Posts
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Shop: Bumbleknees
It's always great to hear about readers being enthused about independent designers. Kim wrote to me about illustrator Holly and Bumbleknees. All of the pieces adorably illustrated "waist down." To read about more about it, please click here to go to Kim's blog.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Make: Cupcake Crayons
By Designing Mom Liberty
We recently had a new magazine come to our house called Parent & Child magazine. In the back of the issue were a number of great crafts to do with kids that focused on re-using - which is a big thing around our house. This was an easy and fun craft to do - it took only a few minutes, and we re-used those broken crayons that are so frustrating for kids. quick synopsis: take a cupcake pan (I used one that I had bought at the dollar store, in case the wax didn't come off too well... MOST of it did, though) fill the cups 3/4 full with broken crayons heat in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes at 350 - basically, until melted stick the muffin pan with the melted crayons immediately into the freezer for 30 minutes the new muffin-shaped crayons will shrink just enough to fall out of the muffin pan draw happily!
We recently had a new magazine come to our house called Parent & Child magazine. In the back of the issue were a number of great crafts to do with kids that focused on re-using - which is a big thing around our house. This was an easy and fun craft to do - it took only a few minutes, and we re-used those broken crayons that are so frustrating for kids. quick synopsis: take a cupcake pan (I used one that I had bought at the dollar store, in case the wax didn't come off too well... MOST of it did, though) fill the cups 3/4 full with broken crayons heat in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes at 350 - basically, until melted stick the muffin pan with the melted crayons immediately into the freezer for 30 minutes the new muffin-shaped crayons will shrink just enough to fall out of the muffin pan draw happily!
Monday, June 8, 2009
A Creative Life: Marijke Bongers
I am so inspired by today's featured artist, Marijke Bongers because of the wonderful collaboration between mother and daughter. Marijke, a former wedding dress designer, is from the Netherlands and sent me a link to her intricate work as current multi-media artist and museum educator.
It's easy to see creativity runs in the genes as her talented 11 year-old daughter Caitlin has teamed up with her mom to write a blog about her love for making cupcakes and "plushie dolls." They will also have a soon-to-be Etsy shop that will feature some of Caitlin's "plushie doll" work (hmmm...I think I see the makings of a future designer here!).
above: some of Caitlin's creations. What a talented daughter!
Thanks for sharing with us Marikje!
It's easy to see creativity runs in the genes as her talented 11 year-old daughter Caitlin has teamed up with her mom to write a blog about her love for making cupcakes and "plushie dolls." They will also have a soon-to-be Etsy shop that will feature some of Caitlin's "plushie doll" work (hmmm...I think I see the makings of a future designer here!).
above: some of Caitlin's creations. What a talented daughter!Thanks for sharing with us Marikje!
Friday, June 5, 2009
Shop: Giddyup Stool by Tom Wigmore
Since Liberty mentioned introducing green products to her household, I thought I would throw in Tom Wigmore's eco-friendly Giddyup Stool (as seen on Atelier 29's blog) which utilizes the concept of "upcycling" waste materials like old saddles. They're so chic and rustic and I could easily see these becoming heirloom rockers for many generations.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Shop: Fabkins
by Designing Mom Liberty
We've been starting to talk to our kids about "being green" - which Zane describes as "being a frog", even though Mimi gets the concept a little better... One of the things we do around here is to always use cloth napkins. Cloth napkins can be really appealing to kids, if it's made into something fun. Since I'm a sew-aholic, I buy whimsical fabrics and make my own for each kid - Z has flames and sock monkeys, while Mimi has flowers and Hello Kitty. I cut the napkins about 10-12 inches square and serge the edges. If you don't have a serger, just fold over the edges for a simple hemmed edge. And if you don't sew at all... try buying them some of these cute FABKINS.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Thank You Mommas!
Just wanted to give a BIG, heartfelt thank you to my fellow Designing Moms who pitched in to guest blog for me these past weeks. I loved reading each and every post and am constantly inspired by all of you.
As some of you know, I gave birth a few weeks ago to a baby boy! And I'm not the only one...BIG congratulations also go out to fellow Moms Shinmin and Aya who had beautiful, healthy babies just recently.
Needless to say, as a new rookie mom I have been so thankful for the wonderful support I've received from my fellow Designing Moms and all of you readers. When I first started this blog I wanted to get with all of the creative moms out there and it has well exceeded that.
Keep on sending your inspirational posts (hmmm...and maybe some advice for fussy babies :)?)!
xoxo,
Cat
As some of you know, I gave birth a few weeks ago to a baby boy! And I'm not the only one...BIG congratulations also go out to fellow Moms Shinmin and Aya who had beautiful, healthy babies just recently.
Needless to say, as a new rookie mom I have been so thankful for the wonderful support I've received from my fellow Designing Moms and all of you readers. When I first started this blog I wanted to get with all of the creative moms out there and it has well exceeded that.
Keep on sending your inspirational posts (hmmm...and maybe some advice for fussy babies :)?)!
xoxo,
Cat
Our Booklist: The Incredible Book Eating Boy
by Designing Mom Lori
Being a designer, I love books that not only have a great story, but are also beautiful, inspiring and interesting to look at! the boys got a book this past Christmas from Santa that really fits all those criteria.
It’s called The Incredible Book Eating Boy by Oliver Jeffers.
The story is about a little boy named Henry who, by accident, starts eating books. he starts out slow by eating pages, but then ends up eating multiple books at a time. (red ones being his favorite)
He found that the more books he ate, the smarter he got!
He began eating multiple books in one sitting!
He was learning so much that he quickly became smarter than his teachers!
Then, one day, things started to get all jumbled up. Henry was eating too many books, too quickly. He couldn’t digest the information quick enough. Henry was feeling very sick.
Henry decided it was time to stop eating books. He thought about it and wondered if he started reading books if he would become just as smart. Henry picked up his books, read, and learned that he loved to read!
Now henry reads all the time! although every now and then......
Being a designer, I love books that not only have a great story, but are also beautiful, inspiring and interesting to look at! the boys got a book this past Christmas from Santa that really fits all those criteria.
It’s called The Incredible Book Eating Boy by Oliver Jeffers.
The story is about a little boy named Henry who, by accident, starts eating books. he starts out slow by eating pages, but then ends up eating multiple books at a time. (red ones being his favorite)
He found that the more books he ate, the smarter he got!
He began eating multiple books in one sitting!
He was learning so much that he quickly became smarter than his teachers!
Then, one day, things started to get all jumbled up. Henry was eating too many books, too quickly. He couldn’t digest the information quick enough. Henry was feeling very sick.
Henry decided it was time to stop eating books. He thought about it and wondered if he started reading books if he would become just as smart. Henry picked up his books, read, and learned that he loved to read!
Now henry reads all the time! although every now and then......
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Shop: Flashcards
In a Flash
by Designing Mom Lotta
These whimsical flash cards by Libby Ryan can do much more than practice the abcs. You can use them to teach your child animals, objects and colors, or play a memory game. The front of each card has an animal or object and the back has a corresponding pattern inspired by front design. The 26 cards covers the alphabet from A-Z. The ink and watercolor illustrations are printed on post-consumer recycled paper with matte laminate for durability. The cards come with a custom hand sewn organic cotton pouch.
by Designing Mom Lotta
These whimsical flash cards by Libby Ryan can do much more than practice the abcs. You can use them to teach your child animals, objects and colors, or play a memory game. The front of each card has an animal or object and the back has a corresponding pattern inspired by front design. The 26 cards covers the alphabet from A-Z. The ink and watercolor illustrations are printed on post-consumer recycled paper with matte laminate for durability. The cards come with a custom hand sewn organic cotton pouch.
Monday, June 1, 2009
A Creative Life: Tyler Stallings
Designing Mom Lotta is coming in as a "mini" guest blogger for this week with two posts and you'll delight in her inspirational interview with children's clothing designer Tyler Stallings as well as her favorite picks for little ones.
by Designing Mom Lotta
I first discovered Tyler Stallings through her blog and was immediately attracted to her thoughtful writing, beautiful images, and the talented artists she featured. When she launched her children’s clothing line Periwinklebloom, I was equally smitten, even though my boys are way to old for her beautiful garments.
Tyler’s clothes are made with care and consideration, both for the child who will wear it and the environment we live in. She exclusively uses natural, organic, or reclaimed materials. The sizes are generous and adjustable to ensure long ware, and the impeccable quality and craftsmanship means that these garments will be ready to be handed down long after your child has outgrown them.
How did Periwinkle bloom come to be and what is your background?
Periwinklebloom was born about a year after my daughter. I had worked as a graphic designer, an educator and art history-lover for many years. I studied 'visual communications' at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and art history in graduate school in St. Louis. I have always had a passion for textiles but my understanding of form, texture and palette is really rooted in graphic design. My small labor of love seemed to develop out of the need/wish to merge these roles with motherhood. I wanted to continue designing with parenting in mind and a new appreciation of how design might contribute to something worth handing down.
How do you balance motherhood, family life, creativity, and running a business?
Ha! Not always so gracefully I'm afraid. I'm one of those people who are most productive when things feel close to panic. That said, I have tried to listen to my own mother's advice of tackling only one thing at a time and keeping things in perspective. I do try to carve out time for each part of my life rather than multitask. I'm a list-maker. The days I'm home with my daughter I really try to be fully present. This sounds good, right?! I tend to work most evenings and maintain my mantra of 'small and slow business'. I also teach in the art department at a local university. I am constantly learning from my students (and daughter). The reciprocity really feeds the balance. And I covet our weekends, very dedicated to play. When all else fails, I laugh...or lose it.
Did having your daughter make you more aware of environmental issues and how is that affecting the way you work and create?
Absolutely. I considered myself fairly aware before, coming from a family who recycled before we realized it had a name and ate so healthily nobody wanted to have slumber parties at my house. I grew up on hand-me-downs and often buy my daughter's clothes at resale shops. I became most aware of environmental issues as they relate to what we put on and in our bodies when I became pregnant. My inquiries then grew as my family has. And my professional life has become an extension of that. I began my business paying careful attention to all my practices; where and how organic cotton is grown and certified, who I collaborate with for creating and sewing, confirming fair wages, reclaiming vintage fabric when possible, designing a generous fit and timeless form for the longevity of my garments, and using eco-minded solvents and inks for my letterpress correspondence (still getting off the ground). Generally I became more aware of our family footprint both in terms of environment and the ideals we leave behind.
Do you have any advice to other artistic mom's, who are trying to launch a creative business?
I suppose everyone should dig deep and recognize how they are wired, question what they'd like their business to do for themselves and others. Be resourceful, do your homework, ask questions, practice patience and flexibility, set small goals. I belong to a women's business group, five of us in various creative fields who provide invaluable support to each other. The exchange is perfectly nurturing and professionally fruitful. I consider them dear friends and I highly recommend connecting with other women. Oh, and if you're like most creatives I know, hire an accountant.
For more information about the clothes featured here visit Periwinklebloom and for more about Tyler Stallings visit her blog.
Photography © Greg Rannells
by Designing Mom Lotta
I first discovered Tyler Stallings through her blog and was immediately attracted to her thoughtful writing, beautiful images, and the talented artists she featured. When she launched her children’s clothing line Periwinklebloom, I was equally smitten, even though my boys are way to old for her beautiful garments.
Tyler’s clothes are made with care and consideration, both for the child who will wear it and the environment we live in. She exclusively uses natural, organic, or reclaimed materials. The sizes are generous and adjustable to ensure long ware, and the impeccable quality and craftsmanship means that these garments will be ready to be handed down long after your child has outgrown them.
How did Periwinkle bloom come to be and what is your background?
Periwinklebloom was born about a year after my daughter. I had worked as a graphic designer, an educator and art history-lover for many years. I studied 'visual communications' at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and art history in graduate school in St. Louis. I have always had a passion for textiles but my understanding of form, texture and palette is really rooted in graphic design. My small labor of love seemed to develop out of the need/wish to merge these roles with motherhood. I wanted to continue designing with parenting in mind and a new appreciation of how design might contribute to something worth handing down.
How do you balance motherhood, family life, creativity, and running a business?
Ha! Not always so gracefully I'm afraid. I'm one of those people who are most productive when things feel close to panic. That said, I have tried to listen to my own mother's advice of tackling only one thing at a time and keeping things in perspective. I do try to carve out time for each part of my life rather than multitask. I'm a list-maker. The days I'm home with my daughter I really try to be fully present. This sounds good, right?! I tend to work most evenings and maintain my mantra of 'small and slow business'. I also teach in the art department at a local university. I am constantly learning from my students (and daughter). The reciprocity really feeds the balance. And I covet our weekends, very dedicated to play. When all else fails, I laugh...or lose it.
Did having your daughter make you more aware of environmental issues and how is that affecting the way you work and create?
Absolutely. I considered myself fairly aware before, coming from a family who recycled before we realized it had a name and ate so healthily nobody wanted to have slumber parties at my house. I grew up on hand-me-downs and often buy my daughter's clothes at resale shops. I became most aware of environmental issues as they relate to what we put on and in our bodies when I became pregnant. My inquiries then grew as my family has. And my professional life has become an extension of that. I began my business paying careful attention to all my practices; where and how organic cotton is grown and certified, who I collaborate with for creating and sewing, confirming fair wages, reclaiming vintage fabric when possible, designing a generous fit and timeless form for the longevity of my garments, and using eco-minded solvents and inks for my letterpress correspondence (still getting off the ground). Generally I became more aware of our family footprint both in terms of environment and the ideals we leave behind.
Do you have any advice to other artistic mom's, who are trying to launch a creative business?
I suppose everyone should dig deep and recognize how they are wired, question what they'd like their business to do for themselves and others. Be resourceful, do your homework, ask questions, practice patience and flexibility, set small goals. I belong to a women's business group, five of us in various creative fields who provide invaluable support to each other. The exchange is perfectly nurturing and professionally fruitful. I consider them dear friends and I highly recommend connecting with other women. Oh, and if you're like most creatives I know, hire an accountant.
For more information about the clothes featured here visit Periwinklebloom and for more about Tyler Stallings visit her blog.
Photography © Greg Rannells
Friday, May 29, 2009
Decorate: Paint Colors for High Traffic Spaces
As I was putting together all of Guissell's great posts about color and pantones, I thought I'd conclude this week of posts with a snippet of an article I came across in House Magazine on color palettes for high traffic spaces. I think with kids, high traffic spaces pretty much means 100% of your place. Have a great weekend everyone!
Some recommend palettes are using "spicy oranges" to hide dirt and stains. The spicy orange most preferred was the Sherwin Williams "Tiger Eye" #SW6362. They also suggested color palette formulas. My personal favorite is the use of "2 Bolds + A Touch of Gray"...for some reason, after a crazy day at the studio, subtle tones help me to relax.
For paint, I love G&R Paint Compay that's in the same 'hood as my studio in San Francisco. I have gone through hundreds (I'm not kidding) of sample paint pots in my day to no avail. I much prefer the poster sized painted swatch sheets they offer where you can tape them on your wall and move them around to different areas where the lighting is different. I found my sable chocolate gray in just two swatches (much to hubby's relief!).
To read the full article click here.
Some recommend palettes are using "spicy oranges" to hide dirt and stains. The spicy orange most preferred was the Sherwin Williams "Tiger Eye" #SW6362. They also suggested color palette formulas. My personal favorite is the use of "2 Bolds + A Touch of Gray"...for some reason, after a crazy day at the studio, subtle tones help me to relax.
For paint, I love G&R Paint Compay that's in the same 'hood as my studio in San Francisco. I have gone through hundreds (I'm not kidding) of sample paint pots in my day to no avail. I much prefer the poster sized painted swatch sheets they offer where you can tape them on your wall and move them around to different areas where the lighting is different. I found my sable chocolate gray in just two swatches (much to hubby's relief!).
To read the full article click here.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Decorate: Photography
By Designing Mom Guissell
A very easy way to bring colors in your home is through framed photography. Thanks to the digital world now this can be an easy and free. Take out the digital cam and take some pictures in a natural setting, provided the day is sunny you can't miss getting great shots.
Not a good with photography that's cool, then browse through photo sharing sites (IE: Flickr, Picasa, Photobucket) to find something interesting that complements your décor whether its for your Living Room, Kitchen, or even Nursery. Now you just have to find the right frame!
Not a good with photography that's cool, then browse through photo sharing sites (IE: Flickr, Picasa, Photobucket) to find something interesting that complements your décor whether its for your Living Room, Kitchen, or even Nursery. Now you just have to find the right frame!Here are some pictures I have taken that you can use if you like. To view in original size follow this link.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Decorate: Paint Colors
By Designing Mom Guissell
Another easy, but not necessarily cheap, way of renovating your home is through paint. Last year I decided that it was time my small NY apt to get some face-lifting so I decided to paint every room. Prior to motherhood I was your white walls type of gal, very city of me eh? Minimalist was the safe way when it came to interior home décor for me. But now that toys have become permanent residents in my home I've embraced the need of color!
Another easy, but not necessarily cheap, way of renovating your home is through paint. Last year I decided that it was time my small NY apt to get some face-lifting so I decided to paint every room. Prior to motherhood I was your white walls type of gal, very city of me eh? Minimalist was the safe way when it came to interior home décor for me. But now that toys have become permanent residents in my home I've embraced the need of color!
Here are some before and after shots of my bathroom I thought I share to exemplify the power of paint. I used BEHR paint color Ocean Kiss (510E-3) for the walls and for the cabinet Bitter Chocolate (790B-7). I kept the ceiling white since this bathroom is small as it is! The color inspiration... The $2 hand towel from Target pictured there.
If you don't know what colors work best together, grab a home magazine for room samples. If you want to get technical, then check out this link on color theory & wheel.
Decorate: Paint Colors
By Designing Mom Guissell
I had posted this about a month ago in my blog and I couldn't end the topic of color without sharing:
I had posted this about a month ago in my blog and I couldn't end the topic of color without sharing:
I found this fun website sometime ago and thought of it today as I looked through my Pantone book. Colorstrology by Michele Bernhardt is one of my favorite flash websites I have visited. It provides you with the pantone color of your birth month and also your unique birth pantone color. For those who work with or have in the past worked with Pantones this is a pretty neat use of them. My birth color: Apple Butter Pantone 18-1426 Hardworking ~ Theorist ~ Philosopher ... I have to agree. Have fun!"For those who just can't get enough of Pantone you can find their Fall and Spring 2009 color reports here:Spring 2009
Fall 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Balance: Guisell's Work and Play Space
By Designing Mom Guissell
Living in a one-bedroom NYC apartment is a challenge with a Toddler, but throw a business on top of that and well you better become an interior decor fanatic! When I started my small business I knew exactly what I would need since I had worked in developing lines for years but I wasn't quite sure how I was going to pull it off without intruding in our family space.
Key to any success in business is having organization, so I allowed that to be my start. With a tight budget in mind I shopped for pieces that provided me with most work and organization space. Anything with lots of enclosed compartments works great when kids are present. Framed pictures of your products work well not only as decorating pieces but also as inspiration. These are some pictures of my home studio. Hope this inspires the interior designer in you!
1. Vika Amon + Vika Tore drawer unit + storage unit
2. Bulletin Board I made myself: Blue fabric $1, Cork boards $4/square, Curling gift wrapping ribbons $3.
3. Kassett organizer series
4. Billy book case; looking to add the doors once they are back in stock.
5. Old drawer unit on casters; double as printing station.Monday, May 25, 2009
Decorate: Nursery Colors
Our guest blogger for this week is Designing Mom Guissell. Are you staring at empty walls in your room, pondering colors or images or both? Guissell has some great ideas to brighten up your spaces, including a little peek into her own very organized studio/living space.
Do however, always remember to include at least one personalized item in your nursery. This here is my son's first shirt that was provided at the hospital. It adds to the sentimental meaning of the room whle adding color and texture as well.
I have collected several colors I've either worked with in the past and/or colors I've found inspirational. Some of these are brighter than other which could be considered as Spring/Summer. However, I didn't want to put them into seasons because the truth is once you have the baby time is of the essence and changing color schemes in the room is simply something not many people can do. So instead focus on what colors inspire you, yes you mommy! You will be spending lots of time in the room and it's important that you choose those colors that soothe you.
The center leaf is your core color and the smaller ones are complementary.... There is really no right way to use these colors though so let your inner designer come through. If you need a fourth color I would root for white (aka "safe color").
Do however, always remember to include at least one personalized item in your nursery. This here is my son's first shirt that was provided at the hospital. It adds to the sentimental meaning of the room whle adding color and texture as well.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Our Lists: Decoylab Children's Art
by Designing Mom Tori
How perfect is this print from Decoylab next to your child's bookcase? And of course you have to get the adorable matching bookplates ...
How perfect is this print from Decoylab next to your child's bookcase? And of course you have to get the adorable matching bookplates ...
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Our Lists: Wee Gallery Children's Art
by Designing Mom Tori
I believe that children are never too young to be exposed to art. That’s why I just love the company Wee Gallery – they have a collection of art for newborns and up. I love their bold black and white illustrations as art cards that can be used as early as day one in a “crib side gallery” and later as flash cards to help little ones identify different animals and shapes. They base their designs on a few “Wee Facts” like the following I found on their website:
“High-contrast visual patterns help promote infant brain development.” – Dr. James Brewer, Pediatrician, California - “Newborns can see up to 12-15 inches away and are most taken by their parents’ faces and high-contrast repeating patterns.”
They have a wide selection of ways to expose your baby to Wee Gallery art – including wall graphics, mobiles, art cards, canvases, prints, and more. Be sure to check out their incredibly inspirational blog (which is a new favorite of mine) and etsy shop as well. They even offer free images to download on their website. Click here for your free test print and iron on patches.
I believe that children are never too young to be exposed to art. That’s why I just love the company Wee Gallery – they have a collection of art for newborns and up. I love their bold black and white illustrations as art cards that can be used as early as day one in a “crib side gallery” and later as flash cards to help little ones identify different animals and shapes. They base their designs on a few “Wee Facts” like the following I found on their website:
“High-contrast visual patterns help promote infant brain development.” – Dr. James Brewer, Pediatrician, California - “Newborns can see up to 12-15 inches away and are most taken by their parents’ faces and high-contrast repeating patterns.”
They have a wide selection of ways to expose your baby to Wee Gallery art – including wall graphics, mobiles, art cards, canvases, prints, and more. Be sure to check out their incredibly inspirational blog (which is a new favorite of mine) and etsy shop as well. They even offer free images to download on their website. Click here for your free test print and iron on patches. 
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
