Aren't these pictures like abstract art masterpieces? I love looking around the world and finding the loveliest of textures and colors around. And who knew?! Rust is beautiful. The photos below were taken at Tangier Island (Virginia) on an old dock at the local marina. They are sections of pilings or random pieces of metal I came across. So lovely. 

Summer breeze, ocean waves coming in and rolling away, smooth sand under your feet ... Ooh, summer is just such a lovely time of year. It's the time to relax, to rejuvenate, to stock up on fun activities that turn into fun memories. 

If you are planning to go to the beach this summer, I bet you are looking forward to all the fun you will have. I can't wait to go myself. Cute dresses, sandals, straw hat ... I am packing it all. And of course, a unique scarf is a necessity! My friend Taryn has a RADOST scarf from the Salt-y Watercolor collection. It's a scarf I designed based on a watercolor painting into which I dropped kitchen salt crystals. Magic! So fun and so unexpected. The pattern is like a kaleidoscope; it changes every time you look at it. And Taryn surely knows how to rock it. I love these pictures she sent me. They are exactly why I do what I do: to bring people joy through art and stories I tell through my textiles. 

I often start a design process by brainstorming words my fabric should represent and it seems that joy, laughter, lightness of being, space, balance, curiosity, freedom, care, warmth and many more are exactly how Taryn feels in these lovely moments on the beach. How do you feel when you wear your RADOST scarf? Let me know! 

I would love to hear from you. Send me pictures of your joyous moments and let's spread the joy of living and the joy of creativity. And let's plan a great trip to the beach! Have fun!

(All photos credit of Taryn Queen)

Photography is often a source of inspiration for me. Several of my textile designs use photos I have taken and this weekend I would prompt you to pull out your camera (or iPhone) and to snap a photo or two. Get close to things and see what a magical world it is when you go macro!

Clothes should work for us. They should function well and they should bring us joy. That is what I strive for as a textile and fashion designer. Hence, I am so excited to bring to you a line of handmade blouses that are all about comfort and indeed, joy! So, let's take a look ...

Oh, comfort. Such a good word. Comfort food. Comfort dessert. And ... comfortable clothes! This word just works for so many things. I am all about comfy clothes; the tunic tops you see below are made out of jersey. They feel like a lightweight sweatshirt except they look like high fashion. You can wear them with yoga pants or with dressy pants appropriate for the office. They are great for travel and they make a statement at a party. The tops are versatile and adjust easily to many body shapes. 

Oh, joy. My favorite word! I love designing textiles and bringing joy to you in the form of colors and patterns and stories behind the ideas. We communicate so much through our clothing: what we like, what we value, how we want to be perceived. And I bet, feeling good about yourself is one of those things, too. My textiles tell stories of joy: some of them are based on original paintings, some of them are photos I took. For instance, the blue/purple top below has a pattern made out of sound waves. I recorded this powerful statement: "Joy fills my heart" and created a print. What more do you need to feel great? This is what joy means to me when it comes to clothing and its power to give us confidence and to put a smile on our face. 

Here we go then: comfort and joy all in one versatile tunic top that will boost your mood and draw attention anywhere you go. Because being joyful is the best way to be. 

I feel a little vulnerable writing this blog. But then ... f**k it. I am a textile and fashion designer and I believe in the power of stories. I capture stories in my textiles and I turn them into items, such as scarves and tops. One of my collections is called F**k It! and while I never though I would design a pattern like that, now it makes sense to me.  

I started my business last year and oh my was I scared! Fear has stopped me from doing so many things in my life. All of the moments I didn't do something because of fear could fill up days and weeks, maybe even months of my life. You know all the times when ... you don't not voice your ideas, you don't not approach a person you think is interesting, you stay in the same old pattern because it's just fine. While I was thrilled about my new creative adventure, you should see me shake as I drove to a local shop to offer my designs. I almost turned around and went home. As time passed, I got tired of all of this fear nonsense.  

I needed a boost, a reminder of my inner courage. So, I recorded the words "F**k It!" as they seemed to be a little more convincing than just "Go for it!" ... I used the image of the sound wave as a textile pattern and sewed a scarf out of the fabric. I wore it in new situations; I rushed into my closet to put it on as a potential business connection called my cell phone. For a little bit, that scarf became my signature look. I din't tell anybody about the idea behind my design; I didn't feel the need. 

Any article of clothing we own is a matter of emotion. We wear what makes us feel good, what is ultimately 'us'. Our clothes also tell our story to others. It is thus no surprise that letting go of items is no easy feat. However, there may be a way to let go, yet to keep. How? Here is a story of transformation that is good for the heart.

A dear friend of mine cherished her Dad's shirt she got to keep after his passing a few years back. The shirt was his signature look; it was of his favorite shirts. The shirt became part of my friend's home; wherever she would go, the shirt went with her. Not too long ago, she thought of transforming the shirt into a keepsake item: a pillow. I was happy to help. Pillows are lovely for so many reasons but this pillow may be one of my favorites now. 

The shirt turned out to be the perfect size for an 18 x 18 pillow. I brainstormed how to cut up the fabric to create a well-designed cover. Carefully I removed the parts of the shirt I would not need and drafted a pattern. And then off I went sewing.

The pillow turned out so wonderful! The front is decorated with the buttons and a pocket. The buttons function as the front can be opened up and the cover may be removed. I believe this pillow is a perfect way for my friend to cherish her Dad and to keep his memory well and alive in her home. I am honored my friend approached me and trusted my skills. 

What do you think? Have you ever had a cherished item transformed into a keepsake? Let me know! 

And the water rolled down the river loudly announcing its presence to all. And the clouds moved in bringing with them rain that met the river as if they were best of friends. 

Great Falls, MD, March 2017  
Photo credit: Martina Sestakova