Thursday, April 16, 2009

Fresh Designs



















I'm really excited about the new designs that I'm working on here in the studio as I get ready for the Boston South End Open Market and all the other craft shows that I hope to participate in this year.

All the aspects of my process are delightful to me: designing graphics, screenprinting, sewing, and choosing colors for inks and bags and linings. The hard part, as a one woman show, is to be as efficient and effective as possible. I have to thank my friend Christina for recommending a great shortcut - making a digital mock up for new screen designs! As I'm working on the graphics, I import my image into photoshop and place the new design on an existing bag. It's pretty awesome.



















These samples are incredibly rough drafts, but it's a sneak peek into what I'm working on! And I'm open to suggestions about what you might like to see on the bags. My friend Alison thought a pterodactyl is a good idea and I agree.

Have a great weekend and thanks for stopping by!

Friday, April 10, 2009

My Birthday Already?



















I turn 29 today! It's a young age, I know, but it's also a very real feeling that my twenties are, in fact, coming to an end. In preparation for today I made a list of my accomplishments since last year. I think it's a good way to appreciate where I am and to be grateful for all that I have and have done. Here are a few highlights:

Got accepted into a Masters program at ASU (though I didn't enroll)
Moved from Phoenix to Providence without having a job lined up
Bought my first bed frame
Opened my Etsy shop
Learned how to drive in the snow
Gave myself permission to relax!
Learned how to screenprint
Got a really cute new phone
Started writing my business plan

My philosophy in life is that there is no place to arrive, no real finish line to cross. It's not what you have, it's what you do and how you act in any circumstance that defines your self and your character. 29 is just another number and another opportunity to create an exciting and fulfilling year!

And above all, I am so grateful for all the amazing family and friends I have in my life. I love you all and appreciate you more than you could ever know.
Cheers!

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Weekend Projects

Another hectic and productive week. Though I battled a persistent cold this week I managed to have lots of adventures and make some new work. I am definitely a branch from the workaholic side of the Cherry Family Tree. We don't really understand the idea of "resting" or "relaxing." This is definitely one of the reasons I knit - to keep my hands working at all times.



































In my efforts to create new imagery for my screenprints I visited the RISD Nature Lab. The lab was founded in 1937 and has an amazing collection of dried plants, bones, shells, and yes, taxonomied animals. I was a little nervous when I picked up a dried out turtle and it was really unpleasant opening the case full of dried crabs and seahorses. Think of a package of dried cuttlefish - overwhelmingly salty! So I found myself sticking to pieces of dried fruit and seed pods and other flora.

I also used my weekend to test a needle case design for double pointed sets. These little guys get lost all the time and I wanted a small case that can wrangle them in style. I love the look of the prototype but it needs a top flap to keep the needles from slipping out when the case is closed up. I had a near disaster in the car the first day! So it's back to the drawing board.


































I also want to point out the adorable fruit patterned fabric I used for the pocket. I love the springtime colors. Speaking of spring, why is it still 40 degrees out!?! Happy knitting & living to you all!