Notes from a studio

Adieu

2010-08-03T14:09:00.000-07:00

Well my faithful readers (I know there are 3 of you). We have decided to call it a day in the blog-o-sphere; at least with this collaboration that just couldn't get it's feet off the ground.

Perhaps we'll pick this up again someday and give blogging another try. But for now, we plan on spending time making and doing things instead of writing about people making and doing things.

Action is the word.

Good luck in all of your crafting/designing/sewing/shopping/photographing endeavors.

Keep in touch!

x C

p.s I leave you with one of my favorites from Hel-Looks

Fantasy World

2010-07-28T05:00:00.000-07:00

I want to live in a world that The Cherry Blossom Girl dreams up.

Just a Thursday evening playing dress-up with the girls and taking pretty photos. Can you imagine?

Her blog fuels my Parisian rich-girl fantasies. sigh...I'm kind of obsessed

Damn she's the coolest

2010-07-27T07:22:00.000-07:00

Video from Bust

Reform School

2010-07-27T05:00:00.000-07:00

While M and I were wandering the streets of L.A we stumbled across this kickass store called Reform School in Silver Lake. As well as finally feeling like we had found a neighborhood in L.A that we could relate to, I had an epiphany: I would totally like to own a store like this one day.

It reminds me a lot of Vancouver's The Regional Assembly of Text , even down to the wall of stacked filing cabinets (albeit a smaller version), but the difference is Reform School carries a variety of cool things...not necessarily printed by them. Actually I'm not sure anything is made by them. But they have gathered such a cool collection of art, stationary, books, tableware and fabrics that you won't notice. It's everything a girl like me could ask for.

While browsing their clearance section I picked up this printed tea towel from one of my favorites Alyson Fox. I plan on making a pillow out of it because frankly it would get destroyed in my kitchen. We love to cook and would never remember to treat a tea towel as something precious.

I also signed up for their Pen Pal Club. I have yet to hear anything and honestly I can't wait. Pen pals are so cool!

Images from Paper pastries blog

Weekend Project: Zippered Dopp Kit

2010-07-23T11:39:00.000-07:00

With the forecast here in Ithaca looking less than ideal for the weekend, I've got craft projects on the mind and this one seems perfect! Not too difficult and not too involved. A "dopp kit" is just an old fashioned term for a toiletry bag and just because I have no plans (or money) to go on another trip any time soon (is it bad that I already want to go away again?), doesn't mean that a girl can't prepare.

So while I fanticize about my future travels, I'll get to work on this cute and functional bag. You can too! Here are the instructions from Purl Soho's lovely blog The Purl Bee. Have a great weekend!

P.S Isn't Purl amazing?!

Julianna Swaney

2010-07-21T20:38:00.000-07:00

I feel like this is 'illustration' month because really it's all I've been thinking of lately. Maybe it's because I have a big beautiful frame laying empty waiting for a new print, or maybe it's because there are so many wonderful artists working in this particular medium.

meh, who knows. But Julianna Swaney is the girl for me today. I am really drawn to her work and her blog and shop are super cute too.

Her style, which reminds me of my previous post on Julie Morstad, has such a child-like narrative quality to it. I'm guessing it's watercolour and coloured pencil?

Also, she makes these wonderful cut-out paper dolls. I could see these as a mobile in a nursery or just a cool gift for a cool friend.

Stay tuned for a post on our trip to L.A!!...

California Dreaming

2010-07-07T05:00:00.000-07:00

M and I are meeting in L.A today for 5 days of sun and fun. We've rented a little beach bungalow where we will cook, make cocktails, lounge and pretend to be locals. And of course, I have all of my outfits planned out like a good little fashionista.

This song has been stuck in my head for the last month. It's so good, isn't it?

Bon Voyage to us! And see you back here soon!

Image

Trend Alert: Text in Prints

2010-07-05T06:00:00.000-07:00

Keep Calm Gallery

Unless you've been living under a rock, I'm sure you're familiar with the "Keep Calm and Carry On" poster that seems to appear on every home decor blog, website, magazine and trendy restaurant (hello Cascade Room).

This poster, dating from World War II England, has brought along with it an increasing trend in print art and design: text, but most specifically motivational and sentimental phrases. Is it the rise in DIY decorating and art that has spawned this trend or the surging interest in and popularity of typography? Or maybe the renewed interest in all things 'vintage'. Whatever it is these posters like these are everywhere

Trey Speegle described his use of text: "I use found words and images to create work with, hopefully, multiple layers of meaning. The picture plane, interuppted by the lettering, reveals the underlying architecture and the tension between the two."

Mike Monteiro

I don't know about you but I have mixed feelings about the whole thing nor do I need a reminder on my living room wall that "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade" or a similar sentiment. It seems like as soon as something becomes trendy I head in the other direction.

Would love to hear what your thoughts are...What do you think about text in prints?

Creative Jobs Series: Illustrator

2010-07-02T06:00:00.000-07:00

Julie Morstad

You may remember when I first introduced this series way back in March, with the idea of exploring possibilities in the field of art and design. It's basically my way of researching what creative people are doing, in the hopes of figuring out what this creative person wants to do.

Second up, Illustrator

all above: Allyson Fox

We often see the work of illustrators in more places than we expect. Be it as an opening for an article in a magazine, as artwork in a book or website, as packaging design, in a fashion look book or even just as fine art prints.

I think that's what makes this profession seem so interesting; the various outlets in which to sell your work. It's basically a known fact, like most freelance jobs, that you have to market yourself in such a way that your work can span the divides of art, design, marketing, commerce. And with the renewed popularity of wallpaper, screen printing, and DIY fashion, there are endless ways in which to do this.

I used to hold to the firm belief that I simply could not draw. After years of art lessons, and finally art school I was determined that their way of drawing was the only way, and I just resigned myself to not drawing.

But after being out in the world more and being exposed to a variety of artists and styles, I am finally starting to realize that there are more acceptable ways to draw - styles that sell! Even 'bad' drawers are successful ones! So alas, I have not given up hope that one day my quirky little doodles may one day serve another purpose other than lining the pages of my various notebooks and 'think' books.

Wait, not to say that these artists fit into that 'bad drawers' category. Crap, open mouth insert foot.

I really like Allyson Fox, Julie Morstad. Actually they are the two illustrators that came to mind when I first thought up this post. Just goes to show you how memorable they are. (Have I redeemed myself yet?)

(Some days this is exactly how I feel)

All above: Julie Morstad

Little Paper Planes

2010-06-30T06:00:00.001-07:00

Ashley Goldberg

Ryan Berkley

Mareike Auer

Ashley Goldberg

Justin Richel

Dan-ah Kim

Ashley Goldberg

Caitlin Kuhwald

Jen Renninger

Iris Schwartz

Dan-ah Kim

Im Smitten

Little Paper Planes is a fantastic online store I just happened across. They sell other things beside prints, but I think their collection is varied and grand. Don't know about you but I'm always on the look out for some new art. Also, I just like the look of their website. Plain and simple.

Sarah Hermans

2010-06-28T06:00:00.000-07:00

She likes to take photos of the back of peoples head.

Images

The Sketchbook Project

2010-06-16T06:53:00.000-07:00

Ever wanted to be in a touring exhibition but just didn't know how? The Sketchbook Project gives you the chance. Purchase a sketchbook, fill it up with whatever you like, and return it to them so that it can be part of their 6 city (and counting) touring exhibition. Each sketchbook will have a barcode so you can keep track of how many people are viewing your book and in which cities. Plus, at the end of the tour, your sketchbook with be archived in the Brooklyn Art Library for all of eternity. This would be such a cool project to work on over the winter months. Sign me up!

Sketchbook tour images

Artwork images

Bikes on the brain

2010-06-11T06:36:00.000-07:00

Abici Granturismo Donna 1

Retrovelo Klassic Paula

(I could see M on this one, I think it's the colour)

Pashley Princess Sovereign

Ever since I adopted mr. junker: a free bicycle from a kind gentleman's garage, I've had bicycles on the brain and dreams of completely redoing the old fart to look more like these and less like a sad, rusted hodge podge of a bike.

So when I came across this website I just couldn't help but bike crush a little. With the arrival of summer and the perfect weather we've been having, all I can think about is riding a stylish bicycle around town in a breezy frock with cute sandals, a ribbon in my hair and cat-eye sunglasses (side note: this has become a problem with me, everytime I plan to go somewhere or do something I immediately plan what I would wear - like for example, tonight we are invited to a rooftop party and the first thing I thought was "what dress should I wear", not "I wonder who will be there" or "should I make a dish to bring?" nope).

But back to the matter at hand. While I figure out how the hell to change handlebars, install new chain, de-rust, paint and fix the brakes on mr. junker, you can find the bikes at Adeline Adeline. And if you're lucky enough to be able to get your hands on one of these, PLEASE don't tell me.

Tim Walker Photography

2010-06-10T05:00:00.000-07:00

Images: here

Rifle Paper

2010-06-07T05:00:00.000-07:00

Ever since I came across Rifle Paper on Design Sponge, I can't get them out of my head. And they have a killer blog to boot. I am a dedicated stationary lover. I collect, I write and I looove to receive hand written letters. I even design (coming one day soon). I couldn't help posting some eye candy for the monday morning blahs.

They also do wonderful custom things like invitations, personalized calling cards, notecards and event posters.

Weekend Project: Scarf Necklace

2010-06-04T07:49:00.001-07:00

So over the last few days I've been envisioning this dress in my head; the perfect summer dress. Loose fitting, sturdy cotton that doesn't mind being crushed or worn (actually looks even better that way), creamy white, easy to throw on (pull over your head), with pockets naturally. And I even went so far as to imagine how I would wear said imaginary dress: with a brown woven leather belt cinching the waist and matching sandals and lots of gold bangles at my wrist.

THEN on my way home yesterday I decided to pop into our little local fabric store (it's either that or Joann's, YAWN) and lo and behold...the most beautiful soft slightly heavy organic cotton that had "just come in" I've ever seen. Perfect! I'll take it.

So as the work on this dress begins, I thought it would be a perfect time to introduce this necklace that I found on the Anthropologie website. It would be SO SIMPLE to recreate. All you need is a cool scarf or soft piece of fabric, some long chain (I think you can find some at a craft store) and maybe a few bedazzled brooches. VOILA!

Happy crafting ladies xoxo

Le Petite Echo Malade

2010-06-04T06:00:00.000-07:00

Some comic relief in honor of friday.

FIRST watch this video: a brief but fascinating behind the scenes look at the effortlessly chic and dapper pair that is Garance Dore and Scott Shuman (of The Sartorialist) as they gallavant around the world to various Fashion Weeks. A very interesting portrait of two people that are rarely in front of the camera. (I didn't realize Scott was so short!)

gosh it must be exhausting being this fabulous!

THEN watch this video by the cute boys of Le Petit Echo Malade

A Monster Invasion from Lorenzo Papace on Vimeo.

If you want, try to watch both at the same time. The similarities are hilarious.

p.s They also have a photoshoot posted that parodies another french blogger: The Cherry Blossom Girl. Hee hee.

Flavor Paper

2010-06-03T06:00:00.000-07:00

Confession....back in art school I went through a bit of a wallpaper obsession. OK, it was more than a bit. I started to think about and explore pattern design; in fabric, in textiles, in wallpaper. I should mention that I was majoring in screen printing so pattern design really fit into what I was doing at the time. (I even went so far as to design my own series for a final project).

So it was around this time that I came across Flavor Paper. (They have the best name don't they?). Based in New Orleans, they produce screen-printed wallpaper by hand, and did I mention, scratch & sniff paper as well! crazy.

They also just opened a location in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn called the Flavor Lair. It's a street level printing studio, showroom and office headquarters. I am totally in love with their original designs and vibrant colors.

Hermoine de Paula

2010-06-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

Hold up, wait a minute. I seriously haven't been this excited about discovering a fashion label since....hmm...since I can't remember. The exaggerated silhouette, the interestingly painted wisps of fabric, the juxtaposition between soft and feminine and dark and structured. There is more to this girl than meets the eye. Can I say that I'm not surprised she is a Central Saint Martin's grad.

I stumbled across Hermoine de Paula after reading an article in the NY Times on my girl crush M.I.A and it just so happens that she is collaborating with them on her outfits for her upcoming tour. (She's going for a uniform-style jumpsuit, made with fabric she designed out of censored text).

I feel like so much of what we see today on the runway is so similar. (I'm talking the top designers who seem to all create a variation of each others work). I think true ingenuity and creativity lies in smaller fringe labels, like this one, that don't have to succumb to the pressure and requirements of multi-billion dollar parent companies. Of course they could also be owned by LVMH for all I know.

Abandoned

2010-05-28T13:03:00.000-07:00

When I saw these hauntingly beautiful photographs of abandoned amusement parks around the world, I could only think of one thing: wouldn't these places be AWESOME back drops for fashion editorial shoots? Man, if I had the clothes and money I would be on the next plane, especially to the one in Japan. But then again, I love everything Japanese...damn even their abandoned amusement parks are awesome!

But seriously, the faded colours, the overgrown vegetation, the weird old-school retro rides, the creepy abandoned toys...this just literally made my day.

You can see more images here.

Passing the time...

2010-05-20T13:50:00.000-07:00

It's in times like these (spending 45 hours a week staring at a computer doing mindless data entry - I'm pretty convinced a monkey could do my job) that I dream of things.

Not just anything...not clothes exclusively...but sometimes.

Today I've been dreaming about furniture, antiques, paint colours, whale shaped pillows and craft projects. I know right! what a great way to spend your mind energy.

Three Potato Four is a great store that has some drool-worthy antiques...I want one of their Vintage Beacon blankets. sigh...this one actually...it would be so happy at the end of my bed.

So by now you're probably wondering "where on earth were all of those amazing photos taken?". Well that my friends is when I confess that I'm dying to go to the Brimfield Antique Show in Brimfield, MA. It's the largest outdoor antique show in the world and it's been held three times a year since 1959. It's massive and overwhelming and crazy busy. So who wants to go with me?

Images: all Design Sponge, except last one.

Sunny Sun Sun

2010-05-20T13:40:00.000-07:00

It's so sunny in Ithaca today (finally). I just had to post this beautiful window foil design created by Kirsten Voortman. You can see the rest of her house here. Get read for some HOT pink.

image: design sponge

FUCK-YEAH-FRIDAY-FEATURE

2010-04-17T00:07:00.000-07:00

rag & bone

C will laugh the moment she reads the topic of this FYFF, since she knows my near-feverish love of this brand - - probably the closest thing i have to brand loyalty. i will scour eBay for hours, nay, days to find exciting deals on r&b gear that i would otherwise not be able to afford. i may actually have more rag&bone articles than i have underpants. (jesus, have i just talked about my underthings in two successive articles? sheesh.)

i am getting this FYFF in severely under the wire (it is technically saturday, but only by a titch...) so, in the interest of time and too much wine; i am going to cheat. here is rag&bone, in their own words, as stolen directly from their website:

Founded in 2002, rag & bone had one very clear vision in mind: to make clothes that they and their friends would love to wear every day. With no formal fashion training, they set about learning how to make jeans. They believed that denim represented the history, authenticity and fundamentals of classic work wear that they would strive to reflect in their designs.

Beginning in Kentucky, rag & bone surrounded themselves with people who had been making patterns, cutting fabric and sewing their whole lives. Working with these kinds of craftsmen taught them the importance of quality, craftsmanship and attention to detail early on.

These principles soon became the keystones of the rag & bone philosophy, the definition of what clothing can and should be. With these principles in mind, rag & bone chose to center all of their manufacturing in U.S. factories that still sew clothes the same way they did 50 years ago.

rag & bone launched their men's line in Spring 2004 and expanded the label to offer a full women's collection by Fall 2005. The Fall Winter 2007 season marked the introduction of rag & bone accessories for both men and women, adding a touch of style and distinction to their tailored looks. Guided by a strong British tailoring influence, rag & bone produces classic yet modern sportswear for men and women that is known for being understated and wearable. Each piece, whether it be a tailored shirt or a pair of jeans, is framed by the constants of high quality fabric, classic construction and perfect fit with a handmade feel.

Each season the designers seek out both innovative and classic fabrics, which, when blended together, give rag & bone a modern relevance while retaining a timeless feel. Accordingly, the designers also employ a variety of traditional manufacturers and suppliers, who lend their superb workmanship and time-honored techniques to the collection, such as Martin Greenfield Tailors of Brooklyn, Norton & Sons of Savile Row and Waterbury Button, the oldest button manufacturer in the US.

neutral musings...

2010-04-13T19:40:00.000-07:00

it can be said that i have a tumultuous relationship with colour (unlike darling C.) i wear something black every day of my life. my shirts, sweaters, and even unders are organized in the drawers by blacks, light/warm neutrals (white, cream, nude) and dark/cold neutrals (grey, taupe, maybe navy.) i have outfitted my apartment in all the same tones that i wear... i am an addict to neutrals.

so, by no surprise, i think greige is a great blog. it has just the right combinations of sparse and cluttered, modernist and antique that i do so love in interiors. some particular favourites:

also of note is the Paris apartment of fashion designer Martin Grant, which i stumbled across while reading Vogue Living (an aussie publication) while waiting to get ma hair did the other day. it is a great miracle that i remembered his name - i forget most everything EVER - but it is a testament to how stunning his place is. (unfortunately, it was nearly impossible finding shots of the feature online, but, just for comparison, i have included some runway shots of his equally intriguing work. some kind of life-imitating-art/art-imitating-life thing.)

FUCK-YEAH-FRIDAY-FEATURE

2010-04-02T12:31:00.000-07:00

the Birkin Bag

produced by Hermes for roughly the past 25 years, this handbag has become one of the symbols of ultimate luxury. you have to be put on a waitlist just to hope to get one, and, even then, you have to be able to drop a minimum $6500 on the thing. it is not even mentioned or listed on the Hermes website for any country. it is painstakingly handmade, of almost ridiculously high-quality materials (the hardware is gold- or palladium-coated, the lining of goatskin, etc, etc.)

it is, essentially, a beyond-beautiful capitalist icon. that tiny soccer-player's wife has about a hundred of them. (yeah, i don't even have to say it. you know.) Pharrell Williams has two. (really.) they are a handsome, minimalist, not-too-feminine design, reminiscent of an artist's folio that mated with a flight bag and was raised by a briefcase. they are exquisite.

and Jane Birkin: how can you withhold affection for such an iconic woman, who oozes both inimitable grace and overt sexuality. she was the first actress to show pubic hair in a mainstream film. she spent the better part of her life by the side of the caddishly seductive and catastrophically ugly Serge Gainsbourg. she acted, directed, wrote, sang, and just plain old LIVED, in that way i think all women of the creative spirit imagine we would like to. she also carried way too much shit, which i quite classically do, and this is - allegedly - why Hermes made this massive bag in her name.

Have you heard of Tavi Gevinson?

2010-04-02T08:24:00.001-07:00

Some of the reasons I have, so far, steered away from writing about fashion is because 1.) I'm afraid of sounding like a douche 2.) I feel like plenty of other people are writing about it (it has that "it's being done" feeling and 3.) because of fashion blogging prodigies like Tavi Gevinson. Ever heard of her?

She's a 13 year old blogger who has been posting on her blog style rookie since she was 11. Yeah, do I feel old. What I like about her writing style is that she's totally herself. She's not trying to sound any other way than she does, she's certainly not trying to sound older than she is and she often puts in little updates about what she wore to middle school that day, or what she did in science class. It's too cute.

Now imagine all these earnest little insights about her life as a nerdy fashion-loving middle schooler coupled with her incredibly professional-sounding and insightful reviews on runway shows (some of which she has had the opportunity to see for herself), thoughts on collections by her favorite designers (Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garcons, Junya Watanabe, Mui Mui, Rodarte to name a few) and inspired collages and moodboards and you have her blog in a nutshell. This girl seems to posess a maturity beyond her years and a sense of humour that, I feel, is often lacking in the world of fashion reporting. It's no wonder she has caught the eye of the 'fashion world', even collaborating with the Rodarte sisters on their line for Target, being invited to Paris Fashion Week and on the cover of and featured in numerous magazines. This girl kicks ass. If only we could've all been this cool and confident at 13. sigh

all images: style rookie

Art Handling Olympics = Awesome

2010-03-31T06:31:00.001-07:00

A cheeky jab at the art world and a way to recognize all the hard work those underpaid art handlers do day in and day out. Check out the article here.

Where they create

2010-03-30T12:25:00.000-07:00

Paul Barbera is an interior based photographer who travels around Australia and Europe for his job. He also makes studio visits to artists and designers and documents their creative spaces on Where they create. It's an interesting topic: getting to go behind the scenes and seeing where the magic happens. I also like that most of the artists or design studios that he has photographed are completely unknown to me. Great way to discover new artists.

all images: Paul Barbera

I have a shadow

2010-03-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

When I told M this, she exclaimed: "how terrifying!". Let me explain. Her name is Holly and she is a former colleague and currently in her last semester as a journalism major. When she first approached me with the idea of spending time with me in my studio, with plans of writing a feature piece about me, I have to admit I WAS terrified. But it was one tiny innocent question that made it even worse: "how is your clothing line going?", "um, it's going...well...I haven't actually started started" I replied. Gulp, was this the kick in the pants I needed?

So I agreed to have her over once a week to hang out with me while I worked on things. The night before our first 'studio date' I had trouble falling asleep; I was panicked and nervous. I really hadn't started and I was worried I would come across as unorganized and unknowledgeable. Luckily, it ended up being totally fine. I was worried about nothing. She ignored my attempts at self-sabotage and my questions of "are you sure you want to write this about me? I don't know if there is enough going on with me to write about" (I was just being honest).

Then I realized that if anything, she was just going to be an observer, no matter what it was that I was making or what project I chose to do in front of her, the bottom line was that I was in control. There was no reason to be nervous or try to live up to my unreasonable expectations for myself. She didn't care if the blouse I was making was going to end up as my new shirt instead of as part of a collection, just as long as I was allowing her to be witness to it all. So I decided, after a lot of thought, that I won't be doing a clothing line after all. Well at least not right now. Phew! Relief! Now I can have fun making clothes again...Thanks Holly.

Pardon Us

2010-03-28T15:12:00.001-07:00

We decided to take the week off from posting, let's just call it our spring break, but don't worry we're back this week with new posts! Oh happy day!

Here's to Spring!

2010-03-19T06:00:00.000-07:00

In honor of spring, which officially begins this weekend, I thought I would do a gardening-related post. Check out this cool wall garden! All you do is insert the little succulents, or whatever other plant you want, into the pockets and voila! awesome feature to your outdoor space (they also have indoor ones). You can either water manually or it's designed to accommodate a built-in irrigation line. What I really like about this vertical garden by Flora Grubb Gardens is how much you could experiment with patterns, colors and textures. It could be a real work of art.

the other Martha

2010-03-17T20:13:00.001-07:00

Martha Sturdy

Martha Sturdy is a multi-faceted, Vancouver-based artist/designer who, like us gals, is a graduate of the ECUAD. she gained acclaim as a jewelry designer in the 1990's, then decided to re-brand herself as a furniture and housewares designer, and, in her most recent incarnation, is even sculpting and painting. no matter what her creations, she continues to work in her signature materials: brass, steel, and resin.

her furniture is simplistic, straightforward, and positively monolithic in the scale of Kubrick's 2001. they are dramatic and striking and absolutely recognizable.

how many artists are there that have the freedom to re-create themselves? it requires the perfect balance; a loyal client base to support you, and a degree of international acclaim, but not such a huge success that you can't choose to change your medium. she has ONE storefront in Vancouver, still handcrafts ALL her own pieces, and has (more than) supported herself on her art for over 2 decades.

i admire her, and her work, on so many levels.

New Series: Creative Jobs

2010-03-16T06:00:00.000-07:00

As artists or creative types, we have no manual, or formula or easily laid out path to figuring out how to make a living (I guess that's where the creativity comes in). So how do you know what to do if you don't know what's out there? Join us on our journey as we investigate interesting career choices and feature cool people that are already making it. With every post we will try to provide resources and tips on how to make the first step.

First up, Interior Stylist

Image from Dottie Angel

Much like a stylist will put together outfits for a fashion spread, an Interior Stylist will arrange a room for a photo shoot. These photos could be used in a variety of ways: for a magazine spread, book, website, catalogue, advertisement or even to stage a home for sale. Not only are Interior Stylists masters at organizing the space in a room, they also introduce color schemes, furniture, art and interesting objects and arrange them in such a way that is pleasing to the eye. If you're like me, a nut for Interior Decorating magazines, it's amazing to think that every single image has been styled, materials and objects have been sourced and thoughtfully arranged and sometimes even walls and partitions constructed; much like building a set.

Some stylists also do store commissions and will either design a scene within a store or design the entire store (see Twig Hutchinson's website). In the same way that a Visual Merchandiser will set up vignettes within a store and place products in a way that attracts customers (Anthropologie for example), an Interior Stylist will design an entire room setting in order to feature products to be sold in magazines or catalogues. It's in this way that Interior Stylists and Visual Merchandisers are closely related.

Stylist: Selina Lake, Image from Decor8

Stylist: Selina Lake

So the question is "How does one become an Interior Stylist?". There seems to be a few programs out there to equip you with the skills to be a stylist (a lot of schools which offer Interior Design programs also offer courses on styling). And there are certainly plenty of people who do it as a hobby (there's even a Flickr group), but if you ask me, it seems like a profession that begins with plenty of networking and volunteering to style shoots in order to get a portfolio together. If you live in a small town like me, those opportunities may be harder to find. But one option would be to start styling your own home or friend's homes or perhaps make friends with a photographer and approach local businesses who may be about to update their website or need help documenting their product within their customer's homes (furniture or home accessories stores come to mind, or even a local carpenter or artist). You can start building a body of work which could then help you get paying customers. Check out the interviews below for more insight. If you love interiors, design, arranging furniture and photography, this could be the profession for you.

If anyone has anything to add, please do so!

Stylist: Twig Hutchinson

Stylist: Tara Larkin

Stylist: Clair Wayman

Stylist: Clair Wayman, Image: AT

Home of Megan Morton, Image: The Design Files

A few Interior Stylists:

Interview with Clair Wayman & Megan Morton

Interview with Megan Morton

Interview with Selina Lake

Tara Larkin

Twig Hutchinson

Resources:

Interior Stylist.org

Tales of an Interior Stylist Blog

Styling with Friends Blog

Colour me Happy Blog

Courses:

Certified Interior Stylist Course

Course with Julea Joseph

International School of Colour and Design

Central Saint Martins Interior Styling Course

Jenny Pope: Woodcut Prints

2010-03-14T18:16:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post about Jenny Pope. I had the pleasure of discovering her color-reduction woodcut prints at the farmer's market here in Ithaca and immediately fell in love with the Owl print seen above. Unfortunately because they are color-reduction prints (meaning that each color layer is carved then printed in limited supply, then carved again so the previous layer is lost) once a print is sold out, it cannot be reprinted! She melds her interest in environmental concerns, such as endangered species, effects of global warming or migratory issues, with her beautiful and colorful prints. She truly has a gift for composition and storytelling. More work can be seen on her website.

porn. i mean, porada.

2010-03-10T13:21:00.000-08:00

there is very little to say in this post. porada is an amazing italian furniture company, and you have to be an ass to not lose your mind over something they produce. just go. look around. they make THAT TABLE in the picture above. if that's not cool enough for you, they make a table that folds in on itself and becomes a wall mirror when you're not using it. holy christ, i'm smitten.

Art Wall

2010-03-08T08:56:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you but I can spend hours looking at art online. I get completely sucked in. And sometimes going through page by page can get tiresome, especially when you're sifting through a huge range of work trying to find a gem. Well enter in Art Wall: a curated website of original art work. Art Wall does the work for you and very craftily curates "walls" of artwork for your viewing pleasure and convenience. Each grouping is organized by room so you can view an entryway or living room or even kitchen display. Once you find THE piece, you click on it and it takes you right to the artist's website where you can learn more about them and purchase their work. How clever! And hey, if you like the grouping so much, why not buy all of the pieces. With the curating done for you, all you have to do is get out your hammer and nails and get to hanging! By the way, they also accept submissions....

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2010-03-05T06:00:00.000-08:00

Hollie Chastain

Artist Hollie Chastain hails from Chattanooga, TN - and since I spent considerable time there in my youth I thought it would be perfect to highlight an artist from my favorite southern city. Hollie is a found paper and collage artist who scours the town looking for the perfect piece of vintage paper. Once she has gathered her supplies, she gets to work building layers of collage, drawings and colours using the existing stains and signs of wear that already inhabit the paper.

In her words: "The composition and subject for some of my pieces were imagined months before I stumbled across the perfect scrap of paper that it required. But most of the time I start with one really great sheet of paper or board and start building up, pulling shapes and ideas and characters from the different scribbles and splotches and colors I find."

I love how she brings to life old stained and weathered paper and creates stories with the various blobs and marks. Most of her subjects are in a state of play, and I really enjoy the quality of wonder and discovery that each possess. You can see more of her work on her website and purchase her work on etsy.

la la la

2010-03-02T12:38:00.000-08:00

i have been getting back to my roots in dance, and, consequently, looking back to what inspired my little ballerina self. i never really meshed with the idea of dancers as delicate feminine flowers, and the day that i came across lalala Human Steps was an absolute revelation.

choreographer Edouard Lock has a distinctive, hard-hitting, erratic style, that, combined with his muscular, sometimes androgynous dancers (like long-time principal Louise Lecavalier) is just STUNNING to watch.

Ink and Spindle

2010-03-02T06:00:00.000-08:00

Ink & Spindle is a Melbourne-based fabric screen printing business run by three very talented ladies. I've been seriously considering screen printing fabric myself (and have been in talks with a few possible collaborators), so it was extremely enlightening to come across this team who are making some beautiful fabric - not to mention to see a few shots of their studio and process.

According to their site, they have their designs burned on their screens by an outside company (which can be a big, messy and complicated job), but all of the printing is done in-house. They also sell both wholesale and small quantities on their website and do custom designs and orders. They are dedicated to sustainable practices and use organic, sustainable and fair trade base cloths and only water based, solvent free inks. They also have a really cute blog!

Spotlight: Urban Outfitters Campus

2010-03-01T11:09:00.000-08:00

I think, nope I'm positive, my dream job would be to design for Anthropologie. Not only is it my favorite store and has been for years (just ask any of my friends - I'm obsessed), working there would mean I got to work at the Urban Outfitters Campus. Yes, they have a campus. Breath... A spectacularly large one in fact, which occupies five rehabilitated buildings on eleven acres in The Historic Philadelphia Navy Yard. The buildings, which were formerly used for shipbuilding and maintenance, were re-designed and renovated to make use of the amazing space while still keeping historic remnants and reusing materials from the original buildings.

The space says it all. The studios and offices are designed and styled much like their stores with art installations, comfortable and stylish seating areas, quirky colours and patterns and lots and lots of natural light. The campus houses each of its three brands, Free People, Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie and all of the design work is done right here. In addition, the space provides, for it's 750 employees, common spaces, cafeteria, coffee bar, library, fitness center and support services.

It's so interesting to have a little sneak peek behind the scenes, isn't it?

Images: here and here

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2010-02-26T06:35:00.000-08:00

The Thunderbird

there are many things that catch my eye, and cars are rarely one of them. but, oh...

the Thunderbird was unleashed on the world in 1955. the T-bird was a car openly designed for aesthetic and not necessarily for practicality. the capacity and the fuel economy were not as important as just looking SPECTACULAR while driving (with, maybe, one other person.) this was a vehicle that, hand-in-hand with the Corvette, instigated a new paradigm in car-speak: the Personal Luxury Car.

there was a period – from about ’72 to ’97 – during which they tried to re-design the Thunderbird. It was horrifyingly bland and boxy and the worst of all the popular design trends of the era rolled into one and I am going to pretend that it didn’t happen. (it’s my FYFF, and I’ll deny if I want to…)

but, then:

The eleventh generation of T-birds were released between 2002 and 2005. Though not hot sellers, they had a ‘retrofuturistic’ styling, influenced by the Jaguar S-Type (with which it was collaboratively designed and manufactured,) and was just unlike other cars on the market. Here, the basic problems of the original Thunderbird were being highlighted – it just wouldn’t BE one without them, after all – 2-seater capacity, long, bulky body, and overall inefficiency in favour of fashion.

Look at it. Those little windows in the hardtop, like portholes. That coy smile of a grill. Its smooth-like-a-bar-of-soap body.

It is, quite simply, HOT.

Rugs by Angela Adams

2010-02-25T06:00:00.000-08:00

This, in my opinion, is the coolest rug ever. I have never seen anything like it before. It makes me think of a bird's-eye view of a lush garden or forest.

Angela Adams' brand encompasses hand-tufted wool rugs, wallcoverings, pillows, totes, and paper goods. Her husband, Sherwood Hamill, is a furniture designer so they have a line of furniture as well. I can just imagine an almost all-white room with one of these fantastic colourful rugs as the centerpiece. Talk about impact!

Check out her website for more eye candy and even rugs on sale!

BOOK REVIEW: Craft Inc.

2010-02-24T08:27:00.000-08:00

Meg Mateo Ilasco's Craft Inc is the perfect resource for anyone interested in starting their own hobby-based business. I picked it up on a whim and with a surge of 'go-get em', and haven't been disappointed. The layout is well done and the chapters are easy to read and organized. I especially love how interspersed throughout the book are mini interviews with various crafters (both well-known and new to me), offering a little background into their business and advice for those starting off. Chapters include: "Your Business Mind", "Production and Pricing Plans", and "Marketing and Publicity Strategies" to name a few.

It's really a no-nonsense practical guide for those serious (or even just curious) about starting their own creative business. With a list of Internet resources in the back including craft shows, trade shows, outsourcing info and how to protect your work, you'll be well equipped to tackle the DIY world.

And new from Meg: Craft Inc. Business Planner. Definitely on my want list

Inside the Home and Shop of Sibella Court

2010-02-23T12:02:00.000-08:00

I just had to show you these pictures of the home of Sibella Court, owner of The Society Inc. in Sydney Australia. (I just LOVE the website as well) It's the kind of calculated mish-mash that I admire but probably could never actually live with. I do enjoy the photos and I imagine being in the space would be comprised of endless moments of discovery.

oooo love her hat collection

I think she's a bit of a collecting fanatic...

Some pieces of barbed wire samples just because. I actually envy her artistic eye. I mean who else would see beauty in such random industrial objects.

The Society Inc. looks like a really interesting store. You know the type (much like an antique store) where you're not sure where the decor stops and the items for sale begins. But probably worth a look all the same. I mean just look at that bookshelf! (How could you even find something to buy?!)

Every three months Sibella picks an entire new colour and decorating scheme for her shop and totally remakes it. Love that idea of a space constantly changing. It also gives customers a reason to keep coming back.

Images: Design Sponge

Happy Valentine's Day!

2010-02-14T09:00:00.000-08:00

Check out these cute little hearts I knitted. Pattern can be found here.
(I left out the catnip and instead stuffed them with fabric scraps)

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2010-02-12T07:29:00.000-08:00

Made by Julene

This week's friday feature is all about paper and the fantastic work of Julene Harrison. Her paper art requires the patience and precision that most of us (including myself) could only dream of having. I was so drawn to her work and her awesome website, not only because I love all things paper-related but also because of the endless possibilities that working in this way permits. Did I mention that she takes custom orders?

I had the chance to ask her a few questions about her work:

Where did you go to school?

I studied textile design at Manchester Met, specializing in weave and after graduating in 2001 I worked as a constructed textile designer for fashion in London and Italy.

How did you get started working with paper?

In late 2008 I was made redundant and this changed the path of my creative career. I began making paper cuts as one-off gifts for friends, and realized they were hugely popular.

I started getting commissions for my designs in May 2009. Since then I have set up a website and blog (madebyjulene.com) to deal with demand, and have since created hand-made paper cuts for people all over the world. I haven't done any advertising myself, I really have the online design community to thank. None of this would have been possible without the internet and the encouragement of others.

How do you work? What special tools do you use, if any?

I work from home, designing the paper-cut on the computer using Photoshop. Then I normally cut them out at my kitchen table. The beauty of them is I can do them almost anywhere there is a chair and a flat surface. I can cut on the go, in the garden and I am so busy I even took some on holiday. I love that the equipment needed is so minimal.

Do you work in other mediums?

I have some new laser-cut products coming out soon, inc one cut from mirrored acrylic. I think it will be a lot of fun and an interesting new direction for my work.

What a wonderful way to commemorate a special time in your life: birthday, anniversary, birth, or just to have a portrait done. I know I'll be bookmarking her site for a future order.

Thanks Julene!

Drumroll please....

2010-02-12T06:42:00.000-08:00

So here it is...le scarf. It was actually less complicated than I thought it was going to be and since I was such in a creative frenzy, I finished it in two afternoons. You can find the pattern here. You may notice that mine is missing one end...I ran out of yarn so I had to improvise. Now onto the next!

slate.

2010-02-11T18:23:00.000-08:00

where does inspiration come from? is there any artist who HASN'T struggled with either finding the spark, or getting the flame to spread?

there is so much to BE inspired by, but so difficult to know how to pursue the project that could come from that brief notion.

i have always envied photographers, since they, to a large degree, are capturing their inspiration AS their art. obviously, there is so much more to it than that, but the rest of us get the spark from the word, the image, the experience, and THEN have to figure out what the hell to do with it...

our very first...

2010-02-05T12:35:00.000-08:00

part of the reason we began this blog was to learn and research and discuss and generally get excited about new (or newfound) artists, designers, and creators of all guises. we are committed to a new post every friday just for this purpose, so, the inaugural:

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Russell Leng

Russell Leng is a Vancouver-based artist whose work i was drawn to as soon as i first saw it. the aesthetic and thematic qualities of his paintings are very much what i am interested in right now, and i was even more excited to find out that he is not only a painter, but a performer, a designer, a sculptor, etc. i, myself, never really committed to just one medium - - why limit your creative potential? - - so i have a lot of respect for other artists who work in a broader spectrum. (some of the greatest modernist painters did incredible works of sculpture, ceramics, print, and design...)
.

he very sweetly answered some questions for me.

are you from Vancouver originally? your website says you studied at Trinity, but you certainly have a Van 'feel' to your work...

I live in Vancouver now, but I grew up just outside the city. My art is definitely influenced by the natural surroundings I live in, so in that sense, Vancouver plays a big role. It is such an amazing place to live and work, I don't know how I can not be influenced by it. The geometric shapes in my paintings represent systems of structures and paired with natural organic marks, it definitely mirrors the geography of Vancouver where constructed environments are situated so close to the natural environment.

what artists, contemporary or otherwise, most influence(d) you?

Right now I am looking to artists like Frank Stella, Gemma Smith, Kill Pixie, Richard Coleman, Maya Hayuk, AJ Fosik, Ricky Allman, Sarah Applebaum, and Tauba Auerbach. If it has pattern or repetition, I like it.

(subquestion: would you say Elizabeth McIntosh's geometric paintings are an influence on your own New Nature Systems 3? or is the similarity just incidental...)

I am not familiar with her work, but looking at her work now, I can definitely see a resemblance. It's incredible!

you work in a broad variety of media; paint, pen, photo, video, even industrial design. do you have a preference? one medium by which you define yourself as an artist?

I don't like to limit myself to one medium. First I take an idea and figure out what medium would best suit it and if that means exploring something I have never tried, so be it. I am always learning and searching out new ways to present my ideas. I just want to create, and if that happens to be a chair or a painting, or a weird sculpture that I destroy for a performance piece, then that is fine with me!

what should we expect next?
.
I have a solo show this summer at Blim's new gallery in Chinatown, so I'm painting and creating like mad. The gallery is being renovated right now and should be opening in May. It is going to be a really incredible space, such a huge upgrade from their current facility.
.
what if someone were, say, interested in purchasing your work? where would they go?
.
I have a few paintings for sale at Vancouver Special on Main, or you could contact me directly.

when in doubt....DO SOMETHING

2010-02-03T19:36:00.001-08:00

So, I've been having a hard time of late just simply getting something started. It's not so much that I don't want to, cause lord knows I do. But it's more like I have so many reasons NOT to be creative. Instead of waiting for that moment to arrive when I'm suddenly feeling inspired and productive and can make amazing things with astonishing ease (really how often does this happen to normal people?), I thought it best to just start something. Anything. I read somewhere that "you don't need to know everything to start something". So here I go...I'm going to knit a fucking scarf. There. I know, nothing revolutionary, but we'll just call it the ice-breaker. I will be sure to show said scarf at a later date. bon nuit.

p.s don't ask me how the squirrel ties into this, it just does.

image from wool comes alive

inside the world of unhappy hipsters

2010-01-31T11:10:00.000-08:00

I came across this hilarious website when browsing AT. This dude has managed to put captions to some of the most absurd Dwell magazine images and has given voices to those poor souls stuck in modernist design hell. These are some of my favorites.

i really do adore a good font.

2010-01-30T10:37:00.000-08:00

a b c d e f g h i j k l m

n o p q r s t u v w x y z

i found this charming quiz that 'types' you by personality and matches you to a font.

i am courier.

( but, though i'm pleased with the result, i really would have loved to be a universal or an archer hairline... take that as you will. )

about M.

2010-01-28T09:39:00.001-08:00

i am also an art school gal (incidentally, where i met C.) i've studied a little bit of everything, which mostly means i am constantly wanting to create something, but never know where to start. i teach high school art and dance, and consequently fantasize about having more time to do for myself and not only for others, so this blog is a great opportunity for me to commit to just that: self-expression.

i am craftsy and neurotic, i read fashion blogs often, both love and hate colour, am incredibly dorky about fonts, and wish i knew more about industrial design. i am not sure where my goals lie at the moment, and i waffle between doing a masters in visual art, in curatorial studies, in art history, becoming a prof, trying to become an architect, or just fucking off to morocco and living with the berbers.

about C:

2010-01-28T08:24:00.000-08:00

I am an art school grad, recently transplanted to the U.S from Canada. I also briefly studied fashion design and continue to experiment and learn as I go. I am an interior design nut and spend hours looking at and being inspired by websites such as Apartment Therapy and Design Sponge. I love stationary, paper goods, screen-printing, making clothes and working with fabric. My goal is to start a clothing line and design and hand print a collection of stationary and journals. Through this blog, I hope to document my journey as a self-made designer and crafty entrepreneur.

Hello and Welcome!

2010-01-28T06:55:00.000-08:00

It is with great excitement that I write this: the first post on what will hopefully evolve and grow into an interesting collaboration between two friends. Being across the continent from your partner-in-creativity is never easy, so when faced with a less than perfect situation and a strong desire to stay connected, we decided to do so through all things art, design, fashion and craft. Join us as we share our ideas, inspirations, and personal projects while learning about interesting people and things along the way!