I’m just 11 fans away from 500 over on Facebook! If you’d like to get updates about new products, events, and giveaways, go ahead and like Cotton & Flax on Facebook.
PS: I’m planning a giveaway for later this month that will be exclusive to my Facebook fans! Follow now to make sure you get included!
I’ve been reaching out to many of my favorite shops recently, trying to find new homes for Cotton & Flax goods. I love my current group of stockists (is there one in your city?), so many amazing shops represented all over the US. While Cotton & Flax items are online stocked in four US states so far (and in my online shop, of course), I’m hoping to add more shops soon. I was inspired by Anna Rifle Bond’s world domination map (you can see it in the 11th photo of that article), but I suppose my world takeover will focus on getting items into shops in all 50 states first!
Is there a shop in your community that should carry Cotton & Flax items on their shelves? Let me know over on Twitter!
Are you enjoying your Labor Day weekend? I’m having something of a staycation, as I had a bit of work to finish for a new stockist this weekend (more about that soon). In an attempt to create better work/life balance, I have been trying to avoid working through every weekend, which is tricky if your studio is at home! It’s been a struggle for me to set more reasonable hours for myself, but a choice that I think will ultimately help me to expand my creativity and productivity overall.
I have to say, though, that scrolling through my Instagram feed this weekend has been envy-inducing. You guys are going on amazing vacations, eating some delicious food, and hanging out with some adorable pets. I’ll try to live vicariously, for now. I know that I post a lot of work-in-progress photos on Cotton & Flax’s instagram, but I am hoping to share more moments from my adventures around LA. Is there anything you’d like to see me document over on Instagram this week?
A few weeks ago, I took some time to detail how Cotton & Flax coasters are made. One thing I didn’t really dig into is why Cotton & Flax coasters are made from 100% merino wool felt. It comes down to a few different reasons, some more obvious than others.
I prefer to use natural materials. If you’ve read this blog before, you’re probably noticed that my love for natural fibers has no end. They are often the most sustainable option (especially when compared with fabrics and materials made using petroleum or plastics), and I prefer to use natural materials in homegoods, because who wants something in their home that might be leaching or offgassing a toxic chemical? Not me. I prefer to stick with natural fibers, which are kinder to humans, and then environment as a whole.
I also love the huge range of colors available to me when using fibers. Wood and ceramic options just didn’t measure up in terms of the wide variety of color options.
Finally, I just love the experience of using them. I’ve had customers tell me that they prefer the wool felt coasters just because they are quieter. Imagine that! Comparing the experience of setting an icy glass down onto a ceramic coaster, and onto a Cotton & Flax wool felt coaster – there’s really no contest. The wool felt muffles the sound, and protects your furniture just as efficiently. There are lots of other reasons to prefer felt coasters, but those subtle improvements are really the biggest reason to make the switch.
I’m excited to share Cotton & Flax’s first Bay Area stockist: Rare Device in San Francisco! Rare Device is one of my favorite shops to visit when I’m in SF, they always carry the most beautifully designed items for the home. They have a great selection of stationery and jewelry, too, so it’s pretty hard to visit the shop without buying something you’ll love.
Rare Device is now carrying Cotton & Flax coasters and tea towels (which should be in the online shop soon), so if you live in San Francisco, stop by and see them in person!
I had so much fun teaching a custom stationery workshop at West Elm last night! I was blown away by the amazing designs my students came up with in just a couple of hours. So much creativity!
Each attendee received a little gift bag filled with supplies – a small EZ-cut linoleum block, as well as paper for sketching, and multi-colored postcards for printing on. I provided all the carving tools and ink, and after a bit of sketching, everyone just went for it! Love to see creative bravery in action.
Thanks again to everyone who attended the workshop! I’m hoping to teach more workshops soon, so stay tuned.
