Life Happens: At Times

Sometimes life just happens showing its effect on maturing children, aging parents, (and ourselves), instilling the realization that time is precious.  At other times, one makes life happen by opening oneself to new people, new places and new endeavors with the potential for success or failure.  Over a year ago, when I began work on The Cass Clutch, I knew I had to see this project through despite being unfamiliar with the leather industry, the manufacturing process and being a bit fearful of the unknown.  I put myself out there and now it's finally here and, although still a bit afraid, I am now determined.  Grateful for what the entire experience has taught me and no matter what becomes of it, I now know that I will be a better woman for having seen it through.  

Don't let your dreams fall by the wayside.  Make life happen, even if it scares you... 

Color Inspiration: 7 Softly Hued Rooms

Although softly hued, these rooms do not lack POP.  By combining unique furnishings, oversized art, texture and paint color patterns, a room can attain the same effect that bold colors are known for, but in a much quieter way.  Take a look: 

Soothing pastels provide the perfect background for your furnishings and art.   Spring is in the air...

Images:  1./2./3./4./5./6./7.

At Home: Books, Textiles And Botanicals

Yesterday I decided to take some photos of the house after being away for the long weekend. Settling back in felt so good, that it prompted me to capture the "home sweet home" feeling through my lens.  This made me realize how this house gradually evolved into a home since we moved into it over three years ago.  As our essential furniture pieces remained the same, the smaller items, those that give our spaces their personality, have continually changed.  Pillows and art have been added and also moved around the house.  There's never a shortage of new plants, fresh botanicals, repurposed accessories and an array of current books and magazines.  It's uniquely our space and we are very grateful for it.  

Take a look: 

The Kilim pillows are from Yayla Rugs in Cambridge, Ma., while the textile that drapes over our sectional is from the Alameda Antique Market in the East Bay.

Our once yellow womb chair from Reside (Cambridge, Ma) was reupholstered in a vintage Knoll fabric in a tone very similar to our mid-century brick color.

Stacks of magazines, some old, some new, next to favorite design books offer inspiration as well as pleasurable reading. 

The bell garland is from Anthropologie (from years back) and the brass candlesticks are from Rare Heir, an antique shop in Oakland, Ca.

Foraged Acacia branches are displayed in a vessel found in a thrift store alongside a Heath Ceramics bud vase, a gnarled root and a wooden candlestick also found in a vintage store. 

This area of the kitchen was designed to display interesting/meaningful items and botanicals.  Since it's where we spend most of our time, I really wanted a designated spot for pretty and inspiring things.  The black and gold box is from West Elm, the Kwan Yin statuettes from Sugi in Lafayette, Ca., the wooden salt bowl is from Terrain and the vintage glass is from a recent visit to the Alameda Antique Market.

The large stripped pillow is from Garza Marfa while the smaller is one from One Kings Lane.  The metal table bases were found during a trip to Maine.  We added glass tops and spray painted them cobalt blue to be used as night tables in our previous home. In our current "project room" they happen to work perfectly with the rug from Yayla Tribal Rugs and the Peruvian blanket from the Marisa Mason studio in Oakland, Ca.  

What things do you love about your space and where did you find them?  Do share!

Behind The Scenes: The Cass Clutch Video

For the past year [or so] I've been working on designing a handbag:  The Cass Clutch.  Having no experience in the leather industry, in sewing nor in fashion, I challenged myself to learn what I needed to learn and then some.  Working with Sven Design, a Berkeley leather studio, I had several prototypes made before settling on the final materials and design for the bag.  Vintage inspired, the Cass Clutch resonates with both modern and classic sensibilities.  Two weeks ago,  we filmed a lifestyle video for Kickstarter showcasing the bag in its many uses.  It was featured as a clutch worn under the arm, as a fashionable tote and as a stylish briefcase carrying a laptop, a clipboard and a business folder in addition to other everyday essentials.  As its release nears, I'm realizing just how much I've enjoyed the "process" of getting to know the product, all the talented people involved and the many marketing strategies for building a brand.  From scouting film locations, securing a picture car and a video team, to picking a model (and styling both the model and the home), it has all been super exciting!  I couldn't have done it without the help of all of these generous people:  NR & AR who let us use their home,  Beverly Jane Peatross, who showcased the Cass Clutch so beautifully, Noisy Savage (the accomplished men behind the cameras), Skip Z. for trusting us with his 1969 Lincoln Convertible, Jennifer from Good, Unlimited for script support and Sven Design for believing in me and masterfully guiding me along this voyage.  Many, many thanks to all of you!!   

I look forward to seeing this through!  

There are still a few things that need to fall into place before the Kickstarter campaign launches, so in the mean time be sure to follow and like Cass Clutch here and here and stay tuned for the website launch as well.  Any inquiries can be sent to info@thecassclutch.com

Thank you, and for now, enjoy some behind the scenes images from the Cass Clutch video shoot: 

Photo:  Jayson Carpenter 

Botanical Inspiration: Plants And People

Lately I've been drawn to images of people and plants together.  Of course, seeing botanicals in their environment is always inspiring, but seeing them used as props is actually delightful.  Here's a collection of my favorites so far.  Whether just for fun or for marketing purposes, utilizing leaves to style a photo can add both interest and intrigue.  Next time you're looking for a whimsical photo with friends or need an interesting set detail grab a palm frond or an interesting bloom and snap away. For more of my favorite botanical images follow my Pinterest board here. 

Images: 1./2./3./4./5./6.