EEEK! I am officially addicted!
And no rehab for me, thank you. My latest addiction is the social media craze called “Pinterest”. I avoided it as long as I could, but about a month ago or so, I tiptoed in…and believe me, the water is fine!
I thought Facebook (which I also avoided for a while, but then couldn’t resist) had captured any downtime I could find, but Pinterest is really tempting to me because it is so visual. If you are a magazine junkie like me, I think you will love Pinterest (that is, if it hasn’t ALREADY captured you!) Tearing inspiring pages out of magazines has been a hobby – or habit- of mine for years. Of course the magazines cost a pretty penny and you can’t buy just ONE…and then there’s the chore of filing those tear sheets …and whoever remembers what they have squirreled away in a file drawer, anyway?!
With Pinterest, you can peruse images that others have “pinned” from websites and blogs, or pin your own. Setting up your pin boards can also be creative. You can identify and name the categories that interest you. Some of my boards are called “Makes me feel good”, “Paintings I love”, and “For the Home”. Below is a screen shot of the way some of my boards look. Eye Candy, right?
For me, Pinterest is a fun and easy way to stay inspired. I try to treat myself to 5 minutes every morning. It’s a happy fix for me!
SOOOO…I have decided to share my Pinterest boards – and latest finds – with YOU – right here on my website!
Just click on the Pinterest icon that appears on the right side of the screen with all of my other social media logos. I also plan to feature my favorite pin of the week each week. Won’t you join me?
(These bedding sketches are just a tease of what's to come!)
Starting tomorrow, we plan to add a new feature to our Facebook page called “A question from Kathy.” We want YOU to help us make some decisions about creative development and marketing since YOU are the real experts…and the ones we aim to please! You will see a question from me every couple of weeks. Some weeks the question may be about greeting cards, or other weeks you may help us decide which patterns you’d like to see on bedding, or which new products you’d like to see in our online store. Please join us as a “creative director” for the Kathy Davis brand!
I can’t wait to see your comments, and I thank you in advance for your good taste, creative input and guidance!
Stay tuned!
At Kathy Davis Studios, we not only design greeting cards (among other things), but we are enthusiastic consumers of them and truly respect and appreciate the work that all of our fine competitors produce!
We recently asked everyone at KDS to bring in their favorite cards they either purchased or received over the holiday season. Pinning them to my tack wall, we polled our troops about their favorites and thought you’d enjoy seeing the winners!
Here are all of the beautiful cards we assembled:
Ta Da – the Winners!
Overall Favorite Card
#1 – by American Greetings!
Front:
Inside:
#2 – by Paperchase
Front:
Inside:
“Merry Christmas”
#3- by Hallmark
Front:
Inside:
Cutest
This little guy won by a landslide!
By: Papyrus
Front:
Inside:
“Wishing someone special the happiest holiday ever”
Best Special Process:
We had a tie!
By - Hallmark
Front:
Inside:
and
By – George Stanley
Front:
Inside:
“Wishing you comfort and joy this holiday season”
Best Mass Produced Card:
Another tie!
By - Hallmark
Front:
Inside:
and
By – Hallmark
Front:
Inside:
Best Handmade Card:
#1- by C. Lamont Kammler
Front:
Inside:
#2 – by Jone Hallmark
Front:
Inside:
Blank for writing
#3 – by Ten Thousand Villages
Front:
Inside:
Blank for writing
Best Non-Seasonal Design:
By – roobee by mara-mi
Front:
Inside:
Blank for writing
We also had some lovely envelopes on display! I really appreciate the special touches some people add with their hand-lettering and decoration. The red envelope with beautiful script by Brenda Walton was the winner in this category!
Hope you enjoyed our little retrospective survey.
And please keep sending those Christmas cards!!! We thank you!
I find myself looking ahead at the shiny new year wondering what it may hold for me…as I’m sure you must be doing in your own life. 2012 has a nice ring to it, so I’m hoping for great things for all of us!
Often motivated by goals and resolutions, this year I am resisting the urge to make a list of things that may become unrealistic or limiting in some way. Sure, there are goals I hope to accomplish, places I want to go, things I’ll strive to achieve. But I hope to approach them with a relaxed attitude and be more accepting of myself and others.
2011 was a mixed bag of joys and sorrows, as most years are. But, having lost my mom a week before her 94th birthday in November left me with a void in my life that nothing can fill. However, my mother’s positive attitude and her contentment and gratitude for life are gifts among many others that she bestowed upon me and all who knew her. I carry them in my heart into this new year and feel the comfort and acceptance that she would wish for me.
I came across the quote, below, that speaks loudly to me. It reminds me that life is short but so very precious. In lieu of a list of resolutions, I hope this simple mantra helps to guide my journey this year. I wish the same for you.
Happy New Year.
One of the comments I hear most often is, “You have designers working for you? What do they do? I thought YOU were the artist”.
While I serve as the Creative Visionary for my company, and still create most of the original art and copy for my brand, the designers here at KDS have become an invaluable piece to the whole puzzle. Without their amazing talents, I would never be able to deliver the 1000+ greeting cards we design every year, plus all of the fabric collections and licensed products for the gift and home industries. Also, in addition to the Kathy Davis brand, we develop original art for our Studio and Portfolio brands as well as many other creative projects.
One of the ways the designers get involved with the Kathy Davis brand is by innovating layouts for product development using the content I provide when I develop new collections.
Recently, I asked three of our newest designers, Laura, Ashley and Valerie, to each create some calendar layouts based on the art, patterns and writing that I developed for one of my newest collections - Fantasy Garden, Meadow’s Song or Awakenings.
Their designs delighted me so much that we decided to print and package them in CD cases as small desktop calendars for 2012! I’m having trouble deciding which one to use on my own desk…
Here are some of my favorite pages!
Editor’s note: You can find these desktop calendars in the Kathy Davis Online Store.
They are great gifts with an affordable price tag!
It has been a very busy couple of weeks since the Quilt Market in Houston! But, better late than never, I wanted to share with you some photos from our visit.
We were thrilled with the response to our new Sweet Birdie fabric collection! Here are some of the adorable creations featuring Sweet Birdie.
Another highlight was the rain poncho we discovered in the Westminster Free Spirit booth that was made with our Happiness oilcloth fabric. (I had to try it on for size!)
Westminster’s booth was ablaze in color!
Lauren and Melissa were stylin’ with their Kathy Davis bags.
I was so happy to see many old and new friends at the show!
(Here I am with Jone Hallmark - Marianne Vogel - Ty Pennington & Melissa Schulz of Kathy Davis Studios)
And, finally, I must share some of the exciting quilts from the Gallery. I particularly love the bold, bright modern versions, as you can tell…
For more photos, please visit my Flicker site by clicking here.
Wheaton, IL based artist, Michael McKee, creates rich and colorful pastel paintings that take your breath away! See his work and hear about his journey as an artist in Kathy's latest "Inside the Artist's Studio" interview.
To learn more about Michael and to see more of his artwork click here.
One thing that I am very grateful for is the wonderful team of people who work at Kathy Davis Studios. Honestly, this group is unique in the fact that each and every one of them never shies away from an opportunity to help others. Whether it is is simply sharing awesome snacks every Friday, rescuing stray kitties behind the dumpster or helping console a team member who is having a tough day, each one of them is always ready to lend a helping hand.
I so appreciate those whose kindness makes the world a brighter place. I was fortunate to have two parents who always went out of their way for others. For many, many years after she retired from her job, my mother, Ruth, volunteered at Manna on Main Street in Lansdale, where she made and served warm bowls of soup to those hungry and in need. Today, at almost 94 years old, my mother is unable to help others the way she used to, but even in declining health, she spreads sunshine at her assisted living home.
In honor of my mother, we, at KDS, help out Manna from time to time with food donations. This year is no different. When we asked if anyone on our team was willing to assist by donating nonperishable food items, cooked turkeys or volunteering to help serve at Manna the day of Thanksgiving, we were overwhelmed with the response from our team!!!
(This photo was taken a bit prematurely - We more than doubled the donation you see here)
(Melissa and Jon)
It really does my heart good to be surrounded by such a giving group.
Wishing all of you a wonderful Thanksgiving!
postscript - since this blog entry was initially written, my mother passed away peacefully on November 20th, surrounded by her family. While we will miss her immeasurably, she leaves behind a great legacy of selfless giving, unshakable faith, and a love and devotion to her family that will continue to inspire all who knew her. I am truly thankful for all the gifts she has shared with me.
Last week I was honored to be a part of the Sunshine Foundation’s 35th Anniversary Celebration held at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children in Philadelphia. Founded by former policeman, Bill Sample, the foundation has granted over 36,000 wishes to chronically ill and physically handicapped children and their families.
(Me with Bill Sample)
I was asked to design a print that was beautifully framed and presented to donors who help make these dreams possible.
It was wonderful to meet some of the families who have received dreams from the foundation, and a moving experience to watch two children being granted their wishes to visit Disney World and stay at Sunshine’s Dream Village.
St. Christopher’s Hospital was the perfect spot for the celebration. It was here back in the early 70’s that the children who frequented the hospital for their medical treatments touched the former policeman and inspired his quest to make their dreams come true.
For more information on the Sunshine Foundation click here to visit their website.
Click here to see the "35 Years of Sunshine" article on ABC.com.
Click here to see the Sunshine Foundation's 35th Anniversary article on phillyburbs.com.
October is Artists' month in Chicago...one of our favorite cities! And,
because some of our favorite artists call that city home, we are celebrating
by featuring Chicago artist Melinda Gordon in Kathy's "Inside the Artist's
Studio" interview! Please enjoy!
To see more of Melinda's work please click here to visit her website.
Hello and Happy September!
As sorry as I am to see the true summer months pass us by, September is a
time that makes me thing about fresh new beginnings. The air is crisper,
the sky looks clearer, and the season begins its change. Since I spent
many years in the classroom – as both student and teacher – I also feel
programmed to think about back to school and a switching of gears to new
schedules and priorities. September means “change” to me.
I must admit, my recent two-week trip to South Africa has also made me think
a bit differently. I do feel that this experience has changed me, but I
think I have yet to discover just how. For one thing, it is rare for me to
completely detach from my work. On most of my vacations or beach getaways,
I can’t resist packing some unfinished business. Whether its writing,
painting, or business based communication, I usually feel best when I am
productive. But on this trip, I resisted, instead letting the experience
take me over. Sure, I brought back some ideas and inspiration, but for the
most part, I allowed my unique setting to overwhelm me… and it DID!
Another thing I realize is that this time off has taken some of my “edge”
away. I return feeling less anxious and driven …recognizing that I want to
be a sailboat capturing the right wind currents, rather than a motorboat
plowing my way toward some unknown destination. I guess this is what
vacations are supposed to do. I am seeing the bigger picture – the
important things rather than the seemingly urgent things that nag at my
daily "to do" list.
As for how this African adventure may influence my artwork… I have yet to
discover. One thing I can promise you though, is that you won’t be seeing
any Kathy Davis style animal prints coming out in my work (as some of you
have predicted!)…or at least I don’t think so.
I hope that each of you, too, had a chance to detach a bit this summer and
were able to take a fresh look at your life's priorities. This month is a
great time to adjust your outlook!
May you embrace all of the changes that September may have in store for you!
All My Best,
Dear Friends,
I have returned from a truly incredible trip to Africa! My husband and I had long been anticipating this journey, and it far exceeded our expectations!
We flew from Washington, D.C. to London, and then onto Cape Town. After spending several days of sightseeing there, we hopped on small planes to two private game reserves for safari adventures. There we enjoyed 2 thrilling game drives each day, and stayed in wonderful lodges with great views, fine food and friendly staff. I will never forget the feeling of falling to sleep listening to hippos snorting in the river below! The game drives were filled with amazing animal sightings and adventure in the bush.
To top off our adventures, we ended our journey in Zambia, where we viewed Victoria Falls from Livingstone Island at the precipice of the falls (no fences or barriers of any kind!). It was one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life!
By the end of our travels, we had amassed over 6000 photos! After much editing, I have prepared a slideshow with some of the highlights of our trip. If you have about 16 minutes to spare and are interested in accompanying me, I invite you to share in this adventure from the comfort of your own computer.
A few things to note: you will see us in coats and hats during some of the early outings, as it is winter this time of year in Africa. Our temps ranged from the low 40's in early morning to the low 80's in afternoons.
Also, I must give credit to my husband, Peter, for most of the good photography and all of the interesting animal close-ups. His already sharp skills reached a new level of expertise with all of the practice he got on this trip.
The music I assembled for this slideshow includes:
- The theme from Out of Africa - the film
- Grasslands Chant, Circle of Life and The Lion Sleeps Tonight from The Lion King - the movie
- Baby Elephant Walk by Henry Mancini
Enjoy!
I will be following up with some retrospective blog posts and African proverbs, so please stay tuned!
All My Best,
I have always dreamed of seeing Africa – maybe it’s because of the beautiful wide-open plains, or the amazing animals, or the vastly different culture. (I have also had a secret craving to wear that loose khaki and gauzy white safari style wardrobe…especially the hat with the turned-up brim!)
I’m sure the film “Out of Africa” helped to fuel my fire back in the 80’s. (Robert Redford and Meryl Streep could sell me on almost anything, though…)
At any rate, my husband and I bit the bullet this year. We really cannot afford either the time or the money that this trip will cost…but I figure we can’t afford not to, either! For years we’ve talked about it, always as “someday, maybe…”. Every year there was a reason not to go. But, because each of us had a big birthday this year, we decided that our “party” would just have to take place on those great plains! I want to be young enough to enjoy this journey of a lifetime, so there’s no time like the present!
While I am painfully aware of the suffering in vast regions of this continent, our trip will keep us mostly in developed areas or national parks. The famine, extreme poverty, disease and unrest in much of Africa are unbelievably serious concerns. I am hoping I will become more aware of the needs of this part of the world and discover some ways in which we all may be able to help.
For many reasons, we chose South Africa as our destination. Because of our limited 2 week time frame, we couldn’t go to all of the places that interested us, but our South African expedition includes a bit of everything; cities, small towns, wineries, waterfalls, and, of course, great plains and game reserves!
We’ve both been so busy that we haven’t even really had time to think much about the trip, let alone pack – or, for goodness sakes, read any of the fine books recommended to help us prepare for the adventure…but once there, we will have no choice but to detach and immerse ourselves. The long flights will be taking us far enough away that we will have no other choice!
We hope to have internet connection a good bit of the time, and if so, I will try to send some photos.
Now, as we approach the date of our August 5th departure……I’m filled with a sense of wonder…
How will this trip change my outlook, my work, my life?
I guess you’ll just have to stay tuned to find that out………
p.s. – I REALLY hope I get to see a giraffe!!!
While in Chicago, I stopped in at the Harrington College of Design where the International Poster Biennial was on display. Lots of great eye candy!
Here are a few favorites. Please visit my Flickr Gallery to see more.
Ever since I went to grad school to study Art Education, it has been a goal of mine to help promote Joy through Art by encouraging more people to open their minds to the ways the arts can enrich their lives.
"Breaking down the museum walls" can happen in 2 ways... one, by encouraging more people to discover the delights lurking inside of a museum...and, two, by inspiring people to think more broadly about "art" to include the ways that art and design affect our everyday lives...outside of museum walls.
So, while attending the World Innovation Forum in NYC recently, you can imagine my delight when I decided to take a walk around town and happened upon this display outside of the Museum of Modern Art!
Upon leaving the museum, visitors are asked to fill out a simple form that says, "I went to MOMA and..." . The variety of response is wonderful, and by enlarging and posting the reply cards, it creates its own street art show to entertain passersby while encouraging them to visit.
Check out a few of my favorites... And visit my Flickr site to see more!
"When you feel like you've lost your center, You must make the time...
and then take the time to find it again."
Time to share some thoughts in my monthly blog letter…so what does a wanna-be “Joy Scatterer” like me say when I’m having trouble finding joy for myself?
Let me first make clear that I’m not looking for pity here, but I’m assuming that you may be able to relate…and maybe even find something helpful in what I’ve recently experienced.
No one is immune to off-periods in our lives when things feel sort of upside-down. Not sure where mine came from…was it the worry over my mom’s illness, pushing myself too hard with work, a birthday with a number bigger than I can fathom, my fender bender and the culprit who fled the scene, getting out of sync with too much travel…or stress over business growing pains…?
Were my stars not aligned, my bio-rhythms out of whack, or am I just thinking about it too darn much?
Plain and simple…I just didn’t feel myself.
Maybe the cause was a combination of all of the above…or maybe there’s just no good reason, but I’ve felt off-center for a couple of weeks now. And the worst part is the guilt I feel when I’m going through a down time… because I recognize how fortunate I am to be leading a very full life when many others are going through the really tough stuff…
I’m usually a big list maker, pretty driven…and spend my days soaring through tasks, projects, and personal pursuits. But my recent dip in energy, motivation and mood threw me off. I got out of sync with exercise, ate the wrong things, and felt tired. My work, which usually excites me, felt more like…well… work! Even my usual easy-going relationships were being tested. My moods were as unsettled as the weather was – mostly cloudy with some showers and little breaks of sun.
This season of the year is usually when I’m most in love with life, too... so the timing of my slump was off-putting. I cherish spending the last couple of weeks of June at the beach, with some focused time working on my writing and painting, some solitude mixed with family time, a birthday bash and celebration of summer.
Maybe my expectations were just too high…
How to cope?
Here are a few tips that helped me, and may help you, too, if you ever find yourself off-center:
- Talk it out – It helps to share feelings, it’s a little like letting some air out of a too-full balloon. Confiding in even one person can be very calming. When I shared my concerns with a friend, I felt a sense of peace. Whether you are asking for assistance or simply looking for understanding, talking does help.
- Walk it out – While I completely dropped the ball with my exercise schedule (thus more guilt), I did make an effort to go for a daily walk. Even a brisk walk around the block (or on the beach!) can shake you into a new mood and open you to things outside of yourself.
- Write it out – Spending even a few moments each day journaling your thoughts can clear your brain and help to sort things out. In her book, The Artist’s Way, Julia Cameron recommends journaling 3 pages of free-flow writing each morning. While I can’t often make that goal, I do find whatever writing time I can fit in to be extremely helpful.
- Listen to music, read a good book, watch a good movie (or even some “bad” TV) –Anything that transports you can do the trick. I enjoy music, but I’m not one who is always attached to headphones. During my slump, listening to music and reading some books really helped soothe my soul and lighten my mood! Good medicine.
- Meditate, pray, or take time to “just be” – There is no substitute for solitude, for the stilling of your mind and for opening yourself to answers.
- Self-medicate – OK – this sounds bad, but what I’m talking about here are simple treats that can lift your spirits. Ask yourself “What one little thing can I plan to do today that will help make me feel better?” It may be as simple as making popcorn, a half-hour of reading, a bubble bath, a glass of wine or a shopping expedition. The key is moderation, of course, but these small rewards can go a long way.
- Accept – Give in to your feelings and let them work through you. Not everyday is a joy-filled experience. Understand that even these down periods do have a purpose in our lives.
- Forgive yourself – Everyone is allowed to have a bad mood or an unproductive period. The fact that there is always someone who has bigger problems than you doesn’t negate your own experience.
- Do something nice for somebody else – Take the emphasis off of yourself. It really is true that by scattering joy, some of it naturally returns to you. Even sending a card to a friend gave me a good vibe.
- Gratitude – A gratitude exercise where you list all of the things that you do have going for you in your life is always a big eye-opener! My list runneth over!
- Lighten-up – “this too shall pass” - need I say more?
As July begins, I am happy to report that I am feeling much more optimistic now, and back to finding the joy in things both big and small. I’m getting excited about my work again and the world is looking so much brighter. My slump taught me some important lessons in patience, acceptance, forgiveness and reminded me to keep my expectations in check…and those are valuable lessons indeed.
Happy Summer to you all!!!
I am proud to introduce a new series of video interviews called "Inside the Artist's Studio".
Over the course of the year, I plan to visit and interview a variety of interesting creative friends who scatter Joy through Art. These in-depth interviews are loosely based on Bravo TV's popular show called Inside the Actor's Studio. The very first featured artist in my series is Christian "Patch" Patchell, cartoonist, illustrator, teacher, and author of his new book "I put the Can in Cancer". I hope you will find Patch's interview as inspiring as I do!
To see more of Patch's work click here to visit his website or here to visit the Philadelphia Cartoonist Society blog.
Was thrilled to spend some time at an astounding Art Show Open House on Saturday. I must thank my brother, Fred, who recommended we make some time to take in the talents of Bucks County stone sculptor Steven Snyder. Thank goodness we had a rare day of springtime sunshine in order to go off the beaten path in search of Cedar Maze. What we found was truly amazing!
Not only does Steven create and carve beautiful works of art from stone and found objects, he is a collector and curator after my own heart! His meticulously arranged "altars" of fascinating natural finds were in themselves worthy of wonder.
The grounds at Cedar Maze were inviting, and the displays were thoughtfully laid out, even adorned with a wonderful array of wildflowers. Open Houses are held here only a couple of times each year, but the grounds are open daily. Best to call ahead. (see below)
Self-taught in his craft, Steven uses motifs that have such appeal to me, personally. Birds, hearts and stone angels come to life in many of his pieces. I left empty handed this time...but want to save my pennies so I can return someday to bring a piece of Steven's sculptural genius home with me.
Here are just a few of my favorite photos, but please visit my Flickr gallery to see more!
This is the description on Steven's website:
The charming country setting of Cedar Maze is the sculpture garden and studio of Steven Snyder, located 10 miles north of New Hope in rural Tinicum Township. Inspired by his experiences living, working and raising a family in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Steven uses local stone as well as natural and found objects in his work. His sculpture, suitable for indoors and out, includes bird baths, fountains, etc., as well as functional art, such as outdoor showers. His sculpture, studio and home have been featured in Country Living Magazine and on HGTV's Our Place. His stone masonry work has been documented in Fine Homebuilding Magazine. Most recently, his work's been featured in Dtown Magazine. Sculpture garden and studio are open daily, year round. Just call ahead first 610.294.9106.
Show dates: May 14, 15 & 21, 22, 2011, and October 8 & 9, 2011 as part of the 2nd Annual Sweet Edge Sculpture Tour. For info click on Art Shows and Events.
I may have received my devotion to nature from my dad. Truly a man of the earth, my father loved to be outdoors. A landscaper by trade, he labored his whole life doing nursery work—planting trees and gardens, trimming shrubbery, and raising plants.
My mother has always been devoted to her faith. She attended church every week and taught Sunday school “religiously” for many years. My dad, on the other hand, preferred to do his worshipping in the outdoors. His faith, while he did not talk about it much, was expressed in the care he gave to his trees, shrubs, flowers, and the beauty of the natural world.
My dad was a quiet man with a sly sense of humor, and his love of nature was second only to his love for his family. He kept bantam chickens as a hobby, and he loved feeding and watching birds in the backyard. When he retired from his landscaping job, he continued to raise small plants in his own nursery, often cultivating cuttings from his own shrubs. He took real pride in the forsythia, arborvitae, hydrangea, azaleas, and boxwood plants he raised. Setting his plants out by our well-traveled road, he began selling them (practically giving them away) to passersby. A small business was born! Dad was so proud of his shrubs, and he took great pleasure when his customers returned to rave about how happy they were with his beautiful and thriving plants.
If that’s not scattering joy, I don’t know what is.
My love of flowers—a love that may be evident in my artwork!—is something I surely inherited from my dad. Although I enjoy cutting and bringing fresh bouquets indoors, my dad couldn’t bear doing that. He saw this as shortening the lives of the flowers, and he much preferred seeing them in their natural setting. That difference of opinion caused a bit of friction for us. I can recall planting gladiola bulbs with him each year, and I couldn’t wait to cut them into bouquets. I’d have to sneak them by my dad, though, in order to bring them into the house!
My father passed away in the spring of 2001—at the very peak of the most beautiful season of the year, when so many of his flowering plants were in bloom. Today, those plants continue to grow and bloom in the same beautiful and giving spirit with which they came into being.
