Day to Day - Update

I've been anticipating Spring, in more ways than one. Above are a few photos of the goings on around here.

1. Beautiful handmade pendants I found from the tribes of Afghanistan.
2. And just a little reminder of the reality, a beautiful snow day in Toronto abut two weeks ago. It was an unbelievable amount of snow though it all disappeared two days later with the rain.
3. Shopping for colorful suede's, some beautiful new suede pouch's and bags will be part of the Spring wares.
4. More new fabrics for Spring - gorgeous distressed leather and Indonesian silk ikat.
(sorry those last two are so blurry - ugh - hard to get good light these days)

I am working on production now and don't have a date set for photography but if all goes well, some new designs should be ready in about two weeks time. Yay!

p.s. Are you on our mailing list? I'll be announcing things there first when they are ready - along with a special coupon code for subscribers. Enjoy your weekend everyone! xo

Color: Neon & Cobalt

While poking around Pinterest recently, as I am wont to do, I came across a fairly arresting color combination; neon green and cobalt blue. I couldn't get it out of my mind - so much so that I am working on a new bag design for Spring that combines these two colors. Every time it comes time to think about designing new products, I return to neon. You may recall me posting about neon here two years ago. It is STILL on my mind. The trend that just keeps on giving, apparently. I think the thing abut neon is that it is all in how you pair it. Neon on its own can be somewhat offensive but mixed with something natural or unlikely, like linen, it seems really fresh. What do you think?

 All  images taken from my Pinterest.

Treat Yo' Self

As it snows and snows outside I find myself spending inordinate amounts of time fantasizing about Spring and Summer; what I will wear, what I will drink, where I will go, what places around the city I will hang my hammock. It is a season full of possibility. As we hit that most depressing of times, the middle of February, it feels apt to reward oneself.  I am not a fan of big commercial holidays. I am a fan of presents however and listed above are a few items I have my eye on that I will be sure to make permanent fixtures in my home or wardrobe very soon.

1. Nanette Dress from Anthropologie. Last season but enterprising individuals can still find this number on certain websites. I fully intend to rock this dress this summer.

2. BlockShop. I have been a fan of the always witty and sharp Lily Stockman for a while now and love her blog. Happy to see this amazing project take off almost instantaneously.

3. Been plotting my great escape to Morocco for some time. I'm not sure if it is going to happen for me in 2013 but it won't stop me from dreaming.

4. Amazing chunky jewelry from Leif.

5. My future shoes. Handmade from Elf.

6. African woven baskets. Love! From Dioum

The Four Directions

 I designed these scarves last November as a little experiment in textile design and digital printing. I was really happy with how they turned out. I guess you guys are too because I only have one left in each color! I likely won't be making these again but hopefully trying out some new experiments in textile design this year. You can grab those last ones in the Etsy shop!

New Horizons

Source: blog.evablackdesign.com via gracedesign // on Pinterest

Source: coatsandclarksewingsecrets.blogspot.com via gracedesign // on Pinterest

Source: niceroom.tumblr.com via gracedesign // on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via gracedesign // on Pinterest

Source: inspiredbythis.com via gracedesign // on Pinterest

Source: coatsandclarksewingsecrets.blogspot.com via gracedesign // on Pinterest

So the big news around here is that I will be moving into a studio soon! Well, Grace Design will be moving that is. I will be staying put. The main idea is that I desperately need a separation in my life between home and work. For several years now, I have been operating the business from the very cozy confines of my dining room table, adjacent to my kitchen, in my bachelor apartment. Yes, that's right. The new space is small too, it is basically a cubicle in a large open concept warehouse filled with artists. But, I like the community aspect of this. I like the idea of once again leaving my home and going to work. Interacting with people every day. It will be a good thing. Some images above that have been inspiring me as I dream of organized shelves of textiles and a dedicated table just for cutting! All taken from my Pinterest.

More from New York

 

So Etsy finally posted about the Pop-Up shop on their blog and posted their photos on Flickr and ya, I am still riding the vibes of this good times event. Seeing the photos was like re-living the experience and I just love how experiences become so much richer with time in memory, don't you?

I was really happy to see a few photos of my work station so I could post here as that was what is was all about for me. Also, wanted to show you a few photos from the last night, the big party that ensued with The Letterman Gospel Choir as that was one of the highlights for me. Also, that adorable girl with the blonde hair and the wings on her little gold shoes on stage? That's Jessie, the genius behind this whole event.

All photos were taken by Sarah Kerens. You can view all of them in the Etsy Photo Labs photo stream on Flickr here.