periwinklebloom

farewell

2011-01-06T08:31:00.000-08:00

As mentioned before, an indefinite hiatus is on my plate, a bittersweet farewell. Our shop is open with limited inventory but feel free to inquire via email as we do have a few pieces not listed. Cheers to a very happy new year!

inquire@periwinklebloom.com

something's gotta give

2010-09-07T08:00:00.000-07:00

Anyone else familiar with feeling the pull in all directions? Wearing our many hats, the cloche, the cowboy, more likely the baseball with ponytail...again. Well in my little world of periwinklebloom I'm finding the need to breath, to pace myself, to be more present, to reorder. I began this blog and business with this mantra in mind, slow and steady wins the race. I truly love the community of creative women I've met and the complex study I've gained regarding organic living, textiles and dimensional design. I have been dedicated to designing responsibly and transparently and have hoped to dent the surface of constructive causes. I do plan to continue as I cannot separate these sensibilities from the way I live, however a more peppered pace is calling my name.

Thank you for your kind support, my friends and my fabulous stockists. You see, recently we've added Cheerios to our repertoire, the minutia becoming monumental and worth recording. So off to play, only one hat today, until we meet again.

lounge

2010-08-27T18:01:00.000-07:00

This shot comes from the clever publication, Papier Mache, down under. I believe this daybed graces the home of the lovely Jess Brown. And I was tickled to see one of Danica's 'little guys' happily perched upon it. Oh, to lounge in the lazy days of summer, parting is such sweet sorrow.

Find periwinklebloom mangle bloomers on page 69, The Wildflowers story. Thanks kindly for including me, I'm flattered to be in such good company.

You belong among the wildflowers
You belong somewhere close to me
Far away from your trouble and worry
You belong somewhere you feel free
~ Tom Petty, Wildflowers

two to visit

2010-08-19T13:16:00.000-07:00

Two lovely ladies of whom I'm quite fond, Lotta and Traci. Lotta is now featuring our collaborative effort, the vintage petite fern halter, in her shop. Her subtle prints using found foliage are gently pressed onto soft linen backed with organic cotton voile. A breezy piece at summer's end or layer with a cotton thermal to greet autumn's chill.

And sending warm wishes to Mrs. French and her sweet baby 'Lu'. I'm ever so grateful to be her guest on the coveted blog, bliss. See you there!

ucbc

2010-08-09T08:39:00.000-07:00

A new venture near and dear to me. If you're ever in St. Louis stop in for a taste! Our craft brewery honors heritage and skill blended with vibrant urban culture and community. Well done, love.

Prost!

something colorful

2010-08-03T19:21:00.000-07:00

A moving little clip, a meditative reminder. Found via ofpaperandthings, enjoy.

profound

2010-07-26T18:41:00.000-07:00

A mother, whose children are grown and gone, said to me today, the days are long but the years are quite quick. How simply profound.

Somewhat unrelated but equally thoughtful, I'm completely compelled to see this film. Please consider taking the pledge.

again

2010-07-21T19:54:00.000-07:00

A sweet shot yet again from a dear patron of periwinklebloom. Her styling is precisely what I wish for...a cozy-soft neutral form layered with splashes of color and texture. Ah, timeless. And the belted 'bubble' is irresistible. Thank you, M and V.

'venerable are letters'

2010-07-19T18:35:00.000-07:00

Enormous admiration for the fine craft of hand lettering by Molly of Plurabelle. Her work is lovely, her work is timeless, her work captures the festivities she pens. Molly's many styles evoke a mood and would no doubt shine bright in my daily pile of mail. She pays homage to a long lineage of art history and follows flawlessly in its footsteps.

found via parcelpost

Venerable are letters, infinitely brave, forlorn, and lost. ~Virginia Woolf

charmant

2010-07-13T18:42:00.000-07:00

Looking for more work by this enchanting artist and ran across a recently published children's book! Then found myself devouring these delightfully illustrative covers...imagining they fill the shelves of all enfants français. The whimsical sense is sprinkled with noir and balanced by hue, pleasing tot and adult alike. Making all things French impossibly dreamier.

de sun

2010-07-08T09:26:00.000-07:00

mama exhorted her children at every opportunity to 'jump at de sun.' we might not land on the sun, but at least we would get off the ground. ~zora neale hurston

{off a card from my dearest}

Image from the lovely bliss. Thanks, t for the kind mention and take good care.

melt

2010-07-05T18:42:00.000-07:00

Body butter bar and belly balm...need I say more?! Delicious Biggs and Featherbelle, handmade and health conscious, simply melts. I've just discovered the fabulous bars and my skin truly devours them. Left with the faintest scent and silky soft, I've found my summer salvation.

placed in a lovely pinkkiss dish

let freedom ring

2010-07-04T07:58:00.000-07:00

Compelling craft, Lauren Dicioccio's sewnnews via alabamachanin.

an addition

2010-06-28T19:59:00.000-07:00

A fun write-up in the Sunday NY Times gives due props to the 'indie' side of StL. An addition, if I might be so bold, is this intriguing burnt-down church nestled silently within our vibrant arts district. It stands stoic and aged, the strength of its stone walls embracing hollow air, embracing an intangible past. The Light Project once illuminated the emptiness making space sacred yet again. A regular request in our brood to drive by and ponder.

a kind reminder to share :: periwinklebloom summer sale while inventory lasts

summer solstice sale

2010-06-17T20:22:00.000-07:00

Summer sale at periwinklebloom. I'll gladly respond to all inquiries and post packages in two weeks as I'm sharing a brief holiday with family. Enjoy the solstice, be well!

I know a bank where the wild thyme blows,
Where oxlips and the nodding violet grows,
Quite over-canopied with luscious woodbine,
With sweet musk-roses and with eglantine.

~A Midsummer Night's Dream

make it right

2010-06-14T17:55:00.000-07:00

A recent trip to New Orleans (and big fan of Treme) have been a reawakening to an unresolved existence. My souvenir was a comfy tissue T touting '9, Make It Right' and I learned it was a brilliant rebuilding effort in the Lower 9th post-Katrina. Spearheaded by Brad Pitt and celebrated international architects, the development embraces cradle-to-cradle thinking which suggests that "everything we create can contribute positively to society, the economy, and the environment". The movement considers materials as 'nutrients' which naturally transforms design and process. The site gives several examples of the thinking applied. Likewise it offers a breathtaking time line of the aftermath and the responsible rebirth currently taking place. Building green and 'coming home' stories are hopeful and inspiring. There is beauty in the devastation and a handful making it right.

sacs de bohème

2010-06-11T19:31:00.000-07:00

Always a favorite, Robin Richman of the laid-back uber-hip Bucktown Chicago, is selling satchels of reclaimed French canvas. Sporting subtle hues, pale print and updated chunky closures, these generous bags balance beauty and bounty. A bit of history captured in your clutch, her totes are begging for another lifelong adventure. Tailored with a bit of bohème, a walk up Damen Avenue awaits.

cheers

2010-06-08T20:08:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday, Frank. My kindred spirit...cheers.

petit pomme

2010-06-03T19:17:00.000-07:00

periwinklebloom is thrilled to have found a home in this whimsical, high-style shop for wee ones. Enormous gratitude to petitpomme.

sweet bow-tie for one young chap by butteredtoast

sweet shots

2010-05-24T20:07:00.000-07:00

Enormous gratitude to a lovely (and talented) patron of periwinklebloom. The sweet shots of her little gal touting my wares are too much. Artfully styled and perfectly mixed-and-matched, I'm beyond flattered. Thank you, M.

vintage mangle-cloth bloomers and organic cotton super-soft sack dress

what type are you?

2010-05-17T09:57:00.000-07:00

By the brilliant Pentagram. Enjoy.

oh, portugal

2010-05-13T18:49:00.000-07:00

I've stumbled across this delightful blog and am scrambling to translate as its got me a bit giddy. Love the quirky forms as they find their way from nature into baubles. Simple and sweet these soft little jewels add a splash and a bounce. Vera has me jumping from blog to shop to inspiration and more. And her images capture something grown-up in the girlie, charming indeed.

are you my mother?

2010-05-07T12:01:00.000-07:00

"Yes, I know who you are," said the baby bird.

a sweet sentiment, on my wish list at figs and ginger

pining for summer

2010-05-03T20:29:00.000-07:00

"Nightswimming deserves a quiet night" ~Michael Stipe

restlessthings :: kikiandpolly :: samanthafrench

the bath hour

2010-05-02T18:27:00.000-07:00

The Bath Hour crafts small-batch artisanal soaps by hand. Our bars are emollient-rich and contain none of the harsh detergents found in commercial soap. Best of all, each bar smells like a little slice of heaven.

Delightful scents, one for you, one for mom.

a tisket a tasket

2010-04-27T18:56:00.000-07:00

delicious cranberry milk

rara avis

2010-04-25T19:21:00.000-07:00

Her work takes flight, fine feathers of rare birds captured in a 'cabinet of curiosities'. Eva, of the breathtaking Tinctory, pays homage to fanciful days of the past with vintage scraps, meticulous needlework and just a kiss of natural dye. I am lucky enough to own one of her smocked jewels, a gift to myself last Autumn, and no doubt a treasure with one-of-a-kind charm. Eva lovingly dips and dries, folds and stitches, adorns with beads and creates a work of nature itself. Birds and bees, shells and seasons, take form as textiles to curate, to collect, to keepsake.

love your mother

2010-04-21T18:24:00.000-07:00

Delectable dishes by the stunning Cannelle Et Vanille. And a lovely homage to her mother and grandmother rooted in the stories and scents of spring pea soup.

Love your mother on this Earth Day, she is bountiful.

toward human form

2010-04-19T10:27:00.000-07:00

A woven nest of wire gently nods toward human silhouette. Susan Freda's exquisitely delicate design reconciles nature and industry into floating form. Her wires seem to whisper, to capture a soul, to balance impossibly both solid and vulnerable. I spotted her 'dresses', sinuous and sophisticated, at a local gallery and nearly took my breath away. More can be seen by this RISD grad here. A nod toward German Expressionism and Tim Burton to my eye. One who could wear these would skim the surface, skeletal yet fluid, the most delicate beauty wrapped in soft metal droplets.

ode au printemps

2010-04-14T08:47:00.000-07:00

Every spring is the only spring, a perpetual astonishment. ~Ellis Peters

sweet chaos

2010-01-07T12:28:00.000-08:00

Happiest new year! We've been taking some time to celebrate our growing family but do miss the whirlwind of clever blogs, creative juices and kindred spirits out there. Still visiting your lovely spaces as I can and have loads to share soon. For now sweet chaos fills the air as we cozy up through a midwestern winter.

Periwinklebloom is now participating in this eco-minded shop that donates partial proceeds to a charity of your choice.

Still having my winter sale here. And have a mangle dress in Lucinda Rooney's latest book featuring her beautiful blooms, Bouquets with Personality. Catch her interview tomorrow on Martha Stewart Living radio at 1:00.

And do please peek at these fabulous designers (and favorite Christmas gifts this year!); tinctory, enhabiten, paloma's nest, MimsMaine and locallibrary. Cheers!

cozy winter sale

2009-12-09T09:11:00.000-08:00

'Tis the season for giving. Please enjoy 40% off periwinklebloom organic cozy goods (enter code cozywinter). I'm in the spirit and will kindly pass along a percentage of my sales to a charitable cause. Wishing you comfort and joy.

petite fern halter, hand-printed by Lotta of inleaf, on vintage linen and organic voile. bubble dress/tunic of soft creamy organic flannel, adorned with hand-crocheted organic cotton over-sized flower.

meet me in st louie

2009-11-30T08:01:00.000-08:00

taking time, be well

2009-10-30T18:43:00.002-07:00

Taking some time to celebrate family. Please consider how you give this season.
A gentle nudge toward independent small studios and causes for a greater good.
Sending comfort and joy!

please click image to view larger

comfort

2009-10-22T18:06:00.000-07:00

'Tis the season for hearty stews and sweet squash soups. I've just picked up the latest Real Simple best recipes and have nearly the entire publication dog-eared. Wishful thinking but I'm feeling a bit domestic these days, nesting and planning. Expecting big and little changes around here in the next couple of weeks. I'm afraid I've been a bit scarce of late only to be more scarce in the near future. Sending cozy thoughts to my blogging friends and I will certainly check in as time permits. Between new baby and seasonal soups I'll be trying my best to nourish and nurture over the next few months. Be well!

sharing the love

2009-10-21T07:44:00.000-07:00

Tooting my own horn a bit and sharing the love with a few fabulous shops. I'm so thrilled to play a small role among these thoughtful spaces and lovely designs. Periwinklebloom has recently found a home in the beautifully neutral and lush world of Line+Liv in Flensburg, Germany. The showroom acts as a gallery, simply staged and open with light, the products come alive. So excited to be well-received abroad!

Also anticipating the relaunch of fawn&forest.com, they are currently mentioned in this months InStyle magazine. Enormous gratitude to Summer for carrying my collection among a selective cast of conscientious designers.

And a kind mention by ontippytoes this month. A stylish online publication offering tips for tots, modern design, get-aways and gourmet goods. A must bookmark for moms.

Lastly, Sweet William will soon offer a few snuggly sherpa pieces to introduce periwinklebloom to the posh Brooklyn scene. Bronagh's thoughtfully curated collection features independent designers, handmade forms and delicious fabrics to layer your little one. Most of her picks use certified organic cottons and tout responsible design practices to ensure your purchase goes a long way.

Please do visit these lovely spaces making great efforts toward cozy family life and small studios. They seem to share the vision of quality over quantity with an understanding of what it means to give and what it means to create.

seed

2009-10-18T18:55:00.000-07:00

Tane organics, luxe natural fibers and forms for your little loves. The palette and detail are after my heart! Coziest textures, simple and timeless. Tane, Japanese for 'seed', perfectly captures our beginning blooms.

hug

2009-10-13T17:54:00.000-07:00

Does anyone love these as much as I do? Cozy cowls, all handmade to hug.

pipsqueakchapeau
yarnovermovement
knittles
love&knit
windowsill

pod

2009-10-11T18:40:00.000-07:00

A darling shot all snuggled in sherpa from the lovely pod in Brookline Village, MA. Periwinklebloom is thrilled to play a small role in this eco and style conscious cozy space. Pod is a neighborhood lifestyle boutique that specializes in textiles in all forms with an emphasis on those for the home and body.
Be good to you and yours this crisp cool autumn!

khall warehouse sale

2009-10-08T13:19:00.000-07:00

If you're in St. Louis this weekend, the lovely khall studio is having a warehouse sale full of delectable scents and wares for the home. Kelley has graciously carried periwinklebloom along with the sweetest childrens' crocheted and vintage garments. Her space is a dream of rustic creamy tones and loads of lush texture. And the soft aroma that wafts through the air is captured in vintage apothecary bottles to gift or give to yourself. Please stop by and stock up. 8416 Manchester Road

images by Robin Frisella, periwinklebloom petticoat featured

www

2009-10-07T08:16:00.001-07:00

Intricate installations by Shane Waltener, 'tis the season for silky webs in cool creaky corners. These silent spaces are intriguing. I must learn more...found via the lovely sam's notebook.

neutral nursery

2009-10-04T17:47:00.000-07:00

There are so many jaw-dropping, gorgeous sites out there to inspire our humble abodes and decorating whims. But I must share the sweetest nursery here found via the ever-inspiring vintagesimplehome. Design after my own heart, neutral and natural, layered in textured creams and raw materials, cozy forms with a splash of curious detail. I must have baby on the mind...

And warmest thanks to Angela and Gabrielle for the recent mentions of my labor of love.

beautiful billet

2009-09-30T19:44:00.000-07:00

Breathtaking simplicity and space. Yet another Japanese shop that beautifully captures everyday items and gently reminds us of meticulous detail. The mundane refined to refresh our lives.

tea for two

2009-09-28T08:53:00.000-07:00

Mad Hatter: Would you like a little more tea?

Alice: Well, I haven't had any yet, so I can't very well take more.

March Hare: Ah, you mean you can't very well take less.

Mad Hatter: Yes. You can always take more than nothing.

charming Kata Golda tea sets here

the solution

2009-09-25T07:44:00.000-07:00

'Women hold up half the sky' ~Chinese saying

A recent New York Times magazine dedicates nearly every spread to the crucial and 'seminal moral challenge of our time.' Carefully detailed here and here. And captured in a book by Pulitzer Prize winner authors Nicholas Kristof and his wife, Sheryl WuDunn, called 'Half the Sky - Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide'. This powerful call to action surely merits our attention as the authors suggest 'The oppression of women worldwide is the human rights cause of our time. And their liberation could help solve many of the world's problems, from poverty to child mortality to terrorism...'The world is awakening to a powerful truth: Women and girls aren't the problem; they're the solution.'

The numbers, from 08.23.09 edition of The New York Times Magazine:

100 Million women and girls are missing around the world
because of gender discrimination

2100 women die in childbirth for every 100,000 live births
in Sierra Leone

5000 women die a year in honor killings, the majority in the Muslim world,
according to U.N. estimates

1 percent of the world's landowners are women

21 percent of young women surveyed in Ghana reported that their
sexual initiation was by rape

130 Million women around the world have been subjected to genital cutting

39,000 baby girls died annually in China because parents didn't give
the same medical care

1 bride is burned almost every two hours in India - punishment for
an inadequate dowry or to make way for another wife

Please take a moment to investigate and consider this monumental issue. And, yes there are ways to help from across the globe via impossibly different circumstance.

understated

2009-09-22T08:46:00.000-07:00

The 'statement' necklace for me says, timeless simplicity, delicate form, natural materials and well...understated. The bauble that tempts a closer look, a light stroke of the fingertip, a feminine drape and dangle, with a slightly raw handmade appeal. I've fallen in love with the work of lauren haupt who embodies these elements in her sculptural wares. Her interview here, speaks of 'creating art as a free pass to express herself' and by doing so she 'can share these little tangible expressions with others'. Beautifully said. Lauren's process is always informed by the world that surrounds her, and her hands rather than head, lead the way in creating, a fluid 'happening'. Her forms echo the process as ascending wings, droplets of rain and feathering leaves are captured in metals and wood. Understated with loads to say, her pieces wear well for all occasions and enhance the most dreamy of décolleté.

waste-not wares

2009-09-17T18:34:00.001-07:00

Lovingly made of our organic and vintage scraps. Festive garland, approx 12 feet in length, stitched in red on cotton twill ribbon. Petit mouton, simple forms made of snuggly soft sherpa for all ages. The same warm sherpa drapes and bundles into lettuce-edged, contrast-stitched blankets. And mangle cloth satchels gently remind us to 'gather' found treasures, in small drawstring pouches or larger over the shoulder market style bags.

Happy weekend. And kindest thanks to Pia for featuring my autumn collection. Your space is a dream and I'm thrilled to be mentioned.

latest and layered

2009-09-11T08:55:00.000-07:00

We’re happy to offer new and newly adorned pieces to complement our collection, created with care in small editions of organic and vintage fabrics, handsewn in the US. Natural hues, generous fit, lush texture and simple forms span the seasons, layer upon layer. And introducing, waste-not wares thoughtfully created to make use of our lovely scraps of 100% organic cottons and vintage fabrics. kind design worth handing down
In the shop or feel free to contact me at inquire@periwinklebloom.com.
warmest thanks to greg rannells photography and quintessential antiques

We are proud to participate in the nonprofit organization, Nest, which helps to provide microfinance loans to women artisans in the developing world. A percentage of all our sales will support this wonderful effort.

fading summer scent

2009-09-05T20:20:00.000-07:00

Everything about this is a delicious dream. I can almost taste it!
Can't summer linger a tad bit longer?

tag

2009-09-04T14:04:00.000-07:00

I've been tagged by the lovely Lotta of inleaf design and am happy to play a good game. A nice way to begin the holiday weekend, relaxing and honoring our collaborative labor. Hmmm, ten bits of minutia about me...

1. I was tagged long ago by Sharon and have this post to share from Spring of '08 regarding my small biz. Still a very slow labor of love.

2. I tend to overcommit and yet thrive on the chaos of it. I work best in whirlwinds but they aren't really settling. I'm a 'grass is greener' kind of person and always wishing I could learn to just be fully present. This all relates, yes?

3. I typically have three or four books going at a time and often don't finish them entirely. I do however love to read the Sunday Times in full with a big cappuccino.

4. I have a nest of curly hair that I have battled my whole life. Big apologies to my close girlfriends for enduring the drama.

5. I have weakness for the plight of baby harpseals and collected money around my neighborhood as a child to send to Jimmy Carter. I guess I thought he was in charge of all things at the time.

6. I hoard Japanese paper and vintage fabric with very good intentions of creating fabulous things for my home and friends'. Sigh, perhaps when my child leaves for college.

7. I love Mexican food and Latin guitar and wish I could speak Spanish.

8. I have a small handful of dear friends who make me buckle over in laughter (some for nearly 30+ years). You know who you are and you are essential to my well being.

9. I eat loads of honey (thank you, Greg).

10. And because I set out for this to be a business space of musings and news, I'm excited to announce I'm in a lovely new shop in Germany, Line + Liv. Updated collection online next week as well!

If you'd like to play, 'tag' you're it: Sharon, Mrs.French, Danica, Kristina and Julia.

'little guy' snuggled in periwinklebloom chambray gathered dress with bucket pocket

'more like a sculptor'

2009-09-02T07:58:00.000-07:00

Heavenly bodies created by Sandra Backlund who investigates the human figure and reshapes the silhouette. Her work is rooted in basic handicraft, weaving and sculpting, then manifests in fantastical form. These bodies are 'built', sculpted versus tailored, and result in incredible transformation well beyond fashion industry par. The pageantry of her pieces is stunning, simple craft and high drama completely intertwined. A new cocoon, a skin of sorts, Backlund nearly creates another form of life. Ah, the burden of Pygmalion's plight.

'birdie parade'

2009-08-28T06:26:00.000-07:00

Brilliant. A magical venue for children and their naturally clever penchant for story-telling. The rambling process of intertwining fantastical characters en route, you can count on a child to open your world. I'm often in awe of the mysterious details and endless winding in and out of scenes. Where does this go? This uninhibited journey of tall tales to anyone who will listen, 'authentic spontaneous imaginative play'. 'Birdie parades' and 'shadows' captured here by Little Creatures films, discovered via small magazine. Kristin B. Eno collaborates with young children and curious objects to prompt this world, 'unscripted and organic'. Described as 'poetic narratives [which] serve to archive “lost moments” of childhood and raise questions about the interconnectedness of all people, children’s thought-processes and relationship to the natural world, and the potential of children and adults to make art together', Eno has tapped into a treasure to be sure.

cub

2009-08-26T09:45:00.000-07:00

A whimsical French atelier of sorts here full of sweet treasures.

back to school, sweet!

2009-08-23T18:14:00.000-07:00

A week-long flurry of photoshoots and faculty follow-up. I'm eager to share the new Autumn additions to periwinklebloom (very soon!). The shoot was a hoot albeit exhausting, wrangling six small tots with big personalities. A warm thanks to my patient parents, to my ever-talented dear friend, Greg and to Andy for sharing his story-filled space.

Back to the books, a lovely illustrator discovered this summer here. Melissa Sweet brings tall tales to life in stained hues and whimsical characters. Her unique use of type and texture, layers and line quality offer delightful reading for parents and kiddos alike. A vast collection of beginner and back-to-school books here as well (scroll her book of the week list, wow). Enjoy!

2009-08-17T19:34:00.000-07:00

Farewell, lazy mornings of milk and tea. Farewell, summer sun and sleepy starts. Periwinklebloom is on hiatus briefly, photographing Autumn wares and welcoming the school year. Please do visit soon.

You belong among the wildflowers
You belong somewhere close to me
Far away from your trouble and worries
You belong somewhere you feel free
~Tom Petty, Wildflowers

design sponge

2009-08-15T07:06:00.000-07:00

The 'modern tupperware party', trunkshow, as featured on designsponge. I'm thrilled to say periwinklebloom is part of this lovely collection of luxury organic goods. Halter made of reclaimed linen and organic cotton voile with hand-printed petite ferns (lovingly printed by Lotta) pictured top right.

And warm congrats to Christine, of Baby Bean Vintage and small magazine, for her grand shop opening!

persevere

2009-08-12T18:52:00.000-07:00

This time of year I tend to reflect, to linger between change, to ponder. The exchange of swimsuits for backpacks, sundresses for scarves, nostalgic and invigorating, eager to turn new leaves. A few timely topics I've recently crossed are here and here.

The conversations are ones I have with myself regularly and I thank dear Lotta of inleaf design for mulling it over outloud. 'To blog or not to blog' seems to ebb and flow throughout many of my favorite spaces. It seems if we post on our passions some will surely follow. A form of therapy, a form of business, a collective space that draws in common interests. I am grateful so many of you have opened your worlds so that I may open mine.

The second post is near and dear to my inner battle as designer and business owner. The incredibly talented, Martha of Uniform Studio, offers a dialogue regarding children's clothing that certainly resonates and explains the delicate balance of costing goods. Again, a common discussion by those who create and I'm glad to see that most are compelled to design and persevere.

Enjoy the reads and the comfort in common questioning. Kind thanks to Pia for spotlighting periwinklebloom. Your space is a dream and I appreciate the encouragement.

Waste-not wares in the shop next week along with new Autumn/Winter garments. pictured: snuggly-soft organic sherpa sheep lovingly made of scraps.

little nest

2009-08-10T19:32:00.000-07:00

Yes, I did just post on wall decor but have stumbled across a lovely etsy designer with a brilliant twist. Mae's work is crafted by hand of whimsical fabric; washable, 'scrunchable', kid-friendly, removable. Love the clever and thoughtful take. A simple way to spruce up your little one's nest.

simply caring

2009-08-09T19:05:00.000-07:00

Home from our final summer holiday and longing to hang on to sun-kissed skin, sleeping in and seaside salt in the air. I can already feel the stress quietly creeping up my neck anticipating everyday life around the bend. A humble indulgence, John Masters Organics, to quench your smackers and linger in subtle beauty a little longer. His simple philosophy of caring for yourself and the earth is purely refreshing. A mantra that need not be mutually exclusive.

Organic (adj.): 1.relating to or employing agricultural practices that avoid the use of synthetic chemicals in favor of naturally occurring pesticides, fertilizer, and other growing aids.

Organic (adj.): 2.developing in a manner analogous to the natural growth and evolution characteristic of living organisms; arising as a natural outgrowth.

Organic (adj.): 3.occurring or developing gradually and naturally, without being forced or contrived.

'a movable feast'

2009-07-31T20:05:00.000-07:00

As we sat carelessly gazing at the sky, I'd tell my baby girl that all the airplanes we spotted were headed to Paris. She still asks and we still weave a dreamy holiday together.

Wall decor here.

...for Paris is a movable feast. ~Ernest Hemingway

two

2009-07-29T07:44:00.000-07:00

Two articles to share of profoundly impressive women. One, a girl actually and victim, who is finding her voice amidst a culture of oppressive silence. Against the odds to say the least, Assiya Rafiq is confronting the prevalent violence toward women in Pakistan via horrific personal experience. She is lifting the veil so to speak and exhaustively exposing injustice. mercycorps.org

A more passive injustice plays out daily in third world living where children lose their mothers at an astonishing rate. Thus continues the gross lack of value placed on womens' well-being. Christy Turlington, former model and designer, is tackling grad school and using her brains and beauty to promote awareness of maternal mortality through documentary film. The stats are staggering as I have posted before. Simple procedures and simple efforts can support desperately needed change.

If you have a moment, please hear these two.

olivia bee

2009-07-24T15:53:00.000-07:00

A fantastic young talent here. Her self portraits through the seasons perfectly capture a nostalgic past. She's really quite mesmerizing and I think she's only 14! Not sure where I discovered this sweet find but I'm drawn to the realness, the wit and innocence.

written on the wall

2009-07-22T16:10:00.001-07:00

Sweet sentiments on salvaged wood found here. Indeed, 'love is all you need'.

old yarns made new

2009-07-20T09:54:00.001-07:00

My kindred spirit...this lovely atelier and 'purveyor of fine home wares', reclaims vintage threads for modern living. A poetic blend of history and function, romance and utility, Kristina of oldyarns, weaves new life into found textiles. Her treasures, gathered worldwide, are gently mended and embellished to adorn your home. The styling offers timeless and natural accents, pure comfort and perfect simplicity. And do see her journal of musings and inspiration, rustic and beautiful imagery and everyday living down under. She'll also be featured in the thoughtfully curated market, poppytalk handmade 'home sweet home', beginning this week! A kind reminder to support independent studios and to breathe new life into old.

To those of you in town, do check out this important and tasty soiree supporting 'Parents as Teachers'.

summer sale in the shop just got sweeter

chebeague

2009-07-15T10:19:00.000-07:00

Exiled (in part) by Edna St. Vincent Millay

Searching my heart for its true sorrow,
This is the thing I find to be:
That I am weary of words and people,
Sick of the city, wanting the sea;

Wanting the sticky, salty sweetness
Of the strong wind and shattered spray;
Wanting the loud sound and the soft sound
Of the big surf that breaks all day.

Always before about my dooryard,
Marking the reach of the winter sea,
Rooted in sand and dragging drift-wood,
Straggled the purple wild sweet-pea;

Kindest thanks, Chebeague Orchard Inn for a magical escape.

lazy days of summer

2009-07-06T18:35:00.002-07:00

Periwinklebloom is happy to offer our newest bloomers, created with care in a small edition of reclaimed vintage mangle cloths, handsewn in the US. Softly washed with age, these flouncy blooms gently tie at the waist and perfectly capture lazy days ahead. Simple, kind and lovely little ‘hand-me-downs’. More cozy organic wares on sale in the shop.

its a big world after all

2009-07-06T10:42:00.000-07:00

An enchanting gift came my way from my dear friend, Sharon. The lovely little world of Erin Tyner offers a magical worm's eye view recalling Gulliver, Jack, Alice and the like. Her little people take on the monumental and delight my day. A gentle reminder of our big big world.

Happy Birthday

2009-07-03T06:25:00.000-07:00

Organic cotton pillows from the gorgeous hand-crafted collection of Alabama Chanin (do see her dreamy summer 'living' pieces!), made in the USA, supporting local artisans.

"This land was made for you and me." ~Woody Guthrie

mmmm

2009-06-30T18:10:00.000-07:00

Paulette's authentic haute patisserie française macarons...need I say more.

fabulous indeed

2009-06-24T19:50:00.000-07:00

Enchanting garland, dancing in the shades of sun. Sophie Cuvelier captures light, hue and breeze in her delicate strands. The opening video whispers sweet summer. Enjoy...another long weekend here.

'A life without love is like a year without summer.' ~Swedish proverb

promise to write

2009-06-22T18:22:00.000-07:00

sweetbeets
reverie daydream
simple song

jess' girls

2009-06-19T20:09:00.000-07:00

Delightful dolls handmade by Jess Brown. Reminiscent of vintage rag dolls but absolutely exquisite, draped in reclaimed tapestry, silk and cashmere remnants. Carefully brought to life with each stitch and tea-stained tone, dolls to be treasured and well worth handing down. A recent write-up in the very clever 'small magazine' shares her collaboration with the ever-enchanting 'wovenplay'. A whimsical blend of lush textiles into prima ballerinas celebrating natural processes, vintage style and loads of imagination. An addition to my wish-list for sure, Jess' girls exude endless charm and beg us back into childhood.

click to enlarge the lovely details. periwinklebloom remnants soon to adorn a few of her creations. i'm thrilled!

skipping stones

2009-06-15T13:40:00.000-07:00

Ran across these fantastic fairytale-sized stones and droplets, magically bringing the outdoors in. French designer, Smarin, discovered via the lovely blog 'the notebook in my bag'. Stephanie Marin's work beautifully blends texture and space, man and nature into a comforting whimsical habitat. I can imagine melting atop these massive felt stones, soaking softly into a glowing drop or skimming between slivers of shadow. An ethereal environment no doubt; peaceful, contemporary and flexible form. A grown-up version of the timeless treasures found on hikes and summertime strolls.

refinement

2009-06-11T18:40:00.000-07:00

In need of pretty things this week. Lovely vintage prints and pieces from 'trampoline' found via 'one perfect thing'. This space is charming and offers a daily delight (although taking a summer hiatus to garden). What a clever idea for displaying prints and photos on a well-worn clip board. Enjoy the beautiful botanicals...taking another long weekend here.

Simplicity of life, even the barest, is not a misery, but the very foundation of refinement; a sanded floor and whitewashed walls and the green trees, and flowery meads, and living waters outside. ~William Morris

simple summer

2009-06-10T11:45:00.001-07:00

Yet another lovely Japanese shop here. It appears to carry both old and new; recycling life, handing down tales, inspiring form. It whispers simplicity...

Home from family travels and in need of a nap on this slightly humid, cool summer day. Pop over to this journal if you have a moment. Kind thanks to Celeste at 'on tippy toes' for the mention of my sherpa-lined smock. And do see the camping section for a divine escape. My idea of a summer holiday!

'lost and found'

2009-06-03T08:17:00.000-07:00

A charming little video found via urban preschool, a favorite space! Based on the tale of sweet friendship by Oliver Jeffers.

And kind thanks to Lotta for the lovely interview on designing moms. See our collaboration in the shop; petite ferns hand-printed on vintage linen and organic voile. The perfect halter for a bare and breezy for summer!

Taking a brief hiatus for a long weekend celebration. See you soon, cheers!

'honey gatherers of the mind'

2009-05-31T18:30:00.000-07:00

So I missed this incredible show highly touted by my dear friend Sharon. This gorgeous and creepy display that begs an intimate view. Look closer...a spin on trompe l'oeil by Jennifer Angus. By use of the familiar, pattern papering a wall, she has meticulously pinned an array of bees and beetles and butterflies, oh my! Challenging myth, history and the legend of bugs' bad rap, she creates beauty. Breathtaking prints just slightly raised from the wall, a harmonious blend of man and nature.

Our treasure lies in the beehive of our knowledge. We are perpetually on the way thither, being by nature winged insects and honey gatherers of the mind.
~Friedrich Nietzsche

after the rain

2009-05-27T08:55:00.000-07:00

...spring flowers bloom. Handmade felted florals by AAlicia Accessories found in this lovely space, one perfect thing.

enjoy and remember

2009-05-22T06:13:00.000-07:00

A festive image found via Beau Travail via estaminet coquet. Alas...I cannot speak French but am wrapped up in the romance and 'otherness' of these spaces and places. Well-worn environments, stories of the past setting the stage for contemporary life, ubiquitous yet vibrant. I once told my daughter that all airplanes were headed to Paris. We used to sit for hours as she toddled around pointing out jets overhead...me, longing.

A lovely sketch to sound in the holiday weekend. Enjoy and remember.

in the name of motherhood

2009-05-20T10:13:00.000-07:00

I recently read an incredibly troubling article in the Sunday Times. It began something like this, 'In West Africa, women face threats from warlords and exotic disease, and something even deadlier — motherhood.' I momentarily froze and reread this sad stat. With heavy heart I learned of the lack of value placed on the lives of pregnant women who suffer horrible losses all easily remedied elsewhere in the world. The point was less about accessibility and more about education and care in a patriarchal society. But what to do? We've heard the call to address inequality, to urge basic healthcare, to educate the orphaned. A place to start is here, the US Coalition for Child Survival, and here, to learn more of the Newborn, Child and Mother Survival Act of 2009. We know our voices sing loudest together. If you have time over the holiday weekend, be heard.

image: Permanet, a simple mosquito repellent to save lives,
via Design for the Other 90%

fiber of the soul

2009-05-18T12:19:00.000-07:00

A deliciously tactile find blending thick woven webs effortlessly into nature. The subtle showing of the artist's hand gently and strategically places these gorgeous fibers. The work of Abigail Doan is enchanting. Lush, magical takes on form and nature; thick full pods, lace-like draping chains, oddly fantastic lives of their own. Her presence impossibly enriches the environment and begs the viewer to touch. I imagine the softest botanical collection, neatly pinned to a canvas to examine under magnifying glass and brush beneath fingertips. Or better yet to stumble upon an aimless hike; crisp twigs, melodic chirps, shuffling gravel...then soft silence.

layers of light

2009-05-13T11:27:00.000-07:00

Simplicity of style. Cool layers of linen, spring to summer, in basic timeless forms.
Fog, always breathtaking.

Making way for warmer weather here, snuggly sherpa pieces on sale.

evolve

2009-05-11T07:40:00.000-07:00

Perusing some typographic favorites; a new way to say 'goodbye', food for thought, and a beautifully built 'antibook'. All of which evolve in form and engage the viewer so both may take new shape.

handmade in italy

2009-05-07T18:44:00.000-07:00

An Italian treat here of clever accessories and whimsical style. Sartoria Vico offers simple and fun forms to doll up all your duds. See their flickr site for winter knits and all styles in action. The concept of the collection spans the seasons where 'previous designs are renewed, reinvigorated and improved'. Riflessivo e moda, thoughtful and fashionable indeed. Check it out, ciao!

'playground'

2009-05-04T14:29:00.000-07:00

A deeply concerning topic this Monday post, far from uplifting but important nonetheless. I first learned of this film via Danica as she sent her 'little guys' to silent auction. Intense and disheartening, a global issue but not hopeless. Give what you can, at least a moment of your time.

Yoshitomo Nara, participating artist

Listen to the mustn'ts, child. Listen to the don'ts. Listen to the shouldn'ts, the impossibles, the won'ts. Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me... Anything can happen, child. Anything can be. ~Shel Silverstein

sweet home alabama

2009-05-01T19:19:00.000-07:00

'Songbird' and bridal collections by the profoundly talented Natalie Chanin. My distant muse, this woman is phenomenal, her work is carefully considered and endlessly unique. Homegrown and hand-sewn of organic hand-dyed cottons. I've gushed over her design in the past so I'll let your eyes simply feast.

a bit of press

2009-04-29T12:44:00.000-07:00

Take a peek, a fun interview over at fawn & forest. Thank you, sweet Summer for sharing my work! And for those of you in St. Louis this weekend, you're invited to the 'Its All About Mom' event organized by one fabulous multitasking mama, Ria. In honor of the cherished and complex bond of motherhood, whether you are one or have one, you're part of the thread.

mangle dress (other stripe color and longer length available)

2009-04-28T19:56:00.000-07:00

Lizzie Thomas via dailypoetics. I love this space; magical finds wrapped within brilliant thoughts. 'True poems flee', indeed.

wit and wisdom

2009-04-25T05:20:00.000-07:00

I was fortunate enough this week to hear two speakers who profoundly moved me; one into laughter and one into history. Both with an acute sense of self, a sense of their surroundings and of their place among a long line of others. A common factor was their appetite for reading and their respect for learning, both making note of the scarcity. They graciously received a roaring applause for sharing their wit and wisdom. And this reminded me of the necessity to 'teach our children well', the imperative role we have to ensure reading and the arts, and to rely upon ourselves rather than our schools alone. These men exemplified the results of the craving that sets in once exposed to the timeless telling of stories.

You can't be a full participant in our democracy if you don't know our history.
~David McCullough

I haven't got the slightest idea how to change people, but still I keep a long list of prospective candidates just in case I should ever figure it out. ~David Sedaris

tactile tales here by la pomme

hug a tree

2009-04-22T07:53:00.000-07:00

A few good links today in honor of our earth. Don't forget to celebrate with the little ones, plenty to do, festivities abound. An accessible 'outdoorsy' list via inhabitots and a magical craft by Jenny Lee Fowler making use of non-endangered fallen foliage. A brilliant read here on the intuitive and necessary bond between nature and children found via the ever-insightful urbanpreschool. Log out, go out!

ethereal

2009-04-18T19:11:00.000-07:00

Breathtaking work here and here; floating bright light, a whisper, a delicate peel, tissue skimming, folding, breathing, the thinnest veil, the whitest space...
ethereal glow.

shades of green

2009-04-15T07:21:00.000-07:00

Last evening I attended a gathering of girls; women who had been inspired by motherhood, an artistic calling, a need for better health, a desire to foster community. These women were all fantastic, a bond of sisterhood over a glass of wine and sharing genuine thoughts on how to build a better business, make a better home, nurture yourself if only for a moment. The collaboration made use of today's technology via twitter, skype, texting and blogging. No doubt I was out of my technological realm and sat in awe at the pace of conversation. One 'convo' that I did catch was with an author out of the UK, Susannah Marriott, who writes brilliantly simple books on the various shades of greening your life.

The book she shared last evening was part of a series by DK publishing, 'made with care'. A sturdy little guide on new parenting tips, practical, accessible and beautifully designed. Her thoughts on the 'less is more' approach really resonates and I plan to pick up this gem asap. She also made the poignant comment on how much we can learn from women in developing countries with regards to this concept. That exchange is quite compelling and a lovely reminder of simple living. The book does extend beyond baby and into a lifestyle she has categorized into three shades of green. A fantastic idea for those feeling overwhelmed by the massive weight of the environment entirely. Baby steps first, an idea that applies lifelong, yes?

Thanks to Ria and Suzanne for gathering the gaggle, to Ann for the tunes, to Jen for the food and to the rest for your camaraderie.

poppytalk new market

2009-04-13T19:24:00.000-07:00

A few faves from the new poppytalk 'mother's day & kids' market this month. I'm humbled to be in such lovely company. A gentle nudge to support independent designers.

inleaf design
zelaya
chez sucre chez
mimi mouse
paloma's nest

scents and sensibility

2009-04-09T11:14:00.000-07:00

Walk in and breathe deep, ahhh, fig, cassis, moss and milk. A treat for the senses found at the lovely k. hall design (lucky for me, based right here in St. Louis). The most talented duo, Kelley and John, own and run k. hall with their incredibly kind small staff. The vibe is casual and the shop divine; draped with raw linens, peppered with hand-blown glass and vintage wire baskets, scents subtly filling the air, an invitation to curl up with tea and bask in the sprawling window front of this fabulous find. The coveted warehouse sale was this past weekend as I swooned and stocked up on soaps, candles and creams. Made of essential oils in an intimate apothecary-like setting, notes of rose, orange and flax swirl and soak to create these intoxicating blends. All products are packaged in simple glass bottles topped with metal caps and wrapped in labels of clean type and desaturated hues, reminiscent of a neighborhood general store. And not just in my neighborhood, find a location near you on the site and indulge your sense of smell.

periwinklebloom is so very happy to be this fine shop.
And a kind mention today on designmom thanks to Summer of fawn & forest! I'm quite grateful.

Every time I get a script it's a matter of trying to know what I could do with it. I see colors, imagery. It has to have a smell. It's like falling in love. You can't give a reason why. ~Paul Newman

a game of tag

2009-04-06T19:32:00.000-07:00

What a fun way to begin the week! A game of tag with my talented friend, Julia of Red Otter. 'Share an interior that best represents you'. While I've just lost an hour perusing Design Sponges' sneak peeks, I've been dreaming of the perfectly cozy home; loads of light, layers of texture vintage and new, simple forms, splash of foliage, subdued palette of warm hues...sigh. A space to welcome friends, wrestle with wee ones and find quietude alike. I lean toward the 'lived-in' rather than high style and found two shots (sorry I've broken the rules) that capture my perfect morning and night.

Evening shot I believe is a cafe but still an interior. And wouldn't it make a divine eat-in?! Nothing compares to casually communing over a carafe of wine. Love the hand-scribbled chalkboard specials. image from ???

Morning shot via designsponge. And nothing compares to that strong cappuccino, sunlight bathing my face and cozy time with my little gal the next early a.m.

Two more impossibly perfect spaces to soak in here and here

Oh and I think I'll tag Sharon, Danica and Isabelle. You're it!

'cardboard love'

2009-04-03T06:09:00.001-07:00

A clever find here. Love the simplicity and sentiment. Enjoy the weekend.

shoptalk

2009-04-01T10:33:00.000-07:00

I tend to overlook one of the original points of this space, a business outlet. My place to post the ins-and-outs has evolved to encompass all the bits that blend together in my world. Gracefully giving in to motherhood, design and profession, blogland has served as a nourishing exchange, thanks to all of you. So back to the basics for today, touting my spring/summer 'sack dress' of 100% organic cotton ecru jersey. Twill ribbons tie at the shoulders and the body hugs like a well-worn 'nightie'. Center pleat detail and contrast stitched lettuce edging. Homegrown and handsewn like all our garments, crafted with care in small editions. Wear bare and breezy all summer long.

Also see periwinklebloom featured on fawn & forest this month! And we're proud to participate in 'Its All About Mom' at the Brentwood Center of Health via mymommymanual.com.

petite gem

2009-03-29T18:58:00.000-07:00

A lovely way to begin the week. This sweet shop in the Marais district of Paris, a boutique and workshop gracefully blended. The concept is brilliant and the space looks divine. Le Petit Atelier de Paris carefully crafts their work by hand, collaborates with guest designers and offers objects, 'original and delicate to be used for a pleasant daily life'.

vote earth

2009-03-26T08:20:00.000-07:00

A gentle reminder to join. Vote Earth, an Earth Hour event this Saturday across the globe. A moment without light, to nourish, in stillness, in darkness, under the stars, a world community.

image of light pollution from treehugger, insightful reads here and here

eat well

2009-03-24T07:15:00.000-07:00

A week's hiatus as we swirled around our home prepping and cleaning and fixing...sigh. I was even able to take in some reading, my favorite Sunday indulgence, The NY Times. Two insightful articles on a recent roaring revolution concerning food. Alice Waters of Chez Panisse was highly celebrated as ushering in the local movement in the early 1970's. And it seems the new administration is of like-mind as Michelle is digging an organic garden on the South Lawn as we speak. Tom Vislack, the unlikely yet heralded new Secretary of Agriculture, is also making waves by suggesting a single food safety agency and promoting an urgency for reform of school lunches and thus health care. It was said that the sustainable movement has new legs of late due to the attention and demand of consumers (this is where we come in). Likewise, the reciprocal love-fest with Whole Foods Markets was noted as redefining what a grocery store should look like, and be! Following in suit are giants such as Wal-Mart and HJ Heinz, offering organic, natural and local products with lower additives. Everyone seems to be getting it, that the quality and sourcing of food are inextricably linked to our health care system, economy and planet.

That said, the articles do concede practicality and expense. And while organic living has been met with 'considerable enthusiasm' and quantifiable results, it meets our pocketbooks a bit abruptly. But weigh this, Americans 'get 7 percent of calories from soft drinks' and 'each consume an average of nearly 2 pounds a day of animal products'. The organic question is obviously secondary, albeit important to the health of farmers and our environment. What the article calls for is simply a shift to 'real food', to buying local, to actually cooking a meal. This shift would in turn 'reduce the amount of land, water and chemicals used', 'incidence of lifestyle diseases', and 'greenhouse gases from industrial production'. The Times reminds us that even an Oreo can be 'organic' and we should note our choices supporting health and sustainability are vast and varied. 'Organic' is one option indeed but must be met wisely, beyond the label. The bigger umbrella of 'sustainability' comes in many forms and offers a plate at the table for everyone.

image of South American estancia (and self-sustaining farm) by greg rannells