PINEAPPLE PATTERN ALERT

It's springtime (thank goodness) and it's time to celebrate.  What better way to cheers to warmer days that with a festive pattern alert: PINEAPPLE.  I can't lie and say I have a finger on the pulse of all these trending (heavens no), but I've been seeing pineapples a lot lately, like A LOT.  I associate pineapples with Charleston, SC, one of my favorite cities, as well as Hawaii, a place I'm dying to visit.  In other words, pineapples transport me to warm, relaxing places, which probably explains why I'm digging on these pattern prints so much.  I mean, how can you not love these funky-shaped fruits?

Image Credits, top to bottom / Dan Hallett / Georgiana Paraschiv / Source / Source

NEW SEASON, FRESH START

We all have our strengths and weaknesses.  Blogging is likely one of my weaknesses; just can't quite get the knack of consistency (but I sure do enjoy it when I do find the time to connect my fingers to a key pad).  I'd like the think, however, that one of my strengths is buckling down in the studio during the winter months - I mean, what else would I do?

Here are some printed goodies that I've been working on lately:

Cocktail napkins for your {insert favorite booze} drinking pleasure

Springtime tableware, featuring my new seasonal linen color: MINT

Bi-Monthly DIY blog posts for Art Star, a local handmade boutique here in Philadelphia

And now that the hibernating months have come to a close, hopefully you'll see me more...xo.

ALL WRAPPED UP

I have a brand new obsession.  It all started a couple of weeks ago when I (finally) gave in to my desire to tempt to figure out repeat printing once and for all.  Repeat printing allows for one continuous pattern, with no visible beginning or end.  I had played around with it some, but only on a very small scale.  I won't bore you with the details, but it required a lot of head scratching, calculations, and trail and error.  In the end, it wasn't as hard as I had made it out to be - isn't that always the case with items of procrastination?  And the result is that I am now obsessed with screenprinting wrapping paper.

All wrapping papers are now available for purchase in my shop.  And if you need me, I'll be hiding behind yards and yards of kraft paper, in my studio printing more.

PILLOW GIVEAWAY WITH HLVS

I've teamed up with my friends over at Hannah Lowman Visual Styling, based out of Asheville, NC, for a pillow giveaway from my new line.  Win the pillow above by reposting it on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest with the hashtag #bonniekayegiveaway.  This isn't the state lottery folks.  Last time I checked, the odds are very much so in your favor!  Try to grab it for your abode or gift it at a housewarming.  Thanks for sharing the love.  Just make sure you do it by Friday (tomorrow) by 10am EST.  Full details on the giveaway here. 

In addition to the giveaway, HLVS has also just featured our Philadelphia loft on their blog!  Check out our built-in bunk beds, my inspiration board, and the prettiest antique couch in the world.

And if you are looking for an amazing Southern styling team, I can't say enough Hannah Lowman Visual Styling.  Hannah and I met through her sister years ago in my Brooklyn days, and I've been inspired by her creative eye ever since.  Any time I'm doing a little decorating and shifting of items in our apartment, my husband always asks me, "What would Hannah do?"

 

INTRODUCING BONNIE KAYE STUDIO

I can't believe that we are already knee deep into September.  How on earth did that happen?!  I'm sure you are like me - still in the glow of the craziness and laziness of summertime, and not quite ready to pull out sweaters and boots (ok, maybe a little ready!).

Looking back, I feel pretty pleased to have accomplished so much this summer here in Philly, including painting a mural on a shipping container at the Spruce Street Harbor Park and working with Mural Arts youth to design and paint neighborhood-based patterned murals along Pearl Street in Callowhill.  Most of all, I was thrilled to get my act together in my studio and release a small, limited-edition batch of screen-printed textiles under the label, Bonnie Kaye Studio.  These linen products, mainly housewares and totes, were inspired by my love of gardening, patterns, and dinner-parties.  And all designs are named after some of my closest girlfriends - those that helped to fuel the fire for my studio endeavors.  I invite you to check out some of my favorites below, including cocktail napkins, placemat/napkins combos, and throw pillows, or go straight to my online shop to view the whole collection.

More designs and color-combos will be released each season.  It's a simple start in the direction of my love of printmaking and textiles, and I'm really excited to see where it takes me. 

If you are local, look for me at Clover Market this Sunday in Chestnut Hill 10am-5pm, where I will be selling my textiles alongside the talent paper artist, Made by Liddy.      

A FULL PLATE AT SPRUCE STREET HARBOR PARK

To say the least, I have had a full plate the last two months.  Full of teaching and student exhibitions, full of gardening duties, full of personal studio goals.  Full of rich, good stuff.  I'm so tempted to let the word "busy" slip out of my mouth, but after some long talks with two of my closest girlfriends this past week, we decided to ban it as another 4-letter word.  We are all busy, right?  So being busy is not unique.  The word also implies that we have too much to do to enjoy life.  I want to work hard so that I have time to, say, drink too many margaritas on a friend's front lawn (which I did last weekend) or call my brother (which I need to do more often).  And frankly, simply saying the word "busy" makes me feel stressed.    

On that note, I'm happy to share a project that has been keeping my week, um, full.  Sometimes I get easily panicked when I take on a last minute gig, but I really can't complain about getting paid to paint on the side of a shipping container.  I'm working as one of several artists, curated by the shop Art Star, to create a mural for containers at the upcoming Spruce Street Harbor Park here in Philly.

The park opens this Friday and is going to be pretty freakin' wonderful.  The city is doing more and more to utilize the Delaware waterfront in fun, inviting ways.  Spruce Street Harbor Park will full of hammocks, animal shaped paddle boats, floating gardens, food & drink, and yes, murals on and in shipping containers.

Here are some in-progress shots of my piece.  20 x 8 ft. in 4 days is no easy feat, but it's been super fun.  A big thanks to the Streets Dept blog for the shout out earlier this week, just as I was getting started.  Other artists who will have murals on display include Adam Smith and Michael Konrad.

Come to the park (#sshp) this weekend to see the finished piece!  And get some waterfront r&r while you're at it.  You'll find me in a hammock.

TRAVELS TO AUSTIN

It's been almost two weeks now since we've returned from our short vacation to Austin, Tx and I just can't stop thinking about the trip.  That city sure does have its hold on me.  I knew I would like Austin, given all the hype I've heard and read about, not to mention how much I've been missing the South during this god-awful long winter, but I had no idea I would love it so much.  Love it in that never-make-me-leave, don't-make-me-go-back-to-Philly sort of way.  From our airstream hotel to tacos to tattoos, it was a blast the whole way through.  All I know is, I can't wait to return.

Here are our Austin highlights:

Saturday / We arrived just in time to soak in the last couple hours of the Handbuilt Motorcycle Show / Oil and Ink Print Expo.  My man and I were in design heaven.  And the night kept getting better, first with discovering an In-N-Out for a late night dinner, then with our fantastic Airbnb Airstream find in the North Loop.  

 
Sunday / Our first mission for the day was to scout out some yummy breakfast tacos, so we made our way over to Taco Deli.  With bellies full of queso and taco goodness, we strolled through the nearby Zilker Botanical Gardens before taking a dip in the natural Barton Springs Pool for a mere $3.  We explored the funky antique shops along South Congress Street, including the highly recommended Uncommon Objects and Off the Wall.

Monday / We woke up to pouring rain, so we opted for a super fascinating and educational indoor activity - a stroll through the LBJ Presidential Library.  We cozied up at the East Side Show Room for a few cocktails before catching some live music and two-stepping at the nearby The White Horse.

Tuesday / Slept in, grabbed some pre-ink bbq and arrived at our tattoo appointments at Mom's Tattoos on S. Lamar that we had made the day before.  While in our post-tattoo high, we drank at the ever-romantic outdoor bar at Hotel San Jose as the sun set.  And finally, we watched a gazillion bats fly out from under the Congress Avenue bridge as we said goodnight and goodbye to Austin.


(But not for long, I hope.)   

IN THE STUDIO: PROTOTYPES + TESTS

{linen tote bag prototypes}

I've decided that my Monday posts are going to be all about the past week's work in my studio.  I figure this is a good system for a) making sure each week is productive in the studio, b) constantly sharing my work and, c) starting the week with a blog post that will get my creative juices in gear.  Well, at least, this is the hope.   Wish me luck.

{neon screen-printing ink tests}

The past few weeks in my studio have been all about prototypes.  I've never made many bags before, but I'm having a blast making some linen tote samples with little printed elements.  I didn't realize how many decisions there are to make when designing a bag ... width, height, depth, length of straps, pockets, etc, etc, not to mention fabric, colors, print.  There are a lot of variables which makes it pretty fun.

And then there's testing out prints + ink.  I inherited some neon screen-printing ink from a friend, so I decided to burn a screen with some of my recent block prints.  I'm kinda in love with the pop of neon on these neutral fabrics.  I think they are super playful for spring and summer so it's a nice incentive to hustle to get some of these products out as soon as possible.

Since I leave for vacation (Austin!) on Saturday, I have a huge list of items to accomplish before I step foot on the plane.  Time for another cup of coffee.  Let's do this.

RAD MAPS BY ABIGAIL DAKER

This week, I've been doing some research on maps for an upcoming design project.  I have kept my eyes peeled for creative and playful map inspiration - particularly images that have been carved by hand and relief printed.  Check out these rad maps that I discovered by Cyprus-based artist Abigail Daker!  I just love them.  As if I wasn't already blown away by these block-prints, then I saw that she is a master of drawing maps, too.  That's some hardcore detail-oriented talent.

Maps via Abigail Daker's Etsy Shop

WORDS FOR A FRESH START

 Spring is here, finally.  Technically.  It's always nice to have a fresh start, whether it's a new day, new year, or a new season.  I am so ready to pull off my bitter winter layers (full of complaining, over-eating, and too many colds to count) and spring into action (full of optimism, healthy habits, and creativity).  It is time.

These gorgeously hand-lettered quotes, designed by Nashville-based Oh My Deer, are just what I need to reflect upon today and this fresh, new season to come.

Images via Oh My Deer

It's a new season - and things are about to get a whole lot better.

RIFLE PAPER CO. GOES LETTERPRESS

My favorite go-to paper shop, Rifle Paper Co., just released six lovely letterpress cards last week.  Welcome to the world of letterpress, Rifle.  This is so exciting!  They look so pretty -- and I bet they feel even better.  

In case you live in a printmaking hole, letterpress is a relief printing method that inks the surface of an image on a flat bed, then presses the paper onto the inked design.  The pressure of the printing allows for the print to be embossed.  This video by Naomie Ross sums up the old school process in a beautiful way.   

Letterpress from Naomie Ross on Vimeo

It's a pretty sexy way of printing, with some pretty seductive results.  I wish I had done more letterpress in grad school, but it's never too late, right?  Until then, I'll grab some of these Rifle cards.  

JUCO'S PATTERN-INFUSED PHOTOGRAPHS

Check out these crazy, cool photographs from LA-based duo JUCO (Julia Galdo and Cody Cloud).  In this shoot, they've created a stunning medley and fusion of pattern + print, fashion + background, identity + environment.  To check out more of their fashion and editorial photography that incorporate a super fun mix of color, pattern, and texture, go to their website.

Photos by JUCO

WALLS THAT SPEAK

This summer, I'll be working on my first large-scale mural project here in Philly.  Yikes.  I gotta start thinking big, really big.  As a way to prepare, I've had a lot of fun recently collecting some awesome wall inspiration.  I mean, these are walls that speak - full of pattern + color + magical scale.  From block-printing or writing directly on the wall to creative cut-outs, these walls make bold statements.  And if I don't end up incorporating these ideas into this project, you better believe I'll use them in my apartment.

Sources, top to bottom, left to right: Printed Anchors, Colorful Triangles, Handwriting, Cut Wallpaper, Printed Embroidery, Watercolor, Folklore Flowers, Chevron Stripes, B+W Flowers

ARIELE ALASKO'S PATTERNS OF WOOD

I'm so in love with these simple patterns and compositions created by Brooklyn-based Ariele Alasko.  She and I share the same alma mater (Pratt Institute) but clearly I was holed up in the print studio too much to cross her path.  Boy is she rockin' it with her work.  Using wooden lath pieces, collected from old Brooklyn brownstones, she creates her pieces without the use of stain, including tables, headboards, and wall pieces.  She also carves spoons and bowls out of wood.  I can't wait to see more from her studio.  Stunning. 

Images via Ariele Alasko's website

ITCHING FOR INK

I'll be honest.  I'm itching for some new ink.  You know, the type of print that stays with you forever.  For those that know me well, I'm no stranger to the tattoo needle.  I waited until I was 26 for my first tattoo.  I took my decision and the process very seriously.  It was at Brooklyn Tattoo, in Brooklyn naturally, with the talented Robert Bonhomme, who has gone on to tattoo the likes of Lena Dunham (fun fact!).  But like most folks who have tattoos, one was not enough.  I've had a few more since then, and I'm feeling like it's time again.

So I'm having fun gathering some ink inspiration.  There a so many lovely tats out there today.  Here are a few of my favorites:

Sources: top to bottom, left to right: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

All I need to do now is answer: what, where, and when?  (Oh yes, and how much?!)

DONNA RUFF'S PAPER CUT

I am completely in love with these works by artist Donna Ruff.  They are cut by hand.  That's right, you heard me.  In a technological world of laser and die-cutting, I truly appreciate anything done the good ole fashioned way.  I discovered her work a while ago, and to me, these intricate patterns reveal the beauty and humanity of an often too trouble world.  They also create a contrast between the zen quality of the designs and the harsh reality of news.  I could stare at these for hours. A true meditation on the written word.  Beautiful.

Images via Donna Ruff's website

WAITING OUT WINTER

WAITING OUT WINTER by Andrew David Watson 

Yes, sir.  We are waiting out winter over here in Philadelphia.  Our friends at the Fishtown vintage moto repair shop, Cast & Salvage (where my husband spends most of his non-med school hours) released this video last winter.  Given that last winter was a cake-walk compared to this year, I find that this video speaks to me more now.  While I don't drive a motorcycle of my own, I'm happy to hop on on the back and I sure do spend a lot of time on my bicycle.  

Also, check out these great Cast & Salvage graphics by artist Jessie Jay of True Hand Society. 

Images via True Hand Society