Spoonflower love

paperfeather paperhighway paperpinwheel 1 / 2 / 3We are all about some pretty patterned paper here at Knack, and no one does it better than Spoonflower.Spoonflower offers custom fabric, wallpaper, and gift wrap.  There are thousands of designs to choose from on the site (including more patterns from the designers of our favorites above), and you can even upload your own patterns.We recently tried Spoonflower's newest product - peel and stick wallpaper.  The rolls can be customized to whatever size you desire, and hanging the paper couldn't be simpler.  Not to mention the lush, woven quality of the paper - it looks and feels beautiful.The possibilities are endless with Spoonflower at your fingertips. Check 'em out!

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FYI FYI

eye spy :: lighting + a basket

ranarp-wall-clamp-spotlight__0276830_PE415451_S415407289I always love a well designed piece that is functional and affordable, and so....I thought I would give you a heads up on a couple noteworthy pieces. This light from IKEA and basket from Target have successfully made it into my shopping cart....and therefore my home.I specifically love the cord detail on the clamp light. I am a huge advocate of the fact that details are so important, and love that this cord is a black and white fabric cord vs a plain black plastic cord. I also love the touch of gold on the neck of the lamp. To me, these two things set the fixture apart and make it desirable. The 19.99 price tag isn't too shabby either, and seals the deal.The basket is also on sale at Target right now for 19.99, and you just can't go wrong with a soft jute basket. {remember this post about my sisters house?} My first jute basket purchase influenced by my sister has successfully been made!{p.s. my friend Jennifer went to IKEA yesterday and bought me two of the fig plants as well! They are a really good size and super affordable at 12.99 ea}Happy shopping!  

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FYI FYI

FYI

I had several comments and emails about my design process after yesterdays introduction post, so I thought I would actually show you the drawings that go on behind the scenes. Sometimes I am just sketching designs that are in my head that are not necessarily connected to a specific piece, and sometimes I am actually drawing a specific design plan for a specific piece.......and then there are times where I don't draw it out at all and just create it based on what is in my brain. I think there is a need for all of the above.....I don't have to draw anything if I don't want to because my brain is wired to see it without drawing it out, and spontaneity can be fabulous.....but I think creating visual aids, reminders, and guidelines is a great way to make sure that the proper time and care are given to each design.Some of the designs pictured here have already been executed, and have found homes.....some have yet to be completed...some are half hidden because they may or may not be in the book....hee hee!...and some may get done in the next few weeks, especially the green one with the deep "V" pattern on it.......I drew that design plan last year....and I am going to make it happen......but it may not be on a chest of drawers. We shall  see!It is super important to me, to truly create original and creative art with my furniture pieces.....so I choose to look at life and the everyday for my inspiration. It's where its at.xo,Barb Blair 

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FYI FYI

FYI

We went from this......
To this......

......is that a dandy of a dealio or what? Love my new paper bin!
xo,
Barb
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FYI FYI

FYI

 ......someone will be heading out to buy a really great storage container for all of her paper that she threw out of the wagon a couple days ago!
Fresh start......and organization in order at the studio today......whew!
xo,
Barb
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Introductions Introductions

Introductions

Meet "Ruda". This sweet little table is one that I purchased a few weeks back because I just could not resist her cuteness, her curves, and her detail that begged for some Knack affection. 
This little sweetie will not make it into the Etsy shop, but rather will be auctioned off at the upcoming Children's Museum Chocolate Soiree coming up on March 15th. This is Knack's third year in a row to donate a piece for the soiree, and it is always fun to come up with a whimsical little design for this event. I hope it brings in lots of monies for the hunnies!

{p.s. I forgot to mention that I had fun getting out a bunch of paint cans, and custom mixing this color! I wanted the perfect mint green to go with the colors in the paper....and I am loving how this new color turned out...and just in time for Spring! woot!}

xo,
Barb
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