What's the new stripe? The Chevron!

Like most upcoming fashions and fads, this has been creeping up on me. A little chevron tray craft from Martha Stewart here, a little chevron dress at Talbots there. I've been filing these images in my brain for a while, and have played around with some chevron ideas myself. I must say, I quite like it! It's bold. It's got movement. It's an ancient design with a modern aesthetic and it suits me just fine.

Here more chevrons from designers that are inspiring me. Credits are listed below and don't miss the FREE iPHONE wallpapers at the bottom.

1. Needlepointed belt buckle by NeedleYou
2. Calling cards by Pixel Impress
3. Birth Announcement by Roxter Designs
4. Digital printables by Summit Avenue
5. Upholstered Chair by Nena Von
6. Tea Towel by Erin Dollar
7. Pillow by Elegant Touch
8. Handmade journal by Mayday Studio
9. Flat notecards by Sweet Beaker

To further celebrate the chevron, I'm including some free iPhone backgrounds with both the chevron AND the summer color palette. You can use and share these for your personal use (copyrights stay with me) by right clicking or saving the image into your image folder on your phone. Then, just choose it as a background and you're ready with the chevy!

DIY Friday: Uploading your designs to Spoonflower Tutorial

I DID IT! I felt like playing hookie today so instead of leaving the house and going to the Cincinnati Art Museum like I wanted to do, I played design hookie instead. That means that when I should have been making some revised invitation proofs, I decided to make my first stab at fabric designing through Spoonflower. For those of you who haven't read my other post on Spoonflower, it is an on-line company that allows you to upload your own designs to be printed on fabric. Amazing.

I will say with absolute honesty that it was WAY easier than I thought. I expected to spend the entire morning playing around with the design so that it repeated correctly. And I also thought the repeat process would be much more complicated than it was. I had to tweak the design just a bit because there was an awkward blank spot on my design, but that was it!

Background story: I'm working on invitations for my 40th birthday party and was inspired by this invitation style that uses fabric as an integral part of the design. As I was pondering all of my favorite fabric designers like Amy Butler, I received a comment from Vanessa of Nessy Designs, about how great it would look with fabric you designed yourself. My stomach actually dropped with anxiety and creative excitement...way to raise the bar Vanessa! I let the idea brew for a few days, and worked on my invitation some more.

Today the muse was with me and I started a fabric design...
Here is my design I created in Illustrator 5, using some hand drawn art converted to tiffs and vector art created with Live Trace/Live Paint so I could separate the flower shapes and change their color. I kept all the images within a square bounding box. That pink flower on the upper right was the one I added after the first upload. It's nearly touching the edge of the bounding box, and without it there was a design "hole". The file was exported in a png format at 300 dpi resolution. I haven't received my sample yet, so I hope that will not show any pixelation. They do have some file recommendations on the site, but I usually ignore those and do it my own way, being the impulsive renegade I am. :o)

HOW IT WORKS
I signed in at the Spoonflower website, clicked on "Start Designing" button and uploaded my file.

The greatest and most delightful surprise was the visual assistance offered by the Spoonflower program. I could click on the different tiling options to see how the design played out on the repeat, plus I could really see how the fabric would look in larger quantities. It makes a difference seeing a swatch versus the whole yard!

Here is my pattern with the various tiling options so you can see what I mean. First I was worried that I would have a half flower  repeating itself on my fabric. Then I clicked the 1 yard and saw that everything would look just great.

This is the "Fat Quarter" swatch

Pattern shown at 1 yard with the "Basic Repeat"

Using the "Half Drop" repeat option

Using the "Half Brick" repeat option

Shown with the "Mirror Repeat" option. Very cool, but not for this design!

I was so excited, I just clicked for a 1 yard of quilting cotton and bought it the darn thing, giving a little shout of excitement in my little office. It took a great deal of control not to pay the extra $25 for rushed shipping. I'm going to be a desperate puppy waiting by the door for the next few weeks until I get my swatch. I'll show it to you when it arrives! Let's cross our fingers, shall we? Let me know if you decide to try this as well...I'd love to hear your experiences.

Beautiful vases from the Netherlands

I'm going to tell you now, I don't see myself doing many craft "how-to"s for you, my lovely blog readers. I'm a really frustrating teacher because so much of what I do that's crafty is in an "I'll figure it out as I go" kind of style. I come by this flaw genetically.

Here is a classic conversation between my mother and me regarding how to cook a beef roast, screenplay style:
Margot: Okay mom, I'm going to try cooking a roast and I have a roast on the counter. What do I do with it now?
Mom: It's easy! Just stick it in the oven!
Margot: Well, at what temperature? What do I stick it in? Something with big sides or little sides?
Mom, audibly distracted by "What Not To Wear" on HGtv: Oh, the usual temperature.
Margot, hanging on to my patience with white knuckles: What temperature is that?? 350?? 400???"
Mom: Sure, that's good. Just put it in a roast pan.
Margot: Okay, then. How long do I cook it?
Mom: Until it's done!
Margot, with loud teenage sigh of frustration: How long is THAT? 1/2 an hour? 2 hours?
Mom: Heaven's no! Somewhere between that.
Margot, with defeat: Okay...when do I put the potatoes and carrots and stuff in it?
Mom: Whenever you want.
Margot exits to call sister and rant.

While I am not THAT BAD (and let me add that I love my mother dearly), I still have a little of that in me. If it wiggles wrong, I tape it. If it looks weird, I cover that part up with something else. You get the idea. It's just better that I let other crafty teachers do their thing. And there are so many amazing crafters around the world! I went to a blog today called kickcanconkers, recommended by my french/living-in-Munich sister-in-law Charlotte and saw this amazing thing:

Decoupage vases! And these aren't your usual tea-stained masking tape wonders of the 1970's folks. Look how beautifully she uses colors and collage on the white background. Ug! I love it so much! The blog where the tutorial resides is called All The Luck In The World and the artist is from the Netherlands with an etsy shop link here.

Here are beautiful pictures of the vases in their natural habitat. ;o)

Zen Birds by Vanessa Sorenson

One of the things I do miss about having my retail store is the companionship I felt when other artists came in. Vanessa Sorensen is someone who I'd met long, long ago and we spent lots of time talking about art and what to do with it and how to get it "out there". Vanessa loves making these really gentle illustrations of birds and has now another published book for you to see. Here is the link to her lovely blog with more information how to find this treasure. Thanks for sharing Vanessa!

Paper Jewelry by MinhThu LeRoy

Please enjoy this amazing jewelry created by MinhThu in Boston. She is truly a paper sculpting, jewelry making seductress! This is her blog and I'm hoping she will take the leap to an etsy store so that more people can enjoy these wonderful creations...

A Wedding Invitation of another kind...

WOW!! My super cool web designer friend from Chicago gave me this link to a most amazing wedding invitation on Youtube (yes, Youtube). Being partial to paper, I did a little scoffing noise while the link loaded--paperless invitations? How gauche! I was quite entertained by the charming animation. Then I was so surprised when I realized that it was for a wedding in our own fair city of Cincinnati, in Ault Park. (It's funny, I thought that house looked familiar.) Congratulations Corey and Rachel for being the super creatives that you are (and on your nuptials, of course!). From what I understand, they created this with their stop photography setting on the camera and set it to the music. Awesome. Be inspired, folks!

Creative Project #3-Pendant charm

At least I think it's number 3. I had several amazing hours without children last week so as I took my leisurely time getting ready, I decided that I needed a necklace to go with my sweater.

So in the spirit of spontaneous creativity, I took out my bead box and pieced together this little pendant. What I like most about it is that I actually used a part from some old earrings I didn't want, plus the necklace from somewhere and the clasp from somewhere else.

We're featured in another Etsy Treasury

This is an interesting treasury (collection of items from etsy) that features our Geometric Squares laptop decal. I like the orange and chartreuse combination with the squares!

Studio Mela

This etsy artist Studio Mela or Dazeychic caught my eye. I love her simple text and imagery combined with quirky text. Of course I love the graphic color....I just can't resist strong color!! I'm thinking about where I can put one in my house.

Turquoise Inspiration

Over the past year or so I've noticed myself getting too comfy in my design box, if you get my drift. My family and friends have experienced this as I retell stories of my favorite singer or book series (see, they're rolling their eyes right now) again and again. There is a pattern of old age to that and I'm thinking that it's not such a great thing all the time. While forward creative movement is always on my mind, it's easy to keep doing what you do well in the style that you do it well in. For example, I fancy myself as a pretty good designer of invitations. I like finessing type styles, color schemes and patterns but lately I've been seeing a little too much of the same creeping back into my design work.

So I've committed myself to squeezing in some creative exercises to stretch the taffy of my brain in a different direction. Most of the exercises I've done so far have been simple and relaxing. I colored a page in my daughter's mandala coloring book. I took out a pencil and paper *gasp* and sketched some flowers in my yard. I tried to make up harmonies to a favorite song of mine (only the inside of my car will hear those...). I tried--really, really hard--to learn how to play Pokémon with my son. You get the idea. I encourage everyone to try this no matter what your field of interest is in. It feels pretty good although the brain can get a bruising in the process (uch, Pokémon). I'm going to start documenting these exercises. If they inspire you, then that is wonderful, but if I make them official (if only to me) then I'll be more apt to get them done.

CREATIVE EXERCISE #1--Inspiration Board
I've been eager to try this new-to-me concept of creating a "mood" or "inspiration" board. It's essentially a gathering of objects, images etc around a particular theme. I'm sure you've seen these in magazines and other blogs. It seemed so darn easy! Sure, grab a bunch of images that are beautiful in their own right, slap them on a page and behold! an inspiration board. No. Not easy. Tricks to size, proportion, organic shapes versus rigid frames were all at play here. I hope to improve as I do more.

My inspiration board is on turquoise which is not only one of my all time favorite colors, but the Pantone company declared it "Color of the year". I will apologize right now for not giving the details on all of these lovely images I used in creating this. I was too busy picking them out from etsy.com to record who created them. I WILL DO THIS NEXT TIME because every artist certainly deserves the credit for their beautiful art.

Not a bad first attempt, but I'm eager to try some more. I'd love to hear some of your creative exercises or see your attempts.

Polyvore

Well, one great benefit to spending a week in a huge complex of buildings and not seeing the sun ever in that week (aka exhibiting at AmericasMart in Atlanta) is meeting lots of interesting business people and acquiring the vast inspiration from those people.

Enter Jennifer Carroll, a delightful business woman who owns her own event planning business aptly called Jennifer Carroll Events and has just added her line of paper products to her offerings (Jennifer Carroll Designs). Her die cut notecards reflect her design sense and personality perfectly: polished with a simple friendliness. And isn't that what a handwritten note is all about? You'll hear more about her cards later when I've got them in the store this spring.

The little gem I discovered while perusing her blog is this Polyvore website where you create an inspiration board from products listed. I haven't done one yet (give me 5 minutes) but it seems super easy and lots of fun for creative inspiration.

Here's Jennifer's last showcase. I should also have mentioned that we both have a Twilight "thing" but that's not important right now... ;o)

Yuletide Plaid by JCarroll featuring Lucky Brand jeans

Another Etsy Fave

I have a "thing" for nesting dolls. When my children get old enough to NOT RUIN THEM by turning them into bowling pins, cat toys or missiles (such as when they are in college), I'm going to start a collection for my own private enjoyment.

This is a favorite etsy seller of mine called mooshoopork, showcasing these charming "Old Men" nesting dolls. I think they are so charming!

St. Theresa Textile Trove CLOSING!

Margot just blogged about St. Theresa Textile Trove this past summer, and we heard word that the store in College Hill is closing for good in January 2010. Such sad news!

From their website, here is the discount schedule:

• Now through Nov 14: 30% off

• Nov 17 - Dec 15: 40% off

• Dec 16 - Dec 23 (closed Dec 24 and 25): 50% off

• Dec 26- Jan 31 (closed Dec 31 and Jan 1): 60% off

Their new store hours are 11am-5pm, Tuesday-Saturday. Be sure to visit the store before all of the lovely fabrics, beads, and buttons are gone forever.

Shaky Isles at Etsy

In another life, I would design fabrics. I love the designs on this etsy vendor called Shaky Isles. Bright colors, bold folksy designs...all the stuff I love!

The Painted Memory

Many of my customers enjoyed Grey Hall's postcard calendars last year. She painted some wonderful and unexpected scenes from Cincinnati and sold them with an easel to be enjoyed year round. So many people asked about who this wonderful artist is and I can now give you the information you requested!

Grey has (finally!) put her work on-line for the world to admire. Her blog details the travels and memories she has put into paintings. And there is a very cute guy on there too...who's that Grey?

The Painted Memory website is where you can view and order her paintings. They make wonderful gifts for brides as seen in the painted wedding dress, and then on the tray.

Spoonflower

Ann Segal, a photographer and client of mine came in on Friday and gave me this amazing contact for Spoonflower. This is a company that will print your designs on fabric! The creative possibilities made my brain go into overdrive and then shut down completely. It's just too good to be true...

Designs are from $18 to $32 per yard. They print on quilting weight or upholstery weight fabric and there is NO MINIMUM ORDER! {insert expletive bleep here} You can browse what is offered to the public, or get started with your own designs.

I am not going into the fabric business in addition to stationery, though now it's tempting! It's so amazing how the printing industry is changing so quickly and in such wonderful ways. I'll be dating myself here, but I remember that designs for brochures and other business collateral had to be one or two color to be budget friendly. Now the possibilities seem endless and so high in quality. What a great world to be in for the compulsively creative!

Milk Moon Kids

I had a pleasant visit from Lauren of Milk Moon Kids yesterday! She and her sister-in-law are selling these sweet and modern children's prints. The Milk Moon Kids esty store is also open for business.

I love the simple illustrations and the delicate color schemes. I also love that she showed up at my store with a 2-year-old and 8 week old baby in tow. It reminds me of the days when I was starting up my business with a baby in my arms or asleep in a pack-n-play in my storage room. It's a creative and crazy time!

We'll be carrying some of the single cards at the Margot Madison Stationery retail store soon and I wish them both luck in their artistic ventures.

Moonforest Studio

I just received a visit from Sarah Miller who bought some of our ribbons to enhance her amazing and adorable felted figures. Normally, I cringe at the word "whimsical" in general. It just makes me think of...I don't know...things not whimsical to me. It's too prosaic or something. Anyway, Sarah makes pieces that are MY KIND of whimsical.

Take a look at her little fairy houses and mushrooms and little birds. All my favorite things! You can purchase her figures at her etsy store, but don't be surprised when they are at my store this winter. There's no way I can resist...

Enjoy!

St. Theresa's Textile Trove

St. Theresa's Textile Trove is one of the most wonderful places in Cincinnati, OH. I visit the store to gawk and drool over the huge variety of cotton and quilting fabrics, the large selection of oil cloth fabric, and walls and walls of beads and buttons. She's moved to a new location in College Hill, Cincinnati which is delightfully closer to where I live and where I drop my kids off to the babysitter. I last stopped by the new location around the holidays and my sister and I bought a bunch of felt balls. We still have not found the perfect project for them BUT WE WILL! Do you know how that is in stores so full of textile delights? Inspiration over-load! They do have lots of project ideas to spur your creative process along.

I should also mention that the women in the photo below were here that weekend to do a bead making class by the owner. The raved and raved about how wonderful it was and what a great girls weekend it made.

This is the kind of store you'd find in an New York City off-street in the garment district. If you live in Cincinnati or are visiting soon, you must make the trip there. Have a nice lunch at Bacalls and call it a creative afternoon...

Robin Wood Flowers

One of my favorite florists (and people) in Cincinnati is Robin Wood at Robin Wood Flowers. Robin and her crew consistantly come up with arrangements that are unusually packed with color and texture. They have a modern feel to them that I don't see in most flower shops around here. I love the soft purple succulents in the middle arrangement and the careful color combinations of the first. Beautiful!

Robin has just taken a dive into the blogging world, so I've made her blog my feature for this month. Check it out for tips, photos of recent work and flower advice from the pro herself.