Etcetera- Paper never felt so good
A couple of weeks ago I asked if I could get a sample of the paper that was ordered for my book. I just wanted to touch it.....just a little touch.....tiny touch. {can you tell I'm getting ants in my pants?!}Well......my sweet editor LL, with Chronicle Books , came through for me and I received a little white square of goodness in the mail yesterday.I never knew paper could make me so giddy. It is going to be perfect! Not shiny....but matte......perfect for Knack.xo,Barb
Found Goodness- Sweet 16
Today....our firstborn is 16 years old! I am still in complete denial that the years have flown by as fast as they have.....it just does not seem possible. On this day 16 years ago, I was the very worn out new mommy of a healthy 9 lb 1 oz baby boy! I remember it all like it was yesterday.... and can honestly say that I am glad I am not 22 years old and recovering from a c section today! hah!Yesterday, my mom and I were looking at a bunch of pictures from the time Conley was a baby ......it was totally bittersweet. I miss the sweet faced little baby boy, but at the same time I am so thrilled to be able to watch my handsome....."man child" spread his wings and start to fly. Conley is entering a really exciting time in his life......and it is really cool to be a part of.Happy, happy birthday to my incredibly handsome, soccer loving, techno music listening, Kip talking, super witty, crazy boy!So glad we get to do life together.xo,Barb Blair
FYI- Cross stitch on steroids
I recently came across these photographs of a collection of rugs and furniture poufs by Belgian designer Charlotte Lancelot in collaboration with Gan Rugs. I know these have been around the "internets" a bit....but I totally wanted them to grace my blog. I love them, think they are so beautiful, and they inspire me to create.So well done.xo,Barb
Introductions- Faint coral, walnut drawers, and newborn babies
This lovely little chest of drawers was brought to me by my client "K", and she was not even sure at the time whether it was worth saving or not. There were multiple scratches and dings, the top was completely lifted off the base, and the middle drawer needed some repairs. I took one look at this little beauty and saw the beautiful hand cut sides and top that are each made from one solid piece of walnut {wowsers!}, the graceful and feminine little curve across the bottom, the deep long drawers....and very excitedly exclaimed that this piece was indeed worth saving and would be with them for a very long time. To say that this piece is a "goody"....is an understatement. While it may not be a "fine antique" it is completely handmade from solid walnut, and you just don't come by those very often anymore.I love the super soft pink {SW faint coral} that was chosen for this piece! It is perfectly neutral with almost a white feel......but then, just when you think it is white the pink shines through! Even though I am pretty partial to my own pink mixture, I believe I may add this color to the Knack mix!I am also happy to announce that baby Harper has since made her appearance....and mommy and baby are doing fantastic! I got to take a peek at sweet little Harper when I delivered the piece and she is a dark haired, pink cheeked little beauty!I love my "job".....and I have the bestest, sweetest clients in the universe.xo,Barb
Etcetera
Here are just a few shots I captured of my week at Knack:> No. 11 installed on the new storefront! It looks fantastic, and I love that my new landlord is all about the details. These numbers were handmade by a local artist and craftsman....Ryan Calloway.> ASADA taco truck serving lunch every Tuesday and Thursday from 11:30 - 1:30 in the Pendleton Street Arts District is a dream come true, and one that I have been pining away for ever since my first visit to Imogen and Willie where I met the lovely Mas Taco.> I finished up and delivered a custom chest for one of my awesome clients who has a beautiful 1 week old little girl, and this is the sneak peek of the fantastic nursery. I will have more for you on Monday :}> I saw a revised version of my book cover! I am really excited about what we landed on.......it is totally not what I thought it would be, but more than I expected it could be due to the smarty pants at Chronicle books! I am so glad to be working with them! EEEEEE!!Have an awesome weekend!xo,Barb
Found Goodness- clouds and horses
It is no secret that I love Annie Koelle's work, and it is also no secret to any of the locals here that both Annie and her husband Chris are an artist powerhouse! ......even their little son "M" has already started creating masterpieces! {I own one of his too!} ....and I am sure little baby "P" will be soon to follow as soon as she can get a graphite pencil in her hand!I am loving....loving.....loving my newest purchase from Annie: "the clouds gave up their horses"How great is that little painted minty horse? That's what I'm talking about....xo,Barb
Quotage- Change is good
image via pinterest
Over the last two weeks I have had several really lengthy conversations with a close friend about the pitfalls and disasters of not being open and willing to change. Whether it stems from a fear of trying something new, leaving something behind, loving the unlovely, standing up for what you believe in, admitting your insecurities and faults, or just plain selfishness and not seeing anything beyond yourself.......the ability to accept and initiate change is crucial. Don't run from change.......but do run from those who are not open to change!
Soapbox time is over.
xo,
Barb