Found goodness: They don't make 'em like they used to

My dad has been cleaning out his workshop and garage......and he decided it was time to part with this old Thermos ice chest.I was happy to accept his offer....and even though there is a large crack on the inside, it is nothing a little plastic bag won't fix {or maybe some bondo action}! I can't wait to use this lovely guy for parties....paired with a revolver bottle opener. {of course!}xo,Barb

Found Goodness: Find and Keep by Beci Orpin

I am a fan of Frankie Magazine, and I recently saw on their blog where one of their favorite Aussie designers Beci Orpin designed a line of bedding and home goods for Urban Outfitters.I then poked around further and saw that she has written a book.....and it looks like I will be adding it to my wish list!xo,Barb

Found Goodness: Indie Craft Parade

I could not be more excited about the Indie Craft Parade Holiday Fair that will be happening this Saturday from 10 -5 ! The two gals responsible for these goodies above.....Annie and Mollie......are two reasons that I have someone coming in to help me with the shop {Knack will be open 10-5 as well!}. I plan on hitting up the Holiday Fair, and will be putting these items in my little shopping bag and bringing them home! Woot!It is going to be wonderful! I hope you all can make it out! xo,Barb

Found Goodness: The Square Register App for IPad.....{it changed my life!}

I just have to profess my love for the IPad......and for the Square Register app for the IPad, that has changed the way I do business at the shop. This app is so easy, and makes inventory, sales, and keeping track of taxes, an absolute breeze. I just can't say enough about it......and the app is free!.....the square reader is free!......and there are no monthly fees! You will pay a 2.75% fee per swipe.......but that is beans my friends.If you are a small business owner....I highly recommend you hook yourself up with this system...{a great article was written here, that explains the app in much detail}.....and while you are at it.....get an IPad stand from Tinkering Monkey to go with it!Stylin' and profilin'.xo,Barb

Found Goodness: New Pillows at Knack

I just got these little beauties in at the shop this week! They are so soft, and I love the stitching detail on them. I feel like this pattern gives a nod to trend while at the same time remaining completely traditional. I love it when that combination happens, because then it is truly timeless!Pillows are a great way to add a pop of color to any room and are easily moved around and changed out to keep things fresh! Stop by the shop to see these lovely new additions, as well as some new mirrors, and of course the new furniture friends!{ Pillows are Large 18" square- 55.00, Small 12 x 18 " rectangle 45.00. Available for purchase in store, or shipping nationwide}xo,Barb

Found Goodness: My book on Amazon- Furniture Makeovers

I absolutely cannot believe that this day is here....but it finally is! Yippee! My book is available for pre-order on Amazon! Woot! Woot! Isn't the cover fantastic?! {the part on the left is the spine, and then the beautiful front.} Wait until you see the full cover.....it is so awesome! I am really happy with everything.....and Chronicle Books is amazing!My book is called "Furniture Makeovers" and will be released on May 1st 2013! It is 192 pages of tips, tricks, transformations, tools, and everything else!Mark your calendars and order your copy today!xo,Barb

Found Goodness: Soap that keeps on giving. Hand in Hand.

I am excited to talk about soap today! I received an inquiry from Hand in Hand sustainable suds asking if I would be interested in reviewing their product, and I have to say that the packaging and photographs had me from the get go. I am a sucker for great branding and packaging, and Hand in Hand sustainable suds does both of those really, really well. Even more important than the branding and packaging though.....is the mission of Hand in Hand sustainable suds.Here is a little bit more about how these suds are made:> Certified by the Natural Products Association and  Fair Trade USA> Vegetable based> Vegan> Palm oil free> Biodegradable> Gluten free> Paraben free> Petro chemical and cruelty freeThe beautiful labels and packaging are made from recycled materials and printed with vegetable based inks. Ok....so if all of that wasn't socially responsible enough, the lovely people at Hand in Hand sustainable suds donate one bar of soap for every bar purchased to orphans in Haiti in order to help stop water born illness and disease. Also, Hand in Hand sustainable suds donates funds to help build micro business funding for small businesses in disaster ridden countries. Instead of their donations being detrimental to the culture and putting local vendors out of business.....they help fund small businesses and get them back on their feet. So cool!I decided this is absolutely something I wanted to talk about and promote.....because I believe in what they are doing....100 percent...... and hope that I can follow in their footsteps with my business and reach a community of people for the greater good. So inspiring to me!I did not receive any monetary compensation for writing this post, but I did receive three bars of soap to try out......and I am so happy to report that the quality of the soap indeed matches both the fantastic packaging and the quality of the business! So much so, that I keep one bar at home and one bar at the studio! This soap is super soft and creamy with the faintest and sweetest smells of lavender, citrus and white tea. I will definitely be ordering more when my supply runs dry. This soap is wonderful.Read the founding couple's sweet story here, and help support what they are doing!Rub a dub.xo,Barb Blair  

Found Goodness: Blast from the past

I enjoyed so many things about the 1288 Pendleton Street location: The huge front door that was much easier for loading and unloading furniture than having a standard sized front door, the large window in the front of the studio that faced the old mill and let in lots of natural light, and the fact that it is where I worked on and photographed the entire Knack book. I had so much room to spread out and work on furniture and was able to crank out multiple pieces at one time.Seriously, in this space I logged many, many hours and worked really hard for the last 2 1/2 years. I focused solely on furniture production and the book.....this space was a "work horse" for sure, and was absolutely perfect for this time in Knack history. A great step which led me to where I am now....and that my friends is what we will talk more about tomorrow!xo,Barb