Playing with Beads is FUN!

I've always loved playing with beads ... the colors & shapes are fun *-*

So when I decided to create my shop, DIY beading was a perfect fit! I had a blast finding all the candy-like beads in bright colors & filling up jars. I even designed my own signature logo closure (it's adjustable with a charm). It's a great feeling to be working with people and getting the community involved. For workshop details at Leanna Lin's Wonderland, click here!

1st customer to get to use my signature closure *-*

Me *-* helping out!

*Mekanikku* at Wonderland!

Last Friday I met the talented artist, Liane Shih, of *Mekanikku* She brought in this huge doll called *Tigereyes* that I fell in love with! Richy liked her too (as you can see in the photo) *-* We talked about doing a show for the February NELA art walk (2/12/2011) inspired by Harajuku Girls with a twist of "The Year of the Rabbit" (Chinese New Year's) + Valentine's Day ... I'm excited to see what will be created for Leanna Lin's Wonderland!

You must read this great article that Liane wrote for the Examiner.com called *Leanna Lin's Wonderland: Japanese pop culture cute meets retro whimsy*

To currently see Mekanikku dolls, visit The Cactus Gallery in Eagle Rock for their annual *Dia de los Muertos* show. Liane has 2 Day of the Dead dolls, Diego y Frida ~ on view until Nov. 7th

Hello Kitty's BALZAC for Halloween

Hello Kitty's collaboration with Japanese horror-punk band Balzac is pretty freaky ~ Love it! I've always wanted to be Hello Kitty for Halloween & I finally found the perfect one! First purchase is the Chubby Bunny gigantic red bow headband! Then create the perfect Hello Kitty necklace *-*

I just got this cell phone charm at the Sanrio in Little Tokyo. She has moveable parts! I created a one-of-a-kind Leanna Lin necklace, using vintage art deco resin beads. Perfect match!

a *Funky* event

We just had another fun event during Second Saturdays NELA art walk at my shop ~ Mr. Funky trunk show + book signing! Designer, Narumi Ogawa, brought her cute amigurumi animals and super-cool accessories. I snagged a water bear water bottle holder & nubby hat *-* I have one of her original pink bears in my collection. Narumi was here to sign copies of her best-selling book *Super Crochet Wonderful* We also had special appearances from Lil Rae Cakes (delightful cake balls) and Lomo Arigato (Peruvian-Japanese fusion cuisine).

If you missed the event, you can get Mr. Funky at Leanna Lin's Wonderland!

right to left: Narumi Ogawa (Mr. Funky), Jenny Rae & Emily (Lil Rae Cakes) & Me (Leanna Lin)

Barbie + Warholian at Royal T

Andy Warhol is *iconic*, so what a perfect pair ~ Barbie + Warhol = Warholian! If you love Pop Art, this contemporary Warhol-inspired show is a must see at ROYAL/T! I sadly missed the opening party, but was able to make it there yesterday with a friend for lunch. We sipped matcha green tea lattes & ate to our heart's content *-* The whole space is curated well, which is why this is one of my favorite places to visit. Also a *can't miss* is the fun Lisa Perry pop-up shop! See the show until January 31, 2011.

fun pop-up Barbie shop

my friend in front of her Barbie dreamhouse *-*

love this saying!

Just Love Me ...

We had lunch next to the Takashi Murakami!

Happy Customer *-*

Leanna Lin's Wonderland had drinks and treats in celebration of the 12th annual Eagle Rock Music Festival this past saturday! It was great meeting new & returning people. I love this photo of a happy customer in my Leanna Lin Jewelry logo charm necklace *-* Cute!

Eagle Rock Music Festival

Last Saturday, Oct. 2nd, was the 12th annual Eagle Rock Music Festival! Put on by The Center For The Arts, I was excited to see the whole community get together for this big event. I got to sneak away from the shop for a few hours to see what was happening! Streets were filled with happy people *-*

entrance at Colorado & Eagle Rock Blvd.

our good friends, Bruce & Cyndi, in front of Four Cafe ... where I frequent!

view looking down the street

crowds dancing

Pearls + Bow ... oh my!

My good friend, Patricia, is getting married on Nov. 13th in San Francisco. She's wearing an elegant strapless dress and wanted a show stopping necklace! She loves bows (as I love stars) and was excited when I found this vintage 80's gold bow shoe clip (remember those?) Anyways, that got mixed with 2 sizes of pearls and Swarvoski crystals sprinkled in between ... and voila! I'm sad that I won't be able to make it to her wedding and can't wait to see the photos & the happy couple soon *-*

Congrats to Patricia + Juan! xoxo