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Arroyo Fabrics in Today’s Quilter Magazine

Arroyo Star Quilt - Traditional patchwork quilt made modernMore beautiful projects created with my first fabric collection, Arroyo for Robert Kaufman! This quilt was designed by Nichole Ramirez, and sewn and quilted by Erica and Heather Cartwright. This beauty was featured in Today’s Quilter Magazine this month! So cool to see the wide range of possibilities of what you can create with Arroyo.

Modern Patchwork Quilt - featured in Today's Quilter MagazineModern Patchwork Quilt - Arroyo fabricsWant to see other projects made with Arroyo fabrics? Check out the #ArroyoFabric on Instagram to see more beautiful DIY pieces created with my fabrics. These fabrics will be available in stores soon ⏤ ask your favorite local fabric shop if they’ll be stocking Arroyo!

Intro to Wholesale for Creative Businesses

Intro to Wholesale for Creative Businesses - creative business classes from Erin Dollar of Cotton & FlaxI was so thrilled when Craft Industry Alliance invited me to teach an online workshop for their community this month! I presented a hour-long webinar called Ready for Wholesale: Introduction to Wholesale for Creative Small Businesses.

The class features my tips and tricks for selling handmade products to brick and mortar retail shops, and how to grow wholesale clients in a creative business. I love sharing my experiences with fellow creative business owners, and getting the opportunity to teach what I know.

Intro to Wholesale for Creative Businesses - creative business classes from Erin Dollar of Cotton & FlaxIf you’re an artist or maker who wants to sell their work to retail shops, sign up for Craft Industry Alliance, and check out my Intro to Wholesale class! There are tons of webinars on other relevant topics in their archives, but you have to be a member to access them – if you’re looking for a community of makers to connect with, this might be the place for you.

What is a trivet, and why do I want one?

Felt trivet on marbleOne of the products I was excited to debut back in 2014 were the 100% Marino wool felt trivets. The material is so wonderful to work with – thick and luxurious, with super saturated color.

It quickly became apparent, though, that my friends fell into two camps: those who owned and loved a handful of trivets already, and those who immediately asked me, “What is a trivet, exactly?”

Tabletop accent - Felt trivetTrivets are similar to drink coasters, in that they protect your furniture from heat or condensation. At it’s simplest, a trivet is an object placed between a serving dish and your dining table, protecting the table from water rings or scratches. Trivets have been around for centuries, in both utilitarian and incredibly decorative designs.

How to use a trivet - Cotton & FlaxI’ve found that trivets can pose as helpful design elements beyond the dining room table. I’ll also use them under a vase of flower or a potted houseplant, protecting my coffee table from scratches. Plus, they come in handy for entertaining – they are just the right size to hold a fresh batch of coffee brewed in my Chemex, or a pitcher of lemonade.

Cotton & Flax felt trivets beautify your table while protecting your table from heat and condensation and preventing scratches. Find our beautifully modern trivets in our online shop!

The Beauty of Natural Fabrics

fabric rollsI often mention how Cotton & Flax textiles are made with linen/cotton blend fabrics, but you may be wondering, “What’s so great about natural fabrics?”

There is a long, rich tradition of using natural fibers in fabrics, and I find that connection to our roots meaningful. Linen in particular has been used since ancient times, often for clothing, and was even used as a currency. In Ancient Egypt, linen was seen as a symbol of purity, and was worn as a display of wealth. I love creating linen throw pillows with that rich history in mind.

Flax FieldNatural fibers have the potential to be grown in a sustainable way, which contributes positively towards my goals of running a green studio. I’ve read studies that show that flax (the plant used to make linen fabric) requires much less water, and considerably fewer pesticides and fertilizers than other crops, which means less environmental impact overall. Only the best flax fibers are used for making linen textiles, but no part of the plant is wasted in the production process, and the leftover seeds, oil, straw and fiber are used to make many secondary products, like soap or paper. Few products are so efficiently used as Flax.

Natural fabrics, and linen in particular, have all sorts of great properties. Linen doesn’t pill or produce lint, which means your textiles will look newer, longer. Linen tea towels are easy to launder, and become softer and more absorbent with each use. Since linen is made from plant fibers, it is recyclable and biodegradable, but since linen textiles look and feel timeless, they won’t be hitting the recycling or compost bin anytime soon. Plus, linen has a uniquely luxurious look, which is why I love using it in so many of my designs!

Decorating Tips to Achieve a Minimalist Bedroom

How to create a beautiful (not boring) minimalist bedroom

We count on our bedroom to be a haven when we need some peace and quiet. Nothing calms your soul more than a beautifully clean space with lots of breathing room.

By adopting a “less is more” mentality, minimalist decorating focuses on relaxation, simplicity, and natural beauty. Creating a simple space really isn’t hard — it’s about finding the right balance, and decorating with high-quality pieces to keep your bedroom looking refined. We’ve gathered a few tips to inspire you to create a dreamy minimalist bedroom that will help you feel refreshed.

Lighten up your room with neutrals

Invest in basics, neutrals colors in natural fabrics are a great place to start. With passing seasons, neutrals keep your bedroom looking bright and fresh, and they never go out of style. Building a base of neutrals (for example, linen pillows) will help accentuate small pops of color and pattern in your space. Choosing light toned neutrals will create a brighter atmosphere, as the light opens up your bedroom and highlights the clarity of the space.

Neutral Bedroom with Natural Light - Coco Lapine Blog

Quality Over Quantity

Living minimally means living thoughtfully. Choose quality over quantity— infuse your space with thoughtfully crafted and handmade home goods that will make your bedroom feel one of a kind. Purchase products that highlight your values and your individuality; by keeping fewer items in your bedroom, the emphasis is drawn to the pieces that are on display. Reducing clutter can reduce stress, which makes the bedroom the perfect place to try minimalist decor.

Airy, Minimalist Bedroom

Play with Textures, But Don’t Overdo It

Create visual interest in your bedroom through the use of playful textures and patterns. Minimalist decorating is all about the small details. Whether it’s added pattern or texture to your bedside table, or complimenting your dreamy bedspread with one-of-a-kind natural linen pillows. 
Tips for creating a beautiful, minimalist bedroom - Cotton & Flax

Liven Up Your Room With Plants

Opt for a fresh bunch of lavender or tiny succulent plants to add color and play up your simple living space. Not only will it give your interiors a touch of elegance, but you will finally have the sense of serenity and calm you’re looking for.

Minimalist modern decor

By using blends of neutrals, soft patterns, and clutter-free organization, you will have achieved a refined look and created the coziest sanctuary. Need some beautifully patterned pillows to add to your minimalist space? Check out Cotton & Flax’s range of linen pillows!

Modern Home Decor Blogs to Inspire Refined Living

Editor’s note: I’m happy to announce a new contributor to the blog: Jessica Marie Estrada! She’s compiled a list of home decor blogs that we turn to for inspiration — enjoy her post!

Relatable, minimal interiors - Blogs We Love

Modern home decor charms you with subtle touches of neutral color and open spaces bathed in natural sunlight. Embracing a simple, functional, and minimal design, modern decor focuses on the small details by pairing fun and interesting patterns. If you’re looking for home decor inspiration, these blogs will help you to refine and simplify your home.

Reading My Tea Leaves really encapsulates how to live minimally and sustainably with simple home and beauty routines. It’s a great journal to seek inspiration on how to de-clutter your home and for little tips and tricks around the house.  

Minimalist interior decor - Blogs We Love

The Elysian Edit is a refined approach to lifestyle, design, and modern living. Jessica Comingore features the dreamiest spaces and beautifully photographs any home or city she travels to, making you want to re-design and simplify your life. You can easily find inspiration for your very own dream home and daily routines that focus on taking care of yourself while caught in the hustle and bustle.

Beautiful airy bedroom - interior decor blogs we love

Frolic! : Living in Portugal has never looked more perfect. American blogger and floral designer Chelsea Fuss sweetens up her home with thoughtfully made products and design. Using colorful flowers to decorate her space, she gives her home a quiet, yet beautiful touch.  She gives tips on floral arranging, home decorating, and recipes using the simplest decor.

Blogs we love - A Cozy Kitchen

While not technically a home decor blog, A Cozy Kitchen‘s recipes and baked goods are so perfectly crafted that they are too beautiful not to mention as one of our faves! They will not only make your mouth water, but also provide a fresh take on modern baking that will look gorgeous on your dining room table. We love her recipes for a lavish birthday party, or just a dinner for two.

Home Decor Inspiration - Blogs We Love

Anne Sage :  From mid-century modern home decor to DIY home decor, the Anne Sage blog offers amazing inspiration for home decor ideas and recipes for your everyday. Her style approach is quiet and neutral, but she seasons it with soft hues of color to mix things up. You can find entertaining, DIY, recipe inspiration on her blog for any occasion.  

 

Plant Decor Inspiration, Blogs We Love

The Jungalow sparks originality and makes our wildest plant decor dreams come true. Blogger and designer, Justina Blakeney, fuses radiant colors and bold patterns to create beautiful bohemian home decor inspiration. Readers are inspired to embrace a lively approach to home decor and take chances in playing with color.

Modern blush interiors - Blogs We Love

Apartment 34 has their readers obsessing over modern decor, delicious food, and classy entertaining.  Get ideas for throwing the perfect party, cooking a savory meal, and vamping up your kitchen all on the blog. There are plenty home decor tips and tricks worth checking out here.

Modern Kitchen Decor - Blogs We Love

Design Sponge : We love getting lost in this website for a real-life look into the homes of artists and designers! It is lovely to be able to dive into the homes of these talented people and get a peak into their lives. Being able to read about their creative process in finding their dream home and the story behind it’s unique decor, inspires us to fantasize about creating one-of-a-kind modern decor in our own home!  

Bohemian Modern Decor

SF Girl By Bay : SF Girl by Bay is a definite go-to for “bohemian modern style” inspiration. The blog’s use of wild colors and textures will sway you to purchase more pops of pattern and color to liven up your own space. This is the site for finding authentic and unique designers, art & interiors tips, and all your textile inspiration needs.

 

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