DIY STRIPED CLIPBOARDS

I mentioned a few posts ago, that I've been creating quick, fun (and often print-inspired) DIYs twice a month on the blog of Art Star Gallery + Boutique, a longtime handmade shop here in Philadelphia.  Last week, I took some of my old clipboards and jazzed them up with some screenprinted stripes.  Sometimes I'll do anything to encourage a little organization and bookeeping in my studio!

For the full tutorial, go to Art Star's blog post, where you can read all the juicy how-to details.

While you're at it, check out the posts by Christie Sommers of West Oak Design - my fellow blogger in craft!

GIVEAWAY WITH CLEANLINE STUDIO

For those of you in the Philadelphia area who have your hand and heart on the pulse of all things design-oriented, you're probably already a fan of the Cleanline Studio Blog.  If not, you should be.  Run by Sarah Stone, her blog and studio are spot-on in terms of refreshing color palettes, graphic design finds, and so much more.

She and I have partnered together for a fun, little (BIG) giveaway of some of my Bonnie Kaye Studio textiles.  Head over to her blog to enter to win two of my linen pillows - 1 lumbar pillow + 1 square throw pillow.  And the best part, you get to pick the designs if you win!

This isn't Publisher's Clearing House or the state lottery, folks.  Your odds are pretty darn good.  Good luck!  You have until 4/18 to enter.

Image via Cleanline Studio Blog

PRINT CRUSH: BLOCK SHOP

As a printmaker, I get printmaker crushes.  I think it's pretty natural.  I figure most of us, in whatever industry we are in, find others in our own field and think, dang that's hot.  

When I first came across, Block Shop Textiles, it was definitely crush at first sight.  Founded by two sisters in Los Angeles, Hopie and Lily Stockman, Block Shop works with artisans and master printers in India to produce stunning and graphic scarves/throws/wraps/whateveryouwanttocall them.  As their name implies, scarves are block printed and naturally dyed, creating gorgeous patterns.  

The company  also helps employ and provide health care to its workers in Bagru, India - something I admire greatly.

So yeah, I totally have a print crush on these guys.  I think it's pretty understandable, no?  And PS, my birthday is in September.  Just sayin'.  

Images via Block Shop

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.

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.      

THE BEST BRAINSTORMERS I KNOW

The New Hampshire duo behind the print studio Brainstorm must seriously be some of the best brainstormers I know.  They design and screen-print highly creative AND informational prints, and if anyone is looking for a gift for me, I'll take any of them.  As an avid traveler, I can't help but love their American Atlas Collection, and their new Garden Bed print has me scampering off to get my hands dirty.  I mean, they even have a print for improving your Knife Skills in the kitchen.  Most prints come in a larger screen-print version and a smaller digital version - both as standard sizes for easy framing.

Briana and Jason, your work is truly delightful.  I can't wait to see what you brainstorm next.

Images via the Brainstorm website

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.)   

OIL AND INK IN AUSTIN

As if vacation alone isn't a little slice of heaven ...

My husband and I are splitting town in the Northeast to head to Austin for a few days and we just discovered the perfect way to christen our vacation.  That's right, straight from the airport we'll be heading to Oil and Ink, a traveling motorbike and print expo, inconjunction with The Hand Built Motorcycle Show.  While it's probably pretty clear by now that I love printmaking, my husband, on the other hand, is a huge moto-enthusiast.  While I'm in the studio getting inky, he's in the garage getting oily.  So you can see why we are so excited about this event.  

Check out these awesome promo graphics + video.  Can't wait to see what it's all about.

The Handbuilt Motorcycle Show - 2014 from Revival Cycles on Vimeo.

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.

SARAH SZE AT THE FABRIC WORKSHOP

Sarah Sze is one smart artist.  I was delighted to get to hear her talk last night at The Fabric Workshop and Museum here in Philadelphia (in a packed house!), alongside Professor Hal Foster and Curator Carlos Basualdo.  The conversation was rich, hovering around ideas of the diagram (along with its successes and failures), boundaries of where art begins and ends, and the highlighting and transformation of the mundane.  Not to mention the question, what does Sculpture look like today? 

If you are in the Philadelphia area, I highly recommend checking out the show, which ends this Sunday the 6th. 

Images via The Fabric Workshop and Museum

IN THE STUDIO: PATTERN PLAYTIME

Now that Spring is here, I feel way more productive - probably due to not freezing to death 24/7 and having more daylight.  This means more time in the studio, more energy to be creative.  I thought I'd share some block-printed patterns that I've been working on in my print sketchbook.  You'll see I quickly transitioned from abstract to florals.  Pretty soon, they'll be turned into screen-prints for easy printing onto fabrics.  That's right, I'm getting ready to launch a new line of printed textiles!  
(Check out my former textile business here.)

Any favorites?  I'd love to get some feedback!

FRAME-WORTHY CARDS FOR SPRING

I stumbled upon these delightful block-printed cards yesterday and I'm so excited to share them.  Designs are carved and printed by Vermont-based artist Katharine Watson.  I've been working with a lot of florals lately in the studio (plus I love cards + stationary) so perhaps that explains my strong attraction toward them.  Not to mention, I cannot wait for spring!  There's nothing like getting a card in the mail, especially one that's frameable art.  Grab them from Katherine's etsy shop, either individually or in sets of 6.

Images via Katherine Watson's Etsy Shop

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

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.  

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

MYTHICAL MAGIC OF DENNIS MCNETT

I first met Dennis McNett in 2008 on my first day of grad school at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn.  From that day forward, we've been good friends.  And thanks to him, I can carve a block like champ.  He is one badass printmaker.  Dennis (aka Wolfbat Studios) creates work that stems out of mythology and narrative - mostly print and performative - and it transforms viewers and participants into heroes.  

 Images via Wolfbat Studios

This past month, I sweet talked him into coming to Philadelphia for a month to work with me in the Art Education department of The Mural Arts Program.  So he decided to come to build a viking ship.  That's right.  Built it and and covered it with screen-prints of his block prints.  And it looks soooooo good.  Not sure if I can unveil the ship's final destiny as of yet, but I know that it will be on view at our Spring Exhibition at the Crane Arts Building which opens Thursday, May 8th.

Ship photos by Steve Weinik

Having him here was a warmed welcome reminder of the importance of artist mentors.  Well, everyone needs a mentor regardless of their field or passion - but I can mainly speak as an artist.  It's not always easy to be creative or to make money doing it.  I often struggle with so many questions or distractions that keep me unproductive and unfocused.  It's important to have someone who will tell you (ideally, over ice cream) that it's going to be ok - keep working hard.  Thanks for the inspiration and lending an ear, Dennis.  You keep doing what you do, too.

And just like that, he has set sail.

SUSAN CONNOR LAUNCHES

Earlier this month, Brooklyn-based designer Susan Connor released her first collection of printed home textiles, mainly linen pillows and throws.  Her block-printed geometric patterns have a beautiful balance of simplicity and intricacy, and the color palette is soft yet fresh.  I'm especially loving the Natural Facet pattern and the copper-colored linen.  It's clear that Susan has an eye for pattern and design - since 2007, she has been designing paper products, including notebooks and recipe cards, under the name Susy Jack.

Congrats on the launch, Susan!  Can't wait to see more of your work in the future.

Images via Susan Connor's website