My visit to Washington went well. It was a little crazy, but it is always restoring to be back up in the PNDubb. Maybe its all the oxygen from the trees... Anyway, I know some of you might have already gone to visit Ross Geerdes' blog that I mentioned last week, but today he has a great find, The Pattern Foundry. Make sure to check it out.
Hmmm, I think I am getting inspired for a new MStetson background!
I just arrived in Seattle after a typical airline delay. I had good intentions of completing my post early Thursday, but as you can see it didn't quite happen. I wanted to link over to my dear friend, Ross' new blog. A perfect site to explore this weekend. Happy Birthday, Ross!
I will add some photos once I can get back to my Mac.
As if I wasn't addicted to Craigslist already, now my dear friend, Summer, has decided to create a new blog, Your Junk in My Trunk. (I can vouch that this is, indeed, her trunk!) Summer is off to an amazing start: upholstery ideas, links to how-to guides and she won't just be scouring Southern California, so check back often. This is what she has to say about YJINT...
The Breakdown: If you're like me, there is often a large gap between the beautifully designed furnishings that you admire and the amount of funds you have available to purchase these items. I'd like to believe that with a little bit of inspiration, paint and a few how-to guides (and of course the perfect Craigslist find) the gap can be narrowed. I'm addicted to the joy of finding unique pieces for your home and life at fantastically affordable prices. This blog is very timely, as Craigslist finds expire within a week. So come back often, as there are always new items. Even if you aren't in the middle of a low-budget remodel, you'll hopefully enjoy checking-in to see through the lens of poteniality.
I definitely want this; I am thinking maybe bright orange or kelly green spray paint.
This fabric is so cute; it would look great on my great grandmother's sofa and with my soon-to-be-new kelly green chandelier...
This afternoon I noticed MStetson had been select by simplesong as one of her new fave blogs. How nice and it was such a wonderful treat after a long week. I love to peruse her blog and read her musings. A wife, mother, pr director, designer, crafter, baker & foodie... evidence it can all be done, and done well I might add. Welcome, simplesong readers, glad to have you.
Sure wish I could slip away to the National Stationery Show and check out SusyJack*. All these colors and patterns make me smile. I heart colorful patterns… and extended sans serifs (in the logo). Plus, Susan Connor will be debuting her new 2008 line soon.
Stay in-the-know by visiting HeySusy, Susan's blog. Not in NYC for the NSS? Shop SusyJack* here or here.
I am working on a little blog maintenance: a little coding, NEW sponsor ad dimensions (which alters the whole site’s width, but a little more bang for the buck) and some links… I will be expanding the MStetson BLOG ACCOMPLICES section. If there is a blog that you think should be included, please email me (stets{at}mstetson.com) or comment below. I’ll try to have the new, expanded blog list completed by next Monday. Thanks in advance!
A few of the girls (Jean, Jehna, Mindy and myself) left work a little early on Tuesday to carpool up to the event. The trip was faster than we anticipated so, we decided to duck into Milk for some tasty treats. Milk is a cute little shop just down a few blocks from DWR with a delicious menu and an even better ice cream selection. I also recommend the lemon curd… so yummy! Cute logo, huh?
Billie and Tootie of Reform School shared their start-up experience and, during our session, mentioned that they usually prefer working directly with artists versus working with reps. They also said that they are constantly browsing on the web (and blogs!) for new artists and products that aren’t overly exposed. When asked about start-up costs, they recommended trying to save 3-6 months of rent as well as advise to factor in your salary early on. Once you allocate your funds to certain items and expenses, it will be hard to budget and reallocate your salary in later.
Tanya Aguiñiga is as genuine and sincere in her presentation as she is in her work. Her honesty was much appreciated from all of the attenders. I believe that was the biggest thing I learned that the night… if you are passionate and sincere about your work, people will take notice; it might just be a matter of time. She is a one-woman show: learning to prioritize between creating new products, producing current products and managing the flood of email inquiries. She dedicates much of her time and energy to local and international communities. Read more on how Tanya is merging her talents with community activism here.
And during the last session, Lindsay Horstman from SmithBarney touched on investment and retirement opportunities. Lindsay also recommend, “On my Own Two Feet” which covers balancing everyday expenditures as well as planning, saving and investing for the future.
Hey, ladies… (great, now I have Beastie Boys in my head) anyone going to be in Southern California this coming Tuesday, April 15th? Grace from design*sponge will be hosting the d*s biz ladies at the Beverly Boulevard Design Within Reach. Check out more here. I’ll be heading up from Orange County with a few friends; I’d love to meet you! Be there!
Congratulations to Grace, as well, for her segments on GMA! She did great. Want to check out a video clip; click here.
Next book on my list… Seventy-nine Short Essays on Design by Pentagram partner, Michael Bierut. You can also find his writings on the Design Observer website.
Working late tonight, so I thought I might leave the weekend inspiration to a few over qualified blog accomplices…
…found a great book selection amidst all of the goodies over at Uppercase. Elle-Humour, Influences, Guerrilla Advertising, Couture Interiors… all are sure to inspire and will definitely look good doing it.
Uppercase also has a blog where you can find upcoming news and some really great finds. Like the designs of Uppercase? View the work of Vangool Design+Typography.
Wow. I was blown away as I perused the website of Hong Kong based design firm, WHITESPACE. Not only am I amazed by their diverse portfolio, but I also love their site. The clean layout, ease of use, sensitivity to type, the loaders (see above) are so tasteful and thoughtful. How much do I wish I lived in Hong Kong, so I could apply there!?!
Below is a small sampling to present the quality of work WHITESPACE produces. Want to see more? Check out the WHITESPACE blog as well.
Work has been really busy and last night got a little crazy, so I’m not able to post today. I’ll definitely be back tomorrow. However, I did come across Museo Linen from one of my favorite bloggers, Irene over at Bloesem and Bloesem Kids. I think I want LOLA season 2 for myself!
Thank you to Grace over at design*sponge for featuring my kitchen today! M and I have been swamped at work; this definitely brightened our day while we were there late into the night. (Oh, and congratulations again!)
…and then I came across black . white . bliss too! Thanks, Jhayne!
Eye candy. Studio Annetta has just that and substance. This Hong Kong-based, Australian designer consistently offers posts that are destined to inspire. Every room and image leaves me wanting more, so I just had to share. Make sure to check out her archived posts, too. Thanks, Suzy!
(images from Studio Annetta)
We are honored to be among the very talented list Creature Comforts has assembled on their blog roll. Take a few minutes and peruse the plethora of inspirational blogs and check out Ez’s shop, Wren Eleven.
Extreme delight! What a sweet surprise and frankly quite an honor to be recognized by the Scoop by OrangeBeautiful. We are literally doing a dance of joy.
