2009 pieces . . .

Update!

2009-01-23T11:50:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to let you know what I've been up to . . .

I am officially a twitter addict. You can keep up with me and tweet me at my twitter page here.

I've got an etsy store that will be slowly filling up with samples and one-of-a-kind designs that you won't find on my website. Some samples up to 70% OFF!! Be sure to check in often : )

As for Aquarian Thoughts, I will adding new goods for the spring shortly as well as new events and shows I've got lined up. Stay tuned. We are growing, growing growing!!

Interiors . . .

2009-01-22T07:19:00.000-08:00

that are well put together, inspire my design process as well. Here is another photo I grabbed some time ago that I just threw up on my board. I love the moody feel of this room and the blend of two of my favorite colors, blue and orange with my favorite pattern, zebra print. I really want to start playing with different mediums like fabric in my work. Now what can I take from this??

Aquarian Thoughts Giveaway!!

2009-01-19T08:16:00.000-08:00

Today the sun transits into Aquarius indicating a great time for creativity, humanitarian efforts, intellectual growth and building social relationships.

Aquarian Thoughts is celebrating by gifting 5 Lucky ladies with the GEO Necklace!!

Click the picture to sign up, or go HERE for more details . . .

Layla

2009-01-19T05:41:00.000-08:00

I have hundreds of little pictures and tear sheets saved that I use for inspiration when jumping back into design mode. These lovely pics from Layla in Brookyln are two that I often revisit as I instantly become imbued by the saturated jewel tone colors. Be sure to check her press page and get a peek of her spread in Domino magazine.

shame, shame, shame . . .

2009-01-16T07:56:00.000-08:00

on me for not remembering where I grabbed these images from, but I had to share these two photos. Can't get enough of the 1940-ish {is that the right era} styling. Love the hats and the gloves and the mixture of textures . . .

I think I might have to work with a stylist for my next project to tackle, my lookbook!

PS. If this work is yours, please let me know, I will glady give you your credit!

Hair Accessories . . .

2009-01-14T17:23:00.000-08:00

are starting to become one of my new favorite additions to my wardrobe and I wouldn't be surprised if I start to design them. I like how these headbands add a little extra "something" to an ordinary hair style.

Both Available at Asos . . .

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Very Nice . . .

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Art by Chrisitna Drejenstam . . .

via Creative Archive

Pretty Frocks . . .

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by Duro Olowu.

I think I secretly just like the shoes!

LOOKBOOK.nu

2009-01-08T20:03:00.000-08:00

I saw this and just had to share! While perusing my newest internet addiction LOOKBOOK.nu, I stumbled upon this fly girl. Not only is NIKKIMOOSE dressed to kill, but she tore the jeans and HAND STUDDED her own shoes. Now that is fierce . . .

You can find her lookbook and hundreds of others here.

Shanghai

2009-01-08T10:34:00.000-08:00

of the Noisettes . . .

How gorgeous is this??

Nikki Giovanni

2009-01-08T10:20:00.000-08:00

While browsing through one of my fave spots, Love is Near, I came across a post on Nikki G and it got me thinking about one of my favorite poems, Fascinations. It is a bit long to share in this space, but the last stanza is what I like to recite to the hubby . . .

If you were a pure bolt
of fire cutting the skies
i'd touch you risking my life
not because i'm brave or strong
but because i'm fascinated
by what the outcome will be

WOW!

2009-01-06T13:18:00.000-08:00

I'm Fly Girl of the Week.

I feel so special. Fly is one of the most inspiring sites for artistic sistahs doing their "thing" and is definitely one of my daily reads. Check out my feature here and be sure to add Fly to your fave spots.

Vibrant color inspiration

2009-01-06T07:46:00.000-08:00

I am LOVING these patterns and colors from Basso & Brook's Spring 2009 collection. And the shoes are fierce, too. You can check out more of this collection here . . .

I would so wear that red dress . . .

Just Fly!

2009-01-06T06:57:00.000-08:00

The more photography I desire for the site, the more I notice quality work. I can so appreciate the pretty styling, hair and make-up of hip-hop artist Kid Sister for Venus Magazine.

Image via Kid Sister

The calm after the storm . . .

2009-01-06T06:49:00.000-08:00

of the holiday season has given me some time to think about things other than jewelry. So I have been doodling again. Here is some calligraphy-like lettering I've been playing with.

Letter "N" for Nadirah of course!

Hello!

2009-01-05T21:40:00.001-08:00

And welcome to the newly designed Aquarian Thoughts Blog!

In this space I will be keeping you abreast of new projects, designs, and some art work I have yet to share. Please visit my archives while we wait for this space to grow!

Enjoy!