de sun

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.

let freedom ring

Compelling craft, Lauren Dicioccio's sewnnews via alabamachanin.

an addition

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

make it right

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

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.

what type are you?

By the brilliant Pentagram. Enjoy.

oh, portugal

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?

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

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

rara avis

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.

toward human form

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.

sweet chaos

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!

sharing the love

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.

pod

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

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

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

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

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.

understated

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.

'more like a sculptor'

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'

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.