Well things have gotten very interesting around here lately! Ever since out feature on Bobbies Buzz on The TODAY Show all kinds of wonderful things have been happening. Some things I can't talk about just yet and other fun collaborations I'll be posting about this week. In the middle of it all, we are so happy to share with you our first ever Home Decor Catalog! Please take a look and let me know what you think! This little company is spreading it's wings and I appreciate all the wonderful support!!!!
We Are On The TODAY Show!!!
I am so grateful to Bobbie Thomas, Style Editor of The Today Show for selecting our business as a finalist in their Made In The USA Style contest! It will air today just shortly after 10:00 on The Kathie Lee and Hoda Show!!!!!!
Here's the link to watch it!
"Kiss Me" Collection Now In Our Shop! And Other News!
Well this has been one of the craziest weeks I have had in a long time. Yes, it's true, I was selected as one of the Finalist in The Today's Show "Made In The USA Style" Contest. I submitted 3 pictures and a short essay of my quest to make my product eco-friendly and in the USA....then I went camping... (yup, with no reception...) I barely was able to check my messages when I saw they had selected me as a finalist! I over-nighted my "Kiss Me" Collection to them and crossed all fingers and toes. They shot the segment today but I have no details about anything. I would be thrilled to have 10 seconds of air time!!!
But here's what is so wonderful about it all. I've been working hard for a few years now doing the best I can to help revive a sewing facility here with a colleague of mine. I've also come to the conclusion that I would rather make my product here and see the people it benefits. I can inspect everything and feel good to put my name on it. Even more than that, when you purchase one of our products you are literally helping to put food on the table of people in our community, you're helping pay for their kid's soccer lessons or dance lessons. It's a great flow and I believe it's how we can bring this country back. I appreciate all the kind words from my friends on FaceBook and elsewhere...it does feel good to know that if someone like me can get recognized, then just think what You can do!!
So with that....here are some pics from our new product. "Kiss Me" now available in our shop. If you would like to receive our catalog please email me and I'd be thrilled to add you to our list!
Model: Kali Pengilley Photography: Jenny Malott
You can go to Bobbie.com for updates on the Today Show segment. Airs June 13th on the Kathie Lee & Hoda portion of The TODAY Show.
Chip It! By Sherwin Williams
My Bulldog Pillow Chipped
Well this is just about the coolest thing I have seen in a really long time! As an Interior Designer picking paint colors is a standard part of the job and one I'm pretty good at since I've been doing this a **really** long time. Often times the color we choose comes from an inspiration piece, photo or fabric. I have always likes the Sherwin Williams colors and I like the fact that you can purchase inexpensive sample jars..the whole deal, they are a great company to work with. So when I saw Chip It, I was thrilled. It's a super easy application that you can drag into your tool bar and then when you see an image on the internet, you hover over it and Chip It. The coordinating colors will pop up next to your image. You can then save it to your own file or print it out. I Chipped a few of my products and here is how they turned out. So much fun!!!
My Sparrow Pillow Chipped
My Chanel Print Chipped
Introducing Vintage Rose!
A little more Black & Yellow cheer on quite a dark and rainy day here in California. I’ve been waiting to introduce my Vintage Rose designs until the roses in my garden started to bloom and yesterday, much to my joy, I noticed they have. This extra little shot of rain is going to make them even more beautiful. April showers, right? J
If you didn’t know, my textiles are all printed right here in the USA. They are printed on organic cotton twill and sewn right here in Sunny (well, not so sunny today) California. Now available in my shop!
Introducing Our First Monday Mood Board!
Well Hello Monday! Welcome to my very first Monday Mood Board!
The idea came to me as I was photographing my products for my shop. I was wishing I had all the money in the world so that I could create beautiful room photographs that would show case my products…since buckets of money didn’t just drop from the heavens, I got a little creative instead and dusted off my watercolors and paint brushes from Waaaaay back In the day when I illustrated children’s books and greeting cards.
Not that I don’t do sketches all the time for my design clients but that’s what they are…for my clients. When I design for them I’m designing what they want and helping them to bring their vision to fruition. Instead, this is an opportunity to just paint and put together a room design how I would want to do it…no budget…no limitation to color palette…just fun, little whimsical rooms.
Another passion of mine is supporting independent artists so when I can, I will be including their wonderful work as well. All of these links are from companies in the US. My product is sewn right here on the Central Coast by incredibly talented seamstresses who had their facility shut down when production moved over seas. That said, yes, it costs a little more to make it here but I believe it’s worth it. I think if we can all do a little bit, then it will collectively make a big difference.
Last of all we have to include some DIY projects in here and today I’ve included two projects from the very talented blogger, Miss Jackie over at her blog, Teal & Lime. The lampshade in the center of the room is made with stencils she created (I know, now that’s talent) and the shelf in the room is made from Stair Treads! How clever is that? The full tutorials are over at her blog along with lost of other inspiration. Thank you Jackie!!!
And one more thing…yes, that adorable dog was up for adoption…since I started this last week, she has found a lovely home!!! Yay! But there are many more waiting, and if you're local, you can find a little furry friend for yourself at Woods Humane Society.
So that’s it! You can follow my Mood Boards on Pinterest they contain all the links and a few other options that may have not made it into my Mood Board Illustration. (For instance there are some inexpensive options for some of the items shown here) Like this upholstered headboard from Ballard Designs vs a $40 decal headboard from What Is Blik.
I’d love to know what you think and of course I would love it if you “Liked” my FB page. If you have a favorite piece of furniture or home décor product you would like me to design a room around, shoot me an email!
1 Suzani Throw at end of the bed from ETSY artist, Hollie Milne . 2 Jonathan Adler Book ends. 3 Mirror from Rosenberry Rooms. 4 Fabric for window treatment from Contemporary Cloth. 5 Trunk from Rhino Trunk and Case. 6 Lamps from Mottega 7 DIY Shelves from Teal and Lime. 8 Chair from Wanelo. 9 Bulldog Chevron Print from Mari Robeson. 10 DIY Lampshade from Teal and Lime. 11 Striped Rug from Zinc Door. 12 Lab Lovin' and Chevron Pillow from Mari Robeson 13 Adorable Rescue Doggy from Woods Humane Society
Meet Marly!
I’ve only had one dog in my life and she was incredible. When I brought home Marly, a scruffy, tiny, rescue dog from the pound, my husband thought I lost my mind. I hadn’t a clue what to do with her but thankfully Bill did. She was our first baby and one of the sweetest souls to grace this earth. When she passed away, it was years before I could even talk about her without crying….even now…it’s really hard. Seems silly to most I suppose but we really loved that little four legged lab.
So meet Marly….the inspiration behind my Lab Lovin’ Collection! (Oh...and that cute little Bulldog...that's Tank!)
One of the things I miss the most about my little boutique was working with other independent artists, having trunk shows for them, and watching them Shine! So when I met Brett over at I AM THE LAB and realized he too had a similar vision to help other artists, it was a no brainer that I wanted to work with him. As it always seems to go, when you do something with the intention of helping others, one always seems to benefit. When Brett asked if I wanted to be “part of” what he was doing, I felt very honored. Now I was on the receiving end of being supported. Thank you Brett!
And as a little bonus for you, if you check out Brett’s shop, not only will you see many lovely goodies but I’ve added a special discount on my new collection of Lab Lovin’!
From all of us independent artists out there we appreciate your support as you are the ones that help us raise our families, buy new soccer cleats, put food on our table…you get the picture…we Really appreciate you!
1 AM Promise! Supporting Indie Artists!
This is a really great idea to help support independent artists on the web. Created by Brett, the master mind over at I Am Lab.
It’s called the 1 am Promise. Once a month (I’m pretty sure it doesn’t have to be at 1 am) make a purchase from any indie artist on the web. Your purchase can be big or small. This month I was fortunate to be on the receiving end of the 1 am Promise when Brett purchased my 2012 Calendar. Likewise I made a purchase from my friend’s Christine Mason Miller’s ETSY site. (More to come on that…I purchased her latest book, Desire To Inspire, and I’m currently devouring every page!) A full review to come shortly!!
To learn more about the 1 am Promise check out Brett’s blog. If you’re not sure where to find independent artist on the web, check out his store directory!
Pantone Happiness!
I am soooo happy to see color coming back into the design world...and to make me even more happy, Pantone has added 175 New Colors! Can that even be possible? And the color of the Year...Tangerine Tango....oh so happy! I love Tangerine!! Check out Pantone for their 2012 Fashion Color Report.
On another note: Yesterday I announced the Winners of my Calendar Give Away over on my FB Page. If you haven't "Liked" us yet, now is a great time because I have a lot of new products to share and more Give Aways too!!!
My 2012 Calendar & Mod Moroccan Wrapping Paper Is Here!
For the second year in a row I've been fortunate enough to be asked by Central Coast Printing to create a holiday wrapping paper! They do a beautiful job printing this paper on two sides and the paper is so thick and luscious!
I am also introducing my 2012 Calendar to my shop! A great hostess, or teacher gift!!! hint, hint. :-) I have a whole lot of new product in production as we speak. It all would have been out much sooner, but... (personal update here)
As life goes, just as you're moving full steam ahead, you sometimes have to make a detour to pay attention to what's really important. That's what's been up lately, a series of some sad events, one right after the other. I'm not saying my work isn't important, it's my passion and I love it, in fact these days I'm finding it also helps me to keep moving along when my heart is so sad. So as my family and I move forward quietly processing recent events, work and life go on. I want to thank all my amazing friends who have dropped everything to help us out and for all the delicious dinners. Thank you, thank you, we are so blessed...xoxoxo
Featured On Pizzazzerie!!! Thank you!!!
I'm leaving in a little bit to be a judge for the California Mid State Fair Pageant today and I'm really excited to meet all the talented ladies as well as hang out with two of my dear friends who are also judges. As if today wasn't going to be fun enough, I just found out I've been featured on one of my absolute most favorite entertaining sites, Pizzazzerie! This is a sneak peak of a little of what I've been up to with a big launch coming this fall and some even bigger projects along theses lines, in the works...so I'm feeling really excited and blessed right now. Please hop over to Courtney's blog and check it but, plan on being there a while because she has so much inspiration and entertaining tips to share with you!! Have a great Tuesday everyone!
Look for an all new Table Top Collection in my shop this Fall!
Peeps For My Peeps!
For the past 9 years I have had the pleasure to choreograph the Finali at my daughter's elementary school. I usually have around 40 kids from Kindergarten to Sixth Grade. They are so sweet and do a great job every year. I love teaching children because, in their minds, they can do anything... I always expect the best and that's just what I get. So to thank them I give them a little sweet treat for working so hard. Since we are close to Easter this year, this is what I came up with! I LOVE Peeps! I'm having fun with my new tag - die cutter too...actually part of some new designs I'll be putting in my shop this April. Have a great show tonight!
My 2011 Calendar Is Here And Fun New Wrapping Paper Too!
A couple weeks ago I was asked by Central Coast Printing to design their Annual Wrapping Paper. Since I already designed a 2011 Calendar I said, Sure!, and we printed away. They are now here and just stunning! The color is brighter than I could capture on my camera so just keep that in mind. The calendar is 8 1/2" by 14" and the wrapping paper is 24" x 36". The wrapping paper is printed on both sides on a deliciously heavy paper...I almost felt bad cutting it to wrap my presents...I think I'd rather hang it on my studio wall! 
I'm seeing these as great hostess or teacher gifts. They can be purchased here or just shoot me an email. Happy Holidays Everyone!!!
Apartment Therapy!!!!!!
Wow! I have been a huge fan of Apartment Therapy for years and I just found out my Mod Moroccan Tablecloth was featured on their website Re-Nest!!! Wow! I'm so honored....Thank You Apartment Therapy!
Check it out!
A little while ago I mentioned that I was asked to be a contributor for HomeWorkShop.com. What a fantastic site for you design junkies out there! My first article just went live. I share how to create your own fabric for a room make-over. Check it out and let me know what you think! A very special thanks to my friend Jenny Malott who always takes the best pictures...and also to my talented friend, Nina Taylor, for her sewing magic!!!
Easily Distracted!
These little guys are so darn distracting but that's no excuse...there has been many things in the works people! My first Open Studio will be Sunday, October 3rd...SAVE THE DATE!!!! More to come on that and other fun stuff!!! Happy Saturday everyone!
HomeWorkshop Inspiration & Exciting News!
I recently had the pleasure of speaking with a wonderful woman, Kathy Barlow, Chief Design Junkie and owner of one of the best design blogs out there, HomeWorkshop.com! I have followed the site since it began. It's loaded with valuable design advice, contests, and overall design inspiration. So how cool was it when she asked if I'd be interested in being a contributor? Ummmm....Yes!!! So I'm busy putting my thoughts on paper to share with HomeWorkshop very soon. Until then, I highly recommend you pouring yourself a cup of coffee and checking out this terrific site!
I'm Back!
I'm back! It's been a little while and moving back to my main headquarters certainly took more time than I ever expected...there is still so much more to do, but at least I'm seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. My new studio space is coming together nicely and it feels so good to be home! I've also been working hard on new designs for the two licensing contracts that I signed with before I moved. Both these sites will go live in the next couple weeks and I'll be sure to post about them!
So, other than the annoying crow outside my sky light, I forgot how peaceful a place the studio is to work. I'm looking forward to sharing with you and having an Open Studio early August! I've also been putting the finishing touches on my own websites and I'll be adding all new goodies to my on-line shop before I leave next week for a little r & r...hmmmm....well, I'm going camping so I don't know if that includes any rest....I'm being dragged by force, apparently it something you're supposed to do as a parent... :-)
July will be loaded with updates on all kinds of new events, classes, and some surprises I can't reveal just yet. Looks like it's going to be a great summer!
I’m Spreading My Wings…Ready To Fly!
I would like to thank every one of you who has visited my little boutique – slash – studio – slash – office, over the past 3 ½ years! I have met so many wonderful people and I have enjoyed every day! The support of this little town has been amazing and I couldn’t have survived, much less grown my business, without each and every one of you!
My business as an Interior, Product and Textile Designer has grown into some wonderful licensing contracts, upcoming national press, and wide scale wholesale ventures for my home décor products. Mari Robeson Home is expanding and spreading her wings! That being said when one door opens another has to close. Many of you have noticed how little I’m at my shop these days and now you know why. At the end of May I will be moving my business to our main headquarters in my home studio….see that top floor? Not such a bad place to have to work right? 
I will still be available by appointment, hosting Trunk Shows, and Interior Design Workshops! Please email me if you’re interested in a fun day (morning tea & gourmet lunch included!) learning how to be a DIYD, Do-It-Yourself-Designer!
You’ll also soon see a whole new look of my websites too! There’s just a ton of exciting stuff going on!!!
Phone, Email & Web Contact will stay the same. You can read more about the details of our expansion right here or become my friend on Facebook!
A lovely and talented fashion designer, Nina Taylor, will be taking over the space come June 1st.
Since it’s just crazy busy, I’m designating this Saturday, May 22nd as my Big Blowout Moving SALE Day! I’ll be there from 11:00 - 4:00 pm! Many things will be marked down 40-50%! I’ll be here most afternoons too until May 28th.
Thank you again for supporting my little business, especially now as I take the next step!!!
Mothers' Day Specials!
Happy Cinco de Mayo! I hope you are all enjoying this gorgeous weather! Just to make your day a little brighter I'm offering 20% OFF ALL PINE CONE HILL pajamas, bathrobes, and bedding all week! Just in time for Mother's Day this Sunday!!!
If Mom already has some snuggly jammies then you may want to consider a beautiful peice of jewelry from either Gwynnie B. or the equally talented Sienna Grace! No doubt you'll be able to find something amazing for her here!