Off to the Movies!

This package is officially on it's way to the "Under Our Skin" screening in Washington, hosted by the SW WA Lyme Network.  The purpose of the screening is to educate & empower our community of the dangers & reality of Lyme disease.  With each new person that sees this documentary lies the hope that this debilitating and misunderstood affliction will be prevented.  The information for the special showing is as follows:

FREE Screening of "Under Our Skin"

Battle Ground Cinema

Saturday, February 5th, 2011 @ 9:30 am

(limited to the first 165 people)

You are also invited after the show to learn more, and have your questions answered by local Lyme & Lyme Literate Doctors

at the former Battle Ground City Grill

from 11:15-12:30

For more infomation, contact the SW WA Lyme Network

swwalymenetwork@gmail.com

This event is not intended for children under 13

Inside the package is this...

 ...made especially for the Under Our Skin screening!

It's a Victorious Vixen wristlet that is pieced, quilted & has a velcro closure.  Of course I had to have the lime green in there, the official color of Lyme disease!  

There is my signature "V" - free motion embroidered on the front...nothing beats handmade, except handmade with LOVE!

 

Here's a close up of the velcro closure and turquoise piping...

and some Lyme Awareness rubber bracelets I tucked inside...

 a clear plastic pocket...

 

front...

back...

and hopefully "the end" of Lyme.  I do have more of this fabric combination & can make one for you upon request:  Nani@VictoriousVixen.com.  Please check out "Under Our Skin" and share it with your family & friends!

Until then, watch the extended trailer here:

Winner , Wrist Cuffs & Collaboration!

Drum roll please...we have a winner!  =)

Congrats to Diane Ballou, the 6th entry of the giveaway!!  Please email your address to:  Nani@VictoriousVixen.com to claim your custom quilted "Optical Delusion" wallet!  =)

She shared these comments with us:

I have had Lyme disease since 2001. I was on a camping weekend in Durham, NC when I was infected. I got the bullseye rash. Then my hands began to swell and become extremely painful. I was very lucky, after 5 months of not finding anyone to treat me, I found a wonderful Lyme Doctor. I was in treatment for only 1 year before I went into remission. I was in remission for almost 7 years when I had a major spinal surgery and with my body being under so much stress, the remission was gone and I am now in full blown active chronic Lyme. My first symptoms were the bullseye rash, followed by swollen, painful hands.

Thanks to everyone who participated & shared their story with us.  I think it is really important for everyone to know what the early symptoms are so they can get treated right away...after the first 30 days, you're looking at a long term chronic infection, the kind that the IDSA says doesn't exist, but is rather "the aches and pains of daily living."  Those in the Lyme community, the actual patients (like those who commented on my blog) & the Lyme Literate Medical Doctors (LLMD) don't agree with the IDSA...and neither do I.

Why would the IDSA say that???  Good question...it's the question I had when I started to dig around the Internet & find out about this strange disease that had taken hold of my dad, years after infection & well into treatment.  Why would the IDSA say that there is no such thing as "Chronic Lyme Disease?"  

I believe it is because of money, plain & simple.  The Lyme documentary, "Under Our Skin" exposes the epidemic of Lyme and the politics that surround it.  It is a shameful thing.  Because of the way the IDSA wrote up the "guidelines" for treatment, it allows the insurance companies to DENY treatment.  After all, you can treat a disease that doesn't exist!  But to the Lyme patients out there, the pain & suffering is undeniable, with or without your insurance company's approval...you'll do anything, spend any amount of money in the hopes of regaining your health.

As a craftivist, I want to use my talents & abilities to reach out & help others.  I joined forces with the Lymenaide team, who share the same passion for awareness & activism that I do.  I am designing & sewing up a series of Lyme inspired wrist cuffs & other sewn items for Lymenaide, The Vampire Diaries & more.

I am seeking out others to help me with a project that has really touched my heart.  Elizabeth Chalker is a single woman who lives in Florida.  Due to years of misdiagnosis, her condition has deteriorated to the point where she needs extensive specialized treatment, amounting to over $100,000 for just the first year!  She lives alone with only her dog, Symon, for companionship and weekly visits from her friend & mom, Corey Cameron.

There are no special programs that she qualifies for & has been abandoned by her friends & family.  Despite fundraising efforts, she is $45,000 away from starting her life-saving treatment.  It is my hope, that after you visit her website, you too will be touched by her story & moved to help in whatever way you can. 

Victorious For Elizabeth...a project where I'm hoping to bring crafters & "Lymies" together to use their resources to help Elizabeth Chalker get the help she needs.  Here is a sneak peek at the wrist cuffs I have been designing & sewing for her fundraiser...

I welcome donations for this project.  I am specifically looking for lots of purple prints & butterflies for Elizabeth.  Here is a little list of the types of things that I can use:

• purple fabric
• beads of all kinds
• fiber...I don't have much right now & could really use it
• thread...purple, variegated, metallic
• trim...again, think deep purple
• butterflies...especially looking for a transparent blue or purple variety
• Big buttons or glass closures/beads for the wrist cuffs...re-purpose your buttons from old clothing!

If you'd like to donate money for me to buy supplies, that is always appreciated as well.  Fabric & material donations can be mailed to:

Victorious Vixen

P.O. Box 2404

Cypress, CA 90630

If you are crafty, creative & would like to participate in this project somehow, or if you have ideas on other ways to help, please leave a comment below or email me at:  Nani@VictoriousVixen.com.

I am really looking forward to collaborating with other artists!  =)

Sending my love & positive thoughts out to my Lyme friends & supporters...your stories continue to inspire me to push forward with the intention of creating positive change!

--Nani

one of my creations, inspired by

Traci Bautista's Collage Unleashed book & online workshops...

Press Kits, Vampires, Giveaway, Oh my!

Giveaway is closed & a winner is being chosen...thank you!  =)

***********************************************************************************

Hi guys!

We've made great progress on the Lyme Awareness front...check out the amazing new Lyme PSA's (Public Service Announcements) that Lymenaide produced!  My favorite PSA is "poppy seed" because it illustrates just how small those pesky ticks are!

I don't know about you, but I've never seen a PSA on TV for Lyme disease, nor did I know about how to protect myself from getting it!  It's growing at an alarming rate across the globe and we think it deserves some air time!  Right now, across North America, there are 203 Lymenaide PSA Press Kits that are making their way into mailboxes & news stations.  46 volunteers in the Lyme community have stepped up & agreed to send their testimonial out with the Press Kits, in the hopes that the PSA will make it on the air.

Ashely, her husband & her dog Lucy all came to help me package up the Press Kits...well, Lucy did her part to recycle the boxes!  It was a steamy hot day in my cramped place, but we managed to get the bulk of the work done that day.  Sorry for the heat guys, I hope the cherries & goodie platter helped some!

The exciting part is that we are just getting started!  There are more Lyme awareness & activism projects in the pipeline & I am hope you'll be a part of them.  =)

The Vampire Diaries cast members have been tremendous supporters of our efforts & have been featured in many of the PSA's.  Check out this video montage one of their fans, @TVD_Chloe, made of our PSAs and posted on her YouTube Channel-



Chloe, along with many others, is offering a donation for each follower they receive on Twitter/Facebook, etc, so please check out LymeBites.com to for details...it's a simple way that you can help without having to spend any money!  =)


Okay, I'm feelin' all the love here & I do love a good giveaway.  It's high time I did one here on my blog so I'm offering up the last Red, Black & White Optical Delusion wallet of the series.  I sent one off to one of the cast members of The Vampire Diaries, so you'll have the companion to hers!  Have a look at what you can win...

Handmade...

 

Custom Quilted...   

 Funky Fresh...

Gift Wrapped &
Made with Love...

Here is how you can win!!

• If you have Lyme, please share when & where you were infected.  
• For an additional entry, please leave a comment what your first symptoms were.

• If you don't have Lyme, please watch this trailer for "Under Our Skin," a new documentary about Lyme disease & the controversy surrounding it...then leave a comment.
• For an additional entry, please share this trailer on facebook & or Twitter & leave me a link to your post.

1 comment = 1 entry...here are some extra ways you can enter:

• Subscribe to my blog;
• Tweet this giveaway on Twitter (be sure and @VictoriousVixen with the retweet) & or share this giveaway on Facebook (leave a link);
• Blog about this giveaway (leave a link);
• Become a Victorious Vixen fan on Facebook;
• Donate $5 or more to Lymenaide

So that's all folks!  Be sure and leave a comment for each thing that you do for it to count.  The giveaway ends on Friday, 6/18 at 11:59 PM...thanks & good luck!

Wishing you all the best,
--Nani   =)

Victorious For Lyme: Art Quilt Project

Hi everyone, it's time for an update on Victorious For Lyme: Art Quilt Project and May is Lyme Awareness Month!

I have been taking online workshops & a Quilting Arts class to help me with this project.  The Lyme ribbon pictured here was done in class where I learned to applique using "Steam A Seam" fusible paper backing...I added my own crazy stitching to it to make it my own.  =)

I am incorporating many of the techniques into the art quilt that I'm now learning. Many people have asked me about the quilt & when it will be done. I plan on doing a series of art quilts, not one that you will snuggle up with.  =)   This is a work-in-progress & I am learning A LOT right now, that is for sure! I am not exactly sure what the end result will be, as I am working in a very free & intuitive manner...working from sketches of my ideas but not holding myself to them.  My 2 favorite artists that inspire me right now are...

Traci Bautista...check out her amazing book, "Collage Unleashed" as well as her online workshops.
Alisa Burke...she has an amazing blog where she shares simple but oh-so-beautiful projects & art.

Here are some of the pictures I have already printed on fabric...faces of Lyme, prescriptions, supplements, PICC lines, treatments...these pictures are so powerful!!  It's not too late to submit your Lyme pictures...submit them here on Facebook, or here on Flickr. 

I've been busy uploading a ton of pictures for you to check out...please share the Victorious For Lyme: Art Quilt Project Facebook group & Flickr link with your Lyme friends & family...I'd love to get more HEAD SHOTS of those with Lyme, as well as pictures of your PICC line, medicine counter, medical equipment, treatments, rashes, before & after pictures, hospital or surgery pics...you get the idea!

I have received a few boxes at my P.O. Box, but would love to see it overflowing with packages!! If not a package, then how about sending me a POSTCARD with your hand written message on it to be sewn into the art quilt? Put some paint on your hand & stamp it on an old t-shirt or a piece of paper, sign & send it to me. Write your thoughts on fabric or paper...whatever you have will work! Maybe you have denial letters or other papers that can be collaged...anything goes!!!  

Please send your Lyme Art Quilt contribution to:

Victorious Vixen
P.O. Box 2404
Cypress, CA 90630

I'll have more to share with you soon, as I have taken on more projects to help my Lyme friends. Until then, you are all in my prayers & I am so grateful for your help. I've been deeply moved by the many stories shared & hope to convey that in my work.

--Nani

Project Lyme Art Quilt

Well, my Christmas orders have been sewn up & sent off to their new owners...here is a just a glimpse of some of the goodies I whipped up.

Reversible scrappy headbands, zippered Hula Girl bags & more!

Wrapped with love using Victoriously Recycled bags & strips of fabric...all handmade...because you're worth it!!

One of my New Years Resolutions for 2010 is to make a series of Lyme Art Quilts.  I hope to help spread awareness & support the Lyme Disease Bills.  My dad was infected with Lyme disease 2 years ago while on a fishing trip to Mammoth, CA. Like most people with Lyme, his Dr. dismissed his concerns (my dad told the Dr. he was bit several times & thought he had West Nile or something), didn't test him for Lyme, and was later misdiagnosed with ALS. My dad had a PICC line put in & was receiving IV Rocephin, until his insurance company pulled his meds, despite seeing marked improvement with the antibiotics.

The more I researched Lyme, the more I found! I started joining the yahoo groups and was blown away at the number of people who had the same sad story as my dad.  I watched the IDSA hearings & participated in the twitter "lymewatch." The next day my dad told me that his antibiotics were cut by his insurance! I was burning with passion to get involved and make a positive change. Then I started reaching out to other Lymies on Facebook. I watched "Under Our Skin"...bonus footage and all. I am compelled to DO something!

me & my dad, Easter 2009

The suffering that a Lyme patient goes through is incredibly painful & consuming.  I see how my dad struggles to rise from a chair & walk just a few feet.  He can no longer work, help around the house or care for his beloved dog, Bo.  Lyme disease has totally rocked our world.  He now has Life Alert, so he can get the help he needs when he falls & is alone.  He had a stair lift installed, so he can make it upstairs to his room safely.  He winces in pain with each step he takes.  He spends hundreds & thousands of dollars on supplements, medications & treatments intended to improve his health.

This has compelled me to start Project Lyme Art Quilt, a series of collaged pictures that are sewn & quilted together from Lyme patients around the world. 

Please include your contact information, in case I have any questions about your photos.

***You can UPLOAD YOUR PICTURES HERE:  http://www.flickr.com/groups/1330619@N23/

***Add me on Facebook & post your pics to my wall...pics will be added to the Lyme Art Quilt album.

***Mail me your pictures & small Lyme-related objects which can be sewn onto the quilt as well. (Think the size of a pill bottle—not the size of a wheelchair or walker!) 

Items can be sent to:

Nani Luculescu
P.O. Box 2404
Cypress, CA 90630

My intention is to create impact pieces that will bring more attention & awareness to Lyme disease. I've found some common themes among the Lyme stories I hear about & want to bring them out into the open...this is a partial list & work-in-progress. Some of the themes I am planning are:

1. Faces of Lyme - I'll use the faces of real Lyme sufferers & stitch them all together
2. Cost of Lyme - pics of medicine, syringes, supplements, etc.
3. Lyme Dreams - prayers, dreams, hopes for a life after Lyme
4. Awareness & Prevention
5. Misdiagnosis
6. Poor testing
7. IDSA conflict
and so many more!!!!

If you'd like to make a donation to help with the cost of making the Lyme Art Quilt series, you can do so here.  Thanks so much...every little bit helps!

Please check out my writeup on the CALDA website blog: "Touched By Lyme".

Holiday Bazaar

I had a great showing at the Cypress Holiday Bazaar this past weekend! Thanks to everyone who came out & stopped by my booth! I had 47 entries in my giveaway jar...awesome turnout! =)

Here is a picture of my set-up...a natural cotton for a tablecloth, a couple of bouginvilla plants to hang my handbags, strappy wallets & bags and an orchid & a cactus arrangement. My vision was actually to have a huge tree in the middle with my handbags & goodies hanging from the tree...this was what I came up with instead!

I toally loved this cactus arrangement...so cool & spiky!

The laptop was a last minute addition...my digital frame was supposed to showcase all my Victorious Vixen pictures, but when the time came, the pictures wouldn't load so I opted to put up my webpage with the slideshow looping instead. My big poster was awesome, but kinda got lost with all my things in the back...next time it needs to go UP! =)

My first "friendly" visitor, meaning, someone I invited or knew was Amanda & her family!

Here are some of the featured items displayed in front...

New cool Skulls & Zebra handbag...you know you want one!

Here is one of my items for the giveaway...congrats to Ramona Teran from Long Beach, who was the lucky winner of this Large Strappy Zippered Case, featuring designer prints from Heather Bailey. These make great makeup bags or mini purse...throw your cell phone, keys, sunglasses, ID/money & lipstick inside, zip it up & wear it on your wrist...you're off & ready for your errands! For a limited time, they will be offered at only $35 and are just as cool as all my other creations! Look out for more designs like the Skulls & Zebra, Asian Eyes, Hula Girls in this style Zippered Case...or place your custom order with me NOW, while I still have time to whip it up for you! Like always, items are gift wrapped & delivered with insurance.

More visitors...old friends from Lakewood High School. I haven't seen Isabel since we graduated in 1994! The Mendoza girls are long time softball teammates & we've grown up playing ball together...so fun to reunite & catch up...thanks so much for stoping by to see me - Jenni, time to get your free motion on! =)

The highlight of my day was when my 2 girls arrived with their auntie Adriana & grandma Nina! I was so thrilled to have them see me at my booth...afterall, it's what all the commotion was about the past few weeks! They stopped by, walked around, and shared some tasty goodies before leaving. =) Thank you Nina for watching my girls as I continue to expand my business & pursue my dreams. I appreciate ALL the things you do for me & my girls...YOU ARE AN AMAZING WOMAN!!!

Ava was tired & didn't like my idea of taking her picture, so here she is with auntie, fussy face & all!

Here's my hubby, Arthur, who has been enduring my endless hours & hours of non-stop sewing. Can you believe he even takes me to the fabric store?! lol. Thanks honey, YOU ROCK! =)

As many of you know, one of my goals while out there, is to promote Lyme awareness, namely PREVENTION. I made flyers from the CALDA (California Lyme Disease Association) website, thanks to my newly purchased membership, I have access to various flyers, handouts & other useful activist tools. I tried to keep things simple & hit on just a few talking points. I told them that children are the fastest growing demographic for Lyme disease. I also told them how most people are misdiagnosed with ALS, Fibromyalgia, MS, Parkinsons, Autism, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Lupus...most people know someone with one of these illnesses!

I would like to improve my activist efforts & hope to include a petition available for people to sign, as well as a contact card for those who want to stay connected or participate in Lyme activist efforts. If you have any activism ideas you'd like to share, I'd love to hear from you!

Lastly, here is a flyer for my upcoming show with the ever talented Feanna of Kait Emerson Designs. Stop by & enter our drawing to win one of our creations...it could be your lucky day! =)

Play More & Dream Big!

--Nani