Made for this
Such sweetness in these words.We all have struggles, we are all imperfect.....but we can all show love to others....we can make others feel their worth and value....and we can be intentional about choosing our community.xo,Barb
Today was a Historical Day
Today..... was the "official first day" of Knack's new store manager ....Angie!We celebrated by completely rearranging the shop, and unloading boxes and boxes of new product. (YIPEE!)Of course, we did eat cupcakes too....And laugh a lot.... and take silly pictures.It's what we do....Xo,Barb
Monday Memories
I have been hard at work in the studio prepping and painting pieces of furniture for book 2, completing photo shoots, organizing and nailing down locations for the styled shoots, gathering props, and designing. It has been extremely busy, but so exciting! The furniture designs that I have dreamed up for this book are really special to me and it is so rewarding to see them come to life.Tomorrow is a really exciting day, and marks a whole new chapter for Knack! Angie Thompson, who has been working with me part time {on weekends and special events} for the past year and a half, will start her full time job as Knack's store manager and creative assistant! I cannot even tell you how excited we both are to start this next chapter for Knack and we very much look forward to the weeks, months and years ahead! This is one of those moments I have dreamed about for a very long time....and during this exciting transition time.....my mind can't help but wander.These furniture memories featured here today are all from 2011/2012......and it is always so cool for me to look back.....while looking forward. I hope you enjoy these memories....maybe some of you remember these when they were brand new....maybe these are completely new to some of my new friends and readers........but I hope that these photos inspire you and put a smile on your face today.I know my smile can't be erased off my face at the moment......xo,Barb
Meet Lagertha
I know that I am a day late getting this post up......but Paige and I had a photoshoot for the book all day yesterday....and those days take everything I have physically, mentally and creatively. I put 100 percent of my time there...and then crash when the day ends. It is so worth it though.....to exhaust yourself creatively in this way. The reward in the end is satisfaction indeed.Even though I am working fervently on book projects...I make time for my other projects as well, and miss Lagertha is my newest furniture makeover to hit the shop floor....today actually. She is tall and proud....sturdy and strong....and neutral with a hint of playful, due to her colorful peach knobs.Lagertha turned out so beautiful, and this color never stays on the floor too long...so I expect her to be headed out soon. I will enjoy her until then....and be happy for the new life that is about to begin for this one.p.s. what about those whale tale book ends? I have a new collection of hand carved whales, and these book ends, made by a retired gentleman in North Carolina. I really love how special his work is, and am proud to have it at Knack!xo,Barb
Knack Stories
We are not sure if you all saw this video that the fantastic team at Traveling Storytellers captured a few weeks ago, so we wanted to post it again...{because Sam and Matt are so talented and we are so stoked that we got to work with these guys!}...and we also feel like this video is a perfect introduction for a new project we have been working on for the last two months here at Knack called.......Knack Stories. Angie, Jeanne and I got to talking at our March team meeting.....and we all agreed that the concept of Knack Stories was something we had all been thinking about in some way or another....so, we put our heads together and came up with a plan. Angie created the beautiful illustrations, and Jeanne wrote and edited all of the text.......and I, well....I created the furniture. Go Team!http://vimeo.com/90608302
Every piece of furniture at Knack is designed and created with passion. Every furniture piece inherits a special new life, a new name, and blank pages to tell a new story. That story does not end when the furniture leaves our shop.....and we want to hear its next chapter. If you’ve brought one home, we would love to hear about it!Here is how the story telling begins:+ What makes your piece special to you?+ Does your piece start conversations?+ How do you live with what you love?Please send us three to five photos of your piece (or pieces), along with a short paragraph telling the story of your home and what it means to have Knack in the mix. The email to send text and photos to is : barb@knackstudios.comPhotos should be
- Vertical
- 640 wide by 966 tall
- High resolution
- Naturally lit and bright
- Styled and beautiful
We can't wait to hear your stories, and feature them right here on the Knack blog! So....what are you waiting for?! Get to typing and photographing!xo,Barb
Cream and Navy Stripes + Brass bunny = "Franchon"
When one of my pickers brought this little piece to the shop to see if I was interested in purchasing her, I instantly fell in love with her size, shape and detail.The character of Franchon is just so sweet and perfect. The round and soft curves, the little stacked feet, the drawer, the shelves, the side slots. Franchon packs quite a bit of storage and design in her small frame.....and I decided to celebrate that with four inch cream and navy stripes.The brass bunny head knob has been calling my name for months now, and I knew that it would be the final detail needed to complete this design. Of course, the gorgeous flowers created by Julie Dodds of Willow Florals make this situation fresh and beautiful. When Julie walked in the door with this arangement, my stomach literally flip flopped.....and my soul groaned....literally...I am not just saying that. Fresh flowers....especially ones as diverse and colorful as this.....really make me joyful. You will be seeing lots more of Julie's work, as she is the floral stylist for Knack book number two! Yay!I hope all of you are well......and enjoying Spring break, or whatever it is that this week holds for you!{p.s. Franchon is available for sale at the shop.....but if she doesn't get snatched up this week....she will find a home with me. This one is tugging at my heart}xo,Barb
News from the week || Friday
It has been a busy, busy week. Lots of planning, sketching, painting, photographing, meetings, consultations, and inventory purchasing.........but I was just telling my husband, that I have come to realize I enjoy big projects. When I say "big projects" I am mainly referring to the book....since it is huge, and all encompassing at the moment.....but I get so inspired and feel so creative when producing content for the books. So much time and thought goes into projects, and I am pushed creatively to produce things that are fresh and new.....and that, to me....is just plain old fashioned fun. There are times where I am scared, and tired, and frustrated as well......but usually a good cup of chai, a hot bath, and a good nights sleep have me ready to hit it hard again the next day.I am truly excited to complete this book. There is so much goodness to share...with lots of color palettes....shooting on location in homes.....styling.....and water color sketches. I look forward to the reward at the end of the work......it's going to be so great!I am pleased to introduce you to my team for book two:Paige French is the photographer for the entire book two project, and is responsible for all of the behind the scenes shots featured in this post. Check out her website......it's absolutely gorgeous!Jessica Barley of A Darling Day is assisting me with styling , props, and site planning for the on location styled shoots......and Julie Dodds of Willow Florals is in charge of all floral styling for the entire project.So....can you see why I am excited? These girls are great at what they do and I am thrilled to be working with such a talented team.Have a great weekend...and enjoy Spring Break!xo,Barb