Behind the Scenes

Creative Hobbies + New DIY Projects

March 11, 2016

It’s been a creative whirlwind in the studio lately! After four years of designing and producing textiles for Cotton & Flax, I’ve been branching out in 2016 by taking on projects that are stretching my creative muscles. While I’m still creating lots of new work for Cotton & Flax, this year I wanted to spend time learning some new skills. I love taking up a new creative hobby — it brings fresh ideas to all my creative work!

One way I’ve been trying out new techniques is through a new creative subscription box called The Crafter’s Box. I was introduced to this company last year, and I’ve tried three of their craft projects: Rya Weaving with Maryanne Moodie, marbled clay pots taught by Emily Reinhardt, and this giant arm knitted blanket taught by Elise Blaha.

The quality of the materials in every Crafter’s Box has been amazing. Supplies and materials are sent along with instructions for each project, and they source materials from some of the best manufacturers around. The wool roving and yarn was particularly gorgeous, and I’ve been saving up the leftovers from my projects to use for something special.

I’m excited to share that I am partnering with The Crafter’s Box this month to teach block printing! When you sign up for a subscription to The Crafter’s Box, you’ll receive all the materials and supplies you’ll need to create a gorgeous block-printed linen table runner. You’ll gain access to an exclusive video tutorial showing you how to carve a linoleum block, and print a repeat pattern of your own design.

Sign up to receive this block printing kit today, it will only be available to purchase for a week or so! This box is an incredible value, so if you’ve been dying to take one of my classes in LA, now’s your chance to have me beamed into your home studio.

Erin discusses sustainability on “WDWHT?” Podcast

March 10, 2016

I had such a great time chatting with Erin Husted of Hackwith Design House for the Why Do We Have Things? podcast a few weeks ago. Our conversation dug into the idea of sustainability in business, and all the different forms that can take. If you’re curious about my commitment to sustainable, natural materials, or how I approach sustainability in my business practices, have a listen!

What’s new at C&F – February Recap

March 1, 2016

Despite an extra Leap Day, February flew by, and there’s been lots going on around Cotton & Flax HQ. I was delighted to be featured in Sunset Magazine’s list of up-and-coming textile designers this month! So flattering!!

It also a fun month for collaborations: I created this lovely little printable Valentine’s box with Emma Trithart, which would be a sweet gift for any time of year.

I visited QuiltCon here in Pasadena, and was so inspired by all the incredible works I saw there. You can take a peek at a couple other quilts I spotted over on Instagram.

Last but not least, I added a couple wonderful new stockists! Yolk in Los Angeles, and Pink House Alchemy in Bentonville, AR. I love working with brick and mortar shops to showcase my work – you can read more about my stockists, and the many lovely shops that carry my designs.

Happy March, everyone! Lots of exciting projects in the works for this month, can’t wait to share.

Pattern Play on Instagram and Periscope

February 16, 2016

A video posted by Erin Dollar (@cottonandflax) on Feb 15, 2016 at 11:14am PST

I’ve been working diligently to grow my pattern portfolio lately, and sharing the process over on Instagram and Periscope! I joined Periscope recently, and while the thought of doing live broadcasts made me nervous at first, the encouragement I got from the folks who’ve tuned in so far has been really great.

I hope to spend some time each week broadcasting a live pattern sketching session on Periscope, and sharing a condensed version over on Instagram. If you want to get a peek into my sketchbook, or watch live as I create new patterns, follow me over on Periscope! Thanks so much to all of you who’ve been tuning in already — your kind comments and hearts make me smile.

Lately at C&F – January Recap

February 1, 2016

It feels like I’ve just started getting used to writing 2016, but it’s already February! January was surprisingly busy – thank you for all the orders, which kept me occupied in the studio. I’ve been working on lots of little projects behind the scenes: website updates, taking some new product photos, bookkeeping and taxes… all the little things that aren’t very glamorous, but keep the business going. Now that I’m mostly caught up, I hope to have more new creative projects to share in February!

I’ve been broadcasting on Periscope recently – have you tuned in to any of my broadcasts? It’s a new format for me, and I’m hoping that I’ll get less nervous if broadcast more often. The streams expire 24 hours after they go live, so it’s a very ephemeral way to share what’s going on around the studio. In some ways, it’s nice to have a more casual approach to sharing my process. Follow me over on Periscope to see what I’m up to!

I’m excited to share that Cotton & Flax is hiring a Marketing + Operations Intern! You can find all the details on our jobs page.

My class at Maker’s Mess was so much fun! I always feel so inspired after teaching workshops – my students bring so much enthusiasm, and I get to rediscover my love for printmaking as I share it with others. The notebooks they printed all looked great, you see Kari Lopez’s cute kitty notebooks above.

Finally, I just launched a new product – felt keychains, created using remnant wool felt from our signature coasters! This new product helps move Cotton & Flax closer to becoming a zero waste studio environment, which is one of my biggest long-term goals. Plus, the key fobs are awesomely unique – I created them in collaboration with local leather workers Deakin Handmade, and I love how they turned out!

Thanks for your continued support this month – I’ll be focusing on creating new patterns every week, and building a portfolio of patterns to use in future collections! Tune in on Periscope and Instagram to see what I’m working on.

How to use a trivet — protect your table in style

January 13, 2016

If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to host more gatherings and dinner parties, you may be looking for ways to keep your home looking fresh and beautiful for guests. Trivets are a great way to add a decorative accent to the table! If you’ve been wondering, “What is a trivet?” this post is for you!

The most common way to use a trivet is underneath a hot pan or other servingware that’s fresh from the oven – the trivet creates a buffer that protects your table from heat damage. In addition to being useful and practical, a decorative trivet is an easy way to dress up your dinner table and add a pop of visual interest.

You may have already known about using trivets under a fresh baked pie or strata fresh from the oven, but there are lots of other ways to use a trivet. A trivet is perfect landing place for a pitcher of water or punch bowl! Again, they provide a buffer for your table and keep water stains away from any beautiful pieces you have.

We’ve heard from customers that our felt trivets offer a quieter, more relaxing alternative to clinking your pitcher or glass on the table when sitting it down; the wool felt offers noise cancelling properties. These small design choices can lead to a more relaxed atmosphere in your home. When we asked Cotton & Flax customers what they use a trivet for, one surprising use was as a landing pad for their keys on a table near the front door.

Your trivet can also be used as a fun and modern centerpiece under flowers or houseplants. The trivet protects your furniture from water damage or scratches from ceramic pots This adds to your plant’s decor and gives your home that extra special touch on a table, windowsill, or shelf. It’s easy to switch out a trivet with changing seasons and styles, so you can quickly add something new to your home!

Hopefully these tips give you inspiration on how to use a trivet! Take a look in the Cotton & Flax shop and see if you find any fun trivets to add in your home. We love seeing our pieces in your home, so please share with us on Instagram using the hashtag #patternathome and let us know of any unique ways you use your trivets!