Each season I try to pick a “theme,” purpose or target focus for development based on comments from our customers, our sales force, things happening in our industry and the economy. I personally find this helps me stay true to task – a bit easier than no focus at all, wouldn’t you agree? As those of you that know Creative Co-Op’s product well, often the focus is broad. But, believe it or not, there is usually meaning to the start of so many of our items. I know this may seem farfetched – but for a gal that often has to convince her husband of the true meaning and purpose of her latest boots, jacket or handbag purchase, this comes quite naturally to me. I also believe this theory has served us all quite well. I’ve often thought back a couple of months to a customer that approached me with a big hug this last show season and then explained if it wasn’t for Creative Co-Op, she couldn’t have made it through this last year – she had come to depend on our products to make it through. I’ve thought a lot about this customer and the fact that many people do count on us for so much – our customers, our sales people, our employees, and so on. There is indeed deep meaning in what we do and the lives it ends up touching. I’ve heard comments before where some of you naturally wonder what are the uses with these products? It can be about giving the right kind of gift. For others, it’s the need for their personal space to feel beautiful and unique so that they can be the best individual that they can be. I take these thoughts to heart and truly feel there is deeper meaning in most of life’s easily overlooked “simple things”.

This season I borrowed a phrase from Kelly Rae Roberts, “Become a Possibilitarian,” as my mantra. To sit back and see what is possible with our product, to open my mind up to some suggestions and ideas that have been tugging at me and see what indeed is possible… I think you will be pleased with the mixture of items we have coming in January 2012!!! I am really, really excited for you all to see them. The focus this season couldn’t help but be influenced by the world around us today. It’s hard sometimes to be a true possibilitarian in today’s world, but because of this I think it’s important that we all try to open our minds up even a bit wider than we may have had to in the past. This current “mantra” that I’ve adopted thanks to Kelly passing on a quote from Dr Norman Peale: “Become a possibilitarian. No matter how dark things seem to be or actually are, raise your sights and see possibilities—always see them, for they’re always there.” I love this and encourage us all to grab on to at least part of this meaning!! So, with this as my focus and meaning behind this season’s development you’re going to find some fresh new items from Creative Co-Op!

Items that can bring joy or just a smile. Items appropriate for gift giving. Items perfect to use when gathered with friends for a homemade lunch or girlfriend tea. Items perfect for memory making family dinners. Items with an heirloom look and quality. Items with multiple functions easily used to personalize a space. Items with more color. Items with sentiments and inspirations to encourage and comfort.

For our Christmas line there too you will see some small additions and influences from this current focus of all things possible. A bit more whimsical interpreted in several ways as we all need to get away from the everyday at least once a year and embrace the magic that only the holiday season can bring! Paper items to adorn and personalize your homes. Dress up…even for grownups! And don’t fret! The continued functional and traditional items you’ve all come to count on us for will, of course, also continue to be there. 

I hope you all enjoy the “teasers.” I wish for each of you that you are able to imagine all of the possibilities…become a possibilitarian!!!

From the road…Tamra

Starting private art lessons at the young age of seven, Lori continued her study of art throughout high school, leading her to a degree in graphic design from the University of Cincinnati. Lori worked as an art director for a magazine for a few years, then stepped out on her own, opening the Cincinnati-based Olika design studio with her husband, Steve, in 1987.

DE7344 - 14" Square Canvas Wall Plaque w/ Crystals, 2 Styles

Creating unique brands and targeted collections for licensed products was a natural evolution for Lori. The Olika design staff has developed programs for influential retail clients that include Bath & Body Works, Target, Nickelodeon, Longaberger, and Limited Too.

Lori began the licensing arm of her business with dinnerware and accessories, but quickly expanded into craft, paper party goods, and gift and home décor products. Lori works with top manufacturers, such as Demdaco/Silvestri, Evergreen, Natural Life, and Springs Creative to name a few. A true product designer, Lori loves to conceptualize new product types and create 3-D prototypes.

Lori now divides her time between her home studio sewing, sculpting, drawing and painting, and the Olika studio meeting with clients and developing with her talented design staff. With an ever-expanding portfolio overflowing with originality, Lori Siebert cherishes the opportunity to be creative every day.

From previous posts, we have introduced you to two “dear to my heart” artists we’ve been working with. Let’s have another big hello and hooray for Ms. Kelly Rae Roberts and An Englishman in LA, Mr. Jeff Cane!!!

Kelly Rae Roberts is a self-described artist, author, and possibilitarian. In the span of a few short years, Kelly Rae has built a large online following, created a profitable Etsy shop, written a best selling book, gotten published in multiple magazines, and launched a wildly successful gift collection.

DE7519 - 13"L x 9-1/2"H Iron Clock w/ Butterfly Wings & Girl Image (Finish Will Vary) ©

Kelly has a magical way of encompassing all aspects – heart, soul, what is possible in life and makes them tangible in her art and affirmations. I believe the new group of product will help all of our creative spirits soar!!! We think Kelly is a pretty big deal, and the line will be prominent in our upcoming collection “What Makes Your Heart Flutter?” To learn more about Kelly Rae Roberts, you can find her at www.kellyraeroberts.com. And one more thing, it was Kelly’s dream to work with Creative Co-Op. Wow! We are lucky and so thankful!

How we happened to meet Jeff Cane (i.e. the “Angel Man”) I find interesting. Actually I’ll give all credit to our EVP, Lee Wang. I often tease Lee about his product touch – for a multitude of reasons… Anyway, Lee saw some original artwork in a store, liked it and felt I might like it too. He wrote down an email address, gave it to me to inquire, AND THEN he actually asked me about it again? Hmmm… Initially I was more intrigued by Lee’s reaction to the artwork; this is really what led me to investigating further. The art truly touched me as well… a year later we have a group of product that I feel is very special. Thank you Lee! (Or maybe it was the angels?)

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The photographs of these angels are about to touch you all! They are simply magical – people seem to be drawn to them in special ways. Have a look at Jeff’s website and see some of his original artwork at www.anenglishmaninla.com.

This season you will see some changes that we are making in product and within the 2011 Home Décor Vol II catalog (available late June 2011). Specifically, we have purchased some true one-of-a-kinds. Some are antique reproductions that come out slightly different each time and their characteristics need to be highlighted. Others might simply be handmade and we are unable to produce identical items each time. We will be pointing these types of items out in the 2011 Home Decor Vol II catalog. We will also highlight these special handmade or one-of-a-kinds within the showrooms so that the stories behind our items and collections are an inspiration for us all!

There are numerous items this season that are true antiques! We purchased all that were available had them refurbished and are able to offer them in our 2011 Home Decor Vol II catalog. It just blows my mind that we could find enough to warehouse and sell to you! The world can be really big sometimes – it makes my shoe collection seem so small! (Yes, it usually all comes back to the wardrobe.) Some items we were able to find more of than others, and most, when they are gone – they are gone. We realize that some of these items are not for everyone. However, these additions give us an additional unique characteristic. Plus, it adds excitement! The thrill of getting a true treasure that can’t be duplicated is rare, and we feel it adds another layer of interest to our collections. Several items have size ranges or slight color variations – this is part of their charm. Just like people, they come in different sizes and shapes!

It’s interesting to me that we have two new artists that are both all about soulful, spiritual, inspirational (call it what you want) perspectives. The world needs more of this today, and it’s important for all of us to understand this simple fact. We’ve been able to present these positive forces in a manner that is comfortable, subtle, creative and very trendfull (I know it’s not a word but it should be). I can’t wait for all of the new items to touch you all as they have touched us the last few months.

From the road…Tamra

The gift of life Jeff Cane’s mother gave him came with a great talent to observe and capture beauty. She told him that was her mantra to her unborn child throughout her pregnancy. He first picked up a camera when he was 17 and has rarely put it down since!

During a successful pioneering career in the broadcasting & music industry in the UK that led to being a media mogul, a chance visit to California in 1990 changed his life and the life of others forever! A city was calling him – “An Englishman in LA” would soon be born…

In 1991 Cane gave up the entertainment industry to start all over again, headed West and created a unique museum art business. Within a couple of years there was a call for ancient angel artwork but every art company was pillaging history for it’s images. Not wanting to follow the flock, he knew where such unique untapped winged beauty could be captured – back to London, with his camera, to visit and photograph “A Place of Angels.”

DE7443 - 15-3/4"L x 27-1/2"H MDF "Believe…" Wall Plaque w/ Angel Image ©

Over the years Cane’s works have garnered much acclaim, including: two features in the LA Times, several appearances in the Horchow (Nieman Marcus) catalog, and a 2009 acknowledgement of his work by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. However his re-creations pale in comparison to the longevity and effect that his angel/spiritual work has had. This effect solidifies he made the correct decision in leaving a successful career in his country of birth to start anew and create “A Place of Angels.”

Jeff’s pioneering American story is a totally unplanned journey and as it turns out, a journey that has been guided by Angels, from the only place in the world it could be – The “City of Angels.”

The Garden Story Collection

Click on the link below to learn more about Kelly and the partnership with Creative Co-Op in her own words:

Kelly Rae Roberts’ blog

It’s been a whirlwind two months so far this year, shows were joyfully busy! We keep thinking how it can get any busier in these showrooms and our customers keep showing us that it is indeed possible! How lucky are we? Our customers are simply the best! The business of each show season takes patience on our customers’ part as it is truly a “jungle” inside the showrooms at times and yet our customers come and work through the crowds. We all need to keep that spirit of gratitude and excitement in each and every day! Thank you to everyone for all of the hard work that goes into our show season! As hard as it was to leave the jungle of the shows this year, it just had to be done as the road was calling…off to Paris.

Tamra and Robert Wang on the streets of the Marias.

Isn’t Paris lovely in spring? Probably, but in January it’s really COLD! Oh well, it doesn’t matter, it’s Paris and the trip proved worthwhile. Walking the streets of the Marias was inspiring to see. With the new designer’s windows and spring collections all in one place, the creative spirit on display is always an exciting place to be. It never ceases to amaze me how secure some people are with their visions and it seems in Paris I find the boldness of the trends and colors much like encouraging words that say “go ahead do it, don’t be afraid, they’ll love it.” This and the extra calories I consumed on the trip gave me just the nudge I needed to get started on the new product that’s headed our way. (I mean really, who can deny these exquisitely stacked sculptures of baked wonders staring at you through the Patisserie windows?) Everywhere you turn there is simply something so beautiful…and it’s usually to eat!

What did we see?

I can certainly say that we will see more color in 2011! We saw every shade of blue from indigo to teal. The colors were used as neutral back drops in a modern take on vintage. We were seeing a ton of influence from the Far East, specifically China (think Tang dynasty). Classic designs with vintage finishes mixing perfectly with European antique styled furniture and accessories. As the home usually follows fashion, you will undoubtedly be seeing even bigger infuses on casual, yet chic. Tailored classics mixed with vintage keepsakes, and, of course, as all the chic ladies out there know that a pair of colored shoes, tights or gloves can make a sophisticated and personal statement! Dressing the home will follow this same recipe in the months ahead. 2011 spring fashion must have oranges and blues that will find their way into more of our homes. Subtle or bold touches add a very current and updated feel to an everyday item. Rich greens mixed with chartreuse and tones of plums and lavenders were also quite prevalent, either in a very modern way or shown very worn with patina and layers of finish.

A big influence of what goes on one’s wall gave me a plethora of fun ideas that I hope you all get to see very soon. Clusters of collections found of mixed mediums on the walls as well as table scapes were very interesting and gave a curio yet sophisticated effect to the home. Ikat fabric patterns were found everywherefrom very formal settings to the bohemian chic feeling. We saw the Union Jack more in France than we did in London last year from the classic colors to neon pink!

Ikat Pattern

The trip is over now, yes definitely over, as I write this under a grey skied China. How I’d love to find a little Bistro on the corner. Truthfully, as dreamy as it all sounds (and Paris is truly great), but reality is it’s simply a time when I get to slow down for a few days and consider all that has happened the previous year and at the January show season with Creative Co-Op. I cozy up wearing hat and gloves with bowls, not cups, of coffee and figure out how to apply all of the great suggestions and comments I hear from all of you! I can’t help myself – creativity just seems to flow more freely for me while wearing hats in France! The goal is to tie it all together: trends, suggestions, sales and cost all into one neat package – items and groupings that will continue to give our customers the advantages to succeed in their business! The simple truth of the matter is the very best inspirations come from our customers and for this we are very blessed!

Aviore!

Tamra

DE4851A - 24"L Embroidered Fabric Pillow, 2 Styles DE6162 - 40"L x 20-1/2"W x 12"H MDF Trunk w/ Floral Print, Truck Ship ©

It’s OK today for people to express their individuality in their homes without constraining to a certain style. It’s almost as though a certain style or name of a style is no longer “in” – each person wants to create their own personal sanctuary filled with their favorite things that ends up being a unique haven. (Any place of shelter and safety; refuge; asylum.) Easy living is today’s traditional. Shades of whites with signs of time and painted accent pieces will continue to grow in popularity as people are feeling the need to lighten up and live more simply. We’ve encouraged a generation to dream – just think of how many signs alone we sold stating simply “Dream.” I believe some dreamt of their homes as they continue to become more imaginative, unique and colorful! Color has no boundaries – painted walls, vibrant fabrics, painted furniture items and accents with pops of color continue to be popular as long as they are not so specific that they can’t be blended into an individual’s own story within their unique home.Look outside – playing up the colors of the sand and sea or possibly the mountains and trees. Elements of Mother Nature are important ingredients in today’s home.Timeworn textures of antiques contrast beautifully with colorful and contemporary pieces. No more “Cottage” or contemporary – today’s trends allow you to enjoy both! Beauty, comfort and function seem to be important key elements when considering items within one’s home.

The most apparent element is that none of these influences or inspirations seems to be going away and no new toile trend seems to be on the horizon. It’s all a bit more practical, comfortable, subtle and personal in today’s home.

That concludes our inaugural “Notes from the Road” – we look forward to your inspirations, desires.