Illustration fun by Beth Shirrell
I love finding new illustrators and their talent. Each style is so unique or has something different that is inspirational to them. I recently found Beth Shirrel, whos style is so similar to mine. I really appreciate her work. And the colors? Oh my. Amazing. Beth teaches at Philadelphia University by day, but freelances by night. I would love to collaborate with her on a project! Totally dreamy.
This particular set of illustrations was designed to inform consumers about the true definitions of the eco labels we see on products. Aren’t they adorably amazing?
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See her entire portfolio here.
Art on Lark: 2010
It is definitely summer in the Albany, NY area when you can venture to Lark Street for the one day each summer and experience the sounds of great music, delicious food, but most of all amazing creations by some of the area’s local art talent! From paintings and photography to sculpture and jewelry, there was something for everyone.
My husband and i ventured out on Saturday on our way to the lake to support the fun and also to support my friend Tara, creative mind behind of Tiane Novati Modiste. You might remember the giveaway she sponsored back in March? Well, she has grown leaps and bounds and had a gorgeous booth this past Saturday at Art on Lark. I nearly walked away with one of each! She designs the most gorgeous handmade accessories including belts, pins, headbands, and more. I love her dearly and admire her creativity and talent! I just know that one day she will be such a success! So next year, if you are in the area be sure to check this event out.
Here are a few photos from the day at her booth. Tara and I and photos of her goodies. It was so hot on Saturday so my husband and I were trying to make it to the lake for a swim, but it ended up raining later that day.
Designer file: Jessica Rust
I have been so excited to share this designer file with you. I 100% can’t remember how I originally stumbled upon Jessica Rust Designs, but when I did i was in love with these dainty pieces. Once you see Jessica’s designs, you will see how perfect of a gift they are! For a bride and groom, bridesmaids gifts, or shucks… even for yourself! 
I am really wishing i knew about Jessica when i was getting married or when my friends were. Just the most perfect, unexpected gift.
Without further ado, please meet Jessica Rust!
What (or who) inspired you to start your own business?
When I was growing up my father would get up and go to work like all Dads did back then. It was long before anyone ever heard of flextime. He hated it. I made a promise to myself that I wouldn’t hate what I do. Long story short when I graduated college flextime still wasn’t mainstream and if I wanted a job that worked around my life I would have to make it myself. I’ve also got to add that I’ve been a natural entrepreneur since I was really young, selling everything from the veggies that we grew in our backyard to making all kinds of weird stuff and trying to pawn it off on people, including mud pies, made out of mud. It wasn’t until I was much older that I realized that mud pies were chocolate and not mud. Child of the 70’s my mother fed us lots of health food.
Who is your favorite designer?
I’ve got lots of designers I think are fabulous, but one that I admire above all, Eva Zeisel. She’s been around a long time designing everything from dinnerware to furniture. Doing it long before women were let into to business. I think she’s amazing.
How do you define success?
Funny I get this question a lot. And I suppose there are many answers to that question, but when I think of success in my business life there are small successes, getting orders complete by a promised deadline and big successes like having enough cash to buy things you’ve been waiting and saving for a long time. I think each day idea of success changes as I accomplish one thing another thing is added to the list.
How do you keep a work/life balance?
This is really difficult. Before we moved to Los Angeles I worked out of a carriage house in our backyard. My children were in and out of my workspace daily and often hourly. It drove me crazy at times and there really wasn’t a separation. My staff knew what was going on in my house at all times. Now that I’ve got a studio that is an actual commute I’m finding it much easier. I’m at work from 7am to 2:30pm. I’m home in time to be there for my children after school. They are both still young and this was really important to me.
What should we expect to see from Rust Designs as your business grows?
This is a question I often ask myself, how far to do I want to take my product line? Ideally I would like to set the table with all my designs. Right now I’ve designed just dinnerware but I would like to include glassware and table linens to the mix. Not to mention some more accessories like candleholders, cause a girl can never have enough candlelight.
Here are a few of Jessica’s beautiful designs for you!
View the entire collection at Jessica Rust Designs.
designer file: Jessica Constable of Jess L.C.
I have been pretty excited to share today’s Designer File with you. I first “met” Jessica when I started reading her blog, Makeunder My Life. I then realized that holy moly… she designs fabulous jewelry as well and is also one of the creative minds behind Spring. We have become friends and hope to meet next time that I am in Chicago. I am truly inspired by Jessica’s work ethics, value on life, love and business and so i was thrilled when she agreed to take time out of her hectic design life and interview for a designer file. I hope you enjoy!
What (or who) inspired you to start your own business?
Actually, I never set out to start a business. When I was 15-years-old, I was making ankle bracelets for myself at a pool and some ladies approached me and asked to buy them. I spent six hours making them ankle bracelets and earned $30. It happened so naturally, that I decided to continue to make jewelry and sell it to fellow students, teachers, and friends. And the rest is history!
Who is your favorite designer?
I don’t know if I have just one favorite designer. I would have to say my top picks would be Jeanine from Aphro Chic , Michelle Adams from Rubie Green, and surprisingly, Nicole Ritchie’s new jewelry line, House of Harlow. All of these designers have a crisp, modern vibe while still maintaining a pretty classic edge. Any of their pieces will still look fresh in years to come.
How do you define success?
I think success is finding the ability to design one’s life as they would like, while still being thankful and flexible during the bumps along the journey. Life will never be perfect, but if we discover our purpose and then begin to pursue that vocation, I believe we will discover joy and unforeseen blessings. In order to reach these goals, I think one needs to be brave and stay faithful during the darker moments.
How do you keep a work/life balance?
As a morning person, I strive very hard to maintain a quality of life that is in my personal best interest. Which means I generally work from 8:30-6:00 Monday through Friday. Sure there are exceptions to this every now and then, but overall I reserve my nights for fun, friends, and Erwin, my boyfriend. I find I am better able to stay motivated and energetic during the day.
What should we expect to see from Jess LC as your business grows?
Great question! In April you will see a very different Jess LC than you do now. Sure, most of our styles will carry over, but we will be launching a brand new collection with new techniques I’ve never done before with sterling silver pendants and a new logo and website. Even our colors will be getting a makeover. Out with the sage green and in with a bold coral. I intend to pursue PR for the first time, reach a broader audience, and really make a splash in on the jewelry scene. Of course my focus will be on continuing to develop an online clientele worldwide. It’s a lot of work to get everything ready, but the reveal will be quite dramatic.
Here are some of Jessica’s fabulous pieces!
I also have to give Jessica a huge shout-out for designing an amazing bracelet for me. If you have been reading along, you might remember the launch party for Clark + Walker Studio that i sponsored? I got in touch with Jess and she made the coolest bracelet for me. I wear it all the time! I just had to add this photo. It was tricky to photograph because of the crystal, but it is just perfect!
Thanks again to Jess and I hope you enjoyed this Designer File! Be sure to check out all of her goodies at Jess L.C.
designer file: Jess Gonacha Swift
Have you ever had that feeling when you see something really amazing that you just want to stare? Whether it be a gorgeous piece of fabric, an article of clothing with amazing lines, and even food that is like art I will sometimes stare to figure out “how’d they do that?”
Well the same can be said for Jessica Gonacha Swift, artist extraordinaire, and one of the creative minds behind Spring. The first time I saw her work, I was in awe. Her style is so fresh, delightful and colorful! The lines are so dainty that I really just stare. Then, I stare and try to figure out where in my own home I can entertain putting one of these lovelies. I just adore them that much. See for yourself… and enjoy my interview with Jess! I especially love her meaning of success because I feel she defines it so well. I too am lucky and feel successful that I have the pleasure of working each day on projects that I am passionate about. I am also really excited to see what she has in store down the road.
What (or who) inspired you to start your own business?
It happened when I was 23 years old– I was working in a meaningless restaurant job, and I’d recently been accepted to a big art show, so I quit my job and just went for it. Luckily it worked out! Also, my mom was a doll-maker when I was growing up, so I watched her sell her work at shows, approach stores, etc. So I saw that it was possible from a young age.
Who is your favorite designer?
Orla Kiely. And Jonathan Adler. I love them both for different reasons. Jonathan Adler more for the message he embodies, and Orla Kiely because I aspire for my work to be a brand the way hers is.
How do you define success?
If I am happy, loving the work that I do and the people who are in my life, and I have enough money for all the things I need to live the way I choose to live (which includes lots of travel!), then that is success to me.
How do you keep a work/life balance?
Ha, I totally don’t! I work all the time. I’m working on more balance, but honestly, I don’t think creative people are supposed to have a balance like that, because so often the work and the life are completely intertwined. That’s what comes with working at something you’re passionate about. But I could give myself more down time, that’s a fact.
What should we expect to see from Jessica Gonacha Swift as your business grows?
I plan to work with companies to license more of my designs for products, and to eventually have my own line of products. I’d like to create a whole Jessica Gonacha Swift ‘lifestyle’ look, with my designs on a range of products, from handbags and wallpaper to gift wrap and clothing! Also, I’m beginning work on a couple of kids books, so that’s in the future as well!
Just a few of the pieces from Jessica’s collection. I love, love the spiky flowers. Then again, my heart melts for anything floral with a modern twist.
What is your favorite?
designer file: Jeremy Brandrick
I just love every aspect of each wedding i design stationery for. Each detail is part of the entire day. From the invitation and food to the dress and accessories. I just love to live vicariously through each of my brides – especially, when it comes to the dresses! I remember trying on oodles and oodles of dresses before finding “the one”. It wasn’t at all what i had imagined in my head and quite interesting how my style changed throughout the dress shopping process.
So, with that in mind, it was no wonder my heart started to flutter when i saw the work of Jeremy Brandrick. (I mean, besides being a pretty handsome gentleman) his designs are so pretty, feminine and just simple beauty. See for yourself! He gives a great interview and just imagine it with a British accent. I also love that my original background and degree was in interior design. So we have something else in common in addition to being in the wedding industry.
Tell us a little about yourself.
Well I grew up in Brimingham, England which is about 100 miles outside of London. I was originally studying to be an interior designer as my math wasn’t good enough for Architecture! Anyway, the fashion course seemed to be a lot more fun and faster paced, which suited my personality, so I swapped. I started studying fashion at the age of 17 and I have worked for some really top designer brands over the years. 5 years ago I decided to up sticks and move to New York. It had always been an ambition of mine to live in America as I love the people, I love the pace that New York moves at and I love the possibilities that the country inspires me to achieve. Without sounding too happy clappy!
How did you get started designing wedding gowns?
I originally started in the bridal market for a company in Nottingham 17 years ago. My boyfriend at the time was a hairdresser and he was doing one of the owners’ hair and mentioned I was studying fashion and it took off from there really. I was with them for 3 years. It was one of the nicest jobs I have ever had! A studio of women all sitting around sewing and beading and gossiping, we laughed non stop. They only made about a dress and a half a week but as their dresses used to retail for about $7000-10000 it was obviously more about the quality than the volume. I also used to work the bridal trade show in Harrogate which was really exciting, As well as meeting store buyers I also got to nose around to see what other designers were doing! I really just love the romance and beauty of wedding dresses, no other dress is ever going to be as special for a woman, and I love being part of that.
What makes you different to other designers?
I would like to say I bring my creativity and years of knowledge to this industry. I have worked with many top designers and have taken all I learned from them away with me. I love being hands on with the creative process instead of sitting in an office. I am terrible with technology, and without sounding ancient as I’m only 38, the internet wasn’t even around when I was studying! Anyway. I really enjoy meeting brides too as they are all completely unique, and it is my job to make sure that their dreams are fulfilled, and there is a lot of gratification in that.
Who/what are your design influences?
I can be influenced from anywhere really. Obviously I pay a lot of attention to current fashions as well as bridal trends, so there is a ton of research to do already. But when I really want to indulge I look towards Haute Couture, Balenciaga, Dior, Valentino, YSL to name some of my favorites.
Any advice to a bride choosing a wedding dress?
Have fun! This is the dress you are getting married in and is supposed to be the best shopping experience ever. If that falls below expectations then look elsewhere. A good ‘vendeuse’ is also important, and can often steer you towards the unexpected, which is always a pleasant surprise. And every single bridal magazine runs good advice on body shapes and suggests ideas for them. This is important a lot of the time, but also, rules can sometimes be broken to amazing effects.
Any dangers to look out for when wedding dress shopping?
Well like any shopping experience and at every stage of planning a wedding, set your budget and stick to it. It’s so easy to fall in love with the $20,000 dress when you can only afford $2,000 and we all do ourselves a disservice when we do. Also watch out for hidden costs in a dress, like expensive alterations or even shipping, all of this can mount up and can cost a lot of money, whatever budget you are working within.
Any last pieces of advice?
I think it is easy to fall into the trap of pleasing other people, but at the end of the day remember who it is all about, you and your fiancé, and celebrating your commitment to each other and the love you share together.
What are your weekend plans?
I’m off to Mexico tonight for the week to work on Sketches for a couple of lovely brides I am working with at the moment, then back home and into my next collection!
I hope you enjoyed! Visit Jeremy Brandrick for more images & special occasion wear!
designer file: EmersonMade
I hope you are ready for a treat! I came across EmersonMade while blogging one day. It was one of those days when i was catching up with my own personal blog and just clicking away. So to be honest, i can’t even remember what blog i clicked on to find this company, but when i did my heart melted for the product. I nearly hyperventilated as i clicked through and looked at each item. I was visualizing a new outfit for each flower. I have no idea which one to buy! I think i want them all. ( So my dear husband, if are reading, whatever one you choose will go over quite well with me)
I contacted Ryan and Emerson to ask them about their business and product. I think what i love the most (besides how amazingly beautiful the product is) is that they are a gorgeous husband and wife team that do everything themselves. From the designs, styling, photos and content. They are the real deal and i totally admire that!
So without further ado, meet Ryan and Emerson.
What (or who) inspired you to start your own business?
- Emerson: Basically when we lived in NYC, I was selling items I had created off my wardrobe on the street. I launched a blog a store and the rest is history.
Who is your favorite designer?
Ryan: My wife. For us its about collecting things for our wardrobe that create inspiration for our shoots and accessories. Places like uniqlo are also great for picking up items for decent prices.
Emerson: Vintage is the way to go
How do you define success?
Emerson: Not sure about success, but our goal is to celebrate the uniqueness of the individual, the joy of being alive and all the smallness that makes up the Big Beautiful. I guess if we can bring that to other people in the form of content, clothes, and accessories than that would be success.
Ryan: Positive momentum on any front.
How do you keep a work/life balance?
Ryan: Making sure I enjoy the things I work on
Emerson: Working with my husband
What should we expect to see from EmersonMade as it grows?
Ryan: We are primarily offering accessories. Over the course of this year we will be rolling out our clothing line, leather goods, and other items. We sell things that we like and that fit our lifestyle. We have all kind of good stuff in the pipeline.
Anything else you what to add?
Emerson: Happy New Year, this is going to be a great year.
What i love most about EmersonMade is the variety. I do so much work with brides, and if you look through the assortment these flowers would be an excellent hair piece as shown, a fabulous bridesmaid gift or even part of a bouquet. With lots of size and color variety, there is something for everyone! (including the guys).
