by Mari Robeson in Textiles
I have over 30 new designs I will be self producing in limited yardage... and yes... I never thought I'd say this, but I will be selling them on line as well as in my boutique! I found a great website called Spoonflower that prints fabric. I just uploaded 2 new designs with them (sneak peek below!!!) to see how it goes. In the meantime I have to get these restaurants designed...no sleep for me this weekend but I hope yours is lovely!
by Mari Robeson in Interior Design, Textiles
I'm listening to you and I thank you for sharing with me your ideas and thoughts on design and color. I mentioned I was asked to put together a fabric collection in a past post. As I put the finishing details on the designs I now head into the world of COLOR... Thanks to many of you who email me and pop into my boutique, it seems pretty clear what colors you are looking for. One company I carry here at the boutique has got the whole color thing right on. My heart did a little pitter patter when I opened their latest catalog. I'm loving the rich eggplant, the royal blues, and the pops of yellow. I'm thinking good old green is going to make a come back this season as well. The colors are bright and cheerful, something everyone could use a bit more of these days. I see more and more of my clients loosing their fear of color and it's a wonderful sight to see. Check out these beautiful shots from the new Bliss Catalog. Coming to my store front window next week! Happy weekend everyone... :-)
by Mari Robeson in Textiles
An action packed weekend full of more soccer and a trip to LA to meet with one of my favorite companies that I sell at my boutique. I had an exciting meeting with them about designing some exclusive textiles for their products. Yay! So we'll see where that goes.
But along the lines of textile and graphic design, (ironic how my entire design career has come full circle starting as a graphic designer/illustrator into an interior designer in dyer need of cool fabric back to textile designer...a true marriage of graphic and interior design) anyhow, I came across this incredible site which I spent way too much time on drooling over all the designers. I wanted to share this with you. Print & Pattern is a fantastic place to get inspired!
OK having problems uploading a pic of it...just check it out...it's great!
by Mari Robeson in Make & Create!, Textiles
I have a new little project I'm working on and it has to do with being Inspired! I asked myself this morning what inspires me? So many things came to mind...actually so many people came to mind. I love reading books and articles about other female entrepreneurs or anyone who has followed their passion and found the happiness they were seeking. I also love nature, fabrics, fashion and food! But when it really comes down to it, what inspires me most are my children. I am in daily awe of my three daughters and all their talents. Yesterday I received a phone call that a lovely customer of mine wanted to purchase my Cupcake Pillow I had in my window last week. I was so flattered and went home and told my two little ones because basically it was their designs that Inspired me to make the pillow. When working on my fabric designs I asked them to draw some cupcakes. Raquel (10) and Chyna (8) are always up to the challenge. When presented with their drawings I thought that was just too cute not to turn into a pillow. I promptly went to my studio, pulled out my scraps, and went to work. What resulted was this Cupcake Pillow. I showed it to my girls and their friends when it was completed and there was quite an enthusiastic response...much to my delight! Thank you Rocky and Chi for your Inspiration! If you would like a Free pdf of this Pattern just click here! Happy creating!
by Mari Robeson in Make & Create!, Textiles
Do you ever have those moments in life when you figure out how to do something that seemed like it would be overwhelming and then you're really proud of yourself for figuring it out? I just had one of those moments...OK it was more like an hour, not a mere moment...but I finally figured out how to archive my journal entries. It was pretty fun to go through all the topics I have written about these past 2-1/2 years. As part of my new 2009 motto, I'm trying to get ahead of the game and do projects that I have put off for way too long like archiving my blog. I also want to share projects that I have found helpful. Below is a tutorial I came across a few months ago. I made this bag and thought she gave very good instructions. Jodie of Vintage RicRac has some really quality information and she seems like a lovely person as well. Enjoy her 1 Hour Bag tutorial here! Happy New Years!
by Mari Robeson in Make & Create!, Textiles
Ahhh...a deep sigh of relief....this year is coming to a close and I've had a little time off to reflect on things like family and business... as much as it was a good year, it certainly had it's challenges as well. I know I'm not alone in saying that I'm looking forward to 2009!
After spending a good two hours reading some of my favorite blogs I've realized that it's time for a little facelift. Next year I'll be doing things a little bit differently which I hope will be to your approval and liking. I'll be adding a new Shop as well as lots of creative projects you can do yourself. Of course I'll still be talking about Design and Entertaining but my goal is to give you more content you can use and enjoy!
Below: I've been playing with my new Cherry Fabric and coming up with different tote patterns. This purse pattern, however, is by Amy Butler. I really like the pattern but feel the strap is a little long which makes the body of the purse buckle a bit when wearing it. I also don't care for the velcro closure and think I would use a magnetic snap. I'd love to know what you're looking for in patterns and/or if you have any you'd like to share! Happy creating!
by Mari Robeson in Just Thoughts..., Textiles
Last Sunday was the Home Tour, a fundraiser for the Old Mission School. It was a lovely day and many people came out to enjoy the four beautiful homes selected for the tour. I was very fortunate to be asked to be a vendor at the event. (I wish I had better pictures because these, for some reason, came out very blue...but you get the idea.) I also took a picture of my window last night in the pouring rain...the totes in the window are my new "Tart Totes" shown here is Strawberry Tart & Cherry Tart. This is also my Strawberry Apron that Chyna is wearing. (there are more styles) There are six new fabric designs in all and lots of new products (like my Cake blankets below). You can see them all at the boutique so come visit me! Have a lovely Thanksgiving everyone. I am so thankful for all of you!
by Mari Robeson in New News!, Textiles
Have you ever had a dream that you were working on for a very long time and then woke up one day and saw the dream sitting right in front of you? I had no idea that when I embarked on my journey into textile design that it would be such an educational and fun experience! Today a shipment of my fabrics arrived at my little boutique and I literally got tears in my eyes. I am very proud to finally be able to launch my new product line, "Dessert" What Every New Mom Craves! "Dessert" is a product line of little lovies, baby blankets, tote bags, aprons, and home accessories....all sewn by local moms right here on the Central Coast of California. That's right, Made in The Fantastic USA baby! :-) If you are local and going to the Home Tour, Nov. 23rd, you will be the first to see my new line! If not, check out my boutique the day after! For now, you will only be able to purchase "Dessert" at my store and soon on my website. Keeping it exclusive, custom, and unique.
A very special Thank You to Jenni B for all her amazing faux food creations and for her very lovely write up on the boutique! You will see Jenni's creations along side my new line!
by Mari Robeson in New News!, Textiles
Save the date! March 7th from 4:00 - 7:00 pm! It's that time again! I'll be featuring another fabulous artist, Kelci Gonzalez from Crafty Mama Creations, in her very first Trunk Show at my boutique! As usual there be lots of nibbles and libations which always makes for a super, fun TGIF! Kelci has been working hard creating her one-of-a-kind tote bags and darling children's apparel. I will also be having a preview of some of my new fabrics! Yay! AND if you are so wonderful to be reading this, you will also know that I'm going to have some incredible items on sale that afternoon too!!! So grab your girlfriends and put it in your book! Friday, March 7th!!!
Below is my first prototype diaper bag/tote that Kelsi put together for me (sadly my sewing skills are much to be desired...) The patterned fabric is part of my new line, it's also available in brown, blues, and greens...fun stuff! Come by on the 7th and you see all kinds of new things!
by Mari Robeson in Delish Decor!, Textiles
So part of why I haven't posted so much lately is because I've been busy working on a little project that is very dear to my heart. During my days I get to work on so many very interesting design projects with many lovely people but at night I work on what I call my "Heart" project. This has been the development of my new fabric line. Throughout the past year I have had many people come into the boutique asking if I had a certain fabric...most of the time I can find what they need, but there have been enough times now where that perfect finish piece just didn't exist or it did and is now out of production. So through much time and research I have found a way to make custom fabric for my clients. The beauty of it all is the marriage of my graphic design background with my interior design that I do everyday. I'm very excited to say I will be testing out my new designs within the next two months! Until then...In my research to find beautiful fabric I came across Joel Dewberry. Produced by the same company that makes Amy Butler fabrics, I think his designs are fresh and hip. You can check out his website here. Joel Dewberry
by Mari Robeson in Delish Decor!, Textiles
Happy Tuesday! I'm here a little late at the boutique this evening because the most lovely new mom, grandmother, and aunt just came in. We put together a beautiful crib set for her new little girl. The really exciting part of the design is something new that I have ventured into. I am now able to produce custom fabrics and I am very excited about all the possibilities that surround that! Here is a rough design we tested. I'm very happy with the quality of reproduction and the fabric...so back to my lovely clients that just came in. We were missing one fabric that would pull the entire concept together. That's when a light bulb went off and I said, "How about I design you that missing fabric?" In this case it turned out to be some pink and brown dots. "Viola" Design Complete! Yay!
Also, here's a delayed, but pretty funny Halloween picture of me and my yummy husband...I mean Frankenstein. OH! All you moms out there have got to watch this video clip....It's awesome and totally hilarious!
cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com
by Mari Robeson in Delish Decor!, Textiles
Can you tell I've been recovering from two back to back events? Minimal posts this week! I'm looking forward to playing with my kids this weekend and seeing the new Shreck!
But we still have to work and luckily my work is fun. I've been working on new paintings and my own textile designs as well. This is how I came across Clare Nicolson. Her work is so vibrant and alive plus her website is adorable. http://www.clarenicolson.com Definitely worth a cup of tea and browsing through. Happy Friday everyone. Have a terrific weekend!
by Mari Robeson in Delish Decor!, Textiles
I was helping a client today find some yummy fabric for a chair she wants to slip cover. I told her about one of my favorite textile designers, Amy Butler. I adore her designs! Amy has a new line out (below)....prrrrrrrr....yummy.... She is an inspiration! http://www.amybutlerdesign.com
PS Thank you for the lovely comments. I wish I wasn't such a dork and could figure out how to add links to my site. There are so many wonderful blogs out there. It has been a real pleasure to be noticed by some of them. :-)
by Mari Robeson in Delish Decor!, Textiles
My grandmother was a textile designer, artist, and a master at knitting...I'm sure that is why I have such a passion for beautiful linens. I have been on a quest for years, to find the most beautiful linens out there. For a while I have had my eye on Bella Notte. I just contacted the rep. for my area to set up a meeting...I have to touch and learn more about these gorgeous pieces. Hopefully that will be soon! http://www.bellanottelinens.com
by Mari Robeson in Delish Decor!, Textiles
I received the new Dash & Albert catalog today and really liked what I saw. Dash and Albert is a rug manufacturer that I carry at the showroom. They compliment the Pine Cone Hill bedding. It's a casual line which is perfect for our little beach town. Kaffe Fasset (fabulous designer who designs for Pine Cone Hill and other manufacturers) has also designed rugs for this line. His colors are vibrant and fun! You can check it out here. http://www.dashandalbert.com
OK let's dish on Top Design....I think I'm done with this show. At least they left the PCDC for their shopping and went to... Peir 1...what is that? How about the funky garment district, not posh Pindler and Pindler for fabric? Girl, if you can't find the perfect fabric there, you are in the wrong business... Nothing negative about about P & P, they are divine, but where's the creativity in this show? Makes one wonder if it's more about the advertisers then actually about design. arrrrrgggggg....disappointing.
by Mari Robeson in Mari's Muses!, Textiles
I don't know how I haven't stumbled across this amazing artist before. My goodness she's in just about every magazine (and rightfully so). I myself, do quite a bit of collage art so when I came across her blog and read how she creates a new journal every New Year, I almost fell off my chair. I suppose that's a "not so original idea" but it is how she creates her journals, exploding with color and collage. I was told by a professor back when I was in college to keep a journal every year. I've kept one ever since and it is so interesting to look back through them and see how my life has evolved. I would encourage everyone to play with the idea of journal writing. It's very relaxing and therapeutic. Check out Jennifer Paganelli's blog and I'm sure you'll be inspired! http://jenniferpaganelli.typepad.com Her website's great too! http://www.sisboom.com
by Mari Robeson in Delish Decor!, Textiles
I'm hyperventilating over the bed linens, pillows, towels and throws from Designers Guild! Another fabulous find for my showroom that I can't wait to share with you!!! But if you can't wait for me to open (come on now that's only three weeks away) then you can purchase their product in their UK on-line store. http://www.designersguild.com/uk/store
by Mari Robeson in Delish Decor!, Textiles
Everyone who knows me knows that I love lavender. We grow it on our property and I use it in my collage sachets. So when I came across this lavender scented fabric I was delighted. What a great idea! They say the scent will last up to 10 washes. It would be ideal for an upholstered headboard, throw pillow, or what about a slip cover...the ideas are endless. Lots of fun fabrics at this site. Enjoy!
http://store.txtlart.com
by Mari Robeson in Delish Decor!, Textiles
I saw this fabric by Amy Butler a year ago and fell in love with the graphic design. http://www.reprodepot.com. Her fabrics are fabulous and make me want to re-upholster all kinds of things. This is a great site with a modern edge. Enjoy!
