bryar wolf

By now you all know my love for pillows.....It has been a long love affair and I keep finding new and talented artists that make me so happy! Bryar Wolf is a local company in my town and Katie is the creative maker behind the company. I recently had a few African mud cloth pillows made for a client and it was such a joy being able to pick out what I wanted and get them handmade just for her..... oh, and one for me too :)

I love all the beautiful fabrics Katie uses from India to Africa. Her simplicity is eye candy and her sewing is beautiful. I was able to interview Katie and learn a little more about her and her craftsmanship. Please read on!

1. Hi Katie! Tell us a little about you....

My name is Katie Lipson. I was born in Toronto, Ontario. I moved around quite a bit until I met my husband in Bend, Oregon, where I call home now (and will forever!). I have always been obsessed with textiles from all over the world, and love to sew. 

2. When did you start your company?

I started Bryar Wolf about 8 months ago.

3. Where do you get your design inspiration from?

I am constantly searching for new fabrics. It is a life long passion, and a bit of an addiction! Nothing like coming across something I haven't seen before! I also attend as many of the open markets I can which helps to see what is currently on trend.

4. Have you always been artistic?

For the most part yes. I have always loved creating! For a few years I was stuck in a corporate job (no fun) and I knew it was not for me. As soon as I got back to my artistic self and back to creating, I was back in my comfort zone.

5. Tell me three words to describe you!

Creative. Optimistic. Light.

You can find Katie and her beautiful pillows on instagram and on her website.

My little Lucy is a big fan of our new pillow too!

Have a wonderful day darlings!

xo jennifer

darling i love

the forest fern

When I think of simplicity and beauty, Sara at The Forest Fern comes to mind. Her modern macrame's are creative works that include garlands, plant holders and custom pieces. Her art presents a sense of calmness and warmth and should be in everyone's home! I got the chance to interview Sara and get to know a little more about her and her talented macrame's. I hope you read on and take a peek at her beautiful pieces...

1. How did you get interested in macrame?

When we moved into our current house about a year ago, it was pretty much a total disaster. Leaky roof, broken windows, uneven foundation, plumbing issues....you name it, we had it. We slowly started turning our fixer-upper into our home and it gave me the room that I needed to explore my style. I really wanted to fill our house with plants so I started making macrame plant hangers. I quickly moved on to larger scale wall hangings and I haven't stopped since.

2. How long have you been an artist?

Not very long at all. I only started to create macrame hangings about 9 months ago. Before that I was a stay-at-home mom to my two young children. I've always loved creating things and home improvement and design has been a passion of mine for a long time. I still feel a bit giddy that I get to spend my days making beautiful things.

3. Tell us a little bit about you that others might not know.

Before I had my first child in 2012, I worked for almost 10 years at a creative ad agency as a project manager. I really loved watching people create amazing things day in and day out and I always regretted being on the business side of things. I would never have guessed that my decision to leave advertising and be a stay-at-home mom would eventually lead me to this life as a Maker. I feel really blessed and very lucky to be surrounded by a supportive group of family and friends who encouraged me to take that leap into starting my own business and sharing my passion.

4. How many pieces do you make each month and how long does each piece take?

This really varies from month to month. Right now I'm very fortunate to be in a position where I can book myself out a few months in advance. The really amazing thing about running a business from a digital platform like I do is that I can work as much or as little as I want to. I try to leave time in my schedule to grow as an artist (I recently learned to weave on a loom and I love it!) and to enjoy my family. 

Sometimes I can work on a single piece for a few weeks and other times (if my husband is around to keep the kids occupied!) I can finish something in a day or two. My mixed textile pieces take a very long time to complete because they are so layered and intricate, but I really love making them! 

5. 3 words to describe you!

Passionate

Slightly-obsessive

Grateful

Isn't Sara wonderful? I can't believe she has only been making these beautiful modern macrame's for 9 months! If you are interested in her work you can find her on her website and on instagram.

I hope you have been inspired today darlings! Have a wonderful one.

xo jennifer

bunglo by shay spaniola

I am always on the look out for beautiful bedding...and I found it! Shay founded bunglo by shay spaniola in 2013 and has been on fire ever since. You can find her beddings and beautiful pillows here and she is also at anthropologie! Say what???? So amazing. My bedroom received a little make over with her bedding...now to get some pillows...I know I know....pillow addiction right here!

 Take a look at her fabulous designs and water color prints and read the little interview I did with her below.

1. When did you become interested in art and how did you start?

I've always been interested in art! I started painting at 3 and haven't stopped! I took art classes out side of school at a young age, studied fine art and believe it's my way of connecting to my soul! It's more of a feeling that I 'have' to create... it just pours out! 

2. When did you start your company and when did your drawings become dreams?

I started with an idea in December of 2013, 6 months later I launched my first collection and haven't looked back! It's been a dream come true to focus on my art and share my patterns with the world.

3. Favorite things to do on your free time:)

In my free time, I love creating, being outside with my dog and fiance, TRAVELING! Yoga, making plant based meals and gardening. 

4. What would you describe your style in your home?

We just moved into a charming 1920's 'bunglo' in Asheville, North Carolina. We recently purchased 2 large flax linen sofas from restoration hardware and a mid century table from @atomicfurnishings - everything is very simple. We like to keep the house 'zen' - we only used plants and crystals to decorate (and of course bunglo rugs, baskets and pillows!). I'm all about soft grays and making my space feel like a meditation space. I think salt lamps + intentional patterns are the key to enlightening a space! 

5. What makes you happy?

A simple life with an emphasis on living in rhythm with mother nature.

6. Your favorite bedding and pillows currently for sale.

I love them all! I make tons of designs each month, the ones I put into production are my absolute favorites! I love how you can mix and match them to get a new feel every season. We're launching a photo collection with Anthropologie in August that I'm pretty pumped about! 

7. 3 words to describe you!!!

Creative, adventurous and happy :) I truly love life and so grateful for my time on earth! 

Look at those fab pillows at anthropologie! Love it all.

Be sure to take a look at her instagram page here and her gorgeous website here. Have a beautiful day darlings!

xo jennifer

wallpops

Wallpops is a fun peel and stick wallpaper that is now one of my favorite go to easy design applications. The city design is so chic and modern and looks amazing anywhere. My sons's closet doors got a little facelift and the best part? It took me 10 minutes and I did it on my own. I tend to lean on the "lets do this decor quick side." I tell you, this got my fix without the time and frustration. My son loves it and it added some nice texture to his room.

I didn't realize it at the time, but spider man is pointing to his new found city....oh kids!

They neat part about wallpaper like this, is if you change your mind later you can always take it down and either change it with another wallpaper piece or leave a blank canvas with no residue. Wallpops carries different types of wallpaper from cut out designs like pineapples to its new NuWallpaper like the city design I have.

I had a little left over so I decided to use it on our door in our kitchen. I also thought it would be a fabulous summer project for the kids to color it. Coloring books are so in right now, why not have a big piece to color? FUN!

You can find wallpops here and on their instagram page here. 

Have a lovely Friday darlings and a Happy 4th of July!

xo Jennifer

art studio km

Art...it is such a beautiful representation of beauty, emotions and wonder. I came across Kim Merritt through instagram and then realized something.....her sister's husband was one of my husband's best friends!! Isn't this world so tiny sometimes? And isn't she a beauty!?

As an artist, Kim has a beautiful, fresh and modern look with colors that will keep you looking. Her studio is adorable and I can picture her dreaming and painting away in this space. Take a look....

I Love the airy feel to her studio and the lovely green with fresh plants. What a great space to get creative. I asked Kim a few questions to get to know her and her style a bit and this is what she said.

1. When did you become interested in art and for how long have you been an artist?

When I was a kid I was always creating something. Making cards for people or decorating my room about every other week. When I was 14 I had my first private art lesson. I was curious about painting and had just received a watercolor set for Christmas. I took lessons for the rest of that year and loved every minute of it. I then pursed art in college and graduated with a BA in fine art.

2. Does your interior space reflect you as an artist? If so, how?

Yes, my friends always ask me to come decorate their homes for them. I have an equal passion for art and interior design, which makes sense because they relate so much to each other. I was into interiors at a young age, long before I was a painter. I spent a lot of time thinking up ideas and decorating my space. My home is never completely finished. I love that about my home because its changing with the seasons or what inspires me with my art.

3. What is your favorite type of medium to work with?

My first art lesson was with watercolors. Then later when I went to art school, I started painting with acrylic. I still like watercolor and also mixing in oil pastels into my artwork. Acrylic paint is so versatile which is what draws me to it. I love that it can be thick and textured or watered down like watercolors.

4. What inspires you?

When I am not working or painting, you can find me most days outside on walks or in the garden. I love decorating and reading interior magazines and books. I also have a passion for cooking and creating new, tasty recipes. When I am not at home, I love traveling, seeing new places and taking lots of photos.

5. What is your style in your home? 

My style has treasures found on trips, scandinavian design, and a mix of rustic and modern elements. People often say they come to visit, that my home feels very peaceful.

6. Three words to describe you.

Imaginative.....Loyal.....Authentic

Isn't kim's work beautiful? I love her answers and her heart too. My kind of gal! She also is giving 15 percent of each painting sold to clean water. I LOVE IT!!! Please go visit her on instagram and her website and follow along on her beautiful journey.

Have a beautiful day darlings. Hope you have been inspired!

xo jennifer

darling i love

1950's ranch bungalow

When I think of a 1950's home all sorts of things come to mind, but the biggest thing is WORK. Always in progress, never done kind of home. My sister lives in a 1950's ranch bungalow that defeats the odds and is such a special place that she shares with her husband and two precious blonde blue eyed girls.  Along with 9 chickens, two bunnies, a cat, a beautiful garden and a little vineyard they have created a unique space in Napa, California.

They purchased the home in 2009 and have worked diligently on making it fit their needs. They live on 1/3 of an acre and have transformed it into a backyard haven. The girls enjoy playing with the animals, picking strawberries and playing in this cute playhouse.

When my 5 year-old niece was asked what her favorite thing to do in her enchanted garden (as she calls it) she proudly stated, "picking fava beans." Isn't that cute? They pick veggies and eggs on a regular basis and make home cooked meals most of the week.

My sister recently converted the baby girls nursery into a playroom/guest room as their space is on the smaller side of just over 1300 sq feet. I love how she kept some of the same decor and repurposed this table for a work space for the girls.

She just added the new day bed from CB2 called the lubi turquoise sleeper and she loves it! Such a fab color and perfect for the girls during the day and for guests when they visit.

I asked my sister what style she would consider her taste and home. She said it is eclectic with a mix of more mid century being added over time. She loves a good pop of color and incorporates this into her home. 

She recently did a wonderful transformation to her kitchen adding new counter tops, subway tile, a fun island unit and painting the cabinets.  Take a look at this cuteness! 

When asked about living in a smaller house she said it is a never ending task. "Your life keeps evolving and your home has to change with your needs." They changed their fireplace during their first year as it needed a big upgrade. They used reclaimed wood from a nearby city and my dad and sister got to work. It is her favorite part of the house and mine too.

When asked what her next project is my sister quickly responded, "the laundry room!" She found recycled cork made in Portugal for flooring and is so excited to begin. I can't wait to see what she does!

Thanks for stopping by on this little bungalow tour! Have a beautiful day darlings!

xo jennifer

darling i love

oh anthropolgie....

This store gets me.every.single.time. Can we say butterflies? I think so! When a store gives you a feeling like you could live there...ummm....they did an amazing job. If you frequent Portland, Oregon often or plan to visit soon the Anthropologie in the Pearl District is an absolute must. I had the privilege of going to the opening night via They Call Her Smith. She is adorable and a hoot!

The store consists of furniture galleries that will make your mouth drop. My favorite was this one with a pink sofa, an amazing modern light fixture and some hip art. Take a look...

I love how they mixed their clothes and shoes....(yes shoes!!!!EEEKKK!) with furniture that made you happy just staring at it. They also had a beauty section, work out apparel and the entire store looked like my dream home.

I think this wallpaper would look fab in anyone's space.....what do you think?

The selection of chairs and fabric were unbelievable. It felt as though you were in a unique boutique store on a larger scale without the feeling of a big department store. Say what!? Amazing, just amazing.

Coffee anyone? Wouldn't this be a fab idea in a kitchen?

And a few more of my favorites....

The colors, smells and overall look of the new Anthropologie is the ultimate experience in Portland. I had such a lovely time as it was also my sweet mama's birthday and lots of giggles and sore feet were had!

Thanks for the love reading today's post!

Enjoy your day darlings.

xo jennifer

open floor plan....what's your style?

Our bungalow is an open floor plan and it is all new to me.  If you are considering an open floor plan in your home here are a few of my thoughts.

• I love having a place for everything that I see when I walk through the door. All the beauty that I have accumulated throughout the years right there!
• I enjoy seeing my family and knowing what my kiddos are up to. It helps this mama out and the kids have no idea I am on mama watch when they are on their ipads.
• When I am cooking I get to look out past the living room into the outdoors with our big windows. Even though our space is small, it feels bigger with all the natural light we get.
• If you want privacy with an open floor plan, you must go to your bedroom to get that convenience. Depending on how you look at it, it can be a positive or negative.....I choose positive folks!
• Sometimes it can look like clutter if everything is out, the kids are playing and I am cooking. I have to remember that this is LIVING! So, I think it is more neat-o than not.
• I love color and seeing it in one big space makes me happy.
• I get to see my kiddos a lot, and as a mama who has struggled with infertility what a blessing it is!

My thoughts on bungalow living and an open floor plan. It has been such a fun challenge and I am grateful everyday we get to live like this for now!

Enjoy your day lovelies.

xo jennifer