by Percy Cat | Oct 9, 2012 | #SMCSFBloggOff, ART, art business, Art Licensing, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, custom art & design, General optimism, GIFTS, Miami, nature's energy
In yesterday’s blog, I shared the first pattern based on the Zebra Long Wing Butterflies.
The next step for me (my business side of art) is adapting it for a variety of products and applications.
The Zebra Long Wing pattern would be ideal for textiles: I can imagine a table setting with napkins and runners using a combination of solid colors to accent the pattern. Pillows and chair covers would be a possibility too.
Since I have my own line of bags and a Cafepress shop, I’ve already put together a casual tote bag, a hipster style and a couple of iphone cases. Tomorrow I’ll work on the web pages for these.*
This blog challenge…
is magnifying how time intensive it is to genuinely share my process of observing the delightful creatures, plants, sounds, movements, smells, and changes of light and shadows in nature.
I want to share how what I observe turns into the art and designs that I am compelled to create.
The zebra butterflies are no longer just pretty little winged creatures flying around my garden. They have a story. They have a vibration and I literally feel their colors, the beauty of their patterns, the magnificence of their fluttering flights and their dance of life. My connection to their energy becomes the muse, and once this is engaged, I am in the flow. I become a part of the ever expanding story of the colors, the butterflies, the cocoon, the bamboo, the raindrops and the art. I am in the dance and it is pure joy.
*Suggestions?
What do you think about a special sale on all of these products to celebrate the 30 day Social Media Club of South Florida’s blog challenge? Let me know in the comments. I’m open to suggestions.
Perhaps a giveaway at the end of the 30 days?
by Percy Cat | Oct 8, 2012 | ART, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, cortese design handbags, custom art & design, Devas, eco green, General optimism, interests, Miami, my garden, nature's energy
Raindrops were glimmering through the morning fog and an odd looking creature was hanging from the bamboo leaves next to my driveway. As my family and friends know, I can never resist a closer look at something that moves, makes a sound or has an unusual shadow, shape, or smell.
The “creature” turned out to be three Zebra Long Wing Butterflies. Two males, sexually aroused and not so patiently, waiting for the young female to emerge from her cocoon. I originally thought they were either dining on some other unknown creature or assisting the young lady in unfurling her wings, but further research* suggested that mating with a newly emerged female is part of the dance of life for these butterflies. The female releases a pheromone as she is unfurling her virgin wings and the males have excellent pheromone sensors. This also made sense as to why so many other males were fluttering around the same branch practically knocking the perched males off the bamboo branch.
Of course, since today was the first day of Social Media Club South Florida’s 30 day blog challenge…
this would be my topic – with images and oh yes, even a new design based on the Zebra butterflies. Well, about 7 hours later (I did accomplish other things in this time and realize it is essential to pare this way down for future posts, but as often happens, the project took on a life of its own) I’m finally putting all of the pieces together and getting this on my blog!
I invite you to share the beauty, power and magic of your garden or neighborhood in a comment with a photo on this post, or by email to debra (at) debracortese.com
Enjoy the beauty, power and magic of nature every day!
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*Susan Leach Snyder has provided a great resource on Zebra Long Wing Butterflies (the official Florida state butterfly) on the Conservancy of Southwest Florida website.
by Percy Cat | May 17, 2012 | art business, Art Licensing, Art Marketing Salon, Books, Coral Gables, interests, Miami Art Marketing Salon
Author Chris Guillebeau talks to a packed room at Books & Books about The $100 Startup
“Imagine a life where all your time is spent on the things you want to do.”
Author/entrepreneur, Chris Guillebeau discussed his latest book, The $100 Startup: Reinvent the Way You Make a Living, Do What You Love, and Create a New Future
with a packed room at Books & Books in Coral Gables last night.
Lucky for me, I had read about it on Alyson Stanfield’s post and got myself over to Books & Books in Coral Gables, FL in time to hear Chris Guillebeau talk about “The $100 Startup”!
Perfect timing. Already working on my re-Startup. Thanks Alyson and Chris and Books & Books 
* I only recommend products and services that I personally use and believe in. I have affiliate accounts with Amazon and Art Biz Coach and I may earn a commission on products that you purchase from following my links. This is another way an artist/entrepreneur is able to earn money and continue doing the kinds of work I love.
by Percy Cat | Oct 20, 2011 | art business, Coral Gables, cortese design handbags, Miami, nature's energy
Transitions - the newest custom Cortese design for The Aqua Foundation
Finishing up my preparations and packing for tonight’s Dare To Share event in Coral Gables, Florida where I’m not only participating in this high energy business networking event, I’m also exhibiting my line of Cortese Design Bags. I’m hoping to meet fellow entrepreneurs who would benefit from a custom design for their business and, potential business partners who are interested in taking advantage of all kinds of joint ventures!
Dare To Share is just one of Lisa Marie Platske’s leading-edge business events. You can learn more about her work at UPSIDE THINKING.
If I don’t get to see you at tonight’s event, visit www.cortesedesignbags.com and let’s talk about a custom design for your business or special event!
Call me at 305-298-2023 or email: debra (at) cortesedesignsbags.com
by Percy Cat | Jun 1, 2011 | ART, art business, Art events, Coral Gables, GIFTS, Miami, my garden, nature's energy, SURTEX
new tropical flowering tree designs by Debra Cortese
I’m swirling around in colors and nature since returning from Surtex. So many ideas, collections to edit and create.
Seems my love of nature and creatures was quite demanding for a couple of weeks… there was the 3rd honeybee relocation, then the blue jays had a riot in the back yard (and I don’t blame them a bit) because the cats were in their wild-thing-hunting-mode and killed a baby bird. I corralled all cats, locked them in the laundry room and with big tears of sadness and frustration, buried the little feathered one.
Next on my schedule was a trip to Pinecrest Gardens to photograph a peacock so that I’d have better reference material for the expanding collection of peacock designs. I did hear and then see the peacock, but had to find someone to get me closer to the bird to get the photo I wanted. Mission accomplished to some extent, but I still did not have the ideal pic. Back to the drawing board and photoshop!
Before leaving for Surtex, I was invited to participate in this year’s annual Tropical Flowering Tree Society ‘Royal Poinciana Festival’ exhibit – which I confirmed yesterday and immediately started working on new designs for this. I did complete several and even have a new bag design ready, but will not be able to produce it in time for the event on June 13th. So, realized I could put a few designs on products in my Cafepress shop. If you are attending the festival at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden on June 13th (heard Joe Donato is playing that night ;-)… I’ll have a sampling of mugs and journals with the new Royal Poinciana designs Plus, many of my nature’s energy design bags and royal poinciana prints.
Here’s my new home page design – more aligned with my focus on art licensing.
That’s it for now… need a break before moving to next projects 😉
by Percy Cat | Mar 12, 2011 | art business, Art events, Art Licensing, Coral Gables, cortese design handbags, fundraising, GIFTS, Miami, nature's energy
I’m thoroughly into the vortex/aligned with my muse/in the flow when I’m creating
custom designs that will ultimately benefit children, animals and our environment.
That said, shown here are my newest designs for Sunil’s Home Orphanage.
Nature’s Energy ‘Lilac, Lotus, Lilies’ design in spring greens and lavenders and
‘The Children’ are both exclusively designed for Coral Gables’ most exotic,
over-the-top, fundraising event of the year – “A Night In Bollywood”!
The hosts of this annual event, Matthew Meehan and Rod Hildebrant go all out
to present a fabulous night of glamour, fine dining, and spectacular entertainment!
Last year’s Bollywood featured exotic animals, a colorful variety of talented dancers,
acrobats, silent and live auctions with everything from handbags (shameless plug here)
to private dinner parties to a vacation villa in Tuscany .
Tickets for the March 26th BOLLYWOOD event are available at this link and,
I can guarantee… you will be delightfully entertained!
Article on Gables Home Page: Coral Gables business woman pursues a
labor of love for orphans. Lynn Bauer devotes countless hours to helping
youngsters in southern India.
UPDATE: The Custom Design Bags for Sunil’s Home Orphanage of India are
available online and a portion of all sales will be donated to Sunil’s Home Orphanage.
Here’s the page: http://www.cortesedesignbags.com/sunilshomeorphanage.html
Contact me to discuss a custom designed bag for your business, organization
or fundraising event. I’m especially fond of creating designs that benefit children,
animals and our environment 🙂
by Percy Cat | Jan 18, 2011 | ART, Art events, Coral Gables, General optimism, interests, Miami, nature's energy, photography
Saw this giant sized pink snail near Coral Gables Library and then many more as I drove through Coral Gables today. Made me smile and of course take a picture and realize how much fun it is to live here!
by Percy Cat | Dec 16, 2010 | art business, Art Licensing, Coral Gables, General optimism, GIFTS, interests, Miami, nature's energy, photography
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Nicole Waters, Business Development Manager at Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables and Charlee Homes for Children spokesperson listen as Janice Gonzalez, President of the Women’s Chamber of Commerce of Miami-Dade addresses a large gathering of Chamber members and friends during the Chamber’s Holiday Event at the Mercedes-Benz showroom in Coral Gables, Florida. photo: D. Cortese
Think I’ll let the photos (by my friend, Betty Alvarez and a couple from my iPhone) tell the story of what a fabulous event the Women’s Chamber of Commerce presented at Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables earlier this week. Kudos to all of the Chamber Members for extending invitations throughout the business community and especially for supporting Charlee Homes for Children.
The networking was excellent, the cars absolutely lust-worthy… and the delicious, bountiful food was catered by Sarah Sharpe Catering.
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Macarena Zilveti, Badges of Courage Foundation & Sandy Edie, Design Consultant
check out my newest wish list item 😉 photo: D. Cortese
Sandy Edie, Design Consultant, Debra Cortese (me) and Enrique Yunis owner of
Coral Gables’ Cartridge World strike a pose during the Women’s Chamber of
Commerce of Miami Dade Holiday Event at Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables
on December 14, 2010. photo: Betty Alvarez
As you can see I was not a bit shy about trying out this stunning and sporty,
Mercedes-Benz convertible 😉 My wish list gets longer every day! photo: Betty Alvarez
Happy Holidays!!!
Debra
PS: What’s on YOUR Wish List this year?
by Percy Cat | Jul 19, 2010 | Bag of the Month Giveaway, Bag of the Week SALE, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, cortese design handbags, Cortese Designs Bag of the Month, GIFTS, Miami, nature's energy
click for larger view and Trunk Show information
Thanks to Just Ask Boo, I recently connected with Maria Lesseur owner of Market Boutique just in time to participate in this Saturday’s first TRUNK SHOW. I’ll be joining some fabulous area designers: Soy Delicious Candles, Lexi Jewelry, Mary Maalouf, Andrea Guillard Viamonte, Jimmy Vee, Paper Squid, Beauty by Arbonne, and Bead’s by Daisy. We will all be showing our latest fashions, accessories and products so this is a terrific opportunity to see so many designers all in one location.
Not only will you get to sip delicious cocktails and see great new fashions, you will also be helping young women transition from foster care to safe, afforadable, independent living with the services of.Casa Valentina.
Market Boutique is located at 8851 SW 132 Street, Miami, FL 33176
click map image for larger view
Sippin’ & Shoppin’ for a Good Cause
Saturday, July 24th from 1 to 4 pm at MARKET BOUTIQUE
SW 132 Street, Miami, FL 33176 right across from The FALLS.
For a preview of Cortese Design Bags visit www.cortesedesignbags.com
Join Debra's Nature, Energy & Art News list and you'll always first to know about new art, designs, events and products.
PLUS as a subscriber, you will receive exclusive, members-only discounts and special offers.
AND...as a list member, you are automatically entered in all of Debra's GIVEAWAYS.
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