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Call me a nerd: I'm a fan of mathematical signs, symbols, and drawings. (Though I sucked at calculus in high school AND college.) So naturally I was in awe of artist Tomoko Kataoka's stamps called "After Rain Arithmetics" (above). She has an art business called Hassak Rubber Stamp where she hand carves fine lines and incredible details in rubber stamps. I just can't stop looking at her work! [Discovered via PingMag.]
Ok, this month has been nuts. I can't believe how quickly it all went by. Seriously, it's been one thing after the other. It started off with my daughter's birthday on the 1st, followed by the book launch party on the 2nd, then a slew of parties (kids and adults), store openings, meetings and lunches, the Modern Economy sale in Los Angeles on the 20th, the Biz Ladies meeting on the 23rd, and a quick stop on the 26th at the Western Interiors home show. And oh, did I also mention that I started taking a Japanese language class this month, too? See, I am crazy. Now the end of the month greets me with Halloween for the kids and a deadline for my quarterly sales tax return. I swear, I get no breaks.
One of the best things about this month is that I got to meet some really cool ladies (whose work I was already familiar with) like Abbie and Annie (to name a few). And also by chance, I met a really fantastic PR consultant from NYC, Susan Harkavy, who is just a wealth of information. (By the way, I look forward to getting to know you ALL better--the regulars I see at all the openings/parties--with every event I attend. It's nice to know how supportive the Bay Area art/design/craft community really is.) The second best thing is hanging out with friends both old and new. I had non-stop chatty fun on the road trip to LA with Carolina, Jacinta, and Robie (my friend since the 7th grade). I was reminiscing pretty hard with my ex-UCLA arch school friends like Louise and Yun Yun at Modern Economy as well as an undergrad friend (Allison of Splendora) at the Rare Device opening. And it was rare treat to drive around and talk one-on-one with out-of-town friends like Grace and Lauren last week.
With so much going on, here are 2 things I forgot to mention this month:
1. My walnut notecards were featured in Better Homes and Gardens. And 2.) If you haven't bought Craft, Inc. yet: in honor of Chronicle Books' 40th anniversary, they have teamed up with Amazon.com to offer exclusive anniversary specials, including a 32% discount on Craft, Inc..
Yes, it's been a month like no other. So, now I must go back to settling the Modern Economy sale, filing my sales tax return, and answering my emails (sorry for the slow response guys). And frick, I need to update my website too. *sigh* I really need a vacation.
It's been so busy here preparing for the 2nd Annual Modern Economy indie design sample sale in Los Angeles. I haven't even been able to post about it until now! So if you're in the Los Angeles area, please stop by our sale this Saturday to say hello and maybe get some early holiday presents for your friends and family--or forget them, get some presents for yourself! The sale takes place in these beautiful artist lofts and townhomes called 2121 Lofts--so you might even walk away with sales papers for a new artsy abode. See--there are so many reasons to go the sale. Here are the details:
Modern Economy Sale
Saturday, October 20th
10am to 5pm
2121 Lofts
2121 E. 7th Place in Los Angeles
*Credit Card only
*Big parking lot in the back (proceed all the way down 7th Place.)
We have such a great and exciting group of goods/designers for the Los Angeles sale. Here are a few designers that are new to our sales:
Clothing and home accessories by Virginia Johnson
Table linens by Simrin
Silk pillows and scarves by Agnes & Hoss
Baby furniture and accessories by NettoCollection
Reality Collection by Harry Allen
Ceramics by J.Mendicino
For a complete list of brands and designers you'll find at the sale, go here. See you Saturday!
I have a love for objects that are a mix of high and low sensibilities. For example: when designers use sturdy/ permanent/luxurious materials to make riffs on our disposable culture--like Lorena Barrezueta's ceramic dishes in the shape of aluminum pie pans or these ceramic party cups. So naturally, I immediately enjoyed the necklace above designed by thorn that elevates the beer can tab's status above invisibility. Hmmm...gold-plating a beer can tab...I guess that's one way to commemorate a night of drunkenness! Wow, that's one special night. [Discovered through the Cursive New York blog.]
I've been meaning to get this book for awhile now. So I was thrilled to find it when I went to Curiosity Shoppe's opening last Thursday. Arkhipov's collection is wonderful especially if you love seeing the genius in mundane everyday items (especially at what people can produce at home using meager materials). Here are some of my favorite images from the book:
The Curiosity Shoppe opening was fun and crowded! I was a little star struck when I saw Todd Oldham there, too. Lauren and Derek, the shoppe owners, have assembled such a thoughtful, well-edited shop. And I instantly fell in love with their shelving system. You can see more images on their blog.
You're 2 good + 2 be = 4 gotten. Stay sweet. Don't ever change. Have a great summer. KIT. Oh snap, this isn't a yearbook I'm signing....
Thank you to everyone who came to the Craft, Inc. launch party on Tuesday! I hope you had a good time. I had a lot of fun. Sorry, I didn't get a chance to talk to everyone. I definitely saw some folks I wanted to chat with like Beth Weintraub, Jill from Small Stump, Cate from Rose+Radish, and Helen from Cookie and the Dude. I'm sure I missed some other people, too. I can't believe how busy it got and that there was even a line for l'il ole me to sign books. Thanks for making me feel like a rock star everyone.
Here's a picture of me with my wonderful hosts, Rena and Lisa of Rare Device and my friend Jeanne, who's hidden. Yeah, we're just trying to figure out how to turn down the volume at the DJ booth. Tricky stuff man.
And I was totally jealous of Maja (of Tikoli) because she won this exclusive Jonathan Adler piece (as my house is still Adler-less)! Lucky girl! It was really fun to give away prizes. I do have a quite a bit of prizes on hand (winners weren't present). So if you attended the party, there just might be a goody (like a limited edition collage from Petit Collage, Lotta Jansdotter bag filled with Lotta's book and notecards, a Poppi ring, etc) that will be making its way to you! Just look out for me, I'll be driving up to your door in my Prize Patrol van. Okay, seriously, I'll be sending out emails tomorrow with your prize notification.
Anyway, my carriage has officially turned back into a pumpkin and I spent today back to work as usual. Just more tired. But happy.
Just a reminder for those of you in the San Francisco Bay Area. Tonight we're having the book launch party for Craft, Inc. Try to make it if you can...
Craft, Inc. Launch Party
Hosted by Rare Device
Tuesday, October 2, 6-9pm
111 Minna Street (at 2nd Street), San Francisco
Also, since the last post about the party, I've added Petit Collage and Wool&Hoop to the list of indie businesses donating a prize.
See you tonight!
And if you aren't able to make it tonight, you'll have another opportunity to partake in the fun at Part 2 of the Launch party in Los Angeles at Reform School on Thursday, November 15 from 6-9pm.
Yesterday was my daughter's 5th birthday. I know, there is so much going on this week (and in October, in general)! Children's graphic illustrated books are some of my favorite books. So of course, I couldn't miss this opportunity to buy some for me, er...i mean, my daughter. For her birthday, I bought a Rand combo and Munari combo--how's that for a happy meal?
