still bright, still ethnic, still in love!

In store snaps from NYC last week.  It's a bright ethnic world, and it makes me sublimely happy.  Soon we will be talking fall, so let's revel in these fun prints for as long as we can!

new for anthology fabrics!...

Wait not longer...well you will have to wait to get them, but at least now you can peek!!  I can finally show you my latest collections for Anthology Fabrics! The team is in Salt Lake City right now at quilt market introducing the new collections.  I hope you will love them!

Remember this??  Well, I just could not stop thinking about this color inspiration.  Here's the result!  Moroccan Mirage is about my love of color and culture.  The blue colorway is called Casablanca and the warm, red/orange colorway is called Marrakech. I'll share a bit more of the story behind this collection after the craziness of SURTEX!

Next up - The Woodlands!  Something a little more playful for me.  It's fun right?  I had to dig up my old kidswear days at Nordstrom for this one - so much fun!

Last up Rendezvous - this one is for the true modern romantic. I am so thrilled with the color story, and the modern feel of the traditional ideas of the rose, damask, and stripe.  

jonathan adler hits atlanta!...

Yes, it's true!  Jonathan Adler and his fantastic sense of humor have hit Atlanta!  Such a welcome and needed addition to this largely traditional town.  So the scoop is I was out to check out the market a bit for my new SURTEX video with my hubby, and we of course had to check out the new JA shop too.  HOWEVER, I had no clue that night was a big opening party (the store had actually opened the night before), and guess who was there...

Yep, totally stumbled into meeting Jonathan Adler!  It was the icing on the cake to a great night.  New video shot, fresh new store to explore again and again, and I got to meet a super talented, super down to earth design icon.  Tonight, score one for ATL!

practicing gratitude...

Look at this beauty I just bought from the Vol25 Etsy shop!! It is printed on this super cool textured canvas paper.  I love everything about it - the color, the type treatment and of course the message.  Gratitude is something I am recommitting myself to practicing daily.  I mean let's be honest folks, the past few years have been exciting times for growth, as well as super trying at times.  I am grateful for every bump I have encountered in both my business and personal life because each episode is an opportunity for  me to learn and grow.  Being truly grateful for this very moment in time whether picture perfect or difficult, has a real grounding effect and makes me remember what is truly important in my life.  Happy weekend all...

new candy - the rue mag blog...

Tell me you've been checking out the new online mag RUE.  It is so fantastic, and will certainly leave you drooling for more!  The team at RUE seemed to know that because now they've started a blog!  This will for sure be added to my growing list of daily musts!  Stop by, you'll be happy you did!

Welcome 2011, and a free download...

Hi Everyone!  I hope you all had a fantastico holiday with your family and friends!  It's no secret among my friends and I that New Year's is my all time favorite holiday.  What can I say, I love a fresh start and a clean slate!  I am really excited about all the possibilities for this new year, are you??  I always like to think that putting goals, and dreams out into the universe in some tangible way brings us one steps closer to making them a reality.  Please feel free to share one thing that is on your horizon for this year!  I always love to hear what people are up to, and get a glimpse at a different way of viewing the world.  I'll start.  This year I am really concentrating on my brand.  I plan to make all decisions asking myself, "Is this right for my brand".  It is so easy to get pulled in a million different directions!  Sometimes out of fear of missing an opportunity.  This year I am choosing to focus more concentrated energy on the things that will really take me closer to my goal.  I am committed to having the courage to let some things go if they are ultimately not right for my brand.  After all, a girl can't do everything at once right??2011 goal download

All that said, is anyone on goal overload yet??  I mean I am really excited and fired up, but wow, there is so much to do!  It's not surprising that I want to and feel like I have to do everything at once.  Since that is not at all possible, my plan is to break things down by each month - much more manageable.  How about a free download for you to do the same?  This little print out has three different colorways in one pdf.  Use one per month, or one for different areas of your life.  Whatever makes sense for you!  Enjoy, and cheers to 2011!  In case you missed my very exciting announcement over the holidays, you can check it out here!

new obsession - john robshaw textiles...

Hi all!  I am officially back!  No more crazy cold for me.  I finally feel like me again!!  Ahhh....  So let's jump right back into some goodies!  I stumbled upon this designer a few weeks back, and now I think I am obsessed!  Strange enough, I am not usually one for pattern on bedding for myself.  I usually like clean fresh whites, or creamy neutrals.  I think it is the warm, earthy, organic goodness from John Robshaw that has entranced me.  Everything is hand dyed and block printed in India, and it just has that close to the land feeling.  These would be amazing in any guest room.

Kristin the intern's new collection

Hi guys! Just got my new fabric collection found in from Spoonflower that I am using for my exiting show in December. Yeah that's right this little intern will be graduating in less than a month!



The collection I created is called found because I feel I have finally found who I am as an artist, but also because the design motifs are taken from found inspiration.  I drew from things like insects, woodgrain, roses, stitches and the holes from my wall piece from last semester. For me, it was all about having fun, being free and creating something that really spoke to who I am. I think that's what it's all about after all!I will be upholstering a chair with 3 of the fabrics all together. Then I will cover the chair backs and saw them so they can hang on the gallery wall. I am an upholsterer's daughter so I want to include this skill in my installation. Don't worry more photos sure to come! Wish me luck everyone!

marimekko - fall 2010...

As you well know, one of my all time favs!  Here's what's happening at Marimekko this fall.



[caption id="attachment_2638" align="aligncenter" width="430" caption="fabrics"][/caption]



[caption id="attachment_2639" align="aligncenter" width="430" caption="more wonderful fabrics"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2637" align="aligncenter" width="264" caption="bedding"][/caption]

a bit of eye candy from nyfw...

Hi!  Hope you are all enjoying your Sunday.  I usually really dig in and bring you all my favorites from Fashion Week.  I just haven't had the time lately, with fabric lines coming out, designing new freebies,  and launching a new (awesome) product.  There is just not enough time in the day!  I thought I would share one of my stand outs from the shows a few weeks ago. Enjoy!



Loving the full on Chinoiserie at Philosophy!

Vintage Garden Party

Hi all! Amongst all the busy "hooplah" that are in our daily lives we all need a few moments of inspiration and awe. While in New York City with Khristian for Printsource I  found that little spot where all was calm in the world. Tucked away in my friend's backyard in the busiest city of ole' New York is where I took in all that was around me. I took a moment to take these beautiful photographs. I look at these for design and color inspiration for the projects I am doing in school at the moment, and I hope you find joy in them as well.

I love this teal color against the antiqued rust and mixing erosion with such distinguished line quality.

This door makes me want to start a collection of doorknobs.

Vintage florals are everywhere! This old chair is proof that flowers are a timeless classic. Mixing it up with fun, bright teals is a retro way of making old things new again.

a little MOMA for your tuesday...

Here are a few more snaps from my NYC trip a few weeks ago.  Enjoy!  :)

[caption id="attachment_2429" align="aligncenter" width="430" caption="fascinating sculpture"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2428" align="aligncenter" width="430" caption="and its equally fascinating shadows "][/caption]

welcome my new intern Kristin!...

Happy Monday All!  Hope everyone had a lovely weekend.  I am so happy to introduce you to my super talented intern Kristin.  Kristin in going into her final year of studies, and I am thrilled to have her helping me out.  Here's a little peak at her work.  She will be sharing some inspiration from time to time under the name carpe diem.  Fun name right?  Well there is actually much more coming under that name very soon!  Yep, there is some super secret cooking of awesomeness going on over here!  Anyway, everyone play nice with Kristin!  :)  Here's to a fantastic, productive week!

Bokja Furniture: Ecletic Beauty

Hi all! Kristin the Intern here!

Coming back from NYC, one of my favorite memories was at ABC Carpet & Home where every floor was a new adventure. And holy moly when I saw this Bokja furniture, I was too excited for words. Every piece was an eclectic harmony of vintage and modern textiles, alike.  Beirut based designers, Hoda Baroudi and Maria Hibri compose pieces that not only are bursts of folklore & bright colors but highlight the longevity of sustainable fabrics. Every chair had a story  to tell from hand found materials taken from the silk road of India . This collection was every Etsy lovers dream come true!



Love the embroidered label!



clever "Head Rest" chair!



Khristian & I literally stood in this area for an hour admiring the subtle details.

nyc odyseey back to abc - collaboration...

Italian designed, African made, the outdoor collection by Moroso took my breath away.  This widely imaginative and color rich collection is a collaboration between expert designers, and traditional African craftsmen.  Each piece is hand dyed and woven from the same material used to make the local fishing nets in Dakar, Senegal.  The color and pattern in these pieces is intoxicating, and to see the local culture and tradition honored so, was amazing.

nyc odyssey - the moma...

I never go to New York without popping into the MOMA.  Here are some highlights.  Starting with a little Picasso!  The depth of his work never ceases to amaze me.  (linocut)