Sooooo there's a whole lot going on these days...and some big changes coming that I'm very excited about...over the next month my websites will be getting an entirely new look. Not only will there be new home decor products and textiles in my Shop, I'm expanding my line through licensing and wholesale opportunities! It's amazing how everything happens all at once. Here's a sneak peek of my ELovephants. These designs were inspired by my youngest daughter and her incredible Elephant collection...all with the "trunks up" I might add, a symbol of "good luck". They will be available for purchase soon!!! Happy Friday!
Little, tiny elephants in front of a picture she has when she was 3 walking with her dad through the pumpkin patch....so sweet!
My Bedroom Makeover! Finally....
At the beginning of this year I gave myself a project...to Thoughtfully Design my "own" home. I started in my garden, which hopefully we'll be able to tackle again this weekend, with soccer tournaments and a lot of California rain, my garden project has been slow going. So I turned my efforts inside...to my bedroom. It's challenging being a designer because there are so many choices. What is so simple for me to see for others, can sometimes be the opposite for myself. I'll tell you what though, when you get an email from the editor of a fantastic magazine and they say they'd like to see some room shots with your product in it...well, you figure it out real quick!
I literally had about 2 weeks to re-design my bedroom, which meant I had to work with what I had. There was no time to order new furniture etc. but much to my liking, I'm pretty happy with how I reinvented what I already had. To start with was this dresser. Yikes! A throw back to college days. But when looking at it, I really still liked the shape of it, so a new coat of paint to match the coral in my Mod Morrocan fabric and, well, I'm pretty happy with the results!
Some of you may remember an old screen I had found at an antique shop. I actually had it in my boutique window for a little while. At first I was going to paint the dresser white and the wall behind my bed coral but decided to switch that at the last minute and paint the wall black... You know I tell my husband, "Honey, I'm painting the wall black." and he doesn't say a word, he just comes in and paints it for me. Then we added the white trim from good ole' Home Desperate, I'm mean Home Depo...one of my clients told me that. :-)
The really fun thing was that weekend my niece, Shaunah, was visiting and we collaborated on what to put on the black wall, the wings or the screen from my window??? You can see what won below.
So last week the amazingly talented Jenny Mallot of Live Artfully Productions took some fantastic photos of 3 of the rooms that I've designed with my new fabric (not even in my shop yet!) and we sent the pictures off to the editor...fingers crossed, hopefully they'll want to use a few of them. Until then it was a fun project that I'm happy to cross off my list for 2010!
Also, I have to give a big Thank You to Nina Taylor, who sewed a tons of pillows and these drapes for me just in time for the shoot! More to come on the fantastic Sewing Atelier soon!!!!
Before
After
Viola'!
True Up Goodness!
I can't believe after 3 years of blogging I've never written about one of my favorite blogs, True Up! What the hec? A major oversight on my behalf. True Up is written by a lovely gal, Kim. She writes about the world of fabric. What's new and hot, to technical information which is extremely helpful. Her sight is loaded with inspiration if you are like me and love anything to do with fabric. Check her out, you won't regret it!
As Promised...
Wow! Has it been busy or what? Holy Cow! Last weekend my Rocky made it to the top 16 in State Cup Soccer, then we lost 1 - 0...grrr...Up-side? I have my weekends back! Boy you don't realize how much falls behind when you're gone every weekend...sure fun though. A couple weeks ago I mentioned a nursery I designed for a friend in my Cherry Fabric. Here's pics as promised. It's still missing a few appointments but I'm so pleased. Lots of credit to the new Mom to be, Miss Tina. Tina was involved every step of the way. I love the blue in a little girls nursery...so refreshing.
I couldn't resist taking a picture of her closet with all her tiny, sweet clothes! Can't wait to meet you Baby Ariana!
New Bag, New Pattern!
I've been working on my patterns lately and I think I'm pretty happy with this one. Kind of fun colors to go with the Halloween goodies at my shop! It's in my window now but soon to be on my shoulder! :-)
Patterns & Procrastination...
Patterns, patterns, everywhere...in my dreams, in my journal, and now on my computer. I've been working up all kinds of fun projects that I'll be offering soon! But in a moment of taking a break and doing a little research I came across this great, easy to follow, tutorial on making a clutch purse by U Handbag, supplier of all things purse related for the DIY sewers out there. You can follow her great tutorial here.
Fantastic Friday!
Another Fantastic Friday making art with kids! So this is kind of my little contribution to my daughter's school and it has been so much fun for me. Last week I did Noodle Portraits with 4th graders and today it was a collective painting with 31 very talented 6th graders! I wanted a symbol that would be inspirational. I wanted the kids to understand that we as individuals are just one piece of the puzzle, but when we work together we can create something much bigger than ourselves. It only works if everyone participates and, Wow!, did they! They didn't know what they were painting, they just knew they were painting a piece of the puzzle. At the end I asked them, "What would make the world a perfect place?" They all said "Peace"....well, there you go. :-) BTW this painting will be mounted and up for auction at the school bbq to raise money for the 6th Graders Science Camp! I know I will be bidding on it!
On another tidbit of fun news, I was really flattered to have my Personalized Wedding Pillows featured on DIY Bride as a Friday Fab Find! How cool is that? You can read this great Blog and get all kinds of ideas and resources for planning your own Do It Yourself Wedding.
Have a great weekend everyone...do something creative!
New Custom Tablecloths!
Yummy tablecloths are now in my shop and can be customized to your color preference! All made right here in the USA out of 100% organic cotton twill and designed by me! All my designs are limited editions. I'm working on Winter right now! Where did the summer go????
New Personalized Wedding Banners & Pillows!
One of the cool things about the new textiles I've been working on is that they can be personalized. I've created a design for that special day, your wedding day, that can later be hung in your home. The banner and the pillow are fun home accents for any newlywed, and add flowers, and it really becomes something very unique and special for your wedding day. The Wedding Banners and Pillows are now available On-Line in my shop! Adding garlands is additional, just email me for info and pricing. (yup! That's my wedding date...I'm so fortunate to be married to my best friend for almost 19 years!)
Print & Pattern! Wow! Thank you!
It's been so intense lately balancing multiple design jobs, soccer practices, homework (uggg! where did summer go?) and just life in general, that I allowed myself to take a little break today and read some of my favorite blogs...when...OMG! I saw that I had a lovely write up on Print and Pattern!!! Thank you so much! I am humbled to be on the pages of some of my favorite Surface Designers out there! This blog is so inspiring I feel so grateful to have been mentioned! Thank you, thank you, Print & Pattern!
My New Shopping Site Is Up!
It's up! It's up! My new online shop is here! My new fabrics are now available in Fat Quarters or By The Yard. There are also some pretty fun Home Decor items as well! I've printed my designs on the very best, organic, cotton twill right here in the USA. My products are all sewn by local Moms. (I have always said if you really need to get something done, give it to a Mom!). These are limited editions and will only be available for a short time...I'm already working on my Winter Collection! I hope you have fun checking it out! Oh! BTW! The turquoise, lime greens, and purples all coordinate with the Pine Cone Hill Bedding line. It's one of my favorite items I carry at my boutique! 
New Crib Sets From Cottage Dreams & A Little Something New From Me Too!
Few...what a whirlwind! These past few weeks have been crazy, busy...but I'm not complaining... last weekend I went to the SF Gift Show...the family and I also squeezed in lots of sight seeing and had a great time visiting my sister too...but you know when you get back in town, even if you're only gone for a day or two, it's major catch-up!!! I'm hoping to have some time to put the finishing touches on my website and have that up and running soon!!! But until then, here's a fun little sneak peek...again! My amazingly talented friend, Trish Poupard, Owner and Designer of the Best Baby Bedding Line out there, Cottage Dreams, sent this picture to me this morning. I've worked with Trish for over five years now and have enjoyed every minute of it! She is witty, charming, and gorgeous and her bedding is equally stunning and impeccably made. This is a preview of one of her new crib sets she'll be launching at the ABC Show in Vegas this Sept and I was so flattered that she asked to have one of my new personalized banners along side her new set! I love the mix of vintage, colorful fabric and minky leopard...WoW! Purrrrrrr!!!! Thank you Trish!!!
Cherry-Licious!
My little Chyna and I had fun yesterday setting up new displays and getting ready for our big party this Friday night! She's only 9 years old and has such a natural sense of design. This is my new crib set I designed with my Cherry fabric. I love the way this rolly polly Cherry Pillow came out!
There are still 2 days left to "comment" and be entered to win! I'll be picking the winners this Friday! Party starts at 5:00 pm. I hope to see you there!
All Kinds Of Great News & My First GIVE-AWAY!!! Starts Monday, Ends Friday!
So you all have next Friday, July 31st, from 5:00-8:00 pm, marked on your i phones & blackberrys...right??? Why, you ask? Because I am throwing a big old party at the boutique to CELEBRATE the launch of my first Limited Edition Fabric & Pillow Collection as well as a new online shopping site!!! but NOT ONLY THAT!! Starting this Monday, Lindsey from The Pleated Poppy and I are doing a fantastic Give Away on our blogs... All you have to do is comment on our blogs and you will be entered to WIN!!! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAnd....if you're not so tech savvy, you can Win a separate Give Away that night at the party too...all you have to do is Show Up with a Smile! And while I'm on the subject of this fun, summer shin dig, I am so excited to share with you that Amy from Amy Bakes Cupcakes and The Peach will be here serving her delicious CUPCAKES!!! Now that alone is worth coming....have you seen this talented gal? She's featured in this months Live Artfully magazine...ahhhhhhhhhhh...this is going to be a fabulous night! I sincerely hope to see you there!
A Little Treasure From The Past...
In 1906 a very brave little girl immigrated from Italy. She was my grandmother, Louise Monforte. She was 6 years old. She landed in Ellis Island like so many others looking for a better life in the United States. She married my grandfather, Anthony, who I never met...he died before I was born. I hear he was an amazing painter. They had four boys. My grandmother who was all of 4' 10" had it all under control even when the depression hit.... I love the stories my father would tell about his family during that time. Even though conditions were way worse than what we are seeing right now, they somehow had a way of making light of things. Hmmm....
I was looking for some thread in my mother's sewing room and I came across these wooden spools... These spools, according to my mom, belonged to her...Louise Monforte...almost 60 years ago....My grandmother was a textile designer and she worked very hard her entire life...now seeing these spools of thread and getting ready to launch my own textiles...I feel a bit humbled, very grateful for the sacrifices she made, and very much connected to the past.
Mod Moroccan Sneak Peak!
A little while back I wrote about making over my bedroom. Much to the dismay my most endlessly understanding husband - "How many times is this Mari? 10?" Wow! He's right... I didn't realize I was soooooo ADD (Attention Deficit Designer) Let alone the fact that this is my dining room table...I'm such a gem to live with. :-)
But my Mod Moroccan fabric just arrived and it's time for another make-over...sorry honey! I'll be busy sewing away this weekend making drapes and some accessories. I'll keep you posted as this project evolves.
Most Importantly!!! Happy Father's day to all you wonderful Dad's out there!!! Especially to you Bill, who is the best Daddy to our 3 little girls and the most easy going, supportive husband I could have ever been blessed to know and love.
The Pleated Poppy Now At The Boutique!
They're here, they're here! Yay! Finally my new fabrics are here! Over the next few weeks I'll be changing the look of things around here, and launching a new shopping site that will also be full of inspirational DIY projects. Which leads me to a wonderful new person in my life, and a party, and a big give-away for you.... I have been so blessed to have met Lindsey Cheney of The Pleated Poppy. Not only am I very fortunate to showcase her wonderful work at my boutique, we have also teamed up to do something fun for all of you. So Save the Date, July 31st, for a Big Party at the Boutique to celebrate all the new updates! But don't worry, if you can't make it to the boutique, we will be doing a virtual give-away! My fabrics and Lindsey's great products, put together just for you! Make sure to check back often for updates!!!
I also want to thank Lindsey for the lovely post on her site. It has been such a pleasure to have her very special product in my boutique!!! Lindsey makes adorable Posies which have been featured on many sites, as well as some really great crayon rolls, (wish I had those when my girls were little!) note book covers, pouches, and so much more, and my favorite are her super hero capes! Check this talented lady out, she's amazing!
A Must Have For The Girl On The Go!
I'm anxiously awaiting my new fabric to show up and thinking of all the fun things I'm going to make with it. Because I opted to manufacture and print in the good, old USA, as well as go with 60" organic fabrics, my textiles are a little more expensive than your ordinary twills and cottons, but I can feel good about the way they were produced and hopefully you will too. Due to that, I never want to waste a scrap which has inadvertently led to me creating all kinds of little products with small amounts of yardage. I make my patterns organically, based on what I hope my end result will be. I also act pretty spur of the moment and sketch my ideas down whether it's 3:00 am or not.
A few years back I had the unfortunate experience of some kidney issues which led to my doctor telling me, "You're that woman who has that water bottle with her at all times..." 2 liters a day! I'm pretty good about it too, but I get so tired of my water bottle rolling around my car (which BTW you're not supposed to drink water bottles that have been left in a car) and trying to juggle carrying my phone, my purse, my keys, my laptop, and that darn water bottle. This will make sense soon, in I promise...
So last Friday when I got home from work I went to my studio and grabbed some "Lemon Drop" scraps from my Dessert Collection (thought they looked refreshing) and went about making a water bottle carrier that also fit my phone. I L-O-V-E it! I'm going to put together a pattern for you to make one yourself, because, let's face it, a girl has to have her phone, her lipstick, and her water bottle at all times! Oh and I reuse that bottle as long as I can before sending it off to recycle heaven. :-)
Textile Terrific!
I came across a great Textile Blog today that I spent waaaaay too much time on. Written by Karin Miller of California she has compiled the best of the best. If you love textiles like I do you will really enjoy her insightful blog.
She features many designers in the industry from Fashion to Home Decor. Below is one of my absolute favorite designers, Tord Boontje, and his laser cut flower curtains. Just terrific!
It's Art To Me...Or Maybe a Headboard...
Look what showed up today! My fabric color chart from my fabulous printer! I opened it up and told Bill, "We should upholster our headboard with this!" OK, maybe I'm the only one who would think that's cool, but it's going to be stunning hanging on my studio wall! It may be pantone colors to you, but it's art to me. It will also be a fantastic help in matching up my colors on my fabric designs. I can't wait to get these designs to print and share them all with you.