Working Holiday

I LOVE my work, I'm addicted to it, and I just can't stop. Of course there are parts that aren't always so great, but the majority of the time, I am bouncing with glee over a wonderfully creative and challenging project.


Recently, I had the joy of styling a photo shoot for two blogs I contribute to, both with different focuses for each company. I was inspired by a few bolts of vintage lace found at Santa Fe Fabrics and these amazing Quicksilver Roses at Artichokes and Pomegranates.


I began with the idea to create a table setting that would inspire a dinner party or wedding, especially since I recently acquired a vintage set of petwer colored glass champagne coupes... total score! I got down with a fun DIY project creating lace covered votive holders and put together floral centerpieces with one of the most magnificently dreamy and romantic color palettes I've seen in a while.

Here's a little teaser video to entice you ... come check the final products, here and here:

Antique Holiday from Jessie Baca on Vimeo.

P.S. The kicker is, all of this was shot with an iPhone 4, video too. I love that dang thing....it is also probably one of the main reasons I'm addicted to work, but oh well.
-Jessie Santa Fe, NM

A few of my favorite things...

Spritzer cookies:
Easy and too cute. Oh, and they are gluten free...what's not to love.

Unique and exotic wreaths:
Pine Cones, pink Cymbidium Orchids, Magnolia Leaves, Red Chile Pods, Olive branches, Berzillia pods, Curly Willow loops and Reindeer Moss....no gaudy bows here.

Thick yarn and big ol' needles:
Nothing makes me feel more accomplished and productive than finishing a project in 30 minutes flat.

Sunsets on Snow:
Being a California girl, I never thought I'd come around to these, but sunsets on New Mexico snow-covered mountains are always so beautiful and fleeting. That indescribable color of light makes my heart ache sometimes.

-Jessie, Santa Fe, NM

Let the festivities begin!

Nothing gets the holidays started for me like some good ol' fashioned crafting. Check the sweet video below to see how you can get your holiday ON!

Gold Disk Garland from Jessie Baca on Vimeo.

Find the circle punch, here. Soundtrack and other great tunes found, here.
-Jessie, Santa Fe, NM

Don't buy it, DIY it!

I fell in love with this feather Tippet from J.Crew....however, the price tag made me think otherwise.
So, naturally I thought, "I'll just make my own."

A few ostrich feathers later....voila! I even like that it is a little more wild than the J.Crew version.
Finished off with a vintage clip-earring for just the right touch!
-Jessie, Santa Fe, NM

Food-tography

My heart just about skipped a beat when I stumbled upon this amazing blog, What Katie Ate. Hailing all the way from Syndey, Australia this blog features the most amazing food styling and photography....I may have been drooling on my keyboard.
With the cold weather sneaking upon us, recipes with meats and roasted veggies are calling out to me. I've been craving warm and comforting food. With such beautiful pictures to accompany her recipes, Miss Katie may be the source for some healing food, for both my tummy and soul!

All photos via What Katie Ate
-Jessie, Santa Fe, NM

the chorus

voice.

and the ps22 chorus (watch this video!).

this group of talented 5th graders in a public school in staten island, new york continues to change, evolve, and grow each year. beginning in 2000, the amazing "mr. b" has recorded and posted his choir's progress on youtube with the principal's permission. they've performed for stars like stevie nicks and beyonce, and continue to tackle both classic and cutting edge pop songs each week.

i simply can't get enough of this inspiring group of talent: the catalogue is at once refreshing and addicting. they even cover journey's "don't stop believin", itunes' most downloaded song in history, and gaga's "just dance." mr. b also posts audition tapes, and one of my favorite's is azaria's. one of the choir's most unique characterstics is their sincere, uncontrollable movement. not one student sits (or stands) still as they sing together.

as a public school student of chorus class through the years myself, this really brings me back to the hard work, excitement, and thrill of using voice as instrument.

Cameron: Santa Fe, NM.

Art, Underground: an addendum

The NY Times featured an article revealing an art exhibit called, "The Underbelly Project" within the catacombs of an abandoned subway track. 103 street artists are featured; but no one knows where the exhibit is.

"This is an art exhibition that goes to the extremes to avoid being part of the art world, and even the world in general."

-Jasper Rees, NY TIMES

The article is a must read and the video is worth the click. Be sure to check the photo gallery as well.
-Jessie, Santa Fe, NM