Big News! New Website coming in May!

 {My current - soon to be retired - website}

Big News, yes?  I’ve been working away with the web development team at Jordan Crown on my new website, which is to launch May 1, just before Surtex. I’m SO excited for this new site and can’t WAIT for you to visit it! I’ll also be moving this blog over to my new website, so please do follow me over there, as I’d love to keep in touch with you!

Why a new website, you ask? Well, there are many reasons – one being that I’m growing (yay!) so my current site isn’t built for me to expand as much as I need it to, and the work involved in making it expandable is pretty close to the work involved in creating a new one - sooooo I decided on just doing a new one.  And although I loooove the look of my current website, I am ready for a fresh look too.

From a business perspective, here’s some of the things I’ve chosen to update:

1)   I’m moving this blog over to my website. Goodbye Blogger! It’s been fun, but I’m ready to have everything all in one spot and to have more control over the design. So as of May 1^st, this blog will be gone and redirect you to my new one.

2)   My image galleries (& my online portfolio) all utilize Flash – which means that anyone who is looking at my site on an iPhone or an iPad isn’t able to view my galleries or my portfolio. And from a Google Analytics standpoint – that’s a lot of people. It's also not helping my SEO either.

3)   My new site will utilize responsive design  - which means that things will literally move and resize to fit multiple devices and screen sizes. This will allow my site to last me quite a few years by utilizing this structure.

I'm SO excited and SO swamped with working on a new site AND preparing for Surtex. It's been a crazy, creative, but fun season, and I can't wait to share it with you!

Oh, and because we are literally in the middle of developing my new blog, I need to close comments on this blog post – but I’ll be sharing this over on Facebook if you'd like to comment.

Book Review: Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking

I recently finished the audio-book 'Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking' by Susan Cain, and just HAD to share my thoughts with you! If you are an introvert, are married to one, are in business with one, or have an introverted child, I highly recommend this book. (BTW-I listened to the audio book and found the voice of the speaker quite perfect to listen to.)

In addition to highlighting the strengths and power of introverts, this book also shares about how America became such an extroverted culture, and compares it to China's respect for quiet and reflection. How to choose a job that suits your energy needs or to set-up 'restorative niches' – places you can go or things you can do to recharge. Why brainstorming and open work environments don't bring out the best in anyone. How to understand your introverted child, meet them where they are at, support them and help them grow in the way and pace they need it. This book is also backed by a lot of research and scientific study. What I also love is that it shares quite a bit about extroverts and doesn't make them look like the bad guy. It shows the strengths of both types.



One of the many big take-aways I have from this book is the research behind open work environments. Have you worked in a corporate environment where they decided to get rid of your single cubicle, and open up the area for many of you to share a space in the pursuit of a 'more collaborative environment'.  This book shares study after study about how this model fails each time. Studies show that both introverts and extroverts are not able to be as productive as when they sit by themselves, nor come up with their best ideas when sharing an office space.

I myself am an introvert. I get recharged by spending lots of time by myself, vs extroverts who get recharged by being around people. I'm married to an extrovert. My parents are extroverts, and many of my close friends are extroverts as well. I love extroverts! I also love introverts and they hold a special place in my heart because I can relate so well to them and their inner lives. I have a huge passion for Myers-Briggs and Keirsey temperament sorters and research, and love to help people understand themselves and those close to them, using these tools. Because of these tools, for a long time I've been perfectly OK being an introvert, and knew the powers we had, however, I still found this book validating, interesting and powerful.
 
As part of my job presenting trend, color and print, I've needed to give multiple presentations a year. Learn how to project my voice. Not say 'um'. Prepare what I'm going to say, and articulate it to an audience. For my entire life I've heard how I need to 'grow', to be less like myself and more like _______. This book is the first time I've truly heard not only that it's OK to be an introvert - but that we have unique strengths and power to contribute to this world, and the world needs us just as we are. What I love about this book is that it doesn't give me tips on how to become more extroverted. It accepts introverts for who they are and shares tons of research and case studies to back up the power of introversion.

Yes, there's room for all of us to grow. I'm thankful for all the years that I had to give presentations as I went from shaking and freaking out, to finding my voice and speaking what I was passionate about. I know what does and doesn't work for me now. However, I think it's important for all of us to know that we can only grow within who we are, and can really only grow and stretch by a few degrees. We will never be able to be someone else. We are who we are and that's a beautiful thing.

Moyo Digital Magazine Feature - Fashion & Fabric

Issue 3 of Moyo magazine is out, which includes an interview with me talking about 'Fashion and Fabric'. In this interview I answer questions like 'How to submit your work to a fabric company', explain the differences between designing for fashion and bolt fabric, and I walk you through my thoughts and process for designing my Hope Chest fabric line.

Also included in this issue is Amy Butler who talks about the business of design, a fun designer diary from Jessica Swift, and other great pattern news and information that I'm sure you'll love. If you are a textile or surface pattern designer, I encourage you to read this issue of Moyo which is all about fabric!

If you haven't heard of Moyo magazine yet, ‘MOYO’ (pronounced mo-yor) is from the Japanese for ‘pattern’, and was started by Rachael Taylor and Beth Nicholls.

Please feel free to share this resource on your blog, in your newsletters etc and tell all your friends about it. Visit the website and scroll down for details of how to share it. MOYO is free and they want to share the wonderful world of surface pattern design with as many people as possible! 

 

 

If you read my interview and have any further questions about fashion and fabric, please post them in the comments section and I'd be happy to answer them!

My Word for 2013

After spending last week building out my goals for the year, budget and design calendar, I finally feel caught-up to 2013 and ready for it to continue to march to its beat. As I've been planning away, one word has been pressing on my mind and heart to be my focus for 2013...Intentional.

Intentional: Done with intention or on purpose

With 2012 being my first full year in business, I chose to ride the wave a little bit so I could be flexible enough to learn the ropes and see what types of things I would be juggling with my "new" business. As a planner type personality, it was really hard for me to do that, and to be honest, it kinda drove me crazy. Although I learned quite a bit last year, I'm excited to really focus in 2013 and be intentional. Propelling. Forward moving. Purposeful.

What's your word for yourself for 2013?

Happy New Year! 2012 Review

Happy New Year everyone! I hope you had a wonderful holiday season and that your 2013 is off to a great start! I absolutely LOVE a fresh, new year — however this year I already feel behind by a few weeks. Bummer. I'll have to catch up now or forever feel it as the months go by!

Well, I thought I'd go ahead and recap my 2012 so I can reflect on the things that I'm so thankful for as well as be able to officially close the door so I can move forward.

Overall, as I look back at 2012, it was a big year! Full of new product launches, new partnerships with companies, and for my business, it was getting the foundation laid and processes put into place to strengthen my years ahead. I also finally started to take care of myself...regularly.

So with that said, here's a review of my 2012 both in business and my personal life...

* 2102 was my first full year being self-employed! I loved every minute of it and can not tell you how thankful I am to be able to do what I get to do. So 'thank you' to all of you who make it possible.

* This was an exciting year as my artwork launched on a variety of licensed product lines including fabric, stationery, holiday cards, desk organization, personal organization, tote bags and cake! Psst...and more to come in 2013! (Which I'll be sure to share as soon as I can!)

* Throughout the year I was absolutely fortunate enough to be featured in Uppercase Magazine, Sew It All, Print & Pattern Blog, be interviewed for A Field Guide to Fabric Design by Kimberly Kight, have my licensed products featured in a handful of industry publications, be quoted in Pinterest Power, see Randy Jackson wear my print on American Idol, and even appear on a PBS TV episode with Sew It All! (Which BTW was one of the scariest, most interesting and rewarding thing to do!)

* After 5 years of owning a home out of state and being landlords, we finally were able to sell our home and move on with our lives. What a great feeling!

* I started weight lifting. Yes, you read that correctly. Me? Yep! I started this book called The New Rules of Lifting for Women: Lift Like a Man, Look Like a Goddess. I highly recommend it! I don't know that I would say that I 'look like a goddess' but I bet I can lift more than some men now! And no, my muscles aren't huge. Girls, it's good for you!


* I attended Quilt Market for the first time (psst...AND met Anna Griffin! and Amy Butler and Tula Pink and Patty Young!)

* Thankfully Quilt Market was in Kansas City, so since we lived there for 2 years (when I worked at Hallmark), we made a mini-vacation out of the trip! My husband (& his parents) came with me and we had a chance to catch up with good friends & family=a WONDERFUL and much needed trip!!

* AND Quilt Market and Surtex were back to back - eek! So I took 2 weeks off and flew from Seattle to KC, then from KC to NYC all while carrying 3 overweight suitcases (NEVER again!...wait, I think I said that last year...)! I dropped off my husband to head back home to Seattle, and took my good friend Laura with me to NYC for Surtex.

* Attended Surtex 2012 and had a blast seeing current clients as well as meeting new ones

* The first morning of Surtex 2012, we walked in to find my back wall completely on the floor and learned that we rock & handle it when things are stressful. Funny that this should show up as an accomplishment, but hey, it sure felt like one!

* Hired a lawyer to write and review my contracts

* Upon shopping, I noticed 2 different companies who knocked-off and/or stole my artwork which turned into having my lawyer send out 2 Cease & Desist letters. (The not-so-fun part of running your own business). I would tell you all about it, but my lawyer advised me not to. All I would say is be sure you Copyright your work and have a lawyer in your back pocket.

* Painted a huge 10'x10' backdrop for my Hope Chest photo shoot, and had the photo shoot at the zoo's carousel

* Opened a pop-up shop to sell my holiday cards, gift tags, and 2013 Desk Calendars

* Finally, after many years of working really, really hard and long hours in the corporate world, and always putting off what I needed to do to take care of myself, this year I finally decided to do it. I finally went to Physical Therapy (which was prescribed to me by my doctor for the past 3 years & I never did anything about it), Acupuncture and a Chiropractor. No, I'm not falling apart, but it's amazing what years of stress does to your body...& years of sitting in front of a computer! Eek!

Overall, 2012 was an amazing year. Lots of learning and lots of growing, which is a great mixture. I've already sat down and set my goals for 2013, and I can say that I'm excited. Excited to wake up every day and run my business, create new artwork, build relationships with my current clients, and meet new ones as well. Excited to add beauty and creativity to the world. Inspired to continue to learn and grow. Inspired to give, and to listen, and to allow myself to be me.

If you made it through this long, picture-less post, thank you for reading! May 2013 be wonder-filled, prosperous and insightful for you. May it stretch you in good ways and may you get better and better at becoming the best version of yourself.

Happy New Year!

-Josephine

My Studio & Organization Tips

Those who know me, know that I love to organize - to have a place for everything and everything in it's place. I must admit though, that many times I am so focused on the work that needs to be done that things hardly ever stay  pretty and get put back into their homes. That would be quite an amazing super-hero talent and I admire those who have it! Well, as Fall has been settling in, I definitely got bit by an organizing bug at the same time as discovering The Container Store! (Which, for any of you have been there, you know already how much trouble that means!)

So instead of just putting things back in their places, I decided to completely rethink what was working for me and what wasn't and use my creativity to brainstorm ideas on solutions that would work best. Since I put so much work into it, I thought I'd share what I discovered with you, in the hopes that it would help you figure out what you need most in your surroundings, as well as to inspire you to get organized - at whatever level that means for you.

So, to get started, I would suggest taking a piece of paper and writing down (single or multiple) answers to these questions with regards to your stuff, how you work, and organization:

1) What annoys you the most?

2) What do you always find yourself reaching for?

3) What are the main things that you use every day and week? 

4) What is on your desk that you don't use often?

5) Where are your piles accumulating?

For example, here are my answers to these questions, along with some thoughts on solutions:

1) What annoys you the most?  

That I don't have desk space to work on my current project. BUT I am juggling multiple projects at one time, and need immediate access to these items. That my printer runs out of paper and ink constantly and I'm getting into bins and drawers to get ink and paper. That the piles on my desk get in the way of putting paper in my printer. That there are piles of mini notes & post-its....

SOLUTION: Add a desk shelf so I can stack my projects & have easy access to them. Move my printer ink and paper into a more accessible location. Find something to put my mini notes & post-its in when I need a clear desk

2) What do you always find yourself reaching for?  

Printer ink, printer paper, art supplies, ribbon, Pantone books, personal stationery...

SOLUTION: Put these items closer and in easier to access drawers and containers

3) What are the main things that you use every day and week?

Ruler, memo pad, sketchbook, note book, desk calendar, client folders...

SOLUTION: Make sure these items are on my desk and at arms reach length

4) What is on your desk that you don't use often?  

Books, journal, receipt organizer...

SOLUTION: Move those items off my desk to free up real estate

5) What is in that junk pile that you keep?  

Royalty statements, important notes, printer paper samples...

SOLUTION: Find a way to organize these by importance. Also, allow myself to have a 'junk' section where I put things I need about once a month.

6) Where are your piles accumulating?  

On top of my printer, on the floor, on my drawing table, on top of my calendar that I need to always look at...

SOLUTION: Add a desk shelf to put these on! Spend 5 min at the end of each day putting things back in their places.

 

After many hours in the Container Store and Ikea, here are my actual solutions:

1) I added a shelf to my desk (GALANT series from Ikea) that I could stack all of my working projects on. This way they are easy to get to and allow me some desk space for working on another project. This has been SUCH a lifesaver!

2) My junk pile reorganized. I purchased these beauties from The Container Store. One shelf is devoted to royalty statements and the 2nd shelf is devoted to items of medium importance. Right next to that are these mini drawers that I put the post-its and mini notes in that have info on them that I still need and want.

3) I purchased this to keep track of the items I need to add to my Art Licensing Manager database

4) Mini mood boards I created, using these fabulous magnet/cork boards, to put behind my monitor, to offer visual stimulation when working

5) My client folders (using my new file folders with my art!)

6) Office supplies

7) Easily accessible printer ink and business cards

8) Pantone books

9) A mini organizer to keep important notes and information I need to access

10) Research binders

11) Organizer that holds my sketchbooks and notebooks

12) These amazing sliding drawer bins that allow me to hide anything I don't want on my desk

Off to the left of my desk I re-organized quite a few things and purchased some items to make the area a little prettier.
1) Stacking Storage bin to hold my print inspiration tears
2) Stacking Storage bin to hold my color inspiration tears
3) Filing system to hold my organized print inspiration tears by type of print (graphic floral, painted/hand-drawn florals, geometrics, paisley, ethnic, medallions, damask, lace, texture.....)
4) Ikea flat files to store my drawing papers, hand-drawings, portfolio items, etc.
5) Matching magazine files to hold important magazines that I want to keep and don't want to tear from
6) Paper sorter with slide out trays to hold all the different types of papers I need to access for my printer, and other types of papers I need to access a lot.

Whew! As you can see, I spent a LOT of time re-organizing and finding solutions. Some of what I had was working before too, but I wanted to make things a little prettier (I am definitely an artist who likes to be surrounded by beauty!). I was definitely ready for a change too. I find that since my studio is quite small in comparison with the number of things I have in it, that I need to be quite organized or else my work environment will get frustrating and not be a pleasant place to work=not OK. I have found that it is SO MUCH EASIER now to pick-up my desk and studio because there is a place for everything that crosses my path. What used to take me time to think about where to put something, I am now saving it.

I admit, a lot of these solutions are kind of a no-brainer, but for me, it was actually taking the time to sit down and do something about it. I hope my organizing has inspired you to find out what you need to make your space more productive, or to introduce you to some fun new products out there that might be a solution for you! I'd love to hear what works best for you!

Mini Mood Boards

I've been organizing my studio like crazy lately (more on that next week...). It all started with me wanting to have something pretty in the background, while I'm working away at my computer. I learned from working in cubicles at Nordstrom, that when the cubicle walls were left the dull gray, that I truly felt very uninspired and had less creative energy. So I would cover my cubicle walls with fabric and papers that were full of color and gorgeousness. Surprisingly this completely helped! I definitely would feel my creative juices flowing and much more energized.

I've been working at home now for about a year and a half, and completely thought that the huge window I get to look out of and see beautiful trees and sky would be enough...but I found I was really ready for a change of environment. SO I finally decided to create mini mood boards to place behind my monitor, so I could just be surrounded by pretty colors and patterns and see them off in the background.

 

I found these Brocade Magnet Boards at The Container Store, and I HIGHLY recommend them! They are laser cut metal, and the blue that is behind the metal is cork board! (see where I'm going with this??) SO you can use magnets AND push pins!! I ended up gathering cards, swatches of paper and other do-dads that I had and used my iPop magnets and some push pins to hold everything in place. Now I just love sitting at my desk and being surrounded by prettiness! It's been very inspiring.

What have you discovered that helps you feel creative and energized in your working environment?

Rainbow Bright

This morning as I was waiting for the sun to rise, I looked out of my window and saw this gorgeous rainbow peeking through the fog and mist. I've never seen one show up in such a hazy sky before. Isn't it beautiful?! Just thought I'd share some prettiness with you this Friday morning. Have a good one!

Hope Chest Photo Shoot- Creating my Cross Stitch Roses Backdrop

 

As I'm waiting for my Hope Chest photo's I thought I'd go ahead and share with you a little 'video' I made of me painting my Cross Stitch Roses backdrop for my photo shoot. I posted on Facebook and Twitter, a little sneak peak of the backdrop, and today is the big reveal!

This backdrop I painted is based off of my new fabric "Cross Stitch Roses" which is a part of my Hope Chest fabric collection with Blend Fabrics. The 'video' is made up of photos I took while I was creating the backdrop, so you can see it being built little by little. I've never made a video before, so I'm crossing my fingers that this works. Do let me know if it doesn't (and send any tips my way) and I'll try to fix it! ; )

{Close-up of my Cross Stitch Roses painted backdrop}

I'm also including some photos of the backdrop I painted here too. I absolutely love how vibrant the colors turned out, and I can't WAIT to see the photo's from my Hope Chest photo shoot to see how it turned out there.

{Photo of my Cross Stitch Roses backdrop from my upstairs window}

I had an absolute blast creating this. It took me about 5 hours to do. I first took my 'Cross Stitch Roses' artwork, and sized one of my motifs in Illustrator so I knew what size I needed to make my stamps. To create my stamps, I cut out 'x' shapes from foam and then glued them to pieces of foam core. I then used craft paint in a variety of colors to stamp the design out onto a huge 10' x 10' cutting of muslin fabric that I laid out on my back patio (of course with a painting backdrop underneath so it wouldn't go through onto the patio!). I also used a gardeners kneeling pad for my knees in order to keep the experience from being painful.

{Me with my creation}

I hope you enjoy seeing a little part of the process and getting a glimpse into a little bit of the behind the scenes prep for my Hope Chest photo shoot. I absolutely can't wait to see the photo's and share them with you too. Hopefully in the next 2 weeks I'll have them and be able to share. Thanks so much for watching my little video! 

Surtex 2012 & NYC Recap

{Laura and I at Surtex 2012, Day 1}

I thought I'd post about some of the fab restaurants we dined at while in NYC, after the Surtex show each night. I had the pleasure of rooming with Morgan & Carrie from Ampersand Design Studio and Laura from Laura Parke // A Girl Who Makes, so most nights we hung out together in the city which was really wonderful.

I'm super thankful that the girls were 'foodies' because I would be just as happy ordering room service after a long day! BUT I had a blast and absolutely loved each place we went so I'm SO thankful those girls drug me out!

We went to A.O.C. which has a fabulous patio in the back which we stayed at for hours. We could barely see ourselves or the menu but thankfully our orders went in without a hitch and came out super tasty! Morgan took us to Extra Virgin which was the most wonderful, tasty place ever! I think we even ordered appetizers, dinner AND dessert it was that good. We did some shopping in Soho (Topshop being my absolute FAVE!) and stopped into a Herman Miller shop where I found and bought a pillow with a pattern on it that I had seen about 10 years ago, and have been searching for it ever since!

Before heading home, we all met at The Park and dined in their garden area which was just to die for! It was like we were in a green house with really high ceilings, trees growing through the brick floor and birds fluttering about (cute ones...not the seagulls we have in Seattle). The Park is right across the street from The High Line park which was so unique to climb up some stairs and find this pretty park and walkway right above the city streets. And lastly, I was able to hit-up Uniqlo for their Orla Kiely launch where I snagged a few T-shirts in her famous prints!

I had an absolute BLAST hanging out with and catching up with these girls! What a fun trip!! Till next year...

Surtex 2012: Year 2

 As I'm continuing with Surtex follow-up and chatting with companies about exciting possibilities, I thought I'd take a moment to fill you in on the show! First off, I must say that in trying to get my 3 suitcases under weight for airline baggage fees, I accidentally sent my camera with my husband to take home in his suitcase, so all I was left with was my iPhone for pictures. Sadness...

So, after flying in from Kansas City, MO on Friday night, it was time to wake up early and head to the Javits center for the last day of set-up. With 2 suitcases, a huge box, a tube full of banners and Starbucks in hand, we took any cab who would take us and headed to the Javits center to set-up my booth. My good friend Laura (Laura Parke // A girl who makes, from here) came to help me with the show and we were able to get everything set-up with a few hours to spare.



This year I was in a smashing new booth location #325 which was a 10'x10' booth, which means, more space to cover and decorate. With my booth design, I wanted to do something a little different and build upon what I did last year. I kept banners on the side walls, and also rented some shelves to put current and up and coming licensed products on. On my back wall, I created a layered and overlapping effect of my work, where I printed my artwork and photography showcasing my artwork over-sized onto large foam core boards and then created a few paper pinwheels to give the wall more dimension.

 {Hope Chest stationery & fabric}

{Hip Holiday stationery}

It was really fun to see all the products together on the shelves! I picked up my up and coming new stationery with Blend, the licensing division of Anna Griffin, Inc. which was absolutely delightful to see! My Hope Chest fabric collection which is coming out in July is also made into this beautiful high-end stationery complete with glitter, foil, die cuts...the works! In addition to Hope Chest stationery items is my Hip Holiday collection, which will also be coming out in my first ever Holiday fabric collection! I just LOVE this holiday collection and all the items it comes in!

{My awesome Wellspring licensed products!}

Also added to the shelves are a handful of the gorgeous metal products from Wellspring! I absolutely love these pieces and the colors they are in! My husband spray painted these 3-tier holders to take them from drab to fab.
 

 {Some of my NEW Stationery product coming out! Stay tuned...}

My new iPop magnets were sprinkled about, holding up the stationery on the magnet boards. There's a lot of new designs that just came out, that I'm excited to show you in the near future!

{Hope Chest display outside of the Anna Griffin booth at the National Stationery Show}

Another little treat for me was seeing this Hope Chest display with my designer bio on the outside wall of the Anna Griffin booth, to promote Blend's stationery items. What a treat! I love the butterflies and the kite they made! 

Ok, back to the show...Laura and I got in early opening morning (thank goodness!) and found my whole back wall to be on the floor! Gasp! Just when we thought we'd have time to eat our breakfast leisurely, we found ourselves in crisis mode repairing everything as fast as we could before the show opened. It was pretty stressful, but we were focused, amazingly calm, and just tackled it. I was completely overwhelmed by the kindness of so many of the other artists exhibiting who came over to see if they could help us, and bring us anything we needed. 
 
My booth was across from Kate Spain and she and her husband completely saved my life! They brought over tons of 3M Command Strips for me to use to patch my wall back together. Which is a huge lifesaver because I had taken almost all of my adhesives back to the hotel the night before and didn't have enough to use for a whole wall. Note to self: Bring LOTS of extra 3M Command Strips and keep them throughout the show. OH, and another Note to Self: NEVER buy non-3M duct tape! In my mad-dash through Lowe's I grabbed duct tape not even thinking that there were other brands or qualities out there. Now I know! Non-3M duct tape is not very sticky and with the overnight humidity in the Javits center, it was just a disaster.

After the stressful morning of the first day, things went really well. I had a blast seeing current clients in person after months of communicating over the phone and e-mail, as well as meeting new clients with fun, new possibilities! I'm still working on follow-up and communicating with new companies and will be able to gauge the awesomeness of the show more after a few more months. Overall, I had a blast and am really excited for the potential.

I roomed with 3 other girls, my friend Laura and Morgan & Carrie from Ampersand Design Studio. I heart every one of these girls! We had a blast going to fab restaurants and hitting up shops after the show ended each night. More about that in the next blog post...stay tuned!

Off to Quilt Market and Surtex!

After my home being transformed into a massive craft room, I'm gathering up the salvageable pieces from my whirlwind, packing them up and heading out!

I'm really excited about this trip because my first stop is in Kansas City, MO to attend Spring 2012 Quilt Market for the first time! I've been wanting to go for years so this is long overdue. I'll be at the Blend Fabrics booth on Friday, May 18th for the day. Please swing by and say hello and check out the debut of my new fabric line 'Hope Chest'! This is seriously my absolute favorite fabric collection to date. The colors are dripping with yummy-ness, the fabric quality is to die for, and the collection has some really fun and unique designs that I'm hoping you will just love. (And I'm currently planning an awesome photo shoot for this collection that I'll be sharing in July!...stay tuned!!)

My next stop is New York City for Surtex. I'm SO excited about this show this year! I'll be featuring my new work, have portfolios stocked full of delicious designs (for licensee's eyes only), as well as showcasing products from my current licensees. I'll be in booth #325 - swing by and say hello!

See you soon!

Reflection on 2011

 {Image via}

As 2011 comes to an end, and I'm working away on my calendar and deadlines for 2012, I'm finding myself reflecting on what has happened this past year. I absolutely love the optimism of what a New Year brings - the aspirations and intentions and the new slate for new beginnings.

I don't usually do this - reflect on the past year. I'm usually planning the future, not living in the current or the past (um, let me put down my 2012 calendar...). But after many conversations with friends, and going through a huge transition this year in my life, I thought it would be a good exercise for me & my heart and allow myself to reflect.

I thought I'd share with you my 2011 year in recap. Things that pushed me, inspired me and happened in my life.
* I became an aunt! My only brother had 2 twin boys, and they are just cute, balls of joy
* Worked with fellow Textile Designers on a print trend presentation and gave presentations to the company (previous day job)
* I read countless books on managing people & becoming a good leader, just in case my day job turned that way
* I actually ended up becoming a manager
* Within my day job, I developed a company-wide process for working with our new Print Studio, and rolled it out to a room full of leaders
* Met some wonderful women at work with whom I deeply connected with and had transparent & supportive conversations. All of whom had just the right thing to say at the right time.
* Helped a handful more of people figure out their personality profile
* Attended a wonderful friend's wedding and got to catch up with more wonderful friends
* After 12 years of dreaming of working for myself I decided to leave the corporate world and chase my dream
* I signed-up for and prepared for my Surtex booth in 2 months
* I had my first booth at Surtex 2011 in NYC
* Met lots of companies at Surtex and left with exciting opportunities
* My husband Jake and I shared our 10 year wedding anniversary!
* We vacationed at the Grand Canyon and went on to explore Zion National Park. Soaked up the sun, drove many miles, took lots of pics, and spent the last day watching HGTV in the hotel and having pizza delivered (hey, we don't have cable, so it was a TREAT!!)
* Got food poisoning from our 10 year anniversary dinner - lovely
* Signed a few contracts with companies - {psst - fun, new stuff coming next year!}
* Struggled with guilt feelings of absolutely loving what I do
* Allowed myself to be OK with it, to enjoy it, soak it up & run with it
* {Repeat the above 2...quite a few times}
* Went hiking a few times with Jake, after many years of putting it off because I 'didn't have anything to wear'
* Actually spent money on hiking shoes not heels
* Speaking of which - actually added T-shirts to my wardrobe - yes, seriously ; )
* Struggled with 'why am I not going to the gym 4 days a week if I have the time and theoretically want to?' Then realized I'm human.
* Since then, I've lowered my expectations & now find enjoyment in doing said task instead of obligation
* Did the 'Couch to 5K' running plan & started Pilates
* Filmed my first TV spot (details next year!), which is a huge accomplishment of fears for me, as I'm pretty shy
* My family lost my 32 year old cousin to cancer - melanoma - leaving behind 2 twin girls. (Please make sure you go to your dermatologist at least once a year. Especially if you love the sun.)
* Was overwhelmed by the love, tears & memories shared at her memorial
* Thankful for her in many ways, one of which is if it wasn't for her, I wouldn't have met the love of my life
* Beat my child-holding record by helping my brother out with family Christmas photo's
* Was able to keep said children from crying! Ya-hoo!!
* Spent fun times catching up with a distant friend
* Met with multiple friends during the day while everyone else was at work (I work crazy flex hours)
* Enjoyed every minute of it
* After 10 years in the fashion industry (extremely fast paced, high expectations & productivity), I have finally started to learn the meaning of work/life balance

What a year! I'm assuming I'm writing the above to myself, as it's pretty long and non-monumental to someone not living my life. I thought I'd post it so I could reflect back on it...and also to let you know a little bit more about me as well.

I gave up a long time ago on setting New Years resolutions, but I do like to aspire and set-out to be more intentional in my life. Sometimes I'll be great for a few months at something, then it'll fall by the wayside, only for me to get back on the bandwagon later on. I'm working on accepting this : ) I find the more I force myself to stick to a regiment with high expectations (even though I LOVE structure!), the more the happiness gets sucked out of me. Enter - realization that I'm human, not perfect and that life is a constant cycle & roller-coaster of wonderment and bummer-ness.

Enter 2012. I'm excited. I'm ready. I'm optimistic. I hope you are too. Whichever way you embrace a new year, I hope 2012 brings you much joy & awesomeness.

Heartspiration: Self-Determination

 {image via}

I was inspired today by this post from Tara Gentile, a creative business coach & consultant, and since this thought topic has been on my mind for - oh, about a month or two - I figured what better time to talk about it than now? (I apologize right now for the lack of beautiful, inspiring pics on this one!)

What's all this about? Self-Determination - and I'll throw in a few drops of discipline and consistency while I'm at it. Do you have it? Do you want it?

As many of you who have been reading along over the past few months have known, I left the corporate world I lived in for 12 years, and it's been about 6 months ago now (more about that here). Working for myself has been a wonderful blessing full of adventure, creativity and being able to take the reigns in my life like never before. Instead of being a quiet horse in someone else's carriage, I get to drive the carriage and shout my voice from the top of my lungs (which explodes with rainbows and flowers - just sayin'). Love.

Here's a little story about the journey and discoveries along the way of working for myself...

In the corporate world, I had a mentor. A pretty hard-core business minded one. Savvy. Brilliant. She asked what my passions were - I mentioned a pretty big one. She said 'I don't believe you, because if you loved it so much, you would make time to do it.' I bawlked. I wholeheartedly disagreed. I understood it was her point of view but marched in the opposite direction. (Hey, I'm a passionate creative, yes?)

I figured - 'when I work for myself, my life will look like FITB!'...balanced, gym goer, get my social life back, you name it, FITB for yourself. (I'll use going to the gym as an example because who can't relate to THAT one?) Then I started working for myself and wha? I didn't go to the gym. I had all this 'extra' time and I wasn't going to the gym. It finally struck me like lightening, what my mentor was getting at. Then I realized...I must not really WANT to go because I'm not making time for it. In theory I do, but obviously, if I really wanted to, I would make time to do it, not make excuses. I'd decide to put in the effort and the discipline.

Simple concept, but really, how many of us make excuses to not live the life we want? How many of us blame FITB for not being able to do FITB? Although I still don't whole heartily agree with what my mentor was saying, cause hey, LIFE happens, and it IS truly difficult to 'have it all', if not impossible. Wanting something doesn't mean it's going to auto-magically start happening when your 'excuse' has disappeared. It doesn't mean it's going to be easy or natural. It means you have to fight for it. To have self-determination. To have consistency & discipline. To push past yourself to achieve yourself.

Once I grasped that (yes, simple concept, but can be difficult to muster up the strength over and over again for each new thing you want to add into your life!) then I held the reigns tighter. Got focused & determined. Worked on consistency. And now I've said goodbye to the horse & carriage and am a steam engine.

How about you? What do you have a passion for that you're just not doing? What's standing in your way? How do you need to shift your priorities around to achieve the life you want and need to live? As Nike says so brilliantly - 'Just do it!'.

{PS - FITB=Fill in the Blank}

Leaving on a Jet Plane: San Francisco

 

{Ork City Map Poster of San Francisco}

Jake and I are heading out bright and early in the morning to San Francisco! My BFF I've known since 7th grade has finally found her true love after 10 years in med school, and is getting married in the awesome city! I'm SO excited to be a part of her special day. I'm sure I'll remember it forever.

We're only staying one night which is super-fast, but we're hoping to do some quick sight seeing in our spare time. I grew up in northern CA, so I've been to SF a few times - the most memorable time being deep sea fishing in the San Francisco Bay - but I haven't visited for about 10 years. Any of you have some tips of great places we should see, places to eat, or things to do??

My First REAL Vacation

A couple of weeks ago, Jake and I celebrated our 10 year wedding anniversary. We decided to take our first real vacation and visit the Grand Canyon. Pretty sad that it's taken us 10 years (and for me, my whole adult life) to actually take a real vacation - which to me is a vacation that doesn't revolve around visiting family or friends or to get a new job, but one where we can turn off the electronics and just BE.

It was quite breathtaking and spectacular, and a nice shake-up of warm weather from the dreary one we had been having in the Seattle area this year. I was kinda hoping to be a little sun-kissed by the time I got back so I could bask in the sunshine's warmth for a little while, but that SPF 60 really did it's job! Bummer - although I am glad I wasn't a crispy fry, like usual.

We slammed out the South Rim of the Grand Canyon in one day. Our brand new camera we bought was having technical difficulties and wouldn't snap a pic if it's life depended on it, so we were stuck with cell phone snaps on day 1 (although the pics above turned out pretty well, yes?). Low and behold we finally got it fixed (thanks to a brand new firmware download that just came out which saved our frustration level and camera-chucking-out-the-window reflex from happening).

So, since we had 4 days left to spend on our vacation we visited the North Rim and Zion National Park. Let me tell you - Zion stole the cake! It was breathtaking and beautiful. Instead of looking out across vast amounts of canyon we got to be down in the canyon looking up. Although I'm not an outdoorsy kinda girl, I could definitely appreciate the beauty!

I think this has definitely taught me to take more real vacations in my life and more regularly. I'll have to start compiling a list of places to visit. Anyone have any favorite spots for weekend getaways or real vacations? I'd love your recommendations!

On another note - 10 years of being married has been such a wonderful adventure! I'm such a lucky girl to be married to my best friend and favorite person in the world. I remember on our first anniversary saying 'I can't wait till our 10 year' - and here we are - time just flew by in a wink. Looking forward to the next 10+!

What's Your Path?

{This photo is from a hike Jake and I went on earlier this week - one that is about 15 minutes away from our house. That's the beauty about the Seattle area - nature's all around you and right outside your doorstep! What's great about this trail is that it leads down to a rocky beach and ends right at the ocean. I love how trees on all sides surrounded us!}

Recently I had the opportunity to catch up on visiting some blogs - not pretty ones, but informational ones. I first went to Scoutie Girl (I haven’t been there in years!), and then found myself clicking here and there for hours, discovering the rest of them. I got something out of each of these so I thought I'd share them with you, just in case they have the opportunity to inspire you:

1. SCOUTIE GIRL - Where passionate creatives connect, converse & commune

2. WHITE HOT TRUTH - by Danielle Laporte. Because self-realization rocks

3. TARA SOPHIA MOHR - Wise Living. Life Coach

The common thread between the above influencers is that they each dedicate their lives to living them with purpose and to be wholly who they are, and to help others determine what their true gifts, strengths and calling are. To stop trying to be someone else, figure out who you are, and be the best you, you can be. Each one of us has something unique to offer this world in a way only you can - to the people who are around you, to a small platform or a large one.

Anyone who knows me knows I'm a sucker for Myers-Briggs or Keirsey personality profiling. Just mention it a little bit or start questioning your life's purpose around me and you've got my attention for hours. Oh my poor friends! If you haven't done so already, I highly recommend taking the 20 minute test through Keirsey and then reading your profile to see what resonates with you. I also recommend taking the test Find Your Strongest Life by Marcus Buckingham who has written a series of awesome, life inspiring books - one of my personal favorites being Strengthsfinder 2.0.

{from A Thoughtful Place blog}

I get quite a few e-mails and direct questions here and there about textile design. What’s interesting to me is that many people think they want to be a textile designer, but have never drawn in their life, or they want a quick answer and don't want to put in the time to learn it or become great at it. It seems they may perceive the life and job of a textile designer to be glorious and therefore want to be/have that even though it's not who they are and not their true passion.

I’ve even had conversations with people who decide to take the textile design path, but when I ask them what their true passion is, they tell me and it’s completely different, and something quite uniquely them and wonderful. But they are afraid to take that path and follow their heart and don’t know how they could make a living doing it because they have not yet plugged in to people from that industry or done the research.

{from Pennywishes on Etsy}

I guess, on a lighter note, haven't we all done that? Haven't we all looked up to someone or some profession and just admired and longed to be that? I know I have, to be honest. But there comes a time when it's time to stop dreaming and DO. To realize who you are, what your gifts and strengths are, what makes you excited and what drains you, and to find a career, purpose or mission that suits YOU.

{originally found on Kind Over Matter}

Blogging for me is quite uncomfortable. I'm such an introvert and not good at small talk when I meet with people – and I really dislike ‘tooting my own horn’. I feel fake, and I don't do fake well. I live with honesty in my heart and being, and have to believe it in order to be it. I live with conviction. I'm more the girl who enjoys sitting with a friend and talking about life and hard things that are going on, for hours. Depth. Meaning. Purpose. So, after some soul searching I have found that in order for blogging to be more exciting and less scary to me, I've got to learn to force myself to open up a little bit and release more of me, post more than pretty pictures - because I'm not being fair to myself or to you by holding myself in.

{from The Notebook Doodles}

I have quite a few friends, including myself right now going through this - discovering how to be the best you, you can be. They have lived their lives on a track for many years, and awoken to their passion and purpose - or realized that what they were doing in their lives truly wasn't them anymore or was suffocating their heart. I'm surrounded by quite a few people in my life, including myself, who have left their corporate jobs to work for themselves - all of us on the road to discovery.

I am now doing what I love and continue to discover more of my loves as the days go on – I love pattern on any surface and now my focus is to create artwork and design solutions for a variety of companies. I’m still figuring out the rest on this new journey – the part of my life that will give it meat and meaning and purpose. Perhaps I will be learning for the rest of my life – but the least I can do is answer the call of my heart and take baby steps towards it and learn to spread my wings little by little. Sure, artwork is beautiful and joyful to create – but to me, it’s not the same as pouring into people who need YOU.

Have you figured out your life’s path already? What is the path your life is on? What is your purpose? What makes you excited when you get to work on it, and what is so boring that you find yourself procrastinating time and time again? What is your personality type and what did you learn?