fawn&forest

The inside scoop: I bought a walnut wood rattle by Earnest Efforts when visiting Montana a couple years back. This simple wood rattle was the seed of inspiration to launch fawn&forest. Who knew? Heather and Rick are a joy to work with and hands down send the happiest emails of the day. They'll use words like "lettuce" instead of "let us" and assure me the latest shipment is being sent "on the fastest pony heading north". Each rattle is obviously made with much love + laughter and of reclaimed woods like chinkapin and madrone. A bit of nature to blast the plastic fantastic. Thank you Rick + Heather!! 

What did you want to be when you grew up?
Ricky always wanted to explore, travel west and play.  He has certainly done all of these things and continues to as well... He came out west by way of the thumb with stories that would have sent a shiver down H.S.Thompson's spine.  Heather led a more suburban childhood, but found great joy in exploring outside by herself and following in the matriarchal footsteps with sewing and art.  When her parents were building their house in the 1970's she picked up scrap wood and nails and tried to make a book.  She went to the Univ of Oregon to be a journalist and ended up an artist.

How do your life experiences influence what you create in your workshop?
Having grown up building conventional cabinetry and wood working, Rick can't help but reject a straight line for the appeal of nature's own designs.  Heather jokes that she always wanted to marry a woodworker to acquire a woodshop.  All of our life experiences led us to each other and we find ourselves so fortunate that we can share our days together playing and bringing our imaginations to reality.  We believe that all things are possible with enough effort and laughter.

What does the rest of '08 hold for you? 
First on our agenda is to finish the remodel of our 100+ year old turkey coop we lovingly call home.  We are looking forward to the fall art festivals and acquiring enough stores carrying our rattles and shakers that we can continue on with our dream of living simply and enjoying the smallest of miracles that make our life together such a joy.  We are here for amusement only.  We realized our goals are not traditional, but we are so grateful for the opportunity to sustain our lifestyle through the people we meet in our business.  Our customers are not just business transactions, but our friends.  Our visit to earth is so grand that our song is simply "take care, be good and kind, and don't forget to laugh".  Imagine love and peace for everyone.

We're rounding out this month's selection of Forest Finds as August draws to an end. I have 2 more Q+A's to bring you, today with Kim Screen, the Good Stock genius. Although Kim primarily works in the preservation of family history, creating heirloom quality books, I just had to have a slice of her amazing work. Check out Kim's fill-in family trees, at once!

When you were a kid what did you want to be when you grew up?
A teacher, like my kindergarten-teaching mom.

You are essentially in the business of preserving family history. What is the most challenging part of this process?
Getting started on a book design is always the hardest. When I'm really stuck, you'll find me cleaning + organizing around the house or office instead (my preferred procrastination!) But once I've got a good grasp on the story and a solid start on the design, I'm unstoppable. I get totally engrossed in the book and the story I'm telling. 

What does the rest of '08 hold for you?
I'm exhibiting at my first trade show - a genealogy one in Philadelphia - and am slightly nervous. Ok, very nervous. I'm launching into weddings with a "wedding week" where I'll feature a wedding book a day on my blog to give brides ideas and inspiration. And if i can get enough examples I'll also do a "Christmas week" too. On a personal note, my husband and I hope to buy a house! Oh, and i just found out today that a baby announcement I did for my friend Joel McHale (The Soup) will be in People Magazine in September - fun!

i'm not kidding, Kim really is a creative genius. Check out her site, you'll want a book of your very own, guaranteed. Thanks Kim!

Total textile joy: Plover Organic's line of crib quilts! Organic + whimsical + totally unique. Today's Q+A is with the very intriuging Marisa Kula Mercer, one of the very talented ladies of Plover Organic. Plover has taken a very refreshing stance on textiles, transcending trends + time... creating heirloom quality quilts + bedding with a fantastic feel-good + do-good option: organic cotton. 

When you were a kid what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be everything at one point or another! Singer, writer, dancer, bank-teller. They all had their allure.

The A-Z Animal poster,  designed + illustrated by Tara Hogan of Ink+Wit is one of those products that makes me want to have a brick + mortor shop too. Yes, viewing the print on your screen, it is quite evident the illustrations are spectacular and the colors are so with it. But after beholding the A-Z in person, the details and thoughtfulness of the actual print far exceeds what you see on your screen.  The details are delicate, the grey has a silver shimmer and the composition is playful yet sophisticated. 

When you were a kid what did you want to be when you grew up?
An actress.

Nature plays a major role in your work. What is the most compelling aspect of working with nature and organic forms in your work?
Spontaneity and the interaction of animals and botanicals.

What does the rest of '08 hold for you?
I am working on a numbers poster similar to the animal alphabet poster and also a new elephant print where part of the proceeds will benefit an elephant sanctuary. In addition, I will be creating the very first roll of children's wallpaper for INK+WIT. And, hopefully, a trip to Tuscany in October.

So looking forward to Numbers poster + wallpaper! Oh yeah. Thank you Tara!

It was the Tiny Warbler Whale that sent me on a quick search for Kate Keeler's email address. I fell in love with the whale! It made her little family of creatures instant Forest Finds. Not only are her small stuffed animals incredibly genuine, but Kate also perfectly captures the sweetness + character of each animal. I will admit one thing: I ordered a whale for myself and under the guidelines that these small animals are not meant for small children, I have no plans of sharing! 

 
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Truthfully, when I was  about 6 years old, my answer was always 'an artist'. I always loved to paint and draw and make collages. I guess not  too much has changed but now fabric has been thrown in the mix.

Does your "day job" (as a photographer's assistant) interact/overlap/inspire your "evening job" as creator of little friends?
Absolutely! I find being surrounded by talented and creative people really inspiring. On a shoot, I usually find out what someone's favorite animal is and then I start to see it as a pattern. It also pushes me to hone my technical skills and always try to do my best.

What does the rest of '08 hold for you?
There will be a lot of fabric, cutting, stitching and sewing ahead. I'm working out some new patterns now and hopefully will have some new products to offer in time for the holidays. There may be my first craft fair down the road as well. And hopefully a little travel and rest with my husband. 

Thanks Kate! I look forward to who else you create! 

Samantha of Nix Socks is a can-do kind of gal. And she makes it seem so simple!  She wanted her son to wear stylin' socks that stayed on his little feet. So she designed some old-school style socks + had them manufactured. Nix Socks was born! Samantha is a spunky lady -- it shows not only in the awesome color combinations of her socks, but also in her loving attitude toward her family. And where did the name Nix come from? From the source of her inspiration, her older son, Phoenix.

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
An actress, of course.

What is the most challenging part of being an inventive designer-business women + full time Mom?
Eating a meal in a char... well, first, eating a meal. The chair is just a luxury at this point. This is true. But also, making a point to not short shift my husband on the love he deserves. There is not a lot left at the end of the day to go around but I think it is so important not to let that slide.

What does the rest of '08 hold for you?
Hopefully a 2nd line of socks (new colors/styles) and lots of fun with my 2 boys and my husband. I'd love to make it to the snow this Winter. 

Thank you Samantha! Perhaps I am thinking what every other Mom is thinking right now: I wish the Nix came in my size too! 

We are now in a new month of Forest Finds with a whole new selection.... but did not want to neglect the final June Forest Find Q+A with Paige Russell. I gave birth last Monday before I got the chance to post Paige's interview. I enjoy the wit Paige has with the work she creates. Objects that are both useful, thoughtful and fun. Plus, she was voted most sportsmanlike for 7th grade volleyball. Umm, come on! I tried to play volleyball in the 7th grade and was surely not as cool as Paige.....!

When you were a kid what did you want to be when you grew up?
The first thing I can remember wanting to be is a marine biologist, but I'm ultra afraid of seaweed & sharks, so...  Then I moved on to cake decorator.  My family ate a LOT of cakes for a couple of months one summer.   But for most of my teens and up, I always knew I wanted to make things.

What is the most compelling aspect of working dimensionally?
I'm a pretty sensorial person (is that a word? hmmm...) so working in 3D really compliments that part of me.  I also love function and the challenge of pairing that with beauty.  Creating useful household objects that people enjoy looking at & using is the big dream.  

Christy Nyboer is the artist behind Little Lark clothing, and mother of 2 small children. I love the simplicity of her designs + her obvious interest in what she does. See those dahlias? Those beauties grow in her garden every year! And while the majority of her designs reflect nature, she's not afraid to throw in a robot or 2! Another plus? Most of the Little Lark cloting is organic.   

When you were a kid what did you want to be when you grew up?
I'm sure there were tons of things that I wanted to be when I was younger, but one definitely sticks out in my mind first.  When I was about 4 years old, I was obsessed with becoming an "Orange Crayon Maker".... from watching how crayons (specifically the orange ones) were made on the show Mr. Rogers.  (remember Picture, Picture?)  Well, I eventually realized that being an orange crayon maker would get kind of old after awhile (and after being teased enough from it), I switched to wanting to become a doctor like my dad and grandfather.  I loved how passionate they were about their chosen career, and I too had a strong passion for biology at a very young age.  It became more clear to me as I got older, that my passion for visual arts was far stronger than anything else.  I choose to study art at Alfred University in New York where I attained my BFA.  I wasn't sure where studying art was going to take me.... but look at me now!

What is the most challenging part of being a mom and a creative business owner?
That is a loaded question.  For me, one of the most difficult parts is balancing my time with business + family, plus also making the time for myself (non-work time).   When I find myself worn out, frustrated and unmotivated with the demands of work and home-life.... it becomes very clear to me that I have been working too hard and taking care of everyone except myself.  I need to remind myself more often that it is  okay to stop working for an hour to share coffee with a friend.... the updating of the website can wait.

What does the rest of '08 hold for you?
I'm on a mission to make Little Lark more organic.  This fall I will be adding some organic, long sleeve onesies in a beautiful range of colors.... I'm so excited!  I hope to have some new fall designs ready by July.

Thanks so much Christy! My favorite? The horse onesie. 

As we approach the end of June with a full + exciting month of Forest Finds action, I am pleased to announce Tressa's Teething BonBons to be amongst the top 3 best selling Forest Finds products. No surprise as the Teething BonBons are an ingenious solution to every parents dilemma: a teething baby.  Plus they are organic + super cute. I am refreshed by Tressa's enthusiasm and expanding creativity.

When you were a kid what did you want to be when you grew up?
A problem-solver, a group leader and self employed.  When I was in grade four I organized a club for my friends called 'The Golden Girls'.  I designed a logo, hand drew our membership pamphlet (this was the early 80s) and fashioned a clubhouse out of cement cinder blocks and old pipes that I found on a pile of fill from my elementary school's renovations.  I think that it was around the same time that I invented a dandelion picker and set up a one-day-only birch-bark crafts stand at the end of my driveway.  Back then my ideas didn't have a lot of staying power or technical support, but laid the foundation for a life of leadership, art, and engaging every creative possibility.

What is the most challenging part of being a Mom and having a business?
Not banking on nap time.  My daughter is just over 1 1/2 years and for the most part, a beautiful sleeper.  I have come to count on the couple of hours each day nap time affords - designing, prepping materials and sometimes even getting to the machine to put together a few Bonbons (the real production work happens in the evening when my husband scoops up the babe for her nightime routine).  As Little R. gets older and product demand increases, the nap time hours seem to be getting shorter and I find myself both counting and maxing the minutes.  Having a business and a family is about setting s.m.a.r.t. goals for long term vision and immediate focus, being well organized, and welcoming support from folks experienced, wise and enthusiastic.  And, of course, knowing when to ditch nap time expectations and head to the park.

(s.m.a.r.t. = Specific Measureable Attainable Realistic/Relevant Timely) 

What does the rest of '08 hold for you?
Each weekend I join a community of crafters, organic farmers and not-for-profit organizations at the Moss Street Market in Victoria BC Canada, selling my wares and educating folks on the benefits of organic cotton production from seed to my finished - handmade! - material goods.  This month, I am soooo excited to be on the brink of having my own line of fabric hand screen printed and ready to go - three prints, four colours.  They will be snipped and sewed into a super stylin' new branch of my classic organic soft toys.  August will find my little family climbing in our Volks for a road trip from our home on Vancouver Island to my childhood stomping grounds in BC's interior.  We'll do a bit of camping, some wine tasting (hello Naramata Bench!) and lots catching up with family and friends.  Come autumn, I'll be gearing up for a major event, the Vancouver Island Baby Fair and - golly - now I'm thinking about Little R's 2nd birthday and the Holiday markets that will soon follow ... 2008, where are you going?

Thanks Tressa! Sign me up for your 'Golden Girls' club! I was totally one of those kids.....

Alyson Beaton is a thoughtful + talented designer who creates multi-functional work. The Baby's First Words letterpress card set is a true example of functional, heirloom quality art. And a great place to record your growing baby, even if you don't have the umph or time to write a novel. I look forward to Alyson's soon to be released children's book "grow", exciting!  

When you were a kid what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a veterinarian , but so did everyone else!

What is the most challenging part of being an artistic creative working mom?
The toughest challenge is finding the time to do the work. Since the work is not necessarily paying the bills you have to carve out a bit of your life for yourself and your outlet.

What does the rest of '08 hold for you?
This year is going to be an exciting one for me because I just partnered with a colleague from grad school to have a design collaborative called Good Design Chicago. We are going to hit the ground running with the release of the web site and something we have been working on that encourages kids to write and illustrate their own stories. We are incorporating this idea into birthday parties too! I also have the release of the book "Grow: An Environmentally Friendly Book" set to hit stores in December, with a limited edition letterpressed version coming out now. I am super excited about both of these projects, and with the growing relationships with wonderful people like Fawn and Forest who support people like me. I just have to remember to keep the balance. 

Thank you Alyson!! 

I love the simplicity of Jai and Lauren, the sweet couple behind Sleeping Forest Studios....who "make high quality handcrafted wooden objects in their small but mighty shop in rural Nova Scotia, Canada. Both love to visit the city, but are most happy in their big old house in their small quiet town, surrounded by cats and bunnies and good books....". I would love to spend a day with them in their small but mighty shop... watching them make their beautiful wood tops (among other goodies).... wouldn't you?!

 
When you were a kid what did you want to be when you grew up?
Jai: When I was really young, my grandfather trained me to answer this question with, "I wanna be in show business!" He was a projectionist, so he was already living the dream. I think he would have been proud that I went the toymaker route, though.

Lauren: Growing up, my Mom always told me I could be whatever I wanted to be... until I decided I wanted to be a harem dancer.  My Grandma wanted me to be a scientist.  She would clip articles out of the newspaper about women in science.  It was pretty cute.  

 
What is the most compelling part of working with wood?
Jai: For me, being a woodturner, I like the idea of taking things with corners and making them round. Everything I make is by hand so it's all a bit different. It's also amazing how little measuring I have to do.

Lauren: It's almost unlimited, what you can do with wood.

What does the rest of '08 hold for you? 
Jai: Christmas!

Lauren: Lots more fun and experimenting in the shop.  Spinning, cutting, shaping, sanding, and, oh yeah,  Christmas.

 
These tops are small but mighty and have the most amazingly perfect spin. Totally addictive! Thanks Lauren + Jai!

Today's Forest Finds Q+A is with Maiko Kuzunishi the mastermind behind Decoylab Design Studio. I am always intrigued by those who are multi-talented and work in a variety of mediums - including being a new mom! - such as Maiko. Check out her website  for a full meal of her creativity and talent.   

When you were a kid what did you want to be when you grew up?
When I was a first grade we had this assignment where we drew what we wanted to be when we grew up. After given it a thought, I ended up asking my parents what I should be. My dad said "how about a newscaster?" so that's what I drew... a very square looking anchor woman. (and I must tell you that it was pretty good drawing.) I really did not care what I wanted to be when I grew up and maybe it's because I didn't want to grow up? Or maybe I just wanted to be myself and not anybody or anything else. I still don't have any idea what I want to be or that if I have grown up... I know I'm older. I also know that I am more true to myself than I was before. And maybe that's really all i wanted and cared. I just like being myself. 

You are certainly multidisciplinary - of what you do, what aspect is the most challenging?
Becoming multidisciplinary was not my goal but as a result of going after what interested me -- it was not my intention. Having said that, I do realize that I've encompassed different vocations. Each vocation has its own world, it's microcosm and the challenge was to learn each world like going into a foreign country and trying to speak new language. Each world challenged me to prove to them that I am competent.

What does the rest of '08 hold for you?
'08 has been a chaotic year since the birth of my daughter in March. I am still figuring out my work schedule which is nearly impossible since my daughter is growing up so quickly and we don't have a well established pattern yet.  I have tons of ideas for products and I'm fired up to do lots of design work as I do miss working!!

BUT I don't want to miss my daughter growing up either. It's her first year and I waited 9 months for this!! So the rest of the year will be me going back and forth chaotically between work and my daughter trying to balance it out. Can't you just see? I am thankful that I work from home that it's just going back and forth between living room to a bedroom converted into my studio. I rush to my studio as soon as my daughter falls asleep and I rush to my daughter as soon as I hear her crying!

Thank you Maiko!

Today's Forest Finds Q+A is with the very intuitive photographer Elizabeth Soule who has created her own 'Little Zoo'. I am astonished at her ability to put so much personality + life into such small plastic objects. Thank you Elizabeth! 

When you were a kid what did you want to be when you grew up?
Like most kids I went through a dozen phases, but I was determined at age 6 to be a Harvard law graduate and eventually President of the United States.  When I found out how much I loathed politics, I moved on to more practical aspirations; ballerina, actress, teacher, and computer programmer.  

The 1st Forest Finds Q+A is with the very creative Sian Keegan. She brings her handmade fabric patchwork strawberries, radishes and scallions to June's Forest Finds.  

Sian Keegan is a recent graduate of the textile + surface design program at the Fashion Institute of Technology. Sian grew up in a rural town in southern Connecticut where she worked on a strawberry farm. She currently lives in park slope, Brooklyn with a dachshund named Ollie.

 
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
When I was a kid I wanted to be a veterinarian, or any profession relating to dogs.  I still want to be a dog trainer one day...

What was the most challenging part of studying at Fashion Institute of Technology?
The heavy workload was very challenging.  Also commuting from Brooklyn on the F train every morning with all of my supplies was tricky sometimes!

What does the rest of '08 hold for you?
I will be at the Renegade Craft Fair at McCarren Park Pool June 14-15.  Next I'll be working on some new animals and fabric vegetable designs to sell from my shop at sian.etsy.com. 

Thanks Sian! 

What is your fondest memory of pregnancy?
My fondest memory of pregnancy would have to be the photo shoot we did of my big belly. We went to magical gardens in Austin on the waterfront with a talented photographer friend. The sun filtering through the trees painted in an incredible mosaic of greens, and the photos turned out equally magical. We still have some hung around the house and they always make me smile.

How has motherhood inspired you?
When I first decided to create The Essential Pregnancy Organizer, it was just my over-organized side and my design background coming together for what I thought would be a little project. With over 125,000 printed now and more on the way, our child as an inspiration has turned into a full time business. Apart from that, the daily realization that this little creature absorbs everything we say or do is a constant inspiration to be better people in every part of our lives.

What was your favorite part in co-authoring 40 Weeks +?
The creative process of working with a co-author is very rewarding for me. Much of my design business is just me in a vacuum, in a sense, so when I have the opportunity to work with someone else and enjoy the back and forth process of creating and refining something new, it's invigorating and professionally very rewarding.

What will you organize next?!
We're now moving in a direction that I'm excited about but never would have anticipated. We had a breast cancer survivor approach us with her plan for an organizer. She developed most of the content but wanted help with designing, publishing, and distributing the book, and we're delighted to work with her. With the help of some sponsors we'll be making the organizer available for free to women with breast cancer. It feels great to be involved with such an important project, and we're so inspired by this woman we want to make her story and excellent organizing tool available to women who need it most.

The other new development is directly in line with the first two organizers. It's called The Essential Toddler Organizer, and as you might guess it picks up right where the second book left off. As with the first book we had moms write and say "Please write the next book, I want these tools next year". So we have The Essential Pregnancy, Baby, and now Toddler Organizer, which should be out this fall. I don't know if we'll go beyond that, but we have some general family titles in the early development stage. If you have ideas of your own for organizers you'd like to see please send them to dani@essentialorganizers.com.

Thank you Dani for being a part of memory week! (Picture on left of Dani and her son provided by the author.)