When you land on something good, go with it, I always say.
12.22.2009
new.work.2
After finishing the lovely pillow I started yesterday, I am smitten with this new "dot" pattern!
When you land on something good, go with it, I always say.
When you land on something good, go with it, I always say.
12.21.2009
inspiration.wall
In the MAKE.GOOD studio there is a wall where anything inspirational, pretty, cool, or completely strange, gets tacked up.
This wall is always changing with a few permanent fixtures that I can't bring myself to take off.
..the BOX sticker is one of them. I got it on Nantucket Island a long time ago and it reminds me of all the the summers spent at the Duck Inn. Second is the little scrap of paper on the bottom right hand corner, a doodle I did years ago of little stars and flowers.
But there is one that is most important on this wall. It is the card in the middle left of the wall. It has written on it a quote by Anais Nin. "Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage."
I try never to forget that.
This wall is always changing with a few permanent fixtures that I can't bring myself to take off.
..the BOX sticker is one of them. I got it on Nantucket Island a long time ago and it reminds me of all the the summers spent at the Duck Inn. Second is the little scrap of paper on the bottom right hand corner, a doodle I did years ago of little stars and flowers.
But there is one that is most important on this wall. It is the card in the middle left of the wall. It has written on it a quote by Anais Nin. "Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage."
I try never to forget that.
new.work
Every project starts somewhere and most play off previous projects, building on something that came before.
As I find my way through attempting to put together a home collection, the idea that has risen to the surface is using fabric's raw edges as details.
Here is a peak into what's in the works.
As I find my way through attempting to put together a home collection, the idea that has risen to the surface is using fabric's raw edges as details.
Here is a peak into what's in the works.
12.14.2009
holiday.cheer.2
It's hard to believe Christmas is only a couple of weeks away. I have no tree, or any plans of getting one, but I have been working on the perfect little tree ornament. No red, green, or gold in sight, and definitely no glitter. Just a cute little house block cut from maple plywood with the word HOME printed into it. After all isn't that what Christmas is really about?
To Purchase: http://www.makegoodstudio.com/
To Purchase: http://www.makegoodstudio.com/
12.10.2009
holiday.cheer
This beautiful custom napkin set would make a wonderful holiday gift! The red is perfect and the feel of these napkins really speaks holiday to me. Order them on my online shop http://makegoodstudio.bigcartel.com/
12.09.2009
new.order
At the Hidden Talents show last week I met some wonderful designers and architects. They loved the MAKE.GOOD collection and a few placed custom orders right there on the spot.
One amazing woman had the brilliant idea of gifting the monogram napkins set to a couple who's home she designed. Construction is complete on the house, so it's customary to give the client a small gift. I couldn't agree more that these personalized napkins are perfect.
One small challenge was that the couple has different last names, therefore different initials. Easy solution, make two sets, one with each initial. Problem solved!
new.product
Just added this gorgeous reclaimed wool pillow to my online store.
All my pillows are made from fabric used for suiting in the 80's and other wool used for women's jackets.
I love the play on materials here. So unexpected.
I also love to show off the details that no one ever gets to see. The writing on the fabric is what identifies the lot to the manufacturer. And I expose the raw fabric edge, highlighting this typically discarded feature.
I love the play on materials here. So unexpected.
I also love to show off the details that no one ever gets to see. The writing on the fabric is what identifies the lot to the manufacturer. And I expose the raw fabric edge, highlighting this typically discarded feature.
12.06.2009
online.store
My online store is open!
http://makegoodstudio.bigcartel.com/
It's so exciting to have my products available to a broader audience.
I will be rotating inventory regularly, so check back for new items.
http://makegoodstudio.bigcartel.com/
It's so exciting to have my products available to a broader audience.
I will be rotating inventory regularly, so check back for new items.
12.05.2009
home.collection
Last week was a blur of activity leading up to the Hidden Talents show on thursday evening. But now that things have settled down just a little bit, I thought it was time I shared my new Home Collection. Unfortunately I wasn't able to document much of the process of how these items came about. As I said the week was a blur of design and production.
Without further delay, here are a few of the pieces from the new collection. They will be available for sale very soon!
This series of hemstitched linen dinner napkins is called DOT BRANCH. The design is graphic and simple, an abstraction of something found in nature. The word home is printed individually using a letter set typically used to imprint metals. I liked the way they are slightly imperfect, almost as though done on a typewriter. Colors shown are Blue, Gray, and Teal.
The OIL BOARD MONOGRAM dinner napkin is shown here with an M but can be personalized with any monogram. I thought this would make a great housewarming gift.
This is the GRASS dinner napkin which inspired the graphic for the MAKE.GOOD logo.
There is more to come. I have a beautiful pillow series to post very soon. Who knew pillows were so hard to photograph. Going to give it a shot today and hope for great results.
Without further delay, here are a few of the pieces from the new collection. They will be available for sale very soon!
This series of hemstitched linen dinner napkins is called DOT BRANCH. The design is graphic and simple, an abstraction of something found in nature. The word home is printed individually using a letter set typically used to imprint metals. I liked the way they are slightly imperfect, almost as though done on a typewriter. Colors shown are Blue, Gray, and Teal.
The OIL BOARD MONOGRAM dinner napkin is shown here with an M but can be personalized with any monogram. I thought this would make a great housewarming gift.
There is more to come. I have a beautiful pillow series to post very soon. Who knew pillows were so hard to photograph. Going to give it a shot today and hope for great results.
12.03.2009
hidden.talents.4
Hidden Talents was a success, and so much fun. Today I got a taste of what it's like to be in control of every aspect of the design process and how fulfilling it is.
I received rave reviews on my work. The general commentary was that everything was very unusual, unique and beautiful. Exactly what I'm trying to do. It's rewarding to have your hard work be met with praise and especially when it is being given by other designers.
I was also told that my work is somewhat masculine. I would agree with that. (Although I don't think the Ruffle Pillow qualified for that category) The clean lines, simple geometries and neutral colors are what, I think, contribute to this. It also has a lot to do with the fabrics I use which are typically used for suits, or overcoats.
Here are a few images of my "booth". I kept it clean, simple and neutral.
I received rave reviews on my work. The general commentary was that everything was very unusual, unique and beautiful. Exactly what I'm trying to do. It's rewarding to have your hard work be met with praise and especially when it is being given by other designers.
I was also told that my work is somewhat masculine. I would agree with that. (Although I don't think the Ruffle Pillow qualified for that category) The clean lines, simple geometries and neutral colors are what, I think, contribute to this. It also has a lot to do with the fabrics I use which are typically used for suits, or overcoats.
Here are a few images of my "booth". I kept it clean, simple and neutral.
hidden.talents.3
The Hidden Talents show is today! Wow, it had been a crazy week. I thought I would have all kinds of time to post steps in my process as I was making things. Turns out, no. No time at all.
Suddenly it's past midnight the morning of the show and I finally find a few moments to post. (Although I should probably be asleep. Ha, who needs that?)
To recap the last few days is hard. There was designing and sewing and painting and... In truth it feels like I have done more in this half-week than I had in months. It feels great.
But I do have to get some sleep tonight, so I will leave you with this sneak peak...
I promise a full post and update after the show.
Suddenly it's past midnight the morning of the show and I finally find a few moments to post. (Although I should probably be asleep. Ha, who needs that?)
To recap the last few days is hard. There was designing and sewing and painting and... In truth it feels like I have done more in this half-week than I had in months. It feels great.
But I do have to get some sleep tonight, so I will leave you with this sneak peak...
I promise a full post and update after the show.
11.30.2009
hidden.talents.2
A few things I have been working for the big Hidden Talents event this Thursday.
Lots happening this week and I'll be posting it all right here.
So stop by for more updates to the MAKE.GOOD Home Accessories Collection.
Lots happening this week and I'll be posting it all right here.
So stop by for more updates to the MAKE.GOOD Home Accessories Collection.
11.27.2009
hidden.talents
The amazing textile mecca that is Maharam holds an event every year to showcase the Hidden Talents of architect and designers in the Boston area. I was asked to participate this year and will have a "booth" where my work will sit for all to see and hopefully buy.
It is such an exciting opportunity and I have been working hard to make items that are both beautiful and functional.
One of the items I will be showcase is a hand stenciled and sewn table runner. I made this delicate grass stencil for a clutch and it seems to work well as a table runner. The fabric is an oatmeal linen my mom gave me years ago. It was one among many in her stack of beautiful fabrics from the days she made coats for Talbots. My mom taught me most of what I know about design. She has a great eye and I like to think that I inherited that from her.
It is such an exciting opportunity and I have been working hard to make items that are both beautiful and functional.
One of the items I will be showcase is a hand stenciled and sewn table runner. I made this delicate grass stencil for a clutch and it seems to work well as a table runner. The fabric is an oatmeal linen my mom gave me years ago. It was one among many in her stack of beautiful fabrics from the days she made coats for Talbots. My mom taught me most of what I know about design. She has a great eye and I like to think that I inherited that from her.
11.22.2009
starting.something.2
I've carried this fortune around with me for about three years. It has lived inside that little plastic aperture in my wallet where my photo ID goes. I look at it maybe 3, 4 times a day and I always think..."Ok, bring it on, I'm waiting!"
This past week I realized something. It's time to get that fortune out of my wallet and live the best years of my life starting now!
This past week I became an independent designer and the ruler of my own fate!
MAKE.GOOD studio will be my new adventure!
It all started with this blog and now I'm turning it into a business.
It's too exciting for words, but it's also scary and the most stress I've experienced in my life.
For those of you out there who read my blog thank you for the encouragement. I look forward to sharing the best years of my life with all of you!...and please pass the blog link along to everyone you know.
Stay tuned...www.MAKEGOODstudio.com is in the works and will be on line very soon.
Until then, Happy Sunday and happy living.
11.15.2009
mobile.homes
If you are lucky enough to have experienced a Calder sculpture, you know the beauty of those gently floating colored shapes breathing in and out like slow moving creatures emerging from thin air.
I have always dreamt of designing and making my own mobile; to create an ephemeral work, one that is both substance and air, stillness and movement, shadow and light
But until I find the courage to tackle my own version of a Calder, I've been working on a project for a cute little baby mobile...
It started with paper houses. The colored planes that make up the houses interlock. I use no glue or fasteners.
The next version in wood is already in the works. I chose birch plywood with it's beautiful lines and pattern to animate the little objects.
..Maybe the slowly moving houses in the sky will inspire one or two future architects.
11.11.2009
sketching.memory.5
Disaster!
The screen printing didn't work out so well. If I had to guess, I would say it's a flaw in my emulsion spreading technique. But the beauty of it is I can try again. And I will! Just as soon as I figure out how to remove the emulsion from the screen... Another liquid to spread and another tricky technique to tackle. Later.
One positive thing that happened is that while frustration was setting in, I decided to counter act with an activity that I know well, drawing. Ah, back in my comfort zone where results are...mostly positive.
The screen printing didn't work out so well. If I had to guess, I would say it's a flaw in my emulsion spreading technique. But the beauty of it is I can try again. And I will! Just as soon as I figure out how to remove the emulsion from the screen... Another liquid to spread and another tricky technique to tackle. Later.
One positive thing that happened is that while frustration was setting in, I decided to counter act with an activity that I know well, drawing. Ah, back in my comfort zone where results are...mostly positive.
sketching.memory.4
A little (well) know fact about me is that I start many project and never finish any of them. Well, dear readers, I'm working very hard on changing that. This blog and you are my bit step toward change.
I imagine that thousands of you read my posts and then eagerly await the next one, wanting to see how an inspiration walk turns into a final work.
Today may just be that day!
I finally took the plunge and burned the screen for printing. Hmmm....the emulsion ran and pooled a little bit. I'm hoping that a "mistake" turns into a happy accident.
I'll be throwing some ink down for a "Happy Village Happy Home" print!
STAY TUNED...
I imagine that thousands of you read my posts and then eagerly await the next one, wanting to see how an inspiration walk turns into a final work.
Today may just be that day!
I finally took the plunge and burned the screen for printing. Hmmm....the emulsion ran and pooled a little bit. I'm hoping that a "mistake" turns into a happy accident.
I'll be throwing some ink down for a "Happy Village Happy Home" print!
STAY TUNED...
11.10.2009
sketching.memory.3
On a cloudy day like today, I daydream about the endless blue skies of summers spent in Portugal.
As a young girl, I was lucky enough to spend most of my summers at my family's home in coastal Portugal. You see, my parents, my brother and I immigrated to the USA when I was just 4 years old. A life changing experience, it is one that, none the less, offered me the unique perspective of belonging to two countries. It also meant vacationing in Portugal for two months in the summers!
I love the beached, and the beautiful colors of Portugal. I still vacation there as often as I can, but when I can't be there in form, I go there in my mind.
This is what you see out the window of the second floor dining room of our little house.
The blue sky is just fading away as the day wears on...
...and this is what I see when I dream. (Acrylic on canvas painting from memory)
As a young girl, I was lucky enough to spend most of my summers at my family's home in coastal Portugal. You see, my parents, my brother and I immigrated to the USA when I was just 4 years old. A life changing experience, it is one that, none the less, offered me the unique perspective of belonging to two countries. It also meant vacationing in Portugal for two months in the summers!
I love the beached, and the beautiful colors of Portugal. I still vacation there as often as I can, but when I can't be there in form, I go there in my mind.
This is what you see out the window of the second floor dining room of our little house.
The blue sky is just fading away as the day wears on...
...and this is what I see when I dream. (Acrylic on canvas painting from memory)
11.07.2009
sketching.memory.2
I'm taking the next step with the sketching exercise from the other day. I'm calling this the Happy Village print.
The plan is to turn the sketch into two positives to be screen printed. The image shows the two separated layers drawn with india ink on acetate.
My obsession with text continues. The letters are vinyl stick on and repeat the words
"HAPPY VILLAGE HAPPY HOME".
At this stage I only have one row of text, but am considering filling the entire area above the image with the repeating words. That sounds like a lot of work, and me and tweezers don't always get along so well.
I think it's time for a break, clear my head, and decide later. Some food may help with the shaky hand and those tweezers.
The plan is to turn the sketch into two positives to be screen printed. The image shows the two separated layers drawn with india ink on acetate.
"HAPPY VILLAGE HAPPY HOME".
At this stage I only have one row of text, but am considering filling the entire area above the image with the repeating words. That sounds like a lot of work, and me and tweezers don't always get along so well.
I think it's time for a break, clear my head, and decide later. Some food may help with the shaky hand and those tweezers.
11.05.2009
sketching.memory
Yesterday on my inspiration walk I found myself drawn to how rooftops meet sky. The outline of house, chimney, peak cut into a field of blue and sit as a solid in the void of the sky.I have always been fascinated by this relationship.
Most of the time I walk around and everything above eye level goes unnoticed. This is probably true for a lot of people who live in cities. But a slight tilt of the head and there it is, the beautiful edge of how buildings meet blue canvas.
I have done painting of this condition and continue to explore it in different ways. These sketches are another one of those explorations. I did them while sitting on the train, one hand propping up my sketchbook. To the fascination of the woman sitting next to me, I drew what I remembered...
And the way you remember it is never how it really is.
11.04.2009
inspiration.walk.2
Today was a long day. I was glad to at least have had the early morning for an inspiration walk.
Looking at the images now, I think I was flying in the sky just above the built world.
poster.schedule
The finished product turned out pretty nice, I'd say.
It's funny that when looked at vertically, the way I have it here, it could be an analysis graphic of a skyscraper. The gray bar is the skyscraper and the colored bars, lines, numbers and letters are stats of some sort.
Hmmm I may have to test this technique out on my next building analysis project.
"When life gives you lemons, make lemonade." Dale Carnegie
...or a pretty poster!
11.03.2009
looking.out
This is my window to the world.
The word "LIFE" reminds me that from in here I mustn't forget what's out there.
10.31.2009
plant.life.4
It's been a while, but I haven't forgotten about the baby jades in their new tin cups.
Here they are getting a pretty dot pattern top coat.
I was inspired by the letters numbers project where elements are repeated by the nature of how fonts work. So why not do that with an abstract graphic such as dots? It's easy to do with a whole punch and the repeating pattern will (hopefully) work with the repeating grooves on the tin can.
The final version is coming up soon!
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