Found Goodness

I know this does not look like much to you all, but these tiny sprigs of life and growth bursting from the ground made me the happiest "gardener" in the world! Most of the peony plants in our area have come and gone this season.....and my peony plant did not make an appearance. {sad face} When I checked on the plant location, there were no sprigs coming up .....and on top of that when I parted the leaves and mulch a bit.... there were ants everywhere! I thought for sure my plant had been taken over by the ants, and that all of the years of waiting for that first bloom were all in vain......and I needed to start all over again. I was so sad.BUT.......last night, as we were returning from our walk with little roo {our naughty puppy!} I happened to notice that these beautiful green sprigs were popping out of the ground! I could not believe it........and I can't wait to see how many blooms I get this year! I am ready to bury my face in the sweet smelling blooms.Found goodness indeed.xo,Barb

Etcetera

Anymore, I only make custom cake plates exclusively for Pink Olive stores located in East Village and Brooklyn. This latest batch is my favorite batch yet....steamboats, a cabin in the woods, 4th of July stars, retro star bursts, and grains of wheat. I have one more batch to make and add to these, and then they will be on their way to NYC! It has been fun to work on this plate collection this week, and I had two commission pieces come in this week that are going to be beauties! Can't wait to reveal the furniture makeovers!Have a great weekend you all!xo,Barb

FYI

I have been using a big bowl to water my plants in front of the studio....and it works fine......but when I saw this hippo watering can at Target, I knew that it would make watering the studio plants a fantastic experience! I'm totally laughing just thinking about it!

Head over to your local Target and get yourself some hippo magic.....for the magical price of 1.00.

Would I steer you wrong?

xo,

Barb

Etcetera

Well....I finally got them all spray painted, drainage holes drilled, rocks at the bottom, and planted with sweet little plants!! I have delivered about half of them to their intended recipients...and hopefully will get the rest delivered today and over the weekend! 

I enjoyed making these as gifts for my friends.....and it was so fun to see their faces light up as I carried in their bright little flower garden :} 

Have a great weekend! I will see you on Monday with a sweet little desk makeover!

xo,

Barb

FYI

...I know those of you who follow me on instagram have already seen this picture....but for those of you who have not seen this little lovely.......

....this is my giant marbled clay pot that I picked up on the side of the road....and it was so heavy that my son and his buddy had to help me lift it! I am happy to report that it has found a happy home at the studio front door......and I hope to add more and more pots to the studio collection soon. I think groupings of orphaned pots falls right in line with the Knack philosophy......don't you?

xo,

Barb

FYI

photo via dos family

 I have been working on a plan for the front of the studio, and dreaming of planting some flowers again. I was waiting until the weather got warmer....and well.....it has been in the 70's and 80' here the past few weeks! 

While I am still having a hard time narrowing down what I want to put out front because... it has to be weather resistant, not metal....because metal tends to vanish around the studio parts {wink!}, heavy enough so that it can't be carted off, colorful, and knack worthy. Whew!...that is a tall order I tell you!

I hope to get it narrowed down here in the next few weeks, and finally have some beautiful color back out in front of the studio.

I absolutely love the idea of these little colorful tin can gardens. What a sweet gift to give a neighbor or friend ...while recycling and making something useful again all at the same time......good stuff.

xo,

Barb

Etcetera

Well my friends, today is the last big scheduled photo shoot for the book! I can't believe it, and am so excited! There may be a few things that need to be re captured, or more takes of this and that....but the big push, and all of the labor on the furniture is now behind me. I originally was going to create mostly new work but also include some pieces that were already done.....but I ended up creating all new work completely... never before seen....and some creations are very different from what you all are used to. It has been a lotta, lotta hard work, but I am so pleased with the furniture pieces, and am super stoked about pushing myself outside my little safety box. The photographs are beautiful, and I am looking forward to now moving into the layout and design phase where I will see my book come to life. 

The hubs and I are celebrating tonight.....and I can't wait. You all know how amazing he is....and how much I love him right?! ........:)

Have the best weekend!

xo,

Barb

Etcetera

More photos today....and I will just go ahead and say that there are a lot of shoots between now and early February....so if I disappear for a week or two....you will know where to find me! I am treasuring every minute of this experience, and am so thankful beyond words for those that have partnered with me in this journey. 

I want you all to know that my husband is the best man in the entire world. I just could not do all of this without his love, support, and hard work! I love you JB!

Have  a great weekend!

xo,

Barb