spring flowers :: flower dreams
Spring is coming ....I can feel it in the change of the weather...the warmer days.....the light lingering a bit longer........and I am so ready for the green leaves to burst forth from their winter slumber, for the trees to explode with color from blooms that can no longer bear to stay trapped inside their pods.A season of new life after patience in dormancy is always such a refreshing season.xo,Barb
knack life :: final shoot
What a week it has been, and it all started off with our final styled photo shoot on Monday!Monday's shoot was seamless, a quintessential representation of the creative partnership of these five women.The locations, for example, have ranged from right here on Knack home turf, to our own homes, to the homes of generous folks around town. On Monday, we shot first at a charming and idyllic farmhouse - complete with chickens, turkeys, pigs, and bunnies - and were able to bring Audra's (the homeowner) winning style into our shots. We then moved on to Jessica's home, and ended the day at sunset right outside of our very own studio, next to the train tracks and old brick buildings.This constant change of scenery is emblematic of the lithe nature of this team, and the ease and enthusiasm with which they have taken each turn and interaction during this knack book 2 process. We have learned, together, to take a vision and carry through to fruition, and that sometimes plans change and you just roll with the punches to the collective beat of the drum.It's hard to believe that this creative partnership has come to and end (for now).#knackbook2 will be here before we know it. The only thing left to do is celebrate, and wait.
behind the scenes :: projects and products
1 // candles and matches sitting pretty on our mint green desk2 // new PF Candle scent, Neroli & Eucalyptus, smells like a west coast dream3 // sketches for an upcoming project4 // even our workshop drop cloths are fair game for doodles5 // fresh flowers by Willow Florals for a styled shoot6 // the light in our shop during a #knackbook2 photoshoot
News from the week || Friday
It has been a busy, busy week. Lots of planning, sketching, painting, photographing, meetings, consultations, and inventory purchasing.........but I was just telling my husband, that I have come to realize I enjoy big projects. When I say "big projects" I am mainly referring to the book....since it is huge, and all encompassing at the moment.....but I get so inspired and feel so creative when producing content for the books. So much time and thought goes into projects, and I am pushed creatively to produce things that are fresh and new.....and that, to me....is just plain old fashioned fun. There are times where I am scared, and tired, and frustrated as well......but usually a good cup of chai, a hot bath, and a good nights sleep have me ready to hit it hard again the next day.I am truly excited to complete this book. There is so much goodness to share...with lots of color palettes....shooting on location in homes.....styling.....and water color sketches. I look forward to the reward at the end of the work......it's going to be so great!I am pleased to introduce you to my team for book two:Paige French is the photographer for the entire book two project, and is responsible for all of the behind the scenes shots featured in this post. Check out her website......it's absolutely gorgeous!Jessica Barley of A Darling Day is assisting me with styling , props, and site planning for the on location styled shoots......and Julie Dodds of Willow Florals is in charge of all floral styling for the entire project.So....can you see why I am excited? These girls are great at what they do and I am thrilled to be working with such a talented team.Have a great weekend...and enjoy Spring Break!xo,Barb
Decorate with Flowers || A Book Review
It comes as absolutely no surprise to those who know me well.... "I LOVE FRESH FLOWERS!" {yes, I am yelling that as I type it} To me, flowers make all the difference in the world. They add color, freshness, beauty, green..... life to every photo, room, or nook and cranny they are placed in. There is simply nothing better....So, when my friend Holly Becker and stylist Leslie Shewring teamed up to produce their new book "Decorate with Flowers"...published by Chronicle Books.....I knew I would be first in line to add it to my collection. I also happen to love having beautiful books in my home, that not only make my book shelves and coffee tables look fantastic, but that I can go to over and over for inspiration and relaxation.As I initially flipped through the book {because I was too excited to sit down and read it} I was drawn to all of the beautiful color, perfectly styled environments, and bright photos. Then, when I got home and actually sat down to spend time pouring over the book....I was absolutely thrilled that Decorate with Flowers is not only pretty styled photographs and beautiful color.....it is also FULL of tutorials and sweet DIY projects! Double goodness indeed.I was so inspired by all of the projects in this book, that I went out and bought a bunch of succulents and flowers to plant at the shop. Gracie and I spent a whole afternoon planting and creating with flowers....and now the shop is brimming with beautiful Spring arrangements.Thank you, Holly and Leslie....for a book that is beautiful and inspiring!Well done!xo,Barb
Etcetera
We have reached the end of another very hot summer week. I wish I had gotten more accomplished at the new studio, but it was so nice to have some time to sit back and relax with friends and family for the fourth. My friend Amy brought over these beautiful flowers for me from her garden! Aren't they fantastic?! The super fun red sandals are an early BIRTHDAY treat to myself......oh and the glittery tank is as well! Yippee....the celebrating started early this year! Oh, and I literally lived off of bowls of freezing cold watermelon balls. They are so refreshing, and my new summer staple.I hope to make a major dent in the studio work today! I spent 2 hours cleaning the bathroom on Tuesday! Seriously...I may have gone a bit mister clean on myself but the sparkly beautiful bathroom with its new rug, and towels is so inviting! Today, I will be sweeping, vacuuming, and sealing the concrete floor and wall in the work space in order to help with dust, and to help keep the floors as clean and easily maintained as possible. i am going to work hard today so that I can enjoy MY BIRTHDAY tomorrow!! woot, woot! I am going to party like it is 2012! ......and for all of you who I know want to ask......the number is 38.Have a great weekend! xo,BarbP.S. did I mention it was my BIRTHDAY tomorrow?
Etcetera
Can you all even believe the lush, colorful beauty of my mountains?! I had to post a few more photos from our trip to the mountains last weekend for a couple reasons:1. The color and beauty just get my juices flowin'2. this weekend will be the polar opposite of complete relaxation in the mountains! hah!For starters, I get the keys to my new studio today, and that will begin the moving madness {yipee!}.... my cousin is getting married on Saturday, family is in town for the wedding, and my guest bathroom is being demolished and gutted as we speak! Woot!I am so very excited about the bathroom redo...it has been a long time coming, and I have lived with a huge hole in the hallway for about 6 months due to a leak that brought on this redo! The bathroom is going from seventies avocado green everything......to white subway tiles with gray grout, recycled wood, and penny tile goodness. I will be sure to photograph along the way and show it off when it is complete.I hope you all have a great weekend!xo,Barb
Found Goodness
I pulled together this photo of three things that found me this week and inspired me with their beautiful shapes, colors and function. The beautiful flowers from the farmers market, with their amazing colors and textures....the now infamous mexican blanket with its stripes in all colors of the rainbow, and the little owl knobs that will soon live on a piece of Knack furniture.All of this is found goodness indeed.xo,Barb