heysusy

Grubby Mitts

Happy Monday, All. Not a huge post for today...but hopefully a nice one all the same. I am going to be pretty busy this week doing follow ups from the Stationery Show and making sure all the New Product is ready to ship out on time.

But I really loved these little gems from The Lake and Stars...and consider this pattern design to be really interesting. Thumbprints -- perfect for underwear. But I can also see these as a really interesting exploration on...say...white denim jeans? I think they're at once really trend forward, quite beautiful and expressive...and yet pretty funny, without being overly ironic. What do you think?

Images found here

Collection News

Good Friday Morning, Everyone. Well, what a week it has been. I have to say, I'm pretty wiped out physically and mentally right now, but in so many ways, this week has been a turning point. Up here are a couple of images of what I have been busy with.

The top image is a new pattern I've created for paper, called Kilim Weave, which was probably, to my surprise, the best seller. I wasn't quite sure if the paper market would really like the sort of tribal look. But, I really wanted to celebrate a design style that is so inspiring to me, and to adapt it for paper.

A little history on the Kilim shape -- it is actually, in weaving, the symbol for a star. At this point, I found that particularly inspring, both from a personal and professional standpoint.

The bottom is an image of my booth at the show

I've definitely got thoughts on the show, and on the state of business in general, so I hope to assemble them sometime soon. I will tell you that this year, the Stationery Show was different. I can't exactly figure out how...but will be thinking about that more.

Have wonderful weekends all. Anyone who came by at the show...thank you so much. It was a pleasure to see you, speak with you, and get to know you better.  Susy

***update***
Perhaps you've been following this post over at Design Sponge...it's quite interesting, and is something I was thinking about prior to working on my collection, and to participating in the Stationery Trade Show.

I've never done this before, but here's a video I made on the topic. I highly recommend you watch the initial video on Design*Sponge first... and this one by Megan Auman too.

On Innovation and a Recent Trade Show from Susan Connor on Vimeo.

 

Showbound! { National Stationery Show 2011 }

 

 

Well, it's that time again...

I have participated in the National Stationery Show for three years now, and this will be my fourth. I am so excited to debut my newest collection, Near and Far, and my trio of 2012 calendars. It's been amazing to see things really come together over the past couple of weeks, as the finishing touches are added, one by one.

Up above, images of the catalogs (Ignore the puffy hand. It's hot in here today and my knuckles are livin' large!)

Lastly, a picture of a special packaging design touch on the reverse of my new boxed notes - inspired by a conversation thread on Twitter about the changing relevance of the handwritten note in today's busy world. It was my opinion that the handwritten note is actually more relevant than ever because it is exceedingly rare, and that makes it more meaningful, and more of a style statement. Your thoughts?

I hope to share more images as the show progresses. I am heading over today to begin preparation on our booth.

Mother's Day

 

Well, Mother's Day is coming up, and I just thought it might be nice to use that as an excuse to post a couple of cool mom photos. The top photo is of my mom removing a splinter from my paw in our back yard. My Dad built that picnic table. The bottom is of my mom on the back porch of our Turquoise Mansion.

I often sit around and think about my childhood. Sometimes, I stop and think, oh my gosh. I can't believe how great my mom was. She was different than all the other moms in town. She took charge. She got involved. She got her hands dirty. She was strict, yet loving, never trying to be my "best friend". Instead of buying me clothes and Barbies, she taught me how to make impressions of animal footprints with plaster. She made pinatas. She sewed our clothing. She made me a Tee-Pee. She indulged me, but taught me the meaning behind indulgence. She was down to earth and realistic. She taught me to look around and notice the world. Notice how other people feel. Include people. Be polite, but don't be shy.

She still is truly different. She goes to Socrates club and then out to gamble on the same day. She embraces life and has herself a good laugh. And with her, I have a good laugh, too. I am so lucky she is my mom!

Although I don't have kids, and don't plan to, I find that "motherhood" is really something we can all take part in in many ways; comforting, nurturing, and just being there for one another...accepting each other, and laughing together, are just a few.

Dad...you're next. So don't be jealous. I already have the photo picked out and everything.

Love, Susan

 

Open Endings { sculptural decor }

Today...a little furniture lust... I was taken by the shape of this table up top. It's made from an old barn beam. I really like the way the base makes one question what it is first, and then begin to think of ways to use it. One thing I love in design, is when an object serves a purpose, but also encourages more creativity.

Same goes for these tables. They're also made of reclaimed barn beams. I think my humongous vase would look great on these. What d'ya think?

Top: here
Bottom: here

 

Put a Bird on It

Tweet! *blush* Oh, my...well, this is embarrasing! You've caught me checking you out!

Don't let it ruffle your feathers. I AM a lovebird, you know...and It's only because I think you're so very cool.

Found Here

*****update*****
ooooooopsie. forgot to list the website of the actual artist here!

Photo Styling Inspiration

I fell in love with these images yesterday... They are by Roost, which is a lifestyle/home decor line with a large product span - I am pretty sure the foray into jewelry and accessories is new for them.

I always enjoy seeing thier products and the chance to pop into their showrooms. I really love the way that these simple shots use tone on tone textures and contrast to create such an eyecatching, yet simple product montage.

Image via Orange and Pear
Roost website here

WEEKEND WANDERING

Thought I'd share some weekend tidbits...Inspiration?

Found this vintage handpainted vase in a thrift store. This was a case of having to have.

I was talking with a friend the other day and we were joking about how I like everything big. Big jewelry, big decor...there's a lot of stuff i like out there, but would like a whole lot more if it was about 300% bigger.

And below, found this photo of flowers among my inspirations...pretty much I am loving anything fairly chaotic. Florals are all over NYC right now in fashion, decor, accessories...

How were your weekends?