LilacPOP: fashion, photography, & art

Matthew Richmond came up with the idea to make a barbie version of Ashlee Baracy as a thank you for wearing his dress and my jewelry. The dress is an exact replica of the paper dress she wore to the NAIAS Auto Show Charity Preview and it is incredible! I made mini jewelry and even the graphics for the box. It turned out awesome! We also dropped off organic cookies shaped and decorated like dresses from Amber Kimmel of 2 Cute 2 Eat. And it was mentioned on the news this morning: http://www.clickondetroit.com/seenon4/Local-4-s-Ashlee-Baracy-has-her-own-Barbie-look-alike/-/1719000/8498492/-/8n4m9i/-/index.html

Thank you Ashlee, Jon, and the Channel 4 team for being so good to us!!

Rachelle Willnus Fascinator on Etsy

2012-01-25T10:43:00.000-05:00

I am now selling emerging talent, Rachelle Willnus's fascinators in my etsy shop. They are elegant, modern, well constructed, and absolutely gorgeous! Get yours for the Kentucky Derby, wedding, or any fancy event. http://lilacpop.etsy.com

Waiting to Shoot

2012-01-24T22:41:00.000-05:00

This is a photo I took of models Joan Lutz and Tamia Harrison trying to warm up in between shots during our fashion shoot at Russell Industrial Center.

Jewelry Made from Auto Parts & Paper Dress on Dateline Detroit

2012-01-20T01:00:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago, my friend and amazingly creative designer Matthew Richmond told me he was contacted by Channel 4 style editor Jon Jordan to make a dress out of automotive brochures for the lovely Ashlee Baracy, traffic reporter and former Miss Michigan to wear to the Auto Show Charity Preview. Then he asked me if I could make her jewelry out of auto parts. Of course my answer was yes (followed by a little squeal if you must know)! As you probably have already seen on my blog, Matt doesn't just design dresses using traditional materials. He makes his fashion sculptures out of recycled materials like paper, plastic, and even VHS tape. They may be sculptures but they are in fact very wearable. Channel 4 came to his studio area to shoot us creating and talking about our work. We arranged for models to wear four of his dresses: two that he made out of my photographs, the VHS tape dress, and the stunningly beautiful ball gown made out of Kroger grocery bags.

I received a box full of little car parts, most of which I had no idea what they even were. While Matt was making his amazing dress I started laying out different design ideas with them.

One of the challenges of working with found, unknown items is you never know if they are going to solder together or not. It was a lot of experimentation. Translation: a whole lot of fun and little bit of frustration.

One idea I had but the tire weights can be made of lead...probably not something you want against your skin...

Shining up the parts.

Making the bail out of sterling silver.

Torching.

The finished pieces!

A true "cuff!"

The Charity Preview was incredible! Everywhere Ashlee went people would swarm her to ask about the dress and touch it.

Photo courtesy of The Detroit News

Photo by Andrew Potter

Getting interviewed. Photo courtesy of Channel 4.

Lights, camera, action!

Headlights from the car meet headlights from the dress.

Jon Jordan shooting the photo he used in this article: http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/Ashlee-Baracy-s-dress-is-hit-at-Charity-Preview/-/1719418/8017292/-/mq5va2z/-/index.html

Hanging out at the studios afterwards. So much fun!

Hello Andrew Humphrey!

And if you haven't seen the segment on DATELINE DETROIT you can view it here:

http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/Dateline-Detroit-Car-ture/-/1719418/8266792/-/lujnx5/-/index.html

Find my jewelry here:

Lilacpop and USTrendy

Photography here:

jannabissett.com

Facebook here:

Lilacpop Photography

And Matthew Richmond here:

Matt Richmond

Fashion Photography

2012-01-07T23:03:00.003-05:00

It's been a fashion filled week. Translation: amazing week. My first film shot in Detroit on Monday then a mini shoot with Matt Richmond's incredible recycled dresses on Thursday (plus some pretty exciting things in the works related but it's hush hush for now).

Dress made from recycled VHS tape by Matthew Richmond. Model: Abigail Brown. Jewelry made from vintage machine parts by me: Janna Bissett

Dress made from my photographs by Matthew Richmond. Model: Allie Nomura. Jewelry made of vintage machine parts by me.

FYI- Matt Richmond makes incredible prom dresses too! Wear one of his dresses to your prom and you better believe you will have the best one there. His info is at: Saving the Planet 1 Dress At a Time.

Latest Fashion Shoot in Detroit

2012-01-05T19:57:00.000-05:00

I shot my first Fashion Film on Monday as well as some incredible stills. I'm only revealing a sneak peak here but it was an incredible shoot.

Models: Abigail Brown, Joan Lutz, and Tamia Harrison
Hair and Makeup: Joan Lutz, Tamia Harrison, and Ghazaleh Hk
Art Direction and Assisting: Matthew Richmond, Christy Bissett, AJ Diehl, and David Mello
Clothing by Sarah Jane and Fascinators by Rachelle Willnus
Location: Detroit Center for Contemporary Photography, Russell Industrial Center, Detroit, Michigan
And a big thank you to PD Rearick!

http://jannabissett.com
http://ustrendy.com/shop/lilacpop
http://lilacpop.etsy.com
http://lilacpopphotography.etsy.com
http://lilacpop.blogspot.com

iPhone Photos

2011-12-30T23:43:00.000-05:00

Recently I got an iPhone. I absolutely love it. I have an entire page full of photo apps alone. And I have to say I've taken some pretty fantastic images. Here is sort of a photo diary of the past few months.

Playing with fun apps: Matt on a magazine.

Kong on a truck.

Natasha on a building.

Me on Vogue! Lol.

Drawings I did while selling at Rust Belt.

Royal Oak

Working on a shoot for Audi.

Mistletoe Madness

Matt and Ashlee

Matt and Jon

Giant chess at Art Van!

Shoe addiction

Christmas shopping

Parking structure near Commonwealth in Birmingham

Photo shoot

Learning video with Matt

Catching another Steve Taylor show

Lunch at Mae's with Matt and Tammi

Santa in Royal Oak

Morning cuteness

Corktown

Italian wedding soup with Penny

Hanging with the Brits

Woodbridge Pub with AJ

CJ's Sandbar with Tammi and Darcy

Photo shoot in an abandoned movie theater

New phone case!

New travel mug.

Amazing Pistons home opener game

Electric blue skinny pants

So sad

Hearts in my coffee

Rainy parking structure in Royal Oak

Parking structure near Commonwealth revisited

Parents anniversary

DIA with Alvita

Pretty girl

Halloween shinanigans

Self portrait

Lil Bros Burgers

Cheer Offs

New bright red hair

Bad ass boots

My street

Booth at Rust Belt

Rust Belt

Wedding shooting

Matching purple

Leon and Lulu's

Noel Night

Photoshoot: Annie

2011-12-14T17:25:00.000-05:00

Jewelry Before & Afters

2011-12-14T09:01:00.000-05:00

People always ask me at shows what each piece of jewelry is made

from so I figured I would post some before and afters.

It's hard to believe that this shiny beautiful piece came from this:

This is the part inside the cash register that you would use a key to adjust the

numbers for the receipt to print.

I believe these guys were weights for when you pushed the buttons

and the pop up pieces would work. But I could be totally wrong.

Anyway, I made quite a few necklaces out of them like the piece

below that I soldered together.

The cash register was in rough shape when I got it.

I still have this bell. I can't decide what to do with it yet.

These were the vintage erector set pieces when I first got them.

I couldn't even tell what kind of metal they were until I

polished them up.

Latest Shoot: David

2011-12-13T17:19:00.000-05:00

Photographer shooting photographer.

LilacPOP Launched on US Trendy!

2011-12-06T21:57:00.001-05:00

I officially launched my line on UStrendy.com. Check it out and keep checking back. New items will be added this week!

http://www.ustrendy.com/store/lilacpop/

2011-12-02T11:02:00.001-05:00

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Youtique: A Handmade Holiday

Old Main — Wayne State University

4841 Cass Ave., Detroit

Youtique is a boutique shopping event planned by the

designers of Michigan Artisans. All

items being sold at Youtique are quality items handmade by

artists and designers throughout Michigan. Vendors have

been juried before the show by Michigan Artisans.

Michigan Artisans is a collective of artists, designers and

musicians all from the Great Lakes state. These artisans

create unique, high quality products by hand, and original

musical works. We offer you the peace of mind knowing

where your products are coming from, and the quality of

products used within them. We support local and small

businesses and encourage you to do the same.

Hope you can come!
Janna Bissett
Lilacpop
http://lilacpop.etsy.com
http://lilacpopphotography.etsy.com
http://lilacpop.blogspot.com

Saturday, December 3rd
2:00pm-9:00pm

Jewelry

Photography

Apparel

Ceramics

Sculpture

Glass

Toys

Health & Beauty

Paintings

and MORE from Michigan’s
Finest Artists!

2011-11-17T16:15:00.001-05:00

Lilacpop at The Rust Belt Market

this weekend!

Get a jump start on your holiday shopping this weekend

and support local/handmade!

*I've been working on some brand new jewelry incorporating feathers,

vintage machine parts, and even rough stones so come and

check them out.

*If you've never been to The Rust Belt Market, now is a great time to

check it out. Every weekend there are new vendors and interesting

handmade and vintage items to be found!

The Rust Belt is located at 9 Mile and Woodward in

downtown Ferndale (where the Old Navy Outlet used to be).

Special Holiday Hours!

Friday 6pm-10pm

Sat-Sun 11am-7pm

Bring the kids for a special performance of the musical Annie

on Sunday at 1:15!

Janna Bissett
Lilacpop
http://ustrendy.com/shop/lilacpop
http://lilacpop.etsy.com
http://lilacpopphotography.etsy.com
http://lilacpop.blogspot.com

11-11-11 Friday's Favorites!

2011-11-11T12:40:00.001-05:00

Couture Net Headpiece $195

embellished black silk vest with open back- k.hendrix $225

Necklace Jumbo Chain $110

Handcarved Brazilian Leaf Pendant $23

I don't know what this smells like but I want to know!

Black Coconut Perfume $9

iPhone Leather Case $70

The City Coat $129.99

Stripes Mini S

kirt $45

Industrial Print Counters $34

Grey Felt Rosette Wreath $55

Leggings $76

Knitted Dog Sweater $35

Pallet Chair $99

Shop For A Cause this Sunday!

2011-11-02T21:12:00.000-04:00

Vendor List

Something for everyone!

EBS Design
Original matted photos showcasing the beauty of nature in ordinary and
extraordinary places and original, handmade jewelry made with semi-precious
stones and silver, featuring a variety of geometric shapes
Avon
Make-up, fragrance, skin care, bath and body products, fashion and lifestyle
Flip Salon
We've got brow shaping down to a Science! Let the Flip experts give you the
ultimate brow and eye experience. Hand-sculpted brow shaping featuring
Anastasia Beverly Hills product line
Just Millie
Fashion handbags, wallets, scarves, and jewelry for women
Just Millie Jr.
Jewelry and accessories for teens
Longaberger
Longaberger baskets, pottery, wrought iron, and home accents, plus mixes and
dips
Happy Hands Studio
Custom ceramic tiles, beaded utensils, and recycled melted bottles for serving
pieces
Prince and Princess Dreams
Hairbows, flowers, headbands, tutus, capes, and crochet hats
Gleamz and Dreamz
One of a kind handcrafted jewelry pieces utilizing semi-precious and natural
stones, crystals, dichroic glass and sterling silver, plus beaded lanyards and craft
Made Here
Michigan-made green" black cherry wood bread and cheese boards handcrafted
in Ferndale without using stains or dyes
The Pampered Chef
High quality kitchen tools and food pantry items
Mary Kay Skin care and cosmetics
Trends in Fashion
Unique contemporary apparel and accessories including jackets, vests, faux fur
and real ful accessories, gloves, scarves, and liquid metal bracelets
Lulu
Australia Fabulous fashionable bags, totes and accessories from Australia including kids'
bags
Debra's Foods
Natural granola company, Max's granola
Stella and Dot
Celebrity coveted jewelry and handbag collection
Love a Little Glitz
Clothing and accessories for dogs and cats and accessories for women including
jewelry, pashminas, sunglasses, and reading glasses
Green Daffodil
All natural and vegan products including handmade soy candles, lip balm and
natural soap
Glitz and Glamour
Boutique Trendy jewelry, handbags, clothing, accessories
Cat Spratt Designs
Handmade jewelry using silk, leather, cotton, silver, pearls, stones, nuts, and
repurposed pretties
Lilacpop by Janna Bissett
Fine Art photography printed on metallic paper and jewelry made from vintage
machine parts as well as metal work
Sacs of Life
Fashionable and functionally chic handbags, totes, duffels, backpacks, cross-body
and utility bags including thermal grocery totes and more
Groovy Baby
Tee-shirts that are fun for your groovy little one!
Partylite Gifts
Candles, home accessories, gourmet food, home fragrances, and gifts
Fashion Handbags and Accessories
Handbags, coin purses, Red Hat merchandise, and wallets
Usborne Books and More
Educational and entertaining books for babies to young adults
Silpada Designs
Beautiful, hand-crafted .925 sterling silver jewelry
Tastefully Simple
Gourmet foods and gift baskets
Private Quarters Luxury bedding and cozy comfort wear

Senior Pics: Gabby

2011-10-25T10:00:00.000-04:00

Beautiful Gabby!

Jenna's Family Photo Shoot

2011-10-24T10:00:00.000-04:00

I had the honor of shooting Jenna and her fantastic family last weekend!

Some Past Shoots Reworked

2011-10-23T17:00:00.000-04:00

I've been doing a ton of photo editing lately and decided to rework a few from older shoots. Here they are:

Marinda and Jonathan

2011-10-23T00:13:00.000-04:00

One of my oldest and best friends got married a short while ago and also had a baby.

Congratulations Marinda and Jonathan!

Painting Time Lapse

2011-10-21T23:47:00.001-04:00

Untitled from Janna Bissett on Vimeo.

I created this painting for 101% Fashion Ride. The canvas is repurposed from a store and is 3 panels. It measures approximately 7 1/2 feet by 7 1/2 feet. I used my photographs as references and focused on my car photography and graffiti photography. It is called "Motor City" and it is available for purchase. Contact me at lilacpop@gmail.com for more information. It is acrylic on canvas.

2011-10-19T12:40:00.000-04:00

Can you believe we're almost one year old? Come celebrate with us onSaturday, October 22 from 10am - 6pm. We'll be offering 15% off the majority of our handmade wares, serving up Michigan made treats, giving free Michigan magnets with a purchase of $30 or more and many of our artists will be here that day to meet and greet with their fans. Thanks for making our first year of selling hip Michigan-made goods so incredible and we look forward to celebrating many more birthdays with you!

15% off all Lilacpop items too! I just dropped off a bunch of brand new jewelry. Saturday is a great day to go!

Tumblr

2011-10-11T20:15:00.001-04:00

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One Day Left!

2011-10-09T09:08:00.001-04:00

Beautiful pottery, artisan metalwork jewelry, organic cotton children's clothing, cute handmade stuffed animals, original origami art, handmade soaps that smell like your favorite cocktail, earrings made from paper, and tons more were at Liberty Local Craft Fair in Ann Arbor yesterday and you have one more day to check out the fantastic handmade goodness! So support handmade, support local, support artists, get a jump on your holiday shopping, and enjoy the beautiful weather in downtown Ann Arbor. Today from noon - 5. Get it while you can!

Liberty Local in Ann Arbor this weekend!

2011-10-05T19:30:00.000-04:00

Upcoming Art Fair
This weekend be sure to come to the Ann Arbor Art Fair for Liberty Local!

Saturday, October 8th, 10 AM - 6 PM and Sunday, October 9th, 12 PM - 5 PM
The Ann Arbor Art Center is pleased to be hosting Ann Arbor’s newest indie craft fair, Liberty Local showcasing handmade crafts from regional artist vendors whose work embraces the indie spirit - unique, handmade and creative.

With two floors of indie craft goodness, Liberty Local will be held in the historic Walker Carriage Building, home of the Ann Arbor Art Center. Think of it as an indoor indie artists’ market, showcasing the best in independent craft.

Each of the 35 vendors from all over Michigan (and even a few from our near-by neighbor Illinois) was selected because of the high quality of their original handcrafted work

Proceeds from a $1 admissions fee will support the programs of the Ann Arbor Art Center, the place where creativity and community meet.

Hope you can come!
Janna Bissett
Lilacpop
http://lilacpop.etsy.com
http://lilacpopphotography.etsy.com
http://lilacpop.blogspot.com

Senior Pics: Kaylena

2011-10-05T14:34:00.002-04:00

I had the pleasure of shooting a beautiful senior portrait session with Kaylena this past weekend. She was a great model!

Senior portrait sessions start at $150. Email lilacpop@gmail.com for more information and to book a session.
Portfolio: jannabissett.com

101% Fashion Ride

2011-09-30T09:25:00.000-04:00

You can still get your tickets for tomorrow's 101% Fashion Ride. There will be fashion shows, motorcycle exhibit, interactive art, and I'm the featured the artist! I've created a new painting for the event plus my photography will be on display as well. And it all helps fund The Pink Fund, a charity that provides short-term financial aid to women and men in active breast cancer treatment, who have lost all or part of their income as a result of their circumstance.

Get your tickets here.

The Paper Doll Exhibit: Gallery U

2011-09-29T11:37:00.001-04:00

This event is a collaboration between Matthew F Richmond and Gallery U & Boutique.

The Paper Doll Exhibit is back!
Located next to the Royal Oak Music Theater, Gallery U is a contemporary art gallery.

What to expect?
You'll see the new dresses from my fall collection and also get to experience an Aretha Franklin inspired gown.
For the first time ever Matthew Richmond will introduce a Men's line, you will not want to miss this!
A live band will be there along with amazing hors o'duervs and drinks!

This event is for ALL AGES!

A $5 Entry donation at door.

Gallery U & Boutique is supported by Universal Institute and Therapeutic Rehabilitation Center, a rehabilitation facility for people with traumatic brain injuries and neurological impairments. The gallery is a fully functioning retail space which also acts as an innovative vocational training program for clients working to manage the day to day activities and responsibilties.

Matthew Richmond is A self-made artist in every sense of the phrase. You can't learn what he knows instinctively, and the path he treads has not been entirely paved before. This is in part due to the fact that his talent includes a unique belnd of "Green Design" in a material sense, Anthropometric Construction, and Couture Fashion all rolled into one.
~Alvita Lozano

It's tonight! Don't miss it. Also the dresses Matt made out of my photographs will be on display that were at FASH Fest. And it's Ladie's Night in downtown Royal Oak so lots of fun is to be had!

Karen LePage: One Girl Circus

2011-09-25T20:29:00.000-04:00

Meet Karen LePage, the mastermind behind One Girl Circus. She designs and creates the most adorable children's clothes and even has a book published called Sewing For Boys: 24 Projects to Create a Handmade Wardrobe. I got a peek at it at DIY Ferndale and it is fantastic! When she isn't sewing, designing, rocking out a craft show, or taking care of her kids, she finds peace riding her motorcycle. It is her zen, her peace, her quiet, and her release all in one. From her purple hair to her enthusiastic spirit to her creative soul she is a joy to know! Check out her designs at OneGirlCircus.

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Day of Deals at Yellow Door Art Market

2011-09-23T12:58:00.001-04:00

Tomorrow, Saturday Sept 24th from 10-6 is a Day of Deals at Yellow Door Art Market in Berkley, MI. There will be tents in the back parking lot plus a lot of the artists inside will be giving discounts as well. I've found that my work (both jewelry and photography) has moved into a different direction so I am closing out some of my older work at insanely low prices! It will be a great day to come and do some early holiday shopping and get some great deals. Trust me, when the holiday season gets close you will be glad you took advantage of these super low prices. I'll have prints that are half off PLUS Buy 2 get 1 Free, necklaces for only $10 (regardless of their original price) or 3 for $25, and earrings only $6 each or 3 for $15. Plus all Lilacpop items inside Yellow Door will be 15%.

Yellow Door Art Market is located at 3141 W. 12 Mile in downtown Berkley, MI.

2011-09-23T12:53:00.001-04:00

There is too much to do, explore, see, make, learn, experience, talk about, share, and capture to waste time sitting around.

Michigan F.A.S.H. Fest Reveal

2011-09-18T21:42:00.001-04:00

A wonderful event happened Friday night, the reveal gala for Michigan F.A.S.H. Fest at Arkitektura in Birmingham, MI. Attendees included media, sponsors, prominent business entrepreneurs, celebrities, society notables, and creative people. The attire was chic, the food was delish, and the setting had an elegant warehouse atmosphere. The goal of the gala was to "promote Michigan talents, encourage community involvement, and facilitate the message of our partnering local charity, Forgotten Harvest, through philanthropic outreach." This was the reveal for the actual festival which will take place in Birmingham in 2012 with various events leading up to it.

When Leslie Pilling, the mastermind behind the event, first presented the idea of making a dress using my photography and Matthew Richmond's fantastic designs I was very excited. As William Malcolm, executive committee member and local fashion designer said, "When you get a call from Leslie Pilling you say yes." She has incredible ideas, modern visions, and an air of elegance and high fashion. FASH stands for Fashion, Art, Sound, and History and part of that history is documenting every step. So the day we created the dress we had a film crew from Working Pictures shooting us, 2 incredibly talented photographers, and our friend, Rose assisting. The footage will be used in a documentary about Detroit and shown on the Ovation network. We were very excited to be a part of it! If you would like to see some of the work they've done so far, there will be a screening at The Fillmore Sept 21st at 6:45. To register see the website here.

More photos on Piper Carter's Flickr

Set 1: Making the Dress

Set 2: Making the Dress

Set 3: The Reveal

Set 4: The Reveal

Time Lapse of the Ren Cen dress

Time Lapse of the Graffiti dress

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Friday's Favorites: Fashion's Night Out

2011-09-09T11:21:00.000-04:00

This week's Friday's Favorites is inspired by last night's Fashion's Night Out event in NYC.

vintage 30s sequin bolero jacket xs/s $216

Womens Jacket Moto Minimal Coquette Outerwear $89

Watercolor Fashion Illustration - Dark Romance print $25

Black and White Cocktail Hat $159

Watercolor Fashion Illustration - Girl Gone Gatsby print $25

Elie Saab Fashion Illustration Print $16

New Print

2011-09-08T23:25:00.000-04:00

New Detroit print available!

How To Make a Top Out of Vintage Silk Scarves

2011-08-31T20:35:00.000-04:00

How to make a cute and simple top out of two silk vintage scarves

I've been collecting these gorgeous vintage scarves for a while now and really didn't know what to do with the square ones. They are too small to wear around your neck and unless you are going to tie them together and pull them out of your sleeve like a clown they are pretty much useless. But I decided to experiment and sew two together to make a cute boho chic top.

Ironing.

I have all of my grandmother's vintage thread in just about every color too.

Next put the scarves together and pin where the shoulders will be and along the sides. Don't worry if they don't quite match up. Just match them from the outer edges. In fact it's better if one is slightly larger because it will fit better. You know, boobies.

Here is my nifty little diagram on where to sew. Isn't it nifty?

And here is the finished product. These two scarves are such high quality silk that they look amazing as they ripple and move.

It could be reversible too.

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Fall Trends 2011

2011-08-28T10:50:00.001-04:00

Top Trends for Fall 2011

Neiman Marcus put out their list for the top trends for fall so I thought I'd apply those trends to items you can find on etsy. Handmade and high fashion CAN go together quite well.

1. PUMPS

Hand Painted Christian Louboutin $2550

2. BORDEAUX

Bordeaux Vintage Leather Boots $148

Garnet Oversized Sweater $110

Glass Pearl Necklace $20

3. COLORBLOCKING

Navy Twill Swing Coat $125

Scout Bag $220

4. LADY CHIC

Black Cashmere Coat $398

Butterfly Sleeve Top $28

5. FUR

Fox Fur Collar Flannel Jacket $50

6. HANDHELD BAGS

Vegan Handbag $99

7. BOLD GOLD

Mod Gold Earrings $14

Bold Gold faceted Ring $36

8. LEATHER

Couture Leather Pleated Skirt $96.99

9. SHIMMER

Shimmering Nights Bubble Dress $490

Ellis Top $38

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2011-08-27T21:13:00.000-04:00

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Woodward Cruise Photos

2011-08-23T16:56:00.002-04:00

I'm posting and running but I thought I'd share some of the photos I took during the Woodward Dream Cruise.

New Bicycle Print

2011-08-19T14:45:00.000-04:00

I have been biking a lot more lately. Trails and road. I'm not hard core or anything...in fact I still don't wear a helmet (it's ok you can judge me). But I love it. I really do. I find myself riding as fast as I possibly can and that whoosh is liberating. And one thing that I noticed when on the trails is that everyone you pass on a bike has a big smile on their face. Yup. Because it's awesome. So I've had this little saying in my head for a while now and finally made it into a nifty little print. How cute would it look framed on your wall?

Front Page of the Metropolitan D'etroit!

2011-08-18T10:03:00.001-04:00

I had a goal this year: do an editorial fashion spread for a publication. I hit that goal and did one better--landed the front page! Could I be any more excited? Pretty much no. I did a major happy dance when I found out! And there are more photos inside as well. It was such an incredible shoot and all that were involved were enthusiastic and so creative! I loved every minute of it. Matthew Richmond's dress made out of a past issue of Metropolitan D'etroit was exquisite and his art direction for the shoot was incredible. Jenna Belevender also was shooting and her photos are included in the spread as well. You can pick up a copy around town (I saw a stack at Como's in Ferndale last week and I believe they are at Metro Airport) or you can view it online here: http://www.themetropolitandetroit.com/pdfs/Aug2011.pdf

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Woodward Dream Cruise

2011-08-17T13:27:00.000-04:00

For those of you that do not live in Michigan and have never heard of the Woodward Dream Cruise let me pass along what the facebook page says:

"The Woodward Dream Cruise is the world’s largest one-day celebration of car culture, attracting more than 1 million visitors and over 40,000 muscle cars, street rods, custom, collector and special interest vehicles to Metro Detroit.

In August 1995, Nelson House and a group of volunteers looked to relive and recreate the nostalgic heydays of the 50s and 60s, when youth, music and Motor City steel roamed Woodward Avenue, America’s first highway. That year, 250,000 people participated—nearly ten times the number expected. The rest, as they say, is history.

Today, the Woodward Dream Cruise is the world’s largest one-day automotive event, drawing 1.5 million people and 40,000 classic cars each year from around the globe—from as far away as New Zealand, Australia, Japan and the former Soviet Union. North American cruisers from California, Georgia, Canada and all points in between caravan to Metro Detroit to participate in what has become, for many, an annual rite of summer."

That's pretty much it in a nutshell. The official Cruise is this Saturday but the cruising starts a couple weeks before (actually all summer long) and pretty much any night of the week you will see people sitting in lawn chairs along the side of the road watching the classic cars roll by. Locals have a love hate relationship with the cruise and to be honest, being one of those locals, I'm on the fence about it. It brings in a lot of people and it's great for businesses but trying to get around town the week before is down right impossible. I was asked recently to participate in an event/show that centers around women and transportation called 101% Fashion RIDE and I mentioned I could show some of my car photos. When asked why I shoot cars when I am not really a car fanatic it got me thinking. Why do I shoot cars sometimes? For one thing I like to shoot things that take me out of my comfort zone by not knowing much about them because it causes me to only think about line, shape, color, texture, and form. It's photography where the subject is stripped raw and is at it's purest I think. Plus I like shooting subjects that people are surprised to find out it's a female photographer. That's just my personality--going against stereotypes.

Here are some of my favorite car photos I've taken over the past couple of years. Don't ask me what kind of cars they are, details of the engines, etc etc because I don't really care.

Inspiration & Creativity

2011-08-17T09:14:00.000-04:00

Usually my mornings go like this: I wake up, make coffee (this morning I made french press Starbucks), power up the laptop and open 5-7 windows. Two email accounts, facebook, etsy, twitter...then I find myself being taken almost on an obstacle course of information. It may start with an email from an arts organization taking submissions. I click there and see something else on their website. Or I see that they are on facebook so I "like" their page but then I see someone posted something interesting about fashion so I click there. That brings me to something else, etc etc. Next thing I know it's an hour later, 3 cups of coffee in, and I am so totally inspired by all the creativity and fashion I've just perused that I am ready to take on the world!

Matthew Richmond's Paper Dolls at Valentine Vodka

2011-08-16T10:10:00.001-04:00

It was another successful night of fun, fashion, and creativity for Matthew Richmond last Thursday night during his Paper Dolls event at Valentine Vodka in Ferndale. The dresses were spectacular as were the models in them. Makeup was done by Cheryl at Rouge, my favorite look was the red stripe across the eyes. You might recognize the Metropolitan D'etroit dress from our 1950's styled shoot. The ball gown is made from grocery bags. He made a special dress for the event using Valentine Vodka menus. Other materials used were VCR tape, newspapers, and magazines. The V magazine dress is covered in images of super skinny models torn from it's pages, the belt being a measuring tape.

Me and Alvita Frankie.

Me, my brother John, and my friend Penny.

The dress and photos from the shoot that my daughter modeled in.

Jenna and Janna: Matt's personal photographers. At least our dresses were different colors. Ha!

The video from Ambush Runway was playing on the wall. You can view it here.

Hey that's me!

LOVED her makeup!

Photos from past shoots.

Connect with me!

Horse Photography

2011-08-09T19:03:00.000-04:00

I've been very fortunate to photograph some amazing homes this past week. One of them had acres and acres of stables with horses. Here are some prints I made of them.

Purchase this print on metallic paper here.

New Portfolio website

2011-08-07T10:15:00.000-04:00

I created a new website to view my photography portfolio. Eventually I'll create my own site but for now it's wordpress. Take a look and let me know what you think!

Click here: Janna Bissett Photography

Connect with me!

New print!

2011-08-01T17:32:00.000-04:00

New print available in my etsy shop! I'm thinking about making cards too. Or if you would like it on a coffee tumbler, magnet, mousepad, etc then you can purchase it on deviantart.com as well.

Friday's Favorites 7/29/2011

2011-07-29T13:08:00.000-04:00

Some awesomely awesome things I came across on etsy lately.

I Just Want to Make Beautiful Things Even If Nobody Cares. 8x10 Inspiring Photographic Print. $12

from EeeBee

Original Photo Coffee Tumbler Road Bike in New York City $24

from KAMcGovern

Modern Dining Table & Chairs - "Willow" (FREE SHIPPING) $900

from woodbirddesign

Low Back Multicolor Cotton Dress $169

from LanaStepul

Cassette Tape Belt Buckle $20

from bmused

Recycled Skateboard Spinning Tops $15

from TrilliumArtisans

1950's Housewife Gone Mad Shoot with Matt Richmond

2011-07-27T00:13:00.000-04:00

Sometimes when you are shooting you can just feel the magic happening. It sounds corny but it's true. The styling is perfect, the weather is perfect, the enthusiasm, and the models are perfect.

The dress is a Matthew Richmond original and was made using Metropolitan D'etroit newspapers.

My first tattoo!

2011-07-23T21:36:00.000-04:00

I've been wanting to get this for over a year and yesterday in Ann Arbor I did it!

Vintage camera tattoo!

5th Annual Alumni Show: Things That Move at U of M

2011-07-23T12:05:00.001-04:00

Last night was the art opening at the University of Michigan's School of Art & Design for the 5th Annual Alumni Show called "Things That Move." As always, we made a day of it by visiting the art fair first then attending the opening. It was a wonderful turn out and an incredible show. It will be up until August 5th and takes place both at Slusser Gallery inside the Art & Design building on North Campus as well as Work gallery downtown on State street.

My painting of the view from the Cadillac hotel in downtown Detroit. This is also looking down at the place I worked for 5 days on the set of Ides of March, the George Clooney movie coming out in October.

I had to capture this lovely couple who were sitting out in the courtyard. It's one of my favorite portraits I've ever taken.

Got a little planking in.

Caught up with the lovely Ms. Sophie.

Inside The Necto.

Art Opening Friday: Things That Move

2011-07-19T10:53:00.000-04:00


	Celebrate the Work of A&D Alumni At the opening reception for the 5th Annual Alumni Show: *Things That Move* Friday, July 22 from 6 - 8pm Award Presentations at 7pm Slusser Gallery, 1st floor, 2000 Bonisteel Blvd. Google Map Held during the Ann Arbor Art Fair, the Alumni Show opening is a chance to see great work ranging from traditional painting, to new media; and a way to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones. We're looking forward to seeing you on Friday! Want to see the work online? Visit the 2011 Alumni Show page. If you can't make the opening, the show will be up until August 5th. And if you do make it before the awards ceremony please vote for my painting! Thank you!