newnavbar

|   SHOP    |    ABOUT    |    CONTACT   |

12.17.2014

PRISM Showcase Tonight!


Tonight (12/17/14) I will be at Prism with extra stock they do not normally carry of my line.  Faris and Blackbird will also be there!  Come drink champagne with us until 10pm.  This is my last holiday event, and tomorrow marks the deadline for orders you place to arrive in time for the holidays.


12.09.2014

Holiday Market This Weekend


Thank you Sally Ann from Fruitsuper Design, for organizing this lovely holiday pop-up shop!  There will be 16 featured local designers with home goods, jewelry, accessories, furniture and more.  I will have a small selection of goods available!  If there is something specific you had in mind let me know and I will be sure to stock it in the shop.

When:

Friday Dec. 12th 11:00-7:00pm
Saturday Dec. 13th 11:00-6:00pm
Sunday Dec. 14th 11:00-7:00pm
PARTY Dec. 13th 6:00-10:00pm

Where:

Studio E
609 S Brandon St
Seattle, WA 98108

Who:  Participating studios

Jon Dove
Myers Design 

12.05.2014

PNW Makers & Shops Gift Guide

PNW Makers & Shop Gift GuidePNW gift guide


Campfire Soy Candle $18
mooreaseal.com  (Seattle)
Seattle shop, Moorea Seal, stocks jewerly, gifts, accessories, and shoes.  This soy based candle reminds me of camping.



Jill Bliss - The Farm Animals  Plush Kit $36
buyolympia.com (Olympia)
For the new sewer.  Jill lives in the San Juan Islands and posts amazing photos of her life off the grid on Instagram.  She currently has an exhibit of her original artwork haning in Velouria in Seattle.



Rachel Ravitch Leather Necklace $75
craftandculture.com / rachelravtich.com  (Seattle)
I love this style because you can wear it as a necklace or coil up to wear as a bracelet too.



Convertible Dot Pouch  $58
pineandboon.com  (Seattle)
I use my pouch all the time to carry essentials when I do not want to be weighed down by a large bag.  It is a party in the front with the punched dots, and plain on the back.



Tea Towel Grid Print White Linen PIANO NOBILE  $30
studiopianonobile.com  (Seattle)
I see Piono Nobile's patterns all over town, but I never tire feeling the quality linen and cute packaging.  Not only do the make beautiful linens, the run a print studio where they offer print services.



Tarboo Black Ringer Black and White Stripe Tee $28
thisistarboo.com  (Seattle)
Menswear made within walking distance from my house!  



Fruitsuper coasters  $68
fruitsuperdesign.com  
(seattle)




Mason Shaker from Glasswing Shop.  $29
glasswingshop.com (Seattle)
Seattle shop Glasswing, stocks loads of wonderfully curated gifts and clothing with a PNW vibe.


Mini Chime-Double Dome L G Studio  $58
ladiesandgentlemenstudio.com (Seattle)
This mini chime is a great gift for someone when you are not sure what to give. them.



Pine Needles Aromatherapy Mist (4 fl oz) $8
uncleharrys.com (Redmond)
This Redmond based company makes toothpaste, soap, and many more everyday essentials from all natural ingredients.  I look at the ingredients label and I understand each one.  What more can you ask for!


11.25.2014

TRUNK SHOW: Discounts & Donations

I am so excited to have a joint trunk show with SILVAE, a local clothing designer, at Velouria Boutique & Gallery in Pioneer Square.  The showcase is 10-1pm on Small Business Saturday (Nov 29th), so come early for mimosas and treats.  There will be a special 15% discount as well as $1.00 donation from every sale to the King County Crisis Clinic.  Both myself and Debra, the designer behind SILVAE, will be there.  Debra is super nice as well as a smart business lady and talented designer.  I am always happy when the designer behind a brand is also a super nice human being.  It makes owning one of their pieces that much more special.  So come on by and chat with us!

11.12.2014

WEEK LINKS





This week is the first I felt like the holiday season is upon us.  Orders start to become rushed, minds are frazzled, and a lack of ability to think about tomorrow.  You really have to keep your head down, take care of yourself, and just do it.

Below are some motivating/fun links that help me take little breaks here and there.

One little break I find really soothing is scents.  I made a little spray bottle with water and 15 drops of my favorite essential oil.  If I am hunched over at my desk with the feeling of doom, I spray a few pumps of my cypress scent in the air over my head and take three big deep breaths.  Scents can trigger certain memories or associations.  For me, cypress reminds me of standing in the woods.

What little things do you do throughout the day to take a break?


Links to get you through the week!


Living simply.

Designing within your values.

I keep looking at these clogs.

Drink this.

Daily reminders.

Go see this show in Seattle now!  (do not bother with the crappy photos online)


10.28.2014

WEEK LINKS


The photo above is a picture of my great aunt Olive.  I'm considering writing a larger post telling the story of her dance days in California.  She was also an artist who had more of an illustrative style.  I have this idea to take photos of objects and furniture passed down in the family.  But I am still stewing with this idea, as I am still not sure why or when I would do it.  I am also not confident I would like the photo I take, as my photo skills are minimal.   As objects often are sold, given away, or lost, it would be nice to document them in a book or album.  Each object has a story, good or bad, but a story nonetheless.


Other things I have been simmering with this week....

The lack of women in history.

Most millennials know nothing about properly mending or caring for the things we use everyday.

Speaking of mending, I think I am going to mend some jeans with Sashiko.

Behind the price-tag of handmade.

Obsessed with the boots Emmadime is wearing here.

I want to eat this every day.


Have a great week!  Remember to take your vitamin D if you are feeling the rainy blues.


10.24.2014

INDIGO DYE: REFRESH YOUR CLOSET

I get antsy about my closet sometimes.  I tend not to buy new clothes, especially at full price, much anymore.  If I do, it has to be something classic and worth the investment.  That being said, I also avoid buying something just because it is on sale.  I have a series of questions I like to ask myself before I purchase something.  I feel like a better consumer that way, and I tend to avoid the buyers remorse that tends to nag my brain.  I used to have a shopping problem for sure.  But now, I carefully think about my purchases not only to de-clutter my closet, but also my brain, and produce less waste. If I get desperate, I try to stick to my budget friendly ways by getting creative.  I go to the Goodwill or trade clothes at Buffalo Exchange. I love the thrill of the hunt, styling pieces in my mind with my wardrobe to make sure it fits.  And in the end, I am proud to have found a piece that is second-hand or at a great price that suits my needs and values.  Sure, I have my trend indulging moments, but these moments are few these days.  I am more stoked to get something in a really nice material that is comfortable and looks good with a lot of different things in my closet.  I am way less concerned with looking a certain way, I just want to truly like it and wear it often.

This brings me to a new way to refresh ones closet.  Indigo!  Before you roll your eyes because you have been seeing this thing called "Indigo" all over the blogs and Pinterest, just think for a second.  A NEW and FUN way to refresh your closet or linens at a very LOW cost and with friends!  What do you have to loose?  Indigo dying is a true craft, and takes a lot of time and effort.  Below you can find my tips and opinions about the process if you care to know.  I invited my friend Cristie over for a dye sesh as she also wanted to try boiling walnuts to extract a natural dye.  She dyed some yarn for her new found talent of knitting, and I had a tablecloth to dye.  However, I was not prepared and could not find my tablecloth, so I just grabbed stuff that was white or lighter colors to dye.  I dyed a cute Dace tunic I got at a clothing swap a few years ago, a scarf, sweatshirt, and some scrap cotton fabric.  I am now in love with my top and scarf again!  I am considering dyeing everything I own.  I know, I can get carried away sometimes.  But the color can be so neutral, because it is such a natural hue.  I wear a lot of navy (my version of black), and the Indigo looks radiant next to navy.




Indigo Dye Tips (for an impatient DIY'er):  I purchased Indigo dye crystals from Dharma, and created a vat (bucket) of the dye mix (following the instructions of course!).  You can keep the vat around for a handful of dye sessions too.  Indigo crystals are the quick and cheap method.  I have no experience with the old method, but I am sure there are a lot of resources out there out there if you want to have a go.  For me, I just wanted to try this out the easy way.  Also, consider the cost of water usage.  Rinsing out the dye can take a good 5 minutes under a running faucet before putting into the washer for a load.

-Directions: Dyeing is like baking.  You sort of have to follow the directions.  This is very hard for me, as I like to approach things more organically.  The first vat I made was great.  The second was a dud.  The third was just right!  Also, you can't make a vat and dye right away, the longer you let it sit the better.  So set aside a Saturday morning to prepare a vat and then dye the next weekend.  This allows for you to have plenty of time to gather materials you want to dye.

-Wabi Sabi: Embrace the imperfections!  Don't think you can get the same results from each vat, material, etc.  Dye vats are very sensitive to PH as well, so you may have to do a series of tests to get what you want.   I however, did not go so far as to test the PH because that sounds boring and annoying.  But, if you plan on doing multiple dyes and you want consistent results this step will be necessary.

-Messiness:  Prepare to be smurfed!  Don't try to dye with your favorite pair of boyfriend jeans and clogs.  Do yourself a favor and take the extra 5 minutes to put on the shittiest pair of clothes you have, plus an apron, and rubber gloves.  Everything you use, minus the clothes, cannot be used again for any other purpose except dyeing and other crafts.  That means your pot, bucket, apron, gloves, spoon etc.  Cleaning all this stuff sucks so trust me on this one.  Oh and check the weather before you do this, because this is an outside project.

-Directions:  Again, follow the directions.  You are not done once you made your glorious dips into color heaven.  By now you are drooling over the oxidization of the color and you cannot seem to stop yourself from throwing everything you own into the dye.  You still have to rinse and wash ever thing and clean up the huge mess you just made.


Have a fun dyeing party and don't get smurfed!




10.15.2014

WEEK LINKS

The artists who did the work above are a very talented couple who are also illustrators and educators. Both have a show at SPAC Gallery in Seattle through December.  They are super sweet people and pretty much have my dream job.

Another couple that compliment each other in the design world.

After the Jump's recent episode really helped me re-strategize my communications in a way that makes sense for me.

Tahini would make a great mayo substitute.  I have been putting it on everything I eat thanks to Devyn.

So great to see Hollin's interview on the Renegade blog.  We used to slave away at Anthropologie together.  Along with Tuck & Bonte (another couple collaboration!).  So many talented people I know are really doing great things and it is so inspiring.  

So excited for a quilting workshop this weekend from my friend Jessica at Cairo.

I am just a homebody these days.

The freedom of capsule wardrobes.  

10.10.2014

Before and After: Exterior Trim and New Gutters!



Things have been really quiet on the blog this summer.  With the end of a big house poject, I hope to have more time sharing my ideas, stories, and projects on the blog.  While I am super active on Instagram, the blog tends to be VERY slow.  So lets kick off this new season with a before and after of my big summer project, exterior trim and gutters.  What is trim you may ask? Well, it is all the framed areas of the house.  Think of it as an outline in your coloring book, or a frame on a picture.   All of our trim and facia* (facia* is the structure underneath the gutters) not only needed to be painted, there were many parts that were rotted and needed to be replaced.  You may have noticed we have a duplex.  We co-own this side-by-side duplex with our friend Eric.  Cable and I live in the left side, and him in the right. We decided to do this big DIY project together this summer.  We started planning this project in the spring, and every weekend in the summer was pretty much devoted to working on this project.  Goodbye summer and friends, hello brick and paint in my face!  Oh and keep in mind all the pictures here are just ONE HALF of the house (the other side looks just like our side).



Crazy what a coat of paint will do!  We chose Benjamin Moore's, Sun Valley for the doors and French Beret for the trim.  We had originally chosen black instead of the deep blue/gray. Clearly we made the right choice.  I love that the door is a ray of sunshine every time you see it!  In gray Seattle weather, you need to be reminded of the sun sometimes.  I wish I had a progress shot because SO much work went into this besides just a coat of paint.  Here is a list of all the things we did in a nutshell:

Fixing Trim, Facia, and Gutters:

  • Get quotes:  A very long process of calling dudes to tell you how much it is to replace gutters and fix the facia.  Some showed up hungover and smelling of whisky.  Some showed up 6 hours late.  Some were just right.  Make sure they give you a piece of paper with their card and quote, you will mix them up.  Three months later you will decide half of what they quoted you you will do yourself to save money.
  • Get the right tools or have a neighbor that is a professional house painter:  Co-owning is great because that means you share the cost of stuff like this.  Between both sides, we had mostly everything we needed.  I think power tools was the only way to get the boys motivated to actually devote their weekends to this beautifying project.  That and our basement flooding (more on that later).
  • Demo:  Rip off all the rotting gutters (carefully and safely because there will be lead) and take to the dump.  We have spent a lot of money at the dump, it is not cheap.  I will never complain again about neighbors leaving junk in their yards.   There is a reason rich neighborhoods look nice, because they have $$$$.  It is so expensive, around $80 per load because we were always over the weight limit!  I think we went about four times.  I am glad we do not live in a rich neighborhood, clearly we would not live up to their standards.
  • Repair, patch, caulk, sand:  This was the fun part.  But, before we actually painted everything we had to replace and repair rotting sections.  I was happy not to do this part, as the guys just took care of it.  It took about two full days to do that while I prepped and caulked. Caulking is fun by the way.  Oh and do not forget to re-glaze your windows!  The glaze is the putty that holds the glass in the windows.  This was also fun.  Sanding is not fun.  
  • Paint:  We primed first with tinted primer, then painted two coats of paint.  I forget the finish type, but if you are still reading this and really want to know I will reward you by finding out.
  • Gutters:  After an entire summer of work, it was finally time to fork over some cash to the gutter guy.  He came and finished in one day!  We chose black for the gutters, and it looks fresh.  I highly recommend him.  
  • Details:  Technically we are not done.  We still have not replaced our house numbers or replaced or painted our light fixtures.  But I expect this will happen slowly over time.  Oh and then there is scraping paint off the glass of the windows and painting our storm door in the back.  Eh, probably will happen next summer.
Overall the project went smoothly.  Yeah there were days we sort of wanted to kill each other, but that is totally normal when you are doing annoying exterior house projects.  Obviously we would all rather be subway tiling our backslashes right now.  But gutters are important.  So important when it rained after we took them off our basement flooded.  Team effort really got the job done.  And between three heads coming together, I think we did a pretty good job of doing things ourself.  Unlike some people [cough* caugh*] the previous owner.

Oh and people might think you are insane or a perfectionist because you want to scrub off all the teal paint that was slathered all over the brick AROUND the TRIM.  So annoying right?  It's like the previous owners painted their trim in the DARK!  Any new paint would be framed by big teal brush strokes all over the house.  So I took it upon myself to obsess over this and try and scrub off the paint with paint thinner (gross and scary since it can melt your skin off).  Finally I realized I should listen to Eric and paint over the paint with artists paint.  Hey we are artists after all!  So we did just that trying to meticulously match the brick with various mixed colors and textures.  Bob Ross would be very proud.  We feathered the fuck out of that brick color to make it look real.  And it looks GREAT!  I wish I had a photo so you can a agree with me.

Oh the back!  Let me explain.  See that little roof over the railing there?  That was being held up by one 2x4 and maybe 2 nails.  So yeah, that had to come down.  I guess the renters who lived here before maybe built to keep rain out of their face when they went down to the basement to do laundry.   You may have noticed the back trim was bright teal.  It was like daggers of ugliness pierced our eyes every time we went in the backyard, which was a lot.  And everything was rusty, rotting, dirty and gross.  There was also a crazy 2x4 keeping the gutter up just above the downspout you see there.  We took that off before I took this picture.  To make things more annoying, a square bit and screws were used to screw these things into place.  Who has a square bit?  Not us!   Otherwise that roof thing would have come down right away! 


The FENCE!  Doesn't that look so much better than the wire awfulness?  Cable was OBSESSED with replacing that as soon as we were done painting trim.  I had the idea of doing a horizontal fence and staining it black.  I guess we should have stained it matching our trim color, but we just wanted to get this done before rain came so we just used what was at Lowe's. We used the existing metal structure of the previous fence to build upon.  So this took about a day to do.  SO much better!

Hanging out in the backyard just got prettier!

UPDATE:  This post was featured on Apartment Therapy!  

7.31.2014

SAM PARTY IN THE PARK PART 1

Every year the Seattle Art Museum holds a gigantic fundraiser in the Olympic Sculpture Park called "Party in the Park."  The event is very glamorous and over the top.  They roll out the white tents, set up tables, bars, music all on the top of the hill of the sculpture park.  While you are eating your three course meal and free booze by famous Seattle chefs, you are overlooking the Puget Sound.  Each table is decorated by a local artist or designer inspired by this years's them, "Northwest Modernism."

Cable and I decided to collaborate on the table together because I have been doing a lot of textile work lately, and we thought we could incorporate his painting style in the textiles.  Also, I had a ton of leather scrap I wanted to use too.

Our theme was mountains, trees, and found flora.  I made these leather napkin holders to match Cable's mountain pattern on the tablecloth (more on that later.)  The tablecloth was going to be dyed with indigo, so I dyed the napkins a lighter shade of indigo.

The tablecloth was painted by Cable with a resist, and then we dyed it together.  It took a couple dips in the indigo vat to get the right color.  We had some problems with the resist, but I sort of knew that would happen because I was too impatient to actually find the right kind.  We probably should have used wax, but I am always breaking the rules like that.  I like how varied it is, it was never meant to look perfect.  It has that Batik look to it that we wanted.


We used ferns for the main flower vases that I wrapped in a thick vegetable tanned leather. Unfortunately, I do not have photos of the main centerpieces during the making process.  But, I will reveal the finished product in part 2.

7.20.2014

AGNES MARTIN


{page images; Agnes Martin: Painting, Writings, Remembrances, by Arne Glimcher}

This book.  Agnes, oh Agnes.  I really needed that.

This book is amazing!  It is a massive book with full page spreads of her work.  Along with the fabulous biography written by one of her long time dealers, there are inserts that look like notes and letters Agnes had written herself.  I had never read about Agnes' life, have you?  She took a long hiatus from painting at the peak of her career.  She moved to a remote place and then started painting again. She devoted most all of her time to her work, living very modestly.  She struggled with mental illness, poverty, and alienation.  Although, I am not sure she would ever put it that way.  She seemed okay with the way she was, focusing her thoughts and energy on her work in an obsessive way.   Her work is just so mesmerizing.   Painters, in my opinion, air on the side of obsession when it comes to their work.  But I notice this is mostly portrayed as a male painters' obsession in the history books.  But, this is far from the truth.  Women are obsessed too. Not in a bad way at all, just a very unique connectivity they have with their work that is not often seen in other mediums.

6.25.2014

WEEK LINKS

Image:  Painting by Stella Maria Baer / Found via Honey Kennedy


Great relationship advice for all types.

Had fun at the launch of West Elm Local at the Seattle store.  You can now find a selection of my goods there!

After much research and this DIY, I started experimenting with Shibori leather dyeing techniques. 

I ate here last weekend in Portland.  We need more places like this in Seattle!

Congratulations newlyweds...or should I say already wed?  So proud of my city!

I made cod tacos inspired by this dish.  Super yummy.

Excited to see this show at Seattle Art Museum. Oh, and my husband and I are collaborating on a table setting for the Party in the Park event.  Get tickets here.  Hint...there will be indigo.

6.11.2014

WEEK LINKS

It has been a fully committed month for me.  I have many announcements to make but for now I want to share a few links for your busy week.

Can you imagine all the waste from the meat industry if there was no leather industry.

Just another day in the studio.

This podcast keeps me going in the studio.

I read about Agnes.

I wish this was in Seattle... maybe I will start one.

COMMITTED

Time has really been escaping lately.   One thing I knew going into this whole building a business thing was the sacrifices to be made.  As an artist or creative, usually you have a day job to pay the bills, and then you go home to work on your work.  Except now I go home and work on the business and make stuff.  I am not complaining, just trying to be transparent. Believe me, I am much happier making sacrifices so I can make stuff, over not making stuff. I guess it is just hard to keep perspective sometimes.  It is hard to work hard.  It is not always fun or stimulating.  Just like any other job out there.  So, any of you out there who want to do what you love, try to change your expectations a bit. There will be tears, sweat, and a lot of anxiety.  But you will most likely learn a lot, gain confidence, and continue to cultivate ideas.  The questions do not go away.  But hopefully you start answering them bit by bit.  I am not busy, just committed.

Eroyn Franklin explains this dilemma very well.  More here.


4.17.2014

MINDFUL BRUSHES

This is my favorite shot from my Spring/Summer 2014 Lookbook.  Thank you Cristie Schrader for the lovely photos once again.  We are always in sync with the mood/style we want to capture, and am so lucky to have her as such a supportive friend and cheerleader.  One thing I have learned this year, is the importance of finding community that is supportive.  While I tend to be a bit of an anti-social due to my social anxieties, my small efforts to reach out have really benefited me 10-fold.  So, if you are thinking of doing or making something new, I strongly suggest reaching out to those you admire who are already doing it and share the same creative goals.  Have you heard of Go Mighty?  It is an online community of goal sharing.  You create goals, encourage others, and see you are not the only one struggling to complete a goal.  It is a good way to stay on track and learn from others.  You can follow me here.

In light of these thoughts, I have to announce making the Mindful Marks Wall Hanging is a meditation in itself.  I really love the long and watery brush movements on the muslin fabric.  I grew up painting with watercolor, and these really remind me of the feeling of painting in a more innocent state.  No anxiety of the end result.  Just the feeling of the color, water, and paper working together.  I hope to keep moving in this direction.

3.28.2014

ARTIST COLLABORATIONS


One goal I have for Pine & Boon is to create limited editions with artists I love.  I launched Pine & Boon with artists in mind, so inviting collaboration seems like a natural fit.  First up is, Cable Griffith.  Not only is he an amazing artist with years and years of painting under his belt, he is an educator and curator at Cornish College of the Arts.  Oh, and...he is my husband! Below are a few samples of the collaborative fabric design and waxed canvas for our tote design.  We will be making hand-painted pillows too!  All of these goodies are set to launch in Seattle in May, and on the website later that month.  Be sure to follow subscribe to may mailing list if you want details of when the shop will be open.


3.08.2014

STOP GO

I had an unexpected sewing break this week and next.  My sewing machine is broken, and the back up machine I use at a co-op space is also not working properly.  This set back has delayed a few orders and the launch of my spring lookbook.  In the mean time, I have had time to do some leather painting, reflect, and plan for the upcoming seasons ahead.  Hopefully, this week I will have the new machine ready to go. While last week was frustrating, I am currently very happy and excited with what is ahead.
Here are a few swatches/inspirations from around the studio.  I have been feeling the need to be more playful and take a few more risks with my designs, and I think painting leather is the perfect place to start.


2.22.2014

RIP BERTHA

Well....it finally happened.  My antique industrial sewing machine is retiring.  See that little plate on the lower left, it broke beyond repair.  It is difficult to find replacement parts for this machine for obvious reasons.  If you want it, you can have it for free.  She got me off my feet, and I wish her well.

If anyone wants to help me make a kickstarter video to raise money for another, please contact me at seek(at)pineandboon(dot)com. I can trade you a bag for your services.

2.09.2014

THE SIMPLE THINGS

I finally finished this vegetable tanned tote sample this weekend. I started it a while back, but have been too busy to attach the handles. It is unlined and will cost less than the current tote I have in the shop because it is so much simpler to make. I attached a braided and non-braided strap because I could not decide which one. What do you think? What is nice about this leather is it is really raw and natural.  There are no synthetic finishes on this hide compared to most upholstery leathers. It darkens with exposure to light, and any scratch or knick ends up becoming a part of its character. I make my own beeswax and mink oil rub to darken it slightly and provide a natural barrier to the elements.  Have you ever looked at an old wallet after years of sitting in a mans back pocket? These same rubbings and oils will soon cover this tote over its lifetime. I look forward to seeing how it changes.

I currently have other vegetable tanned products in the shop; a card wallet and pouch.  The dot pouch was recently featured online by Canadian magazine, The Kit.  

1.16.2014

RADIATION



I do not know about you, but around this time of year, I CRAVE color and light of any kind.  This is what happens when Seattle turns grey for many months.  While I may be stuck with a grey skies and a grey coat....my wallet and clutch will always radiate.  For a limited time, you can find these at BRIKA.com for a special launch price.  Thanks to Lovers of Mint, a French lifestyle blog, for the wonderful style feature of the tote version of these pouches.