heysusy

Near, Far, and all the places in between...

I feel a bit guilty that I've been neglecting HS as of late. Basically, I've been busy working on lots of new products to launch, creating the catalog, the packaging, doing the pricing, making sure everything is logistically moving ahead. It's kind of like sitting on an enormous egg...

In truth, the launch is equal parts new designs and refocus. Since January, I've been thinking very seriouslly about my brand, myself as a designer, and the direction I really want to go in...what feels right?

The result is a special new collection called "Near and Far". I chose this name because it reflects the journey I have taken to arrive at the designs, but also it's an interpretation of the inspiration behind the motifs, the idea of bringing inspiration closer, making it your own. It also says a lot about myself as a creative entrepreneur...working intimately day-to-day, but also looking into the future, and being mindful of the past and it's lessons.

Anyway, there are fewer designs, so I won't be offering a huge reveal til May 15th, at the National Stationery Show, but before that, I wanted to offer a little context here. Happy Weekends All!

ps. If you'd like to be notified when the collection launches, I will be sending out a mailing, you can sign up here.

 

Take a Bow

Lots of people confuse design with styling or decorating. Not that styling and decorating are invalid...but I think it's important to consider the distinction, in terms of working creatively. Design involves more than just application, and in a way, it goes very deep. Design uses form, symbol, reference, and context to create something new and thought provoking...and of some use.

That being said, I consider these reversible bowties to be actual design. I really love the reference of the bowtie, with the traditional colors and patterns, flipped on it's head to make something wacky yet informed...

I came late to this party - they're no longer available. But they were originally designed by this person for this company.

Wild On

 

So, I suppose this post is my own roundabout way of letting you know I am having some fabric printed on Spoonflower. I'm excited to see how it comes out.

I found these animal fabrics while browsing the designer work on that site. While there is a lot of stuff that feels kind of derivative and not too exciting there, there are some real gems, like these prints up here. I love the use of color in each of them, and especially love the weird, informal sketchiness of the Calligram prints in the center. What fun.

Giraffes - reminds me of Scalamandre's Zebra Textiles
Calligrams - perfect for a kid's room. So fun.
Birds and Florals- love the use of color in this one.

The Bangles

There are certain things that make me feel wealthy even if I am not. One of those things is carrying a baguette sticking out of my totebag. Another is wearing old loafers while riding my bike. Another is drinking scotch on the rocks. There are not many, but there are a few tried and true methods that make me feel old money when I *could* be feeling no money.

One method I engage in daily, is wearing one big bracelet. Each morning, when I get dressed I...Hey....Wait...What are you doing??? Oh dear...I said ONE piece...Um...I see you are having trouble moving your arm. Too many bangles, perhaps. LIke I said, I do not recommend wearing all of these up here at the same time. Well, yes, of course, you may do as you see fit.

Anyhoo, I'd wear the one at the very bottom. The hinged style reminds me of something my mom would have in her jewelry box. Many designers are doing some really nice things with resin this spring - especially Marc Jacobs. 

Top to bottom: Marc Jacobs, French Connection, Marc Jacobs, Sobral, Kenneth Cole