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  

Introductions

As I was telling you on Friday....I am so thrilled to be working on several really fun custom jobs for sweet clients over the next several weeks, and this chest of drawers is the first off the "assembly line"! This chest of drawers is as solid as they come and a real beauty with its bowed front drawers and carved detail. I love painting pieces like this!The Storm family is expecting their first little one, and his name is Sam. I wish I could show you the fantastic nursery that little Sam will grow up in...it is so clean, modern and very well done. I am stoked that a little piece of Knack will get to be a part of such a happy place!Congrats to the Storms! I can't wait to meet Sam! xo,Barb

Introductions

Meet "Cleridae". Her name comes from a species name of the chequered beetle family and goes right along with the amazing wood and brass beetle knobs that complete her design plan. I have been waiting for the perfect piece to put these amazing knobs on, and this navy desk won! Woo Hoo!

 I am loving the color navy lately, and this is the first of many pieces in this beautiful color.  I love, love, love this piece....it is rich, classy and timeless.....seriously, I will have a hard time letting go of her.

"Cleridae" is in the etsy shop, and available for purchase! I don't think she will be around long, {I may decide to keep her!} so if you want her....get her!

xo,

Barb

FYI

It has been  good to get back into the studio today and get my hands dirty. I have been putting things back in their places, loading my car up with goodies I brought from home for photo shoots, defrosting my fridge that got left open {oopsie!}, and repairing my saweet studio couch that got damaged during photo shoot moving. 

I love the studio couch so much, and it will never leave the studio because of its broken little leg that got it here in the first place....but I will repair it...and repair it....until it cannot be repaired anymore.....and then I'll cut the legs off and use books or something else to prop it up on.

couch love.

xo,

Barb

Introductions

This beautiful piece of pinkness has been hiding out in my garage for a couple of years....yes, I said years.....and no,  I do not know what I was thinking! The important thing is, that now this beautiful mantle has found her rightful place in the studio and will be a permanent fixture....... that you will be seeing a lot of.

Ahhh, all is well in Knack world...

xo,

Barb

Etc

Exciting things came in the mail yesterday! Colorful happenings that I can't wait to get my hands on and style with some Knack goodness!

I hope you all have had a fantastic week! Happy weekending!

xo,

Barb

Introductions

 I have been wanting one of these fellas for a while, and I finally decided it was time to make a purchase for the studio. This plant is called a stag fern, because when mounted on the wall it takes on the appearance of a deer head with antlers. Do you see it? The plant pod in the center looks like the head, and the foliage looks like a crazy gazillion point rack! 

I need a name for this guy...as he will be a friend to " Morris " the moose. I have a few ideas already, but would love to hear what greatness you all come up with today!

Hope it is a great Monday for you all! I am gearing up for two photo shoots this week....so I'm off and running!

xo,

Barb

FYI

hello, this is my place.

the most beautiful man in the world

new chair. couldn't get enough of the color.

favorite spot.

turquoise bed

my friend morgan found this for me, and delivered. now my dining room wall will say "eat".

my work table

more flower goodness

...just a few snippets from the open studios weekend that I just had at Knack. It was beautiful outside, colorful and happy inside, and just a really great weekend.

xo,

Barb