Armstrong Industry Journal

Seasons and Change

It has been a challenging year here with the Red Thread shop as well as my studio work and even for the whole country I would say.  Always the optimist I am looking forward to the new year and new possibilities for creative work.  I feel I need to go in some new directions for the Shop as the economy causes everyone to rethink how we live our lives and how our choices make a difference.  The financial struggle has caused a lot of soul searching for me and my family as this "shopping season" comes to a close with less than positive results.

The main focus for the Studio will become more of a working, learning and resource center with less space devoted to retail only.  My production space will take more of a prominent role and the second floor studio is turning into a yoga, training space for more physical, nutritional  and spiritual classes and workshops.  I have some new people coming into the space and it is giving me a renewed sense of whyI started out in the creative business endeavor, and where I need the business to go.

My new collection will be "The Coastal Path."  I feel a need to go back to the basics in my design thought and inspirations. 

                               

Fabric Friday

Since I love fabric so much, I am bringing you a few designers that use fabric for gift wrap and cards.  I have done this is the past. It is a great way to recycle and sometimes the wrap can be part of the gift.

                                 

 1. home sewn gift tags, 2. Presents wrapped in fabric, 3. bunches + bunches of holiday gift tags., 4. Set of 4 snowman fabric gift bags - adorable

Holiday Decorations

When you have a shop, Holidays are different.  You start so early and depend on this time of year to make a lot of sales to hold over in the slow beginning of the year.  A lot of time is spent decorating and setting up displays, that you personal home decorating seems like just more work.  We have pared down as the boys have gotten older, I still like the decorating part and making things feel a special way.  But I also start thinking about the next season design ideas and can hardly wait to start on the next big collection.

I love this display, I am always drawn to multiples of simple things grouped together. 

 

Photo Credit: Photolife

New Design

We have another fun design in shop today.  This lovely modern doll house, natural wood with furniture.  I just love how this design come together. 

                                

Guest Blogging Today

I have a new post at the Design and Style Team Blog today, it's all about wood.

New Products

The boys have helped me come up with some new recycled art pieces.  They are coming to the Armstrong Supply Shop soon.

 

Holiday Windows

                    

The candlelight tour and holiday quick off in our town this weekend.  I finally finished my windows at the Red Thread, I was supposed to be in the design competition for best "Holiday Magic" window design, but a technically has kept our town out of the regional contest. Still a chance to win in Downtown Suffolk.  The windows take a lot of time and creative thinking.  I still love to see the old downtown style storefronts with the windows all decorated, so I work very hard to make mine interesting and it is one of my best marketing tools. 

I always wanted to be a window display designer, but it is somewhat a lost art, today.  Most store displays and/or windows are planned by headquarters, so each shop has the same look anywhere you go.  I still long for the originality of a small independent shop and all its uniqueness. MOre photos here.

Year 4

We are celebrating our third year in business at the Red Thread Studio-our studio and retail shop in Suffolk, Virginia.  It has had a lot of ups and downs and with the economy right now the hard part is to hang on through this big down.  I have met many interesting people and so many artisans through the brick and mortar shop, as well as, the on line community that has become so important to my design business.  Thanks to everyone who has supported us through these years and look forward to the next crazy creative year. A special thanks to SA and the boys for all their support.

   

  Anniversary Day at Red Thread

Your are invited to visit the studio and view the beautiful

art and Join us to celebrate our 3rd year in Downtown Suffolk

Saturday December 6,  2-5pm

 

 

Fabric and Color Inspiration

It is the holiday season and always a time for dressing up and luxurious fabrics and clothing.  I love beautiful fabric and textures, they are my weakness and a focus for my new home and fashion accessories collection.

Designs from Cathrine Bacon

                         

Mankind Mag

Erin over at Design for Mankind has the latest issue of her lovely Mankind Mag magazine the "Consumption Issue," you can view it on-line or in print.  She always offers the most unique art and design.