How lovely are these old photographs of Grace Kelly? They were taken during a trip to Jamaica with her sister Peggy in 1955. The photographer, Howell Conant, went on to become her official photographer as Princess of Monaco. Such a timeless beauty. Adding to the inspiration board…
(via K.I.D. collective)
I am absolutely smitten with the oil paintings of artist Janet Hill. Her subjects are all dressed so smart and positively ooze vintage glamour. I love their saturated color palettes—can’t you envision one of her canvases hung above the mantle in your living room? I could, if we had the luxury of having a mantle that is… Anyhow, be sure to visit Janet’s website and shop, she paints fantastic interiors too! I think the girl with the ship in the background is my favorite—it’s so Coco Avant Chanel. Do you have a favorite? Do tell!
I wanted to leave you with something beautiful this weekend and the paintings of Kate Long Stevenson are quite perfect for the occasion. The young artist is a native of Greensboro, North Carolina and graduated from University of the South in 2003. Her work is already being exhibited in galleries throughout North Carolina, as well as in Atlanta and Chicago—one quick glance and it’s not difficult to see why. I first found Stevenson’s work via Style Court and was immediately smitten. You can see the influence of Degas’ dancers in much of her figurative work and many of her bold color palettes recall Henri Matisse’s paintings in the south of France. I love the femininity and variety of her work—abstract to landscape to figurative. I hope you enjoy these pieces and have a lovely weekend! Any big plans? Tonight John and I are going to our favorite diner for the most delicious cheeseburgers and fries and tomorrow I’ll be scouring flea markets and an estate sale or two—can’t wait! XO
(all images courtesy of kate long stevenson)
Today I’m lusting after these colorful woven journals from the Guatemalan Weaving School and this chic straw tote woven by women in Morocco. Not only are they gorgeous, but they also help a good cause. Funded by Nest, a group that provides interest-free loans to artisans in developing countries, the craft-based businesses pay back their loans in merchandise which is in turn sold online to people like you and me. When we buy from Nest we’re helping fund the next cycle of artisans in places like Tanzania, Mexico and Peru. Buy up ladies!
I love this photograph by Youngna Park for three reasons. One, I love pennant flags. Two, I love bright colors. Three, I love Manhattan’s East Village. It’s my old hood and I miss it dearly. Did I mention an 8″ x 10″ print is only $20 today? Buy it on 20×200.
Right now I am wishing with all my heart I had a spare $500 and could snatch up one of the 14 remaining editions of this print on 20×200. I’m obsessed, I swear it made my heart skip three whole beats… It’s by French photographer Christian Chaze and it would look oh so very stunning on my wall. Weepy sigh…
P.S. Thanks to lovely Anna at the Quilted Giraffe for introducing me to this amazing site!
I don’t know about you, but I’m really happy it’s Friday. The sun is out here for the first time in what seems like weeks. It’s a good day to be alive. I’m about to return to my bubble wrap (shipping, shipping, shipping), but wanted to leave you with some pretty images by the lovely Abby of Abby Try Again. All of these are available as prints in her shop. Aren’t they lovely? Hope you all have a fantastic weekend! Anyone have special plans??? XO Katie
I seriously need a little baby boy (okay, maybe not quite yet…) so I have an excuse to buy this darling, modern Creatures A-Z screen print by Bold & Noble. Isn’t it just plain awesome? I love the camel for “C”—too darn cute.
John and I finally saw The Young Victoria last night and it had me longing for an English country manor with an endless garden. I’ve always been fascinated by British royalty and the love story of Victoria and Albert had me all weepy—such passion and devotion! I hope to get back across the pond soon, but until then I’ll be lusting after this fun queen painting by Anne Harwell of Annechovie. Isn’t the graphic chevron pattern fantastic? Long live the queen!
I am a huge (please note the bold, italic AND underline) fan of the work of today’s Plucky Pioneer and I have a feeling you probably are too! Breck Hostetter is the woman behind the brilliant work of Sesame Letterpress in Brooklyn, New York. Perhaps you’ve seen their beautiful creations for sale in John Derian’s shop or in magazines like Martha Stewart Living…? Breck founded the company with her husband, Matt Heindl, and together they’ve met great success designing and printing custom stationery, invitations and so much more. Breck is also the co-owner of Brooklyn Social Cards (yes, ladies, she’s a double Plucky Pioneer!) the maker of the chicest calling cards on earth. I am personally thankful to Breck because she printed the most beautiful custom stationary for John and me (an engagement gift from Miss Jane Warren) that I just adore! Jane also recently took a letterpress class taught by Breck and Matt at their studio and said it was AMAZING. How much fun would that be? I want to move back to New York just to sign up! Read on for words of wisdom from the lovely and oh-so-talented Breck Hostetter…
Five words used to describe yourself.
quirky, dedicated, sentimental, hard-working (I am counting this as 1 word), kind (I hope I am). [Above, Breck at work on a press in Sesame's Brooklyn studio.]
What inspires you creatively?
Victorian-era graphic design and book design, vintage wallpaper, fabric, children’s books, plants and animals…
How would you describe your personal design aesthetic?
Our letterpresses are circa 1880’s and I love using these presses to print work with vintage inspired elements in bright, contemporary colors. All of the prints we do, from invitations to business cards, greeting cards etc… have elements of this aesthetic. [Above, ridiculously cool letterpress zebra coasters currently available for purchase in Sesame's online shop.]
What propelled you to found your own company?
I have always made things to give or sell. For years, I did this on the side while working daylight hours at full time jobs. It was always my hope that one day I could eventually dedicate my full attention to my own business. I ran my print shop during the evenings and weekends for about 4 years before I finally calculated that I was working 41 hours at the studio and 40 at my regular job so I quickly quit the day job and became a full time printer.
Most glamourous part of owning your own company?
Hmmm. I’m not sure how glamorous owning my own company is on a day to basis but there are definitely some perks. One time I traded services for a really nice dress. I’d say that being able to meet and work with really interesting people is one of the best parts of my job. [Above, the Brooklyn studio.]
Least glamourous part of owning your own company?
Working all of the time, doing bookkeeping, juggling many deadlines, always trying to please custom clients and making sure there is enough work to support my staff.
Best business advice you’ve been given?
I’m constantly accepting advice. [Above, whimsical business cards printed by Breck.]
Creative businesswoman you admire?
I admire every businesswoman who juggles running a business, having a family and trying to be creative. I am constantly working at this balance and welcome tips from anyone else in the same boat!
What keeps you organized and on task?
My gmail account with lists and labels and calendar. There is no way I could run my business without this. [Above, very possibly the most beautiful wedding invitation I've ever seen---printed by Sesame.]
Moment you knew you’d “made it”?
I had a couple silly goals of printing projects for people I admired and having my goods in a couple stores I loved. When I was eventually given these opportunities I felt like I had made it. Really, anytime people tell me that they like my work, it feels validating. Right now I think that being able to take weekends or even just Sundays off and not turn on my computer would really mean I had made it.
Describe your typical work day…
Wake up and dress and feed my daughter. When the babysitter arrives, head to my studio. Stop on the way to buy a chocolate croissant and a coffee. Work with my assistant on printing projects. Leave in the afternoon to pick up my daughter from school. Play with her until she goes to bed. Then turn on my computer and tackle admin and design work in the evenings. [Above, a colorful ink palette at Sesame.]
Your dream project?
I’m lucky to feel like I do my dream projects regularly. These would be the ones I get to design and print for myself (without tight deadlines) or give to friends such as party invitations for my daughter and niece, wedding invitations for my sister, coasters for a friend’s surprise birthday party…
What goals do you have for your business in the future?
My dream would be to move the business to a town by the sea, open a small storefront and be able to take a break mid-day to go for a swim. I think this is more “my fantasy for my business in the future” but it is good to aim high. [Above, a vignette from Breck's desk.]
Advice to other budding creative entrepreneurs?
Do what you really love. Try to schedule time to see things and do things to cultivate your creative thinking. [Below, more cool coasters by Sesame. If only I were hip enough to live in Brooklyn...]
Be sure to check back tomorrow to see Breck’s Plucky Pioneer Cheat Sheet — her top picks for art, film, fashion and more! Until later… XO
I hope I’m not too old for a coloring book because I can’t wait to doodle in the one above by Matta. The illustrations by artist Claudia Pearson are beautiful and elegant in their simplicity. I love a clean line drawing and would happily frame that Taj Mahal on my wall. The books themselves are printed locally in New York and hand bound with colorful yarn. Next up are plans for Mexican and Moroccan coloring books… What’s not to love?
Thank you Miss Jane for yet another fantastic cheat sheet and Miss Foster for sharing her favorites with us! This Martha Graham quotation makes my heart skip a beat. Until later… XO
It is a great honor to introduce to you our latest Plucky Pioneer, the incredibly talented Bella Foster. Bella is a freelance artist based out of Brooklyn, New York and happens to be an acquaintance of my Plucky Partner Jane Lilly Warren. Jane snagged Bella for this interview and I couldn’t be more thankful! You may well recognize Bella’s work from the 2010 Kate Spade agenda and various other collaborations she’s done with the company. Her work has an innate sense of whimsy and fearless use of color that stole my heart long ago. I hope you enjoy this glimpse of her story. Without further ado, I give you the brilliant Bella…
What inspires you creatively?
I love looking at paintings in books, especially old art catalogs. I have this great set of pamphlets from the Metropolitan Museum of Art I found at a thrift store years ago – it was produced probably in the 50’s, of their permanent collection at that time. All the paintings are stamps, so you’re supposed to put the image of the painting (the stamp!) on the artist page yourself…I love just having the mini painting stamps. [Above, a photo of Bella at the sweetest house I ever did see. The first image is a room painted by Bella featuring details such as a blue John Robshaw pillow she spotted in a boutique.]
Plants, and flowers, and great textile design inspired by these things…like josef frank’s work. [Below, a gorgeous photograph of flowers taken by Bella.]
I sometimes look up interior designers to get inspiration, and I’ve found I love rooms done my muriel brandolini. and kelly wearstler’s recent work. I love that wallpaper she used that looks like a pink Franz Kline print. I actually have not idea if it’s wallpaper or what, but I like it. [Below, the Kelly Wearstler walls that inspire Bella.]
Friends. Oh a good friend of mine introduced me to this artist Mary Hackett, who lived in provincetown. She also painted interiors. I’d love to see one of her paintings in real life (I’ve only seen them in books). [Below, a Mary Hackett painting.]
Who are your design mentors?
Andy Warhol’s illustration inspired me to try it out. For designers: Alexander Girard, Josef Frank, and Mary Blair, for color and spirit.
THIS article in the New Yorker put Marc Jacobs on my list.
As for artists, I would also have to add Kiki Smith, Cindy Sherman, Mary Heilmann, Elizabeth Peyton, Karen Kilimnik, David Hockney, Alex Katz, Ricahrd Tuttle…
How would you describe your personal design aesthetic?
I like to find the magic in the ordinary. [Below, a magical Bella floral.]
What propelled you work for yourself?
I’ve been painting forever….but what made me quit my day job was the ‘do what you love and the money will follow’ school of thought.
Best business advice you’ve been given?
Do what you do because you’d do it even if no one ever paid you to. [Below, Bella's studio, including her adorable pup Alice.]
Creative businesswoman you admire?
I think I would have to say Tina Fey.
What keeps you organized and on task?
Deadlines! Real ones, and self made ones. [Below, one of Bella's illustrations for the charming 2010 Kate Spade agenda.]
Describe your typical work day…
First thing: coffee. then email. walk the dog, and weather permitting get some exercise outside. then get to work in studio. I prefer to not have distractions while working, no phone, no email. [Below, another photograph of inspiring blooms taken by the talented Bella.]
Your dream project?
I’d love to design some textiles that tell a story through the imagery…or are portraits of places or people using motifs and symbols. And since we’re talking Dream Project, I would also work with one of my favorite perfumers to create smells that go with the prints.
I’d also love to make some illustrated books that are all pictures and no words.
What goals do you have for your work in the future?
I would like to have a show of my paintings…the ones no one has seen yet! [Above, a painting of Bella's that is now making it's first appearance online!]
Advice to other budding creatives looking to start out on their own:
Well the obvious: Never give up! Be authentic. Expect miracles. [Below, Alice.]
Be sure to check in tomorrow for Bella’s Plucky Pioneer Cheat Sheet — her picks for travel, flowers and more! Thank you Bella!
I am absolutely, positively head over heels for the darling watercolors of young British artist Clare Owen. Sadly, I know little about the talent except that she loves “cats, tea, ukulele & all things French.” A fellow Francophile, but of course! Below, a photo of the artist from her Flickr account bearing the title, “My big face.” I think her “big face” is really quite average in size and actually quite lovely, don’t you? Below, more work by the talented Miss Owen. Wouldn’t you kill for one framed and hung above your desk?
