Rachel Pepper of Kingfly Design and the film 'Objectified'

So I am at church on Sunday and I notice that both the girl sitting in front of me and the girl sitting to the side of me have these fresh, bold, modern bags that I have never seen anything like before. I thought that they must be handmade since they are so original. Turns out, the bags are made by the girl who was sitting to the side of me -- Rachel Pepper. She is the creative force behind Kingfly Design. She studied fabric design here at UGA, did a desk gig for a while in Atlanta, and through the process of making her bags just as a creative outlet, got so much word -of-mouth business that she quit her job and moved back to Athens to do this full time. She is the real deal guys. Her sense of design is genius. Check her out.

And after you are seriously wanting to buy all of her bags, watch this independent film (go to the website and click on the trailer tab to see what I'm talking about).

From the director (Gary Hustwit) who also did the film Helvetica, I was SO INSPIRED by this film... I mean the people on there who are so passionate about what they do and why they create things the way that they do... it really gives insight into how the aesthetic and utilitarian aspects of the creative process intersect.

Okay that's all I guess :)

xoxo

Paige

a black and white series

Oh my gosh... so much has been going on since the last time I posted. It's only been a week.


A week is a long time, though, you know? For a blogger, I mean. I'm a terrible blogger when it comes to regularity. And I can't really apologize for that since I don't plan on correcting it. I don't mean to seem irreverent; but really, I can't give in to the pressure to be a better blogger. I would be selling out. I just have to be me.


ANYWAY... onto the important stuff.


I got a new lens! See pictures above. It's a 35mm f/1.8 . It is an auto-focus lens. This means that my pictures are instantly better. I shot almost all my previous pictures with a manual focus lens. This is so much more crisp. 


AND I watched an amazing movie... it's called The Beautiful Losers. You can find the website here. I found it on Netflix (watch instantly). There was so much about this film that I loved... the idea of art being accessible, I think, is the one that stands out the most (a couple days after seeing it). I really don't think that this way of thinking about art or photography is authentic at all, in my experience. (I really hate to disagree with people outright; if the author of that post reads this, please know that I disagree respectfully). I think that art happens when people use their creative gifts to respond to their environment, and that response is a form of truth-telling. For alot of people, that means the everyday of encountering trains or painted signs. The idea that someone has to go to school for an art form is, in my opinion, a product of our culture. This is definitely not a fully formed thesis ... I am just sharing some thoughts. I'll briefly share some other thoughts I had (based on my notes that I took while watching the film. There is definitely an overuse of parentheses in this paragraph.) 


1. Christians, of all people, could understand why other human beings, made in God's image, have a problem with pressure to conform. God created us to reflect his nature in specific and different ways. We should be able to understand why someone who was made to be in perfect unity with God is troubled by evidences of brokenness (I think the ones most mentioned in this film are commercialism and merchandising). 


2. Margaret Kilgallen's quote in the beginning about her art reflecting her imperfection and humanity is, I think, profoundly astute and beautiful.


The last thing I want to mention in this post is this... Juliette Hogan's Fall 2010 collection. I don't often post about clothing design (or any of these topics for that matter), but like... when I saw this, my first thought was, "Why should I even continue trying to sew clothing? There really is no point." She already did it. Everything I wanted to do, she did. Dang. At least it's out there. My efforts were feeble anyway.


until next time...
xoxo
paige

community

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Our community group met for the first time last night. Our house was so full that we had people on the floor and stairs.  I am so excited about this. Being at church on Sunday, going to brunch with friends from church, having a house full of Jesus-lovin' people, talking earnestly about God's work in our lives, singing hymns as a family of believers...  it was so refreshing. I saw with clear eyes the blessing of community. I am eager to share my life with these people... I need to be molded, gently corrected, and nurtured by God through them. These past few weeks, as I have been isolated and working like crazy, have been kind of a dark night of the soul. There have been some major struggles. I realized some things... I by nature am a productivity-oriented person. I feel more comfortable getting things done than just sitting and being with people. We need community... our family really, really needs community. God created us to grow together. To figure out how our lives could look, To celebrate him, To sing as people God set free -- together. I am so glad to be at part of God's bride -- His beloved, purchased with his life and washed in his blood, made beautiful by his righteousness. I am excited about re-newed friendships, new friendships, possibly a new booth shared at the Farmer's market (Kelly and Elisha!), and so much more.  What sort of God is this who calls us out of darkness and makes us part of his family? Community is a gift that points us toward the character of the Giver --  our amazing God.

family adventure: fail.

Just wanted to share the failed adventure of our day... we tried to go on a family thrifting trip, but failed miserably. We started driving towards Watkinsville, hoping to go all the way to (I don't even know the name of the town) that we pass on the way to Columbia. It has like five thrift shops right off the road that look very promising. What happened instead... was disastrous.

We got lost (sort of) in Watkinsville. We stopped to get gas, and while we were pumping, Trevor ran next door to the Jittery Joe's to get some coffee for us. He was gone forever. I finished pumping the gas, put the pump back in place, drove over to Joe's to pick him up, and waited. I could see him in there doing what looked like putting cream cheese on a bagel. Piper started to get impatient. I thought it would be a good idea to take her for a drive while we waited... so I went inside to call Trevor out. I stuck my head in and said, "Trevor?" He said, "I'm coming!" I went back to the car... nothing happened. So I left. I actually waved goodbye to him while I was driving away. I knew I was just leaving for a minute and would be right back, but he thought I was driving away without him. He ran toward the car. Watkinsville is not exactly the type of town where people wouldn't notice things like this.

It turned out that we just went home! We didn't want to deal with game-day traffic, and besides, Trevor had lots to do. Total failure.... but there was a sort of redemption.

After we took Trevor home and gave Piper some lunch and a nap, she and I ventured out again (see photos) to give our hometown thrift stores a look. We found this place, a local shop that hosts artists, craftspeople, and vintage curators. It's totally a gem! They have some very high-quality, cute stuff in there! I can't wait to go back when I have more time to look.

I guess she and I will try again another day :)

thoughts on the blog

These are some photos of a couple of the things I got at ICP. This isn't everything, and it is kind of hard to tell what's what, but they looked pretty in a mosaic like that. So I included them. In the top right image of wall art, the green, blue, and orange/red squares are letterpress prints from Ragamuffin Press. The green one says "grow together", the blue one says "soar", and the orange one says "build community". Speaking of community, our community group starts on Sunday night. I am way pumped. The orange cloth napkins are from Phoebe Flock, and the beautiful ceramic vases were the result of a trade with my booth-neighbor, Rachel Feece. She is so gifted.


So guys... I gotta confess, sometimes I get weary of blogging because I can't be transparent. Before I started my blog, I would get annoyed at other people's blogs because I felt like they were just another way of making oneself look good. And in some ways they are that. It's like putting your best veneer up on the internet for all to see. Facebook is the same way... I feel like I am constantly self-promoting. I am trying to get exposure for my business efforts, but I think it just gets annoying after a while. This isn't like a real relationship because I can't fully disclose who I am. I mean you can, to varying degrees, share things, but I don't feel like this is the appropriate venue for me to share my sin and real hurts and the areas of my life where I feel like I am failing over and over again. I can't talk about the things I fear, because it would be false for me, I think, to share such personal, fragile things in such a public venue. It seems careless. I long for community like that in my life. I only really have that with my husband right now. It is a season that God's given me, and I am thankful for it. But it can be hard. That kind of community takes time. I am seeing that you can't just jump into relationships like that... they grow organically over time.


Having said all that, my blog still has a special purpose in my life. It gives me an opportunity to share about my passions, it has brought so many like-minded women into my life... it is a way for me to document our life in a lasting way. Writing here forces me to put into words the things that are in my heart, and that process really does help shape my understanding of what I am going through. I used to write more in-depth posts, and I plan to resume that practice if I have time. This blog can be a source of encouragement to the people who find it. I think that when we talk about God's goodness and work in our life, it is a powerful thing! This is one of the only ways that I have right now of sharing the gospel and talking about Jesus. That means alot to me. 


These types of interactions are just different. They're so surface level, but yet, they can be so good.


In other news, my blog tabs are up and working underneath the header. Nothing spectacular; just a little info to make the site more accessible.


And guess what guys?!? I got a new phone and it is totally awesome! I was able to get it for $30 after the rebate. Piper dropped my old phone in the toilet. I was eying Trevor's iPhone, but those are so expensive. My palm pixi is way cute, tiny, has a keyboard for emails and texting, and I get a data plan. I have a cool phone for the first time ever. I promise to be more accessible. Promise.


Until next time... take care, dear readers.

images of my booth and how it went!

These are the images I took of my booth, number 70. On the clothing rack were the garments: apron-style wrap skirts, girl's tunics and blouses, and women's blouses. On the table were some of the large bags (I had to keep come below for extra space) and mod zipper pouches.  Business cards were in the milk glass bowls. And in the green chest up against the brick wall were extra fabrics for custom orders, which came in handy! Also, there was bunting and a nice warm rice paper light. Everything fit nicely.... except for the sofa that I recovered and hand embroidered with my cursive "L" logo because I thought it would fit. It didn't. But I love how the booth turned out... it was bright and pretty, which is exactly what I wanted!

The turnout for this event was amazing -- people were lined up out the building and onto the street, not only on Friday night, but all day Saturday as well. I sold out of pretty much everything except for skirts (I only sold two of those). I came home with one women's blouse and one girl's tunic. I loved the experience of being there with the other crafters... I made so many friends, met one of my blog friends (Barb!), made new blog friends (Bonnie, Joanna, Michelle), met some people who follow my blog (so nice to meet each of you!), and got some seriously cool stuff while I was there. I love the barter system. I'll post about all that next.


I just want to say that being part of this was such a gift for me. It really was something that God brought into my life at a time when I needed some direction. I knew that I wanted to pursue my etsy shop, but didn't quite know how to go about working from home with my little girl. Having this goal, and the motivating community of the other crafters, helped me find a balance and rhythm for my work. I think the bags really made a splash-- I was approached about selling in a boutique in Greenville, I have plans to sell in a couple places here in town, and I want to build up the etsy shop. I took yesterday and am taking part of today off, and then it's back to work for me. I have custom orders and etsy posting to do. 


I love doing this... mothering my daughter, the thrifting, the sewing, the photography.  God is so kind to give me these gifts. It is evidence of his heart to bless and nurture his children... in every aspect of their being. Lots more thoughts to come soon, sweet readers. We'll talk soon.

she breathes deeply

We are loading up the truck and getting everything packed.

I can't believe Indie Craft Parade is TODAY!!

I am so excited.

In the meantime, go over to Mandy's blog,

She Breathes Deeply. 

She is married to an amazing man... and they're expecting!

They both love Jesus. She is such a passionate

first-time mom. Her cute tattoos were recently featured on 

Danielle's blog. (I totally wish I could get more tattoos.)

Anyway, Mandy posted about we three pilgrims

and included some of my work. Check it out.

I hope to post about how things are going at some point.

I definitely want to include lots of pictures for people who

couldn't be there.

I am really anxious to see how the booth is going to come together. I did not follow the advice of 

seasoned craft fair veterans and arrange my 

booth here at home before hand.

Now I am wishing that I had.

Yet -- I think it will be awesome.

I am glad that I didn't obsess over every detail.

I can't wait to meet all the other artists and

craftspeople who will be there...

...and to see my friend Jenn who will be also helping me in my booth! Check out her blog too. She has a gift for writing that draws you into her story. She also has possibly the cutest baby ever born, and I say that even though Piper is pretty cute.

Have a wonderful weekend, and I hope we'll talk again soon :)

a small preview of what I'll be selling at Indie Craft Parade

I just wanted to share a quick preview of the things that I have been making for ICP!! There are lots of bags and little girl's blouses, but there will also be women's blouses and skirts as well. I am going to be taking custom orders while I am there, which I am excited about. I think the inventory I've put together provides a good picture of what I can do, so I am hoping that customers will place orders as well.

I am so excited with the way things have been coming together... it gives me such a sense of accomplishment and joy to see the hard work that I have put in over these past couple months come to fruition. In many ways, this is my debut. I am very pleased with the results. I am so, so thankful for this opportunity. I love doing this. I love the hard work and the results that it brings. I love creative work. I must say that God was so good to bring this into my life when he did. He knew what I needed, even more than I did (of course).

If you haven't yet made plans to come to Indie Craft Parade, go do it!! Come see me in booth #70, as well as the other 76 artists and craftspeople as we share our work and our heart with the world.

And, sweet readers, I plan to post lots more when this is over. (Hopefully that will actually happen. If not, then I don't know what to tell you.)

We'll meet again soon!! 

xoxo

Paige

art and indie craft parade

This print arrived in the mail while I was out of town this past weekend. I know now who sent it, and somehow she knew that it would mean so much to me (she is a new but dear friend). It will go in Piper's room. I have wanted to give this to Piper since I saw it, which she knew... because it so much illustrates Piper's personality: she is sweet and affectionate, yet independent and strong.


You can find this print as well as other beautiful prints at the sweet william shop on etsy. There is at least one other print from this shop in my handpicked section on the sidebar.


Lately I have been so drawn to works of illustration and painting (especially the works of Michelle Armas, Dee Sullivan, Mati McDonough, Lee May Foster-Wilson, and Abigail Brown). I want so much to enliven our space with works of art like these. One day this might be possible. Not only are these beautiful, rare works (they aren't mass produced), but they are made by people living in our time period who bring to life an aesthetic that I can relate to in a very deep way. Their work is intricate, delicate, and colorful, yet very human. It is certainly imperfect, but beautifully imperfect.


If we do end up being gainfully employed, we hope to do several things with our money and time... our larger, lifelong dream is to have a farm, but that is a story for another day :) But I include that because we hope to live simply so that we can use our money to give to other people -- artists being some of those people. (This documentary is so inspiring.) The Sweet William print above is the first piece of art that our family owns, and I am so, so thankful for it. Hopefully it is the beginning of a much larger collection.


I think this is one of the reasons that I so much appreciate the organizers and participants of Indie Craft Parade. Not only is this a group of local/regional artists coming together to show our work, but this is part of a larger movement that emphasizes the value of handmade, rare things. I am so excited about next weekend. I'll be meeting some people from this incredible community of artists, and I'll be sharing my work with the world. 


In my next post, I'll give you a few images of what I have been making... life has been so busy getting ready for this, but it has been such a learning experience for me. I've learned so much about myself and my hopes through this process. I am excited to share them soon :) In the meantime, check out some of the press for ICP:


http://craftshows.craftgossip.com/indie-craft-parade/2010/08/26/


http://greenville.metromix.com/events/fair_festival/indie-craft-parade-downtown/2136754/content


http://www.creategreenville.org/tag/indie-craft-parade/


http://www.goinghometoroost.com/?s=indie+craft+parade&x=0&y=0


http://www.greenvilleforward.com/home.htm


If you live in the Southeast, come out to support this event and celebrate handmade art! I would love to meet you there!