My Enamel Pins

Posted on March 4, 2021 by M

I am so proud to announce my newest pin design “Smiling Sun”, I can’t believe i’m up to five designs so far. This has always been a huge dream of mine and even though I haven’t sold a single sun pin yet, I feel like i’m trying to remain positive and set myself up for future successes.

I am hoping that, once Covid is a thing of a past (will that even happen?) that I will be able to participate in small festivals in Vancouver. I really think that these pins would be a huge hit.

There are many plans for the future, such as cute cat pins that I can create for charitable purposes. I have applied for some grants so fingers crossed I can get some more funding.

It also seems like the interest in my original art has completely dwindled and that the things that are selling well for me are my Neurodiversity Pride collection, my LGBTQ2+ collection, my Childfree enamel pins & my Autism identity enamel pins.

I try to remind myself that even though the interest in my merchandise and offerings has changed, that i’m still able to create whatever I want and bring more acceptance towards the Autistic community.

Here I am, wearing my Smiling Sun pin and I have themed my entire outfit based on the colours of the pins.

If you want to support me, please check out www.etsy.com/shop/retrophiliac and please share it with your friends. I thrive on word of mouth!

Expanding my art offerings!

Posted on July 13, 2019 by M

Things have been so crazy lately! I sometimes get on random art tangents and i’m able to create things I didn’t think were possible.

A lot of people have been asking about me getting my art on merchandise and I just didn’t like the options until I found a good one – so now i’m able to offer art on all kinds of applications.

This is my favourite:

Here are some bag designs currently in my shop.

I hope you have a chance to check out my etsy and my facebook page for updates on me.

Oh, I also have a meeting with a couple fellow Autistics who have asked me to join, to talk to an organization I currently have come concerns about and have written about. This will be a first for me.

-Margaux

I STILL LOVE VINTAGE.

Posted on September 23, 2018 by M

I had to put that all in caps.

For a while there, I wasn’t really selling vintage. Well, I was still trying. It just NEVER SOLD. So i’m dipping my toes in the waters and testing this out again, this time with one really, really nice item.

These GORGEOUS Glasses

Click the link above to view my eBay auction ❤

Thank you for your continued support,

Margaux

My experience at Langley Arts Alive as an Autistic Artist

Posted on August 19, 2018 by M

Arts Alive 3rd Graphic

I want to start out this post by thanking Langley’s own Randy Caine, founder of Hempyz for sponsoring me by giving me the opportunity to have a booth to showcase my art and my even bigger message about being Autistic.

I got dropped off at around 8:05 and got some great help setting up the tent, table and chairs (thanks to Randy again) and then I began setting my art up . Truth be told, I have little experience (other then those two times I set up outside Arts off Main) but I focused and got myself motivated.

Nothing was priced yet. I grabbed some spiky-oval type fluorescent paper cut outs I had got from Dollarama and used some washi (rice paper tape) that was fairly low tack and folded little circles that I affixed to the corner of some of my pieces. Depending on how the art was set up, my placement varied. I had purchased them ages ago and was pleased to actually use something I bought! (Artists and crafters know this can be a rare occurrence!!)

I honestly don’t know why i’m holding my wrist in this shot, I think it was my nerves getting the best of me.

I reorganized my table several times. I did sell a few small items, magnets being the most popular. I’m not sure if i’ll want to do this kind of thing again for a few reasons but if I do I would focus more on small 5.00 items like the magnets–a proven seller. They seem to be a way to get people to display my art in the easiest way possible, displayed on their fridge!

I felt lucky to have started the conversation about Autism by having my banner up and my information signs.

If anything my sign on the left would stop people as they were walking by. I feel like I met some incredible individuals by really putting myself out there. Some of the connections I made were absolutely invaluable. Of course, with all that positivity I did hear some ones’ negative comments to their spouse while walking by, but I had to try to breathe and relax.

Another highlight was meeting my Autistic inspiration Amythest Schaber. They are responsible for making informative and insightful videos and blog posts that help educate those who are neurotypical and even those on the spectrum. I believe everyone would benefit from spending time watching the videos.

Cats were the most popular, I SHOULD HAVE FIGURED! I’m not the only Cat-obsessed weird individual out there, I suppose.

Nothing will stop me from making Art. I will NEVER stop being Autistic.

-Margaux

Introducing: Retrophiliac & Co.

Posted on May 29, 2018 by M

My Mother and I have always talked about working on a project together and we never got around to it. Finally, my vision is taking shape and it’s turning in to reality.

Introducing:

Retrophiliac & Co.

https://www.facebook.com/retrophiliacandco/

I create the one of a kind fabric. My Mom takes care of the the technical aspects: making patterns and sewing. We come up with the designs of each accessory together and turn it in to something really amazing.

They will be available for purchase online really soon and will be working out some details to bring them to local Vancouver shops.

FullSizeRender

Stay tuned for more exciting announcements and I hope you join me on this new endeavour!

Travel with Me! Victoria BC: Part 1

Posted on May 2, 2018 by M

Hotel Zed is Victoria’s answer to a time-warp hotel. Complete with retro shuttle vehicles, friendly staff, bright colours and amenities galore. It’s the perfect insta-worthy getaway.

The lobby is bright and cheerful and is shared with “The Ruby” restaurant which is known for their big, tasty breakfasts. We will have to try it sometime!

Coffee and tea is complimentary with your stay and you can even rent a bike (amongst other forms of transport) for use!

We stayed in two different rooms, the first one was an outfitted Airstream, aptly named the “Zedstream”:

More info here: https://www.hotelzed.com/zed-victoria/rooms/21/Zedstream/

The second one was the king for a night suite (for some reason my other pictures vanished!):

Here’s a video of Justin Yo-Yoing, it also shows off the amazingly comfortable bed!

There’s more information and a better picture on their website: https://www.hotelzed.com/zed-victoria/rooms/17/King_for_a_Night/

We had such a fun stay and documented the entire thing on my instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/retr0philiac/

I wanted to thank the fine folks at Hotel Zed for providing us with complimentary night stays in exchange for sharing my experience. It was a super groovy time I won’t soon forget.

Connect with Hotel Zed:

So many NEW THINGS!

Posted on April 19, 2018 by M

I have so many things to review (tea, beauty products etc) but I just haven’t had enough time or energy lately.

I did reserve some of my energy and I made this:

I also got brand new glasses:

I saved up some of my tips and dipped in to savings to get this:

I’m SUPER amateur with sewing but I plan on getting some vintage fabric and secondhand supplies to teach myself the basics!

And my Boyfriend spoiled our cats and got them this amazing tree:

I’m also coming up on my 6 month anniversary with work and a cool vacation i’m going to document on my blog!

Thanks for all your incredible support as well.

-Margaux

Spotlight: East Vanity Parlour

Posted on March 27, 2018 by M

East Vancouver is like a world of it’s own. It’s urban, hip and full of variety. In the midst of it all is East Vanity Parlour which provides an out-of-this-world glamorous experience!

Their bio reads:

A BLENDING OF PASSION & NOSTALGIC BADASS

ONE PART KITCHEN CUT – ONE PART SCULPTED MASTERPIECE – A SPLASH OF COUTURE HAIR COLOUR – A DASH OF SPILLED BEANS -A SHAKE, STIR, AND SERVE OVER A CULT FOLLOWING.

GUARANTEED TO KICK START ANY PARTY.

EVP is involved in all kinds of programs that help the environment and empower individuals!

They:

I had the pleasure of having Shimona Henry cut, colour and style my hair. Her expert precision, attention to detail and wonderful conversation made me completely at ease.

Shimona is all about creating haircuts and styles that make a statement. She’s been working as a makeup artist and hair stylist (film sets, photoshoots & bridal) for over a decade. She also runs her very own company called Pin-Up Perfection Photography est. 2006.

Shimona and I share a passion for vintage and it was amazing to connect with someone who knew what I was talking about!

Graduating at the top of her class, she was the student of the year at John Casablancas in 2016. Her love for colourful hairstyles and building strong connections with her customers is a driving passion with versatility and uniqueness being the name of the game! Need a fab new do? Her hours are 10am to 8pm Sunday to Wednesday. She also shares her wisdom and knowledge at East Vanity Parlour in group demos as well as one-on-one sessions!

Connect with Shimona:

I was so lucky to be given the most incredible hair cut and colour i’ve EVER HAD. Shimona made excellent suggestions and asked how I wear my hair and my maintenance routine. This is the first time I felt guided and had kind, professional advice.

The cut was done a few weeks before the colour! Shimona bleached my hair and used Joico products for the colour. She finished it off with some product and cute hair straightener curls!