knack life :: slow & steady
1// a peek in the windows at our newest display 2// gold leafing the latest FrogTape project 3// a teaser of a styled shoot 4// The Fussells came for a visit, and to shoot a special project of theirs 5// 11 Lois Ave :)How strange it is when one year turns into another. A years end is loud, bright, fast - the holidays, the gatherings, one day melting into another until you can't even remember what day it is. And then, stillness. A new year brings with it a sense of calm, a slowing. It's no different for us here at Knack.2014 ended in a flurry. We are so grateful for a year so full of projects, joy, change, and challenges. What a year it was. In 2015, we will build on the bricks of last year, creating and hustling and stepping back to enjoy the fruits of our labor along the way. We are so excited for the things to come in this new year.
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
shop knack :: brand new
We are ever on a search for treasures to add to the shop. Treasures that tell a story, treasures that add to the beauty of everyday life.There are so many new beauties in our shop these days, including the white ceramic platters, handmade olive oil soaps, and mini cast iron horseshoes that you see above.Check out our shop for these and more treasures.
behind the scenes :: preparations and visitors
1// working on our display for Indie Craft Parade this year (don't forget -- Sept. 12-14 in Greenville, SC!)2// paint and frog tape make our job FUN3// glass and candle cubes brightening up our shop4// Man pillow (or Abe as we call him) making our bed "Viviette" look super sexy5// curb appeal6// longtime blog follower Paula and her family popped into the shop this week... all the way from London! It was such a treat.
FYI
There is so much that I want to say, yet at the same time it is very hard to put into words all that has transpired over the past few weeks. I will try to start from the beginning and see what happens.I think it is safe to say that for the past year I have been thinking about the next step for Knack. Where and how I want to grow my company. How big do I want to get? What really truly brings me joy? What is best for my family? At the same time, preparing for the launch of my first book and along with that, the title of "Published Author". So many very exciting things going on and coming up in the very near future for Knack.....things I only once dreamed of happening when I started painting furniture in my garage just a few short years ago now.I would lay out plans in my head and on paper and made lists of pros and cons......and was very specific about what I wanted in the next step. I have a very close core group of people that I share my dreams and ideas with and I let those people in on what my little secrets were and just kept plodding along. I really, really spent a lot of time honing in on what I truly wanted based on what I enjoy and started moving in that direction. I used to think that I wanted certain things and achievements that I no longer desire....and I am so thankful for the clarity I have been given and for the path that lies ahead. For me it is more about truly loving what you do and not about anything else. I believe when you truly love what you do, you are "successful" on all levels no matter how big or small.When I planned for Knack's next step, I wanted a place where I could have a studio/working space in the back and a showroom/store in the front. A place where I could begin to develop my style even more, by carrying unique items for the home that come alongside and compliment my furniture designs. I wanted a place where there would be gorgeous natural light so that I could focus on my photography and styling shoots. I wanted a building with architectural character. I wanted a place that I could hold beautiful events in. I wanted a place that had a loading dock. I know this sounds crazy, but I wanted a bathroom with a shower so that on the days that I have events and don't have time to run home and shower and change .....no problem! Did I mention that lighting was huge to me? I wanted great light in both the shop and the work space.I think you will see in these pictures , that I got everything on my wishlist, to a tee.....and more! I got that bathroom with a shower..not only did I get great lighting but I also got a skylight on top of great lighting in the workspace....and as an extra bonus the building comes with a parking lot on one side and a little brick and stone garden on the other side. It is literally the stuff dreams are made of. There is not one thing about this building that is a negative.....it is a Godsend.....it is the only way to describe what has transpired with this space......and how fast it happened.I am ready to dig in and make the space my own......freshen up the plants and beds on the outside, sweep, dust, and sparkle on the inside....and fill it to the brim with beautiful furniture and found goodness.I decided to jump...yet again......Thank you for joining me on this journey.xo,Barb