FYI: Knack Ornamentals are ready to go!
Just a quick note to let you all know that the Knack Ornamentals are all loaded in the Etsy shop and ready to go! If you are local and want to go ahead and purchase the ornament from the etsy shop and pick up at the shop later....I can adjust the shipping for you!Have a great Thanksgiving!xo,Barb
FYI: Knack Christmas Ornamentals
I can't believe it is that time of year again! Thanksgiving and Christmas are upon us, and it just seems to have happened overnight! I am really ready for Thanksgiving....which is my favorite holiday of all.....and then Christmas just seems like it is going to be extra special this year. I have to admit {much to my husbands delight!}.....that I feel like putting up the Christmas tree a little early this year!When I was thinking about what I wanted to do for the Knack "ornamentals" this year.....I came up with this plan to use wooden cubes...and paint and paper on them, taping off stripes and designs, maybe a little glitter, and I really wanted them to be little art pieces for your Christmas tree.Well, I relayed all of the info in my head to Ann and she took off with it! Look at these beauties she has created! I love every one of them and am struggling with wanting to keep all of them for my own tree! Ann's favorite medium is collage, and these little pieces really show off her gift. I love them.I will have all of the ornaments available next week in the Knack showroom and the etsy shop! You will want to keep an eye out....and act fast! The "ornamentals" are limited quantities and sell out quickly every year. I have a feeling this year will be extra fast!xo,Barb
FYI: Miss Mustard Seed and her book "Inspired You: Letting God Breathe New Life Into Your Heart and Home"
Today is a super exciting day for my sweet friend Marian....affectionately known as Miss Mustard Seed! Today is the official release day for her new book "Inspired You: Letting God Breathe New Life Into Your Heart and Home" published by Thomas Nelson. Woo Hoo! I am so excited for Marian and want to offer my congrats on a job well done!It was such a privilege for me to sit down and spend a couple of hours reading "Inspired You: Letting God Breathe New Life Into Your Heart and Home" from cover to cover. I found myself laughing out loud at Marian's wonderful sense of humor that is spread throughout the entire book......like the story about refinishing her floors while pregnant and jumping around in a cardboard box!.....and I found myself encouraged by her can do spirit, her work ethic, and her gumption. I also found myself challenged by her message of contentment, and her spirit of hospitality. I have been thinking a lot lately about hospitality, and Marian's book drove that very thought home......simple ways to make your home comfortable for you and your family while at the same time inviting to others.Of course, there are all kinds of wonderful tutorials that give step by step instructions on how to sew a slip cover, paint & wax furniture, and so much more! I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone. It is truly a delight, and will enrich the lives and hearts of all who read it!Now comes the fun part ......TWO of you will win one of Miss Mustard Seed's books! I will be giving away two books! Woot! All you need to do is leave a comment here....and I will pick the winners on Friday! Lucky you!xo,Barb
FYI: A tale of two foam rollers
I just recently encountered this little "issue".....and I'm sure all of you talented ladies do not have, or have not had the same "issues" as me....but just in case there is one of you out there struggling with the same thing....scratching your head...wondering what you have done wrong...ALL FOAM ROLLERS ARE NOT CREATED EQUAL!There....I said it......now let me explain. I have used the same foam rollers for years......YEARS I tell you...and have never ever had any issue at all. I always get that perfectly smooth as glass....no lines or streaks look that I have come to expect from my friend the foam roller. All of that ended about two weeks ago when I went to my local hardware store to purchase a fresh pack. I noticed, at the first hardware store that I went to, that they did not have the brand that they normally carried {and I was used to buying} but instead a new brand with new packaging. I did not like this new brand or packaging because I had tried them before and they "jumped" and "skipped" while rolling leaving a very uneven finish {big no no!} and so I passed on the rollers and went to the next store.......this went on until the very last store.....and then finally I spotted my beloved rollers.....but only a few packs......right alongside the new ones with the new packaging. Blegh! It was almost as if my faves were being phased out for the new....and I bought every pack of my favorites. Just for fun I bought a pack of the new ones as well..... to compare. Here are the results of my comparison:> One has a white center, one has an orange center {my favorites are the white ones....just so there is no confusion!}> On the white centered rollers the hole is larger than the hole on the orange centered ones....even though they are both supposed to be a 6 inch roller.> As you can see, they are clearly not both 6 inch rollers....the new pretty packaging ones fall short {literally} to my original favorites....> They are totally different sizes, so the important thing here is to buy whichever foam rollers you please....but buy a few new roller handles as well because it does matter! The "skipping and jumping" happens when the roller handle stem is too tight, and the foam roller is not free to roll smoothly and evenly. My old roller handles were bought with the old favorite foam rollers and are too large for the new {smaller, even though they say 6 inch} foam rollers.So, basically if my new rollers are being phased out....{boo!}...I will have to buy the new ones.... along with all new roller handles.......no big deal really.....but just a harrowing experience for a painter like me who is used to consistent results.xo,Barb
FYI: Chronicle Books + Instagram+ YOU = This is Happening
I was so excited when my editor from Chronicle Books sent me an email about a new book that is in the works! This new book is a collaborative work that may include some of you! All you need to do is snap some amazing photographs through Instagram and submit them for a chance to be included in the book! The book will be called " This is Happening"........and it is all about celebrating the every day moments.....what inspires you, what makes you laugh, beauty, food, family.....I just love this idea!I am a HUGE Instagram user....so I will be submitting some of my photos {already have!}.....and crossing my fingers that they make it into the book. It is going to be so fantastic! Way to go Chronicle! {of course, they are the best!}Snap away, and be sure to enter your photos on the Chronicle Books website here. Read more about the contest on the Chronicle Books blog here.Woo hoo! I am so excited!xo,Barb
FYI: Knack ....way back
It is so hard for me to narrow down which pictures make the cut and which ones don't! I have literally gone through hundreds of photos, and it has been a pleasure to remember.I guess if I could quickly sum up this very first studio, and add in tiny bits of wisdom it would go a bit like this:> It was the first time I took myself seriously, because I now had "real" overhead and expenses every month> My clients and potential clients took me more seriously......because they knew I was serious!> I could not get my hands on enough books to read about marketing, branding, and creative business ownership {will list these on Friday}> The biggest bullet points that drove my business {and continue to do so today} are:* What is my point of difference? What makes my product stand out from every other product out there?* Who is my target market? What is the best way to reach them? What are they reading?* What will the current market bear?* Detail matters and so does originality* Stay debt free- no loans from the government......ever> A quick schooling in obtaining the proper licenses such as a business license, LLC, retail license, and an occupancy permit.> A strong sense of ownership.> Learning to tune out the people who believed I should run my business their way or the highway. Success looks different to each person.> Family is always more important than work.....and I seek to maintain that balance ...always> Honesty, good ethics, and kindness go a long way.......stick with your gut, listen to those who love you, and make sure they are behind you 100 percent because you will need them every step of the way! Owning a business is tough....and there are days where the only thing that pushes you forward are the words of a spouse, parent or dear friend. Choose your TRIBE......and choose them wisely!xo,Barb
FYI: Wallpapered
"Organic Origin" by Rachael Taylor
I get a lot of questions and emails about the different wallpaper sources that I use, and where I find all of my unique papers. I enjoy many different kinds of papers and truly look for designs that are risky, bold, intentional and different than the normal papers most people would typically be drawn to.I am constantly on the lookout for great wallpaper to use on my furniture projects......... so I was thrilled when I received an email from a new to me wallpaper source: WallpaperedI think it is super awesome that this company not only offers printed wallpaper and murals....but you can also have custom papers created as well! The possibilities are endless, and they are constantly on the lookout for new designers and paper designs....so who knows.....maybe one of you will be the next up and coming wallpaper designer! I say - go for it!Be sure to check out their site, and all of the wonderful papers that they have to offer! Wallpapered is going to give all Knack readers a 10% discount when you place your order! Just enter the code BARB 12 at checkout to receive your discount!How awesome is this? Great wallpaper and a discount......woot! It's a good day.xo,Barb
FYI: It's almost flannel time here
photos found via pinterest here and here
The mornings and evenings are getting cooler and cooler......the humidity is fading away......the sweaters and boots are coming out......the hot drinks are extra soothing these days......and the plaid and flannel shirts are making their move into my closet.This will be my winter staple this year: skinny jeans/chords > boots > flannel.Oh, and lots of bracelets.Rinse and Repeat.xo,Barb