Penny Richards' photos

We just took a stroll yesterday and decided to photograph flowers. (I know they're sometimes blurry--I was juggling an iPhone and a wheelchair, and some shopping bags...)

We just took a stroll yesterday and decided to photograph flowers. (I know they're sometimes blurry--I was juggling an iPhone and a wheelchair, and some shopping bags...)

We just took a stroll yesterday and decided to photograph flowers. (I know they're sometimes blurry--I was juggling an iPhone and a wheelchair, and some shopping bags...)

We just took a stroll yesterday and decided to photograph flowers. (I know they're sometimes blurry--I was juggling an iPhone and a wheelchair, and some shopping bags...)

Made this tunic from some very old organza someone donated to the clothing swap last weekend in Marina del Rey. Wanted to use as much of it as possible, so I made a big lagenlook-style tunic. Used the scraps to make little yoyos for the trim, and added a lace doily I found thrifting this week. Just in time for a very hot weekend in LA! Worn over a Marc Ware jumper; headwrap from Dean Alan; Bobs shoes; earrings by Polkadot Creations.

Part of the "Bird UP!" project to create and erect interesting birdhouses in Long Beach. Mine are both painted and collaged; the red/blue/black/white one is called "Flight" and features Helen Richey (1909-1947), an American aviator; the gold/maroon one is called "Song" and features entertainers Minnie Hauk and Nina Farrington. Helen Richey images from the San Diego Air & Space Museum; Hauk and Farrington images from the George Eastman House.

Part of the "Bird UP!" project to create and erect interesting birdhouses in Long Beach. Mine are both painted and collaged; the red/blue/black/white one is called "Flight" and features Helen Richey (1909-1947), an American aviator; the gold/maroon one is called "Song" and features entertainers Minnie Hauk and Nina Farrington. Helen Richey images from the San Diego Air & Space Museum; Hauk and Farrington images from the George Eastman House.

Part of the "Bird UP!" project to create and erect interesting birdhouses in Long Beach. Mine are both painted and collaged; the red/blue/black/white one is called "Flight" and features Helen Richey (1909-1947), an American aviator; the gold/maroon one is called "Song" and features entertainers Minnie Hauk and Nina Farrington. Helen Richey images from the San Diego Air & Space Museum; Hauk and Farrington images from the George Eastman House.

Part of the "Bird UP!" project to create and erect interesting birdhouses in Long Beach. Mine are both painted and collaged; the red/blue/black/white one is called "Flight" and features Helen Richey (1909-1947), an American aviator; the gold/maroon one is called "Song" and features entertainers Minnie Hauk and Nina Farrington. Helen Richey images from the San Diego Air & Space Museum; Hauk and Farrington images from the George Eastman House.

I found this slip dress made of recycled silks, and loved the idea, but it wasn't quite the fit I needed... so I picked out the side seams and added a few rows of crochet. Now it's quite comfortable, and fun to wear too.

This is our big square from the other direction, showing our little tent, our rolling cart, and our stool. And the Pacific Ocean, just beyond.

Everyone who walked by said "Parrots!" But daughter says these are macaws. This was her individual square; she also helped with me with the big square.

We're pretty much done now. Our large square won a prize (some money, some gift cards, a beach ball).

Half-way done, or at least half-way to the judging deadline (3pm). Our large square is based loosely on Barber's "Blond and Brunette," with some beachy updates.

The Redondo Pier Chalk Art Festival has a fun feature--nobody can start their squares before noon, when the theme is announced. These are our squares before the starting gun.

Band playing at South Bay Customs in El Segundo tonight.

Band playing at South Bay Customs in El Segundo tonight.

I made this dress, handsewn--fear not, it's actually got an even hem, I must have been standing funny for this photo. The fabric, lace trim, buttons, and even the thread all came from Trash for Teaching in Gardena. It's a bit shapeless, because I'm not a great sewist and try not to be too ambitious, but it's comfortable anyway.