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.

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.

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.

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.  

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.

COULDA WOULDA SHOULDA

Well, I made it through my first holiday season with Pine & Boon! Thank you to all my lovely customers and partners for supporting my small business!  While, I am celebrating the success, I also am so happy to have learned so much.  Let me explain... I felt fairly relaxed in November, since I was out of town for Thanksgiving, and did not offer any promotions because of it. I am still recovering from moving my living space and studio in November as well. Then, there was a big restock order that I completely unexpected. Now, I am writing this having just cried for dropping an order in the mail slot at the post office without a stamp. I literally shed blood AND tears for these orders.  I stayed up until 2am last night, and boy did I learn a few things.  I thought I would share the following tips for other makers and customers who want to know what it is really like to be a maker.

Holiday Survival Tips for the Small Creative Business

1.  Remind customers of your shipping polices.  Trying to rush for a few customers quickly turns into a big mess....like losing an order to the post office gods.  Currently, I state on my website every item is made to order and ships out in 5-7 business days.  However, I have never taken that long to ship an order.  But in times like this, sticking to my policy is much needed.  Be clear about order deadlines, and even communicate to stockists re-stock order deadlines for around the holidays.

2.  Do not stay up late working on orders.  This may be okay for makers who paint or make jewelry, but my work is a little hazardous at times.  I use a lot of hammers, razor blades, and a very strong industrial sewing machine.  I sliced through half of my finger with a razor blade, and punched a major hole in the tip of my other finger.  I am typing this very slowly....

3.  Stay on top of supply and material orders.  This can be hard to do if you do not have a a steady cash flow. Twice my  leather supplier messed up my order.  Keep priority mail boxes on hand around the holidays, sometimes the post office runs out.  Change my December order deadline to the 5th, not the 19th.

4.  Get help and prepare stock.  Think about training a holiday intern and get a supply of stock ready and ship orders.   Also, prepare coupons and PR to stuff in each order.  I may not be fast, but I can be generous.

5.  Re-think my designs to make them more efficient.  How can I be more realistic about production but also keep my design aesthetic?

6.  Sacrifices will have to happen, but remember to take at least 5 minutes to meditate and do a little yoga every day. Nothing is worth not taking care of yourself.

DOMESTIC BOON

Yikes!  I have been neglecting the blog.  I am in the middle of moving so that means my free time is spent working on our house and moving boxes.  We are working wonders with paint in the kitchen right now so I thought I would share some kitchen inspiration.

+enamel coffee pot  +ceiling light (similar here)  +house rubbish bin   +yellow mini cocotte

You may have noticed this napkin set snuck into my shop last month.  This hand painted napkin comes in a set of two.  This would make a great hostess gift for all the upcoming holiday dinners and parties you are looking forward to.