As today.....

Beautiful blue, yellow and red in the snow.

On the way to Toronto

Slowly I have been back to my studio and sorting pictures and memories from the last trip. Here a few images of what the most attracted me on our way to Canada and about the city. Unforgettable is the intimate time we had at Bookhou with a warm cup of tea and lovely conversation. The space is white, bright and calm, where everything on the wall and in display has a beautiful sense of aesthetic. I loved seeing Arounna and John working studio and shop attached, it has a special warm feeling to see the behind the scene of a blog I follow daily. They were also such a pleasure to meet! and because everything to me pretty much comes back to food, I loved going for brunch at Bonjour Brioche that perfectly completed our last day in Toronto!

Announcing.....

I'm settling after vacation and it is taking a bit of time to get back to the regular routine of work. But yesterday night my daughter helped to select one name out of the comments left on the giveaway and I'm happy to announce that Cat Taylor Design is the winner. I'm ready to send the package to New Zealand! Thank you everyone for the lovely comments and for participating. It was a lot of fun and I will make sure to offer more in the near future. Again, happy new year!

Buon anno nuovo

I will leave for the holidays, returning on my blog on January 4th. We are heading north, to cold and exciting Toronto, passing via Niagara Falls. I hope we won't freeze on the way, as to me seems rather a trip toward North Pole! I'll be back with some new pictures for the new year and ready for the giveaway! I wish all of you the best for the holidays and a fabulous new year!

Illustration by Guido Scarabottolo, a preview of the self-promotional Calendarbook 2010.

A thank you giveaway!

I would like to thank everybody that supported my work during the year, by reading my blog, leaving a comment or just by following my inspirations. Please leave a comment below by January Second and the morning of January 4th I will announce a winner for a little package of one spool of Bianco e Rosso twine, a sampler of Italian cotton ribbons and a set of six cards, with poems and illustrations extract from the limited edition book The Insectionary. I will have my children to randomly pick up a name from all the comments. I will ship the little present anywhere in the world! Thank you for visiting.

Italian cotton ribbons in use!

By shipping orders of cotton ribbons and twine all year, I enjoy immensely to collect photographs displaying the use of these materials. Already last year I posted some photos of several projects and I'm excited to arriving to the end of 2009 with as many or more samples of amazing work done with cotton ribbons. I love to see all the possibilities line up together. Thank you to everyone that contributed with their images and creativity!
Coming up a holiday giveaway, so stay tuned!

No.1 Papermade
No.2 Nouveau Design

No.3 Lizzy House
No.4 Maya*Made

No.5 Flora and Ceres
No.6 Jill Bent

No.7 Alee and Press
No.8 for Charym, packaging by Korn Design

No.9 Perideau Designs

No.10 Simple and Pretty
No.11 May Day Studio

No. 12 Parrott Design Studio

No. 13 Truly Smitten
No. 14 Bookhou
No.15 Purl Bee
No.16 Satsuma Press

No. 17 So Beautiful Paper

No.18 "Unlimited" a portfolio of prints
No. 19 Sewing on tapes , workshop in collaboration with Albertine Press

No. 20 My children drawings!

Shana Faust

Today I mailed some samples of cotton ribbons to a New York based stylist for a possible 2010 project. I find her work really amazing and some it might look familiar to you too! Enjoy Shana Faust site and I wish a relaxing weekend to everyone!

Super ribbons sale!

It has been a great holiday season and I'm ready to think head to 2010 and make some changes on the Italian cotton ribbons line.
I will discontinue some colors in the new year and I offer them now with 50% discount from the regular wholesale price! A good opportunity to find some ribbons you like for future projects and purchase them now at reduced price. Available in several colors, in large spools of 218 yards and rolls of 109 yards, please visit my online shop for color availability and further information. Quantity are very limited to one spool per color! I will be happy to send holiday orders until the morning of December 24th. Thank you all for your continue support and interest in my cotton ribbon line and special thanks to Nole and Bloesem for their posts on the Pikku collaboration! I'm always flattered to see my work on their fabulous blog!

Last notes on the Holiday Trunk Shows, part 2

A few notes on our Paper and Fabric at Michelle Willey home boutique, from the past weekend.
We were in a fabulous location, in a large space, with white and fire-bricks high walls . Jill and I were encircled by modern Finnish design, very new from her previous trunk show, white and colorful ceramics and bedding's, display perfectly on distressed old furniture. I loved the settings and we received a very good respond from the many people that came just for the show. The store was constantly filled! I'm very grateful to Michelle for hosting the event and to Jill for complementing my paper products with her lovely textile. And of course, thank you all for coming!

Last notes on the Holiday Trunk Shows, part 1

What an incredible time this past week! I was honored to meet many other talented designers and artists, working with me on the trunk shows and wonderful clients that simply came to visit us in the different locations. Meeting all of you made the experience much more exciting and inspiring. Thank you all for being there with us!
I selected some pictures from the latest show at Susy Pilgrim Waters's studio and house, where despite the snow, more than 200 people came and filled her lovely house with cheers, laughs and support. Great work from twelve vendors were in display, jewelry, hand-made dolls, textile, paintings and prints, Pod shop, pottery and more. The show ended with a lovely home-made soup for all vendors and it felt warm and fulfilling to end the day with just a few friends, around a big dining table. Thank you Susy for having all of us and for being such a great host!
Stay tuned for the latest on Paper and Fabric!



Above, wood-cut prints by Julia Talcott.

Paper and Fabric holiday 2009

The last event of my holiday trunk show is tomorrow at Michelle Willey home boutique in South End, Boston. I will be there in great company with Jill Bent for our Paper and Fabric show.
I designed the invite long ago, after spending a lovely morning with Jill taking photographs. It's funny how, in the end, we choose just a small detail among many pictures, with different styling.
I worked today on the inventory after the other festive party/trunk show at Susy's house and I left all of my products in boxes into my car, after moving them too many times in the last week. Everything is ready now for another exciting weekend and I'll be back next week with many new pics! here below a quick preview of the Michelle Willey boutique with some amazing products. If you are in the area or just like to enjoy a good cappuccino at South End Buttery, one of my favorite cafe` in town, come next door to say hello!


PAPER and FABRIC
Saturday December 12, 11-6
Sunday December 13, 12-5
Michelle Willey
8 Union Park Street
South End, Boston MA

Announcing Felt and Wire shop

It has been an incredibly busy week full of events, but because I probably work best under pressure, I spent all yesterday morning setting up my "paper only" shop at Felt and Wire. I'm honored to be among other great designers, I love the way the site looks and I admire their selection of paper goods. Come to visit my new shop, their Read section is also truly unique!

Reminder: Susy Pilgrim Waters trunk show on the 9th!

Just a quick reminder for who couldn't come to the past shows and want to see more and new, great vendors in one place. Susy's trunk show is tomorrow at 11 Eden Street, West Newton, from 5:30 to 8:30. Regardless of the snow coming this way, in my opinion, it is that kind of annual event that can't be missed! See you there!

The first three shows......

I'm still recovering from the intensive weekend, where I talked to hundreds of interesting people at the past three shows. Very different from my quite and solitary studio life where I talked only to virtual friends in the blog world....
Thank you to Portobello Road, Shelley and Jill for inviting me to their wonderful events and for everyone that came, supported our work and made everything so exciting. It couldn't be the same without you!


Day one: Portobello Road with their spacious and magical display of international items. Particularly loved the city guides as a Pantone watch book, by Phaidon and I brought back one of their beautiful plant to enjoy in my home, after a long day!



Day two: Super busy event at Taza Chocolate and Albertine Press, where tons of people were waiting at 10:00 in the hallway, even before they opened their doors! They counted more than 2500 people during the stone ground chocolate demonstrations and many of them made it through the second floor to the letterpress and paper section. I was happily drinking tea with Kelly when we could take a break and adorable baby Sadie, was the queen of the event!


Day three: In Boston we woke up on Sunday morning with a stunning view of the first snow, that prepared me for a festive show at Jill's home. A warm and more intimate event, where constantly people and friends came to join us all through the day. I was next to Susy's silkscreen clothing and leather bags, inspired by her British sense of humor and creativity. More vendors were there with us, unfortunately I barely made it to go the the other room and take more pictures. But I couldn't miss some delicate details in Jill house. Her home is beautifully warm and gentle and I simply loved to be there!
More news to come for the upcoming shows of this week!

Collaboration with Pikku

Ever since my first NYC Stationery Show, I admired Pikku textile and paper, her sense of style and colors. Their booth display was one of my favorite of the all show! So I'm very excited to announce our new collaboration. We have been working on a way to combine Valerie's beautiful designs and the Italian cotton ribbons for her own packaging, but also for a mutual product to offer on the market. As a start, I will have Pikku's wrapping paper in her new holidays designs, for sale during the upcoming trunk shows. We believe they combine well with the colors and texture of the cotton ribbons and we hope you will also find some inspiration for your own creative wrapping. Pikku designs are available in many shops around the country, but also online here. We will develop more collaborative ideas in the coming months, but this seems an exacting beginning! If you are in the Boston area, come to visit us this weekend to one or more of these events: at Portobello Road on Friday, Paper and Chocolate on Saturday and at Jill Bent's Holiday Sale on Sunday. I really look forward to meeting you all!

Dear:Rivington

If I was in New York City today, this is where I would go! Inspiring images, for an even more inspiring store! Found via Chelliswilson.

Variegated

After a long Thanksgiving weekend I feel rested to start a busy week full of events. At about this time, two years ago, I had a trunk show at Variegated in upstate New York. Today the weather is so gray, it helps me to look at their vibrant colors and textile to start the day!
Variegated products are also available here.

You are invited!

As the last day before Thanksgiving, I'm taking a little break from work and blogging to spend time with my family and friends. But I'm leaving here the invite for The Holiday Trunk Shows that are starting next week! You are all invited, if you are around the Boston area. Other great designers, illustrators and crafters are exhibiting with me and you can find a lot more to see! Below is the list of events, with full addresses and links.
Last note, the spools of cotton ribbons used in the photograph, are back in stock in Red, Neutral and Black!
Have a great Thanksgiving to all!


December 4th, from 12 to 7
Trunk show at Portobello Road
47 Boylston Street, Newton, MA

December 5th, from 11 to 5
Paper and Chocolate at Albertine Press
561 Windsor Street, Unit #B203
Somerville, MA

December 6th, from 1 to 5
36 Shea Road Holiday Sale at Jill Bent
36 Shea Road, Cambridge, MA

December 9th, from 5:30 to 8:30
Studio Sale at Susy Pilgrim Waters
11 Eden Street, West Newton, MA

December 12th and 13th
Saturday from 11 to 6 and Sunday from 12 to 5
Paper and Fabric at Michelle Willey
8 Union Park Street, South End ~ Boston, MA

The store at Grand

While I'm debating weather I should apply to the Felt and Wire shop, I've found some beautiful design products by Grand Design Collaborative. Below their brilliant Felt Yard Stick!

Some of my favorites....

The Boston Design Fair started beautifully with a party at Jill Rosenwald's Backbay apartment, on Friday night! with a intimate crowd of designers, inspired by so much art on the wall, the warm interior and good food, we were getting ready for eight hours show happening the day after. At the fair I share the exhibition room with dear friends Susy, Shelley and Jill and how can I ask for more? Here below some pictures and links to my favorites of the show for some further inspirations. Despite the long hours, it was a great event with perfect background music. Thank you to the Boston Design Salon to manage many vendors and everyone for coming!
In the image, Etcetera Media, Jill Rosenwald, Jhill, Jill Bent + photos from Susy's sketch book, taken at our booth. Also great work by Pansy Maiden, Tess and Tallulah and Flauxy and more, at the fair.

Getting ready......

In the last few days my studio was packed everywhere I looked. I was keep moving things around to make more space on my already too small working tables. There were too many cups of tea or coffee in front of my computer and I felt overwhelmed pretty much during any hour of the day.
The first show of the season opens on Saturday and I finally feel as most of the products are ready and organized and much of the pressure is gone. Or at least for now......
Here are a few shots of my studio took recently and the renovated Alphabet Stationery Line, stored in muslin bags. These 100% cotton bags combine so well with letterpress and cotton paper, it is no a surprise if we see a lot of them used in the paper/design world. They are truly great!
More news are coming soon, but meanwhile, I hope to meeting some of you at the Boston Design Salon Holiday Fair!

Les Indiennes

During these incredibly busy days of work I indulge in the beautiful atmosphere of Les Indiennes. Love the patterns and photography!

Bari Zaki Studio Annual Sale

Bari Zaki Studio Ninth Annual Holiday Sale will be on Saturday, December 5th 12.00 to 6.00 and Sunday, December 6th 12.00 to 4.00, at 2119 West Roscoe, Chicago.
Bari's work received recently great coverage on Felt and Wire, you can read more about her customized binding at this link and some insides on her daily/desk life here. I Just wish I could meet Bari more often! but if you are in Chicago you can stop by at the studio sale and take a pick at her creations!

Save the date

Announcing the Susy Pilgrim Waters Studio Sale on December 9th from 5:30 to 8:30. By far one of my favorite show of the year, during the event her house is packed with work by amazing artists, excellent food and interesting crowd. So excited to exhibiting there again this year! If you like to come, save the date, it can't be missed.

Blog update

After a few attempts with Shelley and Jill, I soon realized I needed a more professional help if I wanted to make some changes on my blog. Thankfully Kate of Three Squares Design was available to work with me and patiently followed the design I initially had in mind. I still need to distribute and rearrange the widgets on the two side bars, but I hope you will enjoy the new look as much as I do!

Stripes at Pod

During my delivery trip to Pod, I left with some wonderful stripes socks!
A selection of items from their Brookline store will be available on November 14th and 15th at Kat Ran Press, during the Annual Open Studios at 221 Pine Street, Florence, MA. If you are in West Massachusetts you might like to go!

Sara Blohme`

Just found these morning beauty by Sara Blohme`!

Press update

There are a few changes on my site, mostly I updated the Retailer and Press page. Thank you to every magazine and blog for their contribution and interest in my work!

36 Shea Road Holiday Sale

I will soon make an invite with the full list of trunk shows and holiday sales schedule for December. As a start, if you are in the area, save the date for Sunday, December 6th from 1 to 5 p.m. for the 36 Shea Road Holiday Sale at Jill Bent's lovely house, in Cambridge. Featuring Kate Andres, Jill Bent, Aileen Bellwood, Mara Bradford, Memory Layne, Angela Liguori, Susy Pilgrim Waters!

Invitation design and photography by Jill Bent and Angela Liguori.

Terrible yellow eyes

Found via Lilla Rogers, this illustrations by John Coulter for the Terrible Yellow Eyes is a brilliant interpretation of Where the wild things are. Loving the book and movie...