tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85512299427528349732024-03-13T12:50:34.723-07:00l o o pHappy People. Healthy Planet.
Loop combines hand-drawn patterns with eco-conscious materials to create unique papers goods that are as exciting to buy + save as they are to send and share.elissa barbierihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12323780178561801674noreply@blogger.comBlogger118125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551229942752834973.post-53882933241186734652013-01-07T12:14:00.001-08:002013-01-07T12:14:53.154-08:00Cultivate Tutorial and Interview on The Works<p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6BtevDhwB-w/UOsslJVAObI/AAAAAAAADYE/c780c7OWRpw/s1600-h/clothworks_interview%252520for%252520loop%252520bog_2%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="clothworks_interview for loop bog_2" border="0" alt="clothworks_interview for loop bog_2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9YB_02M8-EQ/UOsslr4OzPI/AAAAAAAADYI/tMFJ47FzSbk/clothworks_interview%252520for%252520loop%252520bog_2_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="265" /></a></p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LWt8pDyyDGw/UOssmOvWsCI/AAAAAAAADYQ/ay8mOzWNbNQ/s1600-h/clothworks_tutorial%252520for%252520loop%252520bog_1%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="clothworks_tutorial for loop bog_1" border="0" alt="clothworks_tutorial for loop bog_1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-I3zxFBy3U4g/UOssm8mGu7I/AAAAAAAADYY/aeqJ2T0kEsg/clothworks_tutorial%252520for%252520loop%252520bog_1_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337" /></a></p> <p align="justify">I am very excited to share a new pair of posts over at the Clothworks blog, <a href="http://www.clothworks.com/blog/" target="_blank">The Works</a>. I developed a quick sewing <a href="http://www.clothworks.com/blog/index.php/furoshiki-wrapping-tutorial-japanese-cloth-wrap-technique/" target="_blank">sewing tutorial for furoshiki</a> with our Cultivate collection, and I would love to know what you think. I must say, I AM NOT A SEAMSTRESS !!! When <a href="http://www.clothworks.com/blog/index.php/the-wonderful-folks-of-the-works-meet-susie/" target="_blank">Susie</a> asked me to plan something for this feature, I wanted desperately to have something worthy to show her … and yet the idea of exposing the sheer absence of my knowledge of about sewing made me shake. I decided to find a super-easy to make project ( as in, really hard to mess up ! ) that related to our paper goods collection – so a fabric wrap seemed a logical and manageable choice. I hope you like it ! </p> <p align="justify">Coming next on this blog ( and pictured below ) is a simple pillow cover that can be used as a wrapping fabric as well – all made from the pre-cut 5” squares that Clothworks is selling of <a href="http://www.clothworks.com/collection.asp?ID=372" target="_blank">our collection</a>.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VhFshDdOaGs/UOssnTKAQDI/AAAAAAAADYk/diWaVCMM0yQ/s1600-h/clothworks_interview%252520for%252520loop%252520bog_3%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="SONY DSC" border="0" alt="SONY DSC" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RORZsJGULak/UOssoHZZtmI/AAAAAAAADYs/7qrs1Yrtr10/clothworks_interview%252520for%252520loop%252520bog_3_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="408" /></a></p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify">There is also <a href="http://www.clothworks.com/blog/index.php/designer-download-elissa-barbieri-of-loop/#comment-8857" target="_blank">an interview with Yours Truly</a>, if you wanted to learn a bit more about my creative process, my work / life approach, and some of the inspiration behind Cultivate.</p> <p align="justify">Here’s to Newness – a new year, new projects, new colors, new energy.</p> elissa barbierihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12323780178561801674noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551229942752834973.post-27318437014511630122012-10-31T14:12:00.001-07:002012-11-01T13:56:08.564-07:00a day at Quilt Market, topped with a Sandy Surprise<div align="justify">
I have to admit, it felt a bit strange visiting Quilt Market for the first time AFTER doodlespark’s first licensed fabric collection was created… I suppose it would have been helpful for me to view other collections in person, chat with designers and scope the scene before I tried my hand at turning our Cultivate drawing into a fabric suite … But alas, this was not to be and I entered the Houston Convention Hall quite wide-eyed. A barrage of color and pattern greeted me in way that was more overwhelming than my experience at any other trade show. When I launched Loop at the National Stationery Show in 2007, I felt grounded by my small, mostly back and white booth, anchored by the product line and curious to see the reaction. This time – without a booth of my own and in mostly uncharted, trend-specific waters – I felt a bit more at sea. </div>
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Out trip was to be a 2-day affair; I’d planned to walk the Show on Day One making notes along the way to direct me to specific collections and designers to return to. I’m not a seamstress by any stretch of the imagination ( the sewing machine on the end of my desk veritably taunts me to master it! ), so being surrounded by crafty projects + masterful quilts made me feel out of my element. And all the color! My eyes had a hard time landing on anything specific, and I felt exhausted by the end of just a few hours. Unfortunately, Sandy had us rushing home the next morning via a 4:00am shuttle to the airport. <br />
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It was delightful seeing my contacts from Clothworks in person, and that was the real reason I wanted to attend. Their design team was so helpful via email throughout the course of this project and it was wonderful to talk in person about our work together and how our lives and our professional endeavors invariably intersect ( and often collide! ). Fat quarters of Cultivate ( above, left and my mom, above, right ) were shown on their order-writing tables and it was a true thrill to catch a glimpse of such a personal work of art in the midst of the color cloud that was the Show.<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3DyMwUgB-XU/UJGUBYnVpJI/AAAAAAAADP4/2R-p_AKx5Aw/s1600-h/IMG_1322%25255B13%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_1322" border="0" height="379" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-oCCW8KF2ysM/UJGUBzUrI9I/AAAAAAAADQA/8XKkLShiri8/IMG_1322_thumb%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_1322" width="504" /></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><em>[ Summer Fusion c. 2009 by Patricia A. Montgomery ]</em></span><br />
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Paired with the industry-only trade show was a juried exhibit of art quilts. I’d seen many in magazine or books, but never had the chance to view these works of art in person. I simply don’t have words to describe the richness of texture, the nimble use of thread as line and shading, the creative arrangement of color and pattern, the masterful technique, all of which elevated the ensembles into a class of their own. Some resembled paintings or sculptures, built in layers to leap off the wall in a living way. I tried to take pictures, but it was hard to capture the depth of each piece. <br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LX4tzNdaG8Y/UJGUCDjZJ-I/AAAAAAAADQI/PpHV_Foe6L0/s1600-h/IMG_1234%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_1234" border="0" height="671" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rup2HVpApUs/UJGUCjnGMDI/AAAAAAAADQQ/XngpKOuuBkI/IMG_1234_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_1234" width="504" /></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><em>[ detail of Papaver Somniferum by Grace Meijer ]</em></span></div>
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qu1LUsuGS3I/UJGUDjqZu2I/AAAAAAAADQY/nJE6ErmNutI/s1600-h/IMG_1316%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_1316" border="0" height="331" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-agssaPchRlQ/UJGUEL6k7KI/AAAAAAAADQg/KsUg8jMJlj4/IMG_1316_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_1316" width="249" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NSjL6rgRwok/UJGUEVcDEBI/AAAAAAAADQo/9DaldzTNzfE/s1600-h/IMG_1317%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_1317" border="0" height="331" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hWEky36-1-8/UJGUE7df3RI/AAAAAAAADQw/cjCcSLg95n4/IMG_1317_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_1317" width="249" /></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><em>[ details of Serenity by Valerie White ]</em></span></div>
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elissa barbierihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12323780178561801674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551229942752834973.post-85348072670424481332012-10-31T12:42:00.001-07:002012-10-31T12:42:02.439-07:00Afternoon Social I’ve just made myself a hot mug of Earl Grey ( with milk and honey ) while I put some finishing touches on three new ways to connect with doodlespark. So, it’s a bit like a virtual tea time here, dear friends, and I have a few things to show you. <p>I’m not sure why its taken me to so long to develop our social media; I think part of me feels funny about broadcasting too many personal details … I think the story of a company is a vital way to connect people with the product they invite into their lives, I’m just not sure I want to announce what I have for breakfast and how I’m feeling about work, weather, and other randomness throughout the day. So, I will try to edit these postings so that they are personal but relevant, reflecting my internal life in a way that informs my public life. Look out for Doodlespark inspiration, news, fabric finds + eco interests now on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/doodlespark" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/doodlespark" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and <a href="https://pinterest.com/doodlespark/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jO13WrI6yt8/UJF-9vdZpTI/AAAAAAAADOA/bFmGVg3YMic/s1600-h/IMG_1116%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1116" border="0" alt="IMG_1116" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-h0rtC0j5PAo/UJF--GjDRWI/AAAAAAAADOI/f0omCAt_CjA/IMG_1116_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="644" /></a></p> <p>A very special parcel arrived at my doorstep the other day, and it’s a wonder I‘ve waited this long to share it with you. Samples of our Cultivate line with Clothworks veritably burst out of the box, brightening the room with color and making Philadelphia seem less in the grip of Autumn’s descent into winter and more in the throes of a burgeoning Spring. I snapped a few pictures with my iPhone, as I was readying to leave for Houston the next day to attend Quilt Market. ( more on that spectacular event later ). No time to iron or adjust the lighting, I just couldn’t help but share !</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-X1hmkyUGIXg/UJF--hxVsRI/AAAAAAAADOQ/sdRfCIAm3xk/s1600-h/IMG_1072%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1072" border="0" alt="IMG_1072" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6wxINlzMloU/UJF_AEk2iFI/AAAAAAAADOY/6029m51Cxo4/IMG_1072_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="644" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-b9ySZRAYXpM/UJF_Ax2S8lI/AAAAAAAADOc/19pUb5JSTfo/s1600-h/IMG_1111%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1111" border="0" alt="IMG_1111" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Nv8QCZdloco/UJF_BKI6vyI/AAAAAAAADOk/Reh216RxvNU/IMG_1111_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="324" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RlF1B93SFew/UJF_Bq5JdkI/AAAAAAAADOs/KIqB2zzXXHQ/s1600-h/IMG_1084%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1084" border="0" alt="IMG_1084" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3lGy811EDeQ/UJF_CJxOhZI/AAAAAAAADO0/Wl7wYBqA3hQ/IMG_1084_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="324" /></a></p> elissa barbierihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12323780178561801674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551229942752834973.post-78716328741852060922012-07-11T10:47:00.001-07:002012-07-11T10:47:08.954-07:00Cultivating ‘Cultivate’ with Clothworks<p align="justify">I have some incredibly exciting news to share with you. <a href="http://www.clothworkstextiles.com/about.asp" target="_blank">Clothworks</a> has licensed <a href="http://www.clothworkstextiles.com/designer_bio.asp?ID=54">me</a> to create <a href="http://www.clothworkstextiles.com/collection.asp?ID=372">a line of fabric</a> based on a Doodlespark drawing!  I don't know where to begin telling of the story of how this came to be ...  Suffice it to say that I have been working with the lovely ladies at Clothworks <strong><em>for many years</em></strong> to come up with the right collection at the right time. With production in process, I can finally say that this journey has come to fruition. Pop a bottle of champagne! Dance around the room with me! Hooray for ....</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.clothworkstextiles.com/collection.asp?ID=372"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="blog_cult pre_purple main" border="0" alt="blog_cult pre_purple main" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lFddpAwkfsI/T_28AQaDyOI/AAAAAAAAC0Q/hHiFKIST14A/blog_cult-pre_purple-main.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="347" /></a><strong></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><a href="http://www.clothworkstextiles.com/collection.asp?ID=372" target="_blank">CULTIVATE !!</a></strong> </p> <p align="justify">Of the many drawings my mother and I have created over the years, Cultivate has been close to my heart. As with all our drawings, we made notes on the back each time we exchanged. I wrote in August, “ … thinking of my beautiful mom just before her birthday, imagining her across the table from me; at home together as if neighbors, easily, with laughter and tea.” My mother noted in December that the drawing felt like “ ... pieces of a puzzle coming together. pieces of now becoming pieces of something later : the unknown, trusting it more as time goes by.”. </p> <p align="justify">While one of the most popular of our designs, it is also one of the most complicated. My mother and I drew this completely unaware that we'd be sharing it publicly, nevertheless having to extract motifs and create color ways from the tangle of sketchy lines and overlapping tones. My Photoshop skills were tapped, drained, and re-tapped in preparing just the main pattern for reproduction. Every single instance of a given color had to be isolated and assigned a layer. It felt like a million hours passed as I teased out tones and defined edges, mapping over 2 dozen colors and then simplifying them into a refined palette, all while preserving the hand-drawn quality of the collaborative work. What a challenge you are, Lady Color! I am still getting know your shifty personality and fickle disposition. </p> <p align="justify">When Clothworks asked me to transform this drawing into a fabric suite, I knew it would be a challenge, but it was an opportunity I simply couldn’t pass up. I can’t thank the team at Clothworks enough for their invaluable pointers along the way.  I generated so many variations on a theme for each pattern and every time I submitted a version, the constructive criticism I received was prompt and nurturing. I grew so much as a designer during this process. I admit, I was not used to working in color, not used to designing for committee approval ( here at loop, it's Me, Myself, and I and it's not a good day when we don't all agree ... ), and not used to designing for the quilting / home dec market. Clothworks' patience with and commitment to this collection helped me bring out the best the drawing had to offer and made me rise to the occasion as a professional.</p> <p align="justify">So now, all of the patterns are off to the sales reps for pre-orders. Clothworks will be presenting Cultivate strike-offs at Quilt Market in Houston in the Fall, and the collection – <a href="http://www.clothworkstextiles.com/collection.asp?ID=372" target="_blank">5 patterns in 3 colorways</a> - will ship before the end of the year! The fabric will the available through local retailers, <a href="http://www.clothworkstextiles.com/shopdirectory.asp" target="_blank">a list of which will be posted on the Clothworks site</a>.</p> <p align="justify">Is this really happening?! What do you think?! I simply cannot wait to get my hands on samples - and to get some sewing skills to match my imagination. I'll keep you posted!! </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Or0BHdTKCeQ/T_28BQ5SLfI/AAAAAAAAC0Y/tZ9vw0qt2Yo/s1600-h/blog_cultpre_greymain6.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="blog_cult pre_grey main" border="0" alt="blog_cult pre_grey main" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-s8wimkKRy54/T_28ByU37qI/AAAAAAAAC0g/mpDE_m7KkY0/blog_cultpre_greymain_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="292" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Wa2IN6CGzrs/T_28CjodeOI/AAAAAAAAC0o/Uf9Zzl5WJS8/s1600-h/blog_cultpre_allstone9.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="blog_cult pre_all stone" border="0" alt="blog_cult pre_all stone" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6ymWXVAwFPQ/T_28DKIkL5I/AAAAAAAAC0w/JMk2LepFZsg/blog_cultpre_allstone_thumb11.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="215" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-EV5I_Z6SyWY/T_28D-v2YyI/AAAAAAAAC04/I73UqRNbSOM/s1600-h/blog_cultpre_greenpetal5.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="blog_cult pre_green petal" border="0" alt="blog_cult pre_green petal" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XiijaXmQ5Go/T_28EV8cefI/AAAAAAAAC1A/6c7FOnnKsoM/blog_cultpre_greenpetal_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="292" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8SBbyZlYI8c/T_28FCxn3EI/AAAAAAAAC1I/F8-QBm3wyUU/s1600-h/blog_cultpre_greenorangestripe5.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="blog_cult pre_greenorange stripe" border="0" alt="blog_cult pre_greenorange stripe" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-plCfcZnpwf8/T_28FuqEJNI/AAAAAAAAC1Q/mZz2tE9juW8/blog_cultpre_greenorangestripe_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="292" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sPQ1ictCRCc/T_28GZxrbAI/AAAAAAAAC1Y/kq7eaVLkx2I/s1600-h/blog_cultpre_purpleberry5.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="blog_cult pre_purple berry" border="0" alt="blog_cult pre_purple berry" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3J5Y6dLaCDg/T_28G_SxnuI/AAAAAAAAC1g/aMySSlNEBCY/blog_cultpre_purpleberry_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="292" /></a></p> elissa barbierihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12323780178561801674noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551229942752834973.post-5104975965044144302012-05-31T12:03:00.000-07:002012-05-31T12:06:16.361-07:00Being Mom(me)<p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_1167" border="0" alt="IMG_1167" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UjxUGBE5Y6Y/T8fAmVxNupI/AAAAAAAACsY/oypbt4Km_lY/IMG_1167_thumb14.jpg?imgmax=800" width="480" height="604" /></p> <p align="justify">Hellloooo !</p> <p align="justify">I send my little voice into the white space of this page, listening to it barrel down the wires into the World Wide Web. How have you been, everyone?! What’s new?!</p> <p align="justify">As many of you know, I became a mom not so long ago. I knew becoming a parent would change my life, but I have to admit I didn’t expect quite this transformation.  My day-to-day life is completely turned upside down and the shape of my space and time as an artist / business owner is completely re-made. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DkmFTnHB5LA/T8fAm8r0l5I/AAAAAAAACtA/WW6mbrpkPeE/s1600-h/IMG_2831%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2831" border="0" alt="IMG_2831" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-z4OlXxIdAMk/T8fAnS6kpQI/AAAAAAAACtE/xl6UzmpYwuY/IMG_2831_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="234" height="234" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2E60DTBk5K4/T8fAoF9I7vI/AAAAAAAACtI/n5iqHv99-bo/s1600-h/IMG_2973%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2973" border="0" alt="IMG_2973" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-geOL0h5vlAw/T8fAouQGILI/AAAAAAAACtM/mgrgt6lrM_0/IMG_2973_thumb%25255B14%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="234" height="234" /></a> </p> <p align="justify"> A new being has entered the world and I have the lucky job of accompanying him on this early part of his journey into selfhood. From a darting-eyed baby, a little boy has emerged, curious and cacophonous about everything he encounters. At just 2 years old, he is full of laughter and lilting language, hurtling his body through space to learn its edges and peaks, testing and trying out all that nature has to offer. I am along for his ride, holding his hand when he crosses the street, helping him learn to be gentle with himself and others, showing him how to look and breathe deeply and be raucous, variously. In a way, I am living vicariously through him, rediscovering my senses, capturing slivers of the sensation that everything is new and amazing and worth noticing. In other ways, I am entirely overwhelmed by the responsibility I bear as his Guardian; I can no longer let my mind wander or be silent for long periods of time; someone else needs me to explain everything and make sure environs are safe and engaging. My free time isn’t fully my own anymore; shouldn’t I be reading about toddler development or researching schools?!</p> <p align="justify">In the middle of this shift and shuffle, I have found time to work and I have some exciting new plans and developments to share with you; stay tuned for news about Loop’s partnership with a delicious business in Brooklyn, Doodlespark’s new fabric collection for Clothworks and more!</p> <p align="justify">Thank you all for bearing with me as things have been a bit quiet here on the blog. I promise to find my way here more regularly. <br />( You can follow my pins on <a href="http://pinterest.com/lissib/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>, too. )</p> elissa barbierihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12323780178561801674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551229942752834973.post-126328933072938142011-08-02T06:54:00.001-07:002011-08-02T06:54:44.511-07:00ZOOEY Magazine Giveaway<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-p7PRffiHc-c/TjgBnAQXXGI/AAAAAAAABfg/x58e9Ef95jg/s1600-h/DSC01167%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="SONY DSC" border="0" alt="SONY DSC" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5PV_R8UZ_6E/TjgBnpM96vI/AAAAAAAABfk/1I7T7d7Toy4/DSC01167_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Tyqz13dcddE/TjgBof97GeI/AAAAAAAABfo/7SBMunC7eDE/s1600-h/DSC01174%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC01174" border="0" alt="DSC01174" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Z7K_G_aoGm0/TjgBo86KSII/AAAAAAAABfs/5swJ15zYHeQ/DSC01174_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337" /></a> </p> <p align="center"><font size="1">[ patterns left to right : pebble, prehistory, inari, honey + peregrine ]</font></p> <p align="justify">Loop is so excited to share it newest note card collection with you – and what better way to do it than with a giveaway?! We partnered with <a href="http://zooeymagazine.com/" target="_blank">ZOOEY magazine</a> to send a little eco-love out into the world; simply <a href="http://zooeymagazine.com/index.php/2011/loop-eco-luxe-notecards-giveaway/" target="_blank">visit their site and leave a comment</a> to be entered to win ! [ <font size="1">contest ends August 9th</font> ]</p> <p align="justify">Our new note set features patterns from the Tela Collection, many of which are also available as <a href="http://welcometoloop.com//organic-textiles/inari/" target="_blank">textiles</a>. Two new patterns join the group to form a suite of stationery that wraps your words with style. As always, they’re printed here in Philadelphia with soy ink on 100% post-consumer recycled FSC paper that’s produced carbon-neutral.</p> <p align="justify">We haven’t added them to our our site yet, or our <a href="http://supermarkethq.com/designer/67/products" target="_blank">Supermarket</a> store, so this giveaway is a unique opportunity to get your hands on our newest work … Good luck !</p> elissa barbierihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12323780178561801674noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551229942752834973.post-89046621780439847542011-03-16T07:16:00.001-07:002011-03-16T07:16:21.514-07:00Loop Giveaway on exPress-o !<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_3zzsf2ZL8eg/TYDGLrl5RYI/AAAAAAAABSU/1y7PTN36gLU/s1600-h/w_spark%20set_band%20front%20detail%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="SONY DSC" border="0" alt="SONY DSC" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_3zzsf2ZL8eg/TYDGMUs1QrI/AAAAAAAABSY/TJDDnYrSnXU/w_spark%20set_band%20front%20detail_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="338" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_3zzsf2ZL8eg/TYDGMoLuX4I/AAAAAAAABSc/e4Hg2HlDeJI/s1600-h/w_loop_pages%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="SONY DSC" border="0" alt="SONY DSC" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_3zzsf2ZL8eg/TYDGNFC2ClI/AAAAAAAABSg/qKREZ0rg4X0/w_loop_pages_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="338" /></a> </p> <p>Good morning, Lovely Readers - </p> <p align="justify">We are excited to announce <a href="http://diana212m.blogspot.com/2011/03/loop-giveaway.html" target="_blank">a giveaway today on the exPress-o blog</a> ! Take a little foray out of your work day and head over to Diana’s blog. Leave a comment to enter – you could win your choice of 3 journals and a set of note cards !</p> <p align="justify">For additional chances to win, follow this blog, follow the exPress-o blog on <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/DianaMieczan" target="_blank">Twitter</a> or tweet about the giveaway. A random winner will be selected on Sunday night.</p> <p></p> <p>I would love to hear what you think of <a href="http://supermarkethq.com/designer/67/collection/2954" target="_blank">our new journals</a> ~ you can view more images of the styles in <a href="http://supermarkethq.com/designer/67/collection/2954" target="_blank">our Supermarket shop</a> [ we are in the process of updating our website ! ]</p> <p>Thank you !</p> elissa barbierihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12323780178561801674noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551229942752834973.post-54483901403524047542011-02-21T07:36:00.001-08:002011-02-21T07:36:48.329-08:00Stephanie Says …<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_3zzsf2ZL8eg/TWKGjfVyuCI/AAAAAAAABPY/g-T9LFRjenA/s1600-h/stephanie_says_triangles%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="stephanie_says_triangles" border="0" alt="stephanie_says_triangles" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_3zzsf2ZL8eg/TWKGjyUBS9I/AAAAAAAABPc/GvFrFiebxr4/stephanie_says_triangles_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="484" /></a></p> <p align="center">an original textile, based on a gouache painting by <a href="http://www.stephanie-says.com/" target="_blank">Stephanie Says</a></p> <p align="center">[<em> if only it were organic !</em> ]</p> elissa barbierihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12323780178561801674noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551229942752834973.post-91550229190669972022011-02-14T11:12:00.001-08:002011-02-14T11:12:27.998-08:00lost !<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_3zzsf2ZL8eg/TVl-mAdKrPI/AAAAAAAABPI/ywmvMw3ds_A/s1600-h/bermuda%20triangle%20of%20productivity%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="bermuda triangle of productivity" border="0" alt="bermuda triangle of productivity" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_3zzsf2ZL8eg/TVl-mwgEtCI/AAAAAAAABPM/g7EheDHReAU/bermuda%20triangle%20of%20productivity_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="507" height="360" /></a> </p> <p align="center">from design student, <a href="http://fuchsiamacaree.bigcartel.com/product/bermuda-triangle-of-productivity-print" target="_blank">Fuchsia Macaree</a></p> elissa barbierihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12323780178561801674noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551229942752834973.post-62420693879543508052011-01-28T11:49:00.001-08:002011-01-28T11:49:23.749-08:00do. be.<p> </p> <p><a href="http://en.dawanda.com/product/2825250-Wandtattoo-TO-BE-OR-NOTGRM"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="1286541408-71" border="0" alt="1286541408-71" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_3zzsf2ZL8eg/TUMdwbL-IfI/AAAAAAAABPA/HwlOfAwy440/1286541408-71%5B10%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="306" /></a></p> elissa barbierihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12323780178561801674noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551229942752834973.post-46732627459903806542011-01-24T07:44:00.001-08:002011-01-24T07:44:51.924-08:00Feeling Far and Away<p> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_3zzsf2ZL8eg/TT2ecE7ZQ7I/AAAAAAAABO4/ZGchDYBY0ww/s1600-h/maeder_Far%20%26%20Away%20IX%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="maeder_Far & Away IX" border="0" alt="maeder_Far & Away IX" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_3zzsf2ZL8eg/TT2ec_hGDhI/AAAAAAAABO8/io4Ki0TGxEk/maeder_Far%20%26%20Away%20IX_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="324" height="484" /></a><font size="1"><em>[ Far & Away IX, by <a href="http://www.maederphotography.com/fineart/" target="_blank">Cheryl Maeder</a> ] </em></font></p> <p>in 14 degree Philadelphia, I’m closing my eyes and imagining folds of warm sea water wrapping my sleepy body. </p> elissa barbierihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12323780178561801674noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551229942752834973.post-53435040783558688012010-12-31T14:27:00.001-08:002010-12-31T14:27:39.511-08:00HGTV Open Casting Call – Philadelphia<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_3zzsf2ZL8eg/TR5Y1idpxcI/AAAAAAAABOE/aviFA5XlQgI/s1600-h/hgtv%20design%20star%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="hgtv design star" border="0" alt="hgtv design star" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_3zzsf2ZL8eg/TR5Y2AQMBEI/AAAAAAAABOI/y2pbrfqHVeA/hgtv%20design%20star_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="203" /></a> </p> <p align="justify"><i>Design Star,</i> HGTV’s top-rated reality competition series, is currently casting for their sixth season and are holding an open casting call in Philadelphia on Monday, January 10, 2011. I thought I would help spread the word to my fellow Philadelphians – we have such great creative energy in this city and I’m sure one of you would be perfect for this program !  According to the casting assistant at CBS, they are looking for someone with “extensive design knowledge, a personality that pops, passion for design, lots of energy and enthusiasm and a clear and unique design perspective.”</p> <p><strong>Date: </strong>Monday, January 10, 2011</p> <p><strong>Time: </strong>10am - 1pm</p> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Embassy Suites Hotel at 1776 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia </p> elissa barbierihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12323780178561801674noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551229942752834973.post-16064703436146775822010-12-16T08:11:00.001-08:002010-12-16T08:11:32.220-08:00Holiday Party + Trunk Show<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_3zzsf2ZL8eg/TQo6KlrmALI/AAAAAAAABNU/4eE5-hIarok/s1600-h/bario%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="bario" border="0" alt="bario" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_3zzsf2ZL8eg/TQo6K_Rdg1I/AAAAAAAABNY/TERAx-nwb18/bario_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="196" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_3zzsf2ZL8eg/TQo6Lb21zFI/AAAAAAAABNc/F5vmFtolVDk/s1600-h/borker%201%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="borker 1" border="0" alt="borker 1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_3zzsf2ZL8eg/TQo6LiTea6I/AAAAAAAABNg/P9vDt2fBLAI/borker%201_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="307" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_3zzsf2ZL8eg/TQo6MDMa4dI/AAAAAAAABNk/Tz-5XbmbRZE/s1600-h/w_loop%20group_full%20front%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="SONY DSC" border="0" alt="SONY DSC" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_3zzsf2ZL8eg/TQo6M3WevUI/AAAAAAAABNo/YaPs3eCTaR8/w_loop%20group_full%20front_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="271" /></a> </p> <p align="center"><b>Bario-Neal Jewelry Holiday Party and Trunk Show <br /></b>featuring Marina Borker Stained Glass and Loop Hand-Drawn | Eco-Conscious paper <br /></p> <p align="center"><b>T O N I G H T</b><b>  from </b><b>5.30pm to 9.30pm</b><b> at the Bario-Neal Studio + Showroom</b>[  located at 700 South 6th Street [ the corner of 6th & Bainbridge  ] <br /></p> <p>The event has been generously sponsored by the <b>Philadelphia Brewing Company</b>. Enjoy snacks + complimentary beer / wine while shopping local for your holiday gifts ! </p> <p align="center"><b>35% off</b> all Bario-Neal boutique jewelry</p> <p align="center"><b>20% off</b> Loop wrapping paper <br />[ plus deals on factory seconds + <b><a href="http://supermarkethq.com/designer/67/collection/2954">OUR NEW JOURNALS</a></b> ]</p> <p align="center"><b>15% off</b> Marina Borker Stained Glass votives and ornaments</p> <p>- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - <br /> <br />I’m honored to be participating in this event with two fantastic local businesses: <br /> <br /><b><a href="http://marinaborker.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4f8ef82e1121b41fd879ea034&id=f13ffe483d&e=de2a79039e">Bario-Neal</a></b> specialize in making beautiful and unique designs that employ reclaimed precious metals, ethically-sourced stones using low-impact + environmentally conscious practices. <br /> <br /><b><a href="http://www.marinaborker.com/index.php">Marina Borker</a></b> is a local artist whose unique stained glass technique calls attention to the expressive linework of the leading in between the glass to create one-of-a-kind lights + wall-hangings.</p> elissa barbierihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12323780178561801674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551229942752834973.post-5943578431099078122010-12-13T10:53:00.001-08:002010-12-13T10:55:18.547-08:00Undivided Mind<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_3zzsf2ZL8eg/TQZrsX_C17I/AAAAAAAABNE/oGeMGW7rnek/s1600-h/imaginary%20found_undivided%20mind%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="imaginary found_undivided mind" border="0" alt="imaginary found_undivided mind" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_3zzsf2ZL8eg/TQZrsy7BUMI/AAAAAAAABNI/XRmLVukQb3w/imaginary%20found_undivided%20mind_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="551" /></a> </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_3zzsf2ZL8eg/TQZrtqGmqmI/AAAAAAAABNM/WTU8365aXIM/s1600-h/imaginary%20found_undivided%20mind%20detail%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="imaginary found_undivided mind detail" border="0" alt="imaginary found_undivided mind detail" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_3zzsf2ZL8eg/TQZruMGH3MI/AAAAAAAABNQ/ZJ78wJEMi68/imaginary%20found_undivided%20mind%20detail_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="349" /></a> The <a href="http://www.imaginaryfoundation.com/about_index.php" target="_blank">Imaginary Foundation</a> recently created a pop-up exhibition called <a href="http://theundividedmind.com/" target="_blank">The Undivided Mind</a> at Fifty24SF Gallery in San Francisco. They described it so poetically …</p> <p align="justify"><em>“ The artist and scientist may at first seem strange bedfellows. Of the many human disciplines, there are few that could seem more divergent. The artist employs image and metaphor; the scientist uses number and equation. Art creates illusions meant to evoke emotion, while science engages in the pursuit of empirical verification. There is, to some degree, a physiological cause for this apparent divergence: the two halves, or hemispheres, of the brain. <br /> <br />The right side of the brain is responsible for emotions and intuition, the left for logic and reason. Yet the notion of two brains gives rise to the function of one mind. Perhaps it is this one “undivided mind” that presents a way forward through the monumental cultural changes we now face, enabling us to surf this dynamic moment in history from a platform of balance and symmetry. <br /> <br /></em><a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#%21/event.php?eid=163801173654669"><em>This installation</em></a><em> endeavors to fuse the aesthetic beauty of art and science in order to create a synthesis of mind, one which is as much rational as it is fantastic. Think of this undivided mind as a prototype of human possibility—an evolutionary signal of convergence, harmony, and accelerated progress. The rest is up to us. “</em></p> <p align="justify">While I’m not a huge fan of all their work, I do love <a href="http://www.imaginaryfoundation.com/index.php?pagemode=detail&type=Mens%20T&uid=A167F9#" target="_blank">this simple graphic</a> and the powerful implications behind it. </p> elissa barbierihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12323780178561801674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551229942752834973.post-5042790695384476602010-12-13T06:42:00.001-08:002010-12-13T06:42:58.564-08:00Love from Lonny<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_3zzsf2ZL8eg/TQYw6BsFMLI/AAAAAAAABM0/rHZ-0BL_V_s/s1600-h/Lonny_dec2010%20cover%20screen%20shot%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Lonny_dec2010 cover screen shot" border="0" alt="Lonny_dec2010 cover screen shot" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_3zzsf2ZL8eg/TQYw6kNyiNI/AAAAAAAABM4/PrZXLMlgBHU/Lonny_dec2010%20cover%20screen%20shot_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="375" height="484" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_3zzsf2ZL8eg/TQYw71UxtsI/AAAAAAAABM8/kITdvoRHtLk/s1600-h/Lonny_Dec2010%20screen%20print%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Lonny_Dec2010 screen print" border="0" alt="Lonny_Dec2010 screen print" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_3zzsf2ZL8eg/TQYw8Zf-AcI/AAAAAAAABNA/2Oo779UQ_8I/Lonny_Dec2010%20screen%20print_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="375" height="484" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p align="center">Cobbella, a pattern inspired by the beauty of cobbled streets [ in Italy or otherwise ], is featured in <a href="http://www.lonnymag.com/issues/12-december-2010/pages/1#p1" target="_blank">Lonny Magazine’s</a> <a href="http://www.lonnymag.com/issues/12-december-2010/pages/1#p41" target="_blank">Eco-Style Gift Guide</a> !</p> <p align="center">I was so taken by the marbled black, gold + silver <a href="http://www.lonnymag.com/links/6137?d=http://hollanders.com/papers/ViewProduct.aspx%3FProductID%3D7c62bffc-85e5-4e72-81fd-b76d50379f6d%26CategoryID%3D3fa8d9f7-8721-4aaa-8189-f0499193d5f9&return=http://www.lonnymag.com/issues/12-december-2010/pages/1%23p41" target="_blank">Thai paper</a> as well …</p> elissa barbierihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12323780178561801674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551229942752834973.post-90237222546558380812010-12-02T10:07:00.001-08:002010-12-02T10:08:32.250-08:00urban lust<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_3zzsf2ZL8eg/TPfgNDRx4RI/AAAAAAAABL8/2-x-LJC_kQc/s1600-h/vigilism_urban%20growth%20print%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="vigilism_urban growth print" border="0" alt="vigilism_urban growth print" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_3zzsf2ZL8eg/TPfgOP8JRMI/AAAAAAAABMA/_O8BqvJO42I/vigilism_urban%20growth%20print_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_3zzsf2ZL8eg/TPfgPLnBI0I/AAAAAAAABME/TFvRq45jDMo/s1600-h/vigilism_urban%20growth%20print%202%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="vigilism_urban growth print 2" border="0" alt="vigilism_urban growth print 2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_3zzsf2ZL8eg/TPfgPxeZi7I/AAAAAAAABMI/PnTcbjUxPeo/vigilism_urban%20growth%20print%202_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_3zzsf2ZL8eg/TPfgQ-H3E8I/AAAAAAAABMM/MOnZEbnpAPE/s1600-h/vigilism_urban%20growth%20print%203%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="vigilism_urban growth print 3" border="0" alt="vigilism_urban growth print 3" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_3zzsf2ZL8eg/TPfgRiv9QWI/AAAAAAAABMQ/FkJvAGAUsvg/vigilism_urban%20growth%20print%203_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="484" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p align="justify">even though i have a TON to do today, i was stopped dead in my tracks by these gorgeous mixed media drawings by <a href="http://vigilism.com/" target="_blank">Olalekan Jeyifous</a>. i love the density, the exploration of form and scale and the creamy color palette. from his Urban Growth Strategy series, prints are available in <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/vigilism?ref=seller_info" target="_blank">his etsy shop</a>. learn more about the artist at <a href="http://www.vigilism.com">www.vigilism.com</a>.</p> <p align="center"><font size="1"><em>[ found on  </em></font><a href="http://www.architizer.com/en_us/blog/dyn/11100/gift-guide-by-budget/#comment-1390" target="_blank"><font size="1"><em>Architizer’s <font color="#b90000">Holiday Gift Guide</font></em></font></a><font size="1"><em> ]</em></font></p> elissa barbierihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12323780178561801674noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551229942752834973.post-1505818638955029292010-11-29T06:54:00.001-08:002010-11-29T06:54:16.075-08:00Oh, Country Living !<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_3zzsf2ZL8eg/TPO-kJd8I3I/AAAAAAAABLk/kDR5LCXcHf8/s1600-h/freshpicksdetail%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="SAMSUNG DIGITAL CAMERA" border="0" alt="SAMSUNG DIGITAL CAMERA" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_3zzsf2ZL8eg/TPO-kunEj0I/AAAAAAAABLo/h0bmzP_X1F8/freshpicksdetail_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_3zzsf2ZL8eg/TPO-lbUTkKI/AAAAAAAABLs/o6DgYyBVWyY/s1600-h/country%20living%20cover%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="SAMSUNG DIGITAL CAMERA" border="0" alt="SAMSUNG DIGITAL CAMERA" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_3zzsf2ZL8eg/TPO-l6PQidI/AAAAAAAABLw/i1S46PMogco/country%20living%20cover_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="343" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Tw Cen MT"><strong>Congratulations, Nocturne !</strong></font></p> <p align="center"> You look good in the spotlight ! To celebrate your spot in the current issue of Country Living, we’re having a <a href="http://welcometoloop.com/wrapping-paper/paintings/" target="_blank"><strong>Loop Wrap sale – 10% off</strong></a> all our eco-luxe wrapping papers !</p> elissa barbierihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12323780178561801674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551229942752834973.post-61144757648153346772010-11-29T06:47:00.001-08:002010-11-29T06:49:09.240-08:00coming soon !<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_3zzsf2ZL8eg/TPO83mlTPqI/AAAAAAAABLE/1GeSe0cbX78/s1600-h/w_loop%20sculpt%202%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="SONY DSC" border="0" alt="SONY DSC" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_3zzsf2ZL8eg/TPO84FqmZFI/AAAAAAAABLI/5uuQszJs-zQ/w_loop%20sculpt%202_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="338" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Tw Cen MT"><strong>new loop is on the wing</strong></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3" face="Tw Cen MT">visit us on FRIDAY, 03 december <br />to learn about our new journals and discover our new pattern, Peregrine !</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3" face="Tw Cen MT">in the meantime, holiday promotions :</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_3zzsf2ZL8eg/TPO85suQYWI/AAAAAAAABLU/EmgjmGLHYK4/s1600-h/2%5B6%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="2" border="0" alt="2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_3zzsf2ZL8eg/TPO87OkkHVI/AAAAAAAABLY/edYxO_KPOjI/2_thumb%5B9%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="504" height="494" /></a></p> elissa barbierihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12323780178561801674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551229942752834973.post-38391389496657473102010-11-08T08:22:00.001-08:002010-11-08T08:22:23.345-08:00Supakitch and Koralie<iframe class="youtube-player" title="YouTube video player" height="345" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/st3-yAMpEvo" frameborder="0" width="560" type="text/html"></iframe> <p> </p> <p>So taken by the making of this mural by two amazing artists. An inspiring way to start the week …</p> elissa barbierihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12323780178561801674noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551229942752834973.post-53815487581770775832010-11-08T08:10:00.001-08:002010-11-08T08:12:54.314-08:00308,160 minutes<p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://thejoyofthis.wordpress.com/2010/11/06/the-birth-project/" target="_blank"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="birth project_1" border="0" alt="birth project_1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_3zzsf2ZL8eg/TNgg5PVjYxI/AAAAAAAABJY/JTeo011dgRE/birth%20project_1%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="487" height="484" /></a> </p> <p align="center"><em><font size="1">[ from The Birth Project by  Amanda Greavette, via <a href="http://thejoyofthis.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">The Joy Of This</a> ]</font></em></p> <p align="justify">308,160 minutes since the arrival of my first child ! how full each moment, how laden. the luster of the ethereal shines through the dust of day-to-day activities, and now, 7 months later, I turn to glimpse a flicker of my life before motherhood only to watch it vanish in shifts of light. I am not a religious person, but creating this new life with my husband is the most spiritual experience I have yet encountered. my consciousness was pushed deep inside my body for 9 complex months, but now with the arrival of my son, it is thrust open into the full space of the day. I am alert to his gurgling sounds, the spreading glow of his smile, the thump of his limbs as he learns to crawl, pull up, turn over, reach out. as he finds his world and makes sense of it, so too am I relearning the contours of my life, my spirit, my goals, my voice. there is no such thing as silence anymore, for my brain is full of train-like thoughts, speeding from the station in many different directions. tumbling with humdrum to-do’s are the larger questions of who I will be as a parent, who my husband will reveal himself to be as a father, and most importantly, how best we can pull and prod Marsden into himself as he grows into his own person. </p> <p align="justify">i wax nostalgic, burst like a blustery wind, ramble like cool water over river stones, grow poetic when I consider the density of time which yet so briskly moves.</p> elissa barbierihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12323780178561801674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551229942752834973.post-51725614035317210372010-10-07T09:21:00.001-07:002010-10-07T09:21:58.307-07:00stepping into the space<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_3zzsf2ZL8eg/TK3zmMRChlI/AAAAAAAABHw/SxZNbVLhcaY/s1600-h/Santa-Monica-Ferris-Wheel-2%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Santa-Monica-Ferris-Wheel-2" border="0" alt="Santa-Monica-Ferris-Wheel-2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_3zzsf2ZL8eg/TK3zmnqvsJI/AAAAAAAABH0/oNUzBexHbTY/Santa-Monica-Ferris-Wheel-2_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_3zzsf2ZL8eg/TK3znMEjMPI/AAAAAAAABH4/GzARp2d2R4c/s1600-h/The-Chrysler-Building%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="The-Chrysler-Building" border="0" alt="The-Chrysler-Building" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_3zzsf2ZL8eg/TK3zoT17vgI/AAAAAAAABH8/zZNShpL3aEs/The-Chrysler-Building_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_3zzsf2ZL8eg/TK3zo6q7NqI/AAAAAAAABIA/vYOfUvQSvmM/s1600-h/Nantucket-Ferry%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Nantucket-Ferry" border="0" alt="Nantucket-Ferry" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_3zzsf2ZL8eg/TK3zpeAxuQI/AAAAAAAABII/5x4yVByGW_8/Nantucket-Ferry_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>stepping into the black and white world of <a href="http://1bidwell.com/" target="_blank">charlie bidwell</a> today, having been enticed by <a href="http://www.okthestore.com/index.php" target="_blank">ok store</a> in LA. i’ve set the entrance screen on my phone to the bottom image, The Nantucket Ferry, so that it feels like I am doing something more soul enhancing than screen staring.</p> elissa barbierihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12323780178561801674noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551229942752834973.post-88431571407123449652010-10-05T08:48:00.001-07:002010-10-05T08:48:39.447-07:00Trend Bible<p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_3zzsf2ZL8eg/TKswhlAMVpI/AAAAAAAABHM/NnqBYbELQik/s1600-h/team-at-trend-bible2%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="team-at-trend-bible2" border="0" alt="team-at-trend-bible2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_3zzsf2ZL8eg/TKtI1hCPnkI/AAAAAAAABHs/RYlxXlGo4EY/team-at-trend-bible2_thumb%5B9%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="431" height="409" /></a> </p> <p align="justify">Oh, being Trendy just tickles ! Loop is delighted to share that we’ve been included in <a href="http://www.trendbible.co.uk/blog/?page_id=1922" target="_blank">Trend Bible’s</a> Autumn/Winter 2011/12 Kids Lifestyle Trends for the Home!  Poliwog is part of the <em>Polar Expedition</em> set and Eon is part of the <em>Cloud Atlas</em> set.  I’d love to show you pictures, but the <a href="http://www.trendbible.co.uk/blog/?page_id=102" target="_blank">Trend Bibles</a> are in limited number and sold directly or via global distribution agents to trade customers only [  £950 each ], so I must keep it a bit hush hush. It’s a happy hush, though !</p> elissa barbierihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12323780178561801674noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551229942752834973.post-48736339447454058872010-10-05T05:43:00.001-07:002010-10-05T05:43:41.082-07:00oooh, baggu<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_3zzsf2ZL8eg/TKsdeZreP-I/AAAAAAAABHE/yuxn0zHByzU/s1600-h/baggu_No6_001%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="baggu_No6_001" border="0" alt="baggu_No6_001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_3zzsf2ZL8eg/TKsdexGKsOI/AAAAAAAABHI/icoBPhmKhVY/baggu_No6_001_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="359" height="484" /></a> </p> <p align="justify">so taken by the new collaboration between <a href="http://baggubag.com/#Shop" target="_blank">baggu</a> and <a href="http://www.no6store.com/" target="_blank">No.6</a> … the perfect pattern /  color pairings for my daily grocery / post office run / stroller carry-all / everything bag. </p> elissa barbierihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12323780178561801674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551229942752834973.post-38211874586259503062010-10-02T11:32:00.001-07:002010-10-02T11:32:33.134-07:00Catching my eye<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_3zzsf2ZL8eg/TKd6vsrY63I/AAAAAAAABG8/MRN1tYF2rzs/s1600-h/Curva_Necklace2_full%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Curva_Necklace2_full" border="0" alt="Curva_Necklace2_full" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_3zzsf2ZL8eg/TKd6wJj1YMI/AAAAAAAABHA/Us5tHQrU5qM/Curva_Necklace2_full_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="450" height="450" /></a> </p> <p align="justify">feeling Fall’s cool kiss on the air. slipping into jeans, a light sweater and a smile and thinking the warm wooden curve of this necklace would be a perfect fit. From <a href="http://www.vianativa.com/blog/?page_id=8" target="_blank">Via Nativa</a>, made in Nicaragua from reclaimed + FSC-certified wood. Fairly Traded.</p> <p align="center"><em><font color="#800000" size="1">[ found on <a href="http://supermarkethq.com/product/curva-necklace" target="_blank">supermarket</a> ]</font></em></p> elissa barbierihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12323780178561801674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551229942752834973.post-85365174717229277342010-09-27T10:49:00.001-07:002010-09-27T10:49:52.263-07:00doodlespark journal winners announced<p align="center"><strong><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_3zzsf2ZL8eg/TKDZNzkYYjI/AAAAAAAABGU/_o41Bam_S-A/s1600-h/poll_float%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="poll_float" border="0" alt="poll_float" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_3zzsf2ZL8eg/TKDZOczk_xI/AAAAAAAABGY/lJiPPkSTfcI/poll_float_thumb%5B9%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="200" height="372" /></a>     <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_3zzsf2ZL8eg/TKDZPdavj1I/AAAAAAAABGc/3VCMVCZQrcs/s1600-h/poll_grow%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="poll_grow" border="0" alt="poll_grow" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_3zzsf2ZL8eg/TKDZP2cHleI/AAAAAAAABGg/dorjpUkr4WA/poll_grow_thumb%5B8%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="198" height="372" /></a> </strong></p> <p align="justify">Thank you to everyone who left a comment and weighed in on their favorite Dooldespark Journal covers. <strong>Float and Grow</strong> won the day with <strong>Cultivate</strong> coming in a close third. Float is my absolute favorite, so it was delightful to see you feel the same way ! More of you preferred lined pages, but as I am a die-hard unlined fan, we are going to print some of both – look for them in our online shop by the end of October, just in time for the holidays !</p> <p>The trusty electronic genie over at Random.org selected the following 2 comments as the lucky winners of our giveaway - <br /></p> <p align="left"><strong>Daisy Janie + Janine - Congratulations, ladies !</strong>  <br /> <br />Please send me your mailing addresses via email to elissa ( at ) welcometoloop.com and begin singing Mr. Postman in a couple of weeks … : )</p> <p align="center"><em>We are also printing 4 Loop Journals with a new pattern I can’t wait to share with you !</em></p> elissa barbierihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12323780178561801674noreply@blogger.com0