September 18, 2008
Here is another new book from STC and this one very different from The Gentle Art of Domesticity. Lena Corwin has created the definitive book for the process of stamping, printing and stenciling by hand. This book is a great companion to our Alabama Stitch Book as it goes in depth to simply explain the process of transferring patterns to fabric, paper, wood or any other material you might choose to work with.
A must have for your process library: Printing by Hand
September 17, 2008
When Melanie described this new STC title, I could not fully imagine how a book about domesticity could be so interesting. And now, I am taken aback by the beauty, prose and “comforts” of Jane Brocket and The Gentle Art of Domesticity.
When opening the book, I was stuck by the very first line: “There is a world of difference between domesticity and domestication.”
Jane makes me long for more time at home studying the simple beauty of life and love.
September 16, 2008
Butch has been in Marfa the last few weeks working on Liz Lambert’s El Cosmico with Jack Sanders and crew. I love this photograph which shows how something so simple can be so beautiful.
See more photos from Jesse Hartman here: El Cosmico in Process
September 13, 2008
I found this very straight forward and informative post while jumping around this morning. The site boasts many other interesting tidbits too: Green Fashion Glossary
September 8, 2008
Thanks to all of you who have sent letters and words of encouragement for my father.
We finally got him moved to the University of Alabama Medical Center in Birmingham and are hoping for a complete recovery.
Birmingham has become world renowned for their work in stroke recovery and the study of the brain and the concept of “plasticity.”
The Birmingham News ran an article yesterday about the revolutionary CI Therapy and Dr. Taub:
Patients make Pilgrimage to Birmingham for Brain Growth
My father is not so far along yet, but we are looking forward to the process of healing.
Thanks again to you all…
**I ran the picture above earlier in the year but thought appropriate to include it in this post. This picture was taken on my Brownie camera in 1964. My father holds me on our family horse – “Queenie” – while my grandfather pushes the button. I can smell hay, saddles and the wood of the barn when I look at this picture.
September 6, 2008
I am very excited to be included in this seminar and looking forward to visiting Stavanger and seeing The World of Folk exhibition:
International Design Seminar – Folk Futures With: Li Edelkoort, Tord Boontje, Natalie Chanin, Dick van Hoff, Hella Jongerius, Peter Marigold, Mike Meiré, Fernando & Humberto Campana.
As part of this summer’s A World of Folk exhibition, Folk Futures will discuss the future of unique design in a day-long symposium featuring presentations by distinguished international designers: Tord Boontje, Natalie Chanin, Dick van Hoff, Hella Jongerius, Peter Marigold, Mike Meiré and the Campanas brothers.
The seminar will examine how craft and design will provide an important and continued stimulus in this new century and analyze the implications of commercial production on uniquely made objects. Exhibition curator and trend forecaster, Li Edelkoort, will introduce a dynamic line-up of speakers, illustrating the importance of telling stories through the creative process and previewing how craft and technology will merge in symbiosis in the coming years.
The Alabama-born designer Natalie Chanin will explain how soul can be ingrained into a product through the handmade, while Dick van Hoff will talk about the challenges facing industrial production when maintaining craftsmanship principles. London-based Peter Marigold will discuss how chance and performance can influence the design of a product and Hella Jongerius will be interviewed by Li Edelkoort in an interesting conversation about the integration of local folklores in contemporary design. German art director Mike Meiré will discuss local food and its integration into the design field. Tord Boontje will revisit his journey through decoration and embellishment while joining Fernando and Humberto Campana to also describe their recent collaborations with artisans in Africa and South America.
September 4, 2008
As you will have noted, I had taken a small break from posting here while we were working on our new collection.
However, during this time, my father suffered a stroke following his third treatment for Multiple Myeloma. I am bleary-eyed.
This has been a scary, trying, and intense time filled also with compassion, caring, and the strength of human commitment to heal my father.
We are thankful to the staff at University of Arkansas Medical Sciences for their support and expertise.
My father received a positive report this morning and he has a wonderful chance for complete recovery. I am extremely grateful and know that my life is filled with HEROES.
And visit Multiple Musicians Against Multiple Myeloma – An event to benefit the International Myeloma Foundation. I received this lovely “Myeloma Sucks” pin while on the Myeloma station at UAMS with my father.
When you are thinking about giving this year, consider the Multiple Myeloma Foundation.
I am sending a wish of health, happiness, peace and thanks to everyone who has helped us through this time.
May we remember to live our lives to the fullest each and every day.
xoNatalie
August 16, 2008
Hi Natalie–
Below, I’ve written a little homage to summer break. Jess is already back in school, and I begin teaching the week after next. I may vanish, as I have 95 students and TONS of writing to grade!
Cheers!
Blair
From Blair:
Continue reading
August 14, 2008
Today I am inspired by families, friends laughing, couples holding, sisters, brothers, lovers, a glimpse of the past, inspiring: http://www.disfarmer.org/index.htm
August 12, 2008
I once read this description of Alabama Chanin on a blog which I can no longer locate:
“It is a little like southern country meets eco-friendly superstar at a thoroughly modern old fashioned picnic.”
Can anyone help me find who wrote this?
Thanks! Natalie