The Knack Shop... and Online Things
With all of my time off over Christmas, I had plenty of time to think about Knack. Things that I should do, could do, would do, want to do, and AM going to do. Phew! That's a lot of "do's"!I am one of those people that absolutely relishes a new year. I love a fresh start and the opportunities a new year brings. I love making goals. {not to be confused with resolutions however} Some of my goals are ones that are definitely within reach...but then there are always, always "pie in the sky" goals as well. These lofty "pie in the sky" goals are the dreamer in me, and always the ones that challenge and excite me to no end.One of the things that I knew I should do....{but was scared to}.....was delete my etsy shop. I have been on etsy since 2007/2008 and it was a fantastic tool for me. Etsy allowed me to get my furniture out to a huge audience, and is the very reason that my furniture resides in homes all across the country and world. Now do you understand why I was so scared? {Eep!} You may wonder what I hit my head on, or what in the world I am thinking.....but you see....I have a fully powered online shop within my own website as well. So, trying to keep up with both made for extra steps and extra work for me....and this year it is about simplifying and working even smarter not harder.When I moved to Lois Ave about a year and a half ago, I closed my antique booth that I had run for the past 6 years. I did that because I now have the most beautiful shop and showroom space... and wanted to focus solely on this location. It was a very difficult decision, because the antique booth had been such a security blanket for me for years...and kept the bills paid for the first studio that I had. Etsy was the same thing for me...security and comfort. However, I tend to like risk...and so first the antique booth went and now my "etsy crutch" is going away too. I have paid for a beautiful website and online shop...and I need to utilize that money and time to the best of its ability!As I was thinking about this post yesterday, sitting here at my desk in the shop, I grabbed my camera....and these photos emerged.This is Knack.All of these fun things are available in the online shop ....{that you may or may not have known about...but now you most certainly are aware exists!} I ship out most orders the day they are placed so that you can have your goodies in just a few days. The furniture takes a bit longer due to the carriers schedule, but normally pieces arrive within 2-3 weeks.Take a gander.....pillows are 50% off right now....and to celebrate this new year decision, I am creating a 20% off coupon for the entire online shop. Just enter coupon code "woohoo" at checkout. Here are some easy links directly to products in the photos above: Wooden Whales|| Metal Numbers|| Spitfire Dishtowels|| Glass|| Bottle Openers|| Deer Hook|| Wire Basket|| Ladders|| Scissors|| Pointed Finger|| Totesxo,Barb Bair
Dots and Stars...Be a Lucia
http://youtu.be/15QuHygLwFU
I love everything about this story, and find it so pertinent in our culture today. I think we could translate our Facebook "likes", Instagram "hearts", Twitter "retweets", and blog "followers" into the Wemmicks dots and stars. We need to remind ourselves, and our precious children growing up in this Wemmick society, that IT DOES NOT MATTER! None of it.....period.If you have not heard of this book, or haven’t read it…….go out now and buy it…….“you are special” by max lucado ……and read it over and over…..
Lately
Cow// pink folding chair// plates// brass chandy// room 1// room2 // room 3These are all things that I have pinned to my Home: Things to inspire and wish for Pinterest board....lately.Are you thinking what I'm thinking?!My house + wallet better look out!xo,Barb
The Faces of Knack
I have been meaning to introduce you to all of these sweet girls for a while now.....and finally got all of them together for picture time this past weekend! But first...a little history of why........In January 2013, since my new location was set up perfectly for both a working studio and a retail shop, I decided to set up shop and pursue "regular hours". I am at the shop working on furniture every day of the week....so I figured "why not be open while I am there working anyway?". My studio and retail shop are located in the Village of West Greenville.... which also houses our arts district. I have friends with shops and studios located right next door, up on the corner, + down the block. West Greenville is a fantastic community of artists, creative business owners, and entrepreneurs. Our community is an up and coming shopping, event venue, music + eating destination, that over the past 6 months has gotten TONS of press and exposure....not to mention a new name and brand. Like most arts districts, some shops and studios are open by appointment only, some are open only for gallery events, and then some do have regular posted hours. Those of us who are geared more toward retail decided that we wanted to come together, in order to grow our area, increase foot traffic, and keep regular hours . So, with that said....I decided to not only have set hours during the week, but to also keep Saturday hours at the shop as well. I have always treasured the weekends with my family, and knew that the decision to keep Saturday hours would require a step of faith on my part...and a step of growth as well. In order to have the shop open on Saturdays...I would need to hire help.I began to think about who I would like to work at the shop....and what this next step for Knack looked like. It was a scary step to fill out those W-4 forms, come up with an employee handbook, + give someone keys to open up and run the shop.......but it was also very exciting and has been very rewarding. I can't even begin to tell you how the pieces of this puzzle fell into place so beautifully...again. It is absolutely the work of my Creator, and I am so thankful for the beautiful and sweet girls that I have the privilege to work alongside.So, without further ado.....here are the special gals I am privileged to partner with every week. Angie, and Jeanne run the shop on Saturdays, and Kirsten and Sarah are the Knack "Funterns" this semester. {we don't like the word intern around here!}
Stop in the shop, introduce yourself, and get to know these fantastic gals who make up the Knack team!xo,Barb
Save the date + come paint with me!
I am really excited to announce that I am partnering with Indie Craft Parade and teaching my very first hands on painting class! I have had lots of requests and questions about classes....so I am thrilled to finally be able to answer with a "YES....as a matter of fact we have one coming up!"This class is open to locals and out of towners....so, save the date for October 19th and make plans to come play and paint with me in my studio! We WILL be painting a piece of furniture, and you will go home with your new piece + all of your new tools and supplies! All details and sign up info are available on the ICP website here.Hope to see you !xo,Barb
Prize Winning Horses, Foxes + Bunnies
My friend Mollie Greene just dropped off another collection of her amazing paper mache' animal heads! These are one of my very favorite things....in the entire world!There is a prize winning horse {complete with ribbon}, a couple foxes, and three little bunnies. Each head is perfectly crafted with newsprint, splashes of gold paint...and gold whiskers to boot!These lovelies range in price from $60 -125 and are available to ship. I will not be listing these on my website. So, please email me if you are interested in purchasing one and I will be happy to assist you in your purchase!Mini. perfect. sculptures.......indeed.xo,Barb
Gifted Hands
I just finished reading this book...Gifted Hands....and I highly recommend it. Ben Carson's story is so wonderful to read, and inspired me so much. This world renowned surgeon took himself from the worst in his class, to the best in his class by sheer will power, determination, and hard work. His work ethic and life outlook are amazing, and reading his story was like a shot in the arm for me.
....you will find much inspiration and commonality here....and you might just find yourself looking at things a bit differently when you are done.
xo,
Barb Blair
This is Happening
Several months ago, I sent out the word about an Instagram book that Chronicle Books was going to put together......A call for entries.....which seems like forever ago now......Well, when I got back from the Bahamas...I had a package waiting for me. I knew it was books because of who it was from....but was so surprised to open the package and see that it was the "This is Happening" book! I knew that one of my photographs was being considered for the book, but did not know it had been chosen....I started flipping through the book, and was so excited to see my barn picture on pg. 100. {second picture from the top, above} This little book is so sweet ! It has no words...only photos...and they are all so subtle , random, and beautiful. A perfect book for gift giving, and for sitting on your coffee table for all to enjoy. Every time I open it I find new pictures, and find myself smiling at the beauty and diversity captured in this book.This is Happening comes out just in time for the holidays and is a great price point! You can pre order it right here on Amazon!xo,Barb