Amy Butler Does DIY

In the textile world, Amy Butler is like a rock star. She does it all - designs sewing patterns, organic fabric, yarn, bedding, wallpaper, rugs, and writes books. Her designs are colorful, earthy and boldly patterned. Many are reminiscent of the era she (and I) grew up in, the 1970’s. Her style has been called, "vintage modern". I recently picked up a copy of the magazine, Where Women Create, Inspiring Work Spaces Of Extraordinary Women and Amy’s deeply patterned pillows grace the cover. The article that accompanies the image is an inspirational profile of Amy and her workspace.

A few months ago, the publisher of Where Women Create, Jo Packham invited me to join the ranks of women who have been featured in the magazine. It is an awesome opportunity for me and I am deeply honored. As a writer, I create wherever my computer is. That will be an interesting spread. Will they follow my trusty laptop and me to the local coffee shop? More about that to come…

Back to Amy…It is her work philosophy that truly inspires me (not that her designs aren't to die for):

“Being generous, fair, and honest in business and in life rewards you with grace and is it's own success. Giving back to your community is sewing what you reap (sharing the love)…Care for YOUR community and it will take care of you.”

Love it! I thoroughly agree with Amy about giving back to the community that nurtures you. I also like to support artists and designers who give back. Amy gives back to her fans too. She provides free DIY patterns. Here is the link to Amy Butler’s DIY pillows, scarfs, quilts, yoga bag, duvet cover and wall art. Sweet!

Credits: Amy Butler Design

A Clock With a Conscience (and a Mother’s Gush)

This clock not only looks good, it does good! It was designed by iconic graphic designer, Milton Glaser. Before I get to all that goodness, I have to tell you about one of my kids (gush). You may click away now if you have no use for that nonsense (the gushing). But if you stay, I promise you'll find out what this has to do with the clock.

My daughter is a very talented graphic designer/artist (gush, gush), who now has an awesome job in her chosen field. When she graduated from RISD, she landed a much-coveted internship with Milton Glaser. She got a rare glimpse into his design genius. Maybe even more importantly, she learned first-hand how a designer creates a culture of making a difference through design. You may recall, Milton designed the I ♥ NY logo for the New York State Department of Commerce. His design became the most frequently imitated logo design in human history. Anyway, my daughter shared with me a link to the Botanist-Socially Responsible Modern Products and Milton's Epigram Clock. Since I just wrote about clocks, it seemed fitting to add this witty one to the mix.

Now we can get on with the business at hand (thanks for not clicking away!) What’s so good about the Epigram Clock? It constitutes socially responsible design because a percentage of the proceeds from the Epigram Clock goes directly to the International Rescue Committee. “The IRC responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster.”

Socially responsible design seems like something we should teach to all kids. Maybe as consumers (and parents), we could set an example and start a socially responsible cultural movement of our own. Why? Because...time flies.

Credits: Botanist

5 Cool And Unusual DIY Clocks

“Ticking away the moments that make up a dull dayYou fritter and waste the hours in an offhand way Kicking around on a piece of ground in your home town Waiting for someone or something to show you the way” ~ Pink Floyd

One of the 5 clocks, sale buy called the ‘365? (above), cialis I just had to share with my knitting readers because it knits! Yes, order you read that right. The ‘365? is a knitting clock, created by German designer Siren Else Wilhelmsen, will knit you a scarf a year. How cool is that?!?!

Time and trends don’t stand still, so let these 5 cool and unusual clocks be the inspiration to make fun, funky and functional clocks. CLICK HERE FOR MORE

A Niche, A Knack and A Note

A Niche And A Knack The blogosphere is a curious place. Most bloggers happily tap away at their computers all day. People often ask me how I do it. My stock answer is, "I have a niche and a knack." I also have a Herman Miller Aeron Chair that supports my back, and a husband who watches it (spamers beware). The blogs I find most inspiring and click-worthy have two qualities - a niche and a knack. Great bloggers share their passion (niche), and their interactions with readers flow in a naturally upbeat manner (knack). Aesthetically appealing blog images don’t hurt either. A while back, I wrote an in depth article about blogging. You can read it here.

A Thank You Note

Being a blogger doesn't come with an expense account, but it has some perks – books to review, products to try out, interviews with stimulating people, being able to work in your pajamas, and sometimes a chance to review and visit an eco-resort in Jamaica. I am definitely following up on that last one.

A few months ago, I had the opportunity to meet and interview author, Dominique Browning. She is someone I came to admire when she was the editor of House and Garden magazine. Her latest book, Slow Love was delivered by my friendly UPS guy who said to me (again), “What do you do with all these books?” Well, this one I devoured. You can read my review and interview with Dominique here.

Here's how the blogosphere can work its magic: I was elated to see a recent post on Dominique’s, Slow Love Life blog, titled: Knit A Market Bag. It includes a link to my DIY Knitted Shopping Bag post. I can thank Dominique by asking you to check out her lovely blog. I think you’ll find that she has a niche and a knack worth signing up for.

Main Credit: Michael Maslin

Set Adrift: Driftwood Projects For The Nest

There’s something nostalgic about driftwood. It’s already lived a whole other life before it was uprooted from the ground and set adrift to sea. The sand, wind, water and waves have a way of uniquely weathering the patina of fallen wood like no manmade finish can do. Driftwood Rack

The DIY Driftwood Rack from Sunset is simple, beautiful and free. It’s the same idea as this coat rack.

Driftwood Headboard

This rustic handcrafted headboard lined up next to the linen bedding, created by artisan Trisha Rose, sets a calming bedroom mood. Doesn’t it?

Driftwood Table

This one-of-kind table made from a piece of driftwood we found along the shores of the Hudson River (see, you thought I was only partial to the ocean), sports a slab top of black walnut from a downed tree found on our property. Here’s a tutorial for making driftwood tables. We left out the polyurethane and used Gorilla Glue, which is non-toxic after it dries.

Driftwood Wall Art

My Uncle Danny was a master of reuse. His renditions of eco-art could be found all over the nooks and crannies of his seaside home that my cousin, Amy and her family now live in. He created this piece in the 1960’s, and it is still displayed on an outside wall of the home.

Note: Before you head out beachcombing for driftwood, check your local state beach authority for regulations about collecting scavenged wood.

Credits: All Driftwood Furniture, Sunset, Cabin On The Water

More beach-inspired projects: Beachcombing With a Purpose: 2 DIY Shell Projects DIY Decorating With Nautical Knots What The Sea Left Behind Sun Senses: Beach Inspired Home Decor