bryar wolf

By now you all know my love for pillows.....It has been a long love affair and I keep finding new and talented artists that make me so happy! Bryar Wolf is a local company in my town and Katie is the creative maker behind the company. I recently had a few African mud cloth pillows made for a client and it was such a joy being able to pick out what I wanted and get them handmade just for her..... oh, and one for me too :)

I love all the beautiful fabrics Katie uses from India to Africa. Her simplicity is eye candy and her sewing is beautiful. I was able to interview Katie and learn a little more about her and her craftsmanship. Please read on!

1. Hi Katie! Tell us a little about you....

My name is Katie Lipson. I was born in Toronto, Ontario. I moved around quite a bit until I met my husband in Bend, Oregon, where I call home now (and will forever!). I have always been obsessed with textiles from all over the world, and love to sew. 

2. When did you start your company?

I started Bryar Wolf about 8 months ago.

3. Where do you get your design inspiration from?

I am constantly searching for new fabrics. It is a life long passion, and a bit of an addiction! Nothing like coming across something I haven't seen before! I also attend as many of the open markets I can which helps to see what is currently on trend.

4. Have you always been artistic?

For the most part yes. I have always loved creating! For a few years I was stuck in a corporate job (no fun) and I knew it was not for me. As soon as I got back to my artistic self and back to creating, I was back in my comfort zone.

5. Tell me three words to describe you!

Creative. Optimistic. Light.

You can find Katie and her beautiful pillows on instagram and on her website.

My little Lucy is a big fan of our new pillow too!

Have a wonderful day darlings!

xo jennifer

darling i love

the forest fern

When I think of simplicity and beauty, Sara at The Forest Fern comes to mind. Her modern macrame's are creative works that include garlands, plant holders and custom pieces. Her art presents a sense of calmness and warmth and should be in everyone's home! I got the chance to interview Sara and get to know a little more about her and her talented macrame's. I hope you read on and take a peek at her beautiful pieces...

1. How did you get interested in macrame?

When we moved into our current house about a year ago, it was pretty much a total disaster. Leaky roof, broken windows, uneven foundation, plumbing issues....you name it, we had it. We slowly started turning our fixer-upper into our home and it gave me the room that I needed to explore my style. I really wanted to fill our house with plants so I started making macrame plant hangers. I quickly moved on to larger scale wall hangings and I haven't stopped since.

2. How long have you been an artist?

Not very long at all. I only started to create macrame hangings about 9 months ago. Before that I was a stay-at-home mom to my two young children. I've always loved creating things and home improvement and design has been a passion of mine for a long time. I still feel a bit giddy that I get to spend my days making beautiful things.

3. Tell us a little bit about you that others might not know.

Before I had my first child in 2012, I worked for almost 10 years at a creative ad agency as a project manager. I really loved watching people create amazing things day in and day out and I always regretted being on the business side of things. I would never have guessed that my decision to leave advertising and be a stay-at-home mom would eventually lead me to this life as a Maker. I feel really blessed and very lucky to be surrounded by a supportive group of family and friends who encouraged me to take that leap into starting my own business and sharing my passion.

4. How many pieces do you make each month and how long does each piece take?

This really varies from month to month. Right now I'm very fortunate to be in a position where I can book myself out a few months in advance. The really amazing thing about running a business from a digital platform like I do is that I can work as much or as little as I want to. I try to leave time in my schedule to grow as an artist (I recently learned to weave on a loom and I love it!) and to enjoy my family. 

Sometimes I can work on a single piece for a few weeks and other times (if my husband is around to keep the kids occupied!) I can finish something in a day or two. My mixed textile pieces take a very long time to complete because they are so layered and intricate, but I really love making them! 

5. 3 words to describe you!

Passionate

Slightly-obsessive

Grateful

Isn't Sara wonderful? I can't believe she has only been making these beautiful modern macrame's for 9 months! If you are interested in her work you can find her on her website and on instagram.

I hope you have been inspired today darlings! Have a wonderful one.

xo jennifer

bunglo by shay spaniola

I am always on the look out for beautiful bedding...and I found it! Shay founded bunglo by shay spaniola in 2013 and has been on fire ever since. You can find her beddings and beautiful pillows here and she is also at anthropologie! Say what???? So amazing. My bedroom received a little make over with her bedding...now to get some pillows...I know I know....pillow addiction right here!

 Take a look at her fabulous designs and water color prints and read the little interview I did with her below.

1. When did you become interested in art and how did you start?

I've always been interested in art! I started painting at 3 and haven't stopped! I took art classes out side of school at a young age, studied fine art and believe it's my way of connecting to my soul! It's more of a feeling that I 'have' to create... it just pours out! 

2. When did you start your company and when did your drawings become dreams?

I started with an idea in December of 2013, 6 months later I launched my first collection and haven't looked back! It's been a dream come true to focus on my art and share my patterns with the world.

3. Favorite things to do on your free time:)

In my free time, I love creating, being outside with my dog and fiance, TRAVELING! Yoga, making plant based meals and gardening. 

4. What would you describe your style in your home?

We just moved into a charming 1920's 'bunglo' in Asheville, North Carolina. We recently purchased 2 large flax linen sofas from restoration hardware and a mid century table from @atomicfurnishings - everything is very simple. We like to keep the house 'zen' - we only used plants and crystals to decorate (and of course bunglo rugs, baskets and pillows!). I'm all about soft grays and making my space feel like a meditation space. I think salt lamps + intentional patterns are the key to enlightening a space! 

5. What makes you happy?

A simple life with an emphasis on living in rhythm with mother nature.

6. Your favorite bedding and pillows currently for sale.

I love them all! I make tons of designs each month, the ones I put into production are my absolute favorites! I love how you can mix and match them to get a new feel every season. We're launching a photo collection with Anthropologie in August that I'm pretty pumped about! 

7. 3 words to describe you!!!

Creative, adventurous and happy :) I truly love life and so grateful for my time on earth! 

Look at those fab pillows at anthropologie! Love it all.

Be sure to take a look at her instagram page here and her gorgeous website here. Have a beautiful day darlings!

xo jennifer