I used to be Snow White but I drifted

Travelling the World

2012-01-28T13:05:00.001+01:00

A quick update as I am busy travelling the world with my designs in tow. After spending a week in Paris for the Maison et Objet I had less then 24 hours at home in Amsterdam before flying to New York to set up for the New York Internantional Gift Fair. One wonders what the hell the organisers of these fairs are thinking when they plan these shows so close together considering quite a few exhibitors do both shows. But let's not complain. Travelling the world has its absolute perks (besides being slightly exhausted). In Paris I stayed with my team in an appartment, courtesy of one of my clients, with a fabulous view, having too many pains au chocolat and well deserved dinners in great little places. And now in New York the view from my friends' appartment isn't bad ether :). As I have promised myself for this year That I will spend more "self" time. I will get in to my running gear NOW for a run along the Hudson riverside before heading of to my first day at the NYIGF and wishing you all a wonderful weekend.

2012 HERE WE GO AGAIN! Kicking off with shows in Paris and New York

2012-01-13T15:20:00.000+01:00

Ikat & Fish tray based on a hand-painted design (Mariska Meijers) made in Scandinavia out of FSC certified birchwood

to be launched at the Maison et Objet and NYIGF

Oh yes the wonderful circus has started again. In full preparations for the shows in Paris (Maison et Objet 20-24 Jan) and New York (NYIGF 28 Jan-2 Feb). I am excited, nervous and still have a massive list of "Things to Do", but I Do I Do love it!
Today I received a letter from the organisation of the Maison et Objet that 'Mariska Meijers Amsterdam' has been selected by their Committee to receive the label of Special Archi Designer which according to the letter "you receive for your know-how, your recoginized expertise and your custom-made production for large-scale projects". A wonderful reward for all the hard work last year!

"A dream doesn't become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work*."

Colin Powell

*and in my case also tears sometimes Mr Powell :)

Bye Bye 2011, Hello 2012!

2011-12-31T18:06:00.001+01:00

with my kids Annemarth and Mauk (26 december 2011)

For the last few weeks I have been quiet on all fronts: Blog, Facebook, Twitter...... Mid December I just crashed. Exhausted, in bed with the worst flue in years. My body forced me to take a rest, but my mind kept wandering, especially about all the things that have happened last year and how to go forward.
2011 has been a year of enormous growth. We did our first trade shows in Highpoint, New York and Paris, added more product ranges and designs, received great media coverage. I met inspiring people, including Jonathan Adler and Maxwell Gillingham. More designers and retailers support the brand Mariska Meijers Amsterdam and last but not least the social media support has been fantastic. But in between successes I had many doubts and insecurities as well. Am I good enough, can I keep up with the pace...... I have had days that I felt I was all over the place, losing focus. I just so much admire colleagues who just seem to manage everything effortlessly. I could make a long list of do's and don'ts for 2012.....I could but I won't.....

What I envisage for the New Year is that I will continue to believe in myself. I will continue to do my best every day to the best of MY ability, whether it is being a mother, (girl) friend, daugther, sister, artist, designer, marketeer, employer.... I will not worry (too much) about what others say about me. I will continue to trust my heart and gut feeling and be grateful for all the support and positive feedback I receive. I will continue to embrace life with all its ups and downs and be happy with the choices I have made.

Thank you for your support and patience and I wish you all a wonderful 2012, making time to chase your OWN
dreams!

"Man, alone, has the power to transform his thoughts into physical reality; man, alone, can dream and make his dreams come true." Napoleon Hill

The 2nd edition of HeartHome magazine has arrived!

2011-12-08T18:31:00.000+01:00

Huge compliment for editors-in-chief Carole King and Arianna Trapani and art editor Daniel Nelson for yet another "tour de force". The 2nd edition is filled with fabulous (holiday) inspiration and interviews with even more fabulous inspiring people like bird of paradise Zandra Rhodes, Design Sponge's Grace Bonney and ELLE Decoration's newly proclaimed Designer of the Year Mr Lee Broom!!!
pssssss For this issue I worked with the HeartHome team on a feature on my wonderful hometown Amsterdam (on which I will do a separate post).
It is a must read so click here and absorbe! Note: all pictures in this post are via HeartHomeMag

Museum Talk

2011-12-02T10:18:00.000+01:00

Charles in a Striped Jersey (Henri Evenpoel, 1898)

Mauk in a Striped Jersey (hallway @ home)

new facade Stedelijk Museum

inside the new exhibition hall @ Stedelijk Museum

One of my Eclectic Interiors (100x100cm, oil on canvas)

on show @ Wereldmuseum Rotterdam

Last week was all about museums for me both as visitor and exhibitor.

VAN GOGH MUSEUM AMSTERDAM

At the Van Gogh Museum I saw Snapshot. Painters and Photography, 1888-1915 an exhibition that zooms in on artists' everyday live. On show are phothographs and paintings by George Hendrik Breitner, Pierre Bonnard, Maurice Denis, Henri Evenpoel, Henri Rivière, Felix Valloton and Edouard Vuillard. The exhibition gives an great insight on the creative process of these painters.

My favourite of this exhibition is a painting (and matching photograph) by Evenpoel "Charles in a Striped Jersey". Dated 1898, but looking so unbelievably modern and touching (Charles was his illegitimate child). I went back twice to study this wonderful painting and made me laugh at my own attempt a few years back to paint a portrait of my son Mauk (in a striped jersey). I guess I will never become a portrait painter....
The exhibition will run from 14 October 2011 to 8 January 2012 at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam(and in Washington from February to April 2012, and in Indianapolis from June to early September 2012).

STEDELIJKE MUSEUM AMSTERDAM
Our "MoMa" closed for many years for extensive renovation, to be re-opened in 2012. I was lucky to get a sneak preview last Friday when the spectacular white main entrance façade of the Stedelijk Museum was officially revealed by means of a lightshow (and meeting the architect Mels Crouwel of BenthemCrouwel).

WERELD MUSEUM ROTTERDAM
In connection with the exhibition Future Pass two of my paintings will be on show and the Museum store has added my designs to their collection. The exhibition will run from December 8 to March 11, 2012.

Wishing you all a fabulous weekend. I am flying off to London!

Black Friday teams up with the Weekend Proffer

2011-11-25T15:39:00.000+01:00

Being Dutch I am not really familiar with Black Friday. Wikipedia says: "
Black Friday is the day following Thanks Giving Day in the United States, traditionally the beginning of the Christmas Shopping season. On this day, most major retailers open extremely early, often at 4 a.m., or earlier, and offer promotional sales to kick off the shopping season.
So Black Friday teams up beautifully with my recent tradition of the Weekend Proffer. I am offering my giclees and screenprints (any design) normally €170 (ex shipping) for €120 (including shipping, even international!). If you are interested send us an email at info@mariskameijers.com.
For more designs check our webstore but to receive the deal order by email! Wishing you all a Black but Happy Friday!

Belated Weekend Proffer & British Interior Design Magazine Heart Home

2011-11-20T22:12:00.000+01:00

Working weekend with Arianna Trapani of HeartHomeMag

and with Carole King of HeartHomeMag

Photographer Wouter van Ierssel at work

for HeartHomeMag at Bridges (Sofitel The Grand Amsterdam)

Belated Weekend Proffer In Bloom Green tray table

Oh yes I did not forget about the Weekend Proffer but I was having a wonderful time working with the team of British online Magazine HeartHome on a feature for their next issue (to be launched December 8). Their next issue will be filled with so much inspiration and holiday goodies so mark your diaries!
The belated Proffer is the In Bloom Green tray table, hand made in Scandinavia made out of FSC cerified birchwood (65cm) with a foldeable black metal base. Normally €325 now €260 including shipping. If you are interested drop me an email at info@mariskameijers.com. There is only one available at this Proffer price!

Thursday's Pep Talk: Isaac Mizrahi on fashion and creativity

2011-11-17T14:19:00.000+01:00

"..as a matter of fact a lot of my design ideas come from mistakes and tricks of the eye because I feel there are so many images out there, so many clothes and the only ones that look interesting to me are the ones that look slightly mistaken ofcourse or very suprising.."

ISAAC MIZRAHI

When I am having a lunch break at my desk one of my favourite habits is to tap into TEDtalks.
After watching one or two talks I always feel inspired and full of positive energy, ready to take on the rest of the day. Today I saw a 2008 funny, inspiring, uplifting talk by Isaac Mizrahi. This made me also go to his website which besides his collections includes a videoblog and web-i-sodes. Mizrahi is so much more than a fashion designer and thank got he is not striving for perfection!

Isaac Mizrahi on fashion and creativity | Video on TED.com

Introducing the Weekend PROFFER

2011-11-11T17:16:00.000+01:00

Proffer? Is that a word? Yes it is! According to Wikipedia the word proffer is derived from Anglo-French "por-", forth, and offrir, to offer.The act of proffering involves making an offer prior to any formal negotiations.

So what does it mean when I say I am introducing the Weekend Proffer? It means that every weekend I will make a special offer regarding a painting, drawing, limited edition print or a product from my range. You can confirm or negotiate by email if you like the artwork or product. The email exchange will remain private of course.
For this weekend the proffer is a Graphic Blossom in Pink giclee. Distinctive, colourful, limited edition of 50, signed and numbered. This approximate 36x43cm giclee on German etching paper fits perfectly in a standard frame 50x60cm. Shipped rolled in a tube unframed. Normally €160, proffer price €100 including shipment! NOTE: although this is a limited edition of 50 I offer ONLY ONE giclee at this price. Interested? Drop me an email at info@mariskameijers.com

Have a wonderful weekend!

Mariska

3 Things that made my Wednesday

2011-11-10T13:01:00.000+01:00

GENEROUS HAPPY CLIENTS

I received this beautiful blue & white teapot from a very generous and happy client. Great subject to paint and I am using it in my Studio now. It is a perfect match with my blue Ikat trays (available amongst others through my webstore, for retailers check here).

MY NOTEBOOKS ARRIVED!!!
Excited to finally receive my first note and address books from my publisher. They came out beautifully. Two designs, available in size A6 and A5. Hardcover, bound, 144 pages (left blank, right ruled), contrasting green elastic closure and matching green lining inside. They also have a rear inner pocket like Moleskine does (available amongst others through my webstore, for retailers check here).

PAINTING
Just spend a whole day in the Studio painting. FINALLY after all the travel, tradefairs and other stuff, stuff and more stuff......

Dark but Happy Monday!

2011-11-07T11:17:00.000+01:00

Monday morning, outside it is a bit gloomy, inside I am enjoying my (new) dark walls (above just a sneak peek, soon more about revamping my house on the blog). Have to say I have had the most fantastic, relaxing weekend since ages. Friday I had the honour attending the 5th Stars, Food & Art event at Sofitel The Grand in Amsterdam. A culinary feast/charity event organized by my friend Lise Goeman Borgesius of Clafoutis. 6 chefs, in total 13 Michelin Stars, including Sergio Herman, Jean-Andre Charial, Erik van Loo, Giovanni D'Amato, Lucas Rive and Emmanuel Renaut. Yes I confess I am a food groupie!

Have a beautiful week everyone!

Cake of Piece, Sergio Herman***

More deliciousness...

Proud of Lise!

Having a groupie moment flanked by 4 Michelin stars Lucas Rive**

and Eric van Loo**

Sporting Arts - The London 2012 Olympic Posters Unveiled

2011-11-05T12:01:00.000+01:00

Sports and arts unite as the 2012 Olympic posters were unveiled at the Tate. An impressive group of British artists, including Tracy Emin, Bridget Riley and Rachel Whitebread are responsible for the designs. To see all go to BBC News.
Which one is your favourite? I find it hard to choose!

The picture below was my painting for the Dutch Ladies Olympic Hockey team which was also used for cards handed out by the team in Beijing in 2008 where they won Gold.The painting was auctioned for the charity "Spieren voor Spieren".

Highpoint Market, Meeting Maxwell Gillingham and beyond

2011-11-04T18:17:00.000+01:00

With Maxwell Gillingham after his "Rocket Fuel"

breakfast talk

Our showroom at Suites at Market Square, Highpoint

I have really toured the world this year. Debuting my designs in Paris, New York and Highpoint, the last two with my wonderful US distributor Interdecorations.
I came back from Highpoint last Saturday, tired but thrilled with all the positive responses. I have been trying to take some time off this week, spending time with my kids, Halloween, taking siestas, had my hair coloured, browsed for vintage books and in between just a little bit of work.

During Highpoint we have been totally consumed, mainly spending time in our showroom, talking to designers, boutique and department stores. The best experience outside the showroom was a short escape to hear Maxwell Gillingham founder of Apartment Therapy speak. OK one can build a perfectly popular and engaging site/platform but that doesn't always mean the person behind it reflects this as well. But after hearing Gillingham speak there is only one conclusion: Gillingham = Apartment Therapy (with the support of his fantastic team of course).
Gillingham is a natural speaker, he is genuine, entertaining and really knows how to open people's eyes and mind. Every word he says has value I especially loved "Your home is a path, not a place".
Gillingham's road has not been an easy one and with his "twisty and turny" but extremely inspiring journey he infuses confidence in others to follow their passion (and it made me extra proud of my AT showcase nomination in which I landed 7th).
So thank you Maxwell for your "Rocket Fuel" talk but also sponsors Withit (Women's Leadership Development Network) and IHFC for organizing this fantastic #Hpmkt event.

And what is up next for me? Working on new designs to show in Paris and New York in January 2012. My collection is growing slowly but steadily and so is our client base. One can not conquer the world overnight although my impatient character wishes otherwise of course. Building a brand takes time, never losing confidence in yourself is vital, my road is "twisty and turny" and I hope that you are willing to bear with me during my bumpy despite my little disappearing acts. I am not making promises but I will do my best to suprise you with more frequent postings in the coming months!

Have an inspiring and passionate weekend! xox

On my bookshelves soon: The World of Muriel Brandolini

2011-10-17T16:34:00.000+02:00

Colourful stylish Muriel Brandolini

The World of Muriel Brandolini

pillow avaliable through Barneys NY

The one good thing about heading with extreme speed to Christmas is that my wish list will soon be fulfilled!
One of THE items on my list is The World of Muriel Brandolini, a book which I came across through a tweet by Barneys NY). I have been a long time admirer of Brandolini's work. What immediately attracted me were her Asian infused interiors, but always perfectly mixed with contemporary art and antiques. She is a true master when it comes to mixing different styles and fearless when it comes to using colour (although the cover of her book would like you to believe differently). I love the way her work has evolved over the years and now finally there is a beautiful book covering her fabulous projects!

Besides being an interior designer Brandolini has also designed her own fabric line and only recently created a beautiful range of limited edition pillows and small furniture exclusively available at Barneys NY.

New Press: Blue Bird Pillow as "Cover Girl"!!

2011-10-14T15:27:00.000+02:00

Blue Bird pillow on the cover

Interior Designer Eveline Schmitz and Painted Ikat pillows

Blue Bird pillow in the left hand corner

Eveline Schmitz' stunning design work

White Allium and Painted Ikat pillows in the Atelier

Eveline's stylish living room with spectacular views over

Amsterdam's harbour

One of my first ever clients Dutch interior designer and shop owner Eveline Schmitz has wonderful 14 page article in Dutch glossy RESIDENCE. I simply love her style, her sense of mixing colours, patterns and textures. Her store is incredibly warm and inviting and I am always proud to see my pillow designs mixed with Manual Canovas, Pierre Frey, Etro and many other beautiful brands. I can't thank Eveline enough for supporting my work. I don't think I have had my pillow designs shown 7 times in one feature which also means a big thank you to RESIDENCE :).
The November issue is by the way filled with lots of other goodies and inspiration such as features on maison de luxe Pierre Frey, Neisha Crosland and a beautiful NY appartment decorated by talented designer Iain Halliday.

Steve Jobs "Stay Hungry Stay Foolish!"

2011-10-06T12:17:00.002+02:00

I started my day a bit depressed. Too many things not going according to plan. Running behind facts, feeling a bit lost..... am I foolish wanting to follow my dream? And then I find out that an amazing man has died. I have listen to his 2005 Stanford address many times and it keeps touching me and above all motivating me to continue to follow my passion!

"...and most important of all have the courage to follow your own heart and intuition, they somehow already know what you truly want to become. every thing else is secondary..." Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs' 2005 Stanford Commencement Address

PLS VOTE FOR ME: APARTMENT THERAPY'S DESIGN SHOW CASE 2011

2011-09-21T01:11:00.000+02:00

Yes a very short post only to say that it is past my bed time but I have just found out that I have been selected by Apartment Therapy for their Design Showcase 2011. Totally over excited as you can imagine so please vote for me over here and spread the word! Thanking you all for your support!!

Goodnight xox

About Paris, new designs and meeting Jonathan Adler!

2011-09-17T11:16:00.000+02:00

introducing a new tray design at the Maison: Electric Ikat

(taken from one of my handpainted designs)

Red Flamingo and Abstract neon trays

micro ikat (silk) pillow and abstract neon

(linen) pillow teamed with abstract neon tray

and tray table

ever expanding collection!

With design icon Jonathan Adler

Chloe (right) my queen of sales @ work

new arrival: Electric Ikat birchwood tray table

made in Scandinavia

Hall5A-D104 upon arrival

greeting card design on new arrival:

Micro Ikat (in Purple) pillow

with Trine Jensen and Kari Janne Standal of

Norwegian magazine Rom123

After the New York show Maison et Objet in Paris was another roller coaster ride. It started with carefully packing the complete content of our booth in my vintage Mercedes G only to find out that my car was very vintage indeed! Ready to roll I noticed something leaking. Bad news.... after a call to my super friendly garage we were able to switch cars having to leave a few bits and bobs behind as it was a smaller :}}. We arrived safely in Paris with a few hours less to build up the booth. HALL 5A - D104. I felt lMinnie Mouse in this vast hall with mainly big players like Andrew Martin, Jonathan Adler and Eichholtz. But....we had an amazing response to my designs from both retailers as well as press and are really excited of all the things to come over the next few months both in terms of adding new retail partners and product features in international press publications. The cherry on the cake was Jonathan Adler coming into my booth, picking up my tray designs and saying "your stuff is beautiful!"
Paris was great and we will be back in January. This week we are preparing for the Dutch "Maison": De Woonbeurs in Amsterdam starting Saturday 24 September.
Interested to purchase my designs check our list of retail partners here or go to my webstore. If you wish to become a retail partner or if you are an interior designer interested in incorporating my designs in your projects mail to info@mariskameijers.com.
For the US please contact eva@interdecorations.com.
BON WEEK-END!

Meet me in Paris at the Maison et Objet! ...and new press from Norway

2011-09-07T08:28:00.000+02:00

Packing for Paris today. Last week has been hectic preparing for my debut at the Maison. Nervous, excited......
Hope I will have time to blog from Paris but it might have to wait until after the show. Wish me luck and if you are there do visit me at my booth in Hall 5A - D104, same location as Jonathan Adler and Andrew Martin :).

And thank you ROM123 (Norway) for featuring my Blue Bird pillow design in your magazine and I am excited meeting you in person at the Maison.

New York NYIGF Diaries (part 3 finally!)

2011-08-30T12:07:00.000+02:00

Proudly debuting The Painted Peacock silk scarve

All smiles with the team of HGTV magazine

Painted Ikat linen pillow on vintage chair

Hamptontoes' Lisa Ehrlich

The Decorista and Luxury Monograms's Melanie Duncan

With Parker Bowie of ELLEdecor

Timeout with Eva Uribe Roepers and Bobby Berk

You must be thinking WHAT HAPPENED! No posting and pictures of the booth at the NYIGF. Complete radio silence. Did something go wrong.....No we just did it. Our first paticipation at the NYIGF! It went really well but everything just happened so fast and there was so much follow up and work that there was no time to blog about it. We had great response from retailers, interior designers and (social) media. Guess who came in to our booth: ELLEdecor, Coastal Living, House Beautiful, Women's Day, HGTVmagazine, Hamptontoes, Diane James, The Buzz Blog, The Decorista, Neimann Marcus/Horchow, interior designer Meg Braff (who will be opening an exciting store soon!), Celerie Kemble's team, HD Buttercup, HB Home, Style Beat blog and many more! Thank you all for your enthousiasm and we will be back in January. Otherwise meet us in Paris at the Maison et Objet, Hall 5A booth D104 (9 to 13 September, Woonbeurs (RAI Amsterdam, 24 Sept- 2 October ) or Highpoint, Suites at Market Square (22 to 27 October).
Interested in my art and designs? For the US contact Eva Uribe Roepers of Interdecorations or send an email to info@mariskameijers.com

GIVEAWAY Mariska Meijers tray over at Simplified Bee

2011-08-25T20:50:00.001+02:00

When I was in San Francisco last month I had the pleasure of meeting stylish blogger Cristin of Simplified Bee . She had organized a well attended SF bloggers meet up and it was just a coincidence that I was in town. It was great having the opportunity meeting so many colleague bloggers from across the pond. To celebrate my first NY show Cristin has kindly organized a giveaway. If you love my designs here is the opportunity to receive one for free. Simply hop over to Simplified Bee to enter. Good luck and I am sure Simplified Bee will be one of your favourite blogs to follow (if you are not already following :)). x

New Press: Thank you Dutch women's weekly Margriet!

2011-08-24T11:41:00.000+02:00

the interview (by Saskia Smith)

sharing a page with Tom Hanks

and Dutch politician Jolande Sap

With stylist/make-up artist Petra Neumann
and photographer Ester gebuis

Petra in action

Margriet magazine

Yes I am still here!!!! Trying to catch up after 10 days New York! A blogpost about the NYIGF experience will follow later this week. Will do so from the Austrian mountains as I am leaving for a much needed short break. But here is some news to share. This magazine was in my piled up mail when I arrived back in Amsterdam! Dutch Women's weekly Margriet did an article on women that took the leap changing their lives radically to follow their dream!....and I share a page with Tom Hanks :))).
Thank you Margriet magazine, Saskia Smith (interview), Petra Neumann (styling/make-up) and Ester Gebuis (photography) for such wonderful exposure!

Note: I am sporting one of my new designs, the Painted Peacock scarve, 100% Silk (Crepe de Chine).
We introduced the first scarve designs at the NYIGF and the scarves will be available soon. For information send an email to info@mariskameijers.com

New York NYIGF diaries (part 2)

2011-08-12T14:23:00.001+02:00

Yesterday we went to Pier 94 to register and check out our booth. Setting up for a fair is far from glamourous. The exhibition hall looked like it was hit by a small tornado. We had to plough our way to the booth :). Crates, carton boxes, wrapping material, ladders......With too many hurdles it meant that we could not bring our things in yet so we are a bit behind schedule. Arriving back at the appartment the street was blocked as Obama had just landed on the heliport in front of our building. Anyway today is a new day and I have made a fresh start with another fab morning run along the Manhattan waterfront and a Starbucks breakfast in the first rays of sun. Tomorrow I a will post pictures of our booth at Pier 94 #40049. Off to work! pictures both from my iPhone, Breakfast and Brooklyn Bridge at sunrise

New York NYIGF diaries

2011-08-11T15:18:00.001+02:00

I arrived yesterday at JFK with just too much luggage. Why am I doing this to myself :)). Roll-up banners, tray tables, new sample collection.....part of our booth display is already in New York stored at my dear friend Bobby Berk's store in Soho. After a good night sleep I feel well rested and already did my morning run in Battery Park. I felt so happy that it made me cry a little. I am working from Bobby's appartment this morning waiting for Eva (of Interdecorations) to arrive from Miami. This afternoon we will start setting up our booth!

The picture above I took with my iPhone on my morning run. How fabulous is this girl's outdoor office! The picture below is my current view (also fab!).

FAIR(Y)TALES and THANK YOU NOTES

2011-08-08T22:41:00.000+02:00

with Ashlina in her NYC appartment

FAIR(Y)TALES
OK so what is new, or even better what is not new! After 2 weeks in the US I have been back in Amsterdam for just over a week and already packing for New York again. This weekend the NYIGF starts where I will be presenting my designs together with my US distributor Eva Roepers of Interdecorations. As you can imagine we are both very excited (and a bit nervous of course) as this is our debut! Organizing a fair from a distance is never easy. I spend a few days in New York during my last trip for some preparatory work. We decided to keep the booth display real simple. Ashlina (the Decorista and long time blogging friend) helped me to source a couple of vintage chairs. I bought matching shelving units and adding my color popping designs should do the job! I will give a full report from New York.

THANK YOU NOTES
As a result of the wonderful feauture in RUE Magazine I had many shouts and tweets including: Casasugar, Bright Bazaar, Simplified Bee, Carribean Living, Of Beauty and Love, Twelve Chairs, Lifestyle Treats ... I apologize for those I have missed, google alerts is not always flawless and neither am I :). So thank you all for loving and supporting my work!

New press: Let's Rue!

2011-08-01T11:16:00.001+02:00

from Rue # 6 (photo by Henny van Belkom)

Came back this weekend from New York and am suffering from the worst jetlag in ages. I feel like I have been partying the whole weekend dancing on tables with a bottle in my hand...Despite this non alcoholic hangover I feel up beat and happy. The round trip Amsterdam-Los Angeles-San Francisco-New York-Amsterdam has been inspiring and successful. During my stay in New York the new Rue came out featuring a tour of my studio in Amsterdam. Thank you wonderful team of Rue, including Editor in Chief Crystal Gentillelo and Mackenzie Horan (who I both met in person at the blogger meet up in SF) and photographer Henny van Belkom for such a fabulous feature and exposure. The studio feature is spreading rapidly and has already been spotted amongst others on Casa Sugar and Simplified Bee.

One of my favourite features in issue 6 is "Singaporean Love Story" showcasing Agnes Verrier's stylish Singaporean appartment and the love story behind it (photographed by Scott Woodward and styled by Marie Maglaque). Having lived and worked in Singapore for years I could more than relate to the feature and it made me a bit homesick as well :).

The San Francisco Files Part I - SF bloggers meet!

2011-07-25T16:53:00.002+02:00

with lovely Mackenzie of Rue Magazine

with editor in chief of Rue Magazine Crystal Gentilello
and Caitlin Flemming of Sacramento Street

There is so much to share from my 6 days in San Francisco but I have hardly had the time to report. While flying out to New York I am writing this post which is not even about the many wonderful sites, the excellent food and fabulous shopping! No it is about my fortunate experience meeting a whole group of kindred spirits. Crystal Gentilello and Mackenzie Horan of Rue Magazine kindly invited me along to a SF bloggers meet up organized and hosted by Cristin of Simplified Bee and Malka of Closet Innovations. The event took place at the wonderful historic old warehouse building of the San Francisco Design Centre where the showroom of Closet Innovations is located. I was simply over the moon to meet with bloggers I have been connected to for quite a while like the elegantly tall Caitlin of Sacramento Street, stylish Kate of Centsational Girl and a beaming Erica Cook of Moth Design (who came all the way from Calgary)! I also made new blogging friends amongst others artistic interior designer Claudia Juestel of Adeeni Design Group, lovely photographer Krissy of Cottage Farm and up beat interior designer Courtney Lake of Courtney Out Loud. Meeting such a group of beautiful talented women (and man, sorry Courtney) was more than inspiring. We had a great evening sharing experiences and ideas and I can't thank everyone enough for making my SF trip extra special (and thank you Courtney for taking pictures!)

O yes and be on the look out for the upcoming issue of Rue magazine which includes a tour of my Studio!

all smiles with Courtney

classy ladies Kate and Cristin

with Krissy of Cottage Farm

with host Malka and some delicious Nappa wine

The LA Files Part II

2011-07-21T17:45:00.001+02:00

I only spend a few days in LA catching up with old friends, visiting galleries, great food, just a bit of shopping (really), relaxing by the pool.
One of the galleries I visited is Claudia Deutsch' Artspace Warehouse on 7354 Beverly Blvd (between The Grove and La Brea Blvd). The gallery exhibits a great selection of original artwork with an affordable pricetag. With galleries also in Zurich and Cologne Artspace Warehouse offers an international selection. Lovely Monica Telega (in front of the gallery in the picture above) gave me an extensive tour of the gallery.

My favourite works of the current exhibition are by LA artists Lucinda Luvaas and Brad Reyes. Lucinda has this amazing experimental mixed media technique resulting in modern impressionistic pieces (below "Alley Kids"). As to Reyes' work I love the urban vibes and especially in the below diptych the amazing skies ("LA Skyline (dawn)" no 1 and no 2).

The LA files Part I

2011-07-17T18:05:00.002+02:00

I flew to Los Angeles on Thursday and can't believe it is already Sunday. LA gives me so much energy. There is so much to do, to see. Staying at the Beverly Hilton is already a treat by itself. This hotel which opened in 1955 is amongst others famous for hosting the Golden Globe Awards. A dangerous place for my credit card since Rodeo Drive is just around the corner. One of the real perks is that it has the largest pool of Beverly Hills. There is nothing better then a cool dive and a perfect Mai Tai after a day in this bustling city. Mai Tai translates from Thahitian to mean "out of this world" and consists of rum, lime juice, orange curacao, orgeat syrup and a maraschino cherry. For the original recipe click here.

Photo (my own): Mai Tai still life with the Beverly Hilton pool in the background.

Blogsy continued

2011-07-09T22:51:00.002+02:00

detail from my studio

Just a short post to test whether the app Blogsy is still my new best friend when it comes to blogging from my iPad. There is so much technology to keep up with. My kids keep amazing me how quick they absorbe. But about a year ago I bought a typewriter. It was the first time my daughter had to ask me how something works ;).

Mind boggling Blogsy - fab App for iPad!

2011-07-07T15:58:00.002+02:00

How proud I was to have purchased my iPad 2 just a few weeks back. Thinking it to be a wise decision. So much lighter than a laptop, easy for my travels, a great tool to blog......Arrrrrghhhhhh. Not so easy as I had hoped. To be honoust I didn't do extensive research simply assuming mister Apple had 'it' all covered. I could not upload any pictures and let's face it.....a blogpost without visuals is like the Tate without its art. The guys in the Apple Store told me to wait for the Cloud. What cloud, I can't just sit around waiting for a cloud. Sorry Steve, this is simply asking too much from this not so patient girl. I have my iPad NOW meaning I want to blog NOW! I could not believe that some clever person had not already found a way around it. So I googled myself 'color blind' searching for a solution and voilà I found an App named Blogsy. Super technical as I am (not) I started to venture into this whole new scary area today promising myself to eat this particular ugly frog first before doing anything else.
And guess what.....with some very helpful tutorials on YouTube I have suprised myself and I am starting to believe I can actually blog from my Ipad including visuals. If this is the case Blogsy is going to be my new best vriend on my trip to the States next week. The only thing is that I will only know the outcome of this very first Blogsy try out once I have posted. Keeping my fingers crossed that it can be done (and if it works thank you Lance)!
note: in the picture I am sporting one of my new designs, the Painted Peacock scarve (100% silk, Made in Holland) to be launched at the New York International Gift Fair in August

Happy Independence Day!

2011-07-04T08:16:00.000+02:00

American Flag interpretation (Mariska Meijers - ink on paper)

American art dealer Leo Castelli poses with Jasper Johns' American Flag

(photo via life.com life.com)

Don't deny freedom to yourself,

don't let yourself caught by the expectations of others,

permit yourself the freedom to chase your own dreams!

(quote: my own :))

Creating Still Lifes

2011-07-03T14:02:00.001+02:00

(still lifes @ home - photo's Mariska Meijers)

(snap shot living room - photo Mariska Meijers)

My home is my inspiration board. I have collected so many things over the years. Everything has a story. I just love moving furniture around, creating Still Lifes with books, art and objects. My interior evolves continuously and consequently my art and designs.
I can totally find myself in Eddie Ross' approach to decorating "I love a well-travelled, eclectic house with furniture and objects, layered one upon the other, that tell a story about who lives there, where they've been and what they love." (note: I found Ross' quote in Holly Becker's fabulous book Decorate)

Wonderful Wisdom: It is You!

2011-07-01T08:35:00.000+02:00

Precious Slippers (oil on canvas - Mariska Meijers)

"YOU HAVE THE BRAINS IN YOUR HEAD AND FEET IN YOUR SHOES.

YOU CAN STEER YOURSELF IN ANY DIRECTION YOU CHOOSE.

YOU ARE ON YOUR OWN AND KNOW WHAT YOU KNOW.

AND YOU ARE THE ONE WHO WILL DECIDE WHERE TO GO."

-DR. SEUSS-

There are days that I feel I am not moving forward. My brain is messy and I am just overwhelmed by the amount of work ahead of me. On such days I have to remind myself that I am the one in charge and there is no use tinkering about. Dr. Suess' quote captures this in the most simple and wonderful way. Wishing you a lovely weekend ahead!

Meeting Holly Becker

2011-06-27T08:56:00.000+02:00

Holly signs for a happy Franca of Villa d"Esta

Bloggers Unite!

Karine Candice Kong with Kelly Hoppen's social

media representative Jadis Tillery of Dot Talent

With Kate Baxter (Fabric of my Life) and

Arianna Trapani (Ariana Interiors)

All smiles with Holly

having fun with Franca

To become a fan of Meet The Blogger on facebook click here

On Saturday I attended a fabulous event: Meet The Blogger Amsterdam, organized by Lise of Urban Style Vibes and Holly Becker of Decor8. Over 120 bloggers attended the event. It was great to finally meet so many colleagues face to face, including Karine Candance Kong of Bodie and Fou, Danielle de Lange of The Style Files, Carole King of Dear Designer's blog and Franca de Jonge of Villa d'Esta.
Holly gave an inspirational talk about how she changed drastically changed her life and dropped a corporate career to pursue her dreams. A girl after my own heart! After her talk she did a signing session for her book "Decorate" a must have style bible for the home which she wrote together with the lovely Joanna Copestick. The book is filled with beautiful pictures, great decorating advice and wonderful quotes and insights from some of the world's best designers, including Jonathan Adler and Betsy Burnham.
Decorate is amongst others available through Amazon.

Painting away....

2011-06-23T13:23:00.000+02:00

Believe it or not but YES I still find time to create "free" work. It is something I actually need, painting in total freedom. No time pressure, no instructions, no rules, just paint, following my instinct, boosting my creativity. I am showing you one of the paintings I am working on at the moment. It is not quite finished. I am still missing something, but I haven't quite figured it out yet. In order to find out what it is missing I have hung it on my wall in stead of leaving it on the easel. It is a great little trick that helps me to see my work from a different angle. What also helps is photographing the painting frequently while in progress. A photograph enables me to distance myself from my work and helps me to finally dare to take the decision that a works is finished (I can be my most brutal critic)!

Morning Coffee (a New York International Gift Fair sneak peek)!

2011-06-21T09:16:00.001+02:00

working on the original design

finished design

I am an addict. I have to admit that when I don't have my latte in the morning I don't function properly. I just love that moment when I switch on my Nespresso machine, foaming some milk and then accompanied with a slice of "peperkoek" (a typical Dutch breakfast cake) hit my desk, sipping coffee while doing my mail.
Especially for that moment I designed a small tray measuring 20x27cm. Just big enough for a nice cup (or two) and a treat. The tray is handmade out of birchwood in Scandinavia and eco-friendly. It will be making its debut at the New York International Gift Fair in August (13-18) as part of my new Abstract collection of trays and pillows. Soon available through various retailers worldwide or alternatively my webstore. (pssssst and mum you know the even better part of this functional little work of art.... no more stains on my antique desk! :)).

For wholesale enquiries kindly send and e-mail to info@mariskameijers.com.

Happy Father's Day!

2011-06-19T12:25:00.000+02:00

with my dad (April 2011)

Love you dad! xox

Painting For Charity

2011-06-17T09:20:00.000+02:00

I receive regular requests to donate artwork for charity auctions, but a few weeks back I got an unusual request from The Orange Babies Foundation .... if I could paint some ostrich eggs. I reluctantly said yes, not because I did not want to support the cause, but simply because I had no clue how to tackle the eggs. I have no experience when it comes to painting 3 dimensional objects. I love my canvases, and I love them big. My favourite medium is oils but because of the time pressure I needed to work with acrylics. The eggs were staring at me and I was staring back. Yesterday the foundation came to pick up the result: 3 ikat inspired eggs. Off they went to join the other art eggs by, amongst others, fashion illustrator Piet Paris, tattoo artist Hollywood Mark and painters Ans Markus and Menno Schenk that have participated in this project. The eggs will be sold during the Orange Babies Gala on June 25 and one of my favourites is Hollywood Mark's tattood egg!

* The Orange Babies Foundation was established to help HIV infected women and their babies in Africa. Orange Babies also supports children infected with the virus or otherwise directly affected.

Wonderful mention in ELLE Decor's Design Insiders' Weekly Finds!

2011-06-03T17:44:00.000+02:00

Lily and Molly modelling an Ada and Darcy sea blue dog bed

(and in the corner a glimpse of my Painted Ikat pillow also available through Ada and Darcy)

ELLE Decor Design Insiders' Weekly Finds

Where would I be without great clients and fans! To quote Kellie Collis of stylish blog and webstore Ada and Darcy in ELLE Decor's Design Insiders' weekly finds:
“Being a lover of all things colorful, I adore artist Mariska Meijers' home. I have absolutely no talent with a paint brush, so it's wonderful to see Mariska work her magic around her house.”
As you may guess this quote made me silent, especially as I was having one of those days feeling totally insecure, juggling too many things at the same time, feeling that I am not getting anywhere, totally unhappy with my own work.....
So thank you Kellie for this warm encouragement, for your support both in words and in action!
Wishing everyone a lovely weekend. The sun is out here in Amsterdam, my bike is ready to roll to a nice outdoor restaurant along one of the canals. xxx

Inspired design!

2011-05-27T15:53:00.000+02:00

I have never claimed to be an autonomous artist-designer. I just can't bear the idea of locking myself up in the attic and suffer. I need contact, lots of it. With beautiful objects and inspiring people. Museums, stacks of books and magazines, conversations over coffee, dinner or a glass of wine. I store everything in my head and when I create I mix a cocktail with ingredients from my "storage room". The stock in this room is ever evolving and as a consequence so are my designs and art, the interior of my house and last but not least me, myself and I! In these pictures some of the latest evolvements: vintage Rolf Benz leather sofa, antique porcelain coffee cup Abstract Neon pillow (100% linen, size 40x60cm), Purple Allium tray handmade in Scandinavia out of eco friendly birchwood (both available through my webstore or through various storelocations). Wishing you all a fabulous and inspiring weekend! xox

Growing: New Store Locations!

2011-05-25T12:12:00.000+02:00

Fabienne Jouvin (via The Zhush)

Jonathan Adler (via The Zhush)

Two is a Company (via The Zhush)

Mariska Meijers (via The Zhush)

Yes we are progressing. Slowly but steadily. Thanks to my agents and distributors more store locations are carrying my products and more designers include my designs in their projects. What once started as a one woman band is becoming more and more of a team. A team of people who believe in my art and designs and in me! It also means a growing responsibility. A responsibility to continue to create, to maintain quality.

Today I would like to highlight two recent addtions to Store Locations in The Netherlands and The United States

The Zhush

This stylish US webstore has been founded by Sue De Chiara (a (former) lawyer, just like me shhhhhhh). Sue, smitten by good design and style started blogging. With an ever growing number of loyal followers and fans style creating her own store was the logical next step. Sue does not shy away from bold and colorful designs and that is exactly why my designs feel perfectly at home alongside designs by for example Jonathan Adler and Fabienne Jouvin.
If you love Sue's style I recommend to follow her blog: The Zhush!

Maan (Utrecht)

Maan (Utrecht) featuring In Bloom Orange and Pink pillows

alongside Designers Guild

Maan

Maan is a wonderful lifestyle store situated in the historic centre of Utrecht. Founded by energetic Liselot von Barnau Sythoff, Maan carries a beautiful range of products (e.g. Piet Hein Eek, Designers Guild). Liselot loves to mix different styles and treasures originality and sustainability when it comes to selecting products for her store.
Maan is a must visit when you are in Utrecht!

Thank you Maan and The Zush for adding me to your collections! For a current overview of retailers go to Store Locations. If you have any suggestions as to store locations we should be approaching do send me an e-mail at info@mariskameijers.com.

New Press update: from Germany to the US!

2011-05-11T17:50:00.000+02:00

Shame on me that I am running behind in my updates on all fronts. Not only regarding press, but also regarding new projects, products and stockists.On Monday I received a wonderful suprise in the mail, the latest edition of German magazine Stilvoll Wohnen. It contained a 9 page article on my home and designs. Editor in Chief Stephanie Hackel also gave me extra attention in the editorial. In addition local Amsterdam magazine ZOZ did a lovely spread on my appartment as well and last but not least I am sharing pages from various issues of US magazine Home Accents Today featuring some of my pillow and tray designs. I don't have to tell you how happy, flattered and above all grateful I am. A big thank you to Stilvoll Wohnen, ZOZ and Home Accents Today!

My goals in life according to my children

2011-05-10T08:36:00.000+02:00

On our way to my birthday dinner (Mauk&Annemarth in the middle)

Last week I spend a wonderful holiday with my children and friends in Turkey. Delicious food, sun, sports, boating. It was also my birthday :). My daughter, with the help of her younger brother made me a very special gift. A TO DO book which she customized.

On the first page there is a note which I will translate for you.

"Dear Mummy
Today is your birthday! That is why we are giving you this present.
It is a TO DO book that we have personalized. The reason for this TO DO book is that YOU HAVE ALWAYS GOT SOMETHING TO DO.
And to make sure you won't forget anything anymore, carry this book with you and keep it up to date.
Lots of fun and succes. We hope that you will get lots of inspiration and ideas.
Love & kisses
Mauk & Annemarth"

On one of the other pages they have written my goals in life (in English)....

How many (subtle) hints can your children give you :). Well I guess there is work to be done so I am off to the studio!

To my dear Mum

2011-05-08T08:44:00.000+02:00

My parents with my son Mauk and daughter Annemarth (Easter 2011)

"That strong mother doesn't tell her cub, Son, stay weak so the wolves can get you. She says, Toughen up, this is reality we are living in."

Lauryn Hill

Dear Mum,

Just to say that I am proud being your daughter. From as early as I can remember you have been strong and courageous, warm and loving, disciplined and hard working, honest and fair. You have made me and my sisters good persons by being a wonderful role model and a loving mother. I love you and wish you a happy mother's day.

xoxoxoxoxoxox

About Life....

2011-04-29T14:07:00.000+02:00

source: BBC

source: CNN

While many of us may be watching the Royal Wedding, the American South East is picking up the pieces after yesterday's destructive storm that claimed nearly 300 lives. With so many consecutive natural disasters one might start questioning the life that one is leading. Life is fragile and precious, it can't be taken for granted. Do you take full advantage of your life or are you wasting it? Since I traded my banking career for an uncertain artistic path I feel my life has become more intense, more real and much more true to myself. I do my best to stay alert to live my life as best as I can.

We all have our own life to pursue, our own kind of dream to be weaving. And we all have some power to make wishes come true, as long as we keep believing.

Louisa May Alcott

Back to The Brushes with Sonia Delaunay!

2011-04-16T13:19:00.000+02:00

at work on the kitchen floor Amsterdam, April 16 2011

Sonia Delaunay in Paris 1925

Finally! A week after arriving back in Amsterdam from my High Point Market adventure I found time to go back to the basics: painting....
First day at High Point I still felt insecure, falling back in to the habit of sellling myself short ("I am more of a decorative painter..."), but the positive feedback from designers, retailers and press made me feel confident. There is no shame in failing to be a "technical" briljant painter and "just" being a decorative painter. To speak with the fabulous artist-designer Sonia Delaunay "For me there is no gap between my painting and my so-called "decorative' work. I never considered the 'minor arts' to be artistically frustrating: on the contrary, it was an extension of my art." Sonia is one of my heroines. She brought her art in to the every day life and therefor closer to the people and that is exactly what I am striving for. Heather Clawson of Habitually Chic recently did a wonderful posting on Sonia as there is currently a "must see" exhibition at the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum Color Moves: Art and Fashion by Sonia Delaunay. Dear Sonia, thank you for moving me, Mx.

Note: Did you know that Sonia has a connection with Amsterdam. In the 30s she designed textiles for Amsterdam Department Store Metz&Co!

High Point Market: Early beginnings

2011-04-11T16:53:00.002+02:00

proudly presenting our modest first High Point Market showroom!

In Bloom Green and Flamingo pillow featured in Home Accents Today

Delft Blue Teapot Tray in Home Accents Today

Purple Allium pillow in Home Accents Today

with Jesse Burkhart of Home Accents Today and Eva Roepers

With the fab team of Bobby Berk Home

With stylish Olivia Sohn of One King's Lane

With the lovely Marisa Marcantonio of Stylebeat blog

Where to start? Just got back from my first US trade show. On the 31st of March I flew via New York to Charlotte. At the airport I teamed up with Eva Uribe Roepers of Interdecorations who continues to do a fabulous job as the exclusive distribitor of my products in the US. Next day we had to build up our 10ft by 10ft showroom at suites at Market Square, a historic warehouse. Our first US trade show, what an excitement and oh boy what a steep learning curve again! First day I was so nervous... How will my products be received? How many people will visit our modest showroom? Will we get orders? Now being back in Amsterdam I can reveal that I feel confident and happy. We had great response from designers, shops and media. First orders have been written, new store locations will be added and Home Accents Today featured 5 of my designs! What more can a girl want.... well, we are booked for the next High Point Market in October. Thank you designers, buyers, editors and High Point Market staff for giving us the fuel to continue building the Mariska Meijers Amsterdam brand in the US. And last but not least thank you Eva, without you I could not have pulled this off, we make a great team!

Six Party Items for Spring - Guest blog on Party Resources!

2011-03-28T13:14:00.000+02:00

Party Resources

Today you can find me over at Party Resources a wonderful blog by Kate Todd, daughter of Dixie Todd a renowned event planner who has been creating unique parties for more than twenty-five years. Kate's love for stylish entertaining is simply in her genes so get inspired for your next event through Party Resources. Thank you Kate for having me as a guest!

The new Rue has arrived!

2011-03-23T08:21:00.000+01:00

All images from Rue Magazine

Just got back from 5 days up North (Groningen) exhibiting at a consumer fair for Interior Design. I am trying to get rid of my backlog in mails etc etc but I am totally distracted by the new issue of Rue which is simply triggering me to do completely other things :)! I am inspired, so bye dear Mac and thank you Rue I am off to my studio to paint.
Here are just a few images. For the full issue click here.

My thoughts are with Japan

2011-03-12T17:41:00.000+01:00

Utagawa Hiroshige

Vincent van Gogh

Nature gives and takes back. Nature is almighty. Watching the images about the devastation in Japan make my daily hurdles vanish. My thoughts are with Japan.

Look how tidy mum!

2011-03-10T16:22:00.000+01:00

hiding stuff from the camera

Tada! Ready for the shoot.

When I seriously think about it there are only two occassions on which I REALLY tidy up my home. Either I have a photoshoot or my parents are coming to visit. In between those occassions I wiggle my way through wonderful piles of stuff. It is just everywhere books, magazines, clothes, Donald Ducks, shoes, boots, nic nacs.....
So today I had another photoshoot, read: major panic attack before the happy event. Frantic last minute cleaning and stuffing stuff out of sight. Just wonder if I just should let it go next time. Leave everything as is. After all I am not living in a museum and I guess I just wasn't born to be a tidy girl (although I was brought up to be one). Love you mum (and dad of course) xox.

Royal Attic Sale!

2011-03-08T11:45:00.000+01:00

images all from the Sotheby's catalogue

Our Royal Family will be holding an attic sale. Sotheby's Amsterdam will be auctioning over 1600 lots, including furniture, porcelain, glass, silver, paintings and drawings which encompass the long and varied history of the Dutch Royal family. Many come from the Palace Soestdijk where Queen Juliana lived throughout her married life, while other items come from the attics of other Royal Palaces. Only a small number of the pieces were acquired by Queen Juliana and her spouse Prince Bernhard, and by far the greater share was accumulated over the last 150 years from Kings Willem II and III, Queen Emma and Queen Wilhelmina. Many of the works still bear inventory marks and labels to show their origins in the seven Royal Palaces and Royal Residences throughout the Netherlands. The sale is for the benefit of charity. For details of the auction click here.

Fresh start of the week!

2011-03-07T09:13:00.000+01:00

It is 9 a.m. here in Amsterdam. Kids just went off to school and I am sipping my first latte. It is cold outside but the sun is shining. I feel happy and I am looking forward to this busy week :). I hope you do too! Here are some snapshots from my sitting room in its current state.

In to the Neon: Part II

2011-02-28T18:07:00.000+01:00

A while ago I shared my new upcoming pillow designs in Neon. At that stage they were still hand painted designs. Today, after a wonderful week in the snowy mountains, I received the new production from the atelier. This is just a quick snap shot. The new range will be available soon through my webstore, printed on 100% linen.

Growing Pains

2011-02-18T19:39:00.000+01:00

Why is it that I never choose the easy road. Okay fine I took the decision to chase my artistic dream, but why for god sake didn't I just stick to my brush. Paint, exhibit, sell, paint some more...No that is just too simple when your name is Mariska Meijers. She just loves to complicate her life, she wants to build a business by extending her designs to products. Oeps, products means production, the type she does not have experience in, nor does her law degree fit that bill. Mariska just jumps and jumping can cause major headeaches when your landing techniques are not that flawless. Last week she finally called in the support troops and what a difference it has made already.
Today she is writing her blogpost with a mountain view and is enjoying a ski holiday with her children and friends while business continues with the wonderful talented support of others!

Global Activity!

2011-02-12T18:26:00.000+01:00

lampshade and base sample (note: the white stripes

will not be part of the final design!)

Almost everyday I "go" around the Globe. "Mini Me" needs to face the consequence of growing. I am not complaining, I love what I am doing, but if I could only steal some extra hours here and there wouldn't that be just fabulous. Currently I have two exhibitions, one in Singapore and one in The Netherlands. There have been some wonderful new additions to store locations selling my products. For example Ada&Darcy is the first shop in Australia to carry a selection of my products. In the US we have added amongst others the Museum of Art shop in Fort Lauterdale, Anchor Cottage in Suttons Bay (Michigan) and Azul Boutique in Coral Gables (Miami).
I am working round the clock in preparation of my first trade fairs such as High Point first week of April. And....I picked up my first lampshade and base samples that I am planning to take to High Point. I found a wonderful lamp shade and base Studio nearby. The husband handcrafts the lamp bases (ceramic) and his wife makes the shades.
Last but not least I would like to thank my blogging sisters Kerry of a Tranquil Townhouse, Louise of Table Tonic, Kerri of Driftwood Interiors and Charlotta of Space of Inspiration (did I forget someone?) for blogging forward the donations of the beautiful table linen by Yvy&Piper and colorful screenprints (by me) the proceeds of which will go fully to the Premier's Disaster Relief Appeal. If you are interested in supporting this good cause by purchasing any of the items kindly contact ivyandpiper@hotmail.com.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend! x

With a little bit of help...Keep Queensland's flood victims in your hearts!

2011-02-09T08:50:00.000+01:00

Mr Smith's Blossom | limited edition screenprint signed and numbered

How quickly do we forget disasters when we are not a victim. The water is gone, but many Queenslanders have lost their homes and businesses. They need to rebuild and donations to the Premier's Disaster Relief Appeal are still very welcome. Together with Ivy & Piper we have made a donation of screenprints and linens the proceeds of which will go fully to the Premier's Disaster Relief Appeal. You can also read about this donation in Ivy & Piper's 2011 Love Issue. If you are intersted in buying any of the 5 colorful limited edition screenprints (numbered and signed) or Ivy&Piper's beautifully crafted linen items please mail to ivyandpiper@hotmail.com. You can also help by blogging this forward! Thank you x

Ivy & Piper's 100% linen beautifully monogrammed

napkins

Blossom in Lavender screenprint,

how stunning it looks when framed!

New press: Ivy & Piper's Love Issue 2011!

2011-02-04T09:46:00.000+01:00

click here for IVP-TV - interview with stylish Diane Bergeron

I was over the moon when Melanie and Elizabeth contacted me a while ago for an artist feature in their Love Issue 2011. While we were working on it the flooding disaster struck Queensland.

Since I started blogging I have become more and more connected to Australia because of some dear colleague bloggers. They make me feel that there are no boundaries, no oceans that divide us, no time zones. Sitting here in Amsterdam, watching the devestation on TV made me want to do something so I spontanously donated 5 screenprints and send them over to Ivy&Piper. All proceeds go towards the Premiers Disaster Relief Appeal. If you are interested to purchase one of these limited edition screenprints email to ivyandpiper@hotmail.com.

Going back to the wonderful content of Ivy & Piper's Love Issue 2011 make sure to read it. The issue includes bio's and interviews with design icons like Carleton Varney, Jamie Herzlinger and Diane Bergeron. Every single page is simply delicious!

New arrival: Trays!

2011-01-31T20:58:00.000+01:00

When I am quiet it is usually good news. Working on new products is intensive but oh so inspiring. My latest product is a collection of trays, handmade in Scandinavia from birch wood. We have started with 3 designs:

"In Bloom Pink", a round tray (31 cm)

"Delft Blue Teapot", a small rectangular tray (27x20cm)

"In Bloom Green", a medium round tray (38cm)

All three designs are available through my webstore @ webstore.mariskameijers.com and soon through selected (web)stores. "In Bloom Green" is also available as a tray table sizes (49cm and 65cm). If you are interested drop send me an email as they are not available through the webstore yet. We are currently selecting more designs to add to the collection. I would love to know which of my designs/paintings you would like to see on a tray!

In to the Neon

2011-01-22T10:29:00.000+01:00

new pillow design

White Allium (oil on canvas)

Teapot (oil and goldleaf on canvas)

Dark winters make me long for even brighter colours and what could possibly be brighter than neon tones. I have been playing with it lately and I love it so much that in addition to a range of paintings I am also turning some of the designs into pillows! Wishing you all a beautiful weekend x

Working around the Clock!

2011-01-20T10:31:00.000+01:00

Work in Progress @ The Studio

Working @ Home

I must be one of the most boring bloggers around currently. The frequency of my postings is down and if I do post it is about my work mostly. No time to sit down to search and write about the less obvious. I have come at the stage that I moved one of my larger easels back from the studio to my appartment to so I can paint evenings...My kids are thrilled as they were missing the action and I have to admit I am happy too as I am less tempted to spend the whole evening behind my Mac!

Coming up next: High Tea

2011-01-17T09:02:00.000+01:00

Just wanted to share a new series with you "High Tea" available soon as boxed notecards with 5 fabulous recipes (in Dutch and English version) by culinary journalist-author Lise Goeman Borgesius. A small tray (20x27cm) will complement the series. Handmade in Scandinavia out of birchwood. Keep you posted!

My thoughts are with Brisbane

2011-01-12T08:23:00.000+01:00

from absolutely fabulous things

Holland 1953

Brisbane 2011

Yesterday when I came back from a whole day of client visits I switched on the news and saw the images of a flooded Brisbane. The Dutch have been fighting the water for ages, with the worst flooding disaster in 1953. Anna Spiro's shop Black&Spiro is in Brisbane, so are Ivy&Piper's Melanie and Elizabeth! My thoughts are with Brisbane.

The Stylish Blogger Award and 7 things you may not know about me!

2011-01-11T08:01:00.000+01:00

Well all I can say is that receiving the Stylish Blogger Award from Pam of Red Ticking is a most flattering start of the week. Seattle based Pam is not only a fabulous colleague blogger but also the driving force behind the Red Ticking retail store.
I have to admit I was not familiar with this award and it comes with certain rules when you receive it:

thank and link back to the person who awarded you
share 7 things about yourself
award 10 great bloggers that you have RECENTLY discovered
contact those bloggers and tell them about the award

So here are 7 things you may not know about me:

1. Skiing is my favourite sport. I just love racing down the slopes, the steeper the better.
2. I never wear foundation.
3. I can' resist temptation.
4. I still cuddle with my parents.
5. When I was a teenager I had lunch with Dame Joan Sutherland.
6. I bite my nails (sometimes)
7. I will never retire!

And then on to the more difficult task: to award 10 great bloggers I recently discovered....Oh no... choices to be made. There are so many great bloggers out there. So here I go reluctantly and I apologize for not choosing others!
oh and uhhh I have bended the rules a bit, I did not only pick blogs I just discovered as I also have included a few bloggers that I have known for a longer time and cherish!

A Tranquil Townhouse

A Space for Inspiration
Ada and Darcy
Cornflake
Flourish Design and Style
Hviit
Lanalou Style

Scandinavian Chique
The Decorista

Urban Stems

From my bookshelves: Plan B by Sabine Leenhouts

2011-01-09T11:23:00.001+01:00

Journalist Sabine Leenhouts proudly on the cover of her first book

a peek at the 12 page interview

my Sunday reading spot

Friday I found a package on the doormat. It was from Bruna publishers. Inside was the book "Plan B" by driven, charming Dutch journalist Sabine Leenhouts. For her book she interviewed 20 people who radically changed their careers (and lives), sometimes forced, sometimes voluntary. Giving an insight on how they (finally) got to follow their own heart, THEIR passion, in stead those of others. With the book Sabine wants to share that nothing is impossible and inspire people to dare to chase their own dreams.
I had a wonderful, inspiring afternoon with Sabine when she interviewed me and I feel honoured to be part of her book.

The book can be ordered through http://bol.com (available in Dutch only). With 20 illustrated portraits by talented artist Lisette de Zoete.

2011 - New beginnings

2011-01-02T18:41:00.000+01:00

Well it is here: 2011! I have a great feeling about this year as there is still so much more to do, to learn, to gain and to lose :)), especially after enjoying the Austrian cuisine which is not particulary known for its lightness.

2011 has in any event begun well for my designs. As of today a selection of my pillow collection is sold in Norway through trend setting webstore HVIIT.

I wish you will a fruitful year. Follow your path with passion. Be persistant and patient. PERSEVERANCE is key. Always remember:

"When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on."

Franklin Roosevelt

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2010-12-22T13:23:00.000+01:00

Today I am packing as we are leaving for the Alpes. I am looking forward to snowy slopes, great food and lovely company. But before I do just a few words about this year:

learned, I cried,

I laughed, I failed,

I was succesful, I failed some more,

I was confident, I was insecure,

I took action, I left my path, I regained focus,

I got many NO's and was even more ignored,

I got YES, YES, YES, I got attention,

I love life the way I am shaping it,

I love the way life is shaping me,

I don't regret my choice

to chase my OWN dreams

MERRY CHRISTMAS

to you all

xxx

Getting Ready!

2010-12-19T17:31:00.000+01:00

Christmas tree in the Meijers' residence

my loyal car!

5 hours! That is what I spend in my car last Friday. Stuck in traffic chaos caused by heavy snowfall. There was no escaping. A distance that would normally take me about 15 minutes. I completely under estimated the situation and thought I could easily make a delivery to a client...
Well there are worse things in life. I am enjoying one of the most relaxed weekends I had in ages. The tree is up and I am getting ready for Christmas. I feel blessed!

Miami Snippets

2010-12-13T12:10:00.000+01:00

The A Team: Bobby Berk, moi, Eric Garcia (store manager BBH Miami)

and Eva Roepers

with blogger Catherine Michelena of Inspire Bohemia and her mum

happy clients

with Chef Charles Harris, Adelaide Price of DWR West Palm Beach

and interior designer Sandy Napoli Cowper

all smiles

Bobby Berk Home and Mariska Meijers designs make a great combo!

more happy clients....

with Dutch colleague artist-designer Alexander Tempel

of Artists not Armies

Alexander Tempel, Eva Roepers, Daphne Plug and blogger-interior designer

Natasha Haastrup Huang of Northern Light

I know that it has almost been a week since I returned from Art Basel Miami so finally here are some snippets from my show. On the way in I had huge delays because of the weather conditions in Europe. Being rerouted via Boston made me miss the Vogue party at the Raleigh Hotel (boohoo), but the most important thing was that I arrived in time for my own event!
Once in Miami I received a warm welcome from handsome, energetic Bobby Berk, founder of and creative brain behind Bobby Berk Home, who together with Eva Roepers of Interdecorations hosted the cocktail and viewing party. I had a wonderful time, meeting interior design bloggers, shop owners that carry my products and clients, but even friends and colleague artist-designers from Amsterdam!
With only 4 full days in Miami I had a packed schedule both business and pleasure. I am grateful to my US distributor/agent Eva Roepers and Bobby Berk for all their wonderful arrangements and support!

New press - GLAMOUR and Wining & Dining

2010-12-07T17:10:00.000+01:00

Just got back from Miami on which I will do a "report" later this week but first I would like to share some new mentions in the press. The December issue of GLAMOUR (Latin America edition) features my painting Chair & Circles and Wining & Dining (Dutch edition) features the boxed note card series I created for Camille Oostwegel Chateau Hotels & Restaurants. I big thank you to both magazines for exposing me to their readers!

New Arrival: Red Flamingo Pillow

2010-11-30T19:01:00.001+01:00

Red Flamingo @ the Meijers residence

Whenever I get new designs in I am overly excited. I have taken a few snapshots (apologize for the quality) to give you a taste of my latest arrival: the Red Flamingo pillow. My hand painted design printed in The Netherlands on beautiful linen. The back panel is also in linen (neutral) with distinctive velvet trimming. I will be taking the first few to Miami tomorrow where they will be on show at Bobby Berk Home!
So my next blog will be from the otherside of the ocean....

The Act of Juggling

2010-11-29T08:43:00.001+01:00

The online Oxford Dictionaries define to juggle:
"[with object] continuously toss into the air and catch (a number of objects) so as to keep at least one in the air while handling the others"

You may have noticed that I have not been very active blogging lately. It is not by lack of inspiration, but it is simply by lack of time. Focus is what I desperately needed. Although blogging has opened a whole new world for me full of inspiration and beautiful new frienships it has also been interfering with my focus. I have to keep telling myself that I am first of all an artist-designer. So that is what I have been up to lately. Back into my artistic mode. Tomorrow I will be picking up my new pillow designs from the atelier. I am really excited to see how they have come out. And... then this Wednesday I am off to Art Basel Miami where Bobby Berk and my agent Interdecorations are hosting a cocktail and viewing event at Bobby Berk Home in the Design District 2nd of December. I will be in Miami until the 6th and I promise to blog about my (ad)ventures!

Wishing you all a wonderful week full of focus and don't feel guilty in doing this (like I sometimes do..). People do understand and if they don't it is their problem!

Picture: courtesy Cirque du Soleil

My secret life as a Gourmet Groupie

2010-11-21T12:32:00.000+01:00

salt crusted sea bass, long pepper and olive oil

one of Aurélien's favourite wines: Les Jardins des Babylones

marinated sardines, red cabbage jelly, orange zest and green asparagus

turbot tartar, king crab, fennel ceviche and avocado cream

Oysters ‘Creuses’, grapefruit, passion fruit and tapioca

with Executive Chef Aurélien Poirot

I have to come clean. Je suis une gourmet groupie. I became one through dear friend and business partner, culinary author and journalist, Lise Goeman Borgesius. A few years back she started to take me behind the scenes of the culinary world. I am intriged by the high level of creativity and discipline of Les Grandes Chefs and their teams. So whenever I have the opportunity I "dive" into their kitchens.

Food inspires. I just love giving my artistic interpretation of a beautiful recipe. My latest series was commissioned by 5 star hotel Sofitel The Grand in Amsterdam. I illustrated 5 recipes for Executive Chef Aurélien Poirot of The Grand's restaurant Bridges. The illustrations have been published in the form of culinary boxed notecards. 10 cards with enveloppes, 2x5 designs, blank inside with recipies on the back in English. The boxed note cards will be available through selected book, museum and department stores throughout the Benelux. For store locations outside the Benelux please go to store locations on my website. For online orders webstore.mariskameijers.com.

The Glamour Files - Part II - All about Brass

2010-11-16T21:04:00.000+01:00

The Brass Shelves found and lost :)

Studio last Sunday..

Pierre Vandel coffee table with brass detailing (in my sitting room)

Brass shelves as seen on The Decorista

Spot the beautiful brass shelves in the back - Maison21

stunning brass lamps & antilope - Maison 21

or just a tiny brass wall fixture - Maison21

Yes I know I promised to give updates on the editing of my interior. Brass is one of the ingredients with which I am spicing up. Ashlina, The Decorista, and I are on the same wave length when it comes to brass. She happened to do a post on brass shelves at the very same moment I was about to purchase some!
So last Friday I was oh so thrilled with my new conquest that I decided to "flaunt" the shelves first before putting them in my appartment. There they were bang bang bling in my Studio where I was hosting a lazy Sunday afternoon drinks & viewing party. BAD IDEA..... a dear client convinced me to sell it to her (along with some pillows from my collection of course :)).
As you may guess since Sunday evening I am frantically hunting for another pair of shelves but it is not easy. I saw the most wonderful pair but I would have to cross the ocean to get it as they are over at Maison 21. But I think the ocean is there to protect me, otherwise I would buy up its entire contents. The tasteful brain behind Maison21 is Christian May, "a Los Angeles based interior decorator with decided opinions about design". And NO I am not getting any commission from CM, it is simply love!

So the current status of glamming up with brass is down to the brass detailing on my Pierre Vandel coffee table and matching sidetables. C'est la vie!

DESIGN REFUGE - MONTHLY COLUMN "THE LEARNING CURVE"

2010-11-15T10:56:00.001+01:00

Today you can find my first monthly column over at Design Refuge. Each 3rd Monday of the month I will share lessons learned during my passionate mission to build a brand. Simply because oh boy my life is not all pretty pictures :)!

If you haven't heard of Design Refuge yet it is the largest meeting place online for design bloggers worldwide! Tastemakers like Table Tonic, Bright Bazaar, Little Blue Deer & A Diary of Lovely are members so if you haven't registered your blog yet what are you waiting for! Get daily inspiration from contributors such as The Decorista and founder of Design Refuge Dagny Thurmann and interact.

Art Basel Miami & Bobby Berk Home

2010-11-11T19:09:00.000+01:00

Well it is all set. Eva Roepers of Interdecorations who is doing a fabulous job at representing me in The States will be hosting a cocktail and viewing event during Art Basel Miami together with Bobby Berk Home on December 2nd.

Urban chique Bobby Berk Home is smack in the middle of Miami's design district. The store features a great selection of hand selected items from around the world showcased through faultless design vignettes. Bobby Berk Home also has Flagship store in trend setting Soho, NYC.
As you can imagine I am delighted to stir a cocktail (or two) with my bold, colourful artwork and designs at such wonderful location. Thank you Bobby and Eva! And...if you are in Miami at that time please join us (rsvp eva@interdecorations.com)

Ivy & Piper - a new wonderful online interior design magazine!

2010-11-06T19:34:00.001+01:00

Lazy Saturday. Time to catch up on some blogs and I immediately hit the jackpot with Ivy & Piper! A fabulous new online magazine on interior design
Dive in and get inspired by contributions of trendsetters like Anna Spiro. I am not going to reveal more as you just need to check it out yourselves!
Founders Melanie and Elizabeth can be really proud of their first born. Congratulations and thank you for this new wonderful source of inspiration.

images from the magazine Ivy&Piper, Anna Spiro, Kelly Green

The Irresistible Piet Paris

2010-11-05T09:55:00.000+01:00

Saks 5th Avenue window display

Runway Victor & Rolf

Piet Paris at the exhibition
signing the MMM Hair pencil drawing

Paris' original illustration on my wall

Yesterday I showed you my latest art purchase, a pencil drawing, not revealing who the artist was. Well it is by gifted creative director Piet Paris (1962). Paris is a fashion illustrator extraordinaire. His distinctive colorful, graphic work is made with stencils created from an initial sketch and colored with acrylic, gouache or pastel using a paint roller. He has done illustrations for many magazines like Vogue Japan, a wonderful campaign for Saks Fifth Avenue and the runway design for Victor & Rolf Spring RTW 2011 collection. Besides making illustrations Studio Piet Paris also designs products, on commission as well as under its own label. Paris runs the Studio together with dedicated Marc Kwakman.
20 years "in the business" was recently celebrated by a sales exhibition and a book launch here in Amsterdam. It was a an instant hit and a complete sell-out! And so well deserved!

Studio Piet Paris is on facebook.

The Glamour Files - Part I

2010-11-03T23:10:00.000+01:00

"MMM Hair" pencil drawing on my wall

Lifting a tip of the veil. As announced I am editing my appartment by adding some glamour. First element is art. Although my walls are already covered with quite a selection I recently purchased two wonderful pieces by a gifted Dutch fashion illustrator. His signature pieces are usually in mixed media/collage, but one of the works I purchased is a pencil drawing called "MMM (Maison Martin Margiela) Hair". It was instant love..... Can you guess the artist's name? I will reveal the second signature piece tomorrow!

A Touch of Modern Glamour

2010-11-01T21:28:00.001+01:00

Pages from Glamour by Michael Lassell

Hope you had a wonderful spooky weekend. Halloween is not that big in The Netherlands so I enjoyed a quiet family weekend partly browsing books for inspiration. Next month there will be another magazine shoot at my appartment and this is such a trigger for change. I am especially charmed by touches of glamour so I am figuring out how to implement those in my existing setting.
This summer I bought the book Glamour by Michael Lassell. Michael Lassell is a gifted writer and editor and former features director of Metropolitan Home. Here are some pages to give you a flavour. The book shows interiors with a high wow factor, it is simply inspiration heaven. If you love Glamour it is an absolute must have and you can find out more about Michael through his website and blog.

Follow me over the coming weeks while editing my eclectic appartment into something just a bit more glamorous.

And to conclude with a totally different book. The winner of my book give-away Before (During) After (Louisiana Photographers reactions to Hurricane Katrina) is the lovely Jeanette of Everton Terrace (blog).

Southern Delights - an impression

2010-10-26T11:46:00.002+02:00

nervous before speeching (I am just better with my brush)

handing the first card box to Francoise Oostwegel

elegant Judith Oostwegel with my proud mother

well deserved glass of wine :)

all my paper products "spinning around"

with Chef Hans Snijders celebrating his 30th anniversary as Chef of Chateau Neercanne

With Chef Vincent van Vierzen of Kruisherenrestaurant

It was a busy but wonderful weekend. Here are some impressions of my exhibition at bookstore Selexyz Dominicanen. The location is just amazing! In connection with the exhibition I created a culinary card wallet for Camille Oostwegel Chateau Hotels and Restaurants. Inspired by delicious recipes of Chefs, Hans Snijders of Chateau Neercanne, Otto Nijenhuis of Chateau St Gerlach, Vincent van Vierzen of Kruisherenrestaurant and Roland Vincken of Restaurant Pirandello I made 5 paintings to illustrate their culinary art! Charming Judith Oostwegel and artistic daugther Francoise were guests of honour.
Maastricht is so much worth visiting and if you do, staying at one of Oostwegel's spectacular historic hotels is an absolute must!

Photo's courtesy photographer Linda Ruepert

Silence is Holy!

2010-10-21T12:27:00.000+02:00

I know, (again) I haven't been blogging for a couple of days but all for a good cause. I am preparing for my next exhibition in Selexyz Dominicanen in Maastricht, according to The Guardian one of the world's most stunning bookschops. The vernisage is this Sunday and the exhibition will continue until December 31.
Above you see the area where my work will hang (in the picture it shows an exhibition of artist Klaas Gubbels, a man who I much admire!). This former church was redesigned by Merkx+Girod architects. I am glad that my work has powerful colours, otherwise it would just disappear in this amazing space!

The week in pictures - From GLAMOUR to Joan Sutherland

2010-10-16T21:07:00.001+02:00

LATIN AMERICA. The cherry on "this week's cake" was the October edition of GLAMOUR (LATAM) featuring one of my paintings and 2 pillow designs in connection with the exhibition at Design Within Reach in West Palm Beach. To view my work and designs directly available in the US go to Interdecorations.

Aurélien Poirot in action

AMSTERDAM. I finished a series of commissioned illustrations for BRIDGES, the hip and happening fish restaurant of 5 star hotel Sofitel The Grand in Amsterdam. The illustrations will be published as boxed culinary cards with recipes by briljant French chef Aurélien Poirot. The cardbox will be launched towards the end of November celebrating the restaurant's one year anniversary so expect a full report then (and sorry I can't reveal any images yet)!

The Sofa Studio - Dubai

DUBAI. My pillow designs are now available through The Sofa Studio.

Joan Sutherland with my mother Tine van Grootel in Maria Stuarda

GENEVA. Sadly Joan Sutherland died aged 83. I had the pleasure of meeting her on several occasions during the time that my mother sang with her. She was amazing.

Expat Living (October 2010)

SINGAPORE. Earlier this week I blogged about some wonderful publicity in Expat Living featuring happy clients talking about my work.

Rowan Metzner's fish picture

Elizabeth Kleinveld's Spring Exhuberance

NEW ORLEANS. I did a very special book give away of "Before (During) After", Louisiana Photographers reactions to Hurricane Katrina. You can still enter until October 26 so PLEASE DO as the story should not be forgotten! To enter click here.

Enjoy your Sunday xox!

New press - Happy clients in Singapore!

2010-10-14T17:06:00.000+02:00

Today I received a wonderful suprise in the mail, the October issue of Expat Living (Singapore) featuring charming Marilisa Busatta and her husband in front of my painting Interior with Chinese Screen. I met Marilisa when I was exhibiting in Singapore in October last year and told me that she had seen one of my "parrot in cage "paintings at a friends house in Paris and that she fell in love with my work. We had an immediate click. So thank you Marilisa and Expat Living. I feel honoured with such tribute!

Before (During) After - Louisiana Photographers Reactions To Hurricane Katrina -Book giveway!

2010-10-12T00:05:00.001+02:00

The Book: Before (During) After

@ the Amsterdam book event - Caroline Griep, Elizabeth Kleinveld,

Eric Paul Julien, Paul Cliteur

Elizabeth Kleinveld's limited edition photo in my son's room (featured in the book)

Before During After: photographer: Eric Paul Julien

Elizabeth's photo of toxic waste. After the water levels dropped this is what it looked like

almost poetic

nola's toxic waste on my wall

Last week I attended a very special book event here in Amsterdam of Before (During) After.

In 2005 when Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans, one of my best friends, New Orleans born and raised Elizabeth Kleinveld was there with her husband and children for their summer holidays.
We were al doing "our thing" at the time. At the event, friend and editor, Caroline Griep recalled during her speech that"her thing" at that moment was experiencing the most scary thunderstorm of her life inVenice not realizing that something much more material happened on the other side of the Ocean.
Many of us can recall the moment the news hit, but for the people that were actually in the midst of it, it will remain part of them forever. When Elizabeth returned safely to Amsterdam she was desperately searching for a way to find peace with the event and decided she needed to make a book. 5 years of passion, persistance and patience resulted in "Before (During) After: an estetic and elegant collection of photographs of a devestating event. Twelve photographers contributed photos and essays: Jennifer Shaw, Frank Relle, Lori Waselchuk, Rowan Metzner, Samuel Portera, David Rae Morris, Jonathan Traviesa, Eric Julien, Zack Smith, Elizabeth Kleinveld, Mark J. Sindler, and Thomas Neff. Their photographs are a melancholy record of both the damages (some small, some enormous) and their own feelings and experiences.

Although my own art and designs are collourful and happy I fell instantly for the intensity of the photographs. I got sucked into them completely. I just had to have at least a few on my wall and so it happened. It is difficult to share the emotions the photographs in the book evoke but you will have an opportunity to have the expierence.

And yes I know it might not be the usual glamorous suspect on your coffee table but here is your opportunity to win a copy of this beautiful, inspiring, touching book signed by Elizabeth Kleinveld. TO ENTER:

- be a follower of my blog
- like Before (During) After on facebook

and of course tweet as an addtional entry!

The winner will be announced on October 26.

....and if you don't win the book can be bought online amongst others through Octavia Books

A Peaceful Moment

2010-10-07T23:13:00.001+02:00

YES I am getting my act together. Finally time to visit some of my blogfriends again and clearing the warzone in my house (yes that is what it looks like after rushing in and out for almost two weeks in a row :))). So happy to be able to grab a peaceful moment in my favourite place: my home, creating still lifes with my "prized possesions" and designs.
And.... I have to admit that my Allium pillow looks grand on the white leather Artifort lounge chair...The pillow is part of the new collection I am working on and it is already available through my webstore here! The lampshade in the back is also my design.

Catching up - Thank You Notes!

2010-10-06T20:00:00.001+02:00

My daily transport between home and the fair and back!

Getting back on my feet after 9 days at the interior decorating fair here in Amsterdam. 9 whole days from beginning to end promoting my brand. It was just fabulous, but I was living on another planet so I am desperately catching up amongst others with my blogging family and friends!

Little Blue Deer

My first big thank you goes to Shari Miller of Little Blue Deer for being incredeably creative, patient and supportive. As you may have noticed my blog was revamped not so long ago and I can now reveal that this was done by the magic touch of Shari! I had quite a few wishes part of them too technical for my simple brain, but Shari managed to create exactly what I envisaged for my blog's look and feel. If you are craving a blog revamp but like me are not confident touching all the issues do contact Shari for information and a quote at shari@littlebluedeer.com.

Design Refuge

The next big thank you goes to Dagny Thurmann-Hoelseth of Design Refuge for doing a wonderful posting about my home. Design Refuge is the largest meetig place on line for design bloggers world wide and if you have not registered your blog with them yet what is holding you back! Go to Design Refuge and get connected!

Just a few shots - Woonbeurs 2010!

2010-09-30T09:17:00.000+02:00

A Day at the Fair

2010-09-28T18:49:00.000+02:00

Today was the 4th day at De Woonbeurs. I can highly recommend the experience of particpating. The learning curve is steep, but amazing. The fair is open to the public except yesterday which was for the trade only. The reason I picked a fair open to the public is that I find it important to see the response and get feedback from the (potential) end customer. What I am really happy about is the amount of people that recoginze my work and know the story behind it. It confirms that I am on the right track. The translation of 4 years of work to 12 square meters has definetly not been in vain. It is a modest start which tastes like more... The video gives you a flavour.

Almost there!

2010-09-26T09:29:00.000+02:00

Well some more footage on the styling of the booth. Quite a challenge considering we only have 12 square meters to work with! Also I love my colours but seeing them concentrated on this level especiallly with the plain interior stylist and friend Sally Lyon and my sister have been a great support.
In these pictures you don't see the final result yet. We edited a few things yesterday but there was no time left for filming or photgraphing after the invasion of crowd on the first day. More tomorrow. Have a wonderful Sunday.

Keep Calm and Carry On!

2010-09-24T08:09:00.000+02:00

The current state of my booth. Keep calm and carry on!!

My first ever interior decoration fair. Yesterday did not go as planned, was that something to be expected? I promised myself to stay calm and I did. When we arrived at the fair the booth was far from ready for styling. Here is a short video update.

Eat, Breathe, Dream

2010-09-23T09:30:00.001+02:00

new pillow design: Allium (in satin silk)

It is 48hrs to countdown. Only very little time left to the start of interior decorating fair "DE WOONBEURS" here in Amsterdam. As you can imagine I eat, breath, dream WOONBEURS, including the occasional nightmare. I still have to make some final descisions about the look of my booth but my new pillow designs, including Allium above will be on show. This morning we will start with setting up. The larger pieces first, with the fine tuning tomorrow. I will be trying to document the process also with my FLIP camera. This is the first time I am really using it so apologies for my first unedited (!) introduction.

Keep you posted!

ps (Kerry: note the purple ribbon in the picture :))

CRAVE: The Urban Girl's Manifesto

2010-09-20T21:43:00.001+02:00

my spread in CRAVE AMSTERDAM

with CRAVE sales ambassador Athalie Stegeman and CRAVE founder Melody Biringer

Last week I attended the booklaunch of CRAVE Amsterdam: The Urban Girls' Manifesto. At the launch I met the driven founder: "CRAVE MAVEN" Melody Biringer.
Her passionate search for the best of what we girls crave in life helped her launch and build the CRAVEcompany, a network of companies designed to innovatively connect entrepreneurs who approach business in a fresh, new way with the stylish consumers they desire in cities like New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Toronto (already 21 cities in the US-Canada) and now in Amsterdam as the first European city! Think Food, Fashion, Interior Design.....
Biringer and her brand provide a unique networking platform and the cherry on the cake is the CRAVE book!
I would like to thank Melody and Athalie Stegeman, sales ambassador at CRAVE Amsterdam for this great initiative and as many of you are building businesses of your own do check out whether CRAVE is available in your city!