Happy Thanksgiving

My wishes to you for a happy and safe Thanksgiving with family and friends.

A Former Student

Another favorite stop for me at the Philadelphia Craft Show is the booth of jewelry design duo ford/forlano...both because their work is outstanding, AND because David Forlano, half of the duo, was a former high school art student of mine! It is always a treat to catch up with the duo and to see
their latest creations.

Dave always had tons of talent. His quiet, unassuming manner did not masquerade his intensity and focus. We had a wonderful Portfolio class of students at Hatboro-Horsham High School back in 1981-82, and everyone always looked up to Dave. In his senior year, he took an Independent Study class with me, and he chose to focus on painting. His oil paintings were SO large (about 6 x 8 ') that he couldn't get them into school (or probably out of his bedroom). So I would travel to his home to hold our critiques!

David (and a few of my other talented crew) ended up attending Tyler School of Art. This is where Dave met Steven Ford, (his now creative and business partner). They joined forces in 1988 and started a jewelry company, first called CityZen Cane, operating out of their Old City studio. Every year their reputation and business grew more, and today they are two of the most respected jewelry designers in the world. Their polymer clay and metal jewelry is distinctive, organic and sophisticated.

In recent years Dave relocated to Santa Fe. He and Steve still partner with their work in a very unique collaborative way.

To learn more, see the video Dave produced.

Ford Forlano's Pillow Collar Necklace is a 2009 acquisition of The Philadelphia Museum of Art in memory of Anne d'Harnancourt.

I really can't claim any rights to Dave's success, but still, I can't help but feel so very proud.

It is a wonderful thing to be able to work with talented people and watch them grow and evolve. I did it way back when as a teacher, and am fortunate to be still doing that today with my gifted design team!

Philly Craft Show

On November 14th we attended the Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show at the Philadelphia Convention Center. Each year this juried exhibit offers the very finest in crafts for sale just in time for the holidays. I was a little worried about last year's light attendance, but this year was thrilled to see full aisles and a healthy amount of purchasing activity in spite of the economy!

Had a great time wandering the aisles with our friends, the Guinn's. Carol and I discovered some wonderful new jewelry designers and reconnected with other established friends in the industry. Here I am with our buddy Thomas Mann in front of his booth.

After the show we checked out the highly recommended Pub and Kitchen near Rittenhouse Square where we savored their yummy fare!

Pub and Kitchen
1946 Lombard St
Philadelphia, PA 19146-1411
(215) 545-0350

I signed with FreeSpirit!!!!

I am very excited to announce my new licensing partnership with Westminster Fiber's FreeSpirit brand! It has been a dream of mine to design fabric and I am so grateful for this new opportunity. The Journeys collection will be based on my Awakenings line of art which is very near and dear to my heart. I look forward to sharing it with you this spring!!!!

Check out the press release below.

Kathy Davis Studios Signs with

Westminster Fibers Lifestyle Fabrics

New Fabric Collections to Launch 2010

Ambler, Pa. – Nov. 18, 2009 – Kathy Davis Studios, Inc., one of the nation’s leading design companies of greeting card, gift and lifestyle products, announced today a new licensing partnership with Westminster Fibers Lifestyle Fabrics, a leading wholesale supplier of high quality textiles.

Beginning in 2010, more than 30 designs from Davis’ new Awakenings collection, a body of work influenced by Asian and Scandinavian design and abstract expressionism, will be available under Westminster Fibers’ famed FreeSpirit brand worldwide.  With patterns defined by bold, diverse colors and icons such as floral elements, leaves and dragonflies, the new fabrics lend themselves to traditional quilts, apparel and other lifestyle projects.

According to Kathy Davis Studios Vice President, Melissa Schulz, the partnership marks the beginning of an exciting chapter for the design company, elevating the Kathy Davis brand as it enters a new and thriving industry.

“We’re delighted to partner with Westminster Fibers Lifestyle Fabrics.  Not only is the company a proven industry leader, but a true innovator in the textile industry aligning with some of the world’s most talented designers,” Schulz said.

“I am very pleased and excited Kathy Davis has joined our dynamic team of artists,” said Westminster Fibers’General Manager, Joyce Robertson.  Kathy brings unique talents and creativity to our eclectic fabric design mix, and we are very fortunate to have her join our trend-setting group of gifted designers."

About Westminster Fibers Lifestyle Fabrics

Westminster Fibers Lifestyle Fabrics is one of the leading converters of high quality 100% cotton, flannel, fleece, poplin, canvas, home decorating, and quilting fabrics and well-known in the textile industry for their creative and unique fabric designs under their Rowan and FreeSpirit brands.  Talented trend-setting artists include Kaffe Fassett, Amy Butler, Anna Maria Horner, and Tina Givens to name a few.  Westminster supplies independent retail stores with some of the finest fabrics in the market to inspire sewing creativity and speaks to a new generation of sewing enthusiasts. For more information please visit www.westminsterfabrics.com, www.freespiritfabrics.com

A New Friend

One of the highlights for me at Friday night's book signing at Chamealeon in Ambler, PA, was in making the acquaintance of Janet Heller. Janet, who lives in Horsham, (just a stone's throw from our Studio) used to be a customer at my old store at the Montgomery Mall! She came in clutching a framed print she had purchased there many moons ago! My fear was that she wanted to return that print for some reason, but, instead, she said that she loved that piece so much that she would be willing to buy many more of them to give as gifts!

Unfortunately we no longer carry that print, but she happily purchased a book while we got better acquainted. It was a delight to meet new friends like Janet, and see old friends as well on Friday evening.

 

Rosa, Chamealeon's owner was the hostess with the most-ess. Her First Friday event even boasted a wine and cheese bar featuring Chadds Ford wines. While guests sipped their chardonnay, they browsed the assortment of hostess gifts, holiday décor, accessories and adorable baby gifts. It was a nice way to kick off some holiday shopping. If you were unable to make the event, stop by someday to find that perfect little something for anyone on your gift list. Chamaeleon will be carrying my Scatter Joy book throughout the holiday season.


Chamaeleon Accessories Boutique
12 Cavalier Drive (located near the Act II playhouse at 56 Butler Pike and adjacent to the municipal parking lot) Ambler, Pa 19002
215-325-1462

Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts

My hearts beats strongly for modern art and culture and the importance it has on our society. The Andy Warhol Foundation for Visual Arts mission is to "foster innovative artistic expression and the creative process by encouraging and supporting cultural organizations that in turn, directly or indirectly, support artists and their work. The Foundation values the contribution these organizations make to artists and audiences and to society as a whole by supporting, exhibiting and interpreting a broad spectrum of contemporary artistic practice." I can't stress the importance of organizations like this to help cultivate a new generation of creative people.

A Modern Twist

I love when I find designs that are a new spin on a traditional product. Modern Twist did just that with their new Doileez collection. These are not your granny’s doillies! They are a new modern stylish version of the classic. These eco-friendly, reusable silicone shapes are available in a variety of patterns and colors and are not only functional but beautiful to look at.

 

 

I love their placemats too!

A Dose of Inspiration

More E-Cards!

I am happy to now have e-cards available on Blue Mountain.com. We have some new Thanksgiving cards in the mix and our elves are busy tinkering on some Christmas designs, too!

Please let me know your favorite e-cards when you have a moment.
We continue to have additional cards in development, so if there’s something particular you would like to see, I’m all ears for your feedback!

Scatter some joy today to someone who’s in your thoughts. (Try my “just because” e-card! It’s one of my most popular designs)

A Dose of Inspiration

Gifts and Dec Magazine

The October edition of Gifts and Decorative Accessories features new gift ideas that spread positive thinking. Happy to see this as an emerging trend, and equally happy to find my Scatter Joy book as a featured selection! (And what fun to share space with "Uppy" the newest Ugly Doll!)

Please Join Me in Ambler

On Friday night, November 6th, from 6:30 to 7:30 pm you will find me at Chamaeleon, a new gift and accessories shop in the lively town of Ambler, PA.


I will be signing copies of my Scatter Joy book and giving away a box of free holiday cards to the first 10 people who purchase the book. You can enter a drawing to win my embroidered quilt that features the quote, "How beautiful a day can be when kindness touches it".

I'd love to see you there, and Chamaeleon's owner Rosa Zeibari will warmly welcome you to her shop that features great hostess gifts, adorable baby items and unique accessories.

After the signing, you may want to catch a flick at my favorite movie spot, the revitalized Ambler Theater or grab a divine dinner at Dettera Restaurant and Wine Bar, just a half a block away! I'm so excited to see Ambler's renaissance in full swing, and happy to be a part of the action on November's First Friday. It's a perfect time to get a jump on your holiday shopping! Hope to see you!

Chamaeleon Accessories Boutique
12 Cavalier Drive (located near the Act II playhouse at 56 Butler Pike and adjacent to the municipal parking lot) Ambler, Pa 19002
215-325-1462

Re-Invention Convention Tips!

I was happily surprised to see one of my quotes from the Re-Invention Convention on More magazine's website.

Don't you just love Jean Chatsky's words of wisdom?

What a Lucky Boss I am!

When your company is like family (well, I DO have my brother on staff...) it is a joy coming into work. My crew at KDS is a very special group. They are extremely talented, amazingly thoughtful, and very, very good looking!!! ;)

While I was galavanting around Tuscany, doing yoga, drinking wine, and getting inspired, they were hard at work creating a greeting card extraordinaire for me for Boss's Day, which was October 16th.

Upon my return to the hectic pace of meetings and our daily Studio workload, I was interrupted with a very nice surprise! Along with a gorgeous flower arrangement and gift certificate, our dear Melissa L. presented me with the card she created, and had everyone at KDS sign. The theme this year, fittingly, was "graffiti", based on the fact that I couldn't get enough of the graffiti I saw during my trip to Spain!


There are fun surprises scrawled into every nook and cranny of the artwork. Even the birds are spreading the "scatter joy" message!

I have an incredible collection of handmade cards from my KDS family, and this new one certainly adds some FUN to the mix! Someday I will post a chronology of all of them... One more thing for the "to do" list...

Thank you, thank you, thank you to my thoughtful (and very good looking) staff!

Tuscany Inspiration Retreat

I have just returned from an incredible week in the Italian Tuscan hillside! As one of ten women, I was extremely fortunate to participate in an Inspiration Retreat, sponsored by artist/designer Sigrid Olsen. I had long been a fan of Sigrid's apparel designs, and when I read about her new inspiration retreats (part of her career re-invention), I just knew I would one day attend. When I saw that this fall's retreat destination was Tuscany, that sealed the deal for me!

Enjoy reading Sigrid's story and view her slideshow of beautiful photographs from our Tuscany retreat!


I convinced my friend, Kathy Richards, to attend the Tuscany Retreat with me. (Actually it took her about 5 seconds to agree to come along!)

Our week included morning walks, creative art classes and journal writing, daily yoga and guided meditations, and sight-seeing side trips. We visited the towns of Siena, Pienza and Montalcino, and experienced a stirring mass with Gregorian chanting, a guided tour of Siena and it's fabulous Duomo, and a wine tasting. Of course, with 10 women, you can't leave out shopping. I bought a crazy pair of yellow "desert boots"! (Really NEEDED those shoes!!!)












A farmhouse - converted into boutique hotel La Bandita - served as our home base... and what a home it was! We even had a friendly farm cat, Gattuso, who kept us company during our activities (except for the yoga, which freaked him out a little!)




The views from high on our hillside were astonishing, the staff was friendly and accommodating, the rooms were stylish and comfy... and then there was the food! Our chef, David, thrilled us with meal after meal of fresh, local foods prepared to perfection! The white Tuscan beans in olive oil was our unanimous favorite dish, but the pastas, salads, fish and desserts had us swooning with every serving. I think it is safe to assume that David never had a more appreciative audience than our group of 10 women!




Our creative activities, led by Sigrid, included a color workshop, mandala making, keepsake box decorating and life visioning collage. All were designed for any level, and felt like fun free-play! Sigrid shared her own hand-made rubber stamps with us, which are a distinctive component of her colorful paintings.

Sigrid's sister, Martha Abbott, was our "spiritual guide" for our week long journey. Martha led our guided meditations, daily yoga and even offered Shaman healing sessions to anyone interested. Her beautiful, soothing voice and bright spirit inspired us all. She and Sigrid complemented each other beautifully.





Their guidance, La Bandita's hospitality and the fabulous countryside are indelibly etched in my mind. And the bond we formed as 10 women of different ages, professions, and personalities was a priceless gift. I discovered much about myself in their company, and at the same time relished the differences - and similarities - we all shared. We each traveled our own path of discovery and yet came together by trading life experiences, recipes and loads of laughter.

Thank you Sigrid, Martha, La Bandita, Tuscany, and my fellow retreat companions. You were all "wicked awesome!"
(I learned a few Boston South Side slang terms from my new buddy Katia.)

And last but not least, thank you to my amazing KDS family and family at home for supporting me in this amazing journey.

Ciao!

"left to right: me, Sigrid, Martha and KR"

Master in Black and White

Another discovery I made in a museum shop in Spain was a book by German
illustrator Einar Turkowski. Every artist has their own unique approach to
their subject matter, and Einar's exquisite attention to detail just blows
me away! He combines whimsy and imagination in amazing black and white
drawings with a lush depiction of the natural - and supernatural - world!

While I am a painter at heart, Einar makes me want to pick up a pencil!!!
Bravo, Mr. Turkowski, illustrator extraordinaire!

Paper Fun

I found a book in Barcelona's Picasso Museum called "Magic Books & Paper
Toys" by Esther K. Smith. I especially love the woven hearts! There are
great "how-to" illustrations that make this paper play look easy!

Wonder if American Greetings is ready for some crazy 3-D greeting cards???

A Dose of Inspiration

Doylestown Book Signing

The evening of Friday, October 2 was such a fun and lovely night!

I was invited to sign copies of my new book, Scatter Joy: Living, Giving and Creating A Life You Love at the Doylestown Bookshop, a charming establishment located in the heart of Bucks County, Pa. With a table adorned with a beautiful and bright bouquet courtesy of flowerbud.com, not only did I meet new friends and fans of my work but connected with some old friends and colleagues from Hatboro-Horsham High School where I taught art and English earlier in my career.

We also surprised ten lucky visitors with a complimentary box of Kathy Davis greeting cards for the upcoming holiday season and held a raffle to win a special Kathy Davis American Greetings quilt.

Next stop: Chamaeleon, an accessories shop located in Ambler, Pa., on Friday, Nov. 6, for another book signing evening!

More magazine Re-invention Convention

The More magazine Re-invention Convention was an incredible experience for me! It was truly an honor to be invited to share my story along with some amazingly accomplished women, and the audience members could not have been more welcoming or enthusiastic!

While I was not able to listen to many of the other sessions, I was lucky to attend the breakfast and lunch to hear the keynote speakers: a very down-to-earth and gracious Laura Bush spoke at the breakfast, and Nora and Delia Ephron rocked the house over lunch when they discussed their new play "Love, Loss and What I Wore" (adapted from the book by Ilene Beckerman).
Nora still has me giggling. Her dry wit is priceless! Mika Brzezinski of
MSNBC conducted the interviews... and her own self-deprecating humor made for some lively discourse.

I did sit in on one afternoon session by Julia Angwin and Dr. Laura Doliva, moderated by Aliza Freud on the topic of Social Media. Extremely informative and thought-provoking, these ladies helped navigate the uncertain yet unavoidable topic overtaking our society!

A few humble photos... and more professional ones on the way later!


I arrived at Penn Station in NYC late Sunday afternoon and was escorted by a private car (with my name posted in the windshield!) to the Ritz-Carlton in Battery Park, courtesy of More magazine. Such a beautiful hotel with a view of the Statue of Liberty! They even had a telescope set up in my room to get an up close and personal look at Lady Liberty. Not a bad way to start! Maybe this wasn't going to be so hard to take, after all!


Gulp! A look at the set-up where our session was to be held! Approximately 200 people were to be in our audience.


It looked official. No bolting out of the side door was gonna happen at this point!


A visit to the Barnes and Noble bookstore's booth gave me a chuckle when I saw that my "Scatter Joy" book pile had gone down faster than Laura's! ;)


Every book of mine sold including the display copy! Yea - Hope there's lots of Joy being scattered!

To read more about my reinvention story visit More.com.