DECEMBER 12 • 2019 | 37 CUSTOM PAINTINGS Looking for a gift that stands out? Imagine your sister’ s face when she unwraps a painting of her all-time favorite Beatles album. Or perhaps your kids would love a pop art version of their graduation photo. Using acrylic paints on can- vas, Olivia “Vee” Rose creates original wall art in a variety of shapes, sizes and themes that include movies, books, music, pets, yoga, sports, love and friendship. She can work from a photograph, illustration, book or album cover, or any visual or verbal inspiration. “Just give me a concept, and I’ ll roll with it, ” she says. Her canvases generally range in size from 8 x 8 to 18 x 36, but she will make smaller or larg- er paintings to accommodate wall space or subject matter. Prices start at $15-$20 and vary according to the size and intri- cacy of the piece. Contact her at Oliviagrose96@ gmail.com or through the Vee Rose Art Facebook page. COP A NEW “HATTITUDE” After 30 years as an art teacher in the Detroit school system, Elayne Astrein was ready for a new endeavor. Determined to find something she was passionate about, hat-making was a natural choice. Several years ago, Astrein had begun making hats for herself using a variety of techniques that included crocheting, weaving, felting and embellishing. “Whenever I wore one of my hats, people would stop and ask me where I got it, ” she says. “I finally realized this is what I should be doing. ” Astrein, whose hats can be found at local craft and art shows, credits her late mother, Faye Katz, for inspiring her creations. “My mom always wore hats; she told me they were elegant, ” Astrein says. “She taught me about fabric and the importance of quality materials. ” Today, Astrein has more than 250 different hats in her inven- tory; no two are alike. Styles range from fedoras to floppy sun hats to embellished baseball caps in a variety of fabrics that include suede and leather. Some reflect current fashion trends, such as animal prints, while others have a vin- tage look. “I use good fabrics and but- tons and trims — no chintzy lace, ” says Astrein, who also welcomes custom orders. Prices range from $30-$180, depending on the fabric and complexity of the design. Contact Astrein at AHat4me@yahoo.com for purchase information and a list of her upcoming shows. se information and a er upcoming shows. roit school r. d s COURTESY OF VEE ROSE ART C O U R T E S Y O F E L A Y NE A S T R E I N