FYI: The Knack shop
I have had to set up and style my work and product for specific events in the past, and for my booth at Antiques on Augusta.....but this is my very first time to have an actual showroom and shop that stays set up all the time. If I am being honest.....it was a bit overwhelming for me in the beginning because it was such a large space and I struggled with how to make it look full without making it look cluttered. This is my constant vice...I love things cleanI spent yesterday in the shop taking everything off the shelves and completely rearranging everything. It felt so good to change everything up and even though these photos are not finished yet......it is a great start to the goodness!These sets are a work in progress as I am getting geared up for this weekend! Indie Craft Parade is hosting their Holiday Fair right here in West Greenville and I can't wait!xo,Barb
Introductions: Another collaboration, a side table named "Cumulonia"
Well, last week I showed you all the first piece in a new series of collaborative work that I have embarked on with local artists......and today I am showing you the second!I worked with Annie Koelle on this piece, and when we got together for the first time to talk about the direction of our work together...... all I could think of were the beautiful landscapes that Annie is so well known for. Annie is an absolute gem, and I could not think of a more genuine, completely wonderful person to work alongside. I am being super intentional about who I choose to work with on these collaborations and am thrilled and honored that the likes of Annie Koelle would attach her work to mine.Again, once we nailed the basic concept I did not give any direction on placement, color etc. I totally leave all of that up to the artist......and so far I have been absolutely blown away by the amazing pieces these talented creatives come up with!My part of this piece was a bit of a challenge for me. The back of the piece had all kinds of holes drilled in it, almost like it had been used to house a small animal.....{I swear, this caused much discussion in the studio}.....and then the entire inside was covered in this lovely "cane/ wicker" contact paper. I removed the "holey" back and cut a new back. I started the removal process for the paper and ........it. was. on. there. for. good! I scored it and used a wallpaper removal product to no avail.....so I decided to just lather on some citristrip and walk away. I should have done the citristrip from the very beginning! It worked like a champ. Once the paper was removed, all the gouges filled, the wood sanded smooth and the new back in place it was time to get the base coat on and then take it to Annie.When Annie brought this piece back to me, I just could not believe how much I loved it. My mouth fell open.....I was totally stoked that the entire front and sides were covered in her soft billowy strokes....and I secretly wish that this piece could come live with me. I mean it when I say that this piece speaks to me....{ in soft hushed tones!}"Cumulonia" can be purchased at Knack {11 Lois Ave. Greenville, SC} or in the Knack etsy shop.xo,Barb
FYI: Knack Ornamentals are ready to go!
Just a quick note to let you all know that the Knack Ornamentals are all loaded in the Etsy shop and ready to go! If you are local and want to go ahead and purchase the ornament from the etsy shop and pick up at the shop later....I can adjust the shipping for you!Have a great Thanksgiving!xo,Barb
Quotage: Thankful
print found here
There is so much to be thankful for......so much. Thanksgiving is my very favorite time of year and I am looking forward to the next couple of days that will be full of good food, friends, and family.Hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving.......and I will see you next week!xo,Barb
Introductions: Collaboration = Awesome desk named "Cirelai"
This is one of those posts that I have been dying to write for weeks! I am so glad to finally be putting into words what has been going on in my mind and behind the scenes at Knack for the past several weeks.I believe in strong collaborations and have been wanting to collaborate with other artists for some time now....but I just did not know who/ what/ how needed to transpire in order to make all of that happen. Well, it hit me about 3 months ago. I knew exactly what I wanted to do, and who I wanted to talk to. Once it all came together in my mind, the ideas flowed like milk and honey! {enter angelic music here} Thankfully, when I approached the special people of my choosing ...they were just as excited about my crazy ideas and immediately came on board!I chose the first artist {yes, there are more to come! yay!} because I absolutely love his work....but even more importantly I love who he is as a human being. I get to interact with both Eric Benjamin and his awesome wife Bekki on a regular basis, and I am really proud to connect myself with these two wonderful people.It was really important to me that I not dictate what any of the artists that I collaborate with, create on my pieces..... so with just a few basic thoughts about direction we were off and running!This desk is a collaboration between Eric Benjamin and I, and here is the run down of how it all came to pass:> I painted the base color, which I decided to do navy because I like navy. {This mind you is a decision that I did not run by Eric because we wanted it to be really organic as far as how the design played out}> I took it to Eric's studio and dropped it off....with no instructions except "Do your thing, and bring it back to me for the finish".......and boy did he ever "do his thing!" WOWSA!> Once the desk came back to me, {and I picked my jaw up off the floor! So gorgeous with its forest of trees!} I sanded, stained, and put my finishing touches on the desk.I can't say enough about how stoked I am with the design and finish of this piece, and I am thrilled with this venture into the collaboration world. So thrilled....that we did another piece together, which I will show you as soon as it is photographed......and then I teamed up with another artist who I will introduce you to next week! This is not the end of the collaborations.....there are two more artists in the works.....and the designs are going to be so wonderful I can hardly stand it.All of these pieces are available for sale in the Knack showroom located at 11 Lois Ave. ,Greenville, SC 29611 and in the Knack Etsy shop!Hang on tight folks.......things are gettin' good around here!xo,Barb
Etcetera: BHLDN Beauty
I am loving these sweet accessories from the Spring 2013 looks at Anthropologie's wedding and special events line, BHLDN. The non-traditional, exclusive, luxe gowns, dresses, accessories and décor are an absolute delight! Think of....... a very intentional, collaborated, and perfectly curated collection fit for any special event.Aren't the place card holders so great?!...It has been a super fantastic and busy week here at Knack! I hope all of you have had a great week as well....and that the weekend is even greater! Enjoy!xo,Barb
Found Goodness: The Square Register App for IPad.....{it changed my life!}
I just have to profess my love for the IPad......and for the Square Register app for the IPad, that has changed the way I do business at the shop. This app is so easy, and makes inventory, sales, and keeping track of taxes, an absolute breeze. I just can't say enough about it......and the app is free!.....the square reader is free!......and there are no monthly fees! You will pay a 2.75% fee per swipe.......but that is beans my friends.If you are a small business owner....I highly recommend you hook yourself up with this system...{a great article was written here, that explains the app in much detail}.....and while you are at it.....get an IPad stand from Tinkering Monkey to go with it!Stylin' and profilin'.xo,Barb