A new desk

I really, really need a desk make-over. I have been spending more and more time sitting and working at my desk lately and my crowded messy desk is getting me down! I have a huge aversion to organizing paper and cleaning out clutter  (especially with my girls around asking me questions and getting into everything as I try to clean, but using precious nanny time to get the job done never happens either...) but I am determined to make a chic comfortable place for me to do my work. 
My actual desk and chair have great bones- all the papers and junk, not so much.

Here are of the work spaces that are inspiring me right now...

Hand printed

I made these hand printed napkins yesterday- it felt so good to print by hand! What do you think?

Yellow and Gray

Dane sent over this photo that he styled using one of my yellow and gray tea towels as a prop. Isn't it pretty?

Wendesday 6/19/12

I just have to get something off my chest- balancing work and family is really hard. The last week or so it has been especially hard.  I am working like a maniac on projects, trying to be a good mother, attempting to not ignore my husband and am pretty much asleep at the wheel when it comes to cooking and cleaning. Quesadillas anyone?
So many wonderful opportunities are coming my way and I am the type of person who will just work until things are done...but when you have a three and six year old coming home after two hours that work has to STOP. Then I feel guilty because I feel like a bad mother and when I am being a "good" mom I am anxious because my to do list is piling up and up and up.
I am looking for balance...
Last night I read (twice) this Biz Ladies post from Design Sponge about keeping your cool as a small business owner.  I will read it again today if I need to.
Ok- venting session over, now back to work!

Studio Tour- Poppytalk Handmade!

I had the pleasure of doing a studio tour and interview with Poppytalk a few days ago, it was such a pleasure!  I realize that I need new studio photography, the studio and I have changed so much since those photos were take 2 years ago!
Here in the link to the interview and a few photos- check it out- Poppytalk Studio Tour!

Photos in order by- Lisa Warninger, Dane Tashima, Greg DeBoer, and me!

No Sleep Till Brooklyn!

I just got back from my wonderful trip to Brooklyn and Manhattan yesterday and I feel like all of the exhaustion  that I held in so I could enjoy and soak up every minute with my friends and the city has come crashing down on me- I can hardly move today.
I got everything I wanted and more from the trip.

Spending time with Elaine and Dane (they are both sooooo good for my soul)- check!
Going to Lotta Jandotter's studio and shop (and getting to meet her!!!) -check!
Having a picnic in Central Park- check!
Falling in love with Brooklyn (pizza...mmmmmm)- check!
Going to Purl Soho, eating a cupcake from Magnolia Bakery, walking The Highline, dancing till the wee hours of the morning and hanging out with an old friend from college drinking margaritas, yup- did that too!
I had a realization that I (without knowing that I was doing it) planned a vacation that was so jammed packed that coming home to my normal life feels very relaxing and the perfect climate for all the work I want and need to get done in the next few weeks and months.
That being said... I cannot wait to go back!

Hand Jive!

The fancy bridal clutch that Emma and I made is featured in the newest issue of Portland Bride and Groom! It was a really fun challenge to work with that metallic linen- and the lining is hot pink! They are available for custom order for your bridal party, just shoot me an email here!

Looking on the Brightside

Good morning and happy Monday! I woke up this morning to a few things I have been looking forward to- first I love Mondays (I know, crazy right? I love the start of a fresh week and I love work, so, there you go!) and I have an interview with a really sweet blog called "The Brightside Project" up this morning. They will also be giving one lucky winner a set of my hand printed napkins as part of the feature- all you have to do is answer what summertime snack you love most. Good luck!

 I also will have my work featured on Poppytalk Handmade this month! I am really excited about it. I have been a fan of Poppytalk and their carefully curated marketplace for a long time...and they are Canadian, so I love them more. Have a great week!

fabric and thread

I am working on a new project that me doing some styling and photography of my sewing supplies and tools...I learned so much from watching the stylist Chelsea Fuss work when we were doing the shoot for my textile collection.  I can't wait to dig into that fabric and start sewing, isn't it cute?