FYI: Holly Becker is my Homegirl
Where do I even begin....when writing about someone who has been a mentor, encourager, and positive influence in my life? It is really hard to put into words how I feel about Holly Becker of Decor8.....but I am going to give it my best shot!I started communicating online with Holly back "in the day" because I admired both her positivity and the positivity of her readers. I thought it was so great that she had such a good relationship with her readers, and that the overall mood and feel of her online presence was bright, happy, colorful, and inspiring. Let me point out that everyone has to deal with negativity at times...unfortunately it is just part of our world.....but the positive far outweighs the negative here and I was drawn to that. I remember the first time Holly featured my shop back in 2009.....I was SO excited...but also nervous...because I was used to such negativity towards my work... {"painting over this gorgeous wood?! You are RETARDED!" ...and so on and so on}... from other large site features. I remember being awestruck by the fact that there were over 80 something comments on that first post {comments have since been lost due to a server crash} and not one single one of them was negative! It truly struck a chord in my soul...and from that day forward I wanted to be a part of whatever Holly was doing. Positive people attract positive people...and that is right where I want to be.Since that time, through communications online and then our first face to face meeting at her book signing in SOHO {yes, that is me and my blue hair that she talks about!}....it has truly been a pleasure to get to know Holly. Miss Holly is one accomplished and smart woman, but none of that gets in the way of her being a friend....lovely, transparent, honest, and in my eyes....the best in her field.I am truly honored that she agreed to write the forward for my book Furniture Makeovers and when I was allowed to view it for the first time....I cried. It is so special to me, and her words were so very kind. I can't say enough how much I appreciate the presence of this friend in my life......and how honored I am to have her name attached to my book.xo,Barb
FYI: Things are crazy around here....
I am covered up in crazy around here these past few days. I am pushing hard to get four projects out the door so that I can focus completely on the Book Launch party for the next two weeks!I will be back soon.....I promise....and I have so much fun stuff to share....Have a great week!xo,Barb
FYI: Recipe for Press
I had the privilege of Meeting Amy Flurry back in February when we spoke at the Makers Summit together. Amy is an absolute professional, and I really enjoyed listening to her talk about creating a buzz around your product, and how to garner the attentions of the press.Here is a little bit more about Amy's accomplishments, taken from her website:"Amy Flurry is a contributor to some of the biggest publications on the newsstand and online including InStyle, Conde Nast Traveler, Country Living, Refinery 29, Country Living and Design Sponge. Amy served as a contributing editor to Lucky magazine for six years and is the author of the new DIY publicity book, "Recipe for Press, pitch your story like the pros and create a buzz!" Amy now travels the country, giving her popular DIY PR workshop that serves to strengthen relationships between editors and the entrepreneur. In addition to her editorial work, Amy provides brand consulting and media strategy development for a mix of fashion and lifestyle clients. In 2010, Amy co-founded Paper-Cut-Project, a company that conceives art direction and highly crafted installations in paper with clients including Kate Spade, Hermes, Cartier, RED Valentino and the Victoria & Albert museum. Paper-Cut-Project's work has been featured in the NYT, Italian Vogue, Nylon and Marie Claire Taiwan."I bought Amy's book, Recipe for Press because I truly love to read and learn new things....and because when Amy spoke....I listened to every word she said. I highly recommend this book for makers and creators just starting out...as well as seasoned makers and creators needing fresh eyes on your business. Recipe for Press is beautifully done, and very informative.On top of all of the goodness you will learn from the book...Amy is an absolute gem. Double dose of wonderful.xo,Barb
FYI: We Are In All Out Party Planning Mode Around Here!
I am so excited that at exactly 10:00 tomorrow morning I have a meeting with my event coordinator and friend, Erin Godbey.....and we will start the party supplies ordering for the book party! I can't even begin to tell you the butterflies that are flipping around in my stomach as we start the process of this special celebration!I don't want to reveal too much about the party until the week of the event.....but here is a sneak peek at two things that made the cut.....and will be at the party! See if you can guess my color scheme...and where we are headed!Mark your calendars for May 3! I can't wait to party with you!....and P.S. the night of the party will be captured in photographs and video {with an exclusive song being written just for Knack!} so be sure to wear your party frocks!xo,Barb
FYI: Gigi has been sewing again = two more gingham aprons
The first batch of aprons went fast....and I am excited to announce that Gigi has made three more! A blue one, an orange one, and a burgundy red one!If you are from around these parts...the first thing I thought of when I saw the orange and burgundy together was Clemson and Carolina! These fans do not mess around, and are serious about their teams!So if you need a cute apron to wear to your next tailgating extravaganza.....Knack has got you covered .....or if you just need a cute smocked apron for anything....you know where to find one.
Pop in to the Knack shop, or for those of you out of town head to the online shop and purchase one here or here.
xo,Barb
FYI: The Online Shop Is Up
I am happy to say that the online shop is finally up and running! It is much more work than I anticipated.....wow! There are still a few tweaks we have to work through....like changing link colors and adding a few new categories.....but it will all be ship shape soon!The awesome thing is.......now, all of you who are not local can do a little Knack shopping from afar! Woo Hoo! More items will be added throughout the week, so check back often.....and please let me know if there is something you would like to see listed!I'm so excited about this!xo,Barb
FYI: Meet the Knack interns....I couldn't love them more
About a year ago I was approached by a local college ....about taking on interns at Knack. I had never had any kind of intern before but I decided to say yes, and it was the best thing I have ever done. I have been blessed with a total of 4 interns up to this point and at the moment I have two working for me at the same time! I was not sure I could keep two busy.....but I was wrong. Things have been so incredibly busy around the shop....and because of these two lovely ladies....I am able to keep up. Both of them are eager to learn, eager to please, hard workers, and super talented. After a few painting sessions the first week they were ready to go and can paint like champs!Vicky {on the left} is a senior studio art major and Emily {on the right} graduated in December with a degree in Interior design. I can't even tell you how privileged I am to have these two working with me at Knack...and I am so thankful for their joyful spirits, their creativity and the way they add sparkle to the time we get to spend together!Love these two.....xo,Barb
FYI: Trader Joe's Pear Champagne Vinaigrette
Have you all tried this dressing? Oh my dear goodness if you have not....you must! So very, very delicious.....and also, the cilantro dressing has quickly become one of my favorites as well.....I love Trader Joes!xo,Barb